The unwritten rule is that the team from which the trainer departs is the first to make the news public. This means that the Baskets had to wait for Berlin to make the announcement, which could have also been delayed until after the playoffs.

But now the Telekom Baskets have their coach of choice. The 37-year-old German had been co-trainer of Alba since 2015 and his name kept appearing when there was speculation in the league about a new coach. Päch has signed a two-year contract with a mutual option for a third year. "We're glad it worked out," says Wolfgang Wiedlich. The Baskets president emphasizes that "we agreed in our decision-making committee that we want to take a chance with a new start and a young coach who can bring new impulses and also explore new avenues”.

Born in El Salvador and raised in the USA and Thailand, Päch was co-trainer with the current national coach Henrik Rödl while the at Bundesliga club TBB Trier from 2010 to 2015 before moving to the coaching staff of Alba Berlin. "I'm very happy about the opportunity and, above all, that the Telekom Baskets have placed their trust in me to start as head coach," says Päch. "Bonn is an excellent basketball location with one of the best arenas in Germany and great training conditions. I have always perceived the atmosphere surrounding the club as something special and above all family-like, with unbelievable fans who support the team. I am very much looking forward to the upcoming work and tasks at hand! I would also like to thank ALBA Berlin for enabling me to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity despite my current contract.”

Chris O’Shea (American) also stays on board. The assistant coach had taken over the team from Predrag Krunic in January and led the stumbling team into the playoffs. He now takes on the role as Päch's assistant. "The decision to stay in Bonn was very easy for me," says O'Shea. "The club, the staff and the fans are close to my heart. You feel the emotions and the desire for more and that suits me. The last four years I have built up a very good relationship with Thomas in our joint function as BBL assistant coach and I know that we will work together successfully. I'm really looking forward to the coming season”.

(Orig. text: Tanja Schneider; Translation: ck)