Kessens : “I will never forget you”

Ahead of the final home game of the EuroLeague regular season this Thursday against Alba Berlin, our former captain Michael Kessens opened up before reuniting with his former teammates.

You’ll be returning to the adidas arena this Thursday — excited to see everyone again ?
“If only you knew ! Nothing will bring me more joy than seeing all these people I spent 18 months of my career with. Coming back to Paris is going to bring back powerful memories. Whether it’s seeing the guys again, the staff, the fans — it’s going to be a special moment. And of course, I won’t forget those working behind the scenes for the club. These people played a huge role in our success. Human relationships are often underrated. Seeing all those familiar faces that were part of my time in Paris — that’s what’s going to mean the most to me. One way or another, I’ll never forget you all.”

If you had to sum up your season so far, how would you describe it ?
“Individually, it’s going well. When I first arrived at Alba Berlin, it was tough — both in the league and in the EuroLeague. But since the coaching change, things have improved collectively. I was also lucky to get a coach I had worked with in the past. Playing under Tuomas Iisalo helped me adapt quickly to this new style of basketball. Now, we’re on track to make the playoffs in the league. Things are heading in the right direction.”

Even though you’re now with Alba Berlin, I assume you’ve been keeping an eye on your former teammates’ results ?
“I watch every game I can. The only times I didn’t were when we were playing at the same time — but I catch the replays. I’m still in contact with everyone. I know what’s happening in the Betclic ELITE, in the EuroLeague… I’m aware of the stakes. Everyone thought the guys wouldn’t be able to keep up the pace, but for me, seeing them fight for a playoff spot isn’t surprising. I know their mentality — I shared it with them. Our goal was to shock Europe, and they’ve done just that. The expectations that matter are ours, not anyone else’s. No matter where they finish, these guys have what it takes to make it to the Final Four. I wish them that with all my heart. No matter who they face — in the play-in or playoffs — they’ll beat them.”

As a former captain, if you had to choose only one memory from your time in Paris, what would it be ?
“Man, that’s brutal… (laughs). It’s so hard to pick. If I had to keep just one, I think it would be our EuroCup title. To be honest, we knew we were going to win. We were convinced. There was so much expectation around us coming in with the core from Bonn — we had just won the Basketball Champions League — that not winning the EuroCup would’ve been a failure. And then, when you look at our run afterward, it’s just insane. Even when I was there, Paris had the ambition to become one of the top clubs in Europe. And honestly, I feel like they’ve already made it.”

Any message you’d like to share with our supporters, whether or not they’ll be at the adidas arena on Thursday ?
“I’m so excited to see everyone. I know how incredible the atmosphere is, and with the stakes of this match, it’s going to be wild. I got to know the Parisii — I know they’ll bring the heat and light up the stands. They’re part of those memories too. That said, I’m with Alba Berlin now… so may the best team win !”