By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Dubai continued its strategic roster shuffling on Wednesday, finalizing a deal to sign promising Angolan big Kevin Kokila and immediately sending him on loan to EuroLeague rival Virtus Bologna for the 2026–27 campaign.
The announcement follows a busy stretch for the Emirates-based franchise, which dispatched forward Yannick Kraag to Basketball Champions League’s Asisa Joventut earlier in the day and previously shipped guard Aleksa Avramovic to BKT EuroCup’s Bahcesehir Koleji in mid-July.
By placing the center with the Italian outfit, the front office ensures its new acquisition will test his skills at the absolute pinnacle of Europe before eventually integrating into the club’s long-term project.
Dubai Basketball has signed Kevin Kokila, who will spend the 2026/27 season on loan at Virtus Bologna.
Good luck, Kevin! 🔥
Read more: https://t.co/EYlro4CTFk pic.twitter.com/AiSC2bIG4J
— Dubai Basketball (@dubaibasket) August 5, 2026
The 24-year-old, 2.04-meter interior presence arrives in Italy’s LBA UnipolSai after a spectacular breakout year with France’s Betclic Elite side JL Bourg. Serving as captain, he led his squad to its historic first-ever BKT EuroCup championship.
𝐊𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐍 𝐊𝐎𝐊𝐈𝐋𝐀.
𝐴 𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟.
Benvenuto in ⚪⚫ pic.twitter.com/ypziqF2Af3— Virtus Bologna (@VirtusBo) August 5, 2026
Kokila was a model of consistency, appearing in all 24 continental games while averaging 8.2 points and 5.2 rebounds. The athletic center truly shined on the grandest stage, delivering a crucial 18-point performance in Game 2 of the Finals against Besiktas to secure the trophy. Domestically, he proved equally efficient, posting 10.2 points per game.
An alumnus of the prestigious LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne youth system, the player has evolved rapidly since making his professional debut in France’s third tier with CTC Lyon SO in 2021. His elite athleticism, rim-running prowess, and defensive mobility make him an ideal modern center.
This recent success mirrors his international achievements; in the summer of 2025, Kokila lifted the FIBA AfroBasket trophy with the Angolan national team.
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