Isaiah Swope Gets Hot In The Second Half Leading The Skyliners To Impressive 78-65 Cup Victory Over The Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier

It was that time again for the next round of the easyCredit BBL cup and the Skyliners met the rising and always pesky Romerstrom Gladiators from Trier who had made big strides the last season. This season they are a top BBL team and looking to win a title in the Fiba Europe Cup. But Frankfurt was no slouch either as they also had ambitions of being successful this season. They came into the cup battle with Trier with a two game winning streak after beating Hamburg and home and then winning a thriller in London against the Lions in Eurocup action. Frankfurt and Trier had had a real exciting playoff series some years ago in the Pro A and with many Trier fans in attendance had an incredible atmosphere in the arena seldom seen. On a rainy Sunday, 500 crazy Trier fans came to Frankfurt, but weren´t rewarded with their loud support as the Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier fell to the Skyliners 78-65. The Skyliners went on a run mid way through the third period getting a double figure lead and they would never look back. “We knew that Trier was a really good team. We had a really good focus today and played really well as a team. We executed well when we had to and I´m happy we got the win”, stressed Skyliner guard Isaiah Swope (178-PG-2003, college: St.Louis). The Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier didn´t have one of their better days and the Skyliners let them pay for it. Trier shot a lousy 29% from the field and even worse 17% from the parking lot and never were able to find a smooth rhythm all afternoon long. “We didn´t show up today. We took care of the ball well and took more shots, but that wasn´t enough today. I feel like if we would have shot the ball better, then the result would have looked different”, stressed Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier guard Jordan Roland.

Isaiah Swope at the FT line

The Skyliners didn´t waste anytime jumping all over the Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier in the first quarter taking the quick 6-2 lead. Frankfurt began with a higher intensity than Trier getting easy baskets as ex Bonn center Till Pape let the arena erupt with a big dunk while Mr versatile Will Christmas made a lay in and ex Ulm guard Thomas Klepeisz made a jumper. Trier looked nonchalant and still as if they were in warm ups. Frankfurt did a good job slowing up their offense. However ex NAIA player Ejofor Onu got the Trier fans yelling when he made an alley op dunk, ex Ulm German Moritz Krimmer connected on a trey and German big man Martin Linsen made an easy lay up to tie the game at 9-9. Trier did a good job finding simple solutions inside getting easy baskets. Trier actually took the 12-10 lead as Iranian national player Behnam Yakhchalli connected on a trey and ex Euroleague player Maik Zirbes made a lay as the guests led 15-14. But the Skyliners were sharp and closed out the first quarter with a lethal 8-0 run to lead 22-15. In the run, the Skyliners were super aggressive and just kept attacking the zone area as Christmas scored twice and Pape and ex Syracuse (NCAA) guard Judah Mintz made a lay in. “We played a pretty good first quarter and played off the energy of the crowd. We stuck to the game plan and executed really well”, stated Isaaih Swope. The Skyliners shot 63% from the field and 20% from outside and had 15 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier shot 32% from the field and 20% from outside and had 4 rebounds and 2 turnovers.

Moritz Krimmer from outside

In the second quarter the Skyliners kept the momentum and were able to lead by double figures, but the Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier fought back and also produced a run, but couldn´t get totally over the hump trailing 34-30 at the break. Krimmer began with a lay in, but the Skyliners then erupted for a 7-0 run as Mintz added 5 points and ex Indiana University (NCAA) forward Race Thompson made an old school hook shot for the 28-17 advantage. The Skylines had good on ball pressure and didn´t allow anything easy for Trier especially for Jordan Roland who was releasing tough shots. Trier also couldn´t match Frankfurt´s intensity in that run. However that basketball is a game of runs is nothing new as the Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier had an answer and punched back scoring 10 unanswered points and suddenly trailed only 28-27. Ex St John´s (NCAA) guard Justin Simon began the run with a massive dunk that seemed to energize his teammates. Ex Michigan (NCAA) guard Eli Brooks made an offensive rebound and put back and Yakhchali made a trey. Trier also got to the free throw line 3 times, but left 3 shots at the line. Free throws was a big problem on this day as they missed 10. Trier was able to get back to their high paced game and executed while Frankfurt had some good looks, but couldn´t execute. The Skyliners stayed resilient and kept the lead as they got clutch shots from Mintz who made a tough bank shot and Klepeisz made a trey for the 4 point advantage at half-time. “They were able to play their fast game. We had good stretches of defense. We targeted Roland and Brooks. We tried to make as difficult as possible for them”, stated Isaiah Swope. The Skyliners shot 45% from the field and 17% from the three point line and had 26 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier shot 31% from the field and 18% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Till Pape with the fadeaway jumper

The Skyliners had their strongest scoring phase in the third quarter and their big run was the turning point of the game as the Skyliners led by more than 10 points and the Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier could never get over the hump until the end. But the big run took some time for the Skyliners as it was actually the Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier who fought back and would tie the game at 42-42. Frankfurt began with a mini 4-0 run as Mintz began with a pretty floater from the wing and Christmas found Pape for the easy lay in and 38-30 Skyliners lead. Frankfurt was threatening, but Trier didn´t give in, but went on an explosive 12-4 run to dead lock the game. Jordan Roland was a one man wrecking crew adding 7 points while Krimmer added 5 points with a trey and dunk. Trier was playing their fast paced game and getting stops, but they couldn´t hold the momentum. Instead the Skyliners punched back with a brutal 17-6 run to have the comfortable 59-48 lead. In the run, it was the instant energy from Isaiah Swope who added 6 points and German Radii Caisin added 5 points in the run. Swope had had a slow first half going 0/5 from the field, but found his groove now. “I really don´t try to think about my shooting. I just focus on winning. I might get a little upset when I miss a shot, but I quickly move on to the next play”, explained Isaiah Swope. Mintz who is always in attack mode also added 4 points in the romp. The Skyliners defense remained aggressive in the last few minutes forcing 2 turnovers as Trier had once again lost their offensive rhythm. “Our strong defense allowed us to get good possessions. Our good defense led to good offense. We played really well as a team”, said Isaiah Swope. The Skyliners shot 52% from the field and 25% from the parking lot and had 33 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier shot 31% from the field and 17% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

Eli Brooks at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the Skyliners did a super job managing the lead and never led by less than 10 points and closed out the game in style. Frankfurt got 2 quick buckets from Thompson with a bank shot and from ex NBA player Ryan Arcidiacono for the 63-49 advantage. Krimmer and Swope then exchanged three´s, but the Skyliners led 66-52. Roland added a lay in and 3 free throws, but Frankfurt always had an answer as Swope made free throws and then a nifty dime to Thompson for the dunk and 70-57 lead. Swope also had had a nice assist to Caisin in the third quarter and for Thompson, he made a good decision. He could of created a contested shot, but instead found his teammate for the easy basket and not difficult one. “I had had some turnovers. Coach is always preaching to look for the pass. At times it is easier to make the pass than the tough shot. I give credit to my teammates who cutted well”, said Isaiah Swope. Eli Brooks then hit a trey, but Frankfurt always had an answer as Mintz added free throws and Christmas made a big dunk for the 74-60 lead. Trier then got free throws from Onu and Brooks to trail 74-63, but Isaiah Swope ended the game with 4 points with a lay in and free throws for the win. “We stayed together and were aggressive. We also stayed aggressive on defense and allowed nothing easy”, added Isaiah Swope. “We couldn´t hit shots. They kept executing well and took care of the lead”, warned Jordan Roland. The Skyliners were led by Judah Mintz with 18 points and Isaiah Swope added 16 points while the Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier were led by Jordan Roland with 15 points while Eli Brooks and Moritz Krimmer added 13 points a piece. The Skyliners shot 51% from the field and 25% from outside and had 44 rebounds and 17 turnovers while the Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier shot 29% from the field and 17% from outside and had 40 rebounds and had 12 turnovers.

Chase Johnson Loves The No Quit Attitude In The EPG Baskets And Knows They Will Be Overly Prepared For The Giessen 46ers

Pic Credit: Angel King Media

Chase Forte (193-G-2001, college: Boston Coll.) is a 25 year old 193cm guard from North Carolina playing his rookie season overseas with German Pro A team EPG Baskets Koblenz. He began his basketball career at the Word Of God Christian Academy. He then was one year at the University of North Carolina – Asheville (NCAA) and then played 2 seasons at Gulf Coast State College (JUCO) averaging 13.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.9apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 54.1% and 20.1ppg, 3.9rpg, 5.8apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 61.4%. He then played a season at Northwestern State University (NCAA) averaging 9.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 53.7%. He then played a season at the University of South Dakota (NCAA) averaging 17.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.1apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 65.2%. He then added one more year at Boston College (NCAA) averaging 6.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 59.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the brutal 69-66 loss in Wolmirstedt

The EPG Baskets Sustained a very tough 69-66 loss to the SBB Baskets. How tough is this loss after playing 3 incredible quarters? Is it still hard to digest 2 days later or has it worn off a bit?

A bit of both. It is hard to digest, but at the end of the day the season continues and we have the next tough opponent with Giessen coming up. After today we have to crumple up the loss and focus on Giessen.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz were punched right away trailing 10-0. How can you explain a miserable start like that? It has happened all season on the road.

That is correct. We were down 14 points in Paderborn and came back to win and down 16 points in Wolmirstedt and lost. I really don´t have an explanation as to why this keeps happening. I will continue to watch and film and see how we can correct it and be better against Giessen.

They were scoring at ease in the paint. What were the main problems on the defensive end in that early phase?

We had problems with their drive and then switched up some things on defense which helped us get back into the game.

You guys were in a hole right away. How tough was handling their pressure? It is amazing how the team with so many young American rookies have been able to perform well despite adversary.

I personally haven´t bene handling the pressure well at all. I know that I can be a lot better. What I really like about this team is that we have no quit in us. No matter how much we are down, we are always trying to find a way to win. That is what I really respect about this team.

The SBB Baskets had the overwhelming 30-16 advantage after 10 minutes. What was going through your mind as one of the leaders?

I told the guys that they went on their run and now it´s our turn for our run. That is exactly what happened.

The EPG Baskets were in a hole in the second quarter, but the offense reached a flow. What adjustments did you make getting being able to execute better?

Nothing really except just starting to hit shots better which gave us a flow.

You were down 42-29 and then you finally made a big run of 10-0. How vital was showing them then that you guys still had game?

That run meant a lot at that time. I mean Wolmirstedt is really experienced. Maybe one of the most experienced in the Pro A. They beat Heidelberg on the road by 10 points. That means a lot. This game was definitely a learning experience for us.

Jannis Sonnefeld hit back to back three´s. Does one appreciate and love this kid more after every game?

We do absolutely. He is our X factor and a real game changer. We appreciate him so much.

How tough was containing Martin Bogdanov who had 4 points and 7 assists at the break?

He was my match up. I knew that he averaged like 7 assists, is a good playmaker, but doesn´t score so much. He had a great game.

In the third quarter the EPG Baskets took the lead at the end for the first time 54-52 and allowed only 10 points. How proud were you of the team defensive effort?

I was very proud of the guys. We showed resilience and didn´t quit. No matter how much we are down, we never quit. We always get up and fight. Doing that was like a moral victory for us.

10 minutes to play. What did coach Dohrn tell you guys to do for the last 10 minutes?

We were switching more often especially on their guards.

How do you describe the last three from Brock Gardner. Were you expecting a three? Dragos Diculescu was on him. Can one expect getting beat on a contested shot?

That play was more on me. We trapped and switched, but maybe if I had switched, the last shot may have been more contested.

What insights did you get from this game about the development of the defense?.

We got even more resilient on defense. We put in a new press which we had only practiced once before the game. I felt we executed that pretty well already. I think once we get more comfortable with it, we will be very dangerous

You had 9 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals,1 block and shot. The three still isn´t falling. What was your personal summary of how you played?

I wasn´t good enough. My shot wasn´t falling. I usually make those shots. I know that I have more to offer. 9/8 isn´t bad, that is almost a double double, but my playmaking has to be better. I will go back in the gym and continue to work hard on my game.

Will the team be even better in 10 days when you battle Giessen at home?

We will absolutely be better. We have seen Giessen play before in pre season. I will keep defending the other team´s best player in Zac Cooks. I am confident that we will eb overly prepared and get the job done.

Thanks Chase for the chat.

Mychael Paulo And The Dragons Rhondorf Defensive Wall Perplex The Fellbach Flashers Leading To 72-57 Victory

The last game day was a real catastrophe for the Dragons Rhondorf and the Fellbach Flashers. The Dragons Rhondorf controlled the game in the second and third quarters against Frankfurt and led by 13 points going into the fourth quarter, but then totally fell apart and lost by 3 points on the road. The Fellbach Flashers on the other hand lost their first game of the season on the road to Pro B newcomer Reutlingen 92-70 where they had a poor shooting day and coughed up the ball a horrible 24 times. Both teams were reeling for a win and the best news for the Dragons Rhondorf was that they were in their own cozy living room ready to begin a new winning streak. On a rainy early autumn day, The Dragons Rhondorf did an amazing job rebounding after a horrible loss in Frankfurt and came together as a team without Justin Onyejiaka playing one of their best defensive performances in more than a decade beating the Fellbach Flashers 72-57. It was a game where the Dragons Rhondorf didn´t hit shots well, so they responded with an incredible defensive performance where everyone was flying around and they formed a lethal wall in the paint perplexing the Fellbach Flashers time in and time out. “We began well and got out on transition. They then slowed us down when they went to zone. We didn´t hit shots well, but we defended very well. We pushed the pace in the second half and they couldn´t keep up with us. We stuck to the defensive game plan and formed a wall in the paint containing Zeisberger. We also knew that they would get tired. We were flying around at both ends of the court”, smiled Dragons Rhondorf guard Mychael Paulo (193-G-1998, college: McMaster, agency: 011 Sports). The Fellbach Flashers never found a healthy offensive rhythm despite defending well. A big flaw on this night were their 25 turnovers. “We had way too many turnovers and didn´t shoot the ball well. You will never win home or away scoring only 57 points. We need to stay positive and stick together and keep working”, stressed Fellbach Flasher head coach Kris Borisov.

Carlo Schmid at the FT line

The Fellbach Flashers got the quick 4-0 start as it´s 2 top scorers Jonathan Zeisberger and D´Monte Brown scored in the paint. Rhondorf´s defense wasn´t warmed up yet. However Rhondorf reacted quickly as well as young German Carlo Schmidt scored back to back baskets with a dunk and lay in to tie the game at 4-4. However Fellbach could get the lead and keep it as D´Monte Brown was in instant attack mode and showed his inside out game making a trey and a lay in for the 12-8 advantage while the Dragons stayed on par getting an offensive rebound and put back from Ohio native Sahmi Willoughby and runner by German sniper Kenan Reinhart. The game would be a tight affair the rest of the first quarter as Mychael Paulo made a lay in and giant Daniel Mayr a trey to dead lock the game at 16-16. But Brown was a true one man wrecking crew as the Dragons couldn´t contain him as his scoring romp continued with another trey and lay in and the guests had the 20-19 advantage after 10 minutes. Brown had produced 14 points and was on his way of having another incredible scoring game. He had averaged 24,0ppg as a rookie with Aschersleben and 24,0ppg last season with Culture City and once exploded for 40 points against Regionalliga team Braunschweig. Would he be capable of another scoring explosion on this night? “Rhondorf came out with a lot of energy. They showed that their offense always looks best when everyone touches the ball. They were creating good shots”, expressed ex Dragons Rhondorf assistant coach KJ Sherril. The Fellbach Flashers shot 38% from the field and 33% from outside and had 13 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 35% from the field and 13% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Jonathan Zeisberger from outside

In the second quarter both teams almost carved half of the points away from the first quarter as only a total of 20 points were scored. Rhondorf stepped up their defensive intensity allowing only 8 points and led 31-28 at the break. A big turnaround in this quarter was the massive shutdown of D´Monte Brown who stayed scoreless and a lot of that had to do with 17 year old German Marvin Nduche who made his Pro B debut with 7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. He was a real pest in the side of Brown who got nothing easy and scored nothing. “Marvin did a super job wearing him down. He was physical and was always bumping him. Brown also got the ball often late on the shot clock and was forced to taking bad shots”, commented KJ Sherrill. “If I could give a game ball away then I would give it to Marvin Nduche. He was a real spark off the bench. He played great defense on Brown. He was flying around, but that was no surprise as we always see that in practice. He also producers on offense hitting shots”, said Mychael Paulo. Fellbach kept the early lead getting lay in´s from Germans Jonathan Gerlinger who played JUCO ball at Santa Ana and ex Speyer forward Dennis Diala for the 24-22 Fellbach lead. The game remained tight and Rhondorf did a good job attacking the paint area and getting to the free throw line. Their three pointer wasn´t falling so they found other ways to score. They only had some bad luck being only 12/19 at the break from the free throw line. Carlo Schmidt was aggressive getting to the free throw line hit free throws and also made a put back for the 27-26 lead. “Carlo is a player where his body hasn´t caught up with his mind yet. He can become a very good player. He began to play the game late and has made a big development. That speaks for the amount of potential that he has. I could see him reaching the BBL”, warned KJ Sherrill. However Fellbach was able to punch back with a Zeisberger floater for the 28-27 lead. But Rhondorf closed out the second quarter strong getting a pull up jumper from Paulo and free throws from young German Tom Viehofer for the 3 point Dragons lead at the break. “Rhondorf boxed out and rebounded well. Their full court press also gave them problems to get into their sets. They also communicated well and helped each other”, stated KJ Sherrill. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 29% from the field and 7% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 9 turnovers while the Fellbach Flashers shot 36% from the field and 10% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 14 turnovers.

Carlo Schmid to the rim

In the third quarter both teams were able to execute better again on offense and there were 6 lead changes. Fellbach came out of the break more focused and punched Rhondorf right away with a brutal 8-0 run to lead 36-31. Brown got back to his scoring ways scoring on transition and made free throws while German sniper Daniel Zacek hit a trey and ex New Haven (NCAA) forward Jason Edokpayi made free throws. Fellbach upped their defensive intensity once again and German Kenan Reinhart continued to be a mystery concerning his three pointer as nothing would fall and his season stat line stood at 2/24. But basketball is a game of runs and sometimes everything goes so fast as the Dragons punched back with consecutive three´s from Willoughby and Paulo to the Dragons the lead back again at 37-36. Nduche demonstrated that he could also do it at the offensive end sinking a trey which was followed by a Paulo lay in for the 42-38 lead. But the Dragons Rhondorf were unable to hold this little momentum allowing Fellbach to finish the quarter with a 9-3 run and 47-45 advantage. In the run the guests got key three´s from Germans Dennis Diala who had improved his scoring average each season in Speyer and Billinger also scored from the parking lot. Viehoefer also hit a trey for the Dragons. “There were many lead changes and no team gave up. We kept fighting and stuck together. Basketball is a game of runs. We did a good job never getting to high or low”, warned Mychael Paulo. “We wanted to make a run and play small ball. We couldn´t speed up the game. We had some good moments, but couldn´t take the momentum into the fourth quarter”, added Kris Borisov. The Fellbach Flashers shot 33% from the field and 20% from the parking lot and had 39 rebounds and 18 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 27% from the field and 18% from outside and had 30 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Daniel Zacek from downtown

In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf punched right away and the Fellbach Flashers weren´t able to recuperate allowing them sail into the moonlight with the win. The Dragons Rhondorf shocked Fellbach with a 12-0 run upping their lead to 57-47 and they would never look back. In the run they got two three´s from Nduche and Willoughby while Daniel Mayr added 4 points and Paulo free throws. The Dragons Rhondorf was at it´s best forcing 3 turnovers in Fellbach´s first 4 possessions hampering their mentality. Rhondorf showed incredible energy and on ball pressure. They were also fortunate to hit three´s better and could have led by 20 points had they not missed 11 free throws at that stand point. Best Otakho made a free throw to stop the run. Brown and Zeisberger made baskets, but couldn´t get over the hump as Dusan Ilic made free throws. Brown didn´t give up and continued to improve his personal stats with a lay in to cut the Dragons lead to 62-54, but time was running away. But the Dragons Rhondorf then put a lid on the win with a 10-3 run. Reinhart continued to find other ways to score when his trey isn´t falling scoring twice in the paint, Schmidt scored in the paint while Ilic found Benjamin Sadikovic for an alley-oop dunk as the big man finished with an incredible 5/16 game. Daniel Zacek closed out the game with a trey at the buzzer, but too little too late. “Our 12-0 run set the tone. We wore them out. We finish strong and never took our feet of the gas pedal”, stressed Mychael Paulo. “That 12-0 run hurt us mentally. We defended so well and then lose the ball 3 times in a row. It is hard to win when that happens”, added Kris Borisov. The Dragons Rhondorf were led yb Mychael Paulo with 14 points while Carlo Schmid added 10 points while the Fellbach Flashers were led by D´Monte Brown with 23 points while Jonathan Zeisberger added 10 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 32y5 from the field and 18% from outside and had 47 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the fellbach Flashers shot 32% from the field and 19% from outside and had 46 rebounds and 25 turnovers.

It Was Only Logical that Fin Borczanowski’s First Alba Berlin Bucket Would Be His Bread And Butter Drive Against Basketball Champions League Team Igokea

Pic Credit: Flotograf

Getting those first first league or international competition minutes is always a massive joy for a young German player. Some guys get those first BBL minutes very young as Roy Krupnikas was 15 while ex NBA player Isaac Bonga was 16 years old and current University of Arizona (NCAA) guard Ivan Kharchenkov was 16 years old, one month and 30 days old. Bonga hit a trey in his first game against Ludwigsburg in a 65-63 win a decade ago while Kharchenkov scored 5 points in 4 minutes in his BBL debut in a victory over Weissenfels in 2022. Some guys have all the luck and score in their first game while others don´t. Recently it was time again for a young German player to absorb those first pro minutes. For Alba Berlin double license player Fin Borczanowski (204-F-2008) who also plays for their Pro B farm team Lok Bernau, it was a magical moment as he also was able to taste that feeling what it is like to get those first pro minutes and bucket. But his basket was a little different than that of Bonga and Kharchenkov in that he did it in an international competition match and not an easyCredit BBL game. Was it any more or less special that he achieved it in a Basketball Champions League game? “No there was no difference. I think the fans and atmosphere is the same. There was no big difference for me. It didn´t make me more happy that I did it in the BCL. I mean it was cool scoring my first points in the BCL, but it would also have been cool doing it in a BBL game”, stressed Fin Borczanowski. He is still waiting for his first BBL minutes and points. Alba Berlin came into the BCL game reeling off a tough loss against rising BBL team Trier. Alba Berlin played a lot better winning the rebound duel and taking better care of the ball while also being more efficient in the 2 point area. “This win was really important for us. We didn´t want to have a longer losing streak. We did a good job sticking to the game plan and carrying out what we did in practice into the game. The win was good for our confidence”, stated Fin Borczanowski. Alba Berlin is now 2-0 in BCL play and want to keep that winning momentum high in that competition. “We have to stick together and continue to play together. We have to also defend well. If we can keep up our pressure then we can stop many teams”, warned Fin Borczanowski.

Fin Borczanowski was sitting on the bench following the game when head coach Pedro Calles signaled for him to come into the game. For the German a dream was about to come true. He must have had some crazy thoughts just before entering the court. “I was excited and a little nervous, but when I got on the floor that was all gone. I was very happy I got in. I didn´t think that I would play. I was proud of myself that I was finally playing my first pro game. I just put away and nervous thoughts and played”, commented Fin Borczanowski. He stepped on the court and began playing, but seeing all those fans has to be overwhelming? “Yes it is. But I just set forth to give 100% and block everything out”, said Fin Borchanowki. Then came the extra big moment for the big foreward. He had played his first minutes, but his first points would also come. It was only logical that he would score his first pro points with his bread and butter the drive. It was a great play as he drove by 208cm center Djordje Topolovic. “The drive is my biggest strength. My first step and athleticism is also a big strength of mine. Jack Kayil took a trey and we got the offensive rebound. We then displayed some good ball movement and we ran the pick and roll. They switched the slower big man on me and I got by him and scored”, said Fin Borczanowski. His first minutes and points is something that he will never forget. “Being able to play and score my first pro points was really nice. It made me very happy. I watched so many Alba games as a kid and now here I was playing for Alba Berlin”, expressed Fin Borczanowski. Did he get many congratulatory messages and even perhaps some unexpected ones? “I got a lot of messages. Old coaches wrote me congratulating me which was nice. I didn´t get any unexpected messages from anyone”, added Fin Borczanowski.

This season the young German is also playing with farm team Lok Bernau and has made massive strides with them so far. Last season he played 8 games averaging 3.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.0apg while averaging 10 minutes while this season his minutes have risen to 28,3 and he is averaging 16,0ppg, 5,7rpg, 2,7apg, 2,3spg and 1,3bpg, He has really become a reliable player that can fill the stat sheet with ease. ”My goal this season with Lok Bernau is that I want the team to play well and that we have to stay faithful to our fast style. I want to stay aggressive and be able to score and play good defense”, warned Fin Borchanoowski. After feeling that first pro experience, it is only obvious that he wants to feel that kind of atmosphere again, but it won´t be a cake walk to earn minutes for Alba Berlin. “It is hard to earn minutes, but I feel like Alba Berlin does a great job helping young players develop and just have trust in us young players”, stated Fin Borczanowski. Has the young German found a mentor with Alba Berlin. Maybe a player like Brandon Angel? “No he isn´t. But he is a really nice guy”, said Fin Borczanowski who believes that he would win 11-9 in a one on one battle against him in practice- How about the two German veterans Jonas Mattissek or Malte Delow. Are they mentors for him? “Jonas is a very important player of Alba Berlin. He is always bringing the spirit up”, warned Fin Borczanowski. It will be interesting to see how Fin Borczanowski will continue to develop his game and who knows perhaps he will achieve his first easyCredit BBL minutes in the cup game clash against Bamberg on Monday?

The Miles Vs D´monte Brown Basketball Conversation Volume 2

D’Monte Brown (193-G-2000, college: Langston) is a 193cm guard from Petersburg, Virginia who is playing his first Pro B season in Germany with the Fellbach Flashers, He played his second season overseas with Culture City Weimar helping them move up to the Pro B. He played his rookie season overseas with the BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 24,6ppg, 11,2rpg, 3,8apg, 2,9spg and 1,0bpg. He began his basketball career at Petersburg High School. He then played at 3 schools starting with Garrett College (JUCO) averaging 13.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 90.2% and 20.6ppg, 8.3rpg, 3.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 80.9%. He then played a season at Miami Dade College (JUCO) averaging 16.2ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 82.7% and then played 2 years at Langston University, OK (NAIIA) averaging 11.5ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 74.0% and 9.8ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 60.9%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 75.0%. He teams up with germanhoops.com to talk basketball every week and bring insight to his overseas journey.

When I checked the Fellbach-Reutlingen box score after watching Frankurt nip Rhondorf, I was shocked you lost 92-70. Were you shocked as well?

Not Really. I feel like we need to lose to see how it feels as well as knowing what to work on. The best teams respond with high level and learn from their mistakes.

Reutlingen is a new team. Did Fellbach possibly underestimate them?

Absolutely. Every team is good. You have to be prepared to be able to come out and play hard. The toughest team is always going to win regardless of what happens.

After a high scoring first quarter where you led 25-23, Fellbach then caved in losing the second quarter 27-9. Reutlingen went on a major run and let it rain three´s, but also scored at will from the near area. Why did the Fellbach defense cave in?

We have to do more at becoming a better defensive team.

Fellbach were unable to come out strong in the third quarter. The offense got to the free throw line, but it was all to little. Fellbach didn´t get their first field goal of the quarter until the 1,25 minute mark. Fellbach trailed 70-49. Was the second quarter too much in your heads in the third quarter?

I think that it was tough. It was our first road game. We stopped attacking the basket.

The game was decided after 30 minutes. Did Fellbach have the same mentality in the fourth quarter. Fellbach scored better, but couldn´t get stops.

We stopped fighting. We needed this loss to become a better team.

This game was a wake up call. What did the team learn from the loss that they will have to do better against Rhondorf?

We have to play better defense and stay more disciplined. We also have to trust each other more. This loss should make us very hungry and respond in a positive way.

You had a solid 14/3/2/4 game and shot 67% form the field. But had 5 turnovers. How do you react after a game like this with that stat line in preparation for the next opponent?

I have to be better. I have to find a way in every situation like defending and rebounding and overall bring more to the table.

Fellbach next face Rhondorf who feel apart in the fourth quarter letting Frankfurt cruise to the win. What will be key for the win?

We just have to be us and play our basketball. Despite being on the road, we have to find way how to be comfortable and take care of business.

Thanks D´monte for the chat.

Niklas Pons(TV Langen) Doesn´t Worry About His Stats Much As Winning And Being Happy With His Teammates Is So Much More Valuable To Him

Pic Credit: Marina Schwarz

Niklas Pons (193-SG-1999) is a 27 year old 192cm guard that is playing his ninth season with TV Langen and last season averaged 11.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 5.3apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 63.5%. In the 2024-2025 season he averaged 12/3/5/1 and helped win the South West Regionalliga title. He also played 3 seasons with the Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors and was a member of the U-16 youth national team. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big win over the Basketball Lowen Erfurt.

Congrats on the big win over the Basketball Lowen Erfurt. How big was this win after the first win against Munich.

That win gave us a lot of self confidence. Last season we started at 0-6 and this season has been different. We have realized it is different this season in that we can win. There was extra motivation the last games with Kventin playing against his ex team Munich and Noah against Erfurt. Carlos Hidalgo will play against his old team Speyer tomorrow.

The team is very different. It lost key guys like Paul Albrecht, Noah Kamdem and Musa Abra. Are they missing some pieces that will help them get over the hump?

Their import player was missing. I think that when he is back, they will be stronger. They just haven´t found themselves yet. But they also showed that they could play us strong. We didn´t destroy them.

Did you feel like the game was extra special for Noah Kamdem that played 4 seasons there? He told me it was just another game for him.

I think he had extra motivation. He always wants to win and I think that he wanted to prove to them that he has continued to develop.

He had a big 18/15 game. Could this be his most productive season especially having so many unselfish teammates?

I hope so. I would wish that for him. He always plays for the team. He sets great blocks, has good play in the post, rebounds well and is very vocal. Everything is fitting with him.

Why isn´t he a Pro A player? I never understood that?

I don´t know. For me he is a player that could play in the Pro A. He is dominating in the Pro B at the moment. He was player of the week and if he continues his good play, then he could be player of the month.

How good does it always feel winning a game where you almost always led?

It is great. It tells you that the team is doing something correct. It is always more difficult for the team coming back, because they have to invest more. We could play more free with less pressure.

With what kind of game plan did you go into the game? Erfurt was 1-2. You definitely didn´t underestimate them.

We didn´t underestimate them. They are a tough team and had won a close game against Ludwigsburg. We knew going in that they like using their guard play. We wanted to slow them down more, but at the same time have a good mix adding transition play.

TV Langen led 19-10 after a quarter. You had 7 points. Your first goal isn´t really scoring. Did you just take what the defense gave you?

Yes I did. I try to take over when my team isn´t scoring.

TV Langen set the tone in the second quarter with a 5-0 run. How valuable was it getting stops right away and showing who was in command?

It is always better to have that first run. That allows you to handle an opponent´s a run a lot better. It is just more stressful having to always to come back.

Erfurt went on their first run of the game in the last minutes to trail only 32-30 at the break. What did TV Langen get away from allowing them to get very close again?

We just didn´t hit shots despite getting good looks. We got out or rhythm.

The third quarter showed runs from both teams, but you still led 50-42 after 30 minutes. What did head coach Tobias Jahn tell the team for the fourth quarter?

Coach Tobias told us just to keep doing what we were doing well through the course of the game. That was keep the intensity up, gets guys in good position and to keep playing as a team. We communicated better on ghost screens.

Cooper Creek began the fourth quarter with a 5-0 run. How vital is his play for the team and what do you like most about his game?

He is one of our leaders and a great communicator. He also is a really good defender. He is always jumping all over the place. He hasn´t found his scoring touch yet. He has really long arms. People underestimate that.

TV Langen closed out the game very well never letting up. What was the team´s biggest strength on this night?

Not giving up more than 70 points in the last 3 games.

The team is 2-1. Could the playoffs be realistic this season?

The playoffs are a goal like any other year. I think that if we keep playing well, then it could happen. But before that we have to remain in the league. The Pro B south has gotten a lot stronger the last years.

You had a solid 13/3/2/2 game. How happy were you with your performance? You haven´t found your shot yet?

I haven´t found my shot yet. I´m most happy when we play well together and win as a team. My stats are not as important, but more when we win and are happy together is most valuable to me.

Winning is always the goal, but what is your goal this season with your game?

I want to be the leader of the team and help the young players on the team get adjusted well with the league and help them develop further and help win games.

You next face weak team Speyer. What will be key for the win?

We have to play good team defense. They have many good individual players and imports. If we can solve solutions, then we will have good cards to win.

Thanks Niklas for the win.

Noah Kamden Has Found A New Home With TV Langen As All Are Burning For Success

Pic credit: Marina Schwarz

Noah Kamdem (198-C-1998) is a 28 year old 198cm center that is playing his 13th season and first with Pro B team TV Langen. He played the last 4 seasons with the CATL Basketball Loewen Erfurt (ProB). Last season he averaged 13.8ppg, Reb-5 (8.6rpg), 1.7apg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 27.0%, FT: 73.7% He has been a real basketball traveler in Germany having played with Troster Breitengussbach, Nurnberg, Herzogenaurach, Team Ehingen, Rolstock, PS Karlsruhe, Schwenningen, Coburg, Frankfurt and Elchingen. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 71-63 win over his ex team Erfurt

Congrats on the big win over the Basketball Lowen Erfurt. With what kind of emotions did you go into the game playing your ex team?

It wasn´t difficult. For me it was just like any other game. I want to win and that wasn´t always the case in Erfurt. We were only one season at the top. We were mostly in the middle.

The team is very different. It lost key guys like Paul Albrecht, You and Musa Abra. Are they missing some pieces that will help them get over the hump?

Their import is injured. With him they are a lot better. They still need to find themselves. They force a lot. They have to define their roles more. They took many crazy shots. We made the same mistake in the first game, but against Munich everything clicked for us. We like to share the ball. It is always better making extra passes than just one to get in a flow.

How good does it always feel winning a game where you never trailed?

It was super. This game was a lot of fun to play.

With what kind of game plan did you go into the game? Erfurt was 1-2. You definitely didn´t underestimate them.

We wanted to go into the game and play very hard from the jump ball. There is a big difference this season to when I was with Erfurt. We really go hard in practice with TV Langen and that wasn´t the same in Erfurt. If you practice hard in practice then it shows in games.

TV Langen led 19-10 after a quarter. You and Niklas Pons had 7 points a piece. How special is Pons as a player? He had a triple double last season.

It is great to play with him, but also with Carlos Hidalgo. They both move the ball, but also like to do it. They don´t force anything. They really help me be able to score. It is a lot of fun playing with them.

TV Langen set the tone in the second quarter with a 5-0 run. How valuable was it getting stops right away and showing who was in command?

That is really important. In Erfurt we always had our bad third quarter. It obviously helps if you set the tone right away in a game. You shouldn´t go out and play relaxed. You always have to go at the opponent right away.

Erfurt went on their first run of the game in the last minutes to trail only 32-30 at the break. What did TV Langen get away from allowing them to get very close again?

We played too soft.

Why do teams give up runs after having their own run?

Runs are part of the game. I mean when your up 10 points, you naturally tend to relax. Thinking the win will come is present. You have to always play hard and never give up. We play at the Pro B level and runs happen frequently. That won´t happen in higher levels.

The third quarter showed runs from both teams, but you still led 50-42 after 30 minutes. What did head coach Tobias Jahn tell the team for the fourth quarter?

We had to finish the game strong and rebound better and play with a strong will.

Cooper Creek began the fourth quarter with a 5-0 run. How vital is his play for the team and what do you like most about his game?

I think that his two biggest assets is his shooting and hustle. He is a really good shooter. He also has a really good mid range shot. He will make 40-45 shots on 50 shots on the shooting machine. He hit a lot of tough contested shots. We have to create better spacing so he can get more consistency with open looks. He is also a winner having winning records the last seasons. He also played a lot. He played in the UK and then down under and now he is with us. He played like 50 games last season. He is also a really nice guy. He is a real team player. He doesn´t look at stats, but only concerned about winning.

TV Langen closed out the game very well never letting up. What was the team´s biggest strength on this night?

How do you get fun. Working hard isn´t always fun, but the goal is fun. When we get stops, we burn for it. I remember when I blocked Anthony Watkins, all were on fire on the bench and cheering. We burn as a team. Our defense and will makes us strong. We play with heart and give our all in practice. That is beautiful.

You already had your double double in the third quarter and finished with a 20/15 game. How happy were you with your performance.

It was Ok. The double double makes me happy. I missed too many shots though. I could have had 30 points. Then I would have been happy. I have played much too long in the Pro B. That isn´t my last stop.

Your averaging 18/11 in your first 3 games. Could this be your best season ever?

Yes it could be. I don´t want to revel too much now. I get so much trust from my teammates and coaches. Having so many unselfish teammates will only help my game.

You next face weak team Speyer. What will be key for the win?

We can´t underestimate them. Cooper Creek and I watched 1,5 quarters of their game against Leverkusen. They didn´t make it easy for Leverkusen. Speyer was present. They have many imports and legend DJ Woodmore. We will play our usual game which is paly hard with good aggressive on ball defense.

Thanks Noah for the chat.

Maxi Peters Has Pro B Break Out Game Leading The Skyliners Juniors To Wild 73-70 4th Quarter Come Back Win Over The Dragons Rhondorf

The Skyliners Juniors had a long wait to finally play their first home game. The Pro B season began September 26th and now on October 15th, the Skyliners Juniors battled 2-1 team Dragons Rhondorf. Frankfurt returned home and were searching for their first win of the season. 3 days ago they had lost a tough game on the road in overtime against top Pro B team Fellbach Flashers. The Dragons Rhondorf were also coming off a tough home loss to BG Hessing Leitershofen. On a rare Wednesday night game, It looked like after 30 minutes that the Dragons Rhondorf would walk home with the easy win, but they were shocked in the fourth quarter allowing a brutal 14-1 run which allowed Frankfurt to tie the game and then take the lead and win 73-70. “I thought that we had a pretty solid first half. We just didn´t have that extra on the rebounds. We had good looks, but the shots just weren´t falling. We shot too many three´s and not enough two pointers. In the second half, we stepped up our defense and got that extra push with our transition game. We showed that special fighting mentality again what we showed in Fellbach. Only this time we were rewarded with a win”, smiled Maximilian Peters (205-F-2007). The win was also the Pro B break out game of young 19 year old German Maximilian Peters who had 21 points and hit clutch shots inside and out all throughout the game. “I´m relieved how I played. I played Ok in Weimar, but didn´t play well in Fellbach. This game did a lot for my confidence. I know now that I can play in the Pro B”, warned Maximilian Peters. The Dragons Rhondorf gave a way a win in 2024 when Trevian Bell hit a buzzer beater, but this time they just had a real lousy fourth quarter where they couldn´t hit the ocean. “We played well for 3 quarters where we showed that we could dominate. That was a good preparation for Fellbach. We moved the ball really well and played together as a team. They were able to really step up their energy in the fourth quarter and we ran out of gas”, stressed Dragon Rhondorf center Daniel Mayr.

Sahmi Willoughby at the FT line

The Skyliners Juniors really came into the game lacking some key players as Jamie Edoka was in London for a Eurocup game while Ivan Crnjac was sitting out, after sustaining an injury in Fellbach while Rhondorf was without sniper Josh Petteno. The Skyliners Juniors didn´t waste anytime jumping all over the Dragons Rhondorf scooting out on a 13-3 lead. In the run it was Maximilian Peters who showed that he was on his way to a career night adding 7 points with a trey, lay in and dunk taking over instant responsibility. Germans Leif Zentgraf added 3 points and ex Kronberg center Florian Dietrich added a lay in. Frankfurt was playing with a high intensity at both ends and playing aggressive on ball defense which Rhondorf couldn´t match. But basketball is always a game of runs and Rhondorf came out calm after the time out and punched back with a swift 9-2 run to trail 15-12. In the run the Dragons Rhondorf looked for mis matches and also banged the ball inside whenever possible feeding giant Daniel Mayr who scored twice. Mayr was out all last season and was coming back slowly with less minutes, but being raised every game. He had a solid 10/9 game in 19 minutes. German big man Benjamin Sadikovic also scored on transition and ex Essen guard Mychael Paulo contributed a trey. It was an even game now, but Frankfurt held the slight edge after 10 minutes leading 19-16. 2026 AST winner Dusan Ilic added a lay in as did ex Koblenz center Moses Poelking and Czech Republic national player Lukas Smazak. “We came in with very good energy. I think that we shocked them a bit. We allowed them to come back with giving up to easy baskets inside and gaining some turnovers”, stated Maximilian Peters. The Skyliners Juniors shot 32% from the field and 20% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 3 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 55% from the field and 33% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Dusan Nikolic on transition

In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf took control of the game outscoring Frankfurt 25-12 and leading comfortably 41-31 at the break. The Dragons Rhondorf took a little of that first quarter ending momentum into the second quarter and exploded for a lethal 21-4 run to take the 35-24 advantage. In the run, the Dragons Rhondorf played smart basketball combining aggressive play with finding the smart offensive solutions and countered with pretty inside out basketball. Paulo continued to have the hot hand dropping 2 three´s while Ohio native and ex Marietta (NCAA3) great Sahmi Willoughby was a beast on the glass and added 7 points with a trey and two lay in´s while Kenan Reinhart also scored inside as did Daniel Mayr. Frankfurt found good offensive solutions, but shots just weren´t falling. They continued to crash the boards with force and got extra possessions, but weren´t rewarded. Smazak added a trey and Dusan Nikolic a lay in, but there was no let down by the Dragons Rhondorf as they always had an answer prepared. Young German Carlo Schmid added a trey and Kenan Reinhart had the clock in view and added a lay in at the buzzer. “They hit their shots well and were more physical than us. We also had too many fouls. We had some good swings, but overall were unlucky with out execution”, added Maximilian Peters. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 47% from the field and 29% from the three point line and had 27 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 28% from the field and 15% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Carlo Schmid from outside

In the third quarter The Dragons Rhondorf did an exceptional job managing the lead leading by as much as 16 points and never trailing by less than 8 points and led 61-48 after 30 minutes. In the first few minutes, the Dragons Rhondorf stayed away from the three pointer and just attacked the paint area having fortune with their snake dribbling that led to a floater by Willoughby and lay in by Reinhart while not forgetting to get Mayr involved heaving up two lobs for easy lay in´s and the 49-37 lead. Frankfurt countered with Peters and Dietrich lay in´s, but couldn´t make any damage or ground. Dusan Nikolic then gave Frankfurt some energy blocking Dusan Ilic which led to a Poelking lay in. Frankfurt then exhibited their most beautiful ball movement of the night seemingly feeling like 20 passes as Poelking made the extra pass for the easy lay in by Peters as the Dragons only led 49-41. But as rapidly as Frankfurt was trying to come back, the Dragons Rhondorf remained dangerous and exploded with another lethal run of 12-1 to lead 61-43. In the run, the Dragons got 4 points from Willoughby who was a one man wrecking crew inside while Paulo scored on the drive and Sadikovic made a lay in getting the incredible Doncic like pass from Reinhart. “I really enjoy watching Kenan. He has made big steps since last season in all facets of his game. I think that Jorge Mejias gave him good passing tips”, smiled Daniel Mayr. Frankfurt stayed sharp and closed out the third quarter with a 4-0 run to stay in striking range as Poelking made a dunk and Smazak a trey to trail by 13 points. “We played our drop defense, but they did a good job finding offensive solutions with their snake dribbling”, added Maximilian Peters. “We defended well and had good ball movement, but gave up too many offensive rebounds”, said Daniel Mayr. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 47% from the field and 23% from the parking lot and had 37 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 32% from the field and 22” from the parking lot and had 31 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Lukas Smazak from the parking lot

The Dragons Rhondorf had the double digit lead going into the fourth quarter and all they had to do was play a solid quarter, but instead watched as they lost control of the game allowing a brutal 14-1 run to suddenly dead lock the game at 62-62. In the run the Skyliners Juniors just went possessions by possession and got superb support from many heads as they were super aggressive and attacked the rim getting lay in´s from Smazak, ex Neustadt forward Leif Zentgraf, Dietrich, Peters, Oniya and a trey from Peters who was a force all over the court. Rhondorf had lost their intensity on the defensive end and after giving up tough shots in the first 30 minutes now had gone too allowing easy lay in´s. The Frankfurt run continued with a Moses Poelking baby hook shot which gave Frankfurt the 64-62 advantage and the BCM was rocking. “We had more energy and we got help from the fans. They had problems with the drop defense and we stunted a lot and made it hard for their guards”, added Maximilian Peters. Ilic and David Bonning got to the free throw line, but both missed 2 free throws while Frankfurt answered with Smazak and Peters free throws and the 68-64 lead with 1,20 to play. After a stop, Frankfurt seemed to put the lid on the game with a thunderous Nikolic dunk on transition and 70-64 lead with 30 seconds to play. But that wasn´t the game. Within 21 seconds, the Dragons Rhondorf shocked Frankfurt with a Willoughby lay in which was followed by a Paulo steal and trey from the corner and suddenly Frankfurt led only 70-69 with 9 seconds remaining. Rhondorf needed a quick steal and if that didn´t happen had to foul fast. They gambled with a press, but had no one watching Leif Zentgraf who escaped for the easy lay up on transition as Peters made the quick touch down pass for the 72-69 lead with 7 seconds to play. Ilic and Leif Zentgraf added one free throw a piece ending the game. “We had a good press break. We mad eth right passes to beat the press”, said Maximilian Peters. “We played risky at the end. We didn´t have any security on Leif Zentgraf. These things can happen. It´s part of the game”, stated Daniel Mayr. The Skyliners Juniors were led by Maximilian Peters with 21 points while Lukas Smazak added 12 points and Florian Dietrich 11 points while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Mychael Paulo with 16 points while Sahmi Willoughby added 15 points. The Skyliners Juniors shot 39% from the field and 23% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 35% from the field and 17% from outside and had 56 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

Zakai Zeigler´s(Veolia Towers Hamburg) Height Was Never An Issue As His Mom Always Told Him That He Could Be Whatever He Wanted To

This season there is so much going on with the Skyliners that would invent excitement to watch them play in their living room than other seasons. I mean they have one of the best rosters in the last decade and being able to watch guys like Judah Mintz, ex NBA player Ryan Arcidiacono or Mr Iso Isaiah Swope is an enrichment. However for me, I also can get excited to watch guys from other teams especially this season with the vast talent in the Eurocup. But even in the easyCredit BBL, there are guys on each team that present you with that zeal to enter the Skyliners arena. When I checked the Veolia Towers Hamburg roster, It was a number that first tickled my interest. I saw 175 and was instantly excited. New Hamburg guard Zakai Zeigler (175-PG-2002, college: Tennessee) is only 175cm, but a player that can definitely ball. I have always adored short players simply because I´m short. Back in the day, the first short player I tried to imitate on the court was Boston Celtic Tiny Archibald. Back in those days I also enjoyed guys like Muggsy Bogues, Spud Webb or Piston great Isaiah Thomas. Overseas there have also been great short point guards like Facundo Campazzo, Shane Larkin or TJ Shorts. Being able to see a young and still some what raw player like Zakai Zeigler was exciting. In the third quarter he drove to the rim showing his impressive combination of speed, ball handling, athleticism and agility going underneath and finishing with an acrobatic reverse lay up high of the glass that had me reeling not to fall of my chair. It was that nice. Not only are talented players who are taller, but off the radar and paying their dues in lower leagues have chip on their shoulders, but usually small players have that weighty chip on their shoulders. For Zeigler, there is that chip, but he got the correct motivation, drive and confidence early on to strive for his goals no matter the so called adversary. “ Playing basketball is always what I did. My mom always told me I could do what I wanted to in life. I always wanted to be a pro player and that is what I am. I always liked watching Kemba Walker. I have a personal connection to him since my dad knows his dad. Kemba and I also have the same agent. I always watched how he handles the pick and roll. I also like watching guys like Trae Young and Fred Van Vleet”, stressed Zakai Zeigler.

The Veolia Towers Hamburg came to Frankfurt with a 1-3 record and played the Skyliners tough in the first half, but in the second half were unable to penetrate the walling up and packing the paint by Frankfurt who were able to really stifle the Towers offense. It also helped that they upped their shooting percentages. “We played well in the first half even if we were a little up and down. We didn´t respond well in the second half when they punched. We were unable to swing when they swung”, stressed Zakai Zeigler. Frankfurt were on a mission and never let up in the fourth quarter allowing their least points in the game with 16 and just buckled down like a good defensive team should. “They did a good job packing the paint. I feel like we were too hooked to play the correct way than being aggressive. I think that if we had been as aggressive like in the first half, then the game couldn´t of gone in a different way”, warned Zakai Zeigler. It also didn´t help Hamburg´s cause that they had to withstand a player like Judah Mintz who had the hot hand in so many instances when Frankfurt were on runs. Mintz proved that he was the master of the runs in this game. He finished with 27 points leading the Skyliners to the win. “He is a very good player. I knew him before the game as we had played against each other in college. We talked some smack. He shot the ball well. When he gets downhill, he is great”, stressed Zakai Zeigler. The American who was born on Long Island and played at Our Saviour Lutheran School in the Bronx had 13 points and 2 assists in 29 minutes and shot the ball well at 42% from the field, but felt like he could of done more in the second half after a good first half. “I began strong in the first quarter. I could have been more aggressive in the second quarter. I played Ok. I´m never satisfied”, stressed Zakai Zeigler.

The ex University of Tennessee (NCAA) guard who had stints playing in the NBA Summer League with the Pistons and Spurs and played his rookie season overseas with Nanterre 92 (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) is playing his second pro season with the Voelia Towers Hamburg. The BBL is in a way similar to the France Pro A, but also different and he is confident that his new team can do big things despite the slow start at 1-4 in the BBL. “I think that the biggest difference between both leagues is the physicality. The refs let you play more in the BBL. I feel like we can have a good season. The playoffs are the goal. We just still have things to figure out”, added Zakai Zeigler. He is also very fortunate to have some great teammates this season with young player Noah Thomasson and veteran David Muenkat who had a home coming on Sunday playing against his ex team Frankfurt. “I played against Noah in school. I love his game. He has that James Harden play style. He is great at scoring the ball and going downhill. David is amazing. He is our leader and rebounds the ball so well. He can get on your back, but then turn around and give you a high five”, smiled Zakai Zeigler. So far through 5 games, he is averaging 11/4/2/1 stats in 26 minutes. He has showed that he needs no adjustment time to being an impact player in the BBL. “My role this season is to be that point guard that is aggressive, makes shots and is a lock down defender”, commented Zakai Zeigler. This season the Hamburg Towers don´t have the double stress of Eurocup competition and only have to focus on the easyCredit BBL. The American has one big goal what he has to improve this season. “I have struggled my whole career on shooting and that is something I definitely will work hard on”, warned Zakai Zeigler. As a guy who grew up in the tough Bronx, it must be one of the biggest culture shocks living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world with Hamburg. I bet there are very few people from the Bronx that have been in Hamburg. “Hamburg is amazing. I´m really happy that my family is here with my sister at the moment. When I have some time, I really like to go sit and relax at the Alster lake”, said Zakai Zeigler. He also has found a liking to the great German food. “I really like the bread. I like going to the store and being able to get fresh bread”, smiled Zakai Zeigler. It will be interesting to see if the Veolia Towers Hamburg can dig themselves out of their little hole and how Zakai Zeigler continues to develop this season. I´m sure his dazzling exciting play will enrich other people in other arena´s in Germany this season.

The Miles Vs D’monte Brown(Fellbach Flashers)Weekly Basketball Conversation Volume 1

D’Monte Brown (193-G-2000, college: Langston) is a 193cm guard from Petersburg, Virginia who is playing his first Pro B season in Germany with the Fellbach Flashers, He played his second season overseas with Culture City Weimar helping them move up to the Pro B. He played his rookie season overseas with the BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 24,6ppg, 11,2rpg, 3,8apg, 2,9spg and 1,0bpg. He began his basketball career at Petersburg High School. He then played at 3 schools starting with Garrett College (JUCO) averaging 13.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 90.2% and 20.6ppg, 8.3rpg, 3.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 80.9%. He then played a season at Miami Dade College (JUCO) averaging 16.2ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 82.7% and then played 2 years at Langston University, OK (NAIIA) averaging 11.5ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 74.0% and 9.8ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 60.9%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 75.0%. He teams up with eurobasket to talk basketball every week and bring insight to his overseas journey.

Congrats on the big 95-90 overtime win over Frankfurt. How vital was having a tough win after winning the first 2 games easily?

It was a great win. We are undefeated at home. It isn´t easy to win every game.

Fellbach had a strong first quarter leading 25-9, but Frankfurt rallied and came back in the second quarter to trail by 15 points at the break. Frankfurt was getting paint points after pain points. What were the reasons for them coming back?

Frankfurt is a team you can´t sleep on. They have a good 5 man and rebound well and are physical.

In the third quarter Frankfurt closed out the quarter with a lethal 13-0 run. What was key for them coming back?

Frankfurt tried to outscore us and play harder than us, but we found a way to fight back and respond for the win.

What a crazy ending to the fourth quarter. Fellbach was up by 6 points with 36 seconds to play, but they hit 2 three´s to tie the game and then hit another trey to send game into overtime. Was Fellbach to relaxed in the last seconds?

It isn´t easy when you have 12 new players that have never played together before. We played together. Some teams would have given up, but we found a way to stay together and made the plays needed to win.

Fellbach closed out the game with a 15-5 run. What was key in OT for the win?

They had a good start and we just had to find a way to stop them. We also found our game again and got on top of them and took over the game.

What was your impression of Frankfurt? They have no real import, but real team chemistry.

They have amazing team chemistry. It shows on the court and they trust each other. Whatever mistake they make, they just keep going to the next play.

You have had 3 solid scoring games and had 20 points in the win. How happy have you been with your game?

I have a lot to prove to the world about who I am. I have to give my best for the team and give my all on the defensive end.

You next play 2-0 Reutlingen in a real derby. What will be key for getting the win?

It will be a tough game for sure. This is the first game on the road and they have a good fan base. They are in second place behind us. I´m looking forward to seeing a physical game.

Thanks D´monte for the chat.