“We have to take a step forward defensively, especially in one-on-one defense, in our team tactical work, and above all in the defensive rebound,” said national team player Malte Delow.
Alba Berlin’s difficult start to the Basketball Bundesliga season has exposed a severe shortage at the center position, forcing sporting director Himar Ojeda to concede that the club now needs to sign two frontcourt players. After five matches in the BBL season, the capital city side sits in the middle of the standings following three consecutive defeats, culminating in a 95–75 loss in Trier on Saturday, October 12, 2026. These early struggles echo past slow autumns for the club, but unlike last year when an unexpected roster move unlocked a championship run, current financial and market constraints leave few easy outs.
Ankle Injury Exacerbates Frontcourt Shortage
The immediate catalyst for Alba’s frontcourt dilemma is an ankle injury to 2.18-meter center Norris Agbakoko, which leaves an enormous physical void under the basket.
Even before Agbakoko’s injury, the club intended to add another big man. However, Ojeda acknowledged the stark market reality two weeks prior following a loss to FC Bayern Munich: quality centers in European basketball are exceptionally rare and expensive. Compounding the issue, Alba’s salary budget is largely tied up in returning players such as Jack Kayil and Justin Bean alongside newcomers Joe Wieskamp and Jordan Ford.
Tactical Strain Forces Undersized Lineups
The lack of depth has forced head coach and management to shuffle players into unfamiliar roles across the rotation.
Justin Bean, standing at 2.01 meters, has been pressed into service as an undersized center for stretches of up to ten minutes per game, battling much heavier opponents. Meanwhile, the absence of Martin Hermannsson has thrust newcomer Jordan Ford into a heavy playmaking load immediately upon arrival, preventing the guard from settling into a natural rhythm. The shifting responsibilities have similarly disrupted Joe Wieskamp, whose tactical role fluctuates from fixture to fixture.
Defensive Discipline Required for Immediate Tests
Addressing the current form requires immediate structural fixes beyond waiting for a new frontcourt signing.
Speaking ahead of a Champions League fixture against Bosnian club Igokea scheduled for Tuesday at 20:00 local time (UTC+2) at the Arena am Ostbahnhof, Delow emphasized the need for fundamental improvement. Alba must navigate this European fixture and an upcoming BBL Cup round of sixteen match against Bamberg next Monday without reinforcements, relying on defensive discipline to stabilize their campaign.
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