Niklas Pons (193-SG-1999) is a 27 year old 192cm guard that is playing his ninth season with TV Langen and last season averaged 11.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 5.3apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 63.5%. In the 2024-2025 season he averaged 12/3/5/1 and helped win the South West Regionalliga title. He also played 3 seasons with the Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors and was a member of the U-16 youth national team. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big win over the Basketball Lowen Erfurt.
Congrats on the big win over the Basketball Lowen Erfurt. How big was this win after the first win against Munich. That win gave us a lot of self confidence. Last season we started at 0-6 and this season has been different. We have realized it is different this season in that we can win. There was extra motivation the last games with Kventin playing against his ex team Munich and Noah against Erfurt. Carlos Hidalgo will play against his old team Speyer tomorrow.
The team is very different. It lost key guys like Paul Albrecht, Noah Kamdem and Musa Abra. Are they missing some pieces that will help them get over the hump? Their import player was missing. I think that when he is back, they will be stronger. They just haven´t found themselves yet. But they also showed that they could play us strong. We didn´t destroy them.
Did you feel like the game was extra special for Noah Kamdem that played 4 seasons there? He told me it was just another game for him. I think he had extra motivation. He always wants to win and I think that he wanted to prove to them that he has continued to develop.
He had a big 18/15 game. Could this be his most productive season especially having so many unselfish teammates? I hope so. I would wish that for him. He always plays for the team. He sets great blocks, has good play in the post, rebounds well and is very vocal. Everything is fitting with him.
Why isn´t he a Pro A player? I never understood that? I don´t know. For me he is a player that could play in the Pro A. He is dominating in the Pro B at the moment. He was player of the week and if he continues his good play, then he could be player of the month.
How good does it always feel winning a game where you almost always led? It is great. It tells you that the team is doing something correct. It is always more difficult for the team coming back, because they have to invest more. We could play more free with less pressure.
With what kind of game plan did you go into the game? Erfurt was 1-2. You definitely didn´t underestimate them. We didn´t underestimate them. They are a tough team and had won a close game against Ludwigsburg. We knew going in that they like using their guard play. We wanted to slow them down more, but at the same time have a good mix adding transition play.
TV Langen led 19-10 after a quarter. You had 7 points. Your first goal isn´t really scoring. Did you just take what the defense gave you? Yes I did. I try to take over when my team isn´t scoring.
TV Langen set the tone in the second quarter with a 5-0 run. How valuable was it getting stops right away and showing who was in command? It is always better to have that first run. That allows you to handle an opponent´s a run a lot better. It is just more stressful having to always to come back.
Erfurt went on their first run of the game in the last minutes to trail only 32-30 at the break. What did TV Langen get away from allowing them to get very close again? We just didn´t hit shots despite getting good looks. We got out or rhythm.
The third quarter showed runs from both teams, but you still led 50-42 after 30 minutes. What did head coach Tobias Jahn tell the team for the fourth quarter? Coach Tobias told us just to keep doing what we were doing well through the course of the game. That was keep the intensity up, gets guys in good position and to keep playing as a team. We communicated better on ghost screens.
Cooper Creek began the fourth quarter with a 5-0 run. How vital is his play for the team and what do you like most about his game? He is one of our leaders and a great communicator. He also is a really good defender. He is always jumping all over the place. He hasn´t found his scoring touch yet. He has really long arms. People underestimate that.
TV Langen closed out the game very well never letting up. What was the team´s biggest strength on this night? Not giving up more than 70 points in the last 3 games.
The team is 2-1. Could the playoffs be realistic this season?
The playoffs are a goal like any other year. I think that if we keep playing well, then it could happen. But before that we have to remain in the league. The Pro B south has gotten a lot stronger the last years.
You had a solid 13/3/2/2 game. How happy were you with your performance? You haven´t found your shot yet? I haven´t found my shot yet. I´m most happy when we play well together and win as a team. My stats are not as important, but more when we win and are happy together is most valuable to me.
Winning is always the goal, but what is your goal this season with your game?
I want to be the leader of the team and help the young players on the team get adjusted well with the league and help them develop further and help win games.
You next face weak team Speyer. What will be key for the win? We have to play good team defense. They have many good individual players and imports. If we can solve solutions, then we will have good cards to win.
This season there is so much going on with the Skyliners that would invent excitement to watch them play in their living room than other seasons. I mean they have one of the best rosters in the last decade and being able to watch guys like Judah Mintz, ex NBA player Ryan Arcidiacono or Mr Iso Isaiah Swope is an enrichment. However for me, I also can get excited to watch guys from other teams especially this season with the vast talent in the Eurocup. But even in the easyCredit BBL, there are guys on each team that present you with that zeal to enter the Skyliners arena. When I checked the Veolia Towers Hamburg roster, It was a number that first tickled my interest. I saw 175 and was instantly excited. New Hamburg guard Zakai Zeigler (175-PG-2002, college: Tennessee) is only 175cm, but a player that can definitely ball. I have always adored short players simply because I´m short. Back in the day, the first short player I tried to imitate on the court was Boston Celtic Tiny Archibald. Back in those days I also enjoyed guys like Muggsy Bogues, Spud Webb or Piston great Isaiah Thomas. Overseas there have also been great short point guards like Facundo Campazzo, Shane Larkin or TJ Shorts. Being able to see a young and still some what raw player like Zakai Zeigler was exciting. In the third quarter he drove to the rim showing his impressive combination of speed, ball handling, athleticism and agility going underneath and finishing with an acrobatic reverse lay up high of the glass that had me reeling not to fall of my chair. It was that nice. Not only are talented players who are taller, but off the radar and paying their dues in lower leagues have chip on their shoulders, but usually small players have that weighty chip on their shoulders. For Zeigler, there is that chip, but he got the correct motivation, drive and confidence early on to strive for his goals no matter the so called adversary. “ Playing basketball is always what I did. My mom always told me I could do what I wanted to in life. I always wanted to be a pro player and that is what I am. I always liked watching Kemba Walker. I have a personal connection to him since my dad knows his dad. Kemba and I also have the same agent. I always watched how he handles the pick and roll. I also like watching guys like Trae Young and Fred Van Vleet”, stressed Zakai Zeigler.
The Veolia Towers Hamburg came to Frankfurt with a 1-3 record and played the Skyliners tough in the first half, but in the second half were unable to penetrate the walling up and packing the paint by Frankfurt who were able to really stifle the Towers offense. It also helped that they upped their shooting percentages. “We played well in the first half even if we were a little up and down. We didn´t respond well in the second half when they punched. We were unable to swing when they swung”, stressed Zakai Zeigler. Frankfurt were on a mission and never let up in the fourth quarter allowing their least points in the game with 16 and just buckled down like a good defensive team should. “They did a good job packing the paint. I feel like we were too hooked to play the correct way than being aggressive. I think that if we had been as aggressive like in the first half, then the game couldn´t of gone in a different way”, warned Zakai Zeigler. It also didn´t help Hamburg´s cause that they had to withstand a player like Judah Mintz who had the hot hand in so many instances when Frankfurt were on runs. Mintz proved that he was the master of the runs in this game. He finished with 27 points leading the Skyliners to the win. “He is a very good player. I knew him before the game as we had played against each other in college. We talked some smack. He shot the ball well. When he gets downhill, he is great”, stressed Zakai Zeigler. The American who was born on Long Island and played at Our Saviour Lutheran School in the Bronx had 13 points and 2 assists in 29 minutes and shot the ball well at 42% from the field, but felt like he could of done more in the second half after a good first half. “I began strong in the first quarter. I could have been more aggressive in the second quarter. I played Ok. I´m never satisfied”, stressed Zakai Zeigler.
The ex University of Tennessee (NCAA) guard who had stints playing in the NBA Summer League with the Pistons and Spurs and played his rookie season overseas with Nanterre 92 (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) is playing his second pro season with the Voelia Towers Hamburg. The BBL is in a way similar to the France Pro A, but also different and he is confident that his new team can do big things despite the slow start at 1-4 in the BBL. “I think that the biggest difference between both leagues is the physicality. The refs let you play more in the BBL. I feel like we can have a good season. The playoffs are the goal. We just still have things to figure out”, added Zakai Zeigler. He is also very fortunate to have some great teammates this season with young player Noah Thomasson and veteran David Muenkat who had a home coming on Sunday playing against his ex team Frankfurt. “I played against Noah in school. I love his game. He has that James Harden play style. He is great at scoring the ball and going downhill. David is amazing. He is our leader and rebounds the ball so well. He can get on your back, but then turn around and give you a high five”, smiled Zakai Zeigler. So far through 5 games, he is averaging 11/4/2/1 stats in 26 minutes. He has showed that he needs no adjustment time to being an impact player in the BBL. “My role this season is to be that point guard that is aggressive, makes shots and is a lock down defender”, commented Zakai Zeigler. This season the Hamburg Towers don´t have the double stress of Eurocup competition and only have to focus on the easyCredit BBL. The American has one big goal what he has to improve this season. “I have struggled my whole career on shooting and that is something I definitely will work hard on”, warned Zakai Zeigler. As a guy who grew up in the tough Bronx, it must be one of the biggest culture shocks living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world with Hamburg. I bet there are very few people from the Bronx that have been in Hamburg. “Hamburg is amazing. I´m really happy that my family is here with my sister at the moment. When I have some time, I really like to go sit and relax at the Alster lake”, said Zakai Zeigler. He also has found a liking to the great German food. “I really like the bread. I like going to the store and being able to get fresh bread”, smiled Zakai Zeigler. It will be interesting to see if the Veolia Towers Hamburg can dig themselves out of their little hole and how Zakai Zeigler continues to develop this season. I´m sure his dazzling exciting play will enrich other people in other arena´s in Germany this season.
The scenario in the EPG arena last night looked like it was 7 days ago after the first win of the season against Bayreuth. The boys of head coach Stephan Dohrn had done it again this time beating the Artland Dragons 92-80 and thus registering their best start in their 4 year Pro A history moving to 2-1. In the first three seasons the club had always started 1-2. But what made this second win all so more impressive was how they did it. The team kept their mentality very focused after losing a tough game on the road on Friday and they also were able to play successfully without starting point guard Tyren Moore who had injured himself in Nurnberg 48 hours earlier. After the buzzer sounded, the typical post game ritual was alive in the arena, but like a week ago everyone affiliated with the EPG Baskets were so thrilled and the mood was just golden. With so many happy faces many could have thought it was a very special occasion, but it was only the third game of the season. But despite that having such a positive vibe again was so refreshing after so many heartache loses in their living room the last years. One guy who was really happy was rookie Chase Johnson. He took a seat next to me for a post game interview and was just taking in the atmosphere. But there was something else that had really tickled his heart and that was a pretty drawing from a little girl named Melia. She drew a pretty portrait of him without the dreads. “I got this wonderful drawing after the game from a little girl. She drew it for me. I´m beyond happy. I have a son myself who is 7 months old, but to get a gift like this from a young fan is so nice. I will frame it”, stressed Chase Forte (193-G-2001, college: Boston Coll.). I found out later that night that Melia was the daughter of EPG Baskets ultra fan Pat Montana who is always heating up the arena with his support.
When I got to the arena 2 hours before the game, all was still good. I get nervous sometimes when I see players not in uniform while warming up. I saw Buzz Anthony in sweats, I first thought that he wouldn´t play, but when I asked him if he would play or not, he just smiled and said that he was just warming up in sweats. However but when I saw Tyren Moore sitting on the bench not in uniform during warm ups, I got a feeling that he wouldn´t play. Koblenz head coach Stephan Dohrn then confirmed to me shortly before the pre game interview for Sport TV Europe that he would be a scratch. What a blow for the club as well for him. He is an overseas rookie who got injured in Nurnberg on Friday and then had his birthday on Saturday where he turned 25 years old. It is tough tough times for him, but something he can deal with. “Obviously this situation is tough for Tyren, but he is a tough kid. He has a strong mentality and I´m sure he will get through it. I wish him a speedy recovery”, stated Chase Forte. It is never easy for a team to perform when a vital player is injured, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz supplied that next man up mentality and really came away with an incredible display of basketball. “This was really high level and attractive basketball that we saw from the EPG Baskets”, stated sport director Thomas Klein. Despite a weak second quarter, the team always stuck together and played a potent second half never allowing the Artland Dragons to come back and get over the hump. “This win felt really good. We had the right mind set coming into a new game. We wanted to take that energy from our comeback attempt in Nurnberg and take it into the next game. I´m really proud of the guys. That second quarter was the story of our season. There is always a weak quarter for us. We adjusted well after the break and put different match ups on Jonathan Klussmann and it worked. Mason Kraus was great off the bench, and Jayden Williams knocked down shots. We cleaned up some stuff and won by 12 at home. It was a complete team effort. After Klussmann got hot, we decided to contain everyone else. We knew that Klussman couldn´t beat us by himself”, stressed Chase Forte.
When looking at the team stats, the EPG Baskets Koblenz did a great job shooting 44% from the 2 point area and 39% from the parking lot while winning the rebound duel 32-29 and offensive rebounds 10-6 and only coughed up the ball 8 times. The team was led by Jayden “the Microwave” Williams with 26 points on 5/5 shooting and 3 other guys scored in double figures. Mason Kraus had his Pro A break through with 13 points and 4 dimes while American rookie Camaron Tongue continued to show his inside out and consistent game adding a 12/8/1/3/1 game. In the first 3 games Tongue is averaging 16/4/1/1 while shooting 38% from outside. “Mason Kraus has been so valuable for us at both ends. He hit big shots, made free throws, getting steals and deflections. He does simply everything. I´m so proud of him while Camaron Tongue has been amazing. He is a rim protector that gets stops. We know that we can throw up the ball to him into the post anytime. That puts less pressure on us and we let him go to work. He is very impactful at both ends”, warned Chase Forte. For overseas rookie Chase Forte, he has come to terms well with Euro Ball as the toughest thing really are the rules. He is a mix of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White and is the anchor on defense something he had last season at Boston College (NCAA). “My role is to get stops, make the right plays and simply do everything needed to win. I want to win a Pro A title”, stressed Chase Johnson. Currently through 3 games he is averaging 10,7ppg, 3,3rpg, 5,3apg and 1,7spg and knows where he still needs to improve on. “I want to get better off ball. I think I have been well on the rotations and pressuring guards. I watched a lot of film on Buzz Anthony and knew what was coming”, smiled Chase Johnson. He has made some real dream passes in his new Koblenz living room and none was better than his perfect timed Bounce pass in the Bayreuth game that looked like a copy of a Luca Doncic pass. “I´m an underrated passer. I think coach Stephan had no idea how good of a playmaker I can be. He only realized later that I can pass the ball. I watch a lot of Luca Donic, Chris Paul and John Wall”, said Chase Forte. Not only on the court is Chase ´Forte having fun, but also off the court. He loves the beauty of Koblenz and the German corner and loves the German chocolate, Doner and typical hog dog called Brat Wurst. But what is most impressive besides his game is his zeal of learning German. “I have Duo Lingo on my phone. I´m learning phrases. I can order food. Ich mochte ein Schinken und Salami Pizza bitte”, stated ´Chase Forte. It will be interesting to see how his game and German continues to improve this season. He has the right focus and enthusiasm to reach great heights this season.
There was a time in the history of the Skyliners when they were occupied in international club competition on a regular basis. Heck 10 years ago, they won their third club title and first international title with the Fiba Europe Cup. In their 27 year history, they have competed in many different kinds of international competitions like Saporta Cup, Uleb Cup, Euroleague, Eurocup, Fiba Euro Cup, Eurochallenge and Basketball Champions League. In 27 seasons, they competed 15 times in these illustrious competitions. But as of late they have been in a massive drought last having played in an international cup in the 2018-2019 season with the Eurocup. The waiting is finally over as this season they are listed again in the Eurocup. The joy and excitement for the season and Eurocup is huge for simply everyone affiliated with the Skyliners organization. “The excitement is there, but I would say that the joy is greater. To be able to play Eurocup is great. We have very attractive opponents and some even have Euroleague calibur. It is very important to play Eurocup. The Skyliners have always had a vision to play international and be successful. It has been a long time since we have played in a competition like that. It was some tough years even having to play Pro A. The club wants to continue to establish themselves at this current level”, warned Skyliners lead assistant coach Sepehr Tarrah.
I always had a big smile on my face this past summer, every time I read a press release by the Skyliners concerning new player signings. Of course I was also very happy that they also held a core of last seasons players especially their most important players. This roster is stronger than last season and one of the most potent teams in many years on paper. “I have a good impression of this team. We held a good core from last season with German players as well as Christmas, Swope and Alleyne. We added good puzzle pieces that I feel all fit well and compliment the other guys. We have had a good pre season and one saw our potential against Jena. But we know still that we have a lot of work to do as we will have many challenges this season”, warned Sepehr Tarrah. The club also has a clear vision of how they want to play. “This season we want to be even more aggressive on the defensive end and on transition. We want to add early pressure and take the tempo away from our opponent. That style will add extra possessions and we want to take quick shots and tag up”, said Sepehr Tarrah. Is a question mark that the team will be too small and will they be able to defend better this season? Last season switching was the norm, How will it be this season? “We are happy with the players and size we have. We have different types of Bigs. With Till Pape a very dominant big man. Race Thompson is a bit undersized, but has the inside out game while Roman Bedime is a very interesting and exciting player. He is very mobile and lives from his athleticism and agility. Plus we also have Jacob Knauf who will be back very soon. He is a specialist and a very good shooter. We won´t switch as much as last season. We want to be aggressive in the pick and roll. Our structure is to have good 1-1 defense and defend as a team. We want our defense to dictate and gain capital on offense”, warned Sepehr Tarrah. This season 2023 world champion Klaus Perwas has the opportunity to show just how good of a coach he can be when he has a great roster. Does a coach like him feel any pressure? “There is always pressure on this level. He brings experience and calmness. He just knows how to deal with things. His experience in his career has helped him hold up against pressure”, stated Sepehr Tarrah.
The club did a super job forming an incredible competitive roster. They brought in experienced BBL player Thomas Klepeisz who brings 10 years of BBL experience. He may be 35, but can still hit the three pointer and be that creater if needed. The biggest signing just from the name was ex NBA player Ryan Arcidiacono who played 7 years in the NBA and won the 2016 NCAA title with Villanova and was teammates with Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. He may be 32 and not the player he was 8 years ago, but will still be a very valuable piece for the team. “Ryan was in the NBA for many years and played at a top college. He brings valuable leadership and experience. You notice right away that he has an impact on the team even if you don´t see it on the court. He is calm and tough and is a good spot up shooter and playmaker on the pick and roll”, warned Sepehr Tarrah. Another great pick up was ex Syracuse guard Judah Mintz who is in his third season after playing in the G-League and Turkey. He played point guard in school and the G-League, but last season played the 2. This season he will have a big challenge to run the show with the Skyliners. “He isn´t a classical point guard, but a modern point guard. He is always aggressive and gets down hill and to the free throw line. He is similar to Jena´s Terrence Edwards. He always finds a way to the hoop. A positive thing about him is that he has a fine knack for making the kick out and putting the shooters in good position. He is a scoring point guard that can make an impact at both ends. He has much upside”, warned Sepehr Tarrah. Another really interesting pick up was young German Roman Bedime. He has 2 years of BBL experience with Chemnitz and showed in his first Skyliners performance against Jena that he has game chipping in with 12 points and showing his 3 level scoring ability. “He is a very exciting player that started to play basketball very late. He was discovered playing street ball in Berlin. He plays free and is a creative player. He has a good shill set and is a modern big man that can guard some quicker guards. He is also good on the ball screen and defense. He will gain more experience with us and can make the next step”, commented Sepehr Tarrah.
A very interesting player to watch this season will be Isaiah Swope (178-PG-2003, college: St.Louis). The ex Indiana State point guard had a very good rookie season overseas last season with Skyliners averaging 15.7ppg, 1.9rpg, 4.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 79.3%. He won a few games for Frankfurt last season displaying his amazing iso skills. But this season will that role be a bit diminished simply because there are so many more lethal scoring options in comparison to last season? “Isaiah is an exciting young player. He had a potent rookie season. I have noticed that he has become more of a certain passer this season. He is a more effective passer. He will have a different role this season. We have two point guards now with Mintz and him. He will be more of a two player, but will be able to bring up the ball. We want Isaiah to be more in a scoring role. He has a good shot and good first step. He has less pressure on his shoulders this season, but can still be a dangerous scorer”, added Sepeher Tarrah. 2 other very interesting players to watch this season will be young German players Jamie Edoka and Ivan Crnjac. Will they be able to get more BBL minutes and make the next step? “Jamie is also an exciting player. This season his total focus is on the BBL. It was difficult last season as he still had school. He is a pro now and his top priority is the BBL. We have so many more games this season with Eurocup that he will get his chance. He was injured for a long time and missed the summer with the youth national team. He has to get in shape again. He will go step by step and earn his minutes. Ivan is a very natural player. He has a good IQ and good feeling for the game at both ends. For him it is all about getting used to the physicality and athleticism. He is a good teammate”, expressed Sepeher Tarrah. With such an incredible roster, the goal can only be the playoffs. “We have high goals and want to challenge ourselves. Our goal are the playoffs and top 10. But we can´t forget that the BBL is a very competitive league. First we want to stay in the league. We saw in the last years how the way can go with teams like Heidelberg and Braunschweig. We have respect for the BBL: We were on a good way last season, but didn´t end the season well. Our goal is to stay in the league, establish ourselves in Europe and reach the playoffs”, warned Sepeher Tarrah. This is the season where the Skyliners can get back on the easyCredit BBL map. Making the playoffs is finally a big reality again and they could even land as high as 5-6th place. The Skyliners could very well be one of the big surprise teams of the 2026-2027 season.
Jeff Garrett (201-F-1994, college: LSUS, agency: Players Group) is a 31 year old 201cm forward playing his 8th professional season and second with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Last season with Bonn, he averaged 12.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 77.1%. He played with the Niners Chemnitz winning the Fiba Europe Cup from 2023-2025. He also has vast experience overseas having played in Lithuania, Ukraine, Finland and Luxemburg. He began his basketball career at Oldsmar Christian high school in Florida. He then played 2 NCAA seasons with Northern Kentucky University (NCAA) and in his last season played with : Louisiana State University at Shreveport (NAIA) averaging 18.8ppg, 14.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6bpg, 2.0spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 75.3%. He spoke to eurobasket after the convincing 96-72 win over Hamburg.
Congrats on the 96-72 win over Hamburg to open up the season. How good did that win feel? It felt really good. It was a big win. It always feels good to win the first game of the season and then on your home court. Hamburg was very dangerous. You can´t take any team lightly in this league.
How perfect of a game was this from your stand point for a season opening game? The team hit three´s well, won the rebound battle, allowed 72 points and only coughed up the ball only 6 times. That win was as close to perfect as you could get. We shot the ball really well and took care of the ball well. It is an incredible feat to only have 6 turnovers in a game. That speaks a lot for the type of team we have. We have many guys back who know the system as well as some guys back like Leon Kratzer who is also familiar with the system. Then we also have the new guys that have adapted well in the early going.
From all these strengths I mentioned, what was the team´s biggest strength in the win? I think our togetherness and chemistry. You know just being on the same page. We were never too high or too low. We did slack off a bit at the end, but all in all, we were always able to punch back after they punched.
The team kept 9 players. How hungry is the team to make the next step? Last season you got swept by Munich. Is that still on the mind of some players or is it long forgotten? You will have to ask the others about that, but for myself, I still have a sour taste in my mouth after that series loss to Munich. I have respect for all, but I think that we can beat anyone. We don´t want to repeat last season, but Be better this season.
Is the final or even the BBL title possible this season? Yes I think that that is all possible. I feel the same with our chances in the BCL. It is still early in the season, but I think with the personal that we have, we could have a great season. If we gain success early, we can´t get comfortable.
The club has extra duties with the Basketball Champions League. Is this team ready for double duty and will the work load not effect the BBL schedule? Of course the double duty will have a different effect on us. The wear and tear and possible injuries will play a part in the season, but I think that we are deep enough to manage that still be successful.
The guy kept so many guys from last season. Is there one player where you could say you have a special relationship with? I honestly have a good relationship with every single player on the team. Some relationships are different and stronger than others. But if I had to name some guys, then it would be guys like Tylan Birts and Alijah Comithier as well as Michael Kessens who played a big role for me joining the Telekom Baskets Bonn.
Grayson Murphy already had a great BBL season last season. Do you see him making another step in his game with the BCL added?
I think that Grayson is capable of having another great season. He is the type of player that will do anything to help the team. It helps that he came back to a familiar situation.
Alijah Comithier is another player that had a super BBL debut. What part of his game do you see him making the next step in this season? I think that he will take another step on the defensive end. He is already a good defender, but he could even be better with his athleticism and on ball pressure. He was great last season coming to the help side and making big plays. His on ball defense also helped us a lot.
Sadu-Aminu and Birts had great BBL seasons last season. What potential do you see in their games this season? I think that sky is the limit for both. Joel also has an advantage that he has returned and is familiar with all. He also has the utmost trust from the coaching staff. Tylan is already a very confident player. He has shown coming back strong from injury and he will do it again. I think that Tylan will be scary. He showed flashes last season of exactly what he could do on the court. I personally thought he was BBL defensive player of the year.
An interesting newcomer Is John Michael-Wright. Do you see him making the next step form Croatia? Could he become the go to guy or will there not be a go to guy with Bonn since it has so many great scorers? We already have so many good scoring options. I think that he is also capable of being that go to guy. He loves basketball. He is always willing to help all. He played mostly off ball, but with us he will run the offense. It will be a new challenge for him. He will help us.
The team made a great addition with veteran Marcus Foster. What will be the best asset he will give the team besides his experience?
Marcus is still young and had a full season with MBC. He still needs to figure certain things out, but he can be a really dangerous player. He can really put the ball in the hole. He is a very complete player and a solid defender. Plus he is a great teammate. Guys like to be around him.
What has been your impression of Aleksa Kovacevic? He played BBL with MBC and has Pro A experience. Will he make his BBL break through? He will have a good opportunity to do that with us. He is a scrappy guard who makes it really uncomfortable with his defense. Plus he knows how to run a team. He also still needs to get a feel for the team, but he will be all right.
I love the game of German of Kenan Reinhart. Can he make his BBL breakthrough? He also could make the next step. He really puts in the work. He puts in extra shots and practices twice a day. I think that if he continues to work hard, then his confidence will continue to rise at this level. I think that he will have a great Pro B year.
Your in your eighth pro season. I know for you its all about titles. Are you hungrier than last season? Yes I am hungrier. I had a solid season last season, but my expectations are a lot higher than just solid. I struggled with my new role off the court. Last season my family was with me. In the past they had been with me, but sometimes for a month or two and then were gone again. I struggled with the daily routine off the court. I left a lot on the table last season. I will get it back this season and have a great year.
You’re a guy that can score and rebound. Do you have the same role as last season?
Yes I have pretty much the same role as last season. As one of the leaders on the team, I want everyone to be able to count on me every night at both ends of the court. I will do whatever to win. I will give that vocal support and be a great teammate
Last season you averaged 12.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 77.1%. What are your personal goals as a player this season? I want to up my scoring this season. I also tended to be a bit too unselfish last season instead of making something happen. I want to be more aggressive. I also want to get closer to averaging 10 rebounds per game.
Your scoring consistency has been a question mark at times. Does that faze you when you have so many good scorers on the team. In what area do you want to improve?
Consistency is really important for me. I have understood that my lifestyle effected my consistency. I learned from last season about my routine. This season I know what I have to do on a daily basis to be successful.
Where would you like to see the Telekom baskets Bonn at X-mas in the BBL and BCL? I want to be #1 in both competitions at X-mas. But most important will be staying together, being healthy and continuing to figure things out.
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Melvin Joostman?
I will win. But Melvin is my boy. He really has had a great start to this season. He is a lot better in certain situations. I have told him that he has played great.
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.
Emanuel Cate (207-C-1997) is a 29 year old 207cm center from Romania that is playing his sixth season for Spanish ACB team Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB (Spain). He also has ACB experience having played for Baxi Manresa and Betis Sevilla. He won 5 titles with U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Liga Nationala). He began his career in the Real Madrid youth sector. He also has been a Romanian national player for the last decade. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Emanuel for talking to germanhoops.com. You have played with the Romanian national team for a decade. What does it mean for you to play for your country?
It is always great being around these guys. I have been together with some of them since being kids. We share so much together. I love playing in front of family and friends. We have built so many great memories on the court and off the court we stick together.
You played at the 2017 Euro and in the first game played against the Czech Republic and Tomas Satoransky and Jiri Welsh. Is that Euro a blur for you now or do you still remember it well? I still remember that Euro well. You never forget the first time. We had experienced guys then and it was our first Euro in 30 years. It was a unique experience for all. It was a great experience to be 20 years old and play on a stage like that.
Your teammate then and now in the national team is Nandor Kuti. Are you guys like brothers?
Of course we are brothers. We always try to catch up on our lives and careers whenever we can. He lives in Bukarest also and we go out together when we are in the city.
You also lost to Spain by 41 points at the 2017 Euro and played against 7 NBA players like Marc Gasol, Ricky Rubio and Juan Carlos Navarro. Pau Gasol was a DNP. What memories do you have of that game? Were you in awe?
I already had known Sergio Rodriguez from my time at Real Madrid as juniors. We were in the same academy in Madrid. That Spanish team was unbelievable then. That may have been one of the greatest team in Europe ever. They played such beautiful basketball. It was one of the best games I ever played in.
Now in 2026 Romania began with a solid win against Denmark. Bulgaria is up next. How good do you see the chances of qualifying with this new coaching staff? We are on a good way as we continue to improve. We showed that in Denmark and will be prepared for Bulgaria. This is now a unique chance to keep improving as a team and take the fresh new ideas of the new coaching staff.
How incredible of a player is Dragos Diculescu. His versatility really stands out, but what is something about his game that not many know? Dragos is a student of the game. He is very passionate about the game and always asking questions. He is always trying to improve and bring the best version of himself on the court.
What is the state of Romanian basketball at the moment? Who are some up and coming prospects? I think that it is positive at the moment. We have 3-4 good players for the next 5-10 years. I hope they keep improving, because we need new blood for the future. It will take a little time for them to get used to the system and evolve into good rotation players. A name to watch is Sebastian Lapuste who had a strong U-16 Euro recently.
Germany are defending World and Euro champions. 10 years ago Germany had Dirk Nowitzki and an up and coming Dennis Schroeder and now they are #1. Is Germany a country that can become a dynasty? Their results in the last years have shown that Germany have invested well in their youth system and taken advantage of their great facilities. I see Germany being a powerhouse in the next 5-10 years.
You were 2 years with the Real Madrid in the youth sector. How did that come about? It is rare that a Romanian boy go to Real Madrid. I was discovered at the U-16 Euro. That was where I had my first real contact with European basketball. I had many options then with USA and other European clubs. At first my family wasn´t too keen on me going away, but after 1,5 years I decided to go to Real Madrid. It was the absolute best option I had then and was the best basketball decision I ever made in my life.
How intense were those 2 years? What did you learn there that helped you on your way to becoming a professional player?
Those two years were intense, intense, intense. Everything that I learned in those two years, I have applied to my game. That whole experience there changed my whole mentality on and off the court. I was like a sponge bob that tried to absorb everything possible. My work ethic became so well. It really helped me that I was around such great coaches and players.
At that time Real Madrid had so many incredible players especially from Spain like Rudy Fernandez, Sergio Llull or Sergio Rodriguez. What one player had the biggest impact on you?
I didn´t practice so much them. I learned by asking from them. I tried to pick up as much as I could so I could become players the way they were.
How did you experience a very young Luka Donic then? Did you ever practice with him or have conversations?
He was my teammate and was 2 years younger. He was an incredible talent. 5 players from that team reached the ACB immediately. We were together every day. I remember a time when we were playing for the Real Madrid farm team that played in the EBA (4th division). I remember that in practice, the day before a game, Luka and I weren´t there mentally and coach kicked us out. We left the court not knowing what to do. Despite that, coach let us play the next day in the game. We both were so hungry to perform well the next day and did. We learned from that mistake.
You then played a season with Baloncesto Sevilla and played only 11 ACB games. How tough was it coming from the Real Madrid organization and not playing? What did you learn from this experience?
I wanted to become a pro player. I learned here that I needed to be patient and wait for a chance. I kept working hard knowing that my chance would eventually come.
The next season you didn´t play much again, but were teammates with legend Bostjan Nachbar, How much of an enrichment was he for a young man like you? He sat next to me on my right in the locker room. I was the youngest on the team and he talked to me everyday. That really helped me. He had so much experience and was a great veteran. He showed me some moves and where to stand in certain situations. I would watch his NBA highlights and we would both laugh about it.
You help beat Real Madrid 86-85 and played 3 minutes. What do you remember from that game? You can say you beat Luka Doncic. Yes that´s true. I remember that game well. It was around Christmas and my whole family came to the game. I really wanted to play. I was really locked in. I might of only played 3 minutes, but I played to get the win.
You then took a step back and played a season with CB Prat Juventud (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging 10.2ppg, RPG-1 (8.6), BPG-1 (1.6), FGP: 63.3%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 69.2%. Did this maybe save your career? How vital was it taking a step back wards for your development? That season definitely saved my career. It was the only step that I had at the time. I had to make it there. My only choice was to play good there and return to the ACB or go back to Romania. Sometimes it is correct to take a step back to take two steps forward.
You then played 4 years with Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB playing 125 ACB games averaging 5/3. Can one say that this was your fondest moments as a pro? I wouldn´t say that it was the best time in my career, but it was a very nice 4 years. I had worked so hard to reach the ACB and now I was there and remained. I had so much fun on the court, but at the same time continued to learn and a lot and develop my game further. I added so much to my bag. It was like a dream come true.
How much fun was it playing with an exceptional point guard like Brad Oleson. Could he always blindly find you?
Brad was one of the funniest teammates that I had in my career. I played with him in his last season as a pro after he had had a long run with FC Barcelona. It was a privilege to play with him.
Another season you were teammates with undersized American center Delroy James. How challenging was it guarding a physical player like him?
I remember he came late into the season and was coming off a tough injury. He liked playing with his back to the basket. He was a very tough player and was fun to be around him.
What was your fondest moment in the ACB in those 4 years with Murcia? We had some big wins. In my third season, we were very close to beating Real Madrid. I remember having a great game. I made some jump shots and some three´s which was new to me then.
You then went home and played 2 seasons with U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Liga Nationa) averaging 12.7ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.6apg, BPG-1 (1.2), FGP-3 (73.6%), 3PT: 10.0%, FT: 79.6% and 12.9ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 67.9%, 3PT-3 (55.6%), FT: 84.1%; You won the double each season. Both years you beat Oradea in the final. Which finals was the more taxing? The first year´s final was the toughest. That was all a new experience. They were up 2-0 in the best of seven series. We then won 4 in a row. We got consistent in that series. That final was big for me, because I was back in Romania and wanted to prove to all that I could win.
You were teammates with the great American Patrick Richard. What memories do you have of him? He has to be one of your best teammates of all-time list?
Yes he is at the top. He really knows how to play the game and is a great person. It was a great experience to be around him. I will always root for him.
You then played a season with BAXI Manresa (Spain-ACB) averaging 7.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 62.7%, FT: 79.7%. You swept FC Barcelona. What will you remember of this season? It was great for me returning to the ACB. I remember sweeping FC Barcelona. That season we beat almost all the top 8 teams and lost to the bad teams. It was not a good balance. I think we could of done even better, but ran out of gas at the end. It was a unique year. I remember beating Malaga by 40 points.
Last season you returned back to Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB (Spain-ACB) averaging 6.1ppg, 5.0rpg, FGP: 56.4%, FT: 68.9%. There were many new faces. Will Murcia always be a home for you? Murcia is like a second home for me. I will return for 2026-2027. I will be ready to play.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA? Eddy Tavares. He was my biggest challenge on the court in the ACB. It was always elbow vs elbow. I´m proud to say that I did well against him which wasn´t easy to do.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Luka Doncic, Brad Oleson, Bostjan Nachbar, DJ Seely and myself
Please list your NBA, and Euroleague Mount Rushmore? Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Steph Curry and Shaq
Sergio Llull, Vasilios Spanoulis, Juan Carlos Navarro, Andre Kirilenko
Marc Friederici (188-PG-2001) is a 25 year old 188cm guard that completed his first season with Pro B team ETB Miners Essen averaging 11.9ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 74.7% and helped them move up to the Pro A. He played from 2023-2025 with the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt (ProB) averaging 10.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 82.5% and 7.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 76.6% helped them move up to the Pro A in 2025. He also has had further experience with WSG Koenigs Wusterhausen, Dresden Titans and Lok Bernau. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the Pro B season 2025-2026
Thanks Marc for talking to eurobasket.com. This was such a special season for the ETB Miners. Why was this team so special? I think it started on the very first day, with the very first meeting we had as a team, where Rafi made it very clear how everything works and how things are supposed to function. And then all the people we are as individuals just fit together really well. A few who were already in Essen, Niklas, who brought a lot of experience as a veteran. And then, you really have to say, Rafi and Lars did an incredible job finding the right characters who fit together, while also bringing the motivation every single day in training to improve individually and as a team. I must say it was already special in Wolmirstedt, but Essen definitely topped it in that regard.
The team lost only 5 games during the regular season. Was their a game during the season where you then knew, we will win the whole thing? I think there were only four losses during the regular season, and the fifth was the loss against Ulm. Setting that aside, I came from Wolmirstedt with the mindset of wanting to get promoted again this year and this time finishing the season with a gold medal around my neck. With that mindset, I went into every training session. I wouldn’t say I knew it from the very beginning, but I consciously told myself every single day that we were going to win.
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? I think he was a great help. Ultimately, he is our head coach and tells us what we should and shouldn’t do on the court. We all implemented that, and in the end, everyone contributed their part.
How special was it sharing the back court with Mychael Paulo? What part of his game will you always remember best? The guy just has an incredible skill set – the way he gets his shot off is unbelievable. Even with a defender basically glued to his face, he can still create his shot and doesn’t get rattled by anything. I found that incredible
How valuable were bigs Ben Uzoma and Niclas Sperber? What was each player’s biggest attribute for the success? Beno had a tough start to the season coming out of the summer with his injury, but once he found his rhythm, he was a key factor in every single one of our wins. The rebounds he grabbed and how strong he was under the basket – basically no one could guard or contain him down low. Niclas, especially at the beginning of the season, immediately made it clear where the journey was heading. He had two or three games with almost 30 points and consistently helped us throughout the season. Even when he didn’t have great shooting nights and only scored 2, 3, 4, or 5 points, his experience and the threat he poses on the floor alone created a lot of space and made us much harder to defend as a team.
Which player was the most improved during the season? In my opinion, definitely Gabriel Jung. In every aspect You averaged 11/4/2/1 stats and shot 32% from outside. How content were you with your season? I came to Essen with three goals. The first one was clearly set by Rafi and was stats-related: to average an efficiency rating of over 10. My personal goals were to earn promotion with the team and win the gold medal. The third goal was to grow as a person and as a leader, regardless of statistics. I think I made huge strides in that area. I was able to help guide the team in a direction that made it possible for us to win the championship. Of course, that wasn’t my achievement alone, but I accomplished what I set out to do. So even though I believe there is always room for improvement when it comes to stats, I am more than satisfied with the season.
You upped your scoring again this season. What steps did you make as a player again this season? As I briefly mentioned in the previous answer, one of my biggest goals was to grow as a leader of the team. I believe I achieved that, and I think that growth, combined with the trust of the coaching staff, put me in a position where I was able to play freely and embrace my role as one of the team’s leaders. That also allowed me to make a bigger impact on the court and help the team succeed.
On what areas of your game will you work on most this summer so you can continue to improve your game? Ballhandling against pressure, scoring in the paint, Shooting
Are you ready for the Pro A in 26-27 or will you remain in the Pro B?
Sam Griesel (200-G/F-2000, college: Nebraska, agency: LUMANI 10.7) is a 26 year old 200cm guard that completed his third pro season overseas and first with Alba Berlin helping win the 2026 easyCredit BBL title averaging 6/2/1 stats and in the BCL averaged 7/2/2. He played his first 2 pro seasons in Germany with the Telekom Baskets Bonn averaging 7/3 and 9/3 in the BBL and in the BCL averaged 8/3 and 6/2. He began his basketball career at Lincoln East High school. He then played for North Dakota State University (NCAA) from 2018-2022 averaging 14.3ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 75.6% in his final season. He added an extra NCAA season with the University of Nebraska (NCAA) averaging 12.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 68.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after winning the 2026 BBL title.
Congrats Sam on winning the 2026 easyCredit BBL title. How good does it feel to win that first pro chip?
It´s really hard to put into words. I´m just insanely grateful for winning the title. I know how many guys not even reach a final in a career. So just to be able to say I won is a very special feeling.
How big was the incentive to win after losing the cup? Granted it was against Bamberg, but you showed during the whole season that the team could grow further and be successful.
I remember when we lost the cup to Bamberg, we as a team were talking after how we still had big ambitions and goals in the season. We kept grinding until we reached the final. I remember how we as a team stressed in game 1 in Munich that we weren´t going to feel heart break again like in the cup. It was a full circle moment.
That was just a exciting series against FC Bayern Munich. One could call Alba Berlin the game 5 king Do you feel like the experience against Vechta and Bamberg helped the team in game 5 again t Munich?
Yes it did in a way. We had a special approach. I mean we had done it before against Vechta and Bamberg so why not again? Even when we were down 20 points at the break, we were confident that we could come back. We never gave up. We spoke about going out and having fun and let me tell you we had fun.
It looked like FC Bayern Munich might win it at the end, but Alba Berlin always had an answer. Was your will just a bit more than them?
I can´t speak for Munich, but our will was always big. We had gone through so much adversary the whole season. Many had doubted us at the start of the season. I think that and all the adversary we went through the whole season brought us a lot closer. We always wanted to out work teams. Our togetherness and toughness through out the season helped us win the title
Andi Obst hit big shots at the end, but also missed big shots. Were you praying a bit at the end?
Yes I was. I watched the end of the game again, because I hadn´t seen it. I watched the 2 Obst shots at the end. I thought that first one was going in and the second one looked perfect from the motion. But then it bounced around a bit and we got the rebound and the rest is history. You just try to guard him as best as possible and of course pray.
How big was the will to win from Jonas Mattissek who is one of the identity figures of the team? He really stepped it up in game 5.
Not only was Jonas incredible, but Malte Delow as well. Jonas began well making some three´s early on and I´m just so happy for both of them. They are from Berlin and our identity figures. It was so special for them.
How was the train ride home? Did it feel like a long ride or did it go by rapidly?
I feel like it went by fast, but at the same time, it felt like it took long. The atmosphere was great. I enjoyed the moment. It was so hectic and hard to walk around in the train. There was a lot of music and beer. I apologize to the DB (German train association) for how we left our cabin.
The Vechta series was back and forth. What do you feel like was the difference in that series?
I think that key in all 3 series was our toughness and togetherness. Vechta ended the season strong and took that momentum into the playoffs. That helped them against us and they also have high level players. They punched us in game 1 and we could steal one there. It was very hot in Vechta in their small gym and they have good fans. We took momentum from game 4 into game 5 at home. We always believed in ourselves to win the series.
Jack Kayil and Martin Hermannsson combined for 39 points in game 5. Where would the team have been without them?
I think one could ask that question for the whole season. They were our main creators, but also scorers. Martin had so much experience from Euroleague and still plays at a high level. Jack is up and coming and a great athlete. I hope he gets drafted tonight. I´m really proud of his season. We relied on both of them very much the whole season.
Against Bamberg you led 2-0, but they forced a game 5. Did Alba Berlin feel to comfortable?
I guess one could say that, but at the same time, Bamberg was very talented. They played together just like us and the cup win against us also brought them better together. We knew that they would be tough, because they had swept Ulm. We always stayed with them. We won one on road. We knew game 5 would be a fight and stayed together and won.
In game 5 Alba Berlin won by 31 points. 6 guys scored in double figures. Was that one of the best team efforts of the season?
Yes it was. It was hard to top that one.
The team faced a lot of adversary this season. What made the team so special in 2025-2026?
I think that besides our togetherness and toughness, we all had a chip on our shoulders including head coach Pedro Calles. His chip carried over to all of us. We all felt like we had something to prove. We all shared that feeling. Plus everyone was unselfish. All wanted to win.
I think that Pedro Calles was as good of a candidate to win coach of the year. How vital was his in game coaching especially in the playoffs?
His approach to each game was huge. His coaching was a grind for us players, but at the same time it was also very demanding mentally for the coaching staff. It was like a chess game. What could we change up each new game? But we didn´t really change so much, but we focused more on ourselves and imposed our will on them. We didn´t change anything in game 5, but just played with more energy, physicality and played our style.
Jack Kayil will probably get drafted. How did his game grow further so he can make the next step in the NBA? I knew Jack for 10 months. I saw right away that he was an incredible talent that was very athletic. The way he was a floor general for his age was very impressive. I think that his IQ really improved and scouts began to notice. His confidence and mentality also continued to grow through out the season.
How valuable was Justin Bean at both ends of the court? What did you appreciate most about his game? His energy was so big for our success and hard to match from opponents. It was really fun to play with him. His versatility is also a huge part of his game. I appreciated his rebounding the most. His knack to get key rebounds the whole season was huge.
How valuable was Norris Agbako´s presence each day in the paint? How did his game grow? He was a big tall presence no matter what. He was a hard worker with a high IQ. He had already played for Pedro before and knew his system and that helped his game. He was a great teammate.
Malte Delow has been with Alba Berlin since the youth and won titles with Franz Wagner at the youth and pro level. How valuable was he on a daily basis for your game? What could you learn from him?
Malte and I have similar games. We are both versatile. He is a very hard worker that was always in the gym. He loves basketball. I learned a better feel for the game and soaked up some of his IQ as well.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Malte Delow? We never really went 1-1, but I would call it a tie.
Let´s talk about your game. You averaged 6/2/1 in 19 minutes. How content with your effort?
I think I played my role well. I was content with my season. I wasn´t always so proud how I played, but I had some good games. I would like to be more consistent in the future.
You averaged 4 minutes more than in Bonn. How was your role different this season? My role was pretty similar to Bonn. I was that guy that did a bit of all and is a solid defender.
How did you see your game grow further this season with Alba Berlin? I think that my IQ really profited being around so many Euroleague guys. My IQ had always been decent, but I think it rose another level this season.
What was your favorite personal game of the season? Game 5 in Munich.
Who was the toughest player that you faced this season? Andi Obst without question.
What is the next step for you? Will you remain with Alba Berlin? I will remain with Alba Berlin.
How do you rate the Giannis trade to Miami? I´m very excited. It will be interested to see how they play.
Who will reach the World Cup soccer final and win it? USA-Germany and USA will win.
Aaron Ekwere (190-G-2006) is a 19 year old 190cm guard from Finland playing this season with Pantterit Helsinki (1st Division) 25,6ppg, 8,3rpg, 5,6apg and 3,4spg and with Drive Academy Espoo U20 team (EYBL U20). He began his basketball career with Pyrinto Akatemia B Tampere (1st Division). He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.
Thanks Aaron for talking to germanhoops.com. Let´s talk about your career. Your from Finland. When did you began to play and was there a moment that you will never forget that brought you that early love for the game?
I started basketball at four but I have always been around basketball and I have always loved id so it is impossible to just pick one moment that made me fall in love with it.
Who were your early basketball players inspirations?
Russel Westbrook has always been my favorite player and somebody who I have always been inspired by.
Did you have any early basketball mentors in your career with Pyrinto Tampere?
I have tons of good coaches and older teammates who have guided me in my journey but if I had to name a few then i would have to mention my former teammate Kion Williams and coach Kari Kilpinen and Santeri Liljeberg.
You were 16 years old when you made your debut with PyrintoAkatemia B Tampere (1st Division) averaging 8.7ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 63.6%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 50.0% How valuable was that season playing with men already? I feel like that season was very important for preparing me for playing more physical and against grown men
You gained valuable experience from 2023-2025 playing with theDrive Academy London U20 team (United Kingdom-EYBL U20) averaging 19.3ppg, RPG-5 (11.7), 4.0apg, SPG-3 (3.4), 1.2bpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 54.7%. and 17.2ppg, 7.8rpg, 3.2apg, SPG-3 (3.3), FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 21.1%, FT: 54.5%, played also at Drive Basketball Academy Black (U19 League, starting five) How did your game grow that season? I feel like I became a more well rounded in my game improving on my weaknesses
You won the U-19 Finnish title twice. Which title was sweetest? Definitely the last one because the final was played in my home city and the game went to overtime
This season your playing with Pantterit Helsinki (1st Division) averaging 24/7/5/4 stats. Is it fair to say this has been your career break through? Yeah definitely I feel like my game has developed to the next level and it has been nice to see my hard work paying off
Let´s talk a little about your game. You’re a 190cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player or Euroleague player who would best fit the description? I have grown since so I currently stand at 198 so right now I would compare my game to prime Ben Simmons or Russel Westbrook
If one views your stats this season, it looks like a Russell Westbrook stat line. How big is versatility in your game? I feel like it is a very big part of my game and a big reason I can adjust to playing with different teams and systems
You’re a great rebounder for your height. Have you always had that special knack to grab rebounds? Yea it´s just something I have always been good at even if I´m not the biggest guy on the team
What kind of a defender would you describe yourself? What kind of a defender are you at the moment and what kind of defender do you still want to become? I would describe myself as a very versatile defender and I can guard many positions and I can do a lot of positive things for my team in the defensive end. I definitely still want to improve on the quickness of my feet so I can apply even more pressure on the ball
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? Shooting is my biggest weakness and something I try to improve on so I can develop my game
You have been a junior national player for Finland. How is the state of Finnish basketball? What young prospects can you report about at the moment that we should look for? Finnish basketball is definitely on the rise which you can see from the 4th place finish in eurobasket last year. Iwould definitely tell everybody to keep an eye on Joseph Tala and Luca Bah. They are very promising Finish young prospects
You had a solid showing at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket in Tampere (Finland) in 2024 averaging 9.1ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 21.1%, FT: 40.0%. You had good games against Greece and Spain. What memories will you always have of that first big youth tournament? Definitely the memory I´m most fond of is our upset win against Lithuania on opening day
You poured it up a notch with your game at the FIBA U20 EuroBasket in Heraklion (Greece) in 2025 averaging PPG-5 (16.9), 5.7rpg, 2.1apg, SPG-2 (2.6), FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 66.0%. You had a great game against Germany scoring 25 points, but lost a heartbreaker 82-81. What memories do you have of that game? I still think about that game weekly because I missed the tying shot in the last second so I tend to blame myself for that loss. Definitely something that has given me motivation though
Who is the toughest player that you ever battled in your life that reached the NBA or Euroleague? In a game the toughest has to be either Hugo Gonzalez or Neoklis Avdalas but in practice Lauri Markkanen is the best player I have battled against.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Okku Federiko, Olavi Suutela, Elmeri Abbey, Abdullah Amzil, Eetu Heinonen
Please name your NBA, Euro and Finnish Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time for each category?
NBA: Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Kobe Bryant
Euro: Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Dirk Nowitzki and Gannis
Finland: Lauri Markkanen, Hanno Möttölä, Petteri Koponen and Sasu Salin
