Jacob Burtschiis a 26 year old 198cm forward from Chickasha, Oklahoma who is a rookie this season for Phoenix Hagen. He played at the Air Force from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 35 games averaging 13.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3Pts: 39.0%, FT: 77.3%. He had offers to play in the NBA, but served in the Air Force the last three years and could only play club ball. Some achievements that he got in the NCAA were All-MWC Honorable Mention -05, MWC Regular Season Runner-Up -06, All-MWC 2nd Team -06, 07, NABC All-NCAA District 13 2nd Team -07, and NIT Final Four -07. Jacob spoke to German Hoops concerning the 2011 beko BBL Top 4 in Bamberg.

Phoenix Hagen has a 13 day rest between games. You went to England. What was the most interesting thing that you experienced there?

England is a beautiful country. London has a bunch of tourist attractions. There were a bunch of riots over being in Libya there and there were thousands of policemen around Buckingham Palace and other Embassy’s.

The next game is against The Gloria Giants Duesseldorf. Is it tough to stay focused when the last games seem meaningless?

Well Dusseldorf is still fighting to stay in the league. We still want to compete. I know we arent satisfied with a sub par record and staying in the league. It would be nice to win a few more

How strange will it be playing two hours before the first cup game? What will be key in winning in Duesseldorf?

When Dusseldorf came to our place and when Bonn came we played at 1400. So its nothing new. Just means we get home earlier and can watch some good Cup games.

What is your impression of the 2011 BEKO BBL Cup? Do you think that one might see a winner besides Bamberg?

Anything is possible. Just look at the NCAA Tourney. You only have to be hot for that 40 minute span and anything can happen. Every team left has a fair shot to win it.

Braunschweig has lost the last 11 games against Frankfurt. Will the 12th game finally be there charm (3.4=12 lol)?

It could be. Frankfurt has their number as of late but like I said, anything is possible

What will Braunschweig have to do besides stopping Dashaun Wood to win?

Control the boards and play their style of game. Control the tempo.

How much does the loss of Tony Skinn hurt them?

Losing Skinn definitely does hurt. It just gives an opportunity for other guys to step up and fill the void.

The Artland Dragons lost both games against Bamberg this season, but they were close. Could they use about 1000 Toby the dragon mascots in the Bamberg arena to cause havoc? lol?

I remember the dragon from the all star weekend festivities. if there were a 1000 of him, lord help us all. that outfit hadnt been washed since about 2004. but some people say 3rd times a charm. Never know.

Where is Bamberg vulnerable the most and how will Artland win?

I dont think they are very vulnerable. Just dont let them get into a rhythm or allow them to get open looks. They are too experienced and too talented to not play at your very best. Artland is pretty talented themselves. Play your style of ball, out hustle them, and hope for good shooting night.

Who is the most dangerous crunch time player for Bamberg and how do you stop him best?

They have a wide variety of guys that can be clutch. Depends on the situation and whats needed.

What is your pick for Kentucky-UCONN and why?

Redemption tour is still goin on for UK. I am taking the wildcats

What is your pick for the underdog game VCU-Butler?

I wish they werent playing each other in the sem final. VCU has been on a roll, but Butler gets it done everytime. I gotta take Butler.