Top 10 best players on Betclic ELITE

Never before has Betclic ÉLITE hosted so much talent. In this more exciting than ever 2025-2026 season, Paris Basketball presents the Top 10 best players in the league. A ranking based on specific criteria, in order of: impact on the game, presence in big moments, scoring, defense, leadership, and mentality.

So, who will succeed two-time MVP T.J. Shorts ?

10) Daniel Theis (Monaco) : The most experienced NBA player in this top 10 with 452 games under his belt, Daniel Theis is the ultimate stretch five. The only center on the list, the German is still a key member of the reigning world and European champions. Arriving in the winter of 2025, he needed no time to acclimatize. Although a physical setback prevented him from playing in the playoffs and the Final Four, Daniel Theis, now 33, is still going strong. One of the first names on Spanoulis’s starting five, his hard work on both sides of the court makes him a formidable opponent. He regularly scores big points against the opposing power forward or center and then punishes them from mid-range. His unfortunate tendency to get injured regularly and his lack of a benchmark game as an absolute leader prevent him from claiming a higher ranking.

9) Landers Nolley II (Nancy) : A standout in the G-League with an average of 15 points and 5.5 assists, Lander Nolley II arrives in Nancy with an impressive resume. After tearing it up in Venezuela and the Greek first division, the former Virginia Tech player has fully embraced his new responsibilities since the start of the season. Like any good forward, the American has a more than reliable shot from behind the arc. But it would be a mistake to limit him to that alone. A swingman by nature, he has no problem carrying the ball or even creating plays. His excellent vision of the game, coupled with his physicality, is the source of his versatility with and without the ball. All this at only 25 years old. However, his potential—synonymous with inexperience at the highest level—is playing tricks on him. Has he reached his floor or is he just at the beginning of his progression? It’s up to him to show us so he can climb the rankings.

8) Shaquille Harrison (ASVEL) : Currently the best perimeter defender in the entire Betclic ELITE, Shaquille Harrison is every point guard’s nightmare. His relentless intensity combined with his prolific steals justify his back-to-back DPOY awards in the G-League. In his role as lieutenant last year, this season he must take on the role of boss on the court. Offensively, Maledon has joined Real Madrid, and defensively, André Roberson has signed with Zenit S-P. The keys to Villeurbanne’s truck now belong to him. While his footing without the ball is unquestionable, the question arises more when he has the ball in his hands. The explosive guard has no trouble getting into the opponent’s paint. But in terms of accuracy and distribution, he still needs to step up his game. At 32, the man with 200 NBA games under his belt could defy many predictions.

7) Jeremiah Hill (Chalon) : Among the top five scorers and passers in Betclic ÉLITE last year, Jeremiah Hill is starting his second season in Chalon. Shining in the BCL preliminary rounds with 46 points and 10 steals in two games, the Cameroonian international seems to have finally found his role under Elric Delord. His switch to the 2 position during the year after a difficult start at point guard has allowed him to fully flourish on the court. A true floor general, his partnership with young Mathéo Leray is already wreaking havoc. His precise decision-making allows him to minimize turnovers. In addition to being a pure scorer, he is also clutch. Defensively, his vision of the game allows him to rack up steals while also grabbing rebounds. In an ambitious Châlons team, he can aim high and make his first big plays in the playoffs or even in Europe.

6) Justin Robinson (Paris Basketball) : The star recruit of Paris Basketball 2.0, Justin Robinson has the daunting task of filling the void left by T.J. Shorts. While he may not have the same profile as the two-time MVP, his talent is certainly on par. With around 40 NBA games under his belt, the point guard had a breakout year in Italy last season: averaging 14.4 points, third-best passer in the league (6 assists), member of the Lega Serie A All-Star Five, but also and above all, leader of a winning team. As a newly promoted team, the new Parisian literally carried Trapani to second place in the regular season and a playoff semifinal. He knows how to lead his team to victory at the highest level, which is a notable difference from the first four names mentioned. His ball handling, complemented by elite explosiveness, makes him almost unstoppable in 1-on-1 situations. And his speed of execution, shooting, passing ability, mastery of the pick and roll, and sharp drives add to his already impressive arsenal. Only his defense is a black mark on this otherwise superb picture.

5) Élie Okobo (Monaco) : The most devastating step back in the EuroLeague can be found on the Rock. More precisely, in Monaco’s backcourt. Ranked fifth in this category, our Frenchman Élie Okobo has a big card to play in the MVP race. In Monaco, not all foreign stars will play in Betclic ÉLITE, which gives a prominent role to JFL (Locally Trained Players). These are responsibilities that this player has already experienced and fully embraced, both at ASVEL and on the French national team. Now in his prime, the combo guard is increasingly showcasing his scoring ability alongside his playmaking talent. He demonstrated this to the entire basketball world during Euro 2025 with his 12.5 points per game average.

4) Trevor Hudgins (Le Mans) : Last season in Betclic ÉLITE, Trevor Hudgins ranked sixth among the top scorers, participated in the All-Star Game, and was named to the LNB 2nd team… with the added bonus of being named MVP of the Leaders Cup! His individual achievements speak for themselves. The former Rockets player is the archetype of an elite point guard. A masterful passer, sensational shooter, and clutch player. It’s no coincidence that Guillaume Vizade always keeps him fresh during the game to bring him out in crunch time. His talent and contribution to a competitive team are well established. But inevitably, his presence in the top 10 shortest players in the league makes him mediocre on defense. A weakness that is more than compensated for by his offensive contribution.

3) Nadir Hifi (Paris Basketball) : With his contract extended during the offseason, Nadir Hifi is no longer confined to the role of serial shooter. When Francesco Tabellin’s men need to get back on track this season, all the balls will be headed to the backcourt. His unwavering confidence, extraordinary clutch ability, ball handling, and boundless creativity make him a virtually unstoppable player. Proof of this is his title as Betclic ÉLITE’s top scorer in 2025. But beyond scoring, the Strasbourg native constantly adapts to his opponents’ formations. When double-teamed, for example, instead of rushing into the arms of his opponents, he prefers to send one of his teammates into orbit. Not to mention his aggressive style and tough defense on players without the ball. The EuroLeague Rising Star must now take a step forward after the departure of his sidekick TJ Shorts if he hopes to claim the top spot.

2) Nikola Mirotic (Monaco) : The blockbuster signing of the summer, star player Nikola Mirotic makes a sensational entry into this ranking. From Madrid to Barcelona via Chicago, wherever the Montenegrin giant has played, he has shone. Capable of averaging more than 16 points over two seasons in the NBA. Capable of stringing together six EuroLeague seasons with an average of more than 15 points and a similar rating. Capable of winning a EuroLeague MVP title. There are few achievements that the new Roca Team player has not accomplished. At the same time, when you have the unique ability to score near the hoop on a take-and-go before sinking a three-pointer from the parking lot, it’s hard to be more complete offensively. It’s a shame that his talent doesn’t match his leadership. It has cost him a number of EuroLeague titles… and the top spot in this ranking.

1) Mike James (Monaco) : Just off the podium in our ranking of the best EuroLeague players, Mike James now sits atop the leaderboard. And he has done so without any real competition since the departure of TJ Shorts. The oldest player in this ranking has a CV packed with all kinds of individual awards: MVP of the 2023 LNB All-Star Game, MVP of the 2024 LNB Finals and, above all, MVP of the 2024 EuroLeague. Even if the point guard is less prominent in the league, he remains fundamental to Monaco. This was evident in his absence during the recent finals against Paris. However, the Portland native seems to have reached a new milestone. Accompanied by statistics that are as impressive as ever, the point guard has proven that he is capable of leading his team to victory both in France and in Europe. Still considered the star of Betclic ÉLTE today, his talent is well established. Only his extracurricular activities cast a slight shadow.