Month: February 2012

Jukka Matinen (KTP Basket Kotka): The Way Pascal Roller Treates Everyone Well is Unique

Jukka Matinen is a 33 year old 203cm forward that was born in Kerava, Finland. He started his basketball career in 1995 for New Wave. He then played for NMKY Helsinki, ToPo Helsinki, Tapiolan Honka and Honka Espoo from 1997-2002. He then played for the Skyliners from 2002-2006 playing 104 Beko BBL games, 19 ULEB cup games and 9 Euroleague games. He won the German championship in 2004 and reached the final in 2005. He then played for Honka Espoo Playboys from 2006-2011 playing 195 games winning the Finish title in 2007 and 2008. He spoke to German Hoops about the Pascal Roller farewell game and basketball in general.

How happy were you to be part of the Pascal Roller farewell game?

It was great to come back and an honor to be asked. I always enjoy coming back to Frankfurt. They have great fans there.

What was your impression of Pascal Roller. Was there much difference to 2006 when you last played with him?

He is still quick. He is still in very good shape despite being retired. He isn´t in as good shape as in 2006, but I think that he could still play in the Beko BBL now.

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Isaiah Swann (ratiopharm Ulm): David Holston Always Surprises You

Isaiah Swann is a 26 year old 188cm guard from Germantown, Maryland that is playing his first season in Germany for ratiopharm Ulm. He is an athletic, left-handed point guard who is capable of putting up big numbers. He played at Florida State from 2004-2008 and in his senior year played 24 games: 11.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3Pts: 38.8%, FT: 84.0%. In his rookie season in 2008, he played for three teams including Aget Imola (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 15 games: 13.6ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.1apg, 3.1spg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 71.9%; left in Jan.’09, in Feb.’09 moved to Harem Scafati (Italy-Lega2): 1 game: 4pts, 1reb, 2steals, 1block; in March ’09 signed at Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Israel-Premier League): 13 games: 7.3ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 38.7%, 3PT-3(46.3%), FT: 87.5%. In 2009-2010, he played for Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Israel-Premier League): 27 games: 8.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 81.5%. Last season, he played for Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League): 3 games: 7.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, in Dec.’10 moved to Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion (Israel-Premier League, starting five): 24 games: 12.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 84.1%. He was Israeli Premier League Champion in 2010. He spoke with German Hoops about basketball.

How much of a luxury is it to have three strong point guards with Per Guenther, Tommy Mason-Griffin and yourself?

It is a very unique situation. We can all play the position one and two. We can create for ourselves and for each other as well as for our teammate. Most teams that I have seen have one or two point guards so having our situation is a big help.

What was it like playing against ex NBA player Jamison Brewer?

It was nice playing against Jamie that is what I called him back in the day. I played at the same high school along with other players like James White and Demarcus Johnson. I watched him play back then and he was always a great point guard. He can find other players like no other. He doesn´t score much. But he is always finding his teammates. It was good seeing him and it was the first time that I played against him.

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