Photo by Die Artland Dragons: A New Era Begins
As a basketball enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the 2. Basketball-Bundesliga, the second tier of German basketball. And one team that has caught my attention in recent years is the Artland Dragons. Based in Quakenbrück, the Dragons have a rich history in German basketball, and with their new season underway, I decided to take a closer look.
A Fresh Start
The Dragons kicked off their new season on Friday with a mix of new and familiar faces. Head coach Vince Macaulay, a seasoned veteran in the league, has brought in several new players to bolster the squad. But what caught my eye was the presence of several young players from the Dragons’ own youth academy. This focus on developing homegrown talent is a strategy that Sportdirektor Patrick Elzie is keen to emphasize.
The Artland Dragons’ new season is underway
“The youth academy is the foundation of our success,” Elzie explained in an interview. “We want to identify and develop the best young players in the region and give them the opportunity to shine at the highest level.”
The Importance of Youth Development
As a journalist, I have had the opportunity to cover several youth tournaments, and I can attest to the talent that is emerging from the Dragons’ academy. Players like Yasin Kolo, who has already made his mark in the league, are a testament to the success of the academy.
Yasin Kolo, a product of the Artland Dragons’ youth academy
But the Dragons’ commitment to youth development is not just about producing talented players. It is also about creating a sustainable future for the club. By developing players from within, the Dragons can reduce their reliance on external signings and create a more stable squad.
The Olympic Dream
As I spoke to Elzie, I couldn’t help but ask about the Dragons’ ambitions for the future. And one topic that came up was the Olympics. With the 2024 Olympics just around the corner, I asked Elzie if he thought the Dragons could make a push for a spot in the German national team.
The Olympic dream is alive and well in Quakenbrück
“We would love to have a player in the Olympic team,” Elzie said with a smile. “It would be a huge achievement for the club and a great motivator for our players.”
While it may be a long shot, the Dragons’ focus on youth development and their commitment to producing talented players make them a team to watch in the years to come.
The Artland Dragons are a team on the rise
As I concluded my conversation with Elzie, I couldn’t help but feel excited about the future of the Artland Dragons. With their focus on youth development and their commitment to producing talented players, they are a team that is sure to make waves in the 2. Basketball-Bundesliga.
