pic credit: Viktor Meshko

Zachary Seljaas (202-SF-1997, college: BYU) is a 27 year old 202cm forward from Utah playing his 5th professional season and second with FIT/One Wuerzburg Baskets (Germany-BBL). In the 2022-2023 season he balled for the Tigers Tuebingen (Germany-ProA) averaging (16.9ppg), 6.0rpg, 2.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 84.8%. He played his first 2 pro seasons with BC Prievidza (Slovakia-SBL) averaging 13.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 9.5%, FT: 75.0%, and with BC Vera (Georgia-Superleague averaging22.1ppg), Reb-2 (12.0rpg), 2.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 83.5%. He began his basketball career at Bountiful and then played at Brgham Young (NCAA) from 2015-2019. He spoke to germanhoops.com after a massive 89-70 win over Frankfurt.

Congrats on the big 89-70 win over Frankfurt. How huge was this win after the last loses?

It was a really good and big win for us. It was important to get our rhythm back and to have finished the game strong. I think like we got the feel back to heading back in a positive direction as a team.

Frankfurt entered the game with a huge cup win and Wurzburg a tough 2 point BCL loss. I guess sometimes all one needs is one huge quarter to secure a win?

Yes it sure can. We saw it last week in the BCL and last night against Frankfurt. Frankfurt began the fourth quarter with a run. We knew that we had to regroup. We didn´t want the game to end like the last few games. We did a good job regrouping and figuring it out.

A lot of punching back and forth in the first 5 minutes between both teams. How crucial were your 2 consecutive three´s? Did that give the team some early momentum?

Yes I definitely think so. I think that it wasn´t just me, but how the team was able to create our offense as a team. We did what we always do in practice. That helped build our rhythm.

In the second quarter the game remained tight. Big man Hannes Steinbach had back to back assists. Is he the perfect definition of a modern big man?

Yes he has. He has so much potential. He surprises me every day again. He is so natural with his game. It is really crazy what he can already do with his game at his age. He is only going to get better. It is fun to see his development on a daily basis. Sky is the limit for him.

Last week Wurzburg pro B player Calvin Wishart said that it wouldn´t surprise him if he laned in the NBA. What about for you?

For sure. I can see him flourish in an American system. The way he plays and his style would fit well in the states. I could also see him playing college basketball there.

Jordan Theodore hit a big three is his third come back with the team. He led Frankfurt to the Fiba Cup title when you were a freshman at Brigham Young. Does he still have what it takes to lead this team to success?

Yes for sure. He is a great player. He has a lot of experience. That doesn´t only help him on a personal level, but also the team. He was a huge pick up for them.

Wurzburg broke free in the third quarter and led by as much as 13 points in the third quarter and led 60-51. What was key in the third quarter for having a bigger lead?

Our defense opens up so much for us. Our energy starts with our defense. That is how coach runs it. We get stops and then run on transition. I think in that phase we also limited our turnovers. We had had too many earlier in the game. We tried to make big plays, but in the third slowed it down which helped us limit them.

David Muenkat began the fourth quarter with his own 8-0 run as Frankfurt trailed only 60-59. What did head coach Savo Filipovski tell the team in the time out?

He told us for most just to lock down on defense. We needed better rotations and had given up too many open shots. They have good players and they made tough shots. We have to be locked in 40 minutes on defense.

David Muenkat had a big night with 23 points. What made it so difficult to control him?

He is a good player. I feel like we underestimated his shot making qualities. He made tough shots which we didn´t expect from him. We relied too much on his drive. We have to know the tendencies better of everyone. We gave Parsons and Theodore too much focus.

Wurzburg than exploded going on a 21-2 run. Mike Lewis added 9 points and Jhivvan Jackson 3 three pointers in a row. Was this just one of those classic massive runs or was there more behind it?

That is just how our team is. We can get hot quickly. It helps when your at home playing in front of our great fans. After a few shots go in, our confidence continues to grow. When your making shots, defense becomes more exciting which makes it easier. An offensive explosion can happen at anytime.

Did that run totally break Frankfurt´s confidence?

I think so. That helped us get a good distance between them and us. WE showed that we didn´t want to stop, but play well until the end. We kept our rhythm until the end.

How proud were you that the team finished the game in good form after the run? There was no let up which sometimes can happen after a run like that?

I was very proud. There can always be a letdown. I feel like in being able to close out the game strong, we were able to make a big step. I feel like that gave us a lot of confidence that will help us the next time.

A game has more than just 1 quarter. The team shot 16 three´s and easily won the rebound fight. What was the biggest strength of the team in the game?

I think it was our team work especially on the defensive end. We helped each other. I think we shared the ball great. We had our season high in assists. We also did a good job getting guys into rhythm.

Wurzburg now has some big games coming up in few days. Alba Berlin isn´t what it once was. What will be key to getting win?

It really is about us and how we approach each game and how much confidence we have.

What will be the biggest key for the team to be a playoff team again and not have last season be a fluke?

I think our success has to do with our culture and how hard we work as a team. I don´t think last season was a fluke. We are on a good way of being a good team again.

Your in your second season in the easyCredit BBL. Your scoring average is down a bit. Is that because of more offensive weapons this season?

Yes I think so. My role is a bit different this season. I´m captain and a leader and have more of a focus on defense. I have a lot more to do this season than just score. Not scoring as much doesn´t bother me. The most important thing is that we win and fight.

What is your big goal this season as a player after your break through season last year in terms of your game?

My goal from day 1 was always to get better. I want to be able to see how far I can go as a player. I want to have the opportunity to see what can happen with my game. At the same time I want to enjoy my time here as a young man with a family. Not everyone gets an opportunity like this.

Your having a huge BCL season averaging 21,0ppg. Is your role a bit different than in the BBL?

I think it had to do how game went. I go out and approach each game the same way. I think many underestimate how physical the easyCredit BBL is and how good teams are. It is really hard to score in the BBL with the physicality and scouting. The BCL has been a fun experience and I´m fortunate to have played well.

What do you enjoy most about Christmas and the German Christmas market´s?

When it comes to Christmas, I´m like a child. I love the feeling of Christmas. I feel like I enjoy buying presents for kids more than they do opening them. I love the markets and hanging out with the family there. I enjoy the culture and the community. Christmas is one of the nicest times of the year.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Maxi Ugrai?

Me. Max is great, but I think I got him.

Thanks Zac for the chat.