We have seen you doze off in front of the All-Star Game and its attractions which, despite their name, no longer really appeal. But by far only because this weekend, we preferred to put the church back in the middle of the village, France at the heart of the world basketball map and Saint-Chamond as the center of gravity of France.
Yes, this weekend, it was not in Utah that you had to be, but in the Gier valley a few steps from Saint-Etienne to watch a good moment of orange ball, and we explain to you why we loved the LNB Leaders Cup in Saint-Ch’mond as we say here.
- Because Mike James would rather see Monaco lose than win without him. Irreproachable state of mind, fathead/20.
- Because we saw a medal-winning coach at the World Championship, European Championship and at the Olympic Games. No disrepect Michael Malone and Joe Mazzula, but Vincent Collet doesn’t want to.
- Because we didn’t need to break the bank to see a great show.
- Because taking twenty minutes to travel home -> Arena Saint-Etienne Métropole is still better than taking the plane to go to the USA. And it’s kinder to the planet.
- Because we saw eight real matches played (well, a little less on Sunday with fatigue) instead of a scrimmage without intensity.
- Because we can shine in the evening knowing that the inhabitants of Saint-Chamond are the Couramiauds (we let you check the origin, it’s wonderful), and that they are very cool in addition to having a name that slap.
- Because we saw the future first pick of the Draft, Victor Wembanyama.
- Finally first pick if he does not give in to the sirens of Boulazac supporters who demanded his signature in Dordogne. On a misunderstanding, it can work.
- Moreover, big up to the fans of Boulazac, on the job, full of humor and self-mockery. You participated in the great atmosphere of the weekend with the other supporters in the room.
- Because the front row wasn’t filled with influencers or people just showing up.
- Because we saw GOAT Terry Tarpey blow his nose at a cheeky TrashTalk editor.
Thank you for the extra motivation we needed ????
Thank you for the extra motivation we needed ???? https://t.co/IXlYSxmD6w
— Terry Tarpey III (@Taarpey) February 17, 2023
- Because we were able to watch a bit of the next generation of French basketball, even if seeing Zaccharie Risacher play in front of his father, it made us look a little old.
- Because the best scorer in the history of European cups delighted us. What ease and what talent Mr. Nando De Colo!
- Because if Antoine Diot was able to cut the nets after ASVEL’s victory, it was because Jacques Alingue had done the job by repairing the basket the day before.
- Because we followed the ProB Leaders Cup final 50cm from the man. Who a few tens of minutes later slammed the dunk of the weekend. Thank you for the work Charles Kahudi.
DUNK. OF. THE. YEAR. ????????????#LeadersCup pic.twitter.com/1ZTlRLrSqj
— LNB (@LNBofficiel) February 19, 2023
So yes, it wasn’t Disney and it was perhaps less dreamy on paper, but getting out of Île de France doesn’t hurt. This Leaders Cup was proof of that. Now you know what to do next year if you want to enjoy a good basketball weekend: forget the All-Star Game and go see the Leaders Cup!