Drago Crnjac (196-SG-2002) is a 22 year old 196cm guard that helped TV Langen win the Regionalliga South West Title averaging 12,0ppg, 2,1rpg and 1,6apg after starting the season with Tema Ehingen averaging 4,3ppg and 1,1rpg. He began his career with Kronberg and also played with the Skyliners Juniors and Bona Baskets Limburg. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 2025 Regionalliga game 2 win over Karlsruhe.

Congrats Drago on winning the South West Regionalliga title. What does this title mean to you?

This title means so much for me because it is my first title that I have ever won with basketball. I never have played for a team that had such high aspirations with winning.

You came to TV Langen in December 2024 from Team Ehingen. If someone had told you at Xmas 2024 that you would win the title, what would you have thought?

I would of really believed it. It wouldn´t have surprised me. We were in second place when I arrived in December 2024.

How tough were your few months in Ehingen. Were you on a mission when you came to Langen?

My time in Ehingen was a big disappointment. I was promised a big role and then playing so little and not getting a chance was tough. Langen was a mindset change for me. It was such a positive change for me. I came to Langen and met such great teammates and a great coach. It was so refreshing. Winning there was more important than Individual success.

What did you enjoy most about the celebration on the court in Langen when you won?

I think the best moment was when the buzzer sounded and we all went on the court and the kids stormed the court. I also loved cutting down the net. Now I have a great souvenir.

Was not having Leon Fertig in game 2 a blessing in disguise. He had to go to Korea for his 3×3 duty. Did the team want to prove it could win without him?

We had such a deep roster this season, we could honestly compensate any loss. I think that we were able to win every game where we didn´t have a player playing. That speaks for the quality of the team.

The team saved it´s best for last allowing only 47 points in game 2. What was the secret of the success? How much was head coach Tobias Jahn a part of it?

I think that the success was a mix of our individual quality and how coach Jahn wanted us to defend. He never screamed at us, but would show us on video what we did wrong. He understood that when we played hard nobody could score on us and was able to have us believe it and show it on the court.

Did Tobias Jahn instill that special physicality?

I think that everything went hand in hand. He wanted us to rebound well and we did despite being small. We had to be physical and that carried over too many other parts of your game.

You allowed only 12 points per quarter in game 2. What made it so fun to defend for TV Langen?

We understood that when we defended well that nobody could score on us. That motivated us to continue to defend well.

The Seeburger College Wizards always went on runs. How tough was it always punching back?

We let them come back twice this season. Once they beat us and the other time we had to win in overtime. We just continued to play our game. We didn´t give them an emotional run in game 2.

You told me after win that TV Langen had heart and will. How special was TV Langen this season?

I have played for some good teams, but I never played for such a special team like this. Everyone played for each other. Everybody wanted to win. Everyone stood behind me even after my horrible first half in game 2. They wanted me to keep shooting and I did. My teammates were really special.

How key was your three pointer at the end of the second quarter? Did that give you an extra spark?

That three was so important. I really needed to see one go in. That was a big turning point and a neck breaker.

What will you always remember from this team?

I won´t forget special games during the regular season against Lich and Karlsruhe where there was pure emotion.

How special was Niklas Pons? Was he the ultimate leader?

He is 100% a leader. He held everyone accountable. If you became lazy, he wouldn´t allow it. He was playing with bruised ribs, but he didn´t show it. He is an amazing player.

How key was Risto Vasiljevic for the success? He was another vital leader.

Risto is also 100% a leader. He has so much experience. He played Pro A and was part of a BBL roster. I think that he can do so much more than just shoot the 3. That is cherry on the top. He brings so much calmness and consistency each game. He played 44 minutes in game 2 against Lich with no mistakes.

How key was Aminu Abibu? Was he the team´s best rebounder?

He isn´t only our best rebounder, but the best rebounder in the league. He is an allrounder. He heightened his game so much. He is such a better player than a few months ago. He was our Nils Leonhart. He should be in the Pro B.

How special is Leon Fertig? Is sky the limit?

I hope that he will play for us again. His biggest strength is his 1-1 play and defense. He was a bit wild at times at first because he plays 3×3, but found his groove. He was world class in the playoffs.

What did you learn from Tobias Jahn this season?

I learned that he is a great players coach. He understands how to make you be better. He helped me with his mind set talk and helped me with individual work. I was in a slump in Ehingen, but when I came to Langen, he gave me a comfortable, but good role.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the Regionalliga?

Noah Litzbach.

What is the next step for you? I can imagine you will stay in Langen.

Langen is a good place to be. Plus after winning the title, it´s only right to remain. I have to stay.

Sepeher Tarrah your ex coach was at the game. How special was it that he was there and supported you?

It was cool that he was in Langen and supported me. We have had good contact since I left Frankfurt. He let me practice once in Frankfurt during the winter. I have a good relationship with him and I have learned things from him that will last a lifetime.

Who wins a 1-1 you or Risto Vasiljevic?

I think I got that.

Who will reach the NBA final and win it?

I have the Cavs against the Nuggets and Denver winning it.

Thanks Drago for the chat.