Germany Isn’t Rewarded With Furious Comeback as Lithuania Hold On To Win 82-75 To Reach Semis at 2026 U-16 Euro

pic credit: FIBA

Lithuania came into the 2026 U-16 Euro unbeaten with an immaculate 4-0 record. They disposed of Serbia by 16 points and Poland by 16 points while beating Romania and Italy by 8 points a piece. They were a potent offensive team averaging 83 points per game. Germany definitely had no cake walk ahead of them after winning a real nail bitter against Israel in the round of 16. Germany had to find a way to slow down their shooters while trying to be the more aggressive and physical team on the boards. Germany gave a good fight, but allowed Lithuania to control the game from the second quarter until the middle part of the fourth quarter. Germany then made a big comeback, but lost steam in the last two minutes losing 82-75. “Despite the loss, I am very proud of how the team played”, stressed Frankfurt Skyliners JBBL head coach Lukas Scherer. Germany knew that this quarterfinal game wouldn´t be easy and they got off to that desired start giving the word inside out a new definition. They got their 3 ball going getting three´s from Ulm guards Justus Reintjes and Marko Volf while also getting Hamburg´s big man Johan Meinberg involved as Germany had to take advantage of his height advantage down low leading 10-5. However Lithuania also got their offense going getting buckets from Zalgiris Kaunas guard Danielius Jasikevicius (178-G-2010) who is the son of legend Sarunas. The 178cm guard added 7 points keeping Lithuania in striking distance as Germany led 12-10. His aggressive play led to a drive and pretty floater for his team. Lithuania remained aggressive and took the 15-14 lead as they had done a good job getting to the free throw line as 8 of their 15 points were free points. It wasn´t only Jasikevicius who could score in bunches but so could Lukas Andrulis of Siauliu KA Saule ASKA U16 team who scored 7 consecutive points foiling Germany with a trey and lay in for the 17-14 lead as Lithuania had gotten their first momentum of the game. Germany stayed on Lithuania´s tail getting a pretty floater from Reintjes to trail 17-16 with 2,01 to play. Andrulis continued to be a thorn in Germany´s side as he scored his 9th point in a row for the 19-16 advantage. But Germany continued to pressure Lithuania with their slick guard play as Volf added a jumper to trail 19-18. Arnas Ramanauskas of V.Knasiaus KM Klaipeda added a clutch trey with 9 seconds to play as Lithuania led 23-18 after 10 minutes. Lithuania shot 46% from the field and 40% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 2 turnovers while Germany shot 41% from the field and 25% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 2 turnovers.

In the second quarter Lithuania kept up their precise offensive execution keeping Germany guessing as their inside out game was fluid as Rapolas Klisauskas of Sostines KM Vilniaus finished nicely while Andrulis kept his scoring rampage alive with another trey while Jasikevicius made a free throw for the 29-22 Lithuanian lead. Elvinas Bajus of Sostines KM Vilniaus added free throws and Jasikevicius made a lay in as Lithuania had totally broken open the game with the 33-22 advantage as Germany took a time out at the 5,59 minute mark. Lithuania continued to make smart decisions on offense and got great support from their bench while Germany didn´t move the ball well and had problems on the glass securing defensive rebounds. However after the time out, Germany´s shots continued not to fall and Lithuania punished them with a Jonas Birzinis of Sostines KM Vilniaus lay in and Jasikevicius hit a trey for the commanding 38-22 advantage. Volf stopped the run with free throws, but Lithuania always had an answer and punched back with 5 consecutive points as Kostas Korsakovas of Vilniaus Rytas-MRU hit a trey while Jasikevicius made a lay in for the 43-23 advantage. Lithuania continued to have so many weapons especially from the bench which Germany couldn´t present yet in the game. Germany couldn´t muster much but did get some free throws from Lino Schenk of Hamburg and a lay in by Reintjes to trail 43-27. Lithuania closed out the first quarter strong getting a lay in from Korsakovas and free throws from Klisauskas for the 46-29 half time lead. Even if Lino Schnek delivered a thunderous dunk, all in all Germany was too harmless at both ends and were getting hammered on the boards. Plus Meinberg had been hit with 3 fouls and played only 6,53 which hurt Germany´s play on the glass. “His foul trouble was bitter. He had dominated, but Linus Schenk played very well and had a big part in our strong moral performance”, stated Lukas Scherer. Lithuania shot 43% from the field and 41% from the three point line and had 24 rebounds and 4 turnovers while Germany shot 36% from the field and 16% from the three point line and had 11 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

In the third quarter Lithuania continued to manage the lead well and led 66-48 after 30 minutes. Germany came out refreshed getting a lay in from Elija Pohlack of Alba Berlin, but couldn´t contain Lithuania and string along a row of stops as their offensive machine continued to execute well. Lithuania received a lay in from Raigardas Ciunys of Rytas Vilnius and a three point play by Adas Kernagis of Vilkaviskio Perlas (NKL) to lead 51-32. Germany executed here and there getting baskets from their guard duo of Volf and Pohlack and a trey from Papez to trail 51-39, but they just couldn´t get over the hump. Germany couldn´t execute that big run to get back into the game, but instead gave up a 8-2 run to trail 59-41. In the run, Lithuania got 4 points from Ciunys and a lay in from Andrulis while Jasikevicius hit free throws. Lithuania punished Germany time in and time out again with their penetration which Germany had no solution for. Both teams traded baskets until the end as Danny Egbe of Hamburg added 5 points and Berin Nurkic of FC Bayern Munich added a floater while Lithuania got production from Klisauskas and a trey from the top of the key from Andrulis as Lithuania led comfortably 66-48 after 30 minutes. Lithuania shot 42% from the field and 31% from the parking lot and had 34 rebounds and 8 turnovers while Germany shot 40% from the field and 25% from the parking lot and had 20 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter Germany began spirited going on a 10-5 run led by Johan Meinberg who had been hampered with foul trouble, but showed just how lethal he can be as he added 7 points dominating the paint and added a dime to Lukas Schmidt f Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg who drilled home a trey as Germany trailed 72-58. Lithuania took a time out at 6,25, but that didn´t faze Germany as now their big run was finally alive. They continued their offensive romp after the time out rattling off 5 points off in a row as Justus Reintjes showed his scoring in bunches talent. Germany´s intensity had risen at both ends and suddenly Germany trailed only 72-63. Germany defended more aggressively and got more confidence stringing along stop after stop. The pressure was getting to Lithuania as Korsakovas missed 2 free throws and Reintjes continued his offensive rout with 2 free throws as Germany was chipping away play by play and trailed 72-64 with 5,25 to play and Germany had the momentum. The Volf and Reintjes show continued as Volf did good of his turnover getting a steal and dishing to Reintjes for the next trey as Germany trailed 72-67 with 4,13 to play. The incredible Germany come back continued as Pohlack made a steal which led to a Volf transition bucket 72-69 with 3,45 to play. Lithuania couldn´t come to terms with Germany´s aggressive defense and made the next turnover which led to a Schenk dunk as Germany trailed 72-71 with 3,05 to play. “Once again the guys showed incredible moral fighting back. I´m sure everyone out there didn´t believe in us, but we all knew we had a chance to come back. The loss hurts so much more now since we didn´t get the win”, said Lukas Scherer. After more than 4,00 minutes of no points, Ignas Martinkus of BC Telsiai (Lithuania-NKL) finally made free throws for the 74-71 advantage with 3 minutes to play. Raigardas Ciunys then made a clutch trey with 2,35 to play as Lithuania led 77-72 as Germany took a time out. However Germany wouldn´t be rewarded with their comeback as Lithuania kept their cool in crunch-time and buckled down on defense to force 2 airballs and a turnover. Free throws by Martinkus and Ciunys secured the 82-75 win. “Unfortunately the momentum didn´t go in our direction. I was sure that we would turn the game down 1 point. We couldn´t get the momentum back, because when we made a mistake, they capitualized on it and we got unneeded fouls called against us. They got nervous at the end and we had a chance for the semi-final, but in games like this, it is the little things that decide the game and today the little things didn´t go well for us. But tomorrow we will concentrate on 5th place and in 2 weeks, we will all be proud of our performance”, warned Lukas Scherer. Lithuanian was led by Danielius Jasikevicius and Lukas Andrulis with 17 points a piece while Germany was led by Marko Volf and Justus Reintjes with 16 points a piece. Lithuania shot 41% from the field and 33% from outside and had 45 rebounds and 18 turnovers while Germany shot 42% form the field and 30% from outside and had 29 rebounds and 15 turnovers.

Germany Stop Last Israeli Possession Staying Alive To Win 78-75 And Gain A Quarterfinal Ticket Against Lithuania At U-16 Euro

Pic credit FIBA

After a day of rest, recuperation and preparation for the next opponent, Germany was back at it facing Israel in the round of 16. Germany entered the game having had a 1-2 record losing badly to Slovenia and France while Israel came into the match with a 2-1 record. Israel had disposed of Georgia easily while winning a nail bitter over Greece and then got crushed by Spain 101-62. Germany led for most parts of the game, but could never shake Israel and had to watch the game come down to a last possession, but they stayed strong getting the stop and 78-75 victory over Israel to reach a quarterfinal clash against Lithuania. “This was an unbelievable important and big win for us. We have been working for this goal the last 7 weeks and the boys really worked hard for the win. It was a deserving win and I´m really proud of the team”, stressed Frankfurt Skyliner JBBL (U-16) coach Lukas Scherer. After sustaining some really poor starts, Germany didn´t let that happen this time against Israel as they exploded for a 9-0 run to start. Germany´s three point percentage had been terrible in the first games, but they let it rain three´s right away with two from Bonn guard Oliver Papez and one form Hakro Merlins Crailsheim guard Linus Ohr. Big Man Johan Meinberg was a rock under the basket getting the defensive rebounds off the first two misses of Israel. Marko Volf (185-PG-2009) who had missed the last game hit his first jump shot as Germany led 11-1. Israel then called a time out at the 7.11 minute mark. However that things can go so fast in basketball is no secret as the next time out came at the 5,03 minute mark by Germany as Israel suddenly had punched back scoring 11 unanswered points to trail 15-11. In the run Israel was carried by David Rotem of Maccabi Tel Aviv who added 8 points including 2 three´s. Maor Sela of Hapoel Tel Aviv also added a lay in on transition as the game had become an even affair. After the time out Germany still wasn´t able to get Rotem under control as he scored his 10th point on a jump shot. Germany finally ended the 13-0 Israeli run as Marko Volf got going scoring 6 points and giving Germany the 23-16 lead. Volf is so important for Germany as he is the leader and a player that just lives by carrying his team in crucial situations. However Israel didn´t let loose, If Germany had their Marko Volf, then they had their David Rotem. He was on fire and connected on two more three´s to have 16 points on 6/7 shooting as Germany led only 23-21. Israel also got good support from Itay Kedem of Maccabi Tel Aviv who scored twice to keep Israel close traling 24-23 in a very high scoring first quarter. Germany kept attacking getting a lay in from Hamburg´s Danny Egbe and a trey from Ulm´s Justus Reintjes as Germany led 29-25. Germany shot an incredible 66% from the field and 57% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 3 turnovers while Israel shot 67% form the field and 50% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

In the second quarter both teams continued to execute well, but Germany had the slim 45-40 lead at half time.. Volf continued to be aggressive and scored on transition after making a steal and made two free throws while Meinberg also scored being 2/2 in the game from the field. His scoring game continues to suffer with the German guard attack doing a big part of the scoring. Israel got buckets from Kedem and a trey from Omer Zvi of Maccabi Tel Aviv to stay on Germany´s back door trailing 34-30. Israel continued to chip away and got huge support from their bench as Yanai Lachmanovich of Hapoel Emek Hefer gave the team great energy with 2 steals and transition baskets that gave them the 35-34 advantage and Germany took a time out at the 5,02 minute mark. The game in the last minutes continued to be a tight affair as Israel had the slim 38-37 advantage as Yanai Lachmanovich had the hot hand and carried his team. Germany was defending solidly, but having difficulty on the offensive execution as good looks and misses and missed free throws kept them from taking the lead. The game was tight and it was time for Marko Volf to step up as he added 3 points and Meinberg continued to be super efficient scoring in the paint and Reintjes ended the first half with a steal and transition basket for the 45-40 Germany lead. Germany shot 61% from the field and 40% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 8 turnovers while Israel shot 47% from the field and 33% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

In the third quarter Germany was able to keep the lead as whenever Israel scored, Germany was able to punch back. Germany began very well continuing to keep Johan Meinberg involved in the paint with touches. He continued to make buckets as his teammates found him for two easy lay in´s. Germany continued to mix it up well keeping their guard terror in tact as Papez and Volf scored to keep Germany up with the comfortable 60-50 advantage. Israel had to play catch up basketball and Germany did a good job keeping David Rotem in check. He had only mustered 2 points since his 16 points in the first quarter. Israel couldn´t muster much offense as Yanai Lachmanovich was the only real bright spot scoring 4 points and keeping Israel from not totally losing control of the game. Israel also got baskets from Ilay Serruya from Maccabi tel Aviv and Ido Ziv from Maccabi Tel Aviv, but trailed 60-53 with 3,16 to play in the third quarter. Israel continued to be aggressive at both ends and kept fighting not allowing Germany to get away and decide the game early. Down the stretch, Israel got good support from Lachmanovich and Kedem with lay in´s as Germany led 65-59 after 30 minutes. Germany shot 58% from the field and only 28% from the parking lot as shots weren´t falling as well anymore and had 28 rebounds and 13 turnovers while Israel shot 42% from the field and 27% from the parking lot and had 23 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter Germany didn´t waste anytime jumping all over Israel starting with a 7-0 run to lead 71-59. Instrumental in the run was Jaroslaw Zinn of Frankfurt steering 5 points. After scoring 9 points in the first game against Belgium, he hadn´t been a factor in the last 2 games, so getting this incredible push from the bench from him must have had Dirk Bauermann smiling on the bench. “I´m really proud of him. Of course I spoke a lot with him since his situation isn´t that easy. I always told him to stay ready, because he could become very important for us. In a tournament like this, you need everyone. What really stands out for him is that he is never shy of big moments and is a big competitor. When we needed him, he was ready to help us”, stated Lukas Scherer. While Germany continued to have major difficulty hitting the trey and executing on offense, they were able to keep the 74-64 lead through strong defense. There was no clear path to the basket for Israel as there was always a German big standing ready to swat the ball away. Reintjes like Volf is another guy that loves the big moments as his lay in with 3,48 to play caused Israel to call a time out. They came back strong with Kedem free throws and a Ziv trey to trail 75-69. Germany called a time out and regrouped as Egbe hit a trey, but Germany just couldn´t shake Israel as they got 2 buckets form Rotem and Kedem to trail 77-73 with 1,41 to play. Germany had problems closing out the game as Marko Volf missed 2 free throws which led to Rotem free throws with 42 seconds to go to trail 78-75. Egbe hurled up an airball with 21 seconds to go and Israel had one last chance to send the game into overtime, but a last heave by Rotem missed giving Germany the exciting 78-75 win. “Key at the end was that we fought until the end and gave all we had on defense. We led the whole game, but we knew that they would never give up and fight until the end. We held our nerves and deserved to win the game. I think that the guys will first realize what they have achieved in two weeks. We have a lot of self-confidence now. We aren´t at the end yet. Lithuania is a big basketball nation, but if we play good team defense and believe in ourselves and invest all we have then we have a good chance. We want to reach the semi-final”, warned Lukas Scherer. Germany was led by Marko Volf with 20 points while Johan Meinberg produced a 12/12 game while Israel was led by David Rotem with 22 points while Yanai Lachmanovic added 15 points. Germany shot 54% from the field and 30% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 17 turnovers while Israel shot 35% from the field and 22% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Winning The Fiba Masters Open Was One Of Daniel Doerr´s Biggest Achievements In His Career Along With His Jersey Retirement

Pic credit: Armin Cicic

Daniel Doerr is a former German professional player that enjoyed a 15 + year career in Germany retiring in 2018. He played most of his career in Lich, but also played in Crailsheim and for the Giessen Pointers playing 380+ pro games. He recently took part at the Fiba Masters open and won the Gold medal. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his experience in Greece.

Thanks Daniel for talking to germanhoops.com. You recently took part at the Fiba Masters Open. You retired 8 years ago. Do you still keep in shape? In what kind of shape did you go into the tournament?

I still try to stay in shape. I work out 2-3 a week and never really stopped doing sports . In think my condition was pretty ok for my age

The tournament was in Greece. Did it feel like a little vacation at the time?

Sometimes it felt a little bit like vacation but we didn’t really had time off. We only had 2 off days out of 10. Most of the times we were practicing, doing yoga or lifting weights to keep our focus .

With guys 40 or over, how did Germany prepare for this tournament? How much can one prepare when guys are 40 or over?

We had a 3 day training camp in May to prepare a little bit , all guys play in over 40‘s league so they basically stay in shape the whole year . More than half of the players are from Bayern Munich who won the German Championship 3 years in a row. So they know each other pretty well which helps a lot.

The conditions were state of the art. Talk a little about how nice everything was? There was featuring wooden flooring, and air conditioning, Did it compare to first league conditions?

The conditions were pretty solid , I wouldn’t say first league standard but pretty good.

What was it like for you playing 3X3? Was this something you have done over the years?

I didn’t play3x3 in a lot of years

Talk a little about the competition. How good were the other countries in general and were there some notable players from back in the day?

Thr competition was really good. I was surprised . A lot of former First league players from Greece , Italy , Georgia etc. Georgia even had an former NBA player ( Tskisvhli) on their team .

Talk a little about your teammates. There were some known guys like Steffan Hamann, Dirk Madrich Moritz Wohlers Omari Knox and Daniel Lieneke. What was it like playing with them? Were you ever teammates with any of them?

Just a great group of guys , we really had great chemistry. I only knew Dirk Mädrich from the under 20 National team . And I played against Hamann , Wohlers and Lieneke in the Pro A.

Who was in best basketball and physical shape between Hamann, Madrich Lieneke and Wohlers?

I would say Hamann and Lieneke were in the best shape.

You never played in the BBL. What was it like being teammates with 2005 Euro Silver medalist Steffen Hamann? He still seems to be in good shape isn´t he?

Actually not true . When I played for Lich I a had a double license for the BBL team 46ers and played a couple of minutes in the 2003 BBL playdowns and in some cup games as well. But I never was a BBL player, I was a solid 2 league player . It was a great experience to play with a basketball legend like Steffen. He still got serious game .

How did you present your game? How content were you with your game?

I really struggled offensively and I was a little disappointed in the beginning. But then I started to focus more on rebounds and defense to help the team and give Moritz and Dirk some rest . The longer the tournament went on , the more I adapted the role of getting rebounds and playing defense . We had enough scorers anyway. I really enjoyed this role after a while because since I struggled offensively I think this was the best way to help the team

What was the biggest challenge for a guy your age in this tournament besides the in shape aspect?

The biggest challenge probably was that you had 5 games in 7-8 days with workouts in between. Even for a 25 year old , that’s not easy to handle for the body

Germany won the final against Italy 69-66. How exciting was this game? Was there any doubt that Germany wouldn´t win this game?

I knew Italy gonna be a tough matchup because besides us they were in the best shape . But I also knew if we play hard from the beginning, we were going to win it

Talk a little about the last play. Omari Knox made the last shot. How exciting was that play?

Omari last two plays were some of the craziest things I ever saw live on a basketball court . He was ice cold crazy, I went nuts on the bench

What was your own personal favorite play on the court during the whole tournament?

My favorite play definitely was when Omari stole the ball in the finals against italy with down by 3 points . Instead of making a wide open layup, he stopped on the 3 point line a swished the 3 with 50 seconds on the clock . That was Jordanesque

What does the Fiba Masters Open Gold Medal mean to you? Where do you rank it in your whole career?

The Gold medal is probably the biggest achievement in my career along with my jersey retirement . For me it is really really special

When you look back at this experience in 20 years, what will you remember most from it?

What I will remember the most is probably the special group of guys. So many different characters working for one goal . It really was a great time and we all enjoyed the time we spend together .It was special

Do you think like you will take part in more of these kind of tournaments down the road?

We will see, if my body feels good i’ll probably play in some more tournaments.

Who wins a 1-1 on the court in 2026, you or Daniel Lieneke?

One on one i’ll probably win because I’m the better low post player, which helps a lot in one on one games.

Thanks Daniel for the chat.

France Tear Apart Germany 87-58 To Reach The Round Of 16 At The 2026 U-16 Euro

Pic credit: FIBA

Germany wanted to bounce back after their brutal loss to Slovenia which put them at 1-1 in the U-16 Euro competition. However in their third game, they definitely had no cake walk as they had to encounter 2-0 France who had defeated their first 2 foes Slovenia and Belgium by an average amount of 24 points. Germany had to clean up their team defense against France, improve their three point shooting and have less turnovers. But for the second day in a row, Germany was outclassed losing 87-58 to France. Germany was pounded on the boards and their three didn´t fall. On top of that, they were without Marko Volf. “We knew what we were up against, but still were unable to match their unbelievable athleticism and physicality. We had a bad start and had no solution for their aggressive defense. But like in the games before, we showed that we had a lot of moral and character. We never gave up and kept fighting. Other teams would have given up and hung their heads. We fought back and were able to have a more even second half against France. They can be really proud of that”, stressed Frankfurt Skyliners JBBL coach Lukas Scherer. France wasted no time attacking Germany and before anyone knew what was, France led 10-0 and soon after 17-2 as Germany had experienced the worst case scenario for a start. Germany began with little energy and let France get out on transition and take advantage of their early turnovers. Emmanuel Destom of FC Barcelona Lassa 2nd team (Spain-Tercera FEB) scored 6 of France´s first 8 points as he electrified the crowd with a dunk and two lay in´s. France was playing unselfish ball from the get go spreading the love around as Liham Eleka of BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand L. U21 team (ProA U21) also scored twice on transition while Liam Kabeya of Pole France Paris (NM1) hit a trey to show that France wasn´t only potent on the drive. Germany was down by 15 points with 5,46 to play and they had already suffered 4 turnovers. Germany´s only bright spot was a lay in by Hamburg´s Danny Egbe. Hamburg´s Lino Schenk then responded with a lay in, but Germany was too inconsistent on offensive execution as France struck again for it´s next run going on 9 consecutive points to lead 26-4. In the run, France mostly attacked the rim with success as Taïg Nonga Drieux of Pole France Paris (NM1) scored 6 points and Deston dropped a trey. Germany didn´t have the needed defensive intensity and made it very easy for France to get easy looks and baskets. The whole first quarter wasn´t a washout for Germany as they closed out the first quarter with a 11-6 run to trail 32-15. Oliver Papez of Bonn scored 6 points showing his inside out game and Johan Meinberg was aggressive inside getting 2 buckets.

In the second quarter Germany took the momentum of the last quarter and allowed only 15 points being more aggressive on the defensive end, but had little solutions on the offensive end scoring only 11 points to trail 47-26 at the break. Germany defended better in the second quarter, but also had some fortune that France missed some key free throws, but still were getting beaten on the boards as offensive rebounds led to easy baskets like for Taïg Nonga Drieux who scored twice as well as Livio Mendes who gave good support from the bench with 5 points including a three pointer as France still had the commanding and overwhelming 41-21 advantage. Germany couldn´t muster much offense except for a Justus Reintjes lay in on transition and 4 points from Lukas Schmidt of Porsche BBA / BSG Basket Ludwigsburg. Germany didn´t have the needed aggressiveness as the absence of Marko Volf really hurt the German offense. ”Losing your best player hurts a lot. Mark´s good experience and qualities would have helped us a lot against them. But other guys stepped up and took more responsibility. Guys like Linus Ohr and Oliver Papez did a good job taking responsibility with scoring”, stated Lukas Scherer. Linus Ohr of the HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim gave the team good energy in the last minutes with 5 points, but all in all Germany was facing a massive uphill battle against a hungry and athletic French side who had total control of the game. France shot 54% from the field and 30% from outside and had 24 rebounds and 5 turnovers while Germany shot 34% from the field and 15% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

In the third quarter France was in the drivers seat with a big lead and continued to manage the lead well and won the quarter 22-17 to lead comfortably 69-43 after 30 minutes. Liham Eleka found his spots well and made a jump shot to get France on the board first in the second half, but then came another strong phase by Germany as they rushed out on a 8-2 run to trail only 51-34 as there was a little hope again for Germany, but they were still a long way from being near France. In the run, Germany found some aggressiveness again attacking the rim the way a Volf would of as 4 different guys scored with Meinberg, Schenk, Pohlack of Alba Berlin and Egbe. However that basketball is a game of runs is no secret as Germany couldn´t hold the momentum and allowed France to go on a 11-2 run to up their lead to 62-36. In the run, France was led by Messie-Guethan Iwani of PFYM INSEP Paris U18 team with 4 points while Isaac Ramphort (186-PG-2010) of Olympique Antibes Juan Les Pins U18 team gave good energy from the bench with 5 points. France continued to show their bench worth as they always had guys stepping up. Germany got a few buckets in the last minutes with a lay in from Papez, a lay up from Jaron Braun of Braunschweig and a trey from Berin Nurkic from FC Bayern Munich, but Germany was already in such a big hole that they now needed a major miracle in the fourth quarter. France shot 50% from the field and 23% from the three point line and had 35 rebounds and 9 turnovers while Germany shot 38% from the field and 18% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 14 turnovers.

That miracle didn´t occur in the fourth quarter as France managed their big lead well defending well allowing 15 points while adding 18 points to close out the simple victory. Germany begam with a bang as Oliver Papez hit for 5 unanswered points to trail 69-48. However that didn´t faze France as they demonstrated just how strong they could be as they punched back rattling off 11 points in a row to up their lead up again to 80-48. They had been pretty quiet with their three ball, but now decided to let it rain three´s as they connected for 3 as Iwani, Ilian Toholin of Pole France Paris (NM1) and Laynce Mendy of Pole France Paris (NM1) all connected from the parking lot. That was the final dagger in the heart of Germany as the game was a real rout with 4,52 to play. Germany closed out the game well outscoring France as Egbe scored on a lay up, Schenk scored twice including a dunk and Reintjes made a lay in. For the second day in a row, Germany was schooled by a very good team that attacked from the get go and never stopped until the final buzzer. “Now the tournament really starts. France is simply better at this age. But we know that we can beat every other team if we can play our game for 40 minutes. We have shown character, never given up and always believe in ourselves. Now we have a day to rest and prepare for Israel”, added Lukas Scherer. France was led by Nonga Drieux with 16 points while Isaac Ramphort added 15 points while Germany was led by Oliver Papez with 13 points. France shot 47% from the field and 35% from the parking lot and had 47 rebounds and 12 turnovers while Germany shot 38% from the field and 19% from the parking lot and had 32 rebounds and 20 turnovers.

Slovenia Take Total Control In The Third Quarter Overpowering Germany To 93-70 Win At The U-16 Euro

Pic credit FIBA

Germany came into game 2 at the U-16 Euro against Slovenia with the needed extra self confidence having disposed easily of Belgium 82-60. After winning a Bronze medal at the 2025 U-16 Euro, Slovenia began their quest for the next medal with a brutal 93-68 loss to France. Slovenia was hammered on the glass and suffered 27 turnovers while shooting only a dismal 25% from the parking lot. Slovenia obviously needed a win against Germany and Germany had to be careful not to go into the game underestimating the Slovenian side. However a slow start by Germany and an unforgettable third quarter by Germany paved the way for Slovenia winning 93-70. “Congrats to Slovenia. That is a real good team that will surely play for a medal. We began bad into the game with no concentration and weren´t ready to defend. But we fought back and showed moral. We stayed together as a team and fought. But in the end, Slovenia was clearly better, fitter and played with more intensity on defense”, stressed Frankfurt Skyliner JBBL (U-16) head coach Lukas Scherer. Germany began the game with an aggressive mind set on the defensive end getting back to back steals from Elija Pohlack of Alba Berlin and Johan Meinberg of Hamburg that led to easy transition baskets and the early 4-2 advantage. However Slovenia found an offensive groove that was led by 211cm athletic big man Tim Hegic who added 8 points as he really unraveled everything from his trick basket making lay ups, a dunk and pretty hook shot. Tobias Blazic of Avantgard Radovljica added a dunk on transition for the 16-9 lead as Slovenia´s rapid 14-5 run at the 4,11 minute mark led to a Germany time out. Slovenia´s scrappy play led to Germany turnovers as they were reeling to find a smooth offensive rhythm. Germany was unable to capitalize after the timeout as Slovenia heightened their lead to 19-9 following a Zan Terbovc of KK Zlatorog Lasko lay in on transition. Germany had enormous difficulty taking care of the ball as Danny Egbe coughed up the ball that led to free throws by Blazic as the run continued and Slovenia led 21-9. Germany was in an annoying hole in Romania. Germany was far from a rhythm, but at least got on the board again getting free throws from Bonn guard Oliver Papez and Ulm´s Marko Volf to trail 23-12. Germany connected on their first trey from Linus Ohr of Crailsheim, but they couldn´t get consecutive stops allowing Jure Cvelbarof KK Krka Novo Mesto 4 points as Slovenia led 27-15. Head coach Dirk Bauermann who has been known as having good defensive teams couldn´t have been happy with his kids defensive mindset and execution in the first 10 minutes. Germany got a key trey from Mr reliable Oliver Papez at the end, but trailed 29-19 after one quarter. Slovenia shot 69% from the field, but 0% from outside and had 8 boards and 5 turnovers while Germany shot 40% from the field and 33% from outside and had 6 boards and 8 turnovers.

In the second quarter, Germany began continuing to have problems controlling the ball as Egbe and Ohr had turnovers, but Slovenia couldn´t capitalize from it. However Germany was good for a run and finally achieved it with a 8-2 run to trail only 31-27. The turning point was Danny Egbe drawing a foul form behind the 3 line and connecting on all. Ohr added a trey and Volf 2 free throws. Germany defended better and Meinberg swatted away a ball getting that big play feeling to Germany. Slovenia called a timeout and needed a solution to break Germany´s offensive rhythm. But Germany kept the momentum as Linus Ohr made a steal which led to a trey by him and suddenly Germany was back in the game trailing 31-30. After another Slovenia turn over, Marko Volf gave Germany the 32-31 advantage with a pull up jumper. The game was an even affair now and Germany got a clutch trey from FC Bayern Munich player Berin Nurkic, but Slovenia kept the slim 39-35 lead as they also got key production form their bench as Maj Tomsic Vujkovic of GIBB Ilirija Ljubljana added 4 points with a lay in and free throws with 3,19 to play in the first half. But Germany stuck together as Egbe had that clutch moment again and displayed his scoring in bunches with 2 buckets and a free throw to give Germany the 41-39 lead with 2,21 to play. But that flash of brilliance by Egbe didn´t faze Slovenia as they ended the second quarter strong with a 7-2 run to lead 46-43 at the break. Key in the run were lay in´s by Vujkovic and Terbovc and Dos Santos drilled home a key three pointer to end the first half. Slovenia continued to shoot well from the field and 55% and 25% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 9 turnovers while Germany shot 40% from the field and 31% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 12 turnovers. Slovenia did a good job containing Marko Volf to only 6 points on 1/7 shooting.

In the third quarter Slovenia kept their momentum from the last 2 minutes of the second quarter and began with a 8-2 run to lead 54-45. In the run Slovenia received baskets from four different players as Terbovc made a floater, Roman Kolka of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana made a lay in and Blazic and Vujkovic made free throws. However Germany had an answer for that run with a 5-0 run to trail only 54-49 as Volf was finidng his spots better and made his second basket of the second half and Nurkic answered again with a three pointer. But Germany just couldn´t find an answer to stop Slovenia´s offense as they retaliated with a lethal 11-0 run to lead 65-49. Slovenia had so many weapons as Jure Cvelbar of KK Krka Novo Mesto scored inside and Anze Auer of FC Barcelona made a pull up jumper. Slovenia also remained witty getting to the free throw line as Terbovc and Kolka scored. Germany got some much needed offensive support down the stretch with another Ohr trey and Papez and Meinberg lay in´s, but all in all, their execution wasn´t satisfactory as they trailed 72-57 after 30 minutes to play. “We fought back strong before the break and led and wanted to keep that up in the third quarter. But Slovenia did a good job adding a gear up on defense and made life difficult for us and always kept forcing us to easy turnovers. We also invited them too many easy baskets. We couldn´t match their intensity on the defensive end”, added Luaks Scherer. Slovenia had overpowered Germany in the third quarter and Germany was looking up a steep hill to get out of this hole. Slovenia shot Slovenia shot 55% from the field and 20% from the parking lot and had 28 rebounds and 12 turnovers while Germany shot 38% from the field and 27% from the parking lot and had 26 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter Slovenia did a great job of managing the lead and despite some early solid execution from Germany, then never lost focus, but closed out the game well defending until the end and winning easily 93-70. In the first minutes, Germany got some vital support from Berin Nurkic who added 7 points with a trey, floater and free throws to trail 84-67. Slovenia understood to use their whole bench as Ziga Podgornik of KK Maribor mladi also got into the scoring attack with 5 points including a trey. However Germany never found a clear path on the defensive end and continued to trade buckets with Slovenia as that made it impossible for them to come back. With 4.22to play, time was running out and Germany had simply ran out of gas. They got some added points from Lucas Schmidt of Porsche BBA / BSG Ludwigsburg and free throws from Jaron Braun of Braunschweig, but it was too little to late for team Germany. “We were often a step to slow and not clever enough with drawing fouls. We have to do a better job with the 50/50 balls. We had too little of them today. We will learn from this game and tomorrow against France, it will get a bit harder and it will be a real moral test for the boys”, warned Lukas Scherer. Slovenia had 4 guys score in double figures led by Maj Vujkovic (190-PG-2010) with 16 points while Zan Terbovc added 14 points and Roman Kolka 13 points while Germany was led by Berin Nurkic and Linus Ohr with 12 points a piece. Slovenia shot 53% from the field and 40% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 16 turnovers while Germany shot 36% from the field and 25% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 23 turnovers.

Marko Volf Leads Germany To Sparkling 82-60 Romp Over Belgium To Start The 2026 U-16 Euro

Pic credit: FIBA

Germany came into the 2026 U-16 European championships with a sort of a chip on their shoulder having finished last year in 9th place. In their first game, they had to face Belgium who had reached the final last year in the B group. Germany came into the game as the favorite being coached from German basketball legend Dirk Bauermann who had won numerous titles with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen in the 90´s and in the 2000´s won titles with Bamberg and the silver with the German national team and Dirk Nowitzki in 2005. Germany began the 2026 U-16 Euro on a positive note beating Belgium 82-60. “We were concentrated and began well. Bost most importantly always stuck together in tough situations and never let our heads hang and always believed on our strength. We defended well in crucial phases and made the extra pass on offense. A first game is never easy, but the guys had good solutions and got extra confidence for the next game”, stressed Skyliner JBBL coach Lukas Scherer. Germany stormed out to a rapid 7-3 lead as ratiopharm Ulm´s big talent Marko Volf (185-PG-2009) scored consecutive buckets in the paint. He is a player that likes to get hot quickly and didn´t waste any time. Germany added a trey from Skyliner Jaroslav Zinn who is the future of the organization. “I´m so proud of Jaroslaw and how he played today. He was nominated so late for the Euro and then to begin the game as the starting point guard isn´t easy. One has to really laud how relaxed and sure he was. Is primary task was to put a lot of pressure on the ball and to have responsibility on offense to control the game and to organize it. He did both well. He also was able to create well for his teammates and himself. He also proved that he had no fear to take responsibility at this level. It was a really strong Euro debut for him. He can be proud of himself and I´m sure his performance will give him more security and confidence for the next games”, commented Lukas Scherer. Zinn finished with 9 points in 15 minutes on 3/3 shooting. Belgium forward Gabriel De Coninck from Orange Academy who is familiar with the German players struck back with a clutch three pointer to trail only 7-6. However Germany kept up the pressure and went on a 7-0 run and led comfortably 17-11 after one quarter. In the run Germany continued to be aggressive attacking the rim as Volf scored and Elija Pohlack of Alba Berlin hit free throws while big man Jaron Braun of SG Junior Löwen Braunschweig made a lay in. Braun also has a brother Elijah who plays in Braunschweig as both are the sons of former German national player Oliver Braun. Germany had been aggressive and disciplined on the defensive end not allowing anything easy for Belgium and had the edge on the glass.

In the second quarter Germany had a soild start managing their lead well leading by as much as 9 points, but let up a little in the last minutes and only led 33-32 at the break. Hamburg Towers electric athletic beast Danny Egbe gave Germany some real energy scoring 6 consecutive points. He showed just how lethal he can be when unleashed as he scored a lay in, free throws and a thunderous dunk. His 3 level scoring is evident. Zinn and Volf also added buckets inside while 2026 JBBL (U-16) champion with Bonn Oliver Papez nailed a trey for the 29-20 advantage for Germany. Germany continued to defend well and were securing the defensive rebounds well. However Germany was unable to hold the momentum and allowed a 12-2 run to Belgium to close out the first half. Belguim´s run was led by Alexander Triki who scored twice inside including once off a turnover while Joah Ikoma Yaliko also scored off a steal. Belgium upped their intensity on the defensive end as Germany had to fight hard to get good shots. Jeremiah Tchekouyep also added a lay in as Belgium also turned on the aggressiveness on the offensive end. Germany shot 39% from the field and only 16% from outside and had 20 rebounds and 11 turnovers while Belgium shot 39% from the field and 25% from outside and had 16 rebounds and 11 turnovers. Germany´s big talent under the hoop Johan Meinberg wasn´t a force scoring, but did a great job filling the stat sheet and being that genuine rim protector.

In the third quarter Germany came out cooking as head coach Dirk Bauermann had them prepared with the right state of mind as they hit Belgium with a nasty 10-0 run to extend their lead to 43-32. Pohlack and Meinberg scored inside while Papez demonstrated his fierce range again from outside connecting from the parking lot while Marco Volf added 3 free throws. Belgium coughed up the ball twice in the run and also missed a few lay ups. Belgium recovered getting buckets from Mats Pepermans and free throws from Youssef Zagdoud, but Germany was always able to punch back as Danny Egbe fired 2 three´s keeping Germany ahead 49-35. Egbe shows that he has a very versatile scoring game unveiling his outside shot in this phase. Belgium actually cut Germany´s lead down to 6 points with Lowie Van de Vyver free throws, but Germany remained mentally strong closing out the third quarter with 4 Egbe free throws. He is a player that loves carrying his team and did so in this phase. Germany got added scoring insurance from Egbe teammate Lino Luca Schenk (Hamburg Towers) as Germany led 56-49 after 30 minutes. Germany shot 40% from the field and 27% from the three point line and had 26 rebounds and 14 turnovers while Belgium shot 42% from the field and 20% from the three point line and had 25 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter Germany kept Belgium within 10 points, but after a few minutes went on a lethal run to decide the game in their favor. Belgium got two quick lay in´s from Youssef Zagdoud, but it was Oliver Papez again who showed again why he is Mr reliable always coming up big with the massive three as Pascal Roller did back in the day with the Frankfurt Skyliners to lead 59-51. Germany then went on a 12-4 run to slam the door shut on Belgium leading 71-55. Team leader Marko Volf led the charge with 3 buckets in the paint as Belgium had no remedy how to slow down his drive while his team Justus Reintjez who had been quiet in the game scored 2 lay in´s while Lino Schenk also scored in the paint. The German guards were a force, but the German bigs seemed to always give good support in needed moments. Belgium had little energy left in crunch time as Reintjez scored another lay in while Zinn added a trey for good measure as Germany easily led 76-57 with 3,01 to play in the game. Role player Linus Ohr of the Harko Merlins Crailsheim also got into the scoring trend dropping a trey for Germany as did Lukas Schmidt (Porsche BBA, BSG Basket Ludwigsburg) as Germany had full command leading 82-60 with 33 seconds remaining. It was a great start for the German U-16 team in the 2026 Euro championships. “Our biggest strength today was that we always stayed together as a team and never stopped believing in ourselves. Even when Belgium played better and made the game tighter, we were always able to make the right decisions and we deserved to win the game. Also our better team defense in the second half was an important factor”, stated Lukas Scherer. Germany was led by Marko Volf who had 20 points while Danny Egbe added 16 points while Belgium was led by Youssef Zagdoud with 13 points and Joah Ikoma Yaliko added 10 points. Germany shot 48% from the field and 37% from outside and had 38 rebound and 19 turnovers while Belgium shot 38% from the field and 15% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 20 turnovers. Germany next battle Slovenia tomorrow.

Omari Knox’s Game Winner at The The 2026 Fiba Masters Open Stands As One Of The Best In His Career

pic credit: Armin Cicic

Omari Knox (185-SG-1986, college: Bloomfield) is a former American/German guard that enjoyed a 14 year professional season in Germany. He played most of his career for Mario Matic in Oberaching, but also played with the TSV Dachau Spurs, RheinStars Cologne, TuS Bad Aibling Fireballs (Germany-Regionalliga) and with the Ebbecke White Wings Hanau. He began his basketball career with New Utrecht High School and then played at Bloomfield College (NCAA2). He recently helped Germany win the Fiba Masters Open and spoke to germanhoops.com about the experience.

Thanks Omari for talking to germanhoops.com. You recently took part at the Fiba Masters Open. How did that come about?

Thank you, Miles for the interview. A few of the guys Steffen and Mo had asked me the last years to play for the ü35 Team but I was still active as a player. Now having freshly retired, I felt it was time to join the guys. I’m happy I was able to take part.

Wasn´t it for guys 40 and older? Technically you don’t turn 40 until November?

Yes they actually take the birth year 1986 and older.. I was the rookie in the team.

The tournament was in Greece. Did it feel like a little vacation at the time?

It absolutely felt like a vacation. Our apartment was literally up the street from the beach. We were in the water every day that we were there.

You had retired in 2025. Did you stay in shape the last year in any way?

It was nearly impossible to stay in game shape throughout the year because I have been so busy training my youth teams and doing organisational work for the club. At some point in the year, I joined FC Bayern Munich to practice and play a few games with the Bayernliga team to get back into shape. Still, I somehow was only able to practice about 10 times in the span of three months.

With guys over 40 or over, how did Germany prepare for this tournament? How much can one prepare when guys are 40 or over?

Coach Jens and Steffen did a great job of holding practices throughout the year once a week to keep guys in shape. As the German Championships got closer, we managed to practice a bit more and also get in a few test games. Jens also held yoga sessions before every practice which made a world of difference.

The conditions were state of the art. Talk a little about how nice everything was? There was featuring wooden flooring, and air conditioning, Did it compare to first league conditions?

The gyms were very nice inside. Most were very old but air-conditioned, with wooden floors and very comfortable to play in. In comparison to 1st league German team’s facility’s they were much smaller, but still very nice to play in.

Talk a little about the competition. How good were the other countries in general and were there some notable players from back in the day?

There were many good players who took part in the tournament. I could tell that several of them were very good in their prime. Several first and second league players in their own countries (Greece, Italy, Georgia. Before our final game we watched the over 60 Finals between Australia and Serbia. This was amazing to watch both countries still compete at such a high level, and see their sharp basketball I.Q. The most notable player that we faced (in the semi finals) was former NBA lottery pick Nikoloz Tskitishvili.

Talk a little about your teammates. There were some known guys like Steffan Hamann, Dirk Madrich Moritz Wohlers Daniel Dorr and Daniel Lieneke. What was it like playing with them? Weren´t you teammates once with Wohlers?

It was a lot of fun to play with those guys. So many years of experience all on one team. Everyone on the same page wanting to compete and win. Sacrificing their bodies, taking charges and going after rebounds. It was amazing to see. Everyone encouraged me to play my game and be me, whenever I was being too passive on the offensive end. They made it very easy to fit in. Mo and I played together in Oberhaching so the chemistry was already there for sure.

Who was in best basketball and physical shape between Hamann, Madrich and Wohlers?

I think Steffen and Dirk were both in pretty decent shape. Steffen often picked up full court on defense and took a ton of charges throughout the whole tournament. We played through Dirk for a lot of the tournament because most of the teams didn’t have anyone who could stop him. He also ran the floor well, set a lot of screens and had to defend probably the toughest matchup (Tskitishvili) of the tournament, in the semi finals. Mo was also in pretty decent shape and played a ton of minutes.

Had you had dealings with Steffen Hamann? Late in his career he played with FC Bayern Munich from 2010-2014 when you were playing for TSV Dachau. Had you ever been on a court with him back in the day?

I watched Steffen a lot in my early years here in Germany as he was the lead guy. I can’t remember ever being on the court with him.

When looking at your stats you were up and down but saved your best for the semi-final and final scoring 16 and 17 points. How content were you with your game?

In the group stage and also throughout most of the tournament I was being more of a facilitator and creating shots for the rest of the guys. They kept telling me to be more aggressive. I guess the difference in the semi finals and finals were that the competition level raised a bit and my scoring was then needed. I was happy to be able to fit nicely into a team who had previously won a silver medal in the European championship.

Germany won the final against Italy 69-66. How exciting was this game? Was there any doubt that Germany wouldn´t win this game?

The last game was very exciting for everyone I think. The fans in the gym, and everyone who watched on the stream definitely got a show. The game was back and forth the entire time. I honestly never really had the feeling that we would lose, even in the final minutes with it being so close.

Talk a little about the last play. You made the game winning shot. Where does that rank with your best game winners in your career?

The last play of the game definitely stands up there as one of the best in my career. Although it’s a shot I’ve made a ton of times in my career, for me to make it in such an important moment to win a gold medal was truly something special.

What was your personal favorite play on the court during the whole tournament?

My personal favourite play for the tournament would probably have to be the steal and the 3pt shot to tie the game, in the Final. I’ve gotten so many questions about that play, and what was going through my mind. For me, it was a now or never moment and I got clean look at the rim and was able to take advantage of it to tie the game.

What does the Fiba Masters Open Gold Medal and MVP award mean to you? Where do you rank it in your whole career?

This Gold medal and MVP award mean everything to me. It was an opportunity to represent the entire country in international competition. It ranks up there at the top of my career accolades and accomplishments.

When you look back at this experience in 20 years, what will you remember most from it?

I will of course remember the success of winning the gold medal, but mostly the fun we had as group. Beach parties, water aerobics, yoga, and dinners with Greek food and Ouzo.

Do you think like you will take part in more of these kind of tournaments down the road?

I hope that this was only the first. I look forward to playing a few more as long as my schedule and body allow it.

Who wins a 1-1 on the court in 2026, you or Steffen Hamann?

. Hahaha, if you asked me who would win between me and Lebron James I would still pick myself. I’d say I’d beat Steffen one in one.

Thanks Omari for the chat.

Declan Duru Will Never Forget Jack Kayil(New York Knicks) Washing Down A Chip Challenge With Milk

Pic credit: FIBA

German basketball has been blessed the last 4 years of achieving big success on the pro and youth sector concerning the international competitions during the summer. The accomplishments of the German national team have been incredible winning a Gold and silver at the Euro, a Gold at the World Championships and a fourth place at the Olympics. Meanwhile at the youth sector, they have recently won the u-18 Euro and won a Silver at the U-19 World Cup. The hard work by the German basketball federation and clubs in Germany the last 10 years has finally been rewarded and the whole world is watching German basketball now. So many great players have evolved over the years like Dennis Schroeder, Daniel Theis, Isaiah Hartenstein and Franz Wagner to just name a few and it will continue with the next generation of players like Christian Anderson, Hannes Steinbach and Jack Kayil. Kayil has been a type of warrior his whole career. He was already a talented youth player that was always younger than the rest. He didn´t go one route, but changed teams with Alba Berlin, Rasta Vechta and BC Mega MIS Beograd (Serbia-KLS). He had his ups and downs over the years, but won titles and developed his game further and got drafted in the NBA. But during the youth tournaments there was always a player there that seemed to be a step ahead with Christian Anderson. Anderson dominated the last 2 tournaments with the U-18 Euro and U-19 world cup filling up the stat sheet averaging 20ppg/5apg and 17ppg/6apg while Kayil was fantastic as well and averaged 15ppg/3apg and 11ppg/6apg. One has to wonder what Kayil might have been capable of doing without Anderson there? Does Kayil have a chip on his shoulder? “Jack has always had a chip on his shoulder. If Chris weren´t there, then Jack could lead the team on offense and defense. Jack was never in the shadow of Chris, but was always next to him. Jack always played his game. Chris is the go to guy, but Jack is still a top player”, warned Declan Duru (203-F-2007) who will play at the University of California at Santa Barbara (NCAA) in 2026-2027.

Before Declan Duru went to Real Madrid in 2020, he played in the youth sector with FC Bayern Munich and IBAM and had had his meetings with Jack Kayil on and off the court. How was that first meeting off the court with him and what was his first impression of his game? “I remember Jack coming over as being nice and was simply a super guy. He was very focused with everything and was very helpful. We understood each other very well. His IQ really stood out on the court. His drive was also very good then. He had this spin move that I remember”, stressed Declan Duru. Have the two players developed a special bond with their meetings over the summer´s with the youth national teams and is it difficult at times managing it when you don´t see the other for a year? “We have kept that good relationship over the years. I saw Jack during the Alba-Munich BBL finals recently. We have a good connection. We actually played each other in 2 tournaments over the years. It was a lot of fun. We even had some trash talk, but not so much”, laughed Declan Duru. One thing that continues to pop up with everyone who has seen the game of Kayil is his incredible knack of knowing how to make the right play at the right time. Has Duru also noticed that? “Yes that´s true. Jack is great at making the right play at the right time. He will drive when he has to and pass when he needs to. But he has many special things about his game. His drive and consistent shot also are special. Hie IQ is also is so valuable”, stated Declan Duru. His playmaking has also really improved and developed very well the last years. Was ex Euroleague player Martin Hermannsson a key support last season? “I think he was important for Jack. I think that his experience in the BBL last season also helped. He proved last season that he was a good playmaker in the BBL”, warned Declan Duru. That he is an efficient offensive player is a fact, but he is just as good on the defensive end. “Jack can defend the other team´s best player. He has very good lateral movements. He has a good touch for steals and get in passing lanes and get deflections. His defensive IQ is very good”, expressed Declan Duru. Even if his scoring is excellent, there is something in his game that has to be considered a hidden strength. “His shot is a hidden strength. People don´t respect his shot. But he can hit the three pointer with confidence”, said Declan Duru.

Kayil´s teammates Christian Anderson and Hannes Steinbach from the youth national teams had NCAA experience, but Kayil didn´t. He played with organizations in Germany and paid his dues in Serbia. How vital was going a different path than the others and how did his game grow? “He got valuable experience. It was an advantage to see different things and his IQ really grew. He took a chance to get better and it worked. He improved on a lot. His shot became more consistent and he got more athletic. He also was able to read the game a lot better on the pick and roll”, commented Declan Duru. Kayil was drafted at #39 by the Houston Rockets and traded to the New York Knicks. “I was so proud and happy that Jack was drafted. I know him since I´m 13. It is always good seeing a guy I played with do well. I wish him all the best. He deserves it”, warned Declan Duru. How well will he fit in in New York? “I believe that Jack doesn´t necessarily need the ball in his hands. He can play off the ball. He knows what he has to do to get shots and is also a good rebounder”, said Declan Duru. Is NBA champion Jalen Brunson the perfect mentor? “Having a teammate like Brunson is the best he could get. They have a similar style and I know that Jack will profit from him”, stated Declan Duru. Can Kayil only be a role player or can he be an impact player down the road in the NBA? “Jack has all the tools to be an impact player. He is a 3 level scorer. It won´t surprise me if Jack becomes an impact player”, warned Declan Duru. Duru also has many fond memories with Kayil and for some reason that hot chip challenge pops up here and there. “We had a hot chip challenge. Jack couldn´t come to terms with the hot chip. He didn´t get sick, but drank a lot of milk”, laughed Declan Duru.

Joe Asberry(Pro Pathway Tour) Best Advice For Ballers Chasing The Overseas Dream Is To Be Humble And Realistic

Joe Asberry (196-F-1965, college: SF State) is an American ex professional basketball player that really has seen it all from crime to drugs, but also played against legends like David Robinson (215-C-65, college: Navy), Gary Payton, Jason Kidd and Brian Shaw and was teammates with German legendary player Christian Welp. He had a 11 year professional career that saw him toil around in the minor leagues of Germany, but he belonged to the best in his day at that level. Since retiring from the game, he has been a spokesperson for young kids and drug prevention, guest speaker, worked in the Alba Berlin organization, been a master of ceremonies for UBC Hannover and been a mentor for young Americans coming overseas trying to live the dream of being a professional basketball player. He worked recently with the Artland Dragons organization. He helped organize the Pro Pathway Tour with Elijah Allen and spoke to germanhoops.com about the experience.

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

What´s up my Man Miles? Always good to catch up with you. I´m in Munich right now enjoying the sun and getting ready for Omari´s Knox´s Elite Camp. I´m his MC so I´m looking forward to go crazy on the Mic, when his young skilled athlete´s get buckets!

You recently took part at the Pro Pathway Tour in Germany. How did that gig come about for you?

The Pro Pathway Tour is an opportunity for underdogs chasing the Overseas Pro Basketball Dream to have a door open for a Entry Level Job. (Pro B and 1st Reg) It came about as a nice Gesture from Big Slim,and Elijah Allen. We appreciate the cool life Pro Basketball Overseas has given us so that´s are way to pay it forward.

Your partner Elijath Allen is a hooper who is a individual trainer and also runs camps. Talk a little about your relationship to him? How special is it?

Elijah Allen is my guy. We met 14 years ago and we have been tight homeys ever since. It´s bigger then basketball with us. We have been helping American Import and young ballaz for years behind the scenes so now we´re doing our thing together with our Showcase. I recruited him to sign with the Agent I was working with Mike Baron. We signed him and the rest is history. He hit the biggest 3 ball in the History of Bochum. That 3 ball led Bochum from Pro B to Pro A. He´s humble so he just laughs when I tell all of the young bucks that story, LOL!

Both you guys are so passionate for the game and just want to see guys grinding to make it overseas be successful. Do you feel like each other´s strength trickles off on the other and makes each other even more powerful to help these guys succeed?

We both want to see guys WIN! Elijah played with and us guys like OJ Mayo, Bill Walker and King James himself so he understands high level Pro Basketball just like I do. We both love the game and we feel like we both had a Legit shot at making it to the NBA, but a few coaches who had “Hidden Agendas” got in the way. We never make excuses. Overseas Pro Basketball was the cards we were dealt so we played those cards We work well together because we feel like our strength is we tell basketball players the TRUTH! There is NO HIDDEN AGENDA. Either you´re built for pro hoops or your not and if you´re missing things in your game we´re going to tell you and teach you what you need to get where your trying to go.

The tour was in many places in Germany. What was your summary how the whole tour went? What were the biggest challenges for you and Elijah?

The tour was an overall success. The guys played vs guys who had BBL, PRO A,PRO B,1st Reg and NBBL experience. The biggest challenge was to make guys understand how difficult it is to get a Job overseas. There are thousands of guys who want to be the “Import” so if you don´t have something elite in your game it´s not going to happen.

Talk a little about how a day went? Was everyone always together?


The Day was easy. Show up one hour before the game and play. It was like an Allstar Game. We had one beautiful day where we all got together ate lunch and took the time to bond as a Unit. That was the best day.

What was your impression of the games: How did the guys do and who were some of the teams?

The Games went very well. We won two games and we lost one. The game we lost was to Elijah Allen´s Allstars led by Terry Winn. That was an eye opening experience for our “Imports”. They could play vs a “Import” who destroyed 1st Reg when he was in Giessen. I had seen him play on film, but that was the first time I saw it with my own eyes. He´s the truth. He plays with the team, he led his young guys and he could get to his spots and get a bucket easily

I checked the roster and it was guard infested. As a big what was it like working strictly with guards? Did you have to reshape your teachings a bit to what your used to when working with bigs who love to dunk?

Our team was guard heavy, but that wasn´t a problem. It was Run and Gun basketball. It´s easy to play for me and Elijah, We give you a few Horns sets and let you Hoop. The mission is to show the GM´s,Coach´s and Agents what you can do and not run around like a Robot waiting to get CUT!

What personally gives you the biggest pleasure working with American ballers. Your used to working with German boys and girls. Do some of these guys have ego´s that are out of control?

I was working with Germans and Girls during the day. That´s the behind the scenes work I spoke on. When I´m in a weight room pumping up my muscles or at night when I´m on the phone, I´m dealing with American and Canadian Pro´s Guys 24/7 ” Imports” are hitting me up from all over the world especially when they´re pissed off at their Coach I just give them solid advice and let them know it doesn´t matter what the Coach does, it matters that you´re the “Import” so you have to perform and help your team win thats what you signed up for. That´s my biggest pleasure helping them to stay calm under the overseas pro basketball pressure. And yes some Americans have inflated ego´s as they should, they´re a Low Percentage of people worldwide getting paid to play Basketball. When the ego goes overboard, I start asking them the tough questions! LOL!

You’re a guy that saw it all in a time when these guys weren´t born yet. You had to grind in the Regionalliga. What is the best Joe Asberry advice that you give an American baller trying to get a job overseas?

The best advice I can give guys about playing Pro Basketball overseas is to be humble and be realistic. I told myself I have to change my mindset and work harder to be a better basketball player! Me vs Me! I had a game with 10 Dunks in 1st Reg back in the day and it led to 2nd Division Finland, Switzerland, Luxembourg and I was a BBL Practice Dummy! I loved every minute of it, because I got PAID for my DUNKS! I´m not bitter about my journey. I blame myself for my NBA Failure. Other “Imports” should do the same. Check the Man in the Mirror if you think you´re good enough to play for Alba Berlin great, then stop talking, stop posting and prove it!

I knew about guys like Terry Wynn and Phil Flowers. Was there any other player that made an impression on you?

Austin Parker impressed me the most. His Dunks, rebounding and blocks were magnificent. I can see him easily playing on the Pro A and Pro B Level I´ll also say this all of the players gave it 100% so I respect EVERYONE chasing the Pro Hoop Dream.

What was your personal highlight of the tour?

My highlight of the tour was to coach my Young Gun Giulio Sederino. I was his U18 Coach in Quackenbruck. I let him play free and wild and he was cooking for Coach Joe. It felt great to see him chasing his dream and also, to yell, scream and cuss at him and not have to bite my tongue like I did when I coached the Girls! LOL!

Will there be tours in the future and will you be a part of them?

The Agents and Coaches think our tour is a great idea so yeah me and “E” are full speed ahead

What is the future with you? You were in the Artland Dragons organization helping the boys and girls teams. Do you have s gig lined up already for 2026-2027?

My future is always bright, I´ll continue to help “Imports” chase the Pro Basketball Dream.I´ll continue to Scout for the Agents I work with and I´ll continue to LOVE Basketball. I always say it, I´m not a Good Coach, I´m a damn good hype man and a cheerleader, but if you want me to teach your kids how to get buckets, play free, play wild and have fun with basketball, I´m your type of COACH! If my ballaz don´t play defense, get ready for a Profanity laced rant. So no more Coaching Girls, thanks Ladies, I can´t do it, I´ll have to wear a muzzle to coach girls, it was FUN! LOL!

Thanks Joe for the chat.

Chris Widmer(Skyliners) Doesn’t Know Yet If A Professional Career Will Be In His Cards But He Will Do All Possible To Become The Best Player He Can

Pic credit: JHoffmann

Chris Widmer (198-F-2007) is a 19 year old 198cm forward playing for the Skyliners organization with their Pro B team Skyliners and NBBL team Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners. He has played most of his career with the Skyliners, but also played with TV Langen. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his career.

Thanks Chris for talking to germanhoops.com. You live in Germany, but play for the youth Dutch team. Talk about your childhood. You grew up in Germany, but have Dutch roots?

Yes for my whole life I have lived in Frankfurt. My mother is D utch and my father Swiss. I always went there when I was on vacation to visit family and friends. So I always had a connection to my home countries and I always enjoy being there. As for basketball I came across some coaches from Amsterdam last season at a pre season tournament. I connected myself and got integrated into Netherlands Basketball.

You played JBBL with Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners, but also played a season with TV Langen. What positives could you get from your Langen season?

I made first experiences outside of youth basketball having played a few games in 1. Regionalliga. I had good coaches like Niklas Pons and Tobias Jahn who were able to give me some Input and support me on my basketball journey. They also encouraged me to take the next steps in my career. Overall it was a good learning experience.

How valuable was a player like experienced Henk Droste? What could you learn from him?

Henk Droste was a great teammate and a fun guy to be around. He himself is a good all round player and also very physical. He showed me how important it is to be consistent in what you do. As a 16 year old back then he also taught me fundamental things about basketball that helped me become a better player.

Last season you played Regionalliga in Frankfurt and this season in the Pro B. How valuable was the pro B experience? How did your game grow there?

I earned my first minutes and also scored my first points at some point for which I am very grateful. I didn’t have a big role but I helped out the team when it was needed. I didn’t improve my game that much just by playing Pro b but still learned a few useful things under the coaching of Markus Klusemann.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 198cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA or Euroleague player who would best fit the description?

I don´t really know who I would compare to my game, a lot of the times the players are unique in their playing style.

Talk about your strenghs as a player. What kind of an offensive player are you? Are you a guy that also does things that aren´t always seen on the stat sheet?

Offenisvely I try to use my first step to attack the rim and use my body, when I get a good shot I also take 3s. If its needed I can also be used for screens and use my strength for pick and rolls and other situations. Other than that I am good on fast breaks and defense to offense runs.

How would you rate the development of your 3 point shooting this season? You shot 27% in the NBBL. Is it tough developing it when there are others taking the bulk of the shots?

It was better at the beginning of the season but overall I’d say I improved my shooting over the last years. When you have players like Jamie and Ivan but also the other guys like Lukas Smazak for example you have a limited amounts of shots per game. But that´s also how it should be and I have of course adapted to this.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

In my opinion I can defend almost anybody, from guard to wing to big. I want to become even quicker on my feet and maybe be more solid when boxing out. I can anticipate steels of ball pretty well and want to use this when defending on ball.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can keep improving your game?

Definitely fundamental shooting, being able to knock down open 3s is very important for me. Over the summer I want to improve my handles and overall finishing.

You also have been a member of the Dutch U-18 team. How is the state of Dutch basketball? How good is Tayshawn Gipson? His dad played in the BBL around the time you were born?

Tayshawn Gipson is a very talanted player with crazy athleticism and ball handling. It was fun playing with him as it also was with my other teammates from nationals. I also met his family briefly, they all are very nice people, it is obvious that he got his talents from his dad and learned a lot from him. Dutch basketball is definitely evolving and starting to get more recognition. Especially with the new generation of players it will only get better from here.

You know players like Endurance Ayiamenkhue and Yanu Slingerland. How good are these 2 players and what do you like most about their games?

Both Endurance and Yanu proved that they are one of the best players in European competition. Yanu is a go to shooter with tough athleticism and Endurance a physicall center who can dominate around the rim. I believe in these boys and I’m sure they are going achieve great things.

You played at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket Division B in Romania -2025 playing 5 games. What kind of an experience was that? What was your fondest moment there?

To be honest it was more a lesson for me to deal with pressure and having to accept your coach not having trust in you anymore. I lost my rhythm starting the tournament and didn’t play much after that so I had chance to let it sink in and better myself mentally. But all in all I also had a lot of fun with my teammates and made some great connections.

What is your goal as a professional player? Is being a pro a goal? What would be your plan B?

I want to see how I evolve in the next years. If I see myself playing on professional level I will give everything to achieve that. My number 1 goal is to become the best player that I can be.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your career that made NBA or Euroleague?

Untill now I’m not sure that I have actually played against Players that already made NBA or Euroleague but there are a number of guys where I’m sure that they will reach one of those two. Take Endurance as an example. Furthermore as I already mentioned I’m confident a few of my teammates will also reach that level.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Jamie Edoka, Ivan Crjnac, Konstantinos Kapetanakis, Julius Messer und Noah Koch.

Please list your personal NBA, Dutch and Euroleague Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time?

Lebron James, Anthony Edwards, Worthy de Jong, Kendrick Nunn

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

Thanks Chris for the chat?