Ivan Crnjac (203-F-2007) is a 18 year old 201cm forward that averaged 20,5ppg, 7,9rpg, 2,2apg, and 1,7spg in the NBBL (U-19) and in the Pro B averaged 11,0ppg, 4,1rpg, 1,3apg and 1,0spg in the 24-25 season. He helped the Fraport Skyliners win the B League title at the U-18 International Cup in Tokyo, Japan. In 2023 he reached the JBBL (U-16) top 4. He won the NBBL MVP award for the 24-25 season and spoke to germanhoops.com about it before the South West Regionalliga final game in Langen.

Congrats on winning the 2025 NBBL title. How do you feel?

I´m very happy. It was my goal to win it this season. I´m very happy to reach it.

What does this NBBL MVP title mean to you?

It means a lot. I proved to myself that I could reach my goal. I want to keep being a dominant player no matter what league I´m in.

How honored are you despite so many other great players in the NBBL?

I feel very honored. There are so many great players in the NBBL. It is a very special feeling because there are so many good players in a good year.

You averaged 20,5ppg, but how vital was your versatility for getting the award?

I think it wasn´t all my versatility, but that we won a lot. The whole team was important and helped me achieve my goal.

You have won the NBBL MVP. Is your youth career over now?

No it isn´t. I still have one more year. I probably won´t play as much NBBL next season. But when I do, I will always give my best and try to win the title.

How cool was it having teammate Jamie Edoka win the rookie of the year?

It is very cool. I´m really happy for Jamie. It is cool that the Skyliners are represented so well this year.

Coupled with added experience in the Pro B, how do you feel did your game grow in the NBBL this season?

I worked on my weaknesses. I feel like my decision making and leadership grew.

What was your favorite NBBL game?

My perfect game against Chemnitz.

How tough will it be for you being in Berlin and picking up the MVP award but not playing?

It will be very tough. We had very high goals this season. Losing to Ulm hit me hard. Now I have to accept only being a visitor.

Who will reach the NBBL final and win it all?

I think that it will be an all south final with Munich against Ulm. I think that Munich could win since Ivan Khartchenkov might play.

Are you rooting for a NBBL team?

That is difficult since I have friends on all 4 teams. I can´t decide on rooting for one team.

Who was the toughest player that you played in the NBBL?

Ivan Volf of FC Bayern Munich.

Are you hoping for your first BBL minutes on Sunday in Heidelberg?

I will be there. I might see those first minutes.

How does your summer look?

I´m hoping to play U-18 Euro and U-19 world cup.

Who will reach the NBA final and win it?

I have the Knicks playing the Timberwolves and Timberwolves winning it all.

Thanks Ivan for the chat.