Leray finds rhythm with Élan Chalon

Mathéo Leray, a 23-year-old French basketball player standing 1.90 meters tall, has begun to find his form with Élan Chalon after a challenging first professional season marked by injury and adjustment issues. In the 2026-2027 season, he has started strongly, averaging 10.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2.3 steals per game in four Betclic ELITE matches, all while playing an average of 23 minutes.

Strong performance against former club

On October 17, during Élan Chalon's 86-77 victory over his former team Cholet Basket, Leray recorded 10 assists, 6 points, and 6 rebounds. This performance helped Chalon secure three wins in their first four games of the season, highlighting his growing impact on the team.

Leray reflects on his growth

In an interview with Journal de Saône-et-Loire, Leray credited his improvement to lessons learned during his first professional season, particularly during a period of recovery from injury between mid-October and early December 2025. He said he has changed his approach to the game, regaining the confidence he had with the Espoirs, the French youth team.

Contributions extend beyond the French league

Leray's influence is not limited to the domestic league. In the FIBA Europe Cup, he has averaged 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists per game in 23 minutes over two matches, showing his ability to perform on an international stage.

Improved partnership with Hill

A key development for Leray has been his evolving partnership with Jeremiah Hill, the American point guard. The two share backcourt responsibilities, and their complementarity has improved over time. Leray admitted he used to step back behind Hill last season but now works more collaboratively with him.

Off-court relationship aids on-court success

The off-court relationship between Leray and Hill has enhanced their on-court synergy. This is particularly valuable for Élan Chalon, which now has two playmakers capable of taking on significant roles. During the game against Cholet, Hill was Chalon's top scorer with 24 points, while Leray led the team in assists.

Areas for improvement identified

Despite his strong performances, Leray acknowledges he has room for growth. He averages 3.8 turnovers per game in the Betclic ELITE league and wants to improve his ball-handling skills. He also aims to become more mature and physically impactful as his role on the team expands.

Leray's future performance expected

At 23, Leray is translating the experience from his first season into consistent performances. With an average of 8 assists per game, he has become a key playmaker for Élan Chalon. He will look to reinforce this role in the upcoming FIBA Europe Cup match against Latvia's Valmiera team.