nfl

Janne Mueller Was Proud How The Dragons Fought And Played With Intensity For The Full 40 Minutes Against Leverkusen

Pic credit: Martin Jung

Janne Lasse Mueller (193-PG-2006) is a 18 year old 193cm point guard that recently completed the 2024-2025 season with the Dragons Rhondorf averaging 13,4ppg, 2,3rpg, and 1,5apg. He also has a double license for easyCredit BBL team telekom Baskets Bonn where he has played 7 BBL games and 1 BCL game. Last season he played with Team Bonn/Rhoendorf U19 team (Germany-NBBL) averaging 26.6ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 70.0%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 79.5%, played also at Dragons Rhoendorf (Germany-ProB) averaging 8.9ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.6%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 76.9%, played also at Telekom Baskets Bonn 2nd team (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 28.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 4.0apg, 1.0spg. In the 2022-2023 season he played with the Telekom Baskets Bonn 2nd team (Regionalliga) averaging 12.3ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 84.6%, played also at Team Bonn/Rhoendorf U19 team (NBBL) averaging 25.0ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 87.9%. In the 2021-2022 season he played with Team Bonn/Rhoendorf U19 team (NBBL) averaging 13.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 74.3%. He is still with the Telekom Baskets Bonn recently but spoke to germanhoops.com about the playoff loss to the Bayer Giants Leverkusen.

Thanks Janne for talking to germanhoops.comThe Dragons Rhondorf suffered a tough 73-62 loss to Leverkusen to end the season. How tough was it playing so well as a team, but still losing?

I think losing always hurts, especially in a do-or-die game. We played a very good game, we defended with intensity and brought a lot of energy onto the court. But in the end, a game lasts 40 minutes, and it just wasn’t enough against a team like that.

Do you feel like having Kelvin Omojola on board could have been the difference especially in game 2 to tie series?

Kelvin is a great player who definitely could have helped us with his experience and leadership. He always brings us energy, he can score, but he also shares the ball really well. I think with him, we could have made the series more successful.

The second quarter was incredible. It was the best defensive quarter of the season. What was it defensively besides the flying around?

We defended as a team, everyone was ready and communicated well. Especially the high intensity and how hard we defended were decisive. With our switching defense, we were able to take away a lot of their advantages and controlled their players well in one-on-one situations.

What did head coach Marko Zarkovic tell the team at half-time to do for the second half?

Coach said that we need to stay focused, remain solid on defense, and take our shots on offense with confidence. He also mentioned that Leverkusen will come out of the locker room and try to hit us back right away.

In the third quarter came the dreaded 18-0 run. How tough was it to watch that? Why wasn´t the defense working on Dennis Heinzmann anymore? He scored 5 buckets in the third quarter?

I think we lost a bit of our discipline and defensive intensity. Also, we couldn’t hit our shots on offense, which gave Leverkusen even more confidence. I believe if we had made a few shots, we would have been more focused on defense as well.

Leverkusen didn´t really defend any better, except maybe being more aggressive. It was more on the Dragons? Why did it seem like the Dragons was a bit half hearted? Did the team lose faith in their abilities?

Leverkusen was more aggressive but we knew that they were going to come out aggressive right away. I think we didn’t move the ball that well and after missing 2/3 shots we were not that confident as before. But at the end, that’s basketball and we have to make our shots.

The Dragons never gave up and trailed only by 3 points after 3 quarters. Did Leverkusen wear down the Dragons in the fourth quarter?

We had a good momentum going into the fourth quarter. Leverkusen played with more composure and used their experience to take control of the game. I think in the end, we were just a little bit short of winning this one.

Still the Dragons gave all they had in their last home game. How proud were you of the team and how they played?

I was proud of how we showed up. We fought and played with intensity for the full 40 minutes. But in the end, we didn’t win the game, which is really unfortunate for us as a team and for the fans.

Thanks Janne for the chat.

Kelvin Omojola Was So Proud How The Dragons Rhondorf Competed Against Leverkusen And Fought Until The Final Buzzer

pic credit: Martin Jung

Kelvin Omojola (183-G-1997, college: Northwest) is a 28year old 183cm point guard that completed his fourth professional season and fourth in Germany and second with the Dragons Rhondorf avergaing 9/3/3. Last season he helped them win the pro B title last season averaging 12.7ppg, 3.1rpg, Assists-2 (6.1apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 79.5%. In 2022-2023 he played with PS Karlsruhe (Pro A) averaging 3,1ppg and as a rookie played with the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB) averaging 15.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 71.8%. He began his basketball career at Green Valley high school and then played at Red Deer (JUCO), Benedict College (NCAA2) averaging 9.1ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 38.6%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 66.7% and Northwest University (NAIA) averaging 7.4ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 36.4%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 62.1% and 13.7ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 54.2%, FT: 87.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the game 2 loss to the Bayer Giants Leverkusen ending the season.

Thanks Kelvin for talking togermanhoops.com. The Dragons Rhondorf suffered a tough 73-62 loss to Leverkusen to end the season. How tough was it for you not participating?

Hey Miles, great talking to you as always. Yeah it was extremely tough not being out there. Playoffs is by far the best time of the season and it sucks to miss the best time of the year.

Do you feel like you could have been the difference especially in game 2 to tie series?

I feel like I could have Miles. We competed the entire game and gave it our best effort. It’s tough to win any game without your entire roster, let alone when you’re playing a great team like Leverkusen.

The second quarter was incredible. What was it like for you on the bench watching? I can imagine you never sat in the second quarter?

It was amazing Miles, the guys were playing lockdown defense and the intensity was at an all time high! The Dragon Dome had amazing energy and it was amazing to watch.

It was the best defensive quarter of the season. What was it defensively besides the flying around?

We were extremely active and on a string with each other! Our defensive rotations were on point and we were always 1 step ahead.

It was more than flying around wasn’t it? Did every Dragon have their own space ship?

Yeah Miles we were playing defense as a TEAM. When 5 guys are on the same page, the sky is the limit. But if you even have 1 person that’s not on point defensively, it will hurt the team’s defense.

What did head coach Marko Zarkovic tell the team at half-time to do for the second half?

Just to continue the good fight and effort. Keep playing with the energy and intensity we displayed in the 2nd quarter, and try to replicate that for 20 more minutes.

In the third quarter came the dreaded 18-0 run. How tough was it to watch that? Why wasn’t the defense working on Dennis Heinzmann anymore? He scored 5 buckets in the third quarter?

Terrible Miles. It hurt to watch, especially after just watching that performance in the 2nd quarter. Heinzmann is a big body and Leverkusen makes it a point of emphasis to try and get him the ball every single possession. Especially with us being an undersized team, it’s a team effort to defend someone like him and if we’re not together defensively, it’s impossible.

Leverkusen didn’t really defend any better, except maybe being more aggressive. It was more on the Dragons? Why did it seem like the Dragons was a bit half hearted? Did the team lose faith in their abilities?

It was definitely on us Miles, we were getting great looks offensively and just didn’t hit them. You can’t ask for anything more. When the ball isn’t going in it can’t affect your defense but when we weren’t scoring, it affected ours.

The Dragons never gave up and trailed only by 3 points after 3 quarters. Did Leverkusen wear down the Dragons in the fourth quarter?

Yeah, they’re a tough team to defend for 40 minutes. It’s a reason why they’ve only lost 1 game all year. They’re extremely disciplined, have great bench depth, 2 bigs, and everyone knows their role.

Still the Dragons gave all they had in their last home game. How proud were you of the team and how they played?

I was extremely proud of that last game Miles, we competed and fought until the final buzzer. I wish we could have came away with the W, but you can’t ask for anything more.

Thanks Kelvin for the chat.

Marko Zarkovic(Dragons) Knows The Results Could Have Been Better, But Gave His Whole Heart In Every Situation And Never Regretted Taking Job

picc redit: Martin Jung

Marko Zarkovic is a Serbian coach that was hired to coach the Dragons Rhondorf in mid season. He has had experience coaching is Estonia and Latvia. He was with the Telekom Baskets Bonn organization from 2020-2024 where he was headcoach of the youth teams U-16 and U-18 and also of the Telekom baskets Bonn 2 team in the Regionalliga. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the end of the season.

The Dragons Rhondorf reached the playoffs. What is your season summary? It seemed like the Dragons had the talent to get further or not?

It was not an easy season, we had a lot of ups and downs. With some luck we have managed to get into the playoffs and that was our main goal. Maybe we could have gone further but in the last 3 games of the regular season we didn’t use our chance to get a better spot for the playoffs. In general I’m satisfied with the season because I know how many problems we had and still we managed to play some quality games.

Can one say the season was up and down? The team never had more than a 2 game winning streak. What do you believe hindered the team from winning more games?

That it something we have to analyze in the off-season. There are different reasons we couldn’t keep the good rhythm but at the end it came down to situations where we didn’t perform good under the pressure.

Defense was a problem. How did you see the development of the defense and the team overall this season? Was it able to develop further?

When I came teams have averaged 90 points against us and in the last 3 months several times we kept opponents under 80, so there was some development. On the other hand, in general we were not consistent from game to game and Defense was only part of the whole story.

How did you see the development of the young players? Was there a player that developed the best?

The young guys have shown we can count on them in the future. There is a lot of hard work in front of them but I believe in each of them. It would not be fair to mention any of the names.

Who was the most improved player on the team?

Again, I don’t like to point out any of the guys, they all have big space for improvement in the future and like that sky is the limit.

Who was the MVP of the season?

That is easy, our fans are MVP, they were amazing the whole year and they deserve a lot of credit for supporting the team with the passion.

How tough was it for you coming in in the middle of the season? How do you rate your coaching job?

It is never easy to come during the season and to establish your own ideas. I tried to keep the things that were good and change some I didn’t like but there was not time to do much. Results could have been better but I also gave my whole heart in every situation and I don’t regret taking the job so late in the season.

How did your coaching grow in the last months as a result of having this experience?

I was first time in position to take over the team during the season and I have learned how to adapt quickly and make changes on the fly. I’m better coach because of this experience.

What was your favorite game coaching as a coach?

Frankfurt game, Dragons have not won there for a very long time and we have finally managed to get that win.

What is the next step for you? Will you return to the Dragons Rhondorf or could you see a change?

I would like to stay and build a team from the beginning. We will talk more about it now when the season is finished.

6 South teams were swept by north teams. How crazy is that? Is the north really that much better?

South is much younger while north teams have bigger budgets and more experienced players, I think that is decisive factor.

Who will reach the NBA final and win it all?

I believe OKC is the best team. Maybe Boston and their culture can outperform them.

Is Nikola Jokic the unanimous NBA MVP or will Shai Gillgeous Alexander get it?

They are both great but Jokic is MVP for me. He is averaging a triple double per game and says it all.

Thanks Marco for the chat.

Alexander Lagerman(Dragons Rhondorf) Believes They Lost Themselves A Bit Struggling To Make Crucial Shots While Getting Scored On Helped Leverkusen Win Game 2

Alexander Lagerman (202-SG-2004) is a 20 year old 202cm shooting guard playing his first season with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf averaging 8,4ppg, 2,7rpg and 1,0apg. Last season he played with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen (ProB) playing16 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.6%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 72.7%. He began his basketball career with the Fraport Skyliners in the JBBL (U-16) and also played 4 Pro B games and in 2022-2023 season in the NBBL averaged :21.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 78.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the game 2 loss against Leverkusen ending the season.

Thanks Alex for talking to germanhoops.com The Dragons Rhondorf suffered a tough 73-62 loss to Leverkusen to end the season. How tough was it for you to have the season end?

Definitely takes some adjusting and getting used to the off-season lifestyle. It’s always tough losing but it wasn’t very surprising given the fact that we were the definite underdog

You may not have known this. But the 2 coaches of Leverkusen Mike Koch and Hansi Gnad are German basketball legends that won the 1993 European championships. What did it mean playing in front of 2 legends like that?

Not that much to be honest. Once I get on the court I try to just focus on the game and not pay too much attention to who is watching besides maybe my family/friends.

The team was without Kelvin Omojola in the Leverkusen series. Do you feel like Kelvin Omojola could have been the difference especially in game 2 to tie series?

Yes Kelvin is a big time player in the Pro B and not having had him definitely hurt us a lot. I can’t guarantee that it would’ve changed the outcome but it would’ve definitely impacted our team performance in a positive way

The second quarter was incredible. What was it like for you being part of that? How much fun was it taking part in that? It was the best defensive quarter of the season.

Great fun. We started to flow and play well on both ends. Unfortunately it didn’t sustain throughout the whole game, in particular the 2nd half.

It was the best defensive quarter of the season. What was it defensively besides the flying around that helped the Dragons be successful?

I believe the defensive gameplan shook them up in the first half, especially with their Bigs not being the best decision makers. We made it hard for them to get easy baskets in that quarter

It was more than flying around wasn´t it? Did every Dragon have their own space ship?That is what it felt like? It seemed like the Dragons knew exactly where the ball was going?

That is a funny analogy but we were definitely moving around a lot on the defensive end. We knew we had to in order to stand a chance.

What did head coach Marko Zarkovic tell the team at halftime to do for the second half?

Just some in game adjustments, but no change in strategy.

In the third quarter came the dreaded 18-0 run. How tough was it to watch that? Why wasn´t the defense working on Dennis Heinzmann anymore? He scored 5 buckets in the third quarter?

I guess they adjusted to our defense and we started to lack and not execute the defensive gameplan as we did to start out the game. It was very frustrating to lose control of the game.

Leverkusen didn´t really defend any better in the third quarter, except maybe being more aggressive. It was more on the Dragons? Why did it seem like the Dragons was a bit half hearted? Did the team lose faith in their abilities?

Its hard to say what caused that shift in momentum. I believe eventually we did lose ourselves a bit, and we were also struggling to make crucial shots while getting scored on.

The Dragons never gave up and trailed only by 3 points after 3 quarters. Did Leverkusen wear down the Dragons in the fourth quarter?

More so mentally than physically by outplaying us.

Still the Dragons gave all they had in their last home game. How proud were you of the team and how they played?

We stepped up from the fist game in Leverkusen and it was a pretty close game all along so that is something to recognize.

Thanks Alex for the chat.

Jakob Hanzalek Wants To Continue To Establish Himself And Grow As A Player With The EPG Guardians Koblenz

pic credit: Angel King media

Jakob Hanzalek (188-PG-2003) is a 21 year old 188cm point guard that just completed the season with the EPG Guardians Koblenz. Last season he played with BG Hessing Leitershofen (ProB) averaging 7.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 21.2%, FT: 78.4%. In the 2022-2023 season he split time with SC Rist Wedel (ProB) and Arvato College Wizards Karlsruhe (ProB) averaging 7.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 80.0%. He played the 2021-2022 season with Team Ehingen Urspring (ProA) averaging 5.1ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 28.9%, FT: 74.5%, played also at Team Urspring U19 team (NBBL) averaging 19.3ppg, 7.2rpg, 4.1apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 64.9%. He began his career with the Ratiopharm youth program and also played Pro B with Orange Academy. He spoke to germanhoops about basketball.

Thanks Jakob for talking to germanhoops.com.You played in the ratiopharm Ulm program for a few years. How challenging was that? How did your game grow in those young years?

My time in the Ulm organization was very important in my early development. I really learned my drive, shot and pg skills there. Anton Gavel let me play Pro B. The experience from the older players really helped me.

You were teammates with Zach Ensminger. What do you remember from your battles in practice? Could you hold your own against him?

Yes I believe I could. I wasn´t yet integrated into the Pro B yet. I practiced against him in the NBBL. I held my own against him.

You were also teammates with Jeremy Sochan. If someone had told you in 2020 that he would be in the NBA a few years later what would you have thought?

I would of thought it. He was super talented. He was very athletic and a great defender. Only his shot needed work. It is cool that he made the NBA. I´m really happy for him.

You played ANGT against Real Madrid. What memories do you have of playing that great team? You played against Usman Garuba.

I only played a few minutes against real Madrid. I remember seeing Garuba making athletic 360 type dunks. It was a great experience.

You then moved to Team Ehingen Urspring (ProA) averaging 5.1ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 28.9%, FT: 74.5%, played also at Team Urspring U19 team (NBBL) averaging 19.3ppg, 7.2rpg, 4.1apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 64.9%. How important was this move for your career? You seemed to make another jump in your career.

Going to Ehingen was really important. It was the season after corona. I could paly NBBL again. The Pro A team had a bad season. It took us a while to win our first game. I grew under Johannes Hubner. I played together with Maxi Langenfeld. I could play free in the NBBL. My minutes there helped me for the pro A. I got my first atste of the Pro A in Ehingen. The roster was small so I could get minutes.

The next season you split time with SC Rist Wedel (ProB) averaging 6.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.5apg, played also at Arvato College Wizards Karlsruhe (ProB) averaging 7.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 80.0%. How tough was this season having to move around?

It was a very tough season for me. It was a wrong decision to leave Ehingen. I was young and Wedel didn´t fit for both sides. I was 19 and wanted to play and show all that I could play. Karlsruhe wasn´t the best situation for a young player. But I feel like I made the best out of the situation.

Last season you played with BG Hessing Leitershofen (ProB) averaging 7.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 21.2%, FT: 78.4%. How did your game grow under Emanuel Richter?

He helped me so much at the point guard position. He helped me become a real point guard. I wasn´t a scorer there, but a point guard.

Are you surprised that BG Leitershofen was swept and is the North really better than the South? 6 South teams were swept. How crazy is that?

I´m very surprised. I always thought that the south wasn´t as bad as everyone says, but now I´m slowly starting to feel it too. Leitershofen played a great season. I´m surprised they lost. Losing Ferenc Gille hurt them.

Who will reach the Pro A and Pro B finals and win it?

In the Pro B I have Wolmirstedt beating Leverkusen and in the Pro B have Crailsheim beating Jena.

What goals do you have as a player? Is the pro A the way next season or could the Pro B be an option again?

I have another year in Koblenz. I want to establish myself as a player and continue to grow. I feel very comfortable in Koblenz and my vision was always to stay longer with a team.

Who the toughest player you battled that reached the NBA?

Juan Nunez

Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Timo Neunzling, David Fuchs, Kevin Strangmeyer, David Bohm, Kasey Draper

Please list your personal NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Lebron james, Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain

Tomas Satoransky, Milos Teodosic, Mario Hezonja, Kostas Sloukas

Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schroeder, Franz Wagner, Andi Obst

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

Who will reach the 2025 NBA final and win i?

Lakers against Boston. The Lakers will win.

Thanks Jakob for the chat.

David Mccray Has Helped Vinnie Shahid Read The Game Better As A Point Guard And Not Only As A Scorer

Vinnie Shahid (180-PG-1998, college: NDSU) is a 26 year old 180cm point guard from Minnetonka, Minnesota playing his fifth pro season and first with German Pro A team Hakro Merlins Crailsheim currently averaging 16,7ppg, 2,0rpg and 3,7apg. Last season he played with Openjobmetis Varese (Italy-Serie A) averaging 14.8ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.1apg, 2FGP: 57.1%, 3FGP: 40.5%, FT: 94.3%;in the Fiba Europe Cup and in the Italian Serie A averaged 7.0ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 40.0%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 80.0%, in Jan.’24 moved to Ferraroni Juvi Cremona (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 15.9ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 81.7%. In 2022-2023, he played with Thor Thorlakshofn (Iceland-Subway League) playing 27 games and leading the league in scoring and assists averaging 26.4ppg, 4.3rpg,8.7apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 88.2%. Two seasons ago he played with Entente Cergy Osny Pontoise BB (France-NM1) leading the league in scoring averaging 21.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 85.5%. He played his rookie season with AB Contern (Luxembourg-Total League) averaging 22.6ppg, 4.9rpg, 4.9apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 79.2%. He began his basketball career at Hopkins high school and then played 2 years at Western Nebraska Community College (JUCO) averaging 15.0ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.9apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 81.0% and in his second season averaged 18.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 47.6%, FT: 86.8%. He then played 2 years at North Dakota State University (NCAA) averaging 13.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 84.9% and in his senior year averaged 1.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 88.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 76-74 win over Nurnberg where he scored 16 points and made the buzzer beater.

Thanks Vinnie for talking to germanhoops.com Congrats on the massive 76-74 win on the road against Nurnberg. Is this win double special because you also won it with a buzzer beater?

.It’s tough to win at this time of the year so I think any win is super special at this time of the year

How vital was this win? It was the fourth win in a row. It seems like the Merlins are going into the post season with some momentum?

Any win late in the season is big and we’ve been trying to just take it game by game and focus on the one ahead of us

The Merlins got the big lead of 15-4 in the first quarter getting big production inside from Daniel Keppeler and Gabriel De Olveira. How much of a focus was it establishing yourself in the paint area early?

Super important to try to dominate early, those guys especially Gabi and Kep did a good job of being aggressive early.

How vital was the rapid 5 points by American Brock Gardner to start the second quarter? What do you appreciate most about his game?

Brock is a super special and talented player, the type of guy that can score in bunches and in many different ways,Which is why I think he super dangerous. He has been huge for us since joining our team.

The Merlins had the 13 point lead at the break. How satisfied were you with the Merlins defense. I think you allowed a few unnecessary buckets at the end, but overall what was working best on the defensive end?

I thought we played ok on defense. Could’ve controlled a few offensive rebound surges there in the 3rd and 4th quarter but, I think just being solid is what works for us defensively.

Nurnberg never gave up and only trailed 59-51 after 3 quarters. German Vincent Friederici gave Nurnberg a spark in the comeback. Did the Merlins lose some intensity on the defensive end?

I think we could’ve had better energy but I think their players made big plays

In the fourth quarter the game was really exciting as Nurnberg got the lead. How much did this game show that anybody can play with anyone in the Pro A?

After playing almost a whole season in Pro A I think everyone knows anyone can beat anyone. Pro A is full of talented guys.

German Julius Wolf tied the game at 74-74 with 14 seconds to play and the Merlins called time out. Was the play designed primarily for you or were there other options going into the last play?

I mean the play was to just make a play and my coach and teammates trusted me with the ball giving me confidence so I was able to make a tough shot there at the end.

You won the game with a sweet lay up at the buzzer. Talk about that last play? How confident were you that you were going to nail the last shot?

My teammates and coaches loaded me with trust and confidence, from there i just put my trust in the work I put in daily.

How many buzzer beaters have you had in your career and where does this one rank?

Not sure how many I have had but this one means a little more because I couldn’t of did it without this group of guys

Does your buzzer beater make amends a bit for your poor shooting night of 3/16? Was this just one of those nights where nothing really wanted to fall?

That´s the name of the game can’t make shots every night just part of the game

The Merlins have one more game at home against Munster. How big will the revenge factor be after losing there the first time?

This game is a big game for many reasons. We are looking forward to it.

What will be key to getting the win? You allowed 101 points as a team the first time.

The key will be to play our pace and style of basketball for 40 minutes

Everybody talks about Trier, Jena and Giessen to win the Pro A, but the Merlins could dance past everyone. How big is the focus is it now for this organization to get back to the BBL?

We said it at the beginning of the year that that was our goal and that hasn’t changed at any point in the season.

Your averaging 16/2/3 and shooting 37% from outside in 24 minutes. How content have you been with your season?

We have team goals so I haven’t been too focused on personal agendas

You would lead the league in scoring if you averaged 10 minutes more. You have been very efficient which isn´t easy with this loaded roster. How challenging has it been being efficient?

.It hasn´t been challenging at all as my teammates trusted me and give me confidence and find me when I’m open. All credit to those guys and my coaches

You had some low scoring games in December but overall been very consistent. How have you grown as a player at the pro A level?

Ive grown up as a basketball player and leader. I think being under coach Mccray he has really helped me learn how to read the game as a point guard and not just a scorer

What is your goal as a player in the playoffs? Do you feel like you can heighten your game one more notch?

Our goal in the playoffs is to win the championship

Who do you see reaching the NBA final and who will win it?

Hard to say who will make it and who will win everyone has a chance

Is Nikola Jokic the unanimous choice as NBA MVP or will Shai Gillgeous-Alexander get it?

Shai G.

Thanks Vinnie for the chat.

Sebastian Brach Believes That The Addition Of Heinzmann And Nicholas Have Been Instrumental In The Bayer Giants Leverkusen Success

pic credit: Nils Althoff

Sebastian Brach (190-PG-2002) is a 22 year old 190cm point guard that is playing his second season with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. He began his career in the Giessen 46ers organization playing NBBL and Pro B. He had bis break out year in the pro B with the Ebbecke White Wings Hanau averaging 11.4ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 79.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com during the playoff series against the Dragons Rhondorf.

Thanks Sebastian for taking some time to talk to germanhoops.com Congrats on the great Leverkusen season. Will anything but a Pro B title be a disappointment?

I think saying that seems difficult, but with how our season has gone, I believe we would be disappointed if we don´t capture the title.

How big is the hunger to win the title after the tough playoff loss to BG Berlin last season?

It is extremely big for the team and especially for me. I was hurt and never played against Berlin. I have never experienced a playoffs before. I believe we will have the right mindset.

If some one had told you before the first game of the season that Leverkusen would only lost 1 game what would you have thought?

I would of believed it right away if someone had said that.

The roster is a great one, but I wouldn´t have thought the team would have such a good record with the players that you have? Have you surprised some of how the season went?

I think so, but nevertheless, we have a good structure and have a very good mix of players. I think that we had some degree of luck this season, but the experience of Donte Nicholas and Dennis Heinzmann have put us over the top.

The team already defended well last season allowing 72 points per game, but are even better this season allowing 66 points? How is the defense better this season?

I don´t think that we have done anything different on the defensive end in comparison to last season. Key has been having Heinzmann who has that big body in the paint and helping on pick and roll. His long arms really help. I think that also adding Ziring and Kahl have added a new dimension as they are very aggressive defenders.

What will be key to getting title? Worrying more about your own game than what the opponent is doing and just playing your game?

We just have to play our game and make adaptations here and there with our defense. I think that if we can be consistent and play well, then it will be difficult to beat us. We have shown that even when shots don´t fall, we can win with our defense.

Last season the team had 1 star with Trey Mcbride. This season it has more guys scoring in double figures, but no real star?

I think that is right. We have many very talented guys and players with Pro A experience. Every player is capable of stepping up and helping the team.

What has it been like playing for 2 legends like Mike Koch and Hansi Gnad? What does each guy give to the players that helps them perform at the highest level?

They are both so experienced and that really shows in individual training. You notice quickly that they have seen a lot in their careers. We don´t see them as legends, but just as normal guys and coaches. They are always giving us tips and give key advice in certain situations.

How vital is Donte Nicholas. How many games do you estimate have you won just through his versatility?

That is hard to say, but he has shown in so many games. How calm he remains and how he keeps us together and leads the team. We didn´t have him last season and it shows this season that we were missing him last season. He helped us win games many times.

Where would the defense be without the staples Dennis Heinzman and CJ Oldham?

CJ hasn´t done so much on the offensive end, but on the defensive end, he is on every ball, getting his hands everywhere or making key fouls. He just does so many things that helps us be effective as a team on defense. Dennis is a dominant offensive player and on defense makes it very hard for the opponent´s guard to get to the rim.

What have you appreciated most about Viktor Ziring on the court?

I love his will to win. He always gives 110%. He can do it all on defense and has proven that he is a stable shooter. If we are having a down phase, he comes in and gives the team instant energy.

How valuable has the experience of Luca Kahl been and what do you appreciate most about his game?

Luca is a leader. He is very experienced and you can see in his eyes that he always has the right mindset. He is a great defender that always defends the other team´s best guard.

Thanks Sebastian for the chat.

Timo Lanmueller (Frankfurt Skyliners) Continues To Grind Searching For That BBL Breakthrough

pic credit: Austria Basketball Federation:

While the Americans Malik Parsons and Trey Calvin were doing serious damage in an early pre season test game against Scottish team Caledonia Gladiators, there were enough other German players on the Fraport Skyliners trying to shine and get seriously recognized by Denis Wucherer. Ok so veteran German players like Christoph Philipps, Garai Zeeb and Lorenz Brenneke will get their share of minutes, but what about other Germans like Timo Lanmueller (193-SG-2001) and Bruno Albrecht? Ok so Bruno Albrecht has no BBL experience and his journey for minutes will be very difficult, but what about Timo Lanmueller? He already played first BBL minutes as a teenager with ratiopharm Ulm and last season played his first full BBL season with the Tuebingen Tigers. He didn’t play too many minutes against the Gladiators, but hit a trey and played aggressive defense. Those 2 components are his game, but will he slip into Wucherer’s rotation this season? He is 23 years old and could 3 be a charm this season with the Frankfurt Skyliners after not breaking through in Ulm and Tuerbingen? ‘I feel like I still have a lot of potential that I still haven’t yet showed. I have a season of BBL play under my belt. I was able to learn many things and see what works and what doesn’t. It is all a learning process. I’m sure that I can play better than last season. My desire is big for this season. I want to do all I can to help the Skyliners achieve their season goals’, stressed Timo Lanmueller. Unfortunately 3 wasn’t a charm this season as he has played only 14 games averaging 2,4ppg in 10,4 minutes per game. He played most of his games in the first 3 months of the seasons and only 3 games in the last 2 months, but was efficient against FC Bayern Munich and ratiopharm Ulm scoring 6 points a piece. All he can do is to just continue to grind searching for the BBL breakthrough.

Timo Lanmueller who lists Munich sniper Andi Obst as his toughest cover ever as he is hard to defend and you can never leave him alone was born on March 17th, 2001 and has the Austrian-German citizenship. He began his basketball career in Austria with the Vienna Flames and joined the ratiopharm Ulm system at age 15. He was there for parts of 6 seasons and saw everything on the floor from the youth teams right up to the pro teams Orange academy and making his debut with easyCredit BBL team ratiopharm Ulm. Of course it didn’t hurt that he was challenged every season by top young players like Jason George, Zach Ensminger and Nicolas Bretzel to just name a few. I remember David Kramer telling me 8 years ago that he would reach the NBA. Ok so it wasn’t quite enough to get there, but he still was crowned world champion with Germany in 2023. Kramer was never shy of self-confidence. ‘Ulm was very important in my early development. The fact that they have great coaches and players was a plus. I’m so thankful that they took a chance on a kid from Vienna. Danny Jansson and Anton Gavel were key in my development. I think that David Kramer had the biggest impact on me. When I was 15 or 16, I looked up the most to him. He was from Austria like men. We had a very good connection right from the start’, remembered Timo Lanmueller. During his early years, he was invited to play with Germany at the highly respected Albert Schweitzer tournament in Mannheim (11.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 78.6%) and help win it together with rising NBA player Franz Wagner. He will always have those stories for his grand parents one day. ‘Franz had always been an unbelievable talent. He grew very late. I remember in the U-16 he was like 195cm and then in the U-18 was 205cm. He just continued to develop really well with Alba Berlin and at Michigan. I’m really happy he has done so well winning the world championships and playing well in the NBA’, stated Timo Lanmueller. Just like for many other players, Covid did derail his development a bit as he played less games, but that gave him the chance to work harder and longer in the gym. In the 20-21 season, he was rewarded by playing 2 easyCredit BBL games. He also had the pleasure of being teammates with Ulm’s identity figure Per Guenther and will never forget him. ‘What I will always remember from him most is that he always wanted to have fun and not be that serious captain. It was always important for him to have fun and enjoy the game. He was an unbelievable leader. It was a cool experience being able to play with him’, commented Timo Lanmueller.

The sniper who lists Per Guenther, Andi Obst, Franz Wagner, Rasid Mahalbasic, and Jakob Poelti as his 5 best teammates of all-time then made a change in mid season joining the Tigers Tuebingen in December 2020. As Covid was in full swing, he was able to take advantage of tough times and rapidly find a role with the Tigers as he played 21 games averaging 8.9ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 85.2%. He scored in double figures 11 times including 19 points against Kirchheim and 17 points against Rostock. In his 4 years there, he gained about as much experience as a young player can seeing 2 different leagues as he played 100 Pro A games and 30 easyCredit BBL games. A man who was very vital for him being able to get the valuable minutes needed to develop further was rising coach Danny Jansson. He had already had him as coach with Orange Academy. ‘He coached me the last 6 years and was a very important coach in my career. The most important thing that I learned from him was to defend. I remember that in the JBBL (U-16), I wasn’t known as a defender. He told me if you want to play, you need to defend. I wanted a spot so I defended. I improved week by week. I’m thankful for all his defensive drills that helped my game’, expressed Timo Lanmueller. In his last 2 Pro A years, he continued to be a key role player with his shooting and defense averaging 6.8ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 84.9% and 7.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 72.0%. In those 2 years he scored in double figures 17 times including 19 points against Kirchheim and 18 points against PS Karlsruhe. He not only benefited from the great Jansson, but also from teammates like Zac Seljaas and the ultra veteran Till Joscha-Joenke. ‘Zac was a role model for me. He is a very competitive player that always gave 100% and wanted to win. He is a strong rebounder and hits his shots. I learned how to move better off ball and how to prepare my shot better from him. I spent a lot of time off the court with Till. He taught me how to be professional. He also taught me how to be more competitive and win games. He helped me develop the right kind of mind set. He was a very good mentor for me. He is a very good friend of mine’, added Timo Lanmueller. In his last season, he played in the BBL and did what he could in 14 minutes per game averaging 2.7ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.4apg. He didn’t get many shots, but added experience to help him make the next step with Frankfurt this season. ‘In the BBL, I learned to take my shots quicker. You don’t have as much time as in the Pro A. The looks are also different in the BBL. I also leaned that you have to hit shots more consistently. You don’t have as much time around screens. You have to have patience to get good looks. I learned also to become more intelligent and know when to attack and how to create advantages for me’, warned Timo Lanmueller.

The guard who names Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, and Kareem Abdul Jabbar on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore understood it was time for a change and joined the Frankfurt Skyliners. There were many attractions for him. One was how coach Wucherer coached, but being able to be teammates with guys from the past also helped. ‘Wucherer is a coach that likes to have competitive players that like to defend and play intelligent. My role will be to bring positive energy, play physical defense and hit my three’s consistently’, said Timo Lanmueller. He followed the very exciting Trier series last season and was really impressed with Wucherer’s defensive philosophy. ‘I noticed that Wucherer likes his team to defend. You can’t hit 50% from outside every game. Some days you don’t hit everything and you have to win games with that fighting mentality on the defensive end. I can identify easily with his philosophy and believe I will fit in well’, stressed Timo Lanmueller. It may be 6 years ago since he won the AST, but he still has sweet memories playing with Bruno Vrcic and Lorenz Brenneke and like I believe that nothing can rattle Brenneke on the court. ‘Yes he is fearless. He already showed his potential back in 2018 at the AST and developed well the last years in Frankfurt. He also still has much potential. I’m happy to be his teammate again’, added Timo Lanmueller. After getting early experience with German youth national teams, he decided to put on the jersey for Austria and has been part of the national team since 2022. ‘I think that Austrian basketball developed further in the last years. Our U-18 reached 4th place in the B division. We have young guys playing in Germany, Spain and Italy. We aren’t still yet where we want to be, but we are working hard and want to make a push forward. Our ultimate goal is to reach a European championship or World championship’, stated Timo Lanmueller. At the 2023 FIBA Eurobasket 2025 Pre-Qualifiers, he played 11 games averaging 21 minutes and 7.5ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 59.3%. He is on his way of possible becoming an impact player there. ‘I think that I have a good chance. I showed in the last windows that I can get between 15-20 minutes. I want to build on that. I want to help the team win games as best as possible’, commented Timo Lanmueller.

Timo Lanmueller who names Jordan as his GOAT watches a lot of Euroleague and would compare his game to guys like Sergio Lull or Kyle Guy. One could classify him as that typical 3 and D player, but he has so many more strong attributes that allows him to sparkle on the court. ‘I have a good IQ. I also think that I’m a good pick and roll player. I wasn’t able to show it as much last season, but did as a youth’, said Timo Lanmueller. If the Fraport Skyliners want to be able to be competitive again this season in the easyCredit BBL, then they will have to play good and hard defense something they did consistently last season in the Pro A. The young German is prepared to give his best and will also continue to grind in the lab so he can become exactly the kind of defender that he wants to become. ‘I like to play aggressive and take away other players strength. I want to develop my athleticism even more in the next years and also be more explosive physically so I can become a good BBL defender’, warned Timo Lanmueller. But it isn’t only on defense where he will continue to grind in the gym, but also on becoming an even more lethal offensive player. ‘ I’m working a lot on my catch and shoot as well as off the dribble and off the pick and roll’, stressed Timo Lanmueller. It will be interesting to see if Timo Lanmueller gets another chance next season with the Skyliners or not? It looks more like he will continue to grind and most likely find a new challenge elsewhere.

Oshane Drews Credits The Rostock Seawolves Underdog Mentality As The Reason They Have Gotten So Far This Season

Pic credit: Darius Baumgart

Oshane Drews (198-SG-2001) is a 24 year old 198cm shooting guard playing his second professional season with the Rostock SeaWolves. He began his basketball career at RSV Stahnsdorf and then played 2 years with the Junior Loewen Braunschweig (NBBL) and SG Braunschweig (2.Regionalliga). He then played 2 seasosn with the Dragons Rhondorf and then made the next step to the Uni Baskets Paderborn (PRO A). He came to the Rostock Seawolves in 2023. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a game against the Frankfurt Skyliners.

Congrats on the big 84-68 win in Vechta. Is every game now like a do or die game?

We want to win every game. Every game counts now. We don´t go easy into games. We still see ourselves as the underdog. That is the reason why we have come so far this season.

Rostock had the slim 18-15 lead after one quarter. In the second quarter, Rostock exploded for 31 points. What was the focus going into the second quarter?

We changed our defensive sets a lot. It took us a while to get it going in the first quarter. We defended better in the second quarter and they didn´t adjust well.

Everything was clicking with many guys getting involved. Was that one of the best offensive quarters this season?

I think it was one of the best this season. We are a defensive orientated team, but I feel like we have have improved a lot on offense.

Malik Osborne and Pedro Bradshaw were huge. How vital have they been for the success?

It is never easy for a player to come in the middle of the season. You have to understand your role quickly. With Bradshaw we got a player who is great off ball and Osborne is a very strong offensive player that has helped us a lot on offense now.

Rostock managed the lead well in the second half. Did the defensive intensity lose some steam in the second half with such a comfortable lead?

We lost a little concentration with our different defensive sets and switches. They also adjusted well.

Johan Grunloh had a strong game with 14/10. Will he go to the NBA or possibly go to the NCAA?

I think college is out. He will get drafted and then play in the NBA

Frankfurt has a 2 game winning streak. Rostock easily won in Rostock 83-66. What will be key to getting the win on the road?

Both have new teams and both have had runs. We can´t underestimate them only because they are lower in the standings. We will come in motivated. We need the win. The team that wants it more will win.

Your playing your second season for the Rostock Seawolves. Has Rostock become like a second home?

What I really like about Rostock is that is near to my home Berlin. If we hadn´t come back so late from Vechta and I hadn´t slept so late, I would have returned home on my off day.

How exciting is the easyCredit BBL this season? Between position 3 and 14 is only a 2 win difference. Will Rostock make the playoffs this season?

Our goal are the playoffs. I feel like that if we keep playing the way we are now, we will reach it.

The team began 4-8 and then after Christmas won 6 of 7 games. What were the reasons for the team picking up their game?

We had a crisis meeting after the bad start. We changed the team a bit as well as our tactics. We understood what we needed to do to execute the game plan the right way and be successful. The new players and underdog mentality has been key in our success.

How vital has head coach Przemyslaw Frasunkiewicz been for the success of the team? What have you enjoyed most about his teaching philosophy?

We had many injuries and our game plan changed a lot. Coach knew how to make the right adjustments and kept the offense and defense flexible.

What has it been like being teammates with American Bryce Hamilton? How valuable has he been to the success?

Bryce is a great player and our offensive leader. You can give him the ball and he will do his thing.

Is Robin Amaize like a role model for you? What is the most important thing that you have soaked up from his game?

He is also a super player. He plays different than Americans do. What I try to do is take things I like from players and try to incorporate it into my game. I like his mentality and IQ. I try to soak that up from his game.

Your averaging 5 minutes per game, 1 minute more than last season. How tough is it in general finding minutes with this stocked BBL roster?

It is difficult to get minutes. I wasn´t even planned to be on the team. But I stayed and have gotten my chances. I just will keep working hard and earn minutes.

How tough is it being as efficient as possible? Do you sometimes let your defense make noise letting it spark your offense?

Yes I do. I always want to get into the game with my defense. It is tough to do something on offense with little touches. I think that I could do more on offense. The problem is when I come in, I try not to make mistakes. That mentality leads me too think twice during decision time. The BBL is so quick that you need to decide quicker. That second thought often leads to my option being gone.

Thanks Oshane for the chat.

Adrian Breitlauch(Eisbaeren Bremerhaven) Enjoys The Unselfishness This Season And The Challenge To Always Find The Best Shot On Each Possession

Pic credit Dennis Green

Adrian Breitlauch (193-SG-1993) is a 31 year old 193cm guard playing his 7th season with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. He played 3 years in the easyCredit BBL with Bremerhaven. He also balled 2 seasons with the Artland Dragons and 4 years with the Itzehoe Eagles. He also had experience with TK Hannover and BSG Bermerhaven. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big win against Nurnberg.

Thanks Adrian for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the big 92-78 win over Nurnberg. How good did it feel sweeping the season series?

Thank you. It felt really good. It was a big team win and we stuck together. It was a big win because our rest program is very difficult. This was a big step in the direction of the playoffs.

Bremerhaven had the slim 49-44 lead at the break. Jack Pagenkopf made it difficult for Bremerhaven to get away. What made it so difficult to contain him?

He is very versatile and very dangerous from outside. His team did a good job getting him good looks. He is also a very talented individual player. But we knew that if we would find to our team game again in the second half that we would win.

Bremerhaven led 71-59 after 3 quarters. What adjustments did the team make? You finally found to your team basketball.

Yes we did find back to our team basketball, but key was our defense. We heightened our intensity. We too often allow big runs again to the opponent to make the game exciting. We didn´t do that this time.

They made a run at the start of the fourth quarter, but the Eisbaeren closed out the game with a 20-8 run. Did the 6 straight free throws by you and Daniel Norl break their neck? How proud were you of the team character?

We showed super team character. We are young, but know to stick together in tough times. Different guys always step up. It can be anyone on our team.

You led all scorers with 21 points. You almost had a perfect game shooting 7/8. How happy with your efficiency?

I wanted to go 8/8. But I´m not at all disappointed by that. It was a fun game to play. My teammates did a really good job finding me. And as usual when the first few go in, you get that good feeling that more will go in.

The team missed the playoffs last season and this season are a top 5 team. What have you enjoyed most about this season?

I have enjoyed how coach Steve Esterkamp has put in new wind here. It is a relatively new team and we found harmony quickly. For us players, it isn´t only a job, but a commitment. We all push each other and everybody understands each other well.

What I think is so special this season is how well the team plays together. Could one give the team the middle name “Unselfish”?

Yes it could be. Esterkamp has really helped us with that team focus. After games we will watch film and he will ask us how we rate a shot and then asks us if we can find a better shot. He holds us responsible and always wants us to look for the best shot.

The last 3 games are tough with Jena, Giessen and Hagen. You lost to Giessen and Jena. How is Bremerhaven a different team than 4 months ago?

We grew as a team in the last months. We are a young team and have gone through lows, but we have become stronger. We are calmer now. We lost to Giessen and Jena at the end. The playoffs start for us now. We want to show what we are made of.

I saw a game in Koblenz and enjoyed the ball movement and unselfishness? How do you explain the development of that?

It was a big focus for us from the start. It is a big challenge for the guards Miller, Hemschmeier, Norl and Biss to make the right decisions. But they have grown in their challenge to bring team basketball on the court.

This team has no super star. Is team the superstar?

Yes that is exactly right.

How vital has head coach Steven Esterkamp been for the success? He had misfortune with Paderborn last season but this season has proven that he can rebound from adversary. What has been his biggest strength?

His biggest strength is that he has a clear vision and is a good communicator and tells us exactly what he wants. He is very strict is how we should execute

How much fun is it playing with Carlos Carter? Is he the ultimate Swiss army knife?

He can play everywhere and guard anyone. He has been a huge enrichment on the court and off the court he has been a lot of fun.

How talented is Peter Hemschemeier? Does he have easyCredit BBL potential?

In his mindset he has no fear of anything on the court. He has a very creative game and very far for his age. It is hard to believe that he is already in his 5th pro season at age 21. He has BBL potential.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Daniel Norl?

I win, but the rest will say that he will win because he is more creative,

Thanks Adrian for the chat,