Driven by a passion for basketball history, Jean-Luc Monschau embarked on a monumental task in early 2022: chronicling the first century of the sport in Mulhouse. What began as a personal endeavor quickly evolved into a three-year odyssey,culminating in a comprehensive 500-page tome,adorned with 400 captivating photographs.
Monschau, a decorated figure in French basketball, boasting a resume that includes two Pro A championships, an Ace Tournament and Ace Week victory, and a Pro B title, never anticipated the sheer magnitude of the project. His experience guiding the MBC through European campaigns, including a thrilling Korac Cup semi-final run, provided him with a unique perspective on the sportS evolution.
Released on December 13th, coinciding with the MBA’s N1 match against Le Havre, the book has garnered widespread acclaim. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Monschau shares,beaming with pride. “People are truly impressed by the depth of research and the meticulous detail captured within its pages.” With nearly 500 copies sold out of an initial print run of 800, the book’s success is a testament to the enduring legacy of basketball in Mulhouse.
Monschau’s journey was not a solitary one. He received invaluable assistance from…
A Century on the Court: An Interview with Jean-Luc Monschau
Welcome back, basketball enthusiasts! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with the legendary Jean-Luc Monschau, a name synonymous with French basketball and the newly published historian of Mulhouse basketball. Jean-Luc, thank you for joining us.
Jean-Luc Monschau: It’s an honor to be hear.
Moderator: Your book, chronicling the first century of basketball in Mulhouse, has already made quite a splash in the basketball community. What inspired you to undertake such a monumental project?
Jean-Luc Monschau: It all started as a personal passion project. I’ve always been fascinated by the history of our sport, especially here in Mulhouse, where basketball has such deep roots. But the further I delved, the more I realized the scope of the story waiting to be told.
Moderator:
It’s indeed a remarkable journey, spanning three years and resulting in a 500-page book brimming with historical insights and 400 photographs. Did you anticipate the sheer scale of the undertaking when you embarked on this journey?
Jean-Luc Monschau:
honestly, no. The research was far more extensive than I initially imagined.
unearthing forgotten stories, tracking down old photographs, and piecing together the evolution of the sport here in mulhouse was a truly captivating, albeit time-consuming, process.
moderator:
Your playing career is incredibly impressive – two Pro A championships, an Ace Tournament and Ace Week victory, and a Pro B title. You’ve also guided the MBC through European campaigns, including that unforgettable Korac Cup semi-final run. Do you think your firsthand experience as a player and coach added a unique dimension to this historical account?
Jean-Luc Monschau:
Without a doubt. My time on the court, both as a player and a coach, gave me a visceral understanding of the game’s evolution. I could relate to the triumphs and struggles recounted in the stories I uncovered.
It allowed me to provide a richer, more nuanced outlook on the narrative.
Moderator:
The book’s reception has been overwhelmingly positive. You mentioned the
depth of research and meticulous detail resonating with readers. What aspect of the book are you personally most proud of?
Jean-Luc Monschau:
I’m notably proud of highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of individuals who helped shape Mulhouse’s basketball legacy.
It’s not just about the star players and championships; it’s also about the dedicated coaches, behind-the-scenes volunteers, and passionate fans who made it all possible.
Moderator:
That’s an excellent point. Basketball is a team sport, after all, and success isn’t solely measured by individual accolades.
Looking ahead,what are your hopes for the book’s impact on the Mulhouse community and the wider basketball world?
Jean-Luc Monschau:
I hope it sparks a deeper gratitude for the rich history of basketball in Mulhouse and inspires future generations to embrace the spirit of the game.
Ultimately, I want this book to serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of basketball in our city.
Moderator:
I think it achieves that goal beautifully. Readers,if you’re interested in delving deeper into the fascinating history of basketball in Mulhouse,Jean-Luc’s book is an absolute must-read.
We’d love to hear your thoughts.
What are your favorite memories of basketball in your own community? share your stories in the comments below!
