Sylvain Francisco using Spanoulis’ Mamba Mentality to star for Zalgiris

The Zalgiris star has started the 2024-25 season on fire

The late, great Kobe Bryant summarized his famous “Mamba Mentality” as “constantly try to be the best version of yourself.” That “hard work outweighs talent.” It’s not just a philosophy but a way of living, followed by thousands of athletes – and not only basketball players – across the globe.

This attitude is also what’s driving Zalgiris Kaunas guard and certified Kobe mega-fan Sylvain Francisco. Tireless grind against all odds.

“I'm really happy for Sylvain. He's not coming from a rich family. So what he got, he worked hard to get it,” said Jean-Denys Choulet, Francisco’s former coach at Roanne in 2020-21.

Francisco’s hard work has been paying off with a gradual upward curve over the last couple of years. After debuting in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague last season with FC Bayern Munich, the 27-year-old player is now emerging as the main man for Zalgiris, leading his team in points (15.0) and assists (5.8).