In theBeko BBL, you can experience loud arenas and then again you can witness bedlam atmospheres as well. Giessen or Artland can be very hostle places to play especially when Toby the dragon is roaming the sidelines looking to scare an unknown face and the Stechert arena in Bamberg is known to be the loudest place to play in the Beko BBL. However the Oberfranken arena in Bayreuth may not be the biggest, but the noise volume that is generated there can be as annoying for opponents as it is for NBA teams to currently face the killer scoring instinct of New York Knick Jeremy Lin, David Holston getting punished for an untimely turnover and having to guard big ratiopharm Ulm center John Byrant or New England Patriots having to survive another off season with the New York Giants fans heckling them about a second Super Bowl loss to them. For ex Skyliner Dashaun Wood, the Oberfranken halle remains an unfriendly place as he has lost both times in a Skyliner jersey despite pouring in 29 points last season and recently with Alba Berlin, but the Fraport Skyliners wanted revenge for the loss last year as well as for their loss in Frankfurt in December as they showed a superb performance blasting BBC Bayreuth 90-57 and playing as if an announcement had come before the game that Kevin Durant had arrived for an autograph signing outside the Oberfranken arena and everyone departed to see the NBA superstar legend, because Frankfurt played as if nobody was in the arena blocking out any Bayreuth fan distractions making it look so easy. “The atmosphere here is amazing and that we were able to block out the atmosphere was great. We were able to play our game and stay calm for 40 minutes despite the noise. It may have looked easy, but it was still hard to win here”, warned Skyliner captain Marius Nolte. For BBC Bayreuth, they have only a 6-6 record at home and seem unable to use the fans as a sixth man. “When you start 0-8 and are behind in double digits after 3-4 minutes, you take the crowd out of the game. We were unable to give the crowd a chance for getting going with this loss”, stated BBC Bayreuth guard Kevin Hamilton. This was the second time that Jacob Burtschi played in Bayreuth and continued to be impressed by the atmosphere. “Our start was the big difference and we were able to take crowd out of game. For every run they had, we always had an answer. BBC Bayreuth have faithful fans, even when they were down by 25, the fans were loud”, commented ex Phoenix Hagen forward Jacob Burtschi.

After the big 68-49 win last weekend against FC Bayern Munich, the Fraport Skyliners were able to continue their strong play with their second win in a row and started another winning streak on the road after the bitter loss in Bremerhaven 10 days ago. This was a game where not only the defense was superb like it had been for the last months, but also the offense was strong as the team was able to give a top performance for 40 minutes and never let BBC Bayreuth get into the game. “Key for Frankfurt was their fast start. Their strong offense got the defense of BBC Bayreuth out of rhythm and the team had no answer the rest of the way. Frankfurt played with a lot of intensity on offense and defense and BBC Bayreuth were unable to stay with them”, stressed ex Science city American Sean Mccaw. Since the 79-71 win in Frankfurt where the team was riding a high after new coach Marco Van Den Berg had sparked them to some wins, the club has struggling with only a 3-8 record and have lost five of their last six games and their playoff aspirations seem to be dwindling each day. BBC Bayreuth was unlucky that they witnessed a very hot shooting performance by the Fraport Skyliners. “Frankfurt is very much a different team from the first time we played them in Frankfurt. They have really come together as a team and play a lot better defense. Their strong defense and hitting their shots really hurt us today”, expressed 2010 Dutch top scorer Danny Gibson.

The Fraport Skyliners arrived in the Oberfranken halle in Bayreuth for a rare Saturday afternoon basketball matinee and 3,308 fans packed the arena and quickly made their living room feel like a place where they could of ordered some ear plugs from the nearest drug store, but the gang of Muli Katzurin didn´t let the belligerent atmosphere hinder their play as they jumped on BBC Bayreuth right away going on a 8-0 run. Frankfurt was without Justin Gray and BBC Bayreuth was weakened as they didn´t have the services of Americans Kevin Hamilton and Tyler Smith and German Stefan Schmidt. For Brose Baskets Bamberg head coach Chris Fleming taking an afternoon off seems to be something you can´t do when you are pursuing the triple and despite their next game against Giessen was the next day, the 2008 cup winner with the Artland Dragons and Bamberg manager Wolfgang Heyder scouted the game for their encounter next weekend in Frankfurt. Tim Ohlbrecht started the run with a pretty left hand lay in past ex NBA player Brandon Hunter who soon was dinner for various Skyliners on defense. Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi tested his 29% parking lot shooting percentage with a three pointer and followed that up with a lay in and free throw. The Fraport Skyliners quickly found their rhythm showing BBC Bayreuth who was king in their living room supplying rapid pressure on offense and defense controlling the game and having the momentum. After young German Tom Spoler followed up his own miss with a lay in, the Fraport Skyliners offense continued to clicking on all cylinders on offense as Michael Thompson found his touch from outside, Ohlbrecht connected over Hunter again and Jimmy Mckinney dropped his first three pointer of the contest as Frankfurt led 16-5. BBC Bayreuth got a bucket from ex Bamberg American Beckham Wyrick and got to the free throw line, but Frankfurt continued to score any which way as Quantez Robertson snuck inside and Devin Gibson hit a contested three pointer from the top of the key as Frankfurt led 21-13. After Canadian Osvaldo Jeanty cut the Frankfurt lead to 25-17, Muli Katzurin continued to gaze down his bench and inserted ex NBA player Jermareo Davidson who quickly found his touch making a beautiful fade away jumper over Brandon Hunter and dunking home a beautiful Gibson pass who had escaped losing the ball and somehow found the big man inside with one second to play in the first quarter as the Fraport Skyliners led 29-21. “Frankfurt was clearly better as they had very high shooting percentages and rebounded very well”, stressed Brose Baskets Bamberg manager Wolfgang Heyder.

In the second quarter, The Fraport Skyliners continued where they left off in the first quarter with an aggressive offense that just didn´t want to miss as they went on a 12-1 run to extend their lead to 41-22. Jimmy Mckinney and Jacob Burtschi hit back to back three pointers, Jermareo Davidson burned ex Boston Celtic Brandon Hunter another time with a fade away jumper and got a pat on his butt from Muli Katzurin as he was running back to get on defense, German national player Johannes Herber hit in the zone with a difficult fade away jumper and Gibson stole the ball from Gibson and fed Burtschi who gave Robertson a quick no look pass as the American scored inside. After a Tom Spoler floater, Frankfurt countered back with a Herber three pointer and another Davidson fade away jumper as Frankfurt led 47-27. Estonian guard Rain Veideman tried to give the team some energy with a thunderous two handed dunk, but Thompson stopped any kind of BBC Bayreuth run to continue as he hit back to back shots as Frankfurt continued to stay in control doing what they wanted on offense leading 52-29. Skyliner captain Marius Nolte then scored inside getting a nifty back door pass from Herber as scored on a layup. The Fraport Skyliners led 55-32 at halftime. “The bottom line at half time wasn´t how much Frankfurt had given up, but the point difference. BBC Bayreuth may have came back in Giessen last weekend, but to do the same against avery strong Frankfurt team would have been very difficult”, stressed Bamberg head coach Chris Fleming. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting a whopping 72% from the field and from the three point line while BBC Bayreuth was shooting 50% from the field and 17% from the three point line. Frankfurt led the rebounding duel 12-9 and had only three turnovers while BBC Bayreuth had eight turnovers.

Muli Katzurin was surely aware of the capability that BBC Bayreuth showed last weekend in Giessen scoring 63 points in the second half and getting the win, but BBC Bayreuth wasn´t able to transform the words of head coach Marco Van Den Berg into cutting down the lead of Frankfurt. “Coach told us to keep fighting and try to cut lead down to 10 or less, so we could have a chance in the fourth quarter”, added Danny Gibson. “Coach had warned us about the Braunschweig game where they came from 20 back. That experience helped us in the second half as we never let them get the run they needed”, expressed Jacob Burtschi. The Fraport Skyliners continued their offensive rampage starting the third quarter going on a 7-2 run to extend their lead to 62-34 and dashing the hopes of BBC Bayreuth more quickly about ever turning the game around to their fortune. In this run, Jimmy Mckinney who was hot spun in the zone and finished with a pull up jumper, Burtschi nailed another three pointer and Davidson hit a mid distance jumper. After Hunter and Thompson traded buckets, BBC Bayreuth was trailing 65-36. However BBC Bayreuth went on a 9-1 run to close out the third quarter, but still trailed 67-45. It is never easy to be fully concentrated for 40 minutes, but even harder when you are leading by 29 points. In this run, Frankfurt missed some shots and also an easy Robertson tip in while BBC Bayreuth was grinding away at the mammoth Frankfurt lead. Ibekwe and Wyrick hit some free throws while Brandon Hunter hit his trade mark mid distance jumper. It was getting more evident that BBC Bayreuth simply had too little time left and were running out of energy. “We got hit so early that we couldn´t rebound and find the momentum. Whenever we made a dunk or play, Frankfurt had an answer not letting us get closer”, commented ex Phantom Kevin Hamilton.

In the fourth quarter, the Fraport Skyliners held their own stepped up their offense again while BBC Bayreuth were unable to get any kind of notable run on offense scoring only a meager 12 points. The Fraport Skyliners jumped on BBC Bayreuth again like they had in every quarter going on a 7-2 run to lead 75-47. Frankfurt outscored BBC Bayreuth 35-5 combined in their four runs to start each quarter. In the fourth quarter 7-2 run, Frankfurt got support with a Mckinney lay in with one second on the shot clock, an open three pointer from Thompson, Nolte lay in and free throw. Even after a Veideman three pointer, Frankfurt always had answer as Mckinney silenced the Oberfranken halle with a three point bomb as Frankfurt led 78-50. Frankfurt then went on a 6-0 run to have their biggest lead of the game 84-50. Frankfurt got busy getting to the free throw line as Mckinney,Gibson and Robertson connected. Veideman then made the play of the game stealing the ball from Gibson at mid court and going to the basket and finishing with a thunderous two handed slam, but it was too little too late as BBC Bayreuth still trailed 84-53. Frankfurt got a Mckinney catch and pop jumper and Nolte lay in after getting a bullet pass from Gibson from the bass line and ex Skyliner Maksym Shtein scored twice to end the game. “We got phenomenal defense today and our offense was great. We had great ball movement and we were knocking down our shots”, expressed Jacob Burtschi. “We weren´t hitting our shots and we were unable to pick up our defense”, stressed ex Nordlingen Giant Danny Gibson.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Jimmy Mcinney with 22 points. Jacob Burtschi and Michael Thompson chipped in with 14 points a piece. “It felt good having my shot again. I hope I can keep my confidence and my shot continues to fall in practice and in the next games”, stressed Jacob Burtschi. Jermareo Davidson contributed 12 points. BBC Bayreuth was led by Brandon Hunter with 12 points. The Fraport Skyliners finished the game with an astounding 57% from the field and 62% from the parking lot while BBC Bayreuth shot 41% from the field and 23% from the parking lot. Frankfurt won the rebounding battle 25-24, but the stat of the game was the incredible five turnovers that the Skyliners produced while BBC Bayreuth had 16 turnovers. Despite the potent offense, the big Skyliner weapon continues to be their defense. “Our pick and role defense was good and we really did a good job on Gibson and Jeanty. We showed a lot of hustle and effort on defense which sparked our offense”, warned Jacob Burtschi. “Frankfurt really have good personal on defense. They all work well together and have big bodies. Their instinct is to play together”, commented Kevin Hamilton. The Fraport Skyliners host the Brose Baskets BambergMarch 4^th.

Jermareo Davidson is a 27 year old 208cm forward from Atlanta, Georgia that is playing his first season for the Fraport Skyliners. He started his basketball career for Alabama(NCAA) and played there from 2003-2007 reaching the NCAA Elite 8 in 2004. He got drafted by the Golden State Warriors (NBA,2rd(36) in 2007 and was traded to Charlotte Hornets. In the 2007-2008 season, he played for the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA): 38 games: 3.2ppg, 1.6rpg, FGP: 40.8%, FT: 64.3%, in Jan.’08 was assigned to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 6 games: 18.0ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.3spg, 1.0bpg, FGP. In 2008-2009, he played for the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA): 38 games: 3.2ppg, 1.6rpg, FGP: 40.8%, FT: 64.3%, in Jan.’08 was assigned to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 6 games: 18.0ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.3spg, 1.0bpg, FGP. In 2009-2010, he played for the Golden State Warriors (NBA), only pre-season, then moved to Darussafaka C.Tires Istanbul (Turkey-TBL): 27 games: 15.9ppg, Reb-1(10.7rpg), 1.0spg, Blocks-2(1.3bpg), FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 62.8%. Last season, he played for Krasnie Krilya Samara (Russia-PBL): Russian League: 7 games: 4.6ppg, 4.0rpg; EuroCup: 4 games: 9.8ppg, 4.3rpg, left in Dec.’10, same month moved to Idaho Stampede (D-League): 30 games: 15.3ppg, Reb-3(10.1rpg), 1.5bpg, FGP: 52.2%, FT: 75.9%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Congrats on a well deserved 68-49 win against FC Bayern Munich. The name FC Bayern Munich is rich in tradition like the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Lakers or Green Bay Packers. Were you aware how well known this team is?

They were a tough team. The coaching staff tell before every game something about the next opponent, but coming into the game, I had no idea how much tradition the club has.

How tough was it coming off the bitter loss in Bremerhaven and coming back focused to beat FC Bayern Munich?

I didn´t play in Bremerhaven staying home rehabbing. But the team played hard and just couldn´t come home with a win.

Jared Newson said during the game that it was smart of you to take your jumper instead of battling Jared Homan inside. Was that your goal?

I will face up against anyone in the league. I use my quickness and shooting which is my game. I am not a banger and just don´t need to do that inside.

One of the key Skyliners in the win was Devin Gibson. How mature is he already as a rookie?

I love the game of Gibson. He comes off the bench and knows how to control the game and make it fast paced. He does a good job finding the open guy and is very mature. We love to run with him on offense.

You are playing your first season for the Fraport Skyliners. How do you like Frankfurt?

I love Frankfurt. It is an awesome city and the fans support us well.

How difficult was it being injured for so long at the start of the season? Who helped you mentally get through this time?

Nobody helped me. Just sitting so long gave me enough motivation to work hard and come back. My teammates felt my pain, but just sitting out hurt enough.

What is a strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

My passing ability and ball handling. I was a point guard until ninth grade.

How is your relationship with head coach Muli Katzurin? How do you make him laugh?

I am still trying to figure him out. It is sometimes hard to read him. He isn´t an angry man. Maybe he doesn´t understand me, but I always try to be serious around him.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Tim Ohlbrecht?

Me every time and you can highlight it.

You are from Atlanta, Georgia. What was your childhood like?

It was a pretty normal childhood. I had a single mother, sister and brother. My mom got me to playing basketball very early. I was always hanging out in the gym.

Who were your NBA idols as a kid?

Before I started to grow, I was a point guard/shooting guard and liked the game of Allen Iverson and his ball handling. When I started to grow, I liked Kevin Garnett and I would always watch the big men seeing how they shoot the ball, handle the ball and play with their back to the wall.

You played together with Demetrius Jemison at Alabama. Can he make the step to the next level?

Yes he can. I always watch him in practice. He is a dominating small big man. He is a talented shooter especially from 15 feet out. He can handle the ball well and knows how to use his body to finish.

You played together with Cavs Alonzo Gee at Alabama. What is your fondest memory with him at Alabama?

He was like my younger brother. When he came to Alabama, he quickly attached himself to me. He was a silly guy that liked to dance in practice. We both were silly and at times had no idea what we were laughing at.

Alabama is known as a football school. Was it hard getting respect as a basketball player?

When there were football games, the city closed down. There wasn´t really a bad difference between the football and basketball programs.

You had a very strong senior year averaging 14,0ppg, 8,2rpg, 1,5apg and 2,3rpg. Were you or were not surprised that you got drafted by the NBA?

I had that natural nervousness with the draft, because you never know what can happen since it is a tricky procedure. I expected to be drafted, but even if I hadn´t been drafted, I am sure that I would of landed on some NBA roster. I worked hard in my time at Alabama and deserved to be drafted.

Is the NBA still your goal?

Yes it is still the route that I want to go. I love the NBA game and want to get back. I do love to play overseas, but I will continue to try to get back to the NBA each summer.

Who was your most difficult opponent in the NBA?

Pau Gasol gave me problems. He is a very good player. His shots often didn´t seem like they would go in, but they always did. I also had a hard time with Chris Bosh.

What were the most number of free throws that you made in a row?

25.

What was your most crazy shot in your career?

A half court shot in college.

With what rap star would you like to make a song with?

Jay Z.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Meet the Zohan with Adam Sandler.

Thanks Jermareo for the chat.

Kevin Hamilton is a 27 year old 193cm guard from Queens Village, New York that is playing his first season for BBC Bayreuth. He played at Holy Cross from 2002-2006 and played together with ex Skyliner Keith Simmons. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 17.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.5apg, 3.3spg, FG: 38.1%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 77.7%. In his rookie season 2006-2007, he came to Europe and played in Poland for Polpak Swiecie playing 19 games and averaging 13.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2(2.3spg), 2FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 64.2%. In 2007-2008, he played in France for Besancon Basket Comte Doubs (France-ProB) playing 2 games and averaging 6.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg. He also had a short tenure in Mexico with Pioneros de Quintana Roo-Cancun. In 2008-2009, he returned back to Poland to play for SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg playing 32 games averaging 11.0ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-1(6.4apg), Steals-1(2.8spg), FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 66.5%. He was not lazy in the last three summers staying in game shape and playing in Puerto Rico playing 90 games. In tue summer of 2009, he played for Indios de Mayaguez playing  35 games and averaging 10.5ppg, 4.7rpg, Assists-3(6.3apg), Steals-2(1.7spg), FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 70.6%. His father was a draft pick of The Boston Celtics in 1980. In 2009-2010, he played his first season in Braunschweig playing 39 games: 10.1ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-3(5.4apg), Steals-2(1.9spg), FGP: 63.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 77.6%. In 2010-2011 for Braunschweig, he averaged 9,oppg, 4,1rpg and 4,3apg. Last summer, he played in Puerto Rico for Indios de Mayaguez (Puerto Rico-BSN) averaging 10,6ppg, 4,4rpg and 8,0apg. He spoke to German Hoops about his season with BBC Bayreuth recently.

Kevin you have been injured for a long time. Have you ever had such a bad injury like this in your career?

No this had been my most major injury in m ycareer and it is very rough.

What have you missed the most about basketball during your injury?

That is tough to answer since I have missed so much, but I have missed when the lights go off before a game right before the game is going to start. I miss also being on the court and competiting.

How do you help your teammates the most during your injury? Are you like an extra assistant coach?

You could say that I am like that. I just try to help the young players and help the players wth things that I see on the court. I just try to be  a good teammate and help cheer on the team.

BBC Bayreuth lost the first four games. What were the reasons for the slow start?

You can´t make excuses, you have to be prepared for every game in the Beko BBL: Many players came right before the start of the season and it ha staken time with chemistry.

Andreas Wagner was let go early as coach. Didn´t it fit well between the coach and the players? Stefan Schmidt said an interview that it felt like for him after a two hour practice that he didn´t get better.

I don´t think that the bad start had to do with his coaching philosophy. We just didn´t start well and this is a business and the club felt that it needed to make a change. Of course that isn´t good if a player feels that, but every player is different and I cant speak for Stefan Schmidt.

Since new coach Marc Van Den Berg has come in the team is playing excellent basketball. What have been the reasons for this?

The new coach has  a new system and each player has followed his system. The addition of Danny Gibson has helped as he is a true floor general and many guys have stepped up in my absence.

What is the strength of Marco van den Berg?

He is a very intelligent man and that is something I picked up on in my first conversation with him. He is really well informed with basketball. He is sort of like Gordon Herbert in that he knows how to get the best out of each player. He has a personal relationship with each player and you really feel that he wants to make you better.

BBC Bayreuth also has defended a lot better. It has knocked down the points per game from 83 to 66. What has changed with the new coach?

Our defensive intensity is a lot better and each guy knows where to be on the court. No matter what the situation is on the court, each player always puts in the effort.

You played against Bobby Brown early in the season. What do you like most about his game?

I like his confidence and also his shooting and scoring ability. His great confidence really helps his game.

Since Danny Gibson came on board the team is playing very well. What is his biggest strength?

He is always putting so much pressure on the defense with his quickness getting to the hole, he is  agreat passer and just makes the big plays. He is also a pest on defense and great ball defender.

How is the development of Simon Schmitz coming along? How do you help his game?

He is a good young player that really is talented and knows the game. He is a good shooter and intelligent on the court. If he can get his confidence up then he could become one of the best German point guards.

What is the most incredible thing that you have seen Corey Stokes do on the court?

I have seen him hit the most amazing shots. I have seen him hit end one three pointers and buzzer beaters. I have him hit shots that many players wouldn´t even try to attempt. He is very mature for his age and will be a great pro player.

Which BBC Bayreuth player has improved the most so far?

I think that Stefan Schmidt has improved the most. The game in artland was his breakout game. He is still lacking a bit in confidence, but he has all the tools to become  avery good center.

Back in the day Michael Jordan didn´t even live in the team hotel of the Chicago Bulls. Would Kevin Durant have lived in a castle in Bayreuth?

Hahaha. If Durant would have wanted to live in a castle, I am sure that wish would have been granted to him. But I would have hoped that he would have wanted to be near the team more if he would have been signed.

How do you like Bayreuth?

I like Bayreuth. It is smaller than Braunschweig, but it is very scenic and the people have been nice to me and my family. My little daughter likes the parks with the live animals.

What is your favorite food in Bavaria?

I like this Italian restaurant, but my wife cooks often and that is the best.

Your ex teammate Brandon Thomas recently signed with the Artland Dragons. How happy are you to see him back in the Beko BBL?

I am very happy for him. Italy didn´t work out for him. Artland is a good fit as he is one of the best small forwards in the league and he will help the team much.

What is your nicest memory with ex Holy Cross teammate Torey Thomas? He told me his nicest memory with you was beating Notre Dame at the 2005 NIT tournament.

Every game was a nice memory with Torey. He is one of my favorite teammates that I have ever played with. I would also say the nicest memory was beating Notre Dame as nobody thought we could win the game. Torey had a good game and we won.

What is your nicest memory with ex Skyliner Keith Simmons?

The Notre Dame win. He is a great athletic player.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

In time with Justin Timberlake.

Thanks Kev for the chat.

Ruben Spoden is a 21 year old 202cm forward playing his second season for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. He started his career for Eintracht Frankfurt (Regionalliga) in 2005 and played there until 2008. In 2008-2009, he played for TV Langen (ProA): 17 games: 2.4ppg, 1.8rpg; also played at Eintracht Frankfurt (2.Regionalliga): 11 games: 18.6ppg. In 2009-2010, he played for Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (ProB, starting five): 29 games: 14.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 74.7%. Last season, he split time between Walter Tigers Tuebingen (1.Bundesliga): 8 games: 1.3ppg; also played at Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (ProB): 28 games: 7.4ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 21.7%, FT: 60.7%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 81-77 win against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg.

Congrats on the 81-77 win against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. The Walter Tigers Tuebingen got revenge after the bad loss in Oldenburg wouldn´t you say?

That was a bad loss in Oldenburg where we lost by 24 points. We came back in Tuebingen fought hard and deserved to win at the end.

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen had the slim 42-39 lead at halftime. What did coach Igor Perovic tell the guys to do better at halftime?

We actually didn´t start well, but had a nice run at the end of the second quarter thanks to strong play by Lou Campbell who got some steals. Coach Perovic mainly told us to keep playing the way we did at the end of the second quarter.

It wasn´t one player in crunch time, but young players Reggie Redding, Vaughn Duggins and Josh Young that made big shots. The young Tigers seem to have no ego.

That is right. We have a good mix and play as a team.

The Tigers forced ex NBA player Bobby Brown to 7 turnovers. Which Tiger was most responsible for annoying Brown?

Campbell put a lot of pressure on Brown. Campbell was very motivated to play against his old team too. He stole a ball from Brown and went in for the dunk. Campbell just took apart Brown.

The Walter Tigers Tuebigen have many quality players, but my unsung hero is Josh Young. How important is he for the team?

He comes from the bench and brings a lot of intensity and scoring. He also defends very well. He may only be 180cm, but he does a great job getting rebounds and always fights on the blocks. He has that tiger face. It is in his mentality.

In the last two seasons, the Tigers have had  a run in February, but then faltered near the end not reaching the playoffs. Will a third time be the charm?

We have played very well since Cukinas came with a record of 10-6. We are a top 5 team now. If we hadn´t started off so bad, we could be a lot better in the standings now. We have no pressure as no one expects anything from us. Our goal is to be around 8-10 at the end of the season.

What is the secret to the success of the Walter Tigers Tuebingen besides team play?

We improve from week to week. We also have been able to take the concept of Igor Perovic and use it to our advantage. Usually when a team is able to take the game plan and use it to their advantage, then you usually win.

The next two games are against Braunschweig and Wurzburg. What will be key in getting the wins on the road?

We beat Braunschweig by 20 and need to go to Braunschweig and be aggressive. We can´t let John Little get to us. We have  to pressure them and not let them get us out of our rhythm with their pressure.

Are you disappointed that you haven´t got more playing time in a young team?

I am not disappointed. I see the season positive. I am playing less now sometimes five minutes whereas I was playing 15-16 minutes earlier in the season. With Tyrone Nash, I have a very good player at my position. I just have to accept my role and continue to show what I can do and keep trying to find my game in this league.

Have you jumped on the Linsanity train?

It has been an unbelievable Cinderella story for Jeremy Lin. Everybody would like to be him to be able to perform like that in a city like New York where he is loved. I had heard his name last summer when he played NBA summer league for the Dallas Mavericks, but never seen him play.

Who are your early NCAA Final 4 teams?

I would hope that Gonzaga gets a high speed and hope that Elias Harris gets far. I also hope that Uconn get far and that Nils Giffey gets some minutes.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Watchman

Thanks Ruben for the chat.