Ex-Robert Morris player Yannis Mendy signs contract with team in his native France
Former Robert Morris forward Yannis Mendy, who concluded his career this year by helping the Colonials win the Northeast Conference Tournament, has signed with US Avignon-Le Pontet of the National 1 French League.
Mendy is the fourth former Colonials player to sign an overseas contract, joining Jeremy Chappell (2005-09), Karvel Anderson (2012-14) and Lucky Jones (2011-15). Chappell plays in Italy, Anderson in Turkey and Jones recently signed to play in the Ukraine.
Mendy, a native of Metting, France, started all 34 games for Robert Morris last season, averaging 8.6 points and 4.7 rebounds for the Colonials, who were poised to enter the NCAA Tournament before it was canceled by the coronavirus pandemic.
Mendy started 67 of 69 games during his two seasons at Robert Morris.
“We’re thrilled as a program that Yannis is getting an opportunity to continue his career,” RMU coach Andy Toole said in a statement. “It’s really exciting that he gets an opportunity to play professionally in his home country of France. It’s a great team and fit, and we hope it’s the beginning of a long and successful pro career for Yannis.”
Jerry DiPaola is a TribLive reporter covering Pitt athletics since 2011. A Pittsburgh native, he joined the Trib in 1993, first as a copy editor and page designer in the sports department and later as the Pittsburgh Steelers reporter from 1994-2004. He can be reached at jdipaola@triblive.com.
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