Ivan Crnjac (203-F-2007) is a 19 year old 201cm forward that is averaging 18/7/2/1 in the NBBL currently an din the Pro B averaged 14ppg and 2,0rpg. Last season he 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. 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. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his first BBL points against Chemnitz and the NBBL Top 4.

Thanks Ivan for talking to germanhoops.com. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners are back at the NBBL Top 4 after a 10 year drought. What does that mean to you?

It means a lot. We continued the process of the 2007 year by fighting out of the Division B 2 years ago and reaching the NBBL Top 4. It is great reaching the NBBL Top 4 after getting to the JBBL Top 4 3 years ago. I’m really proud of the team.

What were your thoughts in November 2025 after the team started losing 3 of 4 games. Did you feel like it could be a long season?

It is always tough when your injured and can’t help your team. I didn’t know where our journey would go then simply because we had many injuries. But I still felt confident that we could go far with a healthy team.

How tough was it for you not being able to help?

It was a tough time. You watch the team and can’t help. But I feel like when I came back, it made the team stronger and we continued to grow

Was the turning point of the season the 2 game series against FC Bayern Munich? You lost the first game badly 106-74, but then won 115-88.

That loss was bitter as we had a thin roster. We knew at what level we needed to be at in order to be able to compete with better teams.

What do you believe did the team learn from that loss?

We learned that we had to play better together as a team. I didn’t play well that game. We couldn’t rely on just one guy, but all had to fullfill their roles better.

The team then won twice and then played IBAM 5 times in a row. How crazy did that feel?

It was strange playing 5 times against them. We stuck together well in the playoffs despite not having Jamie Edoka or Chris Widner. IBAM is a very good team and played well, but we were mentally tougher that helped us get the win.

In the playoffs you lost a nail bitter to IBAM 77-74 and then had 2 do or die games. How vital was this playoff series for the growth of the team?

It was a huge achievement winning this series. We had so much pressure in the series. It was a big relief when we won.

What do you believe did your team learn after the first loss to IBAM in the playoffs?

The problem in the first loss was that they outhustled us. We weren’t on the same page. That hurt us. We understood that in the next 2 games in order to win, we have to be on the same page.

Then came the exciting series against Jena. Frankfurt won game 3 in incredible fashion. How draining was that game for you as a player?

That was a tough series as well. We always tried to stay positive even when things weren’t looking so good. Winning game 3 against Jena was a real challenge. We found good solutions and went possession by possession.

You made big three’s to spark the comeback. It seemed like your emotions were at a all-time high or not?

It was all a big relief when I hit the shots. The log jam had burst I hadn’t shot well at first, but then I broke out. I was emotional, because now I knew we were ready to come back.

Both teams fought like crazy, but did your team still want it more?

I think that both teams wanted it a lot. We just had a little more luck than they did. Them missing free throws also hurt them.

You were very emotional after the buzzer sounded. Is this top 4 a greater achievement then the JBBL top 4?

I don’t know yet, if getting to the NBBL is a bigger achievement simply because we haven’t played yet. But I do know in terms of the season, the NBBL way was more difficult than the JBBL way.

How special is Rephael Edward of a player? He had 7 offensive rebounds in game 3 against Jena. Have you ever seen a player with a bigger heart?

I don’t think there is a player that has a bigger heart than Rephael. He decides how well we defend with his energy. He shows so much heart and is a very special teammate.

How have you seen the development of Jamie Edoka? Is he becoming a NBA prospect?

I think he is. He continues to develop each season and get better. His weaknesses continue to decrease. He has a real good mindset and his potential is limitless. He has a good body and touch and has all the tools to get there

Maxi peters is a bit in the shadow of Edoka and you. How vital is his play for success?

He doesn’t play his normal position, because I play the 4. He does a great job at the 5. He gives us great hustle and energy and shot blocking abilities. He also has a good skill set to score.

You open up in the NBBL Top 4 against Alba Berlin. Has the team welcomed the underdog role?

I wouldn’t necessarily say that we are the underdog. I think that all 4 teams are at a similar level. It is hard to compare since we have never played them. They area good team though.

What will be key to reaching the final?

We have to show the type of hustle and mindset that we had against Jena. We can’t give up. We have to be prepared for every situation in every possession.

The Skyliners suffered a tough loss in Chemnitz yesterday? How tough is the burden to have so many guys out?

It was very tough especially when 3 guys went down during the game. But I’m really proud of the team how it never gave up with the limited personal and still reached the overtime.

The team had a bad start, but staged a major comeback in the second half. What words of wisdom did coach Klaus Perwas give the team?

He told us to keep fighting and not give up.

How tough was losing in crunch-time? What was key for not getting the win?

A few shots just didn’t want to fall for us. They in turn hit some tough shots to propel the win.

You played 27 minutes and had a 7/4/1 game and a block. How good did it feel playing heavy minutes?

It felt really good to get a chance of real minutes and to be there in important moments. I hope I can do that again.

You scored your first BBL points with a trey. Take me through that bucket?

I was just playing my game when I scored my first BBL points. I was ready to shoot and I never hesitated.

You shot 1/6 form the field. How do you rate your shot selection from that game?

I wouldn’t say I had really good shot selection, but I had some open looks. The BBL is very fast and you need to make quick decisions. You always need to be ready.

Do you feel like you will play a lot again ratiopharm Ulm?

It could happen. I hope so.

What will be key to beating Ulm on Sunday?

We have to have the mind set to hustle and giver our all no matter how many guys play.

Thanks Ivan for the chat.