By Vedran Modric
First thing i noticed in Rome that Leon Kratzer is definitely not 2.08 cm as listed on official Euroleage page and press release before the Adidas Next Generation Tournament. As the player himself confirmed to Eurohopes he is now around 2.12 cm. Leon had a very good tournament and he was selected in all-tournament team. During those 4 games in Rome (32.3 min,13.8 pt,15 rb,0.8 as) he was dominant under the rim, protecting the basket on defense and on offense drawing double team against every opponent on the tournament due to his back to the basket game. Midrange shot and free throws are work in progress but shooting mechanics and his shooting form are very good. He can shoot hook shots with both hands equally good. We talked during the second day of the tournament.
-Tell me more about yourself. Where and when did you start playing basketball?
I started playing basketball when i was 12 years old in my hometown which is like 30 km from Bamberg so Bamberg was my first choice. I had some other options in Germany but i decided to go with Bamberg because of their program and chance to develop my skills.
-You are playing now in second league in Germany for Baunach (Pro A) ? And do you train with Bamberg first team?
Yes i play for Bike-Cafe Messingschlager Baunach. I trained with the first team a lot under the coach Andrea Trinchieri. This year i played some pre-season games with Bamberg during training camp. And when i train with the first team i work a lot on my shot with assistant coach Ilias Kantzouris. Also my coach from Baunach team (Ivan Pavic) works a lot with me on my game. He stays after the practice with me to work on my hook shot,mid-range,post-ups. Baunach is like a farm team for Bamberg.
-Which basketball element do you feel you got to improve the most?
I have to work on my shot,free throws,footwork,first step. But mostly on my shot because my mid-range shot is not consistent. Also i need to improve my defense when im guarding smaller and quick centers. I need to stay in front of them ,be able to close-out and things like that. As far as my shot the problem could be that in my first 4 years of playing basketball i was shooting with my left hand and in the last 2 months i decided to shoot with my right hand and it feels better. (Note : Leon is right handed) Hook shots,lay-ups its mostly the same with both hands but with my free throws and mid range shot i feel better shooting it with my right hand.
-And what would you say its your biggest strength in a game?
Probably my post-up game. Also i take pride in rebounds so i always try to box-out my opponent. But at the end my biggest strength is my post up game.
-Your father was also a basketball player right?
Yes he played also for German National Team. And he takes care of my career and he is a big inspiration for me.
-Photo: NBBL
-Twitter of the author: @vedranmo
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