FC Bayern Munich's new-look roster is ready for the new Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.
A revamped Bayern opens its doors for Media Day
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2 Mins read
There have been plenty of changes at FC Bayern Munich this summer, including Pablo Laso being appointed as head coach and five new players joining the club. The construction of a new arena, which is set to be completed in spring 2024, has set pulses racing in Munich, so the arrival of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague's annual Media Day is the ideal way for Bayern to welcome the 2023-24 season.
Many of the Bayern players have been making the most of Oktoberfest in recent days, with new recruit Serge Ibaka – a 2019 NBA champion – posting a short video with the caption 'Prost', which is German for 'Cheers'. The three 2023 FIBA World Cup winners from the Germany squad – Andreas Obst, Isaac Bonga and Niels Giffey – were seen celebrating their triumph with a few beers at Oktoberfest, too.
During Tuesday's Media Day activities, that Bavarian pride was on show as the squad showed good harmony while getting their photos taken. The squad engaged in banter throughout the day, with the players' tasks including promotion content, activities for social media and interviews for both TV and online media.
Plenty of new faces
In addition to Ibaka, Bayern has also signed Carsen Edwards, Sylvain Francisco, Leandro Bolmaro and Devin Booker this summer as it looks to improve on last season's 11-23 finish, which saw it finish 15th and comfortably miss the playoffs. Coach Laso is a two-time winner of the EuroLeague, while he has made the Final Four on seven occasions. As such, he will be determined to bring a winning mentality to Bayern as soon as possible.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Ibaka and his warm personality led to him being one of the more vocal voices throughout the Media Day, with Bayern likely to lean on the 34-year-old's experience in the coming campaign. With Edwards and Francisco both being 25, and Bolmaro being 23, the youthful feel to this Bayern squad should make the German team one of the most interesting sides to watch in the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.
