Gershon Yabusele’s American adventure in the NBA appears to be over. The 30-year-old basketball player is expected to continue his career in the Greek Panathinaikos after reaching an agreement for three seasons with the Athens giant, according to information published in the American press.
The transfer will place the power forward, who is currently competing in World Cup qualifying with France, among the top three highest paid players in Europe, proof of Panathinaikos’ ambitions as they continue to strengthen their squad to return to the top of the EuroLeague.
The departure brings an end to the NBA’s second chapter, which was ultimately quite short. Resumed at the 2024 Paris Olympics in a France jersey, Yabusele returned to the NBA with Philadelphia before moving on to the New York Knicks and then the Chicago Bulls. He averaged 8.3 points per game over his last two seasons in the North American League while playing for the 76ers, Bulls and Knicks.
This choice marks a return to an environment that the Frenchman knows very well. He shone for Real Madrid between 2021 and 2024, notably winning the EuroLeague in 2023 and establishing himself as one of the best 4 players on the continent. His Spanish experience contributed greatly to his sporting renaissance before his performances at the Paris Games opened the doors to the NBA again.
Having joined Panathinaikos, Yabusele now returns to the highest European level with a different status: a true headliner. At 30, the French footballer appears to prefer a starring role, strong sporting ambitions and a lucrative contract to a career in the NBA, where his place remains more uncertain.