Paris Basketball continued piecing together its roster for the 2025-26 season with the signing of Belgian center Ismael Bako

Paris finds paint protector with Ismael Bako

[Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/roster/prs/) continued piecing together its roster for the 2025-26 season with the signing of Belgian center [Ismael Bako](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ismael-bako/profile/004655/).

Bako (2.08 meters, 29 years old) has three seasons of EuroLeague experience – two with LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and one with Virtus Bologna. He has spent the past two seasons in Russia with UNICS Kazan. Bako averaged 8.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks for UNICS in the VTB United League last season.

Ismael Bako Top Blocks, Dunks from Real Madrid vs. VIRTUS SEGAFREDO BOLOGNA

Ismael Bako owns the paint for Virtus (2022-23)

Bako started his career in his native Belgium with the Leuven Bears and later played for Topsportschool VBL, BAVI Vilvoorde Basket and the Antwerp Giants. He also spent one season in Spain with BAXI Manresa. Bako helped ASVEL win the French League and Cup double in 2021, and lifted the Belgian Cup with Antwerp in 2019. Bako is also a member of the Belgian national team.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">WELCOME ISMAEL BAKO 🖤❤️💙<br><br>Le club est fier d’annoncer l’arrivée d’Ismael Bako (29 ans) dans la capitale au poste 5 pour impacter la raquette 💪 <br><br>Il sort notamment d’une grosse série de playoffs avec Kazan avec 17.3 d’évaluation en moyenne 📊<br><br>Let’s work Isma 😈 <a href="https://t.co/g3fKkqfq1U">pic.twitter.com/g3fKkqfq1U</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1942620003691552982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Paris Basketball news

The Belgian big man returns to the EuroLeague after two seasons in Russia

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade has announced the signing of small forward Jordan Nwora as its newest addition for the next season. 

Crvena Zvezda inks Jordan Nwora

[Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/) has announced the signing of small forward [Jordan Nwora](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jordan-nwora/013363/) as its newest addition for the next season. The length of the contract has not been disclosed.

Nwora (2.03 meters, 26 years old) made his debut on the European continent with Anadolu Efes Istanbul last season. In 37 EuroLeague games, 15 as a starter, Nwora averaged 7.6 points and 3.3 rebounds. 

He scored in double figures in 15 games, with season-high 21 points in a road loss against Maccabi Tel Aviv in a game played in Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade, the home of Crvena Zvezda.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sr" dir="ltr">КК Црвена звезда Меридианбет обавештава јавност да је ново појачање нашег тима амерички бек Џордан Нвора! <br><br>Бивши играч Анадолу Ефеса и некадашњи НБА шампион потписао је уговор са нашим клубом и представлљаће велико појачање за црвено-беле! <br><br>Welcome to Red and White Family,… <a href="https://t.co/6lpAqkx2hG">pic.twitter.com/6lpAqkx2hG</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1942538105434653161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Before last season, Nwora played with the NBA's Toronto Raptors, where he posted 7.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists in the 2023-24 season.

He played college ball at Louisville from 2017 to 2020 and then made his NBA debut with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he played from 2020 to 2023, including stints in the G League with the Salt Lake City Stars and the Wisconsin Herd. He moved to the Indiana Pacers midway through the 2022-23 season. He also started the 2023-24 campaign in Indiana, where he played 18 games before being traded to Toronto.

More Crvena Zvezda news

The small forward is coming off his debut EuroLeague season

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne has completed the signing of Bastien Vautier on a two-year deal.

ASVEL reels in Bastien Vautier

[LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/asv/) has completed the signing of Bastien Vautier on a two-year deal.

Vautier (2.10 meters, 26 years old) joins from Cholet Basket, where he averaged 11.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 26 French League games last season. He will make his EuroLeague debut next season.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Bienvenue Bastien ! 🇫🇷<br><br>Nous sommes heureux de vous annoncer la signature du pivot français Bastien Vautier pour les deux prochaines saisons au sein du club.<br><br>Profil de grande taille aux qualités techniques indéniables au poste bas, Bastien Vautier (26 ans, 2m10) fait partie… <a href="https://t.co/Y5fYqpa0to">pic.twitter.com/Y5fYqpa0to</a></p>&mdash; LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL/status/1942532513068376573?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Having started his career with Nancy, Vautier remained with the club until 2021, when he signed for UJAP Quimper. After one season there, he moved to Lille MBC. Vautier appeared in the French top flight with Le Portel in 2023-24, posting 14.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 34 French League games, before switching to Cholet.

More ASVEL News

After two seasons in the French top flight, he will feature in the EuroLeague for the first time in 2025-26

Paris re-signs guard Sebastian Herrera

Paris Basketball announced on Monday a new deal with guard [Sebastian Herrera](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sebastian-herrera/012611/) to keep working together until the end of the 2026-27 season. Herrera (1.93 meters, 27 years old) averaged 4.0 points in 17 EuroLeague games last season, his first in the competition.

In his two years with Paris, he helped the club win the French Leaders Cup and the BKT EuroCup titles in 2024, as well as to lift the French League trophy less than a month ago. 

Sebastian Herrera made his EuroLeague debut with Paris Basketball in the 2024-25 season.

Sebastian Herrera's highlights from the 2024-25 season

Born in Chile, Herrera started his career with Universidad Catolica de Santiago and soon moved to Germany to play for TBB Trier, Crailsheim Merlins, EWE Baskets Oldenburg and Telekom Baskets Bonn, to which he helped win the BCL title in 2023. Herrera is also a member of the Chilean national team. 

He is the only Chilean player to ever appear in a EuroLeague game

Dubai Basketball has a superstar and a go-to scorer for its first season in the EuroLeague after signing Dzanan Musa to a three-year deal

Dubai finds its star in Dzanan Musa

Dubai Basketball has a superstar and a go-to scorer for its first season in the EuroLeague after signing [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) to a three-year deal, the club announced Monday.

Musa (2.05 meters, 26 years old) arrives from Real Madrid, where he has spent the last three seasons. He was an All-EuroLeague First team selection in the first of those when he helped *Los Blancos* win the EuroLeague. He went back to the championship game in 2024, too.

"Joining Dubai Basketball is an incredible opportunity and a challenge I’m fully prepared to take on", Musa said for official club website. "Coming off a championship season in Spain, I feel confident in what I can bring to the court, and I’m excited to help this team create history in both the EuroLeague and ABA League.

"It’s been an amazing journey to reach this stage of my career. Now being here in Dubai ready to write a new chapter, it’s truly special. I’m looking forward to supporting the growing basketball community here, connecting with our fans, and making them proud. I’m committed to doing whatever it takes to help this team grow and leave a lasting legacy in this city."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome to your new home, Dzanan 🤎🤍🖤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DU13AI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DU13AI</a> <a href="https://t.co/V451LSuii2">pic.twitter.com/V451LSuii2</a></p>&mdash; Dubai Basketball (@dubaibasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/dubaibasket/status/1942165212766888389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Last season Musa averaged 12.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 35 games with Real Madrid. It was his fifth EuroLeague campaign after debuting with Cedevita Zagreb as a 16-year-old in 2015 and joining Anadolu Efes Istanbul late in the 2020-21 season and winning his first EuroLeague crown.

Dzanan Musa with Real Madrid in the 2024-25 season

2024-25 EuroLeague highlights: Dzanan Musa, Real

Musa played for the youth team at Kos Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina before joining Cedevita. After being named the 2018 EuroCup Rising Star, he was chosen by the Brooklyn Nets with the 29th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Musa spent two seasons with the Nets – and their G League affiliate in Long Island. After returning to Europe with Efes and playing sparingly, Musa joined Reo Breogan where he flourished and became the Spanish League MVP.

His trophy case also includes a pair of Spanish League championships and one Spanish Copa del Rey, three Croatian League and Cup doubles and one Turkish championship. Musa was the MVP of the 2024 Spanish League finals. He is also a regular on the Bosnian national team.

The latest Dubai Basketball news

The 26-year-old is a two-time EuroLeague champion 

FC Bayern Munich has strengthened its frontline with the signing of center Wenyen Gabriel, who produced plenty of highlights in his debut EuroLeague season with Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

Bayern bolsters frontline with Wenyen Gabriel

[FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/roster/mun/?season=2024-25) has strengthened its frontline with the signing of center [Wenyen Gabriel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wenyen-gabriel/013383/), who produced plenty of highlights in his debut EuroLeague season with [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/roster/tel/?season=2024-25) and [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-bc-athens/roster/pan/?season=2024-25). The contract is for two seasons. 

Gabriel (2.06 meters, 28 years old) shined as a rim-runner and shot-blocker for the two teams. He started the season with Maccabi, where injuries limited him to just nine games. Gabriel made a mid-season move to the Greens to help cover for the injury of [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/all-euroleague-center-mathias-lessort-leaves-game-with-leg-injury/) and helped the team reach the Final Four.

He had two of his best games of the season at SAP Garden against Bayern. In Round 15 with Maccabi, Gabriel posted 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting and 8 rebounds in[ a 98-93 loss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayern-rallies-to-outlast-maccabi-98-93/). A few weeks later, [he debuted with Panathinaikos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/wenyen-gabriel-made-major-difference-for-panathinaikos-in-first-game-after-mathias-lessort-injury/) in Munich and tallied 6 points, 8 boards, 2 steals and 5 blocks to lead the Greens to [a 69-80 victory over Bayern](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-hands-bayern-first-ever-euroleague-loss-at-sap-garden-69-80/).

For the season he averaged 6.0 points on 64.1% three-point shooting, 3.9 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 32 games. He ranked [sixth in the league in blocks on a per-minute basis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/expanded/?size=25&viewType=traditional&seasonCode=E2024&statisticMode=perMinute&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=blocksFavour) with a prorated average of 2.3 rejections per 40 minutes. Gabriel ranked ninth in offensive rebounds per minute with a prorated average of 4.6 per 40 minutes.

Best of Wenyen Gabriel: 2024-25

Born in Sudan, Gabriel emigrated to the United States as a child. He played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats and then began his professional career in the NBA. Gabriel suited up for the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA; the Wisconsin Herd in the G League; and for Vaqueros de Bayamon in Puerto Rico.

As a member of the South Sudan national team, Gabriel was the leading shot-blocker at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup with 2.6 per game and at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris with 2.0 per game. He checked in at fifth place in rebounding at the Olympics with 6.0 per game.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WELCOME WENYEN!👋<br><br>Our first newcomer this summer is <a href="https://twitter.com/WenyenGabriel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WenyenGabriel</a>! The national team player for South Sudan played last for <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paobcgr</a> and signs until 2027. <br><br>All you need to know ⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rosterupdate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rosterupdate</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1942165696190009746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Bayern Munich news

The high-flying big man made his EuroLeague debut last season 

Real Madrid has bolstered its backcourt by signing combo guard Theo Maledon from LDLC ASVEL.

Real Madrid signs star guard Theo Maledon

[Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) has bolstered its backcourt by inking combo guard [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/) to a two-year deal, the club announced Monday.

Maledon (1.93 meters, 24 years old) arrives from LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, where he averaged 17.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists and a PIR of 20.6 in 33 EuroLeague games last season. He was named the MVP for December after averaging 21.2 points per game, 4.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists for a PIR of 26.8. It marked the first time that a player from ASVEL has been chosen as the EuroLeague MVP of the month.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🙌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeMaledon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeMaledon</a> 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/Cntsj3WIqd">pic.twitter.com/Cntsj3WIqd</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1942163520486777342?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

At the end of the season, Maledon ranked fourth in PIR, sixth in scoring, second in fouls drawn (5.9 per game) and first in free throws made (6.3 per game) with stunning accuracy (90.4%). All that allowed Maledon to be chosen to the 2024-25 All-EuroLeague Second Team.

Theo Maledon of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne averaged 17.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists and a PIR of 20.6 in 33 EuroLeague games last season.

Theo Maledon, ASVEL: 2024-25 EuroLeague highlights

Born in Rouen, France, Maledon started his career with SPO Rouen and INSEP before joining ASVEL in the 2017-18 season. With Tony Parker as his mentor, he made his EuroLeague debut with ASVEL in the 2020-21 season, averaging 7.4 points and 3.1 assists in 22 games. He went on to play for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns of the NBA, as well as for the Oklahoma City Blue, Greensboro Swarm and Sioux Falls Skyforce of the G League before returning to ASVEL in 2024. 

He helped ASVEL win the French Cup and the French League titles in 2019, as well as lifting the Leaders Cup trophy in 2020. Maledon has also been a member of the French national team, helping it win a silver medal at EuroBasket 2022. At youth level, he helped France win a gold medal at the 2017 U16 European Championship and a silver at the 2018 U17 World Cup. 

More Real Madrid News

After a great season with ASVEL, the French guard is heading to Los Blancos 

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has reached an agreement with power forward Giampaolo Ricci to stay together for two more seasons, the club announced on Monday.

Milan re-signs Giampaolo Ricci until 2027

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has reached an agreement with its team captain, power forward [Giampaolo Ricci](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/giampaolo-ricci/001518/) to stay together for two more seasons, the club announced on Monday. Ricci (2.01 meters, 33 years old) has been with the club the past four years, and last season shot 44.8% from three-point range while tallying 3.6 points and 2.5 rebounds.

"I’m happy for the opportunity to continue my journey with \[the club\] for two more seasons, at least", Ricci said in a statement for club website. "Milan is like a second home to me. I’m proud to keep fighting, growing and building something special for our colors and our fans."

Ricci arrived to Milan from Virtus Segafredo Bologna in 2021 to make his EuroLeague debut. Since then he has played in 119 games, and in his role off the bench posted 2.7 points and 2.1 rebounds

The Milan forward is conducting excellent philanthropic work in Tanzania

Giampaolo Ricci's family mission in Tanzania (Part 1): 'I feel obligated to do this'

With Milan has have won three consecutive Italian League championships between 2022 and 2024, as well as an Italian Cup title in 2022.

Prior to Milan, Ricci spent two EuroCup seasons with Virtus, for whom he scored 6.9 points and pulled down 4.1 rebounds over 37 games. He reached the 2021 EuroCup Semifinals and won the Italian League title the same year with Virtus.

Ricci started his career with Stella Azzurra Roma and also played for other Italian teams such as Assigeco Casalpusterlengo, Tezenis Verona, Orsi Derthona Basket Tortona and Vanoli Basket Cremona before joining Virtus in 2019. He helped Cremona lift the Italian Cup title in 2019. Ricci has also been a member of the Italian national team.

There's a real legacy being built by EA7 Emporio Armani Milan's Giampaolo Ricci in the Tanzanian town of Kisaki that is sure to impact children there for many years to come.

Giampaolo Ricci's project in Tanzania (Part 2): 'Africa changes you'

Hapoel Tel Aviv beefed up its frontline ahead of its EuroLeague debut campaign by signing athletic center Dan Oturu. The big man has spent the past two seasons with Anadolu Efes Istanbul. 

Hapoel beefs up frontline with Dan Oturu

[Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/hapoel-ibi-tel-aviv/roster/hta/) beefed up its frontline ahead of its EuroLeague debut campaign by signing athletic center [Dan Oturu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dan-oturu/profile/012788/) for the next three years. The big man has spent the past two seasons with Anadolu Efes Istanbul. He is the club’s second signing from Efes after penning [Elijah Bryant to a three-year deal](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/hapoel-tel-aviv-brings-elijah-bryant-aboard/).

Oturu (2.08 meters, 25 years old) averaged 8.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.0 block over 38 games in a reserve roll for Efes last season. He was fourth in the league in two-point shooting accuracy at 71.6%. On a per-minute basis, Oturu was one of the league’s most effective players, ranking fourth in blocks (2.5 blocks per 40 minutes), seventh in offensive rebounds (4.8 per 40 minutes) and 11th in PIR (26.8 per 40 minutes).

Dan Oturu: Dunk machine (2024-25)

"I am excited to join Hapoel Tel Aviv - a club with a vision and goal to succeed on the biggest stage in Europe," Oturu said after signing. "I can't wait to play for the great fans who support the team with dedication. It will be a privilege to be part of the team in its first season in the EuroLeague. I can't wait to get started. Yalla Hapoel!"

After playing college basketball at the University of Minnesota, Oturu began his professional career with the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA in the 2020-21 season. He briefly played for the Toronto Raptors the following year and also suited up for the Windy City Bulls in the G-League. He made his European debut with Turkish side Yukatel Merkezefendi in 2023 before moving to Efes.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">מועדון הכדורסל הפועל “IBI” תל אביב שמח לבשר על החתמתו של הסנטר דניאל אוטורו (25, 2.08 מ׳) לשלוש העונות הבאות, עד לסיום עונת 2027/28. <br><br>הגבוה החדש באדום נבחר במקום ה-33 בדראפט ה-NBA בשנת 2020, שיחק בלוס אנג׳לס קליפרס, טורונטו ראפטורס ובקבוצת הג׳י ליג של שיקגו בולס.<br><br>את הקריירה… <a href="https://t.co/467FCayvqA">pic.twitter.com/467FCayvqA</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1941816566187700634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More from Hapoel Tel Aviv

The EuroLeague newcomers will be Oturu's second EuroLeague stop