Sensation in Crailsheim: How Underdog Hakro Merlins Swept the NBBL Qualifiers *Crailsheim.* It was the perfectbasketball weekend in Crailsheim—and a historic one at that. Starting as the ultimate underdogs, the U19 basketballers of the HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim sensationally secured their qualification for the Nachwuchs-Basketball-Bundesliga (NBBL, Germany’s top youth league) last weekend. Sweeping through the tournament with a flawless record of four wins from four games, the team took everyone by storm. What makes it even more special: the squad was by far the youngest team in the competition. We spoke with winning coach *Predrag Lukic * about the “Miracle of Crailsheim,” tough age gaps, and the future of basketball in Crailsheim.
Coach Lukic, congratulations on this sensational success! Hand on heart: did you expect such a dominant 4-0 sweep before the weekend started?
Thank you very much! To be honest, I always believed we could qualify—otherwise, I wouldn’t need to stand on the sidelines. But going through undefeated with four wins out of four games, and with that level of dominance, was something no one could have predicted. Nobody outside of our team had us on their radar. We were the absolute underdog. What the boys put out there on the court was nothing short of sensational.
You mentioned it: your team entered the tournament as the youngest squad by far. What were the specific challenges?
The age difference at this level is huge. We had a lot of players born in 2010 on the roster who had to compete physically and mentally against players born in 2008. A two-year gap in youth basketball is a world of difference—it’s about physical maturity, muscle mass, and experience. So, my boys didn’t just have to play tactically smart; they had to fight against the physical superiority of their opponents with an incredible amount of heart, speed, and maximum effort. They didn’t just balance out this disadvantage, they overcame it through team basketball.
The tournament took place on your home court. How much of a factor was the home-court advantage this weekend?
The support was gigantic! The arena was packed, and the atmosphere was absolutely electric. The fans were our sixth man on the court. Especially during the phases when the games threatened to get tight, the crowd carried us through. For the development of these boys, delivering under pressure in front of such a backdrop was a priceless experience. A huge thank you to every single fan and the entire club for the organization.
As the coach, you prepared this young squad perfectly for the moment. How proud does this achievement make you personally?
I am incredibly proud of the boys. Seeing how they grew together as a team and disciplinedly executed every tactical game plan is the greatest reward for me as a coach. This group is an exceptional generation. They proved that talent, determination, and hard work can ultimately beat any physical disadvantage. For me personally, this confirms once again why I do this job with so much passion: there is nothing better than developing young players and watching them surpass themselves.
The mandatory task of NBBL qualification has been masterfully accomplished. What’s next, and what are you looking forward to the most?
Now we’re going to take a short breather and enjoy this success. But the NBBL is the highest German youth league—the level there is extremely high. For us, that means the real work is only just beginning. I am incredibly excited for the pre-season and the upcoming challenges. Here at the HAKRO Merlins, we have a foundation that we can be extremely proud of. This generation is nowhere near the end of its development, and I can’t wait to take the next steps with the boys. We are ready for the Bundesliga!
Nelson Okafor (202-PF-2003, agency: PEPI SPORT) is a 23 year old 202cm forward that will play the 2026-2027 season with the Uni Baskets Munster. He recently completed his season with the SV Fellbach Flashers (Pro B) averaging 9,8ppg, 5,2rpg, 1,0apg and 1,0spg. He spent 2 seasons with pro A team Nurnberg Falcons playing 43 games. He also played in Italy with Farnese Pallacanestro Campli (Italy-Serie C) and Dinamo Basket Brindisi (Italy-Serie C). He began his basketball career with Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg U19 team (NBBL). He spoke togermanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Nelson for talking to germanhoops.com. When did you discover basketball and when did it become your love? I started to play ball when I was around 10 Years old. At that time I was doing lot of different sports like soccer and track & field. I was actually good at track but I decided that Basketball was my sport. From that moment on the whole journey started.
What basketball players were your early inspirations? Who did you like to watch and emulate?
I didn’t watch that much sports when I was younger. I started watching basketball when I was around 15. I was really into watching BBL games from Ludwigsburg. They had a player on the roster named Jon Brockman. I really liked the way he played and his physicality. Right now, I like to watch players like Naz Reid and Chris Bosh.
You played with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg youth program from 2019-2021. How do you remember those years? How valuable was it for your early basketball development despite Covid? I remember those days like they were yesterday. Every year was really important because I learned a lot from that program that I can still apply to my game today. We always had a stacked roster with very good players, so the competition was always there. On top of that, you could learn something from everyone, so I would say it was a great period in my life.
How key were the two David coaches with Mccray and Gale? How did they help you best with your early basketball development? They were probably two of the most important coaches I ever had. Like I said before, they taught me a lot when I was younger. During my first NBBL season, I didn’t get much playing time because we had a very talented roster. But in my last seasons, I improved a lot in my game and learned many new things from them. I’m really thankful that I had the opportunity to play for them.
You were teammates with a young Ariel Huckporti. How do you remember him as a young player? Did you always know that he would reach the NBA?
I remember a lot of situations with him. We were in the same school class, so we shared many funny moments together. In practice and in games, he already had a big impact as a young player.
The Ludwigbsurg NBBL team had so many talented players in those 2 years. Was there a player besides a Hukporti that impaced you most? I personally would say Dejan Bruce impacted me the most when he was on our team. He really impressed me with his physicality and basketball IQ. We played the same position, so we had some really good battles in practice.
In your second season with NBBL team Ludwigsburg you averaged 11.0ppg, 5.7rpg in 3 games. You only played 3 games. Do you sometimes wonder how your development may have been that season with a full slate of games?
I do believe I would have had a different outcome if I had been able to play a full season in the NBBL. Because of the injury, I only played 3 games and never really had the chance to show what I’m capable of.
You then made the very uncharacteristic move and went to Italy to play for :Farnese Pallacanestro Campli (Italy-Serie C and Dinamo Basket Brindisi (Italy-Serie C). Why did you make that move? I made that move because I wanted to try something new. I had spent my whole life in Ludwigsburg and wanted to experience something different. At that moment, I also didn’t have any better options to play professionally.
How was Italy for you? How did your game grow there? It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Great people and great guys. I was lucky to learn a completely different playing style with a really good team. We even made the championship and got promoted to Serie B
You then made the jump to the Nuernberg Falcons BC (ProA) averaging 2.6ppg, 1.9rpg and 2.0ppg, 1.6rpg. You averaged 10 and 11 minutes per season. Do you feel like you got a fair chance there?
To be honest, I don’t think so. The season started pretty well for me personally, but it turned around very fast for both me and the team. In my first season we had two big losing streaks (8 in a row and 9 in a row). In my second season I thought maybe it would change and that I could prove myself better, but then our coach got fired. I also didn’t fit into the playing style of our new coach. So basically, I was just in a bad situation.
How valuable was it for your game having a veteran like German Julius Wolf? How did he help your game best? Yes, it did. Not only personally, but also for the whole team. He gave us a lot of tips and showed us how we could execute better on both offense and defense. I believe it’s always good to have an experienced guy on the team, especially for rookies like me.
Your second season was cut short. How would you describe your 2 years in Nurnberg? What positives could you get from the experience?
Of course, it was a great experience. I came from Italy and had the chance to play in Pro A. I was able to learn a lot of new things and work on my game, even though we had two bad seasons. On top of that, I had the advantage of getting experience playing in Pro A at a young age something not everybody gets the chance to do.
This season you took a step back and joined Pro B team SV Fellbach Flashers. You had your break out season. How refreshing has this season been for you on and off the court?
It was a big change for me. Going from being a bench player for the starting 5 to getting major minutes is a huge difference. I personally think it’s important for me to play more, because sitting on the bench the whole time is not good for young players. There’s no way I can improve by doing that.
How blessed have you been to have had a head coach like Kris Borisov? He seemed to believe in you from the start.
It is great. He told me from the beginning what my role was going to be on this team, and I think I handled it well. It was a challenge for me, but I could handle it.at you would have a key role on the team?
You had many great games. What would you classify as your favorite own game this season?
Probably the Game against Leitershofen at their Gym. There was already tension between us and theri team/fans. The gym was packed too and I had a great Game there too.
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Mark Golder?
Me.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 202cm forward. You’re a player that can score and rebound. What other strengths does your game incorporate? I would say defending all positions and being physical. Specially being physical helped me a lot on different kind of moments.
You don´t shoot many three´s. Is the three ball something you want to incorporate more into your game?
Yes definitely. It would help me also get better 1vs1 situations. I strongly believe if I have more situations where I can shoot it, my percentage will be good enough to respect it.
How valuable is your defensive game? What kind of a defender are you right now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?
I think my defense is pretty okay to good. Coaches could switch with me from 1 to 5 so this was never an problem for me. My Goal is to be more a rim protector.
On what areas of your game are you still working on so you can continue to improve your game? I’m working right now on my shooting and Ballhandling.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced on the floor that reached the NBA or Euroleague? Probably its Ariel Hukporti when I played\practiced Nbbl with him.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Sam Mackiw – Farnese Campli
Caio Palmeri – Farnese Campli
Bautista Fouce- Dinamo Brindisi
Alfonso Di ianni- Dinamo Brindisi
Courtney Alexander- Nürnberg Falcons
Please name your personal NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore of 4 best players ever for each?
For the NBA, I’ll go with LeBron James, Wilt, Kobe and Steph. In the German league, I go with Tommy Kuhse, John Bryant, Per Günther and Andreas Obst. For the EuroLeague, I don’t have a Mount Rushmore. There are probably many more players that I could name, but these are the ones that stick out in my head.
I unfortunately have covered many players over my 20 + year reporting career that have left us way to early. Some names that popped up right away in my mind was the great German warrior Ademola Okulaja who didn´t even reach age 50 or Nate Fox who annoyed BBL teams in Germany with his play and lost his life to a senseless murder. Another player that comes to mind was ex NBA player Tyler Honeycutt who lost his life committing suicide during a shoot out with police. Another guy that also lost his life too early was ex NBA player Andrew Gordon (208-C-1990, college: N.Mexico) who died in 2024 in a car accident. I had interviewed all 4 of these guys and remembered having been really interested in interviewing Gordon who ended up having an illustrious 11 year career that allowed him to reach the NBA and play in 8 different countries. I remember getting Gordon´s number from 2024 World Champion Gordon Herbert who had coached him in Russia and interviewing Gordon in the 2021-2022 season when he had been playing in the Ukraine who at that time were at war with Russia. I remember him asking me if I wanted to concentrate the interview on his time in the Ukraine, but I actually wanted to focus on his whole career instead of only on his adventures in the Ukraine. He was totally fine with that. He actually was teammates with Tyler Honeycutt at UCLA and only had fond memories of him. Now both are in heaven. “T was a solid solid dude. It was devastating to get the news of his passing. Heart breaking. We were just together a few months prior playing in the VTB all-star game. Being able to hoop with him in college and then see his game grow and our paths cross again was special. The basketball community gets so small the higher you get. He was always laughs and jokes even in college. I’m sad that he is not with us anymore but he has family and friends that will forever love him”, remembered Andrew Gordon.
I will take a look back at Andrew Gordon´s journey and use his great answers that he gave me during our interview more than 4 years ago near the end of his professional career. He was born on July 20, 1990 in San Jose, California and played at Archbishop Mitty high school where he had an great career being named a 2008 member of Long Beach Press-Telegram’s Best in the West first team as well as the 2007–08 Les Schwab Invitational most valuable player and played at the well known Jordan Brand classic. He began his NCAA career at UCLA, but in 2 seasons played only 40 games. In his second season he played only 6 games and then left. He had some growing pains at UCLA, but also saw it as a learning lesson. “I learned that I needed to focus on basketball more. I was getting distracted and taking things for granted. I wanted to get to the NBA so badly I was not focused on the present. I was looking to far into the future for sure”, said Andrew Gordon. He then played 2 seasons at the University of New Mexico (NCAA) averaging 13.0ppg, 10.5rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 52.7%, FT: 67.8% and 14.0ppg, RPG-4 (11.2), 1.3apg, 1.1spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 54.1%, FT: 75.6%. He had an incredible 2 year career at New Mexico where he played 60 games. In his senior year he scored in double figures in 26 of 34 games including 19 double doubles including a monster 27/20 game against UNLV. “Man that was a fun game to play. It´s definitely up there on most fun games I played. When I was at UNM my goal was to try to grab at least 15 and 15 so I had a lot of games where I was putting up big numbers. But really just hooping at UNM and in the Pit was dope. We had a lot of fun, we played well as a team also”, commented Andrew Gordon. He was lucky to have a great teacher in Steve Alford who prepared him best for a pro career. “He helped me focus in on hooping and what it was going to take to be a pro. I feel like my skills were still pretty raw, so he helped get my post game right and the preparation it takes leading up to a game to give our team the best chance of winning”, stressed Andrew Gordon.
The forward who named Kawhi Leonard and James Harden as his toughest opponents in his career began his pro career in 2012 at the NBA Summer League with the Dallas Mavericks playing 5 games averaging 4/6. He played his rookie season with BC Partizan MT:S Beograd (Serbia-A League) playing 10 Euroleague games averaging 9.1ppg, Reb-3 (7.5rpg), 1.5apg, 1.1spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 11.1%, FT: 62.1% and then moved to Banco di Sardegna Sassari (Italy-Serie A) averaging 11.6ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 64.6%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 57.9%. Just like every other American baller overseas, he also had a wake up call overseas to where he knew that he was far away from home. “I mean just the long, long practices and being yelled at in a different language. As well as the different alphabet that was used out there. I just remember getting there and being like “damn these practices are like twice as long as any of the longest practices I’ve had in the states.” Also how crazy the fans were during games. Don’t get me wrong the partisan fans are some of my favorite die hard fans. I still remember some of their chants during games. But it was just a way different world than I was used to. I use to come out of games after playing, the road flares, the fights, the banners, the things being yelled at us and thrown at us, and the smoking in the stadium and thinking to myself what the hell did we just play through. That was wild. I would love to play in that environment and the partisan fans again now that I am older and understand the difference between the states and Europe”, remembered Andrew Gordon. He battled against future legends like Juan Carlos Navarro, Sarunas Jasikevicius, Milos Teodosic, Nenad Kristic, Casey Jacobsen and Bostjan Nachbar in the Euroleague and it must have been like being a boy in a candy shop or wasn´t it? “Honestly I didn’t know who any of them really were. To me they were just hoopers on a different team that we needed to beat. I was so ready to go play in the NBA I didn’t pay much mind to the rest of the world of basketball. I didn’t understand that there was so much talent over the waters. I don’t think Boban Marjanovic was in euro league but I loved playing against him. I used to try to dunk on him any chance I got. He was just one of the biggest people I had ever seen”, added Andrew Gordon. He was teammates with young talents like Bogdan Bogdanovic and Davis Bertans. They later would reach the NBA. “Bogi and Bertans are my guys! It was so cool seeing them make the jump to the league they deserve it. They worked their asses off to get there. playing against them was fun in practices, we never really got to go head to head because we were different positions but watching them play was awesome”, commented Andrew Gordon. He played parts of two seasons with Drake and Travis Diener guys that actually weren´t brothers. “So they are actually cousins. Great guys! And great hoopers. I feel like when they shot the ball it was going in no matter what. They could really turn it on in games. They helped us get through a lot of tough games. We all lived in the same complex as well so our families got really close. For the most part I keep in touch with a lot of guys I have played with. From domestic guys to foreign players”, added Andrew Gordon. In the 2013-2014 season he split time with Banvit Basketbol Kulubu (Turkey-TBL) and with Banco di Sardegna Sassari (Italy-Serie A) averaging 9.0ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 60.5%; and played Eurocup playing 8 games averaging13.0ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 74.1%. He won his first chip in Italy with the cup. “Turkey was a cool place to play with good competition, however while me and my wife were out there we had someone break into our apartment and try to steal our things. After that we didn’t feel safe out there so we decided to make a switch. But some of my teammates from that team I still remain close with. They were a fun team to be around. Playing in Italy was probably our favorite location to play, the fans were awesome as well. We had a good group of vets and the practice style was shaped more like the NBA than other places I have played. Which means that we were more fresh going into games and had more energy to play hard for the chip and for the fans. I would go back to play there again for sure”, stated Drew Gordon. In Italy he lost a tough 6 game playoff series tom top team Milan and Keith Langford. “It was tough for sure. I feel like everyone wanted Milan to win so we got some iffy calls and it made it tough to play against Milan. But being able to put our heads down and push forward was huge for us because Milan had some big time talent”, expressed Andrew Gordon.
After playing NBA Summer League with the 76ers in 2014, the ex Euroleague player who list Jordan, Lebron and Kobe on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore finally reached the NBA in his third season, but his time was brief as he only played 9 games and spent most of the season in the G-League with Delaware where he averaged 13/10 stats. His fondest memory was in pre season. “Being able to play against my brother in the preseason. It had always been a dream of ours to be able to play with or against each other on the big stage. There is a picture of us somewhere floating around on the internet of us sitting on the bench and just taking in the fact that we both made it to the NBA. A super special moment”, remembered Andrew Gordon. He played against so many legends including Dirk Nowitzki who had a great game against him. “It was a cool moment for sure. It sucked though because I think he dropped something like 45 that game on our heads, so film wasn’t very fun the next day. And once again just realizing that I made it to the NBA and had my name announced as I checked in. Playing alongside people I had watched growing up as a kid”, said Andrew Gordon. There are always those what if questions in terms of what could have really been with his NBA career had certain things happened. The big man rotation was crowded with players like Hollis Thompson, Brandon Davies, Chris Johnson and Henry Sims. Could he have had a better chance of a career if he had gotten more of an opportunity? “Yeah for sure I could have. I was coming back from ankle surgery so I was just starting to get my hooping rhythm back. And I was on a non guaranteed contract the first year, in hindsight I would have resigned with them for another year. I had the opportunity but turned it down. Because I ended the year in the G my contract was void. The organization wanted to put me back on a nonguaranteed contract but I politely declined and wanted to try my luck getting back into euro-league or a job with a bit more stability”, stressed Andrew Gordon. In the 2015-2016 season he was back overseas again and balled with Champagne Chalons-Reims Basket (France-ProA) playing 30 games averaging 14.0ppg, Reb-2 (9.6rpg), 1.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 72.7%. It was vital that he would have a great season again right away overseas. “I mean it´s always a good thing to hit the group running. Oddly enough coming from the NBA there weren’t a lot of teams who were super interested. It´s like I made the jump to the NBA then Europe forgot about me when I tried to get back. So playing well was a must. Well, playing as I usually play”, said Andrew Gordon. He was teammates with so so many guys in his career. But the question is how good could he remember certain players. I covered Miro Todic when he was a young player in Frankfurt in 2005. He saw him 10 years later. “Man! That was my guy! It´s unfortunate what the team tried to do by forcing him to leave. I thought he was a really solid player that would have helped us down the stretch. But unfortunately the team had other ideas. Why it didn’t work out and the team ended up doing that I won´t ever really know but he has a great resume and is a solid dude”, remembered Andrew Gordon.
In the 2016-2017 season the California native who remembers beating Alex Kirk in 1-1 played in the land of basketball with Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania-LKL) averaging 10.6ppg, Reb-3 (7.1rpg), 1.5apg, FGP: 59.7%, 3PT: 19.1%, FT: 64.0%; and in the Eurocup averaged 12.6ppg, Reb-1 (9.6rpg), 1.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 15.8%, FT: 58.7%. He definitely never forgot the fans there. “The fans were awesome! I loved the energy that the fans brought. Vilnius is such a cool place to play also. The downtown was awesome to be able to walk around in, good eats as well. I will say Lithuania ball was much more physical than I originally thought. And playing every team so many times was kind of rough. I think we ended up playing a team something like ten times because of regular season, the cup, and playoffs. For me I don’t want to play a team 10 times over in a single season. But being able to play in the arena with the fans going crazy was always fun. Shout out the the Rytas fans”, said Andrew Gordon. In the 2017-2018 he played his first time in Russia with Zenit Sankt Petersburg (Russia-VTB) averaging 11.1ppg, Reb-5 (6.7rpg), FGP: 62.6%, FT: 57.1%; and in the Eurocup averaging 12.4ppg, Reb-5 (7.0rpg), 1.1apg, FGP: 58.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 54.4%. Another new place with new memories. “We loved it in Saint Petersburg ! That was one of the prettiest cities we had played in. I was hoping to be able to stay on with Zenit at the end of the year because again we had a solid group of guys. I think if we stuck together we would have been able to do some crazy stuff the following year. It took us a second to get adjusted, especially in the cold weather and the short days, but we ended up loving it. The VTB league is always fun to play in, I feel like it´s one of the strongest leagues and you end up playing against a lot of guys that bounced out of the NBA so it´s always competitive and a good time seeing a lot of guys you used to play against in the states”, added Andrew Gordon. He played a number of times against Mr Euroleague Kyle Hines and he couldn´t pick a clear winner in their battles. “I would say it went back and forth. I usually had pretty solid games against CSKA. But it´s been years since I have been able to play against him again. Hopefully I can tell you for sure that I got the better of him the next time we meet”, said Andrew Gordon. In the 2018-2019 season he returned back to the States and played with the Long Island Nets (NBA G League) playing 35 games averaging 7.3ppg, 6.8rpg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 15.6%, FT: 62.0%. He had been away from the NBA for 3 years and it was a tough season for him to go through. “It was a rough time for sure. I wanted to stay in Europe, but for our family the best move was to come back into the states because we were expecting our son Zayne, so we wanted to be back around family for that. I was playing behind Alan Williams and he was playing really well so I was taking the time to work on my body and prep for the baby coming. I think you touched on it earlier with this, but unless the team really has their eyes on you it is tough to get a fair shake in the league”, warned Andrew Gordon. He only averaged 15 minutes per game. Would 30 minutes have done the trick with a ticket back to the NBA? “Yeah man, 15 minutes spread out over the length of the game is tough to really get rocking and get into a groove of playing. Especially when the team is tailored to only be looking at a few guys. I feel like if I was able to rock out then I would have had a much better chance for sure. However, it wasn’t in the cards”, remembered Andrew Gordon. Does one notice that sometimes you can be really efficient in the minutes but when an organization is eyeing only certain guys and focusing on young guys, that it will be a reach to get that shot? “For sure it is! I feel for a lot of the G-league guys. You can have a crazy P.I.R and still not get a look. There are certain things that teams are looking at so it makes it tough. With covid being a thing guys had/have more chances at getting call ups with dudes catching covid. But I feel like unless you are a two-way player its super tough to get that look”, said Andrew Gordon.
The robust rebounder who thought they should of left the original classic movie Coming To America alone played the 2019-2020 season with Stelmet Enea BC Zielona Gora (Poland-EBL) averaging 10.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 60.1%, FT: 66.7%: and in the VTB United League averaged 13.3ppg, Reb-4 (8.3rpg), 2.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 75.3%. He won his second pro chip, but it wasn´t the same with Covid being around. “It was frustrating. I´ll take the title but we didn’t get a chance to play that final game and lift the trophy like we were planning on doing. We didn’t get a chance to enjoy the championship because we were too busy trying to get our butts home before the airports closed and we were stuck in Poland. Playing for Zan was great, we still stay in contact. He was a coach that really knew how to interact with the team”, stated Andrew Gordon. In 2020-2021 he split time in Russia with Avtodor Saratov (Russia-VTB) averaging: 8.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 2FGP: 55.1%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 71.4%, in Jan.’21 moved to Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia-VTB) averaging 13.3ppg, Reb-2 (7.7rpg), 2.0apg, FGP-3 (68.5%), 3PT-3 (50.0%), FT: 50.0%; and in the Eurocup averaged 9.0ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 66.7%, FT: 62.5%. This was the first time in his career since 2013-2014 where he split time with two organizations. “It was tough. Avtodor was a tough place to play. And an even colder place to live. We had some good players on the team. I still keep up with Nate and Markel. But I think the toughest part when coming on to a new team is being able to fit into the system. Taking that gamble on going to a new team and hoping the coach and players accept you. And you are able to produce right when you get to the new team”, remembered Andrew Gordon. I interviewed Gordon when he was home from his Ukraine season in 2021-2022 on account of the war. It obviously wasn´t an easy time going from the war zone and then being at home and seeing the sad footage on the news. “Its sad man, I wish that everyone would come to a peaceful conclusion to it all. The Ukraine is a very beautiful place so to see it being damaged is sad. However, while being out there, we didn’t feel a threat of war at all really. It wasn’t until the very end of our stay in Kyiv did we feel any sort of distress. It was always on the back of our minds obviously, but it was business as usual right up until the very end”, added Andrew Gordon. Most guys got out of the Ukraine while some guys had to escape. He had everyone in his thoughts then especially his teammates. “We had a great group of guys this year that really wanted to win. We were living in Kyiv which was a great place to be able to walk around and see the rich history of the Ukraine. Something that will also be an ever-lasting memory is trying to help teammates and friends escape once they got stuck. Very odd feeling knowing that you can only help so much. You worry about their safety and their families safety and well being”, stressed Andrew Gordon. He played that season with Budivelnyk Kyiv (Ukraine-Superleague) playing 29 games averaging 13.9ppg, Reb-1 (10.6rpg), 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 60.9%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 59.0%. He was having one of his personal best seasons since 2015, and then suddenly the season ended. “It was tough man, I wasn’t really planning on leaving until the embassy shut down. I liked the basketball we were playing and I happened to fit well into coaches system. I was playing well yes, but a lot of that comes from the team. How we interacted with each other and the chemistry that we had made it easy for lots of guys to play really well. It was unselfish basketball which is always a fun way to play. It sucks that the season had to stop”, said Andrew Gordon. Despite the horrible experience in the Ukraine, it didn´t have an effect on how he would choose jobs in the future. “I don’t think it will influence it much. This was a terrible and unfortunate thing that happened in the Ukraine but its´ not like it happens all over the world every year. I just want to make sure me and my family are safe and the living is good. It´s tough to go a full year with wife and kids in a place where living is tough. I want to make sure they enjoy where they are at. It´s much better for everyone’s mental”, stated Andrew Gordon. He played his last season in 2022-2023 with Fukuoka Rizing (Japan-B2 League) averaging 7.1ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 50.0%. I had asked him in 2022 if he could ever imagine playing in Germany. “I played against Alba Berlin a few times. Walking the Berlin wall was super dope. I actually have a picture of me standing in the same spot I believe 9 years apart. Maybe 8 years but still a super cool place. I would love to play in Germany! My guy Brandon Ashley said he loved playing there so I would love to try to go play there for a year or two”, stressed Andrew Gordon. Unfortunately it never happened. But he will always be in the hearts of so many in the basketball community like ex Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert. “Drew was a better human being than basketball player. He was a great guy that was just great for the team and great in the locker room. He was an extra ordinary person”, remembered 2024 German world champion Gordon Herbert.
Aaron Ekwere (190-G-2006) is a 19 year old 190cm guard from Finland playing this season with Pantterit Helsinki (1st Division) 25,6ppg, 8,3rpg, 5,6apg and 3,4spg and with Drive Academy Espoo U20 team (EYBL U20). He began his basketball career with Pyrinto Akatemia B Tampere (1st Division). He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.
Thanks Aaron for talking to germanhoops.com. Let´s talk about your career. Your from Finland. When did you began to play and was there a moment that you will never forget that brought you that early love for the game?
I started basketball at four but I have always been around basketball and I have always loved id so it is impossible to just pick one moment that made me fall in love with it.
Who were your early basketball players inspirations?
Russel Westbrook has always been my favorite player and somebody who I have always been inspired by.
Did you have any early basketball mentors in your career with Pyrinto Tampere?
I have tons of good coaches and older teammates who have guided me in my journey but if I had to name a few then i would have to mention my former teammate Kion Williams and coach Kari Kilpinen and Santeri Liljeberg.
You were 16 years old when you made your debut with PyrintoAkatemia B Tampere (1st Division) averaging 8.7ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 63.6%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 50.0% How valuable was that season playing with men already? I feel like that season was very important for preparing me for playing more physical and against grown men
You gained valuable experience from 2023-2025 playing with theDrive Academy London U20 team (United Kingdom-EYBL U20) averaging 19.3ppg, RPG-5 (11.7), 4.0apg, SPG-3 (3.4), 1.2bpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 54.7%. and 17.2ppg, 7.8rpg, 3.2apg, SPG-3 (3.3), FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 21.1%, FT: 54.5%, played also at Drive Basketball Academy Black (U19 League, starting five) How did your game grow that season? I feel like I became a more well rounded in my game improving on my weaknesses
You won the U-19 Finnish title twice. Which title was sweetest? Definitely the last one because the final was played in my home city and the game went to overtime
This season your playing with Pantterit Helsinki (1st Division) averaging 24/7/5/4 stats. Is it fair to say this has been your career break through? Yeah definitely I feel like my game has developed to the next level and it has been nice to see my hard work paying off
Let´s talk a little about your game. You’re a 190cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player or Euroleague player who would best fit the description? I have grown since so I currently stand at 198 so right now I would compare my game to prime Ben Simmons or Russel Westbrook
If one views your stats this season, it looks like a Russell Westbrook stat line. How big is versatility in your game? I feel like it is a very big part of my game and a big reason I can adjust to playing with different teams and systems
You’re a great rebounder for your height. Have you always had that special knack to grab rebounds? Yea it´s just something I have always been good at even if I´m not the biggest guy on the team
What kind of a defender would you describe yourself? What kind of a defender are you at the moment and what kind of defender do you still want to become? I would describe myself as a very versatile defender and I can guard many positions and I can do a lot of positive things for my team in the defensive end. I definitely still want to improve on the quickness of my feet so I can apply even more pressure on the ball
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? Shooting is my biggest weakness and something I try to improve on so I can develop my game
You have been a junior national player for Finland. How is the state of Finnish basketball? What young prospects can you report about at the moment that we should look for? Finnish basketball is definitely on the rise which you can see from the 4th place finish in eurobasket last year. Iwould definitely tell everybody to keep an eye on Joseph Tala and Luca Bah. They are very promising Finish young prospects
You had a solid showing at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket in Tampere (Finland) in 2024 averaging 9.1ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 21.1%, FT: 40.0%. You had good games against Greece and Spain. What memories will you always have of that first big youth tournament? Definitely the memory I´m most fond of is our upset win against Lithuania on opening day
You poured it up a notch with your game at the FIBA U20 EuroBasket in Heraklion (Greece) in 2025 averaging PPG-5 (16.9), 5.7rpg, 2.1apg, SPG-2 (2.6), FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 66.0%. You had a great game against Germany scoring 25 points, but lost a heartbreaker 82-81. What memories do you have of that game? I still think about that game weekly because I missed the tying shot in the last second so I tend to blame myself for that loss. Definitely something that has given me motivation though
Who is the toughest player that you ever battled in your life that reached the NBA or Euroleague? In a game the toughest has to be either Hugo Gonzalez or Neoklis Avdalas but in practice Lauri Markkanen is the best player I have battled against.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Okku Federiko, Olavi Suutela, Elmeri Abbey, Abdullah Amzil, Eetu Heinonen
Please name your NBA, Euro and Finnish Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time for each category?
NBA: Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Kobe Bryant
Euro: Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Dirk Nowitzki and Gannis
Finland: Lauri Markkanen, Hanno Möttölä, Petteri Koponen and Sasu Salin
Jackson Threadgill (198-G-1997, college: App State) is a 198cm forward from Concord, North Carolina that played his rookie season overseas with Starlites GIG (Malta-BOV League D1) winning multiple titles averaging 24.9ppg)#, 6.0rpg, 3.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT-1 (50.0%), FT: 75.9%. He began his basketball career at Davidson Day School and then played 4 seasons with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte playing a total of 110 NCAA games. He then added on a season with Appalachian State University. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.
Your played your rookie season overseas with Starlites GIG (Malta-BOV League D-1). What kind of an experience has it been for you and what have you enjoyed most about the experience? The experience has been great. The hospitality from the people and the organization has been something I’m very thankful for. I’ve really enjoyed getting to learn about the country and a lot of historical and religious facts about the island.
How have you learned to appreciate the culture and beauty of Malta? What has been your fondest moment off the court in Malta?
I think just appreciating change and something new from what I’ve been accustomed to back home. My fondest memory has probably been when my family came out and I got to take them to places on the island. They’ve never left the United States, so it was special to have the opportunity to show them something new.
You have become an explosive player overseas something you weren´t in the NCAA. How refreshing is it being able to showcase your skills like that?
It hasn’t really had a big impact on me. I’m just more interested on doing what needs to be done in order to win games and that’s all I’m focused on.
What kind of a player have you become in Malta? How has your game grown in Malta? I think the biggest growth has just come from my confidence in who I am as a player and that shows with the performances I’ve had.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 198cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description? I’d probably say a Bogdan Bogdanovic or a Donte Divincenzo
You fill the stat sheet really well. How big is versatility in your game now overseas? It’s very important. Just trying to do all the things that I’m asked to do in order to win games. Whether it’s scoring, playmaking, rebounding, or defending, whatever the team needs from me I’m willing to do.
You were kind of a up and down three point shooter in the NCAA, but really exploded in Malta. How have you seen your development as a shooter? What kind of a shooter do you still want to become?
I think the biggest thing has been in trusting my stroke and the work I put into it. I still want to continue to be a better off the dribble 3 point shooter and off the move.
Talk a little about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you right now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become? I’d say I’m a versatile defender. I can guard several positions and try to use my length to make things tough on my opponent.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now as you continue to improve your game? Continue to work on my strength training, sharpening my handle, attacking the basket, and shooting from the perimeter off the dribble.
You played at the The University of North Carolina at Charlotte from 2020-2024 and won the CBI title in 2023. What kind of an experience were these 4 years? What kind of a player did you become there? I loved my time at Charlotte. I’m very thankful for my coaches Ron Sanchez and Aaron Fearne for giving me the opportunity to play there. I met some of my closest friends and created a lot of relationships. I also developed a lot as a player. I improved a lot on the defensive side of the ball, became a good cutter and learned how to have an impact on the game without the ball in my hands. My handle improved a lot and I was able to initiate the offense as a primary ball handler. More importantly I grew as a person during my time there.
You won the CBI title in 2023 beating EKU 71-68. What memories do you have of that great run?
That was a great memory during my time at Charlotte. Just to be able to finish the season on a win with a group of guys that had great relationships was something special and I’ll always remember.
You had many great games in these 4 years against FIU and Milwaukee just to name a few. What was your best game with Charlotte? Overall the game against Coppin state my Junior year was probably my best game.
What are your memories of ex teammate Igor Milicic who is balling in the G-League now?
Igor was a great teammate and is a great friend. I enjoyed my time playing with Igor and we are still close to this day. Yes Igor is playing in the G league now
You have a close relationship to the Milic family. How special is the family? Me and his younger brothers have a good relationship. It has been great seeing them grow and have success
You then added a season with Appalachian State University (NCAA) averaging 4.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.1apg. What kind of an experience was a fifth season there? How did head coach Dustin Kerns help you with that last push in your game? I was just thankful to be able to finish my college career playing alongside two of my high school teammates that are really good friends of mine, CJ Huntley and Will Coble.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jamil Muttlib? We never played a full game of 1 on 1 but I’ll add Jamil is a talented player and I know he had a great year this season at Grambling state and I’m super happy for him and know he’ll continue to do good things.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA? My initial reaction I would say my toughest cover was Ryan Rollins.
Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time? That’s a tough question as I’ve had a lot of great teammates but I’d say Aly Khalifa, CJ Huntley, Igor Milicic, Adam Brazil, Regin Larson (Not all the best players I’ve played with but these are the best TEAMMATES)
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan
Who is your Goat? Michael Jordan
How do you rate the historical 83 points from Bam Adebayo? I´m sure the very least would have ever thought Bam could do that? At any level 83 points is very impressive but to do it in the NBA, regardless of how, is extremely impressive. Also love that a guy from North Carolina was able to achieve that
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? I haven’t seen either
If one looks at the rising basketball career of German Ivan Kharchenkov (201-F-2006) over the last few years, then one comes to the conclusion that he really has achieved a lot. He won 2 Gold medals at European youth championships, 2 pro titles in the easyCredit BBL with top sports brand FC Bayern Munich and an NBBL (U-19) title all before his 19th birthday. He could of remained with FC Bayern Munich and continued to fight for minutes and gain extra vital experience, but instead he went with the trend and played in the NCAA this past season with Arizona (NCAA). It was the logical route as so many Euro players were doing it as well as fellow German colleagues like Christian Anderson and Hannes Steinbach who are projected NBA first round pics in June 2026. He had the opportunity to play with a top basketball school, get an education and get paid millions. He helped win the Big 12 title and they came up a bit short losing in the NCAA final 4 against Michigan. All in all he made the right decision as his team had success and he was able to develop further with his Swiss army knife game. “I had no real expectations going to Arizona. Everything was new for me. I was living on a new continent and the game was different. I was thrown into cold water. My goal before the season was to get better each day and get minutes. I have to say that I was able to fullfill my expectations”, stressed Ivan Kharchenkov. As a guy who lives for the game and is always a competitor, he embraced the American lifestyle as it was like night and day compared to what he experienced in Germany in the easyCredit BBL. “What I appreciated right away about the lifestyle there was how much people are involved with the game and how emotional everyone is. It doesn´t matter who you talk to there, all have knowledge of the game. If your having a down period, the people always have energy and try to help you. No one is shy to showcase their emotions. In Munich it is more an event thing with some clapping. In Arizona it´s a big thing”, warned Ivan Kharchenkov.
Pic credit: ArizonaMBB
I reach Ivan Kharchenkov in early May for our 12th interview since the 2021-2022 season as he had returned back to Germany and was spending time with his family in Landsberg, Bavaria. In German basketball leagues, players arrive usually in mid August to prepare for the season starting in October, but in Arizona, Ivan was already there in July 2025 to start to prepare for the season starting in November. All Americans that come overseas for the first time always have a wake up call to living in Europe, but how was it for him coming from Germany to USA? “My wake up call was all the fast food that is present. It seems like it is around every corner. In Munich it is a lot easier to find healthy food. The eating standard is a lot higher in Europe”, said Ivan Kharchenkov. The team practiced for months before the season started and he was able to recognize early the differences between how NCAA teams practice in comparison to his ex team FC Bayern Munich. “The practices were a lot more physical, longer and more intensive than with Munich. We practiced between games while with Munich we didn´t. The practice standards were higher with Arizona, but one can´t forget that you have like 85 games in Europe and only 40 in the NCAA”, stated Ivan Kharchenkov. The team began hot winning 21 games in a row while the young German needed time to find his game. Did the team feel pressure with every new win in that winning streak? “It took time to get used to the new rules. It was strange having 2 20 minute halves, not taking transition fouls and players being able to call timeouts. I don’t think that pressure grew. We always went game by game. We had some shaky wins in that streak. We were still finding each other. We were lucky that we were good enough to still win games even when we didn´t play our best. That gave us the opportunity to learn from our mistakes”, remembered Ivan Kharchenkov.
Winning streaks never last forever as Arizona suffered their first loss of the season against Kansas. Then they were shocked right away in the next game losing again against Texas Tech. Arizona then wouldn´t lose again until April in the Final 4 against Michigan. The team definitely took the Texas Tech loss to heart and learned from it. “We had some guys out including Koa Peat. We were shocked and struggled. It was the perfect time to face adversary. Other guys had to step up and did. That showed us just how versatile we could be. That helped us in the long run and later beating Houston. We had a short rotation and were successful”, added Ivan Kharchenkov. He battled against German national team teammate Christian Anderson of Texas Tech finishing with a 13/4/3/2 game while Anderson had a 19/6/8 game. Anderson´s season was so good that his route to the NBA will follow now. “Anderson became a lot more consistent. He had a bigger role and made less mistakes. He got bigger physically and learned to read the game better as well”, commented Ivan Kharchenkov. After beating Houston for the Big 12 title, Arizona then had a great run at March madness beating LIU Brooklyn, Utah State, Arkansas and Purdue until losing to Michigan. “It was just one of those days where we didn´t play our best game. They hit three´s early and we got down fast and it was tough climbing back up the mountain. We lost to the eventual champion. It can happen. They shot only 2/18 in the final and still won. Life goes on”, added Ivan Kharchenkov. He had amazing teammates like Koa Peat who is a projected NBA first round pick in June. “He is a very physical player and built like a football player. He has a real nice touch around the rim. He really developed well during the season learning to expose the defense really well”, remembered Ivan Kharchenkov. Two other incredible teammates that he had were Brayden Burries and potential 2026 NBA draft pick Jaden Bradley who gave Arizona one of the best guard duo´s in the country. “Bradley was our veteran. He was the right hand of the coach. He had a lot of experience and led us the whole season and was great closing games. Burries didn´t start the season well, but never hung his head. He found his groove and was a great teammate and always did all he could to help the team win. He was our best player”, stated Ivan Kharchenkov.
Pic Credit:ArizonaMBB
The physical player who remembered Swede and current Stanford (NCAA) guard Julius Price as his toughest opponent back in 2022 had a solid freshman season in the NCAA averaging 10/4/2/1. Years ago he was the classic 3 and D player, but did his game grow into a Swiss army knife? “I was content with my season. I didn´t know my role at the start, but then it became clear. My role was to be the heart of the team, bring energy and be a vocal leader. Never be shy and defend the other team´s best player. I feel like I was always a Swiss army knife. I can do a lot of things and always give my team what it needs to win. I let the game come to me and didn´t force anything. I just try to play correct basketball”, warned Ivan Kharchenkov. His three pointer continues to be a work in progress. However he made big strides at Arizona as he finished at 32% from downtown in the season. “My role wasn´t so big for me to get many shots. I had the best season in my career with my shooting %. I feel a lot more sure with my shot. Now I have a long summer where I can continue to work on my shot and let it develop further”, expressed Ivan Kharchenkov. His excellent defense was lauded from the start by the Arizona experts and fans. He had to try to lock down the other team´s best players every night.” My defense grew having to defend top talents. I tried my best slowing down top players Aj Dybantsa of BYU and Darryn Peterson of Kansas. I think that I did a good job keeping them to 20 points on 25 shots. I was able to read the game well on the run”, stressed Ivan Kharchenkov. He was the first Arizona freshman to record 5 steals against a top 25 team Alabama. “That is a cool achievemen. In USA there are stats for all. But to be honest, I didn´t go into the game to record that record”, smiled Ivan Kharchenkov. He was fortunate to play for a coach in legend Tommy Lloyd who let him sparkle with his versatile play and also knows that the Wild Cats haven´t seen the best of him yet. “I learned from coach Tommy to let the game come to me and that my time will come”, warned Ivan Kharchekov.
The big guard with the killer instinct has announced that he will return for a second season to Arizona. His goal is to be drafted by the NBA. He wasn´t a frequent visitor on 2026 NBA Mock drafts as he had too many offensive options on the team. Next season his role will grow the same it did for Christian Anderson. But there are also other advantages for returning back to Tucson for a sophomore campaign. “I can continue to work on my game. I´m still a raw diamond. Plus I know how everything works now. It is also good to play for coach Tommy again. I know how he ticks”, stated Ivan Kharchenkov. Arizona will lose some guys, but should be competitive once again as they have kept Motiejus Krivas and have 3 very interesting guys coming in with ex Washington (NCAA) guard JJ Mandaquit, ex North Carolina (NCAA) guard Derek Dixon and highly touted Georgia high school player Caleb Holt. Bryce James the son of Lebron James also will play after being a red shirt last season. “The goal is always to win the NCAA title. The question is will it be realistic. We still need 2 big men”, stressed Ivan Kharchenkov. It was recently reported that raw Dutch center Endurance Aiyamenkhue of German team Orange Academy is one of those 2 centers that will suit up for Arizona next season. He won´t play for the German national team this summer as he remained in Germany in May and had his first camp in mid May with his half brother Nikita and dad. “I like to work with kids and give back to the community. This will be my first camp ever. I have heard that I could do this in the future as well in Tucson”, said Ivan Kharchenkov. He will head back to Arizona in June and then his focus will be on his game and Arizona. He will have a lot of time to remember big moments in the 2025-26 season on and off the court. “My favorite moment on the court last season was when Jaden Bradley hit a buzzer beater over Iowa State. I will never forget how we all jumped on him on the court. My coolest experience off the court was just how much a family we are. In Europe basketball is strictly business. In Arizona we spent so much time together as a team. We had incredible chemistry on and off the court. If I needed something, I could always go to the coach. I would never do that in Europe. I felt more comfortable in USA”, warned Ivan Kharchenkov.
Xavier Newson (194-SG-1995, college: Goshen) is a 30 year old 194cm guard from Illinois that is an overseas baller that recently played Dehesas Reunidas Climanavas Penarroya (Spain-Tercera FEB) averaging 15/4/1 stats.He began his basketball career at Richwoods High School and then played 2 seasons at North Central Missouri College (JUCO). He then added a season at Missouri Western State University (NCAA2) and at Goshen College (NAIA). He began his pro career in 2017 and since has played in countries like Kosovo, Georgia, and Spain. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Xavier for talking to germanhoops.com You have been overseas 8 years and played only in 3 countries with Kosovo, Georgia and Spain, but played for 10 different organizations. Would you call yourself a basketball globetrotter?
Hahaha that’s a good question! But I would have to say no. I mean I’ve played in less countries than a lot of my peers. 10 different teams sounds crazy though , hopefully soon I’ll be adding some new passport stamps.
You’re playing your fourth season in Spain. Has Spain become like a second home to you?
YES! It absolutely has. Spain is where I actually call home now. I met my now wife my first week in Spain in January of 2022 and basically I’ve been here ever since. Now I have a spanish son and was just granted naturalization so now I have a Spanish passport as well.
You have played the last 3 seasons in the fourth league in Spain. How would you describe the talent level and competitive level? I would say its pretty good. Ive played in higher leagues against guys that are now playing what everybody would call high level Europe for example, while I was in Kosovo or Georgia. But Spain has the best 4th division in Europe by far in my opinion. This league is broken into groups so each group has its levels but in general good basketball is being played for sure.
You have put up strong stats all seasons. How difficult is it in general to move up the ladder in Spain?
This is a touchy subject for me but yes I have performed and have had some team success as well. I’ve seen some guys get an opportunity and climb up. I just haven’t been one of those guys. Fair or not? Not a question I can answer. It is a tough pill for me to swallow because I feel like I’ve earned it for sure but everybody has their journey so I try to focus on that and keep pushing. I would say it’s difficult to move up but it happens every year for a few guys.
Your playing your first season with Dehesas Reunidas Climanavas Penarroya (Spain-Tercera FEB). What kind of an experience has it been? What have you enjoyed most about this club? It’s been an up and down season to say the least but I’m living a dream playing in my Spanish hometown which I haven’t done since the 22-23 season. So having a chance to play at home and be present daily with my wife and son who is now 11 months old has been a blessing for sure. Having the family at the home games is great. I’ve enjoyed this part of it for sure. Something I’ll probably never have another chance to do. Also I surpassed 1000 points scored in the league in 58 games and 3000 in Europe overall so a few goals have been reached this season.
Last season you played with Lithium Iberia Sargado Caceres (Spain-Tercera FEB) averaging 17.2ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 75.9%. You had many great games there. Whatwas your favorite game of the season? For sure it would be towards the end of the season in a home game against Moraleja where I made 7 3s which is my career high for 3s made in a game professionally.
In the 2023-2024 season you played with CB Aridane (Spain-EBA) averaging 16.9ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 63.3%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 73.4%. This was your second season in Spain. How did your game grow that season? ALOT! In all aspects of the game. Sounds crazy but it’s the truth! This season in my eyes was my best season professionally so far. We beat Real Madrid B who had 2 now NBA players. And we were a first seed heading into the promotion phase. I owe all that growth to my coach at that time Eneko Mata who believed in me and also pushed me. We are still very close to this day. He knows how much I appreciate him.
You played your first season in Spain with Coto Cordoba (Spain-1 Div.). What memories do you have ofthat season in Spain? What challenges do you remember having on and off the court? Well my first season was really good. Personally I averaged 23 ppg and I want to say we won 7 out of the 10 games I played or something like that. The team at that time was trying to stay in the league and we achieved that goal and my teammates that first season are guys I still talk to often now. It was a super cool first experience here in Spain. I enjoyed it.
You played the 2021-2022 season with BC Iverioni Gori (Georgia-A League), played also at BC Telavi (Georgia-A League) averaging 19.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 64.9%, 3PT: 12.9%, FT: 58.8%. It was your las tseason in Georgia. How do you summarize your time in Georgia? How would you compare the talent level and competitive level to other leagues that you saw overseas?
Well like I said earlier in Georgia I played against former G league guys , guys that now have played in ABA league , BBL, Spain 2 , Winners league. I can go on hahaha so yes the level there was really good and a lot of guys are making good careers after playing there. In my eyes it’s a really competitive league. All 4 imports are usually killers. Personally I did well. Top 3 in points my first two seasons there. I held my own against a lot of guys that on paper were more talented or came from higher levels , d1 etc. I left Georgia with a lot of confidence in who I was as a player.
You played 1 season with Burji Telavi (Georgia-A League). What was your fondest memory playing with this club? This was the season right after covid so it was tough but for everybody playing in Europe at that time. With quarantine and all the covid tests we had to take. But I played this season alongside one of my best friends James Edmond so that made it special and we got through the ups and downs of the season together. We missed the playoffs by 1 game that season after going on a late run at the end.
You also played with State University of Sport (Georgia-A League) in 2020 averaging PPG-3 (20.8), 6.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 63.2%. Your stay was short. How tough was the whole Covid situation for you? What memories do you have of that short season?
Yeah so this was my first season in Georgia. I think we only played 6 games because of covid. I was playing really well being the only import on my team ,playing against 3 or 4 imports every game. But I also remember it like yesterday when Rudy Gobert did what he did and the NBA was shut down . We were shut down about 3 or 4 days later hahah it was crazy. Also a time I’ll never forget because I was on facetime with my cousin at the time when the news about Kobe passing away broke the internet. And I remember going to the practice the next day. Everything was so weird and things just felt so off for everybody. Crazy times !!
You played your rookie season overseas with KB Rahoveci (Kosovo-SuperLeague) averaging 14.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 58.7%, 3FGP: 20.0%, FT: 65.7%, in Feb.’18 moved to KB Kalaja Prizren (Kosovo-Liga e pare). What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
Honestly I can’t say I had a rough adjustment to Europe because I didn’t. In the super league I played well being the import with the least minutes and decided to leave and help a team in the second league move up which we were able to do. And had a crazy celebration after. Moments I’ll never forget. I can say it was an adjustment for sure with the traveling calls like any rookie but Kosovo has some of the best food I’ve ever had in Europe. Very underrated food spot!
The next season you didn’t play overseas. Did you have issues about being overseas? What did you do that season?
I won’t go too deep into this but long story short after the promotion, I was told I would be brought back to play super league again. At the end of July I was told they weren’t bringing me back. I was caught off guard and didn’t talk to any agents or anything that summer so yeah. Lesson learned there!! That season I just worked a normal job at home and trained daily with my trainer at that time. Very tough year mentally but I became a better player that gap season for sure.
You’re 30 years old. What goals do you still have as a pro player? How tough is the grind and pay?
Well now that I’ll enter this summer’s market as a Bosman A player for the first time honestly. I don’t know what to expect. But my goal is to try to climb as high as I can moving around Europe not counting as an import anymore. It’s definitely been a grind but I love it! I love being an underdog and proving myself right more than trying to prove people wrong. The money at his stage of my career could for sure be better, but I feel like I’ve shown I’m not just playing for the money. I’m playing because I really love the game and the grind! Hopefully I’ll start recuperating some of my hard work back now with some new experiences and better salaries. but what’s clear is that im going to keep working how I work and we will see where it takes me. Im a real basketball junkie haha so my plan is to play until the wheels fall off
Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 194cm shooting guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?
Yeah so my game for sure is primarily generated by my ability to score but I also feel like when given the opportunity I can really make plays for my teammates. My favorite player is Kevin Durant and obviously I won’t say I play like him but I have definitely copied a lot and watched a ton of his film. If iIhad to compare my game i would say like a Dion Waiters who’s not in the league anymore or if you watch a lot of Euro League you’ve seen Talen Horton Tucker recently, I would say I’ m a less athletic THT for sure. Pretty much the same size, build and long arms.
You fill the stat sheet really well. Your shooting really stands out. What other strengths really stand out with your offensive game?
I definitely wouldn’t call myself a shooter. More of a shot maker, but my biggest strength is getting down hill to the rim. Also my post up game, taking advantage of smaller guards. Sometimes I even post up guys taller than me because I’m stronger or ill say pretty strong for a guard. I feel I can do everything offensively, and am a 3 level scorer.
Talk about your development as a scorer overseas. You scored the ball great in college. Where do you see the development of your game at the moment and where can you still bring it?
I would have to say I still have a lot of work to do. I feel like there are some areas I feel I’ve mastered but always trying to add little things. And obviously always trying to improve my 3 point percentage even though my percentage doesn’t always tell the true story of my shooting ability because I shoot a lot of tough 3s, late shot clock and step backs etc. In the most recent years I have definitely become a huge threat playing out of the low post.
How have you seen the development of your defense? What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become? Not only for me but for a lot of guys that are labeled ‘scorers’ our defense is immediately questioned. I wont say im the best defender but what I am is SUPER competitive. I don’t like being scored on. In Europe defense is a team thing and depends a lot on the team’s personnel but I believe I’m a guy that can guard 1-4 in a lot of leagues.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to grow as a player? I’m always trying to improve my 3 point shooting. Can never get up too many reps. I’m a guy that locks in during the summer so really everything gets sharpened but definitely shooting because I’m put in those type of situations.
You played 2 seasons at North Central Missouri College (JUCO) and in your last season averaged 14.0ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 47.1%, FT: 66.2%. Every baller that I have interviewed has said that JUCO was a real grind, but an experience they wouldn’t have traded for the world. How was it for you?
Man for me for sure it’s the same. My guys from JUCO I still keep in touch with. We went through so much together in that small town of Trenton, Missouri. I can tell stories about my time there for hours on hours!
How valuable was head coach Jeremy Esry in your development in JUCO? How did he help your game the most?
Well actually coach E was the assistant coach during my two years. But he for sure was a part of my development. From the hard talks we had after my freshman year about my weight and coaches saying I needed to find a position on the court and become a guard. I achieved those things as a sophomore coming back and we had a good run.
You then played a season at Missouri Western State University (NCAA2) averaging 6.4ppg, 1.7rpg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 47.6%, FT: 75.0%. You made a good adjustment to the NCAA 2. How did your game grow there under Brett Weiberg?
My toughest year of my career no doubt. Things didn’t go as planned. I wasn’t used to how I was recruited. I still had some big games when given the opportunity and helped us win a few games as well. MIAA was and still is the best division 2 conference so great experience and played against a lot of Pros.
You had many great games like scoring 25 points in a win over Ft Hays State. What was your fondest moment there? Yes, that was my breakout game in front of our home crowd. I still go watch the youtube special on that game sometimes hahaha.
You then finished at Goshen College (NAIA) averaging 15.7ppg, 5.2rpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 76.9%.You took a step back to play in the NAIA. Why did you make this move?
Like I said earlier, things at MoWest didn’t go how I expected. And at that time I knew I wanted to be a PRO after college so I wanted an opportunity to show my full game. Goshen gave me that opportunity again in the toughest NAIA conference there is, in Indiana the heart of basketball.
You had many great games at Goshen like hitting IU Kokomo for 25 points in a win. What was your fondest moment there? That was a good game for sure. I had a few explosive games at Goshen. But for me easily was beating St Francis at home when they were ranked number 1 in the country. I might have only had 16 or 17 points that game but it was a huge win.
How did coach Neal Young give you that last push and helped you be prepared for a pro career?
Honestly I cant think him enough for the freedom he gave me after having a rough year mentally at the d2.He truly believed in me and also challenged me in film sessions. He never treated me differently even though I was the big recruit brought in. Also he helped me form the relationship I have with ErrickMcCollum (goshen college alum) who is a big brother/mentor who i can always ask for advice and someone to follow as he’s still going at a high level.
Who won a 1-1 in practice, you or Dominique Cartier?
Hahaha ahhh man a-lot of battles with my guy Domo!! We handed out a lot of Ls to people in open runs across Indiana that year after the season. I must mention that! But I have to say I won the most between us for sure! It’s probably 15 wins to his 5 or somewhere around there if we count the days won.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA? I came up in high school at a time where Illinois basketball was full of talent and the AAU circuit was crazy, so i’ve played against a lot of NBA players and even now Euro League guys. Ill say the toughest for sure would have been Jabari Parker or Josh Jackson. I can also say Kendrick Nunn, Jahlil Okafor ,Alec Peters or Kevin Punter.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
This is tough! I don’t want to offend anybody haha so ill do 5 guys that played or are playing professionally now. PG: Herman Senor SG: Me of course SF: Evan Hinson PF: James Edmond C: Duane Clark
What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?
Kobe , LeBron , Kevin Durant and Shaq
Who is your GOAT? I’ll say the GOAT is MJ for sure but my goat is KOBE. but KD is the most prolific scorer ever!
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?
No I didn’t see it, im more of a Netflix series guy. I can’t tell you the last time I went and saw a movie.
Jalen Harris (185-G-1999, college: CS Fullerton) is a 27 year old 185cm guard from Los Angeles, California played his second professional season and first with BC Nokia (Finland-1st Division B) averaging 31.1ppg, 6.9rpg, 5.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 77.7%. He played his rookie season with the Manchester Giants (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 6.8ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 62.5%. He began his basketball career at Windward High School and then played 2 seasons at Casper College (JUCO) averaging 5.7ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 74.6% and 16.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 73.7%. he then played 3 seasons at California State University, Fullerton (NCAA) averaging 5.2ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 35.7%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 71.4%, 9.3ppg, 1.0rpg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 81.0%, 12.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 39.8%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 73.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
You played your second pro season for BC Nokia (Finland-1st Division B). How tough was it not playing last season. Why did you sit out last season? Sitting out last season was definitely tough for me, and at times it was difficult to process – but it was necessary for me to gain perspective and be a more complete person without basketball. Sitting out definitely taught me some invaluable lessons that I am forever grateful for.
What kind of an experience was it playing in Finland? How would you describe the style of play and talent level in comparison to the BBL in England? Playing in Finland has been a great experience and could not have come at a better time. The style of play is similar to the BBL as they both emphasize freedom to make plays within the concepts of the team.
As a guy who hails from sunny California, how did you survive the cold winter in Finland? Did you see a lot of snow?
Being that I went to Juco for 2 years in Casper, Wyoming, the snow wasn´t a complete shock for me. It took some adjusting too but once I did I learned to appreciate it.
What have you learned to appreciate most about the culture in Finland? What was your nicest experience off the court? I have learned to appreciate Finland’s love for ice swimming and sauna. This was also great recovery for me so it fit right in with my lifestyle.
Your averaging 31/6/5 stats. One could call you the Russell Westbrook of Finland. How has your game grown this season? Shoutout to LA and NBA legend Russell Westbrook, that´s very high praise. I think my coach entrusted me with a lot of responsibility which forced me to grow and become a better player.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 185 cm point guard. If one had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description? I feel like because I´m a left handed guard, my player comparisons would have to be Jalen Brunson and Isaiah Thomas both of those guys are great left handed point guards who dominate the NBA level.
You fill the stat sheet really well. How big is versatility in your game at the moment? Has it always been there or suddenly come this season?
Versatility has always been an important aspect of my game. The more things you can do on the court, the better you are for the team. With this in mind I have always wanted to help my team in any way I could.
You shot at 40% twice in Juco and the NCAA. How would you describe the development of your shot? Your near 40% again this season? I would accredit to the countless hours of focused repetitions I put in since I was 10 years old. Once you get to a certain level shooting becomes much more about your focus and preparation more than anything mechanical.
Let´s talk about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you right now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?
I want to be a lockdown defender, and a defender that can guard multiple positions. Again that versatility is something that I feel would be valuable to any team.
On what areas of your game are you working on right now? Your averaging 4,0 turnovers per game. This is definitely somewhere where `I am working to improve my game, and that just comes with a heightened focus of taking care of the ball.
You played your rookie season with the Manchester Giants (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 6.8ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 62.5%. What was your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
I think my wake up call came as soon as I stepped foot off the plane in Manchester. I could tell the culture and way of living was different than what I was accustomed to.
How vital was it having a teammate like Jamell Anderson as a rookie? Was he like a mentor for you? Any time you have a veteran teammate from the area on your team that´s a good sign. I learned a lot through my experience being a teammate of Jamell’s whether that was in the locker room, on the court, or off the court.
You began your college career at Casper College (JUCO) averaging 5.7ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 74.6% and 16.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 73.7%. Every guy that I have interviewed in my career that played Juco have reported that Juco was very tough, but one of the best experiences for them. How was the 2 year Juco grind for you?
I would have the same sentiments of juco! It was so tough while going through it but also some of the best times of my life. I wouldn´t trade my juco experience for anything in the world as it shaped the player and man I am today.
You made a big jump at Casper in your last season there. How vital was head coach Shaun Gutting for your development? How did he help you make the jump to the NCAA? Coach Gutting was great for me in my second year at Casper, I was very comfortable with him being that he was my assistant my first year. I also want to acknowledge Coach Lester Stewart who came along my second year as well – he instilled a lot of confidence in me and we put a lot of sweat in together on the court.
You played 3 seasons and 71 games for California State University, Fullerton (NCAA) and improved your scoring average each season. What kind of a player did you become there?
I became a player who could adapt to any situation while at Fullerton. Each year my role was different and I had to adapt in order to help the team win games.
You had big games against UC Irvine, Pepperdine and Hawaii. What was your personal best game in the NCAA? I feel my personal best games at Fullerton came against Pepperdine in my final year. This was the first home game of the season and iIplayed well in front of family and friends.
You won the title against LBSU 72-71 scoring 10 points. What memories will you always have of that?
I actually wasn´t playing well for much of that game, I ended up turning it on in the second half. The play that will always stick out was me missing the layup and Ej Anosike getting a tip dunk over LBSU player, that changed the course of the game for us.
You then faced Duke in the first round of March madness losing 78-61 and had 10 points. What will you always remember playing against one of the best schools in the NCAA and Paulo Banchero?
Growing up Duke was always my team so it was a surreal experience when I heard they were our matchup in the first round. I will always remember checking in the game, and seeing Coach K walking towards me while arguing with the referees, I had seen it on tv so much but it felt different seeing it in person.
How did head coach Dedrique Taylor groom and prepare you best for a professional career? Coach Taylor was pivotal in my development at Fullerton and as a professional. As a professional our relationship is still strong as I go back to CSUF every summer and train with the guys. That´s huge because it shows that he truly cares about me even after i left his program.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Latrell Wrightsell?
Shoutout my guy Trelly, he just finished up a great season at Alabama post achilles injury. We had some intense battles in practice that made both of us better.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?
The toughest player has to be Paolo Banchero because of his size and athleticism. It is rare to see someone at his size play the way he does.
Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time? I have had a many of great teammates through my time playing basketball, but my top 5 would have to be Ryse Williams, Dante Maddox, John Michael Square, Nick Stampley, Landis Spivey
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? My NBA Mouth Rushmore is Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry
Who is your Goat? My goat is Kobe Bryant.
How do you rate the historical 83 points from Bam Adebayo? I´m sure the very least would have ever thought Bam could do that? I think it was a historical feat that very few can dream of accomplishing. Shoutout Bam
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? Yes I did see it, I feel like some movies don´t need a sequel but that´s okay.
If I were to count how many overseas ballers were following the 2026 NBA Finals and sharing their feedback on social media, it would have been like counting apples in a meadow in Apple Hill in Sacramento California. Any NBA finals is a delight to watch, but the 2026 NBA finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs were an incredible experience with each game being like a 7th game type of feeling. The excitement of the games were infectious and just drew everyone to the tube. Well almost everyone. I reach Isaiah Swope (178-PG-2003, college: St.Louis) on a Saturday night while the World Cup was in full swing and Brazil-Morocco were tied 1-1 during our chat in the first half. When I asked Isaiah Swope about his feedback to the 3-1 Knicks series lead with game 5 happening a few hours later, I couldn´t get one. “I honestly can´t tell you. I haven´t been able to watch a single game yet. I have simply been too busy with family and friends. I hope to watch game 5 tonight. My favorite team are the Thunder. I will be happy for whatever team wins the title”, stressed Isaiah Swope. Can the Spurs do the impossible and come back from a 3-1 deficit and win 3 games in a row? “I think the possibility is there for the Spurs to win 3 in a row, but also for the Knicks to win 1 game. Both are really good teams that know how to score the ball. Anything is possible”, warned Isaiah Swope. In the end, the Knicks won 4-1 winning their first title again in 53 years. Both the knicks and Spurs have really good guards. Is there a player from either teams that he enjoys to watch most? “Not really. I like to watch good basketball, but try to focus on myself. The NBA and Euro ball are two different styles”, stated Isaiah Swope. He still has about 2 more months before returning to Frankfurt for season 2. Did he go on a vacation when his rookie season ended or does he have any trip planned? “I went home when the season ended. The season was long and I just wanted to spend as much time as possible with family and friends. My main focus is spending time with family and friends and continuing to work on my game this summer”, warned Isaiah Swope.
The rookie season for Isaiah Swope and the Skyliners was one that ended in 15th place. When one looked at the player personal, one would of projected a better finish for the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup winner, but there were a lot of factors that came into play like injuries and top player Jaedon LeDee leaving the team in Feb 2026. In the last game against ratiopharm Ulm there were 9 injuries where 6 Pro B players had to help out. The great Isolation player doesn´t like to speculate and have those what if questions lingering in his mind about how the season could have gone had certain things happened differently, “The goal is always to win. I´m not big on thinking about what if scenario´s. We had injury problems in the down stretch of the season. I have been on a few teams where we had a lot of injuries but never 9 guys. Our Pro B guys did a good job playing smart and competing. Even if we did finish in 15th place, there were a lot of factors that add in to that happening. My focus is always to get better as a team and a player. When you face adversary, one has to figure things out and clean it up and see how one can be better. For me it is a blessing that I will play in Frankfurt again and can become better”, stressed Isaiah Swope. A massive problem of the Skyliners was losing the close games. It really felt like they couldn’t get any brakes in any of the close games. The team lost 10 games out of the 22 by 5 points or less. Winning 5 of those could of put them in the playdowns. But it just wasn´t meant to be. The team had guys with LeDee and Swope that could close out games well and won a few games for the team, but was it missing another guy that could close out games? “No I don´t think so. It had more to do with our defense than our ability to be able to score points”, warned Isaiah Swope. Having the inability to play better defense under head coach Klaus Perwas was a mystery. Back a decade ago, the Skyliners always belonged to the best defensive teams in the easyCredit BBL under Gordon Herbert and Perwas, but why not now? The team scored 80 points per game, but allowed 86 points. “The competition level in the BBL is high. It is a good league with great players and smart coaches. We had a new team and had inexperience against experienced teams. We had to have found a way to win when there was no way”, warned Isaiah Swope. The team had massive misfortune losing it´s last 7 games running their chance early for a Playdowns opportunity. Even that stretch was horrible, the American tries to always remain positive and be grateful for the whole learning experience. “I´m so thankful that I could play in another country and experience so much. Each day was an experience. I believe I learned more off the court than on the court. I don´t put any weight on the team results, but more emphasis on what I did on a day to day basis”, said Isaiah Swope.
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Foto: Dmitrij Zibart | ZIBART.DE
Isaiah Swope had many teammates and he had relationships with them that he won´t forget. One of those Was American Logan Johnson who won a G-League dunk contest once and always gave good energy when he was on the court. “It was a great experience being teammates with him. I´m really glad we crossed paths. We were able to build a real relationship being around him every day”, said Isaiah Swope. Another player where he had no problem finding positive words about was Tyger Campbell. The ex Vechta player came at the end, but needed no adjustment time to his new team. “He came under difficult circumstances, but he had a positive effect on me as well. He helped me a lot with my playmaking”, remembered Isaiah Swope. Swope also witnessed the continued development and emergence of young German Jamie Edoka who won the 2026 AST title being named tournament MVP and helped the NBBL U-19 team reach the top 4 in Berlin. Will Edoka make his easyCredit BBL break through next season? “He is young and really talented. I think that he easily could. He is on a good path. If he stays true to working then I don´t see why not”, stressed Isaiah Swope. The ex St Louis University (NCAA) guard had difficulty finding a most improved player on the team. “I think that every single guy improved. We obviously didn´t have the results that we wanted, but when you go through adversary, it helps everyone improve a little”, added Isaiah Swope.
The ex Indiana State (NCAA) guard and averaged 15/1/4/1 stats and shot 34% from the parking lot. He is a guy that doesn´t like to talk about his stats. “I went to Germany with an open mind. I knew that I wasn´t going to be perfect. I never base my season on stats. I try to keep building off what I learned and build off that with wins”, stated Isaiah Swope. He was very consistent as a rookie with his scoring scoring in double figures in 30 of 34 games. He put in a lot of hard work on a daily basis, but also had other help. “I had really good coaches and teammates that just allowed me to be myself. I adapted well to my new role and got more and more comfortable with the Euro style”, commented Isaiah Swope. His shooting was solid during his rookie season. He had the ball in his hands a lot and had to create many own shots which had his shooting fluctuate throughout the season. He knows what he will do now in the off season to be even better in year 2. “I will watch a lot of film and see what was good and bad. I will work on those areas and come back better”, stressed Isaiah Swope. It isn´t only his offensive game that he wants to improve, but also his defensive game. “The styles are different when adjusting from college to overseas. It all has to do with watching film and live adjustments. I have to really try to understand the film and learn from it. It is a continuous path that I have to take and give effort and get better and build off that. I have to continue to stay sharp”, warned Isaiah Swope. The Indiana native will return for a second season and also be challenged playing Eurocup where his experience will grow as well. “I made the decision to come back, because it simply felt right. I didn´t force anything, because it felt natural. Coming back made sense with moving ahead with my career. I love Frankfurt and am very appreciative and grateful that the organization have the trust in my abilities”, said Isaiah Swope. One would have thought his Chemnitz buzzer beater or 41 point explosion against Trier was his favorite rookie moment on the court, but he couldn´t pin point just one moment. “My favorite moment was the whole year. I can´t choose just one moment. I take a collection of last season and am so grateful that I could be a rookie in Germany and do something I never thought I could ever experience on the other side of the world”, stressed Isaiah Swope. It will be interesting to see how Isaiah Swope performs in his second season in Germany. Both the Skyliners and Isaiah Swope could use some success with wins in 2026-2027
DeLonnie Hunt (183-PG-2001, college: Richmond, agency: Players Group) is a 24 year old 183cm guard that played his rookie season with KK Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia-Premijer Liga) averaging (15.6ppg), 4.4rpg, Assists-4 (4.6apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 76.1%; and in the ENBL averaged (21.5ppg), 4.2rpg, 6.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 40.4%, FT: 75.0%). 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 basketball career.
Your playedyour rookie season overseas with KK Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia-Premijer Liga). What kind of an experience was it and what do you appreciate most about this great organization?
It was an amazing experience especially with being in another league the ENBL! Been able to travel across Croatia and other places across Europe. The competition has been very good as well! I appreciate the club accepting me and allowing me to be me! Also understanding I went through one of the most traumatic things a person can go through which is losing your mom and knowing sometimes that can affect my days and allowing me to go through my emotions with their support if I need it
As a guy coming from Maryland, what was it like living in Croatia? What have you enjoyed most about their culture? It has definitely been different just living in a whole different country but the one thing I have enjoyed is how passionate fans are when it comes to basketball!
What was your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
To be honest after my first flight when I got here was really my wake up Call, then noticing I’m 6hrs ahead of everyone at home added to that, sometimes I’ll be on the with my brothers and it would be dark here but light over there and that still kind of gets to me until this day!
Your had an incredible rookie season in Croatia and even better in the ENBL where you averaged 21ppg and 6,0apg. You never averaged more than 2.7apg in the NCAA. Did you always know that you had those special playmaking qualities in you? Yes sir, college rules are different in regards to what counts as an assist! Also my last couple of years in Richmond our big man was the leading assist guy because of how our offense was structured. Now that I am overseas I am back to playing where I have to create for myself and others and my teammates make my job a lot easier especially how well they shoot the ball when contested and uncontested!
Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 183cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description? I would have to say DeAaron Fox. Quick lefties that play strong at the rim and have found our shots as our careers have progressed. I feel like we were both a little reckless early on but as I’m getting older I’m learning when and how to use my explosiveness and take more midrange and 3s with confidence.
You have always filled the stat sheet well. Talk a little about your offensive game and it’s biggest strengths?
For a small guard I get to the rim and finish at a very high clip! I think that’s one of my strengths and the reason I’m able to do So is because I’m able to read the defense because I’m not so much worried about the guy that is guarding me. Drawing two and making the right read! Midrange is something I rely on when I can’t get all the way to the rim and being a pest on defense.
You were up and down as a three point shooter in the NCAA but shooting the ball well as a rookie. What can you credit most to your rise in your shooting percentages? To be honest, in my opinion I don’t think percentages tell the whole story sometimes, of course I can improve on 3pt shooting but a lot of times at Wagner I was shooting a lot of bad threes and ones at the end of the shot clock, same with my last year at Richmond! My first year at Richmond and first year at Wagner I shot close to 40% just by taking good ones and open shots. What I can credit most of the rise is just trusting myself when the defense dares me to shot and to the work I put in every summer/preseason and after practices.
Talk a little about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you right now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?
I’m an aggressive defender that likes to pressure and make other guards feel uncomfortable, I think I’m also a smart defender that plays without fouling a lot and just forcing opponents to make tough shots over me! I think my steals are generated from being in the right spaces having fast hands rather than gambling a lot. I would just like to improve in those ways as a defender and post defense, one thing about when these guys see me matched up they try to go post and from what I believe I’m not growing anymore so I would just like to be more sturdy and hard to move/post up when those times come.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? Off the dribble 3s are something I’m working on most because I’m noticing that guys are kind of afraid of my speed so they live with me shooting 3s and I know I can knock them down I just want that to be at a high clip so my game can open up even more for me and my teammates.
You played at Wagner College (NCAA) from 2020-2023. How valuable were these 3 years in your basketball development under Bashir Mason and Donald Copeland? How did each coach help you most with your game? Yes both of them contributed to the tenacity I play defense with. I think them both trusting me as a young freshmen early to help lead a team in a strange COVID year was very helpful too. There’s a reason that even though I’m a rookie I’m comfortable playing with veterans and older guys because they threw me in the fire early in order to figure it out and I’ve been able to grow each year every since.
You had many great games there including against SFU and Delaware State. What was your fondest moment on the court there? My fondest moment would have to be my freshmen year I had a steal in the backcourt that led to two free throws which iced the game and gave us a regular season championship. My sophomore year there was a NBA logo dagger three that I made that sent the spiro sports center in an uproar that helped us reach the NEC final. My freshmen year we won 10 straight which was the longest streak in school history and the following year, when I was a sophomore when Arkansas beat Auburn we had the longest win streak in the country at 15
You then played 2 seasons 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%. You made a big jump in your game in your last year under Chris Mooney. How did he give you that last push in your game?
Coach Mooney helped me realize how to be a point guard while not always having to control the ball! Cutting getting easy layups without wasting too much energy and just having a better read on the game. My first year I missed 10 games and came back in a crucial moment to where the team was starting to roll. Like I mentioned earlier I always had a capability to score but in those games when I first got back that wasn’t quite my job yet hence to why later in the year my scoring started to trend upwards. My second year those things he taught me really started to show and I had an even better understanding with a year of Richmond basketball under my belt. I also just think him allowing me to be reckless at times and trust that would work for me and others is another reason as to why I was able to have success in a Spiders uniform.
You had many great games there like against Marist and Ball State and against George Washington where you secured your team the 66-61 win with the last 6 points with free throws. What was your fondest moment on the court? Regular season championship having 18 to secure the 1 seed for the a10 tourney is definitely one. Beating VCU at Richmond in a sold out red out game at our place was a crazy environment/TV game. Beating Dayton who was -16th in the country at the time at our place in a white out game that was also a TV game and we had a 11 game win streak.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jordan King? We never played a 1 on 1 game just me and him but we’ve played king of the court a couple times with other teammates like Tyler Harris and Isiah Bigelow and it was hard for those games to finish because of how competitive everyone involved were! Love king I tell him I hate that we only had one season together and I missed 10 chances to play in the same backcourt as him! I believed we were the best backcourt in the A10 that year and were on the verge of proving that until I broke my wrist 4 games in.
Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA? Alex Morales, he was 2 time POTY on my team at Wagner, going bs him in practice everyday was definitely tough but really helped me in a long run! He’s currently on a two way with Orlando Magic! One of my best teammates I’ve ever went to battle withPlease name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Mannnn I love all my teammates I was a part of some really great teams to the point where I pretty much keep up with about 85% of the guys that I’ve hooped with in college. That Richmond team my first year was special to me and so was that Wagner team my freshmen year so go 5 is challenging man Boogie Ford & Jamier Fletcher (WAG), Djimon Bailey (RICH), Mikkel Tyne and Jason Roche (RICH
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads? My favorite guys to watch not who I think is the greatest are Kobe, KD Steph Curry, Prime John Wall. Greatest: MJ/Bron/Kobe/KD Who is your GOAT? Kobe
What is your personal take on Bam Adebayo’s 83 points? How much respect does that performance deserve despite how it ended and all the foul shots? Definitely deserves some respect because 83 points is a lot of points in just not a fan because it happened vs my hometown team smh
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone? Yes I’ve seen the sequel ! I just think the sequel could’ve came a little earlier than it did rather than being an afterthought. Felt like it was random than actually planned to do.
German Hoops 