Discover How Hamburg Towers Basketball is Dominating the German BBL League
2025-11-09 09:00
As I sit here watching the Hamburg Towers' recent game footage, I can't help but marvel at their remarkable transformation this season. Just last year, they were struggling to maintain a .500 record, but now they're sitting comfortably near the top of the German BBL League standings. What's particularly fascinating is how they've managed to build this success while other teams, like the Soaring Falcons who are currently battling through a three-game losing streak, have stumbled. The Falcons' recent 56-54 heartbreaker against National U last Wednesday serves as a perfect contrast to the Towers' current dominance - it shows just how difficult maintaining consistency in this league can be.
I've been following German basketball for over a decade now, and what Hamburg has accomplished this season reminds me of some of the great Bayern Munich teams of recent years. Their defensive coordination is simply phenomenal - they're holding opponents to under 70 points per game while averaging nearly 85 points themselves. The numbers don't lie: they've won 12 of their last 14 games, including impressive victories against ALBA Berlin and FC Bayern Munich. What really stands out to me is their ball movement - they're averaging 24 assists per game, which is about 6 more than the league average. Having coached at the amateur level myself, I can appreciate how difficult it is to get players to buy into that kind of selfless basketball.
The transformation really began when head coach Pedro Calles implemented his motion offense system last season. I remember watching their first few games with this new system and thinking they looked completely lost at times. But the front office stuck with him, and now we're seeing the payoff. Their point guard, Zachary Ensminger, has developed into one of the most reliable floor generals in Europe. At 28 years old, he's in his prime, averaging 15.3 points and 8.7 assists while shooting 42% from three-point range. Those are All-Star numbers by any measure. What I love about his game is how he controls the tempo - he never seems rushed, even against the most aggressive defensive schemes.
Their success isn't just about offense though. Defensively, they've been absolutely suffocating opponents. Center Maik Zirbes, the veteran presence on this squad, has been anchoring their defense with 2.3 blocks and 8.9 rebounds per game. At 33 years old, he's playing some of the best basketball of his career. I've had the privilege of watching him develop since his early days with Brose Bamberg, and his basketball IQ is just off the charts now. The way he communicates with his teammates on defensive rotations is something young centers should study - it's a masterclass in positioning and anticipation.
What really sets Hamburg apart from struggling teams like the Soaring Falcons is their depth. While the Falcons appear to be running out of gas during crucial moments, Hamburg's bench has been contributing nearly 35 points per game. Players like William Christmas and Jonas Mattisseck have been providing sparks off the bench that completely change games. I've noticed that when the starters need rest, there's virtually no drop-off in production - that's the mark of a championship-caliber team. Their second unit could probably start for several other BBL teams, which says a lot about their roster construction.
The front office deserves tremendous credit for building this roster. They've managed to blend experienced veterans with promising young talent in a way that creates both immediate success and sustainable growth. Their international scouting has been particularly impressive - finding gems like American forward Mark Smith, who's shooting an incredible 48% from beyond the arc. As someone who's worked in basketball operations, I can tell you that identifying overseas talent that fits your system is one of the most challenging aspects of team building. Hamburg's scouts have absolutely nailed it this season.
Looking at the broader landscape of German basketball, Hamburg's rise couldn't come at a better time. The BBL needs more competitive teams to challenge the traditional powerhouses, and Hamburg is proving that with the right approach, any franchise can become a contender. Their home court advantage at the Edel-optics.de Arena has become one of the most intimidating environments in European basketball. The energy there during their recent win against Bayern was electric - you could feel the momentum shifting with every defensive stop.
As we approach the business end of the season, I'm genuinely excited to see if Hamburg can maintain this level of play. The true test for any rising team is how they handle playoff pressure, and given their current form, I believe they have what it takes to make a deep postseason run. Their balanced attack, defensive discipline, and coaching sophistication make them a nightmare matchup for any opponent. While teams like the Soaring Falcons are searching for answers during their difficult stretches, Hamburg has found their identity and are playing with remarkable confidence. In my professional opinion, we're witnessing the emergence of the next German basketball powerhouse, and honestly, I can't wait to see how far they can go.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
