Where will Nadir Hifi’s meteoric rise stop? Revealed at Le Portel, the 22-year-old Franco-Algerian made a name for himself on the international scene last season with Paris by winning the Eurocup – in addition to the Leaders Cup, a Betclic Elite final and a nomination in the starting five of the season. An exceptional year concluded with a preparation with the French team for the Olympic Games then a Summer League in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Nadir Hifi had a huge game for the Timberwolves in the Summer League win. He finished with
18 Points
1 Steal
64% TS
14 MinutesDespite the limited minutes Hifi showcased his high level scoring ability and made a lot of big plays for his team. pic.twitter.com/6su9x8hhAx
— KJ (@KJ__Hoops) July 14, 2024
A short but prolific experience since the Strasbourg native had good performances against the Pelicans (11 points, 5 assists in 14 minutes) and the Pacers (18 points in 14 minutes) before being more discreet against the Sixers (5 points in 13 minutes) then leaving the group prematurely for a family emergency. This good stint on the American courts was not enough to land him a contract in the NBA.
During the LNB media day, the Parisian explained that he would not have gone to the Las Vegas tournament without certainty of being able to join the Timberwolves.
“You have to know that I wouldn’t have gone to the Summer League if I had no chance of going to the NBA. I went there anyway after a long season, a lot of accumulated fatigue and a lot of injuries. There was still a spot for a point guard on the Minnesota roster so I decided to go there for something concrete. Les Timberwolves didn’t want to sign me for some reasons. It wasn’t very clear to me. But I only remember positive things from this experience. With the little time I had, I think I showed good things. It was a bonus for me.”
[Premium] Nolan Traoré (Saint-Quentin): “Number one in the draft? I don’t set myself any limits”
During his first LNB Media Day, Nolan Traoré reaffirmed his ambitions with Saint-Quentin: to win as many matches as possible in Betclic Elite and BCL in order to be drafted as high as possible in June 2025. And why not officially join the Blues in November?
Discovering the Euroleague
Under contract until 2026, the point guard will nevertheless discover the Euroleague with the capital club. A big step forward in his career. The French international will find there among others ASVEL and especially Monaco, the team that had prevented him from achieving a hat-trick in the Betclic Elite final (3-1) a few months earlier.
A Roca Team that had even humiliated the Parisians at the Adidas Arena in the last two matches (-29 then -39). What Nadir Hifi still sees today as a ” blow to the head ” but who ” allowed us to see what a top 4 team really is » European.
Mike James and Nadir Hifi © LNBIt remains to be seen what the face of this new Paris Basketball will be, which has certainly retained a significant base of its squad from last season, but which has lost its Finnish coach Tuomas Iisalo, named coach of the year in Betclic Elite and in the Eurocup.
He is replaced by former NBA champion, Brazilian Tiago Splitter, a rookie in Europe. We changed coaches but we are not starting from scratch. We will keep the same philosophy. Tiago (Splitter) arrived with the desire and the will to keep the same playing identity “, certifies Hifi. First element of response in Gravelines for the launch of the Betclic Elite season this Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
Interview conducted in Paris.
Betclic Elite Guide 2024-2025: you were waiting for it, here it is!
This year again, the editorial team of Basket Europe publishes its traditional and in-depth guide to the 2024-2025 season. With the Betclic Elite as always and a few more new features to follow.
TV: DAZN takes over the broadcast of Betclic Elite
DAZN is taking over the Betclic Elite broadcasting torch for five years on a paid basis, while France 3 is still offering Pro B and a show dedicated to basketball in the clear. The full explanation.
ITW Paul Lacombe (Nanterre): “I hit a bit of a wall this summer”
His departure from Strasbourg, his desire to test his worth on the European market, his debut at Nanterre under the leadership of Philippe Da Silva or his desire to continue with the Blues to accompany the new generation… Paul Lacombe, 34, speaks in an interview with Basket Europe.
Talent flight: a passing trend or a real threat to French basketball?
Impacted by competition from foreign championships and American university programs, LNB clubs have seen several of their young talents go abroad this summer. Which does not prevent France from remaining the first option for many French prospects on the rise.
2024-09-20 10:18:57