Thomas Cornely, three years at Élan Béarnais, it’s official
May 27, 2025
Dimitri VOITURIN
ITW Thomas Cornely, happy at Élan Béarnais: « It’s exactly what I came looking for »
ELITE 2 - Experienced point guard and true metronome of Pau-Lacq-Orthez (7.8 assists per game), Thomas Cornely has become this season one of the most influential playmakers in ELITE 2. Back under the orders of Mickaël Hay, whom he has known for a long time, the 34-year-old player fully embraces a central role in an ambitious project, balancing the demands of a historic club, increased responsibilities and a constant desire to develop the Pau collective.
Photo Credit : Cécile Thomas
Within Élan Béarnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez, Thomas Cornely (1.90 m, 34 years old) hasn’t simply found playing time or a familiar environment. The point guard from Loiret quickly established himself as one of the major links in the Béarnais project, in an ELITE 2 championship that is denser, more homogeneous and more unpredictable than ever. At 34, his experience, his reading of the game and his ability to make others play structure the collective, far beyond raw numbers.
Stats 2025-2026 / ELITE 2
PTS
9.8
#82
REB
3.5
#84
AST
7.8
#1
Reuniting with Mickaël Hay, an immediate reference point
The relationship with Mickaël Hay naturally facilitated his integration. « It’s important for me. It’s a framework I knew. With him, I know where I’m going, in his values, in his principles, » confides the point guard. More than simple comfort, Cornely speaks of real continuity in the work, while highlighting his coach’s evolution: « He has also evolved in his ways of doing things. Finding him again elsewhere, in another context, is really cool. »
This bond of trust allows the point guard to play right, make decisions quickly and be fully in line with the staff’s expectations, on and off the court.
A central role in an ambitious project
Built to play leading roles, Pau-Lacq-Orthez clearly embraces its ambitions. But in ELITE 2, nothing is ever guaranteed. « Every weekend, there are surprises. Anyone can beat anyone, » reminds Cornely, aware of the championship’s permanent demands.
In this unstable context, his role goes far beyond the simple framework of the game. « I have an important role, to help the guys, help the young players. I feel that I have much more responsibilities than before. I’m finding again a bit of the role I already had with Mickaël. »
Managing weak moments, offensive organization, reading opposing defenses: Cornely is today one of the true regulators of the Pau collective.
An ELITE 2 that has changed face
Although he already knew the championship well, the point guard had to integrate its recent evolutions. « It did me good, but I had to readapt. ELITE 2 has evolved, especially with the 20 teams, » he explains. More density, more tricky away games, better armed rosters: the challenge is constant.
His arrival in Pau nevertheless responded to a clear expectation: « It’s exactly what I came looking for: confidence and a game that suits me. »
This confidence now translates into more fluid offensive animation, controlled tempo and major influence in creation, with a regular presence in the championship’s top assist averages.
Freedom and confidence… rather than pressure
Status, responsibilities, public expectations: so many elements that could weigh on an experienced player. But Cornely experiences them differently. « I feel mostly more freedom to play, » he assures. « There are expectations, yes, it’s normal for major players. But it mostly brings me confidence. Finding this responsibility again, making the team play, that’s what I love. »
A serene approach, which corresponds to his profile as a managing point guard, but also to his desire to transmit and pull the collective upward.
Pau, a historic club with particular demands
The Pau environment is fully part of the experience. « It’s a historic club. You feel it as soon as you arrive. There are great names, great coaches, great players. You know where you’re stepping. »
This history imposes permanent demands, embraced by the player: « There’s the pleasant side, but also a little pressure, especially with the ambitions announced at the beginning of the season. »
A unique arena, between heritage and atmosphere
The Palais des Sports reinforces this sense of identity. « When you enter the arena, with the trophies, the colors, the jerseys of all the players who have passed through there, you really feel something. »
Despite the multiplication of modern venues, Pau retains a singular character: « It keeps something special. »
A season still wide open
Clear-headed, Thomas Cornely knows that nothing is set yet. « The first-round games aren’t even all finished yet. Anything can happen, good things as well as bad. »
With his leadership, his consistency and his ability to make others play, the Pau point guard nevertheless appears as one of the pillars on which Pau-Lacq-Orthez counts to approach the rest of the season and attempt to hold its position in an always competitive ELITE 2. Next appointment this Friday, January 9 to face the strong team of Denain at the Jean Degros Sports Complex.
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