The 2016-2017 French championship has not yet delivered its verdict, but the Sharks are busy behind the scenes for the next season. Already, four players from the current roster have extended their contracts for the upcoming season. This is crucial stability for a club that hopes for better than a 14th-place finish.
For Pro A clubs, it is often difficult, if not impossible, to retain the entire roster from one season to the next. American players often have desires to go elsewhere, and those who have shone receive attractive offers from more prestigious clubs (French or foreign). But this saying does not apply to the Sharks for the 2017-2018 version. Four months before the season begins (around October 10th), Julien Espinosa’s roster is gradually taking shape.
Blue, the sixth season
The Floridian and captain of the Sharks, Tim Blue, continues the adventure on the Côte d’Azur. Arriving in August 2012, the power forward will be the totem of the 2017-2018 team. This season, most of his statistics have improved (13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 31 minutes), earning him a second selection at the All-Star Game (starter and author of 21 pts and 7 rebs). And as we learned this Thursday, number 4 will be supported by Nianta Diarra, already his substitute this season. The young 24-year-old Malian made some interesting contributions and ended his year with averages of 3 points and 3 rebounds in 11 minutes of play.
Blassingame, a destiny like Solomon
The good news came about fifteen days ago, but it had been in the works for a few weeks: Blassingame will wear the Antibes jersey until June 2019. The 35-year-old American point guard arrived at the beginning of April after the departure of Sharrod Curry and quickly made an impact, leading the Sharks to secure their status. Adopted by the Azur Arena public, he could follow the path of another Antibes player, in the same style who excelled in ProA and ProB, a certain Will Solomon.
Kouguere, the unsung hero
Max Kouguere will also be a Shark in October. Originally a medical replacement for Isaia Cordinier, he continued and finished the season as a full-time player. The small forward wraps up with an interesting stat line (7.9 pts, 4.6 rebs, and 1.3 assists in 28 minutes) and a noted contribution. Particularly memorable was his high-level performance on the Paris-Levallois court. Despite the loss, he compiled 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The rest of the roster should be unveiled during June and July.
Photo credit: Official website of Sharks Antibes
