The Alliance juggles continuity and change for its second season

(Montreal) The Alliance was able to earn a place in the hearts of Montrealers in its first season, but will try to establish itself as a competitive team in its second.

The leaders of the Alliance are the first to admit it: there were good and bad times during the inaugural season in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). The team notably ended the season ranked first in the league in average assist per game, but last in the league with a 4-16 record, including no wins on the road.

Annie Larouche, director of club operations, confirmed to The Press Tuesday evening at the Casino de Montréal that the head coach of the last campaign, Vincent Lavandier, would not be back at the helm of the team.

As for the new pilot, his identity will be known “soon”, or even next week, said Joel Anthony, general manager of training. “We are finalizing some details,” he said.

Asked whether Quebecer and former head coach of the Ottawa Blackjacks Charles Dubé-Brais could be the chosen one, Anthony preferred to waver, smirk.

What the general manager has been unable to hide, however, is his enthusiasm for the new season. He says he learned a lot from his first campaign as team boss and is entering his second year “with a lot fewer questions”.

The Montrealer was not the only one to be confident about the new year, because optimism and smiles were in order among the hundred participants during this evening organized in honor of season ticket holders.

Is it thanks to the unlimited wine – which the waiters offered without respite to everyone – or is it thanks to this renewal that comes with the new season? Hard to say, but basketball enthusiasts admitted to being excited about the future of the club.

” I’m eager to ! This team took my heart,” noted Hugo Beausoleil, the Alliance’s very first season ticket holder. “The unequaled atmosphere, the caliber of play, the spectacle and the presence of several Quebec players” in the organization were all factors that prompted him not to hesitate for a moment before renewing his subscription for one of her favorite summer activities.

This identity and this Quebec fiber will be kept for the next season, according to Joel Anthony.

Several Quebecers who wet the Alliance jersey will be back, but the official announcements will be made after the hiring of the head coach. The former glory of the Miami Heat wants to work with whoever will lead the team, since he does not want to impose certain players on him.

Since all contracts are only for one season in the LECB, the Alliance will have carte blanche for its roster for the 2023 season. It intends to build on what has made it successful off the field, but changing some ingredients, she hopes for new results in the field.

A revised calendar

Earlier today, the LECB announced its schedule for the new campaign along with a complete overhaul of how the season and playoffs work.

With the league now split into two associations (East and West), the Alliance will cross swords three times with their eastern rivals. It’s a format that will encourage the emergence of rivalries, and if they don’t come naturally, “we’ll create them”, launched Annie Larouche. The total of 20 games per season, however, remains unchanged.

Four of the five teams from each association will take part in the playoffs. Clubs from the same associations will face off against each other, with the Eastern champions meeting the Western champions in the final on August 13.

For its part, the Montreal team will begin its schedule on Friday, May 26 at the Verdun Auditorium against the Niagara River Lions.