Transitioning from college to professional basketball is a dream for many athletes, and for former University of Hawaii men’s basketball players JoVon McClanahan and Samuta Avea, that dream has become a reality in Europe. Their journey took an exciting turn when they both signed with professional teams in France, rekindling their camaraderie while navigating new challenges on and off the court.
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McClanahan, entering his first season as a professional player, found himself adjusting to a completely different style of play compared to what he experienced during his time at the University of Hawaii. The French NM2 Division, where he played for JSA, offered a unique rhythm and pace that required patience and adaptability. “Just transitioning from college to pro basketball in France specifically, it was a big change,” he explained. “What I learned from it is that the games are completely different. It’s a different style of play. But as the year went on, I got way more comfortable, so it was nice.”
For Avea, this marked his second season abroad in Europe, playing with Boulazac in France’s Pro B division. Reflecting on the experience, he expressed excitement about how much he had grown personally and professionally. “It’s super exciting—it’s my second year out here in Europe, and it’s been a big learning experience,” he said. “It’s been cool to see the city. In a sense, it feels similar to Hawaii, where everyone gathers around their teams.”
The story gets even better—despite being in different divisions, the two former teammates ended up playing for clubs located just over an hour apart. When Avea signed with Boulazac earlier in the fall, he didn’t expect that McClanahan would soon join him in France. “He signed first for the upcoming season back in the fall, and then I signed not too far after,” Avea recalled. “I was like, ‘Hey, I’m in France too.’ Then we checked the maps about where our teams were… We’re like, ‘No way, that’s crazy.’ And we’re very lucky that it worked out.”
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Throughout the season, the pair made sure to support each other by attending each other’s games whenever possible. McClanahan often traveled an hour and a half to cheer on Avea, and vice versa. “We made sure to see each other on the weekends and whatnot. It’s been a blast,” Avea added.
Their seasons culminated in impressive achievements. McClanahan’s team finished fourth in their group, a solid performance for a rookie campaign. Meanwhile, Avea helped lead Boulazac to its first-ever championship title, earning promotion to the top division in France for next season. “He was there to watch me hold up the trophy at the end of the season with the championship,” Avea said. “So it’s really cool. It’s a really cool feeling.”
Beyond the court, the duo cherished the opportunity to explore a new country together. For McClanahan, sharing this adventure with someone he considers a close friend made the experience even more meaningful. “For us to actually experience Europe and France together is crazy,” he said. “It’s something we definitely didn’t take for granted.”
