Paris
Virtus Bologna
The Parisian storm blew through the Eurocup (C2) last season under the leadership of Tuomas Iisalo, but it did not weaken with the arrival on the bench of Tiago Splitter. Paris always imposes a frantic pace on its opponents through its defensive pressure, its rapid restarts and its shots often with first intention, even if the position is not ideal.
The specifications imposed on the Brazilian by the leaders were to continue along this path, taken by Iisalo who arrived in the summer of 2022 from Bonn with six players in his suitcases (they are still present).
And “organized chaos” explains to theAFP Splitter, who like the Finn, relies on rapid rotations so that players “give it your all for four or five minutes maximum” before going out.
“People see us running to the right, to the left, but it’s precise, rehearsed in training. I had a little difficulty at first adapting to these principles, knowing where to be at a certain moment, when to “cut”, when to have a certain reaction to a particular action.says Léopold Cavalière, who arrived from Strasbourg this summer.
“Like a group of friends”
The power forward is discovering the Euroleague, like almost all the players on the team, with the exception of recruits Maodo Lô, Kevarrius Hayes and Yakuba Ouattara, who came to relaunch in the capital. Splitter had never been a head coach and had only officiated in the NBA.
With a limited budget (18.8 million euros), Paris recruited cleverly, players capable of blending into the mold already formed and eager to prove, like the young club itself (only invited to the Euroleague this season) , that they have their place at the highest level. “We are all hungry to show and the humility of those who must prove”believes Cavaliere.
The Parisians also seem to be playing without pressure: they were not expected so high at the start of the season and the management did not set any objectives for them. “I think they have pressure to do well. But I ask them that this pressure be a source of pleasure”object Splitter.
They look like they’re taking it on and off the field, where they pump up the decibels and dance steps in the hallway leading to the warm-up. The collective born last season was maintained by Splitter, notably during a pre-season training course in Estonia, “in the countryside”. “We limited the use of telephones to favor games, sometimes silly ones, in order to strengthen ties. A bit like a group of friends”says the coach.
Shorts, major weapon
From this collective, pocket leader TJ Shorts (1.73 m) stands out, who crosses each level with ease despite the doubts which accompany him each time: last year the Eurocup which he discovered and of which he was elected MVP this season in the Euroleague.
The 27-year-old American, who passed through the secondary university circuit then Latvia and Germany, is the third best scorer (18 pt on average), the second best passer (7.7) and is in third place at l evaluation (22.1).
“I was surprised when I arrived by his level, but what he does in matches does not surprise me, given what he does in training, how he perfects his game, takes care of his body, sees the game and includes video analyses…”underlines Splitter, highlighting its ability to “pass, shoot, penetrate, create spaces for your partners, and all that quickly”.
Rider says she is surprised “by his playing intelligence”. « With his profile, you would think he would reach his limits (in Euroleague), but he manages to erase them by moving towards where the game suits him. And he guides us with it, he leads us towards our strengths. »
This Thursday, November 28 at 8:30 p.m.
Brice Dessert present at the LNB All-Star Game
Former Ada Blois player Brice Dessert was selected on Wednesday to participate in the LNB All-Star Game on December 29 at the Accor Arena. He will be on the bench of the French team where Théo Maledon (Asvel), Nadir Hifi (Paris), Nicolas Lang (Limoges, cap.), Joffrey Lauvergne (Asvel) and Bastien Vautier (Cholet) will start. Opposite, TJ Shorts (Paris, cap.), Mike James (Monaco), Xavier Castaneda (Bourg-en-Bresse), Andre Roberson (Asvel and ex-Cholet) and Shevon Thompson (Nancy) will start for the international selection.
