For the start of the campaign last Saturday at the Mado-Bonnet gymnasium, prior to this Sunday’s match in Villeneuve-d’Ascq (3:15 p.m.), the women’s Asvel team had only one Olympic silver medalist in its roster: the young pivot Dominique Malonga (18 years old). The era when Lyon could field nearly an all-French team has come to an end. Gabby Williams (Fenerbahçe), Marine Johannès, and Marine Fauthoux (Mersin) have joined prominent Turkish teams, Alexia Chery has put her career on hold, and Sandrine Gruda has retired. Of the 2023-2024 squad, which has been plagued by injuries and misfortunes (including the passing of Williams’ father, who returned to the United States), only four players remain, including Aïnhoa Risacher (17 years old), the younger sister of Zaccharie, the number 1 pick in the 2024 NBA draft.
“This year, the youth project is us. Half the team is under 20, with a lot of potential and chances for the WNBA draft,” summarizes Yoann Cabioc’h, who was formerly David Gautier’s assistant and has now taken over as head coach. The standout player returning to the team is Dominique Malonga, who was loaned to Tarbes last season and was named to the Women’s League’s major five. The interior player for the national team made a strong impact from the outset, scoring 20 points and grabbing 13 rebounds against Roche Vendée (89-68), but initially hesitated about returning to Asvel. “She indicated that she wanted to stay in Tarbes,” François Gomez, the TGB coach, mentioned to Progress in April.
Regarding the Eurocup and the new venue, “There was a contractual reality (a lease until 2026),” counters Marie-Sophie Obama, the deputy president of Asvel. “These doubts were understandable; she had a fantastic season there, but we expected nothing less, which is why we agreed to loan her.” Back with an important role, Malonga will be one of the highlights of the upcoming WNBA draft, fulfilling the Rhone club’s dream of seeing her succeed Caitlin Clark and be chosen as the top pick in her draft class in April. “Juste Jocyte will also be eligible, followed by Téa Cleante in 2026 and Ainhoa Risacher in 2027,” Cabioc’h points out.
On the court, the Rhone club is taking a modest approach at the beginning of a season where they will compete in the Eurocup and will settle into the Palais des Sports de Gerland (with a capacity of 3,000) in January. “Are we still contenders in the Championship? The season will be interesting and it’s difficult to predict the rankings, but we will not assess the work done solely based on sporting results,” Obama says evasively. The deputy president faced a decreasing budget, which was announced in April by Tony Parker and also contributed to the exodus of several key players.
“We don’t want to disclose specific figures, but we remain in the top three of the Women’s League. Although there has been a notable decrease, for two years we had shareholders eager to bring back certain players (like Williams) and commit to closing the deficit. Now, we are living within our means. The departure of certain players, whether desired or slightly anticipated, has also allowed us to transition more quickly into this new cycle,” confides the deputy president. The performance in Villeneuve-d’Ascq will provide an initial glimpse of Asvel’s standing in the French hierarchy for the 2024-2025 season.
Asvel Women’s Basketball Season Preview | 2023-2024
The Current Roster: A Shift Towards Youth
As the women’s Asvel team embarks on the 2023-2024 campaign, they find themselves in a transformative phase. With only one Olympic silver medalist, the 18-year-old pivot Dominique Malonga, returning to the squad, the era of a predominantly French team has come to an end. Key players such as Gabby Williams, Marine Johannès, and Sandrine Gruda have either left for international commitments or concluded their careers, reshaping the team’s dynamics.
Team Changes and Challenges
The challenges that beset Asvel during this transitional phase are significant. With injuries affecting the squad and recent personal hardships—including the passing of Williams’ father—the team has seen a dramatic alteration to their lineup. Currently, only four players remain from last year, notably including Aïnhoa Risacher, the gifted 17-year-old sister of top NBA draft prospect Zaccharie Risacher.
Youthful Potential
“This year, the youth project is us. Half the team is under 20 with plenty of potential and chances for the WNBA draft,” explains Yoann Cabioc’h, the new head coach of Asvel. The team is banking on youth to drive performance, with eyes set on future success.
Key Players for the Season
Dominique Malonga: A Rising Star
Dominique Malonga is expected to be a crucial player for Asvel this season. After a stellar year on loan at Tarbes, where she was named to the major five of the Women’s League, her return to Asvel in a pivotal role is highly anticipated. “She had initially expressed a desire to stay in Tarbes,” noted François Gomez, TGB’s coach, earlier this year.
Expectations for Malonga in the WNBA Draft
Malonga’s performance this season is crucial not only for Asvel but also for her WNBA prospects. The Rhone club envisions her following in the footsteps of top players like Caitlin Clark, with aspirations for her to be the first pick of the WNBA draft in April.
Upcoming Matches and Season Outlook
As the team gears up for their first major match against Villeneuve-d’Ascq on Sunday at 3:15 p.m., anticipation is palpable. This match will serve as a litmus test for Asvel’s position within the French basketball hierarchy for the 2024-2025 season.
Eurocup Participation
The engagement in the Eurocup adds another layer of complexity to Asvel’s season. They will aim to establish themselves against European competition while integrating a young squad still finding its rhythm.
Financial Realities and Strategic Decisions
With a shrinking budget, announced by club owner Tony Parker, the management has had to make prudent choices regarding team composition and player retention. “We don’t want to disclose figures, but we remain in the top 3 of the Women’s League,” stated Marie-Sophie Obama, the deputy president of Asvel feminine.
Adapting to New Realities
The departures of several seasoned players have forced the club to accelerate its transition process. “The departure of certain players, whether anticipated or desired, allowed us to faster project into this new cycle,” Obama remarked.
Insights from Coaches and Experts
Coaching Philosophy
Cabioc’h’s mission involves instilling confidence and skill in a younger roster while ensuring the team performs well amid changes. His experience as the former assistant coach under David Gautier aids in navigating this new chapter.
Team Morale and Community Support
The morale of a young team is critical for success. Maintaining a strong fan base and community support can fuel their journey through the season, providing the motivation and backing these young athletes require.
Conclusion: A Season of Opportunity
The Asvel women’s basketball team is poised for an intriguing season filled with challenges and opportunities as they integrate talented young players into their strategy. With the Eurocup on the horizon and significant matches ahead, this could be a groundbreaking year for the team.
| Player | Position | Age | WNBA Prospects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dominique Malonga | Pivot | 18 | High |
| Aïnhoa Risacher | Guard | 17 | Future Consideration |
| Juste Jocyte | Guard | 19 | Eligible 2024 |
