The European basketball landscape is all about seizing the right moment, and that is exactly what Swiss standout Alexis Yao did. Attending the EuroProBasket Global ID Camp at Rheinstars Koln, the versatile wing put on an absolute clinic for the scouting staff. “I saw an opportunity to showcase my skills in an environment where more eyes were watching,” Yao explained regarding his decision to leave the Swiss league system. His dominant 3-day performance immediately opened doors, resulting in offers from multiple German teams and securing an elite tryout with a program connected directly to a professional German 2nd Division club. Alexis made the 400-kilometer trip from the camp in Cologne straight to his tryout location, ready to make a massive leap from a smaller club environment to one of Europe’s most competitive professional basketball systems.
A Proven Championship Pedigree
Before turning heads in Germany, Alexis Yao built an incredibly decorated resume in Switzerland. Standing at a powerful 6’5″ (197 cm) and weighing 207 lbs (94 kg), the right-handed SG/SF possesses the ideal physical profile for the modern pro game. Yao spent four years developing within the prestigious Fribourg Olympic academy structure:
- Swiss NLA Champion: Rostered as the youngest player on the top-tier Fribourg Olympic professional squad during their 2023-24 championship season.
- U20 Swiss National Champion: Captained the Fribourg Académie U20 team to a national title in 2024-25, averaging an explosive 15.0 PPG during the championship run.
- Proven NLB Production: Maintained elite consistency in the Swiss 2nd Division, recently averaging 7.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG, and 36.7 MPG with VRB/ULRB Riviera 1952.
“My experience with Fribourg Olympic showed me how professional basketball players operate,” Yao noted. “Though the Swiss level isn’t high, Fribourg Olympic is by far the best team, showcasing their dominance over the last decade.”
The Ultimate Pathway to Europe’s Biggest Markets
Known as a high-IQ, ultra-athletic 3-and-D wing, Yao’s ability to lock down multiple positions made him an instant standout at the Global ID Camp. Over the intensive 3-day camp in Köln, EuroProBasket’s elite structure gave him the perfect platform to perform. “The multiple games we played against local teams of different levels were definitely the best way to showcase my skills, although the practices also helped build a closer relationship with the coach,” Yao said.
The immediate interest from Germany marks an exciting milestone for the young wing. “I was very excited to hear from a German coach,” Yao shared. “As this would be my first time being the ‘imported’ player and these types of players are always held up to higher standards.” He will now train and play games with the German club’s 2nd team, with the direct potential to train and compete with the first team in the German 2nd Division.
Ready to Write Your Own Success Story?
Alexis Yao’s rapid ascent proves that your current location doesn’t limit your future—exposure does. EuroProBasket provides the ultimate platform for dedicated athletes to put their skills directly in front of professional decision-makers across Europe.
For other young athletes looking to make a name for themselves, Yao emphasizes the value of taking action early: “Apart from trying to perform their best in season and getting good film, the Global ID Camp is definitely a catalyzer for finding opportunities during the offseason. Also the younger you sign up for Camps such as the Global ID one, the more likely you are to find something.”
We want to congratulate Alexis on this incredible achievement and look forward to watching him excel at his tryout in Germany!
Are you next? Don’t wait for scouts to find you in your local market. Take control of your basketball career today and register for the next EuroProBasket program.
