French Basketball clubs shine in the Euroleague! Paris and Asvel have a string of victories against big European calibers. Deciphering this unprecedented phenomenon which is propelling French basketball to the forefront of the continental scene. How far will they go?
This is an exceptional and historic fact for French basketball: this season, two of our clubs are shining brightly on the European scene by taking the top places in the Euroleague. Paris Basketball, the promotion which never ceases to amaze for its first at this level, and Asvel, a regular in the premier competition in Europe but never as successful, have achieved a remarkable journey so far. A look back at these latest meetings which confirm their excellent start to the season.
Paris wins in a trap match in Vitoria
After 10 days of truce, Paris traveled this evening to the Vitoria floor, a big game which had given it a hard time in the first leg (67-65 victory). But the men of Tiago Splitter, formerly of the Basque house before the NBA, were not impressed and won 82-75 thanks in particular to an excellent TJ Shorts (17 points). A victory which puts Paris alone at the top of the ranking.
It's an important victory, especially away from home against a Vitoria team that is always difficult to play against. We were able to remain strong and respond in key moments. A good omen for the future!
TJ Shorts, leader of Paris Basketball
Baskonia Vitoria – Paris Basketball: 75-82
A success which punctuates a series of 10 victories in 12 matches for Paris in the Euroleague. Unheard of for a French club for a first participation. This puts the Parisians back in the race for the playoffs before the end of 2024 which promises to be exciting.
Asvel confirms its good form in Bologna
At the same time, Asvel traveled to Bologna with the firm intention of securing a 4th consecutive victory in the Euroleague. Mission accomplished for the Villeurbannais who won 73-68 thanks to an excellent Nando de Colo (21 points) and despite the great performance of Isaïa Cordinier on the Italian side (16 points). Asvel consolidates its 6th place.
Virtus Bologna – Asvel: 68-73
This victory allows Asvel to get back into the leading group, which has been languishing in the soft underbelly of the ranking for several seasons. TJ Parker's men seem to have found the right fuel at the best time.
The French at the top!
3 French clubs in the Top 8 of the Euroleague 2024-2025 after tonight's matches:
- ???????? Paris Basketball
- ???????? AS Monaco
- Real Madrid
- FC Barcelona
- Fenerbahce
- ???????? Asvel
- Olympiakos
- Ephesus Istanbul
Monaco also won last night against the defending champion, Anadolu Efes (94-75). Thanks to a big team (6 players at 10 points or more) and an insolent skill (11/22 at 3 points), the Roca Team pulled out all the stops to dominate the Turks and temporarily steal first place in Paris. Before a clash at the top between the two French clubs on January 15 which already promises to be hot.
What can we expect from this positive dynamic?
French basketball is undoubtedly experiencing a historic season in the Euroleague. Never have two of its representatives taken the top places in the ranking at this stage of the competition. Certainly there is still a long way to go before the playoffs, reserved for the first 8, but the dynamic is clearly on the side of our clubs.
Paris and Asvel are riding a very good run with respectively 10 victories in the last 12 matches for the first and 7 successes in the last 10 meetings for the Rhone residents. With the added bonus of a great prestigious away success for everyone this evening. Enough to fuel great ambitions for the second part of the season.
Of course we must remain careful and not get carried away, the road is still long. But I am very proud of what our French clubs are achieving. This demonstrates the work done in recent years to structure and develop our basketball. I hope that this dynamic will continue and inspire a new generation.
Jean-Pierre Siutat, president of the French Basketball Federation
If Paris seems equipped to play the leading roles until the end, Asvel will have to cope without Raymar Morgan, seriously injured in the knee. But TJ Parker's men have resources and valuable Euroleague experience to compensate for this absence.
Verdict in a few months, but one thing is certain, French basketball has never been so close to a Euroleague Final Four, the meeting that all clubs on the continent dream of playing. Will 2025 be the year of consecration for Paris, Asvel or Monaco? Answer next spring. Until then, all hopes are allowed. In any case, our clubs have their destiny in their hands to make history and enter a new dimension.
