Germany - Dorian-GrosberAlba-Berlin-Will-Never-Forget-Playing-Against-Mike-James-And-Being-So-Freaking-Nervous-Against-Milan
Dorian Grosber (197-PG-2006) is an 18 year old 197cm forward from Luxemburg playing in the Alba Berlin organization. He primarily plays for the farm team Lok Bernau averaging 9/4/2 and and for the NBBL (U-19) team averaging 11/6/3/2. He also has played 2 Euroleague games. Last season he played 10 games for Lok Bernau averaging 2,8ppg, 2,0rpg and 1,7apg and with the NBBL team averaged 9/6/3. In the 2022-2023 season he helped Alba Berlin win the NBBL title averaging 5/3/1. He began his basketball career with BBC Sparta Bertrange U17 team (EYBL) and also played with the CFBB Luxembourg U16 team (EYBL). He spoke to eurobasket before the 2025 NBBL tournament in Berlin.
You are from Luxemburg and began your career at BBC Sparta Bertrange U17 team. What memories do you have from these years? Did you have a mentor growing up in Luxemburg?
I remember winning the u18 Cup Final. That was a very nice memory. I had a lot of people helping me in Luxembourg, but the coach who helped me the most was Christophe Flammang, who was also my school teacher in 6th grade.
You played 2 World Cup qualifying games for Luexmburg. What kind of an experience was that? What is the state of Luxemburg basketball? Are there some other interesting young players coming up besides yourself?
It was an unforgivable experience to represent my country. Luxembourg basketball is evolving a lot in the past years. We have good talents with Namik Muratovic from Bayern Munich, Ehis Etute (Oregon) and Isa Hamalainen (Colorado)
You came to Alba Berlin in 2022. How special was the NBBL team in 2022-2023. It has some really great players like Rikus Schulte, Ellias Rapique and Linus Ruff just to name a few.
We had a very special team with incredible talents on every position. The team chemistry was amazing. I still have contact with a lot of them. I learned a lot from Elias, Nils and even Jack Kayil, who’s my age.
Last season the Young Rasta Dragons beat Alba Berlin in 3 games in the semi-finals. How tough was that series and what will you always learn from it?
It was tough, because I came back from an injury that series and the Top4 was in Berlin. I learned that losing only makes you stronger.
You continue to make steps in the Alba Berlin organization. Has there been a coach in the last years that has impacted you most with his basketball teaching?
My NBBL coach Vladimir Bogojevic and the individual coach Emanuele Berti have for sure had the most impact on me. I learned and am still learning many things from them.
You have had your break out season in the Pro B with Lok Bernau averaging 11/6/3 stats. How has your game grown in the Pro B this season?
Being used to playing against grown men since last season, has helped my game to grow this year. The confidence in my shot is slowly coming and being able to play through contact helps.
You also train with easyCredit BBL team Alba Berlin. How challenging has that been. What have you learned in the short time from Pedro Calles? He really has turned the season around.
It was challenging at first because of the pace they play at. You need to take quicker decisions and react faster. I learned from him that as a young player you have to work hard and always give 100%.
Is there a player that has had a real big impact on you? Maybe a Matt Thomas or a Martin Hermannsson?
No, not really. Elias Rapieque is helping me a lot, with giving tips and answering questions.. But I really like to observe how professional and how dedicated Matt Thomas is. He’s a really good role model for young players.
You have played a few Euroleague games. How cool has that been? Did you have jitters going into the Milan game?
That was so cool. Seeing the best players in Europe, like Mike James, was unreal. I was so freaking nervous against Milan, and winning the game too, was incredible.
How big is your goal to have a flourishing basketball career? You got a 1 on your German school test despite speaking French and English. What interests do you have outside of basketball if you had to have another job outside of basketball?
Basketball is my main goal. I like architecture, so something with buildings or designing houses.
Who is the toughest player that you have battled in your life on the court that reached the NBA?
I practiced with Franz and Mo Wagner, so probably them. I played against some top prospects in this year’s NBA Draft like Egor Demin, Nolan Traoré and Kasparas Jakucionis.
Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Jack Kayil,Rikus Schulte, Elias Rapieque, Nils Machowski, David Torresani
Please list your NBA and Euro Mount Rushmore of your 4 best players in each category?
I just want to say it’s my favourite players
Nba: Lebron James, Anthony Edwards, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady
Euroleague Kevin Punter, Wade Baldwin, Mike James, Milos Teodosic
Who is your GOAT?
Lebron James
Who will reach the NBA final and then win it all?
Cavs and Wolves and the Cavs winning it all.
Thanks Dorian for the chat.