It was therefore necessary to see a sign there. Unlike the other regular starters, Dusan Nikolic did not start or take part in the Coupe de France match last Tuesday in Cambrai (2-3). Replaced by Thomas Pujol, the Serbian point guard was not injured… but was already leaving, as Alterna Stade Poitevin made it official this Thursday.
Despite his three-year contract, the former Red Star Belgrade player has indeed flown to South Korea, where he will play for the Seoul club Woori Card WooriWON, under the orders of Mauricio Paes.
“It was a question of respect for the player and the man”
The former coach of Paris, Tours and Tourcoing may have gone into exile on the other side of the planet, but he kept an eye on the MSL. And obviously, the performances of Dusan Nikolic, fourth best scorer in the championship with his 16 points on average per game, since the start of the season, could not leave him indifferent. So, when his Dutch point guard Michel Ahyi was seriously injured, the Franco-Brazilian technician set his sights on the Serbian, who had participated in the draft for the South Korean league this summer without being selected. And, through his agent, expressed his interest to the Alterna SPVB at the end of last week.
Without the Stade club being able and unwilling to oppose the departure of a player, who will multiply his salary by ten until the end of the season, before being able, perhaps, to claim even better during the next fiscal year if he convinces Korean leaders to extend it. “Dusan came to talk to us and explained the situation to usexplains Cédric Enard. He was bothered because he felt very good here and was aware that he was part of our new project. But he came from a humble background and had an opportunity that might never have come his way. We discussed and thought about it with the staff, the managers and Alterna, because we had sporting interests to defend. Unfortunately, there is a reality. We understood his situation. It was a question of respect for the player and the man who can have a 'life changing.'” His life may indeed change. Despite the financial compensation received, so did the daily newspaper of Alterna SPVB.
Because if the future of Earvin Ngapeth is still uncertain, Dan Lewis has lost one of his strong elements, capable of scoring 29 points as was the case during the 1re day against Narbonne or to approach 70% efficiency in attack as he showed against Paris (69%), with, in addition, a real impact on the serve. Despite the sporting loss that this unforeseen departure will cause, it also shows that Cédric Enard and the Stade club were not mistaken in betting on the young, sharp 23-year-old Serbian.
A “solid and international” track to replace it
“We made a bet and he wins even if someone comes to “steal” him much faster than expectedassures the Poitevin manager. This validates our new project, based on little nuggets. We weren't wrong with Dusan, both humanly and sportingly. This is the result of our scouting and Dan's qualities as a tactician and technician. (Lewis) who was able to bring him to light by making him work. Even if we regret his departure, it shows that we look at Poitiers internationally, that the club is attractive and it highlights all the work done. »
Cédric Enard now has before him to find a successor to Uros Nikolic's younger brother. He is moving forward on a track “solid and international” while staying a course: “the project and the ambitions of the club do not change, they are always at the top. »
