Benjamin Sadikovic (208-PF-2003) is a 22 year old 208cm center that is playing his first season with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. He played the last 2 seasons with the TSV Oberaching Tropics and last season averaged 5.8ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT-3 (50.0%), FT: 65.5%. He began his basketball career with TS Jahn Munich where he played NBBL. In his last season he averaged 11.7ppg, 10.0rpg, Blocks-3 (2.6bpg), FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 68.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after reaching the Pro B playoffs.

Congrats Benjamin on the incredible 81-79 win over Rostock helping the team slip into the playoffs. How does it feel making the playoffs after all?

It is an incredible feeling that is difficult to describe in words. We came well into the season, but then suffered that 6 game losing streak near the end of the season. To be able to rebound from that losing streak and finish the season winning 5 in a row is something to be very proud of. I´m very proud of the team.

On Valentines day you lost by 22 points in Bernau. The team had a 6 game losing streak at that point and the playoffs were in danger. How do you remember that bus ride home? What was on your mind?

That loss really hurt. Seeing ourselves in 13th place was really tough. We knew that we were better than that. It was never our goal to stay in the league, but to reach the playoffs. It definitely wasn´t a good trip home.

Did the team have some soul searching during the next week of practice?

We had a team meeting after. We talked about what had to be done to finish the season strong. The playoffs were our goal and we knew it was possible. However we also knew that we had to win 5 games in a row. I think having that team feeling of wanting to reach the playoffs brought us extra fire and energy.

Did you feel like the team had it in them to make a 5 game winning streak to end the regular season?

I always knew that we could reach the playoffs. I didn´t doubt it a second. I don´t know if you remember, but I told you in the post game interview after the Vechta win that we would give our all the last 2 games and we did that and won.

Was the focus actually after the loss in Bernau to be focused about staying in the league more than trying to reach the playoffs?

Our first focus after the Bernau loss was to stay in the league. But after we beat Itzehoe, our focus changed back to the playoffs. We had more self confidence after that win.

After a big win at home against Itzehoe, how vital was the win on the road at Wedel. The team had another long road trip. How key was that win for this winning streak?

That was a very hard fought win on the road. Wedel is a team that sticks to basic principles and are one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the league. Our focus was to try to make everything tough for their bigs and not let them get offensive rebounds. It didn´t work so well, but we still were able to get more defensive rebounds. Josh Petteno also had a big game. All in all it was a hard fought win for us.

In the last 3 games, the team won all tight games and allowed under 80 points 3 times. Was this the seasons best spurt?

I think so. Our top concern was defense. We were consistent these games and didn´t allow the opponents to play successful to their strengths. The last 2 gámes ended on the last shot. There is always some luck involved, but we also played very good defense-

What improvements have you seen on the defensive end in the last 3 games?

I think that our rebounding was better. We will have to pressure the Ulm guards.

How big was the win on the road against the Sixers. How much heart did the team show there winning without Juhwan Harris-Dyson and you?

The team showed tremendous heart. I was watching the game on the way to Ulm. Duje Dujmovic was injured in the first minutes, but played through it and finished with a 15/7 game. It was a great game from him. He fought hard and never gave up. Jorge Mejias also stepped up big.

How huge was Vuk Scepanovic with his 14 points?

He hit big shots. I think that he scored the first 8 points. He got hot early and that gave the team a lot of energy.

The last game against Rostock was a tight game. They went on a run to begin the fourth quarter, but the Dragons Rhondorf fought back and won on free throws by Duje Dujmovic. What was key in crunch-time for getting the win?

We won the first half, but got sloppy in the second half. I think that our fans were like a sixth man. Their energy brought them out of their concept. I think that no team would of wanted to play against us in our gym.

You had a great game against Neustadt with 28 points, but also a monster game against Vechta with 16/18. What was your best game this season?

I think that both games were similar in that they were both big wins. I think though that the Neustadt game was bigger, because at that point, it stopped a 3 game losing streak. The Neustadt win caught us, but I´m still very happy with my Vechta game.

How do you feel have you contributed best in the 4 wins the last weeks?

I tried to hustle a lot the last games. I played good defense limiting mistakes. I think that I was good on the pick and roll and rebounded well.

Sharp shooter German Chris Frazier had a good look at the end. What was your feeling about his shot going in?

Chris is a player that you never want to leave open. When he was bringing the ball up, I figured that he would take the last shot. I have to be honest that I became a little nervous after the release, but when he missed I was relieved and very happy.

How big has Duje Dujmovic been in the last games. Are we now seeing how much his hard work has paid off?

We are seeing how much his hard work is paying off now in games. We have seen what he is truly capable of doing on the court. He was in a hole at the start of the season, but as of late has brought a lot of stability. He showed in Sandersdorf how versatile he can be playing the 5. He played his role whenever he was asked.

How focused will you be for Orange Academy? Will we see the best Benjamin Sadikovic this season

Of course you will. We have worked very hard all season long to get here. Now we all will let it out. I´m happy to be playing against the south again.

The next opponent is Orange Academy the best team in the Pro B south. The team is stacked with big young talent. How excited are you for this challenge?

I´m really looking forward to the games against Orange Academy. I´m also excited to see how I match up against the young players and see known faces again.

One of Europe´s big talents plays there with Teo Millic. He could be the next NBA player. Will you have a special game plan?

He is a big talent and we will have to find a way to slow him down. I will be concentrating more on my match up against Endurance Aiyamenkhue.

What will be key to winning the series against Orange Academy?

I think he will be our experience and physicality. We are also a young team, but have more experience.

Who will win the 2026 NCAA March Madness?

I had Duke as winning it in my bracket. But now I will go with Arizona. They have the team builkt to win it all.

Thanks Benjamin for the chat.