Hi Moisel, can you introduce yourself?
In a few words, I am Moisel Dongmo Fils, and I have been a professional basketball player for over 15 years. I have played in Cameroon, my home country, I have played in Asia, and currently, I am in France, in Europe. I also do a few small jobs on the side, in addition to basketball.
Where does your passion for basketball come from?
My passion for basketball comes from my older brother. Growing up, I played football while he played basketball. He convinced me and said, “If you play basketball, you can become a professional, you can do this with your life, and basketball will open many doors for you.” So, I listened to his advice, put into practice what he told me, and here I am today.
You have played for several teams in France, including Cambrai Basket and Cœur de Flandre Basket Ball. What attracted you to these clubs and how would you describe your experience here?
Cœur de Flandres was the first, and it was my gateway to Europe and France. I spent a long time in Asia, then decided to change environments to discover how basketball was played elsewhere. That’s why I chose France, and Cœur de Flandres was the first club to extend a hand to me. The season went well, but at the end of the season, we couldn’t agree on the terms for renewing my contract. That’s why I left Cœur de Flandres and played the recent season with Cambrai. Cambrai offered me attractive terms, better than other clubs. That’s why I also chose Cambrai, and I was not disappointed!
Can you tell me about your experience in Asia, particularly in Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand? What differences did you notice compared to European basketball?
Yes, French or European basketball, in general, is very tactical, technical, and strategic. In contrast, in Asia, basketball is physical and played very fast; you have to run a lot there. In Asia, the game is not as structured. The players in Asia explained to me that physically, they are not like the players from other nations. Africans, Americans, and Europeans are well-built. Asians have different athletic qualities and had to create a style of basketball that suits them. A game based on speed.
How did your experience in Asia, with its fast-paced game, evolve your basketball skills, and how did you manage to adapt it to the French and European style of play?
In fact, when I was playing in Asia, I was already playing a type of European basketball. Even in an Asian context, I watched a lot of Euroleague teams play, teams in Spain, France, and others. I took some of their moves and their playing style. So, I did a mix of both, playing fast and running at their pace. But I also mixed in European basketball movements. That’s what allowed me to come here to France and adapt so quickly.
What advice would you give to other athletes considering playing abroad?
The first piece of advice is to be mentally and physically prepared. You also need to maintain an impeccable lifestyle because professionalism is demanding. You can’t just rely on your natural abilities. If you make mistakes, you’re sidelined; if you get injured, you’re sidelined. Above all, don’t get discouraged and don’t listen to people who say you can’t achieve certain things or reach certain goals. So, you must be ready to work hard and play like someone who is hungry every day.
What skills or qualities have you developed through your experiences in different countries?
I have developed much more technical skills because over time, I have expanded my toolkit and learned to play at various positions.
In Asia, I played positions 3, 4, 5. In Europe, I play 4, 5. The techniques I have significantly developed include movements, whether at the 4 or the 5, particularly shooting and court vision.
How do you manage the pressure and expectations that come with an international basketball career?
At the beginning in a new club, there is a lot of pressure because you’re stepping onto unfamiliar territory. You don’t know how things work. Even if you’ve seen the club play on TV or social media, the reality is on the field, and it often feels different. Clubs vary. You hear about levels like N2, N3, but the difference in level is significant. In the first few months, yes, I felt the pressure. But I took the time to learn, observe, and now I’m focused on improving to adapt to the French, European style.
What are your short-term and long-term goals in your basketball career?
My short-term goals involve not renewing my contract with Cambrai due to certain disagreements with club management. So, my immediate objective is to find a new club, whether it’s at the N2 or N3 level. Looking further ahead, my long-term goal is to pursue training in BPjeps and eventually obtain the coaching diploma (DE). I aspire to become a high-level coach once I retire from playing, aiming to pass on the skills I’ve honed throughout my career to the next generation
What do you enjoy about coaching?
If someone hadn’t taught me how to play, I wouldn’t be here, and I don’t want to break that chain at my level; I want it to continue. Just as I was taught to play, I need to teach others as well. I have to pass on certain skills to the next generation. There would be nothing that would make me happier than seeing players become like me or perhaps even better than me. That’s what I have in mind
Have you had any coaching experiences before? Have you ever coached a youth team, for example?
In Asia, I even had a basketball academy. As a professional there, you have the opportunity to open a small academy. I was able to train young players there.Upon arriving in France, I coached last year. At Cambrai, I also coached throughout the season. We even organized camps during school holidays. So, it’s been a valuable experience that has given me another purpose alongside my playing career.