pic credit: Tristan Lindner

Sensation in Crailsheim: How Underdog Hakro Merlins Swept the NBBL Qualifiers *Crailsheim.* It was the perfectbasketball weekend in Crailsheim—and a historic one at that. Starting as the ultimate underdogs, the U19 basketballers of the HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim sensationally secured their qualification for the Nachwuchs-Basketball-Bundesliga (NBBL, Germany’s top youth league) last weekend. Sweeping through the tournament with a flawless record of four wins from four games, the team took everyone by storm. What makes it even more special: the squad was by far the youngest team in the competition. We spoke with winning coach *Predrag Lukic * about the “Miracle of Crailsheim,” tough age gaps, and the future of basketball in Crailsheim.

Coach Lukic, congratulations on this sensational success! Hand on heart: did you expect such a dominant 4-0 sweep before the weekend started?

Thank you very much! To be honest, I always believed we could qualify—otherwise, I wouldn’t need to stand on the sidelines. But going through undefeated with four wins out of four games, and with that level of dominance, was something no one could have predicted. Nobody outside of our team had us on their radar. We were the absolute underdog. What the boys put out there on the court was nothing short of sensational.

You mentioned it: your team entered the tournament as the youngest squad by far. What were the specific challenges?

The age difference at this level is huge. We had a lot of players born in 2010 on the roster who had to compete physically and mentally against players born in 2008. A two-year gap in youth basketball is a world of difference—it’s about physical maturity, muscle mass, and experience. So, my boys didn’t just have to play tactically smart; they had to fight against the physical superiority of their opponents with an incredible amount of heart, speed, and maximum effort. They didn’t just balance out this disadvantage, they overcame it through team basketball.

The tournament took place on your home court. How much of a factor was the home-court advantage this weekend?

The support was gigantic! The arena was packed, and the atmosphere was absolutely electric. The fans were our sixth man on the court. Especially during the phases when the games threatened to get tight, the crowd carried us through. For the development of these boys, delivering under pressure in front of such a backdrop was a priceless experience. A huge thank you to every single fan and the entire club for the organization.

As the coach, you prepared this young squad perfectly for the moment. How proud does this achievement make you personally?

I am incredibly proud of the boys. Seeing how they grew together as a team and disciplinedly executed every tactical game plan is the greatest reward for me as a coach. This group is an exceptional generation. They proved that talent, determination, and hard work can ultimately beat any physical disadvantage. For me personally, this confirms once again why I do this job with so much passion: there is nothing better than developing young players and watching them surpass themselves.

The mandatory task of NBBL qualification has been masterfully accomplished. What’s next, and what are you looking forward to the most?

Now we’re going to take a short breather and enjoy this success. But the NBBL is the highest German youth league—the level there is extremely high. For us, that means the real work is only just beginning. I am incredibly excited for the pre-season and the upcoming challenges. Here at the HAKRO Merlins, we have a foundation that we can be extremely proud of. This generation is nowhere near the end of its development, and I can’t wait to take the next steps with the boys. We are ready for the Bundesliga!

Thanks Predrag for the chat.