Discover the Complete Nanterre Basketball Roster and Key Players for This Season

Walking into the Palais des Sports Marcel Cerdan for the first time this season, I could immediately feel the energy—the drums, the chants, the sheer volume of it all. It reminded me of something I once heard from a young guard adjusting to big moments, a quote that stuck with me: “It was fun because the crowd is going back and forth and I’m still getting used to the drums, the drums are banging all the time, I can’t hear sometimes so I’ll still have to get used to it.” That’s the kind of raw, unfiltered atmosphere that defines Nanterre Basketball on a good night. And this season, with the roster we’ve assembled, I genuinely believe those electrifying moments will become the norm rather than the exception. As someone who’s followed this team for years—through ups, downs, and everything in between—I’m excited to break down the full Nanterre roster and highlight the key players who I think will shape our journey over the coming months.

Let’s start with the backcourt, because honestly, that’s where a lot of the magic happens for Nanterre. Our point guard rotation is led by veteran leader Benjamin Sénéque, who at 32 brings a level of composure that’s just irreplaceable. He’s not the flashiest player on the court, but he’s the kind of guy who makes everyone around him better—averaging around 7.5 assists per game last season, if I recall correctly. Alongside him, we’ve got the explosive young talent, Hugo Météron. At just 21 years old, Hugo’s speed and fearlessness driving to the rim remind me of those NCAA prospects who come in with something to prove. He might still be adjusting to the professional level—much like that player getting used to the drums in the crowd—but mark my words, he’s going to turn heads. I’ve watched him in preseason, and his ability to create his own shot under pressure is something special. Then there’s Jeremy Nzeulie, a recent addition who brings versatility and scoring punch. I’ll admit, I was skeptical about this signing at first, but seeing him mesh with the squad has won me over. His three-point percentage hovers around 38%, and in today’s game, that floor spacing is pure gold.

Moving to the wings, this is where Nanterre’s depth really shines—and personally, it’s my favorite part of the roster to analyze. First, there’s Dominic Cunningham, a two-way player who can guard multiple positions and still drop 15 points on any given night. He’s the type of guy who doesn’t always show up in the highlight reels, but coaches and die-hard fans appreciate his impact. Alongside him, I’ve been impressed by the growth of Mathis Courby. At 24, he’s entering what I like to call his “breakout window,” and from what I’ve seen in training, he’s put in the work during the off-season. His mid-range game has improved noticeably, and I wouldn’t be surprised if his scoring average jumps from 9.2 to somewhere around 13 points per game this year. Then there’s the X-factor, in my opinion: Yves Pons. His athleticism is off the charts—I mean, the guy can seemingly jump out of the gym—and he brings an intensity that’s contagious. Sure, he’s still refining his offensive skills, but defensively, he’s a nightmare for opponents. I remember one game last season where he had four blocks and completely shifted the momentum. That’s the kind of energy we need night in, night out.

Now, let’s talk about the big men, because you can’t win consistently without a strong presence in the paint. At center, we have veteran leader Lahaou Konaté, who at 29 provides stability and rebounding prowess. He averaged close to 8.5 rebounds per game last season, and I expect that number to hold or even improve. What I love about Lahaou is his basketball IQ—he knows when to crash the boards and when to kick it out, and he sets solid screens that free up our shooters. Backing him up is the promising young talent, Bastien Vautier. At 22, he’s still developing, but his footwork and touch around the rim have caught my eye more than once. I’ll be honest, I think he’s underutilized at times, and I’d love to see him get more minutes this season to accelerate his growth. Then there’s the power forward spot, manned by the versatile William Pfister. He’s not your traditional bruiser; he can step out and hit the three, which creates mismatches all over the floor. I’ve always had a soft spot for bigs who can stretch the defense, and Pfister does that beautifully. His chemistry with the guards, especially in pick-and-pop situations, is something I’m eager to watch unfold.

Of course, a roster is more than just the sum of its parts—it’s about how they fit together, the chemistry, the shared grit. And that’s where the coaching staff, led by Pascal Donnadieu, comes into play. From what I’ve observed, Pascal has a knack for getting the most out of his players, especially the younger ones who are still adapting to the pressures of professional basketball. Remember that quote about the drums and the crowd? It’s a perfect metaphor for the adjustment period many players face, and I believe Nanterre’s environment—with its passionate fans and relentless support—can turn that initial overwhelm into a real home-court advantage. We’ve got a good mix of experience and youth, with six players over 28 and four under 23, which in my view strikes a nice balance for sustained success. I’m particularly optimistic about our defensive potential; if everyone buys in, we could easily be a top-five defensive team in the league, forcing turnovers and converting them into fast-break opportunities.

Looking ahead, I think Nanterre has all the ingredients for a memorable season. The key, in my opinion, will be staying healthy—especially for our veterans—and integrating the new pieces smoothly. If we can do that, I wouldn’t be surprised to see us make a deep playoff run, maybe even challenging for a top-three finish. It’s that potential, that buzz in the arena, that keeps fans like me coming back. So as the season tips off, keep an eye on this roster. They’ve got the talent, the heart, and the drive to make some noise—drums and all.