Hugo Besson

Hugo Eric Besson (born 26 April 2001) is a French professional basketball player for ASVEL of the French LNB Élite and the EuroLeague. He debuted in the LNB Pro A in 2018 with Élan Chalon. After two seasons with Chalon, he was loaned to Saint-Quentin BB of the LNB Pro B and led the league in scoring in the 2020–21 season. After a season with the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian NBL, he was drafted by the Indiana Pacers with the 58th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft.

Early life and career Besson was born in Angers, France. He grew up in the Côte d'Azur town of Bandol. He started his youth basketball career in 2016 as a member of the Antibes Sharks. He joined Élan Chalon in 2017 and played for the Under 21 team. In 27 games during the 2017–18 season, he averaged 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. In the ProA U21 competition, he averaged 18.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.1 steals in 28 games during the 2018–19 season, and 26.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 steals in six games during the 2019–20 season. He led the league in scoring during the 2020–21 season with 19.5 points per game. and earned all-star five and best youngster. His No. 25 jersey was later retired by Saint-Quentin BB.

2021 off-season Besson was courted by several European clubs during 2021, including Baskonia and ASVEL, and was in the running for the NBA draft. He withdrew his name from the draft after being unable to participate in work-outs due to an ankle injury.

New Zealand Breakers (2021–2022) On 23 September 2021, Besson signed with the New Zealand Breakers of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) for the 2021–22 season. In his debut for the Breakers on 4 December, he scored 10 points in an 89–65 season-opening loss to the South East Melbourne Phoenix. He scored 20 or more points in each of the next three games. He had two 20-point games in March 2022. In 25 games, he averaged 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. He was sidelined between 9 January and 16 May with a hip injury. His minutes decreased after returning from injury, In 25 games, he averaged 9.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

FMP (2023–2024) On 30 September 2023, Besson signed a two-year deal with FMP of the Basketball League of Serbia and the Adriatic League. However, on 11 February 2024, he parted ways with the club.

Openjobmetis Varese (2024) On 26 February 2024, Besson signed with Openjobmetis Varese of the Lega Basket Serie A.

Manisa Basket (2024–2025) On 4 September 2024, Besson signed with Manisa Basket of the Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL). He averaged 16.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 29 games in the BSL during the 2024–25 season; and 17.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 steals in 14 games in the Basketball Champions League (BCL).

Tofaş (2025–2026) On 15 July 2025, Besson signed with Tofaş of the BSL, returning to the league for a second stint.

NBA draft rights and Summer League Besson was selected with the 58th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft by the Indiana Pacers. His draft rights were then immediately traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. He joined the Bucks for the 2022 NBA Summer League.

On 6 February 2025, Besson's draft rights were traded to the New York Knicks in a multi-team trade.

National team career In June 2021, Besson was called up to the French Under 20 national team ahead of the FIBA U20 European Challengers. He ultimately did not play with the final team.

Personal life Besson's father, uncle, and grandfather have all played and coached professional basketball. He has a sister named Jade.