Nicolas Bretzel

NICO BRETZEL – May be the most low key NBA prospect in Europe who is not widely recognized probably even in Germany. Hoping for coming out party this year but it is not that obvious. While Pro B should not be his level anymore it won’t be easy to find minutes behind Isaac Fotu, Gavin Schilling or Dwayne Evans who may check some small minutes on center position. Ulm probably built one of the most physical rosters in Europe which is somewhat very undersized and that can be the hope for 6’11 Bretzel. As of now he may be used just as energy big from the (deep) bench but it’s still a lot as you cannot underestimate it thinking of 211cm guy who runs the court as fast as any guard and can simply bother more experienced / older opponents by forcing them to chase him all over the floor while covering huge amount of ground defensively.

Nicolas Bretzel (1999, #21)  – He didn’t really practise seriously until he was 16yo and had some injuries in the past. Didn’t even play much last year but this season he’s been showing amazing progress in Orange Academy. Used to be a bit chubby and now is super light on his feet. Recently scored 6 points and recorded two blocks in just 4 minutes in his BEKO BBL debut.

NICOLAS BRETZEL (6’10, Center, Ratiopharm Ulm)

German hidden gem in Ulm program. As usually young talents who doesn’t participate in FIBA European youth competitions remain a bit off the radar. This summer Nicolas was at the camp with U18 NT for the first time. However he didn’t go with the team to Bratislava, Slovakia and instead was practising in Pittsburgh with his teammates – Marcel Pongo and Christoph Phillips. During the time he spent in USA, Nicolas even reportedly impressed Patrick Ewing during the scrimmage games. Bretzel is a very good athlete who recently got into even better shape and stands around 6’11. He can make highlight reel plays and even won dunk contest at the tournament in Vienna last year. Young frontcourt prospect is getting significant playing time early in the season in Ratiopharm’s affiliated team – Orange Academy, which plays in Pro-A League (second tier). Last round he scored 11 points and collected 4 rebounds in just 15 minutes of action against Hanau. It is very likely that we will hear more and more good news about Bretzel this and next years.