Pau-Lacq-Orthez welcomes back Chikoko

Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (Jeep ELITE ProA) inked 30-year old Zimbabwean international 208cm power forward Vitalis Chikoko for upcoming season. It is actually his comeback to Pau Lacq Orthez as he has played here before. Chikoko has played for the last two years at Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans in the Jeep ELITE ProA. In 31 games he averaged 11.7ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.9apg and 1.0bpg last season. A very good season in his career as he was awarded Eurobasket.com All-French ProA Cotonou Player of the Year, voted to All-Imports Team and League Player of the Week (2 times). He also played 15 games in Eurocup where he had 8.3ppg, 4.4rpg and 1.7apg. He helped them to make it to the quarterfinals.
Chikoko has tried to make it to the NBA and played in the NBA Pro Summer League in 2013.
He also represented Zimbabwe at the Afrobasket Championships in Rades (Tunisia) six years ago. His stats at that event were 5 games: 13.4ppg, Reb-4 (8.8rpg), 1.2apg, Blocks-1 (3.2bpg), FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 64.7%.
He has played previously professionally in Germany (Gladiators, BG Goettingen, Bayern Muenchen and ASC 46 Goettingen) and Italy (Reggio Emilia and Verona).
Among many awards Chikoko's team made it to the French Leaders Cup Final Four in 2020. Chikoko received Eurobasket.com All-French ProA Player of the Year award in 2020.
Chikoko's game is described as: A talented, lanky forward/center who has a huge upside. Even stanging almost 6-10, he can spend yet time at the PF position, thanks to enormous athletic skills, versatility, and good feel for the game. His long arms allow him to be a good defender and shot blocker.

Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez roster for 2021-2022:

Guard:
Justin Bibbins

Forwards:
Gregor Hrovat
Vitalis Chikoko

Center:
Hamady N'Diaye
(via @Be_BasketFr)

Tags : VITALIS CHIKOKO, ELAN BEARNAIS PAU-LACQ-ORTHEZ, FRENCH BASKETBALL, FRENCH TRANSACTIONS