JL Bourg announces nine departures, but not (yet) those of Benitez and Courby

With its 2024-2025 season completed, JL Bourg-en-Bresse has just announced the departure of nine players from its roster. Maksim Salash, Xavier Castañeda, Jordan Usher, Adrian Nelson, Jean-Marc Pansa, Joël Ayayi, Brandon Paul, Tai Webster and Gauthier Denis will not be part of the club next season.

End of a chapter 🔴⚪

As every summer, it’s time to bid farewell to those who proudly wore our colors and are moving on to new horizons.

Thread to scroll through – 1/3 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/0N7NYdAXNi

— JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) June 11, 2025

Benitez and Courby also leaving?

In addition to these nine names, Hugo Benitez and Maxime Courby could leave JL Bourg. The point guard has a release clause in his contract that he can activate before June 15. According to our information, the Catalan should join a Spanish club and fulfill one of his dreams: playing in Liga Endesa. A league where he will likely cross paths with center Jean-Marc Pansa, who is also reportedly heading to Spain.

Extension offers made to three players, without success

In its statement, the Bourg-en-Bresse club explains having made extension offers to Joël Ayayi, Jordan Usher and Adrian Nelson. According to our information, Joël Ayayi, who has been approached by two EuroLeague clubs, declined this offer after a strong season.

Webster wanted to stay, Denis and Jefferson leaving too

We’ve learned that Gauthier Denis will join Gravelines-Dunkerque next season – he’s the only player whose destination is known, unlike Brandon Jefferson. We know the American will leave JL after an underwhelming stint in Ain.

Time for recruitment now

This wave of departures explains JL Bourg-en-Bresse’s activity in the transfer market. Indeed, four players have already signed: Yvann Mbaya, Antony Labanca, Narcisse Ngoy (who will be loaned to Poitiers) and Assemian Moulare have already committed.