Pic credit: Angel King media

Jakob Hanzalek (188-PG-2003) is a 21 year old 188cm point guard that just completed the season with the EPG Guardians Koblenz. Last season he played with BG Hessing Leitershofen (ProB) averaging 7.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 21.2%, FT: 78.4%. In the 2022-2023 season he split time with SC Rist Wedel (ProB) and Arvato College Wizards Karlsruhe (ProB) averaging 7.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 80.0%. He played the 2021-2022 season with Team Ehingen Urspring (ProA) averaging 5.1ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 28.9%, FT: 74.5%, played also at Team Urspring U19 team (NBBL) averaging 19.3ppg, 7.2rpg, 4.1apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 64.9%. He began his career with the Ratiopharm youth program and also played Pro B with Orange Academy. He spoke to germanhoops.com at the end of the 2024-2025 season.

Thanks Jakob for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the massive 91-73 win over PS Karlsruhe. How good is it to be able to say “The Guardians remain in the Pro A”?

It felt really good. A heavy load was lifted off our shoulders. We gave all we had in the last 2 games. There were a lot of emotions involved.

The team was 1-16 after the Trier loss. Was that the absolute down point of the season? Did you ever think that the team could win again?

I always believed in this team. I always felt that if we could play with heart and energy that we would win. Staying together also helped.

Did the team finally feel the sense of urgency to win after the Trier loss?

I think that we already felt it before the Trier loss, but it was perhaps raised a bit more after the Trier loss. We had no players meeting after the Trier game. I think that we as a team finally found ourselves in the last 2 weeks. We practiced hard and that translated into the games.

I can say that the EPG Guardians saved their best basketball for the last 2 games where it counted most. Why couldn´t the team play like this more often in the season?

I think that the team first found themselves in these last 2 games. It simply took time. Coach Berov did a great job in these last 2 weeks. He always believed in us. It was just a matter of time.

What was it like playing against Maurice Pluskota again? Do you feel like the team would have won 2-3 games more had he been on board from the start?

Yes I think so. He is a great player. But you never know. Maybe we wouldn´t have won more games. It was cool playing against him. We spent a lot of time together off the court. It was even nicer to win against him.

The Guardians led 55-33 at the break. The team played no hero ball, but great team basketball. How much fun was seeing and participating in great basketball?

It felt good on and of the court. You simply felt that everyone had that special energy. Every player had the goal to win this game. Everybody was playing so free and everything worked for us in the game.

How confident were going into the third quarter that there wouldn´t be a major let down?

We knew that PS Karlsruhe is a super team and knew that they could make a run, but I was very confident that if we could continue to stick to our game plan, that we would win.

In the second half the EPG Guardians Koblenz managed the lead well. How vital was it having only 7 turnovers? Usually when teams went on runs, it was because the Guardians produced many turnovers?

Having only 7 turnovers in the game was super important. Alex Bouzidi and Michael Bradley did a great job of controlling the game. They were calm and helped us have more possessions.

How key was William Lee for staying in the league? He began great, then had 4 really poor games and then 4 strong games including 34 points against Bochum

William was so important for us. I´m a team first guy and feel like every player gave something to the success. It doesn´t matter if you played 0 or 30 minutes, everyone is important. I truly believe that we wouldn´t have made it without him. He showed his best in the last 2 games at both ends of the court.

How was the celebration after the game? Was it calm or a little crazy?

I feel like everybody was emotional. It was a tough season, but there was a good atmosphere after. We felt free and the mood was good.

It wasn´t a great season for the EPG Guardians. What did you personally learn from the season?

I´m a young player and this season wasn´t normal. It was important that I could learn how a tough season can go as a young player. I learned you should never give up and even in bad times, you always need to continue to give your best. I took many positives from this season.

You played with a great player with Ty Cockfield. How closely did you study his game on the bench? What is the most important thing that you learn from him?

Ty is a super player. He has a very unique game with his incredible 1-1 qualities. He has the fastest first step in the league. I always tried to watch his moves in practice or from the bench. I wouldn´t hesitate to ask him how to make his moves.

What was it like being teammates with Dominique Johnson? Did some of his unbelievable energy rub off on you?

DJ was one of the most important puzzle pieces in the last 2 games. He showed how a real captain plays and leads a team. His experience was so important for us. It was so special to be able to play with him.

What could you learn from Leon Friderici? He is a player that could get hot at any time?

Leon and I play the same position. He gave me important tips on shooting the three pointer. He told me maybe to change my shot a bit. He plays with so much energy and always kept his heart on the court. I´m very thankful to have been able to share the court with him.

Who do you feel was the most improved player on the team this season?

Each guy made a step this season.

You averaged 2,6ppg in 12 minutes. How would you summarize your game?

I´m so thankful that the EPG Guardians gave me the opportunity this season and play at this level. I always tried to give my best. I worked on trying to change my game and worked a lot on my shot. I need to keep working on my ball handling. I´m happy how my season went.

Your minutes in 34 games looks like that of a G-League player with severe flucutations. How much of a challenge was it for you to always be ready?

That was a big challenge. But even if I didn´t play, I always knew that I would get a chance. I always asked myself why I didn´t play, so I then gave 100% in the next practice. I always tried to use my chance the next time.

You came from the bench and always tried to give the team good energy, manage the game, play aggressive defense and hit shots. What area of your game grew most this season?

I feel like my three pointer grew this season. I became a catch and shoot player. In the past, I wasn´t comfortable with my three pointer. I feel very relaxed taking the 3 now.

You had many solid games like scoring 10 points against Bremerhaven. What was your personal best game?

My best game was the last game. It was a huge game and wasn´t easy for me. I gave my best and helped the team.

Who was the toughest player that you played in the Pro A this season?

The 2 guards from Crailsheim Shahid and Goodman.

Thanks Jakob for the chat.