The MLP Academics Heidelberg have made a significant move early in the off-season, reinforcing their roster with the signing of veteran forward Joschka Ferner. The 30-year-old, who served as captain for RASTA Vechta during the 2025/2026 campaign, has committed to a two-year deal with the Heidelberg-based club, marking a key acquisition as the team looks to solidify its standing in the easyCredit BBL.
Alex Vogel, the Sporting Director for the MLP Academics, confirmed the signing, highlighting Ferner’s leadership and his familiarity with the tactical demands of the German top flight. The club had reportedly expressed interest in the forward as early as last year, and they finally secured their target following the conclusion of Vechta’s season.
A Proven Leader for the MLP Academics
Ferner arrives in Heidelberg with a reputation for composure under pressure. His career path includes a vital stint in Vechta, where he played for five seasons and helped the organization secure promotion from the ProA to the easyCredit BBL in 2023. As a captain, he provided stability for the North German side, navigating the team through the rigors of the top-tier league.
“We were already interested in bringing Joschka to Heidelberg last year,” Vogel said in an official statement. “He is a very good shooter who gives us flexibility on positions three and four. He knows how to move up from the ProA to the BBL and will be an absolute leader for us with his experience.”
Statistically, Ferner has proven to be a reliable perimeter threat. During the 2023/2024 season, he recorded his strongest BBL performance to date, averaging 8.8 points per game while maintaining a sharp 42.2 percent success rate from behind the arc. His ability to perform in “clutch” situations—most notably a buzzer-beating three-pointer in Ulm that forced overtime—has made him a respected figure among league observers.
Tactical Versatility and International Experience
Standing at 6-foot-7 (2.03m), Ferner offers the MLP Academics tactical versatility. His primary role as a floor-spacer allows coaches to utilize him at both the small forward and power forward positions. Beyond his domestic success, Ferner has also gained experience on the international stage, featuring in the FIBA Europe Cup. In a standout performance against CS Valcea, he tallied 18 points in just 23 minutes, connecting on six of eight three-point attempts.
In the recently concluded 2025/2026 season, Ferner logged an average of 15 minutes per game for Vechta. His presence was particularly noted during the postseason series against ALBA Berlin, where he demonstrated his ability to contribute efficiently in limited windows, including an eight-point performance in just ten minutes of play during Game 2 of the quarterfinals.
What This Means for Heidelberg
The addition of Ferner is part of a broader strategy for the MLP Academics to build a core of experienced professionals. His signing follows the recent contract extension of Erol Ersek, signaling a proactive approach from the Heidelberg front office to stabilize the roster before the summer break.
For fans, the arrival of a player who hit his 200th career three-pointer in the 1st league this past February suggests that Heidelberg intends to prioritize floor spacing and high-basketball IQ in their upcoming campaign. By securing Ferner for a two-year tenure, the club ensures continuity, a luxury that is often demanding to maintain in the fast-moving landscape of professional European basketball.
Looking Ahead
With the signing finalized, the MLP Academics will now turn their attention to the remainder of the off-season recruitment phase. While the roster begins to take shape, the club’s leadership will likely focus on rounding out the frontcourt and backcourt depth to complement the veteran presence of new additions like Ferner.
Supporters can expect further updates regarding the 2026/2027 roster as the club prepares for the upcoming training camp. For more information on the team’s ongoing developments and future match schedules, fans are encouraged to follow the official MLP Academics Heidelberg news portal.
Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport. With over 15 years of experience reporting on global sports, he provides in-depth analysis on roster movements, tactical shifts, and league developments across international basketball.
