Rising Stars: Konrad Wysocki

[by Thomas Käckenmeister] - A while ago I interviewed Konrad Wysocki. He is 25 years old and playing for Ulm in der German first division. The small forward is having a breakout year so far, averaging almost a double double per game (13.88 ppg, 9.71 rpg after 17 games). Together with teammate Jeff Gibbs, both lead the league in rebounding (Wysocki is 2nd while Gibbs tops the list with 9.94 rpg).

Wysocki is a figther on the basketball court. He is a hard worker and never gives up a ball. When I asked him, if he was the same person on and off the court, he replied that he feels a bit like acting "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". Off the court he is a quiet and modest person, but as soon as he is going to work "the adrenaline is overpowering everything. In the 40 minutes of game time I am in my own world. Emotions are on the agenda. I love the thrill of close games."

Unfortunately, Ulm lost against Braunschweig last Saturday. Five minutes before the end, Braunschweig led by twelve points. But Ulm stroke back. A three pointer by Wysocki with less than a minute to play reduced the lead of the guests to 86:89. It wasn't enough. In the end Braunschweig came away with the victory (86:90).

Konrad Wysocki showed his best performance all season against Braunschweig. He scored 23 points and collected 16 rebounds in 35 minutes. Because of his attitude and work ethic he was voted a starter by the fans in the BBL All-Star Game last month. In Mannheim, where game took place, he recorded nine points and five boards in 20 minutes in the 88:104-defeat for his team South. Earlier that day he participated in the Slam Dunk Contest but couldn't advance to the final round. In the first round he showed some creative dunks and entertained the fans with his ideas.

Maybe  he derived his creativity from his studies at Princeton University where the graduated in architecture. Who knows?

What German fans know since this season's started is that Konrad Wysocki is playing his heart out every time he steps on a basketball court. Maybe we will see him on the national team in future. Right now he says: "At the moment, the regular season in the BBL is the most important thing. I can only try to play my best basketball. The decision is not on me." Wise words by a wise person and an energizer on the court.