Since I should work but question me a lot about some stuff that could not run the way I'd like... Let's do it.
Even if the logical order wouldn't want me to do next Hyeres-Toulon preview, some reason pushed me to do so...
For this one, I'll need some help from BasketNews preview, much more than I did for the 2 first teams.
Last year's HTV struggled a lot due to injuries. They had 17 players overall signed during the year, second in France to Pau-Orthez.
Nevertheless, the MVP was once again in this little team. Austin Nichols went on for an extraordinary season. But, he left... This year, for Hyeres, to stay in Pro A will be the must-achieve objective. They will look for the playoffs, but nothing's really sure about their presence there. Let's take a look on the players:
PG-SG Pierre Pierce: Coming out of a good statistical season in which he was the second threat behind Nichols, Pierce is a low percentage outside shooter, but a very good percussion scorer. In the first game of season, he's put up good numbers(21 pts, 9rbds 8ast), but with 0/4 threes. He'll need to keep this pace for HTV to get a great season.
SF Florent Tortosa: Newly integrated in the team, he was known as a good three point shooter in Espoirs Pro A, the U22 French championship. He was part of the U20 team that won the Silver in Greece, but didn't play much there. DNP during first game.
SF Derrick Obasohan: The Nigerian is not unknown in Hyeres, a club for which he put up great numbers 2 years ago. In Strasbourg he was a great shooter, shooting 51/111 in the season, best percentage in Pro A. He can alternate at the 4 too, but needs to recover his best level. Could be a very good surprise for HTV this year. Went on for 33 points against Roanne already.
SF Hrvoje Perincic: He is the coach's player. He played for Weisz in Strasbourg, and now for HTV. His shoot and experience are precious, and he will be the mental leader of the team. A good first game, but nothing extraordinary.
SG-PG Laurent Legname: 32 years old, only one pro season away from his native South, last year in Boulogne, N1(3rd div). He is a great outside shooter before anything. He'll come frome the bench all season long.
SF Nobel Bougnou-Colo: Coming from Orleans's formation center, he is an athletic guy, competed in the 2008 slam dunk contest. Very good stealer, but even more prone to lose balls(124 stl, 130 lost in 30 games of Espoirs Pro A last year). He'll learn this season.
C Saer Sene: Tall guy, who played few in the NBA after being a 1st round pick. His size and athleticism could be a great advantage in France defensively, but I don't expect him to make such a big impact offensively. Usually, Pro A is a kingdom for small and mobile centers.
He went on for 8 points, 18 rebounds an 5 blocks and 2 ast against Roanne.
PG-SG Daniel Horton: Played a part of last season for Pau, averaging around 11 points per game, and being part of the recovery the team knew with the arrival of Dylan Page. Played the season before in HTV. He will make the backcourt with Pierce.
The only starter with a poor game against Roanne.
C Vincent Masingue: A veteran, very reliable, efficient but not so skilled. Count on him to fight in the paint, have his opponent suffering. Vinny Vinny Bang Bang was injured most of last year, and did not play the first game.
You may want to send him to the FT line when the game is on the line.
PF-C Thomas Terrell: He was one of the top players from the LEB Oro last year, maybe our Spanish friends know him. Athletic, reliable seeing his CV, he will be the main offensive threat inside. His ability to defend on bigger guys could be useful.
Had 20 points against Roanne.
Really, I can't say much on this team. Unfortunately, I just can rely on what journalists say. It seems to be a good team, but too much americanised in my opinion. I don't think they will make the playoffs personnally.