Team Breakdown: JL Bourg Basket

Bourg is one of the positive surprises in this seasons Eurocup competition. It is their first time playing in international competitions and they made it to the Top16 through a pretty hard and competitive group. Their team is not based on athleticism as you would expect from a French team but more balanced and team oriented.

Their start in Top16 wasn’t the best and they’ve lost both games; first with 108–80 against Budućnost in Podgorica and last week at home against Virtus with 99–87. Bourg has some problems with injuries in 2021 and haven’t played with their full roster yet and also Kadeem Allen, an important backcourt player left the team and joined the Canton Charge team in the G League.

For today’s match Alen Omić and Thomas Scrubb are out with injuries, two starting five players and Bourg lacks depth at the moment. Cedevita Olimpija at home has to accept the favorite role in this match but no team in Top16 should be underestimated and it won’t be a walk in the park.

Last 5 games from JL Bourg Basket in all competitions:

30/12: at Joventut Badalona 90–75
Top scorers: Andjušić 16, Ašćerić 13, Courby 11

10/01: at Asvel Lyon Villeurbanne 86–77
Top scorers: Andjušić 16, Wright 12, Scrubb 11

12/01: at Budućnost Voli 108–80
Top scorers: Andjušić 17, Buva 16, Scrubb 10

16/01: at Elan Bearnais 83–76
Top scorers: Pelos 21, Courby 18, Buva 17

20/01: vs Virtus Bologna 87–99
Top scorers: Andjušić 19, Buva and Courby 13, Pelos 12

OFFENSE

• Smart and efficient in offense — high eFG%
• Pretty high paced team
• Except Buva all players can shoot for three
• Danilo Andjušić their main offensive option
• They look a lot for Ivan Buva inside the paint
• Courby and Pelos two domestic players that shouldn’t be underestimated behind the three point arc

DEFENSE

• Not really aggressive in defense and they don’t make many fouls
• Bad transition defense
• Bad rim protection; they lack athleticism in the paint
• They steal the ball a lot — high steal percentage (10.3 %)

ROSTER

#5 Hugo Benitez (PG | 187 cm | ‘01)

Important rotation player of this team even though he just turned 20 years old. High IQ player that knows how to run the offense and shows some good court vision and passing potential. Good perimeter defender. Not the best and consistent shooter yet and needs to work more on this area of his game.

#7 Maxime Courby (SF | 199 cm | ‘90)

Another important player that should now with Scrubb out get even more minutes. Good defender and shooter. Can attack the rim with drives too but more a 3&D type player.

#8 Zack Wright (PG | 188 cm | ‘85)

Played for Olimpija a few years ago so he shouldn’t be a mistery. Not so athletic and explosive as few years ago but still can make some drives and get to the rim. Never been a good shooter from distance. Likes to attack from low post and also a decent perimeter defender.

#10 Luka Ašćerić (SF | 201 cm | ‘97)

He played last two years for Mega Basket in ABA League so not an unknown player in this region. Versatile wing that can do many things on the floor. In this team he is even playing as a point forward in offense and running sets and pick & rolls. Should be more aggressive in offense and attack the basket more often in my opinion.

#13 Pierre Pelos (PF | 205 cm | ‘92)

Stretch four with high shot release. Knows how to create separation on low post with his good footwork and has some decent inside game. A player that does many things right in offense and in defense.

#15 Zachery Peacock (PF | 203 cm | ‘87)

Experienced forward is playing his 5th season at Bourg. He struggles in offense in this year, especially in last months. Otherwise a player that can play inside or stretch the floor. Can bring some good scoring numbers to the table but usually not the best in defense. Even though he is in a shooting slump, still shouldn’t be left open!

#21 Thomas Scrubb (SG/SF | 198 cm | ‘91)

He is out for tonight so won’t write about him, just wish him a quick recovery!

#23 Alen Omić (C | 216 cm | ‘92)

Also out for tonight so he won’t be able to play at home in Ljubljana. We all know him well so no need to write much about him anyway. Wish him a quick recovery too.

#25 Ivan Buva (C | 208 cm | ‘91)

Came as a replacement for Omić and is already proving that he can be efficient in this team. Became the second scoring option in the team and they look for him a lot in the paint. Left hander and most finisher are with his left hand. He is strong and can create separation and move bodies on post ups. Not the best shooter from distance and doesn’t take many shots from distance. Not the quickest and the best athlete and could be attacked in pick & rolls.

#31 Thibault Daval-Braquet (PF/C | 210 cm | ‘96)

Got some minutes in a few Eurocup games this season. Tall player with solid touch around the rim and solid instincts for rebounds. His feel for game could be better.

#33 Danilo Andjušić (SF | 195 cm | ‘91)

Main player in this team and has a lot of freedom in offense. Can play as creator with ball in his hands and also as an off-ball shooter. Dangerous in offense as shooter, slasher and passer. Has long range and can shoot the ball from a few feet behind the three point line and should be guarded closely.

KEYS FOR CEDEVITA OLIMPIJA’S WIN

• Push the ball forward: Sounds like I’m repeating myself with looking for easy points in transition every week but it should be an important tactic for Olimpija. They are much quicker and better athletes while also Bourg struggles in transitional defense. So simple advice — push the ball and look for easy points in transition.
• Cut Andjušić off in offense: their main offensive threat and a lot depends on him. He can shoot and attack with drives also play on-ball and off-ball and is a complete offensive player. Players like Blažič, Hodžić and Brown should guard him closely all game long and don’t let him breath.
• Do not allow Buva to get a position under the rim: he will try to get a position right under the rim and look for easy points around the rim. Don’t let him get close to the rim or get the ball down low.
• No open shots for Pelos, Courby, Peacock and Ašćerić behind the three point line: they can sink open shots, especially if left open. Usually not the players that will take the initiative in offense but you can have a hard time if you give him too much space and let them sink their first few shots.
• Attack the rim: they lack athleticism and rim protection inside. Blažič and Perry should put pressure on the rim and attack in pick & rolls or with drives as much as possible.