Paul Lacombe ('90), named in the All League Team at Espoirs Pro A, showed today his potential leading ASVEL to the victory over Le Mans (73-75) in a quarterfinals game of Trophée du Futur, held from today till Sunday in Poitiers. The guard collected a 28 valoration with 19 points (6/7 twos, 1/5 threes and 4/6 ft), 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 7 steals (even 7 turnovers). NBA Draft early-entry Bangaly Fofana ('89) also made a good job for winners with 17 points (6/10 twos and 5/6 ft), 6 rebounds and 3 blocks. At Le Mans shined youngster Thomas Ceci ('92), who poured 20 points (5/8 behind the arc) and pulled down 9 boards, while 2.11 center Negueba Samake ('90) added 15 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks.
In the first contest of the day Cholet beat Dijon (67-61) showing why they finished first in the league. Eventhough they found problems against the team led by Alexis Tanghe ('90), with 12 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. For winners the best was forward Christophe Leonard ('90) with 18 points (4/4 threes), 7 assists and 4 steals. Erwan Andre ('89) helped with 11 points, 9 rebounds and 1 steal.
Paris-Levallois also qualifyied for semifinals after winning Gravelines (76-66). Forward Benjamin Vauquois ('90) led the winners with 19 points, 5 steals and 3 rebounds. Four players more scored in double-figures: Jonathan Leria ('90), 14, Malela Mutuale ('91), 13, and Giovan Oniangue ('91), 11. Forward Maxime Courby ('90) made the best performance of the journey, collecting a 30 valoration with Gravelines, but not enough to win: 19 points, 17 rebounds and 2 steals.
In the last game of the day Le Havre beat locals of Poitiers (78-72). NBA Draft early-entry Sarra Camara ('89) showed his skills for winners with 20 points (8/10 twos), 7 rebounds and 3 blocks, while Fabien Paschal ('91) added 12 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists. Power-forward Mickael Var ('90) finished with a double-double for locals: 14 points, 12 rebounds and 3 steals.
The semifinals will be played tomorrow Saturday: Cholet - Lyon Villeurbanne (18.00h) and Paris Levallois - Le Havre (20.30h).
The league also named the All Espoirs ProA Team of the season. Who were choosen? Paul Lacombe ('90) from ASVEL, Jonathan Rousselle ('90) from Gravelines, Christophe Leonard ('90) from Cholet, Babacar Niang ('91) from Le Mans and Ferdinand Prenom ('91) from Dijon.
Photo: ASVEL
