pic credit: Matthias Raith

Niklas Pons (192-SG-1999) is a 26 year old 192cm guard that completed his 8th season playing 112 games in his career there there and this season averaged 12/3/5/1 and helping winning the South West Regionalliga title. He also played 3 seasons with the Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors and was a member of the U-16 youth national team. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the 2024-2025 TV Langen season.

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

The title means a lot to me because, as a little kid, I used to attend the Pro B games in Langen. Back then, I looked up to the players, and after the team was relegated, a goal grew inside me — to help the city get promoted back to Pro B.

If someone had told you at Xmas 2024 that you would win the title, what would you have thought?

I would have told him to be in the moment with us and that we still have a long road ahead of us.

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

What made me happiest was celebrating with the fans, especially with all the kids. Hopefully, it’s something they’ll always remember.

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?

It was really sad that Leon couldn’t be there. The team just wanted to show that no matter who’s on the court, we can win. If someone is missing, the team steps up to fill the gap.

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?

The secret is the strong unity and the willingness to always give one hundred percent. Tobi managed to bring that out in us throughout the entire year — but there are many more things Coach did, things nobody sees.

Did Tobias Jahn instill that special physicality in the team?

Since Tobi was a physical player himself, he radiates that. He brought it into the team in his own way.

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

It’s fun because strong defense leads to easy offense. At the same time, you can impose your game on the opponent and force them to play at your pace.

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

As a team, we always knew that we could stop their run together and start our own again.

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

For me, the season was very special because from the very beginning, we all agreed on our goals and everyone was part of the project.

How key was Drago Crnjac´s three pointer at the end of the second quarter? Did that give him an extra spark to have success in the second half?

I think the three-point shot gave Drago confidence and helped him get into his rhythm.

What will you always remember from this team?

I will always remember the strong team unity. We’re like brothers — we have fun together on and off the court.

How special is having that extra Skyliners connection on the team? There are so many ex players on the roster?

I can’t say much about the Skyliners connection since I didn’t play with Drago in Frankfurt. However, it’s always an advantage to have played with a teammate on another team before — especially when it’s a professional program like Frankfurt.

Would TV Langen have won the title without Drago Crnjac? How key was adding him in December 2024?

We’ll never know if we would have won without Drago. It’s good the way it is.

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

Risto, like all the guys on the team, was an important part of our success.

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

Since we were a very small team this year, Aminu’s rebounds were extremely important. He and Mike helped us a lot in that area.

How special is Leon Fertig? Is sky the limit?

Leon is a very special basketball player and an even better person. His journey is hopefully far from over. He will achieve great things, whether it’s 3×3 or 5-on-5.

What did you learn from Tobias Jahn this season?

I was able to learn that when you do something with passion, you can be satisfied with the result in the end. I also had the chance to learn some of his post moves.

You averaged 12/5/3/1 stats. How content were you with your season?

I think I can be satisfied with my performance. But of course, the goal is to get even better next year.

You had 2 very good seasons statistically. Are you in your prime or still getting there?

Statistically speaking, I’m still two years away from my prime. That’s why I believe I’m far from reaching my limit.

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

The toughest players I faced this season were my teammates in practice. We had so many sessions that were sometimes even tougher than the actual games.

What is the next step for you? I can imagine you will stay in Langen. Will you always be a Langern boy?

Time will tell what the next step for me is. I’m not ruling out staying in Langen, and I can even imagine playing for Langen for a very long time.

Who wins a 1-1 you or Risto Vasiljevic?

I would win in a 1-on-1

Thanks Niklas for the chat?