Miki Novovic(KFUM Kalmar) Always Keeps Pushing To Make The Best Of It Even If He Believes He Has Seen Hell In His Life

Miki Novovic (208-C-1992) is a 33 year old 202cm center from Monenegro that is playing his 13th professional season and thiird season with KFUM Kalmar (Sweden-Basketettan). He began his basketball career with the BC Buducnost Podgorica junior team. He then went on to gain massive experience in Europe in countries like Spain, Germany, Italy and Denmark. He spoke to eurobasket about his basketball career.

You have had a long career and played in 7 countries for 12 teams. What has been the biggest challenge for you being a basketball globetrotter?

I think the biggest challenge is that every day, every practice and game you need to prove something to yourself and to others. Just that you are professional and how good you are. That’s the other side of professional sport, it’s never guaranteed one bad year can put you down mentally and physically, but also one good season can move you up. So staying professional is the biggest challenge. Every country have some differences to other countries, so staying professional will help you adjust to every system, coach, country.

On your Instagram you have an interesting headline with “there is a hell, believe me I have seen it”. Of course all players overseas go through lows, but you have played professionally for more than a decade. Your life couldn´t have been that bad or?

Well that’s a quote that have a deep meaning for me. Me coming from a small country such as Montenegro and growing up there in really tough ‘90 and early 2000’s was not simple as it looks. I never thought that basketball will take me anywhere, and when you look now it’s been quite a journey. There you meet a lot of people good and bad, you go through lot of situations. Like I mentioned ups and down. So every time I have some “bad times” I just think about quote and keep pushing try to make best out of it. One year you play good and your in a good team and organization, next maybe not so. And you always try to stay professional and keep pushing. Basketball was always “safe place” and in every situation in life or profession career once you on court that’s where I enjoyed it. Even if I have issues with life, career, friends, relationships. There was always court. I think that’s what make me play in good and bad situation. I just have love for the game.

You began your career with BC Buducnost Podgorica playing in their youth. What memories do you have of that time? Did you have a mentor in those days?

Yes Buducnost was always big part of my career. I been with the youth-yes but that was first time I saw how professional basketball looks like. We were sometimes also joined with the A team, and that’s where we could learn. About professional approach, about how serious practices are, how to recover, eat, and sleep. It was again an experience that later helped me to carry myself. At that time Buducnost had one of best teams players like Marko Simonovic, Sead Sehovic, Nemanja Milosevic, Vladimir Dragicevic, Bojan Dubljevic, Vladimir Mihailovic. I don´t want to skip somebody, and just seeing how serious they were made you know and learn about professionalism which was amazing foundation for me. Also from youth there are few guys still playing and once we meet on or off the court we still talk about that and we really have true friendships untill today.

You then left your homeland and played with Ferrol CB (Spain-EBA) averaging 4.5ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 61.5%. What memories do you have of that season? You were teammates with many Spanish guys. What was your wake up call to being in Spain for first time where you knew that you were far away from home?

Yes. At that time there were not many players from our country in Spain. And it was new to me. Everything. Language, basketball, culture, their look on basketball. That was my first year of being there and we had a great system where we practiced basically 3x a day. It was more of developing than actually trying to focus on winning championship. And it was great. We were a young team, at that time our oldest player was 23 years old so we were really young. We had players from all over the world, Brazil, Cameroon,Chad, USA. It was a mix and that made it perfect. We were all with same goal there. Try to improve and find our place in the basketball world.

You then went to Germany playing with the Westfalen Mustangs (Germany-Bezirksliga) who were in a very low league. I remember reporting about this organization a few years later. Was money a big reason for playing in a low league? I remember that club having lots of money then and being able to sign guys from other countries.

Yeah next destination Germany. And your right about that. That team was in a lower league but as you know our economy was great. At that time my agent told me about situation and how they have economy and will to move up, so I thought it’s good opportunity for someone young like me at that time, where I can move around easy. Germany was a nice country really, money was on time, everything was by rules. And for some of time I enjoyed it. But also being that young and having some extra money sometimes it’s not really good. Because I didn’t have life outside of court. The city I live was pretty small, and there was not much to do of court. I was getting home sick, especially I came from Spain playing year before that and their culture is very social and they hung a lot on and off court, late night outs, parties and when your young you need that stuff. Unfortunately all my teammates were married family guys or they had their other friends and I felt alone there. That’s why I couldn’t stay there long, so I decide to move. At this age I think that situation will suit me perfectly but when I was young with this mindset, it was not good to me.

In the 2015-2016 season you returned to Spain and played with Club Basquet Cantaires Tortosa. I believe they played lower than EBA. What positives do you remember getting from that experience?

Yes Tortosa were great memories till this day. I think maybe I’m wrong but that was the first year they moved to EBA actually. But anyways it was amazing. Again I was trying to find anything in Spain, I moved in middle of season from Germany. As young as I was, I thought that Spain was best for me with great basketball and off court balance. So I took it. I went there and really enjoyed playing. Later in years when I didn’t play for a team, I came back to city and visited and people still remembered me and how much they loved me there and I was really happy about it. The season was full of ups and downs, but again meet some great players like for example Jaime Sorolla who was member of NT Spain later for FIBA windows and Girona Basquet, and had some great memories from that period.

You then played your first season in Italy with Valentino Basket Castellaneta (Italy-Serie C Silver) averaging 17.0ppg. You were the only real big man on that team. What memories do you have of that league? Many guys start there in the Serie C to help move up to higher leagues. Was that a stepping stone league for you?

Yes Italy is amazing. I was in Italy before that, before Spain actually right after Buducnost been there with PMS Basket (now I think they go by name Fiat Torino Basket) and spent there most of my youth. Then coming back let’s say in Italy was great. I had a contact with GM and President who wanted to sign me for a few seasons before that actually, but again I was looking for something new and wanted to prove myself so our path didn’t cross until that season. Castellaneta was a small city but with great fans and great love and passion for basketball. Till this day I think. We also started rough and we had few losses at the start, but then we found chemistry and we played great. Coach was really great to me as only big, and he was actually one making me using other stuff. Running, passing, dribbling. He didn’t want me to be stuck only as big. And it was a great season at the end. Fans there were amazing until this day they follow my journey, sending messages of support and have some best friends that I met here. It was really a great experience with people and organization.

You then discovered another new country playing with Futebol Clube Barreirense (Portugal-LPB) playing 28 games averaging 10.4ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 57.1%, FT: 66.3%. How important was this season for your career? You had solid games and against top teams FC Porto and Benefica. Was this your breakthrough season in Europe?

Yes. After good season in Italy I got call from Portugal. First division. It was really great basketball experience. We had a good coach but unfortunately the organization and us as a team were not ready for that extra step. And that’s why after that season the team stepped down from league. For me personally it was a great season, where I matured a lot and proved to myself that I could play well. The Team was looking bad because we didn’t have team chemistry. We had groups local players stick to them self, American players stick to them self and there was me in between haha. So that was tough, although I learned Portuguese finding the balance between team was super hard. Portugal at that time had 3-4 good teams, and Porto and Benfica led that group. I had a chance to play against some really good bigs like Sasa Borovnjak from FC Porto or Miguel Quieroz. And other sfrom Benfica such as Claudio Fonseca. The experience playing against guys such as them was really amazing. Also I lived in Lisboa, one of the nicest cities in Europe which was quite an experience. It was nice weather whole year and good food.

In the 2018-2019 season you returned back to Spain and played with Units Pel Basquet Gandia (Spain-EBA) averaging 8.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 2FGP: 64.5%, 3FGP: 66.7%, FT: 57.1%, in Jan.’19 moved to CB Miraflores Burgos (Spain-EBA). What memories do you have of that season. You bounced around. You went from the first Portugal division back to fourth division Spain. What did you learn from this season?

Yes. Spain at that time was always “safe place” for me. Since I spent a lot of years playing there, I always returned there. It was “home far from home” to me. After everything that happened with team in Portugal I was waiting for a new club but unfortunately I couldn’t find anything that I felt was good to me. I wanted to have bigger role and become leader and at that time I couldn’t find that which will suit me. I had contact with agent that mentioned me to Gandia. The club had a big tradition in basketball, great gym, great city, amazing organization and people that support basketball. I spoke to coach Rubio, who is till this day one of really good friends to me that I can call for advice or anything related to life and basketball and I decided to sign. They had a project of us moving to Plata league and I went there. The team was amazing, great mix of both older guys and young guys, older in need to mention is Shay Miller who was at that time having 44 years still playing, and playing good. That was a really pure example of a true professional. We played really good and quick we become favourites for winning it all. But at half of season, I got call from Burgos, offering me to be 2way basically. Be signed in EBA but be full time with Burgos ACB team at that time, and try to earn my minutes maybe there. It was huge for me trying to be on roster of ACB team and maybe be able to compete against some of best players in Europe. So I took it. Unfortunately the roster was full of bigs, coach Epi (Diego Epifanio) really loved me and trusted me on ACB team but we had 5-6 bigs and we all wanted to play, with me having less experience in that set. Some names I will mention is Augusto Lima, Javi Vega, Goran Huskic, Dominique Sutton. Then my secondary position as 4 was tough as well. Vlatko Cancar and German Paul Zipser came from the Chicago Bulls, so team was pretty tough. But again those 6 months with such a professionals and talents helped me later in career and even till today.

You then played 2 seasons with top Danish club Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-BasketLigaen) averaging 4.2ppg, 2.8rpg and 5.0ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 50.8%, FT: 56.5%. In your second season you lost in the playoffs to Svendborg. In 3 of the 4 regular season games the games had been very close and in the playoffs as well. How much fun was it battling that team that season?

Denmark was place that I have in great memory. Not such results, since we didn’t win trophies. After a Burgos half season I had offer from them again. To be 2 way and get my minutes but now in little better position, starting there from beginning I didn’t like it because I knew I could play against all those guys and compete, also I was more mature to be in that position and I was looking somewhere where I will be one of main players and that’s how Denmark showed on map. I knew coach there who was an amazing coach and one of best friends I have Arnel Dedic. I knew his ideas and style and I decided to join. First year was more of getting things in order new coach for club, new players, and in the second season we played good. We reached playoff and lost close. It was a great series and we almost beat them in first game away, but unfortunately we lost in last few seconds. I think that “broke us” because we were so close and we knew if we get that one later with home court advantage we can go to semis and later maybe finals. I would continue there but unfortunately coach Arnel became head coach of Danish national team, and in Denmark there is rule that you can’t coach clubs if you are NT coach. So club brought new coach and players and we split ways.

You then returned back home in 2021-2022 and played with KK Lovcen Cetinje (Erste Liga). There you played with 2guys I have covered in Germany with Elijah Clarence and Isaiah Washington. The first could dunk with the best of them and the second is the master of trick shots. How do you remember these 2 dudes?

Yeah, after “corona season” and all bubble, lock downs, flight cancellations.. etc, I decided to say for a season until everything got back to normal, let’s say, because I was far from them never knowing when borders can close and maybe I couldn´t see them for long period of time, which happen to me while I was in Denmark. I signed with Lovcen, club playing in ABA 2 and Montenegrin league at that time. It was a great team and roster as you mentioned with Elijah that I’m still friends with and we see each other when he is back in Sweden now and famous Jelly, Isaiah. Another great experience and see how basketball work is small and connect people. Me and Elijah were really close because I had some Danish experience so I understand the mentality of Scandinavia and obviously he being Swedish make us hang a lot. Jelly was also a great friend till this day, kids and youth love him and he was really a fun guy. On court he was really mature- that was his first pro season but he carried himself like if it was his 10th season. Really good player and I knew he will do good. Elijah is one of best athletes I’ve ever seen. The explosiveness he got is unmeasured. I loved playing with him, he is hard working and 24/7 in basketball so I like that mindset. Unfortunately team was struggling with economy afterwards so we all basically left because of those problems.

You then played parts of 2 seasons with KFUM Fryshuset Basket (Sweden-Basketligan) averaging 9.7ppg, 6.8rpg, FGP: 50.8%, FT: 54.9% and 16.7ppg, 9.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 15.4%, FT: 67.4%. How did you like Sweden. You were able to be a real scoring and rebounding force.

Sweden, after turbulent season with Lovcen, and economic part, I decide to move to Sweden. Knowing how it was in Denmark and also talking with Elijah about Sweden during our time in Lovcen I decided to move there. First stop Fryshuset. Good league imports that are really good or experienced and Swedens best players it’s really mix of both. Fryshuset was struggling at that time which was stuck between going fully professional and just get all professional guys, or also give a chance to young guys that are coming up. Then losing some games started and imports left, some important guys left and I was only one. I played good, kept being professional as I can and had solid numbers there.

You finished the 2023-2024 season with KFUM Kalmar (Sweden-Superettan) and now are in your third season. This is the longest that you have been with one club. Has KFUM Kalmar become like a second home to you?

Yes after a Fryshuset I got signed with Kalmar. And as you mentioned this is my third season with them. Good play in Fryshuset recommended me to Kalmar and they offered me great contract. They make me feel like home. People around club are amazing people in city as well. They all appreciate me and what I do for club and that’s why every season I’m more and more motivated to play better and be better. Kalmar also slowly talking about my plans for future and they want to help me follow my dream and study to become coach after career so I hope I can achieve that and after finish playing and still be part of the game. I had interviews here and say that me staying here is some kind of me paying back for people who pushed me and help me to be and become better player and person. And people here really do that.

Last season with KFUM Kalmar (Sweden-Superettan) you exploded averaging (23.0), RPG-2 (12.5), 2.6apg, FGP: 65.2%, FT: 57.2%. You were a big time player. Did you always know that you could be a player like this?

Last season I did good. Again I felt like people believed in me and they showed it. They kept pushing me and that makes everything easier. Then I shifted my focus on game and stats get better. I always believed in my work ethic and everything I just needed that trust and push which today unfortunately is hard to be found, but Kalmar as club really makes me feel that way now and I try to return it as best I can.

You had unbelievable games last season netting 41 points once, getting 21 rebounds in another game and then having a crazy 38/24 game. How has your game grown in Sweden since your arrival in Jan 24?

Yes, since I arrived I needed time. Although I´m professional and all but I needed time to adjust. Players and stuff in Kalmar help me that all be quick and accepting me like I’m there from day one. Then I focus on basketball and team and points like those games you mentioned just come. I always try to put hard work and see how far it will get me.

You picked up your game this season averaging 26/14 stats. Unfortunately the team is 0-7. What goals do you still have at age 33? How tough is it winning that first pro title when you lose like that?

After last season I spoke to team manager and as I mentioned, they wanted to “reset and start with young prospects. They were all aware that there will be loses at the start and it will be tough, physically and mentally, because it’s not nice losing but I believe in project. Yes, I am 33 but I still feel good. I still enjoy every minute on court. I had offers from other team from Sweden and other countries but I decided to stay here. I believe in them like they believe in me, but you never know. I’m open for everything but now I really enjoy playing here. It’s tough knowing the tittle seems so far but I will still work hard. Try to motivate others to work and believe. And most of all enjoy and love basketball. Right now those plans are here in Kalmar but you never know what future can bring. I will play basketball as long as I have that “spark” and desire for every practice and every game. Maybe till I’m 50 hahah and if my body keeps me going.

Who was the best player that you ever played against in your career that reached the NBA or Euroleague?

One of best players I got chance to meet, and one of players that I really admire was Stefano Mancinelli. One of best players that I shared the court with was Bogdan Bogdanovic. Captain of Serbia NT and Clippers guard. We played against each other as youthes in a lot tournaments and every time I got late on pick as I big men I got that 3 over me or 1×1 iso 3.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Good one. Let’s say position 5, probably I go with Bojan Dubljevic ex Valencia Basket, position 4- Vlatko Cancar ex Denver Nuggets and Olimpia Milano, 3 I will put Elijah although he not 3 but in my set up he will be, 2 I would go for Victor Benite shooter from Burgos and at 1 I would put, I need to put two guys Isaiah Jelly Washington and Jahmal Jones, spent with him 2 years in Denmark and 1 in Sweden.

Please list your NBA and Montenegro Mount Rushmore of 5 best players for you?

NBA BEST for me :

PG: Steph Curry
SG: Drazen Petrovic
SF: LeBron James
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Shaquille O’Neal

And Montenegro

PG: Goran Jeretin
SG: Suad Sehovic
SF: Vladimir Dasic
PF: Nikola Vucevic
C: Nikola Pekovic

Who is your GOAT?

My goat uh that’s tough one. I belong to that generation when I started Jordan was best, but then LeBron showed up. But of course Kobe was there. So it’s pretty tough, but if I need to pick one then I would say Michael Jordan.

Thanks Mikki for the chat.

Greg Brown(AEK BC Athens) Will Never Forget Hitting A Three Pointer In  Lebron James Face And Beating The Los Angeles Lakers 107-105

That 3 times is a charm is a known saying that can be implied in many aspects of life. For current overseas baller Greg Brown III (201-F-2001, college: Texas), it was something he witnessed in his rookie season when he balled against the Los Angeles Lakers and Lebron James in the 2021-2022 season with the Portland Trailblazers. He played 3 times against the Lakers and twice against Lebron James that season and that third meeting turned out be an experience that he will never forget. In the first meeting, he scored 2 points in 5 minutes and lost 105-90 while Lebron didn’t suit up. But he did witness high class players like Russell Westbrook and Rajon Rondo in that game. In the second game, his team lost again getting crushed 139-106, but in this game, he witnessed Lebron with a 43 point explosion while he had limited action again with 7 minutes and 0 points. But the third meeting was truly a charm as he delivered quality minutes from the bench with 11 points in 16 minutes in an exciting 107-105 Portland win. Lebron had another fine performance with 30 points, but it wasn’t enough for the win. Brown had special moments against Lebron on the floor that he will never forget. ‘That was a special game for me and our team. We weren’t expected to win that game. We had injuries and main guys out. It just showed what can be done despite having injuries. It gave us a lot of confidence. I had a dunk and a three pointer in Lebron’s face. I still have a photo with Lebron during the game. That was a crazy experience’, remembered Greg Brown III. He also showed his dunking qualities in the NBA producing a brutal poster on Javale Mcghee and dunking through the legs. But at the moment times like those with Lebron James are only a memory as he is overseas for the first time with AEK BC Athens.

The American who lists NBA player Davion Mitchell as the toughest player that he ever faced in the NCAA was born on September 1, 2001 in Dallas Texas. He comes from a very sporty family as his parents were both sports stars at Texas (NCAA) in track and field and football. He began his basketball career at Vandergrift high school where he had an illustrious career. In his 3 years he averaged 27,0ppg, 30,0ppg and 26,0ppg. He won numerous awards in his high school career like HS Gatorade Texas Player of the Year and was selected to play in the Mcdonalds All-American game. He recorded a triple double once where he recorded a ridiculous 18 blocks. ‘I remember that game well. Everyone that game was trying their luck at getting to the rim against me. That was just a really good day for me. I was always in the rights spots and always knew when to go for the block’, said Greg Brown III. It was then no surprise that he would go and play at the University of Texas where his parents also played. He played only one season averaging 9.3ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 70.8%. He helped win the Big 12 title, but then lost to ACU at March Madness. He only played 12 minutes in his last 2 games scoring 3 points. ‘It was tough as a freshman to experience that. But I understood that I had to support my team. You can always control your attitude but not your minutes. I trusted my coach and teammates’, remembered Greg Brown III. He had some great games in the NCAA against OK State, Davidson, Kansas and North Carolina. Were one of these games his favorite moment in the NCAA? ‘My fondest moment was winning the Big 12 title. We hadn’t won in a long time. Now we were part of a winning culture again. It felt amazing’, said Greg Brown III. He scored in double figures in 13 games including 24 points against OK State. That season was tough since Covid was in full swing which hampered the proper preparation for players by their coaches. However he will never forget how head coach Shaka Smart prepared him best for a professional career. ‘He helped my defensive game a lot and how to be a better communicator’, added Greg Brown III who remembers beating and losing to Kai Jones in 1-1 battles in practice.


The Texas native who lists Dexter Dennis, Jameer Nelson Jr, CJ Elleby, Donovan Williams and Derreck Jones Jr as his 5 best teammates of all-time was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in the second round at #43 and was traded to the Portland Trailblazers. He played 47 games averaging 4.8ppg, 2.9rpg. His wake call being a rookie in the NBA already occurred at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. ‘I was 19 and when I had teammates like Michael Beasley, Kenneth Faried and Antonio Blakeney, I was very star struck. I remember watching them when I was growing up. I realized I was in big business and I had to play my game’, stated Greg Brown III. He also will never forget his NBA debut in a 29 point blow out win over the Phoenix Suns where he had a 4/3/1 game in 6 minutes. ‘I remember Dennis Smith Jr who was also another guy I grew up watching throw me a lob pass for the dunk. The crowd erupted’, said Greg Brown III. He couldn’t have asked for a better teammate then with top NBA player Damian Lillard who wouldn’t hesitate to give him advice. ‘He was great. He had a family and wasn’t all the way invested all the time with us, but he gave me pointers when I asked. He didn’t have to say anything, but he would take time for me’, remembered Greg Brown III. After playing a full season in the NBA as a rookie, things changed in his second season. He split time with the Ontario Clippers (NBA G League) averaging 10.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 66.0% and played 16 NBA games. He really could observe how the NBA is always a business first. ‘I remember the day of the trading deadline. It was quiet. There was a creepy feeling in the air as anybody could lose their job. I got a call as I was informed that I was waived. I learned that I can only control what I can control. It was what it was’, commented Greg Brown III.


The forward who lists Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Larry Bird on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore split time in his third pro season with the Texas Legends (NBA G League) averaging 17.6ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.1apg, BPG-2 (3.0), FGP: 63.8%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 67.5% and also played 6 NBA games with the Dallas Mavericks. He got called up in mid December and then finished the season in the G-League having great stats, but wasn’t rewarded with a second call up. ‘That was a tough time. I was on the phone daily with my agent asking what was up. I was playing well as was my team. However Dallas was also playing well. It’s hard calling up guys when the team has success. It was situational. They had the ball rolling and didn’t want to mess it up’, remembered Greg Brown III. He was fortunate to be teammates with 2 future NBA legends Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Doncic is known as being a gregarious guy, but does a Kyrie allow call into his world? ‘Oh Kyrie did let you into his world. I had a good relationship with him. You just went up to him and asked questions. He had great answers for me. Luka was very down to earth. When we went on our Europe trip to Madrid, I spent time with him’, expressed Greg Brown III. He spent the entire fourth season with the Capitanes de Ciudad de Mexico (NBA G League) averaging 14.6ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.8bpg, 2FGP: 61.1%, 3FGP: 32.3%, FT: 62.0% and didn’t get a NBA call up. Did he lose faith in the NBA? ‘To be honest I kind of did. I had good numbers again and demonstrated I can do it at both ends of the court and be used as any type of player. But all things happen for a reason. That is why I decided to come overseas and explore other options’, added Greg Brown III.


The high flyer who lists Lebron James as his GOAT had a superb stint with the Calgary Surge (Canada-CEBL) last summer averaging 18.8ppg, Reb-5 (8.3rpg), 1.1apg, Blocks-2 (2.0bpg), FGP: 62.9%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 66.4%. He just came up short with a title. He got injured and recently got healthy again and signed with AEK BC Athens. He has only been with the team about 6 weeks, but feels very comfortable. ‘I really enjoy playing with a great group of teammates and great coaches. It could have been hard to adapt, but they made it very easy for me. They correct my mistakes and give me praise at the same time. I really appreciate them being here on my journey’, stressed Greg Brown III. He grew in the Dallas area and even if Dallas (1.3 million) is large, he had to get used to seeing even more people in Athens (over 3,0million) as well as the different architecture. On the court, he joined a successful team that is in third place in the Greek first division standings. Soon he will battle against the 2 Euroleague teams Panathinaikos and Olympiakos. ‘I’m really excited to be able to play against such high level players. I will be ready to test my skills and see if I can fit in with them on the court’, warned Greg Brown III. Last season the club reached the Basketball Champions League Final 4 and this season continue to roll in the Basketball Champions League. Could this be the season where the team wins it all? ‘This could be the season. We have a lot of power and have many guys bringing different parts of their games. We have a lot of chemistry on and off the court’, stressed Greg Brown III. He has been fortunate having other Americans on the squad like Keyshawn Feazell, RaiQuan Gray, Frank Bartley and James Nunnally who have made the adjustment period so much easier. ‘Those guys have all been great. All have been like mentors especially Nunnally. He has helped me be able to take from his 2 worlds as a guard and forward’, stated Greg Brown III.

He started well in the Greek First division and is averaging 11,3ppg, 8,0rpg, 1,3apg, 1,7spg and 1,3bpg, but there are still things that he needs to get used to. ‘I have to get used to the limited spacing and find my role. I just came off an injury and have come to a team that have been together. Offense has been a challenge, but I’m progressing and it’s been going pretty well’, said Greg Brown III. He fills the stat sheet well, but he understands that defense will be a big part of his role. ‘I will be a primary defender. I can switch 1-5. We have scorers. I will cause havoc on defense and be more off ball and be a slasher type. I also can shoot, drive and go downhill when needed’, stated Greg Brown III. He definitely wants to continue to develop his defensive game overseas. ‘I feel like at the moment I’m like a long Jaden McDaniel that can alter the game and be physical and in the future be a Kawhi Leonard that is active, plays in the gaps and is always solid’, warned Greg Brown III. Blocking shots has always been a big strength of his. At 201cm, he is no where near the length of a Wemby, but has a special knack of swatting away balls at ease. ‘My sister played volleyball and she gave me lessons. I always asked her how she was able to read the ball so well. She taught me to get the right position, then time it and then attack it’, remembered Greg Brown III. At the moment he is overseas attempting to help AEK BC Athens win another title again after their 2020 cup win. His teammate RaiQuan Gray still sees a return back to the NBA. Does he share the zeal of his teammate to return? ‘The door isn’t shut for me either. But I’m at the point now where I will try to make the biggest impact possible overseas. I would like to go back though if the opportunity presents itself, but I won’t be hyper about it’, warned Greg Brown III.

Cobie Barnes(BC Mess) Was Taught To Be Able To Impact The Game In More Ways Than Just Scoring

Cobie Barnes (201-F, college: SMWC) is a 201cm forward playing his second professional season and first with BC Mess (Luxembourg-Nationale 2) currently averaging 34/11/2/2 stats. Last season he played his rookie season with Ferro Carril Salto (Uruguay-LUB) averaging 21.5ppg, 12.0rpg, 1.0apg. He began his basketball career at Floyd Central High School and then played 2 seasons and 54 NCAA games for Indiana State University averaging 2.1ppg, 1.9rpg and 3.4ppg, 2.3rpg. He then played the next 3 seasons at John A. Logan College (JUCO) averaging 14.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.1%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 74.5%, at Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville (NCAA) averaging 2.5ppg, 1.8rpg and at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (NAIA) averaging 23.3ppg, 7.2rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 72.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Cobie for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second pro season with BC Mess (Luxembourg-Nationale 2). What kind of an experience has it been and what have you enjoyed most from the experience?

It has been great. I really enjoy my teammates, people and just the basketball here.

Do you kind of feel like a rookie this season since you only played 2 games in Uruguay last season?

I do still consider myself a rookie. I actually played more than 2 games in Uruguay but I don’t know if the stats were uploaded.

What was your wake up call to being in Europe this season where you knew that you were far away from home?

Honestly my biggest wake up call that I wasn’t home were the reusable grocery bags. I think that’s something I’ll bring back to the USA.

BC Mess is 3-0. What are the ambitions of the team? Are the goals to move up?

The goal is to win a championship and move up.

Your playing with fellow American Denathony McCallum who like you is a great scorer. Is there enough room for the both of you to score much on a normal game basis?

I think that DeAnthony and I play really well off of each other, and find each other within the offensive scheme great. We both like to run and play off of each others strengths.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I think I compare to a Paolo Banchero and Luka type of player.

You’re an explosive scorer, but also fill the stat sheet very well. Is versatility a bigger strength than your scoring?

I was always taught to impact the game in more ways than just scoring. So I think rebounds, assists, steals etc. are just as important as putting points up.

You had very many assists in 2 of the 3 games this season. Is getting a triple double something you could imagine yourself doing?

A triple double is definitely something I want to try to get before the end of the season. That’s always something that is a great show of impact on the game I think.

Let´s talk about your defensive game. How would you rate yourself as a defender in your second pro season and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I would say that I am a really hard worker on defense. I feel like I over communicate and try to give as much effort on the defensive end as possible. I want to become a lockdown defender for the whole game as I mature in my career.

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?

I would say I’m looking to improve my off the ball scoring. Whether it’s catch and shoot, cutting, screening or anything else.

You had a short stay with Ferro Carril Salto (Uruguay-LUB) averaging 21.5ppg, 12.0rpg, 1.0apg. You played 2 games. What kind of an experience was it basketball wise?

We actually played a good amount of games before we played in the LUB. I went down there January 1st of 2025 and was there for 3 months. We won the LSB and the OBL. And I averaged 22, 8 and 4 assists throughout the whole season, but I don’t think they reported the stats to Eurobasket. I loved Uruguay though. I think they have some of the best fans I’ve ever seen, and the basketball is growing there. I had a lot of good vets on my team that helped me adapt to my first 3 months over seas.

You played 2 seasons at Indiana State University (NCAA) averaging 2.1ppg, 1.9rpg
and 3.4ppg, 2.3rpg. This is the school Larry Bird went to. Is his legacy present there?

Yeah his legacy is felt there. His picture and statues are everywhere around campus.

You averaged 11 minutes in your 2 seasons at Indiana State playing for Greg Lansing. How would you have described your role and what positives could you get from these 2 years?

Those years at ISU taught me how to be a team player. I had to learn how to be a star in my specific role and I thank Coach for that.

You had some great games against Evansville and Loyola Il. What was your fondest moment at Indiana State?

Honestly my fondest memories come with my teammates. I still keep in touch with the guys and we were always smiling when we were around.

You then took a few steps back at played at John A. Logan College (JUCO) averaging 14.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.1%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 74.5%. That must have been very humbling. Usually guys start in JUCO and then move up but it´s very rare for guys to go from the NCAA to JUCO: How vital was this decision for your development and mentality?

I think it was a necessary part of my journey. I needed to get comfortable being uncomfortable and Juco helped me with that.

Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have told me it was a very tough grind, but an experience that they wouldn´t have traded the world for. How was it for you playing for Kyle Smithpeters?

I feel the same way. Coach Kyle was tough on me but we had a great relationship. Coach always knew how to get the guys to play their best and knew how to keep us together.

You then reached the NCAA again playing with Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville (NCAA) playing 14 games averaging 2.5ppg, 1.8rpg. You averaged only 8 minutes. How tough was it coming from many JUCO minutes to little minutes in the NCAA? Despite that what positives could you get from that year?

It was different for sure. I got really sick at the start of the season and ended up having to get my gallbladder removed in December of that year. And the recovery process took a couple different turns. Some positives I took from that year were to never take anything for granted. It was a tough year, but prepared me for overseas I believe. I just wanted to thank my support system for helping when I had to get surgery to remove my gallbladder. Especially my fiancé who was really my rock through it all.

You then took a step back again and played with Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (NAIA) averaging 23.3ppg, 7.2rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 72.8%. Here you were reborn. How did your game grow that season?

That was the season I knew I had to have. I went into the summer and gave everything I had to become a professional basketball player. No excuses just results. I learned how to be the #1 option in intense games at SMWC.

You had so many great games and wins but also loses. How tough was that 67-75 loss to Point Park where you scored 31 points? Is that one of those games you won´t ever forget?

The losses hurt more than the wins feel good. I still think about that one and wish I could’ve done more to help us win.

How did head coach Jessie Mcclung groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

Coach McClung saved my career. He helped me with my mentality, work ethic, and becoming a great man. I look up to him so much and I owe him for life for saving my career.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jessie Burdick?

Let’s just say he played hard in those games haha.

Who is the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

I would say that the best player I played in the NCAA that made the NBA was Obi Toppin. We played him my first game of my freshman year of college and that was eye opening for sure.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

My 5 best teammates in no order are: Sean East, Jake Laravia, Tyreke Key, Christian Williams, and Miles McBride.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

My personal Mount Rushmore is: LeBron, MJ, Magic and Kareem.

Who is your GOAT?

My goat is LeBron!

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

Yeah they should have left it alone haha.

Thanks Cobie for the chat.

Delonnie Hunt´s(KK Dinamo Zagreb) 44 Point Explosion In First Division Croatia Didn´t Surprise Him But Impressed Him

DeLonnie Hunt (183-PG-2001, college: Richmond, agency: Players Group) is a 24 year old 183cm guard playing his rookie season with KK Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia-Premijer Liga). He began his basketball career at Rock Creek Christian Academy and also played at DC Premier (DC) (UAA U17). He then played at Wagner College (NCAA) from 2020-2023 playing a total of 99 games. He then finished at the University of Richmond (NCAA) averaging 9.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 76.6% and 15.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.7apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 84.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his 44 point game.

Thanks Delonnie for talking to germanhoops.com. You recently scored 44 points in a game and was the highest scorer in the world. You did it in first division Croatia which is a very respected league in Europe. What does this feat mean to you?


It means a lot to me personally just proving that I can compete at a very high level in Europe and that all the work that I’ve put in to prepare for this stage is paying off! Especially having that type of game against ABA league competition following a 30pt performance against another ABA league team (Zadar) also proves that I can be consistent in scoring the ball at an efficient rate!

You have been a good scorer in your NCAA career but not a guy that averaged 20,0ppg or more. Did this scoring total surprise you a bit?


I wouldn’t say surprised me but definitely impressed myself! My last year at Richmond I showcased this scoring ability before I was injured, It was just during my time in college I was never asked to score at such a high rate. That didn’t mean I was incapable but just meant I had to contribute in other major ways to winning! I always knew and had the confidence to put the ball in the basket so I can’t say it surprised me but it felt good to have those kind of numbers and result in a win.

Did you have a special breakfast or do something different on this day to help you achieve so many points?


No, nothing really special just treated the day like any other game day however we did travel to split by van the same day of the game so once we got on the court I took some extra time to rollout and band stretch than usual.

How did you feel going into the game? Do you sometimes know how your game may go after warm ups and how your shot is feeling?


Just really focused, was a much needed win to put us in a better position going into round 3, didn’t really go in overthinking just more so focused and willing to do what it took to win!


How did you get into the game flow? How rapidly did you know that you might have a real good scoring day?


My captain Gara (#5) found me on back to back fast breaks for a three that I made after I had made a layup so those quick 8 points really kind of got me going! It wasn’t until about the 3rd quarter when I realized the rate I was scoring because like I said before I was just focused on doing what it took to win the game

The team had 22 assists in the game and you 6. How many of your buckets were made on the isolation?


A good amount were made on isolation, some came from transition and P&R too. My coach trusts me not only to score but to make the right play late shot clock and when defenses switch and also I’m surrounded by shooters so I’m able to use my speed to get down hill on driving lanes and create space for 3s as well.

You produced well from the 2, 3 and FT line. Is it fair to say that you displayed your 3 level scoring well?


For sure as a small guard it’s important to be able to score in all different aspects, opens the game up for myself and my teammates.

You followed up the next game with 33 and had 77 points in 2 games. Does a performance like that of Bam Adebayo give you hope you might score 50 points one day?


Lol Not something that I am hoping for, I think it would be an awesome accomplishment but I can’t say it’s something I’m hoping for if I feel I can make it happen it’s beneficial for the team then it would be even better

What was your favorite own basket of the 44 point game?


Probably the one that gave me 40! Not just because of the points but that basket put us up 10 with 3 minutes left which is pretty tough to come back from for any team!


Did you get any special messages from people that you might not have expected from?


Yes for sure! Every message I got was special to me because it just shows the support system and the amount of people keeping up with me even though I’m not in America anymore!


Did you have to get your teammates donuts after game?


Nah no donuts lol maybe next time.


Thanks Delonnie for the chat.

Lance Jeter Wants Fans To Remember Him AS The General Who Cared About Nothing But Winning And Being The Leader Of Men

Lance Jeter (191-PG-1988, college: Nebraska) is a former professional player that enjoyed a prosperous 8 year career overseas playing in countries like Holland, Poland, Germany, France, Lithuania and China. He began his basketball career at Beaver Falls high school and then played 2 years at Polk and then finished at the University of Nebraska (NCAA) averaging 7.5ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 68.9% and 11.7ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 72.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Thanks Lance for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is life treating you?

Back Home In Pittsburgh Pa Coaching HS Basketball With Brother Ramone In Our Hometown Beaver Falls PA & Also Running Our AAU Basketball Organization 4th Through HS

You retired back in 2019. Has time flown by quickly in the last 6 years?

Times Sometimes Feel Like It’s Moving Fast But I Enjoy Being Home Coaching My Kids Watching Them Grow Up & Giving Back To My Community!

I always saw you as a player that everyone wanted as a teammate and everyone hated to play against. Is that a fair assessment of how you were as a player?

Yes Always The Type Of Player To Pass First & Get My Teammates Involved & Focus On Winning That’s Always Been My Main Goal! Play Physical & Tough & Always Be A Leader Out There! Even If It’s Sacrifices My Personal Stats I All I Wanted To Do Was Win!

You won 7 titles as a pro and that is probably more than 85% of all pro´s in the world. Did you achieve most that you wanted as a pro player or was their something you didn´t achieve that you would have liked?

Like I Said The Main Goal Was To Win always Has Been Since I Was a Kid Playing This sport! I wanted to Be very successful As A Player & When It Was All Set & Done They Would Say No Matter Where He Went He Won!

You had a nice 8 year career. But I´m sure you could of played longer. How was your body feeling like in 2019?

My body Was feeling great. I Just Came Off averaging 24 Points A Game In Europe Cup Play With Donar & Was feeling Good! It wasn’t My Idea To Stop Playing Covid Came & Things Was Unclear And Uncertain In The World So That Kind of was The Reason I Stoped Playing & The Market Changed Oversea With Pay And That Nature!

Often guys retire because the body is hutting down or some great opportunity off the court came about. Why did you retire at age 30?

Yea Wasn’t My Idea To Be Done I Felt Great Was Training To Get Ready For The Next Season & Now Since I Train 4 Times A Week It’s Just Old Habits Athletes Can’t Break Just Wanted To Be in Shape & Live A Healthy Lifestyle But Then Covid Happened & That Just Change Everything In 2019 & Was The Waiting Game After That Then Two Years Go Bye. You Have To Provide For Your Family Can’t Keep Waiting!

Was the first year tough after retiring? What did you miss most from the game?

It was Very Tough Especially because It Wasn’t On My Terms Like I Said I Wasn’t Ready To Be Done & Felt Like I Had A lot To Prove Still So It Was Tough Mentality For Sure! Darks Days You Go From Doing Something You Love and Then Suddenly It Stops So I Had To Really Get Out That Head Space & Find Something That Makes Me Happy Again To Avoid That Empty Space In My Heart!

What have you been doing since retirement? Do you have a normal 9-5 job?

Coaching Basketball & Football & Running My AAU Basketball Organization With My Brother! It’s Giving Me Focus & Happiness To Help The Next Generation & My Community To Take This Thing Further Than I Ever Did & Just Give Them The Opportunity & Things I’ve Learned Over The Years & Push Them Further Than I Did!

Do you still have a connection to basketball?

I Still Have The Connection To Basketball State Side & International! Like I Said I’ve Find Ways To Filled That Gap That’s Been In My Heart From Not Being Able To Play Professionally Anymore & Help The Next Generation Coming Up & I Love It!

You began at Polk College. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have said it was a tough grind but one that they wouldn´t have missed for the world. How was it for you?

The Toughest Times For Sure Because You Feel Like Your Being Left Behind! Your Watching All These Guys You Compete Against In HS On TV & They are On The Big Stage On TV & You Took The Juco Right Knowing You Belong On The Same Stage as Them So It’s Tough But It Builds Character and Makes You So Much More Hungry and Humble With A Chip On Your Shoulder To Get To That Next Level & You Build Life Long Friendships/Brothers From Juco Some Of Best Friends Came From Polk County With Me & We Been Locked In 10 Plus Years Now!

You then played 2 seasons at the University of Nebraska (NCAA) averaging 7.5ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 68.9% and 11.7ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 72.8%. What kind of a player did you become there?

Nebraska Really Showed Me What Type Of Player I Could Be! My Junior Year & Senior Year Was Night & Day! Had To Get Used To How Fast & Strong The Big 12 Was At That Time & It Was Tough My Junior Year But Once I Got Used To It My Senior Year Was Great! I did A lot Of Great Things In Those Two Years & Was Coached By A Really Great Coach In Doc Sadler! I Really Left My Mark On Nebraska In A Short Period Of Time!

How tough was that first season. The team started off hot winning 9 of 11 games, but then finished the season losing 14 of 16 games? What did you learn from that season?

Getting Used To The Big 12! Every Night Your Playing Against A NBA Player Pretty Much So I Had To Get Used To The Pace Of The Big 12 & Like I Said It Showed Me What Type Of Player I Wanted To Be & Leader & I Was Very Hungry My Senior Year To Leave My Mark On My School & The Big 12.

You had many great games like a 27/10/5 game in a tough 83-82 loss to Iowa State. What was your fondest moment on the court in the NCAA?

Best Moments Was My Senior Year We Beat Some Great Teams That Year! We beat a Good USC Team When We we were down By 20 At The Half! Beat The #21 Team In The Country Missouri Beat The #10 Team In The Country Texas A&M & Beat The #2 Team In The Country Texas So A lot Of Great Wins For Our Program That Year!

What memories do you have of German Christian Standhardinger. Was he a joker off the court?

Christian Standhardinger Was A Funny Guy Someone Who Could Score Everywhere On The Court and Knew How To Get To His Spots & Had A lot Of Energy. I Loved Playing With Him!

How did head coach Doc Sadler groom and prepare best for a professional career?

Coach Doc Helped Me Become A Better Leader On The Court! He Tested Me A lot and Pushed me to The Limit With Me To See If I Can Handle It and see If I’ll Break & I Owe Him A lot Since I Got There He Put The Basketball In My Hands and Let Me Run The Show I’m Very Thankful For That He Showed Me How Important Defense Was!

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Henry Sek?

Sek Is Offensively One Of The Best Players I’ve Every Had The Chance To Play With He was a Real LIfe Master On Offense He is One Of Those Players Who Has Multiple Counters To Your Defense! Really A Student Of The Game I Learn A lot From Sek who is One Of My Good Friends! I´m Proud Of Everything He Does On The Court!

You played your rookie season for Lasaulec Aris Leeuwarden (Holland-Eredivisie) averaging 16.ppg, 3.8rpg, APG-5 (3.4), 1.3spg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 73.0%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Holland is a Special Place. The People Are Great Very Welcome! Of Course My 1st Year Was Tough Just Learning The Culture Of Holland But Very Quickly I Felt At Home & Was Comfortable because Of The People Of Holland Made Me Feel That Way & I’m Forever Grateful To Them For Making It Easy!

How vital was Tjoe De Paula in your rookie season? Was he like a mentor for you?

Tjoe Was Very Important To My Rookie Year Someone Who Helped Me Soon As I Got There & Showed Me Around & Made Sure I Was Good! We Had A lot Vets On That Team Also Mark Sanchez Was Also Big Part Of My Rookie Year & Him & Tjoe Became Family To Me Years Later we Were Able To Win Championships Together So They are My Brothers & I Love Them Guys Very Much!

You played your second pro season with Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-BBL) averaging 7.5ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 70.1%. You had so many incredible teammates like Daniel Theis, John Bryant, Per Guenter, Allan Ray, Phillip Schwethelm or Steve Esterkamp. What guy had the biggest impact on you?

Great Team In Ulm! With A lot Of Great Players A Special Season! Allan Ray & John Bryant Had The Biggest Impact On Me & Helped Me Get Through My 2nd Year I Had To Get Used To A New Country & New Language They Helped Me A lot Especially Allan Ray I Was With Him A lot He Showed Me How Take Care Of Business On & Off The Court! They Showed Me The Ways Of Being A Professional Appreciate Them Two So Much!

You played 1 Euroleague game and battled Mire Chatman who was one of the greatest American guards in his generation overseas. Does knowing that mean more to you now than back in the moment? You really played against incredible players.

Yes Got A Chance To Play Mire Few Times One Time In Euroleague & Couple More Times in Euro Cup He was Someone Who Made The Game Look So Easy He never Seemed Like He Was Speeding Up Game. He Was Very Smooth! I’m went Into The Game Not Knowing Who These Guys were But Found Out Quickly They Got A lot Of Game With Them!

What memories do you have of the tough 5 game series loss to Oldenburg? Games 3-5 were so tight. You battled against BBL legend Rickey Paulding.

I Remember That Series Very Much. Per Guenter Was Injured In The Beginning Of The Series So I Started & Was Ready For My Moment & Had Some Good Games. I Remember Per Not Fully 100% But Coach Wanted Him To Start & Just Didn’t Feel Right To Me because I Felt I Was Playing Great That Series Knowing Per Wasn’t His Self So That Game 5 I Felt Like I Could of Played More Minutes! Ricky Paulding Is One Of Those Players I For Sure Looked Up To The Way he kept Himself Ready Each Year As He Got Older and The Way He Adapted To The Game. His Shot Got Better Later In His Career & Still Would Surprise You with A Dunk On You If You Weren´t Ready! He was a True Legend & Professional. He is a Great Person and it Was A Honor To Watch Him Through The Years.

You then played with Trefl Sopot (Poland-TBL) averaging 8.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 74.8%. You won the Super Cup which was your first pro chip. What memories do you have of that season?

We Beat Rosa For The 3rd Place In The League. We Took Stelmet To 5 Games Where They Beat Us To Go On The Championship They Had A Really Great Team It Was A Tough Battle! That Season Was A lot Of Up & Down Moments For Myself & The First Time In My Career Where I Got Tested Mentally!

Then came your Jordan like run playing for Donar Groningen (Holland-Eredivisie) and winning 6 titles from 2014-2017. Were these some of your best times in your life?

Being In Groningen Was The Best Times For Me, I was Used To The Country By Now & Knew My Way Around & Knew My Teammates From My Rookie Year In Leeuwarden & Had Tjoe With Me & Mark & Jason Made Everything So Much Better & Comfortable For Me It was Truly The Best Time With The Best Fans In Holland that Supported Us!

This was also your best years. You averaged 14,0ppg twice and led the Dutch league in assists and was second once. Was it playing with great teammates that helped you to success?

My Success For Sure Came From Having Veterans Teammates Who Only Cared About Winning & Letting Me Be Myself & Play My Game With A Coach Who Let Me Be Myself & Just Having Fun On The Court & Off The Court Being A Real Family. It Showed On The Court When We Were Playing! For Sure I Owe My Teammates A lot Of Credit For Letting Me Be Myself!

Jason Dourisseau came in your second season and remained after you left and would win more titles there. Was he one of your best teammates ever?

Jason Dourissea is Probably My Best Teammate, Someone Who Was Always Finding The Positivity In Every Situation. Someone Who Was A True Professional and Came Ready To Work Every Day, A True Leader Someone I Looked Up To and Who Helped Me Become A Better Leader On The Court! He showed Me How To Be A Leader Of Men! He Is Someone I´ll Put him Up There With Ricky Paulding A Real Leader & Professiona. l Love Jason Like A Big Brother Little Brother Relationship! And I´m Rooting For Him As He Is The Head Coach For Groningen Now!

You beat Zwolle twice for the Dutch title. Which title was tougher to win?

When We Played Zwolle Those Two Years, I’m Going Be Honest It Wasn’t Tough At. It Was Very Easy To The Point All We Were Worried About was Nobody Get Injured & We Will Be Just Fine! Our Team Was Really That Good & Most Of Those Games We Barely Played In The 4th Q Because The Games Wasn’t Close Or Felt Close At All!

You also played a season with ultimate player Marcus Hatten. What memories do you have of him` Was he like a role model for you?

When I Went Back To Germany Marcus Hatten Came To The Team 2nd Half Of The Season & You Can Tell He Was a Smart Veteran Someone Who Didn’t Get Sped Up While He Was Playing & For Sure Someone Who Helped Me See The Game In Different Ways & Tried To Be Few Steps Ahead Of Your Opponent So He For Sure Help Me A lot During My Time There!

You played a season with JL Bourg Basket (France-ProA) averaging 6.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 63.6%. What memories do you have of France? How did the France Pro A compare to the best leagues you played in then? Was it more elite than BBL in Germany at that time?

My Time In France Was Challenging Because It Was A New League & It’s Where I Wanted To Be Challenged Coming From Holland I Felt Like I Did Everything I Could Possibly Do In That League And Was Looking For a New Challenge To Test Myself & The French League For Sure Did That. It was Very Fast Uptempo, Very Athletic Players Also Felt Being My 1st Year Of College Again Had To Adjust To The Game & I Think I Did That the 2nd Part Of The Season! It’s Two Styles Of Play. The BBL Is More Physical & France Pro A Is More Faster A lot Of Skillful Players Both Great Leagues!

You were in Lithuania, China and Holland for your final season. That was like a roller coaster ride. How crazy was this last season? You seemed to see it all that last season.

It Was A Roller Coaster But I Just Wanted To Be Comfortable And Feel Like I Was At A Place That felt Like Home & Of Course Holland Was That Place But Not Just For Me But For My Family As Well So That Was My Main Reason To Head Back To Holland!

How would you like fans to remember Lance Jeter the player?

I would Like The Fans To Remember Me As The “General” Someone Who Cared About Nothing But Winning. A Leader Of Men Someone Who Had Fun & Love Playing The Game He Loved. A Player Who Made Sure To Involve The Fans With The Game! A True Winner!

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

There were So Many Players It’s Hard To Pin Point One! Kansas Had A lot Of Great Players Of Course Who Was Very Tough! The Morris Twins Had A Few Great Teams. A Few Of Those Texas Teams Was Very Tough With A Few NBA Players. Baylor Had A Few Great Players & Oklahoma State Had James Anderson. He Was A Elite Scorer There Texas AM Had Few Good NBA Players So Many Players!

Who were your 3 toughest players that you faced overseas?

Igor Rakocevic Is A Legend Was who was Very Good For The Red Stars! Mire Chatman Was Very Good Very Tough To Guard & Bobby Brown In The German League Made It Look Very Easy When I Was Playing Him & Jenkins For Oldenburg Was Very Tough To Guard So Quick and could Shoot The Ball!

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

1. Allan Ray 2. John Bryant 3. Chase Fieler 4. Zach Peacock 5. Jason Dourisseau Honorable Mention Tjoe Mark Sanchez Chase Simon Sean Cunningham Ross Bekkerking

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore (5 best players ever)?

Steph Curry MJ Kobe Bryant LeBron James Shaq

Who is your GOAT?

My Goat (Kobe Bryant)

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

They Should Have Left It Alone Some Movies Don’t Need Sequel And That’s One Of Them!

Thanks Lance for the chat.

Marley Jean-Louis Had A Busy Day With Shootaround, Working Out A Kid And Then Exploding For 52 Points In A Regionalliga Game

Marley Jean-Louis (188-SG-1994) is a 32 year old 188cm guard that is playing his 14th professional season and first with DBV Charlottenburg (Regionalliga). He began his career in the Alba Berlin organization and then played for clubs like Munster, EN Baskets Schwelm, FC Schalke 04, EPG Baskets Koblenz, ScanPlus Baskets Elchingen, Rhein Stars, BG 2000 Berlin, and BSW Sixers Sandersdorf. He spoke to germanhoops.com after exploding for 52 points in a Regionalliga game.

Congrats Marley on scoring 52 points in a crazy 148-21 win over Buchorn Bau. You won by 177 points. How crazy is that?

Thank you Miles, I appreciate the Interview. That was definitely a crazy experience that I was not expecting starting the day. I think that was the biggest win I ever had.

You scored an incredible 52 points. They only dressed 6 players. Do you feel like that helped your quest for 52 points?

To be Honest it definitely helped with more guys or all their better players they would’ve had a bigger rotation and could’ve guarded more physical and better.

Not many pro players no matter what league score 50 or more points in a game. You did it in 27 minutes. That is super efficient. What does this feat mean to you?

It’s nice, I’m happy that I was able to keep my focus high during that game and had the trust from my teammates and my coaches. It’s good that I was finally able to give our commentator Arne his birthday present. He was asking for a 40 piece and I was able to give him even more.

Did you have a special breakfast in the morning or do something out of the ordinary that may have helped your game go off for 52 points?

It was actually a kind of busy day for me we had shootaround after that I worked out a kid because I’m also an individual Skills Coach. So I didn’t really spend that much time at home and was kind of stressed about it.

How did you feel going into the game? You had been averaging over 20,0ppg in the last 5 games? Did it feel different than other games once you started hitting shots?

I was surprised that they just showed up with 6 people and our coach was mad because of it. Rightfully so of course. He kept our head straights for the game and motivated to go out and make a statement so I was just trying to stay locked in and don’t let the appearance from the other team affect me.

How quickly did you know that you may have a great scoring game in the first half?

After I was hitting a couple of 3s in a short time. That was the moment where I thought to myself let’s see what’s type of day it’s going be for me today.

The team had an incredible 43 team assists. How thankful are you for your teammates always finding you again time in and time out?

Without my teammates it would not been possible. I did disappoint some of them in the last games when I missed some open looks. So it was my way to apologize.

You hit 12 three´s. How does that make you feel that the greatest three point shooter of all-time Steph Curry only hit 1 three more in a game in his life?

To be honest I was not really thinking about it. Now that I know I’m kind of mad because I definitely would’ve tried to hit 2 more to break his record.

Did you know in the fourth quarter that you were close to 50 points?

No not really. But after I made the 3 for 50 points everybody was cheering and in the timeout Dilim told me from The stands that I had 50.

What was your favorite own basket of the game?

That´s a good questions probably during that game always the next one.

Did you get any unique congrats via phone or social media after the game?

No not unique. But I appreciate Adam our Marketing for uploading the video of every bucket of mine. It got a lot of love on Instagram.

Did you have to get donuts for the team? Hahaha no luckily not.

I already got the team 3 or 4 donuts this season.

Thanks Marley for the chat.

Brian Fobbs Heats Up In The Fourth Quarter Powering The EWE Baskets Oldenburg To 79-73 Come From Behind Win Over The Skyliners

The Skyliners continued to be in a fight for the 2026 easyCredit BBL playoffs. Only 2 wins separated them from the last playoff spot. They definitely wanted to rebound after their poor showing against 2026 cup winner Bamberg. They didn´t have an easy task as they welcomed 2009 BBL champion EWE Baskets Oldenburg into their living room who like Frankfurt also boasted 10 victories. Oldenburg´s season has been up and down as they started the season losing 4 of their first 5 games, but then found a groove winning 8 of 9 games, but as of late had fallen into a rut having lost 3 of their last 4 games. This was another big test for the Skyliners. Fans were able to see the Frankfurt debut of ex NBA player Chris Clemons as well who had eclipsed the 50 point mark this season in the BBL. After 40 minutes, the scoreboard read 79-73 for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg and one could say that it was a game that Frankfurt allowed to get away, because they controlled the game for the most part, but just couldn´t finish it. Oldenburg didn´t need a big night from Chris Clemons who had a poor shooting day at 3/16, but had enough other bodies like Brian Fobbs (196-G-1998, college: Towson), Michale Kyser and Tomislav Zubcic who filled the slack combining for 46 of the 79 Oldenburg points. “We had a really bad first quarter, but we came back and played better in the second half getting stops and rebounds and made a push. We stuck together at the end and were able to pull out the win”, stressed EWE Baskets Oldenburg guard Brian Fobbs. Frankfurt led by 10 points going into the fourth quarter, but allowed Brian Fobbs to get hot early netting 10 points that allowed the guests to get over the hump. “We played 35 minutes of good basketball. We had spurts where we gave up too many second chance points. We did a good job on the glass at both ends. However it´s all about execution down the stretch which we didn´t do”, stressed Skyliner forward Ryan Hawkins.

Till Pape at the FT line

Fans saw no scoring in the first 2,56 minutes of the first quarter as there were 11 possessions and no points. The first points were finally scored at the 7,04 minute mark from German Till Pape who made a back door cut and was fed nicely by ex Artland Dragon Will Christmas for the easy bucket. Soon after Pape added free throws for the 4-0 lead. Oldenburg couldn´t find a rhythm and focused too much on individual plays than getting the team aspect involved. Then sometimes basketball moves so quickly as Oldenburg finally got on the board at the 5,31 minute mark as Croatian big man Tomislau Zubcic made a runner and then followed with 3 more points as the guests registered their first lead of the game at 5-4. Christmas then made a lay in giving Frankfurt the lead back, but that was short lived as ex Braunschweig German Nicholas Tischler made free throws for the 7-6 lead. However Frankfurt then took control closing out the first quarter with a lethal 13-4 run to lead 18-11 after 10 minutes. Frankfurt did a great job defensively packing the zone and not allowing Oldenburg inside opting for outside shots that weren´t falling. On offense, Frankfurt used a mix out of team play and individual play as super efficient German Radii Casin dropped a trey while Americans Isaiah Swope from the University of St Louis and ex G-League player Logan Johnson used their brilliant individual skills for easy lay ups. Frankfurt also were the aggressor on the glass getting key rebounds. “Frankfurt defended well. They were stunting well not allowing us in the paint. We knew it would be a long day if we didn´t make shots. Our lack of offensive execution hurt out confidence”, stated ex Towson University (NCAA) guard Brian Fobbs. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg shot19% from the field and 0% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the Skyliners shot 42% from the field and 17% from outside and had 13 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Chris Clemeons from downtown

The Skyliners continued to control the game in the second quarter and led by as much as 13 points and at the break led 40-33. The Skyliners came out of the gates quickly going on a 6-2 run to lead 24-13. Key were two lays by ex Creighton (NCAA) forward Ryan Hawkins and Pape. But that basketball is a game of runs is nothing new as the EWE Baskets Oldenburg rode out on a 8-3 run to trail only 27-21. Oldenburg finally became more aggressive and found the space and attacked the rim getting two baskets from ex Louisiana Tech (NCAA) center Micahle Kyser and a 20 footer by ex NBA player Chris Clemons which was his first bucket of the game. A little lack of focus and sloppiness led to Frankfurt caving in a bit. The game of runs continued as now it was the Skyliners turn as they cruised out on a 9-2 run to up their lead to double digits leading 36-23. In the run, the Skyliners got a big trey from ex St Johns (NCAA) guard Nahiem Alleyne and they stayed aggressive getting inside and got free throws from Australian big man Jacob Holt and Casin and Swope also added a pretty fade away from the corner in Fobbs face. “We see those kind of shots every day in practice. He is just one of those guys that feels really comfortable taking those kind of shots”, added Ryan Hawkins. However the EWE Baskets Oldenburg didn´t wilt as they punched back closing out the first half with a 10-4 run to trail only by 7 points. In their run, it was Kyser who was super instrumental throwing down three dunks and adding a lay in as Frankfurt couldn´t deny him the ball. His experience of 11 seasons and having played in 9 countries was overwhelming. Fobbs also snuck onto the offensive glass getting an offensive rebound and making the putback. “Kyser is a real presence down low. He is our glue guy that is always fighting and keeps us together. He always plays with energy. He is one of the reasons why we won today”, warned Brian Fobbs. The Skyliners shot 40% from the field and 19% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 9 turnovers while the EWE Baskets Oldenburg shot 37% from the field and were at 0% from outside at 0/10 and had 17 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Logan Johnson from outside

The Skyliners had ups and downs in the third quarter always allowing the EWE Baskets Oldenburg to retaliate and once trail only by 2 points, but after 30 minutes, the Skyliners were leading comfortably again at 61-51. Frankfurt came out sluggish into the third quarter allowing 4 unanswered points as Zubcic and ex University of Florida (NCAA) guard Kyle Lofton hit a pull up jumper as the guests trailed 40-37 and were threatening. But Frankfurt at this point always had an answer going on a 5-0 run to extend their lead to 45-37. Pape showed his classic inside out skills drilling home a trey and Logan Johnson gave the arena chills with an amazing explosive dunk as he came flying through the air with extensive hang time which looked similar to Cooper Flags thunderous dunk in the NBA the night before. “Logan always plays so hard and is attacking the rim. He is always aggressive and has that attitude that nobody can stop him. He punched the ball home”, smiled Ryan Hawkins. Both teams now punched back and forth as Zubcic and Johnson hit three´s, but Frankfurt still led 49-43. Frankfurt kept some distance again as Swope connected on a pull up jumper for the 51-41 lead. However the Skyliners were never able to totally put away Oldenburg as they kept fighting and finding ways to execute. A few buckets here and there by ex Utah (NCAA) American Dakarai Tucker and Tischler and suddenly Oldenburg was in striking range again trailing only 51-49. But Frankfurt once again was able to douse the fire and overpower the guests with a 10-2 to lead by 10 points after 30 minutes. Frankfurt had shot the ball badly from outside, but in the run finally found some fortune getting three´s from Alleyne and Pape. Pape also added a lay in for insurance. “I really liked our mindset coming out of the break. We did a good job with the tempo, moving the ball and getting out on transition”, commented Ryan Hawkins. “Frankfurt is a good team and continued to play really well. We still weren´t clicking and didn´t get out on transition”, added Brian Fobbs. The Skyliners shot 40% from the field and 26% from the parking lot and had 32 rebound and 11 turnovers while the EWE Baskets Oldenburg shot 38% from the field and 6% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Michale Kyser at the FT line

The Skyliners had a comfortable lead going Into the fourth quarter, but were incapable of managing the lead and allowed the EWE Baskets Oldenburg back into the game and to get over the hump. The Skyliners got on the board first as ex Bremerhaven guard Garai Zeeb hit a trey for the 64-51 advantage. Frankfurt was in control but the tide and fortune then turned drastically against Frankfurt as Oldenburg who couldn´t hit the ocean from outside for the first 30 minutes now let it rain three´s with 3 and a 11-0 run to suddenly only trail 64-62. Fobbs began getting hot as he added 5 points while Clemons and Tischler also connected from outside. Frankfurt was able to recover from this offensive shock and got three´s from Casin and Alleyne, but Oldenburg punched back as Fobbs added another 5 points including a crazy three ball bank shot to trail 70-67. “Clemons had a bad shooting day so I stepped up. My defense kept me going. It is always defense first for me. Then my offense clicks”, said Brian Fobbs. Oldenburg found some extra energy to up their defensive pressure and aggressiveness which led to 2 transition baskets from Clemons and Tischler to dead lock the contest at 71-71. “We got good looks, but just didn´t make them. We gave up 2-3 shots leading up to the tie game that we took away all game long and now they capitalized on it”, warned Ryan Hawkins. Swope then hit a jumper for the 73-71 Skyliners lead, but that would be their last lead. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg stayed sharp and had nerves of steel closing out the game with a lethal 8-0 run to win the game. Swope did his 1-1 thing and was stopped which led to Tischer and Clemons free throws. Oldenburg then stopped Christmas which led to a Kyser free throw and the 77-73 lead. Swope then missed another shot and Fobbs closed out the game with free throws. Sometimes Swope wins you a game and sometimes he doesn´t. “We have a lot of experience and we had a really bad start to the season. We know what it´s like to be down. We had revenge from the first loss against them in our place. We wanted it more than they did at the end”, stressed Brian Fobbs. “We have to find a way to close out games better”, said Ryan Hawkins. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg had 4 guys score in double figures and were led by Michael Kyser and Tomislav Zubcic with 16 points a piece while Nicholas Tischler and added 15 points and Brian Fobbs 14 points. The Skyliners were led by Till Pape with 14 points and Isaiah Swope had 11 points. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg shot 41% from the field and 21% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Skyliners shot 38% from the field and 28% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

The Big Man Duo Of Sadikovic & Dujmovic Power The Dragons Rhondorf to 76-70 Victory over Rasta Vechta 2

The Slim playoff hopes of the Dragons Rhondorf were still alive with 3 games remaining, but they were 2 wins away from the last spot, but really wanted to secure their place for next season in the Pro B. An untimely 6 game losing streak in 2026 didn´t help their fight, but as of late their 2 game winning streak was definitely refreshing. The Dragons Rhondorf had a must win in their next home game against doormat Vechta 2. The club that helps develop young Germans had had a tough season and came into the game with a 4-18 record and had lost 6 of their last 7 games. However they had some confidence coming into the Dragon´s living room having won their last game at home against the EN Baskets Schwelm. Rasta Vechta played a strong first quarter, but the Dragons Rhondorf took control of the game in the second quarter and never looked back winning 76-70. Rhondorf was led by the potent big man duo of Dujmovic and Sadikovic who combined for 36 points and 25 rebounds. “It was an average game for us. We had good phases where we played aggressive defense and good offense, but also bad phases where we were lost, but all in all, we stayed together in the end and won and that is what was important”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Kenan Reinhart. Rasta Vechta 2 fought the whole game and even cut it down to 7 points in the fourth quarter, but just couldn´t get over the hump. “We had a solid first quarter, but allowed too many offensive rebounds and open shots in the second and third quarters. I´m proud though that we didn´t give up and fought to the end”, stressed Rasta Vechta 2 American AJ Sumbry.

Benjamin Sadikovic at the FT line

The first quarter had a few runs, but after 10 minutes the Dragons Rhondorf had the slim 22-21 advantage. Rasta Vechta 2 got off to a rapid start leading 8-2. American AJ Sumbry who is playing in his 9th country overseas scored 5 points while 2022 JBBL finalist Roy Krupnikas hit a trey. The ball movement and energy of the guests was on par while Rhondorf was a bit sluggish and still figuring things out. But Rhondorf then got going with a 11-2 run with better spacing and got the pick and roll going as the Spanish magician Jorge Mejias hooked up twice with ex Oberaching big man Benjamin Sadikovic (208-PF-2003) with 2 dunks. Ex Neustadt forward Duje Dujmovic also made a trey and Kenan Reinhart an off balance shot for the 13-10 lead. The guests then found their offensive rhythm and got good support from young Irish center Etinosasere Ehoghae with 2 baskets, but the Dragons Rhondorf punched back with a Reinhart trey and Dujmovic basket to tie the game at 18-18. Rhondorf continued to attack the rim with a Dusan Ilic lay in and Dujmovic scored on transition as Mejias fed him his fourth assist of the game. “We couldn´t crack Vechta´s pick and roll defense in the first minutes, but then got on track with Mejias and Sadikovic. We then concentrated more on our defense”, stated Kenan Reinhart. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 47% from the field and 33% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 2 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 44% from the field and 25% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Roy Krupnikas from outside

The turning point of the game came in the second quarter where the Dragons Rhondorf got away from Rasta Vechta 2 allowing only 8 points and led comfortably 45-29 at half-time. The Dragons Rhondorf took charge right away going on a 14-4 run to extend their lead to 35-26. In the run Jorge Mejias took a break from his strong playmaking and pretty dimes and instead penetrated to the rim 3 times in a row that led to free throws and 2 lay in´s. Role player Lagui Diallo also was aggressive and scored twice on the drive including a reverse lay up and Sadikovic made a tip in. The Dragons aggressive defense led to contested shots and steals that helped them take charge of the game. 3 free throws by 2024 NBBL champion Moritz Gruess stopped the run, but Rasta Vechta 2 just couldn´t muster any offense as Rhondorf had no down phase, but finished the first half strong with a lethal 10-0 run. Dujmovic showed just how dangerous he can be as he let his inside out game sparkle with 7 points while Ilic made 3 points. “Sumbry had foul trouble and was on the bench. We wanted to take advantage of our size. Dujmovic really dominated and took charge”, added Benjamin Sadikovic. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 50% from the field and 30% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 5 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 31Y% from the field and 23% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Epke Kruthaup at the FT line

Rasta Vechta won the third quarter 16-14, but couldn´t make any ground on the Dragons Rhondorf as they were still able to execute solidly to lead 59-45 after three quarters. Kenan Reinhart got the Dragons Rhondorf on the board first in the second half with a lay in in traffic. Before the season began, Reinhart was mainly labelled as a three and D player, but he warned that he wanted to improve other phases of his game and did with the drive, mid range and playmaking. “I gained weight which helped my physicality as well as practicing with the BBL team helped my drive. I see I made a step forward there and since my double double of points and assists, I realized also that I got better with passing”, commented Kenan Reinhart. Young German 17 year old talent Epke Kruthaup found his range from outside nailing 2 three´s, but Rasta Vechta 2 still trailed 49-37. The Dragons Rhondorf continued to hold their double digit lead, because they continued to make good decisions and execute well as Reinhart made the perfect pass to Sadikovic for the dunk and then hit a floater for the 53-37 lead. Roy Krupnikas had a tough first half with only 3 points, but in the latter half found his range dropping 2 three´s, but Rasta Vechta 2 couldn´t gain any ground because Mejias and young German Carlo Schmid made baskets to lead by 14 points after 30 minutes. “The third quarter has often been our worst quarter this season, but in the last games, we came out strong and we did that again tonight”, smiled Kenan Reinhart. “I was in foul trouble. When I´m out, it really limits our size. They took advantage of that as their bigs got easy baskets and got free throws”, stated AJ Sumbry. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 46% from the field and 23% from the parking lot and had 35 rebounds and 9 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 31% from the field and 33% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

Kenan Reinhart with the runner

In the fourth quarter Rasta Vechta 2 still had energy to make one last push and cut the Dragons Rhondorf lead to 7 points, but could never get over the hump. Jorge Mejias began the fourth quarter with a 20 footer as Rhondorf led 61-45 and it didn´t seem like they could let the guests come back. But Rasta Vechta 2 still had some extra gas in their tank going on a 8-2 run to trail only 61-54. Rasta Vechta 2 attacked the rim as Krupnikas scored twice including once with his left hand, 2025 Pro B champion Joel Lungelu made a left handed lay in and German Moritz Dresing scored on transition. Rhondorf had no aggressiveness with their 1-1 defense allowing easy scores. However the Dragons Rhondorf stopped the run getting some vital buckets as Mejias made a runner and Dujmovic a lay in for the 66-56 lead. Rhondorf would annoy Rasta Vechta 2 time in and time out with their aggressive work in the paint with scores and offensive rebounds. Gruess and Reinhart then traded three pointers, but Rhondorf still led 69-59. Rhondorf continued to get super production from Sadikovic who was a real work horse as he was relentless on the glass getting a lay in and put back for the 74-63 with 2 minutes to play. Time was running out, but the guests never lost faith going on a timely 6-0 run to trail 74-69 with 31 seconds to go. Sumbry, and Lungelu free throws and a Krupnikas lay in were made. But Rhondorf took good care of the ball and Reinhart nailed free throws to secure the victory. “We were too relaxed in crunch-time and thought we had the win. We realized the game wasn´t over and closed out the game well”, said Kenan Reinhart. “I´m proud how we fought to the end. We played with urgency and stopped their second chances and hit big shots. We just came up a bit short”, added AJ Sumbry. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Duje Dujmovic with 20 points. Benjamin Sadikovic added 16 points and 18 rebounds and Jorge Mejias had 11 points and 9 dimes while Rasta Vechta 2 were led by Roy Krupnikas with 17 points while AJ Sumbry added 14 points and Epke Kruthaup had 13 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 42% form the field and 24% from outside and had 51 rebounds and 15 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 36%

Lukas Smazak`s Crazy Third Quarter Buzzer Beater Shot Dismantles The Ahorn Camp Baskets As The Skyliners Juniors Glide To 91-74 Victory

After a slow start into the 2025-2026 season where the Skyliners Juniors were a poor 3-10, the club has rebounded in 2026 having a 7-1 record and are making a real push for the Pro B South playoffs. It is no secret that the 10-11 team have had a real scoring boost from new American Desmond Watson who was averaging 27,0ppg while experienced ex Pro A player Moses Poelking had been a force under the basket at both ends. Their next opponent were the 11-11 Ahorn Camp Baskets who like Frankfurt wanted to secure a playoff spot and came into the game in 7th place, but had lost 3 of their last 4 games. On a rare late Friday night game Frankfurt welcomed Speyer and Pro B legend DJ Woodmore who had played in the BCM gym the last decade and played his 229th Pro B and it was his 213th Pro B game where he scored in double figures netting 13 points, but it wasn’t enough as the Skyliners Juniors won 91-74. It was a contest that was at eyelevel for 3 quarters, but a crazy buzzer beater trey from Lukas Smazak (188-G-2007) to end the third quarter paralized the Ahorn Camp Baskets which led to a 27-16 fourth quarter that allowed Frankfurt to win. ‘We didn’t defend well in the first quarter and then stepped it up more in the second quarter. We upped our game in the second half. We moved the ball better, made tough shots and played transition. We also stuck together which was important’, stressed Skyliner Junior Lukas Smazak. The Ahorn Camp Baskets played well for three quarters, but also lost energy in the fourth quarter as that Smazak buzzer beater hurt them mentally. ‘We ran out of gas and fell flat in the second half. They hit shots and the flood gates opened up and that was that’, stressed Ahorn Camp Baskets guard DJ Woodmore.

Leif Zentgraf at the FT line

The first quarter was a real scoring affair as 49 points were scored in total and the Ahorn Camp Baskets had the slim 25-24 advantage after 10 minutes. The Skyliners Juniors had the quick 5-3 lead as rookie Ohio native Desmond Watson made a jumper and German Next Gen player Jamie Edoka hurled down a trey. However the guests from Speyer found their rhythm rapidly as lock down defender Dennis Diala and Austrian guard Felix Angerbauer connected for trey’s for the 10-7 advantage. The game turned into a game of small runs and quick lead changes as Leif Zentraf scored 5 unanswered points to give Frankfurt the 15-14 lead. Watson free throws gave Frankfurt the 17-14 lead. Both teams were strutting with a lot of self confidence as Speyer now had some added burst of energy going on a 7-0 run to lead 21-17. In the run DJ Woodmore who tested his 27% from outside stroked home a trey and Angerbauer executed on transition. Speyer also was able to hurt Frankfurt with their drive as Woodmore and German Oskar Humpert scored for the 25-19 lead. However Frankfurt didn’t wilt in the last minute going on a 5-0 run to trail 25-24 after one quarter. German Joshua Zentgraf made a lay in after getting the fancy over the head dime from Watson while German Dusan Nikolic made a 2 handed dunk. The Skyliners Juniors shot 62% from the field and 50% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 3 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 50% from the field and 43% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 2 turnovers. ‘It was a quarter of two teams trading baskets with no real big defensive plays. Nobody was able to start a run. Both teams moved the ball well and there were some good individual plays’, stated Eintracht Frankfurt (NBBL) head coach Thore Bethke.

David Aichele at the FT line

In the second quarter there was a little less scoring and 7 lead changes as the Skyliners Juniors had the slim 41-40 advantage going into the break. The Skyliners Juniors got going right away escaping on a 5-0 run as German center Moses Poelking made a lay in and then a monster block which led to a trey from Ivan the universal genius Ivan Crnjac for the 29-25 Frankfurt advantage. Edoka made a nifty extra pass for the dime. ‘It looked like Jamie was going to shoot from a tough spot, but Ivan yelled ball. Jamie was able to pass it in the last second. It was a nice play’, stressed Thore Bethke. However the Ahorn Camp Baskets were patient and found fortune going on a 10-2 run to gain the lead back at 35-31. In the run, Speyer got big input form their bench as German Joshua Kreilein added 5 points while Woodmore added a trey and ex Koblenz guard Ade-Eri made a lay in. Both teams then punched back and forth as there were 5 lead changes. Frankfurt received added three’s from Watson and Nikolic while Watson also dropped a lay in while Speyer got a trey from Angerbauer and lay in from Humpert. ‘There were few fouls in the quarter. Poelking did a good job when he was in, but when he was out, Frankfurt had problems on the boards as Ade Eri did a good job getting inside. Frankfurt needed to match him better’, said Thore Bethke. The Skyliners Juniors shot 50% from the field and 45% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 43% from the field and 38% from the three point line and had 8 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Desmond Watson with the runner

The third quarter continued to be a very tight game where the Skyliners Juniors never looked behind them keeping the lead, but never leading by more than 4 points until the last shot by Smazak that proved to be the turning point of the game. Alvin Oyiya and David Aichele produced for their teams as Onyia got to the free throw line twice and scored while the big man Aichele made a free throw and lay in making a big heads up play catching an airball by Ade-Eri to trail 47-46. The young bucks of Frankfurt Edoka and Crnjac executed well while Ade-Eri really carried Speyer as he remained non stop aggressive getting to the free throw line 3 consecutive times and made a lay in to dead lock the game at 54-54. He never got a real chance in Koblenz and now can show his abilities in Speyer. Frankfurt continued to have their neck in front as energizer Dusan Nikolic came from the bench and gave instant energy with 6 points including 2 on drives and one with his left hand. Speyer got some good support from 2023 JBBL finalist Noah Koch who made an acrobatic lay in, but Frankfurt still led 61-58. Then came the turning point of the game as Smazak launced a deep trey that fell at the buzzer as the Skyliners Juniors led 64-58. ‘I saw them put their head down at center court as I came with the ball and there was one second to go. I let it go and I knew it was going in. That shot hurt them mentally. We went from 3 to 6 up’, said Lukas Smazak. ‘That Smazak shot really shifted the momentum. If we would have been more focused for 2 more seconds then it wouldn’t have been a 6 point lead. We had our chances and stayed with them’, commented DJ Woodmore. The Skyliners Juniors shot 47% from the field and 40% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 43% from the field and 30% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Felix Angerbauer at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the Skyliners took the Smazak buzzer beater as momentum and began with a lethal 12-4 run to slam the door shut on Speyer and from there managed the lead until the end. Frankfurt received big three’s from German Leif Zentgraf and Smazak as well as lay in’s from them for the 76-62 advantage. The Skyliners Juniors heightened their defensive pressure and strung along some stops benefited with a few steals that led to transition buckets. Speyer then strung along 3 consecutive stops, but their three stops at the free throw line only produced 4 points, but they trailed only 76-66. But Speyer was running out of steam as the Skyliners Juniors now ultimately closed out the win with a brutal 14-3 run to lead 91-69. Frankfurt demonstrated precision shooting as Edoka, Smazak and Crnjac all dropped three pointers and Poelking unleashed a dunk for good measure to give Frankfurt their 11th win of the season. Smazak’s trey was a desperation shot that somehow fell for him. ‘I had 2 seconds on the clock to shoot it. I didn’t know this was going in, but I was hoping’, smiled Lukas Smazak. The guests closed out the game with a 5-0 run as Angerbauer hit another trey and dropped free throws, but it was too little too late. ‘We did a good job on defensive rebounds and we defended aggressively and moved the ball well. They were tired at the end. We stuck together. We have to keep the momentum for the next games’, warned Lukas Smazak. ‘They found their rhythm and started to hit shots. They played great defense and we got flushed. We got turnovers and they made us pay with made shots’, said DJ Woodmore. The Skyliners Juniors had 6 guys score in double figures and were led by Jamie Edoka with 16 points while Lukas Smazak added 14 points and Desmond Watson 13 points. The Ahorn Camp Baskets were led by Dam Ade-Eri with 16 points while Felix Angerbauer had 14 points and Dj Woodmore added 13 points. The Skyliners Juniors shot 50% from the field and 46% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 41% from the field and 30% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Lock Down Defender Dennis Diala(Ahorn Camp Baskets) Continues To Grind In The Pro B But Has The Dream To Play In International Competition

Pic credit: Sabine Jost

That the NBA is defined by it´s offense, athleticism, eye popping dunks and Wemby at the moment, it is a wonder at times that defense is still played in the NBA. But it isn´t all about offense as there are enough guys that can be called 2-way players or guys that are simply real lockdown defenders. Some guys that come to mind in the NBA are studs like Jrue Holiday, Alex Caruso. OG Anunoby or Luuentz Dort. That a more focus on offense has also shifted overseas is nothing new as on the last Euroleague game day from March5/6, there was no team that scored 100 points or more, but still 4 teams that scored 90 points or more and the rest 80 points or more. One can still see real hardnosed defense in the Euroleague as it is led by lockdown defenders like Nick Weiler-Babb, Thomas Walkup and Isaac Bonga who all played in Germany at one time or the other. But it isn´t only in the top leagues where one can see top notch defense, but also in lower leagues all over the globe. Even in the German Pro B, one can witness lower scoring games and even there there are lock down defenders who pride their game on making a massive impact on the defensive end. One of those guys is young 22 year old German Dennis Diala (196-SF-2003). It is really enriching to see such effort and engagement from young players on the defensive end since often it then where young bucks want to make an impact on the offensive end. One doesn´t only need a great skill set and work ethic to be a potent defender, but also extreme confidence in one´s craft. “I see myself as a lock down defender and one of the best in the Pro B. I can defend any guard and usually defend the other team´s best defenders”, warned Dennis Diala who ranks Michael Jordan as his GOAT. DJ Woodmore definitely sees him as a sturdy defender who can make an impact. “Dennis has been our best perimeter defender the last few years. His wing span and good instincts make it tough for any player to get a clean look. I think that he has taken a huge step physically this season and it shows every weekend. I still think that he is only scratching the surface of what he can be. I put him on the list of the top defenders in the Pro B”, stressed Ahorn Camp Baskets Speyer guard DJ Woodmore.

The 197cm guard/forward who lists ex Alba Berlin guard Jaleen Smith and Yanic Niederhauser of the Los Angeles Clippers as his toughest opponents so far in his career began his basketball career with SG Heidelberg/Kirchheim and then played Regionalliga with USC Heidelberg and played with their NBBL (U-19) team. He will never forget Matthias Stein as he was his mentor in his early years. He got to practice with the MLP Academics and even played 2 easyCredit BBL games against Alba Berlin and ratiopharm Ulm. He then made the next jump in his career and joined the Ahorn Camp Baskets Speyer. Is he calling Speyer his second home now in his fourth season? “Yes it has. I´m originally from Heidelberg. When you are in an organization for a longer period of time, it really feels like home. I feel very comfortable in Speyer”, said Dennis Diala. The club has made big strides the last 3 seasons having reached the playoffs. Will they make it a fourth consecutive season to the promised land? “I´m very confident that it will happen again. We have a strong team and deserve to be in the playoffs this season. We lost some bitter games this season that we shouldn´t have lost, but I feel that if we can beat Frankfurt and Dresden, then we will have good chances”, warned Dennis Diala. He played in the playoffs against Wolmirstedt, RheinStars and Leverkusen. Was there a favorite series for him? “I think the RheinStars series is the one that I remember most. We were up 15 points in game 1 and lost control in the fourth quarter and lost. It was similar in game 3. I think that had we won that series, that we could of gone far”, remembered Dennis Diala. The initiator of the success has been head coach Carl Mbassa who has been at the helm now for 13 seasons. He was a solid second Bundesliga player and even played parts of 2 seasons in the BBL with Frankfurt and Nordlingen. “He is a very emotional coach. He knows what he gets from each player and always tries to bring the best out of each player. He works hard at helping us be able to make the next step as a player”, commented Dennis Diala.

Pic credit: Sabine Jost

The athletic German who lists and DJ Woodmore, Kelvin Martin, Rob Lowery, Shy Ely, Brekkott Chapman as his 5 best teammates of all-time has been more than fortunate having a teammate with DJ Woodmore from the start. Woodmore like Mbassa has been a Speyer lifer and has been instrumental in Diala becoming the type of player he is today. “Foremost DJ is a great person and teammate. I have defended him so many times the lasty years in practice which has really helped my game. I have to admit that I have copied some of his moves. He forced me to take shots when I was younger. I´m really thankful how he has helped my game over the years”, stated Dennis Diala. But it isn´t only Woodmoore that has helped his game and the success of the club, but two other Germans with veterans Christoph Rupp und David Aichele who combined have been with the organization for 10 years. “Rupp is a very smart player and one of the smartest players that I have played with in my career. He is really good at how he moves on the court and brings opponent´s defense out of their concept. It is so easy to play with him. He makes every teammates´ life easier. David is a big presence, can get every rebound and always ready on defense. He is a real force on defense”, explained Dennis Diala. The German has made solid strides in his 100 games pro B career. He averaged 8/3r his first 2 seasons and currently is at 9/4. Head coach Carl Mbassa never parked him on the bench when he arrived, but simply threw him into the shark tank early. “He believed in me since the start. I came as a NBBL player from Heidelberg and it wasn´t a given that he would give me trust. He trusted me after 4-5 games and began to insert me in the starting lineup. He pushed me from the start and I´m very grateful that he did”, added Dennis Diala.

The lockdown defender who lists his NBA, Euroleague and German Mount Rushmores with players Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Giannis, Nikola Jokic, Luka Donic, Tony Parker and Dennis Schroeder, Dirk Nowitzki, Franz Wagner, and Detlef Schrempf is a player that has never really compared his game to any player. He does watch many video´s of top players and hopes one day to become a mix of Kevin Punter and Kevin Durant. He has demonstrated in the last 3 years that he can be a durable scorer. In his second season he scored in double figures 9 times and last season and this season 11 times. Last season he even exploded with 28 points against Erfurt. He is so close to cracking the 10,oppg in a season. Can he attain this plateau? “I believe I can make it. I just have to continue to work hard”, said Dennis Diala. His three pointer is still a work in progress as 2 seasons ago he was at 31% and last season at 23% and currently is at 23%. “I have improved my three pointer the last years. I feel that my hard work over the summers really paid off. I think that I can get better. I feel like my open and catch and shoot shots are solid, but I have to work on my off the dribble shooting better”, expressed Dennis Diala. He knows that his defense is already at a good area in his game, but it´s his offense that he still needs to tweak to reach the next level. “I want to perfect my three pointer and improve my drive to the rim”, commented Dennis Diala. So what goals does he have as a player? He wanted to play in the Pro A this season, but had no offers and returned to Speyer. A run in the playoffs this season could really help him for the next step next season. His dreams are definitely big. “I want to play at the highest possible level. My dream is to play in international competitions like Euroleague or Eurocup”, stressed Dennis Diala. But he should go one step at a time. He definitely deserves a Pro A gig next season.