By Alex Molina/ info@eurohoops.net
The EuroLeague’s second double-round week of the season features a very special comeback. Devin Booker began his journey in Europe’s top competition with FC Bayern Munich, a team he now faces as a player for EA7 Emporio Armani Milan.
Throughout his career, Munich has always felt like home. It was where he stepped into the spotlight and became a star.
That’s why he had two stints in the Bavarian capital, producing some of his best basketball in Bayern’s colors, a club that will always hold a special place in his heart.
“For me, it will be important not to think of this game as being any different,” The Milan big man said before boarding the plane to Munich. “Basketball is never personal. This is a basketball game, and I will approach it as another road game against a team I have great memories of.”
To Bavaria and back
The 34-year-old American joined the Italian powerhouse on a two-year deal to bring a much-needed blend of strength, versatility, and leadership to Ettore Messina’s squad, which is aiming to bounce back after a few underwhelming seasons.
After playing college basketball at Clemson University from 2009 to 2013 and going undrafted in the 2013 NBA Draft, Booker took his talents overseas and has spent his entire professional career in Europe.
He began his pro journey in France, suiting up for SLUC Nancy, JL Bourg, and Élan Chalon. It was with Chalon during the 2015–16 season that he made his name, earning French Pro A MVP honors and securing his first EuroLeague opportunity.
In 2016, Booker signed with Bayern Munich, the team that twice gave him the platform to shine as one of the most productive and versatile big men in both the German Bundesliga and the EuroLeague.
His success in Germany opened the door to new challenges. He went on to play for Khimki Moscow (Russia, 2019–2021) and Fenerbahçe (Turkiye, 2021–2023), where he continued to display his consistency and all-around impact before returning to Germany for a second stint.
In 2023 he rejoined Bayern, and his 2024–25 season was his best yet: he averaged 14.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, while shooting an impressive 40% from three-point range. That versatile skill set earned him a lucrative two-year contract with Milan, where he forms a dominant one-two punch with Josh Nebo.
Now, he’s back at SAP Garden to face his former team. As he said: “It is a very challenging game for us, especially because we will miss a couple of key guys. As a result, it will be a very tough road game in Munich, and intensity and aggressiveness from the beginning – and throughout the game – will be absolutely required to win it.”
After all, with both teams off to a 1–2 start, this is a must-win home game for Bayern and a big opportunity for Milan to earn a valuable road win and take a step forward on their path to the playoffs.
And Devin Booker will be literally at the center of it.