Confirmed switch between Nanterre and Saint-Quentin: Julien Mahé and Philippe Da Silva to swap positions

The movement is becoming clearer on the Betclic ELITE benches. While Nanterre and Saint-Quentin are racing for the play-in, the two clubs are now linked by a surprising switch between their coaches. Julien Mahé, SQBB’s coach, has activated his release clause to join Nanterre 92. In return, Philippe Da Silva, currently with the Île-de-France team and competing for a place in the Champions League (BCL) Final Four, has received a two-year contract offer from the Picardy club. At the same time, Nanterre continues to look to the future with the arrival of one of the country’s biggest prospects, Hugo Yimga-Moukouri.

Da Silva heading to SQBB

It’s an unexpected but now concrete ping-pong game. After five years at Saint-Quentin, Julien Mahé has used a clause allowing him to leave Saint-Quentin, which he led from the depths of Pro B to the BCL.

On the other side, Philippe Da Silva – who will have the opportunity to take Nanterre to a possible BCL Final Four – is expected to take over at Saint-Quentin. According to our information, a two-season contract proposal has been sent to him. If an agreement is reached with Nanterre to terminate his contract due to expire on June 30, 2026, the current Nanterre coach will therefore hand over to… his successor.

Successful week for Philippe Da Silva after a win against Murcia and a victory at St-Quentin. pic.twitter.com/y5wRV2zcyu

— OttouAnthony (@OttouAnthony) March 24, 2025

Hugo Yimga-Moukouri, a major addition for Nanterre

While Julien Mahé will settle in this summer, recruitment work is already underway. With a coach appreciated for his work with young potential, Nanterre will welcome – or rather welcome back – an early talent of French basketball: Hugo Yimga-Moukouri (2.02 m, 16 years old). The Pôle France wing, known for his physical qualities and commitment, was already playing for the club from 92 before moving to INSEP.

In Nationale 1 this season, he’s averaging 12.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 35 games. Having entered Pôle France a year early, he will also leave earlier than expected. But before committing to Nanterre, the young wing has one last goal in mind: to bring his team the title at the Next Generation Tournament, after losing the final in 2024 in Berlin, in late May in Abu Dhabi.