Mathieu Grujicic

Let’s get the talk started.

How is the season at Oak Hill and also in the EYBL going so far for you?

This years season is going really good. We are 12-1 W/L and we are ranked #18 in the nation. Also in the NIKE EYBL we are 3-1, which is tied for third place.

What do you expect from the rest of the season?

Just keep winning, keep proving people that we are one of the best groups in the country and we can hang with the best teams. I am also 2nd best leading scorer in the EYBL, so only up from here!

What do you think you improve individually the most, since we talked the last time in April?

I think, right now I am already one of the most efficient scorers in the country, who also played one of the most minutes. I improved the most in finishing at the rim. I think on Synergy I even have 80% finishing at the rim. Honestly I am just trying to get better on every aspect, even though some of my percentages are already high. I am also trying to keep improving and just maintain balance of everything.

What are you working on the most right now?

Like I said, maintaining a balance of everything. Right now I am focused on team success as well as personal success. So also working on things like being a leader. I am doing daily extra workouts to also increase my shooting, but also IQ. Simply all it needs to be great.

How was your experience with the German national team last summer?

For me it was really fun, got to meet a lot more new guys. Also got to see some new cultures, not just from Germany again, but from all over Europe. I mean we made history by winning a medal in the European champs. But for sure there is a lot more to be done! Next year we are obviously trying to go for gold. I noticed, that we moved up 12 spots in the world ranking, so there was a lot of progress last summer and I am now already looking forward to see my teammates and everybody from the year before.

Are you excited about going to Michigan next summer? What do you expect from your first season?

Yeah, I look forward to go to Michigan. I can finally be able to wear that maize and blue off course and contribute to the Michigan culture. Overall I just want to impact winning, which is the thing I am most looking forward to. It is also my ultimate goal.

Describe your experience with such a good Highschool team.

For me it was kind of new to playing with a lot of guys who are at the highest high school level in the US. Tryna help the team in ways that everybody could do is something that can separate you. It is also about doing the little things.
It surely also brings a lot more responsibility which I am up to challenge for. Also there is a huge expectation change when winning and people watching you closer. So it is just really nice to be on a team where everybody is high level.

What did Coach Howard say to you, when you make the final decision with Michigan this summer?

He just said Go Blue. After waiting 3 years to finally sign, was something I was looking forward to and it was a honor to finally do when the opportunity came.

Any wishes for your first college season?

Like I said, being straight up able to impact winning at the highest level. Also the Michigan culture is very highly looked upon and I am just grateful and looking for to be finally a part of that.

ALBA Berlin prospect Mathieu Grujicic (07’) recently made some noise at the U16 finals in Frankfurt, winning the championship an being named MVP of the final four. Next stop for him : German national team to prepare for U16 European Championship in Skopje, North Macedonia.

Generalities :

Position – Variable guard who can play and create on-ball as primary ballhandler but also as smart off-ball cutter and spot-up shooter. Defensively he shows solid tendencies but not always engagement to give 100%.

Measures – 194cm / 6.4 ft and 85kg / 187 lb

Nationality – Germany (born in Berlin)

Strengths :

• shows offensively versatile productivity (three-dimensional scorer)
• very good size for guard of his age
• gets to the charity line at will
• enormously determined and confident
• great feel for the game

Weaknesses :

• body needs to be developed (despite already showing slight definition in muscles)
• needs consistency on the defensive end
• occasional tendency to hide
• pick and roll effectiveness
• still too infrequent in setting the scene for his teammates

Mathieu Grujičić – ALBA Berlin

answers to Eurospects

For those who don’t know your game, how would you describe it and what are your biggest strengths?

First, thank you for reaching out! My game? Adaptable, I suppose. Whatever goes, in order to get a win. Sometimes, the priority is to shut down the opponent, other times the accent is on cracking the defence in the paint etc… Understanding the circumstances in real time could be my biggest strenght but then, it is not up to me to say…

On which position do you see yourself long-term?

Combo guard and, naturally, any position in defense, switching and helping being of the essence.

What are your measurements right now?

194cm (6’4), 85kg.

How did you get into basketball in the first place?

My older brother and myself started first doing some soccer and aikido but we fell in love with the game of basketball in our elementary school here in Berlin. The transition to Alba program came smoothly after some time.

Do you have other former (professional) athletes in your family?

My mother used to run marathon in France, my father played basketball in Serbia…

Are there any idols you look up to?

No idols. Revered persons yes, by all means. Mahmud Abdul Rauf comes to mind, for his firm defense of his intimate beliefs, to stay within the realm of basketball…

What are you working on right now primarily in terms of individual skills?

Just taking a little break after the season right now. But this summer will be dedicated to vertical jump and explosiveness, mainly. Before and after the meetings with the national team, obviously…

What are your biggest weaknesses?

Again, not up to me to say…

Would you say that you can be a leader in your team?

Whatever goes, as I said. I do try to lead by example but the ideal is to play in a team which doesn’t need a leader or, rather, where anyone could be one, if required…

This summer you will play for the German national team. Are you excited about it and what are your goals?

Absolutely excited ! Ours could easily be the team mentionned above. The goals are high, very high. Extremely high.

What do you like to do besides Basketball? Any other hobbies?

Watching good TV shows and movies, enjoying good acting. I listen to a lot of Kendrick Lamar.

Would you say you are an introvert or extrovert?

If it makes sense : introvert letting my character speak for itself on the court.

Can you imagine going to college one day?

Yes, I can easily picture myself going to college in two years. But I can imagine myself taking others paths too…

What can you imagine to study if you decide to go to college?

Social studies, sport management, for now.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Now you are 16, so you will be 21. Any league or level you would like to be?

It seems really too far ahead. The road is supposed to be long and bumpy, so let us keep moving step by step, as steadily as possible.

Is there any team for which you want to play one day?

The one that brings to mind some dancing company, all members connected, in constant motion, the ball flying and changing hands super fast…

Last one. What do you want to be remembered for at the end of your career?

First I need to make some noise at the beginning of my career, then we’ll see what happens.

Top Four stats: 43.5 PTS – 25/40 2FG – 6/11 3FG – 19/25 FT – 9.5 REB – 3.5 ASS – 4 STL – 5.5 TO in 39:49 MIN

By far the best player of the Top Four from the Under16 league was the German-French Mathieu Grujicic. The fully deserved MVP of ALBA Berlin showed an all-around performance. Scoring, rebounding, lockdown-defense and even took over the playmaking by himself. He is a tall guard who easily emerged as a shot creator and playmaker at this level. Defensively, he also knew how to use his physical assets in the form of outstanding lateral quickness and athleticism on the perimeter and rebounding.

He then exploded in the finals with 52 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in the game against Frankfurt after double overtime. Particularly remarkable is on the one hand his enormously high understanding of the game and flair, and on the other hand the shot selection that followed. He did not take a lot unnecessary shots, which is once again confirmed by his field goals from this game. 14/21 2FG, 4 of 7 threes and 12 of 16 from the free throw line. In addition, he impressively showed his strong lower body, finishing with contact and also his motor never seemed to stop working.

Special attention will be paid to his development in pick and roll in the near future. While he has occasionally shown productivity from it, he has also shown room for improvement in ball distribution at the same time. Exciting near future: How will he grow physically (brother is listed 6.5ft)? How will he use his tools at the next level, playing against more mature and older players?

(Florian Kurth)