Pic Credit: Lukkas Steppkes

Quashawn Lane (188-G-1999, college: New Haven) is a 26 year old 188cm guard that helped the ETB Miners Essen (Germany-ProB) win the 2026 Pro B title averaging 16.2ppg, 5.1rpg, 5.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 81.1%. and will remain for the 2026-2027 season. Last season he played with Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig (Ireland-Super League) averaging 15.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6spg, 2PT: 62.8%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 81.2%. He played his rookie season overseas with Uni Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProA) averaging 11.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 5.2apg, 2FGP: 50.5%, 3FGP: 28.9%, FT: 76.3% and palyed with the Manawatu Jets (New Zealand-NBL) averaging 8.4ppg, 3.7rpg, APG-3 (7.3), FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 64.7%. He began his basketball career at Trenton Catholic Academy and then played at New Haven University (NCAA) from 2018-2023 playing a total of 113 games and averaged 13.5ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 77.2% and 14.9ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 85.0% in the last 2 seasons. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball early in the summer..

This was such a special season for the ETB Miners. Why was this team so special?

From day 1, everyone connected. Everyone was mature in their role, and kept the main goal of winning the focus all year. From practice to off court activities, the energy of everyone was always a positive environment amongst the team. It was a brotherhood.

The team lost only 5 games during the regular season. Was there a game during the season where you then knew, we will win the whole thing?

Honestly, no. Just trying to focus on each game at a time. Of course when you win a lot of games, the confidence grows naturally. But we knew nothing was promised, so we had to come out every night and work hard.

How vital was head coach Lars Wendt for the success? What was his biggest ability as a coach to be able to help bring success to the team?

Extremely vital. He believed in us tremendously. He allowed us to make decisions, he listened to us, we executed a weekly practice plan that prepared us for matchups, he allowed each player to be themselves, he allowed the players to take ownership of the process. With the maturity and experience of our team, that meshed really well.

How special was it sharing the back court with Mychael Paulo? What part of his game will you always remember best?

Very special. Mychael was a special player for sure. His 1v1 ability into creating a shot was very special because he could get a shot off over anyone, from any angle. A very unique game and even cooler human.

How valuable was sniper guard Marc Friederici? What besides his scoring helped the team be successful?

Extremely. Shooting is so effortless for Marc, definitely a 3 point threat at all times on the court. He also brings an extreme natural talent for defense. His ability defensively was a tremendous plus for our team, applying maximum pressure to the other teams’ guards every single night.

How valuable were bigs Ben Uzoma and Niclas Sperber? What was each player´s biggest attribute for the success?

Very valuable. Two returning players from the previous year brought maturity and calmness to everything. Real cornerstone pieces to our team. Ben’s paint presence, offensively and defensively, had a huge impact on every game. Niclas’s IQ, 3 point shooting, playmaking from the forward position, was a steady weapon for our attack.

Which player was the most improved during the season?

Gabriel Jung. I think you could definitely see his growth and impact as the season went on. I think regardless of whether he was having a good game or not, his movements, aggressiveness, and comfort within the role definitely showed in many more games as the season moved along.

You had a 16/5/5 season. How content were you with your season?

The only contentment comes from us winning the championship. I felt there were many moments/games where I could have played better, personally. The standard I set for myself is extremely high but I can be content with those numbers because of the wins.

You were named player of the year from Eurobasket.com and won a few more awards. What does this recognition mean to you at this juncture of your career?

It shows the hard work that goes into every day, in season and off season, is paying off. It was a good season, which I felt was needed at this level in my career. Trying to build from here on out.

After a solid rookie season with Paderborn, you then paid your dues twice playing in a lower league in Ireland and Pro B in Germany. When you look at your success now, are you sure you made all the right decisons the last 2 years?

I am not sure, but I know I can control where I am now. That has been my focus in trying to show that I belong in the best leagues in the world.

How did you feel did your game grow this season with a winning team? Did your leadership skills grow as well?

I grew in many ways. Learning to be more aggressive offensively while balancing playmaking. Getting to certain spots on the floor, certain shots I work on, etc. This season was big in showcasing effectively more pieces of my game that I may not have shown before.

What was your second favorite game of the season after game 2 of Orange Academy?

I would say some of my favorite games this year were the ones where multiple players were scoring high and playing well. Those games are very fun and usually produce a lot of positive energy within the team. I believe we have had a few games like that this season.

What is the next step for you? I can imagine you will stay in Essen and play Pro A?

My focus is on continuing to grow professionally and putting myself in the best possible position, taking things one step at a time.

How cool was it that the New York Knicks finally won a NBA ttile again?

I never expected the New York Knicks to win. It makes me happy since I am from New Jersey, which is the next state over from New York. So in a sense, the “hometeam” won.

Thanks Quashawn for the chat.