Bayern tie young prospect Ivan Kharchenkov to multi-year deal / News - Basketnews.com

Ivan Kharchenkov, the youngest player to ever debut in the BBL, has signed his first pro contract with Bayern Munich at the age of 17.

Credit: IMAGO/Eibner Credit IMAGO/Eibner

FC Bayern Munich have signed U18 national player Ivan Kharchenkov to a three-year contract, the German club announced.

2-pointers this season

53%19,1Points made:19,1Accuracy:53,4%Place in standings:14Record max:27Record min:12Most made 2FGs:Serge IbakaTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The now 17-year-old guard, who debuted in the BBL at 16 as the youngest player ever, will stay with the German Cup winners until 2027.

This Saturday (4:30 PM), the young star, from the youth program of the BBL leaders, will compete in Berlin with Bayern's U19 team in the semifinals against title favorite Vechta for a spot in the Top4 final of the German Championship on Sunday.

"I am happy and proud to have signed my first professional contract here at Bayern and I hope for a continued good and successful time," says Kharchenkov, who has been with FC Bayern since 2018.

As the top scorer of the German U18 team, the athletic 1.98-meter guard shone while winning bronze at the European Championship in July 2023. In February, NT coach Gordon Herbert called him up for the first time for a training session with the senior team.

"The fact that Ivan has committed to our club long-term is a sign of continuity and trust in the organization," commented FCBB Sporting Director Daniele Baiesi.

"For the club, this is a key decision, as Ivan is one of the most promising guards across the entire European map. He will continue to work hard with our staff to become a great, modern player. He has already shown that he can be a core part of our rotation – we all in the club firmly believe in him."

Already last year, Kharchenkov was part of the extended professional squad under coach Andrea Trinchieri. And since mid-November 2022, at 16 years, one month, and 30 days, he has been the youngest player in BBL history and also the youngest scorer in the league. Under Pablo Laso, the teenager has had eight BBL appearances this season (averaging 4.3 points per game) and even four in the EuroLeague.

In the second team of Munich, the youngest ever in ProB, Kharchenkov has finally developed into a key player this season (averaging 22.5 points per game). At the U18 European Championship in 2023 and at the ANGT tournament in 2024 in Podgorica, the Bayern youngster was selected for the Allstar-Five.

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