Jona Drücke Q&A

After eye-catching experiences at both the 24-25 German national Finals (JBBL) where he was named the MVP and also the U16 Eurobasket last summer, Pro Insight connected with the 2028 guard Jona Drücke to discuss his basketball journey, shared learnings from his last stint with the German U16 National Team, how his daily basketball life looks like right now, and much more.

For the next installment of the Pro Insight Q&A series, we present 2028 prospect and Berlin, Germany native, Jona Drücke:

Pro Insight: Today we’re joined by someone from Germany. Thanks for being here. Let’s start with a short introduction:

Jona Drücke: Yeah, hello. Thanks a lot, I’m thankful to be here. My name is Jona Drücke, I’m from Berlin and I’m 16 years old.

Pro Insight: Are you originally from Berlin?

Jona Drücke: Yes, I grew up here my whole life.

PI: Let’s talk about your early career. How did you get to where you are today?

JD: I started playing soccer when I was three years old and played until I was ten. Then in school, during sports class, my teacher told me I should try basketball because I was tall and had potential. I started training at ALBA Berlin in the junior league, and looking back, it was the right choice. Now I’m here.

PI: Tell us a bit about your background and family. How was it growing up in such a big city like Berlin?

JD: For me, Berlin is the most beautiful city in Germany. I love it here. In my family, no one played sports on a professional level, but there was always sport around. My dad played volleyball as a hobby, so sports were always part of our family, just not professionally.

PI: This past summer you played at the U16 EuroBasket. Can you walk us through that experience?

JD: The year before, I already played U16 EuroBasket with players who were one year older, so this was my second big tournament. This year was a great experience. Being part of the team, working with the coaches and playing with top players from Germany was special. Finishing ninth was tough, but I learned a lot — especially about controlling the game and reading situations on a higher, European level.

PI: What’s the biggest difference between playing with your club team and playing for the National Team?

JD: In the National Team, there are a lot of strong personalities and egos because everyone is a key player on their club team. You have to learn quickly how to play together and understand each other. It’s not easy, but I think we managed it well and had a good group.

PI: For people who don’t know your game yet, how would you describe your playing style and strengths?

JD: I don’t really like describing myself — I prefer when others do that. But from my perspective, I’m a big guard. I started as a center who could dribble and pass, then played small forward, and now I’m a guard. My biggest strengths are passing, court vision, and making the right decisions to put my teammates in the best positions.

PI: Is guard your favorite position?

JD: Yes, 100%. I love having the ball in my hands, but also giving it up when someone is open. It fits me perfectly.

PI: What would you say is an underrated aspect of your game?

JD: That’s hard to say. I think that’s something you’d have to ask my coaches.

PI: Do you study other players or have a favorite player?

JD: My favorite player overall is Nikola Jokić. I watch film on him a lot. In terms of archetype, Josh Giddey is someone I look up to because he’s a big guard with great vision and his own pace.

PI: Where do you feel you need to improve the most?

JD: I think I need to work on my athleticism and my defense. As a big guard, you often defend smaller, quicker guards, so that’s important. I’ve already made progress there, especially over the summer with the coaches.

PI: You play for ALBA Berlin, one of the top programs in Germany. What are your short-term goals with them?

JD: Winning the championship. That’s the clear goal. The team setup is a bit challenging because players train in different leagues, but in the end, we want to win the title.

PI: Can you describe your daily practice and school routine?

JD: I’m not at a ‘sports school’ — I go to regular school. Right now, I train with the team four times a week for about two hours, plus three weight sessions per week. On weekends, I usually have two games. Last year I trained early in the mornings as well, but right now sleep is more important because of school exams. I’ll probably start early workouts again soon.

PI: Can you imagine going to college in the US one day?

JD: Of course. College basketball has been a childhood dream. The campus life and the whole experience are something I would really love.

PI: Do you have a dream school?

JD: No, not really. I don’t have one specific dream school.

PI: When will you graduate?

JD: In 2028.

PI: Where do you think you can impact winning the most right now?

JD: By making my teammates better — through passing, controlling the game, having a good overview, and taking responsibility on the court.

PI: What do you like to do off the court?

JD: Spending time with friends, walking around the city, going to Christmas markets, and being with family. It helps me mentally recover.

PI: Do you watch the NBA?

JD: Mostly highlights. Full games are tough because of the time difference. I watch EuroLeague more, and I also listen to NBA podcasts to stay up to date.

PI: What kind of music do you like?

JD: Mostly hip-hop. Artists like Drake, SZA, PartyNextDoor, and the German rapper Sido. I went to a Drake concert in Berlin last year — it was amazing.

PI: If basketball didn’t work out, what would you do?

JD: I’d still be a student. Education is important to me. Maybe I’d become a lawyer.

PI: Are you more introverted or extroverted?

JD: Extroverted.

PI: Who do you look up to the most?

JD: My parents. And in basketball, Nikola Jokić.

PI: Four words that describe you best?

JD: Communicative, committed, reliable, and funny.

PI: On a bus ride to a road game — how do you pass the time?

JD: Listening to music, talking with teammates, watching Netflix, and then locking in before the game.

PI: Who is the most important person in your life?

JD: I’d rather skip that question.

PI: Thanks for your time, Jona.

JD: Thanks for having me.