He leaves Le Portel for NCAA: Jess Esso Essis’s new adventure

Jess Esso Essis (6’9″, 19 years old) continues his upward trajectory by joining NCAA. After spending this season with ESSM Le Portel, the French-Ivorian guard will discover American college basketball wearing Cal Poly colors. A new step for this 6’9″ player who will turn 20 this month.

Cal Poly has signed 19-year old 6-7 G 🇫🇷 🇨🇮 Jess Esso Essis

Esso averaged 15.7 points, 6 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game in Esporis play last season and 13.3 PPG in EYBL.

This year he was playing spot minutes in France’s top division averaging 3.2 PPG in 7 MPG.

Cal poly… pic.twitter.com/8pTVsZqg92

— Arman Jovic (@PDTScouting) August 1, 2025

A learning season at Le Portel

After joining ESSM Le Portel in 2024, Jess Esso Essis only played five games in Betclic ELITE, in a very limited role (3 points average in 7 minutes). In FIBA Europe Cup, he had slightly more playing time (8 appearances, 2 points with 32% shooting) before an injury prematurely ended his season in early January. He was then replaced in the roster by Canadian Mark Klassen.

Before turning pro, Jess Esso Essis shined at youth level, between Sablé Basket, Le Mans and Metropolitans 92, which he left in 2024 to join Le Portel. He also played in the EYBL circuit – an American youth tournament organized by Nike – with notable averages of 13.3 points per game. In Espoirs ELITE, he had time to deliver a remarkable performance: 25 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists in his only appearance of the season.

New beginning in the United States

At 19, Jean-Yves Esso Essis’s son will now try the NCAA adventure, like his brother Ylian. Cal Poly University has officially announced his recruitment, praising his athletic potential, length, ability to create and play in transition. « Cal Poly adds a high-level talent with great explosiveness, good handle, wingspan and playmaking abilities, » scout Arman Jovic commented.

In California, Jess Esso Essis will reunite with his brother, who signed with UC Davis. A new family and sports adventure across the Atlantic for this prospect who hasn’t yet shown his full potential at the professional level, but who maintains significant room for improvement.