“I surprised myself” • Basket USA

Chosen in 21st position of the Draft 2024, Yves Missi was not expected as a central room of the Pelicans this season. The Cameroonian interior (2m11, 20 years old), elected “rookie of the month” in December, however delivered great promises for the future (9.1 points at 54.7% success in the shots, 8.2 rebounds and 1.3 against in 27 minutes), in the heart of a 2024/25 nightmarish exercise for its franchise, pennant of the west with only 21 victories …

Always injured in the ankle, the former Baylor will be absent for the last match of the Pelicans season against Oklahoma City, this Sunday (9:30 p.m. in France during the multiplex to follow on beIN Sports 1). ” Frustrated ” of the collective result, it is said above all ” optimistic “ for the rest.

How do you judge your season?

It's a good season, I fought well, but we unfortunately had a lot of injuries. I had the opportunity to play, I had a good playing time to be able to improve, take the advice of the vet 'and learn from my mistakes. My favorite “match up”? The one against LeBron (James) marked me a lot because he is my favorite player. During one of the two games of the Lakers in New Orleans, he put a “Game Winner” on my head, if I am not mistaken …

“We must not stop in the final result but rather take advantage of the situation because half of the rookies does not play as much”

Collectively, your season was very complicated … How did you manage this hellish chain of defeats?

I still do not accept to lose as much but in the end, you have to take each match as an opportunity to improve. Do not stop at the final result but rather take advantage of the situation because half of the rookies does not play as much. Being on the ground for a first year is really what is most important. It will only be beneficial for me for next season.

And from a purely individual point of view?

I did not expect to have so much playing time but from the moment I am on the field, I always gave the maximum of myself to help my team win. Whether in defense, rebound, counter, or anything others … Even if I expected certain things, I surprised myself.

What is the next step in your progress?

I have to take even more rebounds. I was taking five per game with Baylor in university (5.7, exactly) and I was at 8 rebounds on average (8.2) this year, with the Pelicans: I have progressed in this area since I arrived in the League but I have to do better. I also have to improve for free throws, develop my Qi basketball more. In defense, too, I think I can reach another level.

After a full season in the NBA, what surprised you the most?

The number of games and the importance of taking care of your body. I am only twenty years old but it is important to pay attention to it, to do the care, cryotherapy and the stretching that needs, in particular. I really realized it after the first 30-40 games of the season.

“Regardless, Afrobasket, even World Cup or Olympic Games, I want to win and redo Cameroonian basketball”

How do you see the future of your franchise?

Even we were not very good, I am optimistic for the future. The chain of injuries was hellish all season, one injured, the other came back … We never had the opportunity to see what our whole team looked like. It is very frustrating, especially since the team was really good at “training camp” …

How do you position yourself in relation to the next Afrobasket, from August 12 to 24 in Angola?

I always said that I wanted to play with Cameroon. It just has to be the right timing for me. Sure and some, I will do it but I don't know when, or how. I would like more of my compatriots who are in the NBA can also join me. But many want to represent Cameroon, we just have to find the right time and we will all go together. If all the planets are aligned, why not this year. Regardless, Afrobasket, even World Cup or Olympic Games, I want to win and redo Cameroonian basketball.

How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = minutes; Shots = successful shots / tempted shots; 3pts = 3-point / 3-point attempted; LF = Successful free throws / tempted free throws; Off = offensive rebound; Def = defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; PD = assists; FTE: Personal faults; Int = interceptions; BP = lost bullets; CT: against; Pts = points.

Of our correspondent in the United States.