Bayern Munich is permeated with a unique, special atmosphere.
After clinching the German double, FC Bayern's basketball squad wants to make waves in the Euroleague, guided by World Champion-coach Gordon Herbert. Club president Herbert Hainer's expectation for this season is to secure a spot in the playoffs, considering a failure to do so would be disappointing. The Munich team missed out on a place among the Euroleague's top eight contenders last year.
Herbert, the former national coach known for leading the German team to the unprecedented World Cup victory in 2023, intends to elevate the title-holders and cup winners to new heights. His focus is on crew bonding, which includes a short training session in Slovenia. "We have a talented group of players, each impressive in their own right. Now it's all about creating an effective team from this group."
A unique aura
Notable players like Isaac Bonga, the World Cup MVP, NBA champions Serge Ibaka, playmakers Sylvain Francisco, and Leandro Bolmaro, along with coach Pablo Laso, left the club in the summer. New arrivals include World Cup winner Johannes Voigtmann, national team partner Oscar da Silva, and guards Yam Madar and Shabazz Napier.
Team manager Marko Pesic anticipates a "unique configuration" within the squad, including the coaching staff and additional personnel. "There's an unusual sensation, a mystique in the air that I haven't sensed here before, I must admit. I believe this is an excellent foundation for a campaign aimed at achieving something remarkable. That's my gut feeling."
At its peak
President Hainer shares this positive outlook and credits the renovated SAP Garden as the venue for Euroleague games, along with BMW Park, which will host all Bundesliga matches on a specially designed glass and LED floor. "The facilities in Munich have never been better than they are this season," said Hainer.
The Bayern team gets ready to commence the BBL season with a home game against Niners Chemnitz on the following Friday, ahead of the Euroleague kickoff against Real Madrid in early October. "Of course, we aim to defend our national titles," said Andreas Obst, World Cup winner and co-captain. "And in the Euroleague, our primary target is the playoffs."
Bayern Munich Basketball's new-look squad, bolstered by the arrivals of World Cup winner Johannes Voigtmann, national team partner Oscar da Silva, and guards Yam Madar and Shabazz Napier, aims to recreate the unique aura missing since the departure of notable players like Isaac Bonga and coach Pablo Laso.
With the renovated SAP Garden as their Euroleague home and BMW Park set for Bundesliga matches, Bayern Munich Basketball, guided by World Champion-coach Gordon Herbert, aspires to not just defend their national titles but also secure a spot in the Euroleague playoffs, surpassing their failure from the previous season.
