By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Turk Telekom officially reinforced its roster with the signing of Belgian center Ismael Bako on Saturday.
The 208 cm big joins the Ankara-based team following a split 2025–26 season, where he competed for EuroLeague outfit Paris before finishing the year with Zenit in the VTB United League. During his 15-game stint in Saint Petersburg, Bako averaged 5.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and nearly one block per game, reinforcing his reputation as an elite interior defender.
The 30-year-old center brings a wealth of high-level continental experience to Turkiye’s capital city, boasting 94 total EuroLeague appearances. However, this move marks his career debut in the BKT EuroCup.
İsmael Bako Türk Telekom’da! ✍👏
Geçtiğimiz sezonu Zenit Saint Petersburg takımında tamamlayan İsmael Bako’yu takımımıza kattık. Ailemize hoş geldin İsmael Bako. 🎉💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/2V34s8WtKx
— Türk Telekom Basketbol (@TT_Basketbol) June 20, 2026
The accomplished rim-runner possesses a decorated resume. Bako won the 2019 Belgian Cup with the Telenet Giants Antwerp, France’s Jeep Elite championship and Coupe de France in 2021 with LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, and the Frecciarossa Supercoppa 2022 during his tenure with Virtus Segafredo Bologna. Furthermore, he led the VTB League in blocked shots in back-to-back seasons between 2024 and 2025 and was named to the Star Lineup First Team of the 2018-19 installment of the Basketball Champions League.
On the international stage, the Leuven native has been a foundational pillar for the senior national team of Belgium since 2017. He has represented his home country at the EuroBasket in 2017, 2022, and 2025, following a developmental path through the U18 and U20 youth selections.
Turk Telekom’s frontline acquisition follows the recent addition of Tim Schneider. The club has also confirmed that Emircan Kosut, Kris Bankston, and Ata Kahraman will return to run it back with the roster heading into the upcoming 2026–27 campaign.
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