Oliver Kullamaee (186-G-2007) is a 17 year old 186cm guard from Estonia that is playing for the ratiopharm Ulm organization that this season played for various team like BBU 01 Ulm (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 10/4/4, for Orange Academy (NBBL) averaging 6/2/1 and for the NBBL team averaged 5/2/3 helping them reach the NBBL top 4. Last season he played with BBU 01 Ulm (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 7.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 83.3%, played also at OrangeAcademy U19 team (Germany-NBBL) averaging 11.8ppg, 4.4rpg, Assists-2 (6.7apg), Steals-5 (2.7spg), FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 50.0%. He came to Ulm in 2022 coming from Audentese SK. He spoke to eurobasket about his basketball career..

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA or Euroleagueplayer who would best fit the description?

If I’d have to compare myself to somebody I would choose a player like Huertas or Rubio. Bit of a smaller guard but crafty.

You’re a player that leads a team and is the pure playmaker. What other strengths does your game have?

I think other than that I’m also a good shot creator. I haven’t really had to show it here in Ulm but for example in the national team it’s different.

How much of a challenge is it being more of a scorer on teams like Orange Academy (Pro B) and the NBBL team when you have many scoring options.

This year the team didn’t rely on my scoring. My job was to set up the offense and to take care of the ball. That doesn’t mean that I wasn’t aggressive or didn’t look to score at all. It just wasn’t my main responsibility. We had guys like Fredi, Jordan and Alec who could do that.

Are you more focused now of becoming a better playmaker and all around player as opposed to becoming a better scorer?

Right now I’m more focused on becoming a better scorer. I can still get quite passive at times, look for others too much at times. Modern point guards can do everything.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I’d say right now I’m an all right defender, but there’s a lot of room for improvement. As a smaller guard you have to provide something on the defensive side as well. You cannot be a liability. Obviously the goal is to become an elite defender.

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to raise your game?

Definitely my shooting. My percentages weren’t great this year but I wouldn’t say that I’m a bad shooter at all. Other thing is just getting stronger and bigger.

You come from a great basketball family. Your dad Geert had a long career and I saw your dad play with Bamberg and your brother Kristian continues to climb the basketball ladder. How vital has both of these guys been in your basketball development? What is the most important thing you could learn from both?

It has benefited me a lot coming from a basketball family. Being around basketball since a very young age and starting to learn the game already that young. After rough games I can always ask for advice from both of them. The most important thing I’ve learned from both are mentality and work ethic.

You played at the recent Addidas Next Generation Euroleagueaveraging 8/4/5 stats. What kind of an experience was that and what do you enjoy most from being able to play with your Ulm teammates one more time?

Playing at such a high level tournament is always a good experience. We had a great group and I think we did well. Although that game against Zalgiris is still a bit bitter. It’s always more fun when you have teammates who you really enjoy playing with.

You aren´t much older than big talent Teo Millicic but a few years make a difference at the youth level. What kind of a relationship do you have with him. Is being a mentor for you even possible at so young an age?

Me and Teo have a great relationship. Out of all my teammates I enjoy training with Teo the most. His level of competitiveness is always at the highest, which encourages me to also train harder. I wouldn’t consider myself a mentor. If either of us has a question we always help each other

Last season you played your first real full season in Ulm playing Regionalliga, NBBL and Pro B. How important has it been playing Regionalliga where you play against men. How has your game profited most from this competition?

In Regionalliga I had more freedom than in Pro B or NBBL. The main focus wasn’t that much on winning, rather developing and having the chance to play against men. This was one of the teams where we relied a bit more on my scoring. Overall it was great for my development.

Last summer you played at the U-18 Euro averaging 10/3/9/2 stats. In 7 games you averaged 10 assists or more. Is it fair to say that this was your break through in Europe? You almost averaged 10 assists in the tournament and played against 7 different countries staying consistent?

Playing against competition a year older I would say I did a fine job. Of course there were a few too many turnovers but overall I did okay. This year I play against guys my age and I look to have an even better summer. In my opinion we have a great chance of winning the B division.

What is your big goal as a basketball player? Possibly the Euroleague?

My big goal is to reach the highest level I possibly can. My dream has always been to play for Barcelona

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Jordan Mueller?

I’d say that Jordan wins 65% of the time.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced on the court that reached the NBA?

The toughest player I ever faced on the court, who hasn’t reached the NBA just yet but definitely will in the summer, was Egor Demin.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Jordan Müller

Pacome Dadiet

Noa Essengue

Kaur Kennerth Tomann

Endurance Ayamenkhue

Please name your personal NBA and Euro Mount Rushmore?

NBA:

Steph Curry

Kobe Bryant

Lebron James

Michael Jordan

Euroleague:

Luka Doncic

Vassilis Spanoulis

Milos Teodosic

Kevin Punter

Who is your GOAT?

My GOAT is Kobe Bryant.

Thanks Oliver for the chat.