Pic credit: Dragons Rhondorf

Lagerman (202-SG-2004) is a 20 year old 202cm shooting guard playing his first season with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. Last season he played with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen (ProB) playing16 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.6%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 72.7%. He began his basketball career with the Fraport Skyliners in the JBBL (U-16) and also played 4 Pro B games and in 2022-2023 season in the NBBL averaged :21.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 78.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 96-93 win over the CATL Basketball Lowen Erfurt

Congrats on the massive 96-93 win over Erfurt. Could the fans have asked for a more exciting first home win of the season?

I don’t think they could of seen a more exciting game. It was a thriller until the end. It was the best kind of a game you could experience.

How proud are you of the team on how they reacted to playing hard and strong without Kelvin Omojola and Marko Rosic?

I was very proud of the team. Many others had to step up. Dyami Janeck did a great job. It was a really good team performance.

Both teams came out scoring and it lasted until the end. Did you figure going into the game that it would be much offense and little defense?

I didn´t think going in that we could top the Oberaching game. That was another level higher. It was just another high scoring game. You have to give credit to both teams for hitting shots.

When did the team find about Kelvin Omojola not playing? Did that totally change the game plan? It put Dyami Janeck into the hot seat as a starter?

I found out on game day. I knew that Kelvin had calf problems again. Djami probably heard before me that he would start. He was put a little into cold water, but I was confident he could do the job. He works hard in practice.

The first quarter had some little runs and Rhondorf led 27-25 after 10 minutes. How proud of Janeck how he bounced back from 2 consecutive turnovers and played better at the point and hit big shots?

He plays with a lot of confidence and it was good that he continued that after his turnovers. He is still a young player and mistakes happen. He reacted very well. He found into the game with his three pointer.

Tyseem Lyles was in a huge slump coming in. Did the team try o do something different defensively to try to slow him down to hinder a break out?

We knew what he is capable of doing. He is a high volume shooter and scorer. Our goal was to try to contain him and force him to take tough shots. He had a good game. He is just hard to defend. He hit some tough shots. Our rotations weren´t always good.

Janne Mueller made a pretty spin move and shot. Tim Smith Jr said after the game that he saw make shots that he never saw before. How was it for you?

Janne had a great game. We all know that he can score well. He is always aggressive. His performance was no surprise to me. He can make creative shots.

How did you like the mask of Marco Rahn? Did he look like superman?

I told him he was bad ass. It looked good. A little bit of Bat man. You see those masks in NBA with Lebron and Kyrie. One always thinks that you will play better with a mask.

In the third quarter Erfurt came out strong with a 10-0 run. Noah Kamdem made many shots. A team can´t physically keep him out of the pain area. He is like an NFL lineman.

Post defense was a real challenge. Paul Albrecht and Kamdem are 2 dominant post players. Kamdem is so strong and physical and hard to get out of the zone. He has more kilos thea everyone else and knows how to use them. He also rebounded the ball well.

Tim Smith hit big shots all game long? I see him as a possible MVP candidate as a rookie. How do you see it?

I think so. From the first practice, I was shocked that he landed in the Pro B. When you compare him to other Americans in the Pro B, he is way too good for the Pro B. He plays with high confidence and plays hard. He can do it all. He is almost unguardable.

The Dragons came back strong especially through big shots from Janne Mueller. How vital is he as a player to make big shots whenever there is adversary?

He was very important. He plays with so much confidence and has no fear. His big shots began runs for us. It is important to stay aggressive and take shots.

In the fourth quarter Erfurt tried to get away but the Dragons stayed strong. How visible is that toughness in the team in adversary?

I see that toughness as well. I think it comes from guys from last season. Kelvin is always a big support with his vocal support. We support each other. I see a big difference from last season where we didn´t win in Schwenningen. The mind set and vocal support is great this season. That motivates all to play hard.

Tim Smith Jr said that the game was won through Danas Kazakevicius´s defense. He made 3 big blocks in the fourth quarter. Was he the x-factor?

He was the x-factor. Erfurt really had the game in their hands with their post game. When Danas began his rim protection, we were one level up. We used his energy which helped us begin defensive runs.

Tim Smith Jr hit the winning shot. It was a huge shot. He said it was off a broken play. Should he have waited a bit more to get more time of the clock.

They trapped and I got the ball and did a skip pass to Marco Rahn. We wanted to start an offensive play, but their trap gave Smith Jr the open look which he took earlier.

Talk about that last Erfurt turnover. What was key in that play for getting the stop?

Kamdem wanted the ball in the post, but was near the bassline and lost the ball through our aggressive defense.

Defense continues to be a problem. Why can´t the team execute better and what is the biggest area that has to be corrected?

We need to all be on the same page and have better communication. We also have to be better in rotations.

You had a solid game of 8/5/5. How content your game?

I was very content with my play. The most important thing is always that we win. I just prepare to do whatever it takes to win. I never go into a game thinking about how much I will score.

You have been shooting the ball really well. Is it just more reps and better shot selection or have you changed something with your mechanics?

I definitely have been having more reps. I think that good shot selection has also been key. I take the drive when I know that I have an advantage. I just play simple and do nothing complicated. I don´t know if I can continue to keep my good 3 point %, but I will keep working hard with the reps.

The club next plays against hungry team Ludwigsburg. What will be key to the win?

They are a young team and play with much energy. We have to focus on not getting sloppy. We are better on paper, but can´t underestimate them either. We have to be solid and play good defense and have good ball movement.

What do you do on a free Sunday? Do you follow American football?

I like watching American football and boxing.

Thanks Alex for the chat.