A member of the Ankoay U18 team, young Malagasy center Thesbon Matazaky Raolompanantena is taking a new step in his career. Following his experience in French basketball, he is heading to the United States on a scholarship, with the ambition of improving on the court and continuing his education.
At 17, Thesbon Matazaky Raolompanantena is joining the Wilson Academy in Dallas, USA, to balance his studies with high-level basketball. This opportunity, secured with the help of his agent, could serve as a springboard for his future career.
“My agent helped me get a scholarship to go to Dallas, USA. It is an opportunity to pursue my dreams. I must continue to work hard to progress,” the young player shared. Aware of the demands of the sport, he intends to use this experience to reach a new level.
Before this American adventure, the Malagasy center played for Rueil-Malmaison and then for the Charenton Saint-Charles club in the U18 National league. His time in France allowed him to face a competitive environment and continue his development before trying his luck across the Atlantic.
As a Malagasy international, Thesbon also defended the colors of the Ankoay U18 during the 2026 AfroBasket in Ivory Coast, where Madagascar finished in seventh place.
His arrival in the United States offers him the chance to benefit from structured sports coaching, consolidate his fundamentals, and develop his physical and technical qualities. For this 2.02m tall center, mobility, game reading, and efficiency near the basket will be key areas for improvement.
The challenge will also be academic and personal. Adapting to a new culture, mastering English, being away from family, and meeting academic requirements will require discipline and perseverance. A successful experience could open doors to American university basketball, provided he meets the admission and eligibility criteria.
For Thesbon, the American dream is not an end in itself, but a step in a journey that remains to be built. His path, from France to the United States, illustrates the prospects that international exchanges can offer young Malagasy basketball talents. The future will depend on his hard work, consistency, and ability to seize the opportunities that arise.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-14 06:24:23 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/basketball-sport-etudes-thesbon.html