ASVEL is on all fronts. After a series of intense trips in the EuroLeague and Betclic ELITE, Pierric Poupet's men return to their home crowd this Sunday to face Paris. Deprived of several executives but buoyed by a positive dynamic, the Villeurbannais will have to draw on their resources against a Parisian opponent whose squad has recovered from an epidemic.
Lauvergne returns
Friday evening, in Kaunas, Joffrey Lauvergne (2.11 m, 33 years old) was not on the floor to face his former club, Žalgiris Kaunas. Officially absent for “personal reasons”, the French interior, brilliant a few days earlier in Belgrade against Partizan, will be present this Sunday against Paris. His return is a breath of fresh air for an ASVEL team looking for stability in a season marked by injuries and hazards.
The Lyon-Villeurbanne club remains on a series of important victories, notably in Nancy, Belgrade, and Kaunas. But this week of travel has left its mark. “Since the start of the season, I don't really understand why we haven't had a 'double week' at homedeplores Lauvergne in Le Progrès. When you know the conditions in which we travel… I don't understand the logic of the EuroLeague. »
In addition to the accumulated fatigue, ASVEL will have to cope without Mbaye Ndiaye (2.04 m, 25 years old), whose season seems to be over after an injury in Belgrade. Charles Kahudi and Edwin Jackson are also absent. Despite these hard blows, coach Pierric Poupet remains optimistic: “We are very happy to have achieved these victories, but we know that we will have to push our limits on Sunday. »
Pierric Poupet in Paris: “If I had to bet today, I would bet on the fact that they are complete. » »
Facing them, Paris Basketball returns to the courts after a break imposed by an epidemic which led to the postponement of their last EuroLeague match against Fenerbahçe. “What is difficult is not necessarily knowing what squad they are going to offer, notes Puppet. But if I had to bet today, I would bet on the fact that they are complete. »
Despite fatigue and absences, ASVEL can count on its solidity at home and the conquering state of mind of its players. Joffrey Lauvergne, driving force of this team, remains confident after an exciting start to the season in the EuroLeague (8 wins and 9 losses): “I would have signed for the start of the season, and yes, we must set ourselves this goal of EuroLeague play-ins. In any case, I really enjoy this team. »
The clash against Paris promises to be contested. On the one hand, a confident but proven ASVEL; on the other, an ambitious Paris Basketball which wants to take its revenge 9 days after its setback in the EuroLeague at the Astroballe.
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