The second-leading scorer in the LFB leaves ASVEL for the NCAA
NCAA - Jess-Mine Zodia, the second-leading scorer in La Boulangère Wonderligue, is set to continue her career in the NCAA at the University of Miami, drawn by the new financial opportunities offered by NIL.
Photo Credit : Guillaume Poumarede
Jess-Mine Zodia (6’3″, 21 years old) is about to take a major step in her career. The ASVEL Féminin player, the second-leading scorer in La Boulangère Wonderligue, has chosen to join the NCAA and the University of Miami for next season.
SIGNED ✍️
🟠 Jess-Mine Zodia
🟢 Moissy-Cramayel, France#GoCanes x @Jessminezodia pic.twitter.com/iFwjF5V9mv— Hurricanes Women’s Basketball (@CanesWBB) April 13, 2026
An LFB international crossing the Atlantic
At just 21 years old, Jess-Mine Zodia (6’3″) is coming off a strong season in France. Averaging 16.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game in the league, she established herself as one of the top offensive players at the elite level.
Capable of scoring both inside and outside (39% from three-point range), the Moissy-Cramayel native was already well established in La Boulangère Wonderligue. Her departure highlights a growing trend: established players are now leaving Europe to join the NCAA.
Stats 2025-2026 / La Boulangère Wonderligue
PTS
16.1
#3
REB
7.6
#5
AST
1.8
#56
Miami and the highly competitive ACC conference
Jess-Mine Zodia will play for the Miami Hurricanes, members of the ACC conference, considered one of the most competitive in the country. During the 2025-2026 season, Miami posted a record of 18 wins and 15 losses, including 8 wins in 18 conference games.
Coached by Tricia Cullop, the Florida program operates in a very competitive environment filled with ranked programs. Despite an inconsistent season, the Hurricanes secured a spot in the WBIT national tournament, falling short of March Madness.
The role of NIL in the decision
Beyond the sporting project, this choice is also part of a new economic landscape. Thanks to the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) system, NCAA programs are now able to offer earnings far exceeding what is available in Europe.
In this context, a player of Jess-Mine Zodia’s caliber can monetize her performances at an unprecedented level for women’s basketball, making American universities especially attractive.
A movement that raises questions about the European model
The departure of Jess-Mine Zodia, a player already established at the highest level of French basketball, confirms the shifting market. Where the NCAA was historically a development step, it is now becoming a destination for established European professional players.
A phenomenon that could continue to grow in the coming years.
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve is the founder and editor-in-chief of BeBasket, which he has been running since 2010 (formerly known as Catch & Shoot). Having studied at the École Publique de Journalisme de Tours and two universities in North America, he has developed his expertise in French basketball, from the National League to amateur divisions, over the past 20 years. Alongside this, he is also involved in the development of clubs in the Montpellier area.
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