football

Germany Dismantle Slovenia Again 84-72 To Reach U-19 World Cup Final Against USA

Pic Credit: Fiba

Is there any team that can stop team Germany? So far no one can as they just keep being triumphant 6-0 and beat Slovenia for a second time in this tournament 84-72 to reach the World Cup final under the watchful eyes of German basketball legend Dirk Nowitzki. The big difference to the second game against Slovenia was that this time, team Germany controlled the game from the first minute instead of having to come from behind to win like in the first game. Germany will face team USA in the final who easily knocked off New Zealand 120-64. Germany once again showed their excellent team play led by their 2 top guards Christian Anderson (188-G-2006) and Jack Kayil and under the boards the potent duo of Hannes Steinbach and Eric Reibe controlled everything. Once again team Germany also totally crushed their opponent on the boards. “Germany delivered a very mature and composed 40-minute performance. From an outsider’s perspective, what really stood out was their ability to control the tempo and adapt to the game’s momentum swings. They were strong on both ends of the floor—especially in the second quarter, where they built a double-digit lead through defensive pressure and smart execution in transition. Their rebounding, led by Hannes Steinbach, created second-chance opportunities and prevented Slovenia from gaining rhythm. Christian Anderson brought that offensive spark, showing great poise, while Eric Reibe´s and Jack Kayil’s clutch shooting down the stretch helped maintain control. Even when Slovenia pushed back in the third quarter, Germany didn’t lose their composure. That mental toughness, combined with depth and discipline, allowed them to close the game confidently. Overall, it was a well-rounded and professional effort”, stated Orange Academy head coach Florian Flabb.

In the first quarter team Germany wasn´t able to have a huge start like in previous games, but they still had the tight 19-17 lead after 10 minutes. It was a quarter of both teams having small runs. Team Germany was able to get away a bit leading 18-11 as Christian Anderson of Texas Teach (NCAA) as usual hurt team Slovenia with his lethal drive scoring 3 buckets in the paint. Ex Rasta vechta guard Jack Kayil also found his range dropping a trey.” Christian Anderson was absolutely central to Germany’s offensive success — not just in carrying the scoring load, but in orchestrating the tempo and spacing of their attack. While Germany established their inside game early through Hannes Steinbach, it was Anderson who elevated the offense. Importantly, he carried momentum from yesterday’s game against Australia, where he had a very strong start. That early confidence translated immediately today — he looked sharp from the first possession, aggressive off the dribble, and comfortable reading Slovenia’s pick-and-roll coverages. Tactically, he exploited Slovenia’s help schemes by using high ball screens to create separation, often drawing two defenders and making the right reads. His ability to attack gaps, and draw contact forced Slovenia to collapse defensively — which opened clean looks for shooters and created driving lanes. What makes him so valuable isn’t just his 27 points — it’s the fact that he makes the defense move. When Germany needed baskets during Slovenia’s third-quarter push, it was Anderson who settled the offense, slowed the game down, and got quality looks”, stated Florian Flabb. Team Slovenia didn´t hang their heads, but fought back in the last few minutes making good use of their bread and butter the three pointer and connecting twice as Mark Padjen and Urban Kroflic scored.

In the second quarter team Germany was able to heighten their game as they produced 26 points and had the comfortable 45-31 advantage at the break. After a few minutes of back and forth battle, team Germany absolutely exploded on a 23-9 run. Christian Anderson just took over in total brutal fashion scoring 12 of the 23 points. He has been a dog the whole tournament, but his game keeps growing with every new win. It seems like he is playing with a chip on his shoulder and has something to prove. “I don’t know Christian Anderson personally that well, but it definitely looks like he’s playing with something to prove. He didn’t win MVP when Germany won the European Championship last year, and maybe that’s part of what’s fueling him now. In that 23–9 run, he completely took over — 12 points, confident decisions, and real command of the offense”, said Florian Flabb. But it wasn´t only Anderson in the attack that sparkled, but as usual Hannes Steinbach contributed in his usual self adding 5 points while Eric Reibe and Keenan Garner also scored. “The turning point in that second quarter wasn’t just Germany’s offensive rhythm — it was the defensive shift they made that completely disrupted Slovenia’s flow. The most noticeable tactical adjustment was that Germany began switching more aggressively on ball screens, particularly on the perimeter. In the first quarter, Slovenia found ways to attack Germany’s show coverage by getting downhill off picks and forcing rotations. But once Germany started switching, it took away the driving lanes and neutralized Slovenia’s advantage in pick-and-roll creation. This forced Slovenia into more isolation-based looks, which played right into Germany’s hands. The switching also helped contain dribble penetration without over-helping, which kept their defensive spacing intact and allowed the weak side to stay home on shooters. Combined with more physical rebounding Germany turned stops into immediate offense. Their transition game kicked into gear off those defensive wins, fueling that 26-point second quarter”, commented Florian Flabb.

In the third quarter team Slovenia found back into the game as they trailed only 57-49 after 30 minutes. Team Slovenia attacked the inside better and got to the free throw line better. Kroflic and Bine made easy lay in´s, but they also got a key three from Zak Smrekar and free throws from Leon Zdravkovic. It was a quarter to forget for Christian Anderson who couldn´t hit shots and had 4 of his total 8 turnovers in the game. “In the third quarter, Germany lost a bit of their defensive sharpness — especially in terms of physicality in the paint. Slovenia made a clear adjustment by attacking the rim more directly, and Germany didn’t respond with the same level of interior resistance they showed in the first half.They were a step late rotating over, and the switches that worked so well earlier became less effective when Slovenia started slipping screens and cutting harder off the ball. Germany also didn’t protect the weak side as well — Slovenia capitalized with a few easy finishes around the rim and open threes. Offensively, Germany also got a bit stagnant, which allowed Slovenia to control the tempo and build some momentum”, expressed Florian Flabb.

Even if Zak Smreker began the fourth quarter hitting free throws to cut Germany´s lead down to 57-51, one never ever had the feeling that Germany would lose this game. Germany responded smacking team Slovenia with a crucial 8-0 run as Anderson made free throws and Reibe connected on consecutive three´s giving team Germany the 65-51 lead. Those three´s were like a dagger into the hearts of Slovenia. “Absolutely — those back-to-back threes from Eric Reibe were a real dagger. Slovenia had just cut the lead to six and had momentum on their side for the first time since the first quarter. Germany looked a little unsettled — and then Reibe stepped up and buried two huge shots. Tactically, it was a perfect response: spacing the floor, trusting the trail big in pick-and-pop action, and punishing Slovenia for collapsing into the paint. Reibe’s timing was huge — not just in terms of scoring, but in completely flipping the psychological flow of the game. From that moment on, Germany never looked threatened again”, expressed Florian Flabb. Team Germany had the momentum on their side again and now just played their game and found good offensive execution again. Steinbach and Declan Duru scored and Jack Kayil was clutch with 5 points as team Germany led 78-65 with 3,36 to play. As so often in this tournament, team Germany always had an answer. “That’s what makes this Germany team so hard to beat — they always seem to have an answer. Whether it’s Anderson breaking down the defense, Reibe stretching the floor in that game, or Kayil stepping up as a scorer, they don’t rely on just one option”, warned Florian Flabb. Team Germany closed out the game well as they got to the free throw line as Duru, Garner, Steinbach and Anderson made their free throws. Christian Anderson led team Germany with 27 points while Hannes Steinbach had a 14/16 game. Eric Reibe had another super game with 14 points and 5 rebounds while team Slovenia was led by Mark Padjen with 23 points. Team Germany shot 54% from the field and 36% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 22 turnovers while team Slovenia shot 35% from the field and 36% from outside and had 23 rebounds and 12 turnovers. Team Germany now face team USA: This game is the next big game in the history of German basketball since the 2023 World Cup final which team Germany won over team USA: The question is can Germany beat team USA at the youth level? “Against a high-powered team like the USA or New Zealand, the key for Germany will be controlling the tempo, protecting the paint, and staying disciplined defensively. Both potential opponents are very athletic and thrive in transition — so Germany can’t afford careless turnovers or rushed possessions. Rebounding will be absolutely critical. Germany has relied on Hannes Steinbach’s dominance on the glass all tournament, but in the final, it’ll take a full team effort to limit second chances and win the physical battles inside. Offensively, they’ll need to stay balanced and unpredictable. Christian Anderson will likely face more athletic perimeter defenders, so Germany’s ball movement and contributions from Kayil, Steinbach, Reibe and the supporting cast become even more important”, warned Florian Flabb.

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Germany Keep Rolling Defeating Australia 80-67 To Reach U-19 World Cup Semi-Finals

pic credit: Fiba

Team Germany keep rolling at the U-19 World Cup in Lausanne as they remained undefeated 5-0 knocking off Team Australia 80-67. Once again the team coached by Alan Ibrahimagic showed their fine team qualities as five players scored in double figures and they easily won the rebounding duel 58-38 and thrashed Australia with 16 offensive rebounds. Hannes Steinbach was a menace once again on the glass hauling down 16 rebounds while also netting 16 points. One guy who is following the action in Switzerland as closely as one only can is German coach Florian Flabb who recently led ratiopharm Ulm to the NBBL (U-19) top 4 in Berlin in May. “From the opening tip, Germany just looked locked in. They came out with great energy and really set the tone early—putting up 28 points in the first quarter and forcing Australia into some tough shots and early mistakes. That fast start gave them a cushion they never really let go of. What impressed me the most was their poise. Even when Australia made a strong push in the third quarter—cutting what was once a 19-point lead down to single digits—Germany didn’t panic. Credit to Australia for fighting back—they played a much better second half and made it a real contest—but Germany’s defensive discipline in the fourth quarter was the difference. They closed out possessions, rebounded well, and took care of the ball when it mattered”, stressed Florian Flabb.

One thing Germany hasn´t lacked in this tournament is getting out of bed on the wrong side as they continue to come out roaring and setting the tone with a 16-4 run. Team Germany was very aggressive as Texas Tech (NCAA) guard Christian Anderson (188-G-2006) continued to find his range hitting 2 three pointers while ex Real Madrid forward Declan Deru used his athleticism to the fullest scoring 3 buckets in the paint. His energy was vital in helping Team Germany get away from Team Australia early. “Declan Duru set the tone in those opening minutes — not just with his physicality on the boards, but with his overall activity. He got them extra possessions, created second-chance opportunities, and helped build that early lead that ultimately gave Germany control of the game”, said Florian Flabb. Team Australia then found some daylight going on a 10-4 run to trail Team Germany 23-14 as they found their way to the hoop with successful drives. However Team Germany closed out the first quarter with instant energy from the bench as Orange Academy guard Jordan Muller made free throws and Alba Berlin center Amon Doerries stepped out for a trey as Team Germany led 28-14 after one quarter. “That 16–4 run was massive — not just in terms of the scoreboard, but in setting the tone psychologically. Germany came out with confidence, they moved the ball crisply, hit shots, and completely dictated the tempo. Germany’s energy and execution in those first few minutes gave them an important spark, and even though Australia fought back later, that early punch put them in a hole they spent the whole game trying to climb out of”, added Florian Flabb.

In the second Team Germany continued to have control of the game continuing to execute solidly on offense scoring 24 points and leading comfortably 52-33 at half-time. New Washington (NCAA) center Hannes Steinbach continued to be his lethal self in this tournament executing at a high percentage in the paint while also getting to the free throw line. However the story of the second quarter was Indiana native Kennan Garner of Indiana Univ-Purdue Univ-Indianapolis (NCAA). He hasn´t got many minutes at the World Cup, but in the second quarter demonstrated that he can score in bunches as he scored 8 of his 10 points sparking team Germany off the bench. This was another great example of how it doesn´t matter who is thrown on to the court, every player understands their role and perform. “First off, you’re absolutely right — Germany’s depth and clarity in roles has been a important asset of their success. The fact that someone like Keenan Garner can come in, stay ready, and give them instant defensive and offensive impact shows just how connected this group is”, stated Florian Flabb. Flabb´s ex player Jordan Mueller closed out the second half with a clutch three pointer to get Germany into the locker room with high spirits.

That basketball is a game of runs is nothing new. It was only a matter of time before team Australia would make their move and they did that in the third quarter. Team Australia stormed back executing a lot better on offense scoring 24 points while making adjustments on defense allowing only 12 points.Team Germany couldn´t close out the third quarter well as they led by as much as 21 points with 3,55 to play in the third quarter and at that point, it looked like Team Germany would easily roll to the win. However team Australia closed out the third quarter with a massive 15-1 run to trail only 64-57. Key in the run was Luke Fennell of BA Centre of Excellence (NBL One East) scoring 8 points including 2 three pointers. “Give credit to Australia in that third quarter. They came out of the locker room with a lot more defensive urgency. They started pressuring the ball higher up the floor, they switched more aggressively on screens, and they did a much better job closing driving lanes — which really disrupted Germany’s offensive rhythm. They also denied the wings and forced Germany into more isolation-type possessions. Germany’s ball movement slowed down, their spacing suffered, and that allowed Australia to push the tempo off stops. It was the first time Germany looked a little uncomfortable in the game. It wasn’t just tactical — it was also a shift in intensity and offensively producing from the three point line. Australia played like a team with its back against the wall, and it showed. That quarter gave them life, but ultimately Germany’s composure and team structure carried them through the final stretch”, commented Florian Flabb.

Team Australia threatened early in the fourth quarter being down only by 4 points, but team Germany didn´t panic, but just played their game and came up with big buckets and plays when they needed them Jacob Furphy of BA Centre of Excellence (NBL One East) scored 5 points keeping team Australia very close, but team Germany held their nerves closing out the game with a 10-3 run. In the run, team Germany displayed their all around fine team play getting key baskets from Garner, Reibe and Duru to seal up the win.” Germany’s depth and trust in every player really shined through. When the pressure was on and Australia had cut it to six, you could feel the momentum shifting. But instead of panicking or relying solely on their top scorers, Germany stayed composed, stuck to their structure, and guys like Eric Reibe stepped up in a huge way. Reibe’s baskets were big — not just in terms of points, but in breaking Australia’s momentum. He finished strong around the rim, made smart cuts, and gave them physicality inside when they needed it most. It was a perfect example of Germany’s ‘next man up’ mentality. But beyond that, what sealed the game for Germany was their execution. They got stops defensively, they slowed the game down offensively, and they made smart decisions with the ball”, expressed Florian Flabb. Team Germany was led by Christian Anderson with 18 points while Hannes Steinbach added 16 points and Eric Reibe 12 points. Jack Kayil had a horrible 1/13 shooting day, but helped in other ways dishing out 12 dimes and getting 3 steals. Team Australia was led by Luke Fennell with 18 points while Roman Siulepa added 16 points. Team Germany shot 43% from the field and 25% from outside and had 58 rebounds and 16 turnovers while Team Australia shot 34% from the field and 31% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 8 turnovers. Team Germany next battle Slovenia in the semi-finals. They beat them already in the first game, but had problems with them as they had to come back to win. How dangerous will team Slovenia be for team Germany? “Slovenia is absolutely dangerous — and maybe even more so the second time around. That first game against Germany was tight, and Slovenia actually had control for long stretches before Germany mounted a comeback. So you can bet Slovenia remembers that, and they’ll come into the semifinal hungry, focused, and with a bit of a chip on their shoulder. One of the biggest keys for Germany will be taking advantage of their interior presence, especially with Hannes Steinbach and Eric Reibe. Those two give Germany a real edge around the basket — whether it’s post scoring, offensive rebounds, or rim protection. If Germany can establish them early and play inside-out, it could open up the floor and really stretch Slovenia’s defense. They also need to stay composed, trust their depth, and control the tempo. Germany’s strength is their balance — anyone can step up. But this time, they have to combine that with smart decision-making and a physical edge inside. If they do that, they’ll put themselves in a great position to advance”, warned Florian Flabb.

Dorian Grosber Really Appreciated The All-Around Game Of Amon Doerries With Alba Berlin

pic credit: ellystro media

Dorian Grosber (197-PG-2006) is an 18 year old 197cm forward from Luxemburg that plays in the Alba Berlin organization. He primarily plays for the farm team Lok Bernau averaging 9/4/2 and and for the NBBL (U-19) team averaging 11/6/3/2. He also has played 2 Euroleague games. Last season he played 10 games for Lok Bernau averaging 2,8ppg, 2,0rpg and 1,7apg and with the NBBL team averaged 9/6/3. In the 2022-2023 season he helped Alba Berlin win the NBBL title averaging 5/3/1. He began his basketball career with BBC Sparta Bertrange U17 team (EYBL) and also played with the CFBB Luxembourg U16 team (EYBL). He spoke to germanhoops.com about his teammate Amon Doerries.

Thanks Dorian for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

I´m still in Berlin. I´m training and spending time with friends. Next week, I will head to Luxemburg.

How quickly did you digest the NBBL Top 4 loss?

It took about a week. It was a strange feeling after the loss. But it´s a loss and you have to accept it. I was happy that my family was there.

You had a super season playing Euroleague, Pro B and NBBL: How would you personally rate your 2024-2025 season?

This was the most important season of my career. Before this season, I had hardly practiced with the pro´s or played Pro B. I learned a lot especially being able to play different roles. This season had a big influence on my career.

Will you remain with Alba Berlin?

No. I don´t know yet if I will play college in the States or play for another pro team.

Have you been following the 2025 U-19 World Cup?

Yes I have.

Have you been following Germany? What has been your impression of Team Germany?

I´m surprised that they have won their games so easily. I have a good feeling about them. I hope that they will win the Gold

How far can they go? Do they have the personal to be a USA or France?

I believe that they are better than every other team even without Ivan Kharchenkov. Australia could be tough, but they should be able to beat France, because they are without 2 key players. USA will be tough. They could win or lose.

How good is that kid Christian Anderson? How would you compare him in skill to a guy like your ex teammate Jack Kayil?

They are both different type of players. I only saw Christian play once at a camp. He is a very good player. He displayed good stats at Texas Tech. But I like Jack more as a player, but I also know him well. Both are really good players. They are hard to compare.

When you hear the name Amon Doerries what is the first thing that comes to mind?

Athletic.

You have been teammates with Amon Doerries for some years now. What do you appreciate most about his game?

I like that he is an allrounder. People really underestimate his athleticism and shooting ability. He began as a lefty and now shoots right. His shot is always getting better. Plus he is a very hard worker.

Team Germany has big talents Hannes Steinbach and Eric Reibe. How does Doerries fit into the big man rotation with his game?

He needs to get into the open court and run a lot. He just needs to play his game getting offensive rebounds and dunking. He needs to be a good teammate and help the team.

He started games in Pro B and NBBL. Is it tough for him coming off the bench for Germany?

He has always been a top player with Alba Berlin. I think that it isn´t difficult coming from the bench. He is used to it. It was like that with the U-16 and U-18. This nothing new for him. He respects it.

How much potential does he have? He seemed to get lost a bit in the big Alba Berlin big man rotation with Nufer, Schmitt, Bennefeld and Kemmer.

I think that all is possible with his potential. He is 211cm and very mobile. I think that going to college at Bucknell will help his game

Doerries had some big games in the NBBL against Berlin Braves and Rostock. What was your fondest moment with him on the court?

I think the 2 nicest moments was winning the NBBL title in 2024 and our last NBBL game this season. We realized it was our last game and that meant a lot.

What kind of a relation do you have with him? Just a normal teammate to teammate or does it go beyond that?

Our relationship goes further than just that teammate-teammate relationship. I think that especially this season, we built a very good relationship. I will stay in contact and support him this season.

Thanks Dorian for the chat.

The 48 Point Explosion Combination Of Steinbach And Reibe Propel Germany Past Serbia 93-82 Into U-19 World Cup Quarterfinals

pic credit: Fiba

The perfect Team Germany (4-0) continue to roll as they dismantled Team Serbia 93-82 to reach the quarterfinals where they will have a tough test against team Australia. Team Germany had another potent game from their 2 bigs Hannes Steinbach (206-F/C-2006) and Eric Reibe who combined for 48 points and 27 rebounds. There was no stopping their play inside while the team also controlled the boards easily. “Steinbach and Reibe are very talented. They form a very strong duo. They have a big future ahead of them”, warned Janne Muller. They also got a massive game from Alba Berlin guard Jack Kayil who supplied 20 points, 6 boards and 8 dimes while Texas Tech (NCAA) guard Christian Anderson had a horrible shooting day at 2/11, but instead took over the playmaking duties well dishing out 11 assists and leading the offensive attack. “We knew that Serbia was a very strong opponent. We knew them very well from the last years. We played an all around good game and were physical and aggressive on offense. We also did a good job controlling the rebounding”, stressed Telekom Baskets Bonn guard Janne Muller.

Team Germany got off rolling in the first quarter as they controlled the game and set the tone on defense being aggressive and not allowing Serbia to get into a offensive rhythm. They right away showed who owned the paint area as Hannes Steinbach and Eric Reibe scored 2 buckets a piece while Jack Kayil dropped a three pointer for good measure. However team Serbia didn´t wilt like a flower, but showed their fighting qualities which they would do until the end going on a 8-2 run to trail only 14-10. They got 2 key three´s from top Serbian guard Savo Drezgic and Andrej Kostic. Both teams showed why basketball is a game of runs as team Germany closed out the first quarter with a 9-3 run to lead 23-13 after 10 minutes. In the run, team Germany were led by Steinbach who was an absolute menace under the basket scoring 6 points while Christian Anderson connected on a trey. “It was vital that our bigs Steinbach and Reibe were dominant. We knew they could be that and we looked for that early. Both guys produced”, stressed Janne Muller.

In the second quarter it was time for team Serbia to set the tone as they exploded for 29 points and cut team Germanys lead down to 45-42 at half-time. Germany scored 22 points and probably could have had a 10 point lead at the break, but they weren´t able to control Drezgig who went on fire and was a one man wrecking crew in the second half of the second quarter scoring 7 consecutive points. “Drezgic is a very good creator for his team, but can also score himself. He played a very good game and kept his team in the game”, stated Janne Muller. In the last minute Nikola Dzepina also came through in the punch scoring 5 points and kept Serbia close with Germany. The best thing Germany did in the second quarter besides remaining consistent on the boards was get to the free throw line. They remained aggressive and 17 of their 22 points came from the free throw line. Their weakness was on the defensive end where they just couldn´t get on a roll. “We weren´t as focused anymore on the defensive end. Serbia hit tough shots and we made easy mistakes”, added Janne Muller.

In the third quarter, team Germany found back to their game and led 73-65 after 30 minutes. Their early 19-4 run gave them the 64-49 advantage and set the tone for team Germany as they would control the game until the end even if team Serbia continued to pick at the lead. In the run, Germany continued to spread the love around as Reibe continued to be a beast in the paint scoring 6 points while Steinbach remained consistent netting 5 points and Kayil continued to have his range dropping 2 three´s. However team Serbia stayed tough and kept executing well to stay around the 10 point margin as Drezgic and Tofoski nailed vital three´s. “We came out of half-time aggressive and remained focused on offense and defense. We simply played our game”, said Janne Muller.

In the fourth quarter team Germany did another really good job of managing the lead well and just executing consistently on offense. Whenever team Serbia tried to threaten, team Germany always had an answer with points. Twice Drezgic scored, but Christian Anderson answered with free throws to keep Germany ahead at 84-77 with 5,23 minutes to play. In crunch-time, Eric Reibe showed his killer instinct and nerves scoring 5 points while Declan Duru and Steinbach hit free throws to secure the win. “Our guards controlled the game and we had the great inside presence of Steinbach and Reibe. Serbia couldn´t stop it”, added Janne Muller. Hannes Steinbach led team Germany with a monster game of 23 points and 19 rebounds while Eric Reibe added 25 points and 8 boards. Jack Kayil added 20 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists while team Serbia was led by Savo Drezgic with 32 points and 11 rebounds while Stefan Plisnic added 16 points. Team Germany shot 45% from the field and 30% from outside and had 47 rebounds and 9 turnovers while team Serbia shot 40% from the field and 34% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 9 turnovers. The rest of the way doesn´t get any easier for team Germany as they now clash team Australia on Friday who crushed the Dominican Republic 106-96. Team Australia grabbed 21 offensive rebounds and displayed their pretty team basketball with 6 guys scoring in double figures. “We know Australia from the AST and 2 test games. They are a very aggressive team that play with a lot of energy. It will definitely be a fight”, warned Janne Muller.

Florian Flabb Is Proud Of How Far Jordan Mueller Has Come And Knows That He Is Only Getting Started

.pic credit: Jule Niemeyer

Florian Flabb is a German coach who currently is coaching Pro B team Orange Academy and the ratiopharm Ulm NBBL team He began his coaching career as an assistant with the Art Giants and then was a head coach with the NBBL and Pro A team. He also has been an assistant coach with the German U-18 and U-20 teams. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the German U-19 World Cup team and especially about Jordan Mueller.

Thanks Florian for talking to germanhoops.com Have you followed the U-19 WM? What has been your impression of Germany with 2-0 start?

Germany’s start to the tournament has been really impressive. They’re sitting at 2–0, and what stands out most is their composure and adaptability. In the opening game against Slovenia, they were down by double digits early on but managed to turn it around with a very mature second-half performance. Hannes Steinbach was massive in that game — a 19-point, 19-rebound performance shows both talent and grit.

In the second game, they looked far more settled. Against China, they played with purpose from the opening tip — they controlled the paint, forced turnovers, and moved the ball really well. What I really like is how balanced they are. Everyone contributes, and the bench has been reliable too.

Tactically, you can see the coaching staff making smart adjustments — they don’t panic when things go wrong. Their next game against Canada will be a great measure of how far they can go. But so far, they’ve shown the kind of discipline and depth you need to make a serious run.

How do you see the chances for Germany with a medal?

I think Germany has a very realistic shot at winning a medal this year. They came into the tournament with strong momentum after winning the U18 European Championship, and they’ve carried that form into the U19s with a perfect start. What’s impressed me most is their combination of depth and composure — they can weather early deficits, as we saw against Slovenia, and they can dominate from the tip, like they did against China.

Players like Christian Anderson, Jack Kayil and Hannes Steinbach have stepped up as leaders, but it’s the overall team balance that really makes them dangerous. They’re not overly reliant on one or two players, and their bench has been consistent, which is crucial in a tournament setting.

Of course, the real tests lie ahead — especially in the knockout rounds against teams like the USA, France, or Canada. But if Germany continues to defend as well as they have, and maintain their poise in big moments, I believe they’re absolutely in the mix for a top-three finish. Right now, they’re playing like a team that expects to be on the podium.

With Ivan Kharchenkov, Germany would have been even stronger at the guard position. How will they compensate his loss?

Kharchenkov’s absence is definitely a loss — he’s a creative scorer and strong presence on the ball. But Germany has depth to cover it. Overall, Germany’s strength is in its balance and adaptability, so while Kharchenkov would have added another dimension, they’ve adjusted well.

How important are the German bigs in general? With Steinbach and Reibe, Germany have demonstrated early that they want to be impactful under the glass for 40 minutes.

The German bigs are absolutely central to their identity and success. With players like Hannes Steinbach and Eric Reibe, Germany has made it clear from the start that they want to control the paint — on both ends. Steinbach, in particular, has been a force on the boards and sets the tone with his physicality and energy. Reibe brings size and touch, giving them a solid interior presence. Their ability to dominate the glass not only limits second-chance points for opponents but also fuels Germany’s transition game. It’s a huge part of why they’ve started so strongly.

Jordan Mueller had 2 solid games with 12 points off the bench. How do you rate his first 2 games?

Jordan has made a really strong impression in his first two games. Scoring 12 points off the bench in both outings shows he’s not just contributing — he’s doing it efficiently and confidently. He’s brought great energy, shot selection, and has given Germany a reliable scoring spark when the starters sit. What stands out is his composure — he doesn’t force shots, he plays within the system, and he’s making smart decisions on both ends. For a team with medal ambitions, having a bench player like Jordan stepping up early is a major asset. He’s been one of the unsung keys to Germany’s 2–0 start.

Is it difficult for a youth player in general to come off the bench when he is used to starting for his normal team?

Absolutely — it can be a big adjustment, especially at the youth level where many players are used to being focal points on their club teams. Coming off the bench requires a shift in mindset. You have to be ready to impact the game immediately, often with less rhythm or time to settle in. It also takes maturity to accept a different role for the good of the team.

What exactly is his role in the U-19 team to Orange Academy? Is it pretty similar?

Jordan’s roles share some similarities, but there are important differences. At Orange Academy, he’s been our starting point guard—averaging 26 minutes per game and a central leadership role in orchestrating the offense in Pro B competition.With the U-19 national team, he’s come off the bench, providing a dynamic boost. His responsibility is to bring instant energy, smart playmaking. It’s less about initiating the offense and more about injecting momentum and efficiency. So while his core skills—playmaking, basketball IQ, scoring—translate across both environments, his role shifts from starter and offensive anchor at club level to impactful spark plug off the bench on the national team. That kind of adaptability is rare and extremely valuable in tournament settings.

How special of a player is he? He shows that he never lets his size get in the way of having success.

Jordan is one of those players who quietly controls the game. He sees the floor well, makes the right reads, and understands tempo better than most at his age. He can run the offense, space the floor, or pressure the ball defensively. But beyond the X’s and O’s, it’s his poise and competitiveness that stand out. He plays with a maturity and toughness that lifts the whole team.

How do you believe does Jordan take that whole situation with coming off the bench and playing off the bench behind Kayil and Anderson?

I think Jordan is handling the situation with a lot of maturity. Of course, any competitive player wants to start — especially someone like Jordan who plays a lead role at his club. But what stands out is how he’s embraced his role without letting ego get in the way. He’s come off the bench with energy, focus, and a clear understanding of what the team needs from him. That’s not always easy for young players, but Jordan seems to get that success at this level comes from buying into the system. His performances speak for themselves — he’s making an impact, earning trust, and showing he’s ready whenever his number is called.

How did you see the development of Jordan last season. He was super consistent for 3 months and cooled down a bit in the last months in the Pro B.

Jordan took a significant leap in the 2024–25 season, showing more volume and confidence. He jumped from averaging 5.8 ppg in ~17 min (2023–24) to 11.8 ppg in 25 min, while maintaining solid shooting (41 % FG, 82 % FT) and improving playmaking (3.7 apg). That three-month stretch in early season was the core of his growth—he became a reliable two-way guard who could both initiate offense and stabilize the backcourt.

Later in the season, his scoring dipped a bit—a natural fluctuation as teams adjusted to him and he faced tougher matchups. But even then, his consistency didn’t fully disappear, and his performance in knockout and tight Pro B games stayed impactful.

What was your personal favorite game of his NBBL or Pro B in 2024-2025.

To be honest, I don’t really have one single favorite game. What I appreciated most was watching Jordan’s steady growth over the course of the season. He had some big performances — including buzzer beaters — but more than any one moment, it was the way he kept developing, adapting, and maturing that stood out. Seeing that progression up close and being part of his journey was something special. I’m proud of how far he’s come, and I know he’s only just getting started.

What was your fondest moment with him off the court? He seems to always have respect for everyone that he deals with?

There’s not just one moment — but what stands out about Jordan off the court is how consistently respectful, humble, and grounded he is. Whether it’s with teammates, coaches, staff, he treats everyone with the same level of kindness and professionalism.

Thanks Florian for the chat.

Marvin Esser Believes That Hannes Steinbach´s Versatility And Combination Of Athleticism And Size Makes Him Special

Marvin Esser (196-SF-2005) is a 19 year old 196cm forward who played with Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors last season. He began the season injured and came back in January 2025 and played 12 games averaging 1,8ppg and 2,1rpg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about big German center talent Hannes Steinbach.

Thanks Marvin for talking to germanhoops.com. How has your summer been?

I´m good thanks. I recently finished school and got my degree. I also had my prom. My school results were good. I was happy about it.

You had a difficult 24-25 season with injury. You missed the first half of season. How would you rate your Pro B season?

I would give my Pro B season a grade 7 out of 10. It wasn´t easy coming in mid season. I´m happy that my minutes went from 6-12.

What is the next step for you? Will you remain in Frankfurt?

I don´t know yet if I will remain in Frankfurt. I´m staying in contact with the Skyliners. I definitely will remain in the Frankfurt area.

When you hear the name Hannes Steinbach what is the first thing that comes to mind?

The first thing I think about is Wurzburg. I played against him the last few years. He is a very talented player with long arms and plays very well.

You played against him in the NBBL and Pro B. You don´t play same positions but is a guy like that a role model?

That is hard to say since we are the same age. Role models are usually players when I was growing up. It is usually guys that are older.

You played him in 23-24 in the NBBL winning 77-58 and he had a dominant 20/22 game. What memories do you have of that game?

I remember that his whole team lived off his game in the NBBL. It felt easier then to try to keep him under control even if it was still tough

You had a 8/10 game. I believe you had to match up against him because Frankfurt had no center. How tough was it as a undersized big?

I remember defending against him at times. We had more of a team duty to defend him. He was very physical and I had to use my whole body when trying to defend him.

As a undersized big, can you still soak up things from his game?

He uses his speed and athleticism very well. I feel like I can pick up things from his game like using my athleticism more on the outside.

He had an incredible 19/19 game in the first U-19 world cup game in Slovenia. Are you following his progress?

At the moment not because of my school things, but I will more now in the future

How much will the NCAA help his game? He already played against the highest competition in BBL and BCL. How will NCAA help him?

I think that it will be an adjustment at the beginning. But I think that the whole experience in USA will help him see another side of basketball. I´m sure that he will do well.

How good is he really? Some are saying that he is better than big German talent Johan Grunloh. Do you share that opinion?

That is hard to say. I never played against Grunloh. They are both big talents that can go far. I think most important is that both are great talents and not who is better than the other.

What makes Hannes Steinbach so good? What really stands out most in his game? Is it his versatility?

Yes his versatility is very special. He is a special player because he can play not only under the basket, but from outside. His combination of athleticism and size makes him special.

Could Hannes Steinbach be the next great German center? Is developing a three something he needs to do?

You can always have a better three pointer. He has good chances.

How scary could Germany look like in the next years with the duo of Grunloh and Steinbach?

Germany has a great future with both. But we have so many other great talents. I think that Germany will continue to grow and move forward in the next years especially with the national team.

Thanks Marvin for the chat.

Germany Secure Easy 90-66 Win Over China To Go 2-0 At U-19 World Cup

Pic credit: Fiba

Team Germany woke up on the right side of the bed on Sunday and destroyed China 90-66 at the U-19 World Cup. They came back strong as a team after a tough win over Slovenia in game 1 where they were tested well and had to come back to win the ball game. “Being 2-0 feels really good. That was our goal and we achieved that. Now we have one day off and then we battle against Canada”, stressed German guard Janne Muller. Against China, Germany came out of the gate focused and hungry and got a big lead which was tested in the second quarter, but they then went on a massive run and would never look back leading by more than 20 points in the second half of the game. Being able to have an easier game against China was important after having such a tough first game against Slovenia. “We were able to rotate our roster more and every player gained rhythm. After a somewhat nervous first game, we played a lot better offensively and defensively. Plus we kept our turnovers down, played fast and were able to get easy baskets”, stated Janne Muller.

In the first quarter team Germany came together quickly and were a motor on offense generating 29 points and rapidly found a defensive identity allowing only 13 points to China. Germany led 16-7 finding their groove quickly and just sharing the ball around well and played neat inside out basketball. Ex Real Madrid player Declan Duru and ex Vechta guard Jack Kayil demonstrated their fine inside out basketball making three´s and lay up´s. Germany also got future Washington (NCAA) big man Hannes Steinbach involved as he followed up his 19/9 game against Slovenia with a quick start against China making 2 buckets inside. Germany was functioning on all cylinders offensively and just showed how much power they have as Texas Tech (NCAA) guard Christian Anderson supplied 8 points including 2 three´s. Alba Berlin big man Armon Dorries also supplied a three pointer in the charge. “It was a good first quarter from us. We just played our game, were confident and didn´t allow China any easy looks. We know how good we can be and also know that we have to show that more on the court”, stressed Janne Muller.

In the second quarter, China retaliated and cut Germany´s lead down to 3 points, but Germany had an answer and led 49-34 at the break. China began with a 20-5 run to cut Germany´s lead down to 33-30. In the run, China got valid production from Zheng Zhu who supplied 7 points in the Chinese run. China got more confidence as shots began to fall better. Xinquan Cui also got going nailing two three´s. „We lost a little of control. We weren´t as focused anymore and made easy mistakes that we should´t make”, commented Janne Muller. However team Germany calmed down and closed out the second quarter with a lethal 16-4 run. In the run, team Germany was sparked by the trustful guard play as Orange Academy guard Jordan Muller supplied two three´s and Jack Kayil also added 4 points as his penetration always kept China on their toes. Team Germany also got further production from bigs Steinbach and Dorries to round out the scoring. A big strength of Team Germany is their explosive guard play of Kayil, Anderson and Jordan Muller, something that will continue to help them the deeper they get in the tournament. “We are very deep at the guard position. They give us a lot of security which you saw in the second quarter. They controlled the game and ran the systems well”, said Janne Muller.

In the third quarter team Germany scored the ball again very well netting 25 points, controlling the boards and not allowing China to get over the hump. Instrumental in the third quarter was getting big man Eric Reibe (214-C-2006) of UConn (NCAA) to find his game as he showed he can be a walking bucket when needed. He scored 12 of his 15 game points and showed just how versatile he is. He scored the teams first 3 baskets in the third quarter including 2 dunks and later made a lay in, floater and 4 free throws. “Eric is very important for us at the big position because of his length. It was good how he came out of the locker room and stepped on the court being aggressive. That is exactly what we need from”, expressed Janne Muller. Being able to get everyone involved is important for the team moral and togetherness as Keenan Garner also got into the scoring frenzy as he netted the last 2 baskets of the third quarter. Team Germany led 74-52 and had full command of the game. They managed the lead well in the fourth quarter and won it 16-14. All 3 German bigs including Tom Stoiber scored in the fourth quarter as well as Dragons Rhondorf guard Janne Muller who made his first points of the tournament. “We controlled the game well for the 40 minutes. At the end we won the game fairly easily and were happy about that”, added Janne Muller. Team Germany had 6 guys score in double figures and were led by Eric Reibe with 15 points and Christian Anderson added 14 points while China was led by Zheng Zhu and Jiazheng Chen with 12 points a piece. Team Germany sshot 48% from the field and 38% from outside and grabbed 49 rebounds including 18 offensive rebounds and had 13 turnovers while China shot 34% from the field and 24% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 12 turnovers. Germany next duel against Canada who also are 2-0 and had a massive win against Slovenia coming from behind and exploding for 35 points in the third quarter. “Canada is a strong team, but we know that we can compete with any team and our goal is clear to win our group. We have to play our game and be physical”, warned Janne Muller.

Kelvin Omojola Likes Both Team USA And Germany At The U-19 World Cup But Has No Dog In The Fight

Kelvin Omojola (183-G-1997, college: Northwest) may only have played in Germany for 4 seasons before retiring, but in this short time, he was able to follow the further development of the German basketball youth development. Playing for the Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf, he was able to follow it´s NBBL (U-19) and JBBL (U-16) teams as well as having some players as teammates. “Being teammates with Janne, Marko, Josh, Vuk, Kenan, all these great young players, whenever they had a game with the second team it was always fun to watch them play and dominate. That forced me to stay up to date with what was going on in Germany and all the top young prospects. ”,stressed Kelvin Omojola. Ever since Germany won a bronze at the 2022 Eurochampionships and won the World Cup Gold over team USA in 2023, the youth development continues to be in full swing. “It’s amazing! Germany as a whole and especially the youth are improving rapidly! It’s no surprise to me that they’re having continued success and it’s only going to improve year after year! The talent has steadily risen year after year and the youth players are bringing a skillset and mindset that makes them playable on higher levels right away”, warned Kelvin Omojola. The youth development with the Dragons Rhondorf also continues to move forward and Omojola witnessed that special touch that is given to the young players by the Dragons coaches. “What makes it special is the talented young players the Dragons/Bonn brought in! We had some GREAT players in Janne Muller, Marko Rosic, Kenan Reinhardt. They are so talented and their talent is what makes the program great”, said Kelvin Omojola.

The Las Vegas native who played 132 pro games in Germany felt for the ratiopharm Ulm players Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf for having the dilemma to stay in Germany and help them win the title or go to New York to participate in the 2025 draft and feels would of only left if the player was a top 5 pick played against and with guys of team Germany that will battle at the U-19 World Cup in Switzerland. The player he knows about as closely as anyone would their own family member is Janne Muller who won the Gold medal at the U-18 Euro last summer and was his teammate the last 2 seasons and he knows exactly why he is so special as a player. “It’s his work ethic. He always competes and wants to improve! Being a young guy, that’s number 1! You have to want to be in the gym and want to improve. They say you need 10,000 hours in order to be an expert in a certain subject. When you’re a young player, you haven’t hit your 10,000 hours yet, so you need to work towards that every single day”, added Kelmin Omojola. He didn´t have a huge role last summer and this time, the roster is stacked. Despite that could another year of development and maturity allow his minutes to rise? “It definitely could! It just depends on the plans that the coaching staff and management have for him. If they want him to play a lot, he will play a lot. He’s a great player, works hard, and is more than deserving of minutes. It’s up to management and the coaching staff to decide that”, said Kelvin Omojola. Another massive German prospect is giant Hannes Steinbach who made big strides this season in the Wurzburg organization and got good BBL minutes. He will play at Washington (NCAA) this coming season and some have seen him as a bigger talent than Johan Grunloh. “He’s a walking mismatch. His size and skill are unique and unmatched. His upside is amazing and he could reach the NBA. He just needs to keep improving and working hard. The talent is already there”, commented Kelvin Omojola.

The retired guard who was a mix of Steph Curry and Kyle Lowery during his playing days also played against a potential 2026 NBA first round pick with Ivan Kharchenkov. The fearless 3 level scorer has developed incredibly in the FC Bayern Munich program the last years. He made his Pro B debut at age 15 and 5 days and poured in 16 points against Koblenz. In the last 3 seasons, he has played in 27 Euroleague games and keeps racking in titles as a BBL, NBBL and U-18 Euro belong to his achievements. Unfortunately he didn´t get as much minutes in the BBL in 24-25 as he deserved, but now will seek a new challenge in the NCAA with Arizona. He finally now will play with and against guys his own age. Omojola played against him with Speyer and Rhondorf. In his rookie season with Speyer he beat him twice as Kharchenkov was only 15 as he had 8 and 10 points. Was he already fearless then? “Yes, he was always fearless Miles and was above his age skill wise. Even though he was 15, you couldn’t tell at the time by the way his body was and how he carried himself. He was already very skilled but you could tell he was raw. I’m not surprised at all about how good he is now and him heading to University of Arizona”, stated Kelvin Omojola. He is so talented but really should of played more in the BBL this season even after Carsen Edwards was injured. Could the limited minutes be a blessing in disguise? He must be so motivated to rock the NCAA with Arizona. “Yes it was a blessing in disguise. Everything happens for a reason and it will make him a better player/person. I know him playing at UofA will be everything and then some for him. There’s nothing like High Major NCAA D1 basketball, especially when you’re playing for a great program like UofA”, expressed Kelvin Omojola. How scary will the combination Ivan and Bryce James (son of Lebron) be at Arizona? “We’ll see! I’m not sure how much either of them will play this year. They both have to go into summer workouts and show the coaching staff they deserve minutes! Nothing is given at the college level. You have to earn everything”, warned Kelvin Omojola. In a sense Kharchenkov will have to start over again in the NCAA, but his overwhelming experience and having played Euroleague and battled Carsen Edwards and Shabazz Napier on a regular basis will bring him over the top. Unfortunately Ivan Kharchenkov won´t play at the U-19 World Cup as the easyCredit BBL finals went very long. At least he won his second BBL title.

Another really talented and interesting player that Omojola who played 92 Pro B games in Germany battled in the Pro B the last 2 years was Orange Academy Jordan Mueller. He already made waves winning the 2022 JBBL title and continued to make huge strides the last 2 seasons in the pro B. In the last 2 seasons he improved his scoring average in the Pro B from 5 to 12 and his assists from 1,5 to 4,0. Omojola had a negative 1-3 record against Mueller and saw him score 15 points in both games. “Yes, he’s another great young prospect! Super skilled guard who is fearless. Same with him, just continue to stay confident and HUMBLE. People who have those traits always win, on or off the court”, warned Kelvin Omojola. At only 185cm, he isn´t the biggest point guard, but he erases that with his heart and feistiness. He has never allowed his height to bring him down. “Yes 100% Miles. When you’re competing against him, you have to bring your A-game. He plays tough defense, competes, hits shots, and consistently puts pressure on the defense”, added Kelvin Omojola. There are many top teams at the U-19 World Cup like USA, France and Canada, but does Germany have what it takes to grab Gold? “They do 100% Miles. If they play team basketball and trust one another, they should be a favorite to win”, stressed Kelvin Omojola. Who could forget the exciting USA-Germany battle at the 2023 World Cup final, but can a repeat happen at the youth sector? “ It would be exciting! USA always has the talent but Germany can compete with them. If they’re playing team basketball, they can beat Team USA”, warned Kelvin Omojola. He has the USA/Germany citizenship. So who will he root for? “I like both honestly Miles haha. I have no dog in the fight”, warned Kelvin Omojola. I have that same kind of feeling as Omojola, but I actually can pick only one even if it´s tough, but Iwill root for Germany this time simply because I have covered so many of the guys over the years.

 Aminu Abibu Was A Very Valuable Player For TV Langen As His Rebounding Was Key In Every Ball Game

Aminu Abibu is a 27 year old 194cm guard that played with TV Langen helping them win the 2025 South West Regionalliga title and helping them move up to the Pro B. He began his career at the University of Ghana an dthen played with Tusk Foundation. He then played with the Aschaffenburg Baskets from 2021-2024. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball

Congrats Aminu on winning the South West Regionalliga title. What does this title mean to you?

This title means everything to me. It’s a reflection of all the hard work, sacrifices, and commitment that the team and I have put in throughout the season. It’s about the journey we’ve taken together as a group, overcoming challenges and pushing each other to be better every day. It’s a proud moment for me, and I’m grateful to everyone who supported us along the way.

If someone had told you at Xmas 2024 that you would win the title, what would you have thought?

I think my thoughts would have still been the same as on Friday after the final whistle because I believe no team has worked harder than us this season.

What did you enjoy most about the celebration on the court in Langen when you won?

I enjoyed every moment. From the award ceremony to celebrating with my teammates and interacting with the fans.

Was not having Leon Fertig in game 2 a blessing in disguise. He had to go to Korea for his 3×3 duty. Did the team want to prove it could win without him?

I wouldn’t necessarily call it a blessing, because Leon Fertig is the kind of player you always want on your team. His absence in the second game was another challenge we had to overcome. This season, we’ve faced a number of setbacks with player availability—Leon Püllen and Bastian Winterhalter were out for the entire season, and we were also without Henk Droste and Paul Zaschel during the playoffs. Despite all that, our mentality has always been that the next man has to step up. And I think we’ve shown that time and time again. And Yes, we wanted to prove that we could still win without Leon, and I believe we did just that.

The team saved it´s best for last allowing only 47 points in game 2. What was the secret of the success? How much was head coach Tobias Jahn (204-C-1986, college: CPP) a part of it?

I think Coach Tobias Jahn did a great job preparing us for the moment. All we had to do was execute.

Did Tobias Jahn instill that special physicality in the team?

He has a way of mentally challenging us and that translates into the physicality you see from us on the court.

You allowed only 12 points per quarter in game 2. Was game 2 against Karlsruhe the best defensive game of the season?

For a team like Karlsruhe with multiple guys averaging double digit ppg to score just 47 points in a finals. I would say YES.

The Seeburger College Wizards always went on runs. How tough was it always punching back?

Basketball is a game of runs. We knew they were a talented team, so it was about staying composed, sticking to our game plan, and trusting each other

How tough was it containing Eisa of Karlsruhe? How big was the focus to do a team effort on him?

Eisa is a great player. One of the leading scorers in the league. We had a game plan on how to defend him. Coach trusted me with guarding him and I also took the match up very personal.

Drago Crnjac told me after win that TV Langen had heart and will. How special was TV Langen this season?

TV Langen was incredibly special this season. Not just because of the results, but because of the heart, will, and unity we showed every single time we stepped on the court. Everyone bought into the mission, and we fought for each other. That spirit, that togetherness, that’s what made this team so unique and so memorable

How key was Drago Crnjac´s three pointer at the end of the second quarter? Did that give him an extra spark to have success in the second half?

He needed to see one go in and I think that opened up the game for him

What will you always remember from this team?

The brotherhood

How special is having that extra Skyliners connection on the team? There are so many ex players on the roster?

Having many of the guys played together or come up through the Skyliners program, there’s a shared foundation, not just in basketball, but in mentality and work ethic. It made it easier to connect, both on and off the court, and that definitely played a role in our success this season.

Would TV Langen have won the title without Drago Crnjac? How key was adding him in December 2024?

I think the second half of the Finals’ Game 2 answers that question. He proved how important he is on our team.

How key was Niklas Pons for the title? Is he the ultimate teammate?

Niklas Pons is our leader. No question about it. We go as he goes. He sets the tone every practice and during games. He holds himself to an incredibly high standard, and that pushes the rest of us to raise our level. What makes him special is that he holds everyone accountable. His leadership has been a huge part of our identity this season.

How key was Risto Vasiljevic for the success? He was another vital leader.

Risto may not be the most vocal guy, but when he speaks, everyone listens and that’s exactly how I’d describe his leadership. He leads with presence, with consistency, and by example. His words carry weight because they come from a place of experience and calm confidence.

How special is Leon Fertig? Is sky the limit?

I don’t know what his plans are for basketball. By that I mean how long he’d be playing 3×3 or if he’d switch to 5 on 5. But one thing for sure is with his work ethic and confidence the sky is definitely the limit.

What did you learn from Tobias Jahn this season?

I learned the value of composure, clarity, and trust. What really stood out was how much he trusted us and gave us the freedom to play our game but always held us to a high standard. He brought out the best in us by believing in us.

You averaged 7/7/1/1 stats. How content were you with your game this season?

I feel I could’ve given the team more than I did. But this was my first year on the team. Looking forward to next season.

Many guys on TV Langen said that you were the best rebounder. How did you grow as a rebounder?

Rebounding is about effort, positioning and being relentless every time the ball goes up. He who wants the ball more gets it.

On what areas of your game do you still need to improve on in order to keep climbing the basketball ladder?

Ended the season on a shooting slump. So that would be my main focus this off season.

You had many great games like against Frankfurt and Haiterbach. What was your personal best game with TV Langen?

The game against makkabi I’d say

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the Regionalliga this season?

In no particular order – Tariq Eisa, Noah Litzbach and Mateus Rodrigues

What is the next step for you? Will you remain in Langen?

Yeah. I’m looking forward to the Pro B season with Langen

Who wins a 1-1 you or Michael Agyemang?

Light work

Who is the best player you ever played against that reached the NBA or a high league?

I’d say Hannes Steinbach who is on his way to becoming a household name in German basketball

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Luan Pereira, Paulo Camilo jr., Treasure Botchway, Gracefield Attoh & Krist-Obi

Name your NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore. Your 5 best players of all-time?

My 5 best players all time – Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James & Dennis Schröder

Who is your GOAT?

The GOAT – Michael Jordan. and My GOAT – Stephen Curry

Thanks Aminu for the chat.

Henk Droste Believes That TV Langen Was A Special Brotherhood Where One FoughtBut In The End Everyone Had Each Others Back

Pic credit: Mathias Raith

Henk Droste (195-PG-2001) is a 24 year old 195cm guard that completed his fourth season with TV Langen averaging 11/6/2/2 and helping them win the 2025 South West Regionalliga title. He began his basketball career with the SW Baskets Wuppertal. He then played a season with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen NBBL team averaging 11.7ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.7apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 72.1%. He then played a season with the EN Baskets Schwelm. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the 2024-2025 TV Langen championship season.

Congrats Henk on winning the South West Regionalliga title. What does this title mean to you?

It is just special! It means so much, since we don’t have a single signed player. We might have one of the lowest budgets in the entire league. It is like a fairytale of “the boys” that stick together and work hard for multiple years and grow together along the way until successful.

If someone had told you at Xmas 2024 that you would win the title, what would you have thought?

Honestly, I would not be surprised. We just added Drago to the team and beat Karlsruhe at home. I felt like we had a good shot. I didn’t know about Michi Fuss moving to Berlin or Leon Fertig missing the final Playoff Game or me suffering that season ending shoulder injury, so I felt confident.

How tough was it for you missing the playoffs because of injury? Were you the team´s biggest fan on the bench?

It was really difficult. I kept thinking, what would have happened if I didn’t reach for the ball up 15 in the 4th and didn’t suffer the injury. But I was never a fan, I was always part of it. My role just changed. I joined the bus on away games, I rebounded, I tried to coach a little and motivate the guys. We have players on our team that have been doing just that from the beginning of the season and they played a crucial part along the way. Most importantly I never doubted them! And Aminu Abibu (Triple A) stepped up and played out of this world ever since I was out.

What did you enjoy most about the celebration on the court in Langen when you won?

You have to understand that not that long ago, in the same gym, there were 30 people in the stands. And everytime we played well and won, more people came. I think it was some sort of contagious thing. I don’t think anyone that ever came to a game the last season, wasn’t going to come back. Seeing that and embracing my teammates, some even are my closest friends off the court as well. My dad drove 3h to the game to support even though I did not play myself. And my girlfriend, who I met in that exact gym 2 years ago when she joined her friend to watch one of our games. She has been one of the 30 that watched and last weekend she was one of the 800 as well.

Was not having Leon Fertig in game 2 a blessing in disguise. He had to go to Korea for his 3×3 duty. Did the team want to prove it could win without him?

Leon is a sensational baller, and I chose that term since that suits him. He may not be the perfect role player for 5v5, but he dominated our game. He can win us the game, as he has proven (81 Points through 3 playoff games). As a team, we adapt to him and we fit around him. Without him, others have to step up and we have to move the ball more. The fact that we can cover the missing of the leagues MVP says a lot about our team.

The team saved it´s best for last allowing only 47 points in game 2. What was the secret of the success? How much was head coach Tobias Jahn a part of it?

Tobi believed in us from the very start of the season. He said “we are the best team in the league”. At first, I didn’t understand how much he meant that. In the end, I understood! We were a unit, a BROTHERHOOD, as we called it. That fits well since, brothers fight and annoy each other but in the end they got each others back when it matters. That made us special and stand out. We just wanted it more. A lot more than any other team, that is why we won all of our Games that went in overtime.

Did Tobias Jahn instill that special physicality in the team?

For sure. He yelled at us, when we called fouls in practice. Sometimes he joined us when we were just 9 guys and let me tell you… IT HURT! His physicality, his willingness to win. He wasn’t always fair or just, but his intentions were always to make us better and show us the way to win.

You allowed only 12 points per quarter in game 2. Was game 2 against Karlsruhe the best defensive game of the season?

We had a couple games where teams scored 50 or less points. To do it against a team like Karlsruhe, it might have been the best game. They shot badly because we didn’t allow them open looks. On the other hand we struggled with shooting towards the end of the season, because we just could make the open looks. We just didn’t reward ourselves for the defense and ball movement and even offensive rebounds. But our defense made up for it. We didn’t need to shoot 40% from 3 to win a game.

The Seeburger College Wizards always went on runs. How tough was it always punching back?

Especially the finals series was tough for Drago. We tried everything to motivate him and ensure him to shoot the next shot as well. In the halftime of game 2 Mike yelled at him so badly and grabbed him, not because he missed, but because he let his head hang. And look how that turned out. That shows the kind of team we were.

How tough was it containing Eisa of Karlsruhe? How big was the focus to do a team effort on him?

Incredibly good basketball player. Fortunately Aminu defended him really well. We were used to being the smaller team. Without Mike I had to try and win the jump ball some games (which I did twice haha). We had principles: no middle, send him baseline, help from week side and everybody crash the boards. A player like Eisa you cant really match since he is strong around the basket and he can shoot. But we did a great job.

Drago Crnjac told me after win that TV Langen had heart and will. How special was TV Langen this season?

Like I said: it was more like the boys doing something together, like brothers. We sat in the gym and ordered food after practice, we went out together, and met outside of the gym. That created a spirit that is quite unique.

How key was Drago Crnjac´s three pointer at the end of the second quarter? Did that give him an extra spark to have success in the second half?

It was the moment we all knew was coming. Why he told him to keep going, why Mike did what he did in the locker room. He just needs to see the ball go through the net once and you are in trouble.

What will you always remember from this team?

All of the above! I will tell my kids about this. It was just special.

How special is having that extra Skyliners connection on the team? There are so many ex players on the roster?

It only mattered in two ways:

1. They had great basketball understanding (Skills and tactics)

2. And they knew what they didn’t want. I mean you don’t leave if you had a great experience most of them had something to prove.

Would TV Langen have won the title without Drago Crnjac? How key was adding him in December 2024?

Hard to say. We knew what he would bring, since he scored about 30 against our best defenders last year when he played for Limburg. (Still they lost of course though) He added depth, shooting and just a great personality. He helped us a lot, it took him time to adapt, he sometimes struggled with consistency and I am excited to see out his full potential last year.

How key was Niklas Pons for the title? Is he the ultimate teammate?

I remember driving home with Leon Niederdraeing just in awe of him. What he did on a regular basis. His cleverness, his strength, his explosiveness, his shooting ability. He can take over a game with ease. He is always there when you need him, especially when Leon Fertig was missing. I think he is the most complete basketball player in the league.

How key was Risto Vasiljevic for the success? He was another vital leader.

Risto is a special character as well. Super nonchalant, calm under pressure. A quite leader but when he says something, it hits. Like a Serbian volcano. He consistently hit the craziest in game shots I have ever seen. When you think he hits crazy shots in the games, you should see what he does in practice. You play 23s of amazing defense when he suddenly decides to hit a contested dribble step back from 2m behind the three point line in your face to win the game and then jog back like nothing happened.

How key was Aminu Abibu? Was he the team´s best rebounder?

He is for sure the most underrated player on the team. The way he stepped up, defended the Big Men that caused us trouble, grabbed rebounds against guys 3-4 inches taller than him… it is incredible. He might be the best rebounder in the league. Grabbing 15 rebounds in the final game says it all.

How special is Leon Fertig? Is sky the limit?

The things he had to overcome. And he still is a humble and nice guy. Leon is creating something special not just in Langen but in (3×3) Germany. He is linked to his home, to Langen (jersey number 63). If he is surrounded by the right people they can really have an impact in the 3×3 world. I think Skyliners are on the right track, so for him, there is no limit really.

What did you learn from Tobias Jahn this season?

Believe in principles. Whether you agree or not, if everyone believes and is on the same page, you will win games. Also the importance of a Purpose, the purpose of the brotherhood. We never really scouted teams. It was mostly about us. He said, if we play to the best of our capabilities, we will win.

You averaged 11/6/2/2 stats. How content were you with your season?

You could even say 12 points (11.9) but it doesn’t really matter. I firmly believe I do the things that need to be done. I think of myself as the glue guy. I take pride in defending their best player, hustle, rebound and playing smart team-oriented basketball. If the team needs me to score 20, I will. If the team needs me to share the ball, rebound and defend, I will do that too. I am content with my season. I did everything in my power at all times to help this team win. And we did!

You have shown your consistency in your 4 years at Langen. Has consistency always been with you or is it something you learned in Langen?

I can adapt really well. I think I am good at the things that aren’t shown on the stat sheet. I worry about the things I can control. Those I do on a regular basis. About consistency… I scored 28 and I scored 2 points this year and it doesn’t really make a difference. That is quite the opposite of consistency scoring wise but I did whatever the team needed that day.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the Regionalliga this season?

No doubt. Niklas Pons in practice. There not a single player in the league, that pushes me and inspires me the way he does. I would have hated to have him against me. In practice he had some tough battles and he likes to trash talk me and get a little under my skin but it lead us to the Championship.

What is the next step for you? Will you remain in Langen?

We will have to sit together and talk about the upcoming season. I would like to stay and continue with my brothers. But time will tell.

Who wins a 1-1 you or Risto Vasiljevic

Haha! Risto is a gifted offensive player. I can only do so much defending him and hope he misses. But I think I am a decent ballplayer myself so it can go either way.

Thanks Henk for the chat.