GUT GEMACHT! Paris Basketball began a new chapter Friday night in Dijon, defeating JDA Dijon 76-92 in a Betclic ÉLITE matchup. The game marked the first on the Paris bench for interim head coach Julius Thomas.
The victory, secured on March 28, 2026, showcased a strong offensive performance from Paris Basketball, overcoming a competitive Dijon side. The team demonstrated a collective spirit, highlighted by a beautiful passing play finished by Derek Willis, a symbol of the team’s collaborative approach.
The first quarter saw both teams trading shots, with both sides known for their shooting accuracy. Points were scored both inside and from beyond the arc, with Kregor Hermet leading the charge for Dijon and Paris relying on free throws. The quarter ended with a tight score of 21-22, indicating a closely contested battle.
The second quarter saw Paris Basketball elevate their game. Justin Robinson, Captain’Seba (Sebastian Herrera), and Nadir Hifi combined for a barrage of three-pointers in under two minutes, shifting the momentum in Paris’s favor. Despite Dijon’s quick attacks, Paris managed to take control, capitalizing on opportunities and extending their lead to 46-38 by the finish of the half. Frequent fouls and intentional violations slowed the pace towards the end of the second period, allowing Paris to build their advantage.
Returning from the break, Derek Willis immediately made his presence felt, scoring twice from beyond the arc. Paris continued to attack relentlessly, utilizing alley-oops, drives, and dunks to accumulate points. Dijon struggled with their shooting, even from the free-throw line. Enzo, but, was a standout performer for Dijon, consistently securing offensive rebounds, drawing fouls, and making crucial passes, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap. Paris extended their lead to over 20 points (66-43) during this stretch.
Dijon attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, employing a full-court press to disrupt Paris’s offense. However, the Paris Basketball team remained focused and resilient, refusing to falter under pressure. Nadir Hifi sealed the victory with a clutch shot, securing a well-deserved 76-92 win for Paris.
Despite a slow start in terms of shooting accuracy, Paris Basketball demonstrated composure and ultimately dominated the second and third quarters. They successfully resisted Dijon’s attempts to regain control, signaling a positive outlook for the remainder of the season.
Paris Basketball’s next challenge comes on Thursday, April 2nd, as they host Olimpia Milano at the adidas Arena in an EuroLeague matchup. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.
This win comes just five days after Julius Thomas was appointed interim head coach, following the departure of Francesco Tabellini. Thomas, previously the associate head coach, becomes the youngest head coach in EuroLeague history at 28 years traditional. The team currently holds a record of 12 wins and 21 losses in the EuroLeague and 16 wins and 7 losses in the Betclic ÉLITE league.
The appointment of Thomas represents a commitment to fostering young talent within the organization, a philosophy emphasized by President David Kahn. Kahn praised Tabellini’s contributions to the club, highlighting victories against Real Madrid and Partizan Belgrade, among others, and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Paris Basketball will look to build on this momentum as they continue their Betclic ÉLITE campaign and prepare for their upcoming EuroLeague clash against Olimpia Milano. The team’s performance under Thomas will be closely watched as they navigate the remainder of the season.
