pic credit: Mathias Raith

Niklas Pons (192-SG-1999) is a 26 year old 192cm guard that completed his 8th season with TV Langen playing 112 games in his career there and this season averaged 12/3/5/1 and helped win the South West Regionalliga title. He also played 3 seasons with the Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors and was a member of the U-16 youth national team. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

You began your basketball career at SG Weiterstadt. What memories do you have of the young years in your career?

The memory of Weiterstadt is that I was able to learn the fundamentals of basketball there and met my friends, who are still with me today. They were there in the final, cheering me on.

You then came to TV Langen in 2013 where you remained until 2016. How important were the Barth brothers when you were a young player? Were they like mentors for you?

Both were role models for me as players on the first team. Specifically, with Basti, I had several individual training sessions at BTI. He worked a lot on my shooting.

You were teammates with Maxim Schneider then and now. How special a player has he always been for TV Langen?

Maxim has been one of the key figures over the last 14 years. His loyalty to the club, even after the relegation, is unique.

You then went to Frankfurt. Was that a no brainer to go to a very good organization that had good youth work?

The decision to take the next step was very difficult for me. In the end, however, it turned out to be the right decision, and I’m glad I made it.

You played 3 years there. In the 2016-2017 season you were teammates with Isaac Bonga. Was it overwhelming playing with him? Did you know he would reach the NBA?

Isaac Bonga is probably the best player I’ve ever had the privilege of playing with. You could tell very early on that Isaac had an outstanding future ahead of him.

You played 34 Pro B games and never averaged more than 3,4ppg. Do you feel like you got a fair chance in Frankfurt?

My role over the years wasn’t scoring. I usually had other tasks, such as defending the opposing team’s best player and bringing the ball up the court.

In your last year you had Schoormann and Begue at the guard positions. Do you feel like there was always 1-2 players ahead of you which made it more difficult to get minutes?

I think the coach gave me a fair chance, which is why I can’t complain about my minutes.

What was your fondest moment with the Skyliners organization?

My fondest moment was being able to practice with the BBL team coached by Gordon Herbert and learning a lot from that experience.

You then came back to Langen in 2019. Did your aspirations of playing higher get stopped in Frankfurt. You decided on playing Regionalliga. When you look back now do you ever regret not having tried to play higher earlier in your career?

I went back because I believed that taking a step back would bring new responsibilities. For me, it was about taking on more responsibility on the court again. I have no regrets, because without that decision, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.

You were able to be teammates with your brother Phil Pons. How cool was that and who wins a 1-1 in practice you or him?

I’m going to win — after all, I’m the older brother!

You also played for and with Ty Harrelson. What kind of an experience was that and what in his coaching has allowed him to reach the BBL?

Ty is an authentic person. He lives and breathes basketball and has a unique ability to get people to believe in his vision of the game. You can clearly see that in the way his current team plays.

What dreams do you will have as a player? Could you imagine playing as long as a Maxim Schneider

Win as many titles as possible and have as much fun as I can. I’m not sure if my body will hold up until I’m 40 🙂

Who is the best player you ever played against that reached the NBA?

Džanan Musa

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Isaac Bonga

Philip Herkenhoff

Cosmo Grün/Garai Zeeb

Leon Kratzer

Henk Droste

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

Jordan

Nowitzki

Teodosic

Pippen

Curry

(Roller)

Who is your GOAT?

Michael Jordan

Thanks Niklas for the chat.