Gaetan Clerc was not able to make it through the night with his partners. It is a violation of the rules to reach a play-off final for Pro B. “We had no choice but to celebrate this qualification,” says No. 10. These little people were reunited at Alcazar cafe with their friends and even a marching band. Clerc smiled, “That was quite a crowd.” The evening ended at Marcel-Deflandre stadium with the European champion rugby players being crowned.
Please tell us about your last possession.
It all begins with a child defending Arnauld on Ona Embo. Next, Franck (Seguela) makes a big rebound. I glance at the timer, and there is still time (5.3 seconds). Keith Wright asks me to take a screen. I start with my right hand and do a few dribbles before I stop to take pictures. I love this pattern. The ball seems to stay in the air for an indefinite amount of time. Then I see Cheikh (Gassama), sprinting madly towards me. Because I’m buried, I don’t recall much. I lift my head to see Fred Beuzelin, who played this year at the USVRe Basket, editor’s notes) hitting me on both the head. I thought, “Oh, everybody’s on the ground (laughs).
What does it feel like to score the decisive shot for your team?
Although I have made free throws that won a game, this is my real buzzer beater (1). This is an extraordinary and rare chance at the same. This is the chance of a lifetime. It’s a powerful moment emotionally.
Did you feel inspired by the achievements of the rugby players on Saturday night
We exchanged many messages to each other to let them know that we would be meeting up again the next day. We wanted to be part of the party. We knew there would be a parade at the Old Port. We also knew we would find them afterward. It energized us. It was especially hard for us to travel there during vacation (smile).
(1) Literally, the ringtone drummer. A shot on the siren.
