A special Homecoming
PUMA Hooper Karsten Tadda is back with his home team Bamberg, ready to give it his all! 🏀🔥
September 18, 2024PUMA Hooper Karsten Tadda is back with his home team Bamberg, ready to give it his all! 🏀🔥
September 18, 2024On a sunny afternoon, the Bamberg Baskets, one of our oldest PUMA Basketball teams, visited our Herzo HQ for a relaxing BBQ, wrapping up their annual team day. Amid the good food and chatter, we had the pleasure of talking with Karsten Tadda, one of the team’s key players and veteran defensive specialist. Read the full interview with the former German national player below to get an insight into Karsten’s career and personal life.
Karsten, you have had an impressive career that has taken you through various teams and many titles. Can you tell us how you got into basketball and what has been the highlight of your career so far?
Karsten: Yes, of course! I got into basketball through my father; he used to play in the regional league and later in the veterans’ league. I often accompanied him to training, grabbed the ball during halftime, and shot at the basket. That’s how I started and then I also played in youth teams. My career highlight was the first championship with Bamberg in 2005. It was indescribable when I held up the championship trophy in front of many friends and family in the audience. Another special moment was at then later in my career in my second year in Bonn, when we won the Champions League title – I never expected that.
You are originally from Bamberg and now play for your hometown team again. How does it feel to play in your hometown again, and what does it mean for you personally and professionally?
Karsten: It feels really good to be back here. I am now in my second season back. The first one was a bit difficult for me because I rejoined after a back surgery, and the recovery took longer than expected, which was also mentally challenging. Now I feel 100 percent again and can give the club and the city what I have delivered before. That means a lot to me. I left when Bamberg was at its peak and then had to watch from afar as it slowly declined. The budget got smaller, and games were no longer won, which was really hard to watch. I always knew I wanted to return to my hometown team at the end of my career. Luckily, it worked out, and I am very happy about it. It is very important to me to give everything for my club and support it as best I can.
The Bamberg Baskets
visiting our Herzo HQ 🏀
You are known for your outstanding defensive skills and leadership on the court. What do you enjoy most about your role and position?
Karsten: Yes, you know, defense is crucial. In every team, I have managed to play a significant role with my defensive work. There were games where I was on the court for 20 minutes without taking a shot, but due to my defensive skills, I made myself invaluable to the coach. I always strive to be a role model, especially here in Bamberg, as I have reached a certain age, and I want to give my best and put in a lot of effort and hard work.
You have been part of the PUMAFam for a very long time! How would you describe the PUMA spirit in three words? And what makes the PUMA brand special to you?
Karsten: I would say the three words that best describe PUMA are: relaxed, easygoing, and very familial. I always like coming here because you can just feel the relaxed work atmosphere. The employees walk around with a smile on their faces. You can see that a lot is being done for the good work environment, and the brand is simply young and fresh, and you can see its development. I have been with PUMA since the beginning of the basketball department, when Max approached me, and I have seen the development. It is so cool to see how modern, fresh, and young this brand has become and how colorful it is. PUMA almost stands out like a rainbow on the court, and it is just nice to see how everything is developing here.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, what are you most looking forward to, and what are your goals with the Bamberg Baskets?
Karsten: First and foremost, I am looking forward to playing in front of our fans in the arena again. We had a good preparation, which was long and intense, and so I am excited that it is starting again, that the Bamberg basketball is rolling again. In terms of objectives, I think we have to see how everything develops. I am always someone who thinks game by game rather than looking too far ahead. Therefore, I want to win as many games as possible. We will then see where we stand in the end.
Apart from basketball, what interests and hobbies do you have, Karsten Tadda? How do you balance your professional career with your private life?
Karsten: Yes, I have a passion for coffee and own an espresso machine that I enjoy experimenting with at home. I dedicate most of my free time to my family. My eight-year-old son requires much of my attention, and we frequently engage in sports activities together. My primary goal is to make the most of the time I have with my family and to be actively involved in my son’s growth and development.
