The French Basketball Federation (FFBB) announced this Friday afternoon the death of Ludovic Vaty, former pivot of the French team, at the age of 34. The player had been in a coma since Tuesday evening after a heart attack during training with his national 2 team, Toac Toulouse. “It is with deep sadness that the players of the French team and his staff have learned of the death of Ludovic Vaty, at the age of 34”, explains the FFBB in the press release.
Suffering for many years from heart problems incompatible with the practice of high-level sport, the French interior had to end his pro career prematurely at the age of 24, in 2013. He had been champion of Europe U16 and U18 alongside Nicolas Batum, before making nine selections with the Blues during preparation for EuroBasket 2009, the 2010 World Cup and the London Olympics in 2012.
“A generation 88-89 that marked the history of French basketball”
“Like the rest of the France group, I was particularly shocked to learn this terrible news. Ludovic, with Nicolas Batum, was an essential player within an 88-89 generation which marked the history of French basketball”, reacted Jean-Pierre Siutat, president of the Federation.
He had been authorized, after his professional retirement, to return to basketball. First in National 2 then in National 1. In 2019, he had chosen to join National 3 then helped his club, TOAC Basket, in Toulouse, to move up to National 2 and reach the final of the Trophy. Coupe de France, at the Accor Arena in 2022.