Ever since Swiss professional basketball player Arnaud Barapila started playing basketball back in 2008, he was determined to make a name for himself. Fast-forward 14 seasons later, and he’s got some impressive achievements under his belt. While he still has major ambitions for himself and Swiss basketball, he has already proven that he has what it takes to be a star athlete.
Arnaud is playing for Union Lavaux Riviera currently, although he has played for several teams throughout his career. His most recent achievement was leading his team to an LNB championship, even though they played during the height of a global pandemic. This cemented Arnaud’s showing off of his great skills while down on the court.
Enjoying these achievements isn’t the end of what Arnaud has accomplished. He has been making headway since his first season in 2008/2009. He is a 1x champion LNA for Switzerland’s 1st division, Geneva Devils 2003/2004. He also holds four LNB titles for Switzerland 2nd division. Additionally, he has achievements for Bernex Basket (2009/2010), Lausanne Foxies (2013/2014 & 2014/2015), and Vevey Riviera Basket (2016/2017). He is also a 1x Champion Italia for Pallacanestro Cantù (2010/2011). While he did become eligible for the NBA draft back in 2009, he ultimately didn’t get drafted. However, the hope and dream are both still alive that this will change.
Arnaud is a 34-year-old power forward/center, adorned with a #13 jersey and standing at 6’5” tall. Lavaux isn’t the most successful of Swiss teams, but Arnaud has been helping them stay competitive within the national basketball landscape. Lavaux definitely sees Arnaud as a major asset for them, especially during this season that has had the COVID-19 pandemic as its unfortunate backdrop.
As bad as the pandemic was overall, Arnaud has managed to find a silver lining to it due to his great playing throughout the season. He finished the season averaging 8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. He played 14 games during the regular Switzerland – LNBM season with Meyrin Geneve, setting a season-high by scoring 17 points in 23 minutes while playing against Sion Basket. He also was able to get 10 rebounds within 27 minutes while playing against Morges-Saint-Prex. Additionally, Arnaud gave 3 assists in 27 minutes against Morges-Saint-Prex as well. Arnaud also managed to get a double-double, while also scoring in double figures 5 times over the course of 14 games.
Switzerland’s basketball showing on the international stage has been a bit lackluster over the past few decades. However, starting in 2015, all of that changed. That was when the country had a strong showing during qualification games for EuroBasket. Today, Arnaud is an example of a player who is supporting Switzerland’s return to a more prominent role in basketball. After a strong showing during the pandemic-ridden season, Arnaud is even more motivated than ever before to help Switzerland and his team unlock ever-greater success.