Denain, on the ELITE 2 podium, assumes its position: « The players are competitors and you have no idea of their ambitions »

Third in ELITE 2 as they approach the final fixture of 2025, Denain has clearly changed face in December. Beaten in Rouen at the beginning of December, the Dragons have since strung together high-level performances, firmly establishing themselves on the podium before a far from insignificant match against Champagne Basket, recent conquerors of Roanne.

A strong reaction after Rouen

The defeat conceded in Rouen (93-79), against a lower-ranked team, had raised some doubts. It ultimately became a turning point. Since then, Denain has aligned three reference victories against teams established in the first half of the table, validating a real collective rise in power.

This series has propelled the club to third place in the standings, confirming that the Dragons have the weapons to compete with the championship heavyweights, both in intensity and consistency.

Assumed ambition, measured discourse

While the standings speak for themselves, the internal discourse remains deliberately measured. After the victory against Nantes, Ali Bouziane recalled that « the players are competitors and you have no idea of their ambitions, » while emphasizing the reality of the opposition in ELITE 2. « We must remain humble, » adds the Algeria national team coach. A clear message: the ambition is there, but it must remain controlled.

Same tone from backup power forward Christian Nelson (6’6″, 25 years old), who insisted on the need to last at the top of the table: « We are aware that we are at the top and our objective is to stay there. »

A real test at Champagne Basket

Denain will not have time to savor its fine series. The trip to Champagne Basket promises to be tricky, against a confident team, recent victors over Roanne and capable of significantly raising the intensity level at home.

This last game of the year will serve as both a sporting and mental barometer for the Dragons, called upon to confirm their status without falling into overconfidence. An ideal opportunity to measure whether Denain can truly establish itself durably among the championship contenders.