review

Despite Scoring A Career High 45 Points Miki Novovic(KFUM Kalmar) Always Tries To Be A Team Player Before Chasing His own Achievements

Miki Novovic (208-C-1992) is a 33 year old 202cm center from Monenegro that is playing his 13th professional season and thiird season with KFUM Kalmar (Sweden-Basketettan). He began his basketball career with the BC Buducnost Podgorica junior team. He then went on to gain massive experience in Europe in countries like Spain, Germany, Italy and Denmark. He spoke to germanhoops.com after netting an incredible 45 points in a game in Sweden.

Thanks Miki for talking to germanhoops.com. You scored an amazing 45 points in a game against Lobas. Could you even enjoy the brilliant performance despite losing the game?

Thank you. Well it was tough to be happy after a loss. I was stuck in the moment so I was sad after the loss, but after all I was proud on my individual performance and achievement.

Despite the loss, what does a high scoring game like this mean to you? You weren´t always such a big time scorer in your career?

It means a lot. Individually it’s obviously big accomplishment, something I never chase honestly, I always try to play game the right way. I try to be more of a team player than chasing my own achievement. So I guess that’s the “award” after fulfilling all those stuff. I try always to find myself in spots I’m comfortable and be active on rebounds and the pick and roll game. Like I said I didn’t chase it, it came to me and of course opportunities to go score a lot are not quite often on any level so once I had it I was trying to stay focus and do plays on correct way.

The interesting thing in today´s game, one usually sees guards having big scoring games simply because they take many shots. Does a game like this give hope for all the big men out there to go out and take more shots than usual and know it is possible to score a lot?

Yes you right. Guards are always the ones having ball in their hands more time and they are creating shoots for themselves or others. Us bigs are basically depending on them and on passes. I think that bigs are underused in some of games, just because of “stereotypes “ where a big is just there just to set screens and take rebounds. I think the game is evolving and bigs are also having good touch, good ball handling, good feel for the game so I think they deserve more of having the ball in their hands. Of course I still believe that bigs need to fulfill a lot of other stuff like rebounds, good screens, good help on defense, closing paint and after fulfilling all those I think “award” should be more freedom in offensive play, and more options to score and be involved in action.

How did you get into the game. How quickly did you know that you could have a great scoring game?

Well I started as usual. Focus on setting tone with hard screens and controlling the paint. Run in opposite paint and try to position myself early. My team was able to find me pretty quick in transition so first points came easy. It was also second back-to-back game so my only focus is “push thru and give all today” because when you tired that’s when you need to try to find that extra energy to push yourself, and I started with that mentality early in warmup and than early on game. Once I scored first points I and had some good defensive possession I found that extra “fuel” and energy and I was just kept pushing.

You have had good scoring games this season, but do you feel like you had to do more with scoring because the team was losing in the game?

Yes. Like you mentioned before I was never just a scoring oriented guy. I try to do everything that my team needs. Either that’s only taking rebounds or just passing, or just staying in corners and play defensive. But this season things change a bit and I try to adjust. We decided to rebuild team, we sign all young guys. Almost every player on team is under 21 and me as the oldest, I knew I need to step up. So me scoring and doing extra stuff is the way to try to lead this young team and show them what they need to do. Also since I’m becoming more of a “threat” on court it gives them more space to play and work on their game. A lot teams focus on me so others on my team can be free and focus on their shoots, drives, assists and of course losing is part of it and I’m aware. We all are but I think with time theseyoung prospects will develop and it’s just matter of time when all “click” and we start with winning some games. Hopefully next one will be first.

Are you aware that if you had hit your three point attempt and made 2 more free throws, you would have reached 50 points. Does a game like this make a 50 point game for you more realistic in the future?

Hahah, yeah. After a game when I rewatched and all I figured out. I guess I got tired after all that and this game I couldn’t make it. But hopefully in the future you never know. I try to play right way and if opportunity comes I will definitely take it and try to use to the fullest.

The team had 23 assists. How thankful are you for having a teammate like Emil Drottman who had 10 assists and found you a lot?

It’s great. Emil among others has great potential. Young PG that works everyday. We spend a lot time together also off court, the age gape is big hahah but I try to be his mentor. He is a great kid willing to learn. If he do bad I say if he do good I say. That’s how he improves. I try to talk to him how to stay professional and how to act in different situations… etc. He is on a good path, and with his work ethic and dedication maybe he will break this small record that I have now.

Did you get any special wishes from friends and family around the world?

Yes. A lot of friends and family of course sent a lot of congratulations and compliments for achieving it. Some of them just checked after by stats and some of them watched game. It was tough, specially from friend and family that are “into basketball “ because they are happy for my achievement but also they know that in that moment I was disappointed because of another loss so they wait untill everything “cools down” a bit and then we analyzed it and celebrate together.

Will you do something special for your teammates who found you all day long to help you reach 45 points?

After they read and interview I will have to get them something haha. But yes I thought about it and next road trip dinner is on me for that.

What was your favorite basket of the game?

After I watched the highlights there were few of them I like. But I would say some of the dunks might be the favorites because they also hype and get up the energy to team and crowd, so those might be the favorite ones.

Thanks Mikki for the chat.

Isaac Johnson(KB Istogu) Didn´t Necessarily Feel Like Steph After Exploding For 41 Points and 10 three´s But It Definitely Felt Good

Isaac Johnson (196-F, college: Rogers St.) is a 196cm forward form Minnesota playing his rookie season overseas with KB Istogu (Kosovo-Liga e pare). He began his basketball career at Minneapolis North high school and then played at 3 NCAA schools. He played at Western Illinois University (NCAA) form 2017-2019 averaging 8.8ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 75.8% and 11.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 26.6%, FT: 79.7%. He then played a season at Nicholls State University (NCAA) playing 6 games averaging 4.0ppg, 2.0rpg. He then finished at Rogers State University (NCAA2) averaging 7.3ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 82.0%a and 14.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 68.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his 41 point game.

Congrats on the massive 106-81 win over Kosovari. How more could you enjoy your 41 point feta with a win?

Thank you! I´m not really sure that there is anything that could have made that win feel any better. It was a great team win that we really needed.

You once had 29 points in a NCAA game. Was this the most points scored for you in your career?

I had games where I scored more than 29 in highschool. But yes thats the highest I scored in college.

What does this feat mean to you being able to score 41 points?

It always feels great to have a great game and get the win. Just trying to help my club win every game and if that means I need to have a big night then I’ll get it done.

How quickly did you that you may have a great scoring day? How rapidly were you in the flow?

It was actually pretty quick. We noticed right away they were playing zone so I knew I would get a lot of opportunities for open threes and they were falling that night.

Did you feel like you were in the zone?

After about the first 2 or 3 threes I definitely felt a good flow and had a great feeling about the game.

You took 19 shots and 5 free throws. Were you happy with your overall aggressiveness or do you feel like you could have been more aggressive?

I was very happy with my aggressiveness I feel like I didn’t force up any bad shots just because I was feeling hot.

You hit for 10 three´s a career high. Did you feel like Steph Curry just a little?

Haha I wouldn’t say I felt like Steph but I definitely felt good out there.

The team had 30 assists. How blessed do you feel that your teammates were able to find you so well?

Feels great knowing they trust me to take and make shots for them consistently every night.

Does a game like this raise your confidence to be able to break 41 points in the future?

A game like that definitely boosts your confidence a little bit but I try not let the highs get to high or lows get to low. Every game is different.

Did you get any special messages from family and friends that you won´t forget?

My family and close friends I will always be grateful for them and their words of encouragement.

Will you take your team out to eat or perhaps get donuts for all?

Now that you mentioned it I might have to find a way to show them my appreciation this upcoming week.

What was your favorite basket of the game?

My favorite basket of the game didn’t even come from me. It was one of our young guys came in the game late and made a tough basket.

Thanks Isaac 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.

Alexander Lagerman Knows That The Dragons Rhondorf Have To Keep Improving So They Are Their Best Version For The Playoffs

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Alex Lagerman in the Dragon Dome in 2025

Congrats on the massive 104-97 win over Coburg. How good did it feel sweeping the season series against Coburg?

It feels great. I believe we are making steps and progressing as a team. It was a good collective performance.

After only allowing 72 points last week in Frankfurt, what was the goal defensively going into the game?

No specific goals besides our fundamental defensive principles. We executed our defensive structures well.

The first quarter was a scoring explosion with 58 points, but the Dragons had the 31-27 advantage. How vital is it for the Dragons to try to get away from these shoot out type of quarters?

Vital, it’s hard to gain control over shoot outs because you can’t factor luck in.

BBC Coburg had a rapid start, but how important was the alley-oop dunk from Danas Kazakevicius? Did that give the Dragons the needed energy at that time?

Yea plays such as that one, definitely spike the energy and can only benefit the team.

The Dragons then had a big run to lead 29-19, but BBC Coburg punched back with a 8-2 run to trail only 31-27. What was so difficult for the Dragons being able slow down BBC Coburg better?

Basketball is a momentum shifting game. I guess Coburg found their momentum in that specific sequence.

In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf got a healthy lead and led by as much as 17 points and led 59-43 at the break. What adjustment did the Dragons make on the defensive end?

We controlled our matchups better in one on one.

In the third quarter BBC Coburg fought back scoring 26 points and trailed only 79-69. Down the stretch Tobias Rotegaard hit 2 three´s. What made it so difficult to contain him?

He was chucking up moving threes around screens which is always hard to contest. They were tough shots but you have to give him credit for making them.

BBC Coburg continued to fight in the fourth quarter and the Dragons couldn´t shake them. How vital was it for the Dragons showing that special offensive consistency early on to keep the comfortable lead?

Very important because we didn’t want to lose our momentum and give them the confidence that they can stop us defensively.

BBC Coburg kept fighting and got another three pointer down the stretch, but it wasn´t enough. What was key in crunch-time for getting the win?

Just staying solid, letting the clock run out and not making any mistakes that could give them the opportunity.

There were many great baskets in the game. What was your favorite basket of the game?

Hard one to pick. I liked Kelvin’s three, bcause he made it when they counted the most and that knocked them back.

The Dragons Rhondorf won the rebound duel, had better shooting percentages and had 29 assists. What was the team´s biggest strength on the night?

All of the above. Rebounding, shot making and also moving the ball well.

The Dragons Rhondorf have won 3 of their last 4 games. Is it slowly getting it´s playoff form?

That is definitely the goal. To keep improving, so that we have the best possible version of the team to show up for the playoffs

Next week a must win situation in Ludwigsburg. How big will be the revenge factor after the 91-86 loss at home?

It would be sweet to grab that win on the road, especially after losing to them in the first matchup. We shouldn’t underestimate them, they are talented but we carry the confidence and are the better team.

What will the Dragons Rhondorf will be working on most this week in practice concerning the defensive end?

That’s a question coach Marko can answer better than me, but my guess is sticking to our principles and analyzing how we can best defend the opposing team.

How great is it seeing the awakening of Tim Smith Jr? He is finding his form of the early season. Could he be the difference of making the playoffs or not?

For sure. Tim is our main guy. We need him to be in the best possible form because his versatility and shot making ability can make the difference.

You had a solid game of 10/3/1 in only 14 minutes. How content were you with your game?

For the amount of minutes I played I thought I did really well. Also defensively I felt like I did a solid job. I try to control what I can control, so I’m very content with how I played.

You averaged 26 minutes in the last 2 games before the Coburg game, but about 10 minutes less in the 10 previous games. And against Coburg it was only 14 minutes. How tough is these fluctuations in your minutes?

It isn’t easy. In order to perform consistently it obviously helps to get consistent playing time. But we have a deep squad and as long as we are performing well it doesn’t matter who is playing how much.

Do you have any explanations why there have been so many games 15/21 where you averaged less than 20 minutes?

That’s an interesting statistic I wasn’t aware of that. I’m not quite sure I have an exact explanation besides the fact that we have a deep rotation. But I feel like, considering the way I played last game, I could’ve definitely played more. I guess my main takeaway for this is that minutes should be directly connected to my in-game performance.

How thrilled were you last weekend winning against your ex team Frankfurt? What gave you the most satisfaction after the buzzer sounded?

It definitely felt great also playing in front of my family and friends is always a blessing. Just the taste of victory was enough in terms of satisfaction.

Antonio Pilipovic scored the 100th point. Does he have to get donuts?

Most certainly yes. He is known for enforcing the donut rule, so I’m pretty sure he’ll live by it as well lol.