In Roeselare, they’ve known it for a while: when it really matters, Basil Dermaux steps up. Last season, he was the marksman who decided the playoff finals against Haasrode Leuven. This summer, a new chapter abroad seemed within reach — Italy and Poland were interested — but new head coach Matthijs Verhanneman didn’t even need to convince him to stay.

Now 22 years old and in his second consecutive top season with Knack, a crucial trio of matches is coming: the first leg of the Belgian Cup semi-final against Maaseik, the league clash with VHL, and then the start of the Champions League at Galatasaray.

Born in Izegem and now living in Roeselare with his girlfriend, Dermaux is no longer just a prospect. Last weekend against Guibertin — with half of Knack’s A-team absent — he was again top scorer. Just as everything seems to accelerate around him, Basil radiates calm. But under that calm lies ambition: physically stronger, mentally more mature, and now a player who guides his team through difficult moments. A perfect time for an honest conversation with Belgium’s leading opposite on the highest European stage.

“I play with more maturity now”

People say you’ve outgrown the Belgian league. Do you feel that too?
Basil Dermaux: “Outgrown might be a big word, but I do feel I have a much bigger role compared to last year. I play with more maturity, more responsibility. Last season I already had confidence, but now the club expects me to bring stability in difficult phases. You notice it: sometimes just one look at our setter is enough to know the ball is coming to me. And Stijn D’Hulst is experienced enough to feel when and how to set me.”

Experts call you the best opposite in the league by far. Do you still have room to grow?
“Physically, for sure. I’m stronger than last year, but nowhere near my ceiling. In explosiveness, power, serve pressure — I can progress a lot. That excites me: knowing there’s still so much to gain. That’s also why I wanted to stay another season in Belgium.”

Transfer rumours… but a clear decision

Rumour had it you were close to a transfer. How concrete was it?
“There was interest from Italy and Poland, yes. But I never really hesitated. I still have a two-year contract here, and I feel I want to develop more before leaving. My focus was on myself and on this project. Nobody had to convince me to stay.”

What did coach Verhanneman tell you?
“He stayed calm, as always. Of course he made it clear he didn’t want to lose me. That means something, especially from a club icon you’ve admired for years. But he never pressured me.”

Is this your last season in Belgium?
(laughs) “I’ll hear that question often… Honestly? I keep all options open. I have no special clause. Yes, I dream of Italy or Poland, but I want to leave at the right moment — not halfway through my development.”

“That loss to Maaseik hit us harder than expected”

You started the season flawlessly until the unexpected 3–1 loss in Maaseik. Did that hurt?
“More than we expected. Already against Aalst, we were too lax, and at Maaseik it was the same story. They seized their moments, we didn’t. Their serving was almost perfect. None of us thought we would lose there, which makes it hit harder.”

Does that loss fuel you ahead of the Cup semi-final?
“Yes. We’re hungry. You feel it at training: everything is sharper, more intense. The vibe is different. That defeat stays in the back of your mind — and it should. We want to make a statement.”

From teammate to coach

How has your relationship with Verhanneman changed now that he’s your coach?
“Actually it feels very natural. He was already half a coach as a player. Near the end of last season, when he was injured, he was already guiding us tactically. Now he does the same but with clear structures. He might be less fiery than Steven Vanmedegael used to be, but he’s equally strict in his principles. And that works for a young group.”

What does he expect from you?
“To take responsibility. To be available in the moments when a match turns. To dare: dare to serve, dare to decide, dare to demand the ball. It's a role I like, even if I still need to grow.”

Cup, VHL, and Galatasaray: the big stretch
What do you expect from the semi-final first leg?
“An intense match. Against Maaseik, there’s always tension, even if nobody says it out loud. Every set matters. We need to stay stable when it gets tough.”
Then comes Haasrode Leuven and the Champions League opener at Galatasaray…

“I honestly have no idea what to expect — I’ve never played a Turkish team. Probably literal and figurative fireworks: a boiling hall, passion, a physical team. That’s what makes it awesome.”

Your group also includes Lublin with Wilfredo León and Halkbank Ankara. Is advancing realistic?
“Why not? Ankara is one of the favourites and Lublin is very strong. Our key matches are Galatasaray and Lublin. If we can upset one of them, everything opens up. Otherwise, the goal is the CEV Cup — a realistic and beautiful target.”

“Champions League volleyball changes you”

What does the Champions League give you personally?
“The level. You see what top volleyball really is: power, speed, tactics… That’s something you bring back to the Red Dragons, to the league, to your career.”

Do you feel more like a leader now?
“Yes. Earlier than expected. I’m calmer, more stable, I read matches better. That’s needed in this young group. With Matthijs as coach and Pieter Coolman injured early on, Mathijs Desmet and I were looked at more. And that’s fine — it's our role.”

Your summer with the Red Dragons?
“Amazing. Even without playing much, I learned a lot. Ferre Reggers is one of the best opposites in the world — it’s normal he starts. My dream is to play VNL. Realistically, with the heavy national team calendar, there will be rotation. But one day I want to make that step.”

“This is the moment to show where we really stand”

And now a series of huge matches arrives…
“That’s exactly why I stayed. Cup, Champions League, league… this is where I want to be. We have a young and ambitious squad. This is the moment to show where we really stand.”

Text: KH
Photos: Knack Roeselare