Allan Dokossi announced at Paris Basketball for next season
May 27, 2025
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
Belgian Thijs De Ridder heading to Paris Basketball after change of plans
Betclic ELITE - Initially announced for NCAA, Thijs De Ridder will finally join Paris Basketball next season according to Relevo. The Belgian was reportedly held back by American eligibility rules.
Photo Credit : FIBA
Thijs De Ridder (2.03m, 22 years old), young Belgian prospect, will not join the University of Virginia as planned. According to Relevo, the Bilbao power forward will continue his development in Europe with Paris Basketball, where he will share the power forward position with Allan Dokossi, another announced recruit.
A forced but ambitious choice
Initially destined to cross the Atlantic to join American college basketball, Thijs De Ridder had to revise his plans due to NCAA eligibility rules blocking his transfer to Virginia. As a result: Paris Basketball benefits and should secure his signature for the 2025-2026 season, according to Spanish media Relevo.
After arriving at Bilbao in summer 2023 from Antwerp, the Belgian player had a solid season in Liga Endesa. Averaging 20 minutes, he posted 9.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and a 9.3 evaluation. These performances earned him a spot in the ACB Young Five. He notably won the FIBA Europe Cup with the Basque club, alongside Malcolm Cazalon.
Thijs DE RIDDER
Position(s):Power Forward
Height:203 cm
Age:22 years (31/01/2003)
Nationality:
Stats 2024-2025 / Liga Endesa
PTS
9.3
#77
REB
4.8
#27
AST
0.6
#203
Paris Basketball, engaged in a major reconstruction with several announced departures (including Nadir Hifi to Monaco), reportedly jumped on the opportunity. The club, still in contention to be confirmed in the future 20-team EuroLeague, continues to bet on young talented prospects as Hifi was before him, with the arrival of a new coach, Francesco Tabellini.
Previously approached by Paris earlier in the season, De Ridder had preferred to wait. This time, circumstances have changed and the opportunity seems ideal for both parties. The player will be able to continue his development at the highest European level in a team that has made its mark this season with its fast-paced style and EuroLeague playoff qualification via the play-in.
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