Élan Chalon: A Promising Comeback to the French Basketball Championship

2023-09-11 09:53:00

A few weeks before the resumption of the French Basketball Championship, TrashTalk takes an overview of the 18 teams who will compete during the 2023-24 season. On the daily menu? Élan Chalon, back in the premier division after two years in Pro B. The objective is to maintain itself, then to once again become – in the long term – a stronghold in the French basketball championship.

Élan Chalon only left the Pro B title with three points. A particular difference against Saint-Quentin, a team with whom they struggled throughout last season. Three points with serious consequences: getting stuck in the Accession Playoffs, a stage strewn with pitfalls in which only the big winner reaches the elite. Savo Vucevic’s men nevertheless triumphed brilliantly over Angers, Boulazac then Châlons-Reims to win the climb. Two years after a frustrating descent and six years after the title of champion of France, Élan aims to maintain and especially a lasting return to the big leagues. By giving yourself the means? Yes, on paper.

Last season’s results:

Pro B Championship: 2nd, winner of the Accession Playoffs Coupe de France: defeat in the round of 32 against Fos-sur-Mer

Departures :

Damien Bouquet (Fosur-Mer) Antonio Jordan (Szombathely) Mickael Gelabale (NCAA) Supreme Hannah (Unclub) Luka Lapornik (Sentjur) Sitraka Raharimanantoanina (Evreux)

Arrivals :

Aleksej Nikolic (Gran Canaria) Jermaine Love (Novgorod) Matthieu Missonnier (Denain) Olivier Cortale (Boulazac) Dirk Williams (Manchester)

Current workforce:

Leaders: Antoine Eito, Mathieu Missonnier, Jermaine Love Back: Aleksej Nikolic, Dirk Williams Wingers: Vuk Vucevic, Kenny Baptiste Power Wings: Olivier Cortale, Lionel Gaudoux Pivots: Mattias Markusson Coach: Savo Vucevic

An increase in budget, a reinforced group despite the departure of Kyshawn George for the NCAA which made the club cringe a lot (no transfer compensation). The club is aiming – six years after its last French champion title – for a lasting return to the elite. To do this, we can cite in particular the recruitment of Aleksej Nikolic, member of the Slovenian national team who participated in the World Cup. The objective will of course be to maintain it. We also note when reading the current squad a numerical lack in the paint, to see if adjustments will be made or not.

Player to watch: Aleksej Nikolic

Teammate of Luka Doncic in the Philippines, the Slovenian traveled to several clubs in Europe before signing for a season in Chalon. A season to find consistency in a group where he should enjoy several playing opportunities, where he will have big missions against very serious teams. We think of his two great outings in the World Cup, against Cape Verde then against Lithuania. His short stay in Gran Canaria allowed him to rub shoulders with the big Spanish teams, he has experience at the high level. For a team looking to maintain, he will certainly be one of the profiles to follow, because possible “weather” of the game played by Élan Chalon next season.

Upcoming competitions in 2023-24:

French Championship Coupe de France

Important dates for the first part of the season:

Élan Chalon – Gries (Coupe de France) September 20, 2023
Élan Chalon – Monaco (French Championship) the September 24 2023
Saint-Quentin – Élan Chalon (French Championship) the 7 October 2023
JDA Dijon – Élan Chalon (French Championship) the 21 october 2023
ASVEL – Élan Chalon (French Championship) the 16 December 2023