Faried joins Baskonia with the endorsement of European MVP

The Baskonia has sealed a deal that surprises with its audacity and the recent resume of its protagonist. Kenneth Faried, known as the Manimal, will play for the Vitoria team, as confirmed by Chema de Lucas. The 36-year-old American center arrives in Vitoria after a recent journey that encapsulates, in just three months, a rollercoaster of emotions and exceptional performance on the court.

Faried's story in recent months is as improbable as it is fascinating. Just a few months ago, the American was playing in Taiwan with the TSG GhostHawks, far from the European spotlight. However, in November, his career took an unexpected turn when Panathinaikos signed him on the 9th to replace the injured Yurtseven. What followed was a display of elite basketball that earned him continental recognition.

EuroLeague MVP in November

During his time in Athens, Faried posted numbers that fully justify Baskonia's gamble. He averaged 13.5 points with a shooting percentage of 64.5 percent from the field, 7.5 rebounds per game—four of them offensive—and 2 blocks. His impact was so evident that Panathinaikos racked up four consecutive victories under his influence, positioning themselves at the top of the competition. That performance earned him the individual EuroLeague MVP award for November, a recognition that attests to his competitive ability even at 36 years old.

However, the end of the Greek adventure was bittersweet. Faried won the Greek Cup with the Athens team, although he did not participate in the final. The most notable event occurred in the title series against Olympiacos, where he was left out of the lineups for all five matches played despite being available. A decision that raised questions about his continuity in the project.

The journey that brings him to Vitoria

After his official departure from the club in June, Faried landed with the Cangrejeros de Santurce in the Puerto Rican league, where he debuted with spectacular numbers: 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks. That performance confirmed that his playing ability remained intact and that the Manimal still possessed his characteristic energy. From there, Baskonia has rescued him to reinforce a frontcourt that needed immediate solutions.

Faried's arrival aligns with a clear strategy from the Vitoria team. The team coached by Paolo Galbiati had completely renewed its perimeter without touching the interior rotation, leaving an evident gap in the paint. Alongside Khalifa Diop, Faried represents exactly the profile that was missing: an athletic player, eager for rebounds, and with defensive presence.

What Baskonia is acquiring

At 36 years old, Faried is not the All-Rookie he was in Denver nor the world champion he was with the United States in 2014. However, November demonstrated that his drive remains a key factor in European basketball. His energy, offensive rebounding ability, and defensive intimidation continue to be valuable assets in the EuroLeague. Even Ataman, the coach of Panathinaikos, acknowledged from the first practice the locker room magnetism that Faried brings to any group.

With this signing, Baskonia acquires a veteran who knows the elite level of European competition and has recently proven his ability to compete at the highest level. His presence in the paint adds a physical dimension that the Vitoria team needed to complement its offensive rotation. Faried does not arrive as a future gamble but as an immediate solution for a team looking to compete in its domestic league and in continental competition.

A strategic signing for the final stretch

The incorporation of Kenneth Faried to Baskonia closes a surprising chapter in his career. From playing in Taiwan to being EuroLeague MVP in the same month, from winning a cup in Greece to playing in Puerto Rico, and now landing in Vitoria. His recent journey reflects his adaptability and desire to compete in the best possible arenas.

For Baskonia, this signing represents a clear commitment to enhance its competitiveness in the decisive months. Faried arrives with recent high-level references and with experience accumulated from a career that has taken him to play on different continents. His integration into the Vitoria team could be key to the goals Paolo Galbiati pursues this season.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Faried llega al Baskonia con aval de MVP europeo