Mwani Wilkinson (196-G-2002, college: Little Rock) is a 24 year old 196cm guard from Las Vegas playing his rookie season overseas with HEFTE HELFEN Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-BSL). He began his basketball career with Bishop Gorman High School and then played at Louisiana State (NCAA) from 2020-2024 playing a total of 100 NCAA games and then added a season at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (NCAA) averaging 13.2ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.7spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 86.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against German team MBC Weissenfels.
Thanks Mwani for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season overseas with HEFTE HELFEN Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-BSL). What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about the organization? It’s been a very welcoming experience. The thing I have enjoyed the most about the organization so far is being part such a winning culture. It’s feels great to put in hard work w my peers and it feels even better when that hard work results in success for us as a whole.
You hail from Las Vegas and now live in the beautiful Austria. How have you taken in the beauty of Austria and it´s culture? What have you enjoyed most about it?
It’s nice. I really enjoy the scenery of nature here. Kapfenberg, specifically is a very laid back town. So having this calm and easy way of living is what I ahve enjoyed the most.
How cool was it winning that first pro chip with the Super Cup? What did you enjoy most about that first pro title? It was a great experience!! I enjoyed how we stayed together as a team for the whole 40 minutes to come out successful in the end.
There are quite a few veterans on the team like Zaccheus Darko-Kelly. Has he been like a mentor for you? How has he helped you most with all on and off the court? Yes from him I got to understand more of the importance of taking care of your body and also understand subtle differences between European and American styles of play.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description? I’m not sure. I don’t believe much in comparing myself to others but my favorite player is Paul George!!
Your 2 uncles ´Sam and Willie played in the NBA before you were born. Have they had an influence on your game? Yes. Knowing that they were both very good shooters helped me develop my confidence as a shooter.
Let´s talk about your offensive game. You can score, rebound and hit the three. What other strengths does your game possess?
I’d say one strength my game possesses is being able to have a feel for the game and then applying my skills where I see it’s necessary for that moment without force.
Your also known as a defense first type of player. Do you want to become a 2 way player? Yes, I’ve always wanted to be a threat on both sides of the ball.
Your are known as a very good perimeter defender. Where do you currently see your defensive game and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?
I see my defensive game as solid but still has a lot much more room for improvement. I love defense and aspire to be a go to defender at the highest level possible.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? Being a more versatile offensive threat and acquiring more skills as a guard.
You played at Louisiana State University (NCAA) from 2021-2025, but never averaged more than 4,0ppg. How do you remember these years. What kind of player did you become there? You experienced a coaching change. These years were very important for me to develop my ability to persevere through adversity. I enjoyed my time at LSU very much but I went through a lot of things that helped me become an even stronger person than I was before physically and character wise.
You played against NCAA powerhouse Kentucky so many times and even beat them twice. Is there a game that you never forgot playing them? Yes in the 2021-22 season when we played Kentucky at home. I will always remember that game because the atmosphere was so lively and i got to play against an old AAU teammate Tyty Washington.
You then had your break out season against the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (NCAA) averaging 13.2ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.7spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 86.0%. How valuable was this season for your game. How did you grow as a player? This season was very valuable to my development as a basketball player. It allowed me to get the reps and build my confidence through volume.
You played for the great Darrell Walker that played in the NBA and coached in the NBA. How did he groom and prepare you best for a pro career? Did some of his defensive qualities rub off on you?
His coaching style helped prepare me for the pros because he still used the same formulas and methods for us that he used when he was a coach in the NBA.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jordan Jefferson? We never really played against each other!!
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?
Franz Wagner
Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Tari Eason, Jaden Hardy, Julian Strawther, Javonte Smart, Cam Thomas
What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Magic, Jordan, Lebron, KD, Kareem
Who is your GOAT? Jordan
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldnßt they have left it alone? I did not but they should have left it alone!
Leon Kalinic (205-F-2000, college: Park, agency: Starting 5) is a 26 year old 206cm forward from Croatia playing for the Itzehoe Eagles (Germany-ProB) and last season helped the ETB Miners Essen win the Pro B title averaging 7,2ppg an d4,1rpg. He began his career in the KK Cedevita Zagreb youth program. He played 4 years in the States and 3 years with Ouachita Baptist University (NCAA2) playing a total of 73 games and in his last 2 seasons averaged 6.5ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 70.0% and 6.8ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 92.0%. He then played a season with Park University (NAIA): averaging 3.7ppg, 2.8rpg. In the 2024-2025 season he played with KK Velika Gorica (Prva Liga) averaging 10.8ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 82.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.
Thanks Leon for talking to eurobasket.com. The 2025-2026 season was so specialfor the ETB Miners. Why was this team so special? Like I said from day one everybody was one big family. Nobody was selfish. Everybody had the same goal and at the end we reached it.
The team lost only 5 games during the regular season. Was there a game during the season where you then knew, we will win the whole thing? Oh yeah, definitely. I started to get a feeling after those first seven wins in a row, but how we bounced back in one again, made me sure.
How vital was head coach Lars Wendt for the success? What was his biggest ability as a coach to be able to help bring success to the team? Coach Lars is a young Coach and I think that made them connect with us, I know he didn’t forget how it is to be a player.
How special was it being teammates with Mychael Paulo? What part of his game will you always remember best? Mychael is an amazing player, every time you think the possession is over he somehow kept surprising me how he finds a way to score.
How valuable was sniper guard Marc Friederici? What besides his scoring helped the team be successful? Marc was always there to say something when we felt down, but also when we were winning to keep us motivated.
How valuable was big man Ben Uzoma? How will you always remember the battles in practice? You can’t find a big man like Ben anywhere. He’s special, a guy everybody wants on their team, but nobody wants to play against. I will always remember battles with Ben at practice and I think my body too.
Which player was the most improved during the season? I think Reik Gabler had the best improvement this season. On a team like Essen which was stacked, he has a young player found a way to get better and get minutes which were crucial.
You hail from Croatia. Talk about your early basketball development. Did you have a mentor in your early years? I wouldn’t say I started playing basketball late, but it wasn’t as early as some. I would have to say my cousin is the reason I started, but my first Coach Igor Kovacevic is the reason I fell in love with it. I was like a brick of clay, and he molded it into a basketball player.
What Croatian player do you remember being your biggest role model as a kid? Did you try to model your game after him? Of course, I looked at MJ, Kobe and Lebron as a kid, but I never picked one as a favorite.
You played in the youth department of Cedevita Zagreb. How do you remember those early years? Did you ever practice with Dzanan Musa? As a 16 year-old kid moving to the capital because of basketball, leaving family and friends, was stressful and scary. Thankfully, I had my parents who supported me from day one and they made it easier. As a young prospect, I would practice with the older kids and Džanan was sometimes there. He would mostly practice with the seniors but everybody knew he was going to make it.
You decided to go to the States and played 4 years there and 3 years with Ouachita Baptist University (NCAA2). When you look back at how your game developed, was it a good choice going to the States for 4 years? I decided to go play in the states because I didn’t see my future in Croatian basketball and that’s a hard question, my answer changes a few times a year. Of course, I will always be grateful for meeting all my friends over there and experiencing college life.
You played 3 years for head coach Dennis Nutt. How vital was this time in your basketball development? How did he shape your game best? Coach Nutt is a great guy, he was a great player too, as well as a great coach. He helped me think less during games and practices and focus on the important parts of it.
You played at Ouachita Baptist during Covid. How tough was this time? What did you learn about yourself during these years? I was lucky enough to play in a conference which allowed teams to compete. It was an interesting time for me from all the Covid tests to all the times we had to quarantine because of one person in the gym. Still I would never change a thing.
You scored in double figures in 12 games including 11 points in a 70-69 win over Arkansas Tech. What was your fondest moment there? I would have to say my favorite memory from OBU was the season opener of my sophomore year where we beat our arrivals Harding University with the help of my 16 points
You then played a season at Park University (NAIA) averaging 3.7ppg, 2.8rpg. You took 2 steps back to a lower level. What positives could you take from this season? That was a tough year for me, I wasn’t performing good on the court, but I always knew I would never give up. One bad season doesn’t show who I am as a player and a person.
After a season in Croatia, you then came to the ETB Miners Essen. Was that the best decision in your basketball life?
Yes, definitely. After an injury in Croatia, I had to rethink if I would play again, but I would say definitely continuing to play basketball was one of my best decisions.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your career that reached the NBA or Euroleague? There have been a few, I would have to say Krunoslav Simon, who was two-time Euro league champion, is the biggest opponent I faced, but somebody that reached the NBA after we played together would be Karlo Matkovic.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? This is a tough question, I will probably miss out on a few names but if I have to say it would be Kendarious Smith from OBU, the wolf pack from Essen Marc Friederici and Quashawn Lane, one of my first teammates Arian Kovacevic and last but not least Drew Kroft from ParkU.
Please name your NBA and Croatian Mount Rushmores of 4 best players of all-time? NBA-LeBron, Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, MJ Croatia- Dražen Petrovic, Krešimir Cosic, Toni Kukoc, Mario Hezonja
Who is your GOAT? Overall? My mom, but basketball has to be LeBron James.
Jalen Cooper (201-F-2001, college: EKU, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) is a 25 year old 201cm forward playing his rookie season overseas with HEFTE HELFEN Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-BSL). He began his basketball career at Anclote High School and then played 3 years at Palm Beach Atlantic University (NCAA2) averaging 9.0ppg, 3.7rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 35.7%, 8.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 60.8% and 17.4ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.3spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 74.0%. He then played a season with California State University, Fullerton (NCAA) averaging 3.4ppg, 3.1rpg and finished his NCAA career with Eastern Kentucky University (NCAA) averaging 8.5ppg, 6.5rpg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 66.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against MBC.
Thanks Jalen for talking to germanhoops.com. You’re playing your first season with the HEFTE HELFEN Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-BSL). What kind of an experience has it been? It’s been a great experience so far. Coming overseas for the first time has challenged me both on and off the court, but it’s helped me grow a lot as a player and as a person. I’m grateful for the opportunity to start my professional career here, and I’m focused on helping our team win and continuing to get better every day.
What has it been like being a guy from Florida and living in pretty Austria? What do you enjoy most about the culture? It’s definitely been a different experience coming from Florida, but Austria is a beautiful country, and I’ve enjoyed getting to experience a new culture. I’m learning to appreciate the lifestyle here, the people, and the opportunity to see parts of the world I probably wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.
What was your wake up call to being overseas for the first time that you knew that you were far away from home? I think it really hit me when I realized that, even though I have my wife and our dog here with me, I was still far away from everyone and everything I had grown up around. You don’t have your usual support system or the people you’ve known your whole life just a short drive away. It made me appreciate home even more, but it also taught me to become more independent and embrace this new chapter of my life. I’m grateful that I get to experience it with my wife by my side, and we’re growing together through the process.
Last season HEFTE HELFEN Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-BSL)were Austrian champs. Do you feel that special winning culture to win? How big are the ambitions of the club to win? You can tell the club has high expectations and wants to compete for championships. As a player, that’s the kind of environment you want to be in because everybody is working toward something bigger than themselves. My goal is to bring energy, compete every night, and do whatever the team needs from me to help us win.
How has the overall adjustment been as a rookie. Do you have a mentor or a player that has helped you like maybe Zarko-Kelly? The adjustment has been a learning experience, but I’ve been embracing it. My teammate Zaccheus Darko-Kelly has been a big help for me. He’s in his sixth year as a professional, so he has a lot of experience that I can learn from. He’s shared a lot of insight with me about his experiences playing overseas and what it takes to have a successful professional career. Beyond just the advice he gives me, I’ve learned a lot by watching how he prepares for practices and games and how he carries himself as a professional. Being able to learn from someone who’s been through it already has helped me understand the level of preparation and discipline it takes to succeed at this level.
You have needed no adjustment on the floor in both competitions. What has been your secret to really needing no adjustment time? I think a lot of it comes from the work I put in before I got here and the different experiences I’ve had throughout college. I’ve played in different systems, faced different challenges, and had to adapt to new situations. I’m confident in my abilities, but I also understand that I have to keep learning. I just try to play hard, trust my preparation, and let the game come to me.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm forward., If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description? I would say Jaden McDaniels is a good comparison for my game. I see myself as a versatile two-way wing who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. I can shoot the ball, attack the basket, use my athleticism to finish around the rim, and defend multiple positions. I take pride in being able to contribute in different ways and do whatever my team needs to win.
You’re a guy that can do it at both ends. Talk a little about your offensive strengths?
I think my versatility is one of my biggest strengths. I can shoot the three, attack closeouts, get downhill, and finish around the basket. I also like getting out in transition and using my athleticism to create opportunities. I don’t want to be a player who can only score one way; I want to make the defense account for me in different situations.
You shot over 40% in the NCAA and now are near 40% overseas. How have you seen the development of your three pointer in the last years? What steps do you want to make this season? My shooting has improved through repetition, confidence, and continuing to work on the details of my mechanics. I’ve always wanted to be a player who can space the floor and make defenses pay for leaving me open. Going forward, I want to become even more consistent, get my shot off quicker, and make threes in different situations, whether that’s off the catch or off the dribble.
Talk a little about your defensive qualities. Is there lock down defender and 2 way player in you? Absolutely. I take pride in being able to impact the game on both ends. My length and athleticism allow me to guard different positions, contest shots, get rebounds, and create turnovers. I want to be the type of player who can have a huge impact offensively but also take on a difficult defensive assignment and make life tough for the other team’s best player.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? I’m focused on becoming more consistent in every area. I want to continue improving my ball handling, shooting, decision-making, and ability to create for my teammates. Defensively, I want to keep getting stronger and better at guarding different types of players. The goal is to become a more complete player who can impact winning regardless of what the game requires.
You played 3 seasons at Palm Beach Atlantic University (NCAA2) and in your last season averaged 17.4ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.3spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 74.0%. What kind of a player did you become under head coach Cole Rose? Coach Rose played a huge role in my development. Palm Beach Atlantic gave me the opportunity to grow, build confidence, and become a more complete player. I learned how to take on a bigger role, become more consistent, and understand how to impact the game beyond just scoring. Those three seasons helped lay the foundation for the player I am today.
You had some huge games against Rollins and Florida Tech. What was your fondest moment there?
One of my most memorable games at Palm Beach Atlantic was against Rollins. I finished with 33 points and 10 rebounds, and we came away with the win on the opposing team’s Senior Night, which made it an even more special game to compete in. What made it truly meaningful, though, was having my family there along with my wife’s family. It was one of the first times our families really came together and met each other, so having them all in the stands to share that moment made it unforgettable. Being able to put together a performance like that and get the win with both families there is something I’ll always remember.
You then played a season at California State University, Fullerton (NCAA) averaging 3.4ppg, 3.1rpg. You played 18 minutes less. What positives could you still get from this experience? That experience taught me a lot about adversity, patience, and staying ready. Things didn’t necessarily go the way I wanted statistically, but I learned that growth isn’t always reflected in your numbers. I had to adjust to a new environment, compete for opportunities, and keep working even when my role was different. Looking back, that experience helped prepare me mentally for the challenges that came later.
You then finished at Eastern Kentucky University (NCAA) averaging 8.5ppg, 6.5rpg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 66.1%. How vital was taking this extra season. How did you mature that season as a player?
That season was extremely important because it gave me another opportunity to develop and show what I could do after tearing my ACL at California State University, Fullerton. I became more confident, more disciplined, and better at understanding how to impact the game in different ways. I also matured mentally and learned to be more patient with my development. It was an important step toward achieving my goal of playing professionally.
You had a great game against UGW. What memories do you have of that game?
That was a memorable game because it was a tough overtime win late in the season, and we really needed that victory to improve our seeding heading into the conference tournament. I remember how competitive the game was and how much it meant for our team to find a way to get the win. Games like that are always special because they test your toughness and composure, especially when the stakes are high late in the season. Being able to step up and have a great performance while helping my team get such an important win made that game stand out to me.
How did head coach Hamilton give you that extra push to help you become a pro player? Coach Hamilton challenged me to keep growing and to understand what it takes to play at the next level. He helped me develop as a player while also holding me accountable. My time at Eastern Kentucky was an important part of my journey, and I’m grateful for the coaching and experience that helped prepare me for this opportunity.
Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that reached the NBA? I would say Jaylin Sellers, who I faced when I was at Cal State Fullerton and he was playing at UCF. He was an elite, explosive guard who could score at all three levels and put a lot of pressure on our defense with his athleticism and ability to get downhill. He was definitely a tough matchup for us, and you could see the level of talent he had. Seeing him get drafted by the Chicago Bulls this year is exciting, and it’s a great reminder of the level of competition you face in college and the talent that’s coming through the NCAA.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
DJ Brewton (playing pro in Israel)
Max Jones (playing pro in Germany)
Montavious Myrick (playing pro in France)
Donovan Oday (playing last season at Troy University)
Jakob Hester ( Former middle school, high school, college teammate at Palm Beach Atlantic University)
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushore? LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant
Who is your GOAT?
My GOAT is LeBron James. For me, it’s his longevity, versatility, and ability to dominate the game at the highest level for so many years. The fact that he’s been able to maintain that level of excellence for over two decades is incredible. He can score, facilitate, rebound, and make everyone around him better. I also respect the way he’s taken care of his body and continued to evolve his game throughout his career. As a basketball player, there’s a lot I can learn from watching how he approaches the game and sustains success over time.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? Haha yes, I watched it, but the original is hard to beat! The first one is a classic, so the sequel had some big shoes to fill. I appreciate them bringing it back, but the original will always have a special place.
Mychael Paulo (193-G-1998, college: McMaster, agency: 011 Sports) is a 28 year old 193cm guard from Canada that also has the Portuguese citizenship and playing for Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf in 2026-2027. He helped the ETB Miners Essen (Germany-ProB) win the pro B title averaging 12,8ppg, 4,4rpg, 2,6apg and 1,3spg. He began his basketball career at Father Henry Carr Secondary School and then played 2 seasons with Williston State College (JUCO) averaging 15.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.9apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 75.9% and 11.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 40.6%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 69.4%. he then played a season at Montana State University (NCAA) averaging 6.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 60.0%. He then played at McMaster University (U Sports) averaging 13.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 75.0% and 13.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 65.0%. He then began his pro career with the Telekom Baskets Bonn 2 team (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 24.6ppg, 4.2rpg, APG-4 (5.1), 2.5spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 75.5%. In the 2024-2025, he played with BG Hagen (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 19.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 59.2%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 81.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his ex teammate Finn Fleute
Thanks Mychael for talking to germanhoops.com. The Dragons Rhondorf suffered a tough93-78 loss last weekend against the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. How tough does it in general take for you to digest a loss?
Usually about a day it takes me to digest a loss
The Dragons Rhondorf are a very young team and had problems dealing with the opponents experience. How valuable of a learning lesson is a loss like this for the young German players? I think it was a very valuable lesson for us being a relatively young team. It showed us that we can’t have those mental lapses like we did to start the second half because more veteran/experience teams will make us pay like Leverskusen did
The Dragons Rhondorf next play the 6-0 Ravens Reutlingen. This is another team with great team chemistry and experience. Will the team be up to the task? What will be key to getting win?
I feel we’ll bounce back and play a more complete game than the one we did last Saturday, but the key will be having them adjust to our style of play instead of us playing theirs and knowing personal on the scouting.
You played against ex NCAA teammate Finn Fleute last weekend. You played against him twice last season. Were you extra motivated to duel him again? It’s always nice playing against old teammates whether that be ex college teammates or professional. There is a little extra motivation for those type of games I feel like because you want those bragging rights.
Last season you split the games and lost the first 89-87. What memories do you have of the 2 battles? Just two good games, with teams that didn’t want to lose
He had a great 16/9 season with Itzehoe last season. Was it refreshing how well he had developed as player in the years since Montana State. How has his game developed since the NCAA?
He added more aspects to his game from what I remember then in that 2019-2020 season. Like to be able to score from both inside and outside, his ball handling and overall just his confidence
Now he has a smaller role with Leverkusen. How did you see him fit into his role with Leverkusen?
I see him fitting in well into what they have going on over there. He’s a stretch four that causes problems on the offensive end for opposing teams with his outside shooting and ability to put the ball on the floor. Also defensively he could also guard 1 thru 5 and hold his own.
You played a season together with him in 2019-2020. What kind of a relationship do you remember having with him?
I had good with him, it was also smiles and laughs off the court. Whether that be in the locker room before/after practice or when we hung out as a team during our free time
What do you remember being your fondest moment with him on the court in the NCAA? He only averaged 7,7 minutes that season but had his moments against Sacramento State and Colorado Christian.
Yeah he didn’t have that much playing time but he was always ready whenever his name was called and did everything when he stepped on the court no matter the score.
How good is your contact with him now in 2026? Has it gotten better since you’re playing in Germany or is there not much? Contact has been better since I’ve been playing in Germany. Last season when I played for Essen and he played for Itzehoe, we hung out after one of games like old times. Even though we might not talk every day because we both have our stuff going on with our respected teams. I still check the stats after every one of their games to see how he played or is doing. I’m just happy seeing him succeed
Halloween was last weekend. What would be the perfect Halloween costume for him?
After a slow start to the season at 0-2, the Skyliners Juniors have found a healthy rhythm with a 3 game winning streak. They showed their tough mentality and come back force with a tight win over the Dragons Rhondorf, a big road win in Ludwigsburg and a total offensive explosion against top team TSC Oberaching Tropics. Now they had the ultimate challenge to see where they exactly stood against new Pro B team TSG Schöller SI Ravens Reutlingen who had taken the Pro B south by storm registering a flawless 5-0 start in their Pro B debut. They had had some big wins especially against top team Fellbach Flashers who they dismantled by 22 points. TSG Schöller SI Ravens Reutlingen have done it with defensive passion and execution allowing only 64 points and averaged 86 points per game on offense. They came to Frankfurt seeking their 6th win in a row. On a cool Sunday afternoon The Ravens Reutlingen began with a smooth rhythm and managed the lead until the end never allowing the Skyliners Juniors to get over the hump winning in convincing fashion 79-65. The played a great defensive game and won the boards easily. “I think that we had our ups and downs and had a few too many turnovers. We did a good job though leading for the whole 40 minutes. Overall we did a good job controlling Frankfurt for 40 minutes”, stressed Ravens Reutlingen guard Roy Krupnikas (186-G-2006). The Skyliners Juniors had to play catch up basketball all day long and simply never found an offensive rhythm. “They are a very good team, but I wasn´t impressed by them. They were tougher than us and more physical. We did a great job holding them only to 24 points in the second half. We have to learn to do that for 40 minutes”, warned Skyliners Junior Moses Poelking.
Nkosi Wright from outside
The Ravens Reutlingen did a great job jumping all over the Skyliners Juniors producing a rapid 17-6 lead. The guests showed right from the start that they were all about team as they shared the ball nicely. Krupnikas who is the second youngest player ever to play a easyCredit BBL game showed potent playmaking skills dishing out 3 dimes in the run while also dropping a trey. Ex Giessen Pointer Miles Mallory added 6 points on 3 lay in´s while x Schwenningen center Christian Okolike added 4 points and Canadian Nkosi Wright 3 points. Frankfurt had big problems stopping the drive and coming to terms with the guests physicality. Frankfurt finally got some offense going as the universal genius Ivan Crnjac added a trey as did Czech Republic guard Lukas Smazak while 2026 AST winner Jamie Edoka made a lay in to trail 19-14. But Reutlingen usually had an answer and got it from everyone including bench Swiss player Kevin Simeth with a 3 point play to lead 22-14. Then came the highlight play of the game as Crnjac added Mallory on a poster with a massive dunk to trail 22-14. “That was a great dunk. We needed it at that point. You don´t see dunks like that every day. However to let up an offensive rebound and basket by the guests right after is not what we wanted “, added Skyliner Junior Philipp Hecker. “It is always good to see when you see a teammate get so high. We need the energy then. Ivan is capable of having moments like that”, said Skyliner Juniors Moses Poelking. However the Ravens Reutlingen just didn´t get wound up negatively by that play, but just continued to play their game getting superb bench support with lay in´s by ex Pro A player Killian Fischer and ex Tornado NBBL player Raul Dumnici to lead 28-18 after 10 minutes. “We weren´t consequent enough on defense. We didn´t want it enough. We had problems with their physicality. It was a question of will and fight which we didn´t have”, stressed Philipp Hecker. The Ravens Reutlingen shot 67% from the field and 60% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 47% from the field and 29%$ from outside and had 4 rebounds and 2 turnovers.
Jamie Edoka at the FT line
The second quarter was the highest scoring in the game as 51 points were produced in total with the guests scoring 27 and Frankfurt 24 as the Ravens Reutlingen had the comfortable lead at the break 55-42. Smazak began with a deep trey to trail 28-21, but the Ravens Reutlingen then answered with a 8-2 run to extend their lead to 36-23. In the run the guests continued to attack the paint area getting 2 buckets from Simeth and one from Dumnici as the Skyliners Juniors continued to allow easy baskets as there was no physicality or help defense present. The game became a game of runs as Frankfurt punched back with 7 unanswered points to trail 36-30 as Crnjac scored inside and Edoka added 5 points. Both teams offenses were cooking from now on as Wright made a put back and lay in while Edoka and Crnjac countered with three´s, but Frankfurt just couldn´t get over the hump trailing 43-36. Both teams continued to execute well until the break as Krupnikas continued to execute well as he finished the game shooting a healthy 57% from the field and 56% from outside with 5 points in this phase while Smazak added a trey and German Alvin Oniya added 3 points making an acrobatic off balance shot with a free throw. Frankfurt was often a step late on the defensive end and wasn´t able to get decisive rebounds. “We continued not being able to match their physicality. They had more experience and more will than we did. We couldn´t match their fight”, commented Philipp Hecker. The Ravens Reutlingen shot 68% from the field and 55% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 46% from the field and 41% from the three point line and had 11 rebounds and 9 turnovers.
Abdulhay Komurkara from downtown
The second half experienced a severe dip in scoring as the first half had 97 points in total and the second half only 46 points in total. The Ravens Reutlingen continued to keep control of the game getting timely buckets from Krupnikas with a lay in and ex easyCredit BBL player Nemanja Nadjfeji with a lay in to lead 61-46 while defensively they continued to be physical and just played smart forcing turnovers with good on ball pressure. Krupnikas continued to be in attack mode and hit another trey for the commanding 64-46 lead. Despite the bleak outlook for Frankfurt, they never backed down, but continued to take on the challenge and come back. They responded going on a forceful 8-0 run to suddenly trail only 64-54 with everything looking rosier again. In the run Poelking added 3 points, Edoka a runner in traffic and Crnjac a trey. The Skyliners Juniors heightened their defensive intensity while playing a zone and packed the paint area well. The Ravens Reutlingen stopped the run and momentum with a little 4-0 run as ex Ludwigsburg guard David Englehart made a lay in and Wright a lay in. Wright showed real hustle stealing the ball from Crnjac´s hands right under the hoop and making the lay in. Frankfurt remained strong closing out the third quarter with a mini 4-0 run as ex Kronberg center Florian Dietrich made a lay in and Dusan Nikolic free throws to trail 68-58. “We wanted to get a quick start and not let the opponent get control. We rebounded ok and continued to defend well”, added Roy Krupnikas. “We played good defense, but they were more physical. We put more energy into playing defense”, said Moses Poelking. The Ravens Reutlingen shot 57% from the field and 44% from the parking lot and had 26 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 43% from the field and 35% from the parking lot and had 23 rebounnds and 14 turnovers.
Jamie Edoka from the parking lot
In the fourth quarter there was absolute no let down by the Ravens Reutlingen as they allowed only 7 points to secure the win with defensive dominance. The Ravens Reutlingen wasted not time deciding the game right away with a lethal 9-0 run to lead 77-58. In the run, the Ravens Reutlingen showed pretty team basketball and got great production from Simeth with a lay in, a Nadjfeji lay in and Krupnikas added 5 points again in the run rout. Krupnikas who took a step back this season to the Pro B in hopes of taking 2 steps forward had 18 points and 6 assists and showed this special maturity and smoothness at the point guard position seldom seen at the age of 20. He has this keen sense of knowing when to dish out the dimes and when to finish himself. “I think that I have a good feel for the game. I know how to find my teammates and they make my job easy by finding space. For me it was a team win. I wasn´t the leading scorer but the team”, smiled Roy Krupnikas. “Roy is so smart for age 20. He is always able to get into the paint and always makes the right play. It is rare to see at that age”, warned Miles Mallory. The game was decided, but the Skyliners Juniors closed out the game strong with a 7-2 run. Crnjac remained aggressive getting 2 lay in´s while Oniya added 3 points. “We closed out the game strong in the fourth quarter. We stepped up as a team”, said Roy Krunikas. “We never gave up. It was tough always having to come back for the whole game”, added Moses Poelking. The Ravens Reutlingen were led by Roy Krupnikas with 18 points whjle Nkosi Wright had 14 points and Miles Mallory had 12 points while the Skyliners Juniors were led by Ivan Crnjac with 19 points and Jamie Edoka added 15 points. The Ravens Reutlingen shot 47% from the field and 31% from outside and had 45 rebounds and 19 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 36% from the field and 26% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 17 turnovers.
The up and down season of the Dragons Rhondorf continued in Dresden last weekend. After a bitter loss in Frankfurt some weeks ago, they returned refocused into their own living room to beat top team Fellbach Flashers. However a week later, they went too Dresden and gave a disappointing performance mustering only 59 points. Their 17% three point shooting and 18 turnovers were major reasons for the loss. Now they once again had to return home and give a positive answer, but that wasn´t easy against top team Bayer Giants Leverkusen who had racked up an incredible 25 national BBL titles in their stellar history. They came to the Dragons dome with a 5-1 record and 5 game winning streak and wanted to keep that winning streak going. On a cool autumn Halloween evening, the Dragons Rhondorf played a strong first half, but lost track in the third quarter as the Bayer Giants Leverkusen took total control of the game and won 93-78. “It was an up and down game for us. We had some good phases, but also phases where we took really bad shots. For example taking to quick shots out of the pick and roll instead of making the extra pass. We didn´t play stable enough defense for 40 minutes tonight to win”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Kenan Reinhart. The Bayer Giants Leverkusen had a big advantage over the Dragons Rhondorf and that was the overwhelming experience that they had and it really showed. “We had a good start, but when we had good leads, they were able to come back. They did that in the first half. However after making that big run in the third quarter, we held it. We hit big shots when we needed them. It wasn´t perfect, but it was a good win”, stressed Bayer Giants Leverkusen guard Branden Maughmer (191-G-1999, college: Morehead St.).
Kenan Reinhart at the FT line
The first quarter was a tale of two stories as the Bayer Giants Leverkusen had a good start, but the Dragons Rhondorf were able to fight back and trail only 24-21 after 10 minutes. The Bayer Giants Leverkusen found a good flow first as they mixed up their offense with pretty inside out basketball to get the rapid 14-6 lead. Big man German Dennis Heinzmann who led the pro A in blocks in 3 seasons made a lay while Ohio native Maughmer a 20 footer and ex Wurzburg guard David Gerhardt and Icelandic guard Agust Kjartansson made three´s for the early lead. German Luca Kahl-Hansen did a super job with the playmaking while defensively Leverkusen was aggressive and forced some early turnovers. However the Dragons came back with fight and better execution. Ex Rheinstar guard Kenan Reinhart scored 7 points in a row including a trey which got his confidence going early, a tip in and 20 footer as the Dragons trailed 20-14. The German had another good game with a stat line of 18/6/4 and shot 64% form the field and 60% from outside. “I hit three´s again which made me happy that I could help the team. But without a win, my game was irrelevant”, stated Kenan Reinhart. Leverkusen kept the lead by mixing it up with aggressiveness and getting to the free throw line and getting a basket on transition to lead 24-16.. However young German forward Carlo Schmid gave supreme energy at the end with 5 points with an offensive rebound and put back plus free throw and a lay in to trail only by 3 points. “We let them come back in the last minutes. We gave up some offensive rebounds and played too fast instead of slowing down the game”, stressed Branden Maughmer. The Bayer Giants Leverkusen shot 64% from the field and 57% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Bayer Giants Leverkusen shot 50% from the field and 20% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 4 turnovers.
Branden Maughmer from outside
In the second quarter the Bayer Giants Leverkusen led by as much as 10 points, but the Dragons Rhondorf never panicked, but did a good job finding solutions and executing to stay close with them and trail 45-41 at the break. However the Bayer Giants Leverkusen did have a better start to the second quarter going on a 11-4 run to lead 35-25. The guests continued to present super ball movement and let it ran three´s as ex EN Baskets Schwelm forward Fin Fleute, Maughmer and Gerhardt all scored from down town while Fabian Reichstadt who played with Itzehoe last season made an offensive rebound and put back. The Dragons Rhondorf offense was eratic as healthy shot selection was lacking as American Sahmi Willoughby and 2026 AST winner Dusan Ilic presented airballs. However the Dragons Rhondorf continued to fight and finally had some success with their three pointer as ex Essen guard Mychael Paulo nailed 2 in a row and suddenly Rhondorf trailed only 37-31. Rhondorf now began to defend better and forced some turnovers which led to a Reinhart 15 footer and Willoughby lay in as Leverkusen led only 40-37. It was an exciting and pretty even game where the only difference were the more turnovers that Leverkusen had despite their high shooting percentages. However the Bayer Giants Leverkusen kept the slim lead getting a big dunk from Kahl-Hansen on transition and a clutch trey from German Luca Michels who once exploded for 40 points in a Pro B game against Itzehoe to lead 45-39. Mychael Paulo ended the first half with a big offensive rebound and put back to trail by 4 points at half-time. “We had a good lead, but gave it up again, because of turnovers. They did a good job hitting shots”, added Branden Maughmer. The Bayer Giants Leverkusen shot 56% from the field and 53% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 46% from the field and 20% from the three point line and had 12 rebounds and 6 turnovers.
Luca Kahl-Hansen at the FT line
The turning point of the game came in the third quarter where an early run by the Bayer Giants Leverkusen shocked the Dragons Rhondorf something they couldn´t rebound from as the guests would never look back again outscoring Rhondorf 26-13. Kenan Reinhart got the Dragons on the score board first in the second half with a trey, but then came the 20-3 run explosion by the Bayer Giants Leverkusen which decided the game early as the Dragons Rhondorf trailed 64-47. In the run, the Bayer Giants Leverkusen let it rain three´s as David Gerhard and Agust Kjartansson scored and Luca Kahl added 8 points and two three´s. On the first three pointer, the Bayer Giants Leverkusen performed their prettiest ball movement which had 2 incredible do it like Milos Teodosic passes from Kjartansson who delivered a shovel pass and behind the back pass. “He reminds me of Spanish point guards. He always plays at his pace and sees the floor so well. He passed it like Milos Teoosic”, smiled Branden Maughmer. The Dragons finally stopped the Bayer Giants Leverkusen run launching their own 7-2 run to trail 66-54 and see a little daylight in their comeback attempt. In the run, the Dragons got an offensive rebound and putback from ex Fellbach center Daniel Mayr, and offensive rebound and putback by Paulo and a clutch three pointer from Italian 3 and D play Josh Petteno. But the Bayer Giants Leverkusen always had an answer getting a trey from Michels and Fleute lay in at the buzzer to lead 71-54: “We did a good job hitting a lot of three´s and slowed down the game which benefited us more than them”, answered Branden Maughmer. “We didn´t help well on the pick and roll and took bad shots”, said Kenan Reinhart. The Bayer Giants Leverkusen shot 56% from the field and 52% from the parking lot and had 26 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 46% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 20 rebounds and 14 turnovers.
Josh Petteno from downtown
The Dragons Rhondorf won the fourth quarter 24-22, but it wasn´t enough as the Bayer Giants Leverkusen continued to execute well and didn´t allow the home team get over the hump. The Dragons Rhondorf had a super first few minutes going on a 10-2 run to trail only 73-64 as once again the Dragons saw some daylight in their come back. In the run, some timely three´s were scored by Reinhart and Ilic while Daniel Mayr also made a lay in. However the Bayer Giants Leverkusen weren´t rattled, but remained poised and used their vast experience to keep executing and punching back even when the Dragons scored. Mayr and Ilic gave the Dragons vital three´s while ex Obercahing center Benjamin Sadikovic and Schmid made lay in´s but still trailed 85-74, but that was because the Bayer Giants Leverkusen punched back. The man in charge was American Branden Maughmer who had some vengeance after coughing up 5 turnovers in the first half. In this phase he added 10 points as he showed the total package of his 3 level scoring with 2 three´s a 20 footer and lay in. “I was pissed at the break in the locker room. I came out refocused and hit big shots and showed maturity and poise to lead my team to the win”, warned Branden Maughmer. There were no let downs in the last minutes as the Bayer Giants Leverkusen closed out the game in style with a 8-4 run. Kahl-Hansen and Reichstadt made lay in´s and Gerhardt hit another trey. “We slowed down the game took care of the ball and made big shots”, stated Branden Maughmer. “Whenever we had a run, they showed their experience and stopped it”, added Kenan Reinhart. The Bayer Giants Leverkusen were led by Branden Maughmer with 27 points while David Gerhardt had 16 points and Luca Kahl-Hansen had 15 points while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Kenan Reinhart with 18 points while Mychael Paulo added 15 points. The The Bayer Giants Leverkusen shot 53% from the field and 44% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 48% from the field and 36% from outside and had 27 rebounds 19 turnovers.
Julian Hammond III (188-G-2002, college: Colorado) is a 24 year old 188cm guard from Colorado playing his second pro season overseas and first with BC Musel Pikes (Luxembourg-LBBL): Last season he played his rookie season overseas with KK Vrsac Swisslion (Serbia-KLS) averaging 5.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 53.8%. He began his basketball career with Cherry Creek High School and then played 4 seasons at the University of Colorado playing a total of 121 games and as a senior averaged 12.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.8%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 90.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after scoring 43 points against Soleuvre.
Thanks Julian for talking to germanhoops. com. You recently scored 43 points in a game in Luxemburg in a 95-87 win against Soleuvre. Was that the most points that you ever scored in your life dating back to when you were a kid. I think I had 44 points one other time in my life but that’s my highest
Did you have a special breakfast that day? Do you have a special routine before games in general? Usually in the mornings I just have bacon and eggs and then go to shoot for a little bit and after I shoot I come home and have some type of pasta and relax usually until the game.
How quickly did you know in this game that you might have another incredible scoring game? You had scored 37 points the game before.
I really didn’t know how the game was going to go because to start the game I didn’t get off to a great start but as the game went on I found my rhythm.
Did your 37 point explosion motivate you an extra bit for the 43 point game?
It always feels good to have a good game but I try to just take it game by game and put the last ones behind me and focus on what’s coming up next.
Did it help your scoring explosion that the team only played 6 men? How tough is it in general on the shot when you have no rest? You played 40 minutes.
It definitely helps at times just because you’re able to find a rhythm and not worry about anything else. I think at first it was a shock I wasn’t all the ways ready for but every game I’ve played 40 or more minutes so I’m getting used to it and how to get through the game the best way I can.
Did you know near the end of the game that you were near 40 points? I didn’t actually I wasn’t sure where I was at and was just focused on doing whatever I can for us to win.
How vital is it for you having a teammate like Kyle Johnson on the floor especially with spreading the floor for your scoring?
It’s great playing with him knowing how good he is around the basket and can shoot the ball so it makes it hard for the defense to help off of him.
Does a game like this give you the added focus and drive for a 50 point game? Do you feel like your capable of doing that?
Yea it definitely makes the thought cross my mind if I start the game better. I think I can do it but I won’t try to force it or start taking bad shots and hurt our team so if it happens it will just happen naturally.
Did you get any special congratulatory messages or even unexpected messages from people? A few people texted me telling me good game and all that but it wasn’t too much extra.
Sahmi Willoughby (192-F/G-2001, college: Marietta) is a 25 year old 192cm guard from Ohio that is playing his second pro season and first in Germany with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. He played his rookie season with Lahti Basketball (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 8.7ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 80.0%, played also at Team Pajulahti (Finland-1st Division) averaging 22.4ppg, 14.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 72.7%. He began his basketball career at Reynoldsburg high school and then played at Marietta College (NCAA 3) from 2019-2024 playing a total of 113 games and as a senior averaged 12.6ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 64.9%. He got early basketball experience playing with the Great Falls Electric (TBL) averaging 9.8ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 60.0%. He spoke to germanhoops,com about basketball.
A tough 67-59 loss in Dresden. How tough is it in general for a player to play a good defensive game, but still lose? It’s very tough to play good but still not end up with a win. Basketball is a game of runs and Dresden capitalized better.
It was a low scoring game and the Dragons were only down 52-49 after 3 quarters. Not much was working on offense. What was the team mind set going into the fourth quarter? Our mindset for the fourth quarter was to have better offense of flow and try to move the ball around to tire out our opponent. We had some good looks but just didn’t go in.
The Dragons began the fourth quarter well with a 7-2 run and led 56-54. But then Heck and Uboh hit three´s. Despite not being down by much, the Dragons couldn´t get over the hump. Did those three´s effect the team mentality at that moment and what was key for not getting over the hump? I don’t think Those threes effected the mentality of the team. I think just watching our shots not fall in as a team effected our heads and that was the reason we couldn’t get over that hump.
Moritz Heck had a great game with 25 points. What was with him that made him so tough to control?
Mortiz Heck played a good game and we followed a good game plan for him. Overall we made him shoot 28% from the floor and was 1/7 from three point but we sent him to the line too much. He was 14/15 from free throws and if we cut down half of those the outcome of the game would have been different.
There were a lot of negatives like the three point shooting, assists and turnovers, but was the 6 steals and 6 blocks something the team can build on for the next tough game against Leverkusen?
I think overall as a team we played very solid defense, and those 6 steals and blocks are something we can build on in the future. If we cut some minor mistakes on defense and we’re always locked in we can be
You were the only bright spot with a good game of 17/7 and shot well. How tough is it to enjoy a good own game when you lose? Even though I had a good game there were some things I could’ve done better individually and things I could’ve done better at helping the team. I look back at film learn what I need to do and try to be better the text game
There are some guys on the team that aren´t performing up to standard. Was there some serious team soul searching this week? I believe in the guys that we have that I know will and can perform. It’s still a lot of the season left and a lot to grown and improve.
You next have a tough game against Leverkusen and need an answer. What will be key to getting the win? Our key to beating Leverkusen is stopping their big man. Be tough and physical with him and outwork.
What was your favorite kids costume as a kid? My favorite costume as a kid was ghost face.
Stanley Umude (198-G-1999, college: Arkansas) is a 27 year old 198cm guard from Texas playing his fifth professional season and first overseas with FC Barcelona. He began his basketball career at East Warren high school and then played at the University Of South Dakota (NCAA) from 2017-2021 and then added a season at the University of Arkansas. He began his pro career in 2022 and played parts of 4 years in the NBA with Detroit, Milwaukee and San Antonio. He also played in the G-League for Motor City, Wisconsin Herd and Austin. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Stanley for talking to germanhoops.com After 4 years in the NBA, your now overseas for the first time with FC Barcelona. As a guy from Texas, what has it been like living in Spain and the cultural feeling of Barcelona. Have you had a defining moment so far living in Barcelona? It has been a great experience. This is actually my first time in Europe. The culture has really opened up my eyes. I check out the great restaurants. I have really enjoyed how the fans have embraced me. The fan culture and atmosphere is great here.
The team have a 3-2 start in the ACB and 5-3 in the Euroleague. What has bene the adjustment like for you getting used to everything on the court? I think that I have adjusted pretty well. Here the games are shorter and each possession is a lot more intense. Each game matters and your always playing against great opponents. Every night you have a must win situation. You have to always be focused.
Your averaging 14 minutes in both competitions and 5,0ppg. What exactly is your role on the team? My role is to do whatever it takes to help my team win. Some night I may have more shots than other nights. I have to be consistent and do the little things like crash the boards and be opportunistic on the offensive end while continuing to expand my game.
You played 4 years at the University of South Dakota (NCAA) averaging 16.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 74.5% and 21.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 79.9% in your last 2 years. How vital were these last 2 years for your basketball development playing for Todd Lee? I had my break out year in my second year. I have always had to find ways to adapt in my career and it was the same here. I kind of took a back seat my junior year, but still produced. In my senior year most of the older guys had left and I took on a big leadership role. I had to learn how to lead in different circumstances. I really learned to be a leader by example.
I saw your ex teammate Tyler Peterson from South Dakota 3 days ago play his first game in Germany for his new team. He smiled when I mentioned your name? What memories do you have of his game? He seemed like a very controlled point guard.
Tyler was super controlled. He was my guy on and off the court. We still have contact today. He could do it all and was a very hard nosed player. He didn´t look tough, but he really was.
You added a NCAA season with The University of Arkansas (NCAA) averaging 11.9ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 72.4%. The legend Keith Smart was an assistant coach. What memories do you have of him? I bet he had some cool stories to tell? He definitely had stories to share. Our head coach was Jeff Musselman and he was really tough on us. He only wanted the best for us. Coach Smart was the kind of guy that would always make you feel better when you were down. He always made you feel like you were in the right place. He being there was huge for me and I appreciate him very much.
After a solid NBA Summer League with Detroit, you played most of that season with the Motor City Cruise (NBA G League) averaging 15.4ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 77.5%. But you did play 1 NBA game. You made your debut against Boston making 2 free throws. What memories do you have of checking in?
I remember that I came in with like 2 minutes to play. Jayson Tatum had 38 and my coach gave me the assignment and said “You got Tatum Get 0”. I had to play as hard as possible and make an impact. I did that getting a steal and block and getting to the free throw line. Tatum didn´t 40.
What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie in the NBA/G-League where you knew that you were far away from home? I remember how the training camp, physicality and skill level were totally different to what I had ever seen. I wasn´t really to shell shocked, because my time at Arkansas really helped prepare my for the NBA. I had had a role there that I would also have in the NBA. Paying attention to detail was also something more different than what I had seen.
In your second season you played with the Detroit Pistons (NBA) playing 24 games averaging 5.3ppg, 2.1rpg, FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 45.3%, FT: 90.6%, played also at Motor City Cruise (NBA G League) averaging 16.7ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 77.5%. You were teammates for a short time with the great French player Evan Fournier and recently played against him in the Euroleague. Was he a guy where you tried to soak everything up from?
For sure Evan was one I tried to soak everything up from, but also from Cory Joseph. They were both great veterans and great guys to be around. They both led by example and I paid close attention to everything they did each day. I still see them now in the Euroleague and it´s good to know that they still have my back. That is a great feeling.
In your third season you played with the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA) palying 22 games and also played with the Wisconsin Herd (G-League) averaging 17.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 80.0%. How tough was this season always having to stay ready? That season was tough. I had actually finished my second season strong with Detroit and had started like 13 games, but then I got injured near the end. Then the team waived me and I went to Milwaukee. There were many great veteran leaders on that team like Giannis, Damian Lillard and Taurean Prince. I tried help team the best way I could in practice even if I didn´t play much in games. Those guys all showed a lot of appreciation for what I did. I really felt like part of the team.
Last season you played for the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) playing 2 games and played also at Austin Spurs (NBA G League) averaging 16.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 74.7%. did you lose faith in NBA which prompted career swing to Europe? I think it was a combination of both, but mostly just having a very open mind about playing overseas. My brother had played overseas and told me how intense it was. Many former NBA players have done it and I felt it was right to go overseas and tap into the Euroleague.
You played 2 games with the Spurs and Victor Wembanyama. Is he Goat material in the future? He has a long way to go as there are others on that list. But from what I have seen so far, he has real GOAT potential. He is one of a kind.
You played against many great NBA players. Who was the toughest? Tyrese Haliburton.
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson
JJ Frazier Jr (178-PG-1995, college: Georgia) is a 31 year old 178cm point guard playing his 10th professional season and second with the LANDAU Lions Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL). He has played in many countries overseas including France, Italy, Germany and Turkey.as well as in the G-League. He began his basketball career at Faith Baptist Christian Academy and then played at the University Of Georhia (NCAA) from 2013-2018. He spoke to germanhoops.com after exploding for 41 points in a Fiba Europe Cup game.
Thanks JJ for talking to germanhoops.com. I interviewed you back in January 2026. Has time flown by since then? Yes time has flown by. I need to talk to you more often. Whenever I talk to you, I score 40 plus points. I´m appreciating life and enjoying it. It felt like yesterday when I last talked to you.
I was going through social media yesterday and saw that you scored 41 points in a Fiba Europe Cup game. I was like I know that dude. How does that feel? Getting 41 points in Fiba Europe Cup and getting the win felt really good. I scored 48 points in a league game last season. My coach told me to keep shooting and get the job done and win.
You actually scored the most points overseas yesterday. What does it mean knowing that nobody scored more points than you yesterday? I always just want the win. The way I was able to score that much was just how the game played out. It was the flow of the game and not forced. We played good defense and made plays. Only Gediminas Orelik and I have played at this level in Fiba Europe cup. I had to tell my teammates that you don´t have to be scared. It´s just basketball.
I saw highlights of the 41 point game. So impressive. How much do you enjoy having the capability to be that lethal 3 level scorer?
With me being so small, my pop taught me to score over opponents and not around them. That is a lost art. I know how to get to my spots, be comfortable and shoot with confidence. I believe each shot I take is 50/50. Last night my three ball was more effective than my two ball. Usually it is the other way around.
You continue to put up incredible numbers since leaving the Skyliners. You rocked 2 seasons in a row in the Turkish TBL and now in your second season in Azerbaijan. Were you in your prime in Turkey or have reached it now? I actually believed that I was in my prime when I played in Germany. My son had surgery during that season and had no movement in his right arm. So I was back and forth from USA and Germany that season. I wasn´t focused so much on the game. I regret my time with the Skyliners, because that wasn´t me the player. I always knew that I could dominate the BBL, but I just was mentally locked in.
How quickly did you know going into the game that you might have a really good scoring game?
We had no pre season games and all these other teams did. We still are learning how to play together and deal with high pressure situations. I was in rhythm shooting the ball all week. Having that mentality of always thinking the ball will go in helped me as I just kept shooting.
How proud were you about your three point range? You came into the game being 4/18 in Fiba Europe Cup play?
I have always believed in my shooting qualities. My shooting percentages don´t really reflect how good of a shooter I am. Teams realize how well I can shoot the ball. My most dangerous shots are my mid range and floater. Teams took that away from me last night. I had to go to my three ball and it fell. I believe in it.
You scored 41 points despite going 4/18. If you would have hit those shots better, you could have had 50 plus? I could have had 60 points. I missed shots I usually always make. It was just one of those games where I missed shots that usually go it. I made the tough shots though.
Does a game like this give you more confidence and drive to go for 50?
I always believe first in being a point guard and leading the team. I never go into a game believing I will score 30, 40 or 50 points. Each game is different for me. I do whatever the team needs to win.
You really filled up the stats sheet with 7 assists and 5 steals. One doesn´t often see guys who are top scorer and top assist man. How special was your overall game in comparison to just having that big scoring game? I play the game to be the best player on the court and not be that player that only scores 40 points. My mindset to be the best is always the same. I have make plays and be a defensive presence so my teammates follow suit.
What was your favorite own basket of the game? I never look at the big moments, but enjoy the little ones. I hit a corner three which gave my team energy to come back and win the game.
Did you get any congratulatory messages from people who you may not have expected from? I got too many. I´m always appreciative of the love. If someone saw something that I did and reached out, then I never knock it.
After reaching the league final last season, how big is the hunger to finally get the chip this season?
I can´t even describe how big the hunger is now. We were in the final last season without a big man and still did ok. We believe that we can win it all this season.
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Jordan Perkins? It won´t even be close. But he is my boy.
