“Limoges does not have the same culture as Monaco and ASVEL”
The only “survivor” at the CSP of last season, Nicolas Lang, elected in the five of the season of the Betclic Elite, hopes to confirm this good exercise. Interview for Le Quotidien Du Sport and France Basket.
Was the last season the best of your career?
I think it’s the best car on a 4th finish. The season before, I also played well, but we finished 9th. I’ve had some less good times this season with three sprains that cut me off in my rhythm. In the end, it’s still a good season, with almost identical stats even if I was less skilful. The 4th place remains the most important. Too bad we did not pass the 1st round against Dijon. This will be the goal for next season.
Is being elected in the five of the season a (nice) surprise?
On the face of the season, I don’t think it’s a surprise. But, I repeat myself, it’s hard to have individual distinctions if your team is poorly ranked. It is an individual distinction, but also a collective one.
Limoges not ready to join ASVEL and Monaco
Can Limoges join in the court of the great Villeurbanne and Monaco?
It’s not the same culture at all. It must be in line with the culture of your club and your city. The goal is to get back to the top, at the top of the table, but we can’t copy what Villeurbanne or Monaco are doing. We will not already have the same means. I do not see a buyer taking over the club. It’s not in the culture.
We see it with a very foreign staff who will bring another vision with a different culture. The club tries to do things a little differently. We are no less going to try to titillate the big ones. Even if money remains the sinews of war, we will try to do things our way.
You are the only player from last season to stay. Isn’t that frustrating?
Yes, it’s frustrating, I wish others stayed, but that’s the life of clubs with average budgets who can’t afford to keep their best players.
“I had apprehensions and, in the end, it was a very good season. I will never judge a recruitment again! »
Does recruiting give you hope?
I don’t really know the Americans who signed. But it’s not my job, I’m not a scout. I won’t allow myself to judge, especially after the last season when the recruitment was a little weird, I had apprehensions and, in the end, it was a very good season. Now, I will never judge a recruitment again! (smile) Only the reality on the ground will tell if it is successful.
Nicolas Lang wants to relive the play offs
What will be the objective for the CSP?
When we qualify for the play off, we just want to relive that.
You have extended until 2025. Will Limoges be your last club?
Players play longer and longer, until they are 38, 39 or 40 years old. We will see at 35 if we still want me (laughs). But I don’t think I’ll stop at 35, far from it. In addition with my style of play I have rarely been injured. Shooters last a bit longer.
Didn’t an experience abroad tempt you?
I still had a year of contract without options so the question did not necessarily arise. I have always been in favor of going abroad, but with two children, that changes everything, and I feel very good in Limoges. If an incredible opportunity arises, I will try to take it, but the grass is not asked greener elsewhere, I like my life as it is.