Justus Hollatz: From the Hamburg street basket to the European basketball champion!

Justus Hollatz: From the Hamburg street basket to the European basketball champion!

Justus Hollatz, an up-and-coming basketball talent from Hamburg, has achieved remarkable success in his football career in recent years. The 21-year-old point guard, who currently plays for Bayern Munich in the Basketball Bundesliga and the EuroLeague, was born on April 21, 2001 in Langenbek and is the son of a tourism employee and an IT professional. His father, a recreational player, comes from Giessen, a city known for its basketball tradition. This family connection with sports fostered Hollatz's early passion for playing basketball.

Growing up, he always had a basketball hoop at home and was a big fan of NBA games, which he often watched all night long. His idol was the legendary Kobe Bryant, whose jersey and shoes he wore with pride. For Hollatz, the garden of his parents' house, where he played with his brothers and his father, is the best outdoor space in Hamburg. The Peperdieksberg sports hall in Hittfeld, where he started with BG Harburg Hittfeld, remained in his memory as his favorite hall. This first station in his career laid the foundation for his future successes.

Career and achievements

His basketball career took off with a youth team at BG Harburg Hittfeld before moving to Hamburg Towers in 2018. There he played a key role in the team's promotion to the first division. Hollatz, who plays at the point guard position, signed a three-year contract with the Towers in May 2019 before moving to CB Breogán in Lugo, Galicia in 2022. There he experienced a family atmosphere and improved his game intelligence.

After just one season in Spain, he then signed with Anadolu Efes in Istanbul, where he prepared for a new level of professionalism and teamwork. Here he learned from his teammates, especially with regard to nutrition and appropriate training. During his time in Istanbul he was active in the Euroleague and was able to gain valuable experience. In April 2023 he played in Hamburg against his former colleagues from the Towers and admitted that the presence of numerous acquaintances in the audience made him more nervous than usual.

International successes and national team

Justus Hollatz has also left his mark on the German national team. He made his debut in February 2021 in a EuroBasket qualifier against Great Britain. In 2022, he helped Germany win the bronze medal at EuroBasket 2022. He achieved an average of 1.3 points and 2.8 assists per game.

Another milestone in his career was winning the 2023 FIBA ​​World Cup, where Hollatz contributed an average of 2 points and 1 assist per game. These successes underline his potential and development as a player.

Hollatz is currently looking forward to the coming season with Bayern Munich after signing a three-year contract in January 2025. Despite his promotion and new challenges, the player often misses his hometown of Hamburg, especially the bars and restaurants, and is still in contact with his brother, who works as an assistant coach at the Towers. His career shows that he has not only grown athletically, but also personally.

The coming years are likely to be crucial for Justus Hollatz, where he can demonstrate his talent both in the Bundesliga and internationally. From his humble beginnings in Hamburg to his current status as European champion, Justus Hollatz's journey is an example of commitment, passion and the pursuit of success.