Naoll Balfourier still under contract with Cholet: uncertain future for the 7’1″ giant

Cholet Basket has announced their completed roster for the 2025-2026 season, with ten players officially retained. But one name is missing: Naoll Balfourier. The 7’1″ French center, under contract with the club until June 30, 2026, is not currently part of the rotation. This situation casts doubt on his short-term future.

A possible return to Cholet… for lack of better options?

Arriving at Cholet in 2021 after leaving INSEP, Naoll Balfourier first developed his game in the U21 team for two seasons. The club believed in him enough to offer him a professional contract. However, his subsequent journey hasn’t met expectations: loaned to Palma Basquet in the Spanish third division (then called LEB Plata), he only played 10 games averaging 4 minutes per game.

After returning to France for a stint with Poitiers in ELITE 2, his situation barely improved, with very limited appearances: 1.1 points and 0.9 rebounds in 13 games. He then tried his luck abroad at QSTA United in the Netherlands. There, the 21-year-old finally got meaningful playing time, averaging 7.4 points and 6 rebounds across 13 BNXT League games.

Clear contract situation, unclear role

Despite this uptick in activity, Cholet didn’t include Balfourier in the roster revealed in late July. Officially, he remains under contract until 2026. If no new opportunity materializes in the coming weeks, he could rejoin the professional team. This scenario has precedent with Nathan De Sousa in 2023: in a similar situation, this other member of the 2003 generation eventually earned his place in the pro squad, becoming an important piece.

In the frontcourt, Cholet already has four players: Jamuni McNeace, Keshwan Justice, Qudus Wahab, and Mohamed Diarra. Room for a fifth big man could exist depending on the coach’s needs, especially if one of the current players lacks consistency or in case of injury.

The challenge: converting opportunities into minutes

Naoll Balfourier is only 21, with a unique profile rare in French basketball at 7’1″ and his developed basketball IQ. However, he still lacks the consistency and impact needed to establish himself at the highest level. His season in the Netherlands could serve as a springboard if a French ELITE 2 or NM1 club decides to give him a more substantial role. Failing that, a quiet return to Cholet isn’t out of the question, even if his long-term future likely lies elsewhere.