In its first season in European competitions, JL Bourg en Bresse has taken the 7DAYS EuroCup by storm. Bourg overcame difficulties to reach the Top 16 and Coach Savo Vucevic and co. are eager to show that they have a lot left in the tank.
Until now
Bourg has been one of the biggest and most pleasant surprises in the EuroCup this season. First, Bourg downed Bahcesehir Koleji Istanbul in its season opener. After falling at Joventut Badalona, COVID-19 struck the squad and Bourg was forced to postpone its next two games. Upon its return, still shorthanded, Bourg defeated Partizan NIS Belgrade in the Serbian capital, 76-89, behind 28 points from Pierre Pelos. After another win over Bahcesehir, Bourg qualified for the Top 16 with back-to-back victories against Umana Reyer Venice on consecutive days. Bourg beat Partizan at home, too, and had a chance to finish first in the group until its final game, but Joventut prevailed in Spain and Bourg placed third in Group A with a 6-4 record.
Hotshot
Without any doubt, Danilo Andjusic has been this team's leader and one of the best players in the competition so far. Andjusic averaged 17.7 points on 41.5% three-point shooting in the regular season and those numbers rose to 20.7 points on 43.2% from downtown in Bourg's victories. A great all-around scorer with unlimited shooting range, Andjusic has entered the prime of his career and proved he can lead a team to the EuroCup Top 16. Unfortunately for all of his team's future opponents, he only seems to be getting started. Expect Andjusic to keep filling the baskets everywhere.
Sleeper
Zachery Peacock is one of the most unconventional newcomers in the EuroCup this season, mainly because he is a French basketball star. In his sixth season with Bourg, Peacock, 33, has earned both French second division and French League MVP honors during his time with the team, helping it gain promotion to the elite level and qualify for the EuroCup. Peacock has struggled a bit, averaging 10.1 points on 44.2% two-point shooting and 3.8 rebounds over nine games. As one of Bourg's main pillars, Peacock can be counted on to help his team take another step forward in the Top 16.
Did you know?
Bourg has players who have played for all three of its Top 16 opponents in the past. Andjusic spent the 2012-13 campaign with Virtus Segafredo Bologna. Both Alen Omic and Zack Wright have suited up for Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana. Omic played there for three seasons and lifted the Slovenian Cup in 2013. Wright came to Olimpija for the 2015-16 season, in which he averaged 12.0 points over 15 EuroCup games. Most recently, Omic played for Buducnost VOLI Podgorica during the 2018-19 campaign. Moreover, Bourg head coach Vucevic was born in Bar, Montenegro.
Outlook
Bourg has a tough start in the Top 16, playing twice on the road against Olimpija and Buducnost before facing Virtus at home. Any disadvantage can turn into an advantage; in this case, if Bourg can win in Ljubljana, Podgorica or both. Bourg has been especially competitive on the road to date with a 4-1 record in such games; it beat Umana Reyer in Venice twice. Bourg may be a EuroCup newcomer, but has very experienced players in Andjusic, Peacock, Wright and Omic, a former champion who just needs 28 more rebounds to become the competition's all-time standings.