Predrag Lukic is a German/Serbian coach who was in Asia the last 10 years coaching various teams and currently is a youth development & assistant coach of the HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim. He came to Asia in 2016 and coached BC Rise Sport Foshan (China, Guangdong province). He also coached clubs like Chongson KungFu (China-ASEAN League), Thang Long Warriors (Vietnam-VBA), NSH Mountain Gold Timika (Indonesia-IBL), Nhatrang Dolphins (Vietnam-VBA), DNA Bima Perkasa Jogja (IBL). He began his coaching career in Germany coaching teams like Baskets Luedenscheid (Germany-2. Regionalliga), BG Hagen (Germany-Regionalliga), GiroLive-Ballers Osnabrueck (ProA), TSV Quakenbrueck Dragons (Germany-2.Bundesliga) women team, ChemCats Chemnitz (Germany-DBBL) women team, Basket Oberhausen (Germany-DBBL) women team, Wolfenbuettel (Pro B) and Buergerfelder TB (Germany-Regionalliga). He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

You have been part of HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim since March 2025. After ten years as a professional head coach in top Asian leagues – Indonesia, Mongolia, China and Vietnam – why was this the right moment for a change?

After ten very intense and successful years in international professional basketball, I was consciously looking for a new challenge. It was important for me to find a club with top-level structures, good people and a clear vision, while also allowing me to balance my two main passions – basketball at a high level and my family. I found exactly that at HAKRO Merlins, which is why the move in March 2025 felt absolutely right.

What convinced you most about joining HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim?

From the very beginning, I felt that this club works in a very professional, structured and at the same time human way. The organization, the long-term vision and the people involved convinced me immediately. I am extremely happy to be part of such a renowned traditional club, especially in a special year as the Merlins celebrate their 40th anniversary. That says a lot about the identity of this organization.

You signed a four-year contract as a youth development coach. What are your main objectives?

My clear focus is on developing the U18 and U19 programs in a sustainable way. It’s about building strong structures and continuously raising the level of player development. One long-term goal is to bring the club back to the NBBL. Even more important, however, is building a real bridge between youth basketball and the professional team, especially since I am also working as an assistant coach with the pros. especially since I am also working as an assistant coach with the pros.

How important is this connection between youth development and the professional team?

It is absolutely central. Young players need to understand early what is required at the professional level – on the court, mentally and personally. Through my dual role, I can directly transfer those standards. The close daily collaboration within the coaching staff, including Bogdan Radosavljevic, Ingo Enskat and David McCray, helps us establish one clear basketball philosophy throughout the entire club.

What makes working at HAKRO Merlins special for you on a personal level?

It’s the combination of tradition, professionalism and people. With Martin Romig as the club’s founder and now Lukas Lienert a very strong culture has been built over the past 40 years. What he has created is exceptional and deserves the highest respect. For me, this role is not just a job, but a long-term project where I truly feel I can make an impact.

How would you summarize your experience since joining the club in March 2025?

Very positive. I feel completely settled here, both professionally and personally. It was the right decision, and I’m really looking forward to the coming years – developing young players, working closely with the professional team and taking the next steps together with HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim.

With your experience as a head coach, how do you fit in with the classic role as assistant coach to coach with David Mccray? Does he take advice on and how do you believe have you helped him develop?

My role in the Pro A team is to be the bridge between the youth development to get them the best way into pro level. To work with McCray who brings basketball experience from his long career in BBL as player is very nice cooperation together, I am happy to have met him and hopefully together we can already this season celebrate the promotion up back to BBL.

The Merlins are holding their own in 3rd place. How big is the desire to move back to the easyCredit BBL and can this year´s team finally get over the hump?

It´s the goal, and I do believe we can make it this season. Of course if all stay healthy and the little luck you need for it as well.

I have always enjoyed Tyrese Blunt. How special is he and how far is he from reaching the easyCredit BBL?

I agree, I enjoy also to see his effort every day at practice and games. Young potential guy, who surely will have soon the chance to get next steps in BBL, of course with us

How do you feel have you grown as a head coach now with the dual duties with the Pro A and U-18 and U-19 teams?

I’m very grateful to the Hakro Merlins for the trust they’ve placed in me with this responsibility. Having the opportunity to lead both the in the Pro A team and the U-19 programs has been an important step in my growth as a head coach. It has allowed me to develop further as a leader, sharpen my organizational and communication skills, and align short-term performance with long-term player development. I truly appreciate the confidence the club has shown in me and I’m motivated to continue giving my best to help all teams progress.

Please name your German/Serbian MOUNT Rushmore of 5 best players of all-time?

Germans surely: Dirk Nowizki and and Andy Obst.

Serbians: Dejan Bodiroga and Pedja Stojakovic and Nikola Jokic

Also please name your Coaching Mount Rushmore of 5 best coaches of all-time for you?

Svetislav Pešic, Gregg Popovich, Zeljko Obradovic, Dirk Bauermann and Rick Pitino

Thanks Predrag for the chat