Marie-Ève Paget’s story (on the left with number 74) is not only one of athletic success but also a testament to how passion, dedication, and self-discovery can transform a young athlete into a leading figure in French basketball. Now a player for ESB Villeneuve-d'Ascq, Paget’s journey to the top was filled with unexpected turns, intense personal growth, and moments of triumph, both on the national and international stages. Here, in an exclusive interview, she shares her inspiring story, from her first steps on the court in Annecy to her Olympic dreams. Photo: FIBA Europe

A random start that turned into a lifelong love

Paget didn’t come from a family deeply rooted in basketball; in fact, her parents had no background in the sport. When asked how basketball entered her life, she laughed and admitted that it was, in some ways, random. ‘It was like shoes,’ she says. ‘They fit, and it was basketball. I don’t know why; it was close to home. It was a collective sport, and it gave me a way to learn how to live with other kids. My parents chose it for me initially.’

Basketball, however, quickly became much more than a hobby for her. In her early days, she found not only a sport to play but a calling that would shape her future. ‘Basketball is more than just a sport for me,’ she explains. ‘It became the way to become who I am, a way to meet friends, amazing people, and to experience other cultures by playing with international teammates. It’s my passion and, at this moment, my whole life.’

Finding role models beyond the court

Throughout her career, Marie-Ève found inspiration in athletes who had achieved greatness, particularly those who continued playing well into their 30s and 40s. ‘I admire players who keep playing at a high level until they’re 40,’ she says. ‘It’s not easy to maintain that level. For instance, Clarisse Agbegnenou, a judo superstar who fights for mother athletes, has really inspired me. I think we’re lucky to have good examples like her.’

This sense of admiration fuels Paget’s own journey and desire to push herself, constantly aspiring to match the excellence she sees in others. Photo: FIBA Europe

From local roots to professional basketball

Paget's career began in her hometown of Annecy, where she played for seven years, fueled by a fierce determination to improve. She recalls her early days with nostalgia. ‘I was always the kid who wanted to be better, practice after practice, game after game. I even challenged myself to improve my left hand. I’d set small goals, like dribbling and shooting left-handed during warm-ups. It was all about growth, but it was fun because I had my friends by my side.’

Eventually, Marie-Ève moved on to Challes-les-Eaux, a professional club. There, she had her first brush with professional basketball. But it was at Nice, her next stop, where she truly embraced the professional level. ‘I was a part of the team at Nice as the second point guard,’ she remembers. ‘I wasn’t just the young player filling in. I belonged.’ In 2015, she and her team won the championship in Nice, a defining moment in her career. However, her journey was far from over.

Embracing new challenges with Angers and Basket Landes

After Nice, Paget took on new challenges with Angers, where she was part of a young yet experienced team, ready to take on the EuroCup. The move represented a significant step for her career. ‘Playing in the EuroCup was a new challenge, and it was an incredible opportunity to grow and build my career,’ she says.

In 2019, Marie-Ève joined Basket Landes, where she spent four transformative years. With each season, she grew in both skill and responsibility, eventually earning the role of captain. ‘Every year, I had more minutes on the court. They trusted me, and I improved. Becoming captain was a huge responsibility, but I thrived in that role,’ she reflects. ‘The team, the staff, the values—they were all amazing. It was a beautiful four seasons with Basket Landes.’

Her tenure with Basket Landes saw her win several championships and titles, including the French Cup, each one solidifying her place among the best in French basketball.

The Olympic dream realized

Marie-Ève’s career reached new heights when she represented France in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics for the inaugural 3x3 basketball event. Playing on an empty court due to COVID-19 restrictions, Paget still felt the profound honor of competing for her country on the world’s grandest stage. ‘It was a dream come true to play for France at the Olympics, and for the first-ever 3x3 event,’ she says. ‘Yes, it was different because of COVID-19, but I didn’t mind. I was there to represent my country, and that was enough.’

The Tokyo Games marked her first Olympic experience, but she already has her sights set on future competitions, including the recent Paris Olympics.

Golden memories

Paget has also represented France in various tournaments, bringing home multiple medals. She reminisces about victories at the World Cups in Vienna and Antwerp, and her pride in her teammates’ accomplishments. ‘I wasn’t there for the 2022 Europe Cup gold in Graz, because I was playing for the 5x5 team at the World Cup in Sydney,’ she says. ‘But my teammates won gold, and I was so proud of them.’

With the unpredictable nature of 3x3 basketball, Paget highlights a particularly intense game from a recent tournament in 2024 in Vienna. ‘We were tied at 17 with four minutes left. The Netherlands had possession but made a travel violation, and we got the ball. I remember saying: “If I have to take the jumper, I’ll take it.” I made the shot, and we won. Moments like that are why I love 3x3—anything can happen.’

The drive to keep improving

As she looks ahead, Marie-Ève Paget remains focused on self-improvement and teamwork, eager to support her team in every way she can. ‘I’m not always the top scorer, but when my team needs me, I’ll be there,’ she states confidently. ‘It’s my mission to contribute, to say, ‘I can make this happen for us.’ That’s what drives me.’

Reflecting on her career, Paget is grateful for the victories and the challenges that have shaped her, but she remains humble, attributing her success to her team and her unyielding passion. ‘Basketball gave me everything: friends, mentors, memories, and the chance to represent my country,’ she says. ‘It’s a beautiful life, and I’m here for every moment.’