Over the weeks since the fall, there has been the announcement of a name, a logo, a general manager, coaches, then players.
For the first time on Monday, the Montreal Alliance took on a more concrete form in front of sports media cameras.
Nine days before the first game in its history in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (LECB), Montreal Alliance players held their first training session in the auditorium of Verdun, the team’s summer home.
Montreal playmaker Kemy Ossé arrived at 7:30 am to shoot some balls and soak in his new arena. The 29-year-old will play in his fourth season at LECB, but has not played at home since leaving for the American collegiate ranks in Arkansas in 2012.
My parents saw me play really four times in my life probably, the last time in 2017, Ossé said in front of journalists ’microphones. Playing at home will be special, especially since many of us are in the same situation.
Indeed, 10 of the 17 players of the formation are from good provinces.
It was fun to play with so many Quebecers and I was even more motivated, he added. There are a lot of guys I already know and I want to teach them business in the league. That said, they will also teach me how to be a better leader. I will grow from here.
Nathan Cayo is one of the youngest Montrealers to graduate with professional ranks. After a remarkable stint in the NCAA with Richmond University, he joined the Alliance with his brother Samuel, a former UQAM Citadins.
I had a good end to the season at March Madness, but there, it’s the professionals, it’s another level, confided the young man. I am here to learn and bring good energy. It is an honor to be part of this first pro team and we will play with honor.
Alliance coach, Frenchman Vincent Lavandier, has been described by many as a perfectionist. He believes he selected his players, including general manager Joel Anthony, according to the right criteria.
I don’t take Montrealers to take Montrealers, I take high -performing players, Lavandier said. There are some Montrealers who are very successful. I don’t think we’re wrong about personalities and their technical characteristics.
The idea of fun will be very important for our team. You have to have fun. If we could earn more, that would be perfect.
That, the chemistry seems to be settling. In the short time that separates the team from its very first game in Hamilton on May 25, it’s certainly not a luxury.
I am focused on leading the youngest, on talking more and we will be right, Kemy Ossé assured. We have a lot of strength, a lot of athleticism and we will be okay. The fact that we have a lot of Quebecers means we are playing for something bigger. In the fact of its existence, it weaves a bond between us.
The home opener is scheduled for May 29 at the Verdun auditorium. The season will last until August.
There is information from Alexandra Piché.
Source: Radio-Canada
