Pic credit: FIBA

Lukas Smazak (188-G-2007) is a 18 year old 188cm point guard from the Czech Republic that completed his first season with the Skyliners organization playing Pro B averaging 8.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.0apg, FGP-3(69.0%), 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 85.0%, played also at Eintracht Frankfurt / Fraport Skyliners U19 team (Germany-NBBL) averaging 15.3ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.9apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT-16(91.9%). He also played 1 easyCredit BBL game. 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 about basketball.

You came from the Czech Republic to play in Germany. What was the biggest adjustment for you living and playing basketball in Germany.

I live alone, so probably be able to do what my parents did for me in Czech and basketball side. Definitely physicality and defense.

Let´s talk about your game. You once told me that Steph Curry is your idol. After what pro players do you try to model your game?

Probably Luka Doncic

You have a great shot, but also are a great passer. Is there a little bit of Milos Teodosic in your passing?

I’m glad you are asking, because I was watching his highlights from a young age.

How would you rate the development of your 3 point shooting this season? You shot 33% in the NBBL and 37% in the Pro B. How did your game grow in Germany this season?

I’m really working on my shot every day and I think it´s getting better, also in shot selection.

You showed your defensive qualities in the Jena game 3 with 3 steals in a row. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I became better in defense here in Germany. I want to be the best as I can.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can keep improving your game?

Shooting and making better reads.

You began your career with BK Snakes Ostrava (U19 League). How do you remember your early years there. Did you have a mentor there?

I was always practicing with older guys and that made me a better player. My dad was my mentor.

You improved every season in the U-19 league and averaged PPG-1 (30.9), 6.9rpg, APG-1 (6.6), SPG-1 (4.5), FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 81.5% last season. How did your game grow in the years 22-25?

Like I said I’ve played with older guys, so basically I was in U19 almost 4 years. Each year I had bigger role.

You once scored 60 points in a game and also had a triple double. What memories do you have of those games?

Firstly I thought I had like 40 points and I couldn´t believe when they said 60. It was just amazing to see that my work ethic is paying off.

You also have been a member of the Czech Republic U-16 and U-18 teams. How is the state of Czech basketball? What young players are coming up that we should know about?

We are in B divisions in these categories on European championship, but U20 have A division. Nikos Koulisianis. He is playing in USA now.

You played at the U-18 Em averaging 17.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 4.9apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 88.9%. You had big games scoring 30 points against Switzerland, 27 points against England and 26 points against Finland. What memories do you have of that tournament?

I thought we can make in out of the group, but we didn’t unfortunately. For me it was nice, because I had big role in the team. The last games I played well, but the start of tournament wasn´t that good.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your career that made NBA or Euroleague?

I don´t think I have ever played against somebody from NBA or Euroleague.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Vojtech Sýkora, Kevin Týml, Jan Karlovský, Mikuláš Cank, Nikos koulisianis

Please list your personal NBA, Czech and Euroleague Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-team?

Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Milos Teodosic, Jan Veselý

Who is your GOAT?

MJ

Thanks Lukas for the chat.