From Bagguete
09/10/2011 (20:06)
ASVEL LYON-VILLEURBANNE
Coach: Vincent Pierre (former coach of the National
France Women’s Team)
Sign: Vincent (coach), Armstrong (center, 1 point 1 rebound Atlanta), Jamie Skeen (forward, 15 points, 7 rebounds, Virginia), Goss Phil (PG, 15 points, 4 assists Varese). D. Thompson (forward,
DNP, played the 2010-11 season for BC Spartak Saint Petersburg in the Russian
Professional Basketball League).
Left: Foirest (Forward, 8 points, 3 rebounds), Davon
Jefferson (forward, 18 points, 7 rebounds,
Τρίουμφ), Cliff Hammonds (PG, 10 points, 4 assists, Banvit BK – TUR-TBL), Gelabale Mickael (forward, 14 points, 5 rebounds,
Charleroi), Walsh Matt (Guard, 18 points, 4 rebounds), Pops Mensah-Bonsu (Center,
17 points, 9 rebounds).
Starting Five
Goss, Jackson(Lacombe), Thompson (Skeen) Tillie, Armstrong (Fofana)
Analysis
Villeurbanne is a major team in France-ProA with Tony Parker
being a major stockholder and Vice.P.Bball.Op of the team. Parker will sign
with the team and play during the NBA lockout. The team has problems lately
with the lack of cash flow from sponsors. As a result last season finished in 6th
place witch was a moderate position considering all odds but they want to
regain their position in the spotlight of the French League.
They
were eliminated from Galatasaray from Euroleague so they will continue playing
in the Eurocup. They have their fans alongside as always, but with their
Starting Five all gone.
The
General Manager is former player Laurent Foirest who retired this year, and with Coach Vincent trying to
make it in the high level of competition. Goss is their big acquisition in the
Point Guard position. The rest of their American players are a big question
mark as players such as Armstrong from Atlanta Hawks had a very quiet season.
They will try to get n the top four teams. Their offensive production in points
will be around 75-80 points per game but their defense will be very
questionable.
BCM GRAVELINES
Coach: Christian Monschau (since 2008)
Sign: Vaty (forward, 8 points, 3 rebounds, Orleans )
, Albicy Andrew (Point Guard , 11 points,
5 assists, Paris-Levallois), Edwards J.K. (forward, 11 points, 5 rebounds, BC Donetsk), Sy Pape (Guard, 8 points, 3 rebounds, Atlanta H. USA (NBA) UTA NBDL), Silas
Xavier (Guard, 22 points, 5 rebounds, Colorado USA (NCAA1).
Left: Woodside Ben (Pointd Guard, 14 points, 6 assisits,
to Union Olimpija), Sene Mouhamed (Center 11 points, 8 rebounds, Τ.Γκριρ
(περιφερειακός, 9 π, 4 ρ), Zerbo Frejus (Center 4 points, 2 rebounds Limoges – FRA-ProB)
Starting Five
Bokolo
(Sy), Albicy (Τζόνσον), Silas (Issa-Jomby),
Edwards, Akpomedah (Vaty)
Analysis
This is
a team trying to get to the top four teams in the league but fails to do so.
They take advantage of their home court and coach Monschau is very experienced.
This season they will try to take it a step farther as they strengthen their
roster.
They
have a very hot backcourt with their dynamic duo Bokolo and the very talented
Albicy who arrived from Paris.
They play many minutes together and provide scoring. The big
question is the hole in the center position and that forces them to play with
sorter line ups. They lost in Euroleague to ASVEL LYON-VILLEURBANNE and they will
play in Eurocup.
It’s a
promising team and they can get into the top four teams. Keep an eye on them as
they will win a lot. Their offensive capability should be around 75-80 points
per game and in defense their opponents should score 70-75 points per game.
LE MANS
Coach: J.D
Jackson (since 2008)
Sign: Rochestie Taylor (Point Guard, 9 Points, 4 Rebounds
, ALBA), Coleman William (forward,
7 Points, 5 Rebounds Μέμφις NCAA), Sommerville M. (forward, 12 Points 6 Rebounds,
Paris).
Left: Rupert Thierry (center, 6 points, 4 rebouds Rouen
– FRA-ProB), Kakiouzis Mihalis (Forward, 10 Points, 3 rebounds, Bizkaia Bilbao
– ESP-ACB), Pellin Marc-Antoine (Point Guard 5 Points 4 Assists Orleans –
FRA-ProA), Dewar Benjamin (Perimeter 11 points 3 Rebounds Meridiano – ESP-ACB),
Lewin Rob (forward, 5 Points, 5 Rebounds, Dijon – FRA-ProA).
Starting Five
Rochestie,
Acker (Diot), Kahudi, Sommerville (Coleman),
Batista (Koffi).
Analysis
This
team is again in a transition phase having always expectations for the title
but last season they made it to the play offs at the last minute! A traditional
force in France
basketball but due to the lack of a big budget they are going downhill.
Coach
Jackson is leading the team since 2009 but has a lot to prove. In general they
made smart moves in the off season acquiring Rochestie a fine scorer from ALBA
and Sommerville from Paris. They
lost Kakiouzis, Pellin and Dewar mostly role players. They have a solid roster and
some of their young players are getting experienced (Kahudi). Diot will be in
the injury list for at least a month.
We
expect them to have a better season in the France league and in Eurocup if
they get together as a team and work at their best.
They
have a good home crowd and are powerful in their home arena. Reason says they
will be in the top four but they will lack consistency in their games. Offensive
production would be around 70-75 and defense at 70 points per game.
SLUC NANCY
Coach: Jean-Luc Monschau (since 2004)
Sign: Shuler Jamal (Point Guard, 16 Points, 3 Assists, Vichy), Moerman Adrien (Forward, 9 Points, 6 Rebounds, Orleans), Batum Nicolas (Forward 12 Points 4 Rebounds Portland
TB USA (NBA), contract applies for the NBA lockout), Amagou Pape-Philippe (Guard,
12 Points 3 Asssits, Roanne).
Left: Deane Willie (Point Guard 10 Points 4 Assists
BC Odessa –
UKR-Superleague), Darden Tremmell (Guard 17 Points 7 Rebounds Unicaja –
ESP-ACB), Mims Ralph (Guard 14 Points, 3 Rebounds Marousi – GRE-A1).
Starting Five
Linehan
(Amagou-Grant), Shuler, Batum, Samnick (Moerman), Akingbala (Badiane)
Analysis
The
champions Nancy want to try for the repeat this year and a big role in that
will play the NBA lockout! The signing of French Mational Nicolas Batum a
member of the All Tournament Team is a totally different team.
With
Batum they won easily 89-83 over Chalon in the Super Cup. In general Nancy is a team with
experienced players and they made significant moves in the transfer market. They
also lost some important players so the team needs some time to get it
together. The big
advantage for them is that they have the same head coach since 2004!
They will
be strong at their home court but also inconsistent some times. One of the
favorites for the title especially if Batum stays they will score around 80
points and keep their opponents in 70-75
points in defense.
DIJON
Coach: Jean-Louis Borg (since 2010)
Sign: Marshall Sean (Forward, 12 Points, 4 Rebounds, Karsiyaka
Turkey), Lewin Rob (Forward,
5 Points, 5 Rebounds, Le Mans), Dixon
Bobby (Point Guard, 12 Points, 3 Assists Enel Brindisi Italy), Harris
Andre (Center, 16 Points, 8 Rebounds, Lille).
Left: Monclar
Benjamin (Guard 5 Points, 2 Rebounds Antibes
– FRA-ProB).
Starting Five
Dixon (Melody), Marshall,
Moss (Mendy), Lewin (Leloup), Harris
Analysis
Dijon is a historic club with great basketball tradition which brings bad memories for our national team in Eurobasket of 1999. They returned to PRO-A and hoping to stay in the majors as they made
good acquisitions in the transfer market. Marshall and Dixon will make their backcourt very explosive.
They have more or less the same team with the same coach so they will
have good team chemistry. Traditionally they have a strong home arena and they play good offensive basketball. They will score around 75-80 points but a very questionable defense.
ELAN BEARNAIS PAU-LACQ-ORTHEZ
Coach: Didier Dobbels (since 2009)
Sign: Shakur Mustafa (PG, 2 Points, 1 Asssissts, Washington W NBA), Diarra
Moustapha (Center, 8 Points, 4 Rebounds, USF NCAA).
Left: Bryant Travon (Center 10 Points, 5 Rebounds Budivelnyk – UKR-Superleague), Joseph Georgi (Pointd
Guard 6 Points, 6 Rebounds Orleans
– FRA-ProA), Sciarra Laurent (Point Guard 8 Points, 5 Assists).
Starting Five
Shakur, Bennett (Rimac), Gipson (Maravic), Mendy, Elonu
(Diarra)
Analysis
Pau Orthez is one of the most historic teams in France
but returned only last year to Pro-A and finished 9th in the league
after spending one season in Pro-B. They came through the loss of all major
sponsors and did not fall apart. Their budget is low but they have great experience
and many fans to support them.
They
have the same head coach Didier Dobbels who has to prove his coaching skills.
They are the same team in essence and they will count
in their strong home court advantage and try to make the play offs. They
have a lot of ups and downs in their performance sometimes scoring a poor 65
points in offense and them blast to 80 points and the same goes for defense.
ENTENTE ORLEANS
Coach: Philippe Herve (since 2005)
Sign: Monds
David (Forward, 15 Points, 8 Rebounds, Bourg), Greene Brian (Forward, 12 Points,
5 Rebounds, Charleroi), Banks Cedrick (PG, 10 Points, 2 Assists, Limoges), Pellin Marc-Antoine (PG, 5 Points, 4 Assists,
Le Mans), Joseph Georgi (Center, 6 Points, 6 Rebounds, Orthez), Sangare Yohann (PG, 8 Points, 4 Assists, Le
Havre).
Left: Vaty Ludovic (Forward 8 Points 3 Rebounds Gravelines
– FRA-ProA), Moerman Adrien (Forward 9 Points, 6 Rebounds Nancy – FRA-ProA), Bell (Guard, 15 Points, 4 Assists), Prowell LaQuan (Center
5 Points, 4 ReboundsSt Vallier – FRA-ProB), Reynolds J.R (Guard, 15 Points, 4 Assists)
Campbell Eric (Forward,
8 Points, 5 Rebounds)
Starting Five
Pellin
(Sangare), Banks, Monds,
Greene (N’Doye), Sy (Joseph).
Analysis
This is
a strange team. Last year they finished
11th and almost dropped to Pro-B. They play well at home; they have a good budget and started building their new
10000 seat arena. Good strong team defensively and experienced. They should try to manage their dry
spells (no scoring over a period of time), becase last year they had a lot of
those.
Pellin Sangare
and Banks will help immediately. They will be in the same level as lasts season
but you should be careful with this team when betting because last season they
blew very often differences of 20 points! Not in one game but in consecutive! With strange and curious ups and downs… their offensive production is also unpredictable sometimes scoring a lot and others having very
poor productivity!
UNION POITIERS
Coach: Rudy Nelhomme (since 2007)
Sign: Miller James J.J. (PG, 14 Points, 4 Assists , Leuven
Belgium)
Left: Ona-Embo Carl (PG 8 Points, 3 Assisits Cholet – FRA-ProA),
Starting Five
Miller,
Gunn, Wright, Grant (Younger), Badiane
Analysis
This is a small but very likeable team coming two years ago from Pro-B and impressively managed to stay in Pro-A and almost made the play offs. They play great defense
and managed many upsets in away games.
They play
well at home, with good team chemistry, since they play together for many years
and have the same coach at the bench since 2007.
Their goal
is to stay in Pro-A with ease. Watch out for them to make upsets with their
great defense. Maybe one of the surprise teams this season. They don’t score that
many (65-70 points), but they keep opponents low. This team will have lots of
under games (low scoring games) in the balance of over/ under.
PARIS-LEVALLOIS
Coach: Denis Christophe (since 2008)
Sign: Meacham Trenton (PG, 11 Points, 3 Assissts, Goettingen), Williams Jawad (Forward
8 Points, 2 Rebounds, Hapoel J-M), Masingue Vincent (F/C 7 Points, 7 Rebounds Hyeres-Toulon).
Left: Albicy Andrew (PG 11Points, 5 assisists, Gravelines – FRA-ProA), Sommerville Marcellus (Forward 12 Points, 6Rebounds, Le Mans – FRA-ProA), Evtimov Vassil (Center, 6 Points, 8 Rebounds, Levski Sofia – BUL-NBL), Ball Jimmal (PG, 6 Points, 4 Assissts, St Quentin – FRA-NM1), Aka Wilfrid (PG 3 Points, 2 Assists,Vichy – FRA-ProB).
Starting Five
Meacham,
Chatfield, Morandais (Noel), Hamilton (Williams), Masingue
Analysis
This is
another team with great history in the French League. For this season Paris
is a just a puzzle. They had relatively good season but the lack of money from
sponsors does limit their potential. During
the course of last year’s season they had many curious results, upsets and in
general it was a team that threw of a lot of bettors.
This
year they have a mediocre roster and bettors should wait and see how the team
develops. They lost key players such as Albicy and the bench seems empty. They have the experienced; we should wait
and see how Meacham and Williams will contribute to the team. Pay attention to this team as they might be a
team of surprises. Logic says they will fightfor their lives to stay in Pro-A.
CHORALE DE ROANNE
Coach: Jean-Denys Choulet (since 2000)
Sign: Holland John (Guard, 19 Points, 6 Rebounds, Boston College), Jackson Rick (Center, 13 points,
10 Rebounds, Syracuse), Barrett Andre (PG, 20 Points, 7 Rebounds, Idaho S. USA (D-League), Larrouquis
Thomas (Forward, 10 Points, 4 Rebounds, Vichy).
Left: Amagou Pape-Philippe (Guard, 12 Points, 3 Assists, Nancy – FRA-ProA), Dunn Alex (Center, 4 Points, 5 Rebounds, Rouen – FRA-ProB), Gordon (Guard, 8 Points, 3 Assists)
Starting Five
Barrett, (Diabate),
Holland (Braud- Larrouquis), Page, Jackson, Nsonwu
Analysis
Roanne is one of the traditional forces in the championnat and now they want to go for the title. Very experienced team they have a
very strong home arena. They finished 5th last
season and had a lot of ups and downs due to many injuries even though they
started very strong.
Jean-Denys
Choulet is the head coach since 2002 (!) and consequently they have the same philosophy
with emphasis on offense. Good moves in the
transferring market but inexperienced in the European style of play. We‘ll see!
A good team in general but
only as far as the top four. They will have probably a problem in the center position and perhaps in
the rotation as the bench seems weak. They will score 80-85 points especially at home but the defense is a
problem…
CHOLET
Coach: Erman Kunter (since 2006)
Sign: Ona-Embo Carl (PG, 8 Points, 3 Assists, Poitiers), Dozier Robert (Center, 11 Points, 6 Rebounds PAOK),
Battle Talor (PG, 20 Points, 3 Assists, Pen State), Byars Derrick (Forward, 15 Points,
6 Rebounds, Pannellinios), Nichols Demetris (Forward, 18 Points , 5 Rebounds, Vichy), Parsons Chandler (Center, 11 Points,
8 Rebounds, Florida-NCAA 1).
Left: Mejia Sammy (Forward, 18 Points, 5 Rebounds, CSKA – RUS-PBL), Avdalovic Vule (PG, 1 Points, 3 Assista, BC Donetsk – UKR-Superleague), Robinson Antywane (Forward, 10 Points, 6 Rebounds, Erdemir – TUR-TBL), Nelson DeMarcus (Guard, 10 Poiints, 3 Assists, BC Donetsk – UKR-Superleague).
Starting Five
Battle (Ona), Causeur, Byars (Nichols-Gradit), Falker,
Duport (Parsons).
Analysis
Last season was a failure for Cholet as they failed to defend their reign in the French league. They always claim the title
in France
in recent years as they are
one of the most consistent teams.
At the bench returns Erman Kunter a great supporter of defensive basketball and discipline.
They rely on team chemistry and winning a lot in home games. They were
eliminated from Euroleague from Cibona and we’ll continue in the Eurocup.
They acquired a couple of good players but they lost Mejia Avdalovic, Robinson, Nelson, and Marquis. That means they need more time to come together
as a team. In the backcourt they rely on Battle, Causeur,
and Byers. The problem should be at the center position especially when the big
guy Duportis on the bench, since
Dozier is out due to an injury. Nichols is a great scorer and he is a valuable
asset. They are one of the favourites for the title. They score 70 PPG.
ES CHALON-SUR-SAONE
Coach: Gregor Beugnot (since 2003)
Sign: Delaney Malcolm (PG, 19 Points, 4 Assists, Virginia
Tech NCAA-1)
Left: Haynes Marquez (P, 14 Points, 4 Assists, Gran
Canaria – ESP-ACB)
Starting Five
Delaney,
Tchicamboud (Smith), Schilb, Baptiste (Evtimov),
Aminu.
Analysis
Chalon is a team with great experience that finished 3rd last season. They did not make
any serious changes as they were pleased with their lasts years’ performance. Beugnot
remains the head coach. They take advantage of their home court.
Delaney
will help the team in scoring with his 20 p and 4 a per game.
They
lost only Haynes and they don’t have a deep bench.
They were eliminated from
the Eurocup and lost easily in the French Super Cup 89-83 from Nancy. Their starting five are very good and have an excellent chemistry playing together. They will fight to get to the top four but they will have ups and
downs. A good offensive team and they will score around 80 point per game.
STRASBOURG IG
Coach: Vincent Collet (arrived from Villeurbanne)
Sign: Collet (coach Villeurbanne), Oliver Chris (Forward, 13 Points, 6 Rebounds),
Anderson Kevin (PG, 17 Points, 3 Assists, Richmond USA (NCAA1), Harper (Forward,
17 Points,as long as lockout in effect), Allen (Forward, 11 Points , 9 Rebounds,
Temple USA (NCAA1), De Jong Nicolas (Center, 3 Points, 2 Rebounds, Vichy).
Left: Giffa Sacha (Guard e Points, 2 Rebounds, Fos Ouest – FRA-ProB), Essart Steeve (PG, 6 Points, 4 Assists, Antibes – FRA-ProB), Pasco
Pervis (Center, 10 Points, 7 Rebounds),
Digbeu Alain (PG, 6 Points, 3 Assissts), McCord John (Forward, 12 Poins, 6 Rebounds).
Starting Five
Anderson
(Jeanneau), Greer (M’Baye), Oliver, Allen, Harper (De Jong)
Analysis
Another important team played even in the Euroleague but last year they were a big fiasco because they made big acquisitions but couldn’t make a
good team.
They
always have a big budget but never seem to make it as a team.
Last year they almost dropped to Pro-B!
Now
they have the experienced Vincent Collet at their bench and hope to turn things around. They
gotten players from colleges and they will need their time to get used to the
European style of play. They lost key people from the line up and we have to
wait and see how they will develop. They want to make the play offs.
TOULON
Coach: Alain
Weisz (since 2007)
Sign: Faye Mouhammad (Center, 10 Points, 6 Rebounds, Rio Grande VV USA (D-League), Cisse Souarata (Guard,
13 Points, 4 Rebounds, Clermon)
Left: Masingue
Vincent (Center, 7 Points, 7 Rebounds, Paris-Levallois – FRA-ProA), Yango Guillame
(Center, 12 Points 6 Rebounds, Giorgio Tesi PT – ITA-Lega2), Houston
Kevin (PG 13 Points, 4 Assists, APOEL – CYP-Division A), Watts
Dane (Forward, 7 Points, 7 Rebounds, Ratiopharm – GER-1.Bundesliga).
Starting Five
Morlende (Legname), Fein, Hughes (Cisse), Krupalija, Faye
Analysis
Toulon is a peculiar team traditionally and hoping to make it to the play offs this year. They have the same coach on the bench. They were a team trying
to survive in Pro-A, but lately turned things around and aim to get into the
play offs. They gather a good crowd in their home games.
They
are the team of big upsets and should be a team to pay attention when betting
on it as they are unpredictable.
They made limited moves in the transfer market
and basically they are on the same level as a team.
Not a
very deep team and they might just be less efficient this year and may not make
it to the play offs.
Inconsistent
team, bettors should be careful with this one. The duo of Hughes and Krupalija
in 3-4 positions is one of the hottest in the league.
LE HAVRE
Coach: Jean Manuel Sousa (Portugal- sice 2001)
Sign: Boddicker Brian (Forward, 17 Points, 7 Rebounds, Selcuk Univ. Turkey), Jenkins Gregory (Center, 10 Points, 5 Rebounds,
Benfica Portugal), Leonard Christophe (Forward, 5 Points, 3 Rebounds,
Cholet), Wise Nic (PG, 13 Points, 4 Rebounds, Telekom
Baskets Germany)
Left: King Michael (Forward, 10 Points, 4 Rebounds, Ikaros – GRE-A1), Sangare Yohann (PG, 8 Points, 4 Assists, Orleans – FRA-ProA), Wilkinson Wes (Center, 11 Points, 7 Rebounds, Olin Edirne – TUR-TBL), Fox Nate (Center 7 Points, 5 Rebounds, Aalstar – BEL-D1)
Starting Five
Wise, Cox , Pope (Leonard), Boddicker (Camara), Jenkins
Analysis
If you think other teams are peculiar this one is at the top of this list. They start with limited
expectations but always manage big upsets at the course of the season. At the
end they easily stay in Pro-A, but from the bettors point of view they are one
of the worst teams to bet on. They win or loose unexpectedly so be careful.
Their
home arena isn’t as important for them as it is for other teams.
Although the Portuguese coach Jean Manuel Sousa leads the team since 2001 they
don’t have a clear philosophy as they were considered an offensive team by
nature but lately they play good defense as well.
They
made a couple of good moves with the experienced Wise and Boddicker and kept most
of their players. They might be better this season but there is a big hole when
Jenkins is out of the line up in the center position.
They
will do damages and may make the play offs and be this year’s surprise team.
JSF NANTERRE
Coach: Pascal Donadier (from 2001)
Sign: Gordon Alex (Guard, 8 Points, 3 Assists,Hyeres-Toulon), Covile Ryvon (Center, 13 Points, 7 Rebounds, PANIONIOS), Brun
Stephen (Forward, Alicante, injury list).
Left:
Carter Nate (Chalons-Reims – FRA-ProB), Toti Mickael (St Vallier – FRA-ProB),
Gomis Antoine (Maurienne – FRA-ProB), Nzeulie Jeremy (Bordeaux – FRA-ProB), Robinson Russell,
Brower Etienne, Nganga Jean-Jacques.
Starting
Five
Corosine, Riley,
Brun, Daniels, Covile
Analysis
Nanterre is a team that many people don’t realize that is one of the most historic teams in the French League as
they are in the championnat since 1927(!) but did not play in the big League
for decades!
They
played in the cup final in 2007 and last year they were the Pro-B champions to
advance to Pro-A. The “Greens″ are a team with a very strong home court
arena.
They are the same team more or less ad they will rely on team chemistry
to try and stay in the top division. They are running on a tight budget but managed to make a great move acquiring the center Covile from Panionios-Greece. They are not a deep team but they will fight for
their lives to stick around in the majors and may…just may have their share of
surprises.