Fresh off their SuperCoupe title to kick off the 2025–26 campaign, AS Monaco carried their momentum straight into the French Betclic Elite regular season.
La Roca Team opened domestic league play with an 84–63 road win over ESSM Le Portel at Le Chaudron, showing both depth and dominance even while shorthanded.
Making his first appearance in league play, Nikola Mirotic wasted no time in asserting himself. The veteran forward needed just under 16 minutes to score a game-high 13 points, setting the tone for Monaco’s attack.
Team captain Alpha Diallo delivered an all-around performance, contributing 12 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals under the guidance of head coach Vassilis Spanoulis.
Monaco was missing several familiar names. Yoan Makoundou continues to recover from a shoulder injury that will keep him out until at least November, while stars Mike James, Donatas Motiejunas, and Daniel Theis were not part of the traveling roster.
Kevarrius Hayes suited up but did not see action in the contest. Still, Monaco’s depth proved more than enough as they pulled away comfortably from Le Portel.
Elsewhere in Round 1, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne made an emphatic statement with a 115–71 blowout over SLUC Nancy at Astroballe on Sunday.
The night marked a dream debut for 17-year-old Adam Atamna, who was flawless in his first professional outing. He tallied 10 points on perfect shooting — 2-of-2 from the line, 1-of-1 from two-point range, and 2-of-2 from beyond the arc.
Six other players reached double figures for ASVEL, with Glynn Watson Jr. leading the way at 17 points. Veterans Thomas Heurtel and Bodian Massa were unavailable for the match, but their absence did little to slow down the attack.
On Saturday, defending champions Paris began their title defense in dominant fashion, dismantling BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque 109–66 at Stade des Flandres.
Amath M’Baye paced Paris with a game-high 17 points, as the capital club looked every bit the contender to repeat.
Betclic Elite Round 1 results:
- JDA Dijon – Le Mans 89–91
- Boulazac – Saint-Quentin 94–76
- Cholet – SIG Strasbourg 92–74
- Limoges CSP – JL Bourg 96–84
- BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque – Paris 66–109
- ESSM Le Portel – AS Monaco 63–84
- LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne – SLUC Nancy 115–71
- Elan Chalon – Nanterre 92 (Sept. 30)
Without Mike James, Donatas Motiejunas, and Daniel Theis, Monaco earns a comfortable win on the roadhttps://t.co/6uEe9h1qfG
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) September 28, 2025
