Besiktas Bolsters EuroLeague Roster with DeJulius and Gabriel Signings
Besiktas, the Turkish basketball club, has made a resounding statement with its latest acquisitions for the 2026-27 EuroLeague season. The team has officially secured the services of talented guard David DeJulius and versatile forward Wenyen Gabriel, showcasing an assertive approach to roster reconstruction in anticipation of their re-entry into Europe's premier basketball competition. These strategic signings are designed to fortify the squad and elevate its competitive standing.
The Istanbul-based club confirmed these pivotal additions through separate official announcements. DeJulius's signing comes on the heels of a standout season in Spain's Liga ACB, where his offensive prowess garnered significant attention. The 26-year-old point guard displayed exceptional form, averaging 17.8 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.7 rebounds across 34 league games. His shooting percentages were equally impressive, with 45.3% from the field and 37.9% from beyond the arc. Such remarkable performance earned him a coveted spot on the All-Liga ACB First Team and a second-place finish in the league's scoring charts, averaging 17.7 points per contest.
DeJulius's journey through European basketball has been one of consistent growth since his professional debut with Lavrio in Greece in 2023. Prior to his Spanish success, he posted averages of 14.4 points and 3.6 assists in the Greek League. His subsequent move to Aris saw him maintain a high level of play, contributing 14.3 points in six EuroCup outings and an even more impressive 20.2 points over five domestic league fixtures. The 2024-25 season further diversified his experience with stints at Maccabi Tel Aviv and Bursaspor. He participated in 15 EuroLeague games for Maccabi and concluded the season in Turkey, where he averaged 13.3 points and 5.8 assists over 12 games in the Turkish Basketball Super League.
Wenyen Gabriel, standing at 2.06 meters, provides Besiktas with a crucial veteran presence in the frontcourt. His most recent season was spent with Bayern Munich in the EuroLeague, where he averaged 6.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks across 36 games, boasting a solid 55.1% field goal efficiency. Before joining Bayern, Gabriel split the 2024-25 season between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Panathinaikos. During his time with Panathinaikos, he averaged 7.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 17 EuroLeague games, converting an exceptional 70.1% of his field goal attempts. Earlier that season, he contributed 5.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in nine EuroLeague appearances for Maccabi.
Beyond his European exploits, Gabriel also brings significant NBA experience, having played 150 games for several prominent franchises including the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Memphis Grizzlies. In his NBA career, he averaged 4.4 points and 3.4 rebounds, shooting 52.4% from the field. These latest additions signify a particularly active off-season for Besiktas, following their promotion back to the EuroLeague. The club has already made waves by signing high-profile players such as Scottie Wilbekin, Furkan Korkmaz, Jaylen Nowell, DaQuan Jeffries, Eugene Omoruyi, Metecan Birsen, and Mady Sissoko. Furthermore, they have extended head coach Dusan Alimpijevic's contract through 2028, signaling a long-term commitment to their strategic vision.
This extensive recruitment drive is a clear indication of a comprehensive squad transformation. Besiktas has opted to part ways with several key contributors from last season's EuroCup campaign, including Jonah Mathews, Ismael Kamagate, Matt Thomas, Sertac Sanli, Vitto Brown, and Brynton Lemar, as they look to build a fresh, competitive roster for their return to the EuroLeague stage. The influx of new talent and the retention of their coaching leadership underscore Besiktas's ambition to make a significant impact in the upcoming European season.
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