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German basketball talent Jack Kayil has returned to Alba Berlin after a stint in the United States following the NBA draft, according to an official club announcement made on Friday. The 20-year-old guard, who was selected as the 39th overall pick by the New York Knicks, agreed to a five-year contract with the German capital club.
Alba Berlin Secures Five-Year Deal With Guard
Kayil enters his new tenure with Alba Berlin after participating in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas with the New York Knicks. According to club records from the summer campaign, Kayil averaged 8.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 22.4 minutes per game. Despite those outings, a permanent roster spot in New York’s rotation remained unavailable.
The move back to Germany represents a major retention for Alba Berlin, which previously saw Kayil develop through its youth system. Before reaching the professional ranks, Kayil spent time with Vechta and Sremska Mitrovica in Serbia, eventually winning a domestic title with Alba in 2026. His resume includes recognition as the BBL’s “U22-Player of the Year” and the “Basketball Champions League Best Young Player.”
Continuing the Pursuit of an NBA Career
While returning to domestic competition, Kayil maintains his long-term ambition of playing in the NBA. According to statements published on the club’s website, Kayil expressed enthusiasm about his return.
“The last season was super successful and was a lot of fun for me—that’s why I’m all the more pleased to stay in Berlin,” Kayil said, as quoted by Alba Berlin. “I can’t wait to get started again and pick up where we left off.” He added that the NBA remains his “biggest dream.”
Alba Sports Director Himar Ojeda confirmed that the organization intends to support the guard’s professional aspirations while utilizing his skills domestically.
“We are very happy that Jack is staying with us. This is a great success for our program,” Ojeda stated on the club’s official channels. “Alba offers Jack the best conditions to continue his strong individual development. We want to build on the successes of last season together and at the same time support him in his goal of following Franz and Moritz as the third Berliner to make the jump from the Alba youth to the NBA.”