Biography of Joël Ayayi
In the Ayayi family, basketball runs in the blood. Among this group of four siblings, the eldest, Valériane Ayayi, excels in the WNBA, the second eldest, Gérald Ayayi, impresses in Pro A, and in the middle… Joël Ayayi has just made his debut with the French champions in Paris. Born on 5 March 2000 in Bordeaux, our Frenchie stayed in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, more precisely in Pau, for his debut in the world of basketball in 2014. A more than convincing season with Élan Béarnais quickly opened the doors to Pôle France. Following in the footsteps of Tony Parker and Boris Diaw, the point guard excels.
Considered one of France’s biggest prospects, the Bordeaux native received an offer from the Gonzaga Bulldogs at just 17 years of age. He headed to the United States for three seasons in the NCAA. Arriving on tiptoes, the point guard literally wrote his name in the university’s hall of fame during his last campaign in Washington. Collectively, his team shone all the way to the March Madness final. But individually, the point guard shone: averaging 12 points and a rating of 17.6, he was the first Bulldogs player to achieve a triple-double and, above all, was a finalist for the Jerry West Trophy for best guard. It was a superb university career, punctuated by a bronze medal at the Euro U18 and the U19 World Cup, with the added bonus of a place in the best five players in both competitions.
But despite this thunderous start, things did not go as planned. Undrafted, he nevertheless landed a two-way contract with the Lakers, who cut him immediately. And while the point guard was packing his bags to go home, the Washington Wizards came knocking. The result: seven games in the big league before starting 2022 with Capital City Go-Go in the G-League. There, he performed as usual. However, his 17 ratings failed to convince the Wizards, and the Bordeaux native decided to continue his adventure in the NBA’s antechamber with the Osceola Magic. His first selection for the French national team in the summer of 2023 was the perfect transition for a return home.
Because yes, the new French international had made his decision. At 23, Joël Ayayi now wants to set the French courts alight! In the Parisian suburb of Nanterre, the Frenchman completed his first Pro A campaign, living up to his talent. He even helped his teammates reach the LNB play-off quarter-finals. As fate would have it, the Parisian side lost in three games to Bourg… Joël Ayayi’s future club for the 2024-2025 season.
In Ain, he was part of JL’s superb season, which ended this time with a play-off semi-final defeat at the adidas arena. Symbolically, the player is now part of the Parisian adventure.
What role will Joël Ayayi play for Paris Basketball in the 2025-2026 season
Position 1, 2, even 3. Joël Ayayi embodies versatility. As a guard, his ability to finish with both hands opens up drive opportunities at any moment. With an exceptional basketball IQ and true playmaker skills, our new recruit is sure to be a hit with our fans at the adidas arena.
Player’s style of play in 3 words
PLAYMAKER VERSATILE BASKETBALL IQ
