By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Paul Lacombe penned a contract until the end of the 2023-24 season with SIG Strasbourg, the team announced Monday.
Also, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne confirmed his departure. “Obviously, I wish Paul the best for the future,” said deputy chairman Gaetan Muller, “I think this is a great opportunity for him after two seasons with us. He helped us win two domestic championships and one French Cup. We are very grateful for everything he brought to the club and we thank him. Also, this is part of the club’s desire to further develop Zaccharie Risacher giving him responsibilities.”
Lacombe, 32, left the team based in Alsace following the 2016-17 season after spending four years at the club. AS Monaco was his team for the next three seasons and ASVEL followed from 2020-21 to the beginning of the ongoing 2022-23 season.
“I am extremely happy to return to a club I know very well and with which I have kept in touch, both with the front office and the coach,” noted the experienced swingman, per the press release, “I will get to know my new teammates but from what I gather and understand about the team, I think I will adapt well.”
At the top of the 2022-23 campaign, Lacombe was limited to three appearances in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague averaging 9:43 per contest. Domestically, he produced 4.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game in France’s Betclic Elite LNB Pro A.
“I want to show everyone that this is not simply a comeback and that I am a real basketball player,” he added on his return to Strasbourg, “I come with a real desire to help the club in a difficult start to the season, but also with the high goals. In the short term, I aim for us to qualify for the Leaders Cup. Considering the quality of the team, it is achievable. For the next goals, we will see later in the season.”
In 2015, Lacombe captured both the Leaders Cup and the French Cup as a member of Strasbourg. He has also been crowned league champion with ASVEL in 2009, 2021, and 2022.
Head coach Lassi Tuovi was working as an assistant during Lacombe’s first stint. “It was a real pleasure working with Paul. He is an excellent player, but even more a good person and perfect teammate,” the Finnish tactician commented on the reunion.
Claiming two wins from three games, Strasbourg is tied with UCAM Murcia on top of the Group A standings halfway through the double-legged round-robin schedule. At 1-6 in the French league, it is stuck at the bottom of the table.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net