Pic Credit: FIBA

Elias Marei (200-PF-2002) is a 24 year old 200cm forward that is playing with BBA Hagen (Pro B) in the 2026-2027 season. He began his career with the Iserlohn Kanagroos playing 80 Pro B games and also played with NBBL team Phionix Hasgen Juniors.In the 2024-2025 season he played with BG Hessing Leitershofen (ProB) averaging 9.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 64.0%, 3PT: 26.6%, FT: 72.1%. Last season he played with the TSV Neustadt temps Shooters (ProB) averaging 8.8ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 72.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after helping Palestine beat the Maldives in a Fiba game 168-78 achieving a Fiba scoring record.

Thanks Elias for talking to germanhoops.com. You were part of history helping Palestine score 168 points in a win over the Maldives. You have the German citizenship, How did this opportunity come about?

I have both German and Palestine passports. I lived in Palestine and came to Iserlohn, Germany when I was 15. My mother is German and dad Palestine. I got in contact with the Palestine basketball federation and that is how I became a Palestine national player in 2020.

What kind of a feeling is it to play for Palestine despite living in Germany and having the citizenship? Do you have more of a preference to a country?

I have to be honest that I feel comfortable in both countries. I always like coming back to play for Palestine and see how the other players have developed their game. I understand that it is tough living on the west bank.

What were you feeling at the end of 40 minutes and seeing the 168 points on the score board? Did you have to rub your eyes? Could you truly believe it?

It was actually our plan coming into the game with Maldives to break the scoring points record. Our goal was to score 40 points per quarter. Our game plan was to press a lot. When I looked at the score board after 40 minutes and saw 168 points, I thought it was crazy, but I knew first that we had achieved something special when my phone exploded with many congratulatory wishes after the game

The team began hot leading 9-2 and then led 47-27 after 10 minutes? How quickly did you know in the first quarter that the team could have an incredible scoring game?

I think I first thought we could achieve something special was in the second quarter as our game plan was really working. Then I felt like today we can break the scoring record.

This was one of those days where everything was going in. What besides the great shooting percentages was the team´s biggest strength?

I believe scoring so well from the 2 point area.

Palestine led 84-35 at half-time. What did head coach Harry Savaya tell the team?

We as a team knew that we had to keep fighting for that record. Coach told us to keep going and play our game.

Palestine led 125 to 52 after 30 minutes. How proud were you of the team how it played in the fourth quarter with no let downs scoring 43 points. Palestine averaged more than 40 points per quarter. That´s amazing?

I was proud of the guys and our country. One does not reach a feat like that often. Everyone scored. It was a nice game to play. I made the last 2 points of the game.

Did anyone think about the Fiba Record? Did anyone know what the Fiba record was?

We knew coming in what the record was. We definitely had it on the radar. When we reached the record, we knew we had to keep going and score as much as possible so it will be more difficult for others to break it.

What was the key stat of the game for Palestine? The 74% 2 point percentage or 58 rebounds and 32 offensive rebounds?

Our press worked really well creating turnovers and steals. I think that at the end of the day it was our 2 point percentage that was the key stat over our offensive rebounds and three point percentage.

You raise your eyebrows when a team has 5 or 6 guys in double figures, but Palestine had 10 of 12 guys in double figures. How incredible is that? Did you save a scouting?

I took a photo of the scouting so I will always have a special memory of the game. I wanted everyone to score in double digits, but unfortunately time ran out.

You scored 12 points in 12 minutes. How content were you with your game?

Our goal was to break the record. I didn´t care if I played 12 minutes or 6 minutes. I was just happy to be a part of history. It wasn´t important to me if I scored 12 point or 2 points. Important was just that we came out of the window with a good feeling. Coach wanted us to play fast, so we often had 5 guards on the court. There were quicker feet.

What was your favorite own basket of the game?

The last basket that I made was a dunk. There were 15 seconds to play when we got the ball and I scored with 4 seconds to play.

Did you get many congratulatory messages on your phone? Did even some people message you that you didn´t expect?

Fiba reposted our win. Dennis Schroeder also showed support on Social Media as did well known Italian sports pages.

Thanks Elias for the chat.