Find the first words from the players, coaches, and officials, just minutes after the Sharks Antibes’ 76-64 victory over Denain, which marked their promotion to the elite of French basketball. Some still couldn’t believe it.
Tim Blue (Final MVP, power forward for Sharks Antibes):
“The year 2014 was terrible, I wanted to get back to Pro A with Antibes, and we did it. I’m happy, it’s the achievement of a great season. We played a beautiful team game, and even in difficult moments, we stayed strong. I didn’t get the MVP title for the season, so I really wanted this one. I also think the whole team deserves it. Julien (Espinosa, the coach) is doing an amazing job, he puts us in the best conditions to win.”
Frédéric Bourdillon (point guard for Sharks Antibes):
“It’s for these emotions that I play basketball. It’s not a job for me, it’s a passion. I still got chills entering the arena, I need this atmosphere. When you’re supported by such a crowd, it makes the difference. For me, being from Grasse, it’s an even greater pride to rise with this club. Basketball is magic; I was playing in National 1 (3rd national level) and I had one day left to break the clause with Rueil. The coach called me and asked what I was doing next season. It all happened over coffee in Old Antibes. It’s pure happiness! Now, I want to discover Pro A (smiles)…”
Mamoutou Diarra (captain and forward for Sharks Antibes):
“I am proud to be the captain of this team! It’s one of the most beautiful adventures of my career; it ranks in my top 3 or top 5. It had been three years since I’d had a full season, I needed this to restart my career. Few people bet on us at the beginning of the season, but the group bonded, we found ourselves, and there was this spark from the Leaders Cup (won in February against Souffelweyersheim). My thoughts go to Thierry Rupert (who passed away in February 2013; Mamoutou plays with a headband bearing his name, number 12, and arm sleeves in his honor) and his family. He would have been happy to see this.”
Julien Espinosa (coach of Sharks Antibes):
“This time, the job is done entirely! We had many opportunities to get carried away, but we had to stay in control. We turned our emotions into determination and execution. Tonight, this season becomes exceptional! At the beginning of the season, Will (Solomon) told me ‘I want to return to Pro A’. I replied that it was great, we were on the same wavelength. The rest of the squad started to believe it, and the ‘young ones’ (Aboudou, Cabarrot, Mbida, Aded Hussein) learned to win. I was very disappointed from last season, I reproached myself for not turning it around, I was determined to bring the club back to Pro A. Now, I want to keep it there. We must not repeat the same mistakes: breaking a sacred harmony, shattering the club’s values…”
Frédéric Jouve (general director of Sharks Antibes):
“It’s always difficult to speak in the heat of the moment, after such emotions. I am happy and proud. It’s the result of true work, there’s no element of luck in this promotion. It’s with seriousness, commitment, and respect that Antibes has regained its status as a stronghold in basketball. I thank this crowd, this arena that made us win. Great challenges lie ahead, I have big ambitions for this club. We want to stay in Pro A. We will enjoy tonight and the days to come.”
Jean Léonetti (deputy mayor of Antibes):
“It’s the culmination of a great season with a cohesive team, very strong defensively. With a club in the lower half of the payroll rankings, nothing predicted a rise. It’s also thanks to a remarkable coach and this team cohesion. The public was fantastic in an arena that has rediscovered the taste of victory.”
Photo credit: Sharks Antibes
