Kelvin Omojola And The Dragons Rhondorf Have Learned How To Act And Play Like A Playoff team Under Marko Zarkovic

Kelvin Omojola (183-G-1997, college: Northwest) is a 27year old 183cm point guard that is playing his fourth professional season and fourth in Germany and second with the Dragons Rhondorf helping them win the pro B title last season averaging 12.7ppg, 3.1rpg, Assists-2 (6.1apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 79.5%. In 2022-2023 he played with PS Karlsruhe (Pro A) averaging 3,1ppg and as a rookie played with the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB) averaging 15.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 71.8%. He began his basketball career at Green Valley high school and then played at Red Deer (JUCO), Benedict College (NCAA2) averaging 9.1ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 38.6%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 66.7% and Northwest University (NAIA) averaging 7.4ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 36.4%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 62.1% and 13.7ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 54.2%, FT: 87.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the massive 94-72 win in Frankfurt.

Congrats Kelvin on the big 94-72 win in Frankfurt. It was the first win in club history in Frankfurt. How good does it feel to achieve this?

It feels great Miles to make some history! Frankfurt is a tough place to play because every time I’ve played here, Frankfurt always shoots the ball well and plays at a high level. So it’s great to get this win.

How big was the revenge factor after losing the last 3 times to Frankfurt and on a Trevian Bell buzzer beater last season in Frankfurt?

Oh man the game winner last year hurt! The full court football pass and Trevian hitting the game winner over 2 people was crazy. But I’m glad we were able to win yesterday and this being my first win in Frankfurt in my career!

How big was this win for the team. Coming off a tough loss at home against Leitershofen last weekend. The team seemed 100% prepared.

It was huge Miles. We’re focused on getting into the playoffs by any means. We know every game matters and we need to get these wins. We were focused and ready to go.

Frankfurt Skyliner Junior Jamie Edoka said after the game that they weren’t ready to face the Dragons and not on the same page. Did the Dragons want it more than Frankfurt?

I would agree with that. On our end, we were communicating at a high level, playing great team defense, rebounding great, and moving the ball offensively. While on Frankfurt’s end, we did notice that they made some mental mistakes and had some defensive breakdowns. But still, they’re a tough team to beat because they have so many players that can hurt you.

The Dragons Rhondorf took control of the game from the second quarter onward and just managed the lead well. What did the Dragons Rhondorf do better on the defensive end to begin getting more consecutive stops?

We managed to get Frankfurt to take tough shots and not allow them to get any easy buckets. No dunks or moment plays so we were able to control the pace. Those moment plays can easily make the game get out of hand, so by us eliminating those it propelled us to keep playing our game.

In the second half the offense continued to be very consistent. Has anything changed with how the offensive works better now under new head coach Marko Zarkovic?

Yes, Coach Marko preaches ball sharing and player movement. He doesn’t want anyone playing hero ball, and it works for both offense and defense. Since he’s taken over, our defense has improved and our movement on offense has improved as well.

The team allowed only 72 points and gives up 89 points per game in this season. What did Marko Zarkovic changed up or made adjustments that has allowed the team to not only keep flying around on the court, but also grab rebounds better?

He holds everyone accountable but he’s not unreasonable with what he’s asking. So it’s very easy to play harder, smarter, together, etc. We know what our goal is (making the playoffs) so we know we have to play and act like a playoff team.

What have you enjoyed most about the coaching philosophy of Marko Zarkovic in the few weeks that you have known him?

Just his approach to the game. He has a lot of qualities that I share as well. Qualities from holding people accountable, playing together, playing smart, and his demeanor on and off the court. He’s serious on the court when he needs to be, but he’s also extremely likable and light hearted. It’s a great balance.

You next play Coburg who you beat in a grind out game 62-58. This is another do or die game for the Dragons.

Yes, we need this win Miles. 4 games left in the regular season, we need every win. We’re battling with them for playoff position so this game is of the upmost importance.

You stated the biggest strength of the Dragons Rhondorf was consistency and team? Is the team now 100% aware how vital these last games are for the playoffs?

Yes, we know how important these games are. We’re not taking any of them for granted and know what we have to do.

What was your impression of Jamie Edoka? He just turned 17 and is a starter in the Pro B. Could he be the next Isaac Bonga for Frankfurt?

He’s a nice young talent! He plays older than 17 which is a huge compliment, he has a ton of upside for sure.

What was your impression of Malik Kordel? He has played between 40-50 pro games and destroyed the Dragons in the first game with a 16/21 game. He has offers from Michigan, Butler and Villanova. How talented is he?

Yeah he’s another great young talent. It’s no surprise he has those high major D1 offers. He has high major size and athleticism, if he continues to improve his game and keep the work ethic, there’s no reason why he can’t get to the NBA.

Tim Smith Jr had another great game with 17/5/3 game and 2 blocks. He had some growing pains this season, but seems to be back to his old dominant self. Did you have some talks with him? He seems stable mentally again?

Yeah Tim and I talked a lot actually! We had some heart to heart conversations, been hanging out even more off the court. I think he’s doing better as well. I’m proud of Tim, he’s a great player and an even better person.

How big has Danas Kazakevicius been in the last months? Can one say that consistency has really rubbed off on him now?

He’s been improving all season, I’m proud of Danas! We need him for us to be at our best.

Janne Muller had another great game and was top scorer. He averaged 8,0ppg last season and 13,6ppg this season. Will this be his last pro B season as he will be a full BBL player next season? I can imagine one has to enjoy every Pro B game now?

I’m not sure Miles. I know Janne has a lot of talent and if this is his last ProB season I wouldn’t be surprised!

Kenan Reinhart also has developed well in the last 6 weeks. He had a great start in Frankfurt, but why did he only play 13 minutes?

Yes he has, Kenan is improving everyday. He’s another really good young talent. As for the Frankfurt game, I’m not sure. We have a lot of talented guys on the roster and it’s tough to get a lot minutes. I think the only one who consistently gets high minutes is Tim. So it’s just a matter of making the most of your opportunities while you’re out there.

Marko Rosic had a tough stretch before the Leitershofen game but since been great. Has he benefited from the new coach?

Yeah Marko has, but it has nothing to due with the coaching change. He’s a great player and he can make plays and control the game any time he wants.

He really stepped up in the last 2 games and put you a bit in the shadow. How important was that competitiveness in a team in a stage like now both for him and you?

Oh it’s huge, I love when Marko does well and balls out in the game. We push each other in practice and he knows I support him and have his back 1000%. I’m sure he feels the same way about me.

You had a tough game against Leitershofen with 5 turnovers and 4 in the first quarter. Was that first quarter one of the toughest in your career?

Yeah it was tough Miles! It was definitely one of the toughest of my career, but that’s how it is some games. I wasn’t going to be sad or upset about it, just had to bounce back and do whatever I can to help the team win.

You bounced back well in Frankfurt with 8 points and 8 rebounds and scored back to back buckets at the end of the third quarter. How much to heart are you taking efficiency when you’re playing less minutes?

Yeah Miles this season has been totally different than last year in all aspects, so I’m just adapting and making the most out of the situation. Whether I play 30 minutes or I play 10 minutes, I’m just trying to go out there and make an impact on the game. With the main goal being, help us get the W.

What is your biggest personal goal now in the last games besides giving all you have for the team?

From a team perspective, to get us into the playoffs and make a playoff run! For me personally, to end the season playing my best basketball.

Were the Dallas Mavericks jinxed this season? Dante Exum is out with a broken hand. They currently only have 8 players. How crazy is that?

Yeah that’s crazy Miles, that’s the basketball Gods punishing them for trading Luka. They shouldn’t have done that, but being a Laker fan I appreciate it lol.

Thanks Kelvin for the chat.

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