Basketball

Chalon did not take long to react. While Nate Darling is sidelined for the rest of the season due to a shoulder issue, Brandon Paul is coming to Burgundy to fill in. An American who arrived mid-season last year.

At the time, Paul had arrived from Bourg at the end of February, just before the deadline to bring in new players. This signature brought the number of foreign contracts in Chalon to seven at the time, one too many. Jamel Morris was the one who missed out.

This year, Brandon Paul arrives much later. And as a medical replacement this time. He will play at least three matches with Elan: against Le Portel next Saturday, then against Strasbourg in the final regular season game on May 16. Finally, the play-in, likely at home, against Nancy or Boulazac.

Option No. 1 to replace Darling

And why not more? At least, this seems to be the message from the Chalon management, who want to believe that their season is not over yet. To help them in this final stretch, the contribution of Brandon Paul, who is familiar with the team and some of his teammates (Choupas, Hill, Cuthbertson, Gaudoux), will obviously be significant. Paul notably scored 28 points in the first leg of the playoffs, on Asvel’s court.

The man, who turned 35 on April 30, has not played an official match since winning the Mexican championship in mid-November. “We will have to be patient with him, not have too high expectations, so be precise,” said Elric Delord, the Chalon coach. “But he is a great professional. Eager to come and help us. And he was our number one option.” Brandon Paul arrives in Chalon this Monday.

His stats in 2024-25 with Elan: 13.3 points on 47.8% shooting (43.7% from 3 points), 2.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists for 12.5 efficiency rating in 23 minutes.