By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Michael Kessens moved his talents from Paris to ALBA Berlin.
The German big penned a contract until the end of the 2024-25 season, his new side announced on Friday. However, he is ineligible to play for ALBA through the remainder of the ongoing Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign.
The team based in the capital of France officially parted ways with Kessens on Thursday. He was deregistered from the EuroLeague squad beyond the deadline for players to move to a second team during the same edition of Europe’s premier club continental competition.
“I am really looking forward to joining the team, the club, and the fans,” the 33-year-old forward/center addressed the Albatrosse following the switch to the German capital, “It is a great honor for me to be part of the ALBA family and I will give it my all. Winning is the most important thing for me that is part of the ALBA DNA.”
He was among several teammates playing under head coach Tuomas Iisalo directly connecting the Basketball Champions League title with Telekom Baskets Bonn in 2023 to the BKT EuroCup championship with Paris in 2024. In his first year in France, he was named team captain and also captured the domestic Leaders Cup.
Falling out of favor in the 2024-25 journey, his appearances were limited to domestic competitions in France, including 2.4 points and 1.6 rebounds per contest in the Betclic Elite Regular Season. He fell shy of debuting in the EuroLeague.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net