Éric Bartecheky, born on July 30, 1972, is making a significant return to Champagne Basket. With deep roots in Châlons, having played for Espé from youth to professional levels, and serving as assistant coach from 1996 to 2003 before managing the training center in 2003-2004, his decision to come back is multifaceted. He attributes his return to the club’s ambitious project, the appeal of a new challenge in rebuilding a team for the upcoming season, and the desire to ensure continuity with the strategic plan implemented over the past two years.
“The ambition is to try to establish ourselves in the playoffs,” he stated, confirming that preliminary discussions with management are already underway to shape the direction of the next season.
This homecoming to his formative club holds particular personal significance for Bartecheky. He reflects on this being “where it all began” and anticipates reconnecting with many familiar faces in Châlons, despite his long absence. While acknowledging the club’s evolution over the years – including the merger of Espé and Reims CB, changes in training locations, and the introduction of games at the Arena – developments he did not experience from the inside – he still regards Champagne Basket as the club of his youth.
