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SigiscarTheGrove

Men's Basketball Mackenzie Mahan

The Grove Student-Athlete Spotlight: France Native Sigiscar thriving at Tarleton State

STEPHENVILLE, Texas— When Andy Sigiscar arrived at Tarleton State University in June 2024, he had never been to the United States and spoke only French. 

Now beginning his college basketball career, the Orléans, France, native is adjusting to a new country, a new language, and a new chapter in pursuit of his dream.

"I chose Tarleton because of their good program and the friendly people here in Texas," Sigiscar said. "I had offers from several colleges in the United States, like San Jose State in California and South Carolina."

Tarleton State coach Billy Gillispie contacted Sigiscar after seeing his YouTube tape and persuaded the Frenchman to come to the United States to play for the Texans. Many French players, Sigiscar included, pursued college careers in the United States, such as Kesia Ekissi at Oregon State and Amael L'Etang at the University of Dayton. With evidence right in front of him, Sagiscar saw it was a great opportunity for him to make his debut as a student-athlete and get closer to his goal of pursuing a professional career.

With the help of a Tarleton State Basketball graduate assistant Heri Tshiyoyo, who served as his translator, Sigiscar began learning English as he navigated life in Texas. Tshiyoyo and Sigiscar developed a fond, friendly relationship as they navigated learning English not only in the speaking sense but also in the writing sense for Sigiscar's classes. 

"It was hard to be away from home and family the first eight months," Sigiscar stated. "It's hard because there's an eight-hour time difference, so finding a time to talk to my family when they weren't asleep, or I wasn't asleep, was hard." 

Even with an ocean between Texas and France, family remains his top priority. He makes time to call home and stay close with his parents and older brother, a former soccer player who shares his competitive spirit. When his parents visited Texas, rare snowfall made it feel more like France than the Lone Star State.

Having them there, however, meant everything. 

Sigiscar described his first impression of America as something out of a movie. He was especially drawn to the Texas weather and the friendliness of the people. 

"It is always warm and sunny, and the people are really nice," he said. "I can talk to anyone on campus or on the street, and they talk back."
Becoming a student-athlete in the United States had long been Sigiscar's goal. In France, balancing college and professional basketball was nearly impossible due to demanding practice schedules and physical exhaustion.

"I really wanted to do school and be an athlete, and in America I can do both," he said. 

Before coming to Tarleton State, Sigiscar played professionally in the French league from ages 18 to 20, gaining valuable experience while competing alongside elite talent. One of those elite players was current NBA All-Star and former No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama. 

Sigiscar discovered several differences between college and professional basketball, with the professional path being harder. College, however, prepares him to be in the best condition for a professional career. He mentioned that college basketball is much more physical in practice and in games, from conditioning drills to game intensity.

While at Tarleton State, Sigiscar is majoring in Sports Management and hopes to pursue a professional basketball career in the United States. If the NBA isn't in his future, he hopes to compete in Europe's EuroLeague. 

Even if his basketball journey takes a different turn, he has another dream ready to pursue. 

"It's always been a dream to open up my own jewelry store," he said. 

Sigiscar shared that he really likes jewelry, but he mostly wants to be a business owner with the responsibilities and authority that come with the role. He elaborated that he wants to make custom jewelry, not just generic jewelry.

"I want to be able to make my customers feel special," Sigiscar said, "I would like to be in the custom jewelry business, not just a generic one in that sense."

Through Sigiscar's transition from France to the United States, he has not only adapted, he has thrived. 

Despite the challenges of a language barrier and adapting to life far from home, Sigiscar has established himself as an important piece of Tarleton State's program. On the court, he leads the Texans' basketball team with confidence. Off the court, he balances the demands of academics as an international student. 

Sigiscar mentioned his journey was never easy. From playing professionally in France at a young age to entering college later than most, his path required resilience and belief. The French native who didn't think he could be a student-athlete has made his dreams come true.
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Players Mentioned

Andy Sigiscar

#97 Andy Sigiscar

F
6' 9"
Redshirt Freshman

Players Mentioned

Andy Sigiscar

#97 Andy Sigiscar

6' 9"
Redshirt Freshman
F