Serge Ibaka will no longer wear the FC Bayern Basketball jersey next season. The native Congolese with a Spanish passport joined Munich a year ago after 14 seasons in the NBA. Ibaka, 34, will be making another change within the EuroLeague and expressed his gratitude to FCBB on Monday evening:
"In a moment when many doubted me, FC Bayern Basketball gave me a chance. It was an honor to represent one of the greatest sports brands and organizations of all. Winning the championship and the German Cup was very special for me, as was competing in the EuroLeague. I thank Herbert Hainer, Marko Pesic and Daniele Baiesi, Coach Laso, the coaching staff, my teammates, and the office for bringing me to Munich and believing in my hard work and experience."
FCBB top scorer in EuroLeague
FCBB CEO Marko Pesic: “Looking back, we consider it a great honor for our club that Serge, after his successful time in the NBA, made his return to Europe with us in Munich. He gave us a lot last season with his great passion for basketball and his incredible professionalism on the way to the double. We sincerely thank Serge for that and wish him many more successful years on the court.”
The 2019 NBA Champion posted double-digit figures both in the EuroLeague and in the league: In the European top-tier competition, the defensive specialist was Munich's top scorer with an average of 12.6 points (three-point shooting percentage of 48%) and also the best rebounder (6.8 rebounds per game). He was the MVP on the eleventh matchday. In the BBL, Ibaka averaged 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds, with the values rising even higher in the playoffs (11.3/6.3).
FCBB wishes Serge Ibaka all the best for his future.