The Bayern basketball team bids farewell to a good friend and wishes him all the best on his journey: Center Freddie Gillespie is moving to the Serbian EuroLeague powerhouse Red Star Belgrade after a year and a half in Munich. The 26-year-old American is expected to fill vacancies under the hoop and hopes for more playing time in both the premier league and the Adriatic League.
"Freddie has been fantastic on and off the court. However, sometimes a player might not be content with their role due to deep rotations, and that was recently the case with Freddie," stated FCBB Sports Director Daniele Baiesi after Gillespie bid farewell to his teammates following the 95-80 victory against Ulm. "Considering there were teams inquiring about him, he was interested in trying something new. That's the only reason we're letting him go because Freddie is a very amiable player and a great person. We wish him nothing but the best for his next adventure.
"Everything was worth it"
Munich was Gillespie's first stop in Europe. The 6-foot-9 defensive specialist moved from the States in the summer of 2022, where he played for the NBA franchise Orlando and the G League affiliate of Memphis.
"I really loved playing for FC Bayern Basketball," Gillespie said before his departure on Monday, "the love and support from the fans and everyone in the organization is something truly special. It wasn't always easy on the court, but everything was worth it. I'll always be grateful for my time in Munich.
A key player in the 2023 Cup victory
Gillespie appeared in 47 EuroLeague games for Bayern, averaging 3.7 points per game while grabbing an impressive five rebounds on average. In the BBL, he played 41 games, averaging 3.3 points and 4.0 rebounds. With Bayern, he secured the German Cup in February, being a strong MVP contender after the semifinal victory against Berlin (7 points, 11 rebounds) and the final against Oldenburg (7/9).
FC Bayern Basketball wishes Freddie Gillespie a successful future and looks forward to seeing him again during the home game at the BMW Park against Red Star on March 1st.