Late last month, the local basketball governing body (Ferwaba) summoned a number of players for the upcoming FIBA World Cup, and these included first-timer Pierre Thierry Vandriessche, a France-based combo-guard.

The 21-year old who plays for Ouest Lyonnais Basket in the French second tier is already in Rwanda, where he is taking part in the preparations for the qualifiers that will get underway from February 25-27 in Dakar, Senegal.

Times Sport caught up with him for an interview where he told us more about who he is, his Rwandan roots, and expectations on the national team.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Pierre Thierry Vandriessche. I am from France, I play there in Ouest Lyonnais Basket, in national 2.

Tell us about your Rwandan roots

My mother is from Rwanda, but she was born in Burundi, Bujumbura. My dad is from France. My grand mum is Rwandan, so all of the family relatives from my mother’s side are from Rwanda.

Do you have other family members who play basketball?

I have a cousin who is a little bit far who was called to the national team in 2013. He didn’t play, he only attended the camp.

Is this your first time in Rwanda?

This is not my first time coming to Rwanda. I first came in 2016 with my mum to meet my family and I stayed for one month in Kigali so this is my second time.

How does it feel to be summoned to the national team?

Representing the country, for me, is a big honour. I am very proud to wear Rwanda’s player uniform. It is not like playing for a club, it is playing for the country. I know I am very much supported as there are a lot of people on my side.

Have you been following Rwandan basketball in the past?

I do follow Rwandan football news. I did follow the BAL. I follow Patriots and REG, so I am really interested. For the last few years, I’ve been following the national team. The basketball here is a little bit different but I do follow, because Rwanda is part of me.

You have been in the national team camp for some time now, what is your impression of the level of the players?

I was impressed by the level of Rwandan basketball here; it is very good. The basketball in Rwanda is kind of different from the basketball in France. It is more intense and physical, but I have to add to how I play and I will try my best to be good, and to be part of the group. So I will work hard, and I really appreciate being part of the team.

How are you bonding with the rest of the boys in the team?

Yeah, we are real friends. We are like a family. We are not like: "I want to beat my team-mate to be in the group (final roster).” We support each other.

What do you think you are going to offer on the court?

I try to bring my energy, and I always give my best. I play 100% and I work hard to give my talent and help the team to go to a higher level.

How can you describe your attributes as a player?

Many people say that I am a slasher. I like to run, I like the fast break and the transition. My first point is that I do the best.

What message can you give to the fans out there?

To the fans, I am really thankful for you because your support is a good help for us. The fans give us big energy and help us to be good on the court, so I am really thankful for them.