
Fabrice Lefrançois (Cholet) emotional: « It’s time to be proud of our season! »
Alexandre Lacoste
After being eliminated in the quarterfinals of Betclic ELITE by Bourg-en-Bresse, Cholet Basket is already looking ahead to next season. According to Ouest-France, several players are highly sought after following a successful season, starting with Bastien Vautier, whose unique profile as a solid and efficient center has caught ASVEL’s attention. Others, like Soren Bracq, are generating interest elsewhere, while Nathan De Sousa, Jamuni McNeace and Gérald Ayayi are likely to maintain stability.
The revelation of Cholet’s first half of the season, Bastien Vautier (11.3 points and 4.9 rebounds) impressed with his accuracy near the rim and court vision. According to Ouest-France, he « had signed for two years, with a clause he will likely activate by June 15. » Courted by ASVEL, the 2.10m center could discover EuroLeague, but is also keeping an eye on opportunities abroad. His unique profile, robust and with good hands, appeals to many clubs.
[Player profile section omitted for brevity]
Only 18 years old, Soren Bracq took advantage of T.J. Campbell’s absence to make his mark. Gravelines-Dunkerque has already made a concrete offer, according to Ouest-France. While Fabrice Lefrançois now wants to keep him, the club’s hesitation regarding De Sousa’s situation has weakened their position. The young guard’s decision remains uncertain, in what the regional newspaper describes as a « delicate » case.
Several key players whose contracts are ending or who have exit clauses could still continue their adventure with Cholet. This is the case for Nathan De Sousa, who according to Ouest-France « has until May 31 to activate his exit clause » but « the tendency is for him to stay. » The same goes for Gerald Ayayi, whose clause extends to June 15, but would only leave « if a major offer comes from abroad. »
As for Jamuni McNeace, his defensive impact and contagious energy have convinced management. A contract extension is in the works, and Ouest-France states that « the club’s proposal should be satisfactory to the American. »
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