Janelle Salaün is in the middle of the best year of her basketball career.
She’s playing in the EuroLeague Women Final Four for Villeneuve-d’Ascq LM. A couple of days later, she may get drafted to the WNBA. This summer, she’ll play in the Olympics with the French national team in her hometown of Paris. Get to know one of the most talented young stars of European basketball.
Your younger brother, Tidjane, is also a serious baller and has earned the nickname “The French Rui Hachimura.” What do you think would be the nickname for Janelle Salaün? In other words, is there a player you try to model your play after or try to emulate?
I appreciate the comparison, but I don’t really aim for any particular nickname. I believe in being authentic to myself and my own style of play. However, I do draw inspiration from watching NBA players like Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards. Their skills, versatility and determination on the court are something I admire and try to learn from. Ultimately, I strive to develop my own unique identity as a player while taking cues from the greats of the game.
Did you guys play a lot against one another? Were you competitive and wanted to win at all cost or were you trying to learn the most from one another?
Absolutely. Growing up, we did play against each other occasionally, but my brother wasn’t as keen on basketball as I was, so it wasn’t as frequent as one might expect. However, as we’ve grown older, our competitive spirits have definitely kicked in. We’re both super competitive now, but it’s not just about winning at all costs. We’ve come to realize that we can learn a lot from each other’s strengths and weaknesses. So, while the competition is fierce, we also see it as an opportunity to improve our own skills by observing and learning from one another. In fact, we’ve talked about having a one-on-one matchup in the future.
This might be the biggest year of your career so far. You might win the EuroLeague, get picked in the WNBA Draft and win the Olympics in your hometown. Which one of the three would bring you the most joy? Why is it the Olympics?
It’s tough to choose just one! Winning the EuroLeague and competing in the Olympics all hold immense significance for me. Each represents years of hard work and dedication. While I’m excited about all theses opportunities, the Olympics, especially in my hometown, would be an extraordinary honor. It’s about representing my country on the world stage and inspiring others. Both the EuroLeague and the Olympics are major goals, and I’m eager to see what the future holds.
At 6-foot-2, you are one of the best on-ball defenders in the EuroLeague this season, capable of guarding all five positions. Apart from crazy wingspan, what is your secret? How did you get so good on defense at such a young age?
Thank you for the compliment. While I don’t have a crazy wingspan, I appreciate the recognition for my defensive skills. I believe my success on defense comes down to hard work and discipline. I’ve prioritized physical conditioning and agility training to stay quick and agile on the court. Ultimately, it’s about dedication and relentless effort to excel on the defensive end, regardless of physical attributes.
You play with three Americans on Villeneuve-d’Ascq: Kamiah Smalls, Shavonte Zellous and Kennedy Burke. What have you learned from them so far?
Playing alongside Kamiah, Shavonte, and Kennedy has been an invaluable experience for me. Over the past two years with Kamiah and Kennedy, and one with Shavonte, I’ve learned a great deal from them. One of the most significant things I’ve gained is insight into the American mentality towards basketball. I also want to give a shoutout to Shavonte, or “Z,” who has been particularly instrumental in my development. She’s taken the time to work with me individually, going above and beyond to help me improve my skills. Her guidance and support have been invaluable, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a talented and experienced player.
A special thank you to Omar Bendjador of Comsport Agency for arranging the interview.