Two years after a historic title with Nokia, Gach is powering JL Bourg’s EuroCup charge
From Finland to France: Both Gach’s EuroCup breakthrough
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BC Nokia wasn’t expected to contend for the Finnish League title in 2023–24. But the team defied predictions, captured its first championship, and Both Gach emerged as the leader—winning season MVP and Finals MVP honors. That magical run still fuels his confidence today.
Now, Gach is making his EuroCup debut with Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse, helping the French club climb to the top of Group B. The 26-year-old forward is averaging 12.5 points through 11 games and embracing the rhythm of continental competition.
“I’ve enjoyed playing multiple games a week. It’s better than playing once a week,” Gach said. “The EuroCup has been fun. Our team has been doing really well. I enjoy every minute of it.”
Starting small: Kosovo to Finland
Gach’s European journey began in Kosovo in November 2022 after his NBA hopes out of Utah didn’t materialize. He joined Sigal Prishtina, averaging 11.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
“Kosovo was a unique experience because it was my first time in Europe,” he said. “I honestly didn’t care where in Europe I was going to go. I told my agent you could send me to probably the worst country in Europe and I’d go play basketball. Because at the end of the day, I just knew at some point I’d get to the level I wanted to get to because I believe in my game, my confidence and my talent.”
That belief paid off when he moved to Finland and joined Nokia — a team projected to finish last. Instead, they finished second in the regular season and stormed through the playoffs, winning the title in seven games against defending champion Helsinki Seagulls.
“It was very magical,” Gach said. “In the preseason, they had us finishing last. But we had a really good coaching staff and teammates. Everyone was bought in.”
“I honestly didn’t care where in Europe I was going to go. I told my agent you could send me to probably the worst country in Europe and I’d go play basketball. Because at the end of the day, I just knew at some point I’d get to the level I wanted to get to because I believe in my game, my confidence and my talent.”
Gach averaged 21.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists during the season and 20.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in the Finals. He delivered when it mattered most: 28 points and 14 rebounds in Game 6 and 29 points and 13 rebounds in Game 7.
“I spent a lot of time putting in extra work in the gym,” he said. “Whenever you’re doing that, plus getting confidence from teammates and coaches, the sky’s the limit.”
Lessons from Turkiye
After Finland, Gach stepped up to Darussafaka Istanbul in Turkiye. Despite averaging 11.1 points, the season ended in disappointment as the club was relegated.
“The biggest lesson was just never get too comfortable,” he said. “Circumstances were changing all the time. You’ve just got to keep a positive mindset and not let any of that stuff affect your game.”
Thriving in Bourg
Gach has found stability — and success — at Bourg. He’s scored 18+ points in four EuroCup games, including 22 points and a PIR of 30 against Buducnost VOLI Podgorica in Round 9.
And it all traces back to Finland, where confidence and opportunity converged.
“I wanted to get to that next level really, really bad,” Gach said. “That season showed me what’s possible when you put in the work.”