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 about basketball.

Thanks Elias for talking to germanhoops.com. How did you come infected with basketball?

Basketball was first a hobby for me in Palestine. When I came to Iserlohn, we lived in a small village and it was difficult to get integrated. So the only thing I did in the first years was play basketball. Through basketball, I found friends for life. I stuck with basketball and saw that I had potential.

Who were your early player role models?

Kyrie Irving and Lebron James.

You began your career with Iserlohn and also played with the Phoenix Hagen Juniors (NBBL). How do you remember the early years? Did you have a mentor?

I didn´t have a mentor in the early years. Those years were nice. I was integrated into the community. It is nice to be in Hagen now near to Iserlohn.

Do you remember your first Pro B game? A 32 point loss to Munster where you had a 2/1/1 game in 5 minutes?

It was nice to get those first minutes. It was a special moment, but I don´t have a good memory since we lost so badly.

In your second season you were teammates with Tanner Graham. He played like Larry Bird. How will you remember the battles in practice with him most?

I had a good relationship with Tanner then and we still have contact today. I really learned a lot from him. I learned how to move correctly on the court and how to shoot and pass.

How tough were those early years in Iserlohn? You never averaged more than 2,3ppg in a season. Can one say v you were one of those players that simply had a slower development?

I didn´t play much the first years. I had small roles those years. I had to set screens, rebound and play defense. But with time, I developed more and I became more minutes.

In your fourth season you averaged 5.6ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 23.1%, FT: 52.0%. You scored in double figures in 4 games and had one double double. Did head coach Dennis Shirvan gain more trust in you?

He gave me more trust. I also worked hard to get minutes. Injuries also helped as I was able to play more and my role rose.

Toni Prostan was your teammate and head coach. What memories will you always have of him? How did he help you early on and later as a coach?

When he became coach, there was a huge energy shift. He had an incredible work ethic. We trained really hard and the results showed in games. We stayed in the Pro B that season.

In your last season at Iserlohn you averaged 7.8ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 28.3%, FT: 69.4%. You had some big games against Wedel scoring 22 points and had 16 points against Herford. How did your game grow that season?

I think that the trust continued to grow in me. The extra games and practices I had with the 2 Regionalliga games helped my development a lot. I was able to try out things in the 2 Regionalliga which I then applied in the Pro B. It also helped that I had the courage to try out new things with my game in the Pro B.

In the 2024-2025 season you played with BG Hessing Leitershofen (ProB) averaging 9.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 64.0%, 3PT: 26.6%, FT: 72.1%. It was a great season until the ETB Miners swept you in the playoffs. How was that possible?

We had a strong season in the regular season, but experience was lacking in the playoffs. Essen came into the playoffs in 8th position and had nothing to lose. Ferenc Gille got injured and Dragos Diculescu also wasn´t fit.

How vital was head coach Emanuel Richter for your career giving you an opportunity in Leitershofen and giving you a bigger role than in Iserlohn?

Emanuel was cool. I was a perfect fit for him in his system. I was able to apply my game on the court.

Last season you played with TSV Neustadt temps Shooters (ProB) averaging 8.8ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 72.9%. What could you take from this season. Neustadt snuck into the playoffs and then got swept by Coburg?

Unfortunately we got swept again. Allen taught me a lot especially off court things. It was a good season. We had a 7man rotation and had injuries. We fought to get into the playoffs and reached our goal.

Now your starting a new challenge with BBA Hagen (PRO B). What were the main reasons for staying in Pro B?

I wanted to be near family and friends again. I did meet and get to know many nice people the last 2 seasons. But I felt like Hagen was a good fit for me. I´m excited to play for Ingo Freyer. He is a great coach. Hagen is a basketball city. It is also great to be teammates with my best friend Emil Loch.

What goals do you still have as a player? Is the BBL and Pro A realistic goals?

My big goal is to reach the Asia Cup with Palestine and also reach the World Cup qualifying stage. I also would like to play in the BBL. I also would like to experience other countries like in France or Italy.I also would like to play in Jordan or Syria. Palestine would also be an option if the conditions get better. Yemen would also be nice. Clubs in the Middle east pay better.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA or Euroleague?

I played against Hollis Jefferson 2 years ago. It was in a qualifying Asia cup game. I held him under his average. I´m very proud of that.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Emil Loch, Jannik Westemeier, Ferenc Gille, Christenvie Kwilu, Malte Schwarz

Please list your personal NBA and German Mount Rushmore?

Kyrie Irving, Lebron James, Luka Donic, Shaq

Dennis Schroeder, Dirk Nowitzki, Franz Wagner, Moritz Wagner

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James.

Thanks Elias for the chat.