The Nice Cavigal Olympic Basket (NCOB) has only existed since the 2007-2008 season. It is the result of the merger between Nice Cavigal Basket and Nice Olympic Basket Club. Currently, it forms the second most popular team sport in Nice in terms of licensed players, after football, but it’s especially the leading women’s team sport on the Côte d’Azur. The Nice Cavigal Olympic Basket is led by Frédéric Sciolla, from Cavigal Basket, and René Naudin, from the Nice Olympic Basket club.
The NCOB competes in National 1, which is the second division, for only two years now, after having been part of the elite of French basketball for about ten years. “It was a difficult season where we only finished eighth, while the main objective for the group was to move back up. We had many injuries, we were forced to change coaches…we missed everything…” laments Frédéric Sciolla. The only satisfaction at the Leyrit hall, the home of NCOB, was the arrival of Odile Santaniello (a former French international), as noted by Frédéric Sciolla: “She brought us a lot, in terms of experience as a former player, but also in terms of tactics and game quality..” A mixed 2007-08 season, the NCOB has set a single goal: the rise back up: “We naturally aim for the top spot in the group, which allows for direct qualification for the women’s league (1st division), or the top 4 to secure the 2nd place, also synonymous with promotion. This year, the level will be very high, and we must not miss our chance…”
A structured club, familiar with the professional scene but that doesn’t forget its family-oriented side: “Since we established this merger, the Nice Olympic Basket Club has brought us a more family-friendly and playful spirit, particularly in our amateur and youth teams. While Nice Cavigal Basket instills a sense of competitiveness, competition, and professionalism in the teams…” highlights Frédéric Sciolla. Although the senior women’s team is the showcase of the NCOB, the club does not stop there: “Our training policy has been very well organized for years. Each season, we manage to promote two or three girls trained with us to the senior team. Moreover, we mainly aim for local girls, although we also recruit nationally. Training is essential to achieve results with young players but above all to have a reserve pool for the first team…”
The offseason is always a pivotal period for recruitment, budgeting, and planning: “it’s the time for major works. We refresh our hall to welcome our supporters in the best conditions. We are eagerly awaiting the construction of a sports palace in Nice. We met Gilles Veissière. We are on the same wavelength and are aware of the city’s sporting plans, we know we are supported but, more importantly, understood…” concludes Frédéric Sciolla.
