Josh Behrendt (198-F-2007) is a 18 year old 198cm forward playing his first season for Porsche Basketball Academy. Last season he played with the Dragons Rhoendorf (ProB) playing 16 games averaging 1.1ppg, and also played with Team Bonn/Rhoendorf U19 team (NBBL) averaging 10.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 68.8%. He played at the 2025 U-18 Euro Championships. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball.

Congrats Josh on signing with Porsche Basketball Academy. How difficult was it leaving the Dragons Rhöndorf? You were loved by the fans and developed well.

Thank you! Leaving Rhöndorf definitely wasn’t easy. I’m super grateful for the time I had there – the fans, the coaches, the entire community really helped shape me, not just as a player but also as a person. I built strong relationships and learned a lot.

I especially owe a huge thank-you to the coaching staff: Head Coach Stephan Dohrn and Assistant Coaches KJ

But sometimes, to keep growing, you need to embrace a new challenge – and that’s what this move is about. Sherill and Kai Schallenberg. They trusted me from day one, and I’ll never forget being allowed to step on the court in our very first home game at the Dragondome – against our biggest rivals, the Rheinstars – and scoring my first ProB points. That moment will always stay with me.

I guess it’s a no-brainer to go to an incredible place like Ludwigsburg where they do superb work in the youth department. What really impacted your decision most to take on a new challenge?

Exactly, Ludwigsburg has one of the best development programs in Europe. But beyond that, what really made the difference was the belief they showed in me. Signing a 3-year deal at my age shows commitment from both sides. That trust and the opportunity to grow in a highly competitive environment made the decision feel right.

The Pro B team had great continuity the last years, but now many have left. You’re starting new, but so will many other young players. Does this new chance give you hope for better minutes?

Absolutely. It’s a fresh start for all of us. When you join a team full of hungry young guys who all want to prove themselves, it creates a great energy. And yes, it opens the door to earning real minutes by competing every day and showing you’re ready.

How did the talks go with Khee Rhee? He has done excellent work over the last years in Munich and now in Ludwigsburg. What do you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

Talking to Coach Khee Rhee was really inspiring. He’s very detail-oriented, but at the same time, he puts a lot of trust in his players. What I appreciate most is his focus on building complete players – physically, mentally, and tactically. He’s intense in the best way and knows how to bring the best out of young athletes.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 199cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA, Euroleague or German player who would best fit the description?

I try to model parts of my game after players who bring versatility and toughness to the floor. I wouldn’t say I’m exactly like any one player, but I aim to combine the hustle of a glue guy with the skills of a modern forward – someone who can defend multiple positions, push the pace, stretch the floor, and contribute on both ends.

You’re a forward that plays bigger than he is. How big of a focus is rebounding on every possession when you’re on the floor?

It’s huge. Rebounding is all about effort, positioning, and mindset. I take pride in battling on the boards – it’s one of those things that can shift momentum. Whether it’s boxing out, tipping a loose ball, or crashing hard from the weak side, it’s a big part of how I try to impact the game.

Let’s talk a little about your offensive game. What are your biggest strengths and what part of your game will sparkle most this season in the Pro B and NBBL?

I think my biggest strengths are my shooting, my ability to read the game, move without the ball, and finish through contact. I like to play with pace and make the right decisions – whether it’s attacking a closeout, hitting the open shot, or making the extra pass. This season, I want to show that I can consistently knock down shots and be a scoring threat in multiple ways.

Your three pointer is still a work in progress. How do you see the development of your three-pointer and what will be your main focus this season?

Actually, shooting – especially from deep – has become one of my key strengths. I’ve spent a lot of time refining my mechanics, working on balance and shot preparation, and it’s starting to really show. My goal this season is to be a consistent catch-and-shoot threat and also stay confident creating from the perimeter. Overall, I want to continue becoming a more complete offensive player.

Let’s talk about your defensive game. How would you describe your game and what kind of defender do you want to become in the next few years?

I take pride in defense. I want to be that guy you can trust to guard different types of players – wings, guards, even bigs in some situations. I’m working on lateral quickness and anticipation. Long-term, I want to be a lockdown defender who makes life really uncomfortable for the other team’s best player.

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?

Right now, I’m focused on continuing to sharpen my shooting, tighten my ball-handling, and improve decision-making under pressure. I’m also putting in work in the weight room and focusing on recovery to handle the physicality. But more than anything, I’m committed to becoming a more complete player in every aspect of the game.

You came from the Dragons Rhöndorf and played NBBL and Pro B. Who was your biggest mentor in the last 2 years?

I was lucky to have several coaches and veteran players who supported me, but rather than one specific mentor, I’d say it was the environment that helped me grow. Everyone pushed me to be better, and that collective energy really shaped me.

You made a big jump in the NBBL in the last 2 years. How did your game grow in these 2 years?

It was a big development phase. I learned to slow the game down in my head, became more confident in my decisions, and improved my physicality. I also started to understand how to lead and take responsibility on the floor. Head coach Max Becker made me captain of the NBBL team. Under Head coach Francesco Tubiana, I was captain of the Telekom Baskets’ Youth Champions League team in Manisa. I enjoy taking on responsibility and always strive to motivate every single player in the team to perform at their best – because you only win games as a team and need everybody highly motivated.

You had a great 8/6 game in Erfurt. What was it like playing against Paul Albrecht who only a few years earlier you watched in Rhöndorf?

That was definitely a cool moment. I heard about Paul, when he was playing in Rhöndorf, so facing him on the court was kind of surreal. It showed me how far I’ve come – but also how much further there is to go. It was a great learning experience.

Which Pro B player had the biggest impact on you last season? Possibly Tim Smith Jr.?

Tim and all the experienced guys brought great energy and professionalism. But also Janne Müller, because I played with him several times in the NBBL and practice a lot with him. He is a great guy, always helpful. But honestly, it was more about learning from the whole group – their preparation, how they approached games, and how they communicated. That had a big impact on me.

You played at the BCL Juniors in 2025. What could you take from that experience?

Playing at the BCL Juniors was incredible. The international competition level, the atmosphere – it was a great test. I learned a lot about staying composed in big moments and how important every possession is at that level.

How talented is Dusan Ilic? Do you see him having a breakout year already in the Pro B?

Dusan is a really talented guy with great instincts and a strong work ethic. He’s got all the tools. I think if he keeps working the way he has, a breakout year is definitely possible.

Who wins a 1-on-1 in practice—you or Vuk Scepanovic?

[Laughs] Let’s just say we both make each other better. We compete hard and keep it fun, but at the end of the day, it’s about pushing each other to the next level.

Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?

That’s tough – I’ve had a lot of great teammates. I’d rather not single anyone out because every guy I’ve played with brought something special to the table. I’ve learned from all of them in different ways.

Please list your Mount Rushmore of NBA, Euroleague and German players (4 best all-time).

That’s a tough question, but I love it. So here’s my personal Mount Rushmore: For the NBA, I’d go with Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant. Durant might not always be everyone’s pick, but for me, his size, shot-making, and all-around game make him one of the greatest small forwards of all time.

In the EuroLeague, I’d focus on the top small forwards right now:
Mario Hezonja – super athletic and impactful on both ends with Real Madrid;
Nikola Kalinic – one of the smartest and most consistent wings in Europe;
Will Clyburn – when healthy, a go-to scorer and big-game player;
and Mateusz Ponitka – a two-way force who brings toughness and leadership every night.

From Germany, it has to be Dirk Nowitzki and Franz Wagner – absolute role models who represent German basketball at the highest level.
I’d also include Moritz Wagner—he brings such contagious energy and winning spirit, whether it’s on the court or from the bench. Every team needs a guy like that.
And of course, Till Pape – the way he balances professional basketball and medical school is just insane. That kind of discipline and mindset really motivates me

Thanks Josh for the chat.