TJ Shorts and his coach Tiago Splitter come back to the title of champion of France won on Tuesday, at Adidas Arena, against Monaco.
TJ Shorts (Paris basketball leader, after The title of champion of France ) : “It was a long journey. I do not have the right words to describe what I feel, I cry, I am happy, I share with the fans, I am tired, I want water … The feeling is exceptional. Finish with the trophy with these guys, I will remember it for the rest of my days. The ankle injury? It happens, everyone has injuries, mentally I had to adjust myself. I hadn’t played my best games in Monaco, it was clear. I didn’t want to finish like this. Luckily, we led 2-0 in the series and I was able to rewrite the story, start again on a blank page. My ankle is still painful. But mentally, I was able to challenge myself so as not to think about it, not to use an excuse, to change my body language. I arrived with a completely different spirit. I gave everything for the team. In any case, I never want to use injuries as an excuse.
When we were led by 10 points, I remained optimistic and calm. We have experienced so many things throughout the season with the group, Euroligue, win the French Cup, lose in cup leaders … We were built for this moment. We knew we had good shots. If we made the stops, I knew we would do what we did all season, fast game, determine the right games. With the supporters behind us, it pushed us. It was important to have finished the regular season in mind to have this game 5 at home. ”
Tiago Splitter (Paris basketball coach): “I would like to congratulate Monaco, a big opponent, finishing in match 5 was good for the League, French basketball, the match was crazy. We started well, Monaco found flaws in our defense, we adjusted, I tried to manage the minutes for the end, which I do not usually do … (…) It was an exceptional year. I am so happy and grateful to have had this opportunity as a beginner coach. A little fear at -10? Yes … I thought of the different options. The adjustments to be made. The two teams were tired, it was a battle, it ended as a chess game. Tj shorts? He was injured in the ankle in matches 3 and 4. I told him that he was needed at him at the level of the first two games in the series. Large players show themselves in this kind of match. He did it. I don’t know in what state is her ankle now (smile). He was incredible. Nadir Hifi? I asked him to return and kill the match at the end. (…) These guys have a different mentality, they are special and different, I have never seen a group like that. ”
Interview at a press conference
