Philipp Bode (179-PG-2001) is a 24 year old guard that completed his 7th season for the TSV Oberaching Tropics (Pro B) averaging 5,7ppg, 2,4rpg and 4.9apg. He got early basketball experience playing with TS Jahn Munich (NBBL). He spoke to eurobasket about basketball.

You completed your 7th season with the TSV Oberaching Tropics. What do you appreciate most about the organization?

The best thing is the relationship between the coach and us and how we stick together. We are 10 friends that share the same passion and always give 100%. I feel we must have the best chemistry in the league. For coach Mario, the charachter is as important as the talent of a player.

Could you see yourself become a Tropics life the way Janosch Koegler has?

Yes of course why not. I mean I´m only 24 and anything can happen, but as of now I´m happy and love the team. Now there is no reason to go.

How have you seen the organization grow in the last years? How valuable has the guidance of Mario Matic been

We wouldn´t be able to have this organization without Mario Matic. He does so much more besides just coaching us. The organization is small. If Mario were to go then it would fall apart. I don´t know if we would of ever stayed in the league without Corona. We reached the playoffs 3 times with the lowest budget in the league. It is amazing how we can keep up this great chemistry even in tough times.

How special is Omari Knox? He has said the last years that every year will be his last, but he always comes back. Will this be his last season?

I remember him saying that last season, but then he came back again. He realized that his body is still good as well as his skill set. He is still dominant at this level even this season. I hope he stays, but this could be his last season.

What is your coolest story with him? Did you know he once battled Kyrie Irving in a game?

I heard about that story. The nicest moment was when I played against him when he was with Hanau. It was my duty to guard him. I was really motivated. I remember holding him to 0 points. But one has to know that is that season in Hanau, he had a different role and did play less minutes.

How special is Janosch Koegler as a player? Where would the club development be now without him?

He has been so important in the last 2-3 years. He is able to score 20 plus points at anytime. His best attribute is his character which stands out. He holds the team together and is such a good person.

How valuable is having a guy like Peter Zeis? He has the most experience on the team after Omari Knox and has played 69 BBL games.

I think that he is the most important guy on the team. He is my favorite team player. You notice his experience instantly. He reads the game so well and makes no mistakes. Many underestimate him on the court. He is so smart on the team.

John Boyer was your mentor. What was the most important thing that he taught you?

He helped me be able to play my game. My biggest strength is my defense, but he gave me confidence for my offense. He was my mentor and neighbor and always too me to and from practice. It also helped that he played the same position. I have so much respect for him.

Let´s talk about your game. Mario Matic once told me they call you white chocolate. Is there some Jason Williams in you?

A little. I will always take that compliment. He was a great passer and I like to pass the ball. Some other good comparisons would be Patrick Beverly and Matthew Delladova.

How big a role does your speed play in being successful?

My quickness is very important. It helps you in everything. It helps my playmaking and my defense. It helps me add pressure. I think that I may be one of the slowest in the 100 meters, but the fastest in the 5 meters.

Mario Matic also said that you are the team´s best on ball defender. How much pride do you take on defense?

I take 100% pride on my defense. I wish I could defend all 5 opponents. Every team has 1-2 great players. It is my job to take one out. I´m always very motivated to do that.

You took 60 three´s combined the last 2 seasons, but this season only 6. Are you respecting the three point line more this season?

Many get mad at me because I shoot too little. I also would like to shoot more. I like to drive or find the bigs. I really like to find the best shot for the team. I think that I shoot so little is because I´m just not the best shooter on the team.

On what areas of your game are you still working on to be able to improve your game?

I´m working a lot on my shot and decision making. I feel I can always optimize it better.

Is the Pro B your goal or do you still have higher basketball goals at age 24?

Basketball isn´t everything in my life. I know that I will never play in the NBA. I have no problem to play say 5 more years in the Pro B, but as long as I´m having fun and have a role. It isn´t likely that I will be able to play at a higher level.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Niklas Schueler?

I would always put money on myself. I play against him a lot during the summer. I like to defend and he doesn´t. He is a good shooter, but I will have an advantage over him.

Who is toughest player that you faced that reached the Euroleague or NBA in your career?

In my youth, I had to play against Tristan Da Silva. I was also his teammate. He always had game, but was a late bloomer. It didn´t look like he would grow any more back then. I wouldn´t have thought then that he would make such big steps.

Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time?

John Boyer, Peter Zeis, Bent Leuchten, Omari Knox, Bruno Vrcic

What is your NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmores?

Lebron, Durant, Jordan, Shaq

Vassilis Spanoulis, Nikola Jokic, Giannis, Milos Teodosic

Franz Wagner, Dirk, Dennis Schroeder, Tristan Da Silva

Who is your Goat?

My GOAT is Lebron and idol is Rajon Rondo.

Thanks Philipp for the chat.