Guerschon Yabusele signs three-year deal with Panathinaikos
Yabusele returns to Europe on a three-year deal
Panathinaikos have officially announced the signing of French forward Guerschon Yabusele on a three-year contract. The 29-year-old is back in Europe after two seasons in the NBA, where he played for the Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls. Last season he appeared in 67 games, averaging about 5.6 points and 3.5 rebounds while providing valuable frontcourt depth.
Before his return to the NBA, Yabusele was a standout in Europe with Real Madrid, collecting domestic and international trophies and earning a reputation as a strong EuroLeague performer. His club career has also included stints with ASVEL, the Nanjing Monkey Kings, the Boston Celtics, the Shanghai Sharks, Rouen and Roanne, and he has featured for the French national team.
One of the most talked-about moments of his career came during the 2022/23 EuroLeague Playoffs, when a heated quarterfinal series led to an on-court brawl and a subsequent suspension. Despite that episode, his Real Madrid side rallied in the series and went on to win the EuroLeague title that season.
Panathinaikos reshaping the squad and coaching staff
Yabusele will now work under Zeljko Obradovic, who has returned to Panathinaikos as head coach after 14 years away. The reunion brings together two figures who have shared intense EuroLeague battles, and both will be focused on getting the club back to the top of European basketball.
The club has already made moves this summer, adding center Moustapha Fall and continuing to pursue other targets. At the same time, several players have departed as the squad is refreshed—names leaving include Kenneth Faried, T.J. Shorts, Marius Grigonis and Alexandros Samodurov. Panathinaikos is clearly reshaping its roster to compete in both the EuroLeague and domestic competitions next season.
On the coaching and management side, Mike Batiste is joining the staff as an assistant and club icon Dimitris Diamantidis has taken up a managerial role, combining new additions with experienced figures from the club’s history. With Yabusele added to the mix, Panathinaikos has signaled serious intent ahead of the new campaign.
