Deep Dive: Johann Grünloh
Our Director of Scouting, Florian Kurth, sat down (Q&A session took place last year) with German big Johann Grünloh to talk about his basketball path, his body development and more. Before that, we provide an overview of his abilities (strengths, weaknesses), general situation and background.
His situation
As is so often the case, Grünloh came to basketball through his brothers. Before he took the step to Quakenbrück / Vechta (youth club of Isaiah Hartenstein, among others), he played for his home club VFL Löningen.
Since his first season, things have only gone upwards for Grünloh. First the runner-up in the U19 Bundesliga, then promotion with the Vechta farm team, in which he also played at the same time. This season, Grünloh has established himself in the Bundesliga team and even played his way into the limelight of the NBA. At the same time, he is also playing in the 2nd team, which gives him even more match practice. If his rapid positive development continues in the second half of the season, he will most likely be drafted by a team in late 2nd round, which will then keep him in Europe to keep developing on the highest level outside of the NBA. A direct stay in the NBA for his rookie season isn’t ruled out, but unlikely.
Personally, Johann is a flawless character who hasn’t been noticed for partying or other undisciplined activities. Personally, he is not the loudest off the basketball court, even more so on the court. His ambition is also at a high level, which only confirms his incredible physical development. In two years, he has put on more than 40 kilograms (as he tells me in the interview), which would not have been possible without hard work in the weight room and eating adoptions.
Grünloh is used in these positions:
He is currently and will continue to be used exclusively on the 5.
His current role in the team:
From 17 games he was in the starting five 14 times. In addition, he plays the 4th most minutes on average for Vechta. Offensively, he mainly operates in pick and roll actions but not at all in pick and pops. Defensively, he stabilizes and carries his team with his immense wing-span, good paint presence and shot-block anticipations. At the moment, he is clearly a guarantor of success for Vechta’s 7th place, which currently guarantees them a play-in tournament spot.
What can/does he do?
He has excellent size for the position at 212cm and 105kg. Also big, soft hands. He’s a premier shot blocker and shot disruptor who routinely blocks 2 or more shots in a game (combined his 1st and 2nd division averages). Grünloh has quick feet for an almost 7-footer and moves just as well, is no a statue kind of player in the paint. On top he is decent in running the floor. He’s also shown the ability to get out and defend in pick-and-roll situations while still being able to pull back to his man. Although he consistently tries to block shots, he doesn’t commit many fouls and does a good job of utilizing verticality instead of snapping for the ball. Oftentimes, Grünloh blocks inside shots just by his mere presence in the paint. He always makes contact with his man on rebounds and routinely grabs with two hands. Is good at finishing with dunks around the rim and excels at putting himself in position to be a threat in the lob game. Does a solid job offensively in the pick and roll game of showing his arms high to be ready to make a play and seeking eye contact with his tandem partner. Finally, he is a solid free-throw shooter (73.5% avg.) for a big at his age.
What can’t/doesn’t he have?
Although he is very young and shows a lot of ability, it is possible that his potential is not quite as high as some believe. Also considering his great attitude and he is very coachable, one is skeptical if he has the drive to take his game to the highest level. Right now, he doesn’t have any post moves to create for himself or be much of a threat offensively, except getting assisted in rolls or with alley-oops. The question is how big of an impact he will have on offense, especially without teammates creating for him. He also gets the ball knocked out of his hands more often than he should. Grünloh still needs to improve his ability to pass out of the post and find open teammates. He is not a jump shooter and has only attempted three 3s so far this season (in Bundesliga).
Defensively, he should try to get a little bolder pushing people around on the block. While he’s really good at bodying people up and blocking shots on the ball, he needs to learn how to block shots coming off the helpside.
There is potential here:
In addition to his physical transformation, which will continue to develop into a more powerful big, and also his understanding of the game, for example on kick-outs and reads, it is to be expected that Grünloh will integrate his three-point shot into the game at some point. Although there is no sign of this in the Bundesliga at the moment, it is evident in his appearances in Vechta’s second team, where he even shoots 50%, but obviously has to deal with weaker opponents. In six games, he was shooting 8 times from three-point land and scored four of them. So he isn’t overshooting on this level, but slightly wants to integrate it. It remains to be seen how this will develop in the top German league over the rest of the season.
Outlook:
In a best-case scenario with existing floor-stretch possibilities in his game, which can make him a solid role player in NBA with few obvious weaknesses. Defensively he stands his ground and can help out with his instincts and physical tools. Offensively he crashes the boards and completes unfinished plays.
There are certainly some weaknesses, but I think they can be remedied as he gains experience and game practice. On top of that, he’s one of the most inquisitive, ambitious and competitive prospects I’ve ever met, which certainly won’t hurt him on his career path. Though his development of a true post game remains a question mark, and that could always hold him back from becoming a high-level NBA center.
Season stats (Bundesliga):
17 games played (14 started), 20:06 min played, 7.5 pts, 0.7 ass, 6.2 reb (3.3 off. reb.), 0.4 stl, 1.2 bl, 1.2 to, 2.3 pf, +/- +4.5, 61.5% FG, 63.8% 2FG, 0.0% 3FG (took only 3 in total 3s), 73.5% FT
Q&A Session
Note: Some questions lack a little topicality, such as the question regarding a possible move to college or in relation to the national team. Nevertheless, it was important to me to leave them as they reveal more about Grünloh’s thoughts and behavior.
How did you get to where you are today?
I got into basketball through my older brothers. Then my coaches always sent me to the next better team to give me the best locations. My parents also always supported me and drove me to practices.
When did you start playing basketball?
I started when I was 9-10 at the time.
Did you try your hand at other sports?
I played soccer, yes.
Did your parents play sports professionally?
Well, my parents didn’t play sports, but they are both very tall.
For those who are not familiar with your game: What are your biggest strengths and style of play?
My biggest strength is shot-blocking I would say. I’m also trying to develop my post-up game right now and also work on my outside shot. Both are already solid, but could always be better. So basically I would describe myself as an anchor under the basket for the defense, who can make shots difficult at any time and fill the zone. In the offense contribute good screens and just do what a center does.
Who do you model your game after or watch highlights?
Like probably many, I look up to Dirk Nowitzki. He was just an unbelievably good player. He had a cool fadeaway, which I also try to bring into my game. And I sometimes watch shot-blocking videos of Ben Wallace.
What would you say is the most underrated aspect of your game?
I would say my shooting. A lot of people think that I can’t shoot well because of my size. However, I think I have a rock-solid shot. Of course, I can always do better, but for a center it’s alright.
Where do you feel you need to improve the most?
I can improve on defending guards. So when we switch and I’m defending up top against small players. Just that they can’t get by me so easily and I can improve my lateral quickness.
What have you already developed on?
In the post-up game. Last year at the European Championship I was constantly losing balls, playing bad kick-out passes. Basically, I couldn’t do anything with the ball there. I think that has improved this season a lot.
How tall are you now and what do you weigh?
212cm / 105kg
Since the last U16 season I have gained 40kg thanks to the tight program of the athletic trainers here in Vechta. I finally ate right, did some real weight training and that really helped.
At the ANGT in Patras (February 2023) you set a record for blocked shots. How was the event in Patras for you in general?
The event was mega cool. I have heard a lot about it from other players before. To go there for the first time with Rasta Vechta and to make the 5th place was perfect for us.
And in the long term? If I have it right on my screen, you’re about to decide whether to go to college or go the European way. Is there already a tendency what you will do?
My tendency is definitely to stay here in Europe. Next season I will also finish my high school and then I have said that I will stay here in Europe and not go to college.
Is there a reason why you made that decision?
I mean college is an awesome experience. But I think if you go to a relatively good college there you have some opponents and teammates who are also very young. Here in Europe and Germany it’s different. You can play against men and get regular playing time, at least on the farm team. In addition, you can develop excellently here because there are good coaches, which of course also exist in college. I honestly don’t see any reason to go to college right now.
Is there a dream path for you for the upcoming season?
The best thing would be to be a direct part of the first team, hopefully in the BBL. But of course it depends on how I perform and develop, which is entirely up to me.
What excites you most besides basketball? Or what do you do when you’re not practicing or at games?
Right now I don’t have much time for anything else but basketball. When I get home from school I go to practice and then I have to do homework and study for exams.
If you didn’t want to pursue a career as a professional basketball player, what would you do?
I guess I would have gone to Cologne to study at the big Sports University, having always wanted to do something in the sports field.
Would you describe yourself as an introvert or extrovert?
I would classify myself exactly in the middle. Whereas more introverted and a little more withdrawn.
Do you have any plans for the summer? If I have it right in my head, the U18 European Championships are coming up. Will you be there, or have you been in contact with the coaches?
I have already spoken with the coaches. They definitely want me to be there and to be honest I’m really up for it. Last year I was still the younger age group in U18, so I’m even more keen on the European Championships this summer.
