The Belgian big man returns to the EuroLeague after two seasons in Russia
Paris finds paint protector with Ismael Bako
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Paris Basketball continued piecing together its roster for the 2025-26 season with the signing of Belgian center Ismael Bako.
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.
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.