olympics

18 Year Old Declan Duru(University Of Texas) Already Has As Many Gold And Silver Youth Medals As Larry Bird NBA titles

pic credit: Jakob Berger

One can´t really compare youth basketball medals to NBA titles with Larry Bird who won 3 in an incredible 13 year career and Declan Duru (202-F-2007) who won 2 golds and 1 silver for Germany in the last 4 summers, but it is simply just one of those realizations of just how successful Germany has been in the last years from the youth to the men´s sector. It took Larry Bird 13 seasons to win just 3 NBA titles when he should of won 1 or 2 more, but winning an NBA title is so incredibly difficult and for a long time it was the same for Germany at the youth sector. In the last 10 years ago, there wasn´t much going on with Germany in the youth sector with medals except for 2 Bronze medals at the U-20 Eurochampionships. Winning medals at that time belonged more to nations like Spain, France, Serbia Italy, Turkey and Lithuania just to name a few. But in the last 4 years, Germany has been very successful with the birth year 2006. This birth year won the 2022 U-16 European Gold medal, the 2024 U-18 European Gold medal and recently the Silver medal at the 2025 U-19 World Cup where Duclan Duru was a part of each time. Winning 3 medals in such a short time is just an incredible feat. Is winning each summer in 3 of 4 years something difficult to realize or something that he has gotten used to? “I still don’t take any of it for granted. Every medal, every tournament is a new challenge, and the journey to get there is never easy. I’m proud of the consistency, but I know it’s the result of daily work, sacrifice and great teammates”, stressed Declan Duru. Some guys would die to win just one medal, but how does one feel when you have won 3 in 4 years? “I feel incredibly blessed. Representing Germany and achieving success with my teammates is something I will always carry with me. If I had to choose a favorite, maybe the U16 gold. It was the first time I truly felt how special it is to win for your country”, said Declan Duru. The development has been massive in the German youth sector and that is a testament of the German basketball federation that continues to develop the youth forward. “The progress has been huge. There’s a real system now, a clear philosophy. Young players are better prepared, more disciplined, and the federation is doing a great job investing in talent development”, stated Declan Duru.

His first Gold medal occurred in the summer of 2022 at a time where the German men´s team was still seeking that next medal after the 2005 European silver in Belgrade with Dirk Nowitzki. Duru played a superb tournament averaging 11.9ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.4apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 62.1%, 3PT: 15.0%, FT: 50.0%. Especially for young players a few years can be so ancient. “It does feel far away, but I remember the emotion like it was yesterday. The excitement, the anthem, the win unforgettable moments”, added Declan Duru. A few months earlier in 2024 he had won the ANGT and in the summer won his second Gold medal this time at the U-18 European championships. He had another strong tournament and demonstrated his consistency once again averaging 9.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 80.8%. “Winning his Gold medal, we proved our generation’s consistency. We had a target on our back, and still delivered. That’s special”, warned Declan Duru.

Recently the ex Real Madrid player celebrated his next medal with the Silver at the U-19 World Cup in Switzerland. It wasn´t a Gold, but still an incredible achievement considering that they played against the stronger team USA and were without top German player Ivan Kharchenkov. How did the Silver compare against his first medal in 2022? “It feels amazing winning the silver medal. Of course, we wanted gold, but we made history and played our hearts out. We showed the world that Germany is a serious force in youth basketball. Both medals were special in their own ways. The gold was a dream come true, but the silver came against top-tier teams and showed our maturity. It was a tougher road, and I’m proud of how we handled it”, commented Declan Duru. Germany showed discipline and consistency for most of the tournament. It wasn´t a cake walk having to compete against different countries and tactics on a daily basis. “It was a great learning experience. Every team had a different style, and it forced us to stay adaptable and locked in. We grew with every game”, said Declan Duru. Germany did have their start problems against Slovenia, but from then on rolled into the final against USA. “We found our rhythm after the Slovenia loss. Early on, we weren’t sharp, but we trusted each other, the system, and our defense. That trust and discipline made the difference”, warned Declan Duru. Germany held their own in the first half of the final against USA, but in the second half were overpowered by the crazy athleticism of the Americans. “It was definitely a challenge. Their depth and athleticism were on another level, and once they started switching and pressing full court, it got tough. But I think we battled with pride”, warned Declan Duru. USA had an incredible roster that was stacked 1-12. They had 3 potential NBA draft picks with Dybantsa, Peat and Brown. Was there a player that had a impact on him? “Mikel Brown for sure. His intensity, vision, and ability to make the right play at the right time really stood out to me”, remembered Declan Duru.

The group of Germans that won the Silver was a very special group. 11 players from the 2022 Gold Medal winning team were on board. One of the leaders Christian Anderson had a massive tournament and has developed well the last years. Does the Texas Tech guard have NBA material? “He absolutely does. Christian is one of the most focused and skilled players I’ve played with. His work ethic is unmatched. I believe in him 100%”, stressed Declan Duru. Another teammate that will be joining him in the NCAA will be Hannes Steinbach. The double double monster was a big reason why Germany got as far as they did. “I played with Hannes Steinbach when we were younger, and we’ve been good friends ever since. Even back then, one thing that really stood out to me was his rebounding. He just had a natural instinct for it — always in the right spot, timing he jumps well, and never backing down. It’s one of those parts of the game that doesn’t always get attention, but he made a real impact with it”, expressed Declan Duru. Another vital player for Germany who was a bit in the shadow of Anderson was Jack Kayil. He is looking to make the next step this season with Alba Berlin this season. His added leadership skills were just as important as Anderson´s scoring in bunches at crucial phases. “Jack’s leadership was essential. He led with energy and by example. He always made sure we stayed connected and motivated, especially during tough stretches”, said Declan Duru.

The future University of Texas forward had another impressive tournament averaging 11.4ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 70.0%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 66.7%. He scored in double figures in 6 of 7 games including 17 points against Slovenia and 13 points against Serbia. He didn´t have explosive scoring games, but moreover gave the team a little bit of everything each game. “I think I played my role well. I focused on doing the little things: rebounding, defending, setting the tone physically. I always want to contribute in ways that help the team win”, warned Declan Duru. Most of the offensive focus was on Christian Anderson and Hannes Steinbach. Declan Duru wasn´t the star, but the unsung hero for Germany. “I appreciate that. Going into the U-19 World Cup, I knew we had guys like Christian Anderson and Hannes Steinbach who were going to get a lot of attention — and they deserved it. But I also knew my role was just as important in a different way. I embraced doing the little things: defending hard, making smart decisions, and keeping the team connected. At the same time, I still played my game. I stayed aggressive, looked for my opportunities, and made sure to contribute on the scoring sheet as well. It was all about staying ready and making an impact wherever I could”, stressed Declan Duru. Playing against so many incredible countries and players was surely unforgettable, but what about seeing German basketball legends like Dirk Nowitzki and Dennis Schroeder up close? “Seeing Dirk Nowitzki in person was really special. He’s such a big player, a legend not just in Germany but worldwide. Just being able to meet him was surreal, someone we all grew up watching. I also got to meet Dennis Schröder, and we’ve built a good friendship over time. He’s been great to me always willing to give advice, share experiences, and teach me things both on and off the court. Having guys like Dirk and Dennis around reminded me of what’s possible if you stay committed and keep working. It was definitely one of the highlights off the court”, remembered Declan Duru. In the last 4 years, he has had such incredible teammates, but is there one player that has the biggest impact on him? “That’s a tough one because I’ve had the chance to play with a lot of great teammates, but if I had to pick one, I’d say Ivan Kharchenkov has had the biggest impact on me. We’ve been playing together since I was about 10 or 11, and over the years we’ve built a very strong friendship. On the court, he’s always been someone who leads by example super competitive, confident, and committed to improving every day. Being around that energy from such a young age really shaped the way I approach the game. And off the court, having that kind of bond with a teammate makes the journey even more meaningful”, stressed Declan Duru. It must have been tough not having Kharchenkov around at the U-19 World Cup, but they will be reunited soon on the court again in the NCAA. Then both guys will be battling for the right to reach March Madness in 2026 when both will be competing for that next title.

Valdis Valters Hits Game Winning Shot Powering Latvia Into U-18 Euro Semi-Finals Over Germany.

Pic credit Fiba

It was another do or die scenario for Germany at the U-18 European Championships against Latvia. They went into the game with a lot of self-confidence having beat them before without Mathieu Grujicic, but Latvia was motivated and ready for revenge. Latvia had to fight back and claw back from the second quarter on even when they did tie the game many times, they never got over the hump. Latvia staged a last minute comeback thanks to a 6-0 run to close the game. The 2 speedy guards with Andzevs and Valters supplied the last 2 punches that ended Germany´s hopes of a medal. Germany seemed to have had the momentum at the end and really let this game slip away. “Latvia edged Germany 80–79 in a tightly contested game defined by shifting momentum and contrasting styles. Latvia set the tone early with a 25–18 first quarter, attacking the paint and exposing Germany’s interior defense. Germany responded with a dominant 26–12 second quarter, fueled by defensive adjustments and Mathieu Grujicic’s scoring surge—he finished with 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. The third quarter saw Latvia regain rhythm, mixing defensive schemes and winning the period 20–17 while Germany struggled to contain dribble penetration. Despite Fynn Lastring’s 14 points and 10 rebounds, Germany couldn’t consistently stop Latvia’s inside scoring, giving up 44 points in the paint. Germany shot 41.5% from the field and 34.6% from three, while Latvia’s efficiency inside (56.8% on 2PT FG) proved decisive. In the final minutes, Germany had chances but couldn’t convert, as Latvia’s control of the paint ultimately secured the one-point win”, stressed ratiopharm Ulm U-19 head coach Florian Flabb.

Germany got off to a rapid start getting a quick three pointer from big man Fynn Lastring who loves lounging around the top of the key to blast away. However Latvia struck back quickly going on a 7-0 run to lead 7-3. They played nice inside out ball spreading the love around. Jaroslavs Pihtovs of Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco made a lay in, Markuss Sipko of Valmiera Glass/Vidzemes Augstskola (LBL) nailed a trey and Pihtovs struck again under the basket for 2 points. Germany then got another early three pointer from Frankfurt Skyliner Ivan Crnjac like against Sweden to cut the Latvia lead to 7-6. After that both teams traded the lead 5 times. After Frankfurt Skyliner Jamie Edoka made free throws, it was Ex FC Barcelona walking bucket guard Matheiu Grujicic who scored 7 points in a row for the 15-12 advantage. Jaroslavs Pihtovs continued to be a menace inside scoring inside again to tie the game at 15-15. However Latvia´s high intensity game got to Germany as they went on a 10-3 run to lead 25-18. Latvia played superb team basketball hitting 2 three´s from Ralfs Rudusans of BJBS DSN Riga and Oto Bermanis of RBS DSN U19 team while Valdis Valters (190-G-2007) of BS Riga U20 team and Tomas Talcis of Valencia Basket 2nd team made lay in´s. Latvia´s aggressive defense forced Germany to turnovers and their offense became static. Latvia led 25-18 after 10 minutes. Latvia had the 11-7 rebound edge and were shooting 75% from the 2 point area while Germany was only at 20% from the 2 point area but held their own from outside at 40%. “Latvia dominated the first quarter with a fast-paced offense and sharp interior scoring. Jaroslavs Pihtovs and Tomas Talcis led Latvia’s attack, capitalizing on Germany’s defensive breakdowns. Germany struggled with rhythm and ball movement early, resulting in inefficient shooting and missed defensive assignments. Latvia’s rebounding and energy set the tone, while Germany’s key scorers, like Grujicic and Lastring, were mostly quiet early on”, said Florian Flabb.

Both teams got their offenses going in the first minutes of the second quarter as Pihtovs continued to be a beast in the paint getting a dunk while Germany got a trey from Grujicic and a lay in from Lastring, but Latvia led 29-23. Germany had problems matching Latvia´s intensity at both ends. Lativa played beautiful team basketball and played the drive kick out and the extra pass to perfection. However Germany didn´t lay down. They followed Latvia´s run in the first with their own in the second quarter storming back going on a 15-4 run to lead 39-35. In the run Germany was bolstered as usual from Grujicic with 6 points. His drive and ultimate will to score was always present. Lastring also scored and Jamie Edoka shared his offensive qualities with 5 points including a trey from the corner. Latvia had some misfortune missing 2 easy baskets inside as they continued to get to the rim with ease. Germany upped their intensity at both ends during the run and to the buzzer getting stops and a big offensive rebound and put back by Daniel Biel and a steal by Wurzburg guard Jervis Scheffs which led to a typical off balance score by Grujicic who added a little stutter step for the frosting. Germany led 44-37 at the break. Germany regained the rebound edge again 22-20 and had only coughed up the ball 4 times while shooting 41% from the field and 35% from down town while Latvia had 8 turnovers and shot 37% from the field and 18% from outside. “In the second quarter, Germany responded with a strong surge, outscoring Latvia 26–12 to overturn the early deficit. Mathieu Grujicic led the charge with aggressive drives and shooting, while Fynn Lastring provided key support on both ends of the floor. Germany’s defense tightened significantly, forcing Latvia into tougher shots and limiting their interior scoring opportunities. Latvia’s offense stagnated, struggling with ball movement and failing to convert from the perimeter”, added Florian Flabb.

Latvia came out strong form the break shocking Germany with a stellar 6-0 run led by back to back alley-oop dunks from Jaroslavs Pihtovs and a lay in from Sipko. To trail only 44-43. Germany were careless with the ball and had 2 bad shot selections. Latvia had the momentum and kept attacking and Sisko remained hot dropping a trey to dead lock the contest at 48-48. However Germany didn´t allow Latvia to get over the hump getting a big trey from Daniel Biel who continues to prove to be a big spark from the bench with big baskets and plays. Edoka and Grujicic remained aggressive getting free throws for the 55-50 advantage. Latvia stayed strong and kept fighting getting Talcis free throws and a Valters lay up at the end but Germany still had the slim 61-57 edge. Germany continued to have the 32-28 rebound edge and were shooting strong at 41% from the field and 35% from the parking lot while Latvia was at 38% from the field and 17% from outside. “Latvia started the third quarter with intensity, mixing defensive looks to unsettle Germany’s offense. Their aggressive approach helped them win the quarter 20–17. Germany, however, stayed composed and continued to find answers, particularly through Grujicic and Lastring. Despite Latvia’s pressure, Germany executed well enough to protect their lead but struggled at the free-throw line, missing key opportunities”, stated Florian Flabb.

In the first minutes of the fourth quarter Germany did a good job keeping the lead and executing at ease as Grujicic, Lastring and Biel all scored for the 68-63 lead. Germany did a good job as usual getting big offensive rebounds to keep their possessions alive. Latvia continued to prefer the drive and made tough shots as Adrians Andzevs of Real Madrid 2nd team (Spain-Tercera FEB) scored to cut Germany´s lead to 68-65. But as usual Grujicic stepped up scoring 2 quick buckets inside and Germany extended their lead to 72-65. However Latvia just kept adding pressure on the defensive end and executing well on offense going on a 6-0 run to trail Germany only 72-71. Valters got 2 lay in´s including a put back where Germany slept under the basket. Edoka then made a pretty lay in form the base line but Latvia tied the game again with a trey from Rudusans at 74-74 with 2,56 to play. Then it wasn´t Grujicic with the clutch shot, but little feisty guard Tom Bruggermann with a trey from the corner and Grujicic followed with free throws as Germany had the commanding 79-74 advantage with 1,10 to play. It looked like Germany would have a semi-final berth. But Latvia kept fighting getting a Pihtov thunderous dunk to cut Germany´s lead to 79-76. Latvia then stopped Grujicic on the drive and Andzevs then made a clutch lay in with his blazing speed to trail 79-78. Latvia then stopped Edoka with 6 seconds to play. Stopping the drive had been a problem in the game for Germany and when they needed a stop most, couldn´t get it as Valdis Valters scored with his left hand with 1,2 seconds remaining to give Latvia the 80-79 advantage. It was no surprise that Grujicic got the last shot, it was definitely a good look, but just fell a bit short giving Latvia the big 80-79 win. “In the fourth quarter, the game remained intense as both teams traded baskets in a tightly contested finish. Latvia continued to attack the paint effectively, where Germany struggled to get consistent stops. Valters and Pihtovs led the charge for Latvia, keeping the pressure on with aggressive drives and timely scoring. Germany, guided by Grujicic’s leadership, responded with key plays but couldn’t fully contain Latvia’s dynamic drives”, commented Florian Flabb. Latvia was led by Valdis Valters and Jaroslavs Pihtovs with 18 points a piece while Germany was led by Mathieu Grujicic with 31 points while Fynn Lastring had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Latvia shot 43% from the field and 22% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 7 turnovers while Germany shot 40% from the field and 33% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Adam Ramstedt Is A Veteran That Brings Energy And High Quality Defense For The Swedish National Team

Adam Ramstedt (210-C-1995) is a 29 year old 2010cm center from Sweden playing his first season with Hermine Nantes Atlantique (France-ProB). He began his basketball career with the Talje Knights (Basketettan). With the exception of playing briefly with Debreceni Egyetem (Hungary-A Division) and GTK Gliwice (Poland-EBL), he has palyed the rest of his career in Sweden playing 4 seasons with the Sodertalje Kings (Basketligan) and 5 seasons with the Norrkoping Dolphins (Basketligan). He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Euro 2025 qualifying game against Germany.

Thanks Adam for talking to germanhoops.com. You have been a member of the Swedish national team for many years. What is it like playing against Germany now since they are World Champions? Does that feel a little overwhelming or is it just 2 normal games again?

Playing against Germany is never easy and we know it. We’ve faced them multiple times in both friendly games and within competition games and it has never been easy for us. We know that they are not bringing their full roster who won the World Cup to Stockholm on the 22 of November, but that does not mean that we can relax and think that its going make it much easier. Germany will always put up with good players who represent their country and I can bet that they are coming with a really strong team to face us for these two games. I wouldn’t say that these two games are just “normal”, it´s always special to play in front of your fans in your home country in front of big crowds. It´s nothing that is new for the Swedish national team so we are definitely ready for the challenge to try to perform our best and hopefully do well in these important games.

This time Germany will be weaker with no NBA or Euroleague players. Will you guys be extra motivated? How good do you see your chances of winning?

Motivation would have been high for whatever roster they would have brought to play these games in November, we are going to focus on ourselves first and then adept to whatever team that we have to face. Like I said earlier, we know that it is not the winners of the World Cup who we are going to face, but it is still a big challange for us. I believe that with this group of players, and staff, that we have we can really compete with a lot of great national teams. I would not count us out from advancing to the european championship next summer.

How is the state of Swedish basketball now with the national team? The team has good chemistry and some guys that have been a mainstay in the ACB for years. What young guys are coming up?

The state of swedish basket ball in general is great, we can see that the numbers are saying that basket ball is one of the sports thats grows a lot right now in our country. We have a lot of good players playing internationally and the womens national team who just advanced to the european championship after performing really well in the qualifier’s are doing great! The mens national team is also on a good path were we have a great group of guys with amazing chemistry and the raw talent to actually win games. We are starting to see a group that has come together during multiple national team windows to build something that hopefully will last a couple years through continuity. We got young guys like Bara Njie and Melwin Pantzar who hopefully will be a part of the national team for many years to come.

Is Melvin Pantzar on his way this season in the ACB for his break out? Is this a guy that could reach the Euroleague down the road?

Yes I believe so! Melwin is a player that really has proven himsef in the national team and foremost with Bilbao both in ACB but also in FIBA europé cup. I think that the sky is the limit for him, you can put him in whatever team and he would do well becasue of the high IQ basketball he plays and how he puts his pride on playing great defense as well. I can definitely se him on a euroleague team in a couple years.

The team has experienced big men in the national team. What exactly is your role on the team?

My role throughout the years has differed depending on what team we’ve had for that specific game. My role is usually bringing energy from the bench with high quality defense, spreading the floor and being a supporting overall player who can fit with multiple different line ups. This time with Simon Birgander on the team, my role is usually backing him up and bringing another dimension as a position five who spaces the floor and be flexible in playing different pick and roll coverages.

What is it like playing on the national team with Nicholas Spires. He told me you are one of his best friends. Your nicest moment with him?

Yes me and Nick go way back to even the youth national team, we have played together in two different club teams in Sweden and throughout the years in the mens national team. It´s always been amazing playing with him, we play very well together since we know each other very well both on and off the court. He is indeed one of my closest friends so its always been fun having him as my teammate. The best moments we have shared as players is probably when we won the swedish basketball league finals together in 2023, that was a amazing feeling. As his friend off the court, the beat moment was probably attending his beautiful marriage this last summer.

How do you believe have you guys profited from each other in the last decade? How influential a player has he been for your game over the years?

I think we really have pushed each other in practices by being good competitors against one another. Both of us really like to win so playing a lot against each other has really helped both of us develop in a great way. We do have a similar type of playing style so there has always competition beetwen us of course, but both of us has developed through that competition.

You began your basketball career with the Talje Knights (Basketettan). What memories do you have of these years? How do you remember yourself developing further there?

At that point in my life I think I did not really have a plan with my basket ball career. Basketettan was at that point the second league of Sweden and Talje Knights was the second team to Sodertalje Kings who played in the first league. At this point, when I’m still in high school, I’m still just playing becasue I enjoyed the game a lot and I had talent. To be honest I would not have thought that I was going to make it to where I am now thinking back to my mentality during those years when I was 18 years old. I do remember that I never had any problems with working hard, so I was always disciplined and ambitious during these years. I was also a late bloomer and was still grooing at this time so that helped with developing my outside game before I have finished growing to 209 cm.

In the 2015-2016 season you played your first season with the Sodertalje Kings (Basketligan) and played 7 Fiba Europe Cup games. You played against Frankfurt that later won the Fiba Europe Cup with head coach Gordon Herbert. Do you remember how dominating that Frankfurt team was?

Yes we had a pretty good run that year if I remember right, we managed to make it to the second round at least. Yes I remember Frankfurt being a reall powerhouse with Herbert as coach and Johannes Voigtmann leading them. At this point I barely saw the court because of how strong of a team that we had but I was also very inexperienced at 20 years old.

In 2016 you won the league title with the Sodertalje Kings. That was a special team winning the title. How vital was leader Skyler Bowlin for the team winning the title?

Yes that years of Sodertalje Kings was truly special, we had such a great roster. Skyler Bowling was one of the players who fitted really well with the type of playing style that coach Vedran Bosnic played. He was a great leader on and of the court who provided with lethal outside scoring. Other than Skyler we had Toni Bizaca who led our team in scoring on the position 4, Chris Czerapowitz who has had a great european career and currently plays for GTK Gliwice (my old team) and of coruse with us in the national team. I can name all of the players individually that we had that year but that would take to long time.

Twice you left Sweden to go to Debreceni Egyetem (Hungary-A Division) and to GTK Gliwice (Poland-EBL) but returned back in the same season to Sweden. Did you get home sick?

I wasn’t really about me being home sick when I was returning to my old clubs during these two seasons. It was more about the situation and that both of my old Swedish clubs, Sodertljje BBK and Norrkoping Dolphins, had just gotten an opening in their roster on my position where I would fit great. Both of my experiences in Hungary and Poland was the clubs wanting to part ways with me when the teams did not perform well in their leagues. In DEAC we had a rough start to the season, I was a young 23 year old import, with back problems at that time, who did not perform any good numbers. In GTK Gliwice they were desperate to try anything in terms of switching out players because of how poorly we performed as a team, so we decided to part ways in January 2022 after the club already had parted ways with 6 other players before me. To make two long stories short you can say that I did not meet up to the expectations in both of these organisations, but I’m very greatful for these two opportunities because rhey taught me so much about being a professional basketball player outside of your domestic country.

Talk a little about your time in Hungary and Poland. What did you cherish most about your time there?

I will always cherish the bonds I’ve created with some of the teammates I had in both Hungary and Poland. And like I said before both of the situation taught me about living far away from my family, being more independent as a human being and learnning how it is to play as a import.

You then played 5 seasons with Norrkoping Dolphins (Basketligan) and won 5 titles. You played your best basketball in these years. Was this the best time of your life in basketball?

Yes, those years in Norrkoping has definitely been the best basketball years I’ve experienced as a player. I’ve had great success individually in Norrkoping but also with the team who managed to bring home 4 league championships and 2 cup titals during my time there.

You had many playoff series in Sweden, but was the 2024 final against Boras the most exciting? What memories do you have of that exciting series?

The 2024 SBL finals against Boras was definitely exciting, but I wouldn’t put it up there as the most exciting out of all my playoffs experiences. If I would have to choose the most exciting playoffs series that I have ever experienced it would probably be the 2022 SBL finals against Jamtland and 2023 Semi-finals also against Jamtland. The finals in 2022 ended up 4-2 for us where we won the last game away on their home court. If we would have lost that one it would have tured in to a game 7 in Norrkoping wich could have gone either way because Jamtland had a really good team that year. The 2023 semi-finals actually went to a game 7 were we won it away in Jamtland. We were the 3rd seed before playoffs that year so going to the finals as underdogs that season is something that I never will forget.

Now your playing abroad again this time with Hermine Nantes Atlantique (France-ProB). What kind of an experience has it been? Where would you rate the France Pro B in skill level compared with Sweden, Hungary and Poland?

We’ve had a very bad start to the season here in the French pro B, we are now at 19th place with a 2-10 win/loss record. This is definitely under our expectation before coming to this season and it is something we are trying to change for the upcoming part of the season. Other than that we as a team haven’t met up to the expectations yet I’ve enjoyed my stay in Nantes. The club is professional, nice city, good housing and a good group of guys. The league in itself is very competitive filled with great teams and talent. It´s a fast and very athletic league who plays very physical so it´s taking its time to adept to the pace of the league.

What is it like battling French big man Darel Poirior on a daily basis? 2 vets going head to head. Who gets the best of each other most?

Its been great, he is a great competiter who always plays hard. Hard to say who gets the better of one another the most, we don´t always play againt each other since he only plays the 4 and I’m both 4 and 5 in our team. Sometimes we play with each other and sometimes we play against eacher without even guarding one another.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Nicholas Spires?

Haha great question. Since no one of us is truly a “one on one player” I would say we go pretty even if we play each other. It would depend on who has the best day to day shape and flow of the game.

Who is the best player that you ever battled on the court that reached the NBA?

With my years in the national team I’ve played a bunch of guys who later on made it to the NBA. If I don´t include when we played the whole team of Germany in a pre season game during the summer of 2023 (right before they won the World Cup). I’ve played Alperen Sengun, among other stars in the Turkish national team. I’ve also had the chance to play Spains u20 national team in 2014 who had both Hernangomez brothers. Willy Hernangomez dunked on me in the fast break if I remember it right haha

Please name your 5 best Swedish teammates of all-time and your 5 best non Swedish teammates of all-time?

If I’m going do teammates outside of the national team I would make the list like this :

Best 5 Swedish players: Chris Czerapowicz, Tobias Borg, Martin Pahlmblad, Nick Spires and Johan Lofberg

Best 5 non-Swedish players: Skyler Bowlin, Jackson Rowe, Toni Bizaca, Daniel Amigo and Devonte Green.

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?

My NBA Mount Rushmore would be: Steph Curry, Micheal Jordan, Koby Bryant, LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal

Who is your GOAT?

Thats a tough one. I would phrase it like this: I think that Micheal Jordan is the greatest basketball player to ever play this game, meanwhile LeBron has had the greatest basketball career we have ever seen. Depending on what you prefere and reference to in the GOAT debate there are different answers. But in my opinion I value LeBrons greatness of a career and therefore hold him as the GOAT. But like I said, I won’t argue against that Jordan was more of a complete player and therefore totally understand that people hold him as the GOAT.

Thanks Adam for the chat.