Official: Olivier Cortale signs with Denain for three seasons
June 23, 2025
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
ITW Olivier Cortale, essential to Denain: « I wanted to get back on the court with a winning team »
ELITE 2 - Olivier Cortale turned the page on Chalon to commit long-term with Denain in ELITE 2. After a season cut short by injury, the French big man has regained a central role and is thriving in an ambitious collective, always in contention at the top of the standings.
Photo Credit : Tuan Nguyen
After two seasons with Élan Chalon, Olivier Cortale (2.07m, 28 years old) chose to join Denain in the offseason. A significant turn in his career, motivated by both sporting and personal considerations. Coming off a frustrating season, the French big man needed continuity, confidence and a favorable context to relaunch himself. At mid-season, with 10.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in ELITE 2, his integration into the northern project appears obvious.
A clear project after a season to forget
The end of the adventure in Chalon left a bitter taste. Injured in his hand, Olivier Cortale never really found rhythm or real responsibilities. In this context, the interest shown by Denain quickly took on special significance.
« I mainly wanted to get back on the court as a priority and be in a performing team that would compete at the top of ELITE 2. The project they presented to me was clear and consistent with that. I didn’t overcomplicate things, » he explains.
This clear message, coupled with initial contact already made during the previous season, weighed heavily in the balance. Where other options remained vague or late, Denain quickly made a concrete proposal. « I think you have to go where you’re most wanted. Denain showed that, so I didn’t wait and decided to go there. »
An assumed choice, guided by the desire to start over on solid foundations.
Stats 2025-2026 / ELITE 2
PTS
9.8
#82
REB
6.8
#7
AST
1.6
#107
Regaining responsibilities, rediscovering pleasure
In Denain, Olivier Cortale has regained a role closer to the one he had known earlier in his career. After two contrasting seasons in Chalon, with very different contexts and uses, this stability had become essential.
« Getting back a more important role was what I wanted. I had already experienced this in ELITE 2, so it’s not completely foreign. But after a difficult season, it feels good in terms of playing time, responsibilities and even personal fulfillment. »
This return to the forefront didn’t happen without demands. In a competitive team, each player must find their place, adapt to staff expectations and consistently deliver. Cortale quickly blended into this framework, assuming his interior role, both in impact and consistency.
A unifying role on a daily basis
If his contribution is visible on the court, Olivier Cortale is just as present in the life of the group. At 28, he’s positioned between generations, allowing him to create natural bridges in the locker room.
« I’m kind of in between. I’m not a 35-year-old veteran, but I’m not young anymore either. It allows me to create connections easily. I’m more the guy who makes jokes in the locker room, while knowing how to be serious when needed. »
In a long and demanding season, this human balance is far from trivial. The atmosphere, communication and ability to speak openly directly contribute to collective performance, especially in more delicate moments.
Discovering Denain’s identity
Arriving in Denain also meant discovering a club with a strong identity, rooted in its territory and carried by a popular fervor recognized throughout the championship.
« It’s a club with very strong values. In the arena, there’s written pride, humility, winning. It’s very representative of the North, » he notes.
This culture is felt daily, but especially on game nights, in an arena capable of turning a game around. The Christmas match example against Nantes remains telling, with fans who pushed the team in decisive moments. « This cauldron really helps us. When the crowd pushes you like that, it gives you an extra soul. »
Collective resilience and controlled ambitions
Sportingly, Denain’s season hasn’t been linear, but the team has shown a constant ability to bounce back after each setback. A quality that the French big man highlights as a strong marker of the group.
« At each more complicated moment, we knew how to remobilize and move forward. A season can quickly turn if you don’t react. »
This resilience now allows Denain (4th with 12 wins in 18 games) to stay in contention for top positions, in a dense championship where gaps remain minimal.
« We’re ambitious, but we advance game by game. We’ll take stock at the end, » he reminds, without rushing.
Personally, Olivier Cortale maintains a pragmatic approach.
« It’s my first real season after an almost blank season. I’m focused on the daily routine, on what I’m doing now. The future, for now, is far away. »
A simple but effective philosophy to carry a collective project that continues to take shape week after week.
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