Dom Sleva (198-F, college: Shippensburg) is a 198 cm forward that completed his second professional season in Luxemburg with BBC Mambra Mamer (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 27,6ppg, 15,1rpg, 1,9apg and 1,6spg after starting the season in Germany with Rasta Vechta 2 (Pro A). He played his rookie season with the Kordall Steelers Rodange (Luxembourg-LBBL): averaging 23.3ppg, 15.7rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 71.4%. He began his basketball career at Montour High School and then palyed at Shippensburg University from 2018-2023 playing a total of 118 games and as a senior averaged 13.1ppg, 12.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 71.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Dom for talking to germanhoops.com. You just finished your second professional season with BBC Mambra Mamer (Luxembourg-LBBL). How good does it feel helping the team stay in the first division?

It felt great to help the team stay in the first division. When I joined BBC Mambra, the team was going through a bit of a tough stretch. My coach at the time was clear about what they were missing and how I could contribute. I’m very grateful I was able to connect with the guys and adapt so quickly. That chemistry made a big difference and we were able to end the season on a high note.

Was it tough coming back from the Heffingen loss to win the last 3 games? Was the team extra locked in in those last 3 games?

Going into the play-down games, we had a three-game lead with six games left, so we were playing way too relaxed. We were playing like we had already clinched our spot in first division. That loss to Heffingen was a wake-up call. It reminded us that these teams were going to fight with everything they had to stay in the league. We knew we were the better team, we just had to match the intensity of these teams

You saved your best for last exploding for 43 points. Was that the most points that you had ever scored in your life?

Yes this was a career high for me. My first game of my senior year in high school I scored 40 points, but besides summer leagues and other meaningless games, this was a career high. It was nice to end a crazy season on a high note.

How quickly did you know from the get go that you would have a very good scoring game?

From the start, I felt like I had a strong advantage on the boards. Rebounding is one of the best parts of my game, and I knew I could dominate on the glass in this matchup. That gave me some easy put-backs early on, which helped me find a rhythm to contribute to a solid performance.

What was your favorite basket of the game?

Late in the game, our opponent started to build some momentum and looked like they might make a run. I was able to string a few baskets together during that stretch to stop their run and give us some breathing room. I didn’t really have a favorite basket of the game, it was more of consecutive baskets I had to secure our win.

Did you have to get donuts after your 43 point performance?

LOL, no donuts! Our team actually brought us some beers after the game, so donuts didn’t even cross anyone’s mind. It was great to end the season strong.

You had a very strong season averaging 27/15. Were you extra motivated after the tough first few months in Vechta?

I was very motivated after my time in Vechta. Vechta didn’t allow me to be myself and I was eager to show what I am capable of.

You’re a very potent rebounder at 198cm. What is your secret to be able to dominate under the glass?

I want every rebound, and I go after every rebound. I don’t care how tall someone is or how strong or physical they may think they are. Rebounding is about Outworking people and being relentless and having the willpower to go every time and I take it personally.

How do you believe did your game grow this season in Luxemburg?

This season in Luxembourg really helped me grow as a high-level contributor and as a leader. Looking ahead, I know I’m a better shooter than I showed this season. That’s going to be a major focus for me this summer and I know I will be better next year.

It was your second season in Luxemburg. How confident are you now that you will make the next step in a higher league next season?

I’m taking the time this summer to weigh all of my options and find the right fit. I’m very confident that my game can contribute to winning at any level.

What was it like playing with rookie Jake Hillmar? He was just as much of an explosive scorer as you. How did you guys compliment each other best during the season?

Jake is a great player. He can score at all three levels and puts a lot of pressure on defenses. His ability to break down defenders and draw attention really opened things up for me. A lot of times, his offensive threat created opportunities for me to get open looks or easy buckets. He created a lot of easy opportunities for us and was a very smart point guard to know exactly what we needed each game. We complimented each other very well and he made the game for me a lot easier.

You had many great scoring games this season. What was your favorite game besides the last game?

Esch was one of my favorite games. It was my second game at Mamer and Esch is always a very good team. This game allowed our team to see the potential we had and gave us confidence moving forward.

What are your goals for this summer’s transfer period? Could you imagine giving Germany another try?

This summer is all about locking in on areas I can improve and preparing myself to take the next step. I want to make sure I’m ready for whatever opportunity comes next. And yes, I would definitely give Germany another shot. I know my game translates well there, and with the right coach and system

Who will reach the NBA final and who will win it all?

I like OKC to win even though they are a young team. I think the home court advantage will lead them to be victorious.

Thanks Dom for the chat.