Ayayi Special Edition

Published on June 1, 2026

The semi-finals are shaping up to be a real nail-biter in Paris! This Tuesday marks the start of our series against Cholet. These matches will see our point guard Joël go head-to-head with his brother Gérald.

Among the most prominent basketball families in France are the Ayayis. The eldest, Valériane, currently plays for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA. Meanwhile, her two younger brothers are dominating the Betclic ÉLITE: Gérald at Cholet and Joël in Paris. Two brothers vying for a single place in the Final !

A finalist in the 2021 March Madness with the Gonzaga Bulldogs, our point guard had a brief stint in the NBA before joining the French league. Having played for Nanterre and JL Bourg, Joël has been with Paris Basketball since this summer, where he made his EuroLeague debut.

A year his junior, Gérald Ayayi has spent most of his career in France. Having come through the ranks at Pau-Lacq-Orthez, the French international has been playing for Cholet for the past three seasons, where he has established himself as a top-five leader in the Betclic ÉLITE.

Two different paths leading to this final four of the playoffs! Come and watch this all-local clash on Tuesday and Thursday by visiting our online ticket office.

Betclic ÉLITE – Playoffs

Tue. 02/06 – 8:00 pm