pic credit: Ophelia.Schall

Erol Ersek (194-SF-1999) is a 25 year old 194cm guard from Austria playing his first season with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (BBL). He played the last 3 seasons for the Tigers Tuebingen. He began his basketball career in Austria with the Vienna DC Timberwolves and also spent a year in USA at Pacific Grove High School, Pacific Grove, California. He played in the FC Bayern Munich organization from 2016-2021. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the massive 69-67 win over top team rastiopharm Ulm.

Congrats Erol on the huge 69.67 win over ratiopharm Ulm. You and the MLP Academics are in first place. How crazy is that?

It is crazy. Especially seeing all the feedback on social media. But we also know that the season isn´t even half over yet. This is indeed a super feeling. We have to enjoy it.

Is Heidelberg a city that will go crazy after a win like that and having first place?

The fans here are obviously very excited. Last season wasn´t a great one so the excitement is obvious. The fan support is super.

If someone had told you in September that shortly before Christmas the MLP Academics would be in first place what would you have thought?

I would of never believed it. I had a lot of confidence in this team already in pre-season. I thought that we had a good group of guys, but having this kind of success is great.

I know that this is a tough question, but how cool would a ULM-Heidelberg final be in June 2025?

That would be cool. But we know that is very far away and a lot has to happen. Ulm always has a great atmosphere and it is a great derby, but way too early to talk about things like that.

Let´s talk about the game. With what kind of a mindset did you go into the game? Ulm was on a 5 game winning streak and you had lost against MBC allowing 100 points?

That is correct. The loss against MBC was tough. I think that we found ourselves again last week in practice. We went into the game knowing that we had to play aggressive, play together and believe in our system. We were definitely very excited to play against a great team in a cool arena. We were definitely very motivated.

At halftime ratio Ulm had the comfortable 48-33 lead. You had allowed 20 points in the first quarter, but 28 points in the second quarter. Defense is a big part of the Academics identity, but we all know has been inconsistent this season. What was key defensively that allowed Ulm to explode in the second quarter?

We made too many defensive mistakes. We had problems getting over screens. Ulm did a good job stepping up their game a bit more and delivered a lot of pressure on us and forced us to turnovers. That helped them get out on transition.

How was the mood in the locker room? I can imagine Danny Jansson wasn´t pleased. What did he tell the team?

He wasn´t happy, but was able to wake us up. He just told us to play our game and not let them dictate it. He also told us that we were only down 15 minutes which wasn´t the world. He was loud, but gave us energy.

He must have had the right words as Heidelberg allowed only 19 points in the second half. That is incredible. What adjustments did the team make on the defensive end?

We were more aggressive and just smarter with the mismatches. We knew that they have very good individual class with great shooters and drivers like Karim Jallow. We were also more aggressive as a team. We got great support from Michael Weathers on the defensive end. His great play sparked us. He put great pressure on them and had 5 steals.

The MLP Academics went on a little run. Do you believe that the team aspect was able to get into the focus in the third quarter? Many guys stepped up.

Yes the team aspect was huge. That is a great strength of ours. We have some great scorers with Mikesell and Horne, but many other solid scorers. We have much versatility on the scoring end

What did head coach Danny Jansson tell the team down 60-50 after 3 quarters to do going forward in the fourth quarter?

He told us that we were only down 10 points, 5 less than at the break. He just told us to keep playing our game and keep the energy up.

Heidelberg went on a lethal 13-0 run a to lead 63-60 and Ulm didn´t get their first points until the 3,11 minute mark. Do you feel like they were challenged mentally with that run?

The momentum changed in our favor. I feel like it affected them mentally.

In the last minute Barcello and Horne nailed clutch 3 pointers to seal the win. What was the biggest strength on this night?

Our biggest strength in the game was us sticking together and pushing each other forward and having great energy. When somebody does something great, then 10 guys will tell you it´s nice. That pushes you forward.

What was your impression of Ulm´s 2 big talents Saraf and Essengue who most likely will get drafted by NBA teams. Are these guys that much better than guys like Yourself, Weideman or Vrcic back in the day when you were youth players?

They are both very young and have great quality. They didn´t have their best games, but you can´t await that from young players. The potential is huge for both.

How special is it always playing against your ex teammate Nelson Weidemann who won the 2017 NBBL title with you and FC Bayern Munich. How potential does he still have now?

We were teammates for a long time and were roommates. It is always nice to see him. I´m happy for his situation in Ulm. He is playing a good season and has a cool role. I know what he can do. He is a hard worker and very disciplined.

You were top scorer of the team with 14 points. It was your best scoring game of the season. Was it extra special because of beating top team Ulm?

Yes it was. It feels even better with a win and then being able to celebrate. I had a good start with shots falling. I felt good and it was nice to see my shot falling early.

How happy were you with your game? You had 14 points in 22 minutes and were very efficient.

I was happy with my game. I made my first 3 shots and after that Danny drew up some plays for me. My teammates looked for me. I got more room with Horne and Mikesell driving.

This was a big win. The next opponent is Bamberg. This is the Christmas game at home. Bamberg is playing well as of late having beat Alba Berlin and Bonn. What will be key to winning?

We just have to play our game and be aggressive and stick together no matter who we play.

Who won a 1-1 in 2017 and who wins today you or Nelson Weidemann?

We played often. I don´t remember who won more, but I will always take myself.

Thanks Erol for the chat.