Who will succeed T.J. Shorts? 12 potential MVPs of the Betclic ELITE season

Betclic ELITE has lost its most impactful player of recent years with the departure of T.J. Shorts (1.75m, 27). A true dynamo for Paris Basketball and then the league as a whole, the American-North Macedonian leaves behind a void but also an opportunity for a new generation of stars to establish themselves and become MVP of the regular season. Here’s an overview of the main candidates for the 2025-2026 MVP trophy.

The Most Expected Candidates

Nadir Hifi (Paris)

Extended with a major contract, Nadir Hifi is no longer restricted to the role of luxury scorer. In Paris Basketball’s fast-paced system, the Franco-Algerian will have even more responsibilities. Already a formidable scorer, he must prove he can handle a large volume while maintaining his efficiency. If Paris stays in the Top 3, he will definitely be in the MVP conversation.

Jeremiah Hill (Chalon)

After an excellent 2024-2025 season (16.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists), Jeremiah Hill extended with Chalon despite other offers. Already brilliant during the BCL preliminary round, the Cameroonian international scored 20 points, 5 assists and 5 steals against Porto then 26 points against Murcia. In preseason, he confirmed his impact with impressive performances. In an ambitious Chalon team, he can aim very high.

Darius McGhee (Bourg)

Arriving from Bonn where he impressed (15 points and 4.2 assists in Bundesliga, 16.1 points in BCL), McGhee has already made his mark. In preseason with Bourg, he averaged 13.3 points at 48% shooting (41% from 3), 3.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists for 15.4 evaluation in 25 minutes. An explosive point guard and long-range shooter, he could be one of the season’s revelations.

Justin Robinson (Paris)

Recruited to directly succeed T.J. Shorts, Justin Robinson arrives with NBA (43 games) and European experience. In preseason, he impressed with 16.8 points at 52% shooting (including an excellent 11/17 from 3) and 5.3 assists in 22 minutes average over four games. If these stats hold up in the championship, Paris would have found its new leader.

Chibuzo Agbo (Cholet)

The revelation of Cholet’s preseason, Chibuzo Agbo averaged 15.8 points in less than 21 minutes, thanks to his incredible outside shooting: 30/53 from behind the arc, or 57% success rate! The 25-year-old wing comes from a NCAA season at USC (11.8 points at 39.2% from 3) and seems already perfectly adapted to European play.

Shaquille Harrison (ASVEL)

Staying in Villeurbanne alongside Nando De Colo, Harrison has shown he can take on more offensive responsibilities while remaining a fierce defender. In three preseason games, he posted 15.3 points at 65% on 2-pointers, 3 assists, 3 steals and 2.7 rebounds for 19.3 evaluation in 21 minutes. An elite defender, he could surprise in the MVP race if he maintains such efficiency.

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