“I haven’t seen anything from Toulouse. » This is, perhaps, the only time of the season in which the staff of Boulazac Basket Dordogne does not make a detailed video analysis of its next opponent. “We are already looking at Nantes”, which will be in Palio for the 3rd day of Pro B, Friday September 27.
The Coupe de France, as we know, is not the great love of Alexandre Ménard, the BBD coach. But you have to play it well. So you can try to see things on the bright side. “We focus on us. » This trip is above all a “practice match.” If Toulouse offers us a zone defense, we will work on the zone attack; if they do off-road pressure, same thing. It’s really work, to polish our game. “
For this short trip – Boulazac will make the return trip during the day – the staff will leave their “experienced players” to rest. Captain Clément Cavallo (33 years old), fullback Marcos Suka-Umu (39 years old) and pivot Ousman Krubally (37 years old) are wise to stay at home.
With the youth
To take their place, Hope is there. Leader Mathéo Le Lann, already a regular in the professional group, was there; like the winger Jean Noba who, in Rouen, Friday September 20, took his first steps as a professional.
On the other hand, this trip to the Pink City will be the first for pivot Harouna Coulibaly, who joined the BBD Espoirs team this summer from La Rochelle. For these three, it’s an opportunity to “get a taste of N1. They have to bite the apple, play their game, have fun.”
“Young people should bite the apple, play their game, have fun”
Especially since this type of meeting is sometimes an opportunity to introduce yourself to N1. During BBD’s previous matches in this Coupe de France, Anthony Soustre, Jiyann Hyacinthe and Saïan Aricique had playing time and they are already in the division. “It’s time to show what we can do, with humility but with passion and desire,” said Ménard. Context is no pressure, it’s just what we put on ourselves. »
Warner will play
This round of 64 is also the first official game of the season for American playmaker Angelo Warner. Suspended from the championship, he was not suspended from the Coupe de France. Warner still has three Pro B matches to serve. So the opposition to Toulouse should help him find the rhythm, the taste of competition and traveling with the team. “Let’s see what’s in the machine. This is a bit of a trap. We tend to say he will play, good or bad, but I want quality. You have to do it the right way. If we can give him good minutes, it bodes well for the future. »
Samoan-American winger Samuta Avea also missed the game in Rouen, with a left ankle injury. “I even tore a ligament,” explained Ménard. Number 32 continued collective training on Monday September 23. He will play but under supervision, “how he feels”. This game without betting should allow him to come out of his shell a little more. “He has many qualities and, at the moment, he is in the observation phase. I want to let him go and play with instinct. » If he succeeds in Toulouse, at least the Cup will have a purpose.
Toulouse (N1, + 7) – Boulazac (Pro B)
Lieu Toulouse (Compans-Caffarelli gymnasium). every hour Tuesday September 24 at 8 pm. Referees MM. Maestre, Chajiddine and Bertorelle.
BOULAZAC The group: 1. Warner (leader, 1.88 m, 32 years old, USA); 2. Le Lann (leader, 1.89 m, 19 years old); 7. Eliezer-Vanerot (inside, 2.07 m, 28 years old); 8. Robineau (back, 1.93 m, 24 years old); 25. City (back, 1.89 m, 29 years old); 22. Cassier (inside, 2.05 m, 27 years old); 23. Mbye (pivot, 2.13 m, 22 years old); 32. Avea (winger, 1.97 m, 25 years old, SAM-USA); Noba (winger, 1.87 m, 19 years old); Coulibaly (inside, 2.02 m, 19 years old). None: 5. Krubally (center, 2.02 m, 37 years old, USA), 9. Cavallo (winger, 2 m, 33 years old), 18. Suka-Umu (back, 1.93 m, 39 years old, ESP), rest ; Demahis Ballou (leader, 1.90 m, 20 years old), ankle.