Chorale de Roanne finds replacement for Jahvon Blair

The injury of Jahvon Blair, who suffered a shoulder dislocation during the first round of the French Cup, prompted Chorale de Roanne to act quickly. The Loire club officially announced on Thursday the signing of Anthony Durham (6’3″, 31), a shooting guard who can also play point guard, expected to fill in for the Canadian recruit who will be unavailable for five to eight weeks.

L'arrière US Anthony Durham (31 ans, 1,91 m) arrive pour compenser l'absence de Jahvon Blair, estimée entre 5 et 8 semaines (luxation de l'épaule) ✍🏽

Qualification en attente pour la J1 d'#Elite2 ce vendredi

Le communiqué officiel ➡️ https://t.co/oj0Dy8jK4O#ChoraleNation pic.twitter.com/UKjFeGiiAg

— Chorale Roanne Basket (@ChoraleRoanne) September 18, 2025

A profile already targeted by Roanne’s staff

Thomas Andrieux was pleased with the club’s quick response: « His arrival will allow us to avoid using one of our three authorized temporary players. » The Roanne coach and his sports director, Zoran Cvjetkovic, were already closely monitoring Durham: « We had scouted him and he was on our list when we signed Kendall Smith last season. »

Having played in Sweden, Czech Republic, and Romania, the Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) native is coming off a strong season in Hungary with Pecs (17.1 points on 44% shooting, including 39.2% from 3-point range, 4.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists).

Debut expected on Friday

Having arrived Wednesday evening in Loire, Anthony Durham could be eligible for the Elite 2 season opener this Friday (8pm) at Halle Vacheresse against Aix-Maurienne. His contract, signed before the first game, doesn’t count towards the quota of three temporary players allowed during the season.

« I’m happy to be here, it’s a great opportunity for me. I can’t wait to help the team, » Durham said in the club’s official statement.