Blake Poole is a 24 year old 195cm center that will be playing his firsts eason with RheinLand Versicherungen Hertener Lions (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career in 2007 with St.Martin’s (NCAA2) where he played until 2011. In his senior year he played 29 games: 19.3ppg, 11.6rpg, 2.8apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 54.7%, 3Pts: 28.9%, FT: 73.5%. In 2011, he started his professional basketball career with Bellingham Slam (IBL) left during the season: 17 games: 12.5ppg, 10.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.3% and then played for BG Dorsten (Germany-ProB) playing  26 games: 14.9ppg, Reb-1(12.9rpg), 2.8apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 24.0%, FT: 70.1%. Last season he played for  Bellingham Slam (IBL): 20 games: 18.7ppg, 13.2rpg, 4.1apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 80.4% and for BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-ProB), injured in pre-seaon, in Oct.’12 moved to BG Dorsten (Germany-ProB): 10 games: 14.7ppg, 14.1rpg, 2.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 79.4%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

How are you enjoying your summer and weather wise what is the nicest summer month in Washington, June, July or August?

 

 Summer is going well. The weather in the northwest is perfect in the summer. Just have to get through the rain.

Congrats on signing with Herten. What was the main reasons for signing with Pro B team Herten?

 

I would like to put together a full season and Herten is a great organization to play for because they normally compete at the top of the league.

You have had ridiculous stats since college giving double double stats a new meaning. Didn´t you have any Pro A offers?

 At this time I didn’t have any pro A offers, but I know with my level of play I just have to be patient.

I am sure making that next step up a level is something you would have liked doing?

 

 I would have liked to step up for sure, but it didn’t happen at this time.

How difficult was the last season being injured? You still produced 14 and 14 stats. Are you back to 100%?

 

 It was my first time dealing with injury so just being away from ball was difficult. Yes, now I’m feeling the best I have in a while.

You have played in the IBL for Bellingham the last years which is close to home. Do you just play for the love of the game and to improve yourself during the summer, because I can imagine that the money isn´t that great?

 

 I love playing with the guys in Bellingham. It’s nice to be surrounded by real team players and that’s what we have, a complete team. The pay doesn’t play a huge part for me.

Is there a major difference to the German Pro B in the American IBL?

 

 For me personally no, I play the same regardless of where I’m playing but the overall leagues the IBL doesn’t have many teams but the players are really talented. I like the intensity of each game in the pro b though.

What is your secret to being such a rebound monster at 195cm? It cant just all be anticipation?

 

 No secret. The ball comes off the rim and I want it. I will work hard to get it. Most of it is just instinct now.

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

 

I would say it is my passing. I love getting assists and seeing my teammates have success.

You have averaged double double stats since 2008 in your second season of college. Is averaging double double stats now just a normal thing? What other goals in your game can one have when one is so dominating on the glass?

 

 Yes, my style of play normally ends in a double double. It’s to a point where I’m not happy unless I get one. Other goals would be to stretch my game out from the glass to become more versatile.

How excited are you to be playing with Matt Reid who should be able to get you the ball often in the low post?

 

 I’m very excited. I love getting to know new players on the court. I couldn’t see why I wouldn’t like playing with a player that will feed me in the post.

How does a normal Blake Poole work out day look like in the summer?

 

 Well it would start with me going to work. I work at a moving company so those days could be long and tiring. Other than that I would go on a run or swim. I like my days to be active and I get my work out in doing different activities.

Who has been the best player that you have played against in Germany so far in your professional basketball career?

 

 When you ask that a lot of good players come to mind. I couldn’t really tell you the best player I’ve played against, but since playing in Germany it’s forced me to get better on defense since a lot of the centers can shoot the three ball.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

 The last DVD movie I saw was Identity Thief. Too funny.

 

 

Thanks Blake for the chat.

 

Bill Amis is a 25 year old 205cm power forward that was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and is currently in a try-out with German Beko BBl team Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. He is an an athletic forward with multiple skills, a good ball handler and shoots well in transition. He played at Hawaii(NCAA) from 2007-2011 playing  atotal of 81NCAA ga,es an din his senior year averaged 15.2ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.0spg, 2.2bpg, FGP: 54.6%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 77.3%. As a rookie in 2011-2012, he played for   Trefl Sopot (Poland-PLK, starting five), only pre-season, in Sep.’11 moved to Tartu Ulikool/Rock (Estonia-KML): Estonian League: 31 games: 11.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.0apg, Blocks-3(1.1bpg), FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 75.2%; Baltic League: 17 games: 15.9ppg, 6.3rpg, Blocks-5(1.2bpg), FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 78.2%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Bill thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are currently I the midst of a try-out with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. How has this experience been for you so far?

The experience thus far has been great, I am really thankful to coach Oldham and the organization for giving me a shot to play with this team in such a strong league.  I have been playing well and getting my rhythm back with the game. I am looking forward for more chances to prove myself in the coming preseason games.

Do you feel a lot of pressure having to convince the organization of your basketball qualities before getting the contract extension?

Yes, anytime you are in a tryout scenario, you feel the pressure like everything can be make or break.  Coach Oldham has done a really great job of letting me know his expectations for me, so now im just trying to not think too much about the tryout and play my game.

Two seasons ago as a rookie you played very well for Tartu Ulikool/Rock (Estonia-KML) in the Baltic league. Is the difference in skill level between there and Germany very much?

I was very impressed with Baltic basketball, it has such a high level of intelligence.  It was a great opportunity for my first year to learn a lot about the European game.  I haven’t really gotten to experience any Bundesliga basketball yet, but after what I have seen it seems to be a very physical league with a lot of talent.

What things have been difficult to get used to here in the German league in terms of what happens on the court?

Again I cant really say much yet as we haven’t gotten the chance to play any games yet.

Recently you played in an exhibition game against ex Bremerhaven players. How much fun was it playing in this game? Were you able to relax a bit since the game didn´t count for anything?

Well when you are on a tryout, everything counts for something haha.  But it was a lot of fun to see and meet some of the fans.  They seem like they are very passionate about the team, and it was great to see the way they embraced their former players. Makes me really appreciate being an athlete for a program like this!

In practice you have to face Derrick Allen every day. He has belonged to the top power forwards in the league in the last years. What have you learned from his game?

There are many vet savvy maneuvers to be learned from him over the course of the season, and Im looking forward to challenging myself and pushing each other everyday in practice.  But what I have been most impressed with are his leadership skills.  We are a young team and we look to him for a lot of guidance.  And he sets a great example for us with his work ethic.

What has taken your attention more his quick ballerina moves or his mid distance jumper?

Well I would be lying if I didn’t say that he has one of the more unorthodox games that I have ever seen, but his high motor and patience around the basket make him a very tough player to guard. His longevity in his career speaks volumes to the type of guy he is.  He is hard working and tough.

You are an athletic forward with multiple skills, a good ball handler and shoots well in transition. What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

Well I think that towards the end of my rookie year, I really started to understand the European game better.  The emphasis on team defense and making the extra pass are things that I am really trying to focus on this time around.  Also, I think my shot blocking is an important aspect of my game that you may not notice just looking at me.

You played at Hawaii(NCAA) from 2007-2011. Your first two seasons you had Bobby Nash as head coach. How did he prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

I think he really gave me the confidence to be a go-to player for a team.  Before Hawaii, I was usually a role player because I developed so late.

You played one season with Fraport Skyliner Jacob Burtschi at Putnam City high. What kind of experience was it playing that one season with as you were starting your high school basketball career and he was ending it?

Well we went to a very prestigious basketball school (Jacob’s Dad has been the head coach for many years), so as a freshman I didn’t really get the opportunity to play much with Jacob other than practice.  But I definitely looked up to him. That is until I got to know him, now I know he is really just a big dingus.

What will you never forget about Jacob Burtschi the player and person in high school?

Haha this a great question!!  In college, Jacob and I would train everyday together over the summers so I got to know him pretty well.  He’s a great dude, who pretty much gets along with everybody he meets.  But in high school, I just knew him as the guy who tried to date my sister.

In Bremerhaven you are on the water, but it is very much cooler than the beach in Hawaii. When you were experiencing the cold winter in Estonia, what Hawaii experience could always at least get a small smile going when the weather was tough?

Haha in Estonia, when we would go on long runs in negative temperatures, I would just mentally check out and imagine that I am in the ocean far away.. that technique didn’t really work though!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Well today we had a day off from practice and I watched The Hobbit. That was a long movie and I feel like I will never have those three hours back.  Should have gone to the beach in Cuxhaven!

Thanks Bill for the chat.

Chris Oliver is a 28 year old 198cm forward that completed his second season in France and first with Nanterre helping them win the France Pro A title. Last season with Nanterre he played 31 games: 10.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 85.2%, He is a athletic forward that has great hands, the versatility to play inside and outside, with three-point range on his jump shot, and has tremendous poise and maturity. He played at Radford from 2003-2007 and in his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 18.8ppg, 8.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.9spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 48.7%, 3Pts: 25.8%, FT: 74.8%. He came to Germany in 2007-2008 and played for the Kaiserslautern Braves of the PRO A playing 30 games: Score-2(20.5ppg), Reb-5(9.0rpg), 1.2apg, 1.3spg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 56%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 79.6%.In 2008-2009 in Goettingen, he averaged 10.6ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 75.5% in 34 games. In 2009-2010, he won the Eurochallenge with BG Goettingen and played EuroChallenge: 13 games: 11.5ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 77.1%; German League: 35 games: 14.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 80.9%. In 2010-2011 he played with the The Walter Tigers Tuebingen, and he averaged 13,5ppg and 6,4rpg. In 2011-2012 he played with Strassburg and played  30 games: 11.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 84.7%. There have been rumours that he medi Bayreuth have interest in his services. The American talked to German Hoops about basketball.

Chris thanks for talking to German Hoops. How was your summer? Did you mostly spend time in North Carolina and Miami or did you visit other nice places?

My summer has been good. As I always I spent a couple weeks in Miami with my dad and a couple weeks in Orlando with my cousins. And took a couple visits to Vegas as well. And the rest of the time I have been home in North Carolina.

How difficult was it to play a superb season for Nanterre, but get injured and miss the playoffs. How were you able to cope with the idea that you were a champion of the French pro A despite not being able to help in the playoffs?

It was difficult to play well especially the second half of the season and then get hurt in the 1st quarter of the first game of the playoffs. But I was still part of the team even if I wasn’t able to play. And the guys always reminded me of that. My teammates were great.

You had a slow start, but really picked it up at Christmas and had a strong second half of the season. What were the main reasons for the slow start?

I had to adjust to playing the 4 and had to get used to coaches style but once I was able to do that I settled down and just played my game. Praise and glory to God.

How tough was it losing both games to ex team Strassburg during the regular season? I guess the team got revenge in the playoffs.

It’s always tough losing to your former team especially when you have close friends on the other team like Alexis Ajinca and Ricardo and Jeff Greer.

What was the secret behind the success of Nanterre. Was this your typical Cinderella story of a team that know one thought had any chance of winning the title?

We just played hard and played together all season and did the same n the playoffs. And of course it was a Cinderella story lol. We barely got in the playoffs as the 8th seed and then won it all. God is good.

What were you able to learn from ex coach Vincent Collet that has helped you as a player?

Coach Collet is one of the best and smartest coaches I have played for. He helped my shooting, guarding players on down screens, using the ball screen.

France has another very strong team with 7 NBA players and your ex teammate Alexis Ajinca. How far do you see France going at the European championships in Slovenia?

France is always VERY tough and I believe they have a chance to win it all.

It is very late in the off season and you still are unsigned. What are your options at the moment? Just weighing your options? Do you see yourself returning to France for a third season?

Talking to some teams right now and waiting for a great situation to present itself. I won’t rule out going to any country.

Medi Bayreuth just released Zach Morley and are looking for a forward. There are rumours that you are a candidate to go back to Germany. Would this be an option for you?

Of course I would go back to Germany. I had a lot of success there as a player and on my teams. Especially in Gottingen. If the rumors were true I would be interested lol.

Would you enjoy playing for Predrag Krunic who had much success with Oldenburg?

I don’t know the coach very well only playing against him. But he seemed to be a great coach and the players always seemed to like playing for him. So I think I would enjoy it as well.

How excited would you be to share the forward position with Ronald Burrell?

Ronnie is a great player but I don’t think we would be sharing a forward spot. He is 4 and i play the 3. I think we would play well together. And compliment each other well.

How does a normal Chris Oliver work out day look like in 2013?

Usually have a workout 9-10:30 then get some food and relax until the second workout from 3:30-5. And will lift for about an hour either after my second workout or in between the two.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD movie that I saw was 42. The movie about Jackie Robinson and it was great.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Ben Simons is a 22 year old 203cm forward from Cadiliac, Michigan that recently signed as a rookie with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen for the 2013-2014 season. He played at Drake from 2009-2010 playing a total of 123 NCAA games. As a senior he played 32 games: 14.1ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 88.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Thanks Ben for talking to German Hoops. You didn´t waste any time as a rookie finding your first professional basketball team Walter Tigers Tuebingen in Germany. Were you 100% sure that this team was right for you? What were the main reasons for coming to the Tigers?

I was pretty sure it was a great situation for me to come into for my rookie year. I have known Josh Young for a while and he has told me great things about the city and also the team and coaching staff. I think Tuebingen will be a great spot for me to start my career.

You didn´t have any idea of testing the market more searching for more offers?

I didn’t know if it would have mattered to me to wait. I think this is a great situation for me. It is nice to know where I am going to be playing next season and I can just concentrate on getting better this summer and improve on my game.

How excited are you about being a rookie in the best league in Germany Beko BBL? What do you know about the country Germany and the team Walter Tigers Tuebingen?

I am very excited to join the team and be in an outstanding league. I have been to Germany once a few summers ago on an amateur tour and enjoyed my time very much. I never was anywhere near Tuebingen but I have heard it is a great city. I also do not know much about the team yet, I know they are a team on the rise in the league and hopefully with hard work we can continue to build on what they have been doing.

How much of a factor was your ex teammate Josh Young in you coming to Tuebingen?

It was a big factor. Having Josh here for when I begin my career my rookie year will be very nice. He has been on the team for two years now and will be able to help me assimilate into the culture and the team easier than I would have been able to on my own. I am excited to be able to play with Josh again.

You played at Drake from 2009-2013. When looking at your stats, the two most significant stats that pop up is your good three point shooting. Do you often get the label for being one dimensional?

I think if you look at the stats that is something that a person might think. I hope that if you would watch a game though someone would be able to see other things I do on the court. I try and improve my all around game every year and continue to become better at everything on the court. Obviously shooting is one of my strengths but I try and do as many things as I can on the court.

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

I think something I do well is just understand the game. I have been around the game my whole life. My father was a coach for 30 years and everyone in my family has played or coach. I have seen a lot of basketball and watch a lot so I try and take things I see or people have told me and put it into what I do on the court.

You grabbed under four rebounds your last two seasons in the NCAA which is little for a 203cm man. Is rebounding something on your to do list to improve?

It definitely is something that I want to improve on. I think that when I keep getting stronger and more mature as a player it will be something I can improve on.

You played four years at Drake for head coach Mark Phelps. What was the most important thing that you learned from him that will have you ready for the start of your professional basketball career?

The thing he was big on is you get what you put in. So he was always saying that if you put in the work and work hard it will show on the court. I will try and put in as much work in the off season and extra work during the season to be the best player I can be.

What was your most fondest memory on and off the court with Josh Young with whom you played one season with?

My best memory with Josh was when we played Southern Illinois in the Missouri Valley Tournament my Freshmen year, his senior year, and he made the game winning shot with about a second left on the clock. It was a cool moment and a great shot by Josh.

How much of an honor was it being named Associated Press Michigan Class B Player of the Year in 2009? Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo visited one of your practices at Cadilac high school.

It was a great honor to be named Class B Player of the year. We had a good year and it was a great Senior year of High school. Yes, Coach Izzo came up to Cadillac to watch me work out my Junior year once. He didn’t really give me any advice but it was a great honor for him to make the trip up and come watch me work out.

Many remember NBA player Anthony Tolliver and current Beko BBL player Dane Watts playing at Creighton(NCAA), but I think you wont forget Creighton for another reason. Is not making a three pointer in a game like the equivalent for a Kevin Love not getting a double double?

Creighton was our big rival at Drake. So anytime you don’t play well against them it hurts a little more than against someone else. They had a great team when I was in school and not playing well in a game against them was not something I ever liked to do.

Who is your shooting idol and too what NBA player could you describe your shooting style to?

I didn’t really have a idol I guess but someone I looked at to try and be like in high school was Richard Hamilton when he played for the Detroit Pistons. He was always moving without the ball and I wanted to play like he did. I probably shoot more threes than he did but just his movement off the ball and coming off screens was something that I wanted to be able to do.

How does a normal work out day look like for Ben Simmons?

Right now I go in and lift for about an hour or so. After that I will start with ballhandling drills, then I will work on different finishes around the basket, next I will work on shooting off the dribble and doing different moves into shots, then normally finish my workouts with a lot of spot shooting.

Who was the toughest player that you played against in the NCAA that might be in the NBA now?

I think the best player we played was Doug McDermott from Creighton. He could have entered the NBA this year but decided ultimately to return to school. He is a very good player and I’m sure will have a good year this year too.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I actually just saw the Hangover Part 3 last night. I didn’t think it was as good as the first one but still had some very funny parts.

Thanks Ben for the chat

Logan Stutz is a 25 year old 205cm forward from Kanas City that recently finished his second season as a professional and first with the  ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen (Germany-ProA): 28 games: Score-1(20.1ppg), Reb-5(8.1rpg), 1.2apg, FGP: 64.0%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 74.0%.    He moves his basketball talent this season to LF Basket (Sweden-Basketligan). He started his basketball career at Washburn (NCAA2). Last season he was a rookie and played for  BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-ProA, starting five): 11 games: 16.1ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 68.1%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 76.8%, left in Dec.’11, in Jan.’12 moved to WBC Raiffeisen Wels (Austria-A Bundesliga): 16 games: 4.2ppg, 2.3rpg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball during the last season when he was with Essen.

Before the season many said that the ETB Wohnbau Baskets could make some noise. Why has the season turned out differently?

It has been a tough season. We won some close games, but also lost some close games. We have had ups and downs like many teams do, but more downs. It has been frustrating not being more consistent.

The team gave up many points often. Why did the team have difficulty defending?

There had been a new defensive scheme this season and had been new too many on the team. Learning it took a lot of work. It is hard to leatn it in just one season. I believe that if we were together longer as a unit then we would learned it better.

How difficult is it for you a player who has great stats not be labeled as a player that doesn´t just play for stats for a bad team?

It is tough and people have their opinions. I always play hard and I have been fortunate to be shooting at a high percentage this season. I always try to take good shots and not force anything. I also try to get the ball to my teammates. I will always take a team win over a loss and good stats.

Was the win against Duesseldorf the biggest team win this season?

It was our biggest win. It was a derby win which is always nice and many guys got involved and many fans came to the game.

How happy are you too have a guy like Joe Hendly helping you on the boards?

He is a very active player that always works hard. Every team needs a guy like him. He does the dirty work and will always dive on the floor for a ball.

If you have Fabian Franke and Marco Buljevic parked in the corner, who would hit more shots out of 10?

Marco hits unbelievably in practice. I bet he could make 90 out of 100. He faces very tough defenses in games. Fabian has hit big shots this season and if I had a choice I would chose to put the ball in the hands of Fabian.

How difficult was it getting used to the European style of basketball?

I have gotten used to the PRO A now. The hardest rule has been the traveling rule, but my experiences in Germany and Austria have made me a better player.

Would double double stats be your ticket to the Beko BBL?

I think it would help my chances. I could rebound better. I need to improve in that area and gain some weight. I think though I could help a Beko BBL team now with my energy and being active.

What memory do you have from your 44 points 17 rebound explosion against Leipzig?

That was a fun game and it is hard to explain what happened in that game. I had that feeling that each ball would go in. I hit three pointers, difficult shots and got offensive rebounds. I just felt like I couldn´t be stopped in this game.

A hidden strength in your game is your outside shooting. Do you have a shooter as a role model?

I don´t have on a particular shooter as a role model. If I had to choose one player then it would be Dirk Nowitzki. It is always fun to watch a big man that can shoot.

Who would win a wrestling match you or Joe Buck?

He would probably break me in half. He is a very aggressive player.

You grew up in Kansas City. How tough was it growing up in a city without an NBA team?

It was tough and to this day I have still not been to an NBA game. However there is a lot of good college basketball in the mid west. I went to many games growing up.

Who were your NBA idols as a kid?

I didn´t really have any until recently. I really like Chris the bird man Anderson form the Miami Heat. I love his energy and how he rebounds and blocks shots. He helps his team so much and I try to bring energy like he does to his team.

Was a reason you went to Washburn(NCAA2) because it was so close to home?

Yes I had a close knit family and it was important being close to home. Washburn was only one hour away. I did have some offers from other schools, but Washburn was a good fit.

How did Washburn head coach Bob Chippman get you prepared for a professional basketball career?

He helped me much in my senior year. He gave me more responsibility and let me be a leader. This helped me mature which is always important when you come overseas.

Who was the toughest player that you played against at Washburn that might be in the NBA now?

Thomas Robinson from K.U who is playing with Houston Rockets now.

What was your wake up call as a rookie?

I had two wake up calls. The first one was in my first game with Leitershofen. We lost badly at home and I released that I had to get good fast or I might not be around any longer and my second wake up call was when I got hurt and got cut. I realized then that basketball is a business and teams are only looking out what is best for them.

Quentin Pryor dunked over you in Austria. Were you able to get revenge over him?

We always went hard in practice, but I didn´t get revenge on him. He got the last laugh.

How did you help young German Lukas Kloss better in practice?

I tried to show him that you always have to work hard in practice. He has talent and needs to pay attention and just be focused more.

Who wins a one on one in one in practice, you or brother Garett Stutz?

We don´t go too hard. If we took it seriously then it would get ugly. I win some and he wins some.

You like to visit cultures in Europe. What places do you still want to visit?

In Germany I want to go to Berlin and in Europe to Rome.

What were the most free throws that you made in a row without missing?

I usually try to end practice by making 10 in a row. Sometimes when I am on a roll I make 20-30 in a row.

What was your most crazy shot in your career?

I hit a game winner in Heidelberg. I didn´t notice until later that there were only two seconds on the clock.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

How to train your pet dragon.

Thanks Logan for the chat.

Germany has never lost to Greece in soccer as there always seems to be a clear advantage in playing class in favor for the Germans  as winning in their history has been as easy so far with or without an Otto Rehhagel  for Greeceas it is for Tom Brady to find new targets without an Aaron Hernandez, actress Amamnda Bynes going on the same  destructive path as Lindsay Lohan, or FC Bayern Munich soccer team most likely blowing away the Bundesliga competition this season. However in basketball, it is another story as Greece has been a power house in Europe for years while Germany hasn´t had much to show at international tournaments in the last 20 years except for three medals in 1993(Gold), 2002(Bronze) at the world championships and a silver at the 2005 european championships. Both teams met at a four country tournament in Strassburg, France in preparation for the 2013 European championships and Greece slowly got started, but picked up more and more in each quarter destroying Germany 80-52. It was the second straight win for Greece in Strassburg while Germany lost their second game at the tournament. Germany who had lost to France twice in the last four days were hoping for more luck against Greece, but just couldn´t find  a groove against their nasty and unpredictable Greece defense. “We played against a top team that defended very well. Their defense didn´t give us much space to work with and we used much energy on offense and with time we got more tired which led to more mistakes. They really had a very nasty way to defend in which they were always switching and it was just very unorthodox. It really takes a lot of time to get used to”, stressed BBC Bayreuth point guard Nicolai Simon.

Greece was without top players like Vassilis Spannoulis and Sofoklis baby Shaq Schortsanitis while Germany was without FC Bayern Munich forward Robin Benzing and Nicolai Simon. Germany got out of the starting blocks taking a quick 4-0 lead as Per Guether hit a pull up jumper and ex Bamberg center Tibor Pleiss connected on a left handed hook shot. Greece quickly showed their ability to knock down shots as if they were on a Sunday stroll licking ice cream at 35c on the shore of Rhodos as Loukas Mavrokefalidis and Euroleague veteran Antonio Fotsis nailed shots to give Greece the 5-4 lead. Both teams traded the lead for a few more minutes as Heiko Schaffartzik found  a crack in the defense and slipped to the basket for a slick floater and 6-5 Germany lead. However Mavrokefaldis continued to give German head coach Frank Menz head aches with his hot shooting as he hit a jumper for the 7-6 Greece lead. Heiko Schaffartzik then hit a pull up jumper out of the fast break similar to the way Skyliner legend Pascal Roller did it all throughout his career As Germany led 9-7. Kostas Sloukas tied the score with a jumper, but Philipp Zwiener quickly gave Germany the lead again 11-9. Both teams had found their groove on offense rapidly, but neither team was able to establish an inside game. However Greece then turned the momentum in their favor and took control of the game with one substitution. France head coach Vincent Collet inserted sixth man Giorgas Printezis who led Greece on a 10-0 run to close out the first quarter and Germany would never be able to recover again. The Greek 206cm forward who was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs and has played 117 Euroleague games scored back to back buckets and got to the free throw line. Ian Vougioukas also scored in the drive, but it was the bearded Printezis that got Greece into a strong offensive comfort zone and Germany had no answer on how to control him. “Printezis got Greece going. He is a very nasty player, because he is a very mobile four man that will go where it hurts and is very versatile. It was very tough against him”, stated Nicolai Simon.

In the second quarter, Germany was able to get back into the game with a mix of press defense and more aggressive play on offense. Bastian Doreth hit  a jumer and Tibor Pleiss canned free throws as Germany trailed only 19-15. However Germany was unable to get  a big run going as Greece just had consistent three point shooting in their vast arsenal as Startos Perperoglu connected on a three pointer for the 22-15 lead. Germany would show flashes of offensive strength as Heiko Schaffartzik gave  a perfect lob pass to Andreas Seiferth for the easy lay in and Lucca Staiger hit free throws as Germany trailed only 24-19. Just when one thought that this might be the Germany run, Greece was able to ram a dagger into the German hearts as they rushed out on a 7-0 run to lead comfortably 31-19. In the run, Greece got another basket from Mavrokefaldis as he snuck back door for an easy lay in and Kostas Vasileidis hit back to back buckets. Heiko Schaffartzik stopped the run with one of his typical bombs from downtown as Germany trailed only 31-22. The Berlin native who has played for seven different German teams is the captain and with no NBA help from Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Kaman, Elias Harris or Dennis Schroeder has very much responsibility and at times looks more than overstrained to try to do everything on the court and be a type of savior, but even if he can´t master all at once, his heart is bigger than most players on the court. “He is our most experienced player and really leads us well. He will talk in the dressing room and we all listen. He does the best that he can to help us win”, added Nicolai Simon. Greece closed out the second quarter with baskets from Fotsis and Mavrokefaldis. Greece had the comfortable 39-26 lead at halftime. “Greece played very smart and just knew what they wanted to do, reading our defense well and doing their game plan well. They had good ball movement, made the extra pass and had their shooters ready”, commented ex Alba Berlin guard Nicolai Simon.

As the third quarter started, the game at first seemed like a day at a second hand store, as it seemed like many fans in the Sig arena were at a designer store as they were cheering more loudly at the French players like Tony Parker, Boris Diaw or Nando De Colo who entered the court to watch the third quarter. Greece continued to have their offense speak for themselves as they continued to connect their shots as Vougioukas and Printezis hit, but Germany continued to hover around a 10 point deficit scoring anyway they could. Alex King and Lucca Staiger nailed three pointers as Greece only led 46-32. Then came the best moment of 2011 NCAA champion of Uconn Nils Giffey who scored a big hoop with a nice hesitation step finding daylight and penetrating to the hoop with one second on the shot clock. He then made a pretty shovel pass to Pleiss for a put back and then made a steal leading Germany back trailing Greece only 46-36. Giffey is a newcomer with the German national team, but he isn´t shy, but using his minutes wisely and getting praise from his teammates. “I like his game. He has the prefect size and has a good attitude. I think that he has a bright future with the national team”, added Nicolai Simon. However Greece continued to stifle Germany with their unorthodox defense and were able to add on to their lead closing out the third quarter with a 14-6 run to lead 61-43. Printezis continued to hurt Germany with his powerful offense scoring twice hard to the hoop. Germany was more aggressive getting to the hole and cutting the Greece lead back to ten, but Greece used their 56% three point shooting to their advantage as Kostas Papanikolaou hit two three pointers and Fotsis drilled another as a ten point lead quickly turned into a 17 point lead. “We were able to cut their lead to ten points a few times, but we gave them three pointers and they hit them. Our goal was to help and collapse to close the zone, but they used it to their advantage with their outside shooting”, explained Nicolai Simon.

Greece quickly shut the door on Germany in any hopes of sneaking back into the game with a 13-0 run to start the fourth quarter as they extended their lead to 74-43. Vougiokas, Vasileadis and Perperoglou all scored inside as Germany was helpless on defense and their strength seemed to be be waning. Schaffartzik ended the run with another deep three pointer as Germany trailed 74-46. Katsivelis then scored on a pretty head fake in the zone and dunk getting some crowd response. Germany closed out the game with a spurt and one of their better few minutes of play in the game scoring three consecutive times as one had to wonder why they couldn´t capitalize on their offense more consistently like this earlier in the game. Schaffartzik found Pleiss with a lob pass and easy put back. Germany definitely were unable to get their inside game more going. Germany then displayed lovely ball movement finding the extra pass to an open Zwiener who hit from outside and Giffey then dunked home the perfect give and go play. “We were tired in the fourth quarter. We made more mistakes. We fought until the end, but it is very frustrating when you try new things and they don’t work because the opponent is defending so well”, expressed Nicolai Simon.

Greece was led by Kostas Vasileidis and Giorgos Printezis with 12 points a piece. Antonis Fotsis added 11 points. Germany was led by captain Heiko Schaffartzik with 11 points. Tibor Pleiss and Bastian Doreth both had 8 points  a piece. Greece shot very well with 56% from the field and from outside while Germany 40% from the field and 28% from outside. Greece won the rebound duel 24-23 and Germany had 16 turnovers while Greece had 11. Greece also dominated in the playmaking with 21-9 assists. Germany doesn´t have much time to relax as Croatia is the next opponent in less than 24 hours in their last game in Strassburg Sunday. “We have to forget this loss and bring more energy against Croatia. We are going into the Croatia game to win”, warned Tibor Pleiss.

Anthony Young is a 23 year old 200cm forward from Indianapolis, Indiana that will starting his second  season in Germany and first with the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen. He started his basketball career in 2008 for  Kankakee CC (JUCO) where he played until 2010. He finished his two last seasons of school at  Ky Wesleyan (NCAA2) an din his senior year played  31 games: 19.7ppg, 7.9rpg, FGP: 49.9%, 3Pts: 40.0%, FT: 84.6%. Last season as a professional rookie he played for BSV Wulfen (Germany-ProB, starting five): 22 games: Score-4(21.1ppg), 8.7rpg, 1.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 82.3%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Congrats on making the jump from the Pro B to the Pro A. You signed very late in the off season to Essen. Were you getting  a bit itchy about finding a team?

I signed late because I was in talks with the Dallas Mavericks D-League team the Texas Legends, and basically I had long talks with my family and my agents over at scorers first. And we decided that Essen Pro A was the best decision for me going forward. And I am very happy with my decision!

You dominated the Pro B last season for BSV Wulfen. How pleased were you with your season coming from college? What things will you want to improve this coming season?

I really enjoyed my time in Wulfen. The fans were GREAT! And they supported us through the good and the bad. I really enjoyed my time there. And going forward I just want to win more games and go far in the playoffs.

You scored in double figures in each game. What was your season game highlight last season with BSV Wulfen?

My season highlight with Wulfen I would say was beating Recklinghousen on the road!! That game really brought us closer together as a team and I remember turning the ball over and my teammate chased down the guy from Recklinghousen and blocked his shot for me. Great memories l!

You only played nine games with American Laron Griffin, but what will you always remember from him on and off the court?

Laron Griffin was a great teammate first and was someone who always kept a smile on his face and worked harder than anybody else in practice. Laron is one of the best teammates I’ve ever had!

You now start a new adventure with the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen. How positive are you that you can make the jump from Pro B to Pro A?

I am very positive that I can make the jump! I’m a very confident player but I’m also humble, I know that my game is ready for Pro A and it will speak for itself! I’m looking forward to playing for Essen!

You are a very versatile player, but what is a strength in your game that doesn´t always get recognized right away?

A strength in my game that I feel is always recognized is my scoring, but what I feel isn’t recognized is the small things. I am a very great passer! And I will have a lot of assists with my new teammates in Essen

How excited are to be playing with top point guard Chris Alexander? You guys could be that scoring duo that will keep ro A teams off guard.

I don’t know Chris but I have been doing my research since I looked at our roster on the team website. And from the looks of things he looks like a great player! I love playing with other good players and hopefully we develop a chemistry that can help lead Essen deep into the playoffs!

You played your last two seasons of college ball at Ky Wesleyan (NCAA2). How did Todd Lee get you prepared best for a professional career?

Coach Lee helped me on the floor but more off the floor. He always told me how to be a man and a leader for my teammates even when things weren’t going my way. Coach Lee is one of the best coaches I ever had. I really learned a lot from coach Lee and Kentucky Wesleyan.

Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA 2 that might be in the NBA or in Europe?

The best player I played against was actually one of my teammates at Kentucky Wesleyan. He was our point guard. Cardell McFarland. And he is so underrated. He is an explosive scoring point guard with great defense as we’ll. He now plays for Noerdlingen in Pro b. I know for sure that he will be in the Pro A or BBL next season.

How does a typical summer work out day look like for Anthony  Young?

The typical workout for me is push ups, ab work, get up shots, and then open gym against other pro players and Indiana Pacers player Lance Stephenson.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The latest movie I watched was my favorite TV Show on DVD of all time which is known as “Martin”. A comedy show

Thanks Anthony for the chat.