It has been a tradition since 2011. The National Basketball League has established “Christmas Days”, which oblige all clubs in the French championship to play two matches during the holiday period, one in their hall and the other at the exterior.
“We can't afford to take 48 hours to eat and open presents”
JL Bourg traveled to Nancy this Sunday, December 22, and it will host Saint-Quentin at Ekinox on Friday, December 27. No truce, therefore, on the floors. Impossible to cancel even one New Year's Eve workout.
“This period is not always easy emotionally because the players are used to celebrating Christmas with family. But we are not going to change our work habits because we are top athletes. By playing on Sunday and Friday, we cannot afford to take 48 hours to eat and open presents,” points out Frédéric Fauthoux, the coach of the Bressan club.
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“Always difficult being so far from home. But FaceTime and video calls work well to see family”
Adrian Nelson, a 25-year-old American player, whose career in Europe began last season in Germany before joining Bourg, is preparing to experience a second Christmas outside the United States. “It’s always difficult being so far from home. But FaceTime and video calls work well to see family,” he assures.
Will there be foie gras and log on the menu at JL Bourg? “We will ask the players to be careful but we cannot forbid them everything because these are important moments. Everyone will do according to their sensitivity and we will train on December 24, 25 and 26. Often, certain American players, who do not necessarily have their loved ones with them, get together,” explains Frédéric Fauthoux.
Put on a show during the holidays
This gathering will not necessarily be on the program this year, since Adrian Nelson will, for example, celebrate Christmas with his brother who joined him in Bresse. “It will be a good time to think about something other than basketball. I'll probably take her to a restaurant. We do not have instructions for holiday meals. But I try to eat a balanced diet, lots of pasta and rice,” says the player from Ohio.
His coach completely understands that basketball players must put on a show during the holidays: “In general, the halls are full at this time. People are on vacation and need to be entertained. This is part of our profession in its own right. We are like entertainment professionals. »
