Rupert Playing for Family

Rayan Rupert comes from serious basketball pedigree. His father, Thierry, was a veteran of French basketball during his playing career, while his older sister, Iliana, recently won a WNBA title with Las Vegas.

That importance of continuing his family’s story in basketball is something that drives the young Next Star, who says he wants to continue to play for his father.

“I went to number 12 because my dad played with number 12 when he played basketball,” Rupert told One-On-One.

“It’s very important for my family, for me and my sister to represent number 12.

When he played in Le Mans, in Pau-Orthez in France he (Thierry) was a very good player … very famous.

“It’s important for me and my sister to continue the legacy of the Rupert family in basketball.”

Rupert has had to tackle the start of his basketball journey without his father, who suddenly died of a heart attack in 2013.

“When I was eight my dad had a heart attack … it was very difficult for me and my family, [but] after we’re more close (sic),” Rupert reflected.

“It was very difficult because I was young, but I continue to grow up as a player and a person, and my mum will always be there for me and my sister – she helped me a lot.”

The NBL has a strong track record of guiding Next Stars to the NBA. LaMelo Ball, and RJ Hampton were the first of these success stories, while Rupert’s French national team colleagues Ousmane Dieng and Hugo Besson both achieved their dreams of being drafted after spending last season in New Zealand.

That goal looms large in the mind of Rupert, but he says he's firmly focused on helping the Breakers in any way he can this season.

“I never imagined playing in Australia,” Rupert said. “It’s a great opportunity for me as a person and a player so I’m very happy.

“For me it’s very important to stay focused on this, my goal is to be an NBA player but now I’m just focused on my work everyday. I try to not think about the NBA and just focus on my game.”