The interview begins by addressing the recent match against Landerneau, where the team’s initial advantage dwindled, leading to a narrow qualification. Romane Berniès admits that it wasn’t easy, especially when their offense faltered and the opponents started scoring. Despite the challenging momentum shift, she expresses satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting their home performance as crucial. She emphasizes the team’s resilience in “weathering the storm” and securing the win.
The conversation then shifts to the impact of coach Valéry Demory. Berniès credits him with instilling confidence, allowing her to be herself while pushing her to improve. She believes his belief in her has led to her taking on more responsibility, enhancing her outside shooting, and contributing to her return to the French national team. She expresses her enduring gratitude to him.
Looking ahead to the semi-final against Basket Landes, who are considered favorites and are likely seeking redemption after their Euroleague elimination, Berniès states they will approach the match with a “fearless” mindset. She acknowledges Basket Landes as a formidable opponent, currently the best French team, but stresses that in basketball, they have “nothing to lose, everything to gain.” She believes a victory would be an “exploit” and emphasizes the team’s focus on playing their game, hoping for a bit of luck from the “basketball gods.” Their goal is to play without regrets.
“Almost all the arenas are full.”
Reflecting on her personal season, where she finished as the third-best passer in the La Boulangère Wonderligue, Berniès admits she hasn’t focused on individual statistics. She feels she could have performed better, citing a rib injury that significantly hampered her momentum. She notes that her recovery took time, feeling fully back to her best only after the international break. Her priority remains the team’s results, and she expresses disappointment at not reaching the finals in either the European or French Cup. She is determined to finish the season strong and secure a place in the final.
Being sidelined due to injury was a difficult experience for Berniès. As an energetic person, she struggled with inactivity. Despite being unable to play, she attended every training session to maintain her connection with the team, especially as captain. She felt it was crucial not to abandon them, and while the recovery process was challenging, she believes she managed it well.
“Basketball is an incredible sport.”
Berniès confirms that the increasing crowds in the LFB arenas are noticeable on the court. She states that almost every venue they play in is full, which is very pleasing. Even smaller arenas are packed. This creates a strong feeling that women’s basketball is being actively followed, with both dedicated supporters and casual spectators coming to watch. She sees this as a positive development that needs to be continued, hoping that the exciting product on court will keep drawing audiences and potentially lead to the expansion of venues.
Over her fifteen-year professional career in France, Berniès has witnessed significant growth in media coverage for women’s sports. More media outlets are emerging, supporting and aiming to elevate women’s basketball. Games are increasingly televised, a stark contrast to the past where only finals might have been broadcast. She acknowledges the progress but believes there’s still room for improvement, drawing parallels with the burgeoning popularity of women’s basketball in the United States.
She agrees that a system similar to Élite 2, with games broadcast on regional channels, would be beneficial. Berniès passionately believes that basketball is an incredible sport that can captivate audiences, even those unfamiliar with it. She has observed firsthand how many newcomers to their games in Montpellier are thoroughly impressed and enjoy the experience. She is confident that such broadcasts would be successful and enjoyable for viewers.
With the increasing media attention, Berniès has noticed a greater buzz around the team, particularly after major events like the Olympics. She recounts receiving thanks, requests for photos from fans, and witnessing the positive impact of large sporting events on public engagement. While her daily life hasn’t dramatically changed, she senses a growing enthusiasm for the sport. She compares the current atmosphere to the “golden era” of French women’s basketball during the “Robber Era” and the Céline Dumerc effect, suggesting the current level of excitement is even higher. She hopes this momentum will continue to build, as she believes many more people would enjoy watching basketball.
She attributes this growth in part to the emergence of a talented generation of French players, such as Dominique Malonga and Nell Angloma. This influx of talent allows young girls to dream big, seeing that similar opportunities are within reach. Berniès believes this is crucial for the positive evolution of women’s basketball and showcases the quality of French youth development, potentially encouraging more parents to enroll their children in the sport.
“The Blues will go to the World Cup to win it!”
Regarding the numerous French players heading to the NCAA in the United States, Berniès acknowledges the financial allure as a significant factor. While universities used to recruit players, it’s now a more ingrained pathway. The booming popularity of basketball in the US, coupled with exceptional facilities, travel arrangements, and even private chefs, offers conditions that even top European players cannot match. She points out that many young players entering the professional leagues in Europe start on minimum wage, making the NCAA’s financial packages, including NIL deals, highly attractive. She understands why young players are drawn to these opportunities and the dream of playing in the US.
When asked if she regrets not being younger to experience these advancements, Berniès refrains from regret. She is content with her place in time and is happy to witness the evolution and growth of women’s basketball. She sees it as a positive development rather than something to be envious of. She believes it’s fantastic that women’s basketball is becoming a respected sport with the necessary resources for athletes to perform at their best, benefiting current and future generations.
Looking ahead to the World Cup in September, Berniès, at 32 (turning 33 in June), acknowledges the strong emerging talent but remains focused on the present. Every moment with the French national team is an objective. She is aware of her age and the incredible young talent pushing through, understanding that her place is never guaranteed. She cherishes each opportunity and vows to give her all if selected for the World Cup, emphasizing that nothing is promised for the future. She hopes to be part of the team and achieve a significant result, highlighting the competitiveness of the French squad and their ambition to win the tournament.
The prospect of the 2028 Olympic Games is certainly on her mind, but Berniès avoids dwelling on it too much, recognizing the many steps and stages before then. She prefers to focus on finishing the current season with BLMA strongly before shifting her attention, hopefully, to the national team. Each phase will be approached in its own time.
New Record: 1,936 average spectators this season in the Boulangère Wonderligue!
Beyond the adoption of the Boulangère Wonderligue playoff format change for next season, the FFBB has reported positively on public engagement in women’s basketball in France.
