By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Ali Traore has played for the French national team, top European clubs and has his share of injuries. However, it’s not by accident that he calls himself “Bomaye” on Twitter.
For those not familiar with the “Ali Bomaye” chant, it was the way that legendary boxer Muhammad Ali was hailed in the historic “Rumble in the Jungle” fight.
And like a good fighter, 33 years old Ali Traore is still standing and waiting for the next round, never staying down for the count. He did it against Promitheas Patras, leading the comeback of SIG Strasbourg and deciding the game that ended up being the first Basketball Champions League defeat of the season for the Greeks.
With one minute left, he made two free throws to give the lead to Strasbourg. Then he blocked a shot in order to keep things that way and in the end he got the defensive rebound that gave to his team the last possession. Plus he started the comeback with this vicious dunk.
.@Bomaye12 is a BAD MAAAN!
? https://t.co/KYh4DMj8fh @SIGStrasbourg #BasketballCL pic.twitter.com/0CmCTPlibK
— Basketball Champions League (@BasketballCL) November 7, 2018
This is not a surprise. Traore has started the season by scoring 20 points against Petrol Olimpija in 18 minutes of action. He averages 12,6 ppg and 4.4 rpg and he sets the bar high.
“Losing last season in the finals was a huge disappointment so of course, I come back hungrier”, said the French big man to Eurohoops. And while he left Monaco for Strasbourg, he believes that his team is a contender: “I believe in our chances of winning because we have a quality roster – not even full yet – and we have a lot of experienced players and especially Mike Green, the MVP of last season’s Final Four. Hopefully, he will show us the way!”
Traore always speaks his mind and he always expresses his opinion. And he believes that this year’s edition of the Basketball Champions League is ever more competitive compared to last season: “I think this season is pretty interesting with a lot of high-level teams competing! From my perspective, the level has increased from last season”.
Strasbourg has the mentality to go all the way. With veterans like Green and Traore, a coach like Vincent Collet and a solid club culture, the French contenders are one of the teams to watch in the Basketball Champions League.
And since good things should happen to good guys, Traore deserves one more chance for the title. After all, he is not only a good player but also a great guy. And if you don’t believe it, just follow him on social media and let you be the judge. You won’t be disappointed at all…
Photo: BCL