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.
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 (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 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.
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
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.
Niklas Pons (192-SG-1999) is a 26 year old 192cm guard that completed his 8th season playing 112 games in his career there there and this season averaged 12/3/5/1 and helping winning the South West Regionalliga title. He also played 3 seasons with the Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors and was a member of the U-16 youth national team. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the 2024-2025 TV Langen season.
Congrats Niklas on winning the South West Regionalliga title. What does this title mean to you? The title means a lot to me because, as a little kid, I used to attend the Pro B games in Langen. Back then, I looked up to the players, and after the team was relegated, a goal grew inside me — to help the city get promoted back to Pro B.
If someone had told you at Xmas 2024 that you would win the title, what would you have thought? I would have told him to be in the moment with us and that we still have a long road ahead of us.
What did you enjoy most about the celebration on the court in Langen when you won? What made me happiest was celebrating with the fans, especially with all the kids. Hopefully, it’s something they’ll always remember.
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? It was really sad that Leon couldn’t be there. The team just wanted to show that no matter who’s on the court, we can win. If someone is missing, the team steps up to fill the gap.
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? The secret is the strong unity and the willingness to always give one hundred percent. Tobi managed to bring that out in us throughout the entire year — but there are many more things Coach did, things nobody sees.
Did Tobias Jahn instill that special physicality in the team?
Since Tobi was a physical player himself, he radiates that. He brought it into the team in his own way.
You allowed only 12 points per quarter in game 2. What made it so fun to defend for TV Langen?
It’s fun because strong defense leads to easy offense. At the same time, you can impose your game on the opponent and force them to play at your pace.
The Seeburger College Wizards always went on runs. How tough was it always punching back? As a team, we always knew that we could stop their run together and start our own again.
Drago Crnjac told me after win that TV Langen had heart and will. How special was TV Langen this season? For me, the season was very special because from the very beginning, we all agreed on our goals and everyone was part of the project.
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? I think the three-point shot gave Drago confidence and helped him get into his rhythm.
What will you always remember from this team? I will always remember the strong team unity. We’re like brothers — we have fun together on and off the court.
How special is having that extra Skyliners connection on the team? There are so many ex players on the roster? I can’t say much about the Skyliners connection since I didn’t play with Drago in Frankfurt. However, it’s always an advantage to have played with a teammate on another team before — especially when it’s a professional program like Frankfurt.
Would TV Langen have won the title without Drago Crnjac? How key was adding him in December 2024? We’ll never know if we would have won without Drago. It’s good the way it is.
How key was Risto Vasiljevic for the success? He was another vital leader. Risto, like all the guys on the team, was an important part of our success.
How key was Aminu Abibu? Was he the team´s best rebounder? Since we were a very small team this year, Aminu’s rebounds were extremely important. He and Mike helped us a lot in that area.
How special is Leon Fertig? Is sky the limit?
Leon is a very special basketball player and an even better person. His journey is hopefully far from over. He will achieve great things, whether it’s 3×3 or 5-on-5.
What did you learn from Tobias Jahn this season?
I was able to learn that when you do something with passion, you can be satisfied with the result in the end. I also had the chance to learn some of his post moves.
You averaged 12/5/3/1 stats. How content were you with your season?
I think I can be satisfied with my performance. But of course, the goal is to get even better next year.
You had 2 very good seasons statistically. Are you in your prime or still getting there? Statistically speaking, I’m still two years away from my prime. That’s why I believe I’m far from reaching my limit.
Who was the toughest player that you faced in the Regionalliga this season?
The toughest players I faced this season were my teammates in practice. We had so many sessions that were sometimes even tougher than the actual games.
What is the next step for you? I can imagine you will stay in Langen. Will you always be a Langern boy?
Time will tell what the next step for me is. I’m not ruling out staying in Langen, and I can even imagine playing for Langen for a very long time.
Who wins a 1-1 you or Risto Vasiljevic? I would win in a 1-on-1
Michael Agyemang is a forward that completed his second season with TV Langen (Regionalliga) averaging 7/6 and helping TV Langen win the South West regionaliga title and helping them move up to the Pro B. he began his basketball career with SG Tv Durkheim. He also played a season with VFL Bensheim before coming to Langen. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the magical 2024-2025 TV Langen season.
Congrats Michael on winning the South West Regionalliga title. What does this title mean to you? It means a lot. So much work and effort was put in at the gym, and to see it all pay off feels really good.
If someone had told you at Xmas 2024 that you would win the title, what would you have thought?
I would’ve believed them, because that was the mentality from the beginning. I mean, that should be everyone’s goal, right? We’re not just playing to play—we want to win.
What did you enjoy most about the celebration on the court in Langen when you won? All of it—it was a moment to finally breathe, let go, and soak everything in.
Leon Fertig had to go to Korea for his 3×3 duty and missed game 2. Did the team want to prove it could win without him? Having Fertig is always a blessing. But honestly, there wasn’t a doubt in us. I think both we and Leon knew we could win without him.
The team saved its 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? Coach had a vision, and we executed it. I’d say that was the secret. All the praise goes to him.
Did Tobias Jahn instill that special physicality in the team? Most definitely. Almost every practice was a dogfight—just preparing us for the battles ahead.
You allowed only 12 points per quarter in game 2. What made it so fun to defend for TV Langen? Seeing all five guys on the floor in sync and ready for whatever came at us—that made it fun.
The Seeburger College Wizards always went on runs. How tough was it always punching back?
They’re obviously a great team, so we knew we had to bring our A-game. Punching back was something we came prepared to do. Was it tough? Yes. But we expected nothing less.
How tough was it containing Eisa of Karlsruhe? How big was the focus to do a team effort on him? He’s a great player. It was definitely tough, but the focus was on shutting the whole team down.
Drago Crnjac told me after the win that TV Langen had heart and will. How special was TV Langen this season? Very special. Everyone was on the same page: 40 minutes of dedication, passion, the will to win—just get it done.
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? Probably, but you’d have to ask him that. We believe in him.
What will you always remember from this team?
The mentality and the effort. We went through highs and lows but always stayed together. That kind of resilience is rare in a team with so many different individuals.
How special is having that extra Skyliners connection on the team? There are so many ex-players on the roster.
Very special.
Would TV Langen have won the title without Drago Crnjac? How key was adding him in December 2024? I guess we’ll never know.
How key was Niklas Pons for the title? Is he the ultimate teammate? Pons gave the team a lot—he’s definitely the ultimate teammate.
How key was Risto Vasiljevic for the success? He was another vital leader. Risto is amazing. A calm killer.
How key was Aminu Abibu? Was he the team’s best rebounder? He just shows up out of nowhere—always in the right place at the right time.
How special is Leon Fertig? Is sky the limit? No words for that guy—the sky and beyond.
What did you learn from Tobias Jahn this season? A lot, but my favorite was: win.
You averaged 7/6 and had 1 steal and 1 block per game. How content were you with your season? There’s always room to improve. At the end of the day, I’m happy with our results. Now it’s time to get back in the lab and work.
You had 3 blocks in game 2 against Lich and 3 blocks in game 2 against Karlsruhe. How did your game grow this season? Preparation made me grow. I remember we lost in Karlsruhe the season before, and I was nervous because it was for a top spot. I had a bad game and told myself: never again. If you want to play, be ready—and stay ready. I kept that in mind.
Who was the toughest player that you faced in the Regionalliga this season? There are a few I could name, but maybe Tarig Osama or Lischka.
What is the next step for you? Will you remain in Langen? I don’t know what the future holds yet. We’ll see.
Risto Vasiljevic (195-SG-2001) is a 24 year old 195cm shooting guard that helped TV Langen win the 2025 South West Regionalliga title averaging 14/471 stats. He began his basketball career with BC Darmstadt and then played with the Frankfurt Skyliners youth teams and played with the Frankfurt Pro B team. He then played a season with the MLP Academics playing 18 games averaging 1,4ppg. He then returned to Frankfurt and played with the Juniors averaging 5.8ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 64.3%. He then moved to TV Langen (Regionalliga) and played 2 seasons avergaing 15,oppg and 3,0rpg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the glorious 2024-2025 TV Langen season
Congrats Risto on winning the South West Regionalliga title. What does this title mean to you? Thank you. I’m very happy that we managed to win the Regionalliga title this year. We’ve played good basketball over the past three seasons and were able to win many games. That it finally led to a championship this year is a great reward for our efforts.
If someone had told you at Xmas 2024 that you would win the title, what would you have thought?
We’ve come close to winning the league in recent years. This season, we were determined to go all the way and had a good feeling from the start of pre-season. By Christmas, we had played a strong first half of the season, so I probably would have said that although there was still a long way to go, we were definitely on the right track.
What did you enjoy most about the celebration on the court in Langen when you won?
What I’m especially proud of is that we managed to fill the gym and create a great atmosphere. I clearly remember my first home game in Langen, when we played in front of just 30 people against Tübingen. The fact that, with our team and our style of basketball, we were able to sell out the gym and win the league was the most special part for me. After a whole season full of ups and downs, winning the league in the end and sharing that moment of relief with your teammates and coach was great.
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?
We were all aware that Leon’s 3×3 season would begin during the playoffs, and that there was a chance he might be unavailable towards the end of our campaign. His absence didn’t come as a surprise, and we knew from the start that everyone would need to step up and take on more responsibility. We had already proven throughout the season that we could win both with and without Leon, so there was nothing to prove in that regard.
Leon was a huge part of our success and delivered outstanding performances in the three playoff games he played. Given his 3×3 commitments, we always had to be prepared to compete without him. Of course, we would have loved to celebrate the title with him in front of a packed home crowd.
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 has been a key factor in our success. He’s still a young coach who continues to grow, and with his deep understanding of the game, he’s able to lead us effectively. He’s built a system and a team culture in which every player knows exactly what their role is. Both in practice and on the court. Every time we’ve followed his instructions, we’ve found success. What really stands out about Tobi’s coaching this season is how he managed the team under challenging circumstances. Several key players were unavailable at different points: Henk’s injury, Michael moving to Berlin, Maxim becoming a father, and Leon’s 3×3 commitments. These were four of our core players at the start of the season. The fact that we continued to win despite those setbacks speaks not only to the depth of our roster but also to the strength of Tobi’s system, in which every player knows their role and is ready to step up. As for the 47 points we allowed in the final game, we’ve always been a team with a defensive identity. We have players who genuinely enjoy playing tough, hard-nosed defense. Over time, we developed a real sense of pride and enjoyment in getting defensive stops together as a unit.
Did Tobias Jahn instill that special physicality in the team? Of course, the coach consistently demanded that level of physicality from us, but I think it also comes down to the character of certain players on our team. Michael Fuss, Niklas Pons, Leon Fertig, and Aminu are naturally tough and physically strong players. They brought that mindset into the team and set the tone for the rest of us.
You allowed only 12 points per quarter in game 2. What made it so fun to defend for TV Langen?
As I said, we have players who lead by example in that regard. Our practices were always intense and physical. Sometimes maybe even more than they should have been. But when you go to battle with your teammates during the week, it makes it all the more enjoyable to step onto the court together on the weekend and shut down your opponent. That shared fight throughout the week builds a kind of bond that makes defending together really fun.
The Seeburger College Wizards always went on runs. How tough was it always punching back?
We had respect for Karlsruhe and what they had accomplished over the past two seasons. At the same time, we were very confident in ourselves and firmly believed we could beat them. That belief gave us the strength to withstand their runs and keep pushing without letting up.
Drago Crnjac told me after win that TV Langen had heart and will. How special was TV Langen this season? I’m not sure if people from the outside would describe this as a special team but for us, it definitely was. We genuinely enjoyed coming to practice, and we always trained with great focus and intensity. On top of that, most of us have known each other for a long time and have strong personal connections. TV Langen as a club is filled with people who’ve been part of the organization and the basketball community for decades. That creates a sense of tradition and family that isn’t something you find everywhere and for us, that made this season special.
How key was Drago Crnjac´s three pointer at the end of the third quarter? Did that give him an extra spark to have success in the second half?
That’s very possible. Sometimes all it takes is one moment to really get into the game. He had some key plays in the fourth quarter that helped us secure the win.
What will you always remember from this team?
Before the season started, we agreed as a team that we would always be honest with one another and stay coachable. That led to some intense conversations within the group. Being honest with each other and accepting criticism isn’t always easy, but we grew through that process and it had a significant impact on the way we played. What will stay with me most are those open and honest discussions we had as a team.
How special is having that extra Skyliners connection on the team? There are so many ex players on the roster? That was definitely a big advantage and made everything a lot easier. Most of us have known each other for a long time. On top of that, we were able to carry over certain playing principles, which meant we were immediately on the same page.
Would TV Langen have won the title without Drago Crnjac? How key was adding him in December 2024? Drago was a big help to us. He had a difficult period, and I’m really glad he was able to regain his confidence and deliver strong performances. He had some really important moments throughout the season. It’s never easy to join a team mid-season and find your role, but the fact that we already knew him from Frankfurt definitely helped and the adjustment happened pretty quickly.
How key was Niklas Pons for the success? Is he the ultimate leader? Niklas has an incredible will to win and a remarkable work ethic. He pushes himself to the limit in every single practice. That mindset is contagious and has been extremely important for our team. In terms of leadership, he also took a big step forward this season. After Michi and Maxim were no longer available, he stepped up and embraced the role of team captain. I’m proud of the way he handled it.
How key was Aminu Abibu? Was he the team´s best rebounder? Aminu joined the team over the summer, and like many new players, he needed some time to find his place. It took a little while for him to open up, but as the season went on and we got to know him better, his impact grew steadily. His development throughout the season was remarkable, and he became a crucial part of our team. Especially in the second half of the season and during key games, his performances were outstanding. Aminu did a lot of the dirty work, the kind of things that don’t always show up in the box score He’s definitely one of the best rebounders I’ve ever played with. His feel for the game, especially when it comes to rebounding, is exceptional and gives me, as a shooter, a lot of extra confidence.
How special is Leon Fertig? Is sky the limit?
Leon and I have been playing together since we were 13, and he’s been one of my closest friends for over ten years. Sharing the court with him is always something special. We’ve built such strong chemistry over the years that we instinctively know what the other is going to do. The U23 3×3 Nations League tournaments we played together for the national team are among the highlights of my career. I’m genuinely proud of how much Leon has grown as a player. He’s now recognized as one of the top 3×3 players in the world and has earned a lot of respect on the international stage. What really defines Leon is his relentless drive and refusal to quit. He plays with a level of physicality and endurance that’s rare, and he’s constantly working to improve. I have no doubt that if he keeps going at this pace, he hasn’t reached his full potential yet. There’s still a lot more to come in his career!
What did you learn from Tobias Jahn this season? This season, Tobi taught us to truly trust in our system. In tough moments during games, we often tended to look for solutions outside of what we had practiced – plays that didn’t reflect our usual style. Tobi instilled what he called “championship habits,” and as long as we stuck to them, we were successful. What I’ll take away from this season is the importance of trusting the process and staying calm under pressure and continuing to play our game instead of looking for quick fixes.
You averaged 14/4/1 stats. How content were you with your season?
I think I can be very satisfied with my season. Of course, as a player, you’re always self-critical and wish you had performed even better, but I believe I was able to help the team in meaningful ways. This season, I had to play a lot of minutes due to injuries and absences, which meant I often found myself switching between three different positions during a single game. I received a great deal of trust from both my teammates and the coach, along with the freedom to make decisions on the court. I tried to repay that trust in the best way possible. I believe I showed up in the key moments and did my best to give the team whatever it needed at the time – whether that was a deep three, a crucial defensive stop, an offensive rebound, or the right words in a timeout. Winning means a lot to me, and I hope I was able to pass that mindset on to the team.
You have had 3 very good seasons in a row averaging 14,0ppg. Do you feel like you could up your scoring to 20,0ppg?
Thank you. Over the past few years, I’ve often experienced a bit of a dip in performance for a few weeks after the turn of the year. Because of my psychology studies and the exam period in February, my focus naturally shifts somewhat away from basketball during that time. For next season, I’m determined to prepare more intentionally for that phase so I can maintain my usual level of performance throughout the entire year. As I mentioned, I always try to give the team what it needs in the moment and that’s not always scoring. With better shot selection and a slightly higher shooting percentage, I probably could have put up more points this season.
You played at the Pro A and Pro B level. You are still young. Isn´t your goal to play higher? If you stay in Langen then you will play Pro B again.
It has always been very important to me to prepare well for my professional future alongside basketball and to pursue an academic path as well. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for me to combine that with playing at a higher competitive level.That’s why it was crucial for me to be part of a team where I’m trusted, have strong relationships with my teammates, and get significant minutes on the court. Achieving promotion to ProB with this group is a great reward. I’ll be finishing my degree in a year, and maybe then there will be an opportunity to compete at a higher level or to pursue 3×3 more seriously.
Who was the toughest player that you faced in the Regionalliga this season? For our team, there weren’t really any players we considered particularly tough to face. If someone was defending me well, I’d just give the ball to Leon and he’d take care of it. And if someone was giving me problems on defense, I’d put Aminu or Henk on them.
Who wins a 1-1 you or Niklas Pons and you or Drago Crnjac?? Tough one… but I’ll go with myself.
Lennard Winter (195-SG-2000) is a 24 year old 195cm shooting guard that recently completed his third season with the SBB Wolmirstedt averaging 11.7ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 78.0%. He began his basketball career with the FC Bayern Munich U-18 team. He then played 4 seasons with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 2024-2025 season.
Thanks Lenni for talking to germanhoops.com and congrats on a great season with Wolmirstedt. I always thought Wolmirstedt was deep but was Leverkusen possibly the deeper team?
Thank you. No, I don’t think they were the deeper team besides our injury problems with Mo and Fabi being out, but they were the better team in the finals.
What kind of a feeling was it for you to play against your old team Leverkusen? Was your focus to win especially bigger than against other teams especially since it was your ex team? It´s always exciting to play a former team, especially in the finals but I tried to treat the game like the other playoff games before.
What was the game plan going into the second game in Leverkusen? What was key for not getting the win? Leverkusen rebounded very well again? The game plan was to focus on the second final and play our best game. They defended very well, like they did the whole season and they won the rebound battle which was key for them.
What is so special about the Wolmirstedt basketball culture? What have you learned to appreciate most about the organization?
The organization is very ambitious, which you can feel during practice and the games. Everybody is working together so the club is able to reach its goals.
The chemistry was great and the team scored a lot and belonged to the best defensive teams in the Pro B north. What was this season´s team´s biggest strength? Perhaps “TEAM” as there was no big star? 100%. We had many guys on our team who could score the ball and take over a game. Other teams had a hard time preparing for us because of our deep roster. That was our biggest strength this season.
Let´s talk a little about your teammates. Bill Borekambi has been there since 2021 and one of the leaders. He is a walking bucket and can score in so many ways. What do you appreciate most about his game and what is your favorite move from him? He´s a really good player and he had a great career. He´s also a great teammate who stepped up in the playoffs and was key for our success this year.
Talk a little about the other American import Derreck Brooks Jr. What did you appreciate most about their# games this season?
He was also very important for our team this season. He´s a great player on both ends of the floor who knows how to win games. I was glad we had him on our team.
You averaged 11/2/17! stats. How content were you with your game this season?
It was challenging in the beginning for me as I had to undergo surgery on my thumb after our second game. When I came back in December, it took me a few games to get back into rhythm but from then on, I was content with my game and very happy about our promotion.
How do you feel did your game grow in the Pro B? You had a lot of talent around you which obviously made you better the last 3 years. Yes, I was able to play with many talented players which made it easy for me on the court. I feel like I was able to improve my game in all kinds of areas making me a better player overall.
You had many great games in the German Pro B. What was your favorite game? It has to be game 3 against Essen. Coming off a 20 point loss two days before and then beating them by 30 to get the promotion to ProA was amazing, especially after work we put in the last 3 years.
You were teammates with one of my favorite guys Jordan Talbert. How much of an honor was it to be teammates with him as he was winding down his career? I´m sure you could soak up a lot of vital basketball from him. It was great having him as a teammate and captain. He was a true professional who has seen a lot in his career and was happy to share his knowledge. He really helped in my first year in Wolmirstedt.
You began your basketball career with FC Bayern Munich. What memories do you have of that time? How big was the competition level? Yes, Munich was the club where I played my whole youth basically. I had a lot of good coaches and teammates which helped my development. The level of competition was very high, which made me a better player.
You then came to Leverkusen in 2018 and remained 4 years. How vital was this change in your basketball career? You played with TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen U19 team (NBBL) averaging 15.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 39.7%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 70.6%
It was a very important step in my career. During my last year in Munich I felt like I had developed into a player who´s ready for the next step. Because of the competition level I didn´t get the playing time I was hoping for. In Leverkusen I got that opportunity and was able to show my talent on the court.
Right in your first season you helped Leverkusen win the Pro B title and reach the Pro A. What memories do you have of that season and what was so special about that team?
It was my first season as a professional and also being away from home. I met a lot of great people who made it very easy for me. We were really successful as a team and to finish the season off with the championship was truly special. It´s a season I won´t forget.
You then played 3 years of Pro A basketball with Leverkusen playing 42 games, but never averaged more than 4,2ppg in a season. How competitive was it for you getting minutes? How did your game grow under Hansi Gnad?
It was very competitive because we had a lot of talented players on the guard positions during those three years. I was also struggling with a few injuries, but those factors helped me grow and made me a better basketball player. Hansi always gave me a chance to show what I can do on the court and I´m grateful for that.
When I´m at Frankfurt airport ready to commence a new journey home to Boston to visit family, I´m always on the lookout. I don´t travel every week, but usually once or twice a year and my fortune with seeing basketball players at the airport have been pretty good in the last years. I saw ex Giessen player Jestin Lewis some years ago as well as the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg team led then by John Patrick and just last year bumped into ex easyCredit BBL champion Ivan Pavic of Bamberg. Heck I even saw well known German dance floor group Masterboy at the airport. I don´t know what it is, but I just have luck bumping into people who are public figures. It wasn´t any different once again recently as I was on another trip home when I was waiting to board and saw a guy lounging around who looked like a player. My suspicions was heightened a bit more when I saw he was carrying a bag with the G-League logo. I approached him and asked him who he was. He told me Kahlil Dukes (182-G-1995, college: Niagara). The name rang a bell and he actually had balled in Germany for the Hamburg Towers some time ago and was on his way home to Hartford from Hungary back for the summer. I wasn´t sure if I had ever interviewed him before, but when I later checked my files, I actually had not. We rapped for some minutes and wished each other a good flight. We were actually on the same flight to Boston. We took a selfie and were on our way. He later contacted me about needing a change on his eurobasket.com profile and I was happy to help him. I then decided why not interview him. He definitely has a special story to tell. He is a guy that has played for 10 organizations in countries like Hungary, Russia, Germany, Poland, Turkey, Bulgaria, and France. He is a genuine basketball globetrotter that has seen it all including ice on the beard and eyebrows. “It’s been a journey and the journey has been an experience to say the least. But I have had ups and downs. I have played in some small cities and in some big cities. I can say some basic things in four different languages now. So I am grateful for the opportunity I have every year to travel the world for free and make money doing what I love to do”, said Kahlil Dukes.
The 30 year old 182cm guard who saw many great guys in the Pac 12 from the bench like Kyle Anderson, Joe Young, Zach Lavine, Norman Pow, TJ McConnell, Stanley Johnson, Jordan Adams, and Dillon Brooks and lists guys like Nate Mason, Matt Morgan, Eric Neal, Isaiah Washington, and Justin Robinson as the toughest players he ever faced in the NCAA began his basketball career at Capital Prep Magnet School averaging 23.9ppg, 3.9apg, 3.0spg; and finished his four-year career with 2,228 points to become the 17th player in Connecticut high school history to score more than 2,000 points. He then played at the University of Southern California from 2013-2015 amassing 37 games, but never averaged more than 2,7ppg in a season. “It was tough sitting on the bench and not getting an opportunity. I worked all my childhood to play high level college basketball and then I got there and didn’t get much of a chance to show what I could do. The coach that recruited me was fired before I got to campus. It was difficult trying to impress the new coach. But I tried my best and showed I belonged and I worked very hard. Looking back on it, it’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me because I learned how mentally strong I was and how deep my love for the game was in those 2 years. And I knew that with an opportunity, I could be special”, stressed Kahlil Dukes.
A big highlight in his second season was scoring 18 points in 29 minutes against Arizona State? It was a tough loss, but he proved that he could produce when given minutes. “This was my opportunity. Two guys were suspended and one of our starting guards was injured so it gave me an opportunity to show I could play well in big minutes. I was playing so well that the coach was drawing up out of time out plays for me to score – and I was executing them. We were leading the whole game also, on the road against an ASU team that beat Arizona that year. They started making some big shots down the stretch and we went cold and ended up losing. But I’ll never forget that night. It showed me I belonged and it taught me a lot about hard work and trusting a journey”, remembered Kahlil Dukes. He then finished at Niagara and finally got a chance. In his first season averaged 15.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 92.1% and in his second season exploded averaging 20.8ppg, 2.1rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 91.0% “Transferring to Niagara was the best decision I ever made. My redshirt season actually made the adjustment a lot easier for me. Ended up being MAAC Player of the Year and an Associate Press All-American Honorable Mention in the end so all I can say is I’m grateful for all the ups and downs throughout my collegiate career. You asked earlier about going from one team to the other and performing better, showing resilience. I think a lot of that stems from my college career and the experiences I had during that 5-year journey going from USC to Niagara. Like I said before, usage and responsibility per possession makes all the difference – for me at least”, stated Kahlil Dukes. In his 2 seasons he played 65 games and scored in double figures in 59 games. He scored 20 points or more 30 times. He will never forget his incredible 37 point explosion against Monmouth where he went 11/17 from the field and 10/10 from the free throw line. “It was a college career-high night for me. I always tried to be at my best against Monmouth especially because I respected them as powerhouses in the MAAC conference. They had just had a back to back conference player of the year (Justin Robinson) and their coach (Coach Rice) played at UNC for Roy Williams. So they were highly respected in the league so I wanted their respect more than anyone else’s – and I got it”, smiled Kahlil Dukes. He didn´t get a chance at USC, but head coach Chris Casey gave him an opportunity to shine for 2 years at Niagara. “Casey was vital in my development as a collegiate player. He gave me the opportunity to be me. Him and Marc Rybczyk believed in me, gave me a lot of confidence and put a lot of trust into me and my abilities as a player. This belief in me meant a lot to me and it gave me another reason to be at my best night in and night out. Having this responsibility prepared me as a pro. The work ethic also. I always had it but at Niagara, Rybczyk was the one who trained me and pushed me to train like a pro, how to be efficient throughout a season and how to break down and manage a season into a successful season. Without both Casey and Rybczyk, I would not be the pro I am today”, warned Kahlil Dukes. At Niagara he picked up achievements like All-MAAC Co-Player of the Year -2018, All-MAAC First Team -2018, NABC Division I All-District 1 First Team -2018, and All-ECAC Division I Second Team -2018. He will never forget teammate Matt Scott with whom he had his 1-1 battles with in practice. “Matt is one of my best friends. We beat each other many times when competing in practice. We understood each other’s greatness and we knew that together we could be special. And we were. You can fact check this, but I believe we were the highest scoring backcourt duo in the nation during our senior year preseason. We easily were the highest scoring duo in the MAAC. If he did not suffer an injury right before the MAAC tournament, Casey and I still believe we would have won the MAAC that year and went dancing. Still proud of him though and all he was able to accomplish as a 4 year college player at Niagara and as a pro. He’s actually an assistant coach now under Casey at Fairfield University. I’m really proud of him and happy for him. I love him to death”, warned Kahlil Dukes.
The Hartford native who lists JULIAN JACOBS, JAY JAY CHANDLER, MATT SCOTT, ERIC LOCKETT and TIMOTHY SOARES as his 5 best teammates of all-time began his professional career in Russia with You played your rookie season with BC Irkut Irkutsk (Russia-Superleague 1) averaging 22.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.1apg, 2FGP: 44.6%, 3FGP: 37.2%, FT: 84.9%, in Jan.’19 moved to Universitet-Yugra Surgut (Russia-Superleague 1) playing 22 games averaging 25.8ppg, 4.1rpg, Assists-1 (6.4apg), FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT-1 (90.9%).He demonstrated that he could excel with 2 different organizations and somehow overcome the tough winter. “Russia was fun. One of my favorite seasons for sure. I remember being there and feeling like Russia was nothing like I expected. The people were really funny and had a great sense of humor. They were all very kind to me and open. My diet was terrible but I was still young then so it didn’t affect my play much. The winter cold in Russia is definitely on another level than Connecticut but it was a dope experience nonetheless. Ice on the beard and eyebrows is something most Americans only see in movies. So it was crazy to actually see in person. But I enjoyed myself and I played at a high level. I was trying to prove myself in Europe and I think I was able to do that”, added Kahlil Dukes. In his second pro season, he had to suffer growing pains as his stay in Germany with the Hamburg Towers was short. He enjoyed players coach Mike Taylor, but didn´t see eye to eye with GM Marvin Willoughby. “Hamburg was my least favorite season. I dealt with a lot of things on and off the court in my 3 months there and it really scared me mentally. It’s a long story but it was also my first time being cut from a team in my life. So it was tough. And I honestly try not to think about that season too much. But I kept working. Once I got to Poland I was ready to bounce back. I played well before Covid ended the Polish season. Kobe Bryant also died that season. It was just overall a really dark time for me. But I got through it”, stated Kahlil Dukes. He battled long time NBA player Greg Monroé who had a 18/10/5 game as he got a real taste of what a Eurolegaue team like FC Bayern Munich is all about. “I honestly don’t remember much from that game other than I got ripped in the back court, I had a cut on my nose that they made me come out of the game for, I did not make a field goal, and we lost by 50 or something crazy like that. But playing against a Euroleague team for the first time was cool”, remembered Kahlil Dukes. He finished strong in Poland with Legia Warszawa (Poland-EBL) averaging 17.1ppg, 1.6rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 43.7%, FT: 80.0%. One strength of his overseas trek has been being able to perform well again after a tough start elsewhere. “I think I have always been resilient but I think I’m also a very strong minded, tenacious and determined person. Even if the teams I left kept me, I would have ended the season better than I started. I’m a marathon runner, not a sprinter. I’m also my biggest critic. It’s my job to play well. If I don’t play well, then I’m criticizing myself and locking myself in the gym day in and day out until I start to play better consistently – simple as that”, stressed Kahlil Dukes.
The scoring guard who lists MICHAEL JORDAN, KOBE BRYANT, LEBRON JAMES, MAGIC JOHNSON and WILT CHAMBERLAIN on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore then played the next 3 seasons in the Turkish second division TBL and belonged to the top players in the league. In 2020-2021 he played with Samsun BSB Anakent (Turkey-TBL) averaging 18.7ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT-6 (90.3%). He played an incredible playoffs, but lost a tough series to Yalova. “Samsunspor was my best year as a pro. That team was special. We lost 3 key guys (2 starters) to season-ending injuries during the playoffs. Going into the finals against Yalova, we were confident but were not as strong as we were all season. We won Game 1 but we dropped Game 2 and after that Yalova took the momentum and closed the series at home. I played Game 1 and 4 very well but not Game 2 and 3. Yalova guarded me well as a team and I had a difficult time adjusting. I had to watch a lot of film to be better in Game 4 because it was win or go home. I played well, just wasn’t enough. I was guaranteed a lot of money if we won that series too, money that I still haven’t signed for as a 7 year pro in 2025. So I would be making a lot more today as well. So all of that is tough and in a way, that series hurt my career not just financially but competitively because I would have also played super league Turkey (BSL) the following year. But I guess it wasn’t in the cards for me at the time”, remembered Kahlil Dukes. In the 2021-2022 season he split time with Balkan Botevgrad (Bulgaria-NBL) averaging 11.2ppg, 1.7rpg, 4.8apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 73.3% and in in Feb.’22 moved to Balikesir Buyuksehir Belediyespor (Turkey-TBL) averaging 19.8ppg, 2.4rpg, 8.4apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 43.7%, FT: 78.1%. “Bulgaria was challenging. I learned a lot from a Serbian coach there about tactics and just being gutsy enough to take control of a game. I was playing with multiple foreigners so they did not need me to score 20 points a game. This was a new role for me but it allowed me to develop other parts of my game. I struggled adjusting for a bit but I had some good games. I eventually got Covid and had to be quarantined. While I was out sick, they signed a replacement for me, and so I ended up back in Turkey”, commented Kahlil Dukes. In the 2022-2023 season he had his second tour of duty with Balikesir Buyuksehir Belediyespor (Turkey-TBL) averaging 17.0ppg, 3.0rpg, Assists-5 (5.6apg), FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 88.1%. Once again he showed that he deserved to get an opportunity in the first division in Turkey, but didn´t get one. “I have not felt the same motivation to win a title in Turkey since the Samsunspor title run. I’m always motivated to play at a high level and show I’m one of the best players in the league. But winning a title takes a team willing to do whatever it takes from a day to day and week to week basis. I did not feel that again in Turkey after Samsunspor. But I played well and still made the playoffs with Balikesir. It’s not tough to get great stats in Turkey if you put the work in, can score and can play well out of pick and roll. Those are my greatest attributes so Turkey is very comfortable for me. Whether or not my team has a chance at a title is something I worry about during the course of the season. My main focus is usually just playing well, being efficient and staying healthy. When I am able to do that, I usually put my team in a great situation to win”, expressed Kahlil Dukes.
The ex Niagara scoring guard who lists Michael Jordan as his GOAT split the2023-2024 season with Entente Orleans 45 (France-ProB) averaging 11.9ppg, 1.6rpg, 3.6apg, 2FGP: 55.9%, 3FGP: 37.1%, FT: 61.9%, in Feb.’24 moved to Esenler Erokspor (Turkey-TBL) averaging 20.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 88.9%. It was the fifth time in his career that he played for more than 1 team in a season. He showed again that he had no difficulty adjusting to new places. “I think adjustability is the toughest part about playing for multiple teams in one season. You have to adjust to a new culture, new teammates, new playbook, new coaches, new city, new apartment, new expectations, new everything. And you are going into a situation that’s much different, whereas a bad team may have signed you to help them stay in the league or a good team may have signed you to help them stay at the top. Depending on where you’re coming from, the situation could be the complete opposite where you’re going. You have to deal with that and also to deal with the emotions of your break up with the team you started the season with. Depending on what happened or why you were released, you may experience depression, joy, lack of confidence or vengeance, or maybe all of those at once. And then you have to go out and play at a high level. So it’s definitely tough. But like you said, I have done it five times now so I have some experience with it now and my ways of dealing with my emotions and adjusting myself accordingly not only to feel well mentally and spiritually, but to play well also”, warned Kahlil Dukes. He began well in France but in 2024 had a rough phase and then had to go, but in Turkey exploded. Is his game suited better for Turkey? “I don’t think it’s about my game, I think it’s more about how I’m used. I think people on the outside looking in see stats and think I’m better in 2nd division Turkey or in “lower divisions”. But the truth is, I can be special wherever I am if I’m used at a high rate. Turkey 2nd division has a two-foreigner rule, so I am a lot more responsible possession by possession, meaning whether we win or lose is based solely on my performance. So in a situation like that, I’m going to have greater stats of course. In France, Bulgaria, and Hungary I played in top divisions and/or had more foreigners. The style of play was more systematic so I’m less responsible per possession. Playing with 4-7 guys who can get double-figures a game is a lot different than playing with 4-7 guys who need me to get 18-25 points a game to win. The minutes and usage is different, type of shots taken are different, shots per game different, etc. You may rotate in and out of a game when you play with a great team in a top league, and you may not come out of the game when you play in a lower league because the team is minus when you are out of the game. It’s a lot of different variables. I think personnel and the way a player is used is not talked about enough when comparing stats in Europe and I wish people looked at seasons as a whole with all the important factors that go into it instead of just looking at the numbers – but it is what it is. I feel like I am more impactful individually in situations where I have to be more responsible per possession than I am in situations where the ball is moving side to side more and I may or may not get it back. Can I play in that system? Yes. I have proven it. And I can adjust and be efficient anywhere you put me in Europe”, stated Kahlil Dukes.
The ex USC guard who feels that If Eddie Murphy Likes one of his own movies, then Dukes loves it played the 2024-2025 season with Atomeromu SE Paks (Hungary-A Division) averaging 10.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 81.5%. He played 9 playoff games and played an exciting series against Sopron KC winning game 5 87-85. “The Sopron series was fun. They were a tough opponent because they play so well at home and in Hungary you travel back and forth throughout the series. They matched up pretty well with us to in moments throughout the series but ultimately we took care of business. They fought hard though and it was not easy”, said Kahlil Dukes. He then lost a tough semi-final series against Szolnok. I´m sure he will never forget game 2 where he had 21 points and 6 turnovers. “I think I won’t forget this entire series in general. It was tough. I missed the first 13 games of the season with an injury so I fought my way back to be at my best during this playoff run. And in this semi-final series I was at my best. Game 2 was cool but I averaged 15.7ppg, 6.7apg, 1.0rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 64% (18/28) 3FGP: 60%, (?) FT 67% (?) in the first 3 games of this series. I started Game 4 with back-to-back 3’s and then I injured my groin a few possessions later. If I don’t get hurt, I feel like we would have won that series because we planned to win that night and close at home. So that was a tough way to end the season but sometimes it’s just not your time. And judging by the way Szolnok later swept Falco in the finals, it was in fact their time. I congratulate them. They are well coached, they played very well together, they executed and made adjustments well throughout the series and their depth played a major role for them”, remembered Kahlil Dukes. Where he will embark for his 8th season is still unknown, but one thing is for sure, his hunger for that first pro chip gets bigger each season. “I reached my first finals in Turkey with Samsunspor and came up short. Some season-ending injuries to very key players were too difficult to overcome. This season, I planned to be back in a finals situation in Hungary but this time I was the only one who suffered a season-ending injury in Game 4 of the semi-finals. So it’s been more of a luck thing than actually being beaten in my opinion, but I respect all champions because it’s not easy to win and I hope to be back in a situation where I can accomplish gold. I have three bronze medals (a league bronze in Turkey, a cup bronze in Hungary and a league bronze in Hungary) now in my 7-year career. So I guess something is better than nothing. Small wins mean something, for sure. I just have to keep going and hopefully I can stay healthy”, stressed Kahlil Dukes.
