Lamine Kébé Aware of Constant Pressure After Orléans' Loss to Blois

Following a heavy defeat against Blois, Orléans coach Lamine Kébé admitted he feels "always in danger." Speaking to ICI Orléans, Kébé stated, "Am I in danger? I've always been in danger. That's a coach's role. I can't control that; I focus on the team. If decisions are made... I hope they won't be, but I don't control that." He began by acknowledging the team's failure, saying, "We played a non-match. We were taught a lesson in intensity tonight."

Kébé, who joined from the federal center in summer 2024 and extended his contract until 2027 in September 2025, was met with boos from the home crowd. ICI Orléans described the reception as "unprecedented" since his arrival.

The derby, dubbed "Centrico," drew approximately 9,000 spectators, with France 3 Centre-Val de Loire reporting closer to 10,000. This match followed a January attendance record for the division set by these two rivals. Blois established a commanding lead early, up 27-14 after the first ten minutes and 41-19 by the 15th minute. Orléans managed to narrow the gap to 40-48 by halftime, but faltered in the third quarter, losing it 16-35, highlighted by three consecutive three-pointers from David Coit. By the start of the final quarter, the deficit had widened to 27 points (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. Summer signings Jonathan Jeanne (7 points on 2-of-8 shooting) and Jordan Shepherd (6 points on 2-of-11 shooting) struggled offensively.

Orléans' season started with losses at home to Champagne Basket (84-88) and away to Antibes (89-85). Their two victories came against Quimper (73-83) and Hyères-Toulon (64-79). The team currently sits in 13th place.

These results are concerning given the club's significant financial commitment. OLB's budget exceeds 7 million euros, with a payroll of 1.95 million euros – the highest in the division. Blois, despite having the third-highest budget in the league at 4.6 million euros, secured the win. In April 2026, the club and the city of Orléans announced an upcoming investment from the American group JHZ Holdings, led by Ben Jenkins, Matt Hong, and Jamie Zaninovich, with the stated goal of a permanent return to the Betclic Élite.

While Kébé did not achieve promotion in his first two seasons, he did secure two Leaders Cup Pro B titles, the most recent in February 2026 against Roanne.