2026 ENBL Finalist Max Jones(Manchester Basketball) Has Become More Of A Finesse Player And Will Never Forget His Buzzer Beater Against Cheshire

Max Jones (193-G-2002, college: Kansas St.) is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Florida playing his rookie season overseas with Manchester Basketball (United Kingdom-SLB). He began his basketball career at Clearwater High School and then played 2 seasons at the University of Tampa (NCAA2) averaging 22.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 71.1%, and 21.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.5%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 85.3%. He then played 2 seasons at California State University, Fullerton (NCAA) averaging 12.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 78.5% and 15.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 78.7%. He then finished at the University of Kansas State (NCAA) averaging 9.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 78.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

You’re playing your rookie season overseas with Manchester Basketball (United Kingdom-SLB). What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about it?

The experience has been pretty good. I love the city that I live in my teammates are good people. I love to hang out with them. It’s definitely been a great experience because the language is mainly English and it was easy for me to adjust to the new environment. As basketball goes The UK is very competitive in the SLB and I love to play for Manchester basketball. They’ve gave me a chance in an opportunity to play basketball and that’s all I could really ask for.

What was it like coming from the beauty of Florida to the city life of Manchester? What have you learned to appreciate most about the British culture?

Yeah, I was definitely a big change for me coming from Florida. It’s always sunny. I had to adjust to the city life, but it was pretty easy because I have great teammates and a great staff that shows me around and teaches me about the British culture

Does one automatically come a football fan when living in Manchester? Have you seen Man City or United games?

I actually haven’t been to a football game yet, but I am waiting to go to Manchester city game for sure. Football is a big sport over here in England and I will be attending a football game here soon.

You recently battled at the ENBL final 4 in Germany. Manchester beat MBC but then lost to Warshaw. What could you personally take from this weekend?

Yeah, we played in the ENBL final four in Germany. It was definitely a great experience for me and my teammates. Personally, I had a great time at the tournament. I was able to showcase my skills and talent on the European stage.

You exploded for 36 points in the final. How tough is it in general for a competitor like yourself to have such an impactiful game, but still lose the game. Is that something that you have to deal with mentally different than other players might?

Yeah, it is very tough to have a great game but also take a loss but at the end of the day you have to keep going and you have to take that loss and look at what you did and how you can get better from that game I’ve never been the type of person to dwell on a loss. I’ve always kept my head up and learned from my mistakes to keep getting better.

What has it been like sharing the back court with fellow rookie Pjay Smith? What have you learned to appreciate most about his game?

PJ is a great basketball player. He’s also a good friend of mine. Me and him have had a great friendship throughout the season and one thing about his games that he’s very fundamentally sound. He’s able to shoot the ball attack the paint and get others open. PJ is a guy that you definitely want on your team.

Let´s talk about your game. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

If I would have to compare my game to an NBA player, I would have to say Jalen Brunson. Because he likes to get to a spot and he likes to push in transition.

Your having a magnificent rookie season in the UK and ENBL. Talk a little about how you have seen your game develop as a rookie? How has your game grown?

Yes, I’ve had a great season over here in the UK and in the EMBL from the beginning of the season to now I’d say at the beginning I wasn’t as aggressive. I had to learn how to read the defense and how the other team plays I also had to learn how to slow down and play with pace in this league. You have to have more of a finesse game and I feel like I’ve gotten better after each game. I’ve definitely learned a lot and I’m still learning today.

You have always been a pretty solid three point shooter, but your still looking to reach 40%. Have you been doing anything different now as a pro in how your working on upping your shooting percentages overseas?

Yes, 40% has always been the goal to shoot. I’ve always been hanging around the 32 to 38 to 36%. I’ve always tried to stay consistent with my three-point shots and I feel like I have done that and I can definitely improve on my three point percentage that only comes with the reps in the gym and the work you put in.

Talk a little about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I believe I’m a great defender in some games I always have the guard the best player on the other team, which is a compliment to me and I always take the opportunity to show people that I really can play defense and I’m not just an offensive scorer. I definitely want to become a great defender to were I’m always guarding the best guy on the other team, especially in crunch time.

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?

The main thing that I’m working on is my mid range game and the ability to read the defense out of the pick and roll I can always sharpen my other skills, but those are the main things that I need to work on and get better at.

What memories do you have of the exciting ENBL series against Dinamo that was decided by a combined score of 5 points. What do you believe was the difference in that series? ?

Yeah, the Dynamo series was a very competitive series. They are a really good team. The main thing that stuck out to me was our talent and our will to win. The only way we won was because of defense. One of my teammate Gabe stepped up, defensively to help win our last game.

You hit an amazing buzzer beater against Cheshire finishing with 30 points. Was that moment one of your greatest as a player?

That was a great moment for me. It was definitely top five plays of my life. You can see how excited I was after I made the shot. That will definitely be a memory that I always remember because those are the type of shots that you dream of I’ve had a couple game winners before, but that one was definitely on top.

You began your NCAA 2 career at the University of Tampa (NCAA2) and averaged 21.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.5%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 85.3% in your second season. How tough was this time with Covid? How did your game grow there under Richard Schmidt?

I actually had one offer out of high school and that was the university of Tampa. I was so excited to have the opportunity to play on a college level even if it was just a division 2. I had a great Covid year. It got cut short, but it was definitely a great experience. Coach Richard Schmidt was a good coach. He taught me a lot about the game and I was just very glad he gave me the opportunity to play for Tampa university. I also got freshman of the year that year.

You then played 2 seasons at California State University, Fullerton (NCAA) averaging 12.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 78.5% and 15.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 78.7%. How vital were these 2 years for your basketball development? What kind of a player did you become there under Dedrique Taylor?

These two years at Cal State Fullerton taught me the most about basketball. I created friendships that will last forever. They definitely helped on the basketball development side. I was in the gym 24 seven. Being coached by Dj Taylor definitely helped me become the player I am today. He taught me a lot about spacing on the basketball floor and taught me about how to win. Cal State Fullerton played a vital role in my career because I learned so much in that two year span while I was there.

You then added a season with the University of Kansas State (NCAA) averaging 9.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 78.4%. How valuable was this extra season for your further basketball development? How did Jerome Tang give you that last push to become a pro player?

The season definitely helped me with my basketball career my time at K State. They showed me that all the work you put in will have results at K State. I got a lot stronger, a lot faster and a lot more athletic. I played a smaller role at K State, but that helped me understand on how to win and what I can do other than scoring. Coach Jerome Tang was one of my greatest coaches. He taught me a lot about basketball, but not only that a lot of stuff outside of basketball. He was also just a great person to look up to and showed me what a man is supposed to be like.

You had many great games at KSU including 2 10 point games in wins over Arizona State. What was your fondest moment there?

My greatest moment at K State playing was definitely at Iowa State. I had a great game. It was a packed crowd. They were number six in the country at the time and we were on a six game winning streak. It definitely felt like we were invincible. This was definitely the best part of my college career as we were winning.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Brendan Hausen?

I’ve actually never played Brenden hausen in a one V one, but if I would have to say, I would definitely beat him lol. Brenden is my best friend till this day and he would always want to push me to be better because just like me he lived in the gym. It was always driving to be better every day and that’s what it takes to be a great basketball player.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

The toughest player I had to go against in the NCAA was VJ Edgecombe. He was very explosive and very fast. He was definitely an NBA player from the jump, but I also felt like I could keep up and wasn’t really much of a difference between our games.

Please name your 5 best teammates of al-time?

My five best teammates of all time a number one I would have to put DeAndre Harvey Brenden Hausen, Latrell Wrightsell, Mikey Square, and Beril Kambaba.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

My personal NBA mount Rushmore. I’ll have LeBron at one Michael Jordan at two. Kobe Bryant at three and Steph Curry at four.

Who is your GOAT? ?

LeBron James

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I actually never seen this movie. I’m not really a movie guy.

Thanks Max for the chat.

Scoring In Bunches Rascal Tehree Horn leads BBC Bayreuth To 89-75 Victory Over The EPG Baskets Koblenz

With the weather getting warmer and days onger, basketball fans in Koblenz had some other things to concentrate on besides their team, because with 2 game days remaining in the season, the club was no longer a playoff contender. The club had had their chances the last weeks, but with too much up and downs and slim loses to Paderborn and Tuebingen ruined any hopes of reaching the playoffs. The EPG baskets Koblenz had their last home game on the menu and faced 13-19 team BBC Bayreuth that shared the same record as them. They also had no chances or making the playoffs as their whole season had been an up and down affair as they could never go on a long winning streak and had 4 2 game winning streaks the whole season and were 5-5 in the last 10 games. It was an open game after three quarters, but a key 12-2 run in the fourth quarter by BBC Bayreuth sparked them to easy 89-75 win over the EPG Baskets Koblenz. “Key for the win was sticking together. We did a good job slowing down our turnovers and we had real good rim protection on the pick and roll. We had good play calling by coach and rebounding as well. All in all it was a good team effort”, stressed BBC Bayreuth guard Tehree Horn (193-G-2001, college: USC Aiken, agency: One Motive Sports). The EPG Baskets wanted to finish strong in their last home game, but not being able to finish strong hurt them once again in the loss to BBC Bayreuth. “They hit tough shots through out the game, We did a good job regrouping, but we just couldn´t put together a good effort for 40 minutes. We just showed it in spurts”, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz guard Julian Larry.

Kevaughn Allen with the lay in

The EPG Baskets were in the hole from the get go not having Calvin Wishart who was ill. He did sit on the bench to support his teammates. BBC Bayreuth had a quick start leading 9-2. The guests found an offensive rhythm and nailed 3 consecutive three´s from Mr 50/40/90 player Kevaughn Allen, American Cantia Rahming and ex Ulm forward Lenny Liedtke. ´Koblenz had little intensity and coughed up the ball early. They finally found to their game getting some easy baskets from American DJ Jeffries on a step back and a transition dunk from ex Phoenix Hagen guard Devonte McCall to trail 9-6. However BBC Bayreuth continued to execute well attacking the rim and getting easy lay up´s from Rahming, Horn, and Liedtke to lead 17-10. BBC Bayreuth was playing Koblenz´s game in that they were running and getting out on transition. Koblenz was playing catch up basketball, but didn´t lose total control, but remained in the game receiving a clutch trey from 2025 BBL cup champion Aleksa Kovacevic. BBC Bayreuth then were sparked by a mini 4-0 run as top Pro B player Jonathan Zeisberger made a lay in as did Liedtke for the 21-13 advantage. Koblenz closed out the first quarter with a little momentum with a 4-0 run by McCall who showed again how big of an impact player he can be. BBC Bayreuth led 21-17 after 10 minutes. “I felt like we had good mobility up front. Everybody was involved. But at the same time we had too many phases where we were unconcentrated and had too many unforced errors. We also had problems on the rebounds and missed easy lay up´s, Stated EPG Baskets Koblenz sport director Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 42% form the 2 point area and 20% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 4 turnovers while BBC Bayreuth shot 67% from the 2 point area and 30% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Cantia Rahming at the FT line

The game of runs continued in the second half and BBC Bayreuth continued to manage the lead and led 38-32 after 20 minutes. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had a better start in the second quarter getting 4 consecutive stops, but couldn´t make significant ground only getting a dunk from DJ Jeffries on the perfect alley-op pass from Jannis Sonnefeld to trail 21-19. BBC Bayreuth caught Koblenz lacking concentration again for a few minutes and hit them with a brutal 9-0 run to extend their lead to 30-19. In the run, the guests were sparked by 4 different players as they shared the ball around. Liedtke dropped another trey while Horn made a step back and Allen a lay while Rahming a tip in. Rahming gave Koblenz fits all day long as he was a wrecking force in the zone as he finished with a 15/15 game. Kovacevic then found some instant energy adding 5 points as he made a left handed lay in and trey and suddenly the guests led only 30-25. Kovacevic also showed his Teodosic passing skills with a pretty over the shoulder pass to German Alex Moeller for 2 points. “Aleksa played very well today. That was definitely a great pass”, said Thomas Klein. Koblenz just couldn´t find any consistency inside as Rahming continued to do what he wanted with a put back and dunk to keep BBC Bayreuth ahead 34-29. Buck added a jumper, but BBC Bayreuth always had an answer as Horn closed out the first half with a lay in for the 6 point advantage. “We had too many ups and downs. We weren´t strong enough on the close outs and gave up too many offensive rebounds. We weren´t good on the box out. I do feel like the team still did a good job playing without Wishart”, explained Thomas Klein. BBC Bayreuth shot 52% from the 2 point area and 25% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 42% from the 2 point area and 30% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Alex Moeller with the lay in

In the third quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz had their first lead of the game, but couldn´t keep it as BBC Bayreuth fought back and stole the lead back and led 63-60 after 30 minutes. The EPG Baskets Koblenz came out refreshed going on a 8-0 run to lead 41-38. Badu Buck nailed a trey while Texas native Julian Larry hit a jumper and free throws and Jeffries made a free throw. Koblenz upped their intensity at both ends including being more of the hustling team and were a lot more aggressive attacking the hole. Koblenz kept the slim lead, but BBC Bayreuth also attacked the rim and got free throws from Liedtke and Rahming. But BBC Bayreuth also had an ace in their sleeve as Horn showed total responsibility scoring 4 buckets in the row to give his team the 53-51 advantage. “I like to score in bunches. I kept being open off screens and my teammates found me. I just took what the defense gave me. I also attacked on transition”, added Tehree Horn. Kovacevic gave Koblenz the lead back again at 54-53 with a floater, but BBC Bayreuth always had an answer. They got to the free throw line getting free throws from Rahming and German/American Leroy Ikejiaku and a pretty hook shot from Dutch forward Willem Brandwijk to lead 61-56. Larry made another lay in late and Sonnefeld free throws, but Koblenz just couldn´t get over the hump trailing by 3 points. “We got hot as a team and got open shots. That helped us get a better rhythm which we didn´t have in the first half”, commented Tehree Horn. “We didn´t hit shots despite getting open looks. Horn did a good job finding his spots and made shots”, said Julian Larry. BBC Bayreuth shot 52% from the 2 point area and 28% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 46% from the 2 point area and 31% from the parking lot and had 27 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Alexsa Kovacevic at the FT line

In the fourth quarter BBC Bayreuth punched one last time for a big run and that was that as the EPG Baskets Koblenz were unable to get over the hump. BBC Bayreuth wasn´t fooling around as they surprised the EPG Baskets Koblenz with a lethal 12-2 run to lead 77-62 and would never look back again. Ohio native Tehree Horn was in attack mode again carrying the Bavarian team with 6 points while ex Sienna (NCAA) forward Brandwijk saved his best for the last quarter making 2 lay in´s and Liedtke also supplied a lay in. BBC Bayreuth just overpowered Koblenz by attacking the rim with severe force while Koblenz had continued difficulty with the close out and had mental lapses. Brandwijk still had a trick up his sleeve as he launched a nasty dunk for the 79-64 lead. “Willem shows those kind of dunks all the time in practice. He is a freak athlete. It is fun playing with him and watching him”, stated Tehree Horn. With 4 minutes to play, the EPG Baskets Koblenz were unable to make a comeback simply because they couldn´t string along extra stops. Larry did supply 5 points, but BBC Bayreuth always had an answer with an Allen lay in and free throws from Horn and Brandwijk to ice the win. “We did a good job in crunch-time taking advantage of the mis matches. We forced turnovers and our bigs did a good job protecting the rim”, stated Tehree Horn. “We didn´t have the needed execution or physicality. We had the same problem in Tuebingen last weekend. We have to do a better job executing and handling adversary”, warned Julian Larry. BBC Bayreuth was led by Tehree Horn with 23 points while Lenny Liedtke had 19 points and Cantia Rahming 15 points while the EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Julian Larry with 17 points and Devonte McCall had 15 points. BBC Bayreuth shot 48% from the field and 32% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 35% from the field and 27% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Aaron Ekwere(Pantterit Helsinki) Didn’t Feel Like He Could Miss And His Teammates Kept Feeding Him For 50 Points

Aaron Ekwere (190-G-2006) is a 19 year old 190cm guard from Finland playing this season with Pantterit Helsinki (1st Division), played and with Drive Academy Espoo U20 team (EYBL U20). He began his basketball career with Pyrinto Akatemia B Tampere (1st Division). He recently scored 50 points in a pro game in Finland and spoke about his experiences doing that.

Thanks Aaron for talking to germanhoops.com. You recently scored 50 points in a game and was the highest scorer in the world. You did it in Finland. What does this feat mean to you?

It means a lot to me because it was an important playoff game and we were struggling at the start so I´m happy that I could help my team get the win

Did you really score 50 points in 21 minutes? That is crazy? How do you do that?

I just felt like i couldn´t miss and my teammates kept feeding me and I got good looks the whole game

You have always been a good scorer, but did that point explosion with 50 points surprise you a bit?

Yes a little bit but I know I´m capable to do that any night if I feel hot so I´m ready for it

Did you have a special breakfast or do something different on this day to help you achieve so many points?

No I just had a normal day

How did you feel going into the game? Do you sometimes know how your game may go after warm ups and how your shot is feeling?

I felt good going in to the game but I always feel good before a game so I don´t really know if I´m going to play well

How did you get into the game flow? How rapidly did you know that you might have a real good scoring day?

I actually missed my first two shots so I was a bit scared that I was going to have an off night but half way through the first quarter I started to get a feeling that I was hot

The team had 36 assists in the game and you 3. 9 teammates had assists and Leo Guday had 9 assists. Could a teammate ask for more unselfishness within a team than that?

No I´m really lucky to play with such an unselfish group of guys and especially Guday does a good job at assisting teammates.

Did you know in the fourth quarter that you were close to 50 points?

Not really I didn´t look at the stats mid game but I knew I had a lot of points

You were an incredible 22/27 from the 2 point area. Did you have many lay up´s or also mid range shots etc?

Mostly lay ups I don´t really take mid ranges

What was your favorite own basket of the 50 point game?

Definitely when my teammate Jelani Towa threw me an alley op.

You hit the same team TuNMKY for 45 points recently. Did that 50 point game give you extra energy to go for 50 points again?

Yeah that definitely gave me the confidence that I could do it again

Did you get any special messages from people that you might not have expected from?

No not really iI just got some messages from old teammates

Did you have to get your teammates donuts after game?

No I forgot but I might have to get them something in the locker room so they don´t get mad

Thanks Aaron for the chat.

2026 AST Champion Caspar Vossenberg Will Never Forget His Poster Dunk Against Japan

Pic credit: DBB

During Easter weekend 2026, the paths of Caspar Vossenberg (200-F-2009) and Ivan Kharchenkov couldn´t have been more different. Ivan Kharchenkov had been a easyCredit BBL player for years and even the youngest who ever played a game at age 16 and took the step this season to take advantage of the NIL and played with Arizona (NCAA). He had a great season and made it to the NCAA Final 4, but on that holy weekend, his season ended to the hands of Michigan. For Vossenberg on the other hand, the young German battled at the Albert Schweizer tournament for the second time in his career and played a massive role in Germany winning it´s third AST in the tournament´s 31 year existence. Despite a 3 year gap between both boys, both actually suited up last season to win the 2025 NBBL (U-19) title in Berlin. That was the memorable final where Kharchenkov took the train from Weissenfels to take a break from the BBL playoffs and play the final. Despite being concentrated for AST, was the young German able to follow Kharchenkov´s NCAA Final 4 weekend in Indianapolis? “Unfortunately I couldn´t follow it too much. It was really too bad that he didn´t win. However I feel like Ivan can still be really happy about his season. A big future is awaiting him”, warned Caspar Vossenberg. Did the 2 aggressive players that have an incredible drive have any kind of relationship last season? “We didn´t. He played most of the season with the Munich Euroleague team. Despite that he was still like a mentor for me though. One could see how good of a player he was. He is a really nice guy, hard worker and very humble”, remembered Caspar Vossenberg. “I can´t remember too much about Caspar since I only played one game with him, but he is a good guy”, said Ivan Kharchenkov.

Pic credit: DBB

Germany played Bahrain first at AST and used it as a warm up destroying the Asian team 116-59. Germany totally controlled the boards 55-31 and had 6 players score in double figures led by Lucai Anderson with 16 points. “To be honest I feel like at first it wasn´t our goal to win the AST. We saw the AST initially as a preparation for the World Cup this summer. But I think that we all realized in the semi-final that we could win it. We had taken our game to another level. It was key playing Bahrain first so everyone could get used to each other”, stressed Caspar Vossenberg. Jamie Edoka had a solid first game scoring 11 points and filled the stat sheet and was on his way to becoming one of the best players in the tournament. Could he be the next German after Isaac Bonga from the Skyliners to reach the NBA? “Jamie is a cool guy and we understand each other really well. It was extremely important to have him as our captain and have his leadership skills. He is one of the best players in his year. He definitely has NBA potential”, warned Caspar Vossenberg. Germany next faced Slovenia and had their toughest challenge of the tournament. Germany started slow and had to play catch up basketball for most of the game. Germany picked up the intensity in the fourth quarter at both ends and won it with the masterful game winner by Jamie Edoka. “We were behind most of that game and even trailed by 15 points. We learned that game that if you fight, you can turn the game around. We brought that belief in our come back. I think that game was a learning lesson for our whole career”, warned Caspar Vossenberg. Edoka closed out the game with a pretty step back jumper on the baseline where the basketball God let it bounce around on rim and back board before finally rolling in. “I passed Jamie the ball. The idea was for him to get the ball. He did his thing. His mid range game is very good. We all trust him to make that shot. At first my heart sank when it was on the rim and back board, but when it went in, I was very happy. Jamie is made for those kind of shots”, stated Caspar Vossenberg. Germany controlled the boards again 41-33 with 16 offensive rebounds and had 4 guys score in double figures. Lucai Anderson was top scorer with 16 points and nailed big three´s when Germany needed it in their come back. Big man Leonard Kroger stepped up big bring great energy with a superb 11/6/3 game. “Leonard is a real hustler in the zone. He is very dangerous in the zone, can block shots well and finish. He also has a really good shot for a big man”, added Caspar Vossenberg. Germany next faced Turkey where many Turkish fans showed up adding to a beautiful atmosphere. Germany was in control in the first half, but had a horrible third quarter being outscored 24-4, but retreated in the fourth quarter demonstrating that they can flip the switch at any time exploding for 29 points and winning easily 95-80. “I didn´t play against Turkey. Turkey was a really good opponent. However we played strong and rebounded well. We really grew as a team in this game”, commented Caspar Vossenberg. Germany once again dominated the boards 44-26 and offensive rebounds 20-8 and shot a potent 46% from outside. Germany was led by Lucai Anderson with 26 points and had 4 players in double figures. Fin Borczwanoski had a solid game of 13 points, but was in the shadow of Lucai Anderson´s brilliant scoring game. “Fin had a great impact on the team. He is a very versatile player and it was really fun to play with him”, remembered Caspar Vossenberg.

pic credit: Lukas Adler

Germany then faced Sweden in the fourth game and won 91-56. After a tight first quarter, Germany then played consistent ball in the last 3 quarters averaging 22 points and allowing only 11 points on the way to a comfortable victory. Germany led by as much as 35 points and won the rebound duel 61-32. They also forced them to 6/37 shooting from outside. “Sweden was another good opponent for us. Over time we also were able to get away from them and outrun them. We showed our domination over them”, expressed Caspar Vossenberg. Germany spread the love around with scoring once again totaling 5 players in double figures led by Edoka´s 15 points. Not only did Kiehlneker have a dominant double double, but so did Alba Berlin talent Anton Kemmer. “I like how big and athletic Felix is. He is always a lob threat. He has a really good feel for the game and is another player that is fun to play with”, said Caspar Vossenberg. The German domination continued against Japan winning 103-78. After a tight first quarter, Germany then exploded for 62 points in the second and third quarters paving the win. “Japan had a good pace and played very fast. Key was rebounding that helped us get the win. We out ran them”, stated Caspar Vossenberg. Germany was led by Caspar Vossenberg with 17 points and had 4 guys score in double figures and won the rebound battle again easily 61-32 with 20 offensive rebounds. Germany was 5-0 and now met Brazil in the semi-finals. Was any one going to stop them? Germany witnessed a tight scoring first half leading 51-50, but stepped it up in the third quarter exploding for 31 points and took it up another notch in the last frame with 39 points winning 121-98 “We had a slow start and they hit three´s well. I think that we defended better in the second half. They were physical and rebounded well, but we boxed out better in the second half and were able to match their physicality and just played our game”, remembered Caspar Vossenberg. Anderson and Edoka combined for 47 points as Anderson led all scorers with 26 points. “Lucai is a very calm player and has a really good feel for the game. His shot is incredible and he can get hot at anytime”, warned Caspar Vossenberg. Germany won the rebound battle again 40-24, shot 42% from outside and only coughed up the ball 9 times.

Pic credit: DBB

The final was a close battle against Slovenia. Germany led 46-38 at the break, but in the second half Slovenia led briefly until Germany got the lead back and never looked back despite winning the second half only 41-37. “When the buzzer sounded, it was an indescribable feeling. It was very emotional as it was only the third time Germany had won the AST. We were all overjoyed. We had beaten them once before and were unbeaten coming into the final. We also had great fan support. Our tank was empty in the last few minutes, but we pushed until the end. We simply wanted it more than they did”, stressed Caspar Vossenberg. Germany was led by Edoka with 17 points and had 4 guys score in double figures and won the rebound battle again 49-36. ”Our biggest strength during the tournament was that we found each other quickly. We had great individual quality, athleticism, depth and played well together”, added Caspar Vossenberg. After the win, coach Alan Ibrahimagic was greeted with a massive shower in the dressing room. There was a team dinner and then most guys were on their way home except for Anderson and Dopfer who left Sunday to travel back to the states. The German who lists player Alessanco Vazquez Dos Santos of Brazil as the player that impressed him most during the tournament had a solid tournament averaging 11/3/1per game “I was very content with how I played at AST. I rebounded well, but I still have a lot of room to improve”, warned Caspar Vossenberg. He played against 5 different nations and against the best youth players on earth which helped his game make another step. “My game grew during the week. It was great playing against some non European countries like Brazil and Japan. My IQ grew”, said Caspar Vossenberg. It was the first time that he played for head coach Alan Ibrahimagic and was able to learn so much in such a short time. “Alan is a really good coach and it was a lot of fun to play for him. He always stuck behind the team and gave everyone so much trust. He always wanted to play fast. I enjoyed that”, stated Caspar Vossenberg. Did he have a special personal moment on the court? “My favorite own play was my poster dunk against Japan and when the clock went tom 0 and we had won the title”, stressed Caspar Vossenberg, It will be interesting to see how Caspar Vossenberg´s career continues to go. At the moment he is concentrated on helping his NBBL team FC Bayern Basketball win a do or die game against Ulm.

2026 ENBL Champion Ody Oguama(Dziki Warszawa) Will Never Forget Playing For Legend Danny Manning And Trying To Be A Piece Of What He Was As A Player

Ody Oguama (206-F-1999, college: Cincinnati) is a 26 year old 206cm forward from North Carolina playing his second professional season and first with Dziki Warszawa (Poland-OBL). Last season he played his rookie season with SLUNETA Usti nad Labem (Czech Republic-NBL) averaging 10.5ppg, RPG-2 (8.9), FGP: 65.0%, FT: 49.7%. He began his basketball career at Cardinal Gibbons High School and also played at Woodstock Acacemy. He began his NCAA career at Wake Forest in 2019 playing 2 seasons there and 51 games and averaged 7,7ppg and 5,4rpg in his last season. He then played 3 seasons at the University of Cincinnati (NCAA) playing 3 seasons and playing 94 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Ody for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season with Dziki Warszawa. What kind of an experience has it been`? What have you enjoyed most about it?

It has been a real learning experience this season. Since coming from the Czech Republic, it has been a bunch of growth for me. I really enjoy how connected the organization is. We have a really large staff and all are always ready to work. It makes the process a lot easier.

How have you learned to embrace the Polish culture and city Warshaw? What has been your nicest moment off the court?

I think the best moments are always after a win. We all go out and enjoy the night. I also enjoy interacting with the polish folk and greeting all.

The team reached the 2026 ENBL final. How exciting have the last days been?

It has been super exciting. Up to now we have been doing our best and it has worked out for us. I hope that we can get the mission accomplished tonight.

How confident are you that you will win the title over Manchester? Could heart be the biggest factor?

Heart is always a factor. Everyone on the club is confident of winning and executing the game plan.

You have had a very solid season in Poland and ENBL. What exactly is your role on the team?

My main focus with the team is to be a defender and always give energy and be a good finisher.

You have been very efficient in your minutes. Is that something you have always had or is it something you learned in the NCAA?

I think that I learned to become more efficient over time. I was a later bloomer and always worked on it. I just take my time and keep working and figuring it all out.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 206cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would compare my game to Oscar Tshiebwe. A guy who can defend, finish and grab offensive rebounds.

You’re a player that can score and rebound when needed, but what other strengths does your game incorporate?

I take a lot of pride in setting good screens and getting guys open.

You only took 9 three´s in the last 8 seasons. Is incorporating a three into your game something you may still do as shooting has become more the norm for bigs overseas?

I would love to incorporate a three pointer into my game overseas, but it´s all a journey. First I have to start to find a way to hit my free throws better. I definitely want to expand my outside shooting more as it is more common overseas.

What kind of a defender would you describe yourself right now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I feel like I have disciplinary problems on defense at times. I want to be able to become that defender that can make better reads and pick up on player tendencies better.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now as you continue to improve your game?

I working on knocking down free throws better as I have left a lot of points on the board. I want to be able to have that confidence to knock them down.

You played your rookie season with SLUNETA Usti nad Labem (Czech Republic-NBL) averaging 10.5ppg, RPG-2 (8.9), FGP: 65.0%, FT: 49.7%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wake up call was the first moment that I got there. People were speaking a different language. Also the culture and food was different.

You played a very exciting playoff series against BRNO being up 3-2, but losing 4-3 and losing the last 2 games by a combined score of only 7 points. How tough was losing this series? What do you remember most about it?

That was really a tough series. I think that the most memorable was winning there. We were all confident at that moment that we would reach the next round. We wanted to get mission done, but unfortunately that didn´t happen. I will never forget that hard fought series.

You only played with mega veteran Delvon Johnson for a few months at the end, but how vital was he for the stretch run? Was he like a mentor for you?

He was super important. He had had previous experience on the team and told me many tricks. He is coaching now and keeping guys in line.

You played 2 seasons at Wake Forest and made a big jump in your second season averaging 7,7ppg and 5,4rpg and was the top rebounder on the team. How did your game grow that second season?

It was huge getting starter minutes and being a big focal point of the team. I learned a lot about myself and basketball.

What was it like playing for legend Danny Manning? What could you learn from him best?

Danny was a great coach and guy. I will never forget his vast know how. Anything he ever told me, I kept in mind. I just tried my best to be a piece of what he once was as a player. He weas always level headed and gave me important mental notes about things.

You held your own in a 24 point loss to Duke scoring 14 points. What will you always remember from that game?

I still remember that game. Duke was ranked then and I just tried to anything I could to help my team have a chance to win.

You then played 3 seasons at the University of Cincinnati (NCAA) reaching the NIT Elite 8 twice losing to Utah Valley and Indiana State. What run was tougher to digest?

I think that the Indiana State game was, because it was my last year in school.

You had some exciting games at the University of Cincinnati losing on a buzzer beater to South Florida and helping win one over UCF. What was your fondest moment there?

I think scoring my career high against South Florida was my most memorable game. The ball was rolling and points were dropping. It was great having such an efficient night.

How did head coach Wes Miller groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He is a great coach and at Charlotte now. I remember him teaching me basics that I hadn´t picked up earlier. He taught me things like positional awareness and things in the post. He also taught me off the court how to carry yourself.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jamille Reynolds?

We never played, but I would win.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Jalen Duren. You knew then that he would play just one season and then go to NBA.

Please name your 5 best teammates of al-time?

My best teammate of all-time is John Newman. He supported me in Weissenfels yesterday watching us beat CSO Voluntari

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Steph Curry

Who is your GOAT?

Kawhi Leonard

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

Yes they should of. Some things you just leave alone.

Thanks Ody for the chat.

Getting Less Shots Than Usual Has Given 2026 ENBL Champion Tahlik Chavez(Dziki Warszawa) The Special Mentality Of Having To Make Shots

Tahlik Chavez (188-G-2001, college: La Tech) is a 25 year old 188cm guard playing his first season with Dziki Warszawa. He played his rookie season with the Koping Stars (Sweden-Basketligan) averaging 21.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.9apg, SPG-3 (1.6), FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT-5 (88.1%). He began his basketball career with Lake Ridge High School and then played a season at Garden City Community College (JUCO) averaging 20.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 82.9%. He then played a season at Iona College (NCAA) averaging 3.2ppg, 1.2rpg and then played 2 seasons at Charleston Southern University (NCAA) averaging 11.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 75.0and 11,.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 77.9%. He then added a season at Louisiana Tech University (NCAA) averaging 13.9ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 76.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Thanks Tahlik for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season with Dziki Warszawa. What have you enjoyed most about playing for this organization?

My experience here has been great. The coaching staff and people within the organization all treat us well. It really feels like a big family. The Polish vets took us all in.

How have you learned to embrace the Polish culture and city Warshaw? What has been your nicest moment off the court?

I have really enjoyed eating at the food halls or hitting the Casino´s with my teammates.

Last season in Sweden you were the go to guy, but this season you have many great scorers. What exactly is your role on the team in Poland?

My role this season is to bring scoring off the bench, energy and just hit shots.

You had many great games, but also not so good games. How have you dealt mentally with growing pains as a player in your second pro season?

I feel like this season I have grown the most mentally in my career. I have played less minutes this season in comparison to last season. I think what has kept me most focused has been keeping God first and just believing in the work that I put in on a daily basis.

The Polish league is a step above what you saw in Sweden. How do you feel has your game grown in The Polish and ENBL this season?

I think that my game has really matured this season. I have played point guard this season and have been able to make plays that I hadn´t been able to make before. I have learned a lot by my veteran teammates.

You have always been a really solid three point shooter. This season your at 43% in the Polish league. What has helped you achieve your best shooting season in the last years?

I think that my secret has been always staying locked in and just being ready when my name is called. I haven´t gotten as many shots this season as usual, so I know that I have to make them.

You played your rookie season with the Koping Stars (Sweden-Basketligan) averaging (21.9), 3.8rpg, 3.9apg, SPG-3 (1.6), FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT-5 (88.1%). What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I think my wake up call came when winter hit. It began getting dark at 3 in the afternoon and got light at 7 Am. I knew then that I had arrived overseas.

You got your first taste of overseas playoffs beating Uppsala and then lost to Norrkoping. What memories will you always have from these series?

Our team had never finished higher than 4th place. It was really special having a big role and being part of something really special. We had a special connection as teammates and still have a group chat today.

After high school you played a season with Garden City Community College (JUCO) averaging 20.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 82.9%. Every guy that I have interviewed have reported that Juco was a grind, but an experience that they wouldn´t have traded for anything. How was it for you?

I would agree also that I wouldn´t trade Juco for anything in the world either. My experience in Juco molded me into the guy I am today. I just kept grinding every day despite having no offers. The coach believed in me and I was in the middle of nowhere in Kansas and just focused on basketball.

How vital was head coach Patrick Nee for your early basketball development? How did he help your game most?

He really believed in me and put the ball in my hands and let me go. We still have a great relationship to this day. My little brother plays for him now.

You then played a season at Iona College (NCAA) averaging 3.2ppg, 1.2rpg. How tough was this season for you? What positives could you get out of playing for legend Rick Pitino?

Rick Pitino is a legend. He has the biggest growth of knowledge. I always tried to pick his brain. I will never forget when he would yell on the microphone. He knew the level that I needed to make it at the professional level.

You then played 2 seasons at Charleston Southern University (NCAA) averaging 11.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 75.0and 11,.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 77.9%. Was this the best basketball decision of your life? How did your game grow there?

It was 100% the best basketball decision in my life. I love that school and still talk to the coaching staff to this day. I built relationships there that will last a lifetime. It was the first year that I played point guard. I believe that I grew there a lot as a young adult.

You then added a season at at Louisiana Tech University (NCAA) averaging 13.9ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 76.7%. You had many great games there against Louisiana and FIU. What was your fondest moment there?

I had so many special moments there. I also had a great coach here and teammates. I think beating Western Kentucky on the road was one of my fondest moments. They had beat us at our place and took away our undefeated record at home. So going back to their place and winning was really special.

How did head coach Talvin Hester give you that last push for a pro career?

Her always believed in me and saw that the work that I put in. Whenever a coach believes in me, it really helps my self-confidence.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Tyler Henry?

I won 100%.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Jake LaRavia of the Lakers.

Please name your 5 best teammates of al-time?

Jordan Hayes, Isaiah Crawford, Dravon Mangum, Bennett Vander Plass and Rivaldo Soares

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, Shaq and Michael Jordan

Who is your GOAT?

Kobe Bryant

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

They could of left it alone, but I´m not mad that they didn´t.

Thanks Tahlik for the chat.

Efficient Tahlik Chavez Believes That Dziki Warszawa Will Have The Bigger Heart To Win The 2026 ENBL Title Against Manchester

Tahlik Chavez (188-G-2001, college: La Tech) is a 25 year old 188cm guard playing his first season with Dziki Warszawa. He played his rookie season with the Koping Stars (Sweden-Basketligan) averaging 21.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.9apg, SPG-3 (1.6), FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT-5 (88.1%). He began his basketball career with Lake Ridge High School and then played a season at Garden City Community College (JUCO) averaging 20.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 82.9%. He then played a season at Iona College (NCAA) averaging 3.2ppg, 1.2rpg and then played 2 seasons at Charleston Southern University (NCAA) averaging 11.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 75.0and 11,.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 77.9%. He then added a season at Louisiana Tech University (NCAA) averaging 13.9ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 76.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after reaching the ENBL final beating CSO Voluntari.

Congrats on the big 87-80 win over CSO Voluntari to reach the 2026 ENBL final. How big is this win for you personally? Your one win away from your first pro chip.

It felt really amazing to be in the position to be able to win my first pro chip as well as first international chip for the organization.

How strange is it having a top 4 in the middle of the week? Was this a tough adjustment?

It actually didn´t feel that strange. We already had had some back to back games this season like against Greece team Iraklis. I know it will be tough playing the final tomorrow, but we will be ready.

Voluntari went into the game as the favorite. Do you feel like the underdog role suited the team best? How big was the desire to win?

We saw ourselves as the underdog. We wanted to stamp ourselves as the dog against the defending champion. Our desire was so big to win. We won for each other.

Dziki Warszawa led by as much as 6 points in the first quarter, but led only 21-20 after 10 minutes. How key was it for your team making that first punch?

We have had problems this season not being able to punch first. We just try to stick together. Tonight we didn´t want to start the wrong way.

You scored 8 points in a row in the first quarter including 2 three´s. How motivated were you to improve your 0/7 night against Iraklis in the last ENBL game?

I actually had forgotten that last shooting game against Iraklis. Good shooters have a short term memory. I actually remembered my last shooting game of 7/8 in the polish league.

CSO Voluntari went on a little run late in the second quarter and led 48-41 at the break. What was key for the opponent getting the lead and keeping it?

We got down on each other. We let down a bit. We didn´t fight back the way we should of.

In the third quarter Dziki Warszawa fought back and led 66-60 after 30 minutes. What did head coach Marco Legovic tell the team to do better?

He told us to keep our heads up. We didn´t play our best defense in the first half. He told us to play better defense and we did that. We were more aggressive and were hands down.

American Landrius Horton got going and made key baskets in the come back. How vital has his play been all season long for the team success?

He has been great all season long. He is a great player and even greater person. Some of the things that he does in practice shocks me. He is an amazing player that has helped us win many games.

In the fourth quarter, Dziki Warszawa led it rain three´s to conserve the lead well. What was the biggest strength on defense for your team?

Our ball pressure and heart were key at the end. Every guy put their body on the line for the team. We also did a good job getting the rebounds.

Darren Edge finished with 17 points and made key baskets in the fourth quarter. How vital has his paly been since he arrived from German team Ludwigsburg?

He also has been great. Often you have guys that come from other teams and it takes some time to fit in. But he fit in right from the start. He wants to win as badly as the other guys. He fit in offensively and with us as who we are as players.

Both teams shot well and they rebounded a bit better than your team. Was this game won on the possessions? Dziki only coughed up the ball 7 times?

Our ball pressure helped cause turnovers for the opponent. We kept the pace up and we had more depth.

You were very efficient with 21 points in 20 minutes. You have been very efficient this season. Have you always had that in your game?

This is the least that I have played in my life. I have to come in and make shots when they count. I feel like I have been able to grow in my role doing that this season

You next battle Manchester. What will be ´key to getting title?

We just have to be ourselves and be who we are. I feel like we have the heart to take it.

How big is the team belief that Dziki Warszawa will win the title?

It is huge. We were able to beat Iraklis in a very tough environment. We believe that we can beat anyone.

Thanks Tahlik for the chat.

Having Massive Family Turnouts At Every Game Was A Major Blessing For 2026 AST Winner Leonard Kroger

pic credit: photosbykellz

Last summer young German Leonard Kroger (205-C-2008) had his first experience playing for the German U-16 national team finishing in 7th place averaging 3/3. He saved his best for last hitting Turkey with a 12/7 game getting the 73-64 victory. He had to wait 9 months to get that next experience with a youth national team competing at the Albert Schweitzer tournament recently and winning the Gold medal. “The rosters at AST was a totally different one than at the Euro-18 last summer. I feel like we had a totally balanced roster at AST. Last summer we had a very good player with Mathieu Grujicic who was at a totally different level. There were also different coaching philosophies and we played a lot faster this time”, said Leonard Kroger. The young Paderborn center experienced a week that he will never forget where he helped Germany have an incredible 7-0 record to win Germany´s third title at AST. He was so fortunate to have a massive family gathering at every game. “I was so relived when the buzzer sounded in the final. Slovenia was a very tough team. I´m happy that we could pull it out despite them coming back. I was so happy that we won. We had a great team. It was such a great experience. It was even nicer to win in front of so much family. The brother of my father lives near Mannheim. I had cousins and uncles there. There were always 5-6 family members at every game. It was fun talking about the game and just seeing their support and them believing in me was special”, stressed Leonard Kroger.

pic credit: photosbykellz

Germany played Bahrain first at AST and used it as a warm up destroying the Asian team 116-59. Germany totally controlled the boards 55-31 and had 6 players score in double figures led by Lucai Anderson with 16 points. “Of course it was vital having an easier opponent in the first game. We had never played together as a team and only practiced a few times together. This game gave us the chance to make mistakes and get adjusted to each other better”, stressed Leonard Kroger. Jamie Edoka had a solid first game scoring 11 points and filled the stat sheet and was on his way to becoming one of the best players in the tournament. Could he be the next German after Isaac Bonga from the Skyliners to reach the NBA? “Jamie is a really good guy with a lot of potential. He is very athletic and is a super teammate. I really appreciate how he will accept criticism like when you tell him you were open and he didn´t pass the ball. He definitely has NBA potential”, stated Leonard Kroger. Germany next faced Slovenia and had their toughest challenge of the tournament. Germany started slow and had to play catch up basketball for most of the game. Germany picked up the intensity in the fourth quarter at both ends and won it with the masterful game winner by Jamie Edoka. “We learned from that first Slovenia game that we had to play better defense. We also realized that we had to play even faster. We played to their tempo and simply had to play our game”, remembered Leonard Kroger. Edoka closed out the game with a pretty step back jumper on the baseline where the basketball God let it bounce around on rim and back board before finally rolling in. “The shot also looked a bit long to me. I was right under the basket and saw everything. At first I thought that I had to jump in and try to make the basket, but luckily it fell in”, said Leonard Kroger. Germany controlled the boards again 41-33 with 16 offensive rebounds and had 4 guys score in double figures. Lucai Anderson was top scorer with 16 points and nailed big three´s when Germany needed it in their come back. Caspar Vossenberg added 13 points and was one of those silent hero´s during the tournament stepping up in so many ways. “Caspar is a really good player and is a really good dribbler. He also pushed the ball well and attacked the rim well. He is an allrounder and we could always rely on him to do his job”, added Leonard Kroger. Germany next faced Turkey where many Turkish fans showed up adding to a beautiful atmosphere. Germany was in control in the first half, but had a horrible third quarter being outscored 24-4, but retreated in the fourth quarter demonstrating that they can flip the switch at any time exploding for 29 points and winning easily 95-80. “Turkey was an annoying opponent. Even after that weak third quarter, we always stayed together. We played really well after that and we always got extra new energy from the bench that helped us get win”, expressed Leonard Kroger. Germany once again dominated the boards 44-26 and offensive rebounds 20-8 and shot a potent 46% from outside. Germany was led by Lucai Anderson with 26 points and had 4 players in double figures. Fin Borczwanoski had a solid game of 13 points, but was in the shadow of Lucai Anderson´s brilliant scoring game. “Fin is a very athletic player. I had never seen him play before AST. I felt like he fit really well into our system. He is long, can shoot and finish. We definitely always had an advantage on transition with his game”, remembered Leonard Kroger.

pic credit: DBB

Germany then faced Sweden in the fourth game and won 91-56. After a tight first quarter, Germany then played consistent ball in the last 3 quarters averaging 22 points and allowing only 11 points on the way to a comfortable victory. Germany led by as much as 35 points and won the rebound duel 61-32. They also forced them to 6/37 shooting from outside. “I didn´t play so well this game. Felix and Anton had very good games. When we are able to win the win the rebound s and have more possessions, it makes it easier to win”, said Leonard Kroger. Germany spread the love around with scoring once again totaling 5 players in double figures led by Edoka´s 15 points. Not only did Kiehlneker have a dominant double double, but so did Alba Berlin talent Anton Kemmer. “Felix is very athletic. His biggest strength is on the offensive rebound and likes getting the alley-ops”, commented Leonard Kroger. The German domination continued against Japan winning 103-78. After a tight first quarter, Germany then exploded for 62 points in the second and third quarters paving the win. “Key in beating Japan was that we had a big advantage under the basket. We beat them easily on the rebound. Japan had a good answer against our fast game so we had to find another way to beat them and did so on the glass”, added Leonard Kroger. Germany was led by Caspar Vossenberg with 17 points and had 4 guys score in double figures and won the rebound battle again easily 61-32 with 20 offensive rebounds. Germany was 5-0 and now met Brazil in the semi-finals. Was any one going to stop them? Germany witnessed a tight scoring first half leading 51-50, but stepped it up in the third quarter exploding for 31 points and took it up another notch in the last frame with 39 points winning 121-98 “Key in beating Brazil was that they were too slow. In the second half, we picked up our offense to the next level. After making a few fast break baskets and a three pointer, our self-confidence rose. Plus we continued to get new energy from the bench which made it easier to play”, stressed Leonard Kroger. Anderson and Edoka combined for 47 points as Anderson led all scorers with 26 points. “Lucai is really quick and a great shooter. He was a real game changer in the first game against Slovenia after making many three´s in a row. He put our game at another level”, explained Leonard Kroger. Germany won the rebound battle again 40-24, shot 42% from outside and only coughed up the ball 9 times.

pic credit: DBB

The final was a close battle against Slovenia. Germany led 46-38 at the break, but in the second half Slovenia led briefly until Germany got the lead back and never looked back despite winning the second half only 41-37. “We never got scared or let up when they came back. We just played our game until the end getting rebounds and playing fast”, remembered Leonard Kroger. Germany was led by Edoka with 17 points and had 4 guys score in double figures and won the rebound battle again 49-36. ”Our biggest strength in the AST was that we were very athletic and all defended well. We also were consistent pushing the ball well. We were able to overrun all teams. Even when teams scored on us, we always had an answer being able tom push the ball”, warned Leonard Kroger. After the win, coach Alan Ibrahimagic was greeted with a massive shower in the dressing room. There was a team dinner and then most guys were on their way home except for Anderson and Dopfer who left Sunday to travel back to the states. The German who lists player Alessanco Vazquez Dos Santos of Brazil as the player that impressed him most during the tournament had a solid tournament averaging 8/9/1/1per game “I was very content with how I played at AST. I feel like I did my part to help the team be successful. I finished, rebounded and was a rim protector”, warned Leonard Kroger. He played against 6 different nations and against the best youth players on earth which helped his game make another step. “I think that I gained a lot of extra experience. It was great playing against non European countries like Brazil and Japan. It was also great being able to work with a different coaching staff and receive different view points”, added Leonard Kroger. It was the first time that he played for head coach Alan Ibrahimagic and was able to learn so much in such a short time. “He didn´t give me one special tip, but I was alert to be ready to take small things that he said. For example keeping the ball at my chin after a rebound so small guards can´t steal the ball. It was a lot of fun playing for Alan´s philosophy and playing fast”, said Leonard Kroger. Of course seeing his family after games was a huge highlight off the court, but he also had an on court favorite moment. “My favorite own play was my last dunk against Slövenia that helped put us in winning position”, said Leonard Kroger. It will be interesting to see where Leonard Kroger´s basketball journey will go in the future. At the moment, he is focused on winning a do or die NBBL playoff game at home against Alba Berlin and finishing the Pro A season strong with Paderborn.

2026 AST Winner Felix Kiehlneker Cultivates A Special Basketball Relationship With Florian Flabb And Is Very Thankful For His Support

Pic credit: photosbyKellz +Joshua Hoffmann

That successful German coach Florian Flabb is a basketball junkie is no secret. The guy just loves the game. On top of that he is also a nice guy who had a heart for my work last summer when he took time out of his long summer days supplying me with key quotes to single Germany games during the 2025 U-18 Euro championships. He led Ulm to the NBBL top 4 last season and this season led Pro B team Orange Academy with an average age of 18 to the best record in the league and now is battling to win the title. He also has an incredible knack of helping develop young talent and it is only logical that he supports his own players as best he can. It didn´t surprise me when I saw him at the Albert Schweizer tournament in Mannheim recently. His player Felix Kiehlneker (210-F-2008) was playing with Germany against Slovenia and he took time on his free Sunday to drive 200 + kilometers to help support him. “I knew that he would watch the Slovenia game, but I was very happy that he supported me like that. This is now my second season playing for Flo. I didn´t play so much last season because I was from the youngest year, but this season I began to play Pro B and he gives me a lot trust. I really appreciate his feedback after practices, games and timeouts. He told me at the start of the season to work on my physicality and energy and I have worked on it”, stressed Felix Kiehlneker.

Pic credit: photosbyKellz +Joshua Hoffmann

Germany played Bahrain first at AST and used it as a warm up destroying the Asian team 116-59. Germany totally controlled the boards 55-31 and had 6 players score in double figures led by Lucai Anderson with 16 points. “It was my personal goal to win the title, but I have to admit, I didn´t expect that we would win most games so easily. I think that we didn´t 100% need to start against a weaker opponent like Bahrain, but it was still good. We had never played together and only practiced 5 days before. All in all, it was good to begin against a team like Bahrian”, stressed Felix Kiehlneker. Jamie Edoka had a solid first game scoring 11 points and filled the stat sheet and was on his way to becoming one of the best players in the tournament. Could he be the next German after Isaac Bonga from the Skyliners to reach the NBA? “I have known Jamie since he is 14. He is a good friend, but also a great talent. With a lot of hard work, he could make the NBA”, warned Felix Kielneker. Germany next faced Slovenia and had their toughest challenge of the tournament. Germany started slow and had to play catch up basketball for most of the game. Germany picked up the intensity in the fourth quarter at both ends and won it with the masterful game winner by Jamie Edoka. “We definitely learned a few things from that game that we then did better in the final against Slovenia. We played overall better team defense, rebounded better and defended the pick and roll better in the final”, remembered Felix Kiehlneker. Edoka closed out the game with a pretty step back jumper on the baseline where the basketball God let it bounce around on rim and back board before finally rolling in. “The shot looked a bit far and we were a bit lucky that it went in, but in the end all that counts is that we won. We were so happy after that we all ran on the court”, said Felix Kiehlneker. Germany controlled the boards again 41-33 with 16 offensive rebounds and had 4 guys score in double figures. Lucai Anderson was top scorer with 16 points and nailed big three´s when Germany needed it in their come back. Caspar Vossenberg added 13 points and was one of those silent hero´s during the tournament stepping up in so many ways. “Caspar´s energy was so important for us, but also his support for everyone. He was always happy for everyone else”, remembered Felix Kiehlneker. Germany next faced Turkey where many Turkish fans showed up adding to a beautiful atmosphere. Germany was in control in the first half, but had a horrible third quarter being outscored 24-4, but retreated in the fourth quarter demonstrating that they can flip the switch at any time exploding for 29 points and winning easily 95-80. “We had problems in the third quarter. Edoka and I had gotten our fourth fouls. But we never broke down, but everyone fought back including everyone from our bench. We fought until the end”, warned Felix Kiehlneker. Germany once again dominated the boards 44-26 and offensive rebounds 20-8 and shot a potent 46% from outside. Germany was led by Lucai Anderson with 26 points and had 4 players in double figures. Fin Borczwanoski had a solid game of 13 points, but was in the shadow of Lucai Anderson´s brilliant scoring game. “Fin also was so key for our success not only in this game, but in every game. I didn´t know him before AST and was a little surprised how good a player he was. A big factor that helped us was how good of a scorer he was”, added Felix Kiehlneker..

Pic credit: photosbyKellz +Joshua Hoffmann

Germany then faced Sweden in the fourth game and won 91-56. After a tight first quarter, Germany then played consistent ball in the last 3 quarters averaging 22 points and allowing only 11 points on the way to a comfortable victory. Germany led by as much as 35 points and won the rebound duel 61-32. They also forced them to 6/37 shooting from outside. “I remember that we played extremely hard against Sweden. I had one of my best games. We passed the ball really well and won the rebound battle which was our goal to do every game”, expressed felix Keihlneker. Germany spread the love around with scoring once again totaling 5 players in double figures led by Edoka´s 15 points. Not only did Kiehlneker have a dominant double double, but so did Alba Berlin talent Anton Kemmer. “I love Anton´s energy. He is very communicative. He will be so happy for you when you make a big play like a dunk and will slap you. He is always talking”, said Felix Kiehlneker. The German domination continued against Japan winning 103-78. After a tight first quarter, Germany then exploded for 62 points in the second and third quarters paving the win. “Japan was very quick and hard to control. They ran very well, but we still were too strong for them and outpowered them”, said Felix Kiehlneker. Germany was led by Caspar Vossenberg with 17 points and had 4 guys score in double figures and won the rebound battle again easily 61-32 with 20 offensive rebounds. Germany was 5-0 and now met Brazil in the semi-finals. Was any one going to stop them? Germany witnessed a tight scoring first half leading 51-50, but stepped it up in the third quarter exploding for 31 points and took it up another notch in the last frame with 39 points winning 121-98 “I think the game changer was in the third quarter where we were able to put our tempo at another level. We ran more something we didn´t do as well in the first half. I had a phase where I made 8 points in a row. Everyone contributed”, stated Felix Kiehlneker. Anderson and Edoka combined for 47 points as Anderson led all scorers with 26 points. “I had never played with Lucai before, but what impressed me the most was his ability to shoot the ball so well. He shot over 40% from outside. His extreme confidence in shooting the ball was amazing considering he was a year younger than us”, remembered Felix Kiehlneker. Germany won the rebound battle again 40-24, shot 42% from outside and only coughed up the ball 9 times.

Pic credit: photosbyKellz +Joshua Hoffmann

The final was a close battle against Slovenia. Germany led 46-38 at the break, but in the second half Slovenia led briefly until Germany got the lead back and never looked back despite winning the second half only 41-37. “I think that we wanted it more than they did. It was our mentality to fight until the end no matter if we were up by 50 points against Bahrian or 1 point against Slovenia. We always wanted to play with more energy than the opponent”, warned Felix Kiehlneker. Germany was led by Edoka with 17 points and had 4 guys score in double figures and won the rebound battle again 49-36. ”Our biggest strength at AST was our tempo. Nobody could stop us. We always pushed the ball so well and were a very strong offensive team that played very well together”, stated Felix Kiehlneker. After the win, coach Alan Ibrahimagic was greeted with a massive shower in the dressing room. There was a team dinner and then most guys were on their way home except for Anderson and Dopfer who left Sunday to travel back to the states. The German who lists player Alessanco Vazquez Dos Santos of Brazil and Turkish forward Darius Karatasu as the players that impressed him most during the tournament had a solid tournament averaging 6/7per game “It was an Ok tournament for me. My 1 point game took me down a bit. But I feel like averaging 6/7 was solid. I definitely have things that I can work on this summer”, said Felix Kiehlneker. He played against 5 different nations and against the best youth players on earth which helped his game make another step. “I think that I adjusted to play against the physicality and also was able to play with tempo and hold my own against the top quality of players”, added Felix Kiehlneker. It was the first time that he played for head coach Alan Ibrahimagic and was able to learn so much in such a short time. “Alan is a really good coach. He gave me total trust. He always gave positive feedback how I could improve my game. I remember in the game against Bahrain when I missed my first 2 shots, he told me to up my energy as it was down. Another valuable piece of advice that he gave me was not to dribble extra in the zone, but go up right away for the dunk”, remembered Felix Kiehlneker. It will be interesting to see where Felix Kiehlneker´s journey will go in the next few years. However for now he is totally focused on helping Orange Academy win the Pro B title and help Ulm reach the NBL Top 4 in Berlin.

Will Dopfer Felt Happiness Completion And Hunger After Helping Germany Win The 2026 Albert Schweitzer Tournament

pic credit: VGjosh

How cool must it be for a kid living in the States to come overseas and play internationally at the youth level? In Germany in the last years there have been guys who have had that opportunity like Sam Griesel who grew up in Nebraska, but has German roots won a Bronze at the 2020 U-20 European championships. But there have been other examples in the last years like the Anderson brothers with Christian and Lucai. Their dad Christian is German and played professionally for Bamberg and married an American woman. Christian has had an amazing track record for Germany since making his debut in 2022 at the U-16 Euro winning a Gold. He then won a Bronze at the U-18 Euro in 2023, then a Gold at the U-18 Euro in 2024 and a Bronze the same year at the Albert Schweitzer tournament and last year came up short losing to USA at the U-19 world Cup winning the silver. His younger brother Lucai helped Germany win the Gold at this years Albert Schweitzer tournament as did William Dopfer. Dopfer is a red head kid from Georgia who got to spend his Easter break in Germany and along the way pick up a Gold at AST and play against some of the worlds best U-18 junior players. But how exactly do his roots to Germany look like? “My whole family is from Germany including my parents. I have been in Germany a lot before. I was the first American born in my entire family including my ancestors. So when I was born, I was registered in Berlin and have dual citizenship. He must have had special stories to tell his classmates the week after? “Yes I did. It was great spending Easter in Germany. I didn´t go to church, but it was still awesome playing at AST. Playing against such elite competition and playing a very different style of basketball was very eye opening for me”, stressed Will Dopfer. It didn´t take him long to feel like home in Germany. “I liked how everyone spoke English. But actually how nice everyone was. Once I got to know everyone and started speaking to them, they opened up and were all really nice”, remembered Will Dopfer.

pic credit: I am Wosz

Germany played Bahrain first and used it as a warm up destroying the Asian team 116-59. Germany totally controlled the boards 55-31 and had 6 players score in double figures led by Lucai Anderson with 16 points. “It was key to have an easy win under our belt. It was our first game playing together, being able to knock the rust off and get a feel of each other in a game where we were the superior opponents was a confidence boost and also a learning period”, said Will Dopfer “Dusan Ilic had 12 points and gave great energy from the bench. Was his quickness or his motor most beneficial for the team? “Dusan was great. He played extremely hard, and that really helped us a ton. On the offensive end, being a point guard and able to play fast isn’t easy. He did a great job handling the ball and not turning the ball over while maintaining the speed and energy he plays with”, remembered Will Dopfer. Germany next faced Slovenia and had their toughest challenge of the tournament. Germany started slow and had to play catch up basketball for most of the game. Germany picked up the intensity in the fourth quarter at both ends and won it with the masterful game winner by Jamie Edoka. “We learned this wasn’t going to be easy, winning this whole thing. We knew there was a chance we could play them again. But in that game, we all came together and played for each other, which propelled us to the win. And if we did that again, we can definitely win this thing”, remembered Will Dopfer. Edoka closed out the game with a pretty step back jumper on the baseline where the basketball God let it bounce around on rim and back board before finally rolling in. “Jamie is a special player. He does a lot of things really well. He gets to his spot like no other. He plays with poise and confidence. He knows when he needs to take over, but also where the ball needs to be if someone is hot or there is a mismatch. His game winner was amazing, knowing we had come back from that deficit was a great feeling, and seeing that ball drop was the cherry on top. The nerves were there the whole 4th quarter, and as the ball went up, you could definitely feel the air get sucked out of the gym”, added Will Dopfer. Germany controlled the boards again 41-33 with 16 offensive rebounds and had 4 guys score in double figures. Lucai Anderson was top scorer with 16 points and nailed big three´s when Germany needed it in their come back. Caspar Vossenberg added 13 points and was one of those silent hero´s during the tournament stepping up in so many ways. “Caspar is relentless; he plays super hard and physical, which not a lot of people do. His excelling at that was a key factor in our success”, commented Will Dopfer.

Germany next faced Turkey where many Turkish fans showed up adding to a beautiful atmosphere. Germany was in control in the first half, but had a horrible third quarter being outscored 24-4, but retreated in the fourth quarter demonstrating that they can flip the switch at any time exploding for 29 points and winning easily 95-80. “I don´t remember but, we shot the ball really well. I think over 40% from 3 on quite a lot of attempts, which really helped us pull away”, said Will Dopfer. Germany once again dominated the boards 44-26 and offensive rebounds 20-8 and shot a potent 46% from outside. Germany was led by Lucai Anderson with 26 points and had 4 players in double figures. Fin Borczwanoski had a solid game of 13 points, but was in the shadow of Lucai Anderson´s brilliant scoring game. “Fin was an X factor for us. When Fin played good the team thrived. We was crucial for us, hitting tough shots, playing hard, and guarding”, expressed Will Dopfer. Germany then faced Sweden in the fourth game and won 91-56. After a tight first quarter, Germany then played consistent ball in the last 3 quarters averaging 22 points and allowing only 11 points on the way to a comfortable victory. Germany led by as much as 35 points and won the rebound duel 61-32. They also forced them to 6/37 shooting from outside. “ I remember how dominant we were. I didn’t play in that game so I was able to watch and nitpick everything. After the game I came into the locker room and said that we looked like the better team for all 40 minutes. In every other game there were stretches were we looked worse but against Sweden it was dominance for 40 minutes”, stressed Will Dopfer. Germany spread the love around with scoring once again totaling 5 players in double figures led by Edoka´s 15 points. Orange Academy big man Felix Kiehlneker had a great game of 12/13. “I remember how active Felix was for us. He is constantly working on both ends of the floor. He’s athletic, has great timing on shot blocking and crashes both sides of the glass”, commented Will Dopfer.The German domination continued against Japan winning 103-78. After a tight first quarter, Germany then exploded for 62 points in the second and third quarters paving the win. “ his win was another confidence boost heading into bracket play”, said Will Dopfer. Germany was led by Caspar Vossenberg with 17 points and had 4 guys score in double figures and won the rebound battle again easily 61-32 with 20 offensive rebounds

pic credit: Iamwosz

Germany was 5-0 and now met Brazil in the semi-finals. Was any one going to stop them? Germany witnessed a tight scoring first half leading 51-50, but stepped it up in the third quarter exploding for 31 points and took it up another notch in the last frame with 39 points winning 121-98 “ We decided we needed to be more physical; we were getting out-rebounded and they just out physicaled us the whole first half. At the break, we knew if we played harder and tougher, we could win this”, warned Will Dopfer. Anderson and Edoka combined for 47 points as Anderson led all scorers with 26 points. “Lucai is an effortless scorer and a brilliant shot maker. He scores like no other. He shoots the ball at a very high clip. Has a tight handle and is definitely a 3-level scorer”, warned Will Dopfer. Where would he rate Lucai´s play compared to his brother Christian´s play at that age? “I never watched Christian at Lucai’s age, but right now Lucai is bigger size-wise so that’s an advantage he has. But it will definitely be interesting to see how he pans out compared to Christian”, stressed Will Dopfer. Germany won the rebound battle again 40-24, shot 42% from outside and only coughed up the ball 9 times. The final was a close battle against Slovenia. Germany led 46-38 at the break, but in the second half Slovenia led briefly until Germany got the lead back and never looked back despite winning the second half only 41-37. “We just stuck together, if we turned on each other and started playing for ourselves, it wouldn´t go well. We knew if we played selflessly, looked for the best shot on offense, and played team defense, we will win”, remembered Will Dopfer. Hearing the buzzer to win the AST was definitely a very special moment. “I felt a lot of different emotions, happiness, completion, and hunger. It was just so cool to play for my country, and it was such a blessing to play there. It felt like my hard work paid off”, stated Will Dopfer. Germany was led by Edoka with 17 points and had 4 guys score in double figures and won the rebound battle again 49-36. ”Obviously, winning the whole tournament was the goal going in. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but if we all bought in, we knew we were very capable of winning. Our pace was our biggest strength in the tournament. We averaged over 95 points. Playing fast, it allowed us to really put the beating on our opponents. But you can’t play fast if you don’t rebound and play defense, so those definitely were big contributors to our pace as well”, stressed Will Dopfer. After the win, coach Alan Ibrahimagic was greeted with a massive shower in the dressing room. There was a team dinner and then most guys were on their way home except for Anderson and Dopfer who left Sunday to travel back to the states.

The German who lists player Alessanco Vazquez dos Santos of Brazil, Darius Karatasu of Turkey Maks Ciperle of Slovenia, and Kenichiro Benedict Of Japan as his toughest opponents at AST had a solid tournament averaging 6/3/1/1. “I feel like I impacted where I could. I definitely could’ve scored the ball better but my role was to bring energy and be the glue guy and I think I did that very well”, stressed Will Dopfer. Was it a tough adjustment coming from US high school ball and playing euro ball? “It was definitely an adjustment. The rules obviously are different here in HS vs out there. The travel rule was big for me, and the 24-second shot clock was fun to get used to”, said Will Dopfer. He played against 5 different nations and against the best youth players on earth. He did at both ends of the court. “I wouldn’t say my game grew as much but my IQ definitely did. I learned lots from the coaches and understanding how they play here. I did a great job showcasing my two way ability. guarding multiple positions, blocking shots and then scoring in transition on the other end”, added Will Dopfer. It was the first time that he played for head coach Alan Ibrahimagic and was able to learn so much in such a short time. “European coaches are very team oriented. and where as Americans are team focused but also very player oriented and 1 on1 compared to getting everyone involved. It was fun playing for coach Ibrahimagic. I always enjoy learning from different coaches, seeing what each one emphasizes and how they teach. he definitely helped a lot with IQ, teaching pick and roll reads and defensive decision making”, remembered Will Dopfer. There were so many great highlights during AST for Germany, but what about his favorite own plays? “My favorite personal game highlights was put back dunk, and then my hammer in the championship game”, stressed Will Dopfer. Dopfer has committed to Longwood and it will be interesting how his game grows at the next level. It will also be interested to see if Will Dopfer plays for Germany again. I definitely would love to see him compete again for Germany and I´m sure the German coaching staff will as well in the future.