While a mini-final for the Leaders Cup looms on Saturday in Saint-Quentin, SIG Strasbourg will present itself at Pierre-Ratte with an additional asset up its sleeve: Amadou Sow (2.05 m, 26 years old), a valuable sure of the Betclic ÉLITE 2022/23 with ADA Blois (13.8 points at 54%, 5.2 rebounds and 1.1 assist).
But we should not immediately expect successes worthy of what the Malian interior was able to produce during its final sprint in 2023 (31 points in Fos, 31 points and 11 rebounds against Le Mans, 23 points and 11 rebounds in… Rhenus). For good reason, the neo-Alsatian has not played in 2024, having been away from the courts for 393 days and a rupture of the cruciate ligaments which occurred during a EuroCup match in Badalone.
The SIG will deal with seven foreign players
Going directly from the promoted Blèsois to Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana, where he was ultimately only able to play X number of matches, Amadou Sow was looking to get back on track after his serious injury. Or a story of opportunity with the SIG, which wanted to densify a workforce constantly emaciated by a busy infirmary. “ This team played 12 of its first 14 games with two or more players injured.explains the sports director, Nicola Alberani. “Our medical staff, coaches and players have done an enormous job to manage emergencies week after week. This situation has had an impact on our growth and development. For example, we are very impacted by the loss of Pietrus, Fitts and Dessert who are, each in their position, the three “energy guys” who are supposed to be X factors and we have completely lost him. »
-While Amadou Sow must “bring size and versatility” at the SIG, his arrival will also be synonymous with a headache for Laurent Vila who will have, if his squad is complete one day, to leave a foreign player in the stands. But the dilemma will not arise until early March, while Malik Fitts recovers from his left knee injury. “ The signing of Amadou until the end of the season will strengthen the team numerically and physically”appreciates the Catalan coach. “With him, we have a versatile player on positions 4 and 5, who has already shown his athletic, scoring, rebounding and defensive qualities in Blois. His arrival will allow us to densify this sector which, at times, is irregular. It will allow us to have a denser and more stable workforce in the face of possible absences and depending on individual performance. His complementarity with other players is an undeniable asset. »
Reunion with Brice Dessert
Present in Strasbourg for a few days, Amadou Sow was notably able to reunite with one of his sidekicks from his Blésoise season: Brice Dessert, the one with whom he formed a high-end racket at the ADA. “He’s a good guy, I’m happy to have him back and play with him again”he rejoices. “ I would like to thank the club for their trust. I am very happy to sign for SIG Strasbourg. I have been able to attend training for a few days and I like the team. My personal ambition matches that of the club. I really missed basketball, I’m happy to be back on the courts. I am more motivated than ever! I can’t wait to compete again! »
