Fenerbahce Istanbul has secured the signing of Angolan center Jilson Bango until the end of the 2026-27 season, the club announced on Monday. This move strengthens Fenerbahce’s roster as they continue their strong EuroLeague campaign, currently sitting second with a 16-7 record.
Bango, 26, joins Fenerbahce after an outstanding season with Casademont Zaragoza in Spain’s Liga ACB. He was named the ACB’s MVP of the Month for December, showcasing his dominance on the court. Over 18 appearances in the Spanish League, Bango averaged 13.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
In addition to his ACB performance, Bango has also made his mark in the FIBA Europe Cup, averaging 14.3 points and 5.8 rebounds across nine appearances.
This will be Bango’s third season in Europe, after stints in Germany with Braunschweig between 2022 and 2024. His time in Zaragoza provided a glimpse into his potential, and now he’s set to make his EuroLeague debut with Fenerbahce.
Bango’s early years as a professional were spent in his home country. He played for Marinha de Guerra in 2018-19 and then moved to Primeiro de Agosto from 2019-22, before venturing into European basketball.
Bango’s arrival marks a new chapter in his career as he steps onto the EuroLeague stage with one of Europe’s top clubs. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how the skilled big man will contribute to Fenerbahce’s title ambitions.
