Michael young, Limougeaud hero of April 15, 1993: “A date that I will never forget”
While the Limoges CSP celebrates this Tuesday 32 years of the only European title in the history of French basketball, an interview with one of the heroes of this trophy, the American scorter, Michael Young.
Michael, we are on April 15 … Is it a special day for you?
Of course ! This is a date that I will never forget … I will never miss a anniversary of April 15, it was a huge accomplishment for us.
What memories do you keep of this day?
First of all that we spent the whole day waiting for time to pass at the hotel (he laughs). Then this incredible feeling after the final buzzer. We went from a boring day to memorable! This title is one of the biggest successes of my career …
It is also one of the biggest surprises in the history of European basketball …
(he interrupts) Ah good?
Wasn’t that for you?
It’s hard to say because I knew our collective value. I was convinced that we had our chances.
Especially with this incredible defense shaped by Bozidar Maljkovic…
That’s it! A hard and hermetic defense! And you know, we repeat that it is the defense that wins titles … I must say that I loved Boja. He was a great coach, he prepared us perfectly and he was a good guy. Sometimes, yes, it could be a little hard with us but it’s part of the coach job!
Michael Young (bottom right), a great craftsman of the immense feat of the Limoges CSP in 1993.
-Are you still in contact with some of the players of the time?
Yes. I speak from time to time with Jurij Zdovc, Richard Dacoury, Jim Bilba and Jimmy Vérove.
Beyond this title in the Euroleague, you played three complete seasons at the Limoges CSP, between 1992 and 1995…
I loved all my visit to Limoges. This is one of my best seasons in Europe. Today, when I hear about Limoges, it talks to me a lot. This is where I won a European title, where my daughter was born, etc. I have a lot of good memories in Limoges!
Do you always follow the club’s results?
Of course ! I keep up to date permanently. I have to return to Limoges for a visit elsewhere. During the last event (the 30th anniversary of the title in April 2023), I could not come. But when I was there for the last time (in 2013), I could see how much we were all superstars in town. It’s a new generation now but people continue to remember. It’s great to see that we left a lasting imprint somewhere.
On the other hand, we are very much not to remember that you also played with CRO Lyon in 1995…
I understand (he laughs). But not me! Because I injured myself again at the knee in Lyon in just three games (after having finished his Limougeaude adventure with a dislocation of the left knee ball joint on a 35 -point game in Playoffs of Pro A against ASVEL, editor’s note).
What are you going today?
I am a coach at the university of biblical study in Houston. I am happy, I love coaching and being in contact with young players.
What type of coach are you? Very oriented towards defense, as was Maljkovic, or an attack coach, as your player profile?
Like Boja, no doubt!
