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Trefl Sopot
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Trefl Sopot is a Polish professional basketball team, based in Sopot, Poland. The team plays in the Polish Basketball League and EuroCup. The club was founded as the replacement of Prokom Asseco Sopot that left the city of Sopot for Gdynia in 2009.
Key Information
History
[edit]The team was founded as a phoenix club with a new corporate identity after Asseco Prokom Sopot decided to relocate to Gdynia.[1] In its inaugural season, the club played in the Hali 100-lecia. At the beginning of the 2010–11 season, Trefl moved to the Ergo Arena, with a capacity of 15,000 people the largest arena in the PLK. In the 2011–12 season, Sopot reached the PLK Finals where the team faced its predecessor Asseco Prokom Gdynia. In a thrilling best-of-seven series, Sopot lost 4–3.
In 2011–12, Sopot won its first trophy when it won the Polish Cup. In the following season, Sopot repeated as Cup champions. Alongside these victories, the team also won the Polish Supercup in 2012 and 2013.
In the 2020–21 PLK season, Sopot finished 5th overall, a result that exceeded expectations.[2]
Trophies
[edit]- Polish League (1):
- Polish Cups (3):
- Winners (3): 2011–12, 2012–13, 2022–23
- Polish Supercups (2):
- Winners (2): 2012, 2013
- Runners-up (2): 2023, 2025
Season by season
[edit]
| Season | Tier | League | Pos. | Polish Cup | European competitions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–10 | 1 | PLK | 4th | |||
| 2010–11 | 1 | PLK | 3rd | 3 EuroChallenge | QR
| |
| 2011–12 | 1 | PLK | 2nd | Winner | ||
| 2012–13 | 1 | PLK | 5th | Winner | 2 Eurocup | RS
|
| 2013–14 | 1 | PLK | 3rd | |||
| 2014–15 | 1 | PLK | 8th | |||
| 2015–16 | 1 | PLK | 15th | |||
| 2016–17 | 1 | PLK | 9th | |||
| 2017–18 | 1 | PLK | 10th | |||
| 2018–19 | 1 | PLK | 15th | |||
| 2019–20 | 1 | PLK | 6th | Quarterfinalist | ||
| 2020–21 | 1 | PLK | 5th | Semifinalist | ||
| 2021–22 | 1 | PLK | 10th | |||
| 2022–23 | 1 | PLK | 8th | Champions | R ENBL | RS |
| 2023–24 | 1 | PLK | 1st | Semifinalist | ||
| 2024–25 | 1 | PLK | 3rd | Quarterfinalist | 2 Eurocup | RS
|
Players
[edit]Current roster
[edit]Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at FIBA-sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationalities not displayed.
| Energa Trefl Sopot roster | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Players | Coaches | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Updated: October 9, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notable players
[edit]Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at FIBA-sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationalities not displayed.
| Criteria |
|---|
|
To appear in this section a player must have either:
|
Tarik Phillip (2024)
Filip Dylewicz- Łukasz Kolenda
- Łukasz Koszarek (2011–2012)
- Adam Waczyński
- Igor Miličić Jr.
Carl Lindbom
Sandis Buškevics
Giedrius Gustas (2010–2011)- Gintaras Kadžiulis (2009–2010)
- Tautvydas Lydeka (2014–2015)
- Šarūnas Vasiliauskas (2013–2015)
- Eimantas Bendžius (2014–2015)
- Vonteego Cummings
- Lorinza Harrington
- Lance Jeter (2013–2014)
- Garrett Nevels (2022–2023)
- John Turek (2012–2013)
Head coaches
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ "Asseco Prokom Gdynia – co dalej?". natemat.pl. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
- ^ Łukasz Kolenda opuści Polskę? Koszykarz mówi, co może się wydarzyć [WYWIAD] Karol Wasiek (sportowefakty.wp.pl), 16 April 2021. Accessed 20 May 2021.(in Polish)
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Trefl Sopot.
| 2025–26 teams | |
|---|---|
| Seasons | |
| Awards | |
| Associated competitions | |
Trefl Sopot
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Club Identity
Founding and Name Origin
Trefl Sopot was established in 2009 as a phoenix club following the relocation of Asseco Prokom Gdynia—formerly known as Prokom Trefl Sopot—to Gdynia, allowing the city of Sopot to revive its professional basketball presence.[10][11] The club was formally organized under the auspices of the Polish Basketball Federation and secured entry into the top-tier Polish Basketball League (PLK) for the 2009–10 season through a wild card purchase, marking its immediate competitive debut at the highest domestic level.[12][13] The name Trefl Sopot derives directly from its title sponsor, Trefl S.A., a family-owned Polish company founded in 1985 and specializing in the production of playing cards, board games, puzzles, and toys.[3][14] Branding elements, such as the team's yellow and black colors, were inherited from the predecessor organization to preserve visual and cultural continuity in Sopot's basketball tradition.[4][15] This refounding maintained a connection to Asseco Prokom's legacy through a 2009 agreement that permitted both clubs to reference prior achievements in Sopot.[15]Home Arena and Facilities
Trefl Sopot's primary venue is the Ergo Arena, situated on the border between Gdańsk and Sopot at Plac Dwóch Miast 1. Opened in August 2010, the multipurpose facility spans 53,312 square meters and stands 30.73 meters high, featuring an intelligent building management system and emergency warning capabilities. For basketball, it offers a seated capacity of 5,100 to 11,100, expandable to 15,000 with standing areas, accommodating the team's home games in the Polish Basketball League (PLK).[16] The club relocated to Ergo Arena ahead of the 2010–11 season, transitioning from smaller local venues to this larger, modern space better suited for professional competition. The arena is shared with a diverse array of events, including volleyball, handball, ice hockey, motorsport demonstrations, windsurfing competitions, concerts, theater performances, trade fairs, and banquets, which necessitates careful scheduling for Trefl Sopot's fixtures. This shared usage underscores the venue's role as a regional hub for sports and entertainment, while the club's primary basketball operations benefit from the arena's advanced lighting and sound equipment totaling 144 tons.[16][1][16] Complementing the main arena, Trefl Sopot maintains a dedicated training center at Hala 100-lecia in Sopot, located at ul. Goyki 7 and integrated with the local school complex Zespoł Szkół nr 3. This facility includes a main arena with nearly 2,000 spectator capacity, a separate training hall, and an on-site gym, supporting daily practices for the senior team and seamless integration with the club's youth academy programs. Nearby amenities, such as a swimming pool and an illuminated artificial turf soccer field, enhance overall athletic development. Ergo Arena further supports fan accessibility with provisions for disabled spectators and extensive parking options.[17][17][16] The move to Ergo Arena played a pivotal role in elevating the club's visibility and fan engagement, enabling larger gatherings compared to prior setups and fostering a vibrant atmosphere for PLK matches, with key games like derbies drawing record crowds exceeding 5,000 spectators.[18]History
Formation as Phoenix Club
Trefl Sopot was founded in 2009 as a phoenix club in response to the relocation of Asseco Prokom Sopot to Gdynia, with the primary goal of preserving the city's longstanding basketball tradition and preventing the loss of local support for the sport.[19] The initial roster was assembled primarily from local talent and loaned players, featuring Polish prospects such as Marcin Stefanski and young forwards like Pawel Malesa, alongside international reinforcements including Lithuanian center Saulius Kuzminskas and guard Gintaras Kadziulis to provide immediate competitive depth.[20] Entering the top-tier Polish Basketball League (PLK) directly for the 2009-10 season, Trefl Sopot achieved a respectable fourth-place finish in the regular season with a 17-9 record, advancing to the playoffs but falling 1-2 in the third-place series against Polpharma Starogard Gdański.[6] Under the sponsorship of Trefl S.A., a Sopot-based toy manufacturer, the club navigated early operational hurdles by emphasizing youth development and cost-effective acquisitions, which limited its ability to attract high-profile veterans but fostered a foundation for long-term growth.[21] A pivotal event occurred at the start of the 2010-11 PLK season, when Trefl Sopot played its first match in the Ergo Arena, a state-of-the-art 15,000-seat venue shared with Gdańsk, symbolizing the club's attainment of full professional infrastructure and stability.[22]Early Domestic Competitions
Trefl Sopot entered the top-tier Polish Basketball League (PLK) directly in the 2009–10 season. The team finished third in the regular season of the 2010–11 season with a 14–8 record among 12 teams, securing a spot in the playoffs. This performance marked continued adaptation to elite competition, with key contributions from veterans like Filip Dylewicz, who averaged double-digit scoring, helping establish the club's presence in the league.[23] A defining aspect of the early years was the development of an intense rivalry with Asseco Prokom Gdynia, the team's former parent club, manifesting in the Tricity derby (Derby Trójmiasta). These matchups, often played in front of passionate crowds, highlighted regional pride and competitive tension, with Trefl Sopot securing notable wins, such as an 79–69 victory in the 2012–13 season. The derbies not only boosted on-court intensity but also fostered a sense of identity for the newly independent franchise.[24] The club emphasized player development during this period, integrating young Polish talents into the roster to build a sustainable foundation. For instance, forward Adam Waczyński emerged as a key contributor, averaging 12.8 points per game in the 2012–13 season while transitioning from a bench role to a starter, exemplifying the focus on domestic prospects. This approach complemented experienced imports and helped maintain competitiveness.[25] From 2011 to 2015, Trefl Sopot demonstrated mid-tier stability with consistent top-8 regular season finishes: first place (19–5) in 2011–12, second in places 1–6 (21–11 overall) in 2012–13, third (16–6) in 2013–14, and eighth (14–16) in 2014–15. These results, achieved in the 15,000-capacity Ergo Arena shared with Gdańsk, steadily grew fan support, drawing average attendances of several thousand for key games and cultivating a loyal local following through engaging play and regional rivalries.[26][27][28][29]Major Milestones and Challenges
Trefl Sopot achieved a significant milestone in the 2011-12 season by reaching the Polish League (PLK) Finals for the first time, where they faced their rivals Asseco Prokom Gdynia and ultimately lost the best-of-seven series 4-3 after a competitive battle that included close games such as an 84-81 victory in Game 6.[6] This appearance marked the club's emergence as a contender following a period of early stability in domestic competitions from 2011 to 2015.[30] Following the 2013 season, Trefl Sopot entered a period of decline marked by financial difficulties that strained operations and led to on-court struggles, culminating in relegation threats during the 2015-16 PLK campaign where the team finished with a poor 8-24 record, placing last. Despite these issues, the club avoided demotion and began its revival phase in 2016-17 through improved management and gradual performance enhancements.[31] That same year, Trefl Sopot made its entry into European competition by participating in the 2017-18 FIBA Europe Cup, gaining valuable international exposure despite early elimination.[32][6] A recent surge in fortunes was ignited by the 2022-23 Polish Cup victory, where Trefl Sopot defeated Polski Cukier Start Lublin 91-80 in the final, ending an 11-year trophy drought and building momentum for subsequent success.[33] This momentum carried into the 2023-24 season, culminating in the club's first PLK championship after defeating MKS Dąbrowa Górnicza in the quarterfinals, WKS Śląsk Wrocław in the semifinals, and King Szczecin 4-3 in the finals. In the 2024-25 season, as defending champions, Trefl Sopot reached the semifinals but lost to Legia Warsaw, then fell to Anwil Włocławek in the bronze medal game. Ahead of the 2025-26 season, the club underwent a coaching transition with Mikko Larkas replacing Žan Tabak in July 2025; as of November 2025, the team has started strongly under the new coach, leading the regular season at 4-0 and holding a 3-0 record in the FIBA Europe Cup.Achievements
Domestic League Titles
Trefl Sopot secured its first Polish Basketball League (PLK) championship in the 2023–24 season, marking a historic breakthrough for the club since its reformation in 2009. Finishing second in the regular season with a 21–9 record, the team advanced through the playoffs by defeating WKS Śląsk Wrocław 3–1 in the semifinals, highlighted by dominant victories including 78–54 and 88–70. In the finals against defending champions King Szczecin, Trefl staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 1–3 deficit to win the series 4–3, with the decisive Game 7 ending 77–71 at Ergo Arena.[34][6] The path to the title featured critical regular-season triumphs over rivals such as Anwil Włocławek and Legia Warszawa, which bolstered team confidence and secured their playoff seeding. Playoff success was driven by standout performances from foreign imports, including Aaron Best's 32-point outburst in a key regular-season win and Paul Scruggs' scoring prowess, alongside Finals MVP Jakub Schenk's leadership in clutch moments. This victory ended a 16-year league title drought for the Sopot franchise, dating back to the predecessor club's last win in 2007–08 under the Prokom Trefl banner.[35][6] The championship had profound implications for the club's sustainability, enhancing financial stability through increased sponsorships like the renewed Energa partnership and boosted merchandise sales, while accelerating youth recruitment efforts by attracting top local talent to academy programs. Celebrations ensued with a public gathering on Sopot's iconic pier, where players and thousands of fans reveled in the triumph, complemented by record attendance of 9,689 at Ergo Arena for the finals-clinching game. The team had previously reached the finals in 2011–12, falling 3–4 to Asseco Prokom Gdynia.[36][37][38]Cup and Supercup Wins
Trefl Sopot claimed its first Polish Cup title in the 2011–12 season, defeating Zastal Zielona Góra 77–73 in the final at Torwar Hall in Warsaw.[26] This victory, led by key contributions from forwards like Filip Dylewicz, showcased the team's resilience in a tightly contested knockout tournament where depth from the bench proved vital in overcoming defensive pressure from the opponents.[6] The win marked a breakthrough for the young club, establishing them as contenders in Poland's premier cup competition. Building on that momentum, Trefl Sopot repeated as Polish Cup champions in the 2012–13 season, edging out AZS Koszalin 64–59 in the final.[39] The game highlighted the role of substitute players in maintaining energy during the intense, single-elimination format, with guards like Adam Waczyński providing timely scoring bursts off the bench. Paralleling these successes, the team captured the inaugural Polish Supercup in 2012 by beating rivals Asseco Prokom Gdynia 74–69 at the Gdynia Sports Arena, where the passionate Tri-City crowd added to the electric atmosphere of the local derby.[26] They defended the Supercup the following year, defeating Stelmet Zielona Góra 76–71 in a hard-fought matchup that again underscored bench contributions in a preseason showcase emphasizing quick adaptation.[28] Following these four trophies in two seasons, Trefl Sopot endured a decade-long drought in cup and supercup competitions from 2013 to 2022, largely due to consistent mid-table finishes in the Polish League that curtailed their advancement in knockout stages.[6] The team reached semifinals in 2021 and 2024 but fell short of finals appearances during this period.[6] This gap ended in the 2022–23 season when Trefl Sopot secured their third Polish Cup, overpowering Start Lublin 91–80 in the final at Hala Globus, with MVP Garrett Nevels leading a balanced attack that leveraged bench depth for a decisive second-half surge.[40] Across these triumphs, the knockout and supercup formats consistently rewarded Trefl Sopot's strategic use of reserves, while finals atmospheres—often amplified by regional rivalries or neutral-site crowds—intensified the pressure and highlighted the club's tactical discipline. This renewed success aligned with their recent domestic dominance, including the 2023–24 Polish League championship.[41]Performance Records
Season-by-Season Results
| Season | League | Regular Season Record | Playoffs Result | Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-10 | PLK | 17-9 | Lost bronze series 1-2 to Polpharma Starogard Gdański | N/A |
| 2010-11 | PLK | 14-8 | Lost 3rd place series 0-2 to Czarni Słupsk | N/A |
| 2011-12 | PLK | 19-5 | Lost finals 3-4 to Asseco Prokom Gdynia | Kārlis Muižnieks |
| 2011-12 | EuroCup | N/A | Group stage exit | Kārlis Muižnieks |
| 2012-13 | PLK | 15-7 | Lost quarterfinals 1-3 to AZS Koszalin | N/A |
| 2012-13 | EuroCup | 1-5 | 4th in Group E | N/A |
| 2013-14 | PLK | 16-6 | Lost semifinals 1-3 to Stelmet Zielona Góra; won third place 73-60 vs. Rosa Radom | N/A |
| 2014-15 | PLK | 14-16 | Lost quarterfinals 0-3 to PGE Turow Zgorzelec | N/A |
| 2015-16 | PLK | 9-23 | Did not qualify | N/A |
| 2016-17 | PLK | 17-14 | Did not qualify | N/A |
| 2017-18 | PLK | 17-15 | Did not qualify; relegated | N/A |
| 2018-19 | 1. Liga (EBL) | 7-23 | Did not qualify | N/A |
| 2019-20 | 1. Liga (EBL) | 12-10 | Season suspended; 6th place | N/A |
| 2020-21 | 1. Liga (EBL) | 19-11 | Lost quarterfinals 1-3 to Śląsk Wrocław | N/A |
| 2021-22 | 1. Liga (EBL) | 15-15 | Did not qualify | N/A |
| 2021-22 | FIBA Europe Cup | 4-8 | Group stage exit | N/A |
| 2022-23 | 1. Liga (EBL) | 17-13 | Lost quarterfinals 1-3 to Śląsk Wrocław | N/A |
| 2023-24 | PLK | 21-9 | Won finals 4-3 vs King Szczecin | Žan Tabak |
| 2024-25 | PLK | 20-10 | Lost semifinals 2-3 to PGE Start Lublin | Mikko Larkas |
| 2024-25 | EuroCup | 1-17 | Group stage exit (10th place) | Mikko Larkas |
| 2025-26 | PLK | 4-0 (as of Nov 15, 2025) | Ongoing; 1st place | Mikko Larkas |
| 2025-26 | FIBA Europe Cup | 3-0 | Ongoing | Mikko Larkas |
All-Time Team Statistics
Trefl Sopot has compiled a competitive all-time record in the Polish Basketball League (PLK) since its formation in 2009, with consistent participation in the top tier across multiple seasons. The team's highest single-season win total in the PLK came in 2023-24, when it secured 24 victories en route to its first championship. At home in the Ergo Arena, Trefl Sopot boasts a robust 70% win rate across its PLK games, underscoring the venue's role as a fortress that has supported numerous key victories. Away performances have been more variable but contribute to the overall balance, with team totals averaging strong scoring outputs per game in domestic matchups. In European competitions, the club holds a record of approximately 12 wins and 38 losses across EuroCup, FIBA Europe Cup, and EuroChallenge appearances as of the end of the 2024-25 season, highlighted by a strong group stage finish in the 2011-12 EuroCup season. Trefl Sopot has qualified for the PLK playoffs more than 10 times, demonstrating sustained postseason contention despite periodic challenges. Average attendance has risen notably, from roughly 3,000 spectators per game in the 2010s to 8,000 in the 2020s, signaling growing popularity in Sopot. The 2023-24 title run further elevated these cumulative figures.[32]Current Team
Roster and Depth Chart
The 2025–26 season roster for Trefl Sopot features a balanced mix of experienced veterans and young talents, emphasizing a blend of Polish domestic players and international imports to compete in the Polish Basketball League (PLK) and FIBA Europe Cup. As of November 2025, the team consists of 17 players, with 10 Polish nationals and 7 international players, providing depth across positions while adhering to league import limits.[43]Current Roster
The active roster, updated as of November 2025 with no reported injuries or mid-season trades, is organized by primary position below. Heights are listed in meters, and ages reflect the 2025–26 season start.| Position | Player | Number | Height | Age | Nationality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG | Jakub Schenk (Captain) | 55 | 1.84 m | 31 | Poland | Long-term contract extension through 2028.[44] |
| PG | Franciszek Chac | 91 | 1.87 m | 18 | Poland | Development prospect. |
| SG | Brandon Sampson | - | 1.96 m | 28 | USA | Key import scorer. |
| SG/G | Paul Scruggs | 0 | 1.90 m | 27 | USA | Starting shooting guard. |
| SG/G | Raymond Cowels III | 18 | 1.93 m | 35 | USA | Veteran perimeter defender. |
| SG | Dylan Addae-Wusu | - | 1.96 m | 25 | USA | Rotational scoring guard, joined October 2025. |
| G | Filip Łącz | 1 | 1.87 m | 18 | Poland | Rookie addition. |
| SF | Szymon Kiejzik | 3 | 1.92 m | 19 | Poland | Emerging wing. |
| SF | Kasper Suurorg | 11 | 1.97 m | 23 | Estonia | Swingman with international experience. |
| F | Mindaugas Kačinas | 13 | 2.04 m | 32 | Lithuania | Starting small forward. |
| F | Filip Gurtatowski | 72 | 2.03 m | 21 | Poland | Young forward. |
| F/PF | Szymon Nowicki | 7 | 2.01 m | 20 | Poland | Bench contributor. |
| PF | Kenny Goins | 33 | 2.01 m | 29 | USA | Starting power forward, rebounding specialist. |
| C/F | Mikołaj Witliński | 12 | 2.07 m | 30 | Poland | Starting center. |
| C/F | Maksymilian Jech | 34 | 2.11 m | 21 | Poland | Athletic big man. |
| C/F | Aleksander Jech | 46 | 2.16 m | 21 | Poland | Rim protector. |
| C | Szymon Zapala | 21 | 2.13 m | 24 | Poland | Backup center. |
Depth Chart
Under head coach Mikko Larkas, the projected starting lineup emphasizes defensive versatility and perimeter shooting, with Schenk orchestrating the offense. The depth chart as of November 2025 projects as follows:- Point Guard (PG): Starter - Jakub Schenk; Backup - Franciszek Chac
- Shooting Guard (SG): Starter - Paul Scruggs; Backup - Raymond Cowels III / Brandon Sampson / Dylan Addae-Wusu
- Small Forward (SF): Starter - Mindaugas Kačinas; Backup - Kasper Suurorg / Szymon Kiejzik
- Power Forward (PF): Starter - Kenny Goins; Backup - Szymon Nowicki / Filip Gurtatowski
- Center (C): Starter - Mikołaj Witliński; Backup - Szymon Zapala / Maksymilian Jech
Coaching Staff
The coaching staff of Trefl Sopot for the 2025-26 season is led by head coach Mikko Larkas, a Finnish tactician appointed on July 10, 2025, to a contract running through the 2026-27 season.[47] Prior to joining Trefl, Larkas served as head coach of Helsinki Seagulls in the Finnish Korisliiga for six years, where he earned two bronze medals, and held roles with the Finnish senior national team as assistant from 2016 to 2024, including appearances at EuroBasket 2017 and 2022 as well as the 2023 FIBA World Cup.[47] His most recent experience came in the French LNB Pro A, acting as head coach of Limoges CSP from January 2025—securing the team's elite status—and as assistant with SIG Strasbourg, reaching the French Cup final and Basketball Champions League TOP16.[47] Larkas's philosophy centers on a fast-paced offensive system with quick transitions, physical intensity, defined player roles, and disciplined defensive setups to maximize team cohesion.[47] Larkas was hired to succeed Žan Tabak, who departed after guiding Trefl to the 2022-23 Polish Cup triumph and the 2023-24 PLK championship. Supporting Larkas are two Polish assistants: Krzysztof Roszyk and Jakub Pendrakowski, both signed through 2026-27.[48] Roszyk, a club alumnus as a player who captured the 2007 PLK title with Trefl, rejoins after two years away, having served as assistant since 2013-14—including under Tabak during the 2022-23 cup win—and as interim head coach in 2018-19 and 2021-22; his work extends to Poland's U13 national team and youth academy at SMS PZKosz Władysławowo, emphasizing player development.[48] Pendrakowski, new to the PLK level, arrives from head coaching duties at Polonia Warszawa (2022-24), where he achieved promotion to the first league in 2021 and playoff qualification in 2022-23, with prior experience at Znicz Basket Pruszków focusing on team progression and tactical growth in lower divisions.[48] The staff also includes essential support roles such as a strength and conditioning trainer and a video/performance analyst to optimize player fitness and game preparation.[4] In his early tenure, Larkas has posted a win rate exceeding 80% through the opening month of the 2025-26 campaign, blending his schemes with the current roster for effective execution in both PLK and FIBA Europe Cup play.[49] Key adjustments include heightened emphasis on transition defense and roster integration to compete in European competition, where Trefl has started strongly.Notable Personnel
Key Players
Łukasz Koszarek stands out as one of Trefl Sopot's most influential guards during his tenure from 2010 to 2012, where he averaged 15.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game in the 2011-12 season, serving as the team's primary playmaker and scoring threat.[50] His leadership was pivotal in guiding Trefl to the 2012 Polish National Cup victory, where he earned MVP honors for his standout performance in the final against Zastal Zielona Góra.[51] Over his time with the club, Koszarek amassed more than 750 points in league play, contributing significantly to Trefl's competitive edge in the Polish Basketball League during the early 2010s.[52] Filip Dylewicz emerged as a cornerstone forward for Trefl Sopot in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons, delivering consistent scoring and rebounding with averages of 15.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in 2012.[53] Known for his versatility and playoff reliability, Dylewicz helped anchor the frontcourt during Trefl's cup-winning campaign and subsequent league pushes, embodying the club's emphasis on tough, experienced Polish talent. His contributions extended to key wins in the 2010s, where he often stepped up in high-stakes matchups, solidifying his legacy as a symbol of team loyalty and performance under pressure. Donatas Motiejūnas brought international caliber to Trefl Sopot during his brief but impactful stint in the 2011-12 season, averaging 15.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game as a dominant rebounder and interior scorer.[54] The Lithuanian big man, fresh from European prospects, provided rebounding prowess and scoring efficiency that bolstered Trefl's frontcourt during their EuroLeague participation and domestic title challenge, marking him as a foreign star who elevated the team's competitiveness.[55] Adam Waczyński, a sharpshooting guard, made his mark with Trefl Sopot from 2012 to 2015, posting 14.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in the 2013-14 season while earning MVP honors in the 2013 Polish Cup final. His perimeter scoring and clutch play were instrumental in Trefl's back-to-back cup triumphs, helping transition the team through a period of sustained success in the mid-2010s. Waczyński's tenure highlighted the club's ability to develop Polish guards into national standouts. Jakub Schenk has been a pivotal guard for Trefl Sopot since joining in November 2023, earning the 2024 PLK Finals MVP honors after averaging 15.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game in the playoffs, including a standout 42.4% three-point shooting rate that propelled the team to its first league championship.[56][57] His leadership and scoring in the finals against Anwil Włocławek cemented his status as a modern cornerstone of the franchise. Andy van Vliet contributed significantly as a forward/center during the 2023-24 championship season, averaging 11.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in the regular season while providing crucial interior presence in the playoffs, helping secure the title with efficient scoring (57.5% two-point shooting) and defensive rebounding.[7][58] Among Trefl Sopot's statistical milestones, Koszarek ranks among the club's all-time leaders in points and assists from the 2009+ era, with his 2011-12 output contributing to over 1,500 total points across his seasons, while players like Dylewicz set benchmarks in scoring efficiency and rebounding during playoff runs.[59] These records underscore the impact of homegrown and imported talent in establishing Trefl's identity as a resilient contender in Polish basketball.Head Coaches
Since its establishment as an independent club in 2009, Trefl Sopot has experienced frequent changes in head coaching leadership, with more than 10 coaches serving in the role over the subsequent years, reflecting an average tenure of approximately 1.5 years. This turnover has been driven by the team's ambition to compete at the top levels of Polish and European basketball, often leading to tactical shifts aimed at immediate improvement in the PLK and continental competitions.[60] In the early years, Latvian coach Kārlis Muižnieks led the team from 2011 to 2012, marking a pivotal period of growth. Under his guidance, Trefl Sopot achieved its first major success as an independent entity by winning the Polish Cup and reaching the PLK finals for the first time, where they fell in a decisive seventh game. Muižnieks emphasized a balanced offensive system that leveraged the team's athleticism, laying the foundation for sustained competitiveness in the league. His tenure highlighted the club's potential for promotion from mid-table contention to title challengers.[60] The mid-era saw continued instability but notable European exposure. Croatian coach Žan Tabak took over in 2012-2013, introducing a structured defensive approach that helped stabilize the roster amid transitions. Following him, Lithuanian Darius Maskoliūnas coached in 2013-2014, pushing the team into European competitions and focusing on fast-paced play to exploit transition opportunities. Mariusz Niedbalski (2014-2015) and Zoran Martić (2015-2017) followed, with Martić providing the longest relative stability during this phase by implementing a versatile zone defense that improved the team's playoff seeding. These coaches collectively navigated the club's push into international play, though without major domestic trophies.[60] Later appointments brought a mix of domestic and international expertise. Marcin Kloziński (2017-2018) and Finnish Jukka Toijala (2018-2019) emphasized youth development and high-pressure man-to-man defense, respectively, aiding roster rebuilding. Marcin Stefański's three-year stint from 2019 to 2022 was a high point for continuity, as he fostered a team-oriented culture that elevated Trefl to consistent playoff appearances and prepared the squad for elite contention through systematic player rotation and analytical scouting.[60] In recent years, Žan Tabak returned in 2022 and remained through the 2023-2024 season, delivering the club's historic first PLK league title with a resilient, adaptability-focused style that combined pick-and-roll efficiency with strong rebounding. During his second tenure, Trefl also secured a Polish Cup in 2023, underscoring his tactical legacy in high-stakes environments.[60] Finnish coach Mikko Larkas assumed the role in 2025, bringing a modern, analytics-driven approach centered on perimeter shooting and pace control; his early tenure has focused on integrating new talent while building on the championship foundation, though detailed results remain ongoing as of November 2025.[61]| Coach | Tenure | Key Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Kārlis Muižnieks | 2011-2012 | Polish Cup win; first PLK finals appearance; balanced offense introduction |
| Žan Tabak | 2012-2013 | Defensive structure amid transition |
| Darius Maskoliūnas | 2013-2014 | European competition entry; transition emphasis |
| Mariusz Niedbalski | 2014-2015 | Roster stabilization |
| Zoran Martić | 2015-2017 | Zone defense implementation; playoff consistency |
| Marcin Kloziński | 2017-2018 | Youth integration |
| Jukka Toijala | 2018-2019 | Man-to-man pressure tactics |
| Marcin Stefański | 2019-2022 | Team culture building; sustained playoffs |
| Žan Tabak | 2022-2024 | PLK title (2024); Polish Cup (2023); adaptability in finals |
| Mikko Larkas | 2025-present | Analytics-based perimeter play; post-championship integration |