pic credit: Jakob Berger

Declan Duru (203-F-2007) is a 19 year old 0cm forward that is playing his first season at the University of Texas (NCAA). He played the last years in the Real Madrid organization. He won the Gold medals at the U-16 and U-18 European championships and a silver at the U-19 World Cup. He spoke last summer to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Declan for talking with germanhoops.com. You played with the Real Madrid organization the last years. How enriching of an experience was this? What will you never forget about this experience?

Playing with the Real Madrid organization over the last few years has been an incredible experience. One of the things I’ll never forget is getting the opportunity to train with the first team. Being around such high-level players every day challenged me to raise my game and learn from the best. The professionalism, intensity, and attention to detail in those sessions were on another level. It taught me what it takes to compete at the highest stage and helped me grow both on and off the court. That experience really shaped my work ethic and my mindset moving forward.

Last season you played 1 ACB game and 1 Euroleague game. The competition must be incredibly difficult. You played for Jesus Mateo and other coaches in the youth sector and EBA. Was there a coach that had a big impact on you?

Coach Javier Juarez in the youth sector really helped me develop confidence and versatility. He believed in my potential early.

You practiced a lot with great players like Hezonja, Garuba and Guerschon at your position. Which player had the biggest impact on you last season?

Training with players like Mario Hezonja and Usman Garuba last season was a fantastic experience. Mario, in particular, had the biggest impact on me. He helped me a lot on the court, teaching me valuable skills and how to stay confident under pressure. In return, I helped him improve his German, which was already pretty good but got even better over time. Beyond that, we became very good friends, and that mutual support made the whole experience even more meaningful.

How has your game grown in the last 3 years playing in the Real Madrid organization?

It’s grown a lot. I learned to think the game on a higher level. The pace, physicality, and professionalism at Madrid changed the way I approach every training.

You won ANGT in 2024 and was teammates with Hugo Gonzalez. How special of a player was he? I think he could be big steal for Boston Celtics in 2025 NBA Draft.

Winning the ANGT in 2024 was an unforgettable experience, and playing alongside Hugo Gonzalez made it even more special. Hugo is an incredibly talented player — he has great skill, basketball IQ, and the kind of competitiveness that lifts the whole team. I agree, he definitely has the potential to be a big steal for the Boston Celtics in the 2025 NBA Draft. His work ethic and ability to perform in big moments really set him apart, and I’m excited to see where his career goes.

You will play at the University of Texas. You are going the route of so many young players. Why did you choose Texas?

Choosing the University of Texas was a decision that felt right for me both on and off the court. Texas has a great basketball program with a strong tradition and an exciting coaching staff that really believes in developing players. Beyond that, the culture and environment felt like a place where I could grow not just as a player but also as a person. I’m excited to be part of a team that competes at a high level and to take my game to the next stage while getting a good education. Following the path of other young players who have thrived there was definitely inspiring.

Texas is the same school as Kevin Durant went to? Do you see yourself playing more years there or taking this more as a chance to help your NBA draft chances?

Yeah, Texas is the same school Kevin Durant played at, which definitely adds something special. Knowing that someone like him came through that program and went on to have such an incredible career is really inspiring. For me, going to Texas is about both I want to help the team win and grow as a player, but I also see it as an important step toward reaching the NBA.

Right now, my focus is just on getting better every day, adapting to the college game, and contributing in any way I can. Whether I stay for one year or more depends on my development and what makes the most sense when the time comes. I’m just taking it step by step, but I know Texas is the right place to prepare me for that next level.

Who is the toughest player that you have battled so far in your career that reached the NBA?

I’ve faced some really talented players who’ve made it to the NBA, but three that stand out are Egor Demin, Tristan da Silva, and Hugo Gonzalez. Each one challenged me in a different way. Hugo Gonzalez was probably the most intense to go up against. We were teammates at Real Madrid, so we battled a lot in practice. He’s super athletic, physical, and plays with a lot of energy. Every possession felt like a real game he pushed me every day to bring my best. Demin is incredibly skilled for his size. He’s so smooth with the ball, sees the floor really well, and can hurt you in a lot of ways scoring, passing, defending. You always had to be locked in when playing against him because he can shift the game so quickly. Tristan da Silva is a bit older, but I’ve had chances to learn from watching and working around him. He’s super versatile, he plays smart, doesn’t force things, and just knows how to take advantage of mismatches. You see how mature and efficient his game is, and it really shows what it takes to succeed at the next level. Competing with and learning from players like them has helped me a lot in my own development mentally and physically.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

That’s a tough question because I’ve had the chance to play with a lot of great teammates, but if I had to pick my top five, I’d go with:

Hugo Gonzalez – We were teammates at Real Madrid and won the ANGT together. He’s a fierce competitor, super athletic, and brings intensity every time he steps on the court. We had a strong connection both in games and in practice.

Ivan Kharchenkov – We’ve been playing together since I was about 10 or 11. He’s one of my closest friends and someone who’s pushed me since day one. Playing alongside him in the German youth system really shaped who I am as a player.

Egor Demin – Egor is such a high-IQ player. His size and skill make him so unique, and he has that calmness on the court that lifts the whole team. Being his teammate at Real Madrid helped me see the game in a different way.

Mario Hezonja – Training with Mario was a big moment in my development. He taught me a lot, especially about staying confident and sharp under pressure. We became good friends too, which made learning from him even more meaningful.

Facundo Campazzo – Even though we didn’t play the same position, being around Campazzo and seeing how he controls the game, leads a team, and competes with so much heart — that left a real impression on me. He’s a true leader and a great teammate.

Each of them brought something special, and I learned so much from being around players of that level. It definitely helped shape my mentality and game.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

My personal NBA Mount Rushmore would be:

LeBron James – His all-around game, longevity, and ability to impact every aspect of the game is unmatched. He’s one of the greatest leaders and competitors we’ve seen.

Michael Jordan – The ultimate competitor. Six rings, never lost in the Finals, and he changed the mindset of what it means to be great. Every player today still feels his influence.

Kobe Bryant – His mentality had a huge impact on me. The ‘Mamba Mentality’ isn’t just about basketball it’s about how you approach everything in life. His work ethic and mindset are something I try to carry with me.

Dirk Nowitzki – As a German player, I have to include Dirk. He opened the door for so many of us. What he did for German basketball and the NBA as a big man who could shoot and lead a team to a title is legendary. He’s a true role model.

That mix of mentality, leadership, and impact on the game both globally and personally is why they’re on my Mount Rushmore.

Who is your Goat?

For me, the GOAT is LeBron James. What sets him apart isn’t just the stats or the titles it’s his consistency over two decades, his ability to adapt and stay at the top, and the way he impacts every part of the game. He can score, pass, defend, lead whatever the team needs.

And beyond the court, he’s built a legacy with how he carries himself, supports his teammates, and gives back to the community. That combination of greatness, longevity, and leadership is what makes him the greatest in my eyes.

Thanks Declan for the chat