Lukas Smazak (188-G-2007) is a 18 year old 188cm point guard form the Czech Republic playing his first season with the Skyliners organization playing Pro B and NBBL. He began his basketball career with the BK Snakes Ostrava (U19 League). Last season he split time with Srsni Photomate Pisek (NBL) and the Snakes Ostrava (1Liga) averaging 20.9ppg, 5.2rpg, 4.0apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 87.7%, played also at BK Snakes Ostrava U19 team (U19 League) averaging PPG-1 (30.9), 6.9rpg, APG-1 (6.6), SPG-1 (4.5), FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 81.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the NBBL Top 4 in Berlin. The interview was conducted before the injury to Jamie Edoka occured.

Congrats Lukas on reaching the NBBL top 4. How high do you rate this in your young career so far?

Thank you! Its definitely one of the best success so far.

Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners beat a tough Jena team in 3 games. What do you believe did your team learn about themselves in this series?

We need to have a better start into the games and be consistent in offense. Be solid in defense, even if the game is not going good for us.

The team was 0/16 before it finally made the first 3 by you. Later you hit more three´s as did Ivan Crnjac. Was that belief always there from the team that the team would start to hit three´s?

I think yes, because we had 0 threes in the first half and we are really good shooting team, so we need to keep shooting, even in these type of situations.

You won game 3 against Jena 68-64. You led 4-0 and after that was always fighting to come back, You finally got the lead back in the last minute. Did your team want it a bit more than the other team?

I think both teams wanted to win more and that´s why the game was like that.

One could see the relief on the face of head coach Thore Bethke after the game 3 win. He comes over as a reserved and quiet guy. Can he get loud in the lockerroom? How vital was his coaching for the success?

Yes, ofcourse he can be loud, but I think he did everything in his power for this series.

You were fortunate to be teammates in the NBBL and Top 4 with Jamie Edoka. How good is he really and does he have NBA potential?

I’m happy that I can practice with and also against him, he is really competitive so he makes me better. I think he has talent and potential and I would love to see him play somewhere like NBA.

How much easier does his play make your job as a point guard? How do you believe did you guys harmonize best?

It helps me a lot, because the defense is focused on him and when he is doubled I get open shots. Also he can sometimes be PG and run a play for me.

How special is Ivan Crnjac? He showed in the Pro B against Erfurt that he could make 10 three´s and 35 points and against Jena came up big with 3 three´s in a row. What else do you appreciate from his game besides shooting?

Ivan is a really talented player. Besides his shooting its definetly his basketbal IQ and strength in post.

Maxi peters is in the shadow of Edoka and Crnjac, but also a very vital player. What was his biggest strength this season that helped the team have success?

I would say his length, he had a lot of important blocks and rebounds.

Rephael Edward is such a special player and had 7 offensive rebounds against Jena in game 3. How special is he and does any player have a bigger heart than him?

This guy is just special. He was the most important piece in lot of games this season. To be honest no, he has the bigger heart and hustles for every ball.

Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners have tough opponents in Berlin with Vechta, Ulm and Alba Berlin. Does your team welcome the underdog challenge?

Definitely, we can only gain at this point.

It will take 2 incredible games from Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners to win. What will be key for your team to pull the major upset twice?

STAY TOGETHER and FIGHT.

You played 7 minutes more in the NBBL than the Pro B. Was your role a bit different in the NBBL than Pro B?

Yes it was different, in NBBL I was starting PG and Pro B secondary PG and sometimes also SG.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Jamie Edoka?

We have never really played, but he is really good defender and also more athletic than me, but I can shoot better. At the end probably him.

Thanks Lukas for the chat.