MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg loses Austin Wiley, who signs a three‑year deal with FC Bayern Basketball on July 10, 2026. The 27‑year‑old center with a 2.26 m wingspan is expected to boost the Bavarian side's defense.
Why did Wiley move to Bayern?
Leibenath, Bayern's new sporting director, targets young, high‑potential players. After a title‑less season he wants to rejuvenate the roster. Wiley fits: he was EuroCup's top rebounder and second‑best blocker with Hapoel Jerusalem last season. His motor, Leibenath notes, is huge.
What role will Wiley play in the BBL?
Coach Anton Gavel seeks a defensive anchor in Munich. Wiley, 2.08 m tall and 116 kg, dominates the paint with an average of 11.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game (EuroCup 2025/26). His presence should alter opponent shots and create fast‑break chances.
How does this affect MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg?
Wiley briefly joined the Riesen in early 2021 but failed to secure a spot under coach John Patrick and moved to ProA. His departure leaves Ludwigsburg thinner in rebounding and shot‑blocking, while opening minutes for younger talents like Tobias Jensen.
What does this mean for the upcoming season?
Bayern plans to build a young core around Wiley, Duane Washington Jr., and Tobias Jensen. The mix of Wiley's rebounding, Washington's perimeter game, and Jensen's upside could shake the BBL standings. Ludwigsburg must decide whether former players Elias Harris or David McCormack return or if new signings arrive.
What is Wiley's family background?
Wiley comes from a basketball lineage: his mother Vickie Orr won the 1990 World Championship with the USA and earned bronze at the 1992 Olympics. In Germany he married a woman from Düsseldorf and has two sons, a stable personal life that may help him hit the ground running in Munich.