Alexandre Ménard, coach of Boulazac, addressed remarks made by David Kahn, president of Paris Basketball, during an episode of NoA Basket that aired on Monday. Kahn had voiced frustration about competing against teams like Boulazac while facing stronger opponents such as Panathinaikos or Real Madrid during the week. Ménard backed the club's management for issuing a humorous statement in which they "apologized" for competing in the top tier of French basketball. He argued that despite having fewer financial resources, Boulazac works hard and deserves more respect. Ménard also referenced a previous game in which Boulazac defeated Paris 103-87 at the Adidas Arena.
Kahn had earlier mentioned Boulazac in March 2026 during a podcast, calling for reforms in the LNB (French Basketball League) and stating that clubs like Boulazac and La Rochelle did not reach the level of Paris and Monaco. On the court, Boulazac started its season with a close loss to Roanne (79-81) on September 26. Despite being behind 31-51 at halftime, Boulazac staged a strong comeback in the third quarter, with players like Antoine Eto, Aaron Estrada, and Patrick Beverley playing key roles.
The match against Roanne highlighted Boulazac's ability to fight back even when trailing significantly. However, they were unable to maintain their momentum in the final moments and fell short by two points. This result reflects the challenges faced by teams with fewer resources in the competitive landscape of French basketball.
Ménard's comments come at a time when discussions about league structure and team parity are gaining traction. His support for the club's humorous response to Kahn's criticism underscores the ongoing tensions between teams of different financial backgrounds in the LNB. The situation has sparked broader conversations about how the league can better support all its members and ensure fair competition.
Boulazac Coach Responds to Paris Basketball President's Comments on LNB Competition
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