Although he lives in the United States “half the year”, Matt Pokora does not forget his roots. “We are in Alsace, 2:30 p.m. sharp,” said the artist upon his arrival this Tuesday at Rhénus Sport, in reference of course to local punctuality. The singer was expected in the Strasbourg basketball hall to announce big news that has been in the air for two months: he will “invest and get involved” for the SIG, currently 9th in Betclic Elite.
“That’s it, we’re there. The adventure begin ! », Launched the thirty-year-old (38 years old) before recalling his links with the place. “I used to come here as a child to watch matches with my father. I had seen the Piétrus brothers (then in Pau-Orthez) before they left for the NBA! » More than twenty years later, he will no longer be a simple spectator but also a shareholder and “artistic director”. The idea was suggested to him by his “friend Tony Parker, who advised me to do it in my town”.
How much did Matt Pokora put on the table? The question was asked but quickly dodged. “I’m not talking about money but if the maximum ceiling was raised, it’s so that I put in more than 50,000 euros. »It could be more like 300,000 euros, like the club’s main patrons. Above all, the artist is committed to having a role. “I will be a form of artistic director,” he explains. “I arrive with this energy and I want to communicate it to people. Whether we win or lose, I want the spectator to go home happy. I hope we will see the first effects of all this at the start of next season. »
“I see a lot of matches in Los Angeles”
An anthem – “I’m thinking about it” – could then see the light of day, like new jerseys which it would help design. Not to mention the show before and after the matches, even during timeouts and between quarters. “I see a lot of matches in Los Angeles where I live, maybe 15 to 20 a year but also in others in the United States. I’m passionate about entertainment and that’s what I want to bring here. »
Beyond that, the man with more than 5 million albums sold also hopes to draw the spotlight on the Strasbourg club. “I want to use the light that is on me to shine on the GIS and bring other people here. Like TP, I want basketball to gain notoriety. » In France but also in a city that vibrates more for Racing. Even more so since the results of basketball players, finalists five times in a row in the championship (2013 to 2017), have been declining.
“I want to see more SIG jerseys at Rhénus and in the street! », insists Matt Pokora, who knows that this will necessarily lead to better results. His investment, like those of other shareholders who have also increased their share, could then be useful. “With a few hundred thousand euros more in basketball, we can have a completely different team. » But, I promise, he won’t manage that. “No, not recruitment, I’ll leave the athlete! » It’s perhaps safer: a former footballer of a good regional level, he never had much of a taste for basketball. “Never really, a few shots like that, that’s all. »