Walking into the Nanterre gym on a crisp October evening, I could already feel the energy brewing—the kind that only a serious basketball town like this can generate. I’ve been following Nanterre’s roster evolution for years, both as a former assistant coach in the French league and now as an analyst, and I have to say, this season’s squad has a different kind of vibe. There’s youth, there’s experience, and there’s something intangible—maybe it’s chemistry, maybe it’s hunger—that makes me think they could surprise a few people in the Pro A and European competitions this year. Let’s break it down, player by player, position by position, with a little insider perspective thrown in.

First, let’s talk about the backcourt. At point guard, I’m particularly excited about the development of Benjamin Sene. He’s not the flashiest name, but his court vision is, in my opinion, among the top five in the league. Last season, he averaged 7.2 assists per game, and I expect that number to climb to around 8.5 this year. He controls the tempo like a seasoned conductor, and having watched him in preseason, his pull-up jumper has improved noticeably. Then there’s the two-guard spot, where Jeremy Nzeulie brings that explosive scoring punch. He’s a bit streaky—some nights he drops 25, others he might struggle to find his rhythm—but when he’s on, he’s virtually unguardable. I remember one game last February where he hit six three-pointers in the second half alone. That kind of firepower is priceless.

Moving to the wings, this is where Nanterre’s depth really shines. I’ve always been a fan of players who can defend multiple positions, and in T.J. Campbell, they have exactly that. He’s 6'6", long, agile, and he’s improved his corner three-point shooting to a respectable 38% last season. But what I love most is his defensive versatility; he can switch onto guards and hold his own against bigger forwards. On the opposite wing, Tariq Kirksay brings veteran leadership and a high basketball IQ. At 34, he might have lost a step physically, but his positioning and decision-making are as sharp as ever. I’ve spoken with a couple of the younger players, and they’ve mentioned how Kirksay’s mentorship during film sessions has been invaluable. That kind of intangible doesn’t show up in the stat sheet, but it wins games.

Now, the frontcourt. At power forward, I see Justin Robinson taking a big leap. He’s only 22, but his athleticism and ability to finish around the rim are already pro-level. Last year, he averaged 11.4 points and 6.8 rebounds, and I wouldn’t be surprised if those numbers jump to 14 and 8 this season. He’s raw in some areas—his post moves need polishing—but his energy is contagious. At center, the anchor is undoubtedly Bastien Vautier. Standing at 6'11", he’s a traditional big who sets solid screens, protects the rim, and rebounds with authority. He averaged 1.9 blocks per game last season, and I think he’ll lead the league in that category this year. His presence in the paint allows the guards to play more aggressively on the perimeter, knowing he’s got their backs.

Of course, basketball isn’t just about individual talent—it’s about how they fit together. Watching them in their first few games, I noticed their ball movement has been crisp, with an average of 21.3 assists per game as a team, which is up from 18.7 last season. That’s a testament to the coaching staff’s emphasis on unselfish play. But what really stands out to me is their adaptability. In a recent tight game, they switched to a small-ball lineup with Kirksay at the four, and it completely disrupted the opponent’s offense. That kind of strategic flexibility could be their X-factor in close contests.

Thinking about the atmosphere, I’m reminded of something a young prospect once shared about adjusting to intense environments. I recall a quote from a player in a similar setting: “It was fun because the crowd is going back and forth and I’m still getting used to the drums, the drums are banging all the time, I can’t hear sometimes so I’ll still have to get used to it.” That resonates with what some of Nanterre’s newer players might experience, especially in high-stakes matches. The home crowd here is passionate, almost rhythmic in their support, and it can be overwhelming. But from what I’ve seen, this roster has the mental toughness to thrive in those conditions. Players like Sene and Vautier have been through it before, and they’ll help the younger guys adapt.

Looking ahead, I’m bullish on Nanterre’s chances. They have a balanced roster with a mix of youth and experience, and if they stay healthy—which is always a big if—I predict they’ll finish in the top four of the Pro A standings and make a deep run in the FIBA Europe Cup. Personally, I’d love to see them use more pick-and-roll actions with Sene and Robinson, as I think that duo has untapped potential. But overall, this team has the pieces to compete at a high level. As the season unfolds, I’ll be keeping a close eye on their defensive rotations and how they handle adversity on the road. If they can maintain their current momentum, we might just be talking about Nanterre as a dark horse contender come playoff time.