LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne has officially announced the acquisition of seasoned big man Joel Bolomboy, solidifying their frontcourt for the upcoming two seasons. This strategic move sees the former EuroLeague champion transition from Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, where he spent the last three impactful years. Bolomboy's presence is anticipated to be a cornerstone for ASVEL's rebuilding phase, especially after their challenging performance last season.
EuroLeague Veteran Joel Bolomboy Joins ASVEL Amidst Club Transformation
On August 11, 2026, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne formally confirmed the two-year signing of Joel Bolomboy, a 32-year-old, 2.04-meter center-forward. Bolomboy's rich European basketball background, including a EuroLeague title with CSKA Moscow in 2019 and three Final Four appearances, makes him a valuable asset for the French club. His most impressive EuroLeague season to date was in 2023-24 with Zvezda, where he averaged 10.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks across 33 games. Despite a significant Lisfranc injury in March 2025 that sidelined him for ten months, he made a commendable return last season, contributing 5.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks in 15 EuroLeague outings. His defensive tenacity and rebounding ability are crucial additions for ASVEL, a team that struggled with interior defense and finished last in the EuroLeague with an 8-30 record. Bolomboy currently ranks 26th in EuroLeague history for offensive rebounds, 53rd for blocks, and 60th for total rebounds, highlighting his consistent impact. Beyond the EuroLeague, he also boasts domestic titles in Greece and Serbia, as well as championships in the VTB United League and Adriatic League. Bolomboy's journey began after a successful collegiate career at Weber State, where he earned two-time Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year honors and the conference's 2016 Player of the Year award, followed by stints with the Utah Jazz and Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA and their G League affiliates.
This signing arrives at a pivotal moment for ASVEL, as the club undergoes a significant transformation. Tony Parker has stepped into the head coach role, replacing Pierric Poupet, amidst a reported budget reduction from approximately €59 million to €24 million. The team has also seen considerable roster changes, with key players like Sylvain Francisco, Braian Angola, Glynn Watson, Melvin Ajinca, Bastien Vautier, and Zac Seljaas departing. Conversely, the club has welcomed new talents such as Patty Mills, Both Gach, and Yves Pons, while Armoni Brooks and Nick Weiler-Babb are joining on loan. Furthermore, ongoing discussions about club ownership, including Parker's potential sale to the Buss family, former owners of the Los Angeles Lakers, add another layer of complexity to ASVEL's current landscape. In this dynamic environment, Bolomboy's proven experience and leadership are expected to provide stability and a competitive edge as ASVEL strives to improve upon its previous season's performance.
