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2023-24 Roster Rundown: FC Bayern Munich

2023-24 Roster Rundown: FC Bayern Munich

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18 September 20236 mins read

2023-24 Roster Rundown: FC Bayern Munich

A new era is underway at FC Bayern Munich, with two-time Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion Pablo Laso arriving as head coach. The appointment of Coach Laso comes on the back of Bayern's development of a new arena, SAP Garden, which is expected to be completed in the spring of 2024. In addition to the blockbuster signing of Serge Ibaka, a handful of youthful additions have been made to add some extra excitement to the roster ahead of what should be a fascinating season for Bayern.

BACKCOURT

Bayern has a couple of new faces in its backcourt, with Carsen Edwards arriving from Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Sylvain Francisco joining from Peristeri. Edwards showed glimpses of his talent in his rookie EuroLeague season last year, but the goal will now be to show that on a consistent basis under Coach Laso. Francisco, meanwhile, previously played in the BKT EuroCup with Metropolitans 92 in the 2017-18 campaign, but he has become a France international since then and will be keen to show what he can do in Europe's premier club basketball competition. Bayern also brought Nelson Weidemann back to the club from Chemnitz this summer, following four seasons away on loan.

Elsewhere, Andreas Obst heads into the coming EuroLeague season after experiencing the best summer of his life, having become a world champion with Germany. Obst earned himself a place in the hearts of the German public for his displays with the national team, and he could be set for an important role under Coach Laso. The Spanish coach can also call upon Nick Weiler-Babb, with the 26-year-old having added more offense to his game after having previously established himself as one of the EuroLeague's top defenders at the guard positions.

FRONTCOURT

Someone who could become a fans' favorite among Bayern supporters is new signing Leandro Bolmaro, who has plenty of upside and could make a splash upon his return to the EuroLeague. He gives Coach Laso plenty of options on the court, which is a similar story for Isaac Bonga, another winner of the 2023 FIBA World Cup with Germany. Bonga, one of the better young players in the EuroLeague last season, is another who seems set to take a step forward in the 2023-24 season.

It is important not to forget Bayern's team captain, Vladimir Lucic, who may alternate between the "three" position and the "four" in the coming season. Now 34, Lucic will offer veteran leadership in a rather young locker room, in addition to trying to get back to the All-EuroLeague level he showed in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

Then, in one of the surprise moves of the summer, Bayern secured the signing of 2019 NBA champion Serge Ibaka, who will once again play in the EuroLeague after last competing in the competition for Real Madrid during the lockout in the first half of the 2011-12 season. Ibaka, who can play at power forward or center, adds experience, high-level play and a winning mentality to a Bayern side that has big goals.

Niels Giffey, Bayern's third World Cup winner with Germany this summer, should provide a high level of quality off the bench, too. Niklas Wimberg completes Bayern's options at the forward positions.

Then, at center, Bayern is spoiled for choice. Devin Booker returned to the club this summer, having previously played at Audi Dome between 2016 and 2019, and he will be tasked with protecting the paint on a round-by-round basis. That duty last season fell to Freddie Gillespie, who displayed his blocking ability during his rookie EuroLeague campaign and will now get the chance to dovetail with Booker. Young center Danko Brankovic has come back to Bayern after a successful loan spell with Mega Basket, where he averaged 16.8 points and 10.5 rebounds in Serbia last season. Elias Harris offers further depth at the center position for Bayern.

PLAYER TO WATCH

The first signing of the Laso era at Bayern was Leandro Bolmaro, which was perhaps a sign of the club's intent. Bolmaro, 23, was one of the most promising players in the EuroLeague after breaking into the first-team squad at FC Barcelona, but he now comes back to Europe's premier club basketball competition with a point to prove.

The Argentine spent a couple of years in the NBA following his breakout season at Barca in 2020-21, before returning to the old continent in March 2023 to see out last season with Tenerife. Bolmaro has plenty of upside and, should all go to plan, he could be the poster boy when Bayern heads to SAP Garden, its new arena. It will be fascinating to see how he develops under Coach Laso, so Bolmaro will certainly be a player to keep a close eye on next season.

OUTLOOK

For Bayern and many other teams, the biggest problem it has is that the level of the EuroLeague is getting better and better every year. Last season saw the German club finish 15th in the standings with an 11-23 record, so improvement is needed if Bayern is to reach the postseason.

Coach Laso will be fully aware of the task at hand, and how difficult it will be, but his promising group has the chance to be one of the most fun teams to watch in the entire EuroLeague. Reaching the playoffs has to be the main objective for Bayern, which will fancy its chances of winning on any given night. This is year one for Laso at Bayern and, as the winner that he is, he will be determined to take the club to the next level, starting next season.