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Mason Kraus Wins Best Friend Duel Against Simon Hildebrandt In Their Overseas Debut’s In Koblenz Germany

The season opener of the EPG Baskets Koblenz against Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth had just ended and all you saw in the CGM arena was people with happy faces. The last three years had produced no playoff appearances and the hunger for a successful season continued to be in the heads of everyone. After winning four of five pre season games against Pro A games, the anticipation was massive for the opener in the pretty living room in Koblenz. The club led by head coach Stephan Dohrn didn´t disappoint as they marched out to a shoot out 109-90 victory over Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth. Granted the guests were missing 4 main players, but the EPG Baskets showed a consistent and overpowering offensive performance that will give many Pro A teams fits this season. There were a few side stories concerning the game including the return of Joshua Bonga who comes from the region and he didn´t disappoint as he had a Pro A career high 30 points. The other theme was a feel good story concerning Mason Kraus (190-G, college: Manitoba) and Simon Hildebrandt. They had been teammates for two years in Canada at Manitoba University (U Sports) and then after Hildebrandt left for High Point (NCAA) and Washington State University (NCAA), their paths crossed again this past summer as they suited up again together for the Winnipeg Sea Bears winning the CEBL title. Now 5 weeks later, they were back again in Koblenz as opponents. After the 40 minute battle, both were smiling even if Hildebrand had lost. After the game, they had some catching up to do. “We said a few words before the game, but said let´s talk after the game. It was great seeing him again. I missed his wedding, because I had to come to Koblenz. This was my first time I saw him since he got married. He is one of my best friends. We are friends for life”, stressed Mason Kraus who was roommates with him at Manitoba and they were always together eating all meals together. In Germany Mason Kraus has found some tasty things as he likes to eat Doner, Wiener Schnitzel and banana flavor deserts

It was absolutely no surprise that Mason Kraus was all smiles after the buzzer sounded. The EPG Baskets Koblenz played an all around good game and showed that they can play well for 40 minutes and close out the win without problems. Last season there were too many times where the club panicked and lost control of the game and lost. Yesterday they set an early tone that the depth of the team will be vital for success this season. “We scored 100 points which was nice. We did a good job sharing the ball and really concentrated on the We and not the I. We showed that at times that our defense can be amazing. We showed our identity tonight”, stated Mason Kraus. The shooting percentages of the EPG Baskets Koblenz were high and the way that they should be when you have an elite scoring team. They shot 75% from the two point area, 59% from the field and 36% from outside. “Our assists were really high. We did a good job also not getting away from the game plan, but sticking to it. We never stopped attacking and kicking to the shooters. We also did a super job forcing many turnovers”, commented Mason Kraus. For a first game the club also did a good job on the boards securing 31 rebounds and 11 offensive rebounds. Of course there were also some negative things like the defense which allowed 90 points. Obviously that is something the club will work on diligently this week in practice in preparation for the Artland Dragons next weekend. “We had a third quarter lapse. We showed though that as a whole we stayed locked in. Those are signs of a great team. Mental lapses happen and we have to learn to finish the game well on defense and play our style”, warned Mason Kraus. Koblenz also dominated the points in the paint 54-32 and had 15 second chance points. Surprisingly there were no fast break points which is very difficult to believe.

So how did the two buddies fare head to head on the court? Mason Kraus finished with 6 points, 1 rebounds and 2 assists in 16,01 minutes. Even if it wasn´t the brilliant performance, it was one of those nights that happen when your on a team that has 6-7 guys that can score in double figures per game. “I only took 2 shots. I could have been more aggressive. It just wasn´t my night to be the main scorer. I sacrificed my shots for the team. That is how good we are as a team. I took myself out of the picture and played for the team. I´m just glad we won”, said Mason Kraus. One also can´t forget that he missed the first weeks of pre season and was at a disadvantage. However he continues to make steps with his adaption to the Euro style. “Having to adapt has been seamless. Everyone in the organization have been so helpful. Adapting to the physicality is a challenge, but I´m a player that likes to play physical. I just have to learn to play physical while adding less fouls”, stated Mason Kraus. The guard who plays like Damian Lillard and once battled NBA player Bennedict Mathurin on the court averaged 33 minutes per game with Manitoba in his last two seasons now has to adapt coming from the bench. Is this something that he can get used to and is that starting job important for him? “I would love to start and it would be naïve if I didn´t want to. I hope there will be times when I can start, but for me most important is that I play and can contribute”, stressed Mason Kraus who loves the hominess of Koblenz and really enjoys the beautiful community of Koblenz. Simon Hildebrandt had a great Pro A debut scoring 15 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 25 minutes and shot 50% from the field. “I knew that he would have a good game. He had opportunities through out the game and late in the game capitalized on them”, said Mason Kraus. He will have to wait until April 3, 2027 for revenge when both teams meet again. ”It was great to see Mason again. He is one of my closest friends and teammates that I have. I have the our next game circled on the calendar”, stressed Simon Hildebrandt. For now Mason Kraus has the bragging rights for 6 months. “I know that our former school Manitoba will have a report on this game on their website. I know our former coach and others watched this game”, stated Mason Kraus. So was there any kind trash talking on the court between the two friends? “Maybe with the others on the team, but for us we respect both sides. It was tame, but I expect it to pick up during the season”, warned Mason Kraus.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz Charachter Stands Out With The We Instead Of Me Focus As The Top 8 Is The Club Goal

Pic Credit: Angel media

The EPG Baskets Koblenz are going into their fourth Pro A season and it is always an amazing experience watching basketball in the CGM arena. It has a nice atmosphere with ambitious fans and it is just a small beautiful arena with perfect lightening. The teams finished 16th twice and last season improved to 14th place. The only thing that has been lacking has been a trip to the promised land in the playoffs. The team has always had solid rosters and last season had one that on paper looked deep enough, but the team chemistry just wasn´t spot on. This season the coaching staff and sport director Thomas Klein have built another interesting roster, but there is a massive difference that this core have that has never been present before with the EPG Baskets. “I´m going with a lot of joy into this season. This is the best roster we have ever had. We have great characters. This season it is the We instead of Me mentality. Last season Calvin Wishart always had the last shot. Sometimes it went well and sometimes it didn´t go well. That won´t happen this season as anyone can take the last shot. We will be really difficult to scout 1-5. That really makes this season exciting”, warned EPG Baskets Koblenz sport director Thomas Klein.

The EPG Baskets were a team that last season preached the playing style of being aggressive at both ends of the court. Will that style continue this season? “We will continue that, but the difference will be that we won´t have slow bigs from last season. We weren´t able to play fast enough last season. This season we want to play faster and with the athleticism that we have, will be hard to match especially with a player like Ferenc Gille who loves to run”, warned Thomas Klein. In it´s first two Pro A seasons the team heightened their game production from 74-77 and last season really demonstrated that they could be a top scoring team as they averaged 85 points per game. They obviously want to build on that this season with added team basketball and having that surprise effect. “Our go to guy will be the team this season. We have 6-7 players that can score in double figures in each game. The efficiency that we have this season, we never had before. We have really good balance this season”, added Thomas Klein. Another added trait for this season is also the added physicality that the team has this season. “Chase Johnson has shown in pre season how well he gets to the rim with physicality. A guy like Mason Kraus also has that ability even if he doesn´t look it. He can do the same”, smiled Thomas Klein. One thing that doesn´t lie are stats and the EPG Baskets defense hasn´t only been bad the last 3 seasons, but gotten worse each season going from 80 to 87 to 90 points allowed each game. Will there finally be a turnaround in this season? “We are dynamic and agile and with Camaron Tongue on the five, we will be able to switch all. Last season it was hard to recover with our bigs off the hedges. That won´t happen this season. I believe with our athleticism and willingness to defend, we will be better on the rotations and help”, warned Thomas Klein.

So how will the roster look like this season. The club did a good job holding on to 4 Germans with Badu Buck (7.0ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 88.9%), Jonas NIedermanner (6.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 73.7%), Alexander Moeller (6.5ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 58.9%, FT: 65.1%) and Jannis Sonnefeld (4.8ppg, 3.0rpg). Each player brings his own special qualities, experience and know the system of Stephan Dohrn. The club added 2 really interesting bigs with experienced Ferenc Gille and hungry Camaron Tongue who is in his second pro season after only playing 6 games in Estonia last season. Gille has massive Pro A experience having played with Leverkusen, Nurnberg and Ehingen. He possess things that bigs didn´t have last season with athleticism, good defense and running the floor while Tongue is a modern big man that will enrich the defense and transition game as well. Perhaps the team´s best pick up was the experienced Dragos Diculescu (196-G/F-1999, agency: One Motive Sports) who´s middle name could be versatile. He can do it all and has an immaculate character and will be one of the main leaders on the team. “Dragos will be the connector between 1-5. He reads the game so well”, said Thomas Klein. The team also added 3 American rookies and a Canadian with Mason Kraus who got early pro experience last summer winning the Canadian title with the Winnipeg Sea Bears (CEBL). He had a stellar career at Manitoba University (U Sports) that can score and dish out assists at a high rate. His best season average was his junior year 8.2ppg, 5.3rpg, 5.2apg, SPG-5 (2.6), FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 65.5%. “Mason came late to the team. He had some tough games, but played well against Artland. His speed and how he reads the game really stand out”, commented Thomas Klein. American Jaden Williams comes from Dartmouth where he averaged 11.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 41.1%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 84.8% in his senior year and shot 42% one season form outside. “He is athletic and has a stable shot. He will play the position 3. We will see how well he adjusts to the game overseas”, added Thomas Klein. One of the key players from the new ones should be Chase Forte who is also a rookie and gained much experience playing at 5 schools. His last school was Boston College and he had his best season with the University of South Dakota (NCAA) averaging 17.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.1apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 65.2%. “Chase is a brutal player. He will be our anchor on defense. If he can play his offense the way he knows then he will be tough to stop. I see some Cockfield in him, but he needs to play his own game. He is a very vocal player”, stated Thomas Klein. The last new player is Tyren Moore, another rookie who had a great career at Georgia Southern (NCAA) averaging 17.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 86.5% and 16.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.6apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 83.0%. This is the school where Calvin Wishart also played. Moore will run the team. “Tyren is so talented. If he had a little more athleticism of Chase Johnson, then he would be in the BBL”, expressed Thomas Klein. The season is a few days away. What teams will be the teams to beat and what is the goal of the EPG Baskets? “I see, Heidelberg, Crialsheim, Giessen, Goettingen and Kirchheim as the teams to beat. Our goal is really simple. We want to reach the Top 8”, warned Thomas Klein.

The Dragons Rhondorf Are Courageous And Will Attack The Playoffs

Pic Credit: Martin Jung

How many times last season did I see a giant man in the Dragon Dome working on his craft as I entered the building. For the very small kids, he may have towered like the jolly green giant who is the famous smiling advertising mascot of the American Green Giant vegetable brand. Of course the man taking jump shot after jump shot wasn´t the jolly green giant, but 218cm center Daniel Mayr (218-C-1995) who played his first easyCredit BBL game 12 years ago with FC Bayern Munich. One thing where he has had misfortune in his career has been injuries and that unfortunate aspect of the game hit him again last season. All in all, he has missed 4 complete seasons due to injury in his 15 year career that saw him play for clubs like Schwelm, Schwenningen, Duesseldorf and Fellbach. At the age of 31, he is ready to battle again this season for the Dragons Rhondorf. Last season, his presence was always there be it at practices or at games on the bench. He was a big motivator and supporter last season and especially for the young players a real mentor type of giant. “Even if he didn´t play much last season, he was always at every practice. He has seen so much in his career. He was always giving you tips. On the court he will help us so much. You have to double him in the post which will always leave one of your shooters open”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf forward Carlo Schmid. Having Mayr back this season gives head coach Max Becker so many more options at both ends of the court. “You have to tip your hat to him. His situation last season wasn´t easy for him, but he was always there and supported us. He is really motivated for this season. Now we can work together on and off the court. He has so much experience and a great skill set. He is so good in the post that he can finish, but also knows when to make the right pass. That is a huge weapon that he has. He can still be a big help on the defensive end. Even if he doesn´t make 3 blocks a game, he can still alter the shot well”, stated Dragons Rhondorf head coach Max Becker.

The last 4 years have been successful seasons as the Dragons Rhondorf reached the playoffs each season and even won the Pro B title in 2024. Last season, the club finished strong first winning to stay in the league and then even slipping into the playoffs, but getting swept by Orange Academy. This season the club has built a really strong roster as they want to keep the success up. “Last season was a real roller coaster season. “I´m really looking forward to this season. We still haven´t been able to practice as a complete unit as little injuries have hindered us. I have noticed early on that the team is extremely hungry and want to work hard. We have an exciting mix this season of young and experience”, said Max Becker. Last season the Dragons Rhondorf played fast and nothing will change with that this season. “We want to outrun teams and play team basketball. We want to get an early advantage on the possession and then punish the opponent”, expressed Max Becker An interesting aspect this season will be the point guard position. The last 3 seasons, one had two experienced point guards with Kelvin Omojola and Jorge Mejias, but this season there won´t be one general point guard. “We will be more flexible at every position. We have more players that can handle the ball and run the pick and roll with Dusan Ilic, Kenan Reinhart and Mychael Paulo. We also have the young Germans Malik Idbihi and Tom Viehofer who can bring the ball up. We see less clear point guard duties, but more the duties on many shoulders”, warned Max Becker. Defense has been a thorn in the side of the Dragons the last two seasons as they allowed on average 88 points. Will there be improvement this season on the defensive end with two potent defenders with Justin Onyejiaka and Mychael Paulo and a giant in Mayr in the middle? “Last season we gave up many points, because we played fast sometimes taking only 8-10 seconds which allowed more possessions for both teams. That can lead to more high scoring. Last season, we might have given up 90 points in a game, but we didn´t always play bad defense. This season we want to be better in our structure having easy principles to follow. I feel like if we can do that, we will have success. Justin can defend at Pro A level and defend 1-4 at the pro B level. Mychael is more an offensive player, but will also help us on defense. He can keep guys in front of him”, warned Max Becker.

The Dragons Rhondorf did a good job keeping a core from last season. Kenan Reinhart is back for season three while trying to make the next step in the BBL. He made a big jump increasing his scoring average from 3 to 13. His leadership and three pointer will help the team while Dusan Ilic is also back. He had a great first Pro B season averaging 8.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 4.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 20.5%, FT: 69.0%. He is hungry to make the next step in the Pro B. The team also kept big man Benjamin Sadikovic who averaged 9.7ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 66.3%, FT: 64.6%. Having him and Mayr as that 1-2 punch inside could even become the best in the Pro B. Sadikovic still has much upside and should be able to make the next step as well. 3 and D player Josh Petteno also will play his second season. His 3 and D qualities will be an enrichment for the club. The club also kept young Germans David Boning, Carlo Schmid, Tom Viehoefer and Malik Idbihi. “Our biggest goal with the roster this season was to be deeper than last season. We have 6 double license players and we won´t always have every player available, because of other competitions. We want a young team where guys can continue to develop as well as having continuity. We have more balance this season”, stressed Max Becker. Last season Boning and Schmid made the next, but what other young players can make the next step? “I think that Idbihi and Viehoefer can make the next step. They are hungry to do that in the Pro B. I also feel like our new young player Max Von Saldern can also make that next step. But we also have other NBBL guys who will make pressure from below so it will be competitive”, warned Max Becker.

The Dragons Rhondorf got a lot of quality with Mychael Paulo, Sahmi Willoubhy and Justin Onyejiaka. Ex Juco player Mycahel Paulo is playing his fourth season in Germany. He had an explosive rookie season with the Telekom Baskets Bonn averaging 24,0ppg in the Regionalliga and then averaged 19,0ppg in his second Regionalliga season with BG Hagen. Last season he helped the ETB Miners win the Pro B averaging 12.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 75.0%. He has one of those special qualities that not many have. “He can create a shot out of nothing and overall has a really good shot. He can also gives us a little bit of Mejias”, added Max Becker. Sahmi Willoughby won 2 titles at Marietta (NCAA3) and had his first experience in Finland last season exploding in their second league with Team Pajulahti (Finland-1st Division) averaging 22.4ppg, 14.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 72.7% while also showing he can play at the first league level with Lahti Basketball (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 8.7ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 80.0%. He plays like Dennis Rodman with a jump shot and has an amazing character. “He plays like an unbelievable animal. His game in unconventional and what makes his game special is that it may not always look pretty, but he is very effective. He is athletic and has a great shot. He doesn´t need to have the ball in his hands for 30 minutes to be effective”, commented Max Becker. The final piece was ex BBL player Justin Onyejiaka. He had an incredible youth career in Vechta, got added experience in Frankfurt, but couldn´t make his BBL breakthrough and gained extra pro A experience the last 2 seasons in Vechta and Cologne. Now he took 1 step back to take possibly 2 steps forward? “Justin is an unbelievable athlete and has a real quick first step. He has BBL athleticism and is a great scorer. He can get to the rim, catch and shoot and makes great decisions. Our fast game fits his game. That is one of the reasons why he came to the Dragons. He wants to shine with us”, smiled Max Becker. With a deep and talented roster like this, one can only have big goals. “We can be courageous. We want to attack the playoffs. We believe in our quality and deep roster”, warned Max Becker. I also feel that the goal has to be the playoffs this season. If injuries don´t plague this team, then I see the Dragons Rhondorf somewhere between 4-8 in the standings.

Jannis Sonnefeld(EPG Baskets) Believes That He Is Capable Of Earning More Minutes This Season And Take The Next Step In His Game

pic credit: Angel Media

It was the last pre season game for the 2026-2027 season for the EPG Baskets Koblenz and one could say that the team closed out the game in real style not just beating possible playoff team PS Karlsruhe, but destroying them 104-74. I have watched countless games with EPG Baskets Koblenz sport director Thomas Klein the last years and have witnessed many kinds of moods from positive to negative, but after the buzzer sounded, I saw a guy who seemed surprised. I mean this is a guy who loves the team over everything as his passion and love is tremendous, but to defeat a team like PS Karlsruhe was seemingly un heard of. After the game, he was all smiles and hugging the players as if they had won their first ever playoffs game, as he proclaimed we are ready for the season. “We gave really good energy in the first quarter which was clear by the score after 10 minutes. Our good defense was key for us having the big lead. We let up in the second quarter with less defensive intensity and no structure on offense. However we came back in the second half and totally dominated. It was a big win”, smiled German forward Jannis Sonnefeld (207-PF-2002, agency: LHZ Sport Agency). The team always had good offensive players in the last 3 Pro A seasons, but this season, there is something different that wasn´t there in the past. “The difference this season is that we are all versatile. Everyone can score, shoot and are athletic. We have 6-7 guys who cans core in double figures on any night. We have good ball movement and have that unselfishness in our games. We have aggressive defenders on ball and we all know to help. We strive to play good team defense”, stressed Jannis Sonnefeld.

The 23 year old 207cm forward who has easyCredit BBL experience with Bamberg and lists Euroleague star Mike James as his toughest opponent so far in his career is playing his second season with the EPG Baskets. The club had their best season in the Pro A last season finishing in 14th place and could of even finished better if they had learned to finish games better last season. They had some good character guys last season, but that we feeling instead of me feeling just wasn´t in place last season. This season the character of the team will be an important aspect in terms of if the team will have success or not. “I feel like we have a team filled with winners. We are more physical than last season with the additions of Chase Johnson and Camaron Tongue. Everyone can have the ball in their hands this season. Everyone is happy for the others success. It is really so much fun this season”, stated Jannis Sonnefeld. A big question this season for success will be how well can the club defend. The club defense has gotten worse each season in terms of how many points they gave up. In their debut Pro A season they allowed 80 points, while in the second season it rose to 87 points while last season it ballooned to 90 points. A big reason was the team´s hedge and recover where they were beat way too much on account of their lack of mobility and athleticism of their bigs. Also their 1-1 defense struggled time in and time out, because their was missing athleticism. A guy like defensive ace Devonte McCall did all he could, but there simply weren´t enough guys like him on the team. “We will be better in this area with Camaron Tongue and better on 1-1 defense with the physicality and athleticism of a player like Chase Johnson”, added Jannis Sonnefeld. The overall athleticism is improved this season which should lead to less points per game.

When you begin to name Sonnefeld´s new teammates, a big smile rolls over his face. The incredible things is all Americans are rookies and one never knows how well they will pan out? Will they make the adjustment smoothly to overseas ball or be released after a few months. When observing the pre season games against other Pro A teams, the newcomers Chase Johnson and Tyren Moore all have game. Not too mention veteran Dragos Diculescu of Romania. The others Jayden Williams, Camaron Tongue and Mason Kraus all have shown so far that they can be valuable players at the Pro A level. The EPG Baskets Koblenz have had good point guards the last seasons, but never one that had the leading qualities needed. Could Tyren Moore be that player? “Tyren is a real baller. At times, he doesn´t look quick, but he is so effective. He is so calm and leads us very well. He will be a good 1-2 defensive punch with Chase Johnson. He is very smart and reads the game so well”, warned Jannis Sonnefeld. The top 2 additions for me could truly be Chase Johnson who is a work horse at both ends and will be the defensive anchor while Dragos Diculescu is the definition of a real versatile player and ultimate vocal leader. “Chase brings so much energy at both ends. He is a real motor. The positive thing is when he makes pressure, we all follow him. He is also a really good character. He is trying to learn German. “Dragos could be our X-factor. His experience and IQ is so valuable for us. Even on the bench he helps everyone. He is a great leader”, warned Jannis Sonnefeld.

Even if Jannis Sonnefeld who takes himself in 1-1 battles in practice with teammate Jonas Niedermanner is only 23 years old, he has been blessed of already having much experience. He played a top 4 with Breitengussbach in the NBBL, played his first BBL game with Bamberg, received his first Pro A experience with Trier and had his Pro B break out season with Paderborn. Last season he played 27 Pro games with Koblenz averaging 4,8ppg and 3,0rpg in 15 minutes per game. It is only logical that he wants his game to grow further this season. “I want to make the next step this season with my game. I want to be able to double my stats from last season. I want to get more looks and also be more of a factor on the rebound”, stressed Jannis Sonnefeld. Being able to get more minutes could be in the cards this season especially since he started games in pre season. “I believe that I can get more minutes this season, but It doesn´t matter to me if I start or don´t. The most important thing is that I always have trust in coach”, warned Jannis Sonnefeld. He knows that in order to up his stats, he will have to improve certain things on his game. “My shot has to become more consistent and I also want to be more stable on my drive and finish with more consistency. I have to be more awake off ball and be quicker on ball”, warned Jannis Sonnefeld. One person who has been a big help since his arrival in 2025 has been the versatile and experienced Jonas Niedermanner. Has he been like a mentor for him? “Jonas isn´t necessarily a mentor, but he helps me a lot. He points certain things out like to keep doing the back door cut even if it isn´t happening in the plays. He is always pushing me and brings me up when I´m down”, stated Jannis Sonnefeld. The EPG Baskets Koblenz are a real interesting team to observe this season as every player will have their own story on the court. This could be a ground breaking season for Jannis Sonnefeld who will give his 2 cents and more to the success of the EPG Baskets Koblenz this season.

Jeff Garrett Will Give Vocal Support And Be A Great Teammate And Attempt To Help Lead The Telekom Baskets Bonn To Titles This Season

Jeff Garrett (201-F-1994, college: LSUS, agency: Players Group) is a 31 year old 201cm forward playing his 8th professional season and second with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Last season with Bonn, he averaged 12.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 77.1%. He played with the Niners Chemnitz winning the Fiba Europe Cup from 2023-2025. He also has vast experience overseas having played in Lithuania, Ukraine, Finland and Luxemburg. He began his basketball career at Oldsmar Christian high school in Florida. He then played 2 NCAA seasons with Northern Kentucky University (NCAA) and in his last season played with : Louisiana State University at Shreveport (NAIA) averaging 18.8ppg, 14.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6bpg, 2.0spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 75.3%. He spoke to eurobasket after the convincing 96-72 win over Hamburg.

Congrats on the 96-72 win over Hamburg to open up the season. How good did that win feel?

It felt really good. It was a big win. It always feels good to win the first game of the season and then on your home court. Hamburg was very dangerous. You can´t take any team lightly in this league.

How perfect of a game was this from your stand point for a season opening game? The team hit three´s well, won the rebound battle, allowed 72 points and only coughed up the ball only 6 times.

That win was as close to perfect as you could get. We shot the ball really well and took care of the ball well. It is an incredible feat to only have 6 turnovers in a game. That speaks a lot for the type of team we have. We have many guys back who know the system as well as some guys back like Leon Kratzer who is also familiar with the system. Then we also have the new guys that have adapted well in the early going.

From all these strengths I mentioned, what was the team´s biggest strength in the win?

I think our togetherness and chemistry. You know just being on the same page. We were never too high or too low. We did slack off a bit at the end, but all in all, we were always able to punch back after they punched.

The team kept 9 players. How hungry is the team to make the next step? Last season you got swept by Munich. Is that still on the mind of some players or is it long forgotten?

You will have to ask the others about that, but for myself, I still have a sour taste in my mouth after that series loss to Munich. I have respect for all, but I think that we can beat anyone. We don´t want to repeat last season, but Be better this season.

Is the final or even the BBL title possible this season?

Yes I think that that is all possible. I feel the same with our chances in the BCL. It is still early in the season, but I think with the personal that we have, we could have a great season. If we gain success early, we can´t get comfortable.

The club has extra duties with the Basketball Champions League. Is this team ready for double duty and will the work load not effect the BBL schedule?

Of course the double duty will have a different effect on us. The wear and tear and possible injuries will play a part in the season, but I think that we are deep enough to manage that still be successful.

The guy kept so many guys from last season. Is there one player where you could say you have a special relationship with?

I honestly have a good relationship with every single player on the team. Some relationships are different and stronger than others. But if I had to name some guys, then it would be guys like Tylan Birts and Alijah Comithier as well as Michael Kessens who played a big role for me joining the Telekom Baskets Bonn.

Grayson Murphy already had a great BBL season last season. Do you see him making another step in his game with the BCL added?

I think that Grayson is capable of having another great season. He is the type of player that will do anything to help the team. It helps that he came back to a familiar situation.

Alijah Comithier is another player that had a super BBL debut. What part of his game do you see him making the next step in this season?

I think that he will take another step on the defensive end. He is already a good defender, but he could even be better with his athleticism and on ball pressure. He was great last season coming to the help side and making big plays. His on ball defense also helped us a lot.

Sadu-Aminu and Birts had great BBL seasons last season. What potential do you see in their games this season?

I think that sky is the limit for both. Joel also has an advantage that he has returned and is familiar with all. He also has the utmost trust from the coaching staff. Tylan is already a very confident player. He has shown coming back strong from injury and he will do it again. I think that Tylan will be scary. He showed flashes last season of exactly what he could do on the court. I personally thought he was BBL defensive player of the year.

An interesting newcomer Is John Michael-Wright. Do you see him making the next step form Croatia? Could he become the go to guy or will there not be a go to guy with Bonn since it has so many great scorers?

We already have so many good scoring options. I think that he is also capable of being that go to guy. He loves basketball. He is always willing to help all. He played mostly off ball, but with us he will run the offense. It will be a new challenge for him. He will help us.

The team made a great addition with veteran Marcus Foster. What will be the best asset he will give the team besides his experience?

Marcus is still young and had a full season with MBC. He still needs to figure certain things out, but he can be a really dangerous player. He can really put the ball in the hole. He is a very complete player and a solid defender. Plus he is a great teammate. Guys like to be around him.

What has been your impression of Aleksa Kovacevic? He played BBL with MBC and has Pro A experience. Will he make his BBL break through?

He will have a good opportunity to do that with us. He is a scrappy guard who makes it really uncomfortable with his defense. Plus he knows how to run a team. He also still needs to get a feel for the team, but he will be all right.

I love the game of German of Kenan Reinhart. Can he make his BBL breakthrough?

He also could make the next step. He really puts in the work. He puts in extra shots and practices twice a day. I think that if he continues to work hard, then his confidence will continue to rise at this level. I think that he will have a great Pro B year.

Your in your eighth pro season. I know for you its all about titles. Are you hungrier than last season?

Yes I am hungrier. I had a solid season last season, but my expectations are a lot higher than just solid. I struggled with my new role off the court. Last season my family was with me. In the past they had been with me, but sometimes for a month or two and then were gone again. I struggled with the daily routine off the court. I left a lot on the table last season. I will get it back this season and have a great year.

You’re a guy that can score and rebound. Do you have the same role as last season?

Yes I have pretty much the same role as last season. As one of the leaders on the team, I want everyone to be able to count on me every night at both ends of the court. I will do whatever to win. I will give that vocal support and be a great teammate

Last season you averaged 12.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 77.1%. What are your personal goals as a player this season?

I want to up my scoring this season. I also tended to be a bit too unselfish last season instead of making something happen. I want to be more aggressive. I also want to get closer to averaging 10 rebounds per game.

Your scoring consistency has been a question mark at times. Does that faze you when you have so many good scorers on the team. In what area do you want to improve?

Consistency is really important for me. I have understood that my lifestyle effected my consistency. I learned from last season about my routine. This season I know what I have to do on a daily basis to be successful.

Where would you like to see the Telekom baskets Bonn at X-mas in the BBL and BCL?

I want to be #1 in both competitions at X-mas. But most important will be staying together, being healthy and continuing to figure things out.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Melvin Joostman?

I will win. But Melvin is my boy. He really has had a great start to this season. He is a lot better in certain situations. I have told him that he has played great.

Thanks Jeff for the chat.

David Boening(Dragons Rhondorf) Wants To Show More Physicality On the Offensive Rebound And Just Be A Good Role Player

David Boening (205-F-2007) is a 19 year old 204cm forward playing for German Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. Last season he averaged &74 in the NBBL for Team Bonn/Rhondorf and 2/2 in the Pro B. He spoke to germanhoops.com after a pre season loss to Pro A team ETB Miners Essen 97-74.

Thanks David for talking to germanhoops.com. The Dragons Rhondorf sufferd a 97-74 pre season loss to new Pro A team ETB Miners Essen. The team improved after losing both teams last season to them by 42 points and 29 points. What was your summary of the loss?

We gave a really good energy performance. We were lacking that the last games. We fought hard to the end. But they did a good job hitting their three´s.

What positives could you take from this loss?

I feel like we moved the ball really well. We played fast and found good solution and didn´t play 1-1. We also did a good job on the offensive rebounds.

What was your impression of the ETB Miners? Will they stay in the Pro A?

They have incredible shooting power. That will really help them.

As a young player, are you able to soak up things from their experienced players like Craig Moeller?

I watch how they defend me. I also try to adapt a bit to how they defend as well as keeping my style.

What is your impression of the 2026-2027 Dragons Rhondorf? Are they stronger than last season?

That is hard to say. We are different this year. We are a bit younger and like to run more. I like this style. I´m not the most physical so I like using my quickness and running.

What is your impression of new import Sahmi Willoughby who is a beast on the boards?

He is a total hustle player. He will dive for every ball. He is an incredible offensive player that plays inside out. He is a great teammate.

He is supposed to have an amazing character. have you noticed that?

He is a mega nice guy always willing to help you. He is super for the team.

How vital is it for you having an experienced player like Daniel Mayr on board?

He gives so many tips and has seen so much. He understands something about the modern game, but also about older basketball. He is always ready to help you.

How vital will Justin Onyejiaka be? He is the ultimate 2 way player.

He is such a strong defensive player and on offense drives to the rim really well. He will be great at the Pro B level.

What is your role on the team this season?

I play the 5 and my role will to battle for playing time with Daniel Mayr and Benjamin Sadikovic. I will challenge them in practice. I will give the team more quickness at the position 5.

How did your game improve in 2025-2026?

I feel like I improved in all areas last season. I developed and took advantage of becoming a back up center. I increased my physicality. This season, I want to develop my skill set more.

What steps do you want to take with your game in 2026-2027?

I want to be able to showcase my qualities more on the court. I want to show my athleticism more. I want to show my physicality more on the offensive rebound and just be a good role, player.

What is like sharing the court with fellow young player Carlo Schmid? What do you like most about his game?

Carlo will also be a valuable player for us. He is so quick for the position 3-4. He will be able to take mismatches. He can attack, get to the free throw line, hit the three and play good defense.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Carlo Schmid?

He will say himself. I think it would be a big battle, but after many stops, I will win in the end.

Did you watch the 2026 FIBA women´s World Cup? What was your impression of Germany?

I watched a little, but didn´t have so much time. It is cool seeing the German girls take on such a good development.

Thanks David for the chat.

Drago Crnjac´s Goal Is To Shoot 40% from Outside This Season And Took On A New Challenge With The Giessen Pointers But Still Loves TV Langen

Drago Crnjac (196-SG-2002) is a 23 year old 196cm forward playing his first season with the ROTH Energie Giessen Pointers (Regionalliga). He played parts of the last 2 seasons with TV Langen helping them move up to the Pro B in 2025 winning the Regionalliga title. Last season in the Pro B, he averaged 12.6ppg, 1.4apg, FGP: 63.4%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 76.9%. He began his basketball career with MTV Kronberg. He then spent 3 seasons with the Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors playing 43 Pro B games. He also played 11 Pro B games for Team Ehingen. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Drago for talking too germanhoops.com. What was it like playing in the Dragon Dome? Have you ever played here before?

It was nice being here. This was my first time here. It reminds me a bit of the court in Schwenningen. I guess it´s the colors. It was nice seeing my ex teammate Justin Onyejaika.

What is your impression of the Dragons Rhondorf? Could they be a title contender?

I think that they are a playoff team. They are better than Frankfurt. They have a lot of experience and talented guards.

What is your impression of guard Dusan Ilic? Is sky the limit?

He is a talented player and super guy. He reads the game really well and brings a certain level of confidence.

After playing in the Pro B last season with TV Langen, you took a step back to play with Regionalliga team Giessen Pointers. What kind of an experience has it been?

It has been a super experience. We already have team chemistry. We see each other off the court and we have Pro B level.

How is the team looking? It has some interesting Germans with Tom Demmer, Kevin Strangmeyer and you and an Import with Grady Lewis.

We are a talented team and everybody knows their roles. That is our big strength. If we can apply our talent on the court, then we will have a successful season. Our goal are the playoffs and Top 4.

Grady Lewis is an undersized big. What do you appreciate most about his game?

He is so athletic and can dunk as an undersized big. He has no ego and just does what the team needs. He is really efficient in the minutes he gets. He is one of the best rim protectors in the league.

Tom Demmers has Pro A experience with Trier, but the last two seasons never averaged more than 4,0ppg with Saarlouis. Can he make his Regionalliga break through this season?

You can´t judge his game or worth on points. We need him as a playmaker. He makes good passes in the corner and is really fun to play with.

Kevin Srangmeyer has 5 years of Pro A experience and played in the BBL with Giessen. How vital will his play be for the success of the team?

He is a veteran and gives us a lot of energy. He isn´t lazy either. As an ex BBL player, he could come in with a different type of attitude in the Regionalliga, but he always gives everything on the court.

After 2 years in Langen and experiencing moving up in 2025, why didn´t you stay?

I work full time now. I work in the Frankfurt area and travel a lot. I thought it would be smart to take a step back to the Regionalliga. I saw the situation as really good in Giessen. We have a team that can win. I still loved my time in Langen.

Last season you averaged with TV Langen you averaged 12.6ppg, 1.4apg, FGP: 63.4%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 76.9%. That was a pretty solid season considering the talent TV Langen has. What was your nicest experience with TV Langen?

I had 3 really nice memories in Langen. Obviously my buzzer beater at home against Dresden was one and the other two were winning in Munich and in Erfurt.

Are higher leagues still a goal for your basketball career?

I won´t rule anything out, but at this point of time, I´m not sure.

You shot 35% from outside last season. Will you reach 40% this season?

That is my goal.

What are your personal goals this season? On what areas of your game do you want to improve the most on?

I want to improve my defense and rebounding most.

Will your brother Ivan make the next step in the easyCredit BBL with Frankfurt?

He will make the next step in the BBL. It was good that he didn´t play for the youth national team last summer. He was able to work on his game more.

is the NCAA ever an option for him down the road?

Yes it is.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Tom Demmers?

I win.

Thanks Drago for the chat.

Danny Egbe Takes Charge Again Leading Germany To 5th Place Beating Greece 85-77 At the 2026 U-16 Euro

Pic credit: FIBA

It was one more game for fifth place a do or die game for Germany, a game they wanted to win for their coach Dirk Bauermann as it was his last game for Germany, but also for themselves to give themselves real satisfaction for weeks and weeks of hard work that they had invested. However they knew that it wouldn´t be a cake walk against Greece who were also dreaming of a fifth place finish. Greece had a 3-3 record coming into the game and had beaten Slovenia earlier in the tournament and played eventual champion Latvia tough despite losing. Germany had finished fifth twice before at the Euro in 2012 and 2023 and did a third time beating Greece 85-77. It was a real battle as Germany led for the most part except for a short stint in the second quarter where Greece led. Germany mostly had the lead, but could never fully get away from Greece as they let them hang around, but in crunch-time Germany had the better nerves and execution to seal the big win. “We wanted to end the tournament with a win and reward ourselves. The guys did that impressively. Greece is a big basketball nation and to win 7 games in 9 days isn´t easy. We once again invested a lot being able to defend at a high level and moved the ball well on offense and played as a team. We deserved to win and had the best result for a German U.16 team with fifth place”, stressed Frankfurt Skyliners U-16 head coach Lukas Scherer. Just like against the game against Romania a day earlier, Germany set the tone right form the tip off gaining the early momentum and snuck out on a rapid 11-2 lead. In the run, Germany spread the love around instantly as all 5 players scored. Elija Pohlack of Alba Berlin began with a pull up jumper, followed by a Danny Egbe (197-G-2010) (Hamburg) lay in, Johan Meinberg of Hamburg added 3 points as his forceful play inside flourished again, Marko Volf connected on a free throw while Oliver Papez had his usual calmness stroking home a trey. Defensively Germany found a defensive rhythm quickly forcing 2 turnovers with aggressive on ball defensive while Meinberg was a rock inside. But that basketball is a game of runs was proved once again as Greece shocked Germany with 7 unanswered points from 204cm forward Ioannis Spanos of the DEKA U18 team. He exposed his fine game with 2 drives and a pretty floater as Germany couldn´t handle him well. Suddenly Greece trailed only 11-9 with 4,00 minutes to play. Both teams punched back as Germany began with a 5-0 run to lead 16-9 as Papez was Mr reliable again with a trey and Egbe followed with a drive lay in. Greece countered again following with a 6-0 run as Angelos Sasloglou hit a trey and Haralambos Christodoulou of Olympiacos Piraeus took advantage of a Germany turnover with a transition bucket to trail 16-15. Jaroslaw Zinn of Frankfurt added a lay in to give Germany the 18-15 advantage after 10 minutes. It was a usual first quarter where both teams had had runs and both were at eye level.

In the second quarter both teams raised their scoring another notch combining for 48 points, but Germany had the slight edge 44-39 at half-time. Greece fought hard and had the lead twice in the first 5 minutes of the second quarter and began with a slick 8-2 run to lead 23-20. Andreas Barlos who logged 32 minutes off the bench added 5 points including a trey while Angelos Sasloglou added 3 points in the run. Greece was aggressive at both ends and capitalized on 1 Germany turnover. However Germany didn´t let that Greece burst of energy detour their game as they stayed calm and added 7 points to lead 27-25. Johan Meinberg showed his scoring in bunches again with 4 points in the paint while Pohlack erased his turnover earlier with a three point shot. It was a game where both teams were fighting for that fifth place status. Greece was a real hard cookie to crack as they just kept bouncing back and executing and retained the lead once more at 25-24, but after that Germany got the lead back at 33-31 as Egbe continued to find his three point range and Ulm´s Marko Volf used his massive quickness to always find ways to score easily with his drive. Yorgos Monama made a lay in, Stavros Kapsalis a lay in and Eleftherios Adamopoulos a lay in. Greece attacked the German zone fiercely and kept finding cracks and their execution was spot on to stay close. Germany wouldn´t trail again as they closed out the second quarter with the upperhand controlling the lead. Volf continued to dazzle with his pretty game making a floater while Meinberg continued to be unstoppable making a drive lay in for the 37-31 advantage. Greece always had answers to stay on Germany´s tail as Athanasios Spanoulis the son of Greek legend Vassilis made a trey to trail 37-34. However Germany had no offensive let downs, but always had an answer when Greece threatened. Papez made a pretty reverse lay up while Egbe like in so many other games had the hot hand and nerves dropping another trey as Germany had the slight 5 point lead at the break.

Greece won the third quarter 21-20, but couldn´t get over the hump as Germany stayed strong never relinquishing the lead as they led 64-60 after 30 minutes. Germany got instant support and energy from Danny Egbe to start the second half as he made a lay in and offensive rebound and putback. He was such an instrumental force in these last 2 games as he had 42 points in the last being so vital for the German success. “Danny had a lot of ups and downs this summer. But he never hung his head and showed a lot of moral and was rewarded. The last games showed just how good he is and how much potential he has. Everyone knows he can score, but vital was that he can be an impact and dominate at both ends of the court. He showed that and helped us. But everyone is a part of the success, even the 13th and 14th players and 15th who didn´t make the cut this summer. This team was so good and so close together and were the reason why we were so successful”, warned Lukas Scherer. Greece kept attacking and fighting and got close again with a Haralambos Christodoulou lay in to trail 48-45. Two Marios Karavasilis free throws brought Greece to 50-49, but Germany always had an answer as Justus Reintjes who had been quiet this game connected on a trey and Meinberg scored inside again as Germany led 57-49. Germany continued pouring on the offensive power as Lino Ohr of the HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim scored 4 points for Germany to lead 64-54 as it seemed like Germany was going to pull away. But Greece stayed alert and strong and ended the third quarter with a 6-0 run to trail only by 4 points. Andreas Barlos made a lay in and Athanasios Spanoulis hit another clutch trey to keep Greece close.

It was a nail bitter of a game and 10 minutes left and now it was all about who wanted it more. head coach Dirk Bauermann had the correct words before the start of the fourth quarter as his boys jumped all over Greece with a lethal 9-2 run to lead 73-62 and Germany would never look back even if Greece would get dangerously close one more time to trail only by 3 points down the stretch. In the run, Germany again showed their penetration strength getting lay in´s from Volf, Meinberg and Reintjes while Egbe again hit a big trey as he shot 75% from down town in the game. Any other team could of laid down and died, but not Greece as they never stopped fighting. They got key baskets from Spanos and Monama to trail 75-69 and stay on Germany´s heels with 5,16 to play. But Germany continued to be efficient and again had an answer as Schenk scored in the paint and Germany led 77-69. Crunch-time was arriving and Greece gave their last bit of energy as Monama added 5 points including a trey as Greece trailed only 77-74 with 2,37 to play. Germany missed 2 free throws and might have showed a few nerves in this phase. Greece were extra alert on the boards with an offensive rebound and defended for the whole shot clock. Germany then got 4 free throws in a row with 3 from Egbe and 1 from Meinberg for the 81-74 advantage with 1,06 to play. Barlos then hit a clutch trey for Greece to trail 81-77 with 52 seconds to play. Germany then stayed cool and got Ohr free throws and a Schenk transition basket to close out the win and 5th place finish. “Our crunch time results had distinguished us the whole tournament. We always stuck together and kept going and defended well at the end as a team. It is great that the guys could reward themselves for their performance and go home with a win”, stated Lukas Scherer. Germany was led by Danny Egbe with 22 points and Johan Meinberg had 14 points while Greece was led by Ioannis Spanos with 16 points and Andreas Barlos had 13 points. Germany shot 46% from the field and 35% from outside and had 45 rebounds and 17 turnovers. Greece shot 36% from the field and 30% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 15 turnovers. Dirk Bauermann ended his time as German U-16 coach and now heads to Greece to coach club basketball again. Did he get a shower in the dressing room? “Coach let Linus Ohr give him the shower who decided the game at the end with 2 important free throws. But he already had gotten a shower from one or the another guys before that. Of course everyone will say their farewells to coach in one way or the other. One can´t say enough how thankful we all are for how much he has done for the German basketball. I´m also really grateful that I could work with him the last 4 years. We all wish him the best in Patras”, said Lukas Scherer.

Mychael Paulo Believes That The ETB Miners Essen Were So Special Because Nobody Cared Who Shined But All Were Happy Seeing The Other Eat

pic credit: N1cecontent

Mychael Paulo (193-G-1998, college: McMaster, agency: 011 Sports) is a 28 year old 193cm guard from Canada that also has the Portuguese citizenship. He helped the ETB Miners Essen (Germany-ProB) win the pro B title averaging 12,8ppg, 4,4rpg, 2,6apg and 1,3spg. He began his basketball career at Father Henry Carr Secondary School and then played 2 seasons with Williston State College (JUCO) averaging 15.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.9apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 75.9% and 11.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 40.6%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 69.4%. he then played a season at Montana State University (NCAA) averaging 6.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 60.0%. He then played at McMaster University (U Sports) averaging 13.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 75.0% and 13.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 65.0%. He then began his pro career with the Telekom Baskets Bonn 2 team (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 24.6ppg, 4.2rpg, APG-4 (5.1), 2.5spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 75.5%. In the 2024-2025, he played with BG Hagen (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 19.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 59.2%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 81.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after helping win the 2026 Pro B title.

Thanks Mychael for talking to germanhoops.com. Your 2026 Pro B champion. How good does it feel? Is this your personal biggest achievement as a player?

It was a surreal feeling, words couldn’t describe how I felt during the moment. During my 3 year professional career this was definitely my biggest achievement as a player

Essen lost game 1 by 36 points and won game 2 by 41 points. Many are saying this is the greatest comeback in German basketball. How special do you rate this massive comeback?

I don’t know much about previous Pro B final games, but me personally I think it’s the greatest comeback ever. This game will be talked about for years to come and motivate teams.

What was the team feeling after the horrible 107-71 loss at Orange Academy? How much soul searching did the team do the days following?

A lot of soul searching was had in between game 1 & 2. We know we didn’t play our best game and got embarrassed and knew that couldn’t happen again.

How key was head coach Lars Wendt? How did he help the team most in the days leading up to game 2?

He helped keep us level headed and reassured us we can still win the championship, it won’t be easy but we can do it.

How quickly did the team know that game 2 would see only half of Orange Academy as all the talented youth players wouldn´t play because they were attending the NBBL Top 4 in Berlin?

We didn’t know until minutes leading up to the game, but our mindset/game plan was still the same no matter who was out there on the court playing

Any other team could have underestimated Orange Academy. Why didn´t Essen?

We understood that they were a really good team regardless of who was playing for them or they wouldn’t have been in the finals.

What was the focus of Essen going in? I mean did you have a plan how you would come back through out a 40 minute game so you would have more than 36 points?

The focus going into game 2 was try to win each quarter by 10 points. We also wanted to muck the game up by blitzing ball screens, full court pressing and trapping whenever we saw fit. Giving us as much possessions as possible

The team began well and led 53-32 at the break. Essen was playing well offensively, but still had to do more on the defensive end. What wasn´t functioning as well so far on the defensive end through the first 20 minutes?

In the first half we had a couple errors on our transition defense and not getting back plus we gave them some easy points at the free throw line not being disciplined.

What did head coach Lars Wendt give the team for advice at half-time?

He said we’re right where we need to be heading into the second. We just need to stop fouling which is giving them easy points at the free throw line and we need to do a better job getting back on defense because that was the only way they were scoring on us that game.

In the third quarter Orange Academy actually played well for the first few minutes outscoring Essen, but then came a 14-0 run by Essen which changed the game. You made drives and Ben Uzoma a big dunk. What was key in the run for Essen?

Just keeping our composure and understanding that basketball is a game of runs and that was theirs.

Essen was up with 32 points with 10 minutes to play. Essen was in the drivers seat. Which player at this moment was a big motivator with words?

Both our team captains, Marc Friederici and Niclas Sperber. They told us not to let up and keep our foots on their necks.

Essen began with a 10-2 run to lead 86-46. Now all Essen had to do was manage the lead to the buzzer. Essen then held Orange Academy minutes without scoring. Did you want it more than Orange Academy?

I believe we wanted it more than Orange Academy, during the game we sensed that they were just not trying to lose by more than 36 and we took advantage of that.

Essen outscored Orange Academy 41-21 in the last half. Was this the best defense the team played in the season?

This was one of the better defensive games we played together as a team but we had a couple of defensive outputs like this throughout the season.

Essen held their 2 best scorers Joel Cwik and Namouri Omogto 8/28 shooting and 25 points. How much of a focus was the defense on slowing them down?

Our defensive game plan is always to try and neutralize the opposing team’s best scorer or playmaker. So during the game 2 of the finals it was no different because we know if we minimize their touch’s it’s going to very hard for any team to beat us.

Quarshawn Lane had an incredible 28/11/10 game. Did you sense going into the game that he could have a type of game of his life?

The MVP did MVP things. Q has been giving us big games like this all season long.

What was your fondest moment in the final in Essen against Orange Academy?

The sounding buzzer after the game and celebrating the victory with my teammates and our amazing fans who showed up to support us.

This was such a special season for the ETB Miners. Why was this team so special?

I believe this team was so special because we didn’t care who shined, we were all happy to see the other person eat and enjoyed playing and hanging out with one another

Thanks Mychael for the chat.

Germany Roll On At The 2026 U-20 Euro Beating Latvia 88-72 To Reach Quarterfinal

Pic credit: FIBA

After a disastrous loss to France, Germany struck back in the round of 16 to defeat Latvia 88-72. Germany displayed toughness and heart in the second half after enduring a major comeback by Latvia in the first half to lead only by 2 points, Germany buckled down on defense and allowed only 23 points in the second half to preserve the win. Germany began strong in the first quarter taking the 4-3 lead as ex Alba Berlin forward and current University Of Richmond player Amon Doerries made 2 lay in’s. He had been quiet in the first games, but was super aggressive in the first minutes. However Latvia was able to find their game also quickly due to back to back turnovers by Germany that led to 5 points from 201cm forward Tomas Talcis of Valencia Basket U22 team (Spain-U22 League). However Germany fought back getting the 10-9 advantage as FC Bayern Munich forward Nicolas Kodjoe made up for his turnover with the slick three point play and Ludwigsburg guard Julis Baumer was his aggressive self sneaking into the lane and scoring a lay up. Germany then upped their defensive pressure forcing two turnovers in a row leading to free throws by Doerries, and Nurnberg Falcons guard Lars Lenke and ex RheinStar guard Davi Remagen dropped a trey for the 15-9 advantage with 5,31 to play. The German attack and run continued as U-19 German World Cup silver medalist Musa Abra (179-PG-2006) made a lay in and Jordan Muller added free throws for the 19-9 advantage. Germany’s defense continued to be aggressive and strong on ball as Latvia coughed up the ball a few more times. Germany continued to execute well being in a groove and showing their inside out game as Muller scored two more free throws and Abra nailed a trey. However Germany couldn’t hold the momentum as Latvia closed out the first quarter with a 6-0 run to trail 24-19 after 10 minutes. In the run, Martins Kilups of Oral Roberst (NCAA) and Helmuts Petrovics Joventut Badalona U22 team (Spain-U22 League) supplied the damage with lay in’s. Germany shot 41% from the field and 25% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 3 turnovers while Latvia shot 35% from the field and 40% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Germany broke out of their late first quarter funk and came out smoking in the second quarter going on a 8-2 run to lead 32.21. Julis Baumer was a force adding 6 points including a trey while Doerries found space inside for an easy layup before Latvia called time out. Latvia talked it over and came out of the time out strong an played their best basketball of the game finally finding real consistency hitting Germany with a 26-13 run to take the 47-45 lead with 55 seconds to play in the first half. Latvia begun with a swift 7-0 run to trail only 32-28 as Arturs Ozols of Rigas Stradina Universitate / VEF Riga (RNBL) made a lay in, Talcis a trey and Jekabs Niedra of VEF Riga (LBL) a lay in. Remagen halted Latvia’s run with a trey and Kodjoe had a pull up jumper, but Latvia just continued to execute well. Niedra really got it going showing his scoring in bunches and one man wrecking crew abilities adding 10 points as suddenly Latvia only trailed 45-42. Germany couldn’t muster much offense against Latvia’s zone during Niedra’s run except for consecutive three’s by Musa Abra. Latvia had the momentum and higher intensity and even gained the lead with a Kilups lay in. Germany was able to get the lead back with 3 Abra free throws and a clutch trey by Jordan Muller with 3 seconds to play to lead 51-49 at the break. Latvia did a good job controlling the boards in the first 20 minutes while Germany had solid shooting percentages. Germany shot 47% from the field and 41% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 5 turnovers while Latvia shot 47Y% from the field and 45% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Germany came out refocused into the third quarter and punched first with a swift 7-0 run to lead 58-49. In the run, it was the third consecutive time in the game that Amon Doerries would began with points in the paint. After his second bucket, it was Jordan Muller that made a lay in and three point play. Germany stepped up their defense in the third quarter not allowing anything easy and made big plays like a Lenke block on Reds Martinsohns. Germany managed the lead well and weren’t scoring as well as in the first half, but still led nicely 65-53 on account of a Bruno Loll (Rostock) trey and Baumer and Remagen free throws with 4,06 minutes to play. After Talcis free throws, it was Loll again who launched a trey for the 68-55 advantage. Germany continued to be aggressive at both ends and their toughness was always there and there was no defensive break downs as they closed out the third quarter with a 4-0 run with lay in’s by Abra and Muller for the commanding 72-55 lead. Germany was a rock on defense allowing only 6 points Germany shot 47% from the field and 39% from the parking lot and had 28 rebounds and 9 turnovers while Latvia shot 33% from the field and 26% from the parking lot and had 32 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter after both teams missed their first two possessions, Germany then found their groove again with points in the paint by Baumer and Remagen while Niedra found his touch again with a trey after being held scoreless in the third quarter, but Germany led easily 76-58. Latvia kept chipping away at the lead of Germany getting valuable buckets from Niedra (4 Points) and a trey by Petrovics, but Germany always had an answer getting another trey from Loll to keep the 82-68 advantage over Latvia with 4,56 to play. Latvia called a time out with 3,25 to play and continued fighting getting baskets from Talcis and Niedra to trail 84-72, but time was starting to run out. Latvia played better defense, but weren’t rewarded on the offense end with points. Germany never stepped off the gas pedal halting Latvia’s little run and answering with their own 4-0 run with lay in’s from Lenke and Remagen to lead 88-72 to close out the big win in the round of 16. Germany was led by Musa Abra with 16 points while Davi Remagen chipped in with 15 points as they had five gyus in total score in double figures while Latvia were led by Jekabs Niedra with 25 points and Tomas Talcis added 16 points. Germany shot 46% from the field and 34% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 12 turnovers while Latvia shot 34% from the field and 23Y% from outside and had 43 rebounds and 12 turnovers.