Marvin Esser (196-SF-2005) is a 18 year old 196cm forward that is currently averaging 8,0ppg, 6,9rpg and 1,7 spg in the German NBBL (U-19). In the Pro B, he has played 6 games averaging 2,5ppg and 1,7rpg. He helped the U-18 Fraport Skyliners win the B League at the U-18 International Cup in Tokyo, Japan. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the title experience.

Congrats Marvin on winning the U-18 International Cup in Japan. Was this the biggest title in your young career so far?

I think that U-14 title was my biggest title. I was younger and it just had a bigger emotional impact on me. But this title is also a big accomplishment.

How high can one value this title?

I think you can value it high. We as a team made a good step for our team building and preparation for the rest of the NBBL season. We can be proud for winning the title.

You played only against Japanese teams. What did you value most from their playing style?

They played so fast. I don´t think that we ever got hit with so many fast break baskets. This experience helped us for the next games. We suffered less fast break baskets from our opponents in the last 3 games. They shot a lot of three´s and switched a lot on defense.

You lived in Tokyo for some days. What impressed you most about the country?

The whole metropolitan area was huge. Everyone was so polite to us. The people were great and the whole area was colorful.

I heard traffic was wild. I guess Frankfurt is like a town compared to Tokyo?

We took the subway a lot and it was always packed with people. We had to squeeze ourselves in every time. The subway was always on time. But traffic was annoying. I remember being stuck in traffic on the bus.

How would you rate your game? I guess it´s difficult to get shots when guys like Crnjac and the Zentgraf brothers are the first 3 scoring options?

I´m not exactly sure what my stats were but I averaged something around 10/7 in the 4 games. I got more shots here than in the NBBL. I took around 7-8 shots in Japan. I still had a problem with my wrist and had problems with free throws. I feel like I could of worked better on the offensive glass which would have given me more baskets. The pick and roll worked well. My teammates found me well.

What steps did Leif Zentgraf´s game take with earning the MVP award?

He was our leader. He took on the role of Dusan Nikolic very well who was absent. He did a good job scoring points when we needed them. He grew as a leader.

You are like a glue guy. Do you feel like your game was noticed in this tournament?

I think it was. I had the length advantage against the Japanese players.

What do you feel could your game take from this tournament?

I have to give more intensity when I go to the rebound. At times I was a bit passive. I feel I did show at times that I was able to use my length and physicality to my advantage.

How do you feel did this tournament help big German talent Ivan Crnjac who is one of the younger players on the NBBL team?

Ivan took a lot of three´s. He played a different style. It was important that he got his freedom. It was good that his play wasn´t restricted.

Did this title win give extra motivation for the NBBL season?

We have huge motivation now. I feel like we grew together as a team. We all want to beat Ulm.

What was your coolest own play during the 4 games?

I had a dunk right in the first game. Leif made the nice pass. I also had a few nice dunks.

During your time in Japan, a tragedy occurred in Germany with the senseless murder of NBBL player of Volodymyr Yermakov of the Art Giants. This was so sad news. How did you take in the news?

We heard about it after one of our games as we were riding the subway. We saw an Instagram story and heard the sad news. It is unbelievable how something like that can happen in Germany. I give my condolences to the family and friends of the victim.

Thanks Marvin for the chat.