After keeping Othello Hunter in the roster, Bayern Munich has announced its first signing of the offseason adding Croatian prospect Danko Brankovic, the club announced Monday. The 2.16m center will join the German BBL giants from Croatian powerhouse Cibona on a multiyear deal.
Trained in the U19s of one of the most known clubs in Croatia, he made 14 appearances in his debut season with the professionals in the 2020-21 campaign of the ABA League and established a place in the first team during the past season.
He averaged 10.0 points and five rebounds, shooting 68 percent from the field in the ABA last season. In fact, he had his best season of his young career during the 2021-22 campaign, helping his team to a Croatian Cup and the domestic league title.
👋 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄, 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐊𝐎
Wir verpflichten das kroatische Center-Talent Danko Brankovic. Mehr dazu auf https://t.co/ft4Ac0OCDW#FCBB #Kaderupdate #FCBB2023
— FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) July 4, 2022
He took part in the 2018 U18 European Championship and the 2019 U20 European Championship and made his debut in Croatia’s senior team in February 2022 during the FIBA Basketball World Cup European qualifiers.
“We’ve been following Danko’s path very closely for a year now. Because he offers an amazing combination of size, mobility and skills,” Bayern’s sport director Daniele Baiesi stated.
“He is a very intelligent young man and has had some high level experience. We are excited about the opportunity to develop his talent and look forward to his further development.”
It’s the second offseason move in a busy day for Bayern, that also re-signed veteran center Othello Hunter for next season. Hunter could provide veteran leadership for Brankovic, who is expected to make his debut in the EuroLeague in the coming season.
