nfl

Defending So Many Great 1-1 Players Like Fynn Rieck Helped Daniel Gwanihu(ALBA Berlin) Develop Further As A Defender

Daniel Gwanihu is a 16 year old 189cm guard that averaged 13/7/4/3 stats during the regular season of the JBBL (U-16) season. He spoke to germanhoops.com after helping lead Alba Berlin to the 2025 JBBL title.

Congrats Daniel on the big 86-74 JBBL title win over the Baskets Junior Oldenburg. How do you feel?

I feel really good. We had an up and down season. It is great to win the title.

How big was the revenge factor for Alba Berlin?

When we found out that we would play against Oldenburg, we were very motivated. Getting the win was a total team effort.

How cool was it having the NBA Wagner brothers cheering on the team in the Alba fan block?

It was cool seeing ex Alba Berlin players come back and support us. I felt that was very correct. They are big role models for me. I want to follow in their footsteps to the NBA.

The first quarter was tight, but in the second quarter Alba Berlin was able to get way a bit. How vital was the superb play of Luca Kappel?

Luca was so big for us hitting three pointers, but in our team every player is important.

The Alba Berlin defense did a great job slowing down Djordje Klaric and holding him at 15 points. How tough is it to keep him in check?

He is a very good player and it was my job to stop him. He is hard to stop. He is big and strong and good on the pick and role. He is also a very smart player.

In the third quarter Alba Berlin got a massive push from big man De Sancho Del Pino Kruse. How vital was his support to once again to be able to get a way a bit from Oldenburg?

He is another very important player for our success. He found his way into the team really well. I´m really proud of how he played.

Oldenburg kept coming back and fighting the whole game. How much respect did Alba Berlin have for that?

We have a lot of respect for them. Oldenburg is a very good organization that play in the BBL. They have players that are really present on the court and know how to compete.

How key was the thunderous dunk form Jason Heitmann at the end of the third quarter for Alba Berlin moving forward?

That Jason dunk brought hype into the arena. That prepared us for the fourth quarter. That was his best dunk of the season.

Ilya Fohl hit big shot after big shot. Is he the Steph Curry of Berlin?

Yes he is. He is a great shooter. He was also a new player for us. He is a great player and best shooter in Germany

Oldenburg kept fighting in the fourth quarter, but Alba Berlin pulled out the win. What was key in crunch-time for getting the win?

I think that key was our defense. That helped us get on transition and our inside game was also good.

You won 2025 NBBL defender of the year. How did you see your defense grow this season?

I feel like I developed well this season. There are many really good 1-1 players in the JBBL. That helped my defense develop further. I played well against MVP Fynn Rieck.

Who is your favorite defender and who you look up to?

I like to watch Nick Weiler-Babb.

How will you celebrate tonight? I´m sure you have school tomorrow.

I have school tomorrow. I will celebrate with family and friends.

Thanks Daniel for the chat.

Harm-Ubbo Horst And Rasta Academy Want To Defend Their NBBL Title With Character And Heart And Believing In Themselves


Harm-Ubbo Horst is a German head coach currently coaching the Rasta Acadcemy NBBL (U-19) team. He began his coaching career in Vechta and then coached 2 years in Dresden where he was an assistant coach with the Pro B team Titans and also the NBBL coach. Last season he led the Young Rasta dragons to the NBBL title. He spoke to germanhoops.com about being defending champions.

Thanks Habo for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome back to the NBBL top 4. How does it feel as defending champion?

It feels really good heading to Berlin as defending champion. We have more experience and are calmer than last year. The guys are really excited and have great memories from last year. The guys are all really hot for the game against Munich to begin.

Vechta Academy had a super season being 15-3 and swept Oldenburg and Paderborn. How is the mental state of this team going to Berlin and do you feel pressure?

We may have had a good looking record, but to be honest it wasn´t always so clear during the season that we would be successful. We didn´t find our defined game style until after the regular season game against Rostock. I don´t believe that we feel pressure. The guys are excited and have freedom and positive feelings.

Vechta Academy lost some key players like Jack Kayil, Joshua Bonga and Karl Buehner and others. Is the team on paper this year a bit weaker than last season?

Yes I would say so. Last season´s team was different. We had a clear definition of players playing the positions 3-5. I still believe that we have a lot of talent this year and have more guards than last season.

I guess you could never replace a potent guard duo like Jack Kayil and Joshua Bonga, but you did get Roy Krupnikas. He didn´t play many games because he was mostly with the Vechta Pro A team. He once was at the top 4 with Rostock in the JBBL top 4 in 2022. Could this be the moment for him to really step up`

I would hope so. But I don´t know if it will be necessary. We are very deep at the guard position. We have many ball handlers and shooters that can make a play. That is a big weapon of ours. Each player can make that next deciding play.

Talk a little about big talent Peja Strobel. How have you witnessed his development and what is his biggest strength?

He needed some time to get used to the Euro game. He was in the States last season and played well at the high school level. After some time in the NBBL, he showed that he could be a scorer. He is a great shooter. He hit the deciding three pointer against Paderborn to put the game into overtime.

In the last years you were very fortunate to have great bigs like Johan Grunloh and Karl “Mr rebound” Buehner. This season there is only one real true big man with Fynn Lastring. Do you feel like he can make an impact in Berlin?

I think that he can. His spacing qualities are really good. He is an inside out player and you don´t see that so often.

Noah Koch continues to develop very well. He shows that he can help the team in so many ways. Is he becoming like a Swiss army knife?

That is a great description for him. He can create for himself and others, make the game fast, get second chances and defend many positions.

Moritz Gruss also is one of the most talented 16 year old on your team. How have you seen his development. Is he more than just a 3 and D player?

Yes he is. But we have many talented players from the year 2008. He can defend many positions, is a good ball handler and reads the game very well. He is like a secret weapon for us that gives the team a push forward.

Is it fair to say that Marko Petric is your star player or is a better description your leader?

Leader sounds better. Our team has a star ensemble with guys like Koch, Krupnikas and Lastring. Marko showed in the Oldenburg series just how much he wanted to win and pushed his team forward.

Talk a little about newcomers Louis Sutor and Felix Chrisiansen. What do they bring to the table?

Sutor is very versatile. He is moble and defend many positions. Christiansen gives good pressure on the ball and is a good shooter. He does a lot of the little things not seen on the stat sheet

How have you developed further as a coach this season? On what areas of your coaching have you worked on most?

We already played small ball 2 years ago in the JBBL top 4, but nobody noticed. A big challenge was not being able to practice as a team regularly. We play a different style this season different from what the guys played with the men´s teams. It was a challenge adjusting from the styles from the men´s to the NBBL.

You have worked many years with Hendrik Gruehn and I´m sure you have a great friendship as well. How has he developed further this season as a coach despite a tough pro A season?

I think that he developed well this season. We always talk after games and practices and are critical with each other. His biggest strength is being able to give his players energy on the court and them being able to implement it on the court. He lost a lot of talented players and got new ones and had to develop them further in the Pro A. That is hard to do.

Do you observe how a guy like Martin Schiller operates? What have you learned from him?

Martin is very interested in our youth program. He always gives one extra practice per week for the young players. He is very good and schooling habits and repeating them over and overt. He has an immense presence in practice. It was great being able to experience that this season.

You face tough FC Bayern Munich in the semi-finals. They have incredible guards. What will be key to getting win?

I believe that we will win with our character. We will be ready to battle FC Munich and defend aggressive and believe in ourselves. We will probably play less tactical than them, but we will play with heart and dive for every ball.

Who will win the other semi final with ratiopharm ulm and Alba Berlin?

That is tough to predict. I know that Vladi Bogojevic will have his team ready. I really like Florian Flabb´s coaching as well. But I think that ratiopharm Ulm has the upper hand because Alba Berlin played two 3 game playoff series.

What is your opinion of many young German guys going overseas to play college basketball? That will hurt all leagues in that the quality of Germans will go down.

I think that it will lead to problems. On one hand with many leaving, that will give other players a chance. We will have to get adjusted to it. I think now instead of preparing guys for the NBA, it will be preparing guys for college. We have to make the best out of it.

Thanks Habbo for the chat

Oliver Kullamae Loves Ratiopharm Ulm´s Chances Of Big Success At The NBBL Top 4

pic credit: Fiba

Oliver Kullamaee (186-G-2007) is a 17 year old 186cm guard from Estonia that is playing for the ratiopharm Ulm organization that this season played for various team like BBU 01 Ulm (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 10/4/4, for Orange Academy (NBBL) averaging 6/2/1 and for the NBBL team averaged 5/2/3 helping them reach the NBBL top 4. Last season he played with BBU 01 Ulm (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 7.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 83.3%, played also at OrangeAcademy U19 team (Germany-NBBL) averaging 11.8ppg, 4.4rpg, Assists-2 (6.7apg), Steals-5 (2.7spg), FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 50.0%. He came to Ulm in 2022 coming from Audentese SK. He spoke to eurobasket before the NBBL top 4 in Berlin.

Thanks Oliver for talking to eurobasket.com. Congrats on reaching the NBBL top 4 in Berlin. How excited are you to be there?

I’m very excited. This was the goal for us at the beginning of the season and I think we have a great chance to win the top 4.

Congrats on the great 16-1 season. Was playing in the B group an advantage or disadvantage? 5 times the team scored more than a 100 points, but the competition wasn´t as tough. Now you play Alba Berlin a team of that talent you didn´t see before?

I think playing in group B had its positives and negatives. Playing in group B meant that we could put all our focus on the Pro B season. But that also meant that when we finally reach the playoffs, the jump in the level of competition will be very big. I think the Frankfurt series shows exactly that. We weren’t quite ready for it in the first game.

You played a tough series beating Frankfurt in 3 games and swept IBAM. How is the team stronger now than say in December?

I think we have just gotten used to playing with each other. Last year most of us were playing on 2 different teams, whether Orange Academy or ratiopharm Ulm.

A big strength of the team is their individual talent. In the Frankfurt series, I saw more iso play than team basketball. Will we see more team basketball against Alba Berlin?

I’d say that in the Frankfurt series, we played more iso ball to take advantage of specific matchups. Alba Berlin is a different kind of challenge. They’re an all around great defensive team, so we’ll need to move the ball better and get everyone involved. It’s something we’ve definitely been focusing on. But I would also add that iso ball is certainly not bad. When you have a lot of guys who can create their own shots you have to take advantage of that.

You’re a pass first point guard. How challenging is it to get and keep team basketball going when you have so many talented teammates?

It’s definitely a challenge at times, but it’s a good problem to have. When you’re surrounded by so much talent, everyone can create their own shot. As a pass-first point guard, my job is to keep us balanced. Meaning recognizing when someone has the hot hand, but also making sure the ball keeps moving so everyone stays engaged.

What other strengths does Ratiopharm Ulm have besides offense. It also showed on the defensive end that it can lock down teams.

We’ve definitely shown that we can lock in and make life tough for our opponents. We’re lucky to have a guy like Endi inside, who gives others a chance to be a bit more aggressive on the perimeter. When we defend hard, it also fuels our offense and gets us into transition, so for us, it all starts on that end of the floor.

How important has head coach Florian Flabb been for the success of the club? What have you learned from him that has helped your game most this season?

Coach Florian has been really important for us this season. He gives us freedom to play, but also holds us to a high standard. For me personally, he’s helped a lot with decision-making, especially when it comes to controlling the pace and taking care of the ball. Turnovers were something I wanted to cut down, and he has helped a lot.

What has it been like being teammates with Jordan Mueller at the point guard position? How do you guys compliment each other best?

I really enjoy being teammates with Jordan. He has made my transition to Pro B way easier. He’s a great leader so every time I need advice or have a question he helps me. Unfortunately I haven’t really shared the court with him this year. Usually we just sub for each other.

A key player against Alba Berlin will be Frederik Erichsen playing against their very deep big man rotation. Will he be up for the challenge?

Fredi always wants to prove himself so I have no doubt that he will be ready. I don’t see him having a problem, even against a bigger opposition.

Another very vital player will be Endurnace Aijamenkhue. He also will have to make an impact against Alba´s bigs. Is he still raw? How have you seen him improve his game this season?

Like I mentioned before, we are lucky to have a big like Endi. He always brings the energy and gets us all hyped up. He works hard and has definitely improved a lot over this year. Everyone saw that during the ANGE Ulm.

A huge talent is Niko Jerkic, the son of ambitious dad Dario. What do you appreciate most about his game?

Niko has a special ability to score. When it gets tough we can always rely on Niko’s individual talent to get a bucket. He’s very important to us.

Lethal scorer Jervis Scheffs is a guy that can explode at any day. Could a big game against Alba Berlin from him be the difference between reaching the final and going home?

Like Niko, Jervis has the same ability to create for himself. Of course when Jervis has a big game in the semi finals, it could definitely make a difference. I would also add that when he’s in the mood, he’s one of the best and aggressive defenders on the team. When his shots are not falling, he can also have a huge impact on the defensive side.

How important is it having Swiss army Joel Cwik back? Could he also be a player that could make the difference between winning and going home?

Having Joel back again is massive for us. He’s the kind of guy every team needs, super versatile, can play multiple roles, and just brings a ton of energy. He can easily be the difference maker in that game.

You battle Alba Berlin. It will be a game of them trying to bang inside and ratiopharm playing fast and sharing their great individual qualities. What else will be key to winning?

The key to winning for us is our transition defense. Alba plays fast and we want to prevent as many fast break points as possible. Ultimately it will be on us to bring the energy and hustle. Just doing everything possible to get the win

Thanks Oliver for the chat.

Ivan Crnjac Wins The 2025 NBBL MVP And Wants To Keep Being Dominant No Matter What League He Plays In

Ivan Crnjac (203-F-2007) is a 18 year old 201cm forward that averaged 20,5ppg, 7,9rpg, 2,2apg, and 1,7spg in the NBBL (U-19) and in the Pro B averaged 11,0ppg, 4,1rpg, 1,3apg and 1,0spg in the 24-25 season. He helped the Fraport Skyliners win the B League title at the U-18 International Cup in Tokyo, Japan. In 2023 he reached the JBBL (U-16) top 4. He won the NBBL MVP award for the 24-25 season and spoke to germanhoops.com about it before the South West Regionalliga final game in Langen.

Congrats on winning the 2025 NBBL title. How do you feel?

I´m very happy. It was my goal to win it this season. I´m very happy to reach it.

What does this NBBL MVP title mean to you?

It means a lot. I proved to myself that I could reach my goal. I want to keep being a dominant player no matter what league I´m in.

How honored are you despite so many other great players in the NBBL?

I feel very honored. There are so many great players in the NBBL. It is a very special feeling because there are so many good players in a good year.

You averaged 20,5ppg, but how vital was your versatility for getting the award?

I think it wasn´t all my versatility, but that we won a lot. The whole team was important and helped me achieve my goal.

You have won the NBBL MVP. Is your youth career over now?

No it isn´t. I still have one more year. I probably won´t play as much NBBL next season. But when I do, I will always give my best and try to win the title.

How cool was it having teammate Jamie Edoka win the rookie of the year?

It is very cool. I´m really happy for Jamie. It is cool that the Skyliners are represented so well this year.

Coupled with added experience in the Pro B, how do you feel did your game grow in the NBBL this season?

I worked on my weaknesses. I feel like my decision making and leadership grew.

What was your favorite NBBL game?

My perfect game against Chemnitz.

How tough will it be for you being in Berlin and picking up the MVP award but not playing?

It will be very tough. We had very high goals this season. Losing to Ulm hit me hard. Now I have to accept only being a visitor.

Who will reach the NBBL final and win it all?

I think that it will be an all south final with Munich against Ulm. I think that Munich could win since Ivan Khartchenkov might play.

Are you rooting for a NBBL team?

That is difficult since I have friends on all 4 teams. I can´t decide on rooting for one team.

Who was the toughest player that you played in the NBBL?

Ivan Volf of FC Bayern Munich.

Are you hoping for your first BBL minutes on Sunday in Heidelberg?

I will be there. I might see those first minutes.

How does your summer look?

I´m hoping to play U-18 Euro and U-19 world cup.

Who will reach the NBA final and win it?

I have the Knicks playing the Timberwolves and Timberwolves winning it all.

Thanks Ivan for the chat.

There Was Nothing Better This Season Than For AJ Sumbry(BSW Sixers) Being Able To Show His Mom Berlin Leipzig And Dresden

pic credit: BSW Sixers

AJ Sumbry (203-F-1994, college: Wagner, agency: BIG) is a 30 year old 203cm from New Jersey playing his 6th pro season and first with the BSW Sixers. He has been a basketball globetrotter having played for 9 clubs in countries like Denmark, Georgia, North Maceadonia, Kosovo, Romania, France, Sweden and Slovakia.He began his basketball career at St Benedict´s Preparatory school and then played a season at Quinnipiac University (NCAA). He then played 3 years at Wagner (NCAA) and as a senior averaged 8.1ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 46.3%, FT: 57.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.comabout his season in Germany.

Thanks AJ for talking to eurobasket.com.Your playing your 6 th professional season for your 9 th team and in your 9 th country. Do you feel like a basketball globetrotter?

Yea I would definitely say so. I think I’ve played in or visited most countries in Europe. I think thats for sure on my bucket list to visit all of Europe.

How challenging is it coming to a new country and teams each season? How do you preparementally for each new challenge?

It can be challenging in the beginning but after a while it becomes normal. Its almost like being a freshman and heading off to college for the first time each year. I think the most important thing I do to prepare mentally for the challenge each year is making sure I’m in shape and ready to get rolling basketball wise first and then I think the rest kinda falls into place as it goes.

Your playing for the BSW Sixers Sandersdorf (Germany-ProB) this season. What kind of an experience has it been? What have you enjoyed most about playing for this organization?

It´s been a great experience so far. I was already familiar with Lukas from last season and everyone else in the organization has been very welcoming and like a family. Not to mention our fans also make it feel very inviting. If I had to say anything was my favorite id say it was the fans and the family atmosphere for sure.

After missing the playoffs last season, the team rebounded well this season and reached the playoffs again. The team had a weak phase in 2025 losing 6 of 9 games, but then ended the season strong with a 3 game winning streak. Did the team peak at the right time?

We went through a little rough patch which is natural over the course of a season but I definitely think we peaked at the perfect time going into playoffs.

What is the biggest strength of the team? It won many close games in the first months of the season and defended consistently all season long.

I think our biggest strength is definitely defense. I think thats why we were able to close games and it also makes out offense that much harder to guard when we can get out in transition with all 5 guys running.

What was it like being teammates with Matej Silic? He should be most improved of the year. Last season in the pro B he averaged 5,8ppg in the Pro B and this year 16,8. What did you appreciate most about his game?

I think he’s a great guy very likable person. I would say for sure his want to make the big plays he’s not one to shy away from wanting to take the big shot/make the big play.

What did you appreciate most about Jean Louis Marley? That guy could really score in bunches.

He is definitely a knockdown shooter and the other old guy on the team aside from me lol. But I definitely appreciated his ability to stretch the floor and make shots in bunches but also rebounding for a shooter. Theres been many times this season he extended possessions for us.

Talk about the point guard duo of Saleniecks and Schneider. Could you call them the durable point guard duo?

I would call them more than durable. Its fun playing with both of them, Mo being a pass first pg who really looks to share the ball and Niks being a super fast and athletic pg not to mention they both bring the intensity on defense! I would even go as far to say our defensive pressure starts with them picking up full court!

Which teammate of the Sixers did you see as improving the most from day 1 until now?

I would have to go with Jarne. His offense and defensive iq has gotten better learning spacing and where to be not to mention he can also score inside and out. I think He has got a lot of upside.

You had one of your best seasons as a pro averaging 14/6/1. What exactly was your role on a team that truly had many scoring options?

I think Lukas has a lot of trust in me to make the wining plays whether that be scoring, passing, or defense. So I think my role this season has kind of reflected that in just reading the game and being the one to give us a steady inside presence but also being able to and willing to feed the hot of who’s got it going on any given night.

You had 2 games with 5 assists a piece. How would you classify your passing game and it´s development now at this stage of your career?

I think at this stage in my career I have learned how to read defenses well and how to take what the defense gives me so I think thats just a credit to my teammates catching and finishing my passes.

You had some great games this season against Neustadt and the Berlin Braves. What was your favorite personal game of the season?

I think my favorite gave this year would have to be itzehoe when we played them at home. Not because it was my best game statistically but because it was my first pro game my mom has got to see live in person.

What was your coolest moment off the court? How did you experience the beautiful country of Germany off the court?

I would say my coolest moment off the court again getting to show my mom Berlin, Leipzig, and Dresden. Her 2nd time coming to Europe and first time coming alone it was great to make those memories with her.

Do you see yourself moving on again or could you imagine staying another season?

When it comes to the future I just take it one day at a time and try and stay open to all possibilities.So who knows what the future holds.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Moritz Heck?

Lol definitely me but we do go at it haha.

Thanks AJ for the chat.

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.