An NBA air will blow over the Nanterre sports center. A wave of nostalgia may even invade spectators who discovered basketball and the prestigious North American championship by listening to the inimitable accent and the unique onomatopoeias of George Eddy on the nights on Canal + in the 1980s and 90s.
“I don’t need this to eat”
The voice of basketball in France for 35 years will indeed become that of Nanterre for the home matches of Jeep Elite whose season must – depending on the health crisis – begin on September 23. A new adventure that the interested party approaches with the enthusiasm of a kid despite his 64 years. “I don’t need that to eat, in absolute terms I didn’t miss it, but I’m happy to find the adrenaline rush of a live match and to do that in Nanterre,” he says. .
When the club contacted him this summer, the native of Orlando (United States), who arrived in France in 1977 to play at Alsace de Bagnolet, did not hesitate for long. “After I hung up the phone I just took the time to talk to my wife about it because it means that I will be away two Saturdays a month,” smiles the man with the cap. Obviously neither Mrs. Eddy nor Camille, their 21-year-old daughter who has never been a basketball fan, opposed it. “Living 10 minutes from the venue may have worked in my favor,” he laughs.
This is not the first time that the journalist from Canal + and the club have collaborated. Two years ago, the person concerned had composed a shock duo with Jamil Rouissi – the former speaker of Nanterre – for the event match against Asvel in front of more than 15,000 spectators at the U Arena (former name of Paris La Defense Arena).
“I have known Pascal Donnadieu for at least 35 years”
Especially the one who still comments on NBA matches for Canal + Afrique and intervenes in the new Sunday show on the premium channel has a long history with Nanterre and the Donnadieu family. “I have commented on many matches, the most memorable are those of the league title in 2013 and the victory in Barcelona in the Euroleague, but above all I have known Pascal (Editor’s note: the Nanterre coach) for at least 35 years, indicates Mister. George, one of his nicknames. I played against him with Le Vésinet (Yvelines), where I still play in the veterans team, a long time ago. I feel close to the values of Nanterre, those of patronage where the pleasure of playing is more important than anything. It’s rare to see a club still run by the same family, by the same men. “
More recently, Eddy found Pascal Donnadieu on the Canal + sets. “He came as a consultant for BCL matches (Fiba Champions League), after the evening I was the one who brought him home by car because we don’t live far from each other. It also helps to get to know each other. “
“I will be there to modestly bring my experience, a bit of good humor and atmosphere”
The health context is the other reason that pushed the former speaker of Paris Basket Racing (Canal + and Nicollin era), Rueil (Pro B) and Paris-Levallois to take the microphone. “The season will be very complicated, the sanitary measures will be drastic, confides the conductor of the French All Star Game since 2002. The main thing is that people forget the context a little and find a life before. It’s the same for the NBA, the season has resumed for economic reasons but I enjoy watching the games. In Nanterre, I will be there to modestly bring my experience, a little good humor and atmosphere. And his unique accent.
