Three talented players from Saint-Quentin Basketball (SQBB) are set to represent their club at the prestigious LNB All-Star Game 2024, scheduled for this Sunday, December 29, at the Accor Arena in Paris. Nolan Traoré, Jerome Robinson, and Enzo Goudou-Sinha were selected to participate in this celebrated event, which showcases the top players from the Betclic Elite league.
The occasion marks the 22nd year of this highly anticipated All-Star Game, mirroring similar events held by the NBA across the Atlantic. This year promises to be particularly special, as the event is expected to draw a sold-out crowd of 15,846 basketball fans eager to witness some of the sport's best talent on display.
For the SQBB—affectionately known as the Phénix—this participation highlights the culmination of what has been a stellar year for the club. After finishing 6th during their first season back in the Betclic Elite, the team made headlines by successfully reaching the playoffs. Although their playoff voyage ended against ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne, the team can take pride in their recent accomplishments.
Nolan Traoré, just 18 years old, has been making waves this season. Making his debut for SQBB last March, he quickly became indispensable to the team's success. He has been named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his performances on two occasions already this season. His first MVP title came on October 2 during the Basketball Champions League matchup against Kolossos, and the second on December 21 during the derby against Portel, where he recorded 13 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds.
Traoré’s formidable skills have not gone unnoticed, and his presence at the All-Star Game will allow him to not only showcase his abilities but also connect with peers who have NBA experience. "It's fantastic to end the year with these performances," he noted, eager to glean insights from more seasoned players and learn from their journeys.
Joining Traoré is Jerome Robinson, who will be playing for the World Team. The American guard, drafted 13th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers back in 2018, brings valuable experience to the SQBB roster. Robinson's tenure has seen him earn recognition, particularly during the recent match against Kolossos, where he was named the game’s MVP.
Enzo Goudou-Sinha, the third SQBB player selected for this year’s All-Star event, will participate in the three-point shooting contest. Goudou-Sinha arrived as a medical joker earlier this season and secured his place within the team, showcasing impressive shooting accuracy, averaging 42% from beyond the arc. His consistency and scoring ability have proven him to be an integral part of the team's strategy and performance this season, especially as he was named MVP against Limoges recently.
The All-Star Game will kick off at 5 PM, featuring exciting competitions leading up to the main event, which is expected to begin around 6:30 PM. Notable competitions include the three-point contest featuring Goudou-Sinha, alongside other leading players like Nicolas Lang and Nadir Hifi.
Both the French and World teams have been announced, with Traoré scheduled to play for the French team. His acknowledgment as one of the promising talents not only for the club but also for the entire country is underscored by his expected ranking within the top 15 of the upcoming NBA draft. All eyes are on him as he steps onto the court this Sunday, ready to make his mark.
Meanwhile, Robinson adds depth to the World team dynamics, which showcases international talent, providing spectators with lively matchups filled with dramatic plays. The teams are crafted to bring the best of both domestic and international players together, making this year’s All-Star Game not just another event but rather a celebrated gathering of basketball excellence.
Fans of the SQBB will certainly be delighted by this representation as the franchise continues to rise to prominence within French basketball. The 2024 All-Star Game is set to be more than just entertainment; it's poised to be the start of new horizons for the selected players.
With the success of SQBB this season and their active participation in prestigious events like the All-Star Game, the 2024 basketball year promises to be rewarding for both the team and its players as they aim high and continue to redefine their legacy on national and international stages.