Adja, you were drafted in 38th, and last position, by New York last night. How did you learn it?
At the last minute! My agent called me around midnight to tell me that I was surely going to be drafted, during the night, in the third round by New York. I did not expect it at all. We hadn't talked about it before, she didn't tell me anything so I was really surprised and happy.
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Were you able to sleep or you watched the draft suddenly?
I still went to sleep because we had training today! I waited this morning to see the results.
Was it easy to sleep after such an ad?
No, it was a bit complicated (she laughs)! But I tried. I had training so I had to sleep …
“It's something of phew!” »»
And this morning suddenly …
This is the first thing I watched when I woke up. I had lots of messages on my phone and understood that it was done.
What is the feeling then?
I don't really realize yet because I didn't really expect it. I just know it's something of phew what.
Yes, it has always been a goal. But I told myself that if it was not now, it could happen afterwards. We have lots of French women who went to WNBA a little late, like Janelle Salaün who will discover her this summer or Badiane Marième. They prove that it is also possible to go to WNBA without going through the draft.
For the moment, in view of the New York claims, the plan is rather to leave you in Europe …
That's it. I haven't had any contact with them since this night but I know that I will not go to WNBA this summer. I'm waiting to see what the rest holds me, but the steps should not be burned. This draft encourages me to continue in my everyday work. It will motivate me even more.
“Dominique Malonga was as excited as me!” »»
You are the second Frenchwoman in this draft with Dominique Malonga, chosen in second position by Seattle…
He's a very good friend to me. I had a girlfriend's look so I was really very happy for her, very proud of her. And for her part, when she learned that I was as drafted, she was as excited as I am. We have the same agent so she was also warned in the night. We are mutually happy for both.
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Tell us about your young basketball player …
I started basketball at the age of 7 at USM Olivet, a club located next to Orleans. I then left for the Hopes of Bourges at 13, where I stayed two years, before spending three years at INSEP. And for two seasons, I have been a player in Landerneau.
How do you look at your first two professional seasons in Landerneau?
At first, I think I was looking at things a little too much. Then I started to gain confidence, especially when I felt from my teammates and the staff. And frankly, it's okay …
Already quadruple medalist with the Bleuettes, reigning U20 European champion, Adja Kane will aim the double this summer (photo: FIBA)
Where do you situate your margin of progression?
I think that the fact more to try my luck would already be a step towards progress.
We approach them serenely. We know what we are capable of. We also know that there are very good Playdowns teams but we will give everything to maintain ourselves. This is important for the club. When I arrived, the club was already in LFB and it is important for me to leave it at this level.
The coaching bird, Wani Muganguzi
“Her draft inspires me a lot of pride, both for her and for the club, which was able to accompany her to this stadium. Landerneau aims to want to develop young players and I am happy to see that the work that the club has provided around it to allow it to develop pays.
Since she arrived in Landerneau (during the summer of 2023), her evolution has been felt in many aspects of the game: in defense, by her deterrent, but also in attack, where she frees herself more and more. She is less afraid of taking responsibility, she begins to get more 3-point, she understands the game better. She will still evolve a lot in the future years and she has a very bright future ahead. »»
Adja Kane turns 4.9 points at 41%, 4 rebounds and 1.2 against average with Landerneau (photo: Olivier Martin)
