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Dad Dave Has Supported Tyson Leitao(Iserlohn Kangaroos) His Whole Life And Has Learned That The Game Is 50% Skill And 50% Mental

Tyson Leitao (199-F-2002, college: Tampa) is a 22 year old 203cm forward playing his rookie season overseas with the Iserlohn Kangaroos (Germany-ProB). He began his basketball career at Magnet High School. He then played at the University of Tampa from 2021-2025 playing a total of 106 games. In his last 2 seasons he averaged 12.9ppg, 10.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 67.1% and 13.9ppg, 10.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 76.0%. he spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Tyson for talking to germanhoops.com. Not many guys form Tampa (NCAA2) have gone pro. How blessed do you feel living the dream in Germany?

Extremely blessed! Not many people know my story, but I was also a walk-on my first year at Tampa. I wasn’t highly recruited out of high school and got lucky enough to walk on. After starting every game that year I was able to earn a scholarship. Everything that happened there I had to work for and to be in this position to live out a dream like this is surreal.

Have you ever heard of Jeremy Black? He played at Tampa form 20024-2008 and had a great career in Germany?

I have not heard of him, but I’ll definitely do some research. There are a lot of Tampa greats that went on to have great careers overseas and I’m hoping to become one of them.

Your playing your rookie season with the Iserlohn Kangaroos (Germany-ProB). What kind of an experience has it been? What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

It’s been a fun learning experience. Adjusting to European basketball isn’t easy but my teammates and coaches have been a great deal of help. I think the biggest adjustment for me is learning how to think about the game of basketball in a different setting and style. Something that I have enjoyed most is how much time I can spend focusing on basketball, like watching film, getting extra reps, or getting recovery.

What was your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

It was definitely the time difference. I’m a sports guy so I watch a lot of sports and having to adjust to watching games at different or later times has been hard.

Iserlohn lost a tough 86-84 game to Rostock. You had a great first game of 20/10. You needed no adjustment period. How would you compare the pro B to the NCAA 2 in terms of competitive level?

I think the level of competition is pretty similar. It’s a little more physical and there are a lot of different schemes and adjustments in Pro B but the competition is right there.

You had a great career at Tampa Bay (NCAA2). What are your most important goals for your rookie season with your personal game?

Personally I want to bring as much intensity and energy as I can. Energy is transferable and if I can bring energy to help the team win I will do it to the best of my ability.

What has it been like playing for ex guard Toni Prostran? What have you enjoyed most about his basketball philosophy?

It’s been great Toni is a very likeable guy and when it comes to basketball you can tell he is very well versed in all aspects. He understands the player perspective because of his long career, but he knows what it takes to win. I have enjoyed his level of intensity he brings to every game, practice, or even film session.

What has it been like battling Malik Diagne on a daily basis? How do you guys compliment each other best?

Malik is a great guy on and off the court. He always has great energy and helps the team in a lot of ways. I think the best way we compliment each other is just knowing the space on the floor, when to cut or when to stay spaced he’s a smart player so it always works.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 203cm center. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would make the best description?

A current NBA player I could compare to and one of my favorites to watch right now is Alperen Sengun. I watched a lot of the eurobaseket recently and he’s so talented from all aspects of the court. He can score around the rim, rebound at a high level, and even space the floor and shoot.

You’re a player that can score and rebound at ease. What other strengths does your game have?

I think I can bring a lot of defensive intensity to the team.

You also take the three pointer and show that you’re a modern day big man. How would you describe the development of your three pointer in your rookie season?

I would say I work on it a good amount. In today’s basketball you can make a lot of money by just being able to space the floor and make open shots.

Talk about your defensive skills. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

Currently I think I can use my athleticism to my advantage on defense and communicate as much as possible. It’s always been a goal of mine to be the loudest on the court. I want to become a defender that can guard all positions no matter the size or skill.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?

Currently just working inside the paint and becoming as consistent as I can so I can go inside and out on the court.

How valuable has your dad Dave been for your basketball development? He coached many years at Depaul. How did he help you most with your development?

My dad has been a huge part of my basketball development. For as long as I can remember I have been in a gym with my dad. We kind of have 2 relationships: him as a coach and him as a dad. He’s taught me everything I know and paved a way for me to be successful. He helped me understand a lot about the game of basketball and being able to be one of the smartest players on the court. He’s also a huge part in helping with the mental side of basketball and even tells me basketball is 50% skill and 50% mental.

You played at the University of Tampa (NCAA2) from 2021-2025 and made big jumps in your game in your last 3 years averaging 11.0ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 64.6%, 12.9ppg, 10.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 67.1% and 13.9ppg, 10.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 76.0%. How did your game grow in those years?

I think the most crucial way my game grew was consistency and being mentally more stable.

You had so many great games and usually in losing causes. What was your fondest moment on the court and Tampa?

I think that I couldn’t choose just one moment. I would say anytime that I could share the court with my teammates was a fond moment.

How did head coach Linc Darner groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He was great and we played really fast paced so that was a great segway to how its been transitioning to my pro career.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jaxon Toney?

Definitely ME. Lol

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced on the court that reached the NBA?

There’s been a few either Amen and Ausar Thompson or Anthony Edwards

Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?

No order: Dj Steward, Max Jones, Dalen Davis, Bryan Williams, and Kaden Froebe

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James, MJ, Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I did not see it so I can’t comment.

Thanks Tyson for the chat.

Mario Matic Believes The Heightened Self Confidence Of Dennis Schroeder Puts Him Over The Top As He Can Miss 5 Shots In A Row And Then Hit The 6th To Decide The Game

pic credit: FIBA

Mario Matic is an ex professional player that played in the German BBL with Nordlingen and currently is in his 10th season as a head coach with TSV Oberhaching Tropics He began his coaching career with Nordlingen where he was for 6 years. As a player he played 11 years in Germany for teams like Karlsruhe, Crailsheim, Kaiserslautern, Bayreuth, Nordlingen and BG Leitershofe. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the success of German basketball.

Thanks Mario for talking to germanhoops.com Germany is Euro Champion 2025. What kind of a feeling does this give you involved with German basketball?

I was really happy for all the people who were involved. I was especially really happy for Alan Ibrahimagic who stayed grounded and worked so well in guiding the team. This title will give German basketball another boost. More kids will want to play.

Is it crazy to have predicted a Gold medal before the tournament started? If you had to guess how many German basketball fans out of 10 would have predicted the Gold before the tournament how many would it have been under your estimation?

I would say that 3 out of 10 German fans would have predicted a Gold medal. I feel like Serbia was the top favorite, but Germany was close behind with all the NBA and Euroleague players. Germany had a great roster.

It was the 2 best teams in the tournament with Germany and Turkey at 8-0. Was this the top final compared to the 1993 final vs Russia and 2023 final vs Serbia?

You can´t compare the 1993 win. That was a total surprise and a huge sensation. I was 13 and that title brought me to basketball. Germany wasn´t a favorite like Germany is now. Germany wasn´t known on the basketball map in 1993, but a respected and known basketball nation now.

How did you experience the final. The game was a real dog fight with Turkey leading by as much as 11 points and being very strong. What got Germany the Gold medal after 40 minutes.

It was a high level final with many shots made. I did have a feeling a few times when Turkey got their lead up to 5-6 points that if they had reached +10 that then the game could have had a different outcome. But Germany always had an answer and struck back. Turkey had a shorter rotation and the German role players were key always giving important impulses in key moments.

There was a time in the 80s and 90s where you said in German football and after 90 minutes Germany always wins. I feel like there is this mentality now in German basketball. I was never fearing a los in the fourth quarter even when Turkey was up by 6 points.

You do get that feeling now. You kind of figured that Schroeder would come up big in crunch time. His unbelievable self confidence is a huge factor for his success.

What was key down the stretch that Germany could win the game. How much of a factor was the deep bench of Germany?

Yes the bench was the difference. So many guys stepped up in key moments. Johannes Thiemann had big moments in the final

How valuable was Franz Wagner for this tournament. How is he a better player now than in 2023 despite 2 years of more experience?

I feel like he was already really good 2 years ago. He wasn´t that strong in the final, but overall, he had a strong tournament. If he can get a stable shot, then he won´t be stooped. He has more experience and got stronger. His drive is already unstoppable.

Isaac Bonga continues to grow as a player since coming back from the NBA? Shouldn´t a tournament like this and especially how his game has developed the last 3 years give him another NBA opportunity?

After the way he played, he should have NBA offers. He developed really well at Partizan last season. His shot has become so much better.

You either like or dislike Dennis Schroeder, but he came up big in the second half after being closed down well in the first half. How do explain his unbelievable ability to be able to turn around the lever and play like a winner when his team needs it most?

His biggest strength is his massive self-confidence. He can miss 5 shots, but then hit that 6th shot which can decide a game. He has that special touch and ability to take responsibility at the biggest moments of a game.

I have never understood that despite showing the last years what an incredible leader he is for Germany, he gets overlooked by NBA teams and has been a journeyman? Do NBA bosses have the wrong perception of him?

I honestly don´t follow the NBA so much. There is simply a lot of competition at the guard position in the NBA. You have more combo type guards and scoring guards which seem to be more desired. Schroeder is more the type of player that leads a team.

Dirk Nowitzki has been the GOAT of German basketball for more than 15 years. With the World and Euro won, Is Dennis Schroeder at Nowitzki´s level in terms of being in the same category as him?

With all due respect to Schroder, he isn´t at the same level as Dirk Nowitzki. Schroeder had great teammates while Nowitzki didn´t have the same type of support 20 years ago.

One of the big winners is your colleague Alan Ibrahimagic went from assistant coach to Euro head coach winner. How valuable was his input? What do you believe could he still give a team that already had all the pieces of being a winning team?

He gave freedom to the team, but also had clear instructions. He always found the right words. It wasn´t really complex what he said, but the team executed. He was really responsible for the good atmosphere and chemistry.

There were some nice plays in the final like Isaac Bonga´s dunk or Franz Wagner´s mega block. What was your favorite play of the final?

I think the three pointer by Daniel Theis was the most important shot. Without that shot, you don´t win.

Can one compare Germany´s success now with Spain from 2006-2011 where it won a World Cup and 2 Euro championships. Does Germany have a dynasty?

Yes you can and their time isn´t over yet. I see a very rosy future for German basketball.

This dynasty should go on. The future still looks good with a nucleus of the Wagner brothers, Tristan Da Silva, Andi Obst, Isaac Bonga and Isaiah Hartenstein plus the new wave of guys like Ivan Kharchenkov, Hannes Steinbach, Johan Grunloh, Christian Anderson and others. Does Germany have the mentality to keep it going with the new wave of players that you have seen the last years?

I think the success can keep going. But when some guys retire in next years, you will have to put the expectations down a bit. One has to remember where the state of German basketball was 10 years ago. It wasn´t good. I´m sure the young guys coming up will continue to develop and lead Germany to success. I see a very good future.

You coach young men and are right there seeing the work and effort. Often now adays the talk is young players aren´t as hungry as back in the day. In other words players today aren´t challenged enough with too many outside influences. What makes young German players different than young players from other countries in this generation?

I think that the work ethic with German players is good. The success has to do with the Infrastructure. It is very good. You can´t compare it to the time when I was a kid. The clubs all work so well in having their youth kids develop the right way. Players get double license and get minutes. I think that the success now shows that all the hard work the last years has been rewarded.

Thanks Mario for the chat.

Niklas Pons Remembers Isaac Bonga Already Being Ambitious And Leading The Team As A Youth Player

Pic credit: FIBA

Niklas Pons (192-SG-1999) is a 26 year old 192cm guard that is playing his ninth 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 the success of German basketball.

Thanks Niklas for talking to eurobasket.com Germany is Euro Champion 2025. What kind of a feeling does this give you involved with German basketball?
I was very happy and I believe German basketball is on the right path.

Is it crazy to have predicted a Gold medal before the tournament started? If you had to guess how many German basketball fans out of 10 would have predicted the Gold before the tournament how many would it have been under your estimation?

3 out of 10 would have believed that Germany could win european Championship.

It was the 2 best teams in the tournament with Germany and Turkey at 8-0. Was this the top final compared to the 1993 final vs Russia and 2023 final vs Serbia?

Unfortunately, I wasn’t born yet back then and can’t remember it.

How did you experience the final. The game was a real dog fight with Turkey leading by as much as 11 points and being very strong. What got Germany the Gold medal after 40 minutes.

Germany ended up winning because, on the one hand, they have more depth, and on the other hand, everyone brought their strengths to the team.

There has always been talk about the intense mentality, great team character and togetherness of Germany the last years. How does one keep developing it and not losing it over time?

The hunger for medals/success drives the guys. Also, knowing that you can win even more with this special team.

There was a time in the 80s and 90s where you said in German football and after 90 minutes Germany always wins. I feel like there is this mentality now in German basketball. I was never fearing a los in the fourth quarter even when Turkey was up by 6 points.

The whole game I thought they had another gear left in the tank and would win in the end.

What was key down the stretch that Germany could win the game. How much of a factor was the deep bench of Germany?

The deep bench gives the German team so many more options in their play, making them very difficult to scout. On top of that, it helps when the guys coming off the bench provide important energy.

How valuable was Franz Wagner for this tournament. How is he a better player now than in 2023 despite 2 years of more experience?

He has improved in every category. What I especially like is his transition offense with his Euro step.

You played NBBL youth basketball with Isaac Bonga. He is world champion and Euro champion. Did you notice a sort of winner mentality in Frankfurt that was starting to develop there?

Isaac was always very ambitious and even as a young player already led the team.

Isaac Bonga continues to grow as a player since coming back from the NBA? Shouldn’t a tournament like this and especially how his game has developed the last 3 years give him another NBA opportunity?

I would be very happy if Isaac got a second chance in the NBA. In my opinion, he has shown that he can make life difficult for superstars with his defense. Offensively, he is a threat.

You either like or dislike Dennis Schroeder, but he came up big in the second half after being closed down well in the first half. How do explain his unbelievable ability to be able to turn around the lever and play like a winner when his team needs it most?

Dennis’ ability to take over in crucial moments is incredible and probably one of the best there will ever be.

I have never understood that despite showing the last years what an incredible leader he is for Germany, he gets overlooked by NBA teams and has been a journeyman? Do NBA bosses have the wrong perception of him?

I think the NBA executives have the wrong picture of him. Dennis gets better every year, and I’m sure he can lead a team – provided he is given the trust.

Dirk Nowitzki has been the GOAT of German basketball for more than 15 years. With the World and Euro won, Is Dennis Schroeder at Nowitzki’s level in terms of being in the same category as him?

For me, both are the GOATs of their era. You shouldn’t compare them since they are two different types of players.

One of the big winners was Alan Ibrahimagic went from assistant coach to Euro head coach winner. How valuable was his input? What do you believe could he still give a team that already had all the pieces of being a winning team?

Alan helped the guys in the sense that he gave them a lot of freedom and has known most of them for a very long time.

There were some nice plays in the final like Isaac Bonga’s dunk or Franz Wagner’s mega block. What was your favorite play of the final?

Every play was a highlight. You really have to watch the whole game.

This dynasty should go on. The future still looks good with a nucleus of the Wagner brothers, Tristan Da Silva, Andi Obst, Isaac Bonga and Isaiah Hartenstein plus the new wave of guys like Ivan Kharchenkov, Hannes Steinbach, Johan Grunloh, Christian Anderson and others. Does Germany have the mentality to keep it going with the new wave of players that you have seen the last years?

I believe Germany has a lot of potential, and that the successful generations will show the next ones how to win.

Often now adays the talk is young players aren’t as hungry as back in the day. In other words players today aren’t challenged enough with too many outside influences. What makes young German players different than young players from other countries in this generation?

I think that hunger is becoming rarer, since many kids nowadays have so many opportunities to get jobs. Basketball is no longer the one and only option.

Thanks Niklas for the chat.

American Guys Like Joe Asberry Elijah Allen And Omari Knox Are Just As Much Responsible For Helping German Basketball Development With Their Training Of German Kids

Joe Asberry is a legend. He is an American ex professional basketball player that really has seen it all from crime to drugs, but also played against legends like David Robinson (215-C-65, college: Navy), Gary Payton, Jason Kidd and Brian Shaw and was teammates with German legendary player Christian Welp. He had a 11 year professional career that saw him toil around in the minor leagues of Germany, but he belonged to the best in his day at that level. Since retiring from the game, he has been a spokesperson for young kids and drug prevention, guest speaker, worked in the Alba Berlin organization, been a master of ceremonies for UBC Hannover and been a mentor for young Americans coming overseas trying to live the dream of being a professional basketball player.Currently he is in his second season with the Artland Dragons organization coaching girls U-14 and U-16 and boys U-18. A big focus in his basketball life in Germany has been working with kids. Not only keeping them out of trouble and being an excellent role model, but also teaching them the game. He sees joy in a young German kid having success on the court just as much as he does seeing Steph Curry bury a three pointer for his home town team Golden State Warriors. There is probably no other American in Germany now that has worked as long with kids as he has. He has been following and been involved with the rise of German basketball just as much as German coaches who have worked endless hours helping kids develop. But all in all, it isn´t only Germans and Joe Asberry who have contributed to the youth development but so many other Americans. How often do you see an American from the BBL to the Oberliga help coach youth teams? It is everywhere especially with lower level teams where Americans have so much free time on their hands, why not give a hand with guiding the kids? “Guys like Elijah Allen (194-PF-1989, college: NW Missouri St.), Omari Knox, Levi Levine, Ronny Weihmann, Andrew Jones, Coach Omar Sylla (just to name a few) have been training youth here for YEARS! Teaching them how to be shifty,and play like PRO´S, instead of ROBOTS, who CAN´T create their own shot. My guy Misan Nikagbate, (yes,the same beast who played for the National Team) has been training kids daily since 2017! Everytime I call Misan,I say,”Can I speak to the Gentleman, that Dunked on Yao Ming Please”? So yes, I saw this coming, that Germans were on the Road to Success”, laughed Joe Asberry.

Of course Joe Asberry followed the magical run of Germany the last weeks and even if he will always root for his home land USA, he is proud of the success of German basketball.

“As an American, I´m thrilled that Germany won the Euro Chip. It means more kids will fall in love with the sport. I´ll give myself credit for helping a Gang of kids here in Germany, fall in Love with Basketball. When the National Team wins ANY American,doing basketball business in Germany WINS”, warned Joe Asberry.

Joe Asberry has seen his share of titles in USA and Europe and has a very special connection to Germany´s surprising win in 1993 over Russia.

Back in 1993, I got a shot at Pro Basketball in the Second Division in Finland. So when my dawg,Big Chris Welp won his chip, it was a special feeling. I was so happy for him. When he played for the Golden State Warriors he gave me money to take back to my hood in the Bay to get everyone hammered, and that´s exactly what I did. I flew from Tampere to San Francisco, and told my dawgs, the big fella won a chip, CHEERS! “, stressed Joe Asberry.

Would it have been crazy to have predicted a Gold medal before the tournament started? With the success of German basketball in the last years, would it have been Ok to predict a Gold or been more unrealistic?

“I´m sure all German Fan´s thought their Team was going to win Gold. Dennis Schroeder is a Beast! Mo and Franz Wagner are REAL LIVE Dogs. Daniel Theis plays basketball like a Grown ass Man! Bonga was the X factor. He doesn´t get enough credit for his Defense. With that wingspan, he can guard 1 thru 5. Those are the stars, but that team is Stacked”, said Joe Asberry.

It was the 2 best teams in the tournament with Germany and Turkey at 8-0. Was this the top final compared to the 1993 final vs Russia and 2023 final vs Serbia?

“1993 has special meaning for me, because of my Boy,Big Welp, but this Team is unreal. On that last shot, I knew Schroeder would get to his spot and cook, he is so quick and shifty, at that moment, he would have cooked,ANYBODY,in the WORLD”, warned Joe Asberry. Big words from him, but Asberry has seen it all and Schroeder would even have cookeda Victor Wembanyama. And why not his killer instinct would have also gotten him over that tree of a player.

The final game was a real dog fight with Turkey leading by as much as 11 points and being very strong. Germany´s key to winning the chip was one that every team dreams of having.

“Germany won that Gold Medal because of their Team Chemistry! They put away their ego´s to WIN together”, added Joe Asberry.

There has always been talk about the intense mentality, great team character and togetherness of Germany the last years. How does one keep developing it and not losing it over time?

“The best way to keep that Chemistry, is to keep them all together, now they just have to add one more piece, my Boy,Kevin Yebo, another Real Live Dog”, stressed Joe Asberry. The love for Kevin Yebo will always be there from Asberry. Asberry discovered him and watched him move from the Regionalliga to the Euroleague.

There was a time in the 80s and 90s where you said in German football and after 90 minutes Germany always wins. I feel like there is this mentality now in German basketball. I personally was never fearing a loss in the fourth quarter even when Turkey was up by 6 points.

“Osman and Bona are Elite. Sengun is on his way to becoming a Superstar. Shane Larkin is ELITE ELITE. I was just praying Schroeder and Wagner save the day, and Schroeder saved the day”, smiled Joe Asberry.

What was key down the stretch that Germany could win the game. How much of a factor was the deep bench of Germany?

Germany´s bench is deep, but to me the key down the stretch was Schroeder and Wagner. Dennis Schroeder just looks so comfortable with that ball in his hands, and he won´t just chunk up a wild shot to be a hero, he makes the winning plays for his Team”, stated Joe Asberry. I would always give Larry Bird the ball any day and for Germany it´s simply Dennis Schroeder. That´s a fact.

But not only was Dennis Schroeder a massive factor for the success, but also Franz Wagner. The Berlin native was already incredible 2 years ago in the World Cup win, but he is on his way to becoming extra special.

“Franz Wagner is unreal. At that size,with his skillset,the sky is the Limit. When you learn hoops from a Legend like Juwan Howard, you CAN´T GO WRONG! He´s already a star in Orlando, and he is getting better by the minute. Humble Superstar”, warned Joe Asberry.

Joe Asberry dunking back in the day!

Isaac Bonga continues to grow as a player since coming back from the NBA? Shouldn´t a tournament like this and especially how his game has developed the last 3 years give him another NBA opportunity?

“Issac Bonga is qualified to play on ANY NBA ROSTER! That man is a BEAST”, added Joe Asberry. I´m sure he will be in the NBA in 2026 and latest in 2027 when He and Germany win the Gold Medal at the Olympics.

You either like or dislike Dennis Schroeder, but he came up big in the second half after being closed down well in the first half. How does one explain his unbelievable ability to be able to turn around the lever and play like a winner when his team needs it most?

Dennis Schroeder is one of the best players in the World! With success comes Hate. People judge that Man, and they have ZERO Clue who he is. They have never had a conversation with him. I have inside info though. My man Big Dia, my boy Dami,Ant Watkins, Yebo, all told me he is a good dude. Last but not Least, Coach Livio Calin, (who let me get 1000 makes in,when everyone else was afraid of me, and calling me crazy) gave Schroeder a chance in Braunschweig, and believed in him. Coach Livio told me DS is a good dude, so DS,is a GOOD DUDE! So I´m one of the Fans that LOVES HIM TOO”, warned Joe Asberry.

I have never understood that despite showing the last years what an incredible leader he is for Germany, he gets overlooked by NBA teams and has been a journeyman? Do NBA bosses have the wrong perception of him?

Yes, NBA bosses have this perception that he´s arrogant. I heard that from a reliable source. The thing is, when they cut you, or trade you, its all good. But when Dennis Schroeder turned down the Laker deal, they all probably got in their feelings. What they DON´T UNDERSTAND is that Schroeder can NEVER LOSE! He represents Alte Waage! Nobody wants to talk about the Racism he went through in that town. Again, THANK YOU COACH LIVIO”, stressed Joe Asberry. Braunschweig will always be home for Dennis Schroeder and he is giving back by helping the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig continue to make strides as an organization.

Dirk Nowitzki has been the GOAT of German basketball for more than 15 years. With the World and Euro won, Is Dennis Schroeder at Nowitzki´s level in terms of being in the same category as him?

“You can´t compare Dirk Nowitzki and Dennis Schroeder, they´re two different breeds of beasts! It´s always a matter of Opinion. Big Dirk is my Goat, but I´m biased. I´ve had conversations with him, and I´ve never met a guy who was at one time, the best basketball player in the World, and can yet be so nice, and so Humble. He put a NBA Team on his back, and won a Chip. 7 Footer with a Sweet Jay, and we all know that the World has copied his fadeaway off one leg. When my WNBA All star Big Leni masters the “Fall Away Dirky” she will be the next superstar in Germany, no pressure though! LOL”, laughed Joe Asberry.

One of the big winners for Germany and the tournament was Alan Ibrahimagic who went from assistant coach to Euro head coach winner. Even if he allowed a winning combination bunch of guys play their game, he still had to make key decisions on the sideline.

Salute to Coach Alan. It´s not easy to deal with basketball stars, and their ego´s so to get them all on the same page, is the sign of a Great Coach”, commented Joe Asberry.

There were some nice plays in the final like Isaac Bonga´s dunk or Franz Wagner´s mega block. It was no surprise to me what Joe Asberry´s favorite play was.

“My favorite play was Dennis Schroeders Dagger Middy. I made a living off of Dunks and Middy´s so I was thrilled, watching that sweet jay, splash through the net”, said Joe Asberry.

“Can one compare Germany´s success now with Spain from 2006-2011 where it won a World Cup and 2 Euro championships. Does Germany have a dynasty?

“German Basketball is HOT! If they beat the Americans and win a Gold Medal in the Olympics, I`ll cry and Dive head first into the Rhine River, please, Pray for me Miles LOL”, stressed Joe Asberry. I definitely will pray for you, but I wouldn´t mind seeing you jump into the Rhine River. It definitely is cleaner than 30 years ago.

Will the dynasty go on. The future still looks good with a nucleus of the Wagner brothers, Tristan Da Silva, Andi Obst, Isaac Bonga and Isaiah Hartenstein plus the new wave of guys like Ivan Kharchenkov, Hannes Steinbach, Johan Grunloh, Christian Anderson and others. Does Germany have the mentality to keep it going with the new wave of players that you have seen the last years?

Germany has the chance to keep getting better, if the young guys continue to put in the Work”, warned Joe Asberry.

You coach young men and are right there seeing the work and effort. Often now adays the talk is young players aren´t as hungry as back in the day. In other words players today aren´t challenged enough with too many outside influences. What makes young German players different than young players from other countries in this generation? Does the typical German discipline play a role?

“I think the biggest challenge for young German players is Gym time. If a Club doesn´t have constant access to the Gym, then the players will spend way too much time, playing with their phones, instead of Hooping. I can´t speak for other country´s but I know for a fact, American players have access to a Gym,24/7 All of my guys who are Coaches and Trainers stateside, hold all of their players accountable, if they don´t LISTEN, they get CUT”, warned Joe Asberrys.

Is there perhaps a different mentality in Germany? USA always have talented young kids, but how do you see the general mentality and hunger of young American players in 2025?

“The Mentality of American players is different a lot of times, because of the Conditions. That dawg Mentality comes from not having anything, and you want something out of your life, so Basketball becomes the ticket, to have a better life. That´s not something you can Coach. That gives players a slight advantage for sure. On the other hand, kids growing up here in Germany also have an advantage. They can focus on hoops, without a lot of the extra shenanigens in their neighborhoods. It´s just different”, warned Joe Asberry.

So does this Euro title scare team USA? I guess the big showdown will be in 2027 at the Olympics. Germany will be looking to win, but USA will have different players than at the 2024 Olympics. Will Team USA win their next Gold medal?

I´m sure that Team USA will win Gold Again. There are just too many Elite athletes,

with size, incredible skillsets, dawgs, I could go on and on. Then again, I`m a Proud American, who balled in the Michael Jordan era, if Team USA loses, they should all be cut from their teams, and have to start their Career´s over in Helsinki Finland, so they can learn to appreciate NBA Basketball. Shout out to Helsinki though, I loved it,but then again, I`m a Pro Hoop Misfit, who´s claim to fame, is DUNKS, and saving kids LIVES! LOL! I appreciate you Miles”, stressed Joe Asberry. Well I´m sure Finland would love to have some NBA stars in Finland, but honestly the Olympics is USA´s cup of tea. They won´t allow Germany to spoil their party.

Florian Flabb Believes That Dirk Nowitzki Built The Foundation And Dennis Schroeder Led The Group That Climbed To The Very Top Of The Mountain

Pic credit: FIBA

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 success of German basketball.

Thanks Florian for talking to germanhoops.com Germany is Euro Champion 2025. What kind of a feeling does this give you involved with German basketball?

It’s an incredible and historic moment for German basketball. Winning the World Cup in 2023 was already a milestone, but becoming EuroBasket champions in 2025 cements Germany’s place among Europe’s elite. This achievement reflects how far the program has come – from simply aiming to reach the knockout stages to now competing with and defeating traditional powerhouses. The team’s success is built on leadership from Dennis Schröder, the versatility of the Wagner brothers, and a remarkable team chemistry. I hope this title will inspire a new generation of players and spark a true basketball boom in Germany.

Is it crazy to have predicted a Gold medal before the tournament started? If you had to guess how many German basketball fans out of 10 would have predicted the Gold before the tournament how many would it have been under your estimation?

It wasn’t crazy, but definitely bold to predict gold before the tournament. Germany entered as World Champion, yet with strong rivals like Greece with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Turkey with Alperen Sengün, Slovenia with Luka Doncic, and Serbia with Nikola Jokic. If I had to estimate, I’d say about 3 out of 10 German basketball fans would have confidently predicted a gold medal beforehand. Most probably expected a podium finish – silver or bronze – while seeing a second consecutive major title as more of a dream than a realistic expectation.

It was the 2 best teams in the tournament with Germany and Turkey at 8-0. Was this the top final compared to the 1993 final vs Russia and 2023 final vs Serbia?

Wow, that’s a really tough question — mostly because I was only two years old at the time! My memory from back then is mostly bottles and nap times, so I can’t give you a first-hand comparison. But looking at the numbers and highlights, Germany and Turkey both coming in 8- 0 made it feel like a true clash of titans. Compared to the legendary 1993 win over Russia and the 2023 World Cup final vs. Serbia, this one was probably the highest level basketball Germany has ever played — even if toddler-me had no idea it was happening!

How did you experience the final. The game was a real dog fight with Turkey leading by as much as 11 points and being very strong. What got Germany the Gold medal after 40 minutes.

Looking back now, that final was nothing short of epic. It was a real dogfight right from the tip-off. Turkey came out incredibly strong, using their size and physicality to set the tone, and at one point they were up by 11 points. Their half-court execution and rebounding really had Germany struggling to find their rhythm early on. What ultimately won Germany the gold medal was the depth and balance of their roster. While Turkey leaned heavily on a few star players, Germany kept coming in waves. No matter who was on the floor, the energy and intensity never dropped. This allowed them to maintain their blistering pace, wearing Turkey down as the game went on. By the fourth quarter, you could see the difference: Turkey’s legs were heavy, while Germany was still flying up and down the court, moving the ball quickly and finding open looks. Their team chemistry and collective belief turned the tide. Over the final minutes, Germany’s depth overwhelmed Turkey, and that relentless team effort sealed one of the most hard-fought victories in German basketball history.

There has always been talk about the intense mentality, great team character and togetherness of Germany the last years. How does one keep developing it and not losing it over time?

It all comes down to culture and leadership. Veterans and coaches have to live those values every single day, setting the tone for all players. Dennis Schröder, as team captain, embodies that role perfectly — he’s the emotional leader and sets the standard with his work ethic and competitiveness. When someone like Tristan da Silva, a young NBA player, joins the squad, he immediately sees that environment and understands that no one is bigger than the team. This clarity makes it easy for new players to buy into the system. The group has created such a positive atmosphere that even established NBA stars describe the national team as a “Klassenfahrt” — a school trip — because they genuinely enjoy spending time together. It’s become a place where everyone wants to be in the summer, which is rare at the international level and a huge reason for Germany’s continued success.

There was a time in the 80s and 90s where you said in German football and after 90 minutes Germany always wins. I feel like there is this mentality now in German basketball. I was never fearing a los in the fourth quarter even when Turkey was up by 6 points.

Back in the 80s and 90s, people said in football, “Am Ende gewinnen immer die Deutschen” — in the end, Germany always wins. Today, that same winning mentality defines German basketball. Even when Turkey led by six points in the fourth quarter of the EuroBasket 2025 final, there was no panic — just trust and belief. Germany’s strength lies in having so many players who can step up, always putting the team’s success over individual performances. Back-to-back titles have built a calm, relentless confidence that Germany will always find a way to win.

What was key down the stretch that Germany could win the game. How much of a factor was the deep bench of Germany?

Down the stretch, the key was Germany’s depth and relentless pace. While Turkey relied heavily on a few stars, Germany kept sending out fresh lineups without losing quality or energy. That constant wave of players allowed them to push the tempo, forcing Turkey to defend at full speed while their own legs started to tire. In the final five minutes, this depth really showed. Germany could switch lineups, keep the defensive intensity high, and still find players ready to make big plays — not for personal glory, but to execute perfectly as a group. The bench wasn’t just a factor — it was the decisive advantage. It allowed Germany to stay aggressive, wear Turkey down, and ultimately close the game with the same speed and precision they had started with. That’s why, when it mattered most, Germany looked fresher and more composed, sealing another historic gold medal.

How valuable was Franz Wagner for this tournament. How is he a better player now than in 2023 despite 2 years of more experience?

Franz Wagner was invaluable to Germany’s EuroBasket 2025 run. He wasn’t just a scorer — he was the engine that kept the team’s fast-paced style running smoothly. His versatility allowed Germany to play position less basketball at times, switching seamlessly between roles on offense and defense. Compared to 2023, Franz is now a more complete player. Two more years in the NBA gave him sharper decision-making and a deeper understanding of when to take over and when to facilitate. Back in 2023, he was already a rising star, but at EuroBasket 2025 he played like a true leader, reading the game perfectly and elevating his teammates. What makes him special is that his growth hasn’t been just about individual stats — it’s about making Germany’s team game stronger. His improved defense, court vision, and maturity turned him into the ultimate connector, the kind of player who makes everyone around him better while staying completely committed to the group’s success.

Isaac Bonga continues to grow as a player since coming back from the NBA? Shouldn´t a tournament like this and especially how his game has developed the last 3 years give him another NBA opportunity?

Absolutely. Isaac Bonga has been one of the quiet success stories of German basketball over the last few years. Since returning from the NBA, he’s transformed his game — becoming more confident offensively while still being that versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. At EuroBasket 2025, his impact was huge, even if it didn’t always show up in the box score. He brought defensive stability, length, and energy, and his improved shooting and playmaking gave Germany even more lineup flexibility. He’s exactly the type of glue guy every coach loves — someone who makes winning plays without needing the spotlight. Given how his game has evolved over the past three years, it’s hard to imagine NBA teams not taking notice. A tournament like this proves he can thrive at the highest international level, and with his skill set and size, he definitely deserves another shot in the league — this time as a more mature and complete player.

You either like or dislike Dennis Schroeder, but he came up big in the second half after being closed down well in the first half. How do explain his unbelievable ability to be able to turn around the level and play like a winner when his team needs it most?

Dennis Schröder is one of those players who thrives under pressure. You either love his style or you don’t, but you can’t deny his impact. In the EuroBasket 2025 final, Turkey came in with a clear game plan — they double-teamed him constantly, cutting off his driving lanes and trying to frustrate him. Instead of forcing bad shots, Dennis showed his maturity and leadership. He focused on getting his teammates involved, using the extra attention on him to create open looks for others. This unselfish approach kept Germany’s offense balanced and wore Turkey’s defense down. Then, in the second half, when the game was on the line, he flipped that winner’s switch. With Turkey tiring, he started picking his spots, pushing the pace, and attacking when the moment was right. His ability to read the game, stay patient, and then take over when needed is what separates him from most players. Dennis Schröder has shown over the last few years what an incredible leader he is for Germany. The key isn’t just his talent, but how brilliantly the German coaching staffs has used him. They’ve built a system that maximizes his strengths — his speed, playmaking, and competitive fire — while surrounding him with players who perfectly complement his game. What really stands out is how the entire team has bought in. Every player accepts their role and trusts Dennis as their leader. Whether he’s being double-teamed and creating for others, or taking over in crunch time, the group follows his lead without ego or hesitation. That level of acceptance and togetherness is rare at the international level. It’s why Germany has been able to play as such a unified, unstoppable unit, turning individual talent into collective success — and why they’ve built a golden era for German basketball.

Dirk Nowitzki has been the GOAT of German basketball for more than 15 years. With the World and Euro won, Is Dennis Schroeder at Nowitzki´s level in terms of being in the same category as him?

Dirk Nowitzki will always be a legend, not just in Germany but globally. For more than 15 years, he carried German basketball on his shoulders, inspiring a whole generation and showing that a German player could be a true NBA superstar. His impact went far beyond medals — he changed the game and the perception of German basketball forever. Dennis Schröder’s path is very different. He hasn’t had Dirk’s NBA dominance, but on the international stage, his résumé now speaks for itself: World Champion in 2023 and EuroBasket Champion in 2025, both as the unquestioned leader of the team. So while Dirk remains the GOAT, Dennis has earned a place right beside him in the national team’s history. Dirk was the trailblazer, the icon. Dennis is the floor general who turned Germany’s potential into historic team success. You could say Dirk built the foundation — and Dennis led the group that climbed to the very top of the mountain. They’re different types of legends, but they now share the same elite category in German basketball.

One of the big winners was your colleague Alan Ibrahimagic went from assistant coach to Euro head coach winner. How valuable was his input? What do you believe could he still give a team that already had all the pieces of being a winning team?

Alan Ibrahimagic’s rise has been one of the great stories of this tournament. Going from assistant coach to leading Germany to a EuroBasket title is an incredible achievement, but it’s not just about winning — it’s about how he handled everything around him. In a brutal, high-pressure atmosphere, where scrutiny and second-guessing are constant, Alan never made it about himself. He kept everything regarding his own role quiet, shielding the team from outside noise. His selflessness and humility allowed the players to stay locked in on what truly mattered — playing their game and chasing gold. Germany already had the talent and depth to be a championship team, but Alan provided the calm and focus to bring it all together. He managed personalities perfectly, emphasized speed and ball movement, and created an environment where every player felt valued. By filling his role perfectly, without ego or drama, he gave the team exactly what it needed: a steady hand and a clear vision. That approach was crucial, especially when Germany fell behind by 11 points in the final against Turkey. His leadership kept the group composed, and ultimately, it helped turn talent into a historic championship run.

There were some nice plays in the final like Isaac Bonga´s dunk or Franz Wagner´s mega block. What was your favorite play of the final?

Oh, there were so many unforgettable moments — Bonga’s dunk that brought the bench to its feet, Franz Wagner’s monster block that completely shifted the momentum — but my favorite play was actually a lot less flashy. It came late in the fourth quarter when Germany was up by just two points. Turkey tried to trap Dennis Schröder near half court, but instead of forcing the action, he calmly swung the ball. Within seconds, it touched four different players’ hands, ending with a wide-open three from the corner. It was the perfect example of Germany’s unselfishness, depth, and speed — five guys moving as one unit, trusting each other completely. That play summed up why Germany won gold. It wasn’t about one hero moment, but about a team working in perfect harmony, making the right basketball play at the most important time.

Can one compare Germany´s success now with Spain from 2006-2011 where it won a World Cup and 2 Euro championships. Does Germany have a dynasty?

It’s a very fair comparison. Spain’s golden era from 2006 to 2011, when they won a World Cup and back-to-back EuroBasket titles, was built on incredible talent, depth, and a shared identity. What Germany has achieved now — World Champion in 2023 and EuroBasket Champion in 2025 — is starting to look a lot like the beginning of a similar dynasty. The ingredients are there: a deep roster with multiple NBA players, incredible chemistry, and a winning culture where everyone buys into their role. What makes Germany especially dangerous is that so many of their key players — like Franz Wagner and Tristan da Silva — are still very young, while experienced leaders like Dennis Schröder and Daniel Theis are setting the tone. To truly match Spain’s run, Germany will need to sustain this level through the 2027 World Cup and EuroBasket 2029. But right now, they’ve created an environment where every summer feels like a “Klassenfahrt” — a place where top players want to come back, compete, and win together. This dynasty should go on.

The future still looks good with a nucleus of the Wagner brothers, Tristan Da Silva, Andi Obst, Isaac Bonga and Isaiah Hartenstein plus the new wave of guys like Ivan Kharchenkov, Hannes Steinbach, Johan Grunloh, Christian Anderson and others. Does Germany have the mentality to keep it going with the new wave of players that you have seen the last years?

Germany has laid the foundation for something truly special. Winning the 2023 World Cup and the 2025 EuroBasket has put them at the very top of international basketball, but the real challenge now is staying there consistently. The current core — Franz and Moritz Wagner, Tristan da Silva, Andi Obst, Isaac Bonga— has proven what it takes to win: a group built on selflessness and unity, where no one plays for individual glory. They’ve created a place where players genuinely want to return each summer. The next wave is coming fast, with young talents like Ivan Kharchenkov, Hannes Steinbach, Johan Grünloh, and Christian Anderson ready to join the program. But you can’t predict how these big talents will develop over the next few years. It takes more than skill — injuries, mindset, role acceptance, and team chemistry all have to come together to keep this incredible level of success going. If the core group manages to pass down their winning mentality and the young players embrace the culture, Germany has every chance to remain among the world’s elite. It’s not a dynasty yet, but the pieces are in place — now it’s about sustaining the hunger and making sure the next generation carries the torch forward.

You coach young men and are right there seeing the work and effort. Often now adays the talk is young players aren´t as hungry as back in the day. In other words players today aren´t challenged enough with too many outside influences. What makes young German players different than young players from other countries in this generation?

That’s a very tough question. It’s easy to say that today’s young players aren’t as hungry or as challenged as they were “back in the day,” with so many outside influences and distractions, but I think the situation in Germany is a bit different. Over the last decade, Germany has invested heavily in the entire ecosystem around basketball — not just facilities and gyms, but also coaching, youth development programs, and sports science. Young players are surrounded by an environment that teaches them professionalism early on and gives them the tools to grow, both on and off the court. We’re starting to see the results now. Players coming through the system understand what it takes to compete at the highest level, and they have role models like Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, and Isaac Bonga showing them the path. Of course, you can never fully predict how young talent will develop, but these investments have created a culture where the hunger to succeed is nurtured, and the focus stays on the team and the game itself, rather than the distractions around it.

Thanks Florian for the chat.

Josef Dulibic(Berlin Dreams) Sees Germany Competing For Medals For The Next 10 Years

pic credit: FIBA

Josef Dulibic is in his third season as head coach of the NBBL team Berlin Dreams. Prior he was active with Alba Berlin winning the 2018 NBBL title with Franz Wagner and in 2023 won the JBBL title with Mathieu Grujicic. He was 13 years active in the organization as coach with Croatian top team Cibona Zagreb. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the success of German basketball.

Thanks Josef for talking to germanhoops.com Germany is Euro Champion 2025. What kind of a feeling does this give you involved with German basketball?

I´m very proud of the success of German basketball. Being able to say that Germany is now always a contender is crazy. Basketball is a global sport that has so many countries that have great basketball. Germany has shown that it simply has a high quality of players. One now can always say we are contending for a title. Only some years ago, it would have been crazy to say that.

Is it crazy to have predicted a Gold medal before the tournament started? If you had to guess how many German basketball fans out of 10 would have predicted the Gold before the tournament how many would it have been under your estimation?

It would be less than what the experts would have predicted. I think people generally don´t know really how good basketball is in Germany. But with this Euro win, there are of course more people that now understand how good basketball really is in Germany.

It was the 2 best teams in the tournament with Germany and Turkey at 8-0. Was this the top final compared to the 1993 final vs Russia and 2023 final vs Serbia?

The Euro title in 1993 was a sensation and surprise. I remember it well. I was only 13 years old and was in Munich. In those days you had a certain amount of countries form the Balkan region that played for medals. Those were boring times with less competition. One can compare the last 2 wins easier. I think that this title was more difficult. There was less pressure with the World Cup 2 years ago. This time the expectations were a lot bigger.

How did you experience the final. The game was a real dog fight with Turkey leading by as much as 11 points and being very strong. What got Germany the Gold medal after 40 minutes.

The difference was simple in that Germany had more depth. The intensity and physicality in the game was very high. It didn´t help Turkey´s chances that a Osman or Larkin had to play so many minutes. Germany had fresher guys from the bench and more players carrying them. Every German player had a good phase during the game. There simply came more as a team from Germany than Turkey.

There has always been talk about the intense mentality, great team character and togetherness of Germany the last years. How does one keep developing it and not losing it over time?

Firstly it really helps when a team has success. This way it is easier to have a cult. It helps that the majority of the guys are close in age. It is never generally good when you have much young and old in a team. The German players were all on the same wave length. All know each other and like each other. That is always a big help.

There was a time in the 80s and 90s where you said in German football and after 90 minutes Germany always wins. I feel like there is this mentality now in German basketball. I was never fearing a loss in the fourth quarter even when Turkey was up by 6 points.

I really had the feeling when Turkey was up by 6 points that at that point that was it for them. I really didn´t see them having anything more to give. I was writing back and forth with Konstantin Lwowsky during that phase. I felt like we had more reserves and more weapons coming from the bench. I think now you can say that in the end Germany always wins. They are deep and each player has their own identity. The team is simply unpredicatable

How valuable was Franz Wagner for this tournament. How is he a better player now than in 2023 despite 2 years of more experience?

The biggest change is that he grew into his body. I think he is a stronger player and at the peak of his qualities. His body helps suit the quick game of Germany. The guy is almost 210cm and handles the ball well. Coupled with his athleticism, he can dominate the game. He has a great IQ and made another jump in his game. He is consistent now and has no bad games. He simply plays at a very high level now.

Isaac Bonga continues to grow as a player since coming back from the NBA? Shouldn´t a tournament like this and especially how his game has developed the last 3 years give him another NBA opportunity?

Bonga plays very well and from what I have heard, there is NBA interest there. Bonga went to the NBA very young and his game has grown since he came back the last 3 years. He has a decent shot now. He is more than a 3 and D player now, but more of a specialist. The question is always is the NBA really a good thing? He showed the last few years that he could play well at the Euroleague level. In the NBA teams often play with a 8-9 rotation. There simply isn´t enough room for all players. Players want to play and not sit on the bench.

You either like or dislike Dennis Schroder (185-PG-1993), but he came up big in the second half after being closed down well in the first half. How do explain his unbelievable ability to be able to turn around the lever and play like a winner when his team needs it most?

Turkey was well prepared for him. He did a great job in the second half. He got more space and was able to produce with scoring. The problem is that nobody really knows him except his teammates. His teammates in the German national team have always stuck behind him. There is a blind understanding between them. He likes leading the team. The problem in the NBA was that he always played with more known players than him. He has so many more duties in the national team and he likes that.

I have never understood that despite showing the last years what an incredible leader he is for Germany, he gets overlooked by NBA teams and has been a journeyman? Do NBA bosses have the wrong perception of him?

The competition is highest at the guard position in the NBA. It is very tough to make it. Juan Carlos Navarro was a top player in Europe and came back after 2 years in the NBA. Anything besides being a role player is difficult. Dennis just isn´t at the level of the top players. He is 1 in many.

Dirk Nowitzki has been the GOAT of German basketball for more than 15 years. With the World and Euro won, Is Dennis Schroder at Nowitzki´s level in terms of being in the same category as him?

I wouldn´t compare 2 great players. I feel like both had different situations. Back when Dirk was playing, he had to carry the team more than a Schroeder. Dirk had to do it all and made his teammates better. The teams with Dirk also weren´t as good as this one. Dennis is full of great players. He is a clutch player.

One of the big winners is your colleague Alan Ibrahimagic went from assistant coach to Euro head coach winner. How valuable was his input? What do you believe could he still give a team that already had all the pieces of being a winning team?

I wasn´t there to see all the dynamics. Alex Mumbru had a plan and that was followed by the team. Alan always said that he didn´t take the role of Mumbru. Alan was on the side lines and had to make the right decisions. Sometimes things can go wrong when the head coach isn´t there. But Alan did everything right. He was calm and cool and never panicked. He did a great job. He let the team play and I never once saw him be nervous. He did his job perfect.

There were some nice plays in the final like Isaac Bonga´s dunk or Franz Wagner´s mega block. What was your favorite play of the final?

I loved that difficult lay in by Dennis Schroder in crunch time that he laid in high off the glass. There was so good help and he still made it was incredible. That was such a tough shot to make.

Can one compare Germany´s success now with Spain from 2006-2011 where it won a World Cup and 2 Euro championships. Does Germany have a dynasty?

Yes you could make that comparison. If one followed the youth development in Germany the last years, one could have had a feeling that success would come for the men´s national team, but never to this large extent. One could have thought that success may go away in Spain after the Gasol brothers retired. Now Germany have to continue to be hungry and take advantage of the current success. I feel like Germany could be playing for a medal in the next 10 years.

This dynasty should go on. The future still looks good with a nucleus of the Wagner brothers, Tristan Da Silva, Andi Obst, Isaac Bonga and Isaiah Hartenstein plus the new wave of guys like Ivan Kharchenkov, Hannes Steinbach, Matthieu Grujicic, Johan Grunloh, Christian Anderson and others. Does Germany have the mentality to keep it going with the new wave of players that you have seen the last years?

These are all great players. The question now is can the young players make the next step from youth to men´s basketball? You never know what direction a player will go in in their development. Some guys don´t make it. One good example is Luc Von Slooten. The hype was big, but he only became a solid BBL player. Tristan Da Silva is also a good example. I wouldn´t have expected him to make such big steps after I saw him in the NBBL, but he did. You never really know who will make it. The coaches of the players always see the best case scenario. I think it is important that these young talented players now take that mentality from the men´s team. There has been criticism of the Nil, but I see it as positive for the players. In the BBL it is tough to get minutes, but these guys will get good minutes in the NCAA.

You coach young men and are right there seeing the work and effort. Often now adays the talk is young players aren´t as hungry as back in the day. In other words players today aren´t challenged enough with too many outside influences. What makes young German players different than young players from other countries in this generation?

I really don´t see it so different. Things have changed in the last 20 years. You will have positives and negatives then and now. Now you can take your phone and see Kyrie dribble within 5 seconds. 20 years ago that wouldn´t have been possible. Then you would have had to inspire yourself in other means. Go out and practice shots, but it isn´t different now. The training is great with Alba Berlin. Guys aren´t doing less now. Guys know that everywhere in the world are talented kids training to get better. Players know today just like 20 years ago the more you work hard, the better chance you will have to make it.

Thanks Josef for the chat.

Kenan Reinhart Pulls Out The Microwave Leading The Dragons Rhondorf to 83-80 Win Over Racing Luxemburg

The road to the start of the 2025-2026 Pro B season continues for the Dragons Rhondorf as they continue to test all they can to be ready for the new season. The club continues to showcase good performances were 3-0 having beaten Pro B teams Frankfurt, Neustadt and Rist Wedel. The club has demonstrated early on that the new coach Max Becker and his young team are on the same page defensively. The next test was against Luxemburg team Racing that moved up to the first division from the second division. It was the first test for the ex Pro A team in their living room Dragon Dome and 100 fans came out in support to see an interesting pre season duel as the Dragons Rhondorf survived a late scare by Racing Luxemburg to win 83-80. Racing Luxemburg did a great job reaching the free throw line 42 times, but missed 21 shots which severely hindered their chances to win while the Dragons Rhondorf secured 57 rebounds and were a real force with 24 offensive rebounds and played an overall superb team game having 5 guys in double figures led by Mr microwave Kenan Reinhart who led his team with 17 points. “I feel like we only played our real game for 10-20 minutes. Our focus was gone at the end. Even if our rebounding was a problem at the start, we came back and rebounded well. We were able to win this game through individual qualities”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Kenan Reinhart. Racing Luxemburg had to overcome double figure leads by the Dragons Rhondorf, but never gave up and were in it until the end. They most likely would have won had they been able to connect better from the free throw line. “I love how we fought today. We were down in the third and fourth quarters, but always found an answer and came back. I´m proud of every player. We even had a chance at the end. We missed too many free throws and gave up too many offensive rebounds. All in all, it was a fun game”, stressed Racing Luxemburg forward Antonio Bivins.

Luis Soragha to the rim

The Dragons Rhondorf did get the lead 1-0 with a Daniel Mayr free throw, but Racing Luxemburg suddenly came to life taking the 8-3 lead as Miami native American Antonio walking bucket Bivins who once had a monster 52/24 game in Luxemburg scored 3 of the 4 baskets with all lay in´s as he displayed sheer athleticism. Rhondorf had problems with offensive execution and 1-1 defense, but slowly came out of their funk getting lay in´s by ex Iserlohn guard Jorge Mejias and Reinhart to trail 8-7. However Racing Luxemburg who were led by Bivins energy continued to carry the team with another lay while Steven Lanners who has played a decade with the team scored lay in´s for the 15-10 advantage. However the Dragons Rhondorf dead locked the game at 15-15 with an off balance runner by Dusan Ilic and a three pointer by Lagui Diallo. However Racing Luxemburg continued to be in scoring mood as they got a trey by Croatian guard Emmanuel Loncaric and a lay in by Colorado native Brendan Temple to lead 22-17 after 10 minutes. “We had a bad start. We showed little energy and focus. We didn´t make open looks early, but found our rhythm better late in the quarter and got back into the game”, stated Kenan Reinhart. Racing Luxemburg shot 42% from the field and 29% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 33% from the field and 10% from outside and had 16 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Dusan Ilic at the FT line

In the second quarter Racing Luxemburg got away early from the Dragons Rhondorf and led by 9 points, but the Dragons Rhondorf battled back and had the 38-37 lead at half-time. Racing Luxemburg took off on a 6-2 run to lead 27-19 thanks to 4 points by versatile center Brendan Temple who displayed a beautiful bag of left hand, right hand, runners and floaters in his game. But Rhondorf did a good job using their height as ex Oberaching center Benjamin Sadikovic and young German Carlo Schmid scored on the pick and roll as Rhondorf trailed only 32-25. However Racing Luxemburg continued to keep up the pressure getting a lay in by Luis Soragha who is playing his 13th season with the team to lead 35-27. But the Dragons Rhondorf staged a late second quarter come back going on a 11-2 run to totally turn around the game and lead by 1 point after 2 quarters. In the run, the Dragons Rhondorf were led by California native and Swiss army knife Juhwan Harris Dyson with 3 buckets on the drive and including one on transition. Defensively the Dragons held the paint area with force with Daniel Mayr and Sadikovic. The Dragons Rhondorf also did a great job limiting Bivins with points from the field who had massive problems at the free throw line going 0/6 at half-time and was 4/15 for the game. “This had to be my worst game ever from the free throw line. I just didn´t feel comfortable with the ball in my hands. I will continue to attack and just need to make my free throws”, warned Antonio Bivins. “It was an up and down quarter for us. We were more aggressive getting to the rim and rebounded better. We also held Bivins better in check”, stated Kenan Reinhart. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 32% from the field and 6% from the three point line and had 34 rebounds and 9 turnovers while Racing Luxemburg shot 36% from the field and 13% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Juhwan Harris Dyson form downtown

In the third quarter the Dragons Rhondorf took control of the game with a big run and led 69-56 after 30 minutes. Mayr began with free throws and then Harris Dyson and Bivins traded buckets as the Dragons Rhondorf had the slim 42-39 advantage. Back in the 80´d Detroit Piston Vinnie Johnson showed his microwave moments heating up and in Rhondoerf, they have their own microwave with Kenan Reinhart who led the Dragons Rhondorf on a 12-4 run as he scored 10 points in the run. “I wasn´t shooting well up to that point, but I just kept shooting. That really helped my self confidence”, said Kenan Reinhart. He made 2 lay up´s and nailed 2 three´s as well. Rhondorf did a good job during this run keeping the guests away from the free throw line. Racing Luxemburg kept fighting led by Bivins who continued to be a beast in the paint getting 2 buckets, but Rhondorf still led 57-48. The Reinhart push really carried his team as they continued to execute well as Ilic made a lay in on transition and trey while Diallo also made a three pointer as Racing Luxemburg trailed 66-49. The defensive intensity by the Dragons Rhondorf was really strong in the third quarter and the bigs continued to be a wall for Racing Luxemburg. Benjamin Sadikovic made a lay in at the buzzer to close out the third quarter. “We took the momentum for the second quarter. My shots gave the team motivation. We also were able to play our game in this phase as well”, added Kenan Reinhart. “They found the open man and we scrambled on defense. But we never put our heads down and kept fighting and trying to come back”, said Antonio Bivins. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 40% from the field and 20% from the parking lot and had 50 rebounds and 16 turnovers while Racing Luxemburg shot 33% from the field and 17% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Antonio Bivins at the FT line

In the fourth quarter Racing Luxemburg came back, but couldn´t get over the hump as the free throw line once again let them down. Mejias began the fourth quarter with a pull up jumper, but Racing Luxemburg then staged a brutal 12-0 run to trail only 71-68. In the run the guests got key support from Temple who added 6 points including a pretty left handed hook shot, but the bench also stepped up as Johan Bouttet hit a three pointer as did Angelo Caruso. Bivins also got into the action with a lay in. The Dragons Rhondorf lost their intensity while the guests stepped up their energy a few levels and played with emotion. ”I think with Schmid getting hurt may have brought us out of our rhythm. We did a good job stopping their bigs, but weren´t ready for Lanners”, said Kenan Reinhart. The Dragons Rhondorf held on to the lead, but couldn´t shake Racing Luxemburg. The Dragons went inside again something that helped them in other phases of the game. Giant Daniel Mayr added 6 points including a three pointer and led 79-71 with a few minutes to play. But Racing Luxemburg had found a way to come back all game long and did it again adding more intensity on defense and got 2 clutch three from sniper veteran Steve Lanners to trail only 79-77. “I love him. He is a great shooter and guy. We have so much confidence in him”, stressed Antonio Bivins. Reinhart then stroked home a trey and Mejias added a free throw, but Lanners wasn´t done yet as he nailed another trey to trail only 83-80 with less than a minute to play. Temple made a steal on Mejias which led to Lanners being fouled at the free throw line. He missed all 3. Game over. “We won´t win games if we miss so many free throws”, stated Antonio Bivins. “I remember asking Sadikovic why did you foul him. He will make them all. I was very surprised he missed all 3”, added Kenan Reinhart. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Kenan Reinhart with 17 points. Lagui Diallo added 12 points while Racing Luxemburg were led by Antonio Bivins with 24 points and Brendan Temple had 18 points and 10 rebounds. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 39% from the field and 22% from outside and had 57 rebounds and 21 turnovers while Racing Luxemburg shot 37% from the field and 28% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

Shawn Scott(Lok Bernau) Believes That Isaiah Hartenstein´s NBA Title And Rise Adds A Fresh Modern Layer To German Basketball Pride

Shawn Scott (185-G-1996, college: SW Christian) is a 29 year old 185cm guard that will completed fourth season pro season and first with Pro B team TSV Neustadt temps Shooters averaging 6.8ppg, 6.1rpg, 3.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 77.9%. Last season he played with BG Hagen averaging 30.1ppg, 9.0rpg, Assists-2 (5.9apg), Steals-5 (2.7spg), FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 78.0%. In 2022-2023 he split time with TVO Biggesee / TV Jahn Lindhorst (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 31.2ppg, 10.4rpg, 6.1apg, 3.6spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 77.6%, in Jan.’23 moved to BG 2000 Berlin (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 4.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 64.4%. He began his career at Jenks High School and then played 3 seasons at Southwestern Christian University. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the 2025 NBA finals

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

Thanks for having me Miles! I’m currently in Phoenix Arizona and my offseason has been pretty good but really focused on making sure my body is in shape and healthy for the next season.

How has your summer been? Did you visit any nice spots in Europe before heading stateside?

It’s been great! I’ve done quite a bit of traveling in the states but wasn’t able to go anywhere in Europe because I had to go home pretty early.

How has the summer transfer period been for you? Do you think like you may play in Germany again?

It’s been good. I think I will be coming back to Germany for next season yes.

Let´s talk NBA. OKC are NBA champions. They dominated the whole season. What made them the best team for you?

I think chemistry. Those guys genuinely love each other and you could see by the way they play defense that they were so in sync and I think chemistry has a lot to do with that. Everyone knew Shai was the go to guy and the others played their roles perfectly and that’s what got them a championship.

How did you rate OKC going into the 2024-2025 NBA season. Were they a team you saw making a run in the playoffs?

For sure. They were always going to be a playoff team but the main question was could they get over that hump of getting eliminated early. I honestly believed that once they got past Denver, it was going to be smooth sailing but Indiana proved that that wasn’t going to be the case.

What is your summary of the finals? Did OKC win it fair and square?

They won fair and square yes. You can’t predict an injury is going to happen and I really feel bad for Haliburton and Indiana out more of fight than I expected them to. But I do believe Okc won it 100% fair and square.

Tyrese Haliburton had 9 points in the first 8 minutes, but then left with injury. The Pacers kept pace for a long time. Would the Pacers have won the final with him?

I don’t think so, but it would’ve been extremely close as it was all the way until the end. I just think Okc would’ve get it done at home no matter what.

Where do you rank Tyrese Haliburton now as a point guard in NBA? Is he top 5 now?

He’s not top 5 currently no, but top 10 for sure. He’s a great player no doubt but he has some inconsistencies that I think he needs to fix. But you can’t deny that he is built for the moment and he showed that all playoffs.

What was key in game 7 for OKC winning. If you look at the stats, the To´s seemed to be the big key.

TO’s and I think just staying calm. They’re a young team and not experienced in these situations so I think staying poised when it got rough was the key and sticking to their game plan.

What was the difference between OKC´s defense and other teams? How key was having a coach like Mark Daigneault for keeping the defensive principles intact all season long?

OKC ran one of the most switchable defenses in the league. They didn’t rely heavily on traditional drop coverage; instead, they often switched or hedged depending on the matchup. Mark Daigneault got every player, from star to role player, to commit to defensive principles. That’s not easy with a young roster.

If you had to chose an unsung hero for OKC in the final series and season who would it be?

Alex Caruso, he was everywhere defensively and knocked down big time shots when they needed it.

Which Indiana Pacer player made the biggest jump this season?

So many of their players have showed consistency the last years. Andrew Nembhard, He went from being a steady role player in his rookie season to becoming a secondary playmaker and clutch scorer.

SGA made the next step. Is he the top point guard in the NBA and top 3 best players in world?

Yes for sure. SGA has been consistent the past few years with being essentially unguardable and took a crazy leap defensively.

What is the next step for SGA? Can he elevate his game now to another level or has he reached his prime?

I mean, he’s a consistent 30 ppg scorer and can play defense. I think the only thing really is being able to knock down 3’s consistently which I think he was 40% shooter in regular season.

How cool is it for Germany having that second NBA winner ever after Dirk Nowitzki with Isaiah Hartenstein. You played most of your career in Germany.

It’s very cool and meaningful for Germany to now have Isaiah Hartenstein join Dirk Nowitzki as an NBA champion. Dirk will always be the icon, but Hartenstein’s rise adds a fresh, modern layer to German basketball pride.

Hartenstein became a NBA champion with OKC after having to pay his dues for many years. Still I feel like he isn´t respected as a offensive scorer yet. OK so OKC has many great offensive players, but can Hartenstein ever get more of a scoring role? He just doesn´t get enough shots.

Hartenstein has one of the best floaters I’ve ever seen as a big, so maybe if he can work on being able to take one dribble and getting to his spot, he can easily become an offensive threat.

How did you see development of Jalen Williams. Is he on track of becoming an NBA superstar?

Jalen Williams’ development in the 2023–24 season was a major leap, and yes he’s absolutely on track to becoming an NBA superstar if he continues this trajectory.

How key was the big man duo of Holmgren/Hartenstein. Would OKC have won only with 1 player?

Major. I think with just Chet, it wouldn’t have been enough to win so adding Hartenstein was the best thing they could’ve done.

What is possible now with OKC. I picked a dynasty with Boston last season and was wrong. Can it happen with OKC?

Okc is set with draft picks for the next four years which makes Sam Presti a genius. Winning a championship this early and with a young team shows that a dynasty could be brewing.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.

Justin Edler-Davis Has Shown Consistency His Whole Pro Career And Believes His Defensive Versatility Is Underrated

Justin Edler-Davis (193-G/F-1998, college: CSUB) is a 27 year old 193cm guard from San Diego, California playing his fourth professional season and first with the Veolia Towers Hamburg. Last season he played with CSO Voluntari (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 14.0ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 48.2%, FT-3 (91.6%); and in the ENBL averaged 14.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 74.5%, 3PT: 46.7%, FT: 90.7%. In the 2023-2024 season he played with KB Peja (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging 17.4ppg, Reb-3 (9.2rpg), 2.0apg, Steals-2 (2.0spg), FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 78.8%. He played his rookie season with S.C. Lusitania EXPERT (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 15.8ppg, Reb-3 (8.5rpg), 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT-3 (90.0%). He began his career at Morse high school and then played at California State University Bakersfield (NCAA) from 2017-2022 playing a total of 147 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Justin for talking to germanhoops.com. After stints in Portugal, Kosovo and Romaina, you now

will play in Germany for BBL team Hamburg Towers. How blessed do you feel?

I am extremely happy and thankful any time a club gives me an opportunity to represent them. I

am excited to get things going with the Towers.


You have proven in every league that you can be a top scorer and rebounder. How confident are you

that your consistency will continue in Germany?

I am confident that I can continue the consistency into any league I play in because of the work I

put into my game. I feel as though my work is translatable and I can make the necessary changes to

be productive in Germany.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

From an outside perspective I have only heard positive things about the country of Germany as a

whole. The BBL is a league that I have followed since I have become a professional and somewhere

that I have wanted to play because it is a high level league and is seen all over the world.


Have you had any friends or former teammates or opponents play in Germany besides Justin McCall?

Off the top of my head Deandre Lansdowne is a guy that comes to mind. He trains in my

hometown during the offseason and he was my opponent in the FIBA Europe Cup when I was in

Kosovo.


You will play for BBL team Hamburg Towers. Was playing Eurocup one of major reasons why you

signed there?

Playing in the EuroCup was a major factor because it is a level that I believe I should be on and

pairing that with playing in the BBL was something that became difficult to refuse.

How did the talks go with head coach Benka Barloschky. What did you appreciate right away from his

basketball philosophy?

Talks with Benka went well starting from our first conversation, we connected well and he showed

that he was intrigued with me as a player. I appreciate that he’s a coach that likes to play with

tempo because I believe that it is an attractive brand of basketball and one that suits my game

well.


Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA

player who would best fit the description?

I have always tried to model my game after Kawhi Leonard even though I’m not as tall as him. His

versatility on both sides of the floor is what I have always aspired to have. Mid-range pull ups

offensively, defensive switch ability. Things like that are what I have tried to incorporate into my

game.


You score the ball really well and are an excellent rebounder for your height. What other strengths

does your game have?


Another strength is that I am switchable defensively and guard 1-4 maybe even 1-5 depending on

the matchups. I believe my defensive versatility is underrated.


You’re a really good rebounder. How do you explain this and do you have a particular rebounding

guard that you like to watch?

My rebounding comes from when I was playing position 4 throughout my college career and

learning how to get the ball off the rim as well as positioning. I always watched PJ Tucker

specifically when he was on the Rockets and he was their starting center. We are the same height

& weight so it was natural to watch him.

You were always an ok three point shooter but last season in Romania shot 48% and in the ENBL shot

46%. How do you explain this crazy rise last season?

My shooting became an emphasis the summer before this past season and it was something that I

dedicated a lot of time into. Those shooting percentages are products of fixing slight form issues

that I had in my shot and I also improved my shot selection which helped my percentages.

How would you describe yourself at the moment as a defender? Where would you like to take your

defensive game to?


Like I said earlier I believe I am quite versatile defensively the biggest thing I would have to

become better at is when I am a help-side defender.


On what areas of your game are you working on most so you be best prepared for Germany?


I am dedicating a lot of my time to my ball handling and being able to create for myself off the

dribble I think those would be things other teams would put on my scouting report.


Last season you played for CSO Voluntari (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 14.0ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 48.2%, FT-3 (91.6%); and in the ENBL averaged 14.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 74.5%, 3PT: 46.7%,

FT: 90.7%;. You had a long post season playing 14 games. You lost a tough playoff series to Valcea.

What will you always remember from that series most?

What I will remember most from that series is us fighting back to get the series to a

fifth game. It would have been easy for us to be ready to be done especially in a third

place series but we showed character and continued to play.


How special will this season always be? You won the ENBL title as well as Cup. What made

this team so special?


For me it is one of the more special seasons I have had in my career, winning 2

trophies in one season is really hard to do. What made our team so special was how

together we were, everyone in the club from the owners all the way to our chefs &

custodians were great people and it contributed to us having a successful season.

What was it like being teammates with Mike Caffey? That guy has seen it all including the

Ukraine war in 2022.

Mike is a great guy off the court as well as a great teammate, he put us in a lot of

positions to not only score because he was one of the leaders in assists but he was

the engine for our season and one of the main reasons we were successful.

You played your second pro season with KB Peja (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging 17.4ppg, Reb-

3 (9.2rpg), 2.0apg, Steals-2 (2.0spg), FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 78.8%; FIBA Europe Cup

averaged 15.8ppg, 9.7rpg, 3.3apg, 3.0spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 85.7%; Balkan League

averaged20.8ppg), Reb-2 (10.0rpg), 2.5apg, Steals-2 (1.6spg), FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT-2 (88.6%). You were so consistent. Was this your best season as a pro?

I wouldn’t say it was my best season as a pro because we fell short in winning trophies, we were

expected to win and didn’t so that was a bit disappointing not winning a single trophy or even getting to a final.


You played your rookie season with S.C. Lusitania EXPERT (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 15.8ppg, Reb-

3 (8.5rpg), 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT-3 (90.0%). What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

The wake up call for me was the way of life, especially being on an island. Being from California it was

completely different than what I was used to but I think that I adjusted well.

You had many great games including against top teams FC Porto and Benfica. What was your nicest

memory in Portugal that season?

I would say the nicest moment for me was making it to the cup final four that season, even though

we didn’t win it was special for Lusitania because they aren’t the biggest club so it was nice to

represent them in that way.

You played at the California State University Bakersfield from 2017-2022. You never averaged over 10,0ppg. What kind of role did you have and how did your game grow in these 5 years?

My position in college was mainly the small ball 4 so my role consisted of getting my offense out of being the screener in pick and pops and rebounding which is why I feel like I’ve become a decent rebounder.

You had so many great games there like sinking a buzzer beater at Idaho. What was your fondest moment there?


I played against a lot of bigger schools like Arizona, Gonzaga, Arkansas, UCLA, USC I would say being

able to compete on that level and in those facilities are something that I will always remember.

How did head coach Rod Barnes groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

Coach Barnes taught me how to have a proper work ethic in terms of getting in the weight room,

extra shots, etc and learning that is the reason why I am in the position I am now.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Travis Henson?


We didn’t play much 1-1 from what I remember but if we do play it would be close for sure

because he’s a great player but obviously I think I will win.

Who is the toughest player that you ever played against that reached the NBA or Euroleague?

Toughest player I’ve ever played against was Demar Derozan in the Drew League which is a

summer pro-am league based in Los Angeles. I was guarding him the entire game and thought I was

playing good defense until I looked at the stats after the game and he had 30 points.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?


This is tough. I’d say the 5 best teammates I’ve had since being a pro are:

Derek Jackson, Trey Moses, Mike Caffey, Lee Skinner and Jay Jay Chandler

Please list your NBA, Euroleague and German Mount Rushmore? That means your 5 best players?


NBA: LeBron James,Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul Jabbar

EuroLeague: Mike James, Vassilis Spanoulis, Kyle Hines, Vasislje Micic, Sergio Llull

German: Dirk Nowitzki, Detlef Schrempf, Dennis Schroder, (those are the only Germans I know)

Who is your GOAT


LeBron James the only correct answer.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?


I am believer in never having sequels because they are never as good as the first movie!


Thanks Justin for the chat.

KJ Sherril Knows That The EPG Baskets Can Score But Defense Will Be The Staple Since That Wins Games

KJ Sherrill (203-F/C-1991, college: Augusta) is a 34 year old 203cm forward that enjoyed a 8 year pro playing career overseas. He played with the Bona Baskets Limburg, the SG Luetzel-Post Koblenz (Germany-Regionalliga), Dragons Rhondorf, Telekom Baskets Bonn 2 team, Herten and the Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-ProA). He played college ball at Charlotte (NCAA) from 2009-2012 playing 75 NCAA games and also played a season at Augusta University (NCAA2). He was an assistant coach with the Dragons Rhondorf from 2023-2025 and now is an assistant with Pro A team EPG Guardians Koblenz. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his new coaching gig with the EPG Baskets Koblenz.

How refreshing is it for you to be reunited with Stephan Dohrn. Is the work more challenging at the Pro A level than at the Pro B level?

It’s a pleasure to be alongside Stephan and Kai once again. I’m learning a lot from these guys along the way. The work load is a bit more in Pro A than Pro B, I’d say everyday is a challenge for me just because I’m still in my learning phase as a coach.

The team looks really good this season. The club has little Americans and more Germans and experience. How is your feeling about this team especially after beating one of the top Pro A teams Giessen?

I think we have a great group of guys but of course we still need lots of work. It’s still early in preseason but we’re making the right steps in the direction we want to go. Improving day by day in practice so that we have better executions in games with our good roster. The win against Giessen was a confidence booster for us, but we don’t want to settle and we want to continue building from there.

Is the philosophy this season correct with hard nosed defense and free on the offensive end? That isn’t much different than what we saw in Rhondorf?

Yes it’s pretty much the same concept here in Koblenz. With Stephan, he puts emphasis on defense. So we want that to be our identity, not just an offensive team. We know we can score, but we want to have consecutive defensive stops. That’s what wins games.

The team had good bigs last season, but this season with Bacak, Moeller and Sonnefeld real experience. It seems like the bigs weren’t as fully involved scoring wise last season. Could there be a change this season?

Our bigs maybe won’t be our outstanding scorers, but their presence under the basketball is what we need. Rebounding and being physical down low. Controlling the paint and setting good screens. With their experience, they are able to contribute to the game a whole lot and we are happy to have them with us.

How fortunate is it for Jannis Sonnefeld to play with big veterans Bacak and Moeller? Could he be one of the big surprises this season?

Sonnefeld is young but I would say he plays just as hard as the experienced guys. He will be a big factor for us this season and he has the perfect group of experienced guys to help lead him along the way.

I believe Calvin Wishart was the best signing? I heard MVP chants from someone during RheinStars game when he scored 8 points in 1 minute. Is he MVP material?

With Calvin’s scoring ability, I think it’s possible that he could become MVP in the future, but all he wants to do is win and contribute to his team. So regardless MVP or not, he will be one of our main guys.

I really love the game of Aleksa Kovacevic. He was the team’s second best signing. Do you feel like he is on a mission to show all that he ‘deserves to be a BBL player with a great pro A season?

Aleksa could potentially be one of the best guards in Pro A. He’s capable of being a huge threat offensively and defensively despite his size. I love his aggressiveness and hard nosed defense. But offensively, I see him being very successful for us.

Badu Buck is a guy you know well from Rhondorf. He had some growing pains before Rhondorf but was reborn there. What kind of a role do you see him having in a stacked team this season something he adjusted well to in Rhondorf?

Badu’s biggest role is that he is a leader. He may be the most vocal guy on the court and his experience helps make the game easier for others simply because he has such high IQ. He puts players in the right positions, the young guys especially look up to him and he does a great job leading them. In my eyes, maybe the best addition to the team. He’s our captain for a reason.

Tim Smith Jr is the other guy you know well from Rhondorf. Is he going to be this team’s version of the guy doing the dirty work especially under the glass?

Tim is our slim reaper, similar to Kevin Durant. Tim may be one of the best shooters in the league, from inside and outside. He can score in so many different ways. His game is great to watch and I think he will have a major role on this team.

Garrett Hicks is a very special player. How lucky is the team to have him who can do it all on the court and can score in bunches?

We were very pleased to sign Garrett. His abilities on the court for his size is like no other. Not only can he shoot from deep, his ability to attack the rim is very nice! He is for sure the most athletic on the team. Even though he hasn’t played many years in Europe, he is very professional and we are beyond happy that he is with us.

Do you have any added duties as assistant coach this season besides working with the bigs?

Yes I have a bit more responsibilities than I had in Rhondorf. I am the skill development coach as well, so I’m in charge of all the group/individual workouts with all players, not just Big’s.

Are you like a mentor for Kai Schallenberg? What is it like working with him again?

I really enjoy working with Kai. He’s very enthusiastic and his love for the game says it all. I would honestly say we learn from each other and being that Kai is more experienced than me when it comes to coaching, I learn from him as well. We both are young and hungry to become better coaches and I think we have the perfect example to learn from, Stephan. I think I couldn’t ask for a better coaching staff to be a part of!

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Tim Smith Jr?

Well being that Tim is a light weight compared to me, I think it wouldn’t even be fair if we played 1-1. I’d treat him like a baby, he’s too little. Love you Tim but it’s the truth!

Thanks KJ for the chat.