For Basil Dermaux (23, 1m95), outside hitter at Knack Roeselare, April 11 brought an unexpected surprise.

“I never imagined I’d be voted Player of the Year for the second time in a row,” he laughs — still amazed by the rapid rise of his young career.

Were you really that surprised?
Dermaux: “Absolutely. I would have been very happy if Pierre Perin had won it. But receiving this recognition again from Belgian volleyball means a lot. It fuels my drive — also for my next step at Allianz Milan. Though Knack Roeselare and Menen will always stay close to my heart.”

You were born in Izegem, a town known for producing many talents…
Dermaux: “Yes, I was born there and still have family, but I grew up in Roeselare. I studied there, played many sports, and eventually chose volleyball.
I didn’t go to the Topsportschool because Roeselare offered an equally strong youth pathway. I spent two seasons at Menen, though a knee injury kept me out for months. Two years ago, I returned to Knack with the ambition to reach the Belgian top.”

Menen finally won the Belgian Cup. Happy for them?
Dermaux: “Very. My heart was pounding. I would have been happy for Maaseik too, but Menen deserved it. Their experience in finals made the difference.”

Maaseik came back from 2–0 to 2–2 but collapsed in the tiebreak. Your view?
Dermaux: “Menen were mentally stronger. Sinnesael was outstanding, Gimeno brilliant. A final full of emotion.”

Last season you won everything with Knack. This year was different, especially in the Champions League.
Dermaux: “Yes, we expected more. In the CL we weren’t sharp enough — stress, hesitation… we didn’t reach our level.

We did win the BeNe Cup and BeNe Conference again, but for a club like Knack, that’s not enough. That’s why the 17th national title is crucial.”

How do you see the upcoming play‑offs?
Dermaux: “Leuven–Achel is unpredictable. Menen will probably beat Aalst thanks to their Cup momentum.
A Menen–Maaseik semifinal will be intense. We have the best chances to reach the final, but predicting the opponent is impossible.”

You’re on the Red Dragons longlist. Will you play the full VNL and European Championship?
Dermaux: “Yes, that’s the plan. We need ranking points.
The VNL takes us to Brazil, Poland and Japan. Then the European Championship in Tampere.
My long‑term dream? The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.”

Knack is building a new team. Your thoughts?
Dermaux: “It’s a big challenge. I’m leaving, Desmet retires, Coolman stops.
But the reinforcements look strong: Stefani, Bloem, Colson, Vandecaveye and young setter Stoliar. Promising for next season.”

After the EC you move to Allianz Milano. Big shoes to fill after Ferre Reggers?
Dermaux: “I’ll work extremely hard. Ferre and I are very different: he’s technical and flexible, I’m more power‑based.
Italy is a dream — culture, food, sunshine. I could have gone to Poland, but Milan felt right. And I’ll reunite with Seppe Rotty.”

Finally: the “Battle of the Coaches” at Knack. Looking forward to it?
Dermaux: “(laughs) No idea which team I’ll be in. But it’s great for team spirit.
We’ve had a break after an intense period, and now we need to switch back to top level — like devils out of a box.”