Yves Pons Activates Buyout to Return to ASVEL from MoraBanc Andorra

Yves Pons has activated his buyout clause to join ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne, marking another departure from MoraBanc Andorra despite the club's plans to retain him under sporting director Jordi Ardèvol and coach Žan Tabak.

The 27-year-old French international, born in Haiti, spent the 2022-23 season with ASVEL before moving to Bàsquet Girona and signing a two-year contract with MoraBanc last summer that included an exit option. French media, including Le Progrès, reported the move, which returns Pons to top-tier European competition under Tony Parker, ASVEL's majority owner, coach, and France under-17 selector. In 30 EuroLeague appearances with Andorra, he averaged eight points on 40.9% three-point shooting, three rebounds, 0.3 blocks, and a 5.8 efficiency rating. President Gorka Aixàs had praised his physicality and defensive intangibles, even if statistics were not standout.

This exit follows confirmed departures of Justin McKoy and Sir'Jabari Rice, making Pons the third major loss. Stan Okoye, contracted until June 2027 but with a buyout, appears likely to leave, while Shannon Evans II—also tied until 2027 with an exit clause—wants out and is not a retention priority. Rafa Luz remains contracted through 2027. Chumi Ortega extended to 2028, Kyle Kuric to 2027, and Artem Pustovyi holds a deal with an exit option. Kostas Kostadinov attracts NCAA interest, Rubén Guerrero's future is uncertain, and Aaron Best has a renewal offer but is not prioritized. Xavier Castañeda returned to Unicaja Málaga after his loan.

Ardèvol's sole confirmed signing is forward/center Owen Aquino from High Point, leaving up to seven roster spots to fill for a 12-player squad.

The changes align with a brand refresh unveiled Thursday under the "Forts. Units. El Nord" concept. The Brut mascot now faces forward, with Andorra's mountains integrated into its fur and the basketball removed for a more solid look. A new Allau typeface joins glacier blue, white, and dark blue colors, drawing from Pyrenean landscapes. The club emphasized clearer, territory-rooted communication while retaining core elements like "Som un país," the Bombonerí, its anthem, and Catalan language.

Former sporting director Francesc Solana, dismissed after 10 years, is reportedly in talks with relegated Dreamland Gran Canaria.