DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis men's basketball has signed Modesto Junior College standout Ylan Esso-Essis, the 2025 Big 8 Conference Player of the Year and NABC All-American, head coach Jim Les announced Friday.
The 6-foot-8 wing led Modesto JC to a 25-4 record while averaging 15.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. He shot 49.4% from the field, 36.8% from three-point range and 81.8% from the free-throw line during his freshman campaign, earning CCCMBCA All-State Team honors and recognition by JucoRecruiting.com as a Fab 50 Freshman.
"We are thrilled to announce the addition of Ylan to the UC Davis Men's Basketball program," Les said. "Ylan is a highly skilled wing with a rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ. Standing at 6'8", he brings a dynamic presence to the court—able to handle the ball, create opportunities for himself and his teammates, and stretch the floor with his elite shooting range, making him a serious matchup problem for opponents.
"What sets Ylan apart isn't just his physical tools or offensive versatility—it's his mindset. His passion for the game and relentless work ethic make him a true gym rat, and that hunger to improve is what gives him one of the highest ceilings of any player I've coached in 24 years. We can't wait to see the impact Ylan will make as an Aggie. Welcome to UC Davis, Ylan!"
Before starring at Modesto JC, Esso-Essis made waves in his native France, first signing a professional contract with Metropolitans 92 of the LNB Pro A - France's top-tier professional league - at just 18 years old. Esso-Essis also showcased his talent with Hustle Paris in the Elite Youth Champions League (EYCL), leading the team with 17.2 points per game across 12 contests during the summer of 2024.
Esso-Essis joins UC Davis for the 2025-26 season with three years of eligibility remaining.
