The advantage is that a week ago he was still playing with Elitzur Shomoron, an Israeli second division club, and therefore did not run out of form. “On Wednesday, he did two individual training sessions. He saw some forms of play, defensive principles, describes coach Alexandre Ménard. This Thursday, he trained with the group, reviewed positions and went one on one with Paul Billong who also needed it. »
“He is not there to work miracles but to blend into the collective”
The latter was taking university exams and was therefore not in the group for the Leaders Cup. The rear line will find a little freshness. Nevertheless, the American will not be able to carry the BBD on his shoulders in just three days. This is not what his coach expects. “He’s not there to perform miracles, but to blend into the collective and continue to help us win. I liked what he was doing in Lille (2020-2022), he is able to unlock situations. »
“Not Superman”
Among his other qualities, “he is strong in one on one, he can create his shot, he is big and takes up space, which is interesting in our type of defense”.
And if “he is not Superman”, his contribution will be invaluable, through his experience and his knowledge of the division thanks to his two years spent in Lille. He was also able to meet some of his former teammates, since the Lille residents remained in Dordogne to prepare for their trip to Vichy / Clermont, Friday January 20.
And if there’s any proof of the Minnesota native’s motivation, it’s that he broke his previous contract to join Boulazac. “He had a contract until the end of the season, he could have stayed quiet in the warm there but he chose to put himself in danger to come”, notes Ménard. The appetite to play this season or the next in a championship higher than the Israeli second division should not be for nothing.
