SIG Strasbourg awaits Jahel Trefle’s response
Betclic ELITE - Having officially announced Janis Gailitis as head coach, SIG Strasbourg has recruited William Pfister, Fousseyni Traore and Adama Bal. Meanwhile, the Alsatian club hopes to secure promising center Jahel Trefle, a player with high potential.
Photo Credit : P. Gigon / SIG Strasbourg
SIG Strasbourg is starting a new cycle with the arrival of Latvian Janis Gailitis as head coach. While several recruits have already been announced – William Pfister, Fousseyni Traore and Adama Bal – the Alsatian club also wants to secure one of its youth academy’s greatest prospects: Jahel Trefle. Born December 21, 2007, this young 6’10 » center distinguished himself this season with the U21 team while making his first appearances in Betclic ELITE.
Janis Gailitis starts his project with three recruits
By appointing Janis Gailitis as head coach, SIG Strasbourg hopes to give new momentum to its project. The former VEF Riga coach will oversee a renewed roster, with the arrivals of three distinct profiles: William Pfister (experienced center), Fousseyni Traore (athletic center from BYU in NCAA) and Adama Bal (French shooting guard from Santa Clara).
These signings add to the already confirmed presence of Jean-Baptiste Maille, who remains under contract. But the rebuilding is far from complete.
Jahel Trefle, Strasbourg’s youth development priority
After seeing NBA prospect Joan Beringer leave in 2024, Strasbourg wants to secure its new gem: Jahel Trefle. Originally from Narbonne, this 17-year-old played 20 games in U21 ELITE during the 2024-2025 season, posting promising numbers: 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 0.9 assists in 24 minutes per game. He was also integrated into the first team, with 7 appearances in Betclic ELITE (0.9 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.3 assists in 6 minutes).
According to Dernières Nouvelles d’Alsace, « discussions with the 17-year-old are ongoing and both parties are giving themselves about ten days to reach a deal beneficial for everyone. » Strasbourg has offered him a multi-year professional contract, aiming to build around him and support his development in a suitable environment.
Stats 2024-2025 / U21 ELITE
PTS
9.4
#71
REB
4.3
#55
AST
0.9
#148
Illan Pietrus tempted by NCAA?
Another pressing matter for the Strasbourg staff: Illan Pietrus. The son of the former French international gained playing time this season (10 minutes on average) but is « not sure to be present at the start of training » in August. The NCAA is courting him, attracted by his profile and the now-authorized ability to compensate players.
« We have no information about his decision to continue with us or not, » a manager told DNA, being realistic about a situation that has become common for French clubs.
While waiting for firm decisions from its young players, SIG Strasbourg is laying the foundation for its new project, balancing experienced recruitment with homegrown talent promotion.
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve est le fondateur et rédacteur en chef de BeBasket, qu’il anime depuis 2010 (sous le nom de Catch & Shoot). Passé par l’Ecole Publique de Journaliste de Tours, puis deux universités en Amérique du Nord, il a pu développer son expertise sur le basket français, de la Ligue Nationale aux divisions amateurs, durant ces 20 dernières années. En parallèle, il est aussi engagé dans le développement de clubs du côté de Montpellier.
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