Dejan Bruce (206-SF-2002) is a 22 year old 207cm forward from Weinheim, Germany that played withGartenzaun24 Baskets Paderborn (ProA) last season playing 27 games averaging 3.4ppg, 2.9rpg. In the 2022-2023 season he played with the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer (ProB) playing 24 games averaging 10.6ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 72.2%. He began his basketball career in Weinheim and then played in the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg system playing NBBL (U-19). He also played a season with CB Fuenlabrada Second Team (Spain-EBA) playing 14 games averaging 6.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 2FGP: 55.2%, 3FGP: 29.5%, FT: 59.3%, in Feb.’22 moved to BSG Basket Ludwigsburg (Regionalliga) playing 12 games averaging 9.3ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 55.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Dejan for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

I´m in Weinheim now with my mom. Basketball life is good and I´m preparing for next season.

You made the jump last season from the Pro B to the Pro A and Paderborn. It was a tough season as the team moved down to Pro B. How tough was the season for you mentally with losing?

It wasn´t a good feeling losing so much. But you can learn a lot even in a season like that. All in all, I wouldn´t say it was a disappointing season.

You averaged 3/2 in 15 minutes. Was there too much scoring talent there from especially Americans that took away your chance to really demonstrate what kind of talent you have?

I wouldn´t necessarily say that. I feel like I was missing the needed self-confidence and courage to try and show my game the way I know how.

How was the development period for you training with the other bigs? How did they challenge you best on a daily basis.

There were 2 talented bigs with Lars Lagerpusch and Julian Roche. They did a really good job pushing me every day. They were really good teammates as well.

How does the future look like? Will you return to Paderborn?

I can´t say exactly now. I´m looking now for the next opportunity and will do what is best for me.

In 2022-2023 you played with the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer (ProB) averaging 10.6ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 72.2%.Is it fair to say that this was your break out season?

I wouldn´t necessarily say that that was my break out season, but the season definitely helped me. Head coach Carl Mbassa gave me a lot of trust and I took advantage of it.

Was your 100-96 win against FC Bayern Munich where you scored 25 points and battled top player Ivan Kharchenkov one of your fondest moments that season?

Yes it was. It was a good ending to the season. We won an exciting game in overtime. I really read situations well and executed well. My shots were also falling better than usual.

After many years in Ludwigsburg, you played briefly with CB Fuenlabrada Second Team (Spain-EBA) averaging 6.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 2FGP: 55.2%, 3FGP: 29.5%, FT: 59.3%. What kind of an experience was that? Why did you choose the 4th Spanish league?

It is always cool to play in another country. I got the opportunity after ANGT when a Spanish agent from Octagon saw me play and helped me get that job. I lived 40 minutes away from Madrid. I would visit Madrid and spend the day there on my off day.

How cool was it beating Real Madrid´s farm team in your first game in Spain and scoring 14 points. You played against future stars.

The roster of Real Madrid 2 was full of future stars. It was a redemption of ANGT. The brother of Usman Garuba was on that team.

You began your basketball career in Ludwigsburg playing NBBL (U-19). How valuable were these early years in your basketball development? How did your game grow there?

It was definitely a good step after having played only 1.5 years of basketball. Ludwigsburg is a known program very suitable for young players. They know how to develop young players and to help them with your goals. Ross Jorgenson was huge then helping me with the mental side and how to deal with coaches in general. David Mccray always pushed me and tried to help me show my best version.

You became really good friends with Ariel Hukporti and Tyreese Blunt there. But talk about other players there that had an impact on you?

We were all like a big family. We all understood each other really well. Ariel and Tyreese became my close friends, but I also had a good relationship with the Patrick brothers, Lukas Herzog and Aenas Jung.

What memories do you have with your battles with George Cotoara. He made his way and had a good season in Romania last season.

He came to Ludwigsburg around the time I came. I´m happy that he had such a good season in Romania after having injuries.

How tough was losing a NBBL season in 20-21. Do you feel like you were robbed of your basketball development?

That season was tough for all young players. We had no Pro B season either. 1,5 years was on ice. All you did was practice, practice, practice. You didn´t really know what you were working for. It was definitely different.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 207cm forward/center. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Paul George

You fill the stat sheet well for a big. Would you describe yourself as a modern day big man?

I don´t see myself really as a big, but a wing. But I can play at the big positions. I´m versatile.

What kind of a defender would you call yourself now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I play defense with mentality. I´m a good defender, but can always get better. I want to become the absolute best version of myself.

On what areas of your game are you working on most as you continue to improve your game?

After last season, I´m working most on my shot. But as a player you always work on everything.

Who is the best player that you ever faced on a court that reached the NBA?

Ariel Hukporti and Jeremy Sochan

Please name your 5 favorite teammates of all-time?

Ariel Hukporti, Tyreese Blunt, Aenas Jung, Lukas Herzog, Juan Fernandez

What is your personal NBA and Euro mount rushmore of past or present heads?

Lebron, James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Jokic, Giannis,, Victor Wembanyama, Doncic

Who is your GOAT and why?

Lebron James

Thanks Dejan for the chat.