Basketball: Sayan, the inspiration for what is possible

A group of young basketball players follows the coach’s instructions. Despite the heat, they run back and forth across the basketball court at the Saint-Jean playground. Overseeing the training camp is Raoul Ramdine, general manager of Marseille Athlètes Campus. “The goal is to help them push their limits,” explains the director. “The sessions are long—three hours—and intense. It might seem like a lot, but we often have physical and mental resources we don’t even realize we have. They rise to the challenge and are proud to take part in sessions like this.” Raoul Ramdine takes the opportunity to observe the young talents. “The average level is impressive,” he says. “There are a few young players who are really ahead of the curve compared to others their age, even in France. They’re driven—that’s true of the club in general. There’s a pleasant, supportive atmosphere. We see many of the values we champion in sports. As someone who works at the highest level, I find that there are young players who have the potential to reach the very top.” Like Sayan Cagan Arnaud, who was scouted several months ago.
Since then, Sayan Cagan Arnaud has joined the Marseille Athlète Campus. “I thought he would need a transition through an intermediate-level team,” explains Raoul Ramdine. “But when the roster for the first day of the championship was released, I saw that he had been selected for the France U15 team to play his first match against Antibes. That’s remarkable.”
With SMUC Marseille, Sayan’s team is first in Group B of the French league. “He’s found his role on the team,” the general manager assures. “He’s even been invited to training sessions at the Aix-en-Provence Center with the national team. His coaches are Mo Kanté and Patrick Gallin, who were professional players. That’s a real opportunity.”
Beyond his athletic success, it’s the 15-year-old’s life journey that Raoul Ramdine highlights. “He’s risen to the occasion, even academically. He’s adapted well to life. In Saint-Barth, I think young people are ready to adapt because they’re used to interacting with people from different backgrounds. They shouldn’t feel any inferiority complex around young people from other places. There’s a great basketball scene on the island. I’m sure there will be other young players who stand out. You have to use basketball to open other doors. There are opportunities for the island’s youth.”
For Sayan, the adventure will continue next season with the under-18 team. He’ll keep living his dream while inspiring the young players at the Pelican’s Club in Saint-Barthélemy.
T.F.