Jamie Edoka Brings New Precision From Los Angeles Powering The Skyliners Juniors To 94-76 Win Over Wurzburg

The weeks keep passing by and less games are left in the Pro B south. With 5 games remaining and 2 wins back from the final playoff spot, the Skyliners Juniors had to keep generating their push that they began to begin 2026. They had won 5 of their last 6 games and had been boosted with ex German pro A player Moses Poelking and dynamic scoring bucket rookie Desmond Watson. They showed that they are deep enough to win on the road in Oberaching last weekend without their 2 shooting stars Ivan Crnjac and Jamie Edoka (195-G-2008) who had been at the Basketball without Boarders camp last weekend in Los Angeles. Their next foe was the doormat of the Pro B South with VR Bank Wurzburg Baskets Akademie who had a lack luster 5-13 record. They had lost 4 of their last 5 games and were as good as eliminated from staying in the Pro B South. The only thing going for them was that they had had a long 3 week break and were sure roaring to get back to action and had nothing to lose. Wurzburg played solid for 3,5 quarters and were only down 7 points going into the fourth quarter, but a lethal 10-0 Frankfurt run to start the fourth quarter put them in the drivers seat as they pulled out the big 94-76 victory. Frankfurt were led by the lethal duo of Jamie Edoka and Desmond Watson who combined for 53 points, but all in all team was the focus for 40 minutes. ‘We played really well as a team. Our assist to turnover ratio was really good. We stuck together at both ends and did a good job hitting shots’, stressed Skyliners Juniors guard Jamie Edoka. Wurzburg did a good job fighting until the end, but just couldn’t string many consecutive stops to be able to make a run in the fourth quarter to get back into the game. ‘We started really strong into the game. We were really physical on the defensive end. We fell apart mid way through the third quarter. We let up on transition defense. They got many easy baskets. That was the key for them’, stressed VR-Bank Wurzburg Baskets Akademie guard Jervis Scheffs.

Jamie Edoka at the FT line

The VR-Bank Wurzburg Baskets Akademie began the game strong, but the Skyliners Juniors fought back and only trailed by 1 point after one quarter. The VR-Bank Wurzburg Baskets Akademie jumped off to a rapid 9-3 lead as their 2 point game really sparkled. Bullish guard Jervis Scheffs and quick guard Lukas Roth scored on the drive while ex Skyliner Christoph Philipps connected on a 20 footer while Frankfurt got a bucket from ex Kronberg center Florian Dietrich. Frankfurt had problems in the early going with the defensive physicality of Wurzburg and couldn’t contain the drive as their 1-1 defense was suspect. The guests continued to execute better on offense getting continued great support from Roth with 2 lay in’s, a trey from Scheffs and a lay in from German big man Clemens Sokolov , but Frankfurt began to execute better finding their spots. Jamie Edoka who is always in attack mode showed his inside out game with a lay in and trey and suddenly Frankfurt was trailing only 18-15. Frankfurt kept attacking and took their first lead of the game 19-18 with a Lukas Smazak lay in. But the Skyliners Juniors were unable to hold the lead as Wurzburg’s bench got great production from David Gerhart with a trey and a 20 footer from ex IBAM guard Jonas Marz as The VR-Bank Wurzburg Baskets Akademie led 23 -22 after 1 quarter. ‘Wurzburg played good pick and roll and Frankfurt was unable to play transition. Frankfurt had problems stopping the drive, but Edoka brought them back with key baskets’, stressed Skyliners Juniors NBBL coach Thore Bethke. The VR-Bank Wurzburg Baskets Akademie shot 53% from the field and 25% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 62% from the field and 33% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Lukas Roth from outside

The second quarter saw 5 lead changes early but the Skyliners Juniors then escaped out on a 9-0 run to control the game, but lost the good lead again and led only by 4 points at the break. Frankfurt got the lead twice due to a thunderous Edoka dunk and a lay in while Wurzburg got the lead back twice from ex Ahorn Basket David Pisic and Sokolov. Frankfurt got the lead back 28-27 with a Desmond Watson lay in which began their 9-0 run to lead 35-27. Watson added 5 more points and Oniya a lay in on transition after a slick Edoka steal. Frankfurt was playing with a high intensity at both ends while Wurzburg were forced to tough shots and weren’t able to bring some calmness to their offense. However the Skyliners Juniors weren’t able to keep the momentum as Wurzburg hit back with a 5-0 run to trail 35-32 as Scheffs tested his 33% three point percentage draining a trey and Roth connected on free throws. However Frankfurt kept the lead making big plays. Ex Koblenz center Moses Poelking grabbed an offensive rebound and then showed his good passing big man skills finding trailer Ivan Crnjac cutting to the hoop for the basket. Frankfurt also got a key trey late from Dusan Nikolic and Desmond Watson also made a lay in. Big athtleic guard Marko Petric also dropped a trey who would show his aggressiveness until the end, ‘He is really very strong and has a great shot. He always plays with a lot of confidence and likes the isolation’, stated Thore Bethke. The Skyliners Juniors led 44-41 at the break. ‘Frankfurt controlled the game better. They got more stops and could run. Frankfurt came to terms better with the Wurzburg physicality and made Wurzburg work hard for every shot’, stated Thore Bethke. The Skyliners Juniors shot 52% from the field and 27% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 4 turnovers while The VR-Bank Wurzburg Baskets Akademie shot 43% from the field and 24% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Dusan Nikolic from outside

In the third quarter the Skyliners Frankfurt took control of the contest and led by as much as 10 points and after 30 minutes led 63-56. The VR-Bank Wurzburg Baskets Akademie began the second half strong with baskets from Scheffs and Philipps with lay in’s to trail only 46-45, but the Skyliners Juniors then produced the turning point of the game with a massive 15-4 run to gain their biggest lead of the game at 61-49. Edoka began the run with a trey which was followed by lay in’s from Crnjac and Watson. Oniya and Poelking added transition baskets and Crnjac another three pointer for the damage. Frankfurt had stepped up their defensive intensity and got to play their bread and butter transition while Wurzburg couldn’t find an offensive rhythm as they couldn’t crack the disciplined Frankfurt defense. Wurzburg did close out the third quarter strong with a 7-2 run to trail by 7 points after 30 minutes. Marko Petric was a walking bucket as he scored 7 unanswered points. He showed his 3 level scoring with a lay in, trey and pretty fade away jumper. ‘Our guards Smazak and Oniya did a really good job pushing the ball. We played well defensively limiting Scheffs and Sokolov’, added Jamie Edoka. ‘We had problems controlling Watson and Edoka who helped them extend the lead’, stated Jervis Scheffs. The Skyliners Juniors shot 50% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 10 turnovers while The VR-Bank Wurzburg Baskets Akademie shot 41% from the field and 22% from the parking lot and had 24 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Clemens Sokolov at the FT line

The Skyliners Juniors had their strongest offensive quarter in the fourth quarter exploding for 31 points and managing the lead well to secure the win. The Skyliners Juniors broke out with a lethal 10-0 run to lead by 17 points something that Wurzburg couldn’t react to. In the run it was the Skyliners Juniors dynamic duo of Watson and Edoka as both connected for three pointers while the first made a lay in and the latter a pretty 20 footer. Edoka and Watson combined for 53 points as Watson had 26 and Edoka had 27. Edoka has always played with a high confidence but since his positive showing at the Basketball Without Borders Camp, it seemed like it was at an all-time high. His three pointer looked really good as he shot 4/7 and that was coming off a third place showing at the 3 point shooting contest at the camp in Los Angeles with his best round of 17/25. But it wasn’t his shooting that sparkled most, but something else. ‘I have coached Jamie since the U-14. He has always had self confidence, but what really stood out today was the precision in his game. It was very sharp. He is learning to become more efficient’, stressed Thore Bethke. ‘Precision was there for me. I always try to be as efficient as possible. I always try to do what is the best for the team. I showed a good mix of all, but my 3 turnovers hurt’, added Jamie Edoka. Petric stopped the Frankfurt run with a turn around shot, but the Skyliners Juniors continued to execute as ease as Jamie Edoka continued to hit shots with a fade away jumper and trey as Frankfurt led 78-63. Wurzburg continued to execute well as Petric continued to be an aggressive walking bucket hitting a trey and off balance shot, but they couldn’t string together consecutive stops to make a major come back. Frankfurt executed well to the end as Crnjac dropped another trey as did Leif Zentgraf while Desmond Watson made a mid distance shot to close out the game. ‘That 10-0 run to begin broke their necks. That just shows the kind of mentality that we have. There are no egos. We play for each other. We were strong against the mis matches and got the rebounds’, added Jamie Edoka. ‘We couldn’t hit shots the way we wanted to. They got long rebounds which led to transition baskets. That broke our necks’, commented Jervis Scheffs. The Skyliners Juniors were led by Jamie Edoka with 27 points while Desmond Watson added 26 points while Wurzburg was led by Marko Petric with 20 points and Clemons Sokolov added 14 points. The Skyliners Juniors shot 58% from the field and 38% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 13 turnovers while The VR-Bank Wurzburg Baskets Akademie shot 45% from the field and 21% from outside and had 29 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Aleksa Kovacevic(EPG Baskets) Wants To Be A Top 5 Point Guard In The Pro A And Return Back To The easyCredit BBL

picc redit: Angel Media

Aleksa Kovacevic (187-PG-2002) is a 23 year old 187cm point guard from Serbia playing his 8th season in Germany and playing his first with Pro A team EPG Baskets Koblenz averaging 10,1ppg, 2,6rpg, 3,0apg and 1,0spg. In Germany he played parts of 5 seasons in the easyCredit BBL for the Hakro Merlins and the Syntanics MBC Weissenfles totaling 66 games. In between in 2023-2024 he returned back to Serbia for a season with KK Sloga Societe Generale Kraljevo (Serbia-KLS) averaging 6.6ppg, 1.7rpg, 3.8apg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 66.3%. He began his career in Germany with the Hakro Merlins organization playing with their Regionalliga and youth teams. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Aleksa for talking to eurobasket.com. After parts of 5 seasons in the easyCredit BBL, is the Pro A now your long term reality or is the pro A just a stop before going back to the BBL?

My goal for sure is to get back to the BBL. I hope that it doesn´t take me long to get back. If I get back to the BBL, I want a bigger role. I want to prove myself in the Pro A. I don´t care if it takes me 1,2 or 3 years. I will make the best of it in the Pro A. I really want to get back because I´m a local player. I believe that it´s realistic.

Congrats on signing with the EPG Baskets. What was the main selling point? I mean you won the BBL cup last season and staying in the BBL would have been a logical choice?

Yes I did win the BBL cup and had a solid role, but I didn´t want to risk another year in the BBL with a smaller role. I was looking for a team where I could have more freedom and playing time and where I could show my full potential. I know that I can show way more than what I have shown until now

How much of a role did the ambitions of the EPG Baskets play in your decision and what do you appreciate most about their basketball culture?

I really liked the plans of the future for the EPG Baskets. I like in the direction that they want to go now with coach Stephan after a few difficult seasons. I really want to be a part of that. I think that it can be very special. For me it was a logical decision. Both sides clicked. I had great talks with Thomas Klein. I was there for 2 days and am really satisfied with everything

How did the talks go with head coach Stephan Dohrn? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

I really like his basketball philosophy. He is modern and wants to play fast. Stucture and freedom is something I like very much. I really loved Tuomas Iisalo´s philosophy and looked for that and found it with coach Stephan. I think I play well when I have shooters and mobile big men around me. And I take pride in defense.

What are your personal goals with your game in the Pro A this season? I see you becoming a top 5 point guard. Do you see yourself becoming an impact point guard in the Pro A?

My personal goal is to have a great season with the EPG Baskets. I always want to have success. If we have success, then teams will look at us differently and the fans will be happy. Then I will be happy. I also want to prove myself. I´m a team guy and want to be a leader. I really want to be a top 5 point guard in the Pro A. I´m very confident to having a great year.

Let´s talk about your game. If you had to compare your game to a Eurolegaue player who would best fit the description?

I really like Milos Teodosic. He is from my hometown and I really look up to him. He retired and I´m sad. I loved watching him even if I´m Partizan fan. He is my role model. I hope I can get to his level one day.

Would you describe yourself as a pass first point guard? What are your biggest strengths as a player?

I think that I´m a pass first point guard. I like to play for others. I like to lead, organize and read the game. I take pride in playing defense.

Your also a very aggressive defender. How would you describe your defensive game now at age 23 and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I´m an aggressive defender and like to guard 1-1. I take pride in playing the defensive system and helping each other on the court. I want to be even more aggressive this season and have more steals.

Last season you played with the SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels (Germany-BBL) playing 37 games averaging 1,5ppg. What was so special about this team? Winning the cup was a serious BBL milestone beating the mighty FC Bayern Munich?

We had a great season with MBC. I didn´t have the biggest role, but I had a role. I think that I had an impact every time I stepped on the court at both ends of the court. It was a magnificent feeling winning the cup. It was really something I didn´t expect at the start of the season. The group of guys were amazing. Everyone played their role. The team chemistry was the best that it could be. Most of the guys were young and we wanted to prove ourselves.

You averaged 2 minutes less than in the 2022-2023 season with MBC. How disappointing was the season in terms of playing time? Did you expect more minutes?

I played more games though and had a bigger role. I´m happy how I survived. Mentally it was really hard on me. At some point, I was even ready to leave. There were some talks. But nothing happened. I was sad, but I was realistic. I feel like I could of played more and coach could of trusted me more, but I always respected coaches decision. I was having trouble with shooting, but then finally figured it out. But I did expect more minutes, but things happen and the roles fit the way they do.

Last season you had so many incredible veterans as teammates like Tyren Johnson, Akeem Vargas, John Bryant, Charles Callison and others. What player had the biggest impact on you?

That is a hard question to just pick one guy. I think that everyone of them was great. I talked to every guy. I learned so much from them about life. I learn the most about being a point guard from Charles. All of them are great and all of them like to talk. Tyren talks the most. He has had an incredible career. I liked his confidence and he is a very special guy. If I had to pick one then it would be Tyren. I hope that everyone could meet him. I was close with the other guys as well.

In the 2023-2024 season you went back to your homeland after many years in Germany and played with KK Sloga Societe Generale Kraljevo (Serbia-KLS) averaging 6.6ppg, 1.7rpg, 3.8apg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 66.3%. What was it like returning back home? What positives did you get basketball wise from this season?

It was a great experience playing for Sloga. The league is a lot different. I had many ups and downs that season. Mentally it made me a lot stronger. The club wasn´t organized as well as clubs in Germany. I think that being in that kind of environment made me mentally tougher.

You played 5 years in the Hakro Merlins organization from 2017-2022. How enriching were these years for you? Did you have a mentor in your first 2 seasons?

I was very young when I arrived. Many things happened and I matured a lot. Tuomas Iisalo wasn´t only a mentor to me but to everyone else as well. I looked up to him and how he did things. I was very young then and didn´t notice it as much as I would now, but just seeing how he worked had a big impression on me. Another mentor was Bogdan Radosavljevic. He wasn´t that at first, but when he came 2 years later he was. He taught me so much on and off the court like life style. He taught me how to be a professional. Marko Stankovic was my mentor in my first 2 years. I was working with him a lot. He was the best mentor I could have in my first 2 seasons there. He is now in Bonn and I´m really happy for him. I think that he will have a great season. I wish him the best

You were teammates with 3 incredible point guards with Dwayne Russell, Trae Bell-Haynes and TJ Shorts. Please describe what important aspect of the game could you learn from each player?

I learned the pull up game from Dwayne, but TJ was the king of the pull up game. All of them played super fast and that helped me as well. Trae does it all and is a true professional. He really understood the game and played for others. Guarding them was great. I think that my great defensive game really grew being able to defend them in practice. I had great drill partners with them every day for 4-5 years. TJ´s mentally left the greatest mark on me. I love how he plays with speed and involves all. At first I thought that he was so arrogant, but It was just his mentality and confidence.

You played many years for NBA coach Tuomas Iisalo. If someone had told you in 2022 that he would be in the NBA 2,5 years later what would you have said?

I would of said that it would be to fast reaching the NBA, but I would of said that he would reach the NBA some day. How I saw that he takes care of every single detail, especially how every drill has to make sense, I knew the NBA would happen.

He had a great eye for point guards in the BBL. What was the most important thing that you learned from him?

He had a great eye for picking point guards with a great mentality. Everything basketball wise, I learned from him. I learned how to play against every coverage. I think that I could become a great coach just from having played for him.

From 2020-2022 you played only 17 BBL games. What was your fondest moment on the court there?

My biggest moment was during Covid playing in the bubble. I got minutes against FC Bayern which helped my confidence.

You were teammates with German player Konrad Wysocki. What was your fondest moment with him?

The nicest memory was his last game when we played Oldenburg. We managed to stay in the league. We won it. Then we watched the big screen and saw all of his highlights as a player. They showed the Olympics pics with Lebron James and Dirk Nowitzki. It was a nice farewell for me. I´m happy that I was a part of it.

You won the Gold at the 2022 U-20 European championships. What memories of that experience do you have? Is that your second biggest title after the 2025 BBL cup?

That is my second biggest title, even if I think that playing for your country is the biggest thing. I got to play with great players like Nikola Jovic and great coaches as well. There was a gap of 5 years where I didn´t play and then I became captain. It was such a big blessing. I was on top of the world. I was so happy I was on that 2022 team. The biggest accomplishment is just being a Serbian national player.

If you had 10 offensive possessions against TJ Shorts in 2025 in a 1-1 in practice, how many baskets would you make?

He used to woop my butt in practice. His mentality was crazy even though I was 16-17. When I scored on him in practice, he would get super angry and had to prove himself on the next possession and destroy me. But right now in 2025, I would say many times. I will give you the TJ answer. He would say that he would score 10 times on me.

Who is the toughest player that you ever battled that reached the NBA?

I want to give credit to Nikola Jovic. He is just such a great guy. He was younger than me in the youth national team and at the time he was just amazing. Even though I have played against so many other great guys, but it is Jovic.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

All my teammates are my best, but if I have to pick 5 it would be so difficult, because I could name 30 guys. I´m close with Spencer Reeves, Ivan Tkachenkov etc. I have been blessed to have played with so many great teammates. Jeremy Morgan was a great teammate. TJ Shorts as well. There are so many. Kris Clyburn. I can keep going.

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

Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Michael Jordan Nikola Jokic

Dirk, Dennis Schroeder, Moritz Wagner, Konrad Wysocki (first real vet that I met, He played the Olympics. The perfect guy)

Nikola Jokic, Milos Teodosic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Vladimir Divic

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

Thanks Aleksa for the chat.

Lukas Milner(Tigers Tuebingen) Is Thankful That Henrik Sonko Helped Him Understand The Chess Match That Goes On In European Basketball

Lukas Milner (208-C-2000, college: Boise St., agency: One Motive Sports) is a 25y ear old 208cm forward from Kansas playing his third professional season and first with the Tigers Tuebingen (Germany-ProA) averaging 8,6ppg, 4,9rpg and 1,3apg.. Last season he played with Boras Basket (Sweden-Basketligan) averaging 9.0ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.8%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 55.4%. He played his rookie season with BC Prievidza (Slovakia-Nike SBL) averaging 11.8ppg, Reb-2 (8.2rpg), 1.3apg, Blocks-3 (1.8bpg), FGP-1 (71.5%), 3PT: 23.7%, FT: 53.1%. He also has experience playing twice with East Perth Eagles (Australia-NBL One) averaging 12.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.3apg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 54.5%, FT: 50.0% and 11.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 63.5%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 50.0%. he began his basketball career at Olathe North high school and then played 2 seasons with Johnson County Community College (JUCO) averaging 4.2ppg, 3.0rpg and 12.0ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 71.4%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 57.0%. He then played 3 seasons and 81 NCAA games with Boise State University (NCAA). He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.

Thanks Lukas for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with the Tigers Tuebingen. How blessed do you feel playing in Germany in your third pro season?

Thank you! I feel very blessed to continue playing the game I love as a job & I’m extremely blessed to get to do it abroad in a beautiful country. Very happy for the opportunity!

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

I know that Germany is quite strong in basketball, recently the national team has won some big tournaments & I know the German leagues are always strong. I’m interested to see if their style of play is different than elsewhere, & I’m interested to steal any ideas on how to play the game better.

Have you known any former teammates or opponents that have balled in Germany?

I’ve known a few guys from my college team who have played in Germany, they’ve seemed to report back that it’s good all around.

How much of a role did head coach Henrik Sonko play in your decision to come to the Tigers? He was your coach last season in Sweden with Boras

It was the main reason why I decided to come play for the tigers.

What do you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy? How did he help your game most last season?

I think to put it simply, the biggest thing I respect about him is that he’s going work as hard as he can to be the best coach he can be. I know it doesn’t sound like basketball philosophy, but as a player a hardworking coach is important to me. He and his staff helped me tremendously last year with really understanding the chess match that goes on in European basketball. I almost feel like a kid again learning such a fun game.

How blessed do you feel to playing more again? At Boise State you had limited minutes, but in Slovakia and Sweden it´s been more. How has your game grown?

I’m too happy to be playing basketball all the time. I’m thankful for the limited minutes because that frustration made me appreciate what I have now much more. My game has grown a lot in every direction, physically, mentally, skillfully, etc etc. I think now my main goal is to really hone in on what I’m really good at and learn how to use my advantages to beat the opponents consistently.

You learned sign language because you needed it for your family. How much a part of your life has sign language become overseas? Do you use it overseas?

Yes American Sign Language (ASL) is my first language, I used it at home growing up and even minored in it at college. I didn’t think it would be of use overseas because sign languages are different everywhere, but on my first stop in Slovakia I met a group of fans who were so welcoming and supportive. They taught me some of their Slovak sign language and they picked up quickly on ASL and we were quickly able to communicate. So now I try to make contact with the deaf communities in other countries to be exposed to different cultures. I hope to do the same in Germany.

Let´s talk about your game. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

This is always a hard question for me, as a kid I always liked Tim Duncan but I don’t think my game is like his. I’ve been compared to Maxi Kleber before, also a German guy I think.

You’re a physical big that likes the post up and pick and role game. What other strengths does your game have?

I think my biggest strength is my ability to run the floor against the big heavy guys. Also I hope to keep my voice as a strength on the defensive side of the floor, to help keep the other guys informed about things they can’t see. I hope to show that I can also stretch the floor this year.

You took little three´s in Sweden but in your rookie season took 76 three´s in Slovakia. Is the three pointer something you would like to develop further in Germany or could this be a season again where you don´t incorporate it much into your game?

Haha yes like I said in my previous comment I would definitely like to add that to my arsenal, I think it would be very huge if I was able to get that going consistently.

Talk a little about your defensive game. You’re a classic shot blocker. What kind of a defender do you still want to become in the future?

I would really like to be a guy who can guard everywhere on the floor, when I watch basketball the guys who catch my eye are the guys who just come up with stops after stops on defense. I think I’ve lacked lateral quickness in the past, I hope to improve that and also make up for it with my growing iq.

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

Offensively for sure working on the 3 point shot and of course free throws. I have to get that % up, can’t leave easy points on the table. Defensively I’m working on getting back some lost athleticism and growing my iq of the floor, I believe if I can better understand where pieces will be I can defend better.

Last season you played with Boras Basket (Sweden-Basketligan) averaging 9.0ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.8%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 55.4%. You played 15 playoff games. You went the distance in 7 games winning against BC Lulea, but lost in 5 games against Norrkoping. How tough was losing game 4 and 5 combined by only 3 points? What did you learn from that series?

It was very tough losing those tight games, for sure the biggest lesson is that in playoff basketball every possession matters throughout the game. Also just building playoff experience and understanding the grind of it was huge.

You also played twice with the East Perth Eagles (Australia-NBL) averaging 12.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.3apg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 54.5%, FT: 50.0% and 11.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 63.5%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 50.0%.What kind of an experience was that? Do you already have your ticket booked for a third time in 2026?

It was an interesting experience, the club and style of play wasn’t like most European teams but I will say I had a lot of fun. The people who had me come took good care of me and were very kind. Also being in Perth was really cool, definitely some of the best beaches I’ve ever seen.

You played your rookie season with #BC Prievidza (Slovakia-Nike SBL) averaging 11.8ppg, Reb-2 (8.2rpg), 1.3apg, Blocks-3 (1.8bpg), FGP-1 (71.5%), 3PT: 23.7%, FT: 53.1%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I didn’t have too much of a negative shock that other guys have, but I think being in a new culture was really cool to experience. I will say having the people around you speak a different language was interesting to get used to as an American. We definitely never experienced stuff like that growing up too much.

You won an exciting playoff series against Inter Bratislava, but then lost to Spisski Rytieri. What will you always remember from your first pro playoff series?

I think the game winner we had in game 7 of that inter game was an awesome experience. To have the home crowd go crazy was awesome.

You played 2 seasons at Johnson County Community College (JUCO) averaging 4.2ppg, 3.0rpg
and 12.0ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 71.4%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 57.0%. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have stated that it was a real grind, but one they wouldn´t have traded the world for. How was it for you?

It was for sure a grind. I’m very glad I started at the juco level and worked my way up. Taught me a lot of life lessons.

How vital was head coach Mike Jeffers for your early basketball development. What did you soak up most form him?

He was a good coach to me, I’m glad I caught him right before he retired. I was like most lanky kids coming out of high school and I was soft. I hated how he set up his practices at the time but now I’m very happy with the toughness that was instilled in me. A lot of physicality and he never called fouls.

You played 3 seasons at Boise State University (NCAA). What memories do you have of reaching the NIT Elite 8 in 2021? You lost a tough battle to Memphis 59-56.

I mainly just remember it being covid times and being isolated throughout various times that year.

You won the 2022 MWC title against Wyoming, but then lost to Memphis again at March madness. Is Memphis one of those schools that you won´t ever forget?

Honestly I didn’t play much haha so not really.

How did head coach Leon Rice groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

I’m very happy for the opportunity I was given at Boise State. I learned a lot and it made me a better man. Extremely thankful for the struggles and lessons I learned over there. Don’t think I’d be me without that time there.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Mladen Armas?

Haha at Boise he’d crush me with his strength for sure. I think I got a bit stronger, I’d be curious who’d win now.

Who were the few toughest player that you ever faced that reached the NBA or Euroleague

Daeqwon Plowden

Please name your NBA, Euro and Spanish Mount Rushmore (4 best players of all-time)

LeBron, Jordan, Wilt, Steph

Who is your GOAT?

LeBron

Thanks Luke for the chat.

Will The NCAA Or EasyCredit BBL Be In The Cards Of Jonathan Zeisberger(TSV Oberaching Tropics) In The Future?

Pic Credit: Jan Pawliczek

2025 Was a very exciting time for young German players with the influx to the NCAA. So many took the trek across the Atlantic with heavy prospects like Ivan Kharchenkov, Hannes Steinbach, Declan Duru and Johan Grunloh to just name a few. The last months remained very exciting as many have taken the NCAA by storm winning and putting up great numbers. However not every talented German took this step as some have stayed in Germany to use other options and advantages. One of those guys is talented guard Jonathan Zeisberger who took the jump from IBAM to Pro B team TSV Oberaching Tropics. The Pro B is a different route than the NCAA, but still a respectable one where guys can get good minutes and prepare themselves for higher leagues playing against men. The young German has exploded this season putting up astronomical scoring numbers. He is displaying that he had no problems taking that next step form the youth league NBBL to the Pro B. Whereas other German guys are taking the NCAA by storm, he is doing very well in the Pro B and knows that there will be fruitful opportunities down the road. I want to keep improving, and for the future, I‘m keeping all options open. The NCAA and college basketball are definitely an option, but playing in Pro A or BBL would also be really exciting”, stressed Jonathan Zeisberger (185-PG-2006) He recently got a double license to play with Pro A team Bayreuth as he continues to climb the basketball ladder.

The scoring guard who lists Ivan Kharchenkov as his toughest opponent so far in his career was born on September 30th, 2006 in Germany. As is so often the case when your young, soccer was his first option as a kid and not basketball. He played on a soccer team with his friends, but soon basketball did follow when he was 8 years old. His mother played professionally and introduced him to the sport. His older brothers also played and basketball soon became a sport that he adored. His earliest basketball inspiration was his family, but he also had one special player that really motivated him. “The player who inspired me the most was James Harden. I loved his creativity, his scoring ability, and the way he controlled the game”, said Jonathan Zeisberger He began his basketball career at TSV Olching where his mom was also a coach. He then joined IBAM where he would develop his game a lot the last years. The most famous players to ball at Ibam where the Da Silva brothers Oscar and Tristan who reached the Euroleague and NBA. “Playing at IBAM was really awesome, definitely a great experience. I had really great coaches like Darryl Siegel, Georg Eichler and Danilo Barthel who guided me and helped me develop my game. Tristan and Oscar Da Silva weren‘t really role models for me because they played different positions than I do. Of course, I have followed their path and they made great moves in their careers, but I mainly looked up to Joshua Obiesie”, stated Jonathan Zeisberger

Pic credit: Jan Pawliczek

The big German talent who lists Philipp Bode, Matija Milosevic, Nedzad MuratovicPeter Zeis, and Frederik Müller as his 5 best teammates of all-time is a player who saw the big name FC Bayern Munich as surely tempting to play for, but it simply never happened. “FC Bayern was the big rival, of course, but I never thought about playing for them. There was a contact, and at times it wasn’t easy with IBAM and the coaches, but I‘m really happy I stayed with my team and stayed loyal to IBAM”, smiled Jonathan Zeisberger He made big strides in the last 2 years averaging 29 minutes and averaging 13ppg and 18ppg as his game developed very nicely. “I would say my game improved a lot. Getting a lot of minutes in the NBBL at IBAM helped me build confidence, and I always had my own team around to support me. I also spent many hours in the gym over the past two years to get better”, said Jonathan Zeisberger Of course he will never forget his special and challenging battles against Munich in the NBBL and even beat them 89-85 in his first try. “Beating Bayern was an amazing feeling. After long preparation time for the new season you want to know where you are as an individual and the team. That was a great start”, added Jonathan Zeisberger He then did the trick beating them again as they had Marco Volf and Dominik Dolic and had a stronger roster. He had more of a role in the win. “Our team was also stronger, the plays worked better and for me as the playmaker the systems were better to handle. I celebrate my own points, but there is nothing better than well studied and executed plays with the team. Winning against them again, with Marco Volf and Dominik Dolic on a stronger roster, was amazing. I played a bigger role in the team this time, so it felt really good to help make that win happen”, smiled Jonathan Zeisberger In the playoffs Ibam was swept by FC Bayern Munich and this was the first time in the NBBL that he battled Ivan Kharchenkov. He had 24 and 35 points and Zeisberger had 18 and 22 points. They were the 2 best players on the court. “Playing against Ivan Kharchenkov is really cool because he‘s such a great player. I‘ve actually known him for a long time – we played against each other back in U12, when he was at Landsberg and I was at Olching, and we also often faced each other in the school team games. But I don‘t try to copy his game or measure myself against him; I just focus on playing my own game”, stressed Jonathan Zeisberger Last season in the NBBL he lost to Ulm in the playoffs. Ibam always had good teams the last 2 years but couldn´t get to the Top 4. What was missing from making that next step? “We faced a few injuries during the end of the season, and Bayern and Ulm were some of the best teams, so they were really tough to beat. That made it challenging for us to reach the top four”, remembered Jonathan Zeisberger He also played for Regionalliga 1 team MTV Schwabing. This was also something that was vital in his development being able to play with men instead of only boys. “Playing for MTSV Schwabing in Regionalliga 1 was a really valuable experience because I got to play against older and more experienced teams. It helped me develop my game, face tougher competition, and learn a lot from my teammates and coaches”, expressed Jonathan Zeisberger Even if he never reached the NBBL Top 4, his time there was one that he ´ll never forget. “ My fondest moment with IBAM was definitely the NBA showcase tournament in Senegal. That experience was amazing – the competition, the atmosphere and being there with my teammates made it truly unforgettable”, said Jonathan Zeisberger

The German who lists Stephen Curry, James Harden, Lebron James and Nikola Jokic on his NBA Mount Rushmore and Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, Dirk Nowitzki and Isaac Bonga on his German Mount Rushmore found a new challenge this season as he is playing for Pro B team TSV Tropics Oberaching. Was it a tough decision coming to Oberaching? “This decision wasn’t as easy as it looks like now. I was talking to a couple of other great teams about minutes and being their supportive point guard. It also involved the decision to leave home for a uncertain game plan. In the end I choose Oberhaching because playing time is the most important thing for me. I didn‘t want to sit on the bench – I want to play. I had a really good conversations with Mario Matic and everything just felt right”, said Jonathan Zeisberger The club is grinding hard battling for a playoff place despite having lost key veterans Omari Knox and Janosch Koegler. “Of course, it‘s unfortunate that Omari Knox isn‘t playing with us anymore, but Koegler is back in the roster. The strong team chemistry is definitely one big reason why we‘re doing so well. We focus on playing easy basketball, and we mostly play with the same group of players with very little rotation”, commented Jonathan Zeisberger He needed no adjustment period to the Pro B as he is currently has 24/2/5/1 stats. His impressive play sure makes his decision to join the Tropics brilliant. “Joining Oberhaching was the best decision. I‘ve never had so much fun playing basketball, and everyone there is really, really cool. I have the best teammates around me. Even so it’s not a big team, I can develop and strengthen my game with them. I have taken my confidence over to the new season in Pro B, because I was used to the same role at IBAM. At Oberhaching, I immediately got the trust of Mario Matic, and I‘m very grateful for that. I basically have the same role as I had before, and I love to guide the team and take responsibility in tight situations”, stressed Jonathan Zeisberger I also don´t remember seeing a German guard dominate the Pro B as much as he has as he has had 8 games with 30 or more point games including 34 points against Coburg and Speyer. It seems like I checking the box scores every weekend to see if he scored 30 + points again. He is also averaging the most assists in his career. Did he always know that he had that playmaker in him? “I‘ve always known that I have good court vision and can play good passes. Now at Oberhaching, I just have the teammates who can really score with these assists, which makes a big difference”, stated Jonathan Zeisberger He also has been blessed to have the ultimate freedom from head coach Mario Matic to allow him to perform the way he has. “Mario Matic is definitely one big factor in why I‘m playing so well right now. He gives me a lot of trust, and that really helps me perform on the court”, said Jonathan Zeisberger

pic credit: Jan Pawliczek

The 19 year old 185cm guard who lists Lebron James as his GOAT is a player that has garnered quite a lot of comparisons to Euroleague players like Shane Larkin who has left the tongue of Mario Matic on occasion. “It‘s actually true, because Shane Larkin is also one of my favorite players, and I think our games are quite similar. I also really like Mike James and Matthew Strazel and the way the play. In the end I want to develop my own style and my own game to take speed and execution to the next level”, said Jonathan Zeisberger He loves basketball and received a special nickname with the Tropics with the refrigerator. “It‘s really funny. I got the nickname refrigerator at Oberhaching because the only thing I do is basketball. I train in the morning and the evening and between the sessions they see me in the refrigerator to wait for the next session. Philipp Bode called me that because all I do is train and wait for the next session”, laughed Jonathan Zeisberger When looking at his explosive stats, one sees him first as that great offensive player. His biggest strengths are attacking the basket, his mid-range shot, and finding passes to his teammates, but he also has demonstrated zeal and skills as a defensive player. “ I think my defense is actually good. I can stay in front of my man and make it hard for him to score, but in the future, I want to become an even better defender”, warned Jonathan Zeisberger He knows that in order to make that next step as a player, he will have to continue to grind in the gym. “Right now, I‘m focusing a lot on my shooting to make it even more consistent. I want to become quicker in the decision making process with the ball, take shots more easily, fake plays and make it harder to defend me”, stressed Jonathan Zeisberger It will be interesting to see where his journey will go next season. I personally would like to see him remain in Germany. Germany simply needs some really good German players stay at home. Enough German prospects have developed great here and continued to go their ways. Jonathan Zeisberger will definitely go down the right path no matter what he picks.

Tom Quarry Knows That Coach Kreps And His Teammates Trust In Him Is Very Conducive To Having Big Games Like His 47 Points Explosion Against BC Mess

Tom Quarry (201-F-1999, college: Johns Hopkins) is a 26 year old 201cm forward from Bensalem, Pennsylvania playing his third professional season and first with BBC US Heffingen (Luxembourg-Nationale 2). Last season he played with KK Euro Nickel 2005 Kavadarci (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 10.8ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 80.5%. He played his rookie season overseas with SC Vasco da Gama Porto (Portugal-Proliga) averaging 17.1ppg, 6.4rpg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT-2 (49.2%), FT: 84.0%. He began his basketball career at Father Judge High School and then played at John Hopkins University (NCAA3) from 2018-2023 an din his last 2 seasons averaged 13.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 80.7% and 14.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 83.9%. He spoke to germhoops.com after exploding for 47 points in Luxemburg against BC Mess.

Thanks Tom for talking to germanhoops.com Congrats on scoring 47 points in a game in Luxembourg. You had a 36 point game in Portugal and 34 points against Mcdaniel at Johns Hopkins. Was this the most points you ever scored in your life?

Thank you, I appreciate it! This was definitely the most points I’ve ever scored in a real game. I think I may have scored more in high school PE class, but we can’t count those.

You recently had 42 and 41 point games in Luxembourg. Do games like that keep that aggressiveness as a scorer?

I try to be aggressive in every game as a scorer. Coach Kreps makes it clear all the time how much confidence and faith he has in me and is always telling me to be aggressive because he knows that’ll get the best out of me, so with that support and encouragement, it’s much easier to be aggressive.

How do you explain now 3 40 point games in your career when you never did it before that?

I love playing for US Heffingen and for Coach Kreps. He and the team really understand my best attributes as a player, and they put me in situations where I can make plays and execute the plays we practice. We all trust and believe in each other to make plays, and Coach trusts our basketball instincts, so within this structure, it’s very conducive to having big games.

How quickly did you know when the game started that you might have a big scoring game?

I actually started the game a little cold; I missed my first few shots, but I was able to get going in the second quarter to give us a lead at halftime and then when the second half started, everyone’s focus was on finishing the game and we were able to go on a run where I made some threes that really put the game away.

Did you sense the other team´s defense key in more on you once you hit 30? They must of known that you had had a few 40 point games recently?

Yes, they definitely had a plan to stop me and to make getting open difficult for me in the halfcourt, but when we started getting stops and forcing turnovers, we were able to play in transition much more, and I think that’s where I’m at my best, and my teammates kept finding me.

How appreciative were of a guy like Luke Hassl who had 7 assists and helped you get the ball? He seems to be a good passing big man?

Luke was huge for us in this game and this whole season. He had 17 rebounds too to go along with the assists. Playing with someone who’s so unselfish and team-centered is massive for our team’s success, and we’ve been able to complement each other well all season. Luke being so skilled at 2.08m gives our team an advantage over all of our opponents, he can shoot threes, midrange, drive, pass, and he’s the best rebounder and shot blocker in our league.

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

I didn’t know, it’s hard to tell once the game starts going. I didn’t think I was close to 50 when the game ended, but I knew I was somewhere in that 40-point range.

Does a game like this give you added focus and hunger for 50 points?

Scoring 50 would be great, but I just want to win. If I score 50 and it helps our team to win, I’d be very happy, but I wouldn’t be able to enjoy it if we lost.

What was your favorite own basket of the game?

In the third quarter, we had scored and BC Mess was trying to inbound quickly and I was going back on defense, but I saw where the inbound pass was going and was just able to steal it. I passed it to Austin Parker and he passed it to Jordan Kreps, who passed it out to me and I made a three. I thought it was the perfect encapsulation of what our team values are: hustling on defense, sharing the ball, and playing for each other.

Did you get any cool messages from family and friends that you may not have expected?

Yes, it’s always nice to hear from friends and family when you’ve had a good game. Living in Europe is amazing and an incredibly enjoyable experience for us overseas players, but it is sometimes isolating and you tend to lose contact with people in the US whom you rarely get to see. So when I hear from those people in my life: old coaches, teammates, friends, it’s very special and fulfilling.

Will you treat the team to Donuts or dinner?

I’ll have to do something for the team. Maybe Pastel de Natas for everyone, they are my favorite.

Thanks Tom for the chat.

Maleeck Harden-Hayes(Sporting Lisboa) Knows That He Will Always Stay On the Court Because Of His Great Ability To Defend Many Positions

Maleeck Harden-Hayes (201-G-2001, college: UNCW, agency: Players Group) is a 24 year old 201cm forward playing his second professional season and first with Sporting Clube de Portugal Lisboa (Portugal-Liga Betclic). He played his rookie season with AD Galomar (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 15.0ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 78.0%. He began his basketball career with Moorhead high school an dthen played at North Dakota State University (NCAA) from 2019-2022. He then added 2 more years with the University of North Carolina Wilmington (NCAA) averaging 9.8ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 90.3% and 10.4ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 79.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Maleeck for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second professional season and second season in Portugal and first with Sporting Clube de Portugal Lisboa (Portugal-Liga Betclic). Has Portugal become like a second home for you?

Yeah definitely Portugal is a home away from home. Even though I was in Madeira last year I have gotten familiar with culture and people over here and felt comfortable

Sporting Clube de Portugal Lisboa (Portugal-Liga Betclic) is battling for the top spot with Benfica Lisabon. The team last won a title in 2023. How big is the hunger to win that next title within the organization?

It’s something that is a goal of mine and something that as a team we are striving for. Everyone within the club is eager to hold up another trophy

Sporting Clube de Portugal Lisboa (Portugal-Liga Betclic) lost the first game by 37 points. How big is the rivalry within both teams?

It’s a really big rivalry, even before coming to Portugal my first year all I heard about was the rivalry of Benfica and Sporting amongst all sports. We didn’t perform the way we wanted to in our first game in front of our fans but we’ve grown a lot since

Sporting Clube de Portugal Lisboa (Portugal-Liga Betclic) has many Americans and your putting up solid stats but not as big as last season as a rookie. This season there are more scoring options than last season. How big is efficiency this season for your game?

Showing my ability to impact winning is more important than putting up stats each night. It’s more fun when you are playing around players that are just a good as you and it challenges you to impact the game in different ways and I think I do that really well

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

When I talk to my friends and teammates about that I usually get the same answers so ill do a mix of players: Mikal Bridges, Jaden Mcdaniels and Andrew Wiggins

You were always a solid scorer and rebounder in college, but last season you made another leap as a player. How did your game grow last season?

Last year I had a bit of a different opportunity than what I was used to, which was to be the main guy or the focal point of the offense at times, and because of that I had to learn different ways to score. Playing at the shooting guard position, coming off more stagger screens and also finding mismatches in the post. Over time I got used to doing some things that were out of my comfort zone before.

What other strengths does your game have besides scoring and rebounding?

Honestly, I think my ability to defend every position is what makes me stay on the court. I’ve always been that way even since high school and really embraced that until now

How would you describe the development of your three pointer? It still seems to be up and down. What steps do you want to make to bring even more stability into your game?

I want to stay really consistent in my three point shooting it’s been up and down throughout my career, it’s really simple just staying in the gym, and being confident in my shot when it comes

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

Right now I bring a lot of energy to the defensive end. On ball I can stay in front but also can be there to rotate and protect the rim. I want to bring more steals to my game and read the offense a little bit better as the game slows down over my career

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to grow as a player?

Right now being able to make reads off a ball screen better, like I said before it’s not something that I was used to but it’s something that once it gets better will open up my game and make things easier for myself and teammates

Last season you were a rookie with AD Galomar (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 15.0ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 78.0%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wake up call was actually against my teammate now Malik Morgan. We played Oliverense at home for our first game and lost by 30. When I was in, the game was moving so fast that I couldn’t comprehend what was going on. I went home questioning if I was really built for this haha

Last season you were teammates with ultra veteran Jermel Kennedy. Was he like a mentor for you in the short time that he was there?

Yeah my guy Jermel was definitely there to guide me. Seeing how he prepared himself for the games and practices showed me I need to take care of mine in the best way. Having Jermel made the season a lot more enjoyable

You played at North Dakota State University (NCAA) from 2019-2022. How do you summarize those 3 years under head coach David Richman? How did your game grow in those early years?

Those years at NDSU I was around some really good players, I got thrown into the fire really and that sped up my development. Leaving high school and coming to campus guarding Vinnie Shahid and Tyson Ward every practice taught me a lot of things. For me during that time was to get stronger just so I could hold my own out on the court. I’m very grateful for those times at NDSU because it showed me how to find a role and play winning basketball.

As a freshman you were teammates with American Tyson Ward. How do you remember him as a player? Would you have ever thought he could one day reach the top level Euroleague?

Honestly I didn’t even know much about the Euroleague back then but knew Tyson was going to play basketball outside of college. The thing is with Tyson he is doing the same things that he was doing in college but now just on a bigger stage, everywhere he goes he wins and that’s something I tired to replicate in my first year at NDSU and even watching him now

You won the Summit title in 2020. What do you remember being so special from that title run?

That season was so much fun for me. I was supposed to redshirt and just work on my body but ended up getting a few minutes throughout the season and in the last game of the tournament. In terms of the title run I was the hype man on the bench and I embraced that role and got to see my seniors enjoy something that we all worked hard for. I got an A on a the group project without doing much

You then added 2 more seasons with the University of North Carolina Wilmington (NCAA) averaging 9.8ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 90.3% and 10.4ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 79.6%. You had many great games in those 2 years. You also had a great game against Campbell. What was your fondest moment there? Possibly the win over Kentucky?

In terms of basketball the Kentucky win was something that I will never forget. I beat a ranked team on their home court while my family was in the crowd and it was my Dads birthday. You can’t really beat that. My best moments at UNCW were actually outside of basketball. I found brothers, met my future wife and built a relationship with Jesus. Those relationships that I made are ones that I will keep forever.

How did head coach Takayo Siddle give you that last push to preparing you for a professional career?

Siddle did a lot for me that he doesn’t even know. He showed me how to ‘be comfortable being uncomfortable’ throughout the season. Without that I’m not sure if I would’ve handled the adversity of the overseas life so well
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Trazarien White?

We actually never played outside of practice, but inside there were definitely battles. Almost every drill coach had us matched up against each other, and it pushed up to be better. I’m hoping for another matchup at some point in our careers

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

Benedict Mathurin at Arizona was a tough matchup for me I remember but in terms of guys that I played a lot I would say Baylor Scheierman at South Dakota State got us a lot of problems each game

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tyson Ward
Vinnie Shahid
Grant Nelson
Sam Griesel
Trazarein White

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron
Kevin Durant
Jordan
SHAQ

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron

Did you see the remake of the classic coming to America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

I actually just watched the classic not too long ago and didn’t even know they made a remake. Imma leave it alone on that note!

Thanks Maleeck for the chat

Declan Duru(University Of Texas) Learned To Think The Game At A Higher Level With Real Madrid

pic credit: Jakob Berger

Declan Duru (203-F-2007) is a 19 year old 0cm forward that is playing his first season at the University of Texas (NCAA). He played the last years in the Real Madrid organization. He won the Gold medals at the U-16 and U-18 European championships and a silver at the U-19 World Cup. He spoke last summer to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Declan for talking with germanhoops.com. You played with the Real Madrid organization the last years. How enriching of an experience was this? What will you never forget about this experience?

Playing with the Real Madrid organization over the last few years has been an incredible experience. One of the things I’ll never forget is getting the opportunity to train with the first team. Being around such high-level players every day challenged me to raise my game and learn from the best. The professionalism, intensity, and attention to detail in those sessions were on another level. It taught me what it takes to compete at the highest stage and helped me grow both on and off the court. That experience really shaped my work ethic and my mindset moving forward.

Last season you played 1 ACB game and 1 Euroleague game. The competition must be incredibly difficult. You played for Jesus Mateo and other coaches in the youth sector and EBA. Was there a coach that had a big impact on you?

Coach Javier Juarez in the youth sector really helped me develop confidence and versatility. He believed in my potential early.

You practiced a lot with great players like Hezonja, Garuba and Guerschon at your position. Which player had the biggest impact on you last season?

Training with players like Mario Hezonja and Usman Garuba last season was a fantastic experience. Mario, in particular, had the biggest impact on me. He helped me a lot on the court, teaching me valuable skills and how to stay confident under pressure. In return, I helped him improve his German, which was already pretty good but got even better over time. Beyond that, we became very good friends, and that mutual support made the whole experience even more meaningful.

How has your game grown in the last 3 years playing in the Real Madrid organization?

It’s grown a lot. I learned to think the game on a higher level. The pace, physicality, and professionalism at Madrid changed the way I approach every training.

You won ANGT in 2024 and was teammates with Hugo Gonzalez. How special of a player was he? I think he could be big steal for Boston Celtics in 2025 NBA Draft.

Winning the ANGT in 2024 was an unforgettable experience, and playing alongside Hugo Gonzalez made it even more special. Hugo is an incredibly talented player — he has great skill, basketball IQ, and the kind of competitiveness that lifts the whole team. I agree, he definitely has the potential to be a big steal for the Boston Celtics in the 2025 NBA Draft. His work ethic and ability to perform in big moments really set him apart, and I’m excited to see where his career goes.

You will play at the University of Texas. You are going the route of so many young players. Why did you choose Texas?

Choosing the University of Texas was a decision that felt right for me both on and off the court. Texas has a great basketball program with a strong tradition and an exciting coaching staff that really believes in developing players. Beyond that, the culture and environment felt like a place where I could grow not just as a player but also as a person. I’m excited to be part of a team that competes at a high level and to take my game to the next stage while getting a good education. Following the path of other young players who have thrived there was definitely inspiring.

Texas is the same school as Kevin Durant went to? Do you see yourself playing more years there or taking this more as a chance to help your NBA draft chances?

Yeah, Texas is the same school Kevin Durant played at, which definitely adds something special. Knowing that someone like him came through that program and went on to have such an incredible career is really inspiring. For me, going to Texas is about both I want to help the team win and grow as a player, but I also see it as an important step toward reaching the NBA.

Right now, my focus is just on getting better every day, adapting to the college game, and contributing in any way I can. Whether I stay for one year or more depends on my development and what makes the most sense when the time comes. I’m just taking it step by step, but I know Texas is the right place to prepare me for that next level.

Who is the toughest player that you have battled so far in your career that reached the NBA?

I’ve faced some really talented players who’ve made it to the NBA, but three that stand out are Egor Demin, Tristan da Silva, and Hugo Gonzalez. Each one challenged me in a different way. Hugo Gonzalez was probably the most intense to go up against. We were teammates at Real Madrid, so we battled a lot in practice. He’s super athletic, physical, and plays with a lot of energy. Every possession felt like a real game he pushed me every day to bring my best. Demin is incredibly skilled for his size. He’s so smooth with the ball, sees the floor really well, and can hurt you in a lot of ways scoring, passing, defending. You always had to be locked in when playing against him because he can shift the game so quickly. Tristan da Silva is a bit older, but I’ve had chances to learn from watching and working around him. He’s super versatile, he plays smart, doesn’t force things, and just knows how to take advantage of mismatches. You see how mature and efficient his game is, and it really shows what it takes to succeed at the next level. Competing with and learning from players like them has helped me a lot in my own development mentally and physically.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

That’s a tough question because I’ve had the chance to play with a lot of great teammates, but if I had to pick my top five, I’d go with:

Hugo Gonzalez – We were teammates at Real Madrid and won the ANGT together. He’s a fierce competitor, super athletic, and brings intensity every time he steps on the court. We had a strong connection both in games and in practice.

Ivan Kharchenkov – We’ve been playing together since I was about 10 or 11. He’s one of my closest friends and someone who’s pushed me since day one. Playing alongside him in the German youth system really shaped who I am as a player.

Egor Demin – Egor is such a high-IQ player. His size and skill make him so unique, and he has that calmness on the court that lifts the whole team. Being his teammate at Real Madrid helped me see the game in a different way.

Mario Hezonja – Training with Mario was a big moment in my development. He taught me a lot, especially about staying confident and sharp under pressure. We became good friends too, which made learning from him even more meaningful.

Facundo Campazzo – Even though we didn’t play the same position, being around Campazzo and seeing how he controls the game, leads a team, and competes with so much heart — that left a real impression on me. He’s a true leader and a great teammate.

Each of them brought something special, and I learned so much from being around players of that level. It definitely helped shape my mentality and game.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

My personal NBA Mount Rushmore would be:

LeBron James – His all-around game, longevity, and ability to impact every aspect of the game is unmatched. He’s one of the greatest leaders and competitors we’ve seen.

Michael Jordan – The ultimate competitor. Six rings, never lost in the Finals, and he changed the mindset of what it means to be great. Every player today still feels his influence.

Kobe Bryant – His mentality had a huge impact on me. The ‘Mamba Mentality’ isn’t just about basketball it’s about how you approach everything in life. His work ethic and mindset are something I try to carry with me.

Dirk Nowitzki – As a German player, I have to include Dirk. He opened the door for so many of us. What he did for German basketball and the NBA as a big man who could shoot and lead a team to a title is legendary. He’s a true role model.

That mix of mentality, leadership, and impact on the game both globally and personally is why they’re on my Mount Rushmore.

Who is your Goat?

For me, the GOAT is LeBron James. What sets him apart isn’t just the stats or the titles it’s his consistency over two decades, his ability to adapt and stay at the top, and the way he impacts every part of the game. He can score, pass, defend, lead whatever the team needs.

And beyond the court, he’s built a legacy with how he carries himself, supports his teammates, and gives back to the community. That combination of greatness, longevity, and leadership is what makes him the greatest in my eyes.

Thanks Declan for the chat

Garrett Hicks Received So Much Love From The EPG Baskets Koblenz And Could Imagine Returning In 2026-2027

pic credit: Angel Media

It was early afternoon last Wednesday when I got the message that the EPG Baskets Koblenz would give a farewell to Garrett Hicks (183-PG-2001, college: Samford). I was a little miffed at first mainly because he had been injured, but was supposed to come back in about a month. However things turned out differently as he decided it would be best to go back home and end his second pro season overseas. It really was no secret that making that decision to head home was difficult simply because he enjoyed his 6 months in Germany so much. “It was a very tough decision. I had hurt my hamstring and missed a game and then got a MRI. At first my injury didn´t look to bad, but the docs said that it was worse. They figured I would miss about 4 months. After extensive talks with the organization, coaches and doctors, I decided it would be best to return home and shut down the season”, stressed Garrett Hicks. Hicks wasn´t already on the way home to Kentucky and there was no 3 sentence farewell in a press release, but instead he would get a proper farewell before the Bochum game. That is extremely rare in German basketball as usually when a player leaves after a short time, there will be a brief mention in a press release, but instead the EPG Baskets showed real class and love for their player Garrett Hicks. “I wasn´t expecting a farewell like that. I had never gotten a farewell like that in College or high school. I want to thank the organization for letting me experience something nice like that”, said Garrett Hicks. Did the EPG Baskets Koblenz become like a second home for him? “Yes it was. I loved my stay in Germany from day 1. It was great to work with all. The organization treated all with so much respect”, expressed Garrett Hicks.

pic credit: Angel Media

The microwave scorer who first munched on mom´s home cooking and then visited Mods pizza the day after arriving home in the States stepped on the court shortly before the start of the game against Bochum and heard the heart felt words of MOC Dominik Duderstaedt while standing next to EPG Baskets sport director Thomas Klein and head coach Stephan Dohrn. He hadn´t just retired after an illustrious 15 year career, but instead was being honored for 6 months of superb duty. “I thought it was pretty cool being on the court. That was something that they didn´t have to do. That just shows what kind of an organization they are. It was a great ceremony and my parents were able to watch it”, commented Garrett Hicks. The ceremony was in German. How was his German after living 6 months in Germany? “I knew some words. It was a lot different to what I experienced last season in Georgia. In Germany 90% of the people knew English. I knew greetings and farewell”, smiled Garrett Hicks. He then proceeded to observe a wild game that saw Calvin Wishart hit a seemingly buzzer beater, but no, 0,6 seconds were still left on the clock and then the ending didn´t pan out glorious for the EPG Baskets. “We all thought Calvin had won the game. Mangum then sent the game into overtime with a big three. Bochum then finished strong. It is what it is”, stated Garrett Hicks. The defense continues to be a sore spot for Koblenz. What needs to be improved for the club to have a strong last months? “Our biggest problem is our transition defense. We aren´t too bad in the half court, but teams run on us pretty easy. We sometimes lack discipline sticking with our man. We like to crash the boards hard and they just tend to leak out and out run us. We need to find a good balance knowing when to crash and when to get back on defense. If we can clean that up then we will have better chances to be successful”, warned Garrett Hicks. The EPG Baskets Koblenz signed ex Munster player Larry Julian to help fill the void of Hicks departure. “He had been a good addition. He is a quick guard that creates well for himself and others. He is also a great defender. We knew that we got a great talent”, stressed Garrett Hicks.

The American who played 102 NCAA games at Alabama A&M University (NCAA) from 2019-2023 played 18 games for the EPG Baskets Koblenz averaging 7,7ppg, q,8rpg, 1,6apg and shot 36% from outside in 17,6 minutes per game. “I thought that I picked my spots well in some games and attacked and created for my teammates and was able to make an impact. Of course I can work on things, but overall, I thought that I contributed in a positive way in my role”, expressed Garrett Hicks. Last season he averaged 32 minutes as a rookie in Georgia and this season had a massive dip in minutes. He definitely showed maturity in accepting his role. “We had one of the deepest rosters in the league. We had so many talented guys. Some games I would play 25 minutes and other games 15 minutes. As long as I was ready when they called my name, that was all I could control”, added Garrett Hicks. He scored in double figures in 5 games and had a big game in Bayreuth where his three´s had a big impact and he finished with 16 points and the win. My favorite games were his scoring in bunches with his three´s against Munster and Kirchheim. “I had many nice memories with the EPG Baskets Koblenz organization. I loved the first practice. It is always great meeting all the guys for the first time. That is where you build relationships. Our first win at Bayreuth was also memorable. I also will never forget the last game where everyone showed so much love for me. It was great hanging around one more time”, stated Garrett Hicks. How would he like fans to remember him most? “That I always gave energy when I was on the court. I always tried to bring joy to the fans when I came and made a play. I loved seeing the fans reaction. I don´t want them to forget that I always tried to bring the attitude and energy and that I left it all on the court”, warned Garrett Hicks. But wait a minute. He is only 25. Why not return to the EPG Baskets Koblenz in 2026-2027? “I can´t really predict the future. I would love to return to the EPG Baskets Koblenz next season. We will see where I end up next season”, stressed Garrett Hicks.

Tyseem Lyles Is Clutch In Crunch-Time And Feeling At Home Again With His Mid Range Powering Fellbach Past TV Langen 88-80

With the down swing of the 25-26 Pro B south in full swing, the race for the playoffs was in high gear. However the playoffs were becoming less and less of a reality for TV Langen as they were riding a 3 game losing streak going into the home game with the Fellbach Flashers. Their standings situation could have looked a lot better had they been able to win the last 2 games which were nail bitter loses. Basketball life didn´t get any easier for them as 10-9 team Fellbach arrived in their living room. However they hadn´t been playing good basketball in 2026 either as they had lost 4 of 6 games. On Valentines day TV Langen had to play catch up basketball for most of the game and just couldn´t get over the hump as Tyseem Lyles (185-SG-1992, college: Mercy) made clutch shots in crunch-time to preserve the well deserved 88-80 victory. “We demonstrated strong character the whole game. Nik Schlipf carried us in the first half and in the second half, our defense carried us in important phases. Even when TV Langen hit three´s and executed on transition, we were able to power through these moments. We began to move the ball really well at the end of the third quarter and through the fourth quarter. We got easy baskets and Jonathan Gerlinger came up big for us”, stressed Fellbach Flasher Tyseem Lyles. “We were able to generate many good opportunities for shots in the first half, but weren´t able to do that on the switch in the second half. We were solid on defense, but always suffered easy mistakes”, stressed TV Langen guard Drago Crnjac.

Nik Schlipf at the FT line

The Fellbach Flashers had a rapid start in the first quarter, but TV Langen found their offense rhythm and it became a high scoring first quarter with 50 points, but the guests had the 27-23 lead after 10 minutes. Young German Nik Schlipf who has made a rapid progression in the last 2 years going from 5-9 to 14,0ppg began scoring 5 quick points for the 5-0 lead. TV Langen rebounded with easy lay in´s from ex Skyliner Junior Alex Lagerman and California native Jacob Washington to trail 5-4. After Swiss guard Mateus Rodriguez hit a trey, it was Jacob Washington that continued to be aggressive and scored twice in the zone, but Fellbach led 10-7. Fellbach continued to keep control as they had sound offensive execution getting three´s from ex Koblenz guard Jacob Hanzalek and Nic Schlipf for the 16-10 advantage. Fellbach was getting support from many areas as Rodriguez remained aggressive and spot on with his shooting as he produced 5 points with a three pointer and the 23-13 advantage. TV Langen had great difficulty stopping the drive and with their help defense. But sometimes it can go bang bang in basketball as TV Langen found some daylight nailing back to back three´s from ex Pro A player Risto Vasiljevic and ex Limburg guard Drago Crnjac to trail 23-19. However the momentum was still with Fellbach as they continued to attack the rim as Tyseem Lyles and Rondriguez chipped in with lay in´s Vasiljevic continued to fire away and hit one more trey as TV Langen trailed by 4 points after 10 minutes. “The high scoring didn´t surprise me. It was a big game for both teams for the playoffs. Both teams were focused. Nik Schlipf was aggressive and didn´t shy away from the moment. Jeremy Kolev was inured for a long time, but was fearless and Rodriguez hit big three´s and got to the free throw line”, stressed Tyseem Lyles. The Fellbach Flashers shot 67% from the 2 point area and 50% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 3 turnovers while TV Langen shot 46% from the 2 point area and 45% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 2 turnovers.

Risto Vasiljevic from outside

In the second quarter TV Langen fought back and stole the lead back, but couldn´t keep it and trailed 43-42 at half-time. TV Langen found their touch from outside as Lagerman and Vasiljevic scored from the parking touch, but Fellbach also found their offensive rhythm well getting another trey from Schlipf and a lay in by ex IBAM forward Jeremy Kolev for the 32-28 advantage. But TV Langen was playing with more confidence and then went on a 7-0 run to take their first lead of the game with 35-32. In the run it was walking bucket Jacob Washington again who scored consecutive baskets in the paint and the heart and soul of the team Henk Droste dropped a three pointer. TV Langen upped their defensive intensity and aggressiveness stopping the Fellbach drive better and continued to contain Lyles well. But TV Langen´s lead didn´t last long as Schlipf once again showed that he isn´t a role player anymore which he was 2 years ago, but a dominnat scorer in 2026 and leader as he scored 5 points in a row for the 39-35 Fellbach lead. Schlipf was in constant attack mode, but also demonstrated in the game that he can be a great distributor and guy with a huge Iq. Drago Crnjac also proved that he can score in bunches adding 5 unanswered points to give TV Langen the lead back at 40-39. The game was going back and forth and at eye level. But TV Langen couldn´t hold the lead as Fellbach went on a 4-0 run as Lyles made a lay in as did Jonathan Gerlinger who gave super support from the bench. Niklas Pons who posted a triple double in Fellbach earlier this season ended the first half with a lay in. “TV Langen hurt us in transition and with second chance points. That helped them stay in the game”, stated Tyseem Lyles. The Fellbach Flashers shot 52% from the 2 point area and 38% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 5 turnovers while TV Langen shot 50% from the 2 point area and 41% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Jeremy Kolev with the lay in

TV Langen was able to gain the lead back once in the third quarter, but overall the Fellbach Flashers controlled the game and TV Langen continued to practice catch up basketball. Lagerman began with a rapid 4-0 run to give TV Langen the 46-43 lead with a dunk and lay in, but they were unable to string along some stops. Fellbach struck back right away as Tyseem Lyles who had been 2/7 from the field in the first half, got hot making a step back shot and a trey for the 48-46 Fellbach lead. It was a lead that they would never give up again. After Washington tied the game with free throws 48-48, it was Fellbach again that got some momentum going on a lethal 7-0 run to lead 55-48. Lyles continued to find his spots hitting a trey while Kolev continued being fearless with a lay in and Gerlinger was aggressive in the paint getting an offensive rebound and put back. TV Langen continued to fight and stay close, but they just couldn´t get over the hump. Pons added a three pointer and ex Aschaffenburg forward Aminiu Abibu made a lay in to trail 59-58. Fellbach remained aggressive and closed out the third quarter strong getting a lay in from Schlipf. It was total isolation and good defense, but he simply hit a tough off balance bank shot and Gerlinger made a clutch tip in with a few second remaining as Fellbach led 63-59 after 30 minutes. “We were a lot more physical and that was a game changer for us. We also had better rotations taking their three away”, added Tyseem Lyles. “We had problems finidng a solution for the switch deefnse. Even if he had contained Nik Schlipf better, we still gav eup too many easy baskets”, said Drago Crnjac.The Fellbach Flashers shot 53% from the 2 point area and 39% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 11 turnovers while TV Langen shot 50% from the 2 point area and 34% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Jacob Washington at the FT line

The Fellbach Flashers managed the lead well in the fourth quarter never allowing TV Langen to get over the hump. TV Langen received big three´s from Washington and ex Skyliner Junior Philip Hadenfeld, but Fellbach punched back with a Lyles mid range jumper from Lyles and tip in from Gerlinger for the 67-65 lead. Lyles has always been a 3 level scorer, but this season has been concentrating a lot more on his mid range game again after not being allowed to take it during his Erfurt years. TV Langen continued to fight in their come back, but Fellbach continued to execute well keeping that 4-7 point lead cushion. Schlipf continued to show his smooth 3 point shooting stroke scoring twice as Fellbach led 77-70. After a Washington offensive rebound and put back to trail 77-73, it was Fellbach again that had the usual answer as Lyles made a lay in and Hanzalek for the basket on transition for the 81-73 lead. Abibu made a big basket on transition as TV Langen trailed 81-75 with 1,32 to play. But Lyles then slammed the door shut on TV Langen with a jumper, steal and transition bucket for the 85-75 advantage. “I never think that I have to take over. I just did what I felt was right. Coach Borisov has encouraged me to take the mid distance jumper again”, stressed Tyseel Lyles. Time was running out for TV Langen, but they showed heart getting a Abibu lay in, Kolev turnover and a trey from Washington to trail 85-80 with 17 seconds to play. Washington missed a trey and Hanzalek closed out the game with a lay in for the win. “We stuck to our game plan on the defensive end. We did a good job on the switch and rotated well”, stated Tyseem Lyles. “Both teams switched and Fellbach did a better job in the 1-1”, added Drago Crnjac. The Fellbach Flashers were led by Nik Schlipf with 28 points while Tyseem Lyles added 20 points while TV Langen was led by Jacob Washington with 22 points while Drago Crnjac had 14 points. The Fellbach Flashers shot 52% from the field and 39% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 15 turnovers while TV Langen shot 42% from the field and 38% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Microwave Isaiah Swope Knows Many Hands Have Helped In His Journey To Have Been Able To Produce The New Skyliners 41 Point Scoring Game Record

I truly never ever thought about Isaiah Swope (178-PG-2003, college: St.Louis) ever getting the Skyliners scoring record maybe because there are millions of other things I’m always thinking about that are basketball related. However the way this walking bucket rookie has played overseas in the easyCredit BBL this season, it was something that was bound to happen. And since I missed his buzzer beater recently with my luck, it also was inevitable that I would miss this incredible club scoring record. Once again I had that problem again of not being able to be in 2 places at the same time. I had chosen to call a Pro A ‘game in Koblenz where I was 0,6 seconds off from witnessing a Calvin Wishart buzzer beater. I have seen many incredible feats in the Frankfurt arena in the last 20 years. I could probably right a book on it, but the first that come to mind are the Jacob Burtschi 10 three pointers, Quantez Robertson, Eric Chadfield and Justin Gray buzzer beaters and many more. Isaiah Swope‘s feat is simply amazing because he did it as a rookie and seeing 41 points in any BBL game is extremely rare. He broke the record of Derrick Allen who netted 37 points against the MHP Riesen in 2008. So what does his club record mean to him? I have interviewed him a few times this season and know that he doesn’t think to highly about personal accolades, but this wasn’t just any old feat, but a major feat. ‘I’m just super super super appreciative what basketball has allowed me to do. I’m super blessed that my team just let me be myself to give me the chance to score 41 points. I have to give a lot of credit to my family, but also myself for having put in the work all these years. I know and won’t forget that there have been a lot of hands that have helped me along my journey’, stressed Isaiah Swope.

But like with the buzzer beater some weeks ago, I also wanted to be able to report on this club milestone even if I hadn’t seen it in person. I reached Isaiah Swope in the early afternoon the day after his scoring masterpiece in Frankfurt. It is no surprise that he felt different the morning after a loss despite scoring 41 points. Once again it’s not all about what he does on the court. ‘If I had scored 6 points and we won, I would have been happier. I never try to put too much focus on individual accolades. As long as we win I’m happiest’, warned Isaiah Swope. The Skyliners had lost a tough first game in Trier and coming in focused to win was massive. ‘The first loss in Trier was close and came down to the wire. We knew that they were a good team. Every game for us is important. We want to make a run for the playoffs’, stressed Isaiah Swope. Frankfurt suffered a bad start allowing a 9-0 Trier run in the first minutes trailing 9-3. Was the team shocked by their lack luster begin? ‘ No we weren’t shocked. We have had enough games this season where we started like this. We were able to find our rhythm then and keep it in the game’, stated Isaiah Swope. The Skyliners desperately needed some scoring punch and that is exactly what they got when he was inserted and reeled off 8 points in a row. Did he inspect any extra film on Trier or was his heavy scoring output simply what the defense gave him? ‘I had a good feeling coming into the game and just did what I always do which is play off my instincts’, said Isaiah Swope. Swope has been coming off the bench as a rookie and as a walking bucket, has it been difficult to adjust to? ‘I just try to do my role to the best of my abilities. Basketball is basketball. As long as I have good communication with my teammates and coaches then all is good’, said Isaiah Swope. The way he gets going in games, he reminds me a lot of Vinnie Johnson the microwave from Detroit Pistons fame . ‘It has been like that my whole career. I know I can score. I mean there are other guys that can do that. Jordan Roland for example is one of those guys, I just do what I do best’, stressed Isaiah Swope. After 10 minutes, he had scored 10 points, but Frankfurt was trailing 26-23. Frankfurt had had problems stringing along stops and watch as new Trier player Steven Ashworth hit big shots. ‘I give credit to Trier. They played really well together and hit big shots, They play fast paced and put a lot of pressure on us. They aren’t easy to play against. You just have to be disruptive and sit down and guard’, commented Isaiah Swope.

The contest remained tight in the second quarter, but Trier led 44-41 at the break. Swope wasn’t the only guard that night that had a great game, but so did American Jordan Roland of Trier. He came alive in the second quarter scoring 10 points. He has contributed 12 points in Trier and would finish with 31 points in Frankfurt and was in the shadow of Swope. Is veteran Roland a player he watches more closely and try to soak up certain parts of his game? ‘No. He is a good player though. I just focus on myself’, stressed Isaiah Swope. The third quarter was back and forth but Frankfurt had the slim 65-63 lead. He had a bucket and 17 points at that juncture. Did he feel like he had to be more aggressive or was he content at that point how the game was going? ‘The game requires me to score, pass, rebound, play defense and do other things as well. As long as we win at the end, I’m most happiest’, stated Isaiah Swope. The fourth quarter was a real dog fight. There were 7 lead changes in the first 2,32 minutes of the fourth quarter. What was going through his mind? Was he enjoying the game a bit or was he totally focused on work? ‘I always enjoy the game, but at the same time am a Competitor. I was just focused on the rhythm’, said Isaiah Swope. Trier was up 9 points with 2,47 to go in the game. It looked like they were in command. He then scored 13 unanswered points. He had scored 11 unanswered points against Jena and won. Did he feel it was time to step up and do his teammates understand then that it’s totally his time? ‘I think that we all look for each other. It is always whoever is hot. In the last game Ryan Hawkins was hot and he got the ball. We also get others the ball. That is only natural. Our first focus as team is to get the win’, stressed Isaiah Swope. Swope made 2 big free throws for the 95-93 lead with 2 seconds to go. Ashworth then made 2 bigger free throws to force overtime. Did he feel like they had the game won before Trier made the free throws? ‘That is part of the game. We were down 9 points and came back. There were 2 seconds to play and they found a way to force overtime. The game is never over until the clock says 0’, warned Isaiah Swope. Trier took no prisoners in overtime and jumped all over Frankfurt with a 12-0 run to slam the door on them. Did the Skyliners run out of gas? ‘We didn’t run out of gas. We just didn’t find our rhythm. We have to find a way to get stops. They made tough shots the whole game, but also easy ones. If we could have had more stops, then we would have been better position to win’, stated Isaiah Swope.

The easyCredit BBL standings are tight and 2 of the next 3 games for the Skyliners are must wins. The next opponent tomorrow is Braunschweig that are the doormat of the league. Frankfurt has fond memories of their first meeting as the Skyliners creamed them by 22 points. ‘We have to focus only on ourselves. What happened yesterday is behind us. Every game is a must win now. We have to come in with the right mentality. We need a winning streak to establish ourselves’, warned Isaiah Swope. His 41 point masterpiece from 2 days ago will be long gone from his memory on Saturday, but for the time being, it is still there. Did he get any cool messages from players that he maybe didn’t expect to? ‘I have to be honest that I have only a small circle of friends that I talk to every day. I try to stay out of the light. I just do my job and go home’, stressed Isaiah Swope. He didn’t have a favorite own bucket of his 41 points, but probably would have if they had won the game. The loss against Trier 48 hours ago surely will be forgotten soon, but his 41 point explosion will forever be in present in Skyliner history. I’m sure next week, people will still be talking about it, but he also will be able to talk about something else when he meets young German prospect Jamie Edoka when he arrives back in Frankfurt. At the moment Edoka is in Los Angeles, California taking part at the Basketball without boarders camp during the NBA allstar weekend. ‘Jamie and I talked a little about it before he left. It is great that he got invited. People are seeing his potential. He is a young smart kid that is really athletic. There wasn’t really too much I could tell him. This is a great experience that will really help his career. He will be great there’, warned Isaiah Swope. Perhaps Edoka will have a story for Swope if he is able to have met Lebron James. That is definitely a story where Swope will be able to focus on.

German Hoops

Covering Basketball In Germany!

Jamie Edoka Brings New Precision From Los Angeles Powering The Skyliners Juniors To 94-76 Win Over Wurzburg

Aleksa Kovacevic(EPG Baskets) Wants To Be A Top 5 Point Guard In The Pro A And Return Back To The easyCredit BBL

Lukas Milner(Tigers Tuebingen) Is Thankful That Henrik Sonko Helped Him Understand The Chess Match That Goes On In European Basketball

Will The NCAA Or EasyCredit BBL Be In The Cards Of Jonathan Zeisberger(TSV Oberaching Tropics) In The Future?

Tom Quarry Knows That Coach Kreps And His Teammates Trust In Him Is Very Conducive To Having Big Games Like His 47 Points Explosion Against BC Mess

Maleeck Harden-Hayes(Sporting Lisboa) Knows That He Will Always Stay On the Court Because Of His Great Ability To Defend Many Positions

Declan Duru(University Of Texas) Learned To Think The Game At A Higher Level With Real Madrid

Garrett Hicks Received So Much Love From The EPG Baskets Koblenz And Could Imagine Returning In 2026-2027

Tyseem Lyles Is Clutch In Crunch-Time And Feeling At Home Again With His Mid Range Powering Fellbach Past TV Langen 88-80

Microwave Isaiah Swope Knows Many Hands Have Helped In His Journey To Have Been Able To Produce The New Skyliners 41 Point Scoring Game Record