David Lighty dreams of fifth title with ASVEL: « This trophy is like my child »

David Lighty (1.98m, 37 years old) has experienced it all with ASVEL. First arriving in Villeurbanne in 2014, the 37-year-old American is playing his tenth season in the green and black jersey. As his team faces Monaco in the Betclic ELITE semifinals, the former Nanterre player dreams of adding another line to his achievements. And this season, the veteran seems well-equipped to meet the challenge.

A captain on a mission for one last title?

Captain in Charles Kahudi’s absence, David Lighty approaches the series against Monaco, which starts this Tuesday evening at LDLC Arena (9pm), with determination. In an interview with Le Progrès, he believes that playoffs truly began for ASVEL during game 3 against Chalon. « The mentality was there all season, but we didn’t always bring the necessary intensity, » he admits. A flaw they’ll need to fix right from the start against Roca Team.

In a context of tension between the two clubs, fueled notably by the dispute over broadcaster Skweek, Lighty prefers to focus on what’s essential: the game. « What I want is to win the title again and add a twenty-second banner to the Astroballe, » he summarizes.

Il n’y a pas de belles victoires sans beaux adversaires.

Bravo à l’Élan Chalon pour cette série exceptionnelle qui vient ponctuer une saison qui l’a été tout autant ! 👏#LDLCASVEL pic.twitter.com/8loyhmw9RM

— LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) June 1, 2025

In form at 37

Often slowed by his knee in the past two seasons, David Lighty seems to have regained all his physical capabilities. « This season, everything has gone well. My career will end, but I’m like fine wine, » he smiles. At 37, he shows great consistency and plays a crucial role in Pierric Poupet’s rotation.

A five-time French champion (2013 with Nanterre, 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2022 with ASVEL), Lighty doesn’t hide his desire to win a sixth ring. « This trophy is like my child, my baby. I miss it! » he shares emotionally.

With home-court advantage in this semifinal, Lyon-Villeurbanne can believe in their chances, even against a Monaco team built for Europe. « We’ve proven we can beat everyone, » assures the former Ohio State (NCAA) star. Provided, as he repeats, they stick to the game plan and never let up for forty minutes.