Antonio Pilipovic (200-PF-1997) is a 26 year old 200cm forward that completed his first season with the Dragons Rhondorf averaging 10.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 87.5% and helping the team win the pro B title. He began his basketball career with the RheinStars and then played at Drake University (NCAA) from 2017-2020 playing 56 NCAA games. He then played 2 seasons in the Pro A with PS Karlsruhe Lions (ProA) averaging 6.4ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 78.1% and with Team Ehingen Urspring (ProA): averaging 10.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 48.3%, FT: 83.3%. In 2022-2023 he returned back to the RheinStars Koeln (ProB) averaging 6.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 61.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Congrats Antonio on winning the 2024 Pro B title. How great is the feeling?

It was a super feeling. We always had the goal and mind set that we could win it, but when it then happens, it is an added great feeling. For me it was extra special doing it against my old team.

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?

No it wasn´t. I won a conference title at Drake. But in Germany it was my first title.

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

I think important was that everyone understood each other well on and off the court. Our depth was also important and individual qualities. When guys had off days, others stepped up.

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?

It wasn´t necessary playing so bad the last minutes at home. I honestly don´t think that it would have made a difference if we lost by 2, 5 or 11 points. We went to Cologne with the mind set of having and wanting to win. We didn´t want to leave any doubt as who was the best.

Another blessing in disguise were you who wanted to show his ex team RheinStars that you could play. Was your focus at another level during the weekend? How sure were you that You could heighten the Friday game on Sunday?

I had a great weekend. For me so many factors came together. First just being in a big final. Then not only playing against an ex team, but the team where I began my career in the youth. I had extra motivation. We started off slow, and I took on responsibility and took many shots. Also it was great that my family was there. The only other game they had seen was game 3 against Rostock where I hit no three pointer. It was extra special for them to see me have such a good game.

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 had an hour video session. I was in street clothes and didn´t touch a ball that day. Most other guys took extra shots.

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?

We could of changed many things, but didn´t. It was a game where whoever wanted it more. We had worked hard all season to get to this game. It was a mental thing that drove us.

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 gave us freedom and trust. He prepared us well, but also trusted us in key situations. When older players had ideas for changes, he would follow us. I remember in a game in Wolmirstedt, they were using the mismatch against Silic. I asked coach to run an isolation play for him. They didn´t expect it and it worked for us.

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?

That is a difficult question. We needed everyone. He had his off days, but also games where he won us the game. The problem is that we never really knew when he could play, because of the BBL situation. We were always happy when he could play. He saved us a lot at both ends. He was a key factor why we won the title. It was always a big plus when he could play.

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?

He was also very important. His experience, leadership and aura were key for us. He always motivated us and kept all positive.

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

Yes he was. He was a really good communicator off the court as well. He took responsibility in crunch-time in many games.

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

I think that he grew the most. I remember in pre season, the talk was that he was our NBBL player that might practice with us. A few months later he was a starter and he began to get our trust. We knew after a while that anytime he attacked, he would score or draw the foul. He was able to get to the rim whenever he wanted to and opened up the floor for us. He was shy at the start of the season and later nobody realized really anymore how young he really was.

Another player Marko Rosic was a player that was as efficient as possible whenever he came off the bench. How did you see his game grow as well?

It was a lot of fun playing with him. I love his pass first mentality. Sometimes it felt like he was playing street ball with his no look passes. His game and self-confidence grew. His passing quality isn´t learned, but a talent.

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.

Avery was also a very important piece for our success. He didn´t always have great games, but he had this special aura on the court. He improved his shot a lot. He would always get up extra shots before practice with Kelvin Omojola. He was able to open up a lot of space with his strong offensive game and he made big blocks for us

You had a very strong season averaging 10.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 87.5%. What is your summary of the season on how you played?

I had a solid season. I had ups and downs with my shot. I feel there were times when I wasn´t aggressive enough. I had some very good games, some good games and some bad games.

You saved your best for last making 13 three´s. How did you see the development of your three in a system with so many reliable scorers? How did your game grow this season as a shooter not only wanting to be known as that type of a player?

We didn´t have a team that only had the same top scorer each games. I think with me it is all mental concerning my shot. I just need to keep a level head after I miss a few shots. I´m fortunate that my shot fell in the final.

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

I´m always working on my shot. But overall, I´m working on a bit of everything.

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

Practicing against Diallo every day was difficult. He can be annoying with his unbreakable motor when going for rebounds. Dino Radoncic was also very tough to paly against.

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

I don´t know yet.

You played 3 seasons at Drake (NCAA) but never averaged more than 2,0ppg. How was this experience for you? Your minutes went from 1-4-7.

It was a super experience. I didn´t go there only for basketball, but also to get a good education. The coaching staff changed after my first year and usually you transfer when that happens, but I remained. Learning a new language and learning about a new culture was great. It was a very positive experience from day 1 to the end.

One of your best scoring games was against Mount Marty. What was your fondest moment on the court?

Senior night was my favorite moment. My parents who had never been in the States or knew the language came to watch. ESPN had a camera positioned on them. It was a big deal having my parents at game

How did head coach Darian Devries give you that added push as a coach and help you become a better player?

The whole coaching staff helped me grow at many levels not only on the court but off the court.

You played against so many good NCAA schools and players. Who was the best player you faced that reached the NBA?

Obi Toppin was the toughest. I remember going into a room with the lights off and watching 45 minutes of video on Obi Toppin of Dayton. My coach tried to prepare our starting big and me for him so we wouldn´t land on any highlight reels. We lost badly.

After coming from the NCAA, you had 2 solid Pro A seasons with PS Karlsruhe and Ehingen. How did your game grow in the Pro A?

When I came back everyone told me how much my drive had improved. I had always been a shooter, but now I could handle myself well in 1-1 situations. I was very aggressive in my first games in the Pro A and it felt good. In Ehingen I had a bigger role, but got injured. I was then out for 11 months which was tough.

In Ehingen you played with talented German Maxi Langenfeld. How much potential does he have?

He was a total offensive machine for his age. He had the whole package. He is so talented and one could see that in the Pro B last season where he dominated. He has a good shot and is so athletic. He does a good job finding the holes. It will be interesting to see how his game continues to develop in the NCAA.

Last season you played with the RheinStars Cologne. How tough was this season taking a step back and then not really exploding in your game? Was the team too deep?

It was a spontaneous thing. I was rehabbing and against the club if I could practice with them. That led them to offering me a contract. It was a deep roster and I was more preoccupied with how my knee was which effected my game a bit.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Sam Jones, Daniel Noerl, Badu Buck, Anthony Murphy, Maurice Pluskota

What is your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Jordan, Kobe, Curry, Shaq

Who is your Goat?

Kobe Bryant.

Thanks Antonio for the chat.