As SIG Strasbourg prepares to face Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball this Saturday in a crucial match, Laurent Vila’s team will be able to count on the important returns of Illan Piétrus and Brice Dessert. Good news for the Alsatian club, which hopes to reach the Leaders Cup and restore momentum to its season.
Expected returns
Illan Pietrus, away from the field since mid-November due to a major sprained ankle, is now “100%” fit, as Laurent Vila confirmed to Latest News from Alsace (DNA). After playing 5 minutes against Nanterre on December 26, the young leader will find his place in the rotation, just like pivot Brice Dessert, who also missed several weeks due to a similar injury, before playing briefly again against the JSF and during the All-Star Game.
These reinforcements come at the right time for Strasbourg, which is showing up almost in full force for this high-stakes trip. Only Malik Fitts remains unavailable, still following a rehabilitation protocol for persistent knee pain. The latter, however, is digitally replaced by Malcolm Cazalon.
A major challenge against Saint-Quentin
Currently 8th in Betclic Elite, SIG is aiming for an essential victory to consolidate its place among the qualifying teams for the Leaders Cup, which will take place from February 14 to 16 in Caen. This tournament brings together the eight best teams at mid-season, and Laurent Vila does not hide his ambition to participate: “The Leaders Cup is not just a competition, it is an event. We really want to compete against the best teams like Monaco, Paris or Asvel”he declared to the DNA.
But the task promises to be difficult against Saint-Quentin, 6th in the standings and just as eager to go to Caen in mid-February. Strasbourg will have to contain Nolan Traoré, a young 18-year-old prodigy with a future in the NBA, while responding to the defensive intensity and fervor of the local public.
A strengthened group with Amadou Sow
The SIG will also be able to rely on its recent recruit, Amadou Sow (2.05 m, 26 years old). The 26-year-old Malian interior, capable of playing in positions 4 and 5, brings welcome versatility to an interior sector where such a complete profile was lacking. His athleticism and ability to get away from the rim could play a key role in the second half of the season.
