By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse is back in the BKT EuroCup Finals – with a completely new roster built on the same structure and ideas that have already proven capable of reaching this stage.
Two years after a historic run ended just short of the club’s first European trophy, the French side has earned another opportunity to finish the job.
The road back hasn’t been linear. After reaching the 2024 Finals, Bourg failed to get out of the group stage last season, but in 2025-26, with a reshaped roster and a clearer identity, it has returned stronger.
The defining moment of the campaign came in this year’s semifinals.
After dropping Game 1 at home to Turk Telekom Ankara, Bourg responded with composure and resilience, winning the next two to advance. A dominant 94-78 victory in Game 3, fueled by a 21-6 run in the fourth quarter, showcased both the team’s maturity and its defining trait this season – character.
That identity is reflected in the numbers as well. Bourg has built its success on structure and control, ranking among the top defensive teams in the competition with a defensive rating of 107.1, third-best in the EuroCup, per 3stepsbasket.com.
At the same time, it operates at one of the slowest paces, averaging just 72.6 possessions per game – the second-lowest mark in the league. Rather than trying to outrun opponents, Bourg dictates the tempo and limits opportunities.
Its defensive activity reinforces that approach. With 10.7 combined steals and blocks per game, the French side ranks fourth in the competition, consistently disrupting rhythm and forcing turnovers.
This run is even more impressive considering how much has changed since 2024.
Kevin Kokila remains the only link to that Finals team, with the club having rebuilt almost its entire roster and quickly molded it into a cohesive unit. Players like Adam Mokoka and Darius McGhee have provided scoring and playmaking, but Bourg’s strength lies in its balance and collective execution.
Still, one player has managed to stand out.
Both Gach has emerged as the centerpiece of this new-look Bourg team. The 26-year-old South Sudan international arrived after a strong stint with Darussafaka and an MVP campaign in Finland, and he has carried that momentum into his first EuroCup season. Averaging 14.0 points on 62% shooting and 42.7% from three, he has combined efficiency with versatility throughout the year.
His impact was even more pronounced in the semifinals. Against Turk Telekom, Gach averaged 17.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across the three games, shooting an outstanding 70.6% from the field and 43.8% from beyond the arc. In the decisive Game 3, he delivered 21 points, stepping up when it mattered most and providing both scoring and a defensive presence.
He wasn’t just productive – he was decisive.
Now, Bourg faces its ultimate test in the Finals against Besiktas GAIN Istanbul, a team that it lost twice to in the group stage and entered the season as one of the favorites.
For a club still chasing its first European trophy, this is more than just another opportunity. It’s a return to the same stage, with more experience, a new identity, and a second chance to finally get it done.
Because sometimes, all you need is one more shot.