Axel Julien : "I have a special connexion with the Espace 3000"

Can you tell us about the closing stages of the game and the real battle you had against Le Havre ?

“We got the job done in the final minutes, but it's frustrating to have the game under control in the fourth quarter, leading by 14 points, and then let them back into it...We stopped playing, made mistakes, and there were lots of little things like that. Unfortunately, it's not the first time this has happened. But we got the win, which feels good, although we need to learn how to close out games better. Tonight, it could have gone either way. But we made the plays we needed to get the win, and that's the most important thing.”

How did you feel personally, coming back from injury ?

“I wasn't supposed to play in this game. I only found out yesterday because Luka (Asceric) injured his calf... So they brought me back into the team (smiles). I wasn't supposed to play too many minutes, so my playing time was limited, but I really wanted to help the team. My first-half performance wasn't great, though. I was lacking match fitness and had only trained once with the guys. Now, I'll try to bring a bit more composure and stability at point guard. I felt better in the second half, and I'll gradually get back into rhythm ! But I'm really happy to be back on the court. I've been looking forward to it so much, and I hope my body gives me a break so I can play as many games as possible this season !”

Tonight marked your big return to Espace 3000. How did it feel ?

“I was really happy. Like I said, it wasn't planned, and I really wanted to play in at least one of our two home games (Orléans / Le Havre). It's an arena I loved playing in before, and I still love it just as much now, especially since it's been completely renovated ! But I have a special connection with this place. I've been coming here since I was a little kid, and it's also much closer for my family to come and watch the games, so I'm really happy about that.”