From BZ/dpa
New signing Yannick Wetzell is looking forward to his first season with German basketball champions Alba Berlin.
“I want to take the next step here. The club is known for developing players and that’s why I’m here,” said the 26-year-old New Zealander at his presentation on Thursday.
The 2.06 meter center has signed a three-year contract in Berlin and even waived international matches in order to be able to be with Alba early on.
Wetzell was able to gain initial experience in Germany in Ludwigsburg. However, his guest performance in 2020 only lasted a few weeks, then they parted ways again. “It wasn’t the right conditions at the time,” he said. And so it was back home. Last season, however, the New Zealander got to know European basketball at Spanish Euroleague competitor Baskonia Vitoria. “It was very exciting and a great experience for me,” he said.
There, the 26-year-old was also able to get first-hand information about Alba from ex-Berliners Simone Fontecchio, Jayson Granger and Rokas Giedraitis. “And they only said outstanding things. It gives me hope and gives me confidence,” he said.
In New Zealand he also played with Peyton Siva, who was active in Berlin for five years. Siva previously tweeted that Alba fans will love him. “The pressure is on me now,” said Wetzell, who only started playing basketball at 17 in high school, with a smile.
Alba Berlin
Wetzell could become even more valuable for Alba if he gets the German passport. Because Wetzell has German ancestors: “It is a process that is still ongoing. But I hope it works next year. That would be very helpful for the club and also for me.”