Zenit Basketball Signs Ismael Bako to 2026 Contract | Belgian Center Joins Russian Club

Zenit Basketball Club has reached an agreement with center Ismael Bako. The 30-year-old player will become the first Belgian athlete to play for Zenit, with the contract extending through the end of the 2025/26 season.

A Rising International Talent Joins Zenit

Born October 10, 1995, in Leuven, Belgium, Bako began his professional career in his hometown. He played for Leuven Bears from 2012 to 2017, earning recognition as the Belgian League’s best young player during his final season with the team.

Professional Journey Across Europe

Bako’s career progressed with two seasons at Antwerp Giants, where he secured two Belgian Championship silver medals, a national cup title, and was named MVP of the cup competition. He also earned a bronze medal in the FIBA Champions League with Antwerp.

Did You Know? Ismael Bako was named the MVP of the Belgian national cup competition while playing for Antwerp Giants.

From 2019, Bako moved to ASVEL in France, contributing to the team’s championship wins in both the French League and French Cup during the 2020/21 season. He also made his EuroLeague debut with ASVEL. Subsequent stops included Manresa in Spain, where the team reached the Champions League final, and Virtus Bologna in Italy, where he won the Italian Super Cup and secured silver medals in both the Italian national championship and Italian Cup.

Familiar Territory

Russian basketball fans will recognize Bako from his time with UNICS Kazan, where he played from 2023 to 2025. During his tenure with UNICS, he earned silver and bronze medals in the VTB United League, as well as a silver medal in the Super Cup. In his last season with UNICS, Bako appeared in 52 regular season and playoff games (starting 46), averaging 9.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 24 minutes per game.

Most recently, Bako played for Paris Basketball during the 2025/26 season, appearing in 10 French League games (averaging 4.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks), 9 EuroLeague games (averaging 2.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks), and two national cup games.

Expert Insight: Bako’s extensive experience across multiple European leagues demonstrates a player capable of adapting to different systems and contributing at a high level. His previous success in competitions like the Champions League and EuroLeague suggests he could be a valuable asset for Zenit as they navigate their own competitive landscape.

International Experience

Bako has been a member of the Belgian national team since 2017, participating in EuroBasket tournaments in 2017, 2022, and 2025.

Zenit has welcomed Ismael Bako to Saint Petersburg, expressing hope for continued success together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What position does Ismael Bako play?

Ismael Bako plays the center position.

How long is Ismael Bako’s contract with Zenit?

Ismael Bako’s contract with Zenit extends through the end of the 2025/26 season.

Has Ismael Bako played in Russia before?

Yes, Ismael Bako previously played for UNICS Kazan from 2023 to 2025.

How will Bako’s versatility and international experience impact Zenit’s performance in the upcoming seasons?