SOMB begins new era with Bourgain-Drouot duo

The Stade Olympique Maritime Boulonnais (SOMB) is entering a new era. After confirming Olivier Bourgain’s return as sports director, the Boulogne-sur-Mer club announced Thomas Drouot’s arrival as head coach. The 41-year-old coach, who recently worked with SIG Strasbourg, has committed to a three-year project, aiming to bring Boulogne-sur-Mer back to the top of French basketball.

Drouot to lead the sporting project

After a turbulent season at Strasbourg, where he took over mid-season to ensure survival in Betclic ELITE but missed qualifying for the play-in, Thomas Drouot returns to a Nationale 1 bench. This time with a clear ambition: to build a sustainable project alongside Olivier Bourgain, Germain Castano’s famous partner, whom Thomas Drouot assisted at Orleans:

« I’m very happy to be SOMB’s new coach, » declared the new coach. « I can’t wait to arrive in Boulogne-sur-Mer, to meet the daily staff, volunteers, supporters, and partners. We’re already working with Olivier and Gauthier to build the best possible team. »

An ambitious return to roots

Drouot’s signing complements Olivier Bourgain’s return, who had mixed experiences at Limoges and Gravelines-Dunkerque after leading the club from regional championship to Pro A in 2014-2015. This experienced duo embodies a strong desire to revitalize SOMB, still competing in Nationale 1. Olivier Bourgain welcomed Thomas Drouot’s arrival at SOMB: « I’m very happy to announce Thomas Drouot’s signing. He already knows NM1, Pro B, and Pro A, particularly with SIG. » Olivier Bourgain, alongside president Anne Le Lan, hopes to help SOMB return to LNB eventually:

« It’s a great pleasure to return to SOMB, » he stated in his signing announcement. « I was fortunate to meet and discover wonderful people during 14 years of various promotions and trophies. In 2017, I decided to take on the challenge at Limoges CSP and then BCM Gravelines. Strengthened by these two incredible experiences, I’m returning home with extreme ambition and determination to succeed. »