Gérald Ayayi is leaving. After three years in Cholet, the younger sibling of France’s most famous basketball family has fully revealed his talent to all observers. Whether in terms of impact or statistics, the shooting guard has continuously improved, mirroring his 2025-26 season with Cholet.
Averaging 14 points and 4.2 rebounds in Betclic Élite, Ayayi earned his first selections for the French national team, stepping in for Evan Fournier during the July window. Most notably, he was named the league’s Most Improved Player for the past season. He maintained this momentum in the playoffs, playing a crucial role in eliminating ASVEL, before giving his all in Game 4 against Paris, scoring 24 points in his team’s 91-94 defeat.
As reported by our colleagues at Ouest-France, this game will be remembered as the shooting guard’s farewell to CB. In an interview to be published in the July issue of MaxiBasket, Ayayi himself confirmed his departure from Cholet.
“I won’t be staying in Cholet next year; I’m leaving. I’ve been in Cholet for three years, and I feel I’ve done what I needed to do, grown as much as I needed to grow. Leaving last year would have been premature. Things were handled well and concluded in the best possible way. Now, I have all the necessary tools to move to the next level, and even Cholet can turn the page.”
ASVEL, ‘a Possible Destination’
It’s no longer a secret that ASVEL will be very active in the transfer market this summer. Already positioned on several French international players, with Sylvain Francisco being a prominent target, Gérald Ayayi is also on the shortlist of Tony Parker and his staff.
“Of course, it’s a possible destination, but nothing is finalized at all. We are in contact with them, but also with many others. This is an important moment in my career, which will allow me to look upwards, perhaps even very, very high, so I’m taking my time, I’m being patient. But it’s certain that ASVEL remains a choice destination.”
Cholet Already Securing Its Succession
Even before officially announcing the departure of their season’s best player, about which they were informed, the Cholet management has already registered the arrivals of two recruits in his position. This Thursday, Noah Locke, who had a brief stint with the club this season, and Tony Snell have joined the team to strengthen the club’s backcourt.
