Lucai Anderson Hits Big 3´s Leading Germany To Overpowering 95-80 Victory Over Turkey At AST

 The question going into the Germany-Turkey game was could Germany top their fascinating win over Slovenia the night before? Germany didn´t get another thrilling game winning shot, but they played a very strong game for 33-34 minutes overpowering Turkey 95-80 and showing them that they could win the battle on the glass and just get a great effort from the first five and get continued great support from players 6-12 as there was constant superb effort from every German on the court. Lucai Anderson once again had the hot hand from outside demonstrating his knack for hitting big shots. The only thing that didn´t change from the Slovenia game was the bad start as they also began flat against Turkey, but found to their game midway in the first quarter and then controlled the game until the buzzer. “We did have a slow start, but once we got in the flow, we killed them on the offensive rebound. We moved the ball well on offense and on defense stayed together as a unit and had good help”, stressed Lucai Anderson. Turkey had a great start, but that high intensity especially on the glass disappeared half way through the first quarter as Germany took the lead and control and from there had to play pick up basketball all night long. “It was a tough game for us. We were young and they were stronger physically. We lacked experience”, stressed Omer Yusif Sik.

     Jamie Edoka at the FT line           

Turkey got off to a rapid start in front of nearly 2000 fans as the atmosphere was amazing leading 9-2 as they caught Germany on the wrong side of the bed again as had Slovenia. Perhaps Germany was a bit nervous, but in the first minutes they were unable to match Turkey´s physicality and intensity. Turkey attacked the rim and got 2 baskets from their best player Darius Karutasu while Sik also scored on the drive and Emre Yazinki who only started playing basketball a year ago nailed a jumper. Germany finally got into the game as their will to hustle came in to the game. Alba Berlin forward Fin Borczanowski made 2 big scores with an offensive rebound and put back and lay in on transition when Germany suddenly trailed only 9-7. Germany had raised their defensive intensity annoying Turkey and forcing them to a few turnovers. Turkey would hold the lead a while longer as Karutasu showed what a real work horse is when he scored over 3 Germans giving Turkey the 13-8 advantage. However Germany had a bench that gave great effort and was extremely vital in them closing out the first quarter with a 15-8 run to lead 24-20 after 10 minutes. Key in the run were a trey from Dragons Rhondorf guard Dusan Ilic and a massive dunk by Paderborn center Leonard Kroger and back to back baskets from Rasta Vechta guard Moritz Gruss. Germany not only had matched Turkey´s intensity and physicality, but had passed it. “Germany wasn´t consequent with their game in the first few minutes getting turnovers and trailing. But the bench gave great answers from Ilic and Dopfer. They made quicker decisions, increased the intensity and played as a team”, stated ex pro player Lotola Otshumbe. Germany shot 46% from the 2 point area and 33% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 3 turnovers while Turkey shot 63% from the field and 33% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

         Besir Briant at the FT line    

   In the second quarter Germany made their move and led by as many as 15 points to take firm control of the contest. Germany didn´t waste any time jumping all over Turkey going on a 12-4 run to lead 36-24. Instrumental in the run was Lucai Anderson who added 7 points and 2 three´s. Did his hot shooting ahainst Slovenia translate over to the Turkey game? “I don’t think I was more confident than other days. I work hard on my shot. I take every shot like it´s my last shot”, stressed Lucai Anderson. After Turkey managed a lightening 5-0run as Sik hit a trey and Opcun a lay in, Germany didn´t fret, but punched back fiercely going on a 10-2 run to extend their lead to 46-31. Skyliner Jamie Edoka found some space to drop a trey while Anderson remained aggressive and dropped 2 more three´s. Germany moved the ball well and there were no stars, but equal love as everyone was getting a taste of the pie and making shots. Karutasu remained aggressive and nailed another shot, but Turkey had gotten away a bit from their team basketball and still couldn´t match Germany´s intensity or physicality especially on the glass. “Germany were in a great flow and there were no let downs. The bench players came in and kept the high intensity intact and executed well. Germany had good help and communication on defense”, added Lotola Otshunbe. Germany shot 43% from the 2 point area and 54% from the three point line and had 24 rebounds and 6 turnovers while Turkey shot 55% from the field and 22% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

       Jamie Edoka with the mid range         

Turkey had their best quarter in the third where they scored 24 points and had 2 runs to trail only 66-61 after 30minutes. Germany actually had the better begin going on a 4-0 run to extend their lead to 56-37 as Jamie Edoka executed on a pull up jumper and Felix Kiehlneker produced a dunk. Turkey then rallied and made a lethal 11-0 run to trail only 57-48. Turkey finally hit some three´s as Karutasu and Sik scored while they also remained aggressive getting to the free throw line. Turkey upped their intensity again on defense and on the glass and didn´t help Germany either that Anton Kemmer missed 2 free throws. Germany was able to punch back getting another clutch three pointer from Anderson while Dopfer also added a trey to give Germany the comfortable 65-52 advantage. But Germany couldn´t hold that momentum as the third quarter turned into a quarter of runs as Turkey closed out the third frame with a 9-1 run to trail only by 5 points. Karutasu continued to be aggressive and get the ball and executed twice with a dunk after retrieving a loose ball and then made an off balance jumper. Sik ended the third quarter with a deep trey at the buzzer which had the entire bench rushing out to congratulate their teammates. “We weren´t as aggressive and we had problems defending the side pick and roll and we allowed them to get to the free throw line”, added Lucai Anderson. Germany shot 42% from the 2 point area and 47% from the parking lot and had 32 rebounds and 11 turnovers while Turkey shot 52% from the 2 point area and 31% from the parking lot and had 24 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

                Darius Karutasu from outside

Germany had no more let downs in the fourth quarter as they managed the lead well and exploded for 29 points. Germany once again began very well not allowing Turkey to get any early momentum as they went on a 8-2 run to lead 74-63. Anton Kemmer drilled home 2 treys while Edoka made a lay in. Germany showed that they had so many weapons that any guy could step up at any time and wreck havoc. From now on both teams would execute solidly as Turkey was unable to string along some stops to help them get over the hump. FC Bayern Munich center Killian Duck made a dunk and Anderson a lay in to keep Turkey at bay as Germany led 80-67. The Germany bench continued to execute as Dopfer made a thunderous dunk for the 82-68 lead. Turkey tried to make a late run when they produced back to back dunks from Karutasu and Besir Briant to get under 10 points trailing 84-76. However Germany had no let downs in the last few minutes, but instead closed out the game in style with a 11-4 run. Danziger made another clutch trey while Borczanowksi scored twice to close out the third win in a row by Germany at AST. “Key in the last quarter was us continuing to get offensive rebounds and just outworking them. We wanted it more”, stated Lucai Anderson. Germany was led by Lucai Anderson with 23 points and Fin Borczwanowski had 13 points while Turkey was by Darius Karutasu with 29 points. Germany shot 45% from the point area and 46% from outside and had 44 rebounds and 14 turnovers while Turkey shot 55% from the 2 point area and 22% from outside and had 26 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Mr Clutch Jamie Edoka Nails Game Winner and Puts Family And Friends In Ecstasy Shocking Slovenia 91-89 At The Albert Schweitzer Tournament.

There couldn´t have been bigger extremes between the first two Germany opponents at the Albert Schweitzer tournament as they destroyed Bahrain by 57 points and 24 hours later had a tough opponent with Slovenia. Slovenia led from the get go and controlled the game, but Germany never let up as they fought all game long always having to exert extra effort in their comeback attempts. In the last few minutes Germany came together and buckled up on defense and got a late trey from Ludwigsburg guard Lars Danziger and a game winner from Skyliner Jamie Edoka (195-G-2008) to bring Germany to 2-0 before their clash with Turkey the next day. Before the game began one could see a massive fan community for Edoka as family and friends were there as well as coaches from the Skyliners Pro B and NBBL team. In the end Edoka and his followers were all rewarded with an incredible finish that many won´t forget so who witnessed it. “We had a tough start and weren´t awake. We never gave up fighting and had to withstand runs. We played with heart and were proud to represent our country. We gave all we had and were able to turn the game around at the end. We wanted it more”, stressed Jamie Edoka. The loss couldn´t have been more painful for Slovenia who controlled the game for the most part and then lost at the end on a last shot. “We were much better than yesterday. Our approach was much better. We were a lot more aggressive and were able to stop their transition. That made a difference. 5-5 was tough since they had more length. Despite the loss, I was satisfied with their reaction to the Japan game”, stressed Slovenia head coach Dejan Cikic.

Jamie Edoka at the FT line

Slovenia didn´t waste anytime totally jumping all over Germany as they rolled out to a quick 8-2 lead. Slovenia was led by versatile Lukas Nikola Bojovic who made 3 steals and 2 baskets while quick guard Igor Stjepanovic and Maks Ceperle also added lay in´s as the feared transition game of Germany was actually played by Slovenia. Slovenia´s aggressive on ball defense was brutal as Germany was unable to come to terms with it. Then occurred an untypical 20 minute delay because there was a problem at the scouting table. When play resumed, the break didn´t benefit Germany, but moreover Slovenia as they continued their aggressive play going on a 9-2 run to up their lead to 17-4. Germany was taking better care of the ball, but Slovenia stayed aggressive and attacked the paint and got to the free throw line. Germany then finally got out of their shell and responded with their first run of the game 10-2 and suddenly Slovenia only led 18-14. Key in the run was energy from Leonard Kroger and William Dopfer who came from the bench and added instant buckets. Germany finally matched the intensity of Slovenia and got more aggressive getting to the rim as FC Bayern Munich forward Casper Vossenberg added 4 points. Slovenia stayed ahead simply because Germany made some dumb mistakes like allowing Ciperle to make 3 free throws and Nejc Roznik made a lay in, but Germany punched back with a Youdom lay in and Lucai Anderson basket to trail 24-22. “Germany had a bad start. They had poor 1-1 defense and allowed Slovenia to the free throw line. Their ball movement was static, but the game changed for them from Kroger and Dopfer came in”, stressed Orange Academy head coach Florian Flabb. Slovenia shot 58% from the 2 point area and 14% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 1 turnover and Germany shot 50% from the 2 point area and 0% form outside and had 11 rebounds and 7 turnovers. Germany was lucky to be down 2 points with so many turnovers.

Maks Ciperle at the FT line

Slovenia remained in control in the second quarter, but they couldn´t shake Germany as they let them hang around. Slovenia began with a 4-0 run as Jazon Krosejl and Anid Pasic scored, but Germany punched back with a Youdom lay in and Vossenberg put back, but Germany still trailed 30-28. Slovenia continued to execute very well playing inside out basketball getting a trey from Pasic and lay in´s from Cizej and Ciperle for the 39-30 advantage. Germany kept punching back getting a massive dunk from Kroger and basket from Dopfer back door as Kroger supplied the dime. The way they were playing together in only their second game, it seemed like they could have been teammates for years, but Slovenia still led 41-34. Slovenia was getting too many transition baskets and on the set play way to easy baskets. However Germany had a little extra energy right before the break going on a 10-4 run to trail only 49-44. Jamie Edoka finally found his offensive rhythm adding 5 points. “He had a tough start, but in the last minutes showed his total talent”, stated Florian Flabb. Kroger made free throws and Youdom added a trey to get Germany back on track again. “Slovenia got too many transition baskets. Germany played smarter at the end having less contested shots”, added Florian Flabb. Slovenia shot 71% from the 2 point area and 17% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 4 turnovers while Germany shot 45% from the 2 point area and 22% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Lars Danziger for three

Slovenia had their strongest quarter in the third scoring 28 points and leading by 15 points after 30 minutes. Slovenia jumped all over Germany in the first minutes going on a rapid 13-3 run to extend their lead to 62-48. Their three pointer finally got going as they let it rain three´s getting 2 from Ciperle and one from Kozel. Germany´s energy went down again as they were slow on the close outs and on help defense. However Germany didn´t lose total control getting some key baskets from Vossenberg with a runner and Alba Berlin forward Anton Kemmer hit a trey as Germany trailed 64-53. Germany went on a 7-0 run late to trail 69-62 as Kroger gave that needed energy from the bench again with 2 buckets inside while Vossenberg dropped a trey. However costly mistakes in the last minutes allowed Slovenia a lethal 8-0 run to lead 77-62 with 10 minutes to play. Gal Cop hit 3 free throws while Rok Kozel made a trey and Cizel a lay in. “That 8-0 against us was really costly. We made little mistakes and they hit us with transitions baskets”, said Jamie Edoka. “Once again our aggression helped us a lot giving us easy transition baskets and three´s”, added Dejan Cikic.

Lukas Nikola Bojovic with the runner

Germany never trailed by more than 10 points in the fourth quarter and scored 29 points in their come back. Germany caught Slovenia off guard slapping them with a 7-0 run to trail only 77-69. Germany upped their defense again as they were led by Lars Danzinger and Youdom who were scrappy and making life difficult for the Slovenian players. Edoka began the run with 3 points and big guard Fin Borczanowski showed his scoring qualities scoring twice. Then came a great phase by Germany as Lucai Anderson dropped 2 three´s in a row to keep Germany close at 83-79. “He has the quality to make shots like that. He also showed in those moments that he can step up and take on responsibility”, commented Jamie Edoka. However Germany wasn´t able to string along consecutive stops as they got baskets from Stjepanovic and Pasic to lead 87-81. However Germany never gave up and got the next super clutch shot from Anderson as he drilled home another trey to trail 87-84. After a Germany stop, Vossenberg made one free throw to trail 87-86. Slovenia´s nerves were sharp as clutch player Bojovic hit an incredible runner for the 89-86 lead. With less than a minute, Lars Danziger made a clutch trey to dead lock the game at 89-89. Youdom made a great play from the baseline seeing he didn´t have a good shot kicking out ot Danzinger for the open trey. “Lars is so vital for our success. He can do it at both ends. He also showed that you can rely on him to make the big shot”, explained Jamie Edoka. With 23 seconds to play, Slovenia had possession and Germany stopped them. With 5 seconds to play, Germany gave Jamie Edoka the ball at the base line and he made a routine mid distance shot for the winner. “We wanted to get some one a good look. I got the ball and had the confidence that I could make it. I was a little nervous when I saw the ball bounce on the rim, but so much more happy when it went in”, smiled Jamie Edoka. “We didn´t switch, We tried to block it, but he made a fantastic shot”, said Dejan Cikic. “I was hoping it would go in. We watched from the bench as it slowly went in and then jumped with joy”, stated Dusan Ilic. Germany was led by Jamie Edoka and Lucai Anderson with 14 points a piece while Caspar Vossenberg added 13 points while Slovenia was led by Make Ciperle with 21 points. Germany shot 46% from the 2 point area and 37% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 18 turnovers while Slovenia shot 58% from the 2 point area and 27% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Germany Begin The 2026 Albert Schweitzer Tournament Destroying Bahrain 116-59

Germany arrived in the 2026 Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Mannheim as the heavy Favorite in their first contest against Bahrain destroying them 116-59. It was the first appearance for Bahrain as they were severely outmatched especially under the basket where Germany simply had too many bigs and overpowered them at both ends of the court. Germany won the rebound battle easily 55-31 and forced 29 turnovers and on the offensive end played beautiful team basketball dishing out 23 assists. German Lucai Anderson (190-G-2009) led Germany with 16 points and had family in attendance with dad Christian Sr and older brother Christian who is a projected 2026 NBA draft pick. “I think Germany played really well. One can´t forget that this was a brand new crew and it was their first time playing together. On offense Germany showed everything. It is a team that can score at all three levels. We dominated with our length. Germany allowed too many points on defense. They were great help side, but need work on rotations and close outs”, stressed Christian Anderson Sr. Before the game began the question was by how many points Germany would win by. Bahrain knew that it would be a tough game and after the siren sounded head coach Ahmed Aziz explained exactly what the goal of Bahrain is at this years AST. “We just tried to play our game. Germany had a huge advantage with their size and length. We really tried our best. We want to develop our players here and not win. We fought well, but need to learn to do that better for 40 minutes”, stressed Bahrain head coach Ahmed Aziz.

Somto Patrick at the FT line

Germany came out a little wobbly in the first minutes as they fell behind rapidly 6-1 as 1,070 fans looked on. Bahrain got a bucket from Somto Patrick and a trey from Ali Hafedh catching Germany off guard and on the wrong side of the bed. Germany was a bit lax with their defensive pressure, but they quickly found their rhythm going on a 19-3 run and would never look back as they exploded for 37 first quarter points and then would average it out with 26 points in the last three quarters. In the run, Wurzburg guard Paul Plato demonstrated his energy and did it at both ends with a lay in and steal and dunk while Lucai Anderson scored in bunches, William Dopfer from Georgia made free throws while Paderborn center Leonard Kroger made a put back dunk for the 20-9 Germany advantage. Germany was defending with more intensity and forcing turnovers and forcing Bahrain to tough shots. Germany really moved the ball well and got everyone involved. In the latter half, Dragons Rhondorf guard Dusan Ilic converted on two trey´s while Ludwigsburg defensive specialist Kenan Youdom (192-G/F-2009) added 5 points. Germany was always trying to run transition and were able to make 5 dunks in the first quarter. After 10 minutes Germany held the commanding 37-14 lead. “Germany was nervous at the start simply because it was a new team. They then found their rhythm and produced consistently. I liked how they looked for the right shots”, explained Christian Anderson Sr. Germany shot 71% from the 2 point area and 50% from outside and had 14 rebounds and 2 turnovers while Bahrain shot 17% from the 2 point area and 33% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Dusan Ilic from outside

In the second quarter Germany had some difficult first minutes, but then found their rhythm winning the quarter 24-18. Bahrain began quickly again going on a 9-4 run to trail only 41-23. Bahrain got 2 baskets from Mahdi Bager who never stopped being aggressive and a trey from Yousif Meshai. Germany had some mental lapses and problems with the close outs. But like in the first quarter, they escaped their funk and then reeled off a 20-8 run to rush into half-time with the comfortable 61-31 advantage. Key in the run was big man Leonard Kroger who accumulated 3 baskets in a row with 2 offensive rebounds and put backs while Anderson made a lay in, Jamie Edoka a dunk and Fin Borczanowski made a lay in. 2024 NBBL champion with Vechta Moritz Gruss also added a trey in the offensive onslaught. Bahrain got some good offensive input from lightening quick guard Mahdi Bager with 2 baskets. Germany defended aggressively and physically and did a good job packing the paint and forcing the Bahrain drivers to tough shots. Leonard Kroger was as efficient as possible in the paint area and finished the first half with a dunk. “We didn´t start well, but it had to do with a team that still didn´t know each other that well. Our guards gambled a bit, but after a while they got it cleaned up. It´s all about communication and connection”, stated Christian Anderson Sr. Germany shot 62% from the 2 point area and 42% from the three point line and had 25 rebounds and 10 turnovers while Bahrain shot 24% from the 2 point area and 36% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Mahdi Bager with the runner

In the third quarter, there was no offensive let down as Germany produced 26 points and allowed only 15 points to up their lead to an overwhelming 87-47 advantage. Both teams traded baskets in the first minute as Lucai Anderson scored twice inside and big man Hassan Abdulqadir scored 3 points as Germany led 65-35. Then there was a down phase where there were 5 possessions in a row from both teams and no points. Germany continued to press and when in the half court played aggressive on ball defense which stifled Bahrain. Germany´s aggressive defense led to a 10-4 run to up their lead to 75-39. In the run Germany did a good job attacking the rim as all 5 buckets were scored inside. Skyliner Jamie Edoka made a thunderous dunk and pretty finger tip lay up while Borcznanowski scored twice and Ulm center Felix Kiehlneker made a reverse lay up. Bahrian got some production from Hassan Abdulqadir and a trey from Ali Ferdousi, but they couldn´t make any ground as Germany´s offensive efficiency and consistency was too much for them. Youdom led the charge with 5 points including a trey while FC Bayern Munich forward Caspar Vossenberg also hit a trey. Germany wasn´t the only one making highlight plays as Bahrain also got a pretty tip in dunk from Somto Patrick. “We tried to run up the score. You can´t take them for granted. Germany was working at getting better for the next game”, said Christian Anderson Sr. “We stuck to our principles and didn´t look at the score”, stated Ahmed Aziz. Germany shot 60% from the 2 point area and 35% from the parking lot and had 36 rebounds and 13 turnovers while Bahrain shot 29% from the two point area and 36Y% from the parking lot and had 21 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

Fin Borczanowski at the FT line

There as no let down by Germany in the fourth quarter as their explosive scoring continued as they netted 29 points and gave up only 12 points. Germany once again had a slow start to the last frame allowing a 9-4 run where they got a little sloppy on the execution. Bahrain took advantage of it and got some solid scores from Abdulqadir with a pretty old school hook shot and 2 buckets from reserve player Hussain Fuad to cut Germany´s lead to 91-56. However Germany was in no danger of losing control as they always were able to find back to their solid execution. The powerful German guard duo of Edoka and Anderson added buckets while Ilic hit another trey giving Germany the 101-58 lead. Did Ilic have to buy donuts? “I had no idea I made the 101th point. I hope nobody noticed”, smiled Dusan Ilic. After Mohammed Mamood added a free throw, Germany then reeled off 15 straight points to close out the game in flying colors. In the run, Germany received 2 more dunks from Kiehlneker and Youdom which finished their team dunk total for the game with 11, while Edoka added 3 points, Moritz Gruss a three pointer and Ilic a lay in. “They lost a little concentration in certain phases, but all in all it was a good effort by Germany”, commented Christian Anderson Sr. “We had the right mind set never giving up to the end”, added Ahmed Aziz. Germany was led by Lucai Anderson and Kenan Youdom with 16 points a piece while Hassan Abdulqadir had 13 points. Germany shot 60% from the two point area and 29% from outside and had 55 rebounds and 21 turnovers while Bahrain shot 30% from the two point area and 25% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 29 turnovers.

Giorgos Vovoras Learned From Rick Pitino´s Emotional Kobe Speech That You Can Impact Players Not Only Tactically But Also Mentally And Emotionally

Giorgos Vovoras (agency: Octagon Europe ) is a Greek coach that currently is the coach of the Bahrain national team and a consultant for Bahrain at the 2026 Albert Schweitzer tournament. He has had experience coaching in Greece, Hungary, Lithuania and Cyprus. He gained his most success winning 10 titles with Panathinaikos as an assistant coach. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the game against Germany at the Albert Schweizer tournament in Mannheim.

Thanks Giorgos for talking to germanhoops.com. You hail from Greece and have coached many clubs in Europe as well as Euroleague team Panathinaikos. Now your coaching the Bahrain national team and are a consultant at the U-18 championships at the Albert Schweitzer tournament in Mannheim Germany. This was a different kind of challenge for you. Why did you take this on?

Since June 2025, I have been working in collaboration with the Bahrain national team as the head coach of the senior national team, as well as a consultant for the overall development program of Bahrain basketball. What really motivated me to take on this role was the vision of the federation. I saw a federation that is making a new and ambitious effort, with clear goals and big dreams for the future of basketball in the country. It is a different challenge for me compared to my previous experience in Europe, but at the same time, it is very motivating to be part of something that is being built in a proper and sustainable way. Already, we have seen positive signs. Last year, the U16 national team made important progress, finishing 7th in the Asian tournament, which shows that the program is moving in the right direction and the Bahrain national team also finished in third place at the William Jones Tournament, which is the best result ever achieved by a Gulf country. In addition, we had a very strong performance in the Arab Tournament.

Bahrain is in Asia and not known for it´s basketball. They have a league where ex NBA players play and where there is money. However how much interest is there in basketball in that country?

Basketball in Bahrain is actually considered the national sport, and there is a strong love and passion for the game across the country. From my personal experience, having attended the league finals last year, the arenas were full, and the atmosphere was intense, with great energy and passion for winning. As I mentioned before, there is a serious effort being made to take important steps forward, especially at the national team level, with the goal of establishing Bahrain as a more competitive and respected presence in Asian basketball.

How is the state of youth basketball there? This is Bahrain´s first time playing at AST. Is it a sport that is growing?

The Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Mannheim is one of the most prestigious and historic international U18 tournaments, with a long tradition, where many top talents from around the world have competed over the years. For us, participating in this tournament is a very important opportunity to compete at a high level and provide valuable experience to our young players. For us, participating in this tournament is even more important, especially given the current circumstances in the region and the postponement of the Gulf U18 Tournament. The federation recognized this as a valuable opportunity for our players to gain experience at a high-level and globally respected event. Regarding youth basketball in Bahrain, as I mentioned earlier, there is a structured effort to build the development model step by step, with a strong focus on the new generation. We have had the opportunity to include several talented players in the program, who are already showing great progress. At the same time, significant emphasis has been placed on developing competitive leagues at the U16, U18, and U20 levels within Bahrain, which clearly reflects the serious work being done across all age groups.

Please talk about some of the talented players. What players can we look for during the AST?

We have two players with exceptional talent and great potential, Hassan Abdulkhadir and Somto Patrick. At the moment, they are studying and playing in highly competitive high school programs in the United States. I had the opportunity to visit them in February and closely observe their development and the way they are working within these environments. They are part of very strong and demanding programs, and they have already received scholarship offers from top Division I colleges. They also had an excellent performance in last summer’s Asian tournament, which further highlighted their potential. This gives us great confidence and excitement for the future, as we believe they can play an important role in the next generation of Bahrain basketball

Germany has had massive success in men´s basketball the last years winning the World Cup and Euro. They also have had great results at the youth sector. How have you followed the development of the basketball there?

Germany’s recent success in men’s basketball is not something that happened overnight. It is the result of a long-term process that started many years ago, even after the generation led by Dirk Nowitzki, when Germany was already competing at the highest level. In the years that followed, the federation made a clear and strategic investment in youth development. They focused on building a strong development structure, improving coaching education, and creating competitive environments for young players. I believe this has been the key factor behind their current success. Today, Germany has players performing at the highest level, from the NBA to the EuroLeague and top domestic leagues across Europe. This clearly reflects the quality and consistency of the work that has been done over the years. For me, Germany is a great example for other federations. Their model shows how important it is to invest in youth development with a clear plan, patience, and continuity, in order to achieve long-term success.

What do you believe is the secret to Germany´s success in the last years? Is it more than just discipline?

It’s not just discipline. Talent is always present, but the key is the process and consistency. Germany trusted their system, stayed patient, and followed a clear long-term plan — and that’s what led to their success

How tough a game can you await? Is Bahrain the massive underdog or just underdog against Germany?

For Bahrain, this will be our first game against a European team, which makes it a very valuable experience. We expect a tough and physical game against one of the top teams in Europe. However, we believe in our identity and our style of play, and our goal is to compete and challenge ourselves at the highest.

Is there a German player that you feel could be the big attraction at AST?

Germany always brings a very talented group to this tournament, so it’s not about one specific player. Their strength is the overall level of the team — athleticism, discipline, and strong fundamentals. That’s what makes them so competitive year after year.

You have been a coach in Cyprus, Lithuania, Russia and Greece. Talk a little about what kind of a coach you are?

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with top coaches and players at the highest level. These experiences have helped me build my own coaching philosophy. I would describe myself as a coach who tries to adapt to modern basketball. I believe in building teams that are disciplined with defensive mentality, play with intensity at a high pace and understand the game. For me, it’s not only about tactics, but also about creating the right mindset, where players compete, improve every day, and play for each other

You were an assistant coach for many years with Euroleague powerhouse Panathinaikos and won 10 titles. Which title was your favorite?

During my years with Panathinaikos, we won many titles, but there are two that stand out for me, and it’s difficult to choose between them. The first one is the 2012–2013 season, with coach Argyris Pedoulakis. It was the first year after the end of a great era for the club, with a new team built around key Greek players like Dimitris Diamantidis and Kostas Tsartsaris. Despite the challenges and having home-court disadvantage, we managed to win the finals against the reigning EuroLeague champions Olympiacos with a 3–0 series, which made that season truly special. The second title I highlight is the 2016–2017 season, under coach Xavi Pascual. We won the championship against Olympiacos with a 3–2 series, with the decisive Game 5 played away from home. It was a very competitive series, with players like Nick Calathes and Mike James playing key roles. What I will never forget is our return home, where around 30,000 fans were waiting for us to celebrate this title together

What was it like working under legend Rick Pitino. What could you learn from him and what was your coolest story?

It was truly a unique experience to work with a coach like Rick Pitino, who has achieved everything in college basketball and also had a great career in the NBA. What impressed me the most was his passion and love for the game. Every single day, he found motivation not only for himself but also for his players, and he worked with incredible energy and passion in every practice, always driven by the desire to win. For me, every day working with him was an opportunity to learn. The most important thing I took from him is that basketball is not only about tactics. The mental aspect of the game — how you prepare players psychologically for every practice and every game — is equally important. He puts a huge emphasis on this area, and for me, working with him was a great learning experience There are many stories I could share, because he always found ways to inspire the team. But one moment I will never forget was when we learned about the passing of Kobe Bryant. The next day, we had an important league game. Coach Pitino came into the locker room and didn’t talk about the game at all. Instead, he gave an incredible speech about who Kobe was as a person, as a family man, and as an athlete. It was a very emotional moment — almost everyone was deeply moved. When we left the locker room, I asked him how the players would be able to focus after that. He told me, ‘Don’t worry, just watch the first minutes of the game.’ And he was right — we started the game with incredible intensity and focus. For me, this shows how important it is to impact players mentally and emotionally, not just tactically.

You coached so many great players at Panathinaikos. Please name your 3 favorite players?

I’ve been fortunate throughout my career to work with many great players and, more importantly, great people. It’s always difficult to choose, but when you have had the opportunity to work with players like Dimitris Diamantidis, the greatest players in EuroLeague history, Mike James, the all-time leading scorer of the EuroLeague, and Nick Calathes, one of the best passers in the competition, I think the answer speaks for itself. What they have achieved, both individually and with their teams, reflects their quality and consistency at the highest level.

Please name your coaching Mount Rushmore (4 greatest coaches for you)?

If I had to choose my coaching Mount Rushmore, I would say Xavi Pascual, Rick Pitino, Željko Obradovic, and Saras Jasikevicius. Xavi Pascual is one of the best tactical coaches in EuroLeague, and working with him helped me organize my thinking and understand how to prepare a game at the highest level. Rick Pitino taught me that basketball is not only about tactics, but also about the mental aspect and how to motivate players every day. Željko Obradovic is, in my opinion, the greatest European coach, having created his own basketball culture and philosophy over many years. Sarunas Jasikevicius is a coach I have followed closely for many years. What stands out is his ability to adapt, to develop his teams in different environments, and to build a clear playing identity based on modern basketball principles.

Thanks Giorgos for the chat.

It Is Vital For Ahmed Aziz(Bahrain AST U-18 Coach) That Boys Don´t Only Develop Further On The Court But Also Off The Court As Men

Ahmed Aziz is a a former professional player that is currently coaching the Bahrain U-18 team that is competing at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Mannheim, Germany. He was a professional player in Bahrain from 2007-2023 and since 2023 has been a U-17 and U-19 coach in Bahrain. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the game against Germany at the Albert Schweitzer tournament.

Thanks Ahmed for talking to eurobasket.com. Your head coach of the U-18 of Bahrain at the Albert Schweitzer tournament in Germany. Is this your first time in Germany?

This is my second time in Germany. My first time was in 2013 when I came here for therapy. I was still a pro player.

The team had problems getting to Germany and were stranded in the Middle East. How taxing has the war in Iran been for daily life?

The war had nothing to do with why we were late to Germany. Our airport is still closed. We took a bus to Doha and then flew to Frankfurt. There were technical delays.

Bahrain is in Asia and not known for it’s basketball. They have a league where ex NBA players play and where there is money. Is it true that basketball is the #1 sport there?

I believe that basketball is the #1 sport in Bahrain with football in second place. Our basketball arena’s are always full.

How is the state of youth basketball there? This is Bahrain’s first time playing at AST. Is it a sport that is growing?

Basketball is growing with the youth in Bahrain. The Royal family of Bahrain is very involved in supporting the sport. They have made numerous connections and helped us be able to play in great tournaments like Albert Schweitzer.

Please talk about some of the talented players. What players can we look for during the AST?

We have many talented players at the moment. Our two biggest talents are Muytaba Rayan and Somto Patrick. We think that Rayan has a very bright future while Patrick is in high school at the moment in USA. We are trying to develop him as best as possible so he can reach the highest stage. He will attend college after high school.

Talk about your basketball philosophy. What kind of a coach are you?

Our players are short and we can’t compete with bigs. We like to run, shoot and press full court. We want to speed up the game.

Would you call the style 40 minutes of hell?

Yes that is accurate.

What gives you the biggest joy with coaching young men?

Just seeing the boys develop step by step. It makes me happy and proud when I see a young player achieve something big. It isn’t only about how a player develops on the court, but we also stress shaping them into good men.

Germany has had massive success in men’s basketball the last years winning the World Cup and Euro. They also have had great results at the youth sector. How have you followed the development of the basketball there?

I follow Germany but also many other countries in Europe. Germany is one of the best nations for basketball in the world. We look up to them.

What do you believe is the secret to Germany’s success in the last years? Is it more than just discipline?

Their approach to the game is key.

How tough a game can you await? Is Bahrain the massive underdog or just underdog against Germany?

It will be a very tough game for us. We know that they have a lot of size and are physical. We are here for the first time. For us important is developing our guys further and them gaining new experience on a big stage.

Germany has very talented big men and Bahrain is a little undersized. Could the paint area decide the game?

Yes I think so. We can’t give 100% but 200% against Germany. We will have to be very good at boxing out. We will try our best.

Is there a German player that you feel could be the big attraction at AST?

There isn’t just 1 player but many that we will have to be aware of.

Who is your coaching GOAT?

Sasa Obradovic He is the God of basketball. I have followed his career. I just love everything about him.

Thanks Ahmet for the chat.

Benjamin Sadikovic(Dragons Rhondorf) Never Lost Hope Of Reaching The Playoffs Even After The Brutal Loss In Bernau On Valentines Day

Pic Credit: Martin Jung

Benjamin Sadikovic (208-PF-2003) is a 22 year old 208cm center that is playing his first season with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. He played the last 2 seasons with the TSV Oberaching Tropics and last season averaged 5.8ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT-3 (50.0%), FT: 65.5%. He began his basketball career with TS Jahn Munich where he played NBBL. In his last season he averaged 11.7ppg, 10.0rpg, Blocks-3 (2.6bpg), FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 68.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after reaching the Pro B playoffs.

Congrats Benjamin on the incredible 81-79 win over Rostock helping the team slip into the playoffs. How does it feel making the playoffs after all?

It is an incredible feeling that is difficult to describe in words. We came well into the season, but then suffered that 6 game losing streak near the end of the season. To be able to rebound from that losing streak and finish the season winning 5 in a row is something to be very proud of. I´m very proud of the team.

On Valentines day you lost by 22 points in Bernau. The team had a 6 game losing streak at that point and the playoffs were in danger. How do you remember that bus ride home? What was on your mind?

That loss really hurt. Seeing ourselves in 13th place was really tough. We knew that we were better than that. It was never our goal to stay in the league, but to reach the playoffs. It definitely wasn´t a good trip home.

Did the team have some soul searching during the next week of practice?

We had a team meeting after. We talked about what had to be done to finish the season strong. The playoffs were our goal and we knew it was possible. However we also knew that we had to win 5 games in a row. I think having that team feeling of wanting to reach the playoffs brought us extra fire and energy.

Did you feel like the team had it in them to make a 5 game winning streak to end the regular season?

I always knew that we could reach the playoffs. I didn´t doubt it a second. I don´t know if you remember, but I told you in the post game interview after the Vechta win that we would give our all the last 2 games and we did that and won.

Was the focus actually after the loss in Bernau to be focused about staying in the league more than trying to reach the playoffs?

Our first focus after the Bernau loss was to stay in the league. But after we beat Itzehoe, our focus changed back to the playoffs. We had more self confidence after that win.

After a big win at home against Itzehoe, how vital was the win on the road at Wedel. The team had another long road trip. How key was that win for this winning streak?

That was a very hard fought win on the road. Wedel is a team that sticks to basic principles and are one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the league. Our focus was to try to make everything tough for their bigs and not let them get offensive rebounds. It didn´t work so well, but we still were able to get more defensive rebounds. Josh Petteno also had a big game. All in all it was a hard fought win for us.

In the last 3 games, the team won all tight games and allowed under 80 points 3 times. Was this the seasons best spurt?

I think so. Our top concern was defense. We were consistent these games and didn´t allow the opponents to play successful to their strengths. The last 2 gámes ended on the last shot. There is always some luck involved, but we also played very good defense-

What improvements have you seen on the defensive end in the last 3 games?

I think that our rebounding was better. We will have to pressure the Ulm guards.

How big was the win on the road against the Sixers. How much heart did the team show there winning without Juhwan Harris-Dyson and you?

The team showed tremendous heart. I was watching the game on the way to Ulm. Duje Dujmovic was injured in the first minutes, but played through it and finished with a 15/7 game. It was a great game from him. He fought hard and never gave up. Jorge Mejias also stepped up big.

How huge was Vuk Scepanovic with his 14 points?

He hit big shots. I think that he scored the first 8 points. He got hot early and that gave the team a lot of energy.

The last game against Rostock was a tight game. They went on a run to begin the fourth quarter, but the Dragons Rhondorf fought back and won on free throws by Duje Dujmovic. What was key in crunch-time for getting the win?

We won the first half, but got sloppy in the second half. I think that our fans were like a sixth man. Their energy brought them out of their concept. I think that no team would of wanted to play against us in our gym.

You had a great game against Neustadt with 28 points, but also a monster game against Vechta with 16/18. What was your best game this season?

I think that both games were similar in that they were both big wins. I think though that the Neustadt game was bigger, because at that point, it stopped a 3 game losing streak. The Neustadt win caught us, but I´m still very happy with my Vechta game.

How do you feel have you contributed best in the 4 wins the last weeks?

I tried to hustle a lot the last games. I played good defense limiting mistakes. I think that I was good on the pick and roll and rebounded well.

Sharp shooter German Chris Frazier had a good look at the end. What was your feeling about his shot going in?

Chris is a player that you never want to leave open. When he was bringing the ball up, I figured that he would take the last shot. I have to be honest that I became a little nervous after the release, but when he missed I was relieved and very happy.

How big has Duje Dujmovic been in the last games. Are we now seeing how much his hard work has paid off?

We are seeing how much his hard work is paying off now in games. We have seen what he is truly capable of doing on the court. He was in a hole at the start of the season, but as of late has brought a lot of stability. He showed in Sandersdorf how versatile he can be playing the 5. He played his role whenever he was asked.

How focused will you be for Orange Academy? Will we see the best Benjamin Sadikovic this season

Of course you will. We have worked very hard all season long to get here. Now we all will let it out. I´m happy to be playing against the south again.

The next opponent is Orange Academy the best team in the Pro B south. The team is stacked with big young talent. How excited are you for this challenge?

I´m really looking forward to the games against Orange Academy. I´m also excited to see how I match up against the young players and see known faces again.

One of Europe´s big talents plays there with Teo Millic. He could be the next NBA player. Will you have a special game plan?

He is a big talent and we will have to find a way to slow him down. I will be concentrating more on my match up against Endurance Aiyamenkhue.

What will be key to winning the series against Orange Academy?

I think he will be our experience and physicality. We are also a young team, but have more experience.

Who will win the 2026 NCAA March Madness?

I had Duke as winning it in my bracket. But now I will go with Arizona. They have the team builkt to win it all.

Thanks Benjamin for the chat.

 Trevor Baskin(Nurnberg Falcons) Is Thankful For Tad Boyle´s Guidance In Becoming A Better Defender And Being Ahead Of The Curve As A Rookie

pic credit: Foto Zink

Trevor Baskin (206-F-2002, college: Colorado) is a 23 year old 206cm forward from Colorado playing his rookie season overseas in Germany with Pro A team Nurnberg Falcons averaging 12,2ppg, 6,8rpg and 1,5apg, 1,0spg and 1,0bpg. He began his basketball career at Pomona High School. He then embarked on a 4 year stay at Colorado Mesa University (NCAA2) playing a total of 123 games an din his last season averaged 18.4ppg, 8.4rpg, 3.9apg, 1.2spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 64.4%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 67.4%. He then added a final season at the University of Colorado (NCAA) averaging 7.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 24.0%, FT: 66.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Trevor for talking germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season with German Pro A team Nuernberg Falcons BC (Germany-ProA). What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

It has been an amazing experience so far, I really do love the city that I’m living in right now. Everyone around the team has made it so easy to adjust living in a new country with new people and a new culture. I have really enjoyed the beauty and the architecture of all the cities in Germany but especially in Nuremberg. I have been able to travel to a few places near bye which is a luxury in Europe that we don’t have in the states.

What was your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I would definitely say the first week was tough adjusting to the sleep and understanding the time change between Germany and back where I’m from in Colorado. Getting off the plane and realizing that I’m in a completely different continent was a little scary, but then I realized I was doing something that I’ve dreamed of ever since I was a kid.

Nurnberg has had a roller coaster season so far winning the first 2, then lost 4 and then had a 4 game winning streak. How can you explain the early season play as of now?

It has certainly been a mix of highs and low, Starting off so strong in preseason and the first two games I think gave us a false sense of confidence. And then that four-game skid was a wake up call to really buckle back down and play the way we were expected and the way we did in preseason. But our goal every week is just to go one and oh from here on out don’t worry about games in the past and just look on to the next game and understanding that it’s a long season and we can only control what is in front of us.

The team has been playing good basketball as of late and won 2 nail bitters. What strides have you seen the team make in the last weeks?

Winning those two close Derby games against rivals was really amazing because I think it’s important to learn how to win close games so when it gets into late season and playoffs we know what to do and how to when close games like this. I think our defense has taken a step and still has plenty of room for improvement, but everything is attached to defense and getting stops so that has been the biggest difference.

So far your averaging 12/6 stats. You have needed no adjustment period. What has been your secret to the success?

Even though my numbers have still been good I I think there is a lot of room for improvement, But I think I’ve done a good job of playing my role and doing what the team asks. I understand it’s my first year and there’s still an adjustment so I tried to do what I’m best at and then expand off of that.

How key have German guys Julius Wolf and Lars Lagerpusch been for you? Have they been like mentosr in the early going? What have you soaked up most from him so far?

Julius Wolff and Lars Lagerpush have been extremely helpful this year they have been around this game and league for a long time so helping me understand the INS and outs of European basketball and specifically basketball in this league has been really helpful. Julius especially talking about always giving the best shot possible and giving up a good shot for an even better one.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 206cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description.

I would say players I try to play similar to would be Franz Wagner, or A Much smaller Giannis a player that likes to use transition. I would like my game to develop into a Jaden Mcdaniels or a really great 3 and d player.

You’re a versatile forward. Would you describe yourself as a modern day big man. What are your biggest strengths on the court?

I’m not sure if I would call myself a modern day big man, but my biggest strengths are definitely being able to post guards and attack larger players off the perimeter. Another strength would be my ability to run the floor and another thing I take pride in is being able to guard one through 5. I’m still working at that and always room for improvement but being able to switch with any position and be a bit of a Swiss army knife is my biggest strength.

You can do it at both ends. Would you also describe yourself as a 2 way player?

I would definitely describe myself as a two way player to be successful in any professional setting you have to be able to defend at a high level on ball and as a team defender, But also take great shots and make them, which I would say I do a pretty good job at.

Your three pointer has been up and down the last years but currently shooting 30%. What goals do you have with your shooting this season?

My biggest goal is to have a larger willingness to shoot, I have great shooting mechanics and confidence in my shot I just have to show willingness to shoot more when I’m open and trust the work I put in. I have proven I could shoot at the college level at Colorado Mesa, Now I just have to be more willing to shoot when given the option and it will open up the rest of my game even more.

How would you describe your defensive game now? What kind of a defender are you now and what Kind of defender do you still want to become?

I would call myself a very scrappy and disruptive defender that is anxious to get better. I move very well for my size and have great length which I can use to my advantage to get deflections, blocks, and steals. I think I have very good instincts as a team defender and do a good job of rotating and always being in the right positions. I still have a lot more room for improvement in terms of getting through on and off ball screens, and also getting my hands in more passing lanes. Good news is that is something I can work on, and something I want to become better at.

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

I would say defensively always communicating where I am, and getting through screens on and off ball. I would also say becoming a more more willing shooter I have a lot of confidence in my shot and sometimes I hesitate for no reason. Those are the two largest things and then I still think my finishing can take another jump and they can become even more efficient. I could fill up pages of what I want to get better at, but those are the more prominent things.

You played at Colorado Mesa University (NCAA2) from 2020 to 2024 and really picked up your game a lot in your last 3 years averaging 13.6ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 56.2%, 3PT: 26.2%, FT: 63.3%, 14.0ppg, 7.1rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 63.4%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 68.7% and 18.4ppg, 8.4rpg, 3.9apg, 1.2spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 64.4%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 67.4%. How did your game grow in these 3 years?

They grew tremendously each year I took it upon myself to improve in the summer in certain aspects whether it was in the weight room or on the court. I also have to credit a lot to the coaching staff of coach to DeGeorge and coach Bossier, they were the only coaches who believed in me and I would not be where I am without them.

How valuable was head coach Kyle Bossier in your basketball development. How did he help groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He was an unbelievable help and changed my basketball career he helped me with my shooting mechanics for three years and it finally clicked my last year and he never stopped believing in me and a lot of the things that he helped me with I still do every single day to continue to make strides in my shot and as a basketball player. He really is a basketball genius and I’m yet to meet people who know more about the game than him.

You had so many great games at Colorado Mesa including exploding for 43 points in a win over NMHU. What was your fondest moment on the court in those years?

There is no shortage of memories and my four years at Colorado Mesa I got really lucky and played with a set of brothers for all four years I was there. A lot of games stick out when we won the conference title 3 out of four years. I would say winning the conference tournament at home my freshman year. Or beating Lubbock Christian my sophomore year in the NCAA tournament. Lastly senior night my senior year.

You added on a season with the University of Colorado (NCAA) playing 35 games averaging 7.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 24.0%, FT: 66.1%. You had 2 great games against Arizona State. What was your fondest moment on the court?

I would say beating Yukon in the Maui Invitational was the highlight of my career at CU beating A 2 time national champion and doing it in the most prestigious in season tournament in college basketball was amazing. Having conversations with Roy Williams mid game and being around so many basketball legends was truly an amazing experience.

How did head coach Tad Boyle help give you that last guidance to helping you continue to develop your game in the NCAA?

He helped develop a part of my game that I was lacking which was becoming a better defender I had always gotten away with being more athletic than other players in college and he really made me take in larger emphasis on being able to defend multiple positions. He demanded nothing but my best every single day and helped me become more of a professional which is why I think I’m so ahead of the curve as a rookie.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Andrej Jakimovski?

Andrej and I would play one-on-one all the time as we trained together and lived together all summer for NBA workouts. I am going to say myself of course, but if you ask him he is going to say himself of course, just know he is LYING.

You played against many great players in the NCAA, but who was the toughest battle that is in the NBA now

Javon Small I would say was definitely a difficult person to guard, I would say Keyshawn Hall who is at Auburn also stuck out, also JT Toppin.

Please name your best teammates of all-time?

Blaise Threatt who is now with the Grand Rapids Gold, Owen Koonce, Surrey 89ers, Andrej Jakimovski, Graham Ike Isaac Jessup, Mac Riniker ( all time leader in fouls in NCAA history)

If you had to construct your very own NBA mount Rushmore which 4 heads would you pick?

Lebron James, Nikola Jokic, Micheal Jordan, Kareem

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James without a doubt

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I have not seen the sequel, because they should have left it alone. I don’t understand Hollywood they know that it can’t be better than the original so why even try to make it. I feel strongly about this for a lot of movies.

Thanks Trevor for the chat.

Juhwan Harris Dyson(Dragons Rhondorf) Saw The Last 5 Game Winning Streak As Their Championship And Now Wants To Play Spoiler Against Orange Academy

Pic credit: Martin Jung

It was Valentines Day 2026 and the Dragons Rhondorf were in Bernau. They had taken on the journey of one of the farthest road trips of the season sitting on a 5 game losing streak. No miracle occurred in Bernau as the Dragons Rhondorf stunk up the building losing 103-81. Rhondorf had shot a pathetic 25% from downtown and coughed up the ball 23 times. It had been the 6th time in the season where they had allowed an access of 100 points. I can´t imagine what the long bus ride home was like. The thoughts of the players and head coach Max Becker must have been going crazy and all over the place. I´m sure every player on that team could of used some special love. It was definitely a long way home until finding that love. “We were just trying to figure it out. Nobody wants to lose. We knew something had to change. After that loss, everyone had a different mentality going into practice. Everyone was really frustrated. It was a real wakening moment to see the sense of urgency”, stated Juhwan Harris-Dyson (198-SG-1999, college: California, agency: Origins Sports Group). The playoffs at that moment seemed as far away as the 2026 NBA final is for the Indiana Pacers. However 46 days later the Dragons Rhondorf are standing tall as they finished the regular season in 8th place and have a first round playoff date with first place team Orange Academy of the Pro B South. “It has been a crazy month. We were looking at regelation a month ago. We didn´t want to move down and wanted to finish the season as best as we could. We really played our last 5 regular season games like it was our championship. It was very exciting reaching the playoffs. Last season I was in a similar situation and just missed the playoffs”, stressed Juhwan Harris-Dyson.

pic credit: Martin Jung

So let´s rewind back 46 days ago to Valentines Day. The club arrived home after the tough loss in Bernau and had to prepare for the next game which would be at home against Itzehoe. How did the next days look like in Bad Honnef? Was there some serious soul searching going on? “We had a team meeting and talked about basketball and non basketball things. We had a lot more comradery. Our young guys really understood the sense of urgency. We understood as a team that we had to win games not only scoring, but also taking care of the little things”, said Juhwan Harris-Dyson. The team was in the dumps after the brutal loss in Bernau. Was there any hope for a turn around? “I pay attention to the standings and what happens in the league. We knew we had a chance to be successful, but also knew that we needed some things to go in our favor. With every new win each week, the reality got more and more real. I always felt like our team was a lot better than the credit it was becoming”, warned Juhwan Harris-Dyson. After the bad loss in Bernau, the chances of the playoffs were there, but was the focus more on remaining in the Pro B first? “We were all aware of our situation. We were in 13th place, but as a team we never felt like we would move down. We knew that we could win enough games to stay in the league. After we had won enough games to stay in the league, we then focused on the playoffs”, expressed Juhwan Harris-Dyson. After the vital victory against Itzehoe, the club then faced it´s next do or die game against Wedel on the road and didn´t disappoint wining a shoot out 100-87. “The win in Wedel was very big for us. We had a long ride to Wedel and the atmosphere was great there. They were a top 4 team in the Pro B North and had one of the better defenses in the league. That win gave us a big boost and energy to keep winning. The win gave us the ultimate confidence. It was also great to see how the team stuck together and rallied to win after I got hurt”, added Juhwan Harris-Dyson.

pic credit: Martin Jung

After a massive close win again at home against Vechta 2, the Dragons Rhondorf were at it again on the road against the BSW Sixers. Once again the Dragons Rhondorf were able to win another close game 75-74 as Lagui Diallo hit the winning three pointer with 1,22 to play. After that the Dragons buckled together and made big stops. And what was really impressive was how the team stuck together after Juhwan Harris-Dyson was out early. “I saw a lot of heart from the guys. Many guys had to play roles that they may not have been necessarily comfortable in or had during the season, but they stepped up. I have the ultimate respect for the team for the way they came together as a unit to pull out wins. We had 5 final games and focused on each one at a time and did all we possibly could to win them”, explained Juhwan Harris-Dyson. Young player Vuk Scepanovic stepped up big time scoring 14 points and showed how vital the support of the young players has been this season. Did he give him a hug after the win? “No I didn´t give him a hug after the win, but shot him a congratulatory text after the win. I has been a tough season for him. He was injured and then had to play behind Jorge Mejias and myself. He didn´t get the amount of minutes to really show his full potential. He was able to play free. I´m so happy for how he has played. All his hard work has paid off”, said Juhwan Harris-Dyson.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Juhwan Harris-Dyson in the Dragon Dome 2026

The last game against Rostock was another very tight game. Rostock went on a run to begin the fourth quarter, but the Dragons Rhondorf fought back and won on free throws by Duje Dujmovic. “Our defense was really good in the last game. We made it tough for them to score and didn´t give them any advantages. We rebounded very well and got stops”, remembered Juhwan Harris-Dyson. Sharp shooter German Chris Frazier had a good look at the end, but the basketball God was on the side of the Dragons Rhondorf. “I was praying that he would miss. He is a great shooter and guy. I watched him lite up the three point line in Schwelm. I rotated over and saw him shoot it and was glad that he missed. I´m glad it went our way”, smiled Juhwan Harris-Dyson. After missing the Sixers game, Harris-Dyson was more than pumped in possibly the last game of the season. “The Rostock game was definitely in my top 3 of most important games overseas. I´m a competitor and just couldn´t miss the game. I wasn´t 100% going into the game. I know that if I hadn´t played, I would of really regretted it if we had lost. I´m just happy I was able to play and give something in the win. I saw how much the guys had sacrificed the last weeks and I also had to sacrifice. These are the type of games that players die for. They servs as memories that last a lifetime”, stressed Juhwan Harris-Dyson. One player who has been massive in the last weeks was ex Neustadt forward Duje Dujmovic who has been a force on the glass. “I remember being in Rhondorf a week and a half before the team met in August. Duje was already there. He was already working hard on his game then and has done it consistently this season. It hasn´t been an easy season for him, because we have a lot of scoring options. I believe that he has shown his full game the last weeks. He has shown his versatility the last weeks once having a perfect shooting game from outside and other games getting many rebounds”, stated Juhwan Harris-Dyson.

Pic Credit: Martin Jung

The California native who has Illinois (NCAA) winning the 2026 NCAA tournament is content that the last three games was the best spurt of the season for them. Especially defensively, they kept teams under 80 points. “They were all close games and big wins that gave us a big boost going into the playoffs. It just feels so good getting 3 hard fought wins in a row. Our defensive protection and rebounding has gotten a lot better. We do still allow too many offensive rebounds and that is something we have to still work on. Our defense is what helped get us into the playoffs. We had up and down shooting games, but it was our defensive consistency that helped us pull out wins”, added Juhwan Harris-Dyson. He has had problems with free throws his whole career overseas, but in the last 3 games has found more fortune shooting 6/8. “I haven´t had the best free throw % in my first 5 seasons overseas. I keep working on it even if my work hasn´t totally translated onto the court. I feel like I have made little improvements. I started the season having a 3/8 game and recently had a 15-20 game or 6/6 game. Working on this problem will continue to be a focus this summer”, added Juhwan Harris-Dyson. The Playoffs been the week after Easter and the Dragons Rhondorf will have no cake walk with #1 team Orange Academy. “I´m very excited for the challenge. We have no expectations going in. This will be a great opportunity for us to spoil Orange Academy´s party. We could be that spoiler. We will play for ourselves to win”, commented Juhwan-Harris-Dyson. The Dragons will face one of Europe´s big talents from Poland with Teo Milicic. “I´m not so familiar with him, but I will get more familiar with him in the next days. It will be a fun match up to see his talent level. I think that it will be a challenge for both of us”, said Juhwan Harris-Dyson. Orange Academy are a very young team with an average age of 18 and it is incredible how disciplined the team is under head coach Florian Flabb. They average 82 points per game and have one of the top defenses in the Pro B allowing only 74 points per game. “We just have to play our style and be gritty on defense and try to speed them up. We also need to be aggressive with our pace and have good shot selection”, stated Juhwan Harris-Dyson. It is the post season and it will be interesting to observe if the Dragons Rhondorf can make an upset. Will one see Juhwan Harris-Dyson at his best? “I always give my best. But to be honest my best is relative. One game, I may have a 24/11 game and the other a 2/13 game. For me if I´m able to contribute to a win, then that is a good game for me. The stats don´t matter. I just want to win”, warned Juhwan Harris-Dyson.

Swiss Army Knife Carlos Carters Chip On His Shoulder Is Always Present As He Leads The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven to 75-59 Victory Over The EPG Baskets Koblenz

The playoff hopes of the EPG Baskets Koblenz dwindled a little bit more with the bitter 95-93 loss against Paderborn last Monday. Now the team had 2 really tough match ups against top 5 teams BG Goettingen and the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. Koblenz had lost 3 of the last 4 games and had lost the first meeting against Bremerhaven in a 100-91 shoot out. Bremerhaven had their 5 game winning streak recently snapped and arrived in Koblenz with a two games losing streak. Koblenz had to find a way to forget their bitter crunch-time loss to Paderborn and find a way to produce an upset that could still turn their season around in the stretch run for the playoffs. However Koblenz couldn´t compensate the loss of their MVP candidate Calvin Wishart who was thrown out of the game early in the third quarter after sustaining his second technical foul of the game as they lost 75-59 to Bremerhaven. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had a solid defensive effort, but just had a horrible shooting game where they only converted on one three the whole game. “We played good defense, but just couldn´t hit shots. When you only make 1 three, it becomes difficult to win. We had good looks through out the game, but I couldn´t buy a bucket today”, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz guard Devonte McCall. The Eisbaeren Bremerhavedn didn´t have their best offensive day either shooting only 21% from the parking lot, but they gave a very good defensive effort which was enough to win. “Defense got us the win today. Our focus all week long was on defense. We made sure that our rotations were right and that we were standing in the right position. We got in passing lanes and got steals as well. Our communication was really good and on offense we kept the ball moving and speed helped us open it up for shots. We had a good will to win”, stressed Eisbaeren Bremerhaven American Carlos Carter (197-G/F-1999, college: Shippensburg)

Devonte McCall at the FT line

The EPG Baskets Koblenz were without American Tim Smith Jr and Mr 42 points scorer in Artland Aleksa Kovacevic and quickly fell into a deep hole as Bremerhaven led easily 7-0. The guests got easy lay in´s by Germans ex Skyliner Jordan Samare and ex RheinStars forward Jannis Von Seckendorf and Carlos Carter nailed a trey for good measure. Koblenz couldn´t even match the physicality early, because there was no body contact and were too lax in 1-1 deefnse. But Koblenz slowly found their rhythm better attacking more aggressively and got baskets from ex Hagen guard Devonte McCall and a lay in by ex easyCredit BBL player Alex Moeller who was in the starting lineup. Bremerhaven then got a clutch trey from ex Artland Dragon Adrian Breitlauch and free throws from ex Jena guard Raphael Falkenthal to lead 17-10. However Koblenz continued to chip away at the guests lead and got good energy from Minnesota native Calvin Wishart who came from the bench netting 4 points and the only trey of the game for them from little used David Gaspers as suddenly they were only down 19-18. Koblenz used the bench momentum from Wishart as German Jonas Niedermanner closed out the first quarter with 6 unanswered points as Koblenz led 23-21 after 10 minutes. The Koblenz bench had given a great effort with 14 points. “We couldn´t match their physicality, but we had good ball movement, just had a little problem at times with hitting shots”, said EPG Baskets Koblenz sports director Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 67% from the 2 point area and 20% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven shot 75% from the 2 point area and had 6 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

Elijah Miller jumper

The second quarter had 2 runs, but at the break the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven had the advantage leading 39-32. Both teams had difficulty in the first 2 minutes finding a rhythm as both teams produced 3 stops. Canadian Elijah Miller then got Bremerhaven it´s first score with a lay in, but Koblenz then punched back with a 5-0 run attacking the rim and getting easy lay in´s by 2018 NBBL champion Badu Buck and Texas native Julian Larry to lead 28-23. Bremerhaven had lost a little concentration and head coach Steven Esterkamp then took a time out. That seemed to work as they found their offensive rhythm again going on a lethal 10-0 run to lead 33-28 sharing the ball with love again. In the run it was the import trio of Miller, Carter and Jake Biss who supplied all the points. Carter and Miller dropped three´s while ex Paderborn guard Jake Biss drove twice to the rim with success. Koblenz once again had a weak phase on the defensive end with lax 1-1 deefnse and not defending the three point line diligently enough. Koblenz stuck with Bremerhaven and got some baskets from ex G-League player DJ Jeffries who hit an off balance shot while ex Oldenburg center Marco Bacak made a pretty old school hook shot to trail 35-32. Bremerhaven closed out the first half strong as Carter and Samare made lay in´s. Koblenz continued to have problems slowing down the guests drive. “We had up and down phases on defense. We weren´t concentrated during their 10-0 run. We had many good looks simply, because their on ball defense wasn´t that aggressive. Our key players simply didn´t hit shots”, stated Thomas Klein. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven shot 55% from the field and 27% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 55% from the field and 9% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Alex Moeller lay in

The turning point of the game came in the third quarter as the EPG Baskets Koblenz were only 3 points behind the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven, but their star player Calvin Wishart was disqualified from the game for his second technical foul which then led to the guests taking control and never looking back. The EPG Baskets Koblenz began the second half finding their rhythm right away playing their game getting 2 transition baskets from Buck and Bacak off a steal and turnover and only trailed 39-36. Koblenz had some momentum, but then came the unexpected as Calvin Wishart was handed his second technical of the game and was bounced from the game. Koblenz has had a history this season of having serious mental lapses when real adversary strikes the team. It wasn´t any different this time as Bremerhaven cruised out on an annoying 11-4 to get the comfortable 50-40 advantage. In the run the Koblenz physicality suddenly was gone as Bremerhaven got easy lay up´s from Miller and Brenneke and Von Seckendorf made a thunderous dunk. The intensity that Koblenz once had was below standard and on offense the three point shooting plague continued. Badu Buck did a good job keeping his team somewhat in the game, but Koblenz couldn´t string along a number of stops. Bremerhaven attempted less three´s as their shot wasn´t falling, but penetrated and got buckets from Miller and Carter to extend their lead to 56-44. Koblenz got a lay in from ex Trier forward Jannis Sonnefeld and free throws from McCall, but they couldn´t get closer. Jake Biss closed out the third quarter with the only three pointer made the whole 10 minutes to lead 58-48. “Wishart is a good player and we had a game plan for him which was being physical on him. It obviously became easier when he was ejected. They had weaker ball handlers and they didn´t close out as strong”, stressed Carlos Carter “Losing Wishart really hurt us. We had less experience having to put in a 17 year old and we had foul trouble. We weren´t good on close outs, communication or help”, stressed Devonte McCall. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven shot 59% from the 2 point area and 25% from the parking lot and had 32 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 58% from the 2 point area and 6% from the parking lot and had 26 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Carlos Carter at the FT line

The EPG Baskets Koblenz really had their backs to the wall in the fourth quarter and not scoring any points in the first 5 minutes didn´t help their come back attempt either. Both teams could muster no real offense. Bremerhaven only scored 6 points in that span getting a 20 footer from Carlos Carter, a reverse lay up from Adrian Breitlauch and lay in from Lorenz Brenneke where there was very little resistance from the lax Koblenz defense in the paint. Bremerhaven led 66-48 with 5 minutes to go with the EPG Basekts Koblenz lacking confidence and the game was over. Both teams did muster 20 points in the last 5 minutes, but it was mainly stat filling sequences. Jefferies got 2 scores while Bacak also scored with his left hand while Bremerhaven got to the free throw line getting 3 points from Von Seckendorff while young German Lukas Stelmokas got his first Pro A points in his young career. “Koblenz didn´t seem to be in the game as much mentally. It was hard to get a feel in the game with the refs calls. We played together to close out the game well. I played with the flow of the game. I played with confidence. Coach Esterkamp was hard on me during the week of practice. He expects a lot of me. I appreciate a coach like that who pushes me. I always play as if I have to prove something”, warned Carlos Carter “We had no real point guard. We played good defense, but just couldn´t execute on offense”, added Devonte McCall. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were led by Carlos Clark with 15 points while Elijah Miller added 13 points while the EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Badu Buck with 15 points while DJ Jeffries added 10 points. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven shot 45% from the field and 21% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 7 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 39% from the field and 6% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Desmond Watson Strokes Home 30 Points And Hits Game Winner Propelling The Skyliners Juniors to Revenge Win Over BG Hessing Leitershofen 79-77

The great basketball work that the Skyliners Juniors had done in 2026 had paid off as they had already qualified for the Pro B playoffs before the last game day began. Frankfurt began 2026 as far away from the Pro B playoffs as Isaac Bonga is to ever rejoining easyCredit BBL team Skyliners. Frankfurt had a superb 8-2 record in 2026 and wanted to have momentum going into the playoffs. But they didn’t have an easy foe with BG Leitershoefen who came into the game sitting in 4th place with a record of 13-10. Frankfurt had lost the first game of the season on the road 90-79 and lost the game in the paint where Leitershoefen shot an overwhelming 73%. The Skyliners Frankfurt who had a 8-2 record in 2026 wanted to go into the playoffs with momentum with a win in their living room and did upending BG Hessing Leitershofen 79-77 as explosive import scorer Desmond Watson (196-G-2003, college: Loyola, IL) hit the winning shot and Frankfurt then stuck together and made one last stop to secure the win. It was a tight game for the most part, but in crunch-time, it was the Skyliners Juniors that came up with the big shots and plays to win and will have a playoff date with Essen. ‘We played hard for 40 minutes. We were relentless. Every one played their role and gave their all. Our biggest strength on offense was our offensive rebounding and on defense we never gave up on any possession’, stressed Skyliner Junior Desmond Watson. Leitershofen kept home court for the Pro B playoffs because Orange Academy beat Ludwigsburg who finished the season in fifth place. ‘We gave a lot away in the first half. We allowed too many offensive rebounds and missed too many free throws. We couldn’t set the tone on the defensive end in the first half. We were in the game at the end, but couldn’t execute the way we wanted to’, stressed BG Hessing Leitershofen guard Brian Dawson.

Florian Dietrich at the FT line

The Skyliners Juniors came into the game without top German youngers Jamie Edoka and Ivan Crnjac who were being rested for a do or die NBBL game 3 playoff game against IBAM the next day. Frankfurt began quickly into the game taking the 6-2 lead as ex Kronberg center Florian Dietrich had excessive energy and brute scoring inside twice including a fierce dunk as the guests were unable to match the Skyliners Juniors intensity. However basketball is a game of runs and Leiterhofen showed rapidly how quickly they can explode as they went on a lethal 16-4 run to lead 18-10. Instrumental in the run was ex easyCredit BBL player Brendan Gregori who added an incredible 11 points including two three’s. ‘He is a player that really knows when to drive and when to shoot’, said ex Skyliner Junior Bennet Schubert. Leitershofen upped their defensive intensity forcing Frankfurt to a few turnovers and had great rim protection from Tom Alte and Clint Haman. However Frankfurt still had some energy in the last minutes going on a 6-0 run as young Czech Republic guard Lukas Smazak added 5 points including a trey as Frankfurt trailed 20-17 after 10 minutes. ‘Both teams were very aggressive on the offensive glass and were both very physical. Leitershofen had really good ball movement and looks’, stated Bennet Schubert. BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 41% from the field and 30% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 1 turnover while the Skyliners Juniors shot 37% from the field and 17% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

Brian Dawson for 3

In the second quarter BG Hessing Leitershofen had good control of the game, but the Skyliners Juniors fought back and had the contest dead locked at 39-39 at the break. The guests had the needed energy at the start of the second quarter going on a 9-3 run to extend their lead to 29-23. In the run, the guests had great ball movement and got inside scores from ex BBL player Ferenc Gille and ex JUCO player Emmanuel Ansah while German Jannik Westermeir had the prettiest basket in the run knocking down a jumper with a cool side step in Shai Gillgeous Alexander manner. ‘That was a nice shot. Jannik is a tough player and a real dog. He plays at both ends. He didn’t have a great game, but he will bounce back. We will need him for the playoffs’, stated Brian Dawson. But Frankfurt kept fighting and got potent energy from Dietreich and Alvin Onyia as they carried Frankfurt at both ends with big baskets as suddenly Leitershofen led only 31-27. Frankfurt couldn’t quite get over the hump as the guests got key scorers from Texas native Zion Richardson and ex Bernau center Clint Hamann to lead 35-29. However Frankfurt had Desmond Watson who can be a one man wrecking team if he wants to. The overall leader and player with fancy moves and great shooting propelled his team on a nasty 10-4 run scoring all points. The leading rebounder at the break was little talked about Joscha Zentgraf who had 7 rebounds and 5 offensive rebounds. The ultimate team player would finish with 10 rebounds including 8 offensive rebounds as his energy was truly incredible, but also something he always brings. ‘He plays so hard. He leaves it all on the court’, said Desmond Watson. ‘He does the dirty work and is the first guy that will volunteer to do it. He is the type of player that every guy wants as a teammate’, warned Bennet Schubert. The Skyliners Juniors shot 39% from the field and 29% from the three point line and had 24 rebounds and 7 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 47% from the field and 27% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 5 turnovers. ‘Frankfurt played better team basketball. They got stops and started to run. Their better defense helped stimulate their offense’, said Bennet Schubert.

Desmond Watson with the floater

In the third quarter it went back and forth as there were 7 lead changes, but no team could truly get away from the other as the Skyliners Juniors led 60-57 after 30 minutes. Both teams would punch back and forth as Frankfurt began well with a lay in by Watson who split the defense the way a Caris Levert would and Mr energizer Dusan Nikolic nailed a trey for the 44-40 Frankfurt lead. But Leitershofen punched back with a lethal Gille dunk and trey by Richardson as the guests led 45-44. But the game of runs continued as Frankfurt embarked on a 9-0 run which was highlighted by a Watson trey and mega two handed dunk by Nikolic on transition that was sparked by a steal by Joscha Zentgraf as Frankfurt now seemed in control 53-45. But the guests knew they could match Frankfurt’s output and did with a 9-0 run to steal the lead back at 54-53. Key in the run was LA native and ex Essen guard Brian Dawson who showed his 3 level scoring with a trey and 20 footer. But Frankfurt had the last laugh in the third quarter with a 7-3 run to lead by 3 points. Watson found German Moses Poelking for the lob and lay in and Smazak had the hot hand again with a trey. ‘We tried to slow the game down with the zone, but also tried to speed it up. We had many good looks. Both teams had a lot at stake and it was a real dog fight’, commented Brian Dawson. ”We continued to play hard and just be relentless’, said Desmond Watson. The Skyliners Juniors shot 37% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 32 rebounds and 9 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 44% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 34 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Zion Richardson at the FT line

In the fourth quarter it seemed like BG Hessing Leitershofen might run away with the game, but the Skyliners Juniors never gave up and fought for the lead back. Watson nailed free throws for the 62-57 Frankfurt advantage, but Leitershofen then exploded on a 12-0 run to lead 69-62. In the run it was Gregori again who stepped up after being very quiet in quarters 2 and 3 where he scored only 2 points now added 5 points while Emmanuel Anshah who hails from Canada added 5 points. Leitershofen showed their unselfishness on offense and their defensive intensity disallowed Frankfurt to get into their sets and forced them to many tough shots. Tom Alte also added a lay in in the run. There was still a lot of time left with 7,00 minutes and Frankfurt began to chip away at the guests lead led by Watson who was always in attack mode as he got to the rim and free throw line adding a lay in and free throws while Alvin Onyia grabbed a deep rebound and sprinted coast to coast with a transition bucket and Frankfurt was suddenly only down 70-68. Both teams punched back and forth and despite a clutch Leif Zentgraf three pointer, the Skyliners Juniors still trailed 73-72. Richardson and Onyia then traded free throws, but Leitershofen still led 75-74 with under 2 minutes to play. However then came the turning point of the game as Tom Alte missed 2 free throws airballing the last one. Free throws would haunt the guests all night long as they finished the game 15/27 at 56%. With under a minute to play, Frankfurt then got a big bucket from Moses Poelking who got a pretty behind the back pass under pressure from Leif Zentgraf for the 77-76 Frankfurt lead. ‘When your playing the game, you don’t think on the court. If you think too much then you won’t make that play. Leif was playing in the flow of the game’, expressed Desmond Watson. Frankfurt then stopped Gille and then it was Watson time as he sunk a beautiful trey for the 79-77 lead. ‘I always want the ball and every shot I take feels good’, smiled Desmond Watson. Frankfurt came up big stopping Leitershofen on the last possession. ‘They executed better and had good looks while we didn’t. They switched a lot which affected us. We need to be more decisive at the end. On the last play we got the ball inside. They helped and Alte made a good pass. We got a good look. It just didn’t fall’, added Brian Dawson. ‘They had a decent look at the end. We try as hard as we can to get the stop. You never know what will happen. But we trusted each other to get the stop’, explained Desmond Watson. The Skyliners Juniors were led by Desmond Watson with 30 points while BG Hessing Leitershofen were led by Brendan Gregori with 18 points while Brian Dawson added 15 points. The Skyliners Juniors shot 38% from the field and 31% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 11 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 45% from the field and 29% from outside and had 43 rebounds and 12 turnovers.