Will the French champions re-group after big name departures?
VILLENEUVE (EuroLeague Women) – Next in line for attention is the reigning LFB Champions, ESBVA-LM who have been making plenty of changes ahead of the new EuroLeague Women season.
History: ESBVA-LM have a strong recent tradition in Europe. They played three successive years of EuroLeague Women between 2008-10 and then dropped to EuroCup Women for four seasons before returning to the elite in 2015-16.
Major arrivals: Nevena Jovanovic, Johannah Leedham, Pauline Akonga, Aminata Konate and Laetitia Kamba.
Major departures: Alina Iagupova, Olivia Epoupa, Valeriane Ayayi, Kamila Stepanova, Aby Gaye
Players to watch: The long-range shooting prowess of Jovanovic will be incredibly important as she can bring the noise on any given night and once hot, can be tough to slow down and stop. Leedham offers leadership, versatility and is one of the best rebounders on the Continent for her position. There will also be a major onus on the retuning Virginie Bremont to pull the strings effectively in the backcourt, with a couple of new faces alongside her in the 2 and 3 spots.
Flashback: The greatest night in the club’s history came only a few years ago, when they won the EuroCup Women title with a dazzling second leg against Castors Braine.
Outlook: While there have been a number of big name departures in the wake of last season’s high tide mark of taking the French Championship title, perhaps the retention of a handful of players in Jo Gomis, Marielle Amant, Mame-Marie Sy Diop and Bremont will be hugely important. Avoiding a complete roster overhaul, this quartet will relieve the pressure on head coach Fred Dusart and the newcomers. They will be a solid and well-drilled team who will be hard to beat, although some have hinted the early signs are not great. So, the home fans will have a big role to play as they must make their home court a fortress.
FIBA
