With new additions and key veterans stepping up, the Monégasque side aims to carry its Super Cup success into a promising EuroLeague campaign
Monaco seeking 'sweet taste' in EuroLeague after French Super Cup triumph
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Roland Garros has long been a stage for tennis greatness, but this weekend it was basketball that took center stage as the inaugural French Super Cup made its way to the iconic stadium. For those lucky enough to be in attendance, they may have just witnessed the 2025-26 EuroLeague champion in the making.
AS Monaco fans certainly won't forget this weekend in a hurry. After a commanding 25-point win over Boulazac (70-95) in the semifinals, the Monégasque side matched that margin of victory one day later, cruising past Le Mans (104-79) to clinch the Super Cup. The win was particularly sweet for Mike James and his teammates, who avenged two painful defeats to Le Mans in last season’s French Cup and Leaders Cup finals. In fact, Monaco endured a trophyless 2023-24 campaign, having also fallen short to Paris Basketball in the French League Finals.
One of the most captivating storylines for Monaco heading into the French Super Cup was the debut of Nikola Mirotic, who made his first official appearance in his new team’s jersey. After contributing 13 points in the semifinals, the 34-year-old forward followed up with 11 in the final.
“I never imagined I would play here [at Roland Garros]. It’s a huge privilege,” Mirotic said in an interview with L’Equipe before the semifinals. “There are Super Cups in Spain and Italy, but this one will be something special.”
The tournament also marked the return of Mike James to Monaco’s roster, having missed last season's French League Finals due to an internal suspension. Although he wasn’t as prolific in the semifinals, scoring just 6 points, he still showcased his elite playmaking skills with 8 assists. He stepped up when it mattered most in the final, contributing 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. Now 35, James is eager to make this season one to remember as he and Mirotic both aim for their first EuroLeague title.
However, the weekend wasn’t just about the veterans. Two players who truly stood out were Elie Okobo and Alpha Diallo, proving the incredible depth of Monaco’s squad. Okobo had 15 points and 8 assists against Boulazac before following it up with 16 points and 7 assists against Le Mans. Diallo was equally impactful, doing a bit of everything with 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in the semifinals, then adding 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists in the final. While they don’t always grab the headlines, Okobo and Diallo are indispensable contributors to Monaco’s success.
“We respected our opponents, played with the right intensity, shared the ball and trusted our teammates,” Okobo said to L’Equipe after the Super Cup win. “Everyone is contributing well in their role, and we need to keep it going. We have a very talented team.”
New backup center Kevarrius Hayes also showed his worth with strong performances off the bench, while Daniel Theis – fresh off his EuroBasket 2025 title – notched 12 points in the final as he added another piece of silverware to his trophy cabinet. Hayes contributed 9 points and 7 rebounds against Le Mans, proving that Monaco’s center rotation is in capable hands. This 1-2 punch will be crucial as it frees up space for James, Okobo, Mirotic and the rest of Monaco’s dynamic roster to shine.
With Vassilis Spanoulis capturing his first trophy as a head coach, the next goal will be to avenge last season’s heartbreaking loss to Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in the EuroLeague Championship Game. But this was a strong start.
“We want to win everything,” Okobo also told L'Equipe following the title decider. “After coming so close last season in the EuroLeague final and the French League Finals, it left a bitter taste. We want this season to have a sweeter ending.”
Monaco’s quest for that “sweet taste” begins with back-to-back home games to open the EuroLeague season – against Zalgiris Kaunas on October 1 and Dubai Basketball on October 3.