Coach search ongoing

The Orléans Loiret Basket team has not yet selected a new coach after the departure of Lamine Kébé on October 22. The club is currently evaluating several candidates and holding meetings with potential coaches, but no decision has been made yet.

Interim coach secures win

Pierre Tillay has been acting as interim coach and led the team to a 93-82 victory over Levallois on October 23. The team overcame a halftime deficit, winning the third quarter 25-10 before securing the win.

Recent performance context

This victory improved the team’s record to three wins and three losses after six rounds of ELITE 2. However, the win came after a heavy home loss to Blois (80-103), which led to Kébé’s dismissal.

Candidates under consideration

Three names are being considered for the coaching position: Laurent Vila, Ali Bouziane, and Jean-Christophe Prat. Vila has experience in Betclic ELITE and is currently an assistant coach for the French national team.

Other candidates’ backgrounds

Ali Bouziane, a former player, has coached in ELITE 2 and the Algerian national team. Prat, currently under contract with BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque until 2027, has experience coaching in several French teams and previously worked as an assistant at Orléans.

Contract issues for Prat

Prat’s potential return would require resolving his current contract with Gravelines-Dunkerque. His name was previously mentioned in May of last year, but the club’s sports director at the time denied any contact and confirmed Kébé’s position for the 2026-2027 season.

Financial context

The club has a budget of 7.31 million euros, the highest in ELITE 2 history. This increase has raised expectations, especially with the involvement of American investors.

Upcoming match and uncertainty

The next match is scheduled for October 31, a home game against Quimper. It remains uncertain whether Tillay will still be the interim coach or if the club will have finalized its choice by then.