.pic credit: Jule Niemeyer

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 about the German U-19 World Cup team and especially about Jordan Mueller.

Thanks Florian for talking to germanhoops.com Have you followed the U-19 WM? What has been your impression of Germany with 2-0 start?

Germany’s start to the tournament has been really impressive. They’re sitting at 2–0, and what stands out most is their composure and adaptability. In the opening game against Slovenia, they were down by double digits early on but managed to turn it around with a very mature second-half performance. Hannes Steinbach was massive in that game — a 19-point, 19-rebound performance shows both talent and grit.

In the second game, they looked far more settled. Against China, they played with purpose from the opening tip — they controlled the paint, forced turnovers, and moved the ball really well. What I really like is how balanced they are. Everyone contributes, and the bench has been reliable too.

Tactically, you can see the coaching staff making smart adjustments — they don’t panic when things go wrong. Their next game against Canada will be a great measure of how far they can go. But so far, they’ve shown the kind of discipline and depth you need to make a serious run.

How do you see the chances for Germany with a medal?

I think Germany has a very realistic shot at winning a medal this year. They came into the tournament with strong momentum after winning the U18 European Championship, and they’ve carried that form into the U19s with a perfect start. What’s impressed me most is their combination of depth and composure — they can weather early deficits, as we saw against Slovenia, and they can dominate from the tip, like they did against China.

Players like Christian Anderson, Jack Kayil and Hannes Steinbach have stepped up as leaders, but it’s the overall team balance that really makes them dangerous. They’re not overly reliant on one or two players, and their bench has been consistent, which is crucial in a tournament setting.

Of course, the real tests lie ahead — especially in the knockout rounds against teams like the USA, France, or Canada. But if Germany continues to defend as well as they have, and maintain their poise in big moments, I believe they’re absolutely in the mix for a top-three finish. Right now, they’re playing like a team that expects to be on the podium.

With Ivan Kharchenkov, Germany would have been even stronger at the guard position. How will they compensate his loss?

Kharchenkov’s absence is definitely a loss — he’s a creative scorer and strong presence on the ball. But Germany has depth to cover it. Overall, Germany’s strength is in its balance and adaptability, so while Kharchenkov would have added another dimension, they’ve adjusted well.

How important are the German bigs in general? With Steinbach and Reibe, Germany have demonstrated early that they want to be impactful under the glass for 40 minutes.

The German bigs are absolutely central to their identity and success. With players like Hannes Steinbach and Eric Reibe, Germany has made it clear from the start that they want to control the paint — on both ends. Steinbach, in particular, has been a force on the boards and sets the tone with his physicality and energy. Reibe brings size and touch, giving them a solid interior presence. Their ability to dominate the glass not only limits second-chance points for opponents but also fuels Germany’s transition game. It’s a huge part of why they’ve started so strongly.

Jordan Mueller had 2 solid games with 12 points off the bench. How do you rate his first 2 games?

Jordan has made a really strong impression in his first two games. Scoring 12 points off the bench in both outings shows he’s not just contributing — he’s doing it efficiently and confidently. He’s brought great energy, shot selection, and has given Germany a reliable scoring spark when the starters sit. What stands out is his composure — he doesn’t force shots, he plays within the system, and he’s making smart decisions on both ends. For a team with medal ambitions, having a bench player like Jordan stepping up early is a major asset. He’s been one of the unsung keys to Germany’s 2–0 start.

Is it difficult for a youth player in general to come off the bench when he is used to starting for his normal team?

Absolutely — it can be a big adjustment, especially at the youth level where many players are used to being focal points on their club teams. Coming off the bench requires a shift in mindset. You have to be ready to impact the game immediately, often with less rhythm or time to settle in. It also takes maturity to accept a different role for the good of the team.

What exactly is his role in the U-19 team to Orange Academy? Is it pretty similar?

Jordan’s roles share some similarities, but there are important differences. At Orange Academy, he’s been our starting point guard—averaging 26 minutes per game and a central leadership role in orchestrating the offense in Pro B competition.With the U-19 national team, he’s come off the bench, providing a dynamic boost. His responsibility is to bring instant energy, smart playmaking. It’s less about initiating the offense and more about injecting momentum and efficiency. So while his core skills—playmaking, basketball IQ, scoring—translate across both environments, his role shifts from starter and offensive anchor at club level to impactful spark plug off the bench on the national team. That kind of adaptability is rare and extremely valuable in tournament settings.

How special of a player is he? He shows that he never lets his size get in the way of having success.

Jordan is one of those players who quietly controls the game. He sees the floor well, makes the right reads, and understands tempo better than most at his age. He can run the offense, space the floor, or pressure the ball defensively. But beyond the X’s and O’s, it’s his poise and competitiveness that stand out. He plays with a maturity and toughness that lifts the whole team.

How do you believe does Jordan take that whole situation with coming off the bench and playing off the bench behind Kayil and Anderson?

I think Jordan is handling the situation with a lot of maturity. Of course, any competitive player wants to start — especially someone like Jordan who plays a lead role at his club. But what stands out is how he’s embraced his role without letting ego get in the way. He’s come off the bench with energy, focus, and a clear understanding of what the team needs from him. That’s not always easy for young players, but Jordan seems to get that success at this level comes from buying into the system. His performances speak for themselves — he’s making an impact, earning trust, and showing he’s ready whenever his number is called.

How did you see the development of Jordan last season. He was super consistent for 3 months and cooled down a bit in the last months in the Pro B.

Jordan took a significant leap in the 2024–25 season, showing more volume and confidence. He jumped from averaging 5.8 ppg in ~17 min (2023–24) to 11.8 ppg in 25 min, while maintaining solid shooting (41 % FG, 82 % FT) and improving playmaking (3.7 apg). That three-month stretch in early season was the core of his growth—he became a reliable two-way guard who could both initiate offense and stabilize the backcourt.

Later in the season, his scoring dipped a bit—a natural fluctuation as teams adjusted to him and he faced tougher matchups. But even then, his consistency didn’t fully disappear, and his performance in knockout and tight Pro B games stayed impactful.

What was your personal favorite game of his NBBL or Pro B in 2024-2025.

To be honest, I don’t really have one single favorite game. What I appreciated most was watching Jordan’s steady growth over the course of the season. He had some big performances — including buzzer beaters — but more than any one moment, it was the way he kept developing, adapting, and maturing that stood out. Seeing that progression up close and being part of his journey was something special. I’m proud of how far he’s come, and I know he’s only just getting started.

What was your fondest moment with him off the court? He seems to always have respect for everyone that he deals with?

There’s not just one moment — but what stands out about Jordan off the court is how consistently respectful, humble, and grounded he is. Whether it’s with teammates, coaches, staff, he treats everyone with the same level of kindness and professionalism.

Thanks Florian for the chat.