Jona Drucke (194-F/G-2009) is a 16 year old 195cm point guard that averaged 16/5/5/2 stats during the JBBL (U-16 ) season. He has been a member of the German U-15 and U-16 youth national teams. He spoke to eurobasket after helping Alba Berlin win the 2025 JBBL title.

Jona on the big 86-74 JBBL title win over the Baskets Junior Oldenburg. How do you feel?

The feeling is unbelievable. After losing last season, our goal this season was to come back and win it. We won this for Philipp Holsten who broke his arm in the semi-final

How big was the revenge factor for Alba Berlin?

It was huge. I mean we didn´t think about it each day, but we did have that extra kick wanting to win. We just wanted to play our game and not change something on account of our opponent.

How cool was it having the NBA Wagner brothers cheering on the team in the Alba fan block?

I knew the night before of the semi-final game that they would come and support us. That shows just how great the Alba Berlin organization is. I mean they are millionaires and they aren´t afraid to join our fans and sing Alba songs. It shows that they will always be Alba boys.

The first quarter was tight, but in the second quarter Alba Berlin was able to get way a bit. How vital was the superb play of Luca Kappel?

He is such a big personality for us. He has developed so well for us and mentally is strong and a great defender. When he gets hot, he really helps us. He gave us an added push in that phase.

The Alba Berlin defense did a great job slowing down Djordje Klaric and holding him at 15 points. How tough is it to keep him in check?

We played together in the youth national team and were roommates. He is a great player and plays at his own pace. He is hard to stop. Daniel Gwanihu had that task and did a good job on him.

In the third quarter Alba Berlin got a massive push from big man De Sancho Del Pino Kruse. How vital was hi support to once again to be able to get a way a bit from Oldenburg?

He came from Zehlendorf and fit in right away in the program. He is such a big help at both ends. We are really thankful that we have him.

Oldenburg kept coming back and fighting the whole game. How much respect did Alba Berlin have for that?

We have big respect for them. They already showed last season what they were capable of. I told the team before the game that we can´t underestimate them. We have to control the game for 40 minutes and believe in ourselves.

How key was the thunderous dunk form Jason Heitmann at the end of the third quarter for Alba Berlin moving forward?

Jason is a great athlete and friend. He has unbelievable power and knows how to get a whole arena go crazy. But it isn´t just big dunks, but he can do it all. That dunk gave us a huge push forward.

Ilya Fohl hit big shot after big shot. Is he the Steph Curry of Berlin?

He is also a new player and came from Zehlendorf. He is a great shooter. He hit so many big shots. I´m so proud of him.

Oldenburg kept fighting in the fourth quarter, but Alba Berlin pulled out the win. What was key in crunch-time for getting the win?

I think that our experience was a big factor, but we knew that they would come back and we were ready for them. The fans also helped us a lot.

German basketball legend Dirk Bauermann told me before the end of the game that you would be MVP of the tournament. How cool is getting this award for you?

I have a special relation with Bauermann. I play for him with the U-16 team in Greece. He is a great guy and has helped me so much with basketball. I´m really proud that he said that.

How will you celebrate tonight? I´m sure you have school tomorrow.

I have to go to school tomorrow. We will celebrate as a team now and just enjoy the day.

Thanks Jona for the chat.