Stephane is a 35 year old 203 forward from Gabon, Africa playing his 11th professional season and first with Unics Kazan (Russia-VTB). He has had a long and fruitful career having played in the NBA with Golden State and Miami and had a stellar career at Umas(NCAA) from 2003-2007 and as a senior played 33 games averaging 13.5ppg, RebA10-1(9.5rpg), BlocksNCAA-2(5.1bpg), FGPA10-2(61.1%), FT: 62.2%: Third player in NCAA history to record four triple-doubles in a single season (2006-07), joining Jason Kidd (Cal, 1993-94) and Michael Anderson (Drexel, 1985-86). Tied for 18th in NCAA history for career blocks (399), passing Marcus Camby as UMass all-time career leader. Finished second in career field-goal percentage at UMass (.595). In Europe he has played in countries like Serbia, Israel, Spain, Greece and Turkey. He played two seasons with top Euroleague team Panathinaikos Athens (Greece-A1) and played 122 Euroleague games. He has won 9 professional titles in Serbia, Israel, Greece, and Turkey including the Eurocup. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup do or die game in Munich against FC Bayern Munich.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjJdgqVzwRY
Steph thanks for talking to German Hoops. You’re preparing for a do or die Eurocup game in Munich. How many of these type of games have you had in the NCAA and as a professional?
I had these type games many times and actually they happen at least once every season. I try not to focus on how difficult the situation is, but just give 100% on the court.
Congrats on the big 80-73 win at home against FC Bayern Munich. It was a tale of two halves. Munich controlled the first half and Unics fought back in the second half and won. Did you learn anything new about your team in the second half?
We have a new team and it is still a learning process. We are still learning how to play together on the court and the best way to learn is when you are in a difficult situation. We have guys that have been in this position before and for the young guys it is a very good learning experience.
Unics Kazan have the momentum, but need to win on the road in Munich. How confident are you that you will win and what will be key for getting the victory?
I am confident that we can win in Munich. We were a bit nervous in the first game and in the second game until halftime. I feel we showed in the second half in Kazan that we know how to act the right way on the court. The big key for both teams in game three will be who plays harder. I don´t think that it will have to do so much with tactics, but more which team has the most energy and who leaves it all on the floor.
German Hoops 