Intro: Nicolas Elame (2019)
All the way from France, 6-foot-3 185-pound guard Nicolas Elame is deceptively athletic and constantly in attack mode. Now at Bella Vista Prep (Az.), the well-built Class of 2019 is learning his quick-paced, explosive game is tailor-cut for the American style of play. This much has been evident the past two seasons, as several of his dunks have gone viral.
Still unknown and under the radar, Elame is embracing the underrated concept and constantly playing with a chip on his shoulder. He took the first step in proving himself on a national scale last weekend in Phoenix, erupting with a breakout 22-point performance against Prolific Prep (CA).
Learning and evolving under head coach Kyle Weaver, Elame has prioritized aggressive scoring.
“Being aggressive from the very start and showing I can take over is what propelled me (against Prolific)” said Elame, who grew up idolizing Tony Parker and Boris Diaw and was quick to cite the massive NBA fanfare in France.
“The best part of my game is attacking, being in attack mode and always bringing high energy on the court.”
That much was evident this summer, when Elame scored 19 points in leading the Texas Hardwood Prospects to a 54-45 victory over Elite 17U in the GAO championships. Elame averaged 13 points as a role player at Christian Life Academy in Houston last season. In transferring to Bella Vista and working diligently under Weaver, Elame understands just how hard you have to work in a hyper-competitive environment.
“This year I’m looking to establish myself as an all-around playmaker at guard, a guy who can score and pass the ball and defend with the best of them,” said Elame, who is a featured scorer alongside Julian Dozier Jr. and Terry Armstrong.
“It’s really a prove it year for me. I’m launching up shots every day, getting into the weight room and making everything a priority. The main reason I chose Bella Vista is because it’s a disciplined program that holds its players to high expectations. The structure is serious, they run it like a college program. We have an extremely competitive schedule and there is a great deal of exposure I could gain. This is what I’m hoping for.”
Elame first gained the opportunity to ply his trade in the United States through former Wright State forward Johann Mpondo. Having coached in France and discovering Elame through his brother Frank, Mpondo led the young prospect to The Conrad School in Orlando, FL. In slapdash fashion, Elame developed a feel for the English language and transitioned to speaking it fluently.
In addition to learning English and adapting to the new education system, Elame learned how serious the level of play was at this level. During his first-ever open practice at The Conrad School, Rick Pitino and Florida assistant coach Dusty May arrived at the gym to recruit (Arizona State-commit) Luguentz Dort.
There has been no looking back from there.
“My defense was always the best part of my game,” Elame said. “When I got (to the United States) I realized I had to focus on my shooting. I’ve been putting in consistent work.”