Serge Ibaka wasted no time in immersing himself in Munich culture. “ It was super cool “, he says about his first Oktoberfest, a festival he had never heard of before. But the former Bucks interior did not sign with Bayern Munich to simply taste the local beers.
“ I’m here to play basketball, I love this sport. Second, this organization has a great history. Integrating it is a privilege for me. I’m grateful to be here, to work with someone I’ve known in the past “, says the 34-year-old in reference to coach Pablo Laso with whom he worked during the 2011 lockout. At this stage of my career, it’s important for me to know who I’m working with », he adds.
This return to Europe can also be explained by the evolution of his situation in the NBA, where he did not find a new contract and had great difficulty finding playing time in recent years. The NBA champion with the Raptors in 2019 recently declared “ no longer bear » what was happening to the Bucks, with whom he played little.
Serge Ibaka, an NBA champion title and two best blocker titles
“ I’m a winner, that’s why I’m here. I couldn’t stay in the United States and wait to be signed to be on the bench. I don’t want that. I want to play at a high level and win, that’s what I do. And the day I feel that I no longer want to do it, I will retire. I’m here to win and help my team on and off the field, be a good example, a good professional and a veteran who helps young people », Lists the native of Brazzaville.
At his age, the latter knows that he has undoubtedly said goodbye to the American championship for good, after 14 seasons of a very solid career there, marked by his good years with the Thunder, the title in Toronto or still his two titles as best blocker in the league.
“ Life isn’t all about basketball. At this point, it’s important to know where I’m going. To spend a year working and making all the sacrifices, I have to make sure I’m doing it for someone good. Pablo in this case. I like his way of doing things. When he called me, I took the time to think, but I had no doubt about the style of play. I want to enjoy it », continues Ibaka who says he is 100% physically and ready to start with his new team.
Photo credit: Bayern Munich
