Kemy Ossé’s smile said it all Wednesday morning when he was introduced to the media as the first player of the Montreal Alliance. ” I am happy ! “, launched the Montrealer to The Press.
Posted at 1:08 p.m.
The announcement took place within the walls of the Verdun Auditorium, home of the Alliance. When the general manager, Joel Anthony, left the microphone to the 29-year-old athlete, he lacked the words to explain his feelings.
“I never thought it would happen,” he said. A professional team in Montreal is the best thing that could have happened. It’s a feeling I can’t explain. I thank everyone for coming today. »
Ossé, who grew up in the Parc-Extension district of Montreal, left Quebec after representing the province at the Canada Games in 2009. He played four seasons with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, in division 1 of the NCAA. He averaged 6.0 points, 0.7 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 17.5 minutes played per game, in addition to participating in March Madness in 2016.
The point guard then spent three seasons in the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL), before joining the Saskatchewan Rattlers, who will be an Alliance opponent this season in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (LECB). ). In two seasons with the Rattlers, Ossé is averaging 11.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 27.1 minutes per game.
Thirteen years after leaving Quebec, he is back. At last. He himself struggles to remember the last game he played in front of family and friends. His mother was also present for the announcement.
“Just playing at home, in front of my family, is something special,” he said. I don’t think all players are lucky enough to experience this. »
“My parents have seen me play for real maybe four times in my career. There, now, they will have a chance to see me play at home. That’s wonderful. »
Ossé is the very first player signed by Joel Anthony in his new role as general manager.
“Having a local player who is just as engaged on the court as he is in his community makes this signing special for us,” said the former NBA player. His leadership as well as his experience in the League will play a big role for us, as will his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball. »
Competitive
In interview with The Press when he was appointed head coach on March 10, Vincent Lavandier said he wanted “technical, vocal leaders, to have a certain chemistry” in his team. This is what he seems to have found in Ossé.
“Kemy is a vocal leader, and his knowledge of the League will be a real strength for our team,” he said in a press release, he who is still in France at present.
Ossé has nevertheless had the opportunity to discuss with his new coach since he agreed with the team. “I watched matches of the teams he has coached. I was very pleased with what I saw. »
“I’m going to do what the staff going to want me to do. I think that’s leadership,” he says.
When asked what type of season he expects in this new franchise, the Haitian-born athlete makes it very clear: “I want to win every game! Every time I play basketball, that I get on the field, it’s to win. »
According to Joel Anthony, the team should be competitive this season.
“We’re going to have talent,” he says. I think we’re gonna be a little younger [que les autres équipes], but we will have players like Kemy who have leadership and experience. It will be good for us. »
The Alliance is now entering the final stage before the start of the season. The team is due to meet on May 16 for the start of training camp.
“I’m excited! launches the vice-president, Annie Larouche. It starts to take shape. We couldn’t wait to announce our first player, finally. There, the announcements, it will tumble. Whether it’s the group of coaches, the players… We work hard behind the scenes. »
The Montreal team will play the first game of its season on May 25 against the Honey Badgers in Hamilton. She will then return to Montreal for her first home game in franchise history, May 29 at 4 p.m. against the Scarborough Shooting Stars. Mme Larouche also affirms that the season ticket sale is going “super well”.