For years, Maik Zirbes was the only German player in Serbia. This summer, two national team players joined his former team. In an interview, the big man spoke at length about it.
With David Krämer (Real Madrid) and Nick Weiler-Babb (ASVEL, on loan), a German duo will be going after baskets for Red Star Belgrade next season—the very club that Maik Zirbes helped shape in a decisive way for years.
“It’s crazy: For so many years, I was the only German player at Red Star, and now two have signed there in a single offseason,” the center for the Gladiators Trier told Basketball Sphere.
Zirbes knows Krämer particularly well: “He’s, of course, an excellent player and a good scorer. But he’s also a great guy. He’ll be a great addition.” The guard arrived this summer after a mixed season with Real Madrid and is expected to take on a key role in the Serbian capital.
Although Zirbes hasn’t met Nick Weiler-Babb yet, he’s heard nothing but good things about him from his teammates. He also praised the German Olympian, calling him “a great defender.”
Zirbes on Red Star: “I follow everything they do”
“Of course, this German duo won’t make up the entire team. (…) But I think they’re both very good players and, even more importantly, good guys off the court. They certainly won’t disrupt the team chemistry.”
Zirbes also explained in the interview that he’s still a big fan of his former club. “I follow everything they do, and I wish Red Star nothing but the best. I hope I can go to a game next season,” said “Iron Mike”—as the now 36-year-old was nicknamed during his time in Belgrade.
However, this could complicate his athletic situation somewhat. After three years and promotion to the Bundesliga in 2025, Zirbes recently extended his contract in Trier by two more years. Following strong results last season, the Mosel-based club will even compete in the Europe Cup in 2026–27.
