Dragos Diculescu (196-G/F-1999, agency: One Motive Sports) is a 27 year old 196cm guard from Romania playing his second season in Germany and first with Pro A club EPG Baskets Koblenz. He played his first season in Germany in 2024-2025 with the BG Hessing Leitershofen (Germany-Pro B) averaging 18.8ppg, 5.8rpg, 4.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 63.1%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 74.1%. Last season he palyed with the Koping Stars (Sweden-Basketligan) averaging 16.1ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 87.4%. He began his basketball career in his native Romania and palyed with teams like Steaua CSM EximBank Bucuresti (Liga Nationala), BC Timisoara (Liga Nationala), and SCM CSU Craiova (Liga Nationala. He then played 2 seasons with Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-DBL). He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Dragos for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with the EPG Baskets Koblenz. After a season in Sweden, your back in Germany. What kind of a relationship did you personally get when you played in Leitershofen 2 seasons ago?

First of all, I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to do this interview. I’m grateful for the platform to share my thoughts, my mentality, and a little bit more about who I am as a player and person. As for returning to Germany, it was a decision that felt very natural to me. I had a great experience here before, and I’ve always viewed German basketball as one of the strongest and most professional environments in Europe. The level of organization, the quality of the competition, and the opportunities for player development make it a great place to grow. I have ambitious goals for my career, and I believe Germany is a country where strong performances are recognized and where players can continue taking the next steps in their development. At the same time, it’s simply a great place to live and work as a professional athlete. When the opportunity to return came up, I was genuinely excited because I felt it aligned with both my personal and professional goals.

You reached the final in Holland some years ago and are still looking for your first pro title. The EPG Baskets are surely a team that won´t win the title. Why did you chose to join the EPG Baskets Koblenz?

Winning a championship is definitely one of my career goals, but I’ve always believed that championships are the result of a much bigger process. My focus is on becoming the type of player who can consistently contribute to winning at the highest level. In basketball, the margins are incredibly small, and there are many great players who have had championship-level careers without necessarily winning a title every season. My goal is to keep developing into a championship-caliber player, and I trust that success will follow. As for Koblenz, I never choose a team with the mindset of limiting what is possible. Every team I’ve joined, I’ve joined with the intention of competing and winning. Of course, there are teams with bigger budgets or different expectations, but budgets don’t play the gamesplayers do. First, we have to focus on building something strong and reaching the playoffs. Once you’re there, anything can happen. More importantly, I felt that Koblenz was the right environment for me to continue growing as a player and as a person. I had a great feeling from the conversations with the club and the coaching staff, and when you find a place that aligns with your goals and values, there is no reason to keep looking elsewhere.

How did the talks go with head coach Stephan Doehrn. What did you appreciate right away about his basketball philosophy?

I really enjoyed my conversations with Coach Stefan. We had discussions last year as well about a potential collaboration, and even then I got the impression that he views basketball in a very modern and professional way. What stood out to me was his vision for building a team and the principles he wants that team to be built on. It felt like a healthy environment with a clear identity, which immediately appealed to me. I also felt that the role he described was a very good fit for my strengths as a player. More than anything, I’m excited for the opportunity to learn from him and better understand his perspective on the game. There’s definitely a lot of curiosity and enthusiasm on my side, and I’m looking forward to working together.

How excited are you to be teammates with Ferenc Gille again? What do you appreciate most about his game?

Ferenc and I built a strong connection the first time we played together because we shared a similar view of the game and a genuine desire to keep improving. We both had a growth mindset, spent a lot of time talking basketball, and I really enjoyed seeing how our chemistry developed throughout the season. What I appreciate most about him is his consistency, energy, and team-first mentality. He’s one of the most reliable teammates I’ve played withsomeone who brings experience, professionalism, and always puts the team’s success ahead of individual recognition. I’m really excited to share the court with him again. We created a lot of great memories together the first time around, and I’m looking forward to building on that in the season ahead.

The club sees you as being one of the leaders on the team. How do you feel comfortable of having that type of responsibility in your first Pro A season in Germany?

I’ve always been a vocal, high-energy player, and I’ve been fortunate to take on leadership responsibilities throughout different stages of my career. Because of that, leadership is something that feels natural to me, and I’m excited about the expectations and responsibility that come with this opportunity. At the same time, I believe successful teams have multiple leaders. Leadership isn’t carried by one person aloneit’s shared among players, coaches, and people throughout the organization. Personally, I’ve never been afraid of responsibility. Every season and every challenge brings lessons that help you grow, whether things go well or not. That’s why I approach this role with excitement rather than anxiety, and I’m looking forward to contributing both on and off the court.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm swing man. If you had to compare your game to a Euroleague player, who would best fit the description?

The most natural comparison would probably be Marko Guduric because we’re both left-handed and share some similarities in the way we see the game, especially in terms of playmaking and versatility. At the same time, I’ve never tried to model my game after just one player. Throughout my career, I’ve studied a lot of EuroLeague players and tried to take small elements from each of them. Some things fit naturally, some don’t, and that’s part of the process. For me, it’s never about copying someone else’s gameit’s about learning from the best and using basketball as a constant library of ideas. Those lessons can come from EuroLeague stars, former players, teammates, or even younger players. I’m always looking for ways to improve, but ultimately the goal is to build a style that is authentic to who I am as a player.

You’re a very versatile player and also have a very high IQ. You were close to a triple double last season in Sweden against BC Lulea. How valuable are these qualities in your game?

I believe versatility and basketball IQ are two of the foundations of my game because they allow me to impact winning in different ways. Every game is different, and my goal is always to give the team what it needs most. Some nights that means creating for teammates and making the right reads, other nights it means scoring, rebounding, or taking on tough defensive assignments.

I’ve never viewed basketball only through points or statistics. For me, it’s about helping the team win, whatever that requires. That’s why I’m constantly working on every aspect of my game, trying to become as complete and reliable a player as possible for any team I represented.

Early in your career you shot 50% from outside with BC Timisoaraand a few years ago in limited action 45% with CSM Constanta. How do you rate the development of your three pointer? How big of a goal is it reaching that 40% plateau?

I think percentages can be a useful reference, but they can also be misleading if taken out of context. Shooting numbers are always influenced by things like shot volume, role, and shot selection, so it’s important to understand the situation behind them rather than just the final number. For me, the focus is less on hitting a specific percentage threshold and more on the quality of my decision-making. As my role changes and I take on more responsibility, the number and difficulty of shots can also change, which naturally affects efficiency. What I try to control is taking the right shots within the flow of the game and making good decisions on when to shoot, when to pass, and how to create the best outcome for the team. I trust the work I put in and my ability as a shooter, so I focus more on maintaining high-quality shot selection and consistency rather than chasing a specific percentage.

Talk about your defensive game. Where would you rate yourself as a defender right now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I think defense is often viewed too much through an individual lens, when in reality it’s one of the most collective aspects of basketball. Over the years, playing in different countries and systems has helped me develop a better understanding of team defense, communication, rotations, and the importance of being connected as a unit. As a defender, I try to bring consistency, communication, and a strong understanding of the system. I take pride in being vocal, knowing my responsibilities, and helping teammates be in the right positions. At the professional level, effort and discipline are just as important as physical tools. Of course, like every part of my game, there is always room for improvement. That’s why I spend time studying film, analyzing mistakes, and looking for ways to become more effective. My goal is the same as it has always been: to be a player who contributes to winning, and defense is a big part of that.

On what areas of your game will you work on most this summer so you can continue to improve as a player?

In the summer, I think it’s important not to try to improve everything at once, because that usually leads to losing focus. Instead, I try to identify a few key areas and really commit to them. For the first time, I also know quite early what my situation and role might look like for the next season, which helps a lot in structuring my work. At the same time, I’m in ongoing conversations with the coaching staff, because I don’t just want to work on what I personally feel I need, but also on what the team will need from me. So my approach is to combine both perspectives: my own development priorities and the system I’m going into. I try to understand early how I will be used, and then prepare specifically for that role so I can arrive already adapted and ready to contribute from day one.

Thanks Dragons for the chat.

Keon Thompson (185-G-2003, college: SF Austin) is a 183cm guard from Indiana playing his rookie season overseas with Manchester Basketball (United Kingdom-SLB). He began his basketball career at Merrillville High School and then played at Hargrave Military Academy. He then played 2 seasons at the University of Massachusetts (NCAA) averaging 5.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 17.6%, FT: 68.1% and 9.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 23.2%, FT: 72.0%. He then finished at Stephen F. Austin State University (NCAA) averaging 13.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 76.5% and 18.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 4.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.9%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 69.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before an exhibition game against the Frankfurt Skyliners.

Thanks Keon for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing your first pro deal with Manchester Basketball (United Kingdom-SLB). Before we talk about basketball, I have to ask you, are you a soccer fan? Manchester has 2 famous clubs with Manchester and Manchester City. Will you be visiting soccer games?

I would love to go to a game I think it would be a great life experience for myself and I literally started watching soccer when the World Cup began.

How excited are you about testing the waters overseas? Are you ready?

I feel ready, all my hard work and progression has came a long way and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.

Your playing a test game against the Frankfurt Skyliners soon. What do you know about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Have you had guys that you know hoop in Germany?

An old college teammate of mine played there and enjoyed but I don’t know too much about Germany and it’s basketball scenery

You stated in the Manchester basketball press release that you have always believed when your given an opportunity, it´s your job to make the most out of it. You showed this once before after you went from UMass and broke out at Stephen F. Austin State University. Do you have a chip on your shoulder feeling that you have to prove yourself again?

I wouldn’t necessarily say I have a chip on my shoulder. I think I just have a mindset that whenever I’m given an opportunity, I have to make the most of it. I did that at SFA, and now I have another opportunity with Manchester. I know I still have a lot to learn, especially coming into professional basketball, but I’m confident in what I can bring. I just want to come in, work every day, compete, and show what I can do.

What were the main reasons for joining Manchetser basketball? What made this offer so enticing to you?

A big reason was the opportunity Manchester presented me with. I felt like they really believed in me and saw a role for me where I could come in, compete, and continue developing my game. The coaching staff, the team’s goals, and the opportunity to play in Europe all made it really attractive. I wanted my first professional experience to be somewhere I felt I could grow, contribute, and be challenged every day, and Manchester felt like the right place for that.

How did the talks go with head coach Mark Otten? What did you instantly appreciate most about his basketball philosophy? Coach loves your winning mentality.

The talks went really well. Right away, I could tell Coach Otten had a clear vision for how he wanted to play and what he expected from his players. What I appreciated most was that he values competing, playing the right way, and doing whatever it takes to win. He had already watched a lot of my college games, so he understood my game and what I could bring. I really appreciated how much he believed in my winning mentality, and that made me feel like Manchester was the right place for me to continue growing as a player.

You’re a 183cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I’d probably say Jalen Brunson. I like the way he controls the game, gets to his spots, creates for himself and his teammates, and plays with a lot of toughness despite being undersized. I try to bring that same mentality to the game.

You’re a player that fills the stat sheet with ease. Is it fair to say that one can´t define you as a scoring or only playmaking guard? What are your biggest strengths on offense?

Yeah, I would say that’s fair. I don’t really see myself as just a scoring guard or just a playmaker. I try to impact the game in whatever way is needed. If the team needs me to score, I’ll score. If I need to create for my teammates, I’ll do that. I think one of my biggest strengths offensively is my ability to create my own shot, get downhill, and make plays for others. I also feel like I have a good feel for the game and can read what the defense is giving me. Ultimately, I just try to make the right play and help us win.

Talk a little about your defensive game. You’re a very ambitious defender. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I think defense is something I can really bring to the team. I’m a competitive guy, so I enjoy taking on the challenge of guarding the other team’s best players. I use my quickness, strength, and instincts to be aggressive and make things uncomfortable. At the same time, I know there’s always room to grow. I want to become more disciplined, better with my positioning, and more consistent throughout the entire game. My goal is to be a two-way guard that can impact winning on both ends.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so that you can continue to improve your game this season?

Right now, I’m focused on becoming a more complete player. I want to continue improving my decision-making and efficiency, especially when I have the ball in my hands. I’m also putting a lot of work into my three-point shooting, becoming more consistent and confident from behind the arc. Defensively, I want to keep improving my positioning and discipline. Overall, I just want to keep developing every part of my game and become a more complete two-way guard.

You played 2 seasons at the University of Massachusetts (NCAA) averaging 5.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 17.6%, FT: 68.1% and : 9.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 23.2%, FT: 72.0%. How do you remember these early years in your basketball development under head coach Frank Martin?

Those two years were really important for me. I came into UMass with a lot to learn, and Coach Frank Martin challenged me to become a more complete player and understand what it takes to compete at a high level. My numbers improved from my first year to my second, but more than anything, those years taught me how to handle adversity, stay confident, and keep working even when things weren’t going the way I wanted. Looking back, I’m grateful for that experience because it helped prepare me for what came next at SFA and now for my professional career.

You had massive games at UMass against Sienna, URI and GMU. What was your fondest moment on the court at UMass?

I’d probably say the win against Rhode Island. That game really stands out to me because of the atmosphere, the competition, and the way we played together as a team. Being able to contribute in a big game like that and see the work we put in during practice translate onto the court was special. Those are the moments you remember not just because of your individual performance, but because you were able to help your teammates and compete for a win.”

You then moved to Stephen F. Austin State University (NCAA) averaging 13.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 76.5% and 18.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 4.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.9%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 69.3%. How key was it making this move and how did your game grow further there?

It was a really important move for me. I felt like I needed a fresh opportunity where I could play with more freedom and continue developing my game. At SFA, I was able to take on a bigger role and become more confident as a scorer and playmaker. I improved my decision-making, my ability to create for myself and others, and became more comfortable playing at a faster pace and making plays under pressure. Most importantly, I learned how to lead, compete, and impact winning in different ways. That experience really helped prepare me for this next step into professional basketball.

You had many very memorable games at Stephen T Austin State University like scoring32 points against UT Rio Grande Valley or 27 points against Tulsa or 27points against Northwestern State where you had big free throws in the last 10 seconds to seal the win. What was your favorite game there?

It’s tough to pick just one because all three were special for different reasons. Beating McNeese at home was really memorable because of the atmosphere and what that win meant to us. The quarterfinal against TAMU-CC was special because of the pressure of tournament basketball and knowing that everything was on the line. And then playing in the NIT was something I’ll never forget because it was another level of competition, the atmosphere was electric and a great way to represent SFA. If I had to choose one, I’d probably say the McNeese game at home because of the energy in the building and being able to experience that with my teammates and our fans.

How did head coaches Tony Jasick and Matt Braeuer groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

I’d say both coaches played a part in my journey, but in different ways. Coach Jasick was part of my early experience at SFA and helped me understand the college game and what was expected of me. With Coach Braeuer, I was able to take another step in my development and have a bigger role. He trusted me with more responsibility and challenged me to become a better decision-maker, scorer and leader. Those experiences helped me understand the level of discipline, preparation and consistency that you need to have if you want to play professionally.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Lateef Patrick?

I won of course

Who was the best player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Da’ron Holmes

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Bill Russell

Who is your GOAT?

LeBron James

Thanks Keon for the chat.