Reigning EuroLeague champions Panathinaikos have finalized a deal to bring in center Jilson Bango from Zaragoza. The Greek club reportedly paid a $700,000 buyout to acquire the 26-year-old, as reported by Alessandro Luigi Maggi.
This move comes in response to an injury sustained by center Omer Yurtseven, leaving Panathinaikos in need of reinforcements. The team is currently fourth in the EuroLeague standings with a 14-9 record, making the addition of Bango crucial for their playoff push.
Bango has been averaging 13.9 points and 5.6 rebounds in 21 minutes per game in the Spanish Liga ACB. His athleticism and rebounding ability make him a valuable asset for Panathinaikos, which has dealt with multiple injuries to its frontcourt.
The Angolan center has built an impressive résumé over the years. Bango was named the Angolan Basketball League’s Regular Season MVP in 2021 and 2022 while leading the league in rebounding in 2021. He also gained experience in the German Bundesliga with Basketball Löwen Braunschweig before joining Zaragoza in May 2024.
This marks the second major mid-season move for Panathinaikos. Earlier this season, they added Wenyen Gabriel from Maccabi after Mathias Lessort suffered a fractured leg. With Yurtseven now sidelined, the Greek powerhouse is once again turning to the transfer market to maintain its competitive edge.
Bango’s ability to dominate the boards and provide rim protection will be vital as Panathinaikos looks to solidify its position among EuroLeague contenders.
The timing of this acquisition is significant, as Panathinaikos enters the crucial stretch of the EuroLeague season. With the playoffs approaching, the team is banking on Bango’s skill set to provide an immediate boost in their bid for back-to-back championships.
