Johan Randriamananjara joins Union Rennes Basket, which integrates Stade Rennais into its structure

Union Rennes Basket (URB), a National 1 men’s (NM1) team, is not resting during the offseason. As an important structural change takes place with the integration of Stade Rennais Basketball into the Union, the Breton club is starting to shape its 2025-2026 roster. This Saturday, July 12, URB announced the signing of Johan Randriamananjara, a well-known player in NM1 and French basketball.

Johan Randriamananjara, a major signing for URB

Without a club in the first half of the 2024-2025 season, Johan Randriamananjara (1.98m, 25 years old) revived his career at Berck with solid statistics (10.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists in 25 games). Lanky, intelligent in play, and versatile, the former French youth international – now playing for Madagascar – will bring his experience and quality to the wings.

Having come through France’s National Training Center, Randriamananjara represents a real asset in URB’s quest for stability and competitiveness in NM1. His arrival symbolizes the club’s desire to establish itself permanently in French high-level basketball.

Changes in structure… and on the court

On the organizational side, URB has implemented a major change in its governance. Avenir de Rennes has left the Union after 16 years of collaboration, making way for Stade Rennais Basketball, a natural partner based in the Bréquigny district. Rennes Pôle Association Basketball (RPA) continues its journey with the Union, representing it in National 3 after relegation from NM2.

In this transition context, the club has also started announcing player movements. Before Johan Randriamananjara, two recruits had already been announced:

• Center Channick Nkoma (2.03m, 27 years old), arriving from Finland after a college career in the United States (West Florida, NCAA II);

• Combo guard Darwin « Dee » Davis Jr. (1.83m, 32 years old), who played for Nantes in Pro B in 2018-2019 (averaging 10.4 points), and has since played in various European leagues (Hungary, Cyprus, Iceland).

Departures and staff changes

URB has also announced the departure of two players:

• Julian Ngufor (1.95m, 23 years old), local player who averaged 8.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game;

• Cheick Sekou-Conde (2.04m, 33 years old), solid interior player averaging close to 10 points and 5 rebounds per game.

Finally, internal evolution continues on the bench. Aymeric Bellour, who coached URB’s U18 team and played in NM2 with Rennes PA, becomes assistant coach to Bastien Demeuré. Certified in video analysis and integrated this summer into the French U15 national team staff, he perfectly embodies the Union’s commitment to local development.