2nd episode of the Division 1 club review. Interview with Olivier Dubaut, President of Paris Université Club (PUC)
BTVF: What is your assessment of the 2022 season?
Satisfied to have secured our spot in D1 with an extremely young team, including many juniors and young seniors
BTVF: What is your main objective for the 2023 season across all competitions for your club?
We first aim to secure our place in D1 for 2024. We are not qualified for the Challenge.
Our second team, relegated from D2, will compete in R1 and seek promotion to D3
BTVF: What collective strengths will you rely on to tackle each match one by one?
The enthusiasm of our rookies, supported by a few veteran players
BTVF: In your opinion, which approach best suits your club regarding new players?
1- Wait until the last moment to announce and communicate the names
2- Build hype by announcing new players on social media gradually before the season
3- Keep quiet to maintain the element of surprise against other clubs
4- Communicate with French baseball media to spread the word
We will communicate in due time
BTVF: Do you plan to broadcast matches, and if so, what improvements do you envision for 2023?
We are not ready at the moment. Our efforts with head coach Pietro BRIGGI focus on rebuilding a competitive first team
BTVF: What are the advantages and disadvantages, in your view, of having a team in Division 2 in addition to Division 1?
Given that the farm team system does not yet exist in our league, having B teams in D2 is a solution to foster excellence for our D1 collectives, especially those called up for European Cups. This allows young prospects to gain playing time on their way to the top level.
Of course, it comes at a cost
BTVF: What infrastructure improvements have you made for this new season?
We are in discussions with the City of Paris
BTVF: What were the main adaptations in terms of training and recruitment that you have considered to prepare for the 2024 season (8 teams, JFL players…)?
We are a training club. We eagerly await the implementation of the JFL
BTVF: What do you wish for in 2023?
To secure our place in D1 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the PUC baseball section (1923)
