Lamine Kébé Acknowledges Constant Pressure at Orléans After Blois Defeat

Following a significant loss to Blois, Orléans coach Lamine Kébé stated, "Am I in danger? I've been in danger all along. That's a coach's role. I don't control that; I focus on the team. If decisions are made... I hope not. But I don't control that," speaking to ICI Orléans. He began his response by admitting, "We played a non-game. We were out-intensified tonight."

Kébé, who joined from the federal center in summer 2024 and was extended through 2027 in September 2025, left the court to crowd whistling. ICI Orléans described the reception as "unprecedented" since he took charge.

The derby, known as 'Centrico,' drew approximately 9,000 spectators, according to ICI Orléans, and nearly 10,000 according to France 3 Centre-Val de Loire. This match followed a January attendance record for the division set by the same two rivals. Blois led 27-14 after ten minutes and extended their lead to 41-19 by the 15th minute. Orléans managed to close the gap to 40-48 by halftime but faltered in the third quarter, losing it 16-35, with David Coit hitting three consecutive three-pointers. The deficit reached 27 points with ten minutes remaining (56-83).

Arthur Bouba dominated the paint with 21 points, 16 rebounds, and a performance index rating of 36. Blois outrebounded Orléans 47 to 31. Both of Orléans' summer acquisitions struggled: Jonathan Jeanne scored 7 points on 2-of-8 shooting, and Jordan Shepherd added 6 points on 2-of-11 shooting.

Orléans had previously lost at home to Champagne Basket (84-88) on the opening day and then to Antibes (89-85). Their two wins came against Quimper (73-83) and Hyères-Toulon (64-79). The club currently sits 13th in the standings.

This record is concerning given the club's investment. OLB's budget exceeds 7 million euros, with a payroll of 1.95 million euros, both the highest in the division. Blois, holding the third-highest budget, operates with 4.6 million euros. In April 2026, the club and the city of Orléans announced that American group JHZ Holdings, led by Ben Jenkins, Matt Hong, and Jamie Zaninovich, would soon acquire a stake, aiming to secure a lasting return to the Betclic Élite.

While Lamine Kébé did not achieve promotion in his first two seasons, he did secure two Leaders Cup Élite 2 titles, the second in February 2026 against Roanne.