Off to Paris: The Bayern basketball team faces a tough challenge against the French champions on Thursday evening. Despite a summer overhaul, Paris Basketball remains an unpredictable, high-tempo team that has started the EuroLeague season very solidly—contrary to expectations—and is level with Munich in the standings. The winner of this matchup will have a positive record of 5:4 after nine game days. Tip-off at the Adidas Arena is at 9 p.m.
“Paris plays at the highest pace in the EuroLeague, and that applies to their defense as well. It will be important to withstand the pressure and control the tempo of the game,” says head coach Gordon Herbert, adding: “The key will be to rebound well.”
Hifi Currently the Top EuroLeague Scorer
Paris won four of their first six games, surprising at Partizan (101:83) and Tel Aviv (101:84). Most recently, they suffered two defeats, at home against Efes (80:90) and in Milan (77:86).
After the era of TJ Shorts, Mikael Jantunen, Maodo Lo, Tyson Ward, and coach Tiago Splitter ended during the wild transfer summer, French national player Nadir Hifi has been chosen as the new focal point. The unconventional shooter delivers on good days and is currently the EuroLeague’s top scorer, averaging 22.2 points. US guard Justin Robinson, who joined from Italy (14.9 ppg), and former BBL pro Sebastian Herrera (9.9) also contribute effectively to the offensive output.
Tour Guide Kratzer
Paris ranks second behind Valencia with nearly 90 points per game, mainly due to their pace and famously aggressive rebounding. Their average of 42.3 rebounds and especially their offensive rebounds (16.6 ORpG) are league bests; the French team grabs almost half of all available offensive boards after missed shots. New coach Francesco Tabellini (42, previously two years in Nymburk/Czech Republic) continues the approach of his predecessors.
Bayern center Leon Kratzer returns, having contributed to the success of the EuroCup winners (2024), champions, and last year’s playoff participants (as well as cup and league cup) for two years. “I had two great years in Paris and I’m looking forward to seeing some familiar faces again,” says the European champion. “The team has changed a lot, but the playing style hasn’t. Above all, we need to focus on slowing down their speed.”