Pic credit: Mikulas Celta

Lukas Smazak (190-G-2007) is a 18 year old 188cm point guard form the Czech Republic playing his first season with the Skyliners organization playing Pro B and NBBL. He began his basketball career with the BK Snakes Ostrava (U19 League). Last season he split time with Srsni Photomate Pisek (NBL) and the Snakes Ostrava (1Liga) averaging 20.9ppg, 5.2rpg, 4.0apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 87.7%, played also at BK Snakes Ostrava U19 team (U19 League) averaging PPG-1 (30.9), 6.9rpg, APG-1 (6.6), SPG-1 (4.5), FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 81.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the Czech Republic´s 115-82 loss against Germany in Hamburg.

What kind of a feeling was it for you to step on the Barclays floor and see 6 World Champions?

To be honest in that moment I wasn´t in awe really. Before the game when I saw the Germany roster and saw names like Dennis Schroeder and Isaac Bonga, I was like wow. As an 18 year old and the youngest, it is a crazy feeling to play against these type of players.

Did you make any small talk with any of the German players before the game?

No I didn´t. I didn´t know any personally.

It was a very tight first quarter that Germany won 24-21. How much of your game plan could the Czech Republic perform in the first 10 minutes?

Coach was actually happy how we played the whole first half. We wanted to run the floor as quickly as possible and make those early outlet passes up to the wings.

You came into the game in the first quarter. Were you nervous?

I wasn´t too nervous.

You hit your first three pointer. How did that feel?

It felt really good. I was happy. It was a bad pass that landed at my feet. I had to go up quickly for the shot and made it. Malte Delow was defending me.

In the second quarter it was back and forth and Germany led by 7, but at the break Germany only led 50-49. What besides the three´s kept you in the game?

We played good team basketball. We hit a lot of open shots and made the three ball. That all happened because of making those early outlet passes.

Richard Baliant had 19 points at half-time. Was he extra motivated?

I think that for him it was just a normal game. I think that once you start to hit shots, you know it´s going to be a good day. He just did his thing.

The turning point of the game came in the third quarter as Germany outscored the Czech Republic 36-17. What was key for Germany taking control? They were dominant in so many categories, but surprisingly only had 4 fast break points.

We didn´t play the way we did in the first half. We didn´t run the floor anymore and stopped making the outlet passes. Germany began to hit more shots and got more fluidity in their game. We did do a good job stopping their transition game.

You came back in at the 7,28 minute mark of the fourth quarter? When your down 94-68 do you try not to make a mistake or be aggressive and attack?

It is always better to be aggressive and attack. I think that when you are trying not too make mistakes, then you are doing nothing. You have to try everything possible against these high quality players.

You made a second trey at the 3,11 minute mark. Is it tough to enjoy a shot when your down plus 30?

I wasn´t thinking about it. I just made another shot. It wasn´t special. I just hit it and went back on defense.

The Czech Republic lost 115-82. What positives can you take as a team for the Turkey game?

We ran the floor well. We spaced well. We also took good early shots and when we had paint touches, it usually resulted in a basket or foul. We also did a pretty good job stopping early German passes into the paint.

You had 8 points in 13 minutes. How content your Czech debut?

I was happy. I scored twice which was like a bonus for me. It was an incredible feeling. I was happy with my offense, but not defense. It was tough guarding Dennis Schroeder. He is so fast. I have to get better on defense.

How did you feel did you do against the skill level and physicality? Does that give you extra confidence for m ore BBL opportunities with the Skyliners?

I´m pretty motivated at the moment. I didn´t necessarily feel like I´m at the level of the German players, but then again, I feel like I´m so far away either. I have extra confidence now when I return back to Frankfurt.

Did you watch a guy like Dennis Schroeder closer? Were you in awe or was it just another day at the office for you?

I thought I would be in awe, but when I was on the floor, it was pretty normal. Before the game I thought it was crazy to be on the same floor as Dennis Schroeder, but when I was on the floor, I just didn´t think about it and just played.

What German player personally impressed you most?

Dennis Schroeder impressed me the most. His passes,quickness and IQ are amazing. His passing is also at another level. However I think that I saw some things in his passing that will help me improve mine as well.

Thanks Lukas for the chat.