Ten years after a heart-wrenching loss in the 2014 LNB Pro B playoffs, the 2013-2014 ALM Évreux Basket squad remains a fixture in the collective memory of Normandy sports fans. The team, which finished the regular season at the top of the standings, fell just one win short of securing a promotion to the top-flight Pro A, now known as Betclic Élite.
The 2014 Campaign: A Near Miss at the Summit
Under the guidance of head coach Rémy Valin, ALM Évreux dominated the 2013-2014 Pro B regular season. The team finished with a 30-14 record, securing the first seed entering the postseason. Despite their regular-season dominance, the playoff format of the era proved unforgiving. In a decisive third game of the semi-finals against Boulogne-sur-Mer, Évreux suffered a 77-67 defeat, effectively ending their dreams of reaching the elite division.
For a club with a budget historically lower than the league’s powerhouses, that season represented a rare alignment of tactical cohesion and individual brilliance. The roster featured standout performances from players like guard Jeremiah Wood, who was instrumental in the team’s interior play, and captain Lahaou Konaté, whose defensive versatility would eventually propel him to a long career in the top tier of French basketball.
Where Are They Now: The Key Architects
A decade removed from that campaign, the members of the 2014 roster have taken divergent paths across the European basketball landscape. Tracking their careers provides a window into the transient nature of professional sports.
- Lahaou Konaté: Having evolved into one of the most respected perimeter defenders in the LNB, Konaté spent several seasons with Nanterre 92 and Metropolitans 92 before joining JDA Dijon. His trajectory from the Évreux youth system to the French national team remains a benchmark for the club’s developmental success.
- Rémy Valin: The architect of the 2014 squad continued his coaching career with significant stints at Denain and eventually Fos Provence Basket. His tactical approach, which emphasized high-pressure defense and transition scoring, remains a defining characteristic of his coaching identity.
- Jeremiah Wood: The American pivot, who became a fan favorite for his physicality in the paint, continued a globetrotting career that saw him compete across several European leagues, including lengthy tenures in Finland and Argentina.
The Impact of the 2014 Legacy on Évreux
The failure to secure promotion in 2014 did not break the club, but it set a precedent for the high expectations surrounding ALM Évreux. In the years since, the team has remained a consistent contender in the second division, often balancing the pressure of local expectations with the financial realities of the Pro B.
According to league historical records, the 2014 season is frequently cited by club officials as the “what if” moment that defined the decade. It underscored the difficulty of the LNB promotion structure, where a single bad night in a playoff series can negate seven months of regular-season excellence. For the supporters in Évreux, the memory of that team serves as both a source of pride and a reminder of how thin the margin is between regional stability and top-tier competition.
Understanding the LNB Promotion Structure
To understand why the 2014 loss was so significant, one must consider the Ligue Nationale de Basket (LNB) promotion system. Unlike some leagues that utilize a points-based table, the French second division relies heavily on a playoff bracket to determine the second promotion spot. This format puts an immense premium on peak performance in May and June, often punishing the team that spent the winter months building a regular-season cushion.
In recent years, the league has refined its licensing and financial requirements, making the jump from Pro B to Betclic Élite a complex administrative challenge as much as a sporting one. The 2014 team operated in a climate where on-court success was the primary barrier to entry, a reality that has since shifted toward a more rigorous financial audit process for all aspiring promoted clubs.
Looking Ahead: The Future of ALM Évreux
ALM Évreux continues to compete in the Pro B, with current management focusing on sustainable growth and youth integration. While the 2014 squad stands as a historical high-water mark, the club’s focus is currently fixed on the upcoming league schedule. Fans looking to follow the team’s current progress can find official schedules and roster updates on the official ALM Évreux website.
As the club navigates the current season, the spirit of the 2014 team remains a part of the club’s identity. It serves as a testament to the fact that while the goal of reaching the Pro A remains the ultimate objective, the journey—and the players who commit to the effort—are what truly build a club’s heritage.
Do you remember the 2014 playoff run? Share your thoughts on that historic season in the comments below.
