Vichy: Dounia Issa Activates Exit Clause, Elise Prodhomme Favorite to Succeed Him?

Dounia Issa Joins ASVEL’s Expanded Staff

After two strong seasons at the helm of JA Vichy, Dounia Issa is preparing to take the next step in his coaching career. The former French international has activated his exit clause and could soon join ASVEL, where Tony Parker is looking to assemble an expanded technical staff.

At 44, the Toulouse native is reaping the rewards of a transition patiently built after his playing career. After beginning his coaching development within Le Mans’ youth system, he was nevertheless pushed aside at the start of the 2019–2020 season, when the Sarthe club chose his assistant Elric Delord to lead the team.

Issa then revived his career at Pont-de-Chéruy in Nationale 1 between 2021 and 2024. Over those three seasons, he produced strong results despite limited resources, rebuilding his reputation on the French basketball scene.

That trajectory eventually brought him back to Vichy, the club where he first made his name as a player. Hired in the summer of 2024 to replace Guillaume Vizade — who left for Le Mans — Issa managed to keep JAV highly competitive despite a very tight budget, notably by relying on the development of young players.

At ASVEL, he could join an already dense coaching structure. Alongside head coach Vincent Collet, the staff could also include Old Lo — Tony Parker’s classmate from the DES coaching program, expected to work with him on the France U17 national team staff — as well as Bryan George, in addition to the current trio of Antoine Chevrier, Joseph Gomis and Karim Atamna.

Elise Prodhomme in Pole Position to Take Over

On the JA Vichy side, the front office has quickly moved to address the succession plan. According to our information, Elise Prodhomme has emerged as the leading candidate to take over the team.

Currently the head coach of JDA Dijon’s youth team and the French U18 men’s national team, she has built a strong reputation as a developer of young talent and maintains a wide network among top French prospects. Such a choice would align with the direction Vichy has taken in recent seasons.

Other options were also explored by the Allier club, including Lauriane Dolt — who ultimately extended her contract with STB Le Havre — as well as former SCABB coach Maxime Nelaton.

For now, however, Elise Prodhomme appears to be in pole position. If confirmed, the appointment would mark her first experience as a head coach at the professional level.

The opportunity comes at a key moment in her career, as JDA Dijon has decided not to continue with her going forward. The Burgundy club recently brought back Vincent Dumestre to support Laurent Legname, who is expected to transition into a general manager role.