It is now called the “Clasico” of this French championship. In view of the growing sporting rivalry between the two behemoths of Betclic Elite for 5 years now (3 titles for Asvel, the last 2 for Monaco), this poster makes all observers of the orange ball in France salivate. A new opus from the Astroballe side which will not be missed under any circumstances on DAZN, since it will be broadcast free of charge on the channels of the Canal group (kick-off at 7 p.m. tomorrow. The Roca Team wants to continue after its convincing victory against Milan in the Euroleague on Thursday evening, and above all seek a second success in Betclic Elite.
Freshness brought by Sasa Obradovic?
We are already getting to the heart of the matter with Sasa Obradovic who will have to do everything to manage his people’s organizations as best as possible. The Roca Boys are taking to the air this afternoon to reach Lyon. Nick Calathes injured, Mike James diminished, it remains to be seen what the Monegasque tactician’s choices will be. Fresh players like Juhann Begarin, Petr Cornelie or Terry Tarpey who have not played in the Euroleague, could do the most good. Hence the interest in having a workforce of such density to face this upcoming season and its 75-85 matches on average.
Roca Team: No entry!
So yes, there is still work to be done in attack with automatisms which still need to be found, even if the performance on Thursday evening against Milan was more than reassuring. But defensively, the Roca Team has proven since the start of the season to what extent it is capable of hurting and tormenting its opponents. Collectively, it’s quite impressive to see with an immense riot of energy, switches on all screens, and aggression at all levels. There is no doubt that this will be the main key to the clash against Asvel.
10-0: series in progress for Monaco
This is a stat that hurts Villeurbanne residents, and which will obviously stop one day. But the psychological advantage of the Roca Boys is there, we cannot deny it. Since this game 5 of the finals lost in overtime (82-84), Sasa Obradovic’s men have never suffered defeat against their biggest rivals. That’s 10 consecutive victories. 4 times in the championship, 4 times in the Euroleague, and 2 to finish in the Coupe de France. Current series…
First since 2018: A season without a trophy for Asvel
Deprived of a trophy for the first time since 2018, Asvel began this new financial year with declining finances (30% less payroll) and still questions. Reinforced by players referenced in France such as Neal Sako, Melvin Ajinça and Théo Maledon, the squad remains no less talented. And will undoubtedly do everything to avoid having a blank season as was the case last year. Among the notable departures, stations like Youssoupha Fall, Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot and Mike Scott have left the Rhône.
Théo Maledon returned home
Théo Maledon, the leader who has just spent 4 seasons in the NBA without much success, has returned to Asvel. The one who was vice-European champion in 2022 with the Blues arrives to strengthen the back lines alongside the captains Paris Lee and Nando De Colo. Pierric Poupet said about him that he had to get used to Europe again, because there are a lot of differences with the NBA. » Before joining the NBA in 2020, Maledon was coming off two successful seasons with Asvel, his training club.
Tarik Black, the known Euroleague CV
The heavyweight reinforcement who arrived at Asvel is called Tarik Black. He has a CV known on the highest European stage with 86 Euroleague matches played, including a final with Olympiakos in 2023, after eliminating… the Roca Team in the Final Four in Kaunas in the semi-finals. Powerful, he is capable of reaching very high to showcase his immense athletic qualities.
Kahudi and Lighty faithful for the 10th
For the rest, Villeurbanne has not parted with its veterans. David Lighty remains in post with his contract until 2026 and Charles Kahudi is preparing to play his final season. Both are playing their 10th season at the club, a sign of their impressive longevity and their loyalty to the club chaired by Tony Parker. Well done gentlemen.
Update on arrivals, departures from Asvel, and the workforce version 24-25
Extensions : Paris Lee, Nando De Colo, Edwin Jackson, David Lighty, Mbaye Ndiaye, Charles Kahudi, Joffrey Lauvergne.
Les arrivées : Théo Maledon, Shaquille Harrison, Melvin Ajinça, Admiral Schoefield, Neal Sako, Tarick Black.
Departures: Noam Yaacov, Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot, Mike Scott, DeShaun Thomas, Youssoupha Fall.
The 2024-2025 workforce
Leaders: Paris Lee, Shaquille Harrison
Backs: Théo Maledon, Nando De Colo, Edwin Jackson
Ailiers : Charles Kahudi, Melvin Ajinça, David Lighty
Ailiers-forts : Mbaye Ndiaye, Admiral Schofield
Pivots : Joffrey Lauvergne, Neal Sako, Tarik Black
Paris Lee, an acquaintance we always like to meet again
His smile, his kindness, his constant sharing and communion with fans. The entire Roca Team family only remembers positives from a player like Paris Lee. After being revealed in Orléans, he arrives in 2021 to be Mike James’ understudy. A successful and successful season even if the final lost to Asvel after an epic battle remains a painful memory. He subsequently moved to Panathinaikos in Greece to take on more responsibility. Before signing up last year with the Villeurbanne club. He has 103 Euroleague matches to his credit, and is one of the best players in his position in the French championship, at the age of 29.
Nando De Colo, the legend
A legend of European basketball. This summer, Nando De Colo ended his exceptional career with the French team (209 caps) with a second Olympic silver medal in Paris, his sixth international success (silver at Euro 2011, gold at Euro 2013, bronze at Euro 2015, bronze at the 2019 World Cup and silver at the 2021 Olympics). His record is just as impressive on the old continent: double winner of the Euroleague (2016 and 2019) with CSKA Moscow, being named MVP of the season and the Final Four in 2016, and best scorer in the history of European Cups. Europe (second in Euroleague behind Mike James).
Live and free on DAZN
Already a broadcaster of Ligue 1, DAZN broadcasts Betclic Elite until 2029. The digital platform will offer a free match every weekend, on Sunday at 7 p.m. Which will therefore be the case for this clash between Asvel and the Roca Team. With commentary by the magical duo composed of David Cozette and Stephen Brun.
Pre-match declarations
Sasa Obradovic (coach of the Roca Team): ” Asvel this year? It’s still early in the season and it’s not easy to judge a team. Inconsistency from match to match is normal. They are a very experienced team, who know how to play together because there have been no major changes in the squad compared to last year. They are helped by good young prospects like Ndiaye, Sako, Ajinca. Everyone will have a hard time facing them, especially in their gym. Defense is always the key to winning matches but for us it is also very important to find the rhythm in attack like we did against Milan and build our form on that. »
Matthew Strazel (leader of the Roca Team): “ Finding Asvel again means nothing to me. I’ve been with Monaco for three years now, I’ve moved on. Obviously, it always gives me great pleasure to see the faces I know there again, but on the pitch, it’s a match like any other and we’ll have to win it at home. To do this, we have to put in the right ingredients. They will want to react after their avoidable defeat at Maccabi. »
