Phoenix Hagen may not be a team that has a superstar player like Dashaun Wood, will reach the beko BBL playoffs with ease this season, have Bernd Kruel play point guard for a quarter, have Paris Hilton as a cheerleader, or German actor Til Schweiger sitting in the front row at each home game, but one thing that they have and can never be taken away from them is the very sweet distinction of having Alba Berlins number in the Enervie arena the last two seasons winning  92-86 last season despite 37 points from mr ballerina Derrick Allen and 98-91 this season. Who needs a Dashaun Wood when you have a Marc Carter who can lead you to the win with 33 points. Even if the season isn’t a total success, one will at least have the memory of having beaten Alba Berlin in your own living room. One player that will cherish the win last season forever is Quentin pryor who found some time to reflect on the upset win last season in Austria where he is currently earning his bread for his family. “The win over Alba Berlin was my second biggest win after the win we got getting to the Beko BBL in 2009. I remember that we didn´t give Alba Berlin a chance in this game. Once the fourth quarter rolled along, we felt that we were going to win the game. We held the Alba Berlin shooters in check and got them out of their comfort zone. I thought that it was great that we were able to prove all those doubters wrong by coming on the floor and competiting”, stressed Quentin Pryor. Other teams in the Beko BBL are noticing how difficult it is to play in Hagen like the Walter Tigers Tuebingen who won a 111-104 shoot out recently. Josh young remembers the win in Hagen and beating underdogs in college as ifapples were growing on trees. “That they beat Alba Berlin doesn´t surprise me at all. Once Hagen gets going offensively, they can be very dangerous and play with anyone. It is tough to play there since they have nice fans and use their home court advantage well. When I was at Drake, we beat Iowa and Iowa State each year until my senior year when we finally lost. For underdog teams, there is always an extra motivation playing higher ranked teams, because nobody expects them to win. And after you beat them so many times, you expect to always win”, warned Josh Young. It took the Frankfurt Skyliners some six years to win in Bamberg again, is a Phoenix Hagne jinx already cast upon Alba Berlin? “It seems like an Alba Berlin jinx has started, but if Phoenix Hagen wins again next season, then there is definitely a jinx”, smiled Quentin Pryor.

This is the third season in the Beko BBL for Phoenix Hagen. They entered the German top league in 2009-2010 and Phoenix Hagen finished the year in 16th place just staying in the BEKO BBL by 0ne point as they had a record of 9-25. The two biggest problems of the team was a lack of defense and a thin rotation. If the club had not gotten Michael hakim Jordan in the stretch run, then the club might be visiting towns like Kirchheim, Cuxhaven and Kaiserslautern in the PRO A. The club started  solid with a 2-2record beating Giessen and Ratiopharm Ulm, but then went 1-8 and landing in the BEKO BBL cellar. The team lost by more than 20 points five times and the Artland Dragons poured in over 100 points. The club then reacted bringing in Jordan and the team prompt went on a three game winning streak beating TBB Trier, The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig and sweeping the season series at home against Giessen where Jordan was the hero with a game winning shot. However then as if Jordan had turned invisible, the team went on a 10 game losing streak. They finished the season with a 3-6 record beating Duesseldorf, EnBW Ludwigsburg and Paderborn, but were never able to beat a playoff team.

In their second season in the Beko BBL, the club improved vastly finishing in 11^th place with a 15-19 record. Phoenix Hagen started the season very well winning four of their first six games scoring 107 points against the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven, but then getting hit for 103 points the next weekend against the Telekom Baskets Bonn. The team was averaging 83 points in the first month a game in comparison to scoring only 72 points last season. Their up and down style can be a hazard to at times. “The way Phoenix Hagen plays, it can be  a hit or miss. They are capable of going minutes scoring in buckets and then also minutes without getting buckets”, warned John Bynum. “We are an undersized team on the blocks. We just have to get back to defending like we been practicing for the last few months. Its on everyone to be accountable on that end because its more about heart than ability!, added Quentin Pryor. However since the strong start, Phoenix Hagen hit a slump losing nine of the next 10 games and were under 500 since the lightening start with a record of 9-15. Some people were whispering playoffs in the first weeks, but that dream was quickly doused. However they finished the season strong with a 6-4 record beating teams like ratiopharm Ulm and the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. That the club could score was no surprise, but  their biggest problem was their defense. Even if they were able to put up 80-85 points, they still lost by more points. In games where Phoenix Hagen scored 80 points or more and still lost happened 12 times. They gave up 80 or more points 24 times. Why did the team give up so many points on a consistent rate? “I think once again it had to do with there interior defense. They play at a fast pace and they are a team of runs, but even so they have the guards that can play defense,  but if you made them play defense I dont think it was a high priority on their list”, added John Bynum. Teams also have hurt them much under the boards. “I think in the inside because I think the only down low defender is Eddie Seward and without him I think they struggle. They can put points up but he does so many little things for them”, warned John Bynum.

This season, Phoenix Hagen were forced to do a sort of house cleaning simply because guys like Jacob Burtschi, Mark Dorris and Quentin Pryor were to expensive to hold. With costs on making more seating capacity possible in their old arena Ischeland arena, the team had hug expenses which didn´t help for the player budget for this season. It also isn´t easy when players see Hagen as a town where they can make a name for themselves and then get better offers from other teams the next season. Eight players left the club including scoring guard David Bell as well as young German talents Andreas Buchert and Malte Schwarz. Important was that the team was able to hold three important players with experienced German Bernd Kruel, versatile inside out player Zygimantas Jonusas and inside beast Edward Seward. The club knows the money is scarce, so they had a lot of home work to do last summer in getting the best possible players for the cheapest price. The team returned two ex Beko BBL players with Brandon Brooks who got his feet wet with the Eisbaeren playing a solid rookie season under Doug Spradley learning the ropes from stra point guard Louis Campbell and Marc Carter who had played in Duesseldorf and on any night can light up scoreboards in the Beko BBL with the best of them. The team also brought in Tristian Blackwood who made a name for himself in Holland, second year man Jordan Hasquet who is there to help under the boards and veteran Jason Crowe who is playing his 13^th professional season and Germany is the 11^th country where he has played. Currently they have a 3-7 record and defense continues to be a problem as they have allowed an average of 93 points in the first ten games. It seems, like the team is content just to outscore their opponents with defense being out on the back burner. Hagen seem to have a major focus on the offensive end and not so much on the defensive end. There isn´t much help side and their pick and role defense isn´t great either“If their quick shots don´t fall, it can lead to easy fast break points for the opponent. Due to their athleticism, they should be able to get more steals”, warned Tiger guard Josh Young. Ingo Freyer prides offense and that is something that works most of the time for the team. “They are an extremely dangerous offensive team. They have so many weapons. They are great in transition and very good on one on one. Their biggest strength is their three point shooting, offensive rebounding and speeding up the game. You have to watch Carter and Jonusas very much”, warned Josh Young.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners swept the season series in 2009-2010 with Phoenix Hagen stomping all over them in Hagen 93-64 as Derrick Allen led alls corers with 22 points, Aubrey Resse chipped in with 18 points and Grayson Moyer had one of his best games as a Skyliner with 15 points and five assists. In the return game in Frankfurt, Phoenix Hagen lost 89-76. Skyliner captain Pascal Roller led Frankfurt with 18 points and five assists and Derrick Allen produced 17 points. Last season, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners outrebounded Phoenix Hagen 66-49 in both games. Last season, the Skyliners also won the season series with a 90-85 win as Jermaine Bucknor led the team with 19 points and six rebounds and 92-53 romp at home getting 24 points and eight rebounds from Roger Powell and only six points and seven assists from Dashaun Wood.

The Fraport Skyliners are tangled up in a ten game losing streak and just need a winning experience desperately. Phoenix Hagen lead in every important team stat scoring 19 points more per game and grabbing five rebounds more. Frankfurt will have to tough it out and find away to stop this offensive scoring machine especially when they fly down the court. “Frankfurt has to control the pace of the game. Hagen likes to run. Hagen is very good at getting offensive rebounds. Frankfurt can´t allow open looks and stop their strong dribble penetration”, stated Josh Young.  Frankfurt hasn´t been able to play a solid game for 40 minutes and can´t afford not to in Hagen. “Hagen is the most fast paced team in league. Frankfurt has to play very good defense and stay with them until the final buzzer. It doesn´t matter if your up or down by 20 points. They always keep coming. Frankfurt has to stay consistent”, warned Lebron James friend Dru Joyce. Frankfurt might only be averaging a paltry 63 points per game, but they have the talent to outscore Phoenix hagen. “Hagen is tough to beat at home, because they play with much confidence. Once Hagen makes shots, they really get going. But I believe that Frankfurt has the firepower to stay with them”, stressed EJ Gallup. “The tempo will be key for Frankfurt. They have to stop their transition and get them in a half court game”, stressed John Bynum.

Phoenix Hagen is led by Marc Carter who is a 26 year old 191cm guard from Mechanicsville, Mary land. He played at NC-Wilmington (NCAA) from 2003-2007 playing 121 NCAA games. He started his professional basketball career in 2008 for the Duesseldorf Giants playing there until 2010. He played a total of 68 games for Duesseldorf. Last season, he played briefly for Proteas Danoi AEL (Cyprus-Division A). Despite not playing much last season, he has returned strong to the Beko BBL and is averaging 18,0ppg, 4.9rpg and 2,4apg. Zgyimantas Jonusas is playing his third season for Phoenix Hagen and sixth in the BEKO BBL. He is a 29 year old 200cm forward from Lithuania. He is a very dangerous three pointer that can beat his defender off the dribble. He can score in many ways and can get to the rim of make the deadly pass. He also knows how to get o the free throw line and is a very good free throw shooter. He already played professionally in Poland for MKS Pruszkow (Poland-PLK) at the age of 20. He played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven from 2006-2009. His best season was his first season as he played 38 games: 11.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 52.7%, 3FGP: 40.1%, FT: 79.8%. In 2009-2010, he played 13 games for Phoenix Hagen averaging 12,8ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 30.2%, FT: 69.0%. Last season, he played 32 games: 13.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 74.7%. Currently, he is averaging 15,1ppg, 5,3rpg and 2,4apg.

Brandon Brooks is a 24 year old 188cm guard from Dallas, Texas that is playing his third professional season and second in the Beko BBL. He played at Alabama(NCAA) and in his senior year played 32 games: 13.7ppg, 4.2rpg, 6.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3Pts: 36.9%, FT: 77.1%. In 2009-2010, he was a rookie for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven playing 44 games: 7.4ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 72.8%. Last season he played for the Tulsa 66ers (D-League) playing 36 games: 4.7ppg, 1.8rpg, 3.3apg. “I was impressed by his play. He can score, penetrate and sets his teammates up well”, stressed Josh Young. Currently he is averaging 14,5ppg, 4.6rpg and 2,5apg. Jordan Hasquet is a 26 year old 206cm forward from Montana that is playing his first season with Phoenix Hagen. He played at Montana(NCAA) from 2005-2009 and in his senior year played 29 games: 11.0ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 43.8%, 3Pts: 39.2%, FT: 71.4%. In 2009-2010 as a rookie he played for Starwings Basket Regio Basel (Switzerland-LNA): 32 games: 10.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 71.4%. He won the Swiss cup with the Starwings. Last season, he played only preseason with Hasapis Omonia Nicosia (Cyprus-Division A). Despite being another player like Carter who didn´t play much last season, he has gotten used to the Beko BBL as he is averaging 11,3ppg, 2,9rpg and 1,7apg. Recently the team brought in some valuable experience at the point guard position with Jason Crowe. Crowe is a 35 year old 193cm guard from California. He is is a versatile and talented point guard, who is very coachable, willing to adapt his game to the needs of his coach and team. He can either be the true point guard, sacrificing his own points to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, or he can be the scorer. Crowe has excellent athleticism (speed and quickness), a stable handle, sees the floor, passes well and shoots it with range and touch. He also is a strong asset on the defensive side, able to put strong pressure on the ball and cause turnovers. He was the last cut in the Los Angeles Clippers training camp twice and has played in countries like Hungry, Ukraine, Iran, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Venezuela, and Bulgaria. He won the league title in New Zealand in 2008. Currently he is averaging 7,7ppg, 3,9rpg and 2,9apg.

35 year old 210 cm center Bernd Kruel has played most of his career in Hagen starting with Brandt in 1993, but leaving in January 2004 as the team folded. He got rewarded by winning a BBL title with the Opel Skyliners. After playing some years in Frankfurt and Bonn, he came back to Hagen in 2008-2009 helping the team get back into the BEKO BBL. He may not be the youngest anymore, but he will bang with anyone and can still play at a very high level. In 2009-2010 he played 32 games averaging 7.4ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 8.3%, FT: 69.0%.His quickness, leaping ability, shot selection and rebounding are his main strength. He is a good athlete, can shoot, can dribble and plays inside and outside. He played in the BEKO BBL Allstar game in 2000, reached the BEKO BBL Cup final in 2002 and 2004 and was a BEKO BBL finalist in 2005 and 2008 with The Telekom Baskets Bonn. Last season, he played 33 games: 6.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 57.2%, FT: 70.8%. Currently he is averaging 7,0ppg, 3,6rpg and 1,5apg. The glue that keeps Phoenix Hagen together under the basket is 33 year old 206cm center Eddie Seward. He played at Norfolk State and then started his professional basketball career in Germany. He toiled around in the German Regionaliga for Aschersleben Tigers BC  from 2004-2007 before moving up to the PRO A playing for BG Karlsruhe, Cuxhaven and BBC Bayreuth. In the 2008-2009 season, he showed that he could play at the PRO A level playing for Cuxhaven and making great stats of 11.3ppg, Reb-1(10.4rpg), Blocks-4(1.4bpg), FGP-1(70.6%), FT: 56.9% in 30 games. In 2009-2010 for BBC Bayreuth, he played games 30 games averaging 8.2ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 60.9%, FT: 62.2. Last season for Phoenix Hagen he played 22 games: 4.2ppg, 5.0rpg, Blocks-5(1.1bpg). Currently, he is averaging 5,0ppg and 6,4rpg. Tristan Blackwood is a 26 year old 183cm guard from Toronto, Canada. He played at Cent.Conn.St. (NCAA) from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 30 games: 16.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 5.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 40.5%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 86.4%: Finished career at CCSU ranked sixth all-time in scoring (1,605), second in assists (506), and first in three-pointers made (328). In 2009-2010, he played in Holland for DeFriesland Aris Leeuwarden (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 25 games: 14.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT-3(42.9%), FT: 84.2%; in Feb.’10 moved to Eiffel Towers Den Bosch (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): Dutch League: 13 games: 9.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 32.3%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 92.9%; EuroChallenge: 2 games: 13.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 5.5apg, 1.0spg. Last season, he played for JL Bourg Basket (France-ProB), in Dec.’10 moved to s Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (Germany-ProA): 12 games: 3.3ppg, 1.5apg, in March’11 signed at GiroLive-Ballers Osnabrueck (Germany-ProA, starting five): 5 games: 11.6ppg, 1.2rpg, 5.8apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.0%. Currently he is averaging 4,9ppg, 1,7rpg and 1,0apg. The team also is supported by young Germans Dominik Spohr and Dominik Wilkins.