David Boening (205-F-2007) is a 19 year old 204cm forward playing for German Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. Last season he averaged &74 in the NBBL for Team Bonn/Rhondorf and 2/2 in the Pro B. He spoke to germanhoops.com after a pre season loss to Pro A team ETB Miners Essen 97-74.
Thanks David for talking to germanhoops.com. The Dragons Rhondorf sufferd a 97-74 pre season loss to new Pro A team ETB Miners Essen. The team improved after losing both teams last season to them by 42 points and 29 points. What was your summary of the loss?
We gave a really good energy performance. We were lacking that the last games. We fought hard to the end. But they did a good job hitting their three´s.
What positives could you take from this loss?
I feel like we moved the ball really well. We played fast and found good solution and didn´t play 1-1. We also did a good job on the offensive rebounds.
What was your impression of the ETB Miners? Will they stay in the Pro A? They have incredible shooting power. That will really help them.
As a young player, are you able to soak up things from their experienced players like Craig Moeller? I watch how they defend me. I also try to adapt a bit to how they defend as well as keeping my style.
What is your impression of the 2026-2027 Dragons Rhondorf? Are they stronger than last season?
That is hard to say. We are different this year. We are a bit younger and like to run more. I like this style. I´m not the most physical so I like using my quickness and running.
What is your impression of new import Sahmi Willoughby who is a beast on the boards? He is a total hustle player. He will dive for every ball. He is an incredible offensive player that plays inside out. He is a great teammate.
He is supposed to have an amazing character. have you noticed that? He is a mega nice guy always willing to help you. He is super for the team.
How vital is it for you having an experienced player like Daniel Mayr on board?
He gives so many tips and has seen so much. He understands something about the modern game, but also about older basketball. He is always ready to help you.
How vital will Justin Onyejiaka be? He is the ultimate 2 way player.
He is such a strong defensive player and on offense drives to the rim really well. He will be great at the Pro B level.
What is your role on the team this season? I play the 5 and my role will to battle for playing time with Daniel Mayr and Benjamin Sadikovic. I will challenge them in practice. I will give the team more quickness at the position 5.
How did your game improve in 2025-2026? I feel like I improved in all areas last season. I developed and took advantage of becoming a back up center. I increased my physicality. This season, I want to develop my skill set more.
What steps do you want to take with your game in 2026-2027? I want to be able to showcase my qualities more on the court. I want to show my athleticism more. I want to show my physicality more on the offensive rebound and just be a good role, player.
What is like sharing the court with fellow young player Carlo Schmid? What do you like most about his game? Carlo will also be a valuable player for us. He is so quick for the position 3-4. He will be able to take mismatches. He can attack, get to the free throw line, hit the three and play good defense.
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Carlo Schmid? He will say himself. I think it would be a big battle, but after many stops, I will win in the end.
Did you watch the 2026 FIBA women´s World Cup? What was your impression of Germany? I watched a little, but didn´t have so much time. It is cool seeing the German girls take on such a good development.
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.
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%. 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 played 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 after winning the Pro B title.
Essen lost game 1 by 36 points and won game 2 by 41 points. Many are saying this is the greatest comeback in German basketball. How special do you rate this massive comeback? I think this comeback was very special. It felt more of celebration for ourselves for all the hard work, practices, and sacrifices that everyone made every single day. It took a lot of focus and connectivity to have the year we did, so ending it that way was the cherry on top.
You reached a final and NAIA Elite 8 at New Haven. Did you sometime have just a little doubt about when you would finally win that first chip?
No. I understand that winning isn’t promised in competitive sports. You can work as hard as you can, and still end up short. I know that I put the work in to position myself in the best possible position, so that eliminates all doubt for me.
What was the team feeling after the horrible 107-71 loss at Orange Academy? How much soul searching did the team do the days following?
I think everyone was more focused to get back out there. Big credit to Orange Academy for playing a very complete and dominant game 1. After game 1, many felt that we worked way too hard to get to the finals and have these results. The mindset was shifted to redeeming ourselves that second game, regardless of outcome. We just wanted to put together a clean game for our fans. Many felt we owed ourselves and the organization that performance.
How key was head coach Lars Wendt? How did he help the team most in the days leading up to game 2?
Very important. I think he came into those days very calm. His trust in us never waivered once. He always believed we could win this game 2 by enough points to win the finals. All week that was his message and mindset, which I think definitely had a positive impact on the team.
How quickly did the team know that game 2 would see only half of Orange Academy as all the talented youth players wouldn´t play because they were attending the NBBL Top 4 in Berlin? We heard some rumors, but that was never the focus. We were preparing for them to have a fully loaded roster. That was our mindset, that was what we were prepared for in game 2.
Any other team could have underestimated Orange Academy. Why didn´t Essen?
I think we did a good job not underestimating teams all year. Each player was fully aware of the gameplan every night, and it showed. Orange Academy was also the number 1 seed from the south, so we knew they were a good team overall.
What was the focus of Essen going in? I mean did you have a plan how you would come back through out a 40 minute game so you would have more than 36 points?
I think the mindset was trying to win each quarter by 10 points. If we were able to get a lead and build on it throughout the game and constantly apply pressure all over the court, we felt that would put us in best position to overcome the task.
The team began well and led 53-32 at the break. Essen was playing well offensively, but still had to do more on the defensive end. What wasn´t functioning as well so far on the defensive end through the first 20 minutes? To us, the first 20 minutes went very well offensively and defensively. To hold a good team like Orange Academy to just 30 points at half is excellent. We were on target with the idea of winning each quarter by 10 because we were up 20 points at half. Of course we expected them to hit shots and make plays, that’s a part of the game. But we all felt we were on a great route at halftime.
What did head coach Lars Wendt give the team for advice at half-time?
Understanding that we had to basically win by such a lead, the focus was making sure that we kept our energy and drive. There were a few corrections and adjustments, but for the most part, the half team talks were positive and motivating for us. It is one thing to gameplan a game to win, it is another thing to gameplan a game to win by 40 points. So we wanted to make sure we were making progress to that 40 point lead mark.
In the third quarter Orange Academy actually played well for the first few minutes outscoring Essen, but then came a 14-0 run by Essen which changed the game. You made drives and Ben Uzoma a big dunk. What was key in the run for Essen? We knew they would come out in the 3rd with motivation and more shotmaking. I think our constant aggressive mindset was key. I think that helped take away the thinking and passiveness out of everyone due to the circumstances. There was no time to do anything else besides focus on the next play. The energy from the spectators is always an energy booster for players, the energy from them was amazing as well.
Essen was up with 32 points with 10 minutes to play. Essen was in the drivers seat. Which player at this moment was a big motivator with words? Everyone was key. Our team had a connectivity that anyone could have pitched in to give advice, new looks, encouragement, etc. Our captains obviously take a big part in the leadership within the team, big shoutout to Niclas and Marc.
Essen began with a 10-2 run to lead 86-46. Now all Essen had to do was manage the lead to the buzzer. Essen then held Orange Academy minutes without scoring. Did you want it more than Orange Academy? I wouldn’t say that. I believe Orange Academy wanted to win the game just as much as we wanted to win. At that point, I just think we had all the energy, momentum, and connectivity on our side after building it all game. It was just about finishing the job at that point.
Essen outscored Orange Academy 41-21 in the last half. Was this the best defense the team played in the season? I would say yes. We definitely prided ourselves on the defensive end all year, trying to be the best defensive team in the league. This game was just everything coming together in a sense at such a pivotal moment as well.
Essen held their 2 best scorers Joel Cwik and Namouri Omog to 8/28 shooting and 25 points. How much of a focus was the defense on slowing them down? Extreme focus. We knew they were their best playmakers available so we wanted to make it as tough as possible for them two.
You saved your best for last with a 28/11/10 game. Was this the best game in your career? I would say yes, definitely as a professional.
Did you wake up Sunday morning with a mission. Did you feel different than usual or did you eat a special breakfast that helped you have such a massive game? Yes, I definitely woke up with a ton of energy. No special breakfast or anything, I stayed to my routine. But my energy was through the roof from the moment I woke up that day. It was our last game, I had to get up for that one.
What was your fondest moment in Essen against Orange Academy? Winning the championship. In the way we did it, that should have solidified us in Essen basketball history. Every one of those guys deserve that recognition for the sacrifices that were made.
Elijah Allen (194-PF-1989, college: NW Missouri St.) is a professional basketball player from Ohio that played at St. Francis de Sales High School and 4 years at Northwest Missouri State University (NCAA2) before heading to Germany in 2012. He began his basketball career with the VfB 1900 Giessen Pointers (Germany-Regionalliga) and then played 2 years with the Licher Basket Baeren (Germany-ProB). He then played 3 years in the Pro A for Gotha, Kirchheim and Tuebingen playing a total of 100 games. He then played with Bochum and Iserlohn in the Pro B and then with Regionalliga 2 team Limburg. Last season he played with at ASC Theresianum Mainz (Germany-Regionalliga). He is also a personal trainer and recently organized the Pro Pathway Tour in Germany. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the tour.
Thanks Elijah for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you? Hey Miles, thanks for having me. I’m currently on my way to Munich. Last week I was in Switzerland coaching at a basketball camp, and I just finished spending a week working at the NBA Basketball School Camp in Frankfurt. Basketball has been keeping me busy, and I’m grateful to continue growing the game while building relationships throughout Europe.
You recently organized the Pro Pathway Tour in Germany. How did that gig come about for you? After playing professionally throughout Europe, Joe Asberry and I built a strong network of coaches and organizations. We wanted to create another legitimate opportunity for players to be seen, evaluated, and hopefully signed. That’s what the Pro Pathway Tour is all about.
Your partner Joe Asberry is a former hooper who is an individual trainer and also runs camps. Talk a little about your relationship. I’ve known Joe for over ten years. We talk almost every day, and we’ve built a relationship based on trust, loyalty, and a shared vision. Having someone who genuinely wants to help players succeed makes working together easy.
Do you feel like your strengths complement each other? Absolutely. We both came from humble beginnings and worked our way into this basketball world through years of hard work. Neither of us had shortcuts, so if we can make the journey a little easier for someone else, that’s a blessing.
The tour was in many places in Germany. What was your summary? Overall, it was a success. We prepared well beforehand, which made everything run smoothly. Now comes the hardest partthe waiting game while coaches make their decisions. We’re confident players from this tour will earn opportunities.
Talk a little about how a day went. Was everyone always together?
Not this year. Every player had different travel schedules and personal situations, so we met at the gym locations rather than staying together. Everyone still got the opportunity to compete and be evaluated.
What was your impression of the games?
The competition was good. We played teams like Lich and BBA Hagen, along with other professional-level competition. More importantly, coaches were there watching, which gave players a real opportunity to showcase themselves.
The roster was guard-heavy. As a forward, did you have to change your teaching? Not at all. Good basketball is good basketball. The fundamentals, decision-making, and habits that help players succeed apply regardless of position.
What gives you the biggest pleasure working with American ballers? You’re used to working with German boys and girls. Do some of these guys have egos that are out of control?
I actually work with American and European professionals, college players, and youth athletes, so my experience isn’t limited to one group. As for this tour, there weren’t any ego issues. The players came to compete, improve, and pursue professional opportunities, and they represented themselves well.
What’s the best advice you give an American trying to play overseas? Live in the gym and earn every opportunity. Don’t compare your path to someone else’s. Just because a friend plays at a certain level doesn’t mean you’re entitled to that same opportunity. Build your résumé, keep improving, and trust the process.
Was there any player that made an impression on you?
Honestly, they all did in different ways. Every player brought something unique, competed hard, and deserves an opportunity to continue their professional career.
What was your personal highlight of the tour? Building new relationships. Basketball opens doors, but the people you meet and the relationships you build are what last.
Will there be tours in the future and will you be a part of them?
Absolutely. Joe and I created the Pro Pathway Tour, and we’re already looking forward to building on it. We plan to continue creating opportunities for players in the future.
Do you have additional projects lined up in 2026?
Yes. I’ll be working the Omari Knox Camp, NBA Basketball School Austria, Limburg, along with several other projects that I’ll be announcing soon on Instagram @ProgressYourGame.
Who wins a 1-on-1 in 2026you or Joe Asberry?
(Laughs.) Neither of us. We’re both dealing with injuries these days, so you won’t catch either of us playing one-on-one. Thanks Miles for the interview
When you think of the current best top 3 German players of all-time, it has to be Dirk Nowitzki, Detlef Schrempf and Dennis Schroeder and with coaches there is no doubt the number #1 position goes to Dirk Bauermann. There have been other ground breaking coaches with Sveitslav Pesic who coached Germany to the break out Euro title in 1993 and won many titles with Alba Berlin while Gordon Herbert coached Germany to the monumental 2023 World Cup title, but the latter two weren´t German. Bauermann won 9 BBL titles and 4 BBL cups and helped Germany secure the silver at the 2005 Euro. He also coached countries Poland, Iran and Tunis. His track record and experience speaks for it´s self. Not to mention his love for his own country coming back to help as Coordinator for the youth area in 2023 for 3 years. He closed out his run helping Germany to a potent fifth place at the 2026 U-16 Euro only the third time a U-16 team has reached fifth place. I had the pleasure of covering Bauermann since the Bamberg loss in the 2004 BBL final in Frankfurt and interviewed him many times in the last 20 years which began in 2006 in a game in Bamberg against Frankfurt. I also had the pleasure of calling the last 3 JBBL (U-16) final games in Berlin. It was always a pleasure being able to work with him as his expertise always stood out. I remember calling the shoot out semi-final between Hamburg-ratiopharm Ulm and we were discussing the dilemma of top Hamburg big man Johan “Fiete” Meinberg not getting enough touches and shots. The same problem occurred in the first 3 games of Germany at the 2026 U-16 Euro were he only got 10 shots total. “Not getting as many shots can be tough and frustrating. But we played as a team and most important is that we make shots fall. If I´m not getting shots then other guys will make shots. If we win at the end of the day then I´m happy and can live with it”, stressed Johan Meinberg (204-C-2010). Team Germany had some good shooters and was the German game simply too guard orientated? “We always have many options to score. If our guards find guys open in the corner then that’s ok. We did a good job hitting three´s. I got the ball more later in the tournament. It´s all fine as long as we win”, said Johan Meinberg. Those first three games surely weren´t easy for him to digest, but he never got upset, but just played as best as he could and was the best teammate he could be. His time would still come. Germany may not have won a medal, but reaching 5th was still a great achievement. “We can all be really proud of having reached the fifth place. It was really very notable. I feel like we could of gone further, but all in all we were very happy with our result”, stated Johan Meinberg.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Dirk Bauermann calling the 2026 JBBL (U-16) final in Berlin
Germany came into the 2026 U-16 Euro being in a group with France, Slovenia and Belgium. Germany began with Belgium and then played against Slovenia and France. Is it in general better to have an easier opponent to start a tournament or better to have a tougher opponent where a win could shock everyone? “I think this draw was really good for us. I think that starting with an easier opponent like Belgium was best, because the win gave us energy and got us more excited for the next two tougher opponents”, remembered Johan Meinberg. Marko Volf had a strong game with 20 points. Volf continues to develop nicely as his leadership qualities were on top display. “Marko already had strong leadership qualities coming into the tournament. He led our team as captain really well. I feel like he also improved with his finishing as well as with his passing on the pick and roll”, commented Johan Meinberg. Germany then lost 93-70 against Slovenia. Slovenia overpowered Germany in many areas and looked like they were a good candidate for a medal. However it would all come a lot different for the basketball nation as they not only didn´t win a medal, but even moved down. ”Slovenia not getting a medal and moving down also surprised me a lot. But the Euro modus can be unfavorable for some, but also favorable for others. We were lucky with the draw that we didn´t have to play against France until in the semi-finals. But you can also not have luck with the draw and then get a do or die game after two loses in a row”, expressed Johan Meinberg. It didn´t get any easier for Germany as their third opponent in the group phase were the always powerfrul France where their crazy athleticism really stood out. “France is always very strong. 9 of 12 of the roster play together year round and play really well together on the court. They are very physical, athletic and have good players. It was a very tough game for us”, remembered Johan Meinberg. Germany then won an exciting 78-75 game against Israel. Germany showed often that they were really mentally strong in crunch-time. Meinberg had his break out game at the Euro with a 14/12 game. He was perfect from the field at 7/7. What changed in his game? Did he demand more touches? “I think key in that game was that my teammates put me into great positions to score consistently. Our point guards did a good job finding me. I think that I also rebounded better. I got more offensive rebounds which helped me get easy baskets. My game grew from that point on until the end”, stressed Johan Meinberg.
Pic Credit: FIBA
Germany then lost a tough game to Lithuania 82-75. It was the little things in crunch-time that cost Germany the win. Despite the loss, Germany were there to win at the end. You just can´t win them all. “We didn´t start well and then were down like 17 points. We learned from this game that we have to be awake from the start and begin better into games. We have to start with more energy. We then had a big run, but then I had some misfortune and got my fifth foul. I wasn´t clever enough in that phase and have to keep my hands up. We showed in that game that we were good enough to beat them. We were down only 1 point”, remembered Johan Meinberg. Germany was out of the medal race and then crushed Romania 79-52. Danny Egbe carried Germany to the win. He was a big factor for Germany winning the last two games as his three pointer took off as his trust in his shot grew and he finished shooting 37% at the Euro. “Danny is a super player. He can really score on a high level. He really helped us a lot in the last two games. It was really beneficial for us that he was able to break out with 20 and 22 points. I feel like that trust is always there for him. He also took more shots in the last two games. Shots tend to fall more when you take more shots”, stated Johan Meinberg. Germany then defeated Greece for fifth place 85-77. Germany in a way saved their best for last showing that they could really step up in a massive game. “I think that we wanted it more than Greece. We showed that we can play very well for 40 minutes. We really wanted to win that last game and finish in fifth place. That was our goal. It was perfect to end the Euro with a win”, added Johan Meinberg. It was a total team play as there were so many important players for Germany. Guards Oliver Papez (9/2/1) and Justus Reintjes (7/1/1) ran the show at the guard position while big man Lino Schenk was the big surprise as he had only been playing basketball for two years and made an impact on the court. “Oliver and Justus are both great players and really nice guys. It is nice to be teammates after having to play against them during the NBBL season. They are great teammates. Lino played great. He played the 5 a lot despite being a 4 player. He found his way into his new role well. He didn´t get upset with this role, but just played it. He did a good job on the rim and on the pick and roll”, stressed Johan Meinberg.
Danny Egbe and Johan “Fiete” Meinberg
The big man who lists Dirk Nowitzki, Franz Wagner, Dennis Schroeder and Detlef Schrempf on his German Mount Rushmore while his NBA Mount Rushmore is Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Lebron James and Kobe Bryant. Meinberg averaged 9.3ppg, Reb-5 (8.4rpg), 1.4spg, Blocks-2 (2.4bpg), FGP: 75.7%, FT: 52.9%. “I wasn´t pleased how I played in the group phase. I only took 10 shots which wasn´t good. I didn´t rebound and finish well in those games. But I played better after that getting more shots and hitting them as well as rebounding better”, said Johan Meinberg. The coaching staff of team Germany worked all summer with Meinberg on basics. How did his game improve during the last weeks? “I improved with finishing better under the rim. I did a good job getting the offensive rebound and finishing better with power”, warned Johan Meinberg. His journey will continue with the Hamburg Towers NBBL (U-19) team where he will play his first season as well as belonging to Pro B team SC Rist Wedel´s roster. “I want to get minutes in the Pro B and NBBL and play a lot to gain experience as well as to get stronger as a player”, stressed Johan Meinberg. There will be so many great memories that the German big man will always have and some of those will be having Dirk Bauermann as that special mentor. Gaining that mental toughness and improving as a defender from Bauermann is something that he will always remember. “ “Dirk Bauermann has a crazy charisma. He has so much experience and has seen so much in his life and that helped us throughout the Euro. He has such mental toughness and that helped us a lot. The way he transported that mental toughness to us was a big reason for us being successful. On defense I have the mentality to always play strong defense and give all I can. I learned from him that giving 70% isn´t enough, but that you have to always give 100%. I took that mindset from him”, said Johan Meinberg. Dirk Bauermann is someone that Meinberg will never forget and surely still have stories to tell in 20 years.
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
Even if KJ Sherrill (203-F/C-1991, college: Augusta) who feels that the New York Knicks were more hungry and wanted it more than the Spurs helped them win the 2026 NBA title didn´t know it yet then back between 2018-2020 when he played for the then SG Luetzel-Post Koblenz (Germany-Regionalliga) that would land back in Koblenz 5 years later as a coach. But if one looks back at his pro career overseas, the SG Luetzel-Post Koblenz (Germany-Regionalliga was his most consistent time as a pro as he played 45 Regionalliga games and averaged 9.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 77.4% and 12.9ppg, 8.7rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 69.5%. Ok so he did spend 3 seasons in Limburg, but that was during Covid and in his last season played only 1 game. Koblenz was always a place that stayed dear in his heart. “My 2 years in Koblenz was very nice! We were successful on the court, but the relationship I built with my teammates was the best. Players like Yassin Mahfouz and Zaire Thompson made playing for Koblenz exciting. Best moments had to be winning games with them being a part of the success”, remembered KJ Sherrill. It also helped that his ex head coach with the Dragons Rhondorf Stephan Dohrn became the new head coach in 2025. It was only logical that he would follow. He continues to make steps as a coach as he helped win the Pro B title with the Dragons Rhondorf in 2024 and was an assistant coach last season in the Pro A with Koblenz. Now he will take a new step as he will be a full-time youth coach with the club. “Taking this step and coaching young boys is nothing new for him. “I have a strong bond with the youth in general, no matter if I’m in the States or in Germany. I work well with them and I enjoy pushing them to become better persons on and off the court. So when the offer was presented to me, I took it into consideration. I want to be the one who helps put youth basketball in Koblenz on the map”, warned KJ Sherrill.
Pic credit: Angel Media
Before we talk about the future with the Georgia native, it is necessary to digest the past and the last season with the EPG Baskets Koblenz that ended with a 14h place and a record of 13-20. I always thought that with the talent that the club had on paper, they were a team with playoff potential, but it just wasn´t meant to be. In some ways it was a season of what if´s in the last 2 months where some close games were lost. “Despite the season record, I think we showed an improvement from the previous season’s they’ve had. There were a lot of close games we lost at the buzzer or within the last quarter. I think we proved to the league and fans that we had a strong team who just came up short within many games. On top of that, we had injuries that were unfortunate for us”, stressed KJ Sherrill. After the incredible buzzer beater win in Crailsheim the EPG Baskets Koblenz finished the season losing 7 of 8 games. The team lost close games against Paderborn and Tuebingen. Would a few better results been rewarded with a playoff appearance? “There were many games that we fought until the end, but just came up short for the win. Whether that’s from lack of discipline or lack of focus and also playing without certain players due to injuries. With a complete healthy team and more focus, we could’ve been a playoffs team for sure”, said KJ Sherrill. A big problem during the season was the team defense and it was an area that just didn´t get better during the season. “When other teams made runs, I think we just got a little too excited and instead of answering back with a structured offense, we tend to think one person can take over the game and win for themselves. But basketball is a team sport, so if everyone isn’t hungry and ready on defense, the defense will get exposed”, stated KJ Sherrill. The club was a great offensive team. That aspect of the season was one where EPG fans got their money´s worth. “Coach Stephan does a great job of recruiting players that can flat out score, for instance Tim Smith, Calvin Wishart, and DJ Jeffries. He does a phenomenal job of giving players confidence and the green light to score the ball. It has been a pleasure working with him throughout these years. Each year for me with him is another year of learning and growing as a coach. He has helped me grow and is continuing doing so”, remembered KJ Sherrill.
Pic Credit: Angel Media
For the 203cm forward who believes that NBA teams will have match up problems against the Celtics should Giannis be traded there had another season where he produced very fond memories with all the players he worked with. One of those special players was Minnesota native Calvin Wishart who will continue his career in the easyCredit BBL. “Calvin was great working with because the dude can ball, no question at all if he’s able to play in the BBL. His skill set makes him one of the best guards this past season, so I can definitely see him being successful in the top league of Germany”, warned KJ Sherrill. He also will never forget defensive specialist Devonte McCall who brought the needed impactful energy at both ends. “Devonte was valuable to this team more than ever. Simply because he was a monster whenever he wanted to be. Vonte was by far the strongest, most athletic guard/wing player in the league. When we needed a stop defensively, we knew we could count of him to try his best to get us a stop. He was hungry and us coaches knew we could rely on him as well as making a play offensively”, commented KJ Sherrill. Another great performer was work horse DJ Jeffries who often carried the team in vital phases of a game. “DJ Jeffries had to be one of the best additions to the team because not only was he a work horse, he was a great team player as well. Very unselfish but also knew that he could score the ball whenever he wanted to. Literally can play multiple positions, can guard multiple positions and was very coachable. Players like DJ is what every coach would love to have on their roster”, remembered KJ Sherrill. Badu Buck was a guy that could get hot at anytime as well as make big plays on defense. He is also a very jovial guy. He is a guy that had a very special place in Sherrill´s heart after already winning a title in Rhondorf. “Badu Buck would be the player I’m more close to, our relationship goes deeper than basketball. One of the best shooters we had on the team and by far the best captain us coaches has ever had. We knew we could count on him to make big shots for us, which he did! We’ve created so many memories that I can’t point out just one specific”, smiled KJ Sherrill. One player who was a great candidate for unsung hero was Alex Moeller who often was a scoring force from the bench. “Alex Moeller came up big for us towards the end of the season. Even if he didn’t start the game, he was the one who we needed on the court at the end of the game with his big and strong presence under the basket”, added KJ Sherrill. So who was the best candidate for most improved on the team? “I would say Tim Smith Jr. We knew that he was a great scorer in Pro B, but he transitioned into becoming one of the best scorers in Pro A. Tim is a guy who can play in any league in Europe and be affective with his ability to shoot. Great player with even greater character”, warned KJ Sherrill. It is easy to understand why the big buzzer beater winner by Julian Larry was his favorite moment of the season. “Each game we won I’d say was a great feeling, but yes the my most favorite game would be the buzzer beater against Crailsheim. Beating them in their gym with an energetic atmosphere was exciting and fulfilling”, expressed KJ Sherrill.
Pic Credit: Angel Media
The ex Charlotte (NCAA) player who believes with his confident side that he could win 1 out of 10 1-1 game against Wemby, but then again believes that in reality that he wouldn´t be able to score 1 point against him also developed further as a coach in 2025-2026. “My growth came from assisting Coach Stephan. He does a great job critiquing the game of basketball and simplifying it to a way us coaches can understand and to also teach the players ourselves. Not only does he give the players confidence, he gives us assisting him confidence as well”, said KJ Sherrill. He has a new challenge with the EPG Baskets Koblenz as youth coach and is more than prepared. “I’m looking forward mostly in watching the youth grow from the 1st day of training until the end of their career’s. Watching them train day in and day out to reach that level they all would love to be at. I will support and build confidence to them to the fullest that they all with get to that point”, stated KJ Sherrill. He will be more than busy as he will also help in other areas this upcoming season. “I will be fully committed to the youth players and teams, coaching them and molding them into elite players with my skill development and trainings. I will also continue being the skills development trainer for the Pro A”, commented KJ Sherrill. Even if he will be in his 4th season of coaching, he doesn´t see his new coaching job as a challenge as it isn´t something totally new. “I’d say it shouldn’t be much of challenge since I’m somewhat experienced with the youth already. I’ve been working youth basketball camps in the States every summer for over 10 years. Training the youth U10-U12 for the Rhöndorf Dragons also gave me confidence as well”, warned KJ Sherrill. The upcoming EPG Baskets Koblenz season will be number 4 in the Pro A and all eyes will be on Stephan Dohrn and what he can produce from the sidelines. KJ Sherrill will be busier than ever and all eyes will also be on him with what he can help achieve on the youth side of the organization.
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
Drago Crnjac (196-SG-2002) is a 23 year old 196cm forward playing his first season with the ROTH Energie Giessen Pointers (Regionalliga). He played parts of the last 2 seasons with TV Langen helping them move up to the Pro B in 2025 winning the Regionalliga title. Last season in the Pro B, he averaged 12.6ppg, 1.4apg, FGP: 63.4%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 76.9%. He began his basketball career with MTV Kronberg. He then spent 3 seasons with the Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors playing 43 Pro B games. He also played 11 Pro B games for Team Ehingen. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Drago for talking too germanhoops.com. What was it like playing in the Dragon Dome? Have you ever played here before?
It was nice being here. This was my first time here. It reminds me a bit of the court in Schwenningen. I guess it´s the colors. It was nice seeing my ex teammate Justin Onyejaika.
What is your impression of the Dragons Rhondorf? Could they be a title contender? I think that they are a playoff team. They are better than Frankfurt. They have a lot of experience and talented guards.
What is your impression of guard Dusan Ilic? Is sky the limit? He is a talented player and super guy. He reads the game really well and brings a certain level of confidence.
After playing in the Pro B last season with TV Langen, you took a step back to play with Regionalliga team Giessen Pointers. What kind of an experience has it been? It has been a super experience. We already have team chemistry. We see each other off the court and we have Pro B level.
How is the team looking? It has some interesting Germans with Tom Demmer, Kevin Strangmeyer and you and an Import with Grady Lewis. We are a talented team and everybody knows their roles. That is our big strength. If we can apply our talent on the court, then we will have a successful season. Our goal are the playoffs and Top 4.
Grady Lewis is an undersized big. What do you appreciate most about his game?
He is so athletic and can dunk as an undersized big. He has no ego and just does what the team needs. He is really efficient in the minutes he gets. He is one of the best rim protectors in the league.
Tom Demmers has Pro A experience with Trier, but the last two seasons never averaged more than 4,0ppg with Saarlouis. Can he make his Regionalliga break through this season?
You can´t judge his game or worth on points. We need him as a playmaker. He makes good passes in the corner and is really fun to play with.
Kevin Srangmeyer has 5 years of Pro A experience and played in the BBL with Giessen. How vital will his play be for the success of the team? He is a veteran and gives us a lot of energy. He isn´t lazy either. As an ex BBL player, he could come in with a different type of attitude in the Regionalliga, but he always gives everything on the court.
After 2 years in Langen and experiencing moving up in 2025, why didn´t you stay? I work full time now. I work in the Frankfurt area and travel a lot. I thought it would be smart to take a step back to the Regionalliga. I saw the situation as really good in Giessen. We have a team that can win. I still loved my time in Langen.
Last season you averaged with TV Langen you averaged 12.6ppg, 1.4apg, FGP: 63.4%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 76.9%. That was a pretty solid season considering the talent TV Langen has. What was your nicest experience with TV Langen?
I had 3 really nice memories in Langen. Obviously my buzzer beater at home against Dresden was one and the other two were winning in Munich and in Erfurt.
Are higher leagues still a goal for your basketball career? I won´t rule anything out, but at this point of time, I´m not sure.
You shot 35% from outside last season. Will you reach 40% this season? That is my goal.
What are your personal goals this season? On what areas of your game do you want to improve the most on? I want to improve my defense and rebounding most.
Will your brother Ivan make the next step in the easyCredit BBL with Frankfurt?
He will make the next step in the BBL. It was good that he didn´t play for the youth national team last summer. He was able to work on his game more.
is the NCAA ever an option for him down the road?
Yes it is.
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Tom Demmers? I win.
Joshua Petteno (193-G-1999, college: IUP) is a 27 year old 193cm guard form Italy playing his second season with German Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. He got early basketball experience playing for the Umana Reyer Venezia U18 team. He also got experience in Italy playing with Gemini Murano (Serie C) and Virtus Murano 1954 (Serie C). He then spent 5 years in the United States and played with Northwest College, WY (JUCO) averaging 14.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 75.7% and Santa Fe College (JUCO) averaging 4.2ppg, 1.6rpg. He then played 2 seasons with Young Harris College (NCAA2) averaging 7.9ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 46.1%, FT: 69.6% and 11.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 83.3%. He then finished at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (NCAA2) averaging 4.2ppg, 3.9rpg. Last season he played with the Dragons Rhoendorf (Germany-ProB) averaging 8.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 77.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Josh for talking to germanhoops.com. The Dragons Rhondorf played a test game against Regionalliga team Giessen Pointers. How important is it at times to play a lower ranked team for self-confidence?
I think that overall confidence comes from practicing our plays. It is vital to apply what you practice. I don´t think who the opponent is makes a difference.
What was your impression of Regionalliga team Giessen Pointers?
They were solid and pushed the ball well. They also did a good job taking advantage of the mismatches. They played with a lot of energy and gave a lot of effort. We could learn from them.
Welcome back to the Dragons Rhondorf. What were the main reasons for coming back?
At the end of the day, I had a really good time here. I felt very comfortable in the community. It was natural to come back. I´m looking forward to a new adventure this season.
What have you learned to appreciate most about the German culture? That´s a good question. I never really thought about it. I would say the bread.
What is it like playing for a coach like Max Becker who is 5 days younger than you? What have you learned to appreciate most about his basketball philosophy? I think that because we are so close in age, we know how to connect. We are able to relate to many things because of the age.
Guys have come and gone. What is your impression of this years team? Could this be a title team?
I feel that this team has a lot of potential. I think that the young guys will be focused to prove themselves again and make another step forward from last season. Daniel Mayr will be a big factor as well as the others who stayed. I like the new guys who have been integrated well. There is a good balance and a good chemistry is growing. We still need time to really come together, but we are on a good way.
What kind of a style will we see this season. Fast and aggressive defense? I think that our style will be as aggressive as possible at both ends. We also have guys who can create and we are young which is a strength.
What has been your impression of Mychael Paulo? Is he the 2 way player that will make an impact at both ends of the court?
He is a solid player that has experience. He has a good rhythm and knows how to control the pace. He brings good energy and is also a good shooter.
What has been your impression of new American Sahmi Willoughby. Have you noticed his Dennis Rodman rebounding abilities? He is physically really strong. He will be really hard to guard at the Pro B level. He can also shoot and drive. He will be an important piece for our team.
What has been your impression of Justin Onyejaika? He took a step back to make 2 steps forward. What part of his game will shine most? I haven´t seen him yet since he has been injured.
How talented is Dusan Ilic? Could he really break through this season? I hope so. He has time here to take the next step. He has time to gain confidence while establishing his game.
How refreshing is it having a giant like Daniel Mayr on the court? Is he100% He has tons of experience and has size and versatility. He also brings a nice inside out game.
Last season you averaged 8.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 77.8%.. How content were you with your game?
I came late last season. I was in a tough situation as I wanted to establish myself without stepping on anybody. I helped the team stay in the league and then gain the playoffs.
What are your personal goals with your game this season? What new steps do you want to make? I have to help as much as possible. I want to help as much as last season and more. My goals are more ambitious than last season.
You are categorized as a 3 and D player, but you are truly more than that. What other part of your game shines? I think it always depends the situation I´m in if I´m really that 3 and D player in a game. I have the capacity to affect the game in many ways. At the end of the day, it always depends on the situation.
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Dusan Ilic? If we are in the post, I win hands down. But if he is allowed to run, then it will be tough.
Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore? Lebron James, Kwai Leonard, Michael Jordan, Shaq
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