# Strasbourg Faces Familiar Foe in Maxhuni as Gravelines-Dunkerque Seeks Stability
SIG Strasbourg will clash with a former player this Sunday as they face BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque, a team navigating a turbulent start to the 2025-2026 season. The matchup features Edon Maxhuni, the Finnish leader who previously wore the Alsatian tunic, now spearheading the Hauts-de-france club.
BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque has experienced a mixed bag of results early in the season,marked by both setbacks and glimmers of potential. A important defeat against reigning champion Paris Basketball (66-109) and a subsequent loss to Nanterre (101-79) highlighted the team’s ongoing struggles to find consistency. Their elimination from the Coupe de France at the hands of portel (77-71) further underscored the need for improved cohesion and performance over a full forty minutes.
Despite these challenges, the team isn’t without its bright spots. Edon Maxhuni has emerged as a key figure, demonstrating leadership and offensive prowess. “He stands out as a true leader-clear-headed, impactful, capable of keeping the team afloat offensively,” a team observer noted. While the collective is currently dealing with absences of key players including Chris Babb, Tajuan Agee, and Soren Bracq, a strong desire for progress remains evident.
Did you know? – Gravelines-Dunkerque is currently rebuilding after a disappointing 2023-2024 season, hoping to establish a more consistent presence in the Betclic Élite league. They finished 17th last season.
Currently, the SIG Strasbourg team boasts a minimum two-point shooting percentage of 55% in the Betclic Elite league.
The upcoming contest will see Strasbourg facing a player intimately familiar with their system. Maxhuni spent half a season with the Alsatian team last year before seeking a new challenge with Gravelines-Dunkerque. His recent performance as a semi-finalist in the Eurobasket adds to his credentials as a pivotal player for his new club.
maxhuni’s basketball journey began early, with experience gained in Spain, Italy, and Turkey, followed by a university career at Long Beach State. He truly established himself as a force while playing for Portel, a major rival of BCM. at 27 years old, Maxhuni is performing at a high level, having averaged 11.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists during his time with Strasbourg.
Pro tip: – Defensive focus on edon Maxhuni is crucial. Limiting his pick-and-roll opportunities and contesting his three-point shots will be key for Strasbourg’s success.
Entering his third season in the French championship, Maxhuni is expected to play a significant role in Jean-Christophe Prat’s strategy. He’s already known for his creativity in pick-and-roll situations and has now added shooting reliability to his repertoire, making him a formidable offensive threat in the Betclic Elite. Strasbourg will need to closely monitor his three-point shooting, as he has consistently maintained a success rate above 38% in France.
the alsatians have been warned: limiting Maxhuni’s performance will be vital. Why is this game important? Strasbourg aims to maintain its strong start to the season while Gravelines-Dunkerque desperately needs a win to stabilize its position. Who are the key players? Edon Maxhuni for Gravelines-Dunkerque and the entire Strasbourg team, boasting a high shooting percentage. What is at stake? Momentum and league standing for both teams. How did it end? The game ended with Strasbourg winning 85-72, despite Maxhuni’s 18 points. Strasbourg’s consistent shooting and strong defense proved too much for Gravelines-Dunkerque to overcome.
