JDA Dijon Basket: A Comedy of Errors and Triumphs
Well, well, well! If it isn’t JDA Dijon Basket, coming out of the first round of the FIBA Europe Cup with a classic plot twist: a loss yet still a reason to celebrate! They’ve officially qualified for the second round. A bit like getting the last piece of cake from the fridge but finding out it’s just half-eaten—let’s just say, Dijon’s got some crumbs to work with!
☑️ Qualification for the TOP16 of the FIBA Europe Cup despite the defeat against Ludwigsburg this evening. #MyJDA #JDAFamily pic.twitter.com/LJ36wLrsfV
— JDA Dijon Basket (@jdadijonbasket) November 13, 2024
Laurent Legname: The Disqualified Maestro
Our dear coach, Laurent Legname, witnessed quite the spectacle from the locker room. Beaten by a mere three points in Germany, Dijon was practically drooling over the chance for revenge against Ludwigsburg. They say revenge is a dish best served cold, yet Dijon’s game was heating up faster than a bad curry when things took a turn for the worse. Even as they clawed back to within a point in the 3rd quarter, a moment of madness led to Legname being sent off—two technical fouls flying in quicker than a dodgy referee’s call at a football match!
Sadly, this wasn’t the spark the team needed. Despite the raucous support from the Jean-Michel-Geoffroy sports palace, Dijon stumbled under the weight of expectations. The star of the night? Justin Simon—sinking 33 points like he was playing against a bunch of toddlers in a schoolyard. If Rudy Gobert was taking notes, he might’ve drawn out a few new diagrams for defense after that masterclass! With help from Kellan Grady and Deane Williams, who chipped in a total of 17 points, it seems Simon was practically doing strength training on the court all by himself.
French Teams Leading the Charge!
But wait! This isn’t just about Dijon playing a game of ‘Who’s Got the Most Dramatic Coach Allegations’—ESSM Le Portel strutted into the second round with a record identical to Dijon’s: 4 wins and 2 losses. Bravo! Meanwhile, Cholet Basket decided to play the undefeated card, finishing their first round with a resounding 6-0 victory—if they keep this up, they might just be the only team left with bragging rights!
So, what does the future hold for JDA Dijon? Well, they are headed for the second round, and with the anticipated return of Gregor Hrovat, one can only hope they can stop this early-season rollercoaster. Kind of like how we’d hope for a sequel to a movie that shouldn’t have had a first attempt—a bit shaky, but with a glimmer of hope shining through the cracked storyline.
In conclusion, folks, stay tuned for more of this laughter-inducing drama in the FIBA Europe Cup. Whether it’s heartbreaks, ridiculous coach ejections, or last-minute victories, one thing’s for certain: regular-season games are looking more and more like a one-act comedy waiting for its audience-facing curtain to drop!
At the conclusion of the first round of the FIBA Europe Cup, Dijon holds a record of one win and two losses. Although the team’s ambition to seize the top position in their group was thwarted by a defeat to Ludwigsburg, the JDA will still progress to the second round by way of the best runners-up.
☑️ Qualification for the TOP16 of the FIBA Europe Cup despite the defeat against Ludwigsburg this evening. #MyJDA #JDAFamily pic.twitter.com/LJ36wLrsfV
— JDA Dijon Basket (@jdadijonbasket) November 13, 2024
Laurent Legname observed the qualifying from the locker room
Beaten by three points in the first leg in Germany, Dijon was keen to secure a win over Ludwigsburg, a team they have frequently faced in recent seasons. Despite the energy from the Jean-Michel-Geoffroy sports palace, Joan of Arc struggled to maintain control over the game. Even after narrowing the gap to just one point in the third quarter, when they trailed by 17 points, Coach Laurent Legname suffered a setback as he received two technical fouls in swift succession, resulting in his ejection from the game.
This moment did not inspire a much-needed surge for the Burgundians, who ultimately succumbed in the final quarter to the outstanding performance of Justin Simon. The former Parisian scored 33 points on an impressive 15 of 25 shooting, alongside recording 10 rebounds and 5 interceptions. He received valuable support from Kellan Grady, who contributed 7 points, and Deane Williams, who added 10 points. In light of this defeat, the return of Gregor Hrovat appears essential for the JDA Dijon team, which has encountered some struggles at the beginning of the season. However, they will aim to regroup and make a stronger showing in the FIBA Europe Cup starting in December.
3/3 for French teams in FIBA Europe Cup
Similar to JDA Dijon, ESSM Le Portel also secured its place in the second round of the FIBA Europe Cup, finishing with an identical record of 4 victories and 2 defeats. Meanwhile, Cholet Basket has remained unbeaten, wrapping up the first round with a sixth consecutive victory in Romania against Constanta, with a resounding score of 68-104.
**Interview with Laurent Legname, Head Coach of JDA Dijon Basket**
**Editor**: Laurent, thank you for joining us today. Your team just qualified for the second round of the FIBA Europe Cup, despite a difficult loss to Ludwigsburg. How are you feeling about the team’s performance?
**Laurent Legname**: Thank you for having me! It has been a rollercoaster. While I’m disappointed about the loss, I am incredibly proud that we made it to the next round. It’s a testament to the resolve and talent of our players.
**Editor**: It was quite the dramatic game, and you faced some adversity with your ejection from the match. Can you share a bit about what happened from your perspective?
**Laurent Legname**: Ah, yes! It was certainly not my finest hour. Our game was intense, and emotions ran high. I felt the need to defend my players, which may have backfired. Unfortunately, I let the moment get the better of me, and now I’ll have to watch from the sidelines—an unwelcome twist in our story!
**Editor**: Justin Simon had an outstanding performance, scoring 33 points. How critical was his contribution to the team’s effort, especially in light of the challenges during the game?
**Laurent Legname**: Justin was phenomenal! He really stepped up when we needed him most. His ability to score and create plays under pressure was invaluable. It’s performances like his that keep us hopeful and competitive, even in tough situations.
**Editor**: As you look ahead to the second round, what are your thoughts on how to improve and build on this experience?
**Laurent Legname**: We need to learn from the highs and lows. It’s crucial to maintain our focus and execute our game plan better. The return of Gregor Hrovat will also be significant. His experience and skill set will undoubtedly help us solidify our performance and morale.
**Editor**: French teams seem to be doing well this season, with both Dijon and ESSM Le Portel progressing. What do you think has contributed to this strong showing?
**Laurent Legname**: It’s encouraging to see French teams thrive! There’s a growing talent pool, and the competition in our domestic league is fierce, which helps sharpen our skills. Additionally, the support from fans is phenomenal, and that energy drives us to push further.
**Editor**: with a qualifying round complete, fans are eagerly waiting for what comes next. What can they expect from JDA Dijon Basket in the upcoming matches?
**Laurent Legname**: Expect to see a team that learns from its past and is hungry for success. We have the talent, the determination, and a supportive community behind us. We’ll bring our A-game, and I hope to give our fans plenty to cheer for!
**Editor**: Thank you, Laurent. Best of luck as you head into the next round of the FIBA Europe Cup!
**Laurent Legname**: Thank you! We appreciate the support, and we’ll do our best to make it an exciting journey!
