Dirk Mädrich is a 30 year old 212cm center that is playing his third season for SC Rasta Vechta after moving down two classes form the Beko BBL to the Pro B in 2011. He started his basketball career in 2001 with BG Dorsten (Regionalliga). He then played three seasons for Braunschweig. In 2004-2005 he moved to Bamberg where he helped Bamberg win their first Beko BBL title. He then moved back to Braunschweig for a season and in 2006-2007 left Germany and played for  Strasbourg IG (France-ProA): ULEB Cup: 13 games: 4.1ppg, 2.8rpg; French League: 31 games: 4.5ppg, 2.7rpg. He then played for the Artland Dragons form 2007-2009 helping them win the Beko BBL cup in 2008. In 2009 he played for AEP Olimpiada Patron (Greece-A2, starting five): 5 games: 8.8ppg, 3.6rpg, FGP: 75.0%, FT: 87.5%, then moved to Konstantin Elephants Grevenbroich (Regionalliga, starting five): 4 games: 12.5ppg. In 2010-2011 he played for  LTi Giessen 46ers (1.Bundesliga): 30 games: 3.4ppg, 1.9rpg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball recently.

The most asked question to you this season has to be, was moving to SC Rasta Vechta the best decision in your basketball career?

That has been asked often and it was my best decision and the turning point in my basketball career. I had the choice of having a small role for a big team or be a small fish in big water or go back a step and take on some responsibility at Vechta. The concept of Pat Elzie worked and we have a great team now. I made a big step in the last three years. I am more robust, conditioned and grew up as a player with Vechta.

Why has Pat Elzie been so successful with SC Rasta Vechta?

Pat Elzie is a players coach that gives you confidence and stands behind you when you make a mistake. Before I came to Vechta, I never got a real chance anywhere or was injured. Elzie never stopped believing in me.

Opponents keep crying that you play too dirty and with much elbows. Does this make you smile a little that players are noticing your play?

 

I am more robust now and play more the five position.I can shoot, but if I am not shooting well like in Frankfurt then I try to find other ways of getting into the game. I never have heard that I am too physical. Usually people think that I stand around the three point line too much.

 

The first half of the 2013-2014 Beko BBL season hasn´t been easy for SC Rasta Vechta. How would you rate the first half of the season?

 

We lost many close games, but we are ok. The second half of the season will be very interesting, because we know how each team plays. The surprise effect is gone now. We got stronger with players Brandon Bowmann and Rashad Bishop joining the team. We will have tough games a head of us, but we will be ok.

 

Richie Williams stated in an interview that he won´t allow SC Rasta Vechta go down. Is that a bold prediction?

 

That is how Richie is. I am very happy that he is on the team. I have never seen such a fast player as him. He is all over the court. He really does everything and has amazing anticipation. I think that because so many of us have been together for years that we have a great team spirit similar to what we had in Bamberg in 2005 with guys like Hamann, Nahar, Mallet and Helmanis.

 

What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

 

I have a good eye to make the pass and have the length to pass over players.

 

Was there a place you liked most to play at?

 

I didn´t like my stay in Greece, but I liked all places where I played. In Bamberg I was champion, but was also injured. Everything fits with Vechta and it is a nice place to play at.

 

You are only 26 kilometers away from Quackenbruck where you played two seasons. Do you go back often?

 

I visit Guido Gruinheid form time to time and visit an Italian restaurant. Recently I was back to celebrate the 25^th birthday of Daniel Krause. I am more often In Oldenburg, Osnabruck and Bremen.

 

Who has been the unsung hero for SC Rasta Vecta in the first half of the season?

 

Everyone has been an unsung hero. We have so many guys form the Pro A and each guy has stepped up. We all know each other so well and are one team.

 

Who was the toughest player that you have played against?

 

Pero Antic who plays with Dennis Schroeder with the Atlanta Hawks. I played against him with Artland when he played in Bulgaria.

 

Who wins a one on one game you are Guido Gruinheid?

 

I do. We were roommates in the A-1 and A-3 German national teams. I beat him because he is one year older.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Sons of Anarchy season six episode 10.

 

Thanks Dirk for the chat.