Thomas Cornely, three years at Élan Béarnais, it’s official
May 27, 2025
Dimitri VOITURIN
ITW Thomas Cornely, happy at Élan Béarnais: « This is exactly what I came looking for »
ELITE 2 - An experienced point guard and true metronome of Pau-Lacq-Orthez (7.8 assists per game), Thomas Cornely has once again become one of the most influential floor generals in ELITE 2 this season. Back under the guidance 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
At Élan Béarnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez, Thomas Cornely (1.90m, 34 years old) hasn’t simply regained playing time or a familiar environment. The point guard from Loiret quickly established himself as one of the major pillars of the Béarnais project, in an ELITE 2 championship that is denser, more balanced, and more unpredictable than ever. At 34, his experience, game reading ability, and capacity to make others play structure the collective, far beyond raw statistics.
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. He’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 true 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 smart, make decisions quickly, and be fully aligned with the staff’s expectations, on and off the court.
A central role in an ambitious project
Built to compete for top positions, Pau-Lacq-Orthez clearly embraces its ambitions. But in ELITE 2, nothing is ever certain. « Every weekend, there are surprises. Anyone can beat anyone, » Cornely reminds, aware of the championship’s constant demands.
In this unstable context, his role extends far beyond simply playing. « I have an important role, to help the guys, help the young players. I feel I have much more responsibility than before. I’m rediscovering the role I already had with Mickaël. »
Managing low moments, organizing offense, reading opposing defenses: Cornely is now one of the true regulators of the Pau collective.
An ELITE 2 that has changed face
While 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-equipped rosters: the challenge is constant.
His arrival in Pau nevertheless answered a clear expectation: « This is exactly what I came looking for: trust and a game that suits me. »
This trust now translates into more fluid offensive animation, controlled tempo, and major influence in creation, with regular presence among the championship’s best assist averages.
Freedom and trust… rather than pressure
Status, responsibilities, public expectations: all elements that could weigh on an experienced player. But Cornely experiences them differently. « I mainly feel more freedom to play, » he assures. « There are expectations, yes, that’s normal for major players. But it mainly brings me confidence. Rediscovering this responsibility, 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 lift the collective.
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, assumed by the player: « There’s the pleasant side, but also a little pressure, especially with the ambitions announced at the start of the season. »
A unique arena, between heritage and atmosphere
The Palais des Sports reinforces this sense of identity. « When you arrive in the arena, with the trophies, the colors, the jerseys of all the players who have been through here, you really feel something. »
Despite the multiplication of modern arenas, Pau retains a unique character: « It keeps something special. »
A season still wide open
Lucid, Thomas Cornely knows nothing is set yet. « The first-round games aren’t even all finished yet. Anything can happen, good and bad things. »
With his leadership, consistency, and 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 maintain its position in an always competitive ELITE 2. Next appointment this Friday, January 9, to face the strong Denain team at the Jean Degros Sports Complex.
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