Basketball runners-up Bayern Munich has signed US center Freddie Gillespie. The 25-year-old comes with the experience of 29 NBA appearances for the Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic, last season Gillespie was teammates with German internationals Franz and Moritz Wagner at the Florida club.
“Freddie is a young, very promising player who will provide us with a tremendous presence with his physical ability in the zone and in defense of the ring,” said Bayern sporting director Daniele Baiesi.
However, Gillespie, who signed a two-year contract, has “no international experience yet” and will “first have to adapt to a wide variety of requirements on and off the court”.
Würzburg fetches son of Christian Welp
Meanwhile, s.Oliver Würzburg has secured the services of a big name: The BBL club has signed the son of European champion Christian Welp for two years. Collin Welp (23) comes from the University of California in Irvine, the Würzburger announced on Monday. Christian Welp died in 2015 at the age of 51.
“We were looking for a young German player with a lot of potential. Collin played both major positions at college and is a good all-rounder with a solid shot,” says Kresimir Loncar, Manager Sport and Scouting in Würzburg. Born in Seattle, the puppy recently received a German passport.
His father Christian had thrown the German national team against Russia in the 1993 European Championship final in Munich to the only title to date. The former NBA professional died six years ago after a heart attack. Collin Welp (2.06 m) can play as a center and power forward.
Maik Kotsar leaves Hamburg
Estonian international Maik Kotsar, on the other hand, is leaving Veolia Towers Hamburg after two years and moving to top club Baskonia Vitoria Gasteiz in Spain. The North Germans announced this on Monday. Kotsar, who last played against the German team in the World Cup qualifier, averaged 14.1 points and 7.3 rebounds in the past BBL season.
“Maik has developed incredibly with us over the past two years. He has everything he needs to be able to play successfully at the highest European level. It was therefore clear to us that we would not be able to extend his contract again this summer “said Marvin Willoughby, sporting director of Hamburg. Vitoria competes in the EuroLeague.
