Serge Ibaka, Spanish international and NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors, is the new member of the German EuroLeague team Bayern Munich.
The former NBA star has signed a one-year contract with the Bavarians. According to the club’s official website, Serge Ibaka arrived in Munich on Friday afternoon and, after completing medical examinations, met with Herbert Hainer, the club’s president.
He then met with coach Pablo Laso and the rest of the team at the BMW Park, where they will play the Magenta Cup. Ibaka last engagement in the NBA was with the Milwaukee Bucks, but the two sides parted ways at the beginning of the year.
Ibaka didn’t hide his excitement about coming to Europe for an extended period for the first time since 2009 when he played for Manresa. It’s worth noting that he briefly played for Real Madrid during the NBA lockout.
“For me, it’s a privilege to be part of such a large, historically renowned, globally recognized sports club. We hope to bring the basketball team closer to the top of Europe” emphasized the Spaniard, and then continued.
“I’ve had a long NBA career, but I approach this new chapter with a lot of enthusiasm. There’s still fire in me, and I love this game. The fact that Pablo Laso is the coach was a crucial factor for me. He is one of the best coaches in the world” concluded Ibaka.