Joshua Mballa returns to France: Élan Béarnais bets on his power for two seasons

Élan Béarnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez has officially announced the signing of Joshua Mballa (6’7″, 25), a French forward who played in NCAA and most recently in Spain’s second division. This arrival marks the return to France of a player with strong potential, who has already proven himself across the Atlantic.

Hey, welcome Joshua ⏼

Read the club’s press release: https://t.co/bgcK2l9fhz pic.twitter.com/jLwivear9J

— EBPLO (@EBPLO) June 26, 2025

A return to France to continue his development

Born in Detroit, Joshua Mballa grew up in Bordeaux where he started basketball, training at the Mont-de-Marsan Pole Espoir, Gironde clubs, and then Orléans Loiret Basket. As a teenager, he returned to the United States to continue his development. In NCAA, he stood out at Buffalo averaging nearly 13 points and 9 rebounds per game, leading to being named defensive player of the year in his conference and making the all-conference team.

An injury at Ole Miss (University of Mississippi) slowed his progress during his final college season. However, the forward revived his career in 2024-2025 in Spain, at Palencia in the Primera FEB championship, where he split the season between two clubs, standing out for his efficiency. He averaged 4.9 points on 57.6% shooting and 2.4 rebounds in less than 11 minutes over 11 games at Palencia before posting 10 points and 4.7 rebounds in 19 minutes per game at Valladolid (19 games).

A complete profile that fits the club’s identity

Joshua Mballa is described as a « complete and determined player in motion » by his new coach Mickaël Hay. « He has the fighting spirit and versatility we’re looking for. He’s a player who can adapt, and will bring a lot in terms of intensity and ability to finish near the rim, » stated the Pau coach. His athletic profile, mobility, and ability to defend multiple positions make him a coherent recruit in Élan Béarnais’s strategy.

Another important asset: Mballa is LTP (locally trained player), which further increases his value in the French market.