Impossible to miss it! With his imposing hair, Nadir Hifi does not go unnoticed. Whether on the basketball courts or in the halls of the Accor Arena where Paris Basketball organized a press conference this Wednesday morning to announce the arrival, for 3 seasons, of the young and explosive rear (20 years old) . A nice catch for the club of the capital. “He is a spectacular player who will delight our audience, savored Amara Sy, sports director of Paris Basketball. He has splashed the championship with his talent this season (with Le Portel) and still has plenty of room for improvement. »
The capital club has also announced that its first match at the Adidas Arena at Porte de la Chapelle will be scheduled for February 11, 2024. A first experience before an inauguration with great fanfare and a final installation in October 2024. Three matches at the Accor Arena are also on the calendar for next season (in October, December and January).
Explain to us what attracted you to the Parisian project?
Nadir Hifi. I had offers from many clubs, I could have gone abroad, to Spain, to Germany… But I didn’t want to take the plunge right away. I didn’t want to take that risk. Above all, there was a real feeling with Paris. It’s a young, ambitious club that wants to continue to grow, like me, I’m happy to be part of this adventure. It’s a great opportunity for me to stay in France but to play in an ambitious club that will compete in the Eurocup (the clubs participating in the C2 have not yet been communicated). It’s the best transition before playing the Euroleague with the club the following year…
How long have you been in contact with the club?
Paris approached me several months ago, in December or January, before we talked about my performances. They made me understand that they would like to have me with them. That’s flattering. Amara (Sy) has even been following me for a long time. We know each other a little. Two years ago I participated in his tournament (the Amara League in Cergy) that we had won together… He must have mentioned me to David Kahn (President of Paris Basketball).
David Kahn introduced you, explaining that you matched the club’s DNA…
I am a very aggressive player, who plays a lot on instinct. I’m best known for my offensive performances but I think I’m a two-way player, a player who can defend and attack very well. It corresponds to the game that Paris wants to offer with fast and spectacular games, races. And apart from basketball, I like the energy of the city, the lifestyle. I already have the haircut that matches (he smiles). Coming here was the best possible choice for me. It matches perfectly!
You are the club’s first recruit, do you have any guarantees on summer recruitment?
I don’t have any info but I don’t have too many doubts that the club wants to build a great team for next season and continue its progression in the hierarchy. I’m sure we’ll be very competitive. The objective will be to win the title of champion.
You just came back from the United States where you participated in workouts (private training) in franchises before the NBA Draft…
Yes, I don’t even know what day it is anymore (he laughs). Monday I was doing another one in New York, I returned to France yesterday noon (Tuesday). I stayed there for 17 days and participated in 6 workouts.
What do you remember from this experience?
There’s a lot of stress, because I was on my own and because I don’t speak English very well. I had to fend for myself, take planes, cross the United States every other day. On the pitch, despite fatigue or minor injuries, you always have to give the best of yourself. It was intense. But I learned a lot about myself. It was a nice experience. It was the first time I set foot in the United States, I will remember (he smiles).
What is the state of mind two weeks before the draft?
There is a chance that I will be taken even if it is not yet known at what position. There are positives and negatives, fingers crossed and we’ll see. Either the team wants to keep me and they will have to pay the buyout (transfer) in Paris or I will be here.
Your summer promises to be busy…
I’m leaving tomorrow morning (Thursday) for a basketball camp in Treviso and then I continue with the French team in Los Angeles (with a selection bis, called “France Select Team” which will face Armenia on June 16 and 17). This is my first selection with France. I was afraid it would never happen… (he had played for Algeria and had to get an exit letter from the Algerian Federation to play with France). I have been very lucky. The Algerian Federation understood my situation and knew that I would have more possibilities with the France team. They let me go. I thank them and I will not forget.
It’s a first step with the France A team…
Yes I don’t know if it will be this summer or later but I will answer this if someone calls me. It is a pride to represent France.
You were still a player in National 3, the 5th division, in 2020. How do you view your career?
I don’t have the words, I don’t know if I really realize… It proves that everything can go quickly, but I am aware that it can go quickly in both directions. We must keep our feet on the ground and continue to work so that this great adventure does not stop. I know that I have come a long way with my family. When I was in Lille (Pro B) my parents could not afford to finance my 2nd year at the training center, which forced me to return to N3 at home. It made me stronger.
