Former Hawaii Men’s Basketball players JoVon McClanahan and Samuta Avea stood out on the court when they were in UH Uniforms, and now they have taken to Professional Basketball.
This past season, Jovon and Samuta both took to Europe to continue their basketball careers.
“Just transitioning from college to pro basketball in France specifically, it was a big change. and What I learned from it is that like the games are completely different. its a different style of play. Then as the year went on, I got way more comfortable so it was nice,” said McClanahan.
“It’s super exciting, its the 2nd year out here in Europe and its been a big learning experience.. But its been cool to see the city. its similar to Hawaii in a sense where they all gather around their teams,” said Avea.
McClanahan was in his 1st season of Pro Ball in Europe, while Avea played in his 2nd season. But what’s even more special between the 2 former teammates is that they were playing for professional teams that were based just a little more than an hour away from each other in France.
“He signed first for the upcoming season back in the fall and then I signed not too far after, I was like ‘Hey I’m in France too’ and then we check the maps about where our teams are.. We’re like ‘no way, that’s crazy’. and we’re very lucky that it worked out,” said Avea.
The Former ‘Bows were in different divisions as McClanahan played for JSA in the French NM2 Division while Avea was with Boulazac in France Pro B.
The duo made sure to support each other as much as they could throughout their seasons.
“My city was actually and hour and a half away from Samuta. So I used to go to all his games. he went to mine,” said McClanahan.
And getting a chance to play Professional Basketball but also explore a new country with one of your closest friends, is something these two former Hawaii standouts didn’t take for granted.
“For us to actually experience Europe and France together is crazy,” said McClanahan.
“We made sure to see each other on the weekends and what not, its been a blast,” Said Avea.
For there seasons, McClanahan and his team finished 4th in their respective group.
Avea and his team brought Boulazac their 1st ever Championship Title and will move into the Top Division in France next season.
“He was there to watch me hold up the trophy at the end of the season with the Championship. So its really coo, its a really cool feeling,” said Avea.