Pic credit: Harry Langner

Florian Flabb is a German coach who currently is coaching Pro B team Orange Academy and the ratiopharm Ulm NBBL. Team He began his coaching career as an assistant with the Art Giants and then was a head coach with the NBBL and Pro A team. He also has been an assistant coach with the German U-18 and U-20 teams. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the NBBL Top 4 in Berlin.

Thanks Florian for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on reaching the 2025 NBBL top 4 in Berlin How excited are to be going to the Top4 and what are you looking forward to most?

Thanks! Reaching the 2025 NBBL Top 4 in Berlin is a huge accomplishment and something we’ve worked hard for all season. The excitement is definitely real — it’s a chance to compete at the highest level in youth basketball in Germany, and to do it in a city like Berlin makes it even more special. What I’m looking forward to most is the atmosphere — the intensity of the games, the energy from the fans, and the chance to face the best teams in the country. It’s an opportunity to show everything we’ve built together as a team and to leave it all on the court.

Ratiopharm ulm had an incredible 17-1 record. Are you a bit disappointed that team didn´t go unbeaten?

That 17-1 record is something we’re really proud of — it shows our consistency, discipline, and how well we’ve grown as a team over the season. Of course, going unbeaten would’ve been amazing, and there’s always a bit of disappointment when a streak ends. But sometimes a loss can be valuable too — it sharpens your focus, exposes areas to improve, and brings a team even closer. At the end of the day, our main goal was making it to the Top 4 and being ready for that moment.

You lost a tight game in Frankfurt that you could of won?

Yes, that game in Frankfurt was definitely one that slipped through our fingers. It was tight all the way, and we had our chances to close it out — so of course there’s some frustration looking back. But at the same time, games like that teach you a lot. They push you to be sharper and more focused on the small details that make the difference in close matchups. We took the lessons from that loss and used them to grow stronger as a team. It’s part of what prepared us for this Top 4 run.

How do you counter people who say that Ratiopharm Ulm had an easier road than the other teams because you play in a weaker division?

That’s a fair question, and it’s something we’ve heard before. But the way we see it, you can only play the teams in front of you — we consistently showed a high level of execution all season. A 17-1 record doesn’t happen by accident, no matter what division you’re in. Also, we’ve tested ourselves outside of our group in the Pro B with the Orange Academy, where we basically played with our U19 Team. The Top 4 is where everything gets decided, and we’re ready to show we belong right there with anyone.

You proved in the playoffs that you could beat Frankfurt and IBAM who played in the tougher division. I really like the Ulm team. They have guys that I have watched for years. You have incredible players with great individual qualities. What other qualities does your team have that will come to light in Berlin?

Thank you — that means a lot. We definitely respect teams like Frankfurt and IBAM, and proving ourselves against them in the playoffs was huge. As for what else will come to light in Berlin: I think people will really see our chemistry. We trust each other, and we will fight for every possession together. Beyond individual talent, our work ethic and composure under pressure are what set us apart. Berlin will be a big stage, and we’re ready to show how deep, disciplined, and united this team really is.

Niko Jerkic is an incredible talent. He was already incredible last season averaging 20,0ppg in the NBBL. What steps have you see him take in his game this season?

Absolutely — Niko Jerkic is a special talent. What he did last season was already impressive, but this year he’s taken his game to another level. The biggest step I’ve seen is in his maturity and decision-making. He’s become much more than just a scorer — he reads the game better, picks his spots more efficiently, and knows when to take over and when to get others involved. He’s also stepped up as a leader, both vocally and by example. Defensively, he’s more engaged, and physically he’s stronger and more resilient. He’s become a more complete player — not just a high scorer, but someone who is able to makes winning plays.

Jordan Mueller won a JBBL title in Frankfurt and is the leader of the NBBL team and has made his break through in the Pro B. What kind of player will we see in the next few years?

Jordan Müller is the kind of player every coach wants — tough, smart, and fearless at the end of the game. He already has a winning pedigree with that JBBL title in Frankfurt, and now he’s stepped into a leadership role in the NBBL while making real strides in the Pro B. That’s not easy to do at his age. In the next few years, I think we’re going to see a high-level two-way guard who can control the tempo of a game, defend at a high level, and be a clutch shot-maker. He’s got a strong work ethic, a sharp basketball IQ, and that rare mix of confidence and humility. What has he now incorporated into his game that will help him make the next step? One of the biggest things Jordan Müller has incorporated into his game this season is pace control and playmaking under pressure. He’s always been a competitor, but now he’s showing the ability to dictate the flow of the game, not just react to it. That’s a major step for any guard looking to move up.

Endurance Aijamenkhue is an interesting player. Is he still raw? What steps have you seen him make this season?

Endurance Aijamenkhue is definitely an intriguing talent — and while he’s still developing, calling him “raw” doesn’t tell the whole story anymore. This season, he’s taken real strides in understanding the game — his timing, positioning, and feel have improved noticeably. What stands out is his defensive versatility and physical presence. He’s become much more disciplined on that end — not just relying on athleticism, but reading plays, rotating smartly, and knowing when to contest or stay grounded. Offensively, he’s added touch around the rim and is showing more confidence in his post up game. He’s still evolving, for sure, but now he’s impacting games consistently, not just in flashes. That’s a big sign he’s on the right path.

I see Frederik Erichsen as being a key player in the Alba Berlin series. How vital will his defense be for Ulm being able to compete well against Alba Berlin?

You’re absolutely right — Frederik Erichsen could be a real x-factor in the series against Alba Berlin. His versatility will be crucial for us to stay competitive, especially against a team like Alba that thrives on ball movement, spacing, and tempo. Frederik can guard multiple positions and brings a physical edge that disrupts rhythm. He’s excellent at reading passing lanes without gambling, which helps us to create turnovers and get out in transition.

Milo Murray and Jervis Scheffs are very similar players that are athletic and can create for themselves. Could Scheffs be one of those guys that could decide a game?

Definitely — Jervis Scheffs is absolutely one of those players who can flip a game with a single stretch of momentum. Like Milo Murray, he’s athletic, explosive, and can create his own shot, but what makes Scheffs especially dangerous is his fearlessness in big moments. He doesn’t shy away from pressure. In a tight Top 4 game where matchups and individual moments matter, Scheffs is exactly the kind of spark plug who could step up and tilt the balance.

I really enjoy the game of Oliver Kullamäe. The pass first guard is a very controlled player. How have you seen his development this season now in his second season in Ulm?

Oliver Kullamäe has been a joy to watch this season —In his second year with Ulm, you can see the growth in both his confidence and his command of the game. He’s always been a pass first guard, but now he’s reading defenses faster, controlling tempo with more authority, and making smarter, more assertive decisions in key moments. He rarely forces plays, keeps everyone involved, and knows when to slow the game down or speed it up. His defense has also taken a step forward — he’s more physical on the ball and communicates better.

How much of a plus is it getting swiss army knife Joel Cwik? He came in the middle of the season after gaining experience in Poland. Could he be the difference between a title and not?

Getting Joel Cwik mid-season was a huge boost for Ulm — he’s exactly the kind of player you want heading into a high-stakes environment like the Top 4. His time in Poland clearly helped him mature; he came in with a professional mindset, a strong motor, and a real sense of purpose. What makes him such a plus is his versatility — the “Swiss army knife” label fits perfectly. He can defend multiple positions, rebound, handle the ball, make the extra pass, and knock down shots. He fills gaps and makes winning plays — exactly what we need in tight games. Could he be the difference between a title and not? Absolutely. In a Final Four format where games are decided by details, energy, and execution, a player like Joel — who can impact every area of the game — can be the difference-maker when things get tight.

Ratiopharm Ulm play against Alba Berlin. The big inside game of Alba Berlin vs the talented individualists of Ulm. If Alba Berlin can play their game and get their bigs involved, it could be a tough game. What will be key to getting the win?

Alba Berlin plays fast and looks to dominate inside with their bigs, so our key to winning is controlling the tempo, rebounding as a team, and using our talent to create mismatches. We need to disrupt Alba’s rhythm, keep the game open, and stay physical on defense.

Who do you see advancing between FC Bayern Munich and Rasta Academy?

The semifinal between FC Bayern Munich and Rasta Academy is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. FC Bayern Munich brings a deep and experienced roster, featuring standout talents Their structured play and physicality make them a formidable opponent. Vechta on the other hand, are known for their dynamic and aggressive style. They’ve demonstrated resilience and the ability to disrupt opponents’ rhythms While Bayern’s depth and discipline give them an edge on paper, Vechtas energy and unpredictability could tip the scales. If they can dictate the tempo and capitalize on transition opportunities, an upset is within reach. Overall, FC Bayern Munich might be the slight favorite, but Vechta would be a mistake. This matchup promises intensity and could go either way.

Thanks Florian for the chat.