"I dream of a scholarship in the USA"

No wonder, because he describes himself as "disciplined and determined." Before every game, he takes a moment for himself: "I take a moment to reflect, focus, and encourage myself. This helps me especially before important games."

Moritz Walser's story begins early – very early. "I started playing at the age of four," he says. "We had a basket at home, and whenever I had a ball in my hand, it was a basketball." No wonder: Sports run in the Walser family. His father and brother also played, the latter for the Dornbirn Lions. "That's when it became clear to me: I wanted to be there too." At the age of five, he joined the club, to which he has remained loyal ever since.

Despite his young age, he has clear ambitions: A scholarship to a US university is his ultimate goal. "Everyone wants to play in the NBA, including me. But I'd also be interested in a top European league, for example in Germany or France."

The 14-year-old has been training five times a week since last year. Under the guidance of Konstantinos Papavasileiou, the head coach of the Dornbirn Bundesliga team, the young talents work within a professional structure. "His experience helps us enormously," says the young star. And success proves him right: The Dornbirn Lions U14 team won the U14 Superliga 2 title, thus qualifying for the U16 Superliga 1.

He enjoys training the most "when you practice different systems and can improve individually." His greatest strength on the court? "I always want to have the ball, score points, and set up my teammates."

His parents and brother have given him the greatest support along the way – "first and foremost," as he emphasizes. Coach Papavasileiou is also an important mentor. "He supports and challenges us wherever he can – that's fantastic." The Dornbirn native has been an integral part of club life for years. "I was at every Bundesliga game. For me, there was never another club – and I never wanted to change."

A special highlight in his still-young career is his nomination for the U14 national team. From around 140 young players, 20 players were selected in three scouting camps – 14 permanent players and 6 on call. The young talent is ranked 15th and is thus on the verge of a break into the regular team.

"It's obviously very cool, I was thrilled when I got the news," he says. "Training with the best players from all over the country is an honor. It feels like being part of something really big." Along with Jonas Petruzzellis, he is one of only two players from Vorarlberg in the squad – most of them come from Vienna. "That makes it all the more special for us," the Lions player concludes.