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Tanner Leissner (201-PF-1995, college: UNH) is a 27 year old 201 cm forward playing his 5th professional season and third in Germany first with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Previously he played in Ehingen and Ludwigsburg and also played in countries like Turkey and Lithuania. He began his basketball career at Judson high school and then at the University of New Hampshire (NCAA) from 2014-2018. He spoke to eurobasket before the 2023 easyCredit BBL cup weekend.

Thanks Tanner for talking to eurobasket.com. Where are you at the moment nd how is basketball life treating you at the moment?

I am currently in Oldenburg, basketball life is treating me well. Excited for the cup final four, and the second half of the season.

Your playing your first season with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. How has the league changed on the court since your days in Ludwigsburg?

I think the league is more competitive, top to bottom. Every game is a battle and a dog fight. Any given night if you don’t bring it your team can lose.

The club is playing an excellent season. New head coach Pedro Calles is proving again no matter where he is, he can bring success. What has it been like playing for him?

It’s been a great experience for me. I have learned more this year than I have in any year playing basketball before. Pedro has a very detail oriented and strict system that he implements, while also giving his players confidence and freedom to play their game.

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg have put together a potent roster and are defending better than past seasons. What other factors do you feel have helped bring a new wining trend?

We have a very close knit team. We are not just a group of coworkers, I really feel like we have established a family like culture this year. I don’t think I have ever played on a team that is this close before. When you have that to fall back on especially in hard stretches of a game or even a season it helps us battle adversity and keep the team together.

You played against Rickey Paulding when you were with Ludwigsburg. Have you felt this season that something very strong is missing in the organization?

It is definitely noticeable that the long time Oldenburg legend is missed by the organization and city. But as a team and staff that is new to the club, it is not as noticeable on the court.

What has been like working together with Owen Klassen on a daily basis. How has the club profited best from his game?

It has been great working with Owen. He is a great person and a great player. He leads by example and is an intricate part of this team. Owen’s basketball IQ and experience are top tier. There isn’t one specific thing, Owen is pivotal to the club on and off the court.

You have played with many talented point guards over your career and have another one with Dwayne Russell. What do you appreciate most about his presence and does he get lost a little in the talent pool of point guards in the BBL?

Dwayne is a great guard but an even better person, he always has a smile on his face. I’d have to say I appreciate his competitiveness the most. Whenever we’re in practice Dwayne is always trying to win and pushes everyone else to get better. I wouldn’t say he gets lost in all the talent, but he definitely doesn’t always get the recognition or the appreciation he deserves.

Your playing another solid season. How is your role in Oldenburg compared to how you functioned under John Patrick in 2018-2019?

I would say it is pretty similar. In both situations I am used to stretch the floor as a big offensively, and play hard on defense. I played more as the 5 in Ludwigsburg, as opposed to playing primarily the 4 in Oldenburg.

How beneficial is it for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg to know that the last time the club hosted the cup top 4 in 2015, they won the title? Do guys know that?

I did not know that, but that is impressive. I don’t think it is beneficial though. It’s beneficial to play at home in front of our great fans. This season is different than past seasons and we are going to do our best and see what happens.

How excited are you to be playing against your ex team MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg? The club is totally different from your time there.

I am excited to play against Ludwigsburg again. They are a different team than in years past but they play a similar style of basketball. Especially coming off of the recent game against them I know it’s going to be a tough battle. As a competitor I look forward to it.

They hauled in a very talented forward with Justin Johnson. Is this another battle your confident of winning?

He is a very talented player for Ludwigsburg. He is one of the key players for the team and I look forward to the battle.

What memories do you have of the 75-71 win over the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg? Oldenburg had 6 turnovers more and Oldenburg had 11 more free throws. Where was this game lost?

We had a very bad first half in Ludwigsburg, we turned the ball over a lot in that half. I remember we were also out rebounded on the offensive glass. That game just came down to a few plays at the end of the game, which could of went either way.

The MHP Riesen are one of these teams that are unpredictable. Is that what makes them more dangerous?

That definitely makes them a more dangerous team. They have shown spurts of great basketball and proven they can beat any team in the league, including Bonn and Bayern.

There have been rumors that John Patrick might take over the Hamburg Towers. Could he turn around that sinking ship?

Tags : TANNER LEISSNER, EWE BASKETS OLDENBURG, GERMAN BASKETBALL