Belgium is popular in the NBA! While Ajay Mitchell is preparing to take his first strides on the floor, our 2nd compatriot, Toumani Camara is starting his sophomore season (2nd). During his rookie year, the Brussels player shone brightly, already establishing himself as one of the defensive references in the League. It now remains to be confirmed. Still at the Blazers, the franchise that trusted him exactly a year ago.
“It’s not the same team anymore, it’s crazy.” On social networks, Portland supporters are getting excited. They omit, no doubt deliberately, that it is only a pre-season match, and revel in the spectacle that is playing out before their eyes.
It’s because, for once, they have reason to smile. So listless last season, their Blazers team mishandles the unstable Kings In the space of one game, everything that didn’t work last year starts to work again. Aggression, defense, sacrifice, desire and a deserved victory at the finish for Portland (105-85).
In the middle of all these beautiful people stands a man. A Belgian. His faithful #33 on his back, Toumani Camaraenjoy. Like two days earlier, he is still coming off a great match. Not necessarily noticeable in the stats (13 points, 1 assist, 1 rebound) but highlighted by the entire Blazers Nation on X. His monstrous defense on the new local star, Demar Derozanvisibly left an impression. “Give him the keys to the franchise” we can even read, in a lyrical flight that says a lot about its impact.
He will probably not have the keys to the franchise right away. But unlike last year, when he came out of nowhere in the minds of American followers, he now has a nice little sign on his back: that of glue-guy, diamond to polish, solid defender, player that “each coach” would like to have on his team. What a journey we have traveled…
