Ivan Crnjac (203-F-2007) is a 18 year old 201cm forward that averaged 20,5ppg, 7,9rpg, 2,2apg, and 1,7spg in the NBBL (U-19) and in the Pro B averaged 11,0ppg, 4,1rpg, 1,3apg and 1,0spg in the 24-25 season. He helped the Fraport Skyliners win the B League title at the U-18 International Cup in Tokyo, Japan. In 2023 he reached the JBBL (U-16) top 4. He won the NBBL MVP award for the 24-25 season. Currently he is injured, but will return soon back to action. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Ivan for talking to germanhoops.ttzcom. Your injured at the moment and had to watch the Fellbach win in Frankfurt. How did your injury happen?

I twisted my leg in practice during the first week of training camp.

How is your current status? When will you be back in action?

I had torn ligaments. I will be out 2 more weeks.

How is your rehab going?

The rehab has been going well. I have been jogging.

Last season you made a big jump in the Pro B averaging 3,8ppg and 1,6rpg in 2023-2024 to 11.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.3apg last season. How did your game grow in the Pro B?

I had a bigger role and my self confidence grew. I feel like I improved in all aspects of my game. I also became more of a scorer.

You also shot the ball really well with 36% in the Pro B to 34% in the NBBL from outside. What do you still have to do to reach 40%?

I was around 40% the whole season. I just had a weak shooting phase at the end. I need to be more consistent even when I´m not shooting well. I have to take better shots off the dribble or on the pin down.

You had many great games last season. What was your favorite game? Possibly the 29 points against Ludwigsburg?

Yes I would agree. The Ludwigsburg game was a cool one.

On what areas of your game did you work on most last summer?

I worked a lot on my ball handing as well as getting stronger. I want to be able to compete against BBL centers.

You played at the U-18 European Championships last summer. The team didn´t get a medal. What was your summary of the team performance?

In my eyes, we were a better team than the result. I think it was still a good team result. I think the team showed more of a done dimensional game. We weren´t able to showcase the individual qualities of each player.

You averaged 7,0ppg and 4,0rpg and shot 24% from outside. What was your summary of your own game?

The way I played wasn´t what I expected. I would have liked to have doubled my average of 7/4. I was in good form. I awaited more trust and more possessions and shots for me.

I thought that you couldn´t showcase your whole game. Do you feel like you were a bit in the shadow of Matthieu Grujicic?

Yes. But he is a very good player. He was the number #1 option, but I feel like more guys could of contributed. It was too many quick pick and rolls with Gurjicic and the center.

What did you learn from the Euro experience?

I learned that sometimes things don´t happen the way you want them to happen. You just have to take what comes. I also saw that there are better players than me. I know that I can always improve.

What is your impression of the 2025-2026 Skyliners Juniors?

We are a young team that has a good attitude. It is a talented and hungry bunch of players.

What is your impression of massive 18 year old talent Lukas Smazak from the Czech Republic?

He is a good point guard. We actually played together once in a fun tournament in France. He is a pass first guard with very good passing skills. He also has a good shot. He will be a good fit.

Do you feel like you will crack the easyCredit BBL roster?

It would be great to crack the BBL roster. I will need to produce for that to happen.

What are your personal goals for this season?

I want to play in the BBL and get in the rotation and make an impact. In the Pro B, I want to be dominant and perhaps be the scoring leader.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Max Peters?

I win.

Thanks Ivan for the Chat.