Mining International Talent: Thetford Academy (QUE) 2026-27 Player Profiles

For more than 15 years, Thetford Academy has been shaping the next generation of basketball talent in Canada. Founded to offer elite training, strong academic support and a pathway to higher-level competition, the academy has become a national reference point for player development. Now in its second season in the Power 5, a New England prep league, Thetford moves up to the Power 5 AAA division this year.

Based in Thetford Mines, Quebec, the academy has built its reputation on a holistic approach: high-level coaching, year-round development, advanced strength and conditioning, and an academic structure designed to prepare student-athletes for post-secondary success. Its graduates have gone on to NCAA programs, U Sports and professional leagues around the world.

Head coach Armel Mampouya, now in his fifth season leading Thetford's national team, is a very respected coach and a former professional player in France who brought home both high-level experience and an understanding of what it takes to compete internationally. Known for a rigorous approach, he emphasizes discipline, hard work and consistency, values that have become the foundation of the team's identity.

The 2026-27 roster is profiled below.

#4 Amani Félix (2028) 6'4, 170 lb guard - From Cayenne, French Guiana, Félix is a smooth, natural scorer who gets to his spots and creates his own shot, whether attacking off the dribble or pulling up from mid-range. He plays with a calm confidence that makes scoring look easy. Defensively, his length, mobility and discipline let him guard positions 1 through 4.

#5 Sairic Birba (2028) 6'6, 190 lb forward - From Cayenne, French Guiana, Birba is in his third year at Thetford and has grown noticeably more confident. He has emerged as one of the team's top scorers, with improved consistency and decision-making making him a key offensive weapon.

#7 Sowan Prepont (2029) 6'6, 190 lb forward - From Cayenne, French Guiana, Prepont is an emerging prospect whose size, length and athleticism project him as a guard at the next level. Versatile on both ends, he holds an offer from Stonehill and is drawing interest from low-major and high-major DI programs. His continued development as a shooter and decision-maker will be key to his upside.

#8 Lyes Bouamra (2028) 6'6, 190 lb guard/forward - From Nice, France, Bouamra is an athletic, explosive wing who excels at attacking the rim. His quick first step creates immediate advantages off the dribble, and he is a constant threat cutting to the basket. Defensively, he brings toughness and physicality, making him an impactful two-way player.

#9 Samuel Sandé-Kanga (2029) 5'9, 170 lb point guard - From Cayenne, French Guiana, Sandé-Kanga is a strong, dependable backup point guard who brings professionalism, energy and smart decision-making every time he steps on the floor.

#10 Léonel Mbouenangi (2028) 6'1, 185 lb guard - From Quebec City, QC, Mbouenangi plays with the composure and discipline of a veteran despite his age. He pairs lockdown defense with a reliable mid-range jumper.

#11 Nolan Jules (2027) 6'7, 190 lb shooting guard - From France, Jules is a big guard who can really shoot it and score at all three levels. A hard worker who is committed to improving every day.

#12 Odry Bonapart (2028) 6'4, 190 lb guard - From Cayenne, French Guiana, Bonapart is a guard with a forward's explosiveness and strength. He thrives in transition, where his acceleration lets him outrun defenders and finish through contact. His first step is devastating, and once he gets downhill, he is tough to stop without a foul.

#14 Celot Kewan (2029) 6'6, 180 lb guard - From Paris, France, Kewan is a long guard who shoots the ball well and finishes in traffic. Adding strength is the next step in his development.

#15 Edly Debe (2029) 6'2, 170 lb guard - From Montreal, QC, Debe is an explosive guard who uses his athleticism to beat his man off the dribble and finish at the rim. He also knocks down catch-and-shoot threes and can create his own shot.

#20 Noah Félix (2028) 6'0, 175 lb point guard - From Repentigny, QC, Félix brings athleticism, shooting and a high basketball IQ to the point. He reads pick-and-rolls well, finds open teammates and knows when to take over, keeping the offense organized and efficient.

#23 Thierry Paul (2028) 5'8, 175 lb guard - From Montreal, QC, Paul is back for his second year at Thetford. An energetic, competitive and pass-first point guard, he looks to set up his teammates before his own shot.

#24 Kimbo Mathieu (2028) 6'9, 209 lb center - From Nice, France, Mathieu is a former AS Monaco youth player with roughly three years of basketball experience. He already shows impressive physical tools and athleticism for his size, and his mobility gives him defensive versatility.

#40 Noam Guede (2028) 6'6, 285 lb forward - From Paris, France, Guede is a physical interior presence who protects the paint, rebounds and holds his ground in the post. Offensively, he uses his strength and post skills to score and sets solid screens for teammates. His willingness to do the dirty work makes him a valuable contributor on both ends.

The team's 2026-27 game schedule and results can be found by clicking here