More than 300 years after Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac founded Detroit in 1701, Oakland has its own French connection.
Forward William Kassi, a native of Pontoise, France, located just north of Paris, follows a long line of talented international big men who have helped establish a winning basketball tradition on Oakland’s campus just north of Detroit.
Those names still echo through the O’Rena: Sebastien Bellin (Belgium), Vova Severovas (Lithuania), Ilija Milutinovic (Serbia), Tuburu Naivalurua (Australia)—all international standouts who helped Oakland win a title or reach a conference tournament final.
While still carving out his own path just as de la Mothe Cadillac did as he sailed along the straits, Kassi shares a background similar to that of many French players. He started developing his game in France’s Espoirs (“prospects”) system, an under-21 league connected to the country’s professional clubs that gives young players the opportunity to train and compete against other top prospects. Kassi played for development teams affiliated with Strasbourg and Chorale Roanne, increasing his scoring from just over 6 points per game in 2021-22 to 10 points per game the following season.
Kassi’s first stop in the U.S. was Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa, one of the nation’s premier junior-college programs in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
During the 2024-25 season, Kassi emerged as an NJCAA All-American. Taking on a larger role as a sophomore, he started 21 of 30 games and averaged 9.8 points and 5.7 rebounds in 19.9 minutes per game. He shot 43.6 percent from the field and started to show an evolving all-around game with 170 rebounds, 45 assists, 27 steals and 14 blocks. In 65 games over two years at Indian Hills, Kassi scored more than 500 career points and pulled down nearly 300 rebounds.
Ready for the next level, Kassi joined the OU roster during the winter semester last year. With a redshirt year under his belt, he had the opportunity to adjust to Division I competition and learn Oakland’s system.
An International Game
Standing 6-foot-10 with a developing offensive game, Kassi brings an intriguing blend of length and versatility to Oakland for the 2026-27 season. He possesses the size of a traditional forward or center but has shown the quickness of a more athletic wing. Will he be able to play multiple positions, keep the offense moving and contribute outside the paint as well as around the rim? If he does, he gives Oakland valuable lineup flexibility and creates matchup challenges for opponents.
Built for the Zone
On the defensive end, that versatility looks to be one of Kassi’s greatest assets. His length gives him the chance to be an impactful rebounder and defender, with his aggressiveness and hustle helping extend the reach of that fast-moving zone Kampe loves. With roster turnover leaving roles available for switchable defenders, his experience could give Oakland options in the frontcourt.
His length gives him the chance to be an impactful rebounder and defender.
France has a strong tradition of developing skilled big men, from Rudy Gobert and Joakim Noah to Victor Wembanyama. Kassi has followed his own path—a long journey from Pontoise to Ottumwa to Rochester—and now he faces faster, stronger Division I competition. His combination of size, mobility and skill could make him a difficult matchup in the Horizon League.
Three centuries after Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac established Detroit’s French connection, William Kassi has a chance to make his own mark. The challenge is turning potential into production.
Words by Air the Bear · October 2, 2026
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