Johann Grünloh (2005) is one of the most promising big man to come out of the Quakenbrück / Vechta youth program after Isaiah Hartenstein. He is on the best way to become a modern stretch big man, who additionally already shows excellent shot-blocking qualities and dominates the paint.
At the Adidas Next Generation Tournament in Patras a few weeks ago, the 211cm tall / 103kg German not only set a new record for blocks per game (6.2 blcks) and achieved a strong 5th place with his team, but also performed personally great in dominating the paints.
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?
211cm / 103kg
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 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.
Is there any other moment from this season that you like to remember?
Well last season there were a few. The promotion with the 2nd team of Vechta to the ProB (3rd highest league in Germany), also being runner-up for championship with the U19. Then I was named rookie of the year. And this season, the playoffs are still to come, so I’m sure there will be some cool moments.
What are your short-term goals for this season?
I want to be champion in the U19s, that could definitely be our year, where we can finally beat ALBA Berlin. Otherwise, to start a playoff run in ProB, but that will be tough because we are a farm team and have a lot of young players. But we want to win the first round in the playoffs or even the second round. In the ProA, I definitely want to be champion and also move up to the BBL. Personally, I want to develop as much as possible and learn from the pros.
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.
