Photo by: SMC Athletics / Piper Westrom
MBB | Mitchell Saxen Signs with Nanterre 92 of the French Ligue Nationale de Basket
7/21/2025 10:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
PARIS, France — After an illustrious five year career at Saint Mary's, big man Mitchell Saxen will continue his basketball career in the professional ranks just north of Paris for Nanterre 92. Playing in the top league in France, the Betclic LNB Elite, Saxen joins fellow former Gaels Malik Fitts (SIG Strasbourg) and Kristers Zoriks (Le Portel) playing professionally in France.
In the history of Saint Mary's Basketball, no player has ever put on a Gael uniform more than Mitchell Saxen. The center originally hailing from Seattle, appeared in 156 games for SMC, and is one of just three Gaels to score 1000 points, rip down 900 rebounds and block 150 shots in his career (Omar Samhan and Diamon Simpson). The Gaels leading rebounder and shot blocker in each of the last three seasons, Saxen is one of six Gaels to be a three time first team All-WCC selection, and is one of just two to be named a two time WCC Defensive Player of the Year.
Nanterre 92 is no stranger to star big men. Standouts who have played for the team include Evan Fournier (12 year NBA veteran), Maxime Raynaud (Second Round Draft Pick of the Sacramento Kings), and Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs). A member of the top tier of French Basketball since the 2011-12 season, Nanterre 92 last won their league championship in 2013. Mitchell Saxen will look to guide them to their next title this upcoming season.
#GaelsRise
In the history of Saint Mary's Basketball, no player has ever put on a Gael uniform more than Mitchell Saxen. The center originally hailing from Seattle, appeared in 156 games for SMC, and is one of just three Gaels to score 1000 points, rip down 900 rebounds and block 150 shots in his career (Omar Samhan and Diamon Simpson). The Gaels leading rebounder and shot blocker in each of the last three seasons, Saxen is one of six Gaels to be a three time first team All-WCC selection, and is one of just two to be named a two time WCC Defensive Player of the Year.
Nanterre 92 is no stranger to star big men. Standouts who have played for the team include Evan Fournier (12 year NBA veteran), Maxime Raynaud (Second Round Draft Pick of the Sacramento Kings), and Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs). A member of the top tier of French Basketball since the 2011-12 season, Nanterre 92 last won their league championship in 2013. Mitchell Saxen will look to guide them to their next title this upcoming season.
#GaelsRise
Players Mentioned
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