Heidelberg. (RNZ) According to Ryan Mikesell, another player leaves the MLP Academics, as the club reports. Bakary Dibba uses his exit option after one year and is dedicated to a new challenge.
With an average of 9.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals of the Dane look back on his premiere season in the EasyCredit BBL. The 23-year-old was able to quickly get used to the level and speed in the league and also establish himself in the BBL in the ProA after his time.
Alex Vogel only wishes Bakary the best for the future, as the club reports. Bakary also looks back with positive memories, it is said.
Update: Monday, June 23, 2025, 11.39 a.m.
Ex-Academics captain Ryan Mikesell. Photo: Imago
Ex-captain Mikesell will soon play in London
Heidelberg. (Rnz) The previous captain of the MLP Academics has found a new club. Ryan Mikesell moves to London and will go hunt for the London Lions. He will not only play in the local league, but also in the Eurocup, the second highest European competition.
Mikesell was in Heidelberg’s top scorer in the past season and finished third in the MVP election of the league. His whereabouts in Heidelberg had been very unlikely for weeks.
Update: Sunday, June 22, 2025, 3:52 p.m.
DJ Horne. Foto: cheesy
DJ Horne remains another season
Heidelberg. (Rnz) A top performer remains on board: DJ Horne remains another season at the MLP Academics Heidelberg. The club announced on Friday.
In the coming season, the Bundesliga semi-finalist and Champions League participants can also hold their second best scorer for the next season 2025/2026 and thus “set a very strong sign in the squad planning”, as a press release says.
“At DJ we must not forget that this was his first season in Europe,” said sporting director Alex Vogel in a club announcement by the playoff semi-finalist. “It is all the higher to assess his performance and development. DJ is able to create its own throw in every situation. A strength that we definitely need in the squad.”
With 14.8 points, Horne became the second best scorer behind Ryan Mikesell and repeatedly led the Heidelberger as a reliable support. Especially in the semi -final series of the playoffs, he raised his scoring to a new level.
“Heidelberggggg !!!”, Horne is quoted. “What a crazy season was that – with ups and downs.” He really enjoyed his time on the Neckar and created many memories. “I am really happy to return to Heidelberg and to be part of the Academics for another year. Let’s do it!”
The squad in the 2025/2026 season: Dominic Venert, Osunniyi, Michael Weathers, Erol Esec, Sericy Matene, Marcel, Paul, Paul, Marcus Weathers, Kevin McClain, DJ Horne
Update: Friday, June 20, 2025, 11:31 a.m.
Vogel sees newcomer McClain as a “underestimated passer”
Heidelberg. (MSC) The MLP Academics Heidelberg secured the next new addition. As the club announced, Guard Kevin McClain signs for the upcoming two seasons on the Neckar.
The 28-year-old German American comes from the Gießen 46ers to Heidelberg. There he completed 12.7 points on average, as well as 3.5 assists and 1.6 steals. Alex Vogel, sporting director of the Academics, is convinced of McClain’s quality. “He can score, but is above all an underestimated passer,” says Vogel: “Defensively, he can put pressure on the ball.”
The player himself is also looking forward to Heidelberg. “I can hardly wait to learn and to be part of the culture here in Heidelberg,” he explains in the press release of the association. Since his mother is German, he has a German passport – an additional plus for the Heidelberger.
