Centre Jalen Reynolds will join FC Bayern Basketball ahead of the upcoming season. The 27-year-old American spent half of the 2019/20 season with Maccabi Tel Aviv, who were this season’s surprise package in the EuroLeague. His deal includes an option to extend by another year. Prior to his spell with Tel Aviv, the 6’7” centre had a strong season in Russia at Zenit St. Petersburg. Reynolds averaged 15.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game in both the EuroCup and Eastern Europe’s VTB United League. He was the league’s best rebounder in last season’s EuroCup, the second-highest ranked competition in Europe.
Reynolds made his debut in the EuroLeague last winter as an injury cover signing for Maccabi Tel Aviv. On his second appearance in the EuroLeague against Alba Berlin, Reynolds showcased his dunking abilities on the way to recording 17 points in a 95-89 win for the record champions from Israel. As backup to Othello Hunter, Reynolds played 14 minutes across 12 games, averaging 5.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.
“Jalen brings a lot of physicality and athleticism to our frontline,” said FCBB sporting director, Daniele Baiesi. “His energy, strong rebounding skills and presence in the zone will be of benefit to us both on offence and on defence. He was looking for an opportunity to become a starting centre in the EuroLeague. We are pleased that he has decided to join FCBB and are looking forward to welcoming him.”
Best rebounder at 2018/19 EuroCup, made his EuroLeague debut for Maccabi
Reynolds played college ball for Xavier University in Cincinnati. He averaged 10 points and six rebounds in his freshman, sophomore and junior years, and took part in 2015’s March Madness tournament.
Reynolds signed his first professional contract in Italy with second-tier side Recanati. Six months later, after averaging 18 points per game, Reynolds transferred to Serie A’s Pallacanestro Reggiana. The following year, Reynolds averaged 11 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in his breakthrough season. Reynolds also averaged 10.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in a strong debut EuroLeague campaign, which included a win and a defeat against Bayern.
Reynolds' strong rookie showing drew attention from current EuroLeague side St. Peterburg, and he played a key role in helping the team reach the EuroLeague quarterfinals in 2018. Reynold was often the target of a pick-and-roll pass and excelled with strong mid-range jump shots. He finished as the tournament’s best rebounder, with a tournament high PIR of 17.1, averaging 13.8 points. In mid-May 2018, Reynolds signed with Svetislav Pesic’s FC Barcelona for the remainder of the season (2 games, 13 points).
Reynolds began last season in China with the Zhejiang Lions before joining the Stockton Kings in the NBA’s G League on waivers. He would then go on to make his EuroLeague debut for Maccabi Tel Aviv. Speaking from the United States, Reynolds said he feels “ready to take the next step in the EuroLeague.”
“I can’t wait to play for FC Bayern Basketball and for their incredible fans. I’m grateful for the trust they’ve shown me; we all want to prove ourselves next season. This is a huge opportunity for myself and I will do everything I can to help us compete for the title,” he said.
FCBB thank both Monroe and Lessort
Mathias Lessort will not return to FCBB. Neither will Greg Monroe, who was not included in Bayern’s roster for the BBL final tournament due to personal reasons. He will move to Khmki Moscow ahead of the upcoming season. FC Bayern Basketball would like to thank both Matthias and Greg, and wish them all the best for the future.
Jalen Reynolds
(Born: 30th December 1992, Detroit, Michigan, USA)
Center – 6'7" m – 222 lbs.
Until 2012:
- Brewster Academy, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
2013 – 16:
- Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio (NCAA)
2016:
- Basket Recanati (Serie B, ITA)
Jan. 2017 – 2018:
- Grissin Bon Reggio Emilia (Serie A, ITA)
2018 – 19:
- BC Zenit Saint Petersburg (RUS)
May 2019:
- FC Barcelona (ESP)
2019:
- Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (CBA, China), Stockton Kings (G-League)
Dec. 2019 – 2020:
- Maccabi Tel Aviv (ISR)
Honours:
- Big East Conference All-Tournament Team 2015 (NCAA)
- MVP of EuroCup matchday 2 & quarterfinals 2017/2018
- Best Rebounder, EuroCup 2018/2019
- All Star Game VTB United League 2019