They massed in number in the stands of the Montpellier Arena more than an hour from kick-off. The supporters of the French basketball team, most of them dressed in blue and with tricolor flags in hand, did not want to miss any of the atmosphere of this preparation match for the Blues, largely victorious over Italy (100- 68), two weeks before the start of the Euro.
Usually, we see them on TV!
It was an opportunity to see stars who play for some in the United States. “It was a dream to be able to see the France team in real life” confides the young Jérémy, who had this place as a gift after obtaining his patent. “To see them like that in real life, it’s a lot of emotion“. Same feeling for Thomas, in his twenties and like a kid a few minutes from kick-off. “Usually I see them every day on TV, and there to see them in real life, I have stars in my eyes.“
I did not imagine such an atmosphere
The atmosphere was also particularly intense from the first encouragement from the announcer to the last basket of the match. And that too, it marked the supporters. “It’s the pinnacle! All the people shouting, the games, the animations, it’s so good” ignites Nina, jersey of an American basketball club on the shoulders. “I did not imagine such an atmosphere in a room like this” admits another supporter, admiring the show organized at half-time.
And this American show is not completely over because the French basketball players are playing another match in Montpellier: they continue tomorrow against Belgiumstill at the Montpellier Arena at 8:30 p.m.