European Prospects

Here we go for the 2nd part of the Yabazz Interviewwith the German U18 Head Coach Kay Blümel. He mainly speaks about the top German prospects and their level compared to other European countries in this part.

You probably have a very good vision on all the different talents in Europe. Can you tell us how Germany stands compared to other nations? Let’s start with the generation 1992.

The first thing to know is that if we think we have a good generation in Germany, this generation is generally also of good quality in Europe. In so considered bad generations for Germany, the European level is often not great as well. This is an interesting parallel development. To answer your question: We only lack a top-level Point Guard in the 1992 generation, like the Spaniards have every year, to play the title. If you look at a roster with Heckmann, Mönninghoff on the wing and Daniel Theis and Martin Breuning on the four, who are all very athletic and can jump very well and play the alley-oops, then this is impressive. If everything works well, this team should have Top6 level at any time.

The 93 generation has one of its best prospects in Dennis Schröder?

Dennis Schröder is a true point guard, who likes to create for others. I am also impressed by his hard-nosed defense. If he is focused, he can hold anyone in front of him in one-on-one situations. Behind him, there are a lot of other interesting prospects like Besnik Bekteshi or Bogdan Radosavljevic. The 93 generation is fore sure a Top 8 team.

We have discussed already about the 94 borns around Paul Zipser and Malik Müller. How do you see them compared to other nations?

They are a Top8 candidate for me. If everything works perfectly, then the semi-final is a realistic goal at the European Championship this summer.

What about the 1995 borns?

This is of course quite early but I think this generation is very close to the 1992 born. We have Akpinar, Taylor, a 2m tall PG in Robert Zinn and a lot of tall guys like Ugrai, Mayr, Schilling and Niklas Ney. Additionally, there are some new kids like Ole Angerstein from Braunschweig or Johannes Joos out of Ludwigsburg who are both already 2m05 tall. With these players, you can set the semi-final as a realistic goal.

So Germany can look forward to have good results in the different Youth categories in the future?

Yes, it is our goal. Because of the NBBL and the JBBL, we have a lot more players available and playing on a good level. Before, we had to think about who to put on the roster to fill it, today we have to think about who not to take. This competition pushes the kids of course and this is a big plus for us.

The NBBL Playoffs are approaching. Who are your favorites?

Of course Jena has a very strong Starting Five, they added the player they needed in Josip Peric and they remained unbeaten in a very strong Division. The next favorite is Urspring who had a lot of injury problems but they will reach the Top4 in my opinion because they have the experience. But you should also take a look at ALBA Berlin and the hosts from Phoenix Hagen.

Would the potential semi-final between Jena and Urspring be the real Final?

Yes, if you check the rosters and the results of the two teams, then you can say that. I do not understand why you do not let play the South teams versus the North teams before the Final.

Do you have an underdog that one should follow?

Breitengüssbach might have some good results because of their playing style. They are real fighters. Also Ludwigsburg had some good games and might put some big names in trouble.