Michael Kessens returns to Bonn after split season between Paris and ALBA Berlin

Michael Kessens (2.06m, 34 years old), who played for Paris Basketball between August 2023 and January 2025, returns to Telekom Baskets Bonn, a club he knows well having played there from 2021 to 2023. After a brief but productive stint with ALBA Berlin at the end of the 2024-2025 season, the German-Swiss center has committed to two seasons with the Rhineland club, where he hopes to establish a more stable momentum.

Michael « Mike » Kessens ist zurück! 💪 @basketballcl- und @EuroCup-Sieger @MikeDoubleK kehrt nach anderthalb Jahren in Paris und einer halben Saison in Berlin zurück nach Bonn, wo er einen Vertrag bis 2027 unterschrieben hat.

Alle Infos: https://t.co/aFpbmBJpum#HEARTBERG pic.twitter.com/T8wSooOcVb

— Telekom Baskets Bonn (@TelekomBaskets) June 2, 2025

A return to roots for the 2023 BCL champion

Winner of the Basketball Champions League (BCL) in 2023 with Bonn, Michael Kessens returns to familiar surroundings. After an underwhelming spell in Paris where he had limited playing time, he joined ALBA Berlin last January. The move proved beneficial: in 19 German Bundesliga games, he averaged 6.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 12 minutes per game, shooting 67%. His best performance? Against Bonn on April 16, where he recorded 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists.

An essential piece of the Bonn puzzle

His return is welcomed by management and coach Marko Stankovic: « Mike is a very important puzzle piece for next season. He knows our offensive and defensive principles, which will greatly help our new group, » the coach stated on the club’s official website. For Sports Director Savo Milovic, the player brings more than just athletic impact: « He knows the club’s identity and fan culture. His experience and personality will be assets in the locker room. »

Paris, Berlin… and now a new beginning

After joining Paris Basketball in 2023, Michael Kessens managed to win both the Leaders Cup and EuroCup in 2024, despite playing a limited role. In Berlin, he distinguished himself as a valuable rotation player, helping the club qualify for the Bundesliga quarterfinals through the play-in. Now, the former German international (4 caps) wants to settle back in Bonn for the long term: « I’m very happy to return. It was an easy decision. I feel really good here, both on and off the court, » he confided. In Bonn, Michael Kessens will reunite with another Paris alumnus, coach Thomas Pennellier.