Marko Rosic (174-PG-2005) He began his career in Munster where he played JBBL and then moved to Orange Academy in 2020. In the 2021-2022 season he played with BBU 01 Ulm (Regionalliga) averaging 7.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 24.1%, FT: 73.8% and with OrangeAcademy U19 team (NBBL) averaging 16.6ppg, 6.4rpg, Assists-3 (5.8apg), 1.8spg, FGP: 36.1%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 83.3%. In the 2022-2023 season he played with Orange Academy Ulm (ProB) averaging 6.6ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 36.7%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT-20 (93.3%) and with BBU 01 Ulm (Regionalliga) averaging 14.1ppg, 3.9rpg, 7.9apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 39.7%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 87.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Congrats Marko on winning the 2024 Pro B title. How great was the feeling?

It is still a great feeling. It means a lot winning my first pro title in my first pro season.

Was this the first title in your career. What were your thoughts when you held up the title for the first time with your teammates in Cologne?

It was my first title. There wasn´t so much going through my mind during that moment except that I was so happy that all our hard work paid off. I remember thinking about the season a lot during the playoffs and just remembering that we had had a new team and that we had worked so hard the whole season. We just had to win the title.

The club had ups and downs like any other successful team, but what made this group of individuals so special?

Many doubted us during the playoffs. We lost games on the road, but that actually made us strong. The win in Berlin was so important. We knew after that win that nobody would beat us. We had huge depth at the guard and big positions. Our other big strength was our firm belief that we could win

The Dragons Rhondorf allowed a 9-0 run to end game 1 in Rhondorf to win only by 2 points. How much of this was a blessing in disguise for the team mentality going into the final game in Cologne?

We weren´t too happy after we let Cologne back at the end on our home court. That helped us go into the final game in Cologne with the right focus. We knew it was a big game and we had to win. We were locked in the whole time and knew we had to give our best.

Another blessing in disguise was Antonio Pilipovic who wanted to show his ex team RheinStars that he is an incredible player. Was his focus at another level during the weekend? How sure were you that he could heighten the Friday game on Sunday?

I was always very confident with his abilities. I knew that he would play a big role against his old team RheinStars. I knew that he was a great leader and would take responsibility in our biggest games of the season. Besides that he is an incredible shooter.

Going into the Sunday game, I wasn´t sure the Dragons could eclipse it´s 15 three´s from Friday. The team hit 20 three´s. What exactly did the team do together on Saturday during shooting practice?

We watched a lot of video and saw what our mistakes were. Coach made no real adjustments for the last game. He told us just to play our game. You’re the better team. We were ready after film. We went to Cologne focused and prepared.

The team also played it´s best defense of the season when it counted the most on Sunday in Cologne. Kelvin Omojola told me after the game that the team didn´t really make any adjustments. Did the intensity and passion to defend conquer all?

It was a final game and all were 100% focused. We also had extra in our gas tank. We knew the importance of the game and would give our all no matter how tired we were. We did a great job sticking together on defense.

How vital was head coach Stephan Dohrn for the success? Was his motivation and in game coaching that helped you guys the most this season?

He did a good job giving us all the freedom we needed. He also gave us the needed confidence no matter what position or role a player had. He allowed every player to play to their strength and nobody was held back. We also worked hard on defense every day. He held every player accountable.

How vital was Tyreese Blunt as the motor and guy who hit big shot after big shot? Would you have won the Pro B title without him?

His stats speak for itself. He is a very good player. I never like to answer question what if, but he was a big part of the success just like everyone else.

He has signed with the Crailsheim Merlins. This is sad news for the Dragons, but an expected move or not for his career?

It is sad for the Dragons, but as his teammate and friend, I´m very happy for him. This is the logical next step for him so he can prove himself in the Pro A. He definitely deserves this chance and it will be interesting to see how his games develops further. It is a good fit there as he has a good relationship with David Mccray.

Badu Buck was also a very important player in the season. He may have gotten a little lost in the shadow of Tyreese Blunt. Now looking back what did you appreciate the most about his game?

Badu played a huge role for us. I always called him my big brother. He took me under his wing and showed me what was important as a professional player. He helped me so much. I really like his game. In a way he is a wing player, but can also help at the point guard position. He has the complete package. Key was also his leadership that was always there. He always pushed us.

Avery Sullivan was a little quiet in the final game in Cologne, but had a great season. How much did he improve? He developed a three pointer and stepped up on defense.

He was also a very important piece for our success. He had big games and was so versatile. He got rebounds, was strong on the pick and roll and made huge defensive plays.

How important was Kelvin Omojola for the team? Was he the perfect captain?

Yes I think so. I was very lucky that I could soak up so much from him at the point guard position. In the last game he showed why he was our captain. He was the leader and took on responsibility.

How do you remember Janne Muller as a player in September and then in May? How much did his game grow?

I knew already in pre season that he would perform well for us. He proved it during the season. He was always able to get to the rim, find the lane and get vital offensive rebounds. It was nice to see him develop further. I´m happy he will be playing with a double license.

Who was the most improved player on the Dragons Rhondorf this season?

I think that honestly every guy improved in some way. We took a huge step together on defense.

You had a very strong season averaging 5,1ppg, 1,3rpg and 3,3apg. What is your summary of the season on how you played?

There are always things that can be better especially in the stats, but overall I was content with my season. The most important thing for me was being able to learn as much as possible from the starters during the season. I think that I did a good job at the back up position. My communication, finding guys and playmaking was good. People tend to underestimate young point guards.

I always thought you were as efficient as possible in the minutes you came in. How did your game grow this season with so much talent around you?

I was able to improve my leadership qualities from the older players. I was often on the court with younger players and was able to control the pace, get good shot selection for the team and fouls on transition. I remember with Orange Academy it was often wild because of the young team. I did a better job this season limiting turnovers.

On what areas of your game will you work on most this season as you continue to improve your game?

Since I´m an undersized guard, the most important thing is to work on my body. I have to get stronger. That is my first priority. I also will work on my finishes, floater, mid range and three pointer.

You scored in double figures in 6 games including 15 points against Ehingen. What was your best personal game?

The Ehingen game was good. I showed my full potential in that game. I also liked the first final game against Cologne. I did a good job against the trap. I had something like 8 assists in that game. I showed that I could paly well against a top team. I got a lot of trust in that game

Who was your toughest player that you faced in the Pro B this season?

Ruppert Hennen was very tough. I already saw him in pre season and he was tough.

What is the next step for you? Where will your journey go?

I will remain in Rhondorf. I have a 2 year contract. The point guard duo of Omojola and Rosic will continue. I have to make the next step. I want to get more minutes, but that will depend how strong I get physically this summer. I believe in myself that the minutes will rise.

Dallas is down 3-1. Will Boston Close it out tonight?

Dallas will win game 5, but I think Boston will win in 6 games. Doncic and Kyrie are getting tired.

Thanks Marko for the chat.