By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Paris and Nadir Hifi teased a separation on Wednesday, but the 22-year-old combo guard eventually confirmed returning for the 2025-26 edition of the EuroLeague and domestic competitions in France.
According to an earlier report by insider Chema de Lucas, the promising upstart was indeed nearing a deal to extend his stint for at least one more season.
“I still haven’t realized what’s happening. I think this is the end of a chapter for me after two years here,” the youngster opened a video indicating a decision to part ways with Paris, “I’ve had so many great moments. I’ve grown as a man and a basketball player. I’ve learned so much. It’s been an honor for me to represent this club.”
“I’m aware of what I’m leaving behind me here, but I think I gave everything for this club. Every game, I left it all on the court. I tried my best to represent the club’s colors and its identity,” continued the Strasbourg native, “I won a lot here. I left my mark here.”
“I think it’s made me grow,” he pointed to more positives from his stint with the team based in the French capital, “It reminded me of everything I went through when I was younger, all the tough times. And today, being at the top of European basketball, playing at the highest European level, and representing the capital’s club. That’s something I’m really proud of.”
Playing for the French club led to multiple championships, from the BKT EuroCup title to help his side clinch a berth in the EuroLeague to topping the Leaders Cup in 2024, the Coupe de France in 2025, and, most recently, the Betclic Elite. In addition, he was named EuroLeague Rising Star of the 2024-25 season.
“I’ve been through a lot of different stages in my young career, and I hope this is just the beginning,” he said, “It’s all positive when I look at these achievements.”
“I met people who helped me, not just on the court but in life, and that’s why Paris Basketball will always have a place in my heart,” he added, “I spent two incredible years here.”
“That’s what pushes me to keep going and give even more. It’s what gives me the strength every morning to get in the gym and train hard, to bring them joy. I just want to do my job at 200% and make people proud,” he also addressed the loyals, “The hype around the club, that’s thanks to them too. They’re there every day, every night, at the game, cheering us, and giving us energy. That’s what pushes us to give them joy every game. I just want to thank them and say their support means everything.”
After leaving his seat, he returned to confirm his stay extending through the next season.
“Guys, if you believed the news, that’s your problem. Me? I’m here next season,” he mentioned.
Merci @thenadirhifi 🖤❤💙 pic.twitter.com/jZAirVnwd3
— Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) July 9, 2025
Coming off the bench in all of his 38 EuroLeague appearances, Hifi averaged 15.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.6 steals per contest. His side went through a 34-game Regular Season to reach the Playoffs via the Play-In Showdown but was swept by the eventual champion Fenerbahce Beko.