Lugano Tigers fans won’t be seeing veteran French forward Nobel Boungou-Colo suit up for the Swiss Basketball League club after all. A deal initially announced by the Swiss Basketball Federation has fallen through due to financial disagreements, leaving the 36-year-old searching for a new team.
The situation unfolded quickly. Just days after the Swiss Basketball Federation publicized the signing, it became clear that an agreement couldn’t be reached between Boungou-Colo and the Tigers. According to reports, Lugano, currently eighth in the SBL standings with a 5-18 record as of March 29, 2026, was unwilling to meet the player’s financial expectations as they attempt to secure a playoff berth.
Boungou-Colo, a seasoned player with a lengthy career primarily in France’s top division, was expected to provide much-needed depth and leadership for Lugano. He was slated to replace Trey Moses, another player sidelined with a ruptured Achilles tendon. The initial announcement generated excitement among Swiss basketball followers, but that enthusiasm proved short-lived.
This isn’t the first time a potential move for Boungou-Colo has encountered complications. He recently recovered from a ruptured Achilles tendon himself, an injury that prevented him from participating in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) last year. Despite the setback, the Congolese-French player remains determined to continue his professional career.
Boungou-Colo’s resume is extensive. He’s spent significant time with Limoges CSP, competing in both domestic and European competitions like the EuroCup and Basketball Champions League. His career also includes stints with Hyères-Toulon, Orléans, Strasbourg IG, Levanga Hokkaido in Japan, and even a period with ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne, a prominent EuroLeague club. He’s also played professionally in Spain, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, and Russia, demonstrating his adaptability and experience on the international stage.
The forward has also represented the French national team, earning caps with the senior squad throughout his career. He’s a four-time French All-Star and was named the LNB Pro A All-Star Game MVP in 2013. His accolades include two LNB Pro A championships (2014, 2015) and an Italian Cup title with Fiat Torino in 2018.
Currently, Boungou-Colo has been training with Blois, a team he played for briefly in the NM2 league during the 2006-07 season, while his parents settled in Vendôme. He is expected to continue training with the club, potentially as a sparring partner for the team. He expressed his hope to rejoin a team soon, stating, “I hope to play again soon,” according to reports.
The Swiss Basketball League season is nearing its conclusion, with Fribourg leading the standings at 22-1, followed by Geneve at 18-5. The race for the final playoff spots is tight, and Lugano faces an uphill battle to secure eighth place. The Tigers currently trail Riviera by three wins.
While Boungou-Colo’s arrival in Lugano won’t materialize, his search for a new team continues. His experience and skillset would be a valuable asset to any club looking for a veteran presence. The basketball world will be watching to see where the accomplished forward lands next.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
