Cotonou Players in the 2025 Class – Full List & Analysis

The market for players with Cotonou status is becoming increasingly important for European clubs, especially in leagues like Spain and France, where this status provides regulatory advantages. For the upcoming season, I’ve put together a complete list of all NCAA Seniors who fall into this category. A great opportunity for those looking for talent with fewer restrictions on non-EU roster spots.

Ready to the Top

ARTHUR KALUMA (201 cm – 102 kg – Uganda) Creighton, Kansas State and now at Texas, consistently averaging over 10 points per game. A versatile player capable of contributing across all statistical categories, being a solid rebounder (8.1 per game), a good rim protector, and showing good passing skills (2 assists per match). He is a combo forward with a three-point shot that is continually improving (42.9% on 2.9 attempts) even though he has a slow release. Strong motor, moves well off the ball but can also be efficient in the low post. Not always disciplined, he lacks a bit of lateral mobility on the defensive end but can compensate with good athleticism. He can immediately provide quality minutes in the rotation in one of the top European leagues.

NELLY JOSEPH (208 cm – 111 kg – Nigeria) You can read our EXCLUSIVE SCOUTING REPORT for the former Iona center and now at New Mexico Lobos.

OUMAR BALLO (213 cm – 118 kg – Mali) When he played at Arizona, expectations were high; despite averaging a double-double, which he is maintaining at Indiana, the thought of seeing him in the NBA is now more difficult. He has great physicality, an inside player who has a significant impact. He is an excellent finisher (over 64% from 2-P) and a great offensive rebounder (averaging over 3), but he has not developed a mid-range jumper, and his shooting range is limited. Bello uses his physicality to create space from the post and is mobile enough to be a reliable roller. Defensively, he is a good rim protector but can struggle to guard quicker opponents. He has the ability to play immediately in a European league, but he is a player who has an influence and must be placed in the right context to succeed.