Jermale Jones is a 27 year old 186cm guard from Birmingham, Alabama that is playing his second season for German pro B club TV Lich. He started his basketball career in 2005 for  Lawson State CC (JUCO) where he played until 2007. H ethen played two more years at Tuskegee (NCAA2). In 2011-2012 he came to Germany and played for SSV Lokomotive Bernau (Germany-ProB) playing 18 games: 17.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 79.2%. Last season he played for the  Licher Basket Baeren (Germany-ProB) playing  25 games: 14.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.8apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 77.3%. He spoke to German Hoops after completing his second season with the Licher Basket Baeren.
Jermale thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and have you picked up a basketball since returning home?

 

I’m back in my hometown Birmingham, Alabama. Yes I have picked up a basketball every day since I been back home. Got home on a Monday evening and I was back in the gym working on my craft Tuesday.

It is always interesting to see what restaurant or food a player hits first when returning home. What craving did you have first when you returned home to the States?

The first restaurant I went to as soon as I got home was the Waffle House. I ordered an All Star Special.

You finished your second season for the Licher Basket Baeren. How disappointing was it bowing out to SC Rist Wedel in the playoffs?

Being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs is always disappointing when you know you have the team to make it farther in the playoffs.

What was the difference for Lich not being able to get past SC Rist Wedel?

The first game was difficult because we had to play without our Point Guard Joey Fuca which is a big part of our team success.To get past a good team like Rist Wedel we had to take advantage of their mistakes and turn them into something positive but unfortunately we didn’t take advantage of their mistakes. The second game Wedel was well prepared. They knew all of our plays and knew every cut we made and that took us out of our rhythm.That was there key to beating us the second game.

Especially you gave it your all combining for 44 points and netting 29 points in the last loss. Did you feel added pressure in the playoffs to get the team into the next round?

Going into the playoffs I didn’t feel any kind of pressure because during the season we beat the number 1 team which was Hanau and we beat the number 2 team which was Dresden. We beat both of those teams on the road so it was just like another game to go out and do what I have to do to help my team win the game.

You never played against the north teams during the regular season, but where would you rate Lee Jeka with competitors that you played against during the last season?

Lee Jeka is a very solid point guard with a lot of experience. He is the head of Wedel team. I rate him as one of the top 5 players that I have played against in my 3 years being in Germany.

You stated in an earlier interview that sky is the limit for German Bill Borekambi. What gave you the most pleasure being able to play with him last season?

The pleasure of playing with Bill was his athleticism. He was always everywhere on the court. Cant ask for a better young player like him. In games when we were down he never gave up. He really deserves another shot in the BBL because he will make a difference and he’s willing to learn.

You improved your scoring and rebounding from your first season in Lich. How happy were you with your game in the German Pro B last season?

I was happy with the way I performed this season. My coach gave me a role that he needed me to do for this team and I accepted it. My role for the team was to be the scorer of the team and get 3 or 4 rebounds a game. I feel I did what he asked of me and did much more. So I could say my overall season was a success.

You had some big games last season like your 28 points in 27 minutes against Leipzig or your 27 points in the first win of the season against Leitershofen. What was your personal season highlight?

My personal season highlight was beating TV Langen at home. It’s more of a personal game between them because a good friend of mine ex teammate from Bernau plays there (Martinis Woody). When it comes to playing against each other it’s a war. We been playing against each other since college. Making the GAMEWINNER against them was the best highlight of my season.

What is your plan now for next season? Will you remain in Lich or look to make the next step to German Pro A?

Right now I have my options open. It’s still very early to make a decision where I want to be. Im looking to make that next step to play in Pro A or in another country if the opportunity opens up for me. I’m not counting Lich out because they have been great to me. Going back to Lich is one of my options.

You have played your whole professional career in Germany. Could you imagine moving to a different country?

Yes I could see myself playing in another country. Traveling around the country and doing what I love is a Blessing!!!

How would you sell yourself in a few sentences so any team would be interested in your services?

I’m a Combo guard that can spread the floor, create off the dribble, with a high basketball IQ that makes everyone around me better. I have a Heart of a Lion.

How does a normal Jermale Jones summer work out day look like on and off the court?

My workout consists of running hills in the morning. Around noon hit the weights and later that night get in the gym and work on my ball handling and doing situational drills. And to finish the night I have to make 500 3pointers before I leave the gym and it’s the same routine everyday.

Those NBA playoffs have been wild this season. Do you see any more upsets happening and who will reach the final and win it all?

Yes these NBA playoffs have been crazy this season. I can see the wizards beating the pacers to advance to the next round. I think OKC or the Spurs will win it all!!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The Pursuit of Happyness with Will Smith

 

Thanks Jermale for the chat.

 

Ahmad Smith is a 29 year old 194cm guard from Virginia that recently completed his second season for Rent4Office of the German PRO A. Last season he started the with  BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA)12 games: 7.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.7apg, 2FGP: 48.9%, 3FGP: 14.3%, FT: 72.2%, in Jan.’13 moved to Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProA, starting five): 19 games: 9.6ppg, Reb-4(8.5rpg), Assists-2(6.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 35.5%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 77.6% He played at St.Bonaventure(NCAA) from 2002-2006 and in his senior year played 28 games: ScoreA10-8(14.2ppg), RebA10-10(6.2rpg), AssistsA10-9(3.5apg), FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 59.8%. In 2006-2007, he played for Mardyke UCC Demons Cork (Ireland-SuperLeague): 9 games: 18.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 60.8%. In 2007-2008, he played for SVD 49 Dortmund (Regionalliga): 6 games: 30.2ppg. In 2008-2009, he played for : BSV Wulfen (Germany-Regionalliga) 23.5ppg, 10.1rpg, 6.0apg, 3PT: 35.2%. In 2009-2010, he played for Hertener Loewen (Germany-ProB)29 games: 18.2ppg, Reb-2(8.7rpg), Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 69.5%. In 2010-2011, he played for s Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (Germany-ProA): left before the season started, then moved to SVD 49 Dortmund (Germany-Regionalliga): 6 games: 12.8ppg, waived in Nov.’10, in Jan.’11 signed at Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProB, starting five): 15 games: 8.3ppg, 6.8rpg, Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 69.1%. In 2011-2012, he played for the Kichheim Knights he played  35 games: 9.9ppg, 6.1rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 62.0% He spoke to German Hoops about the 2013-2014 season and the future.

Ahmad where are you at the moment and how have you been spending your first days at home back in the States?

I’m back in Virginia relaxing with family and friends enjoying the off season.

Two consecutive trips to the semi finals with Nurnberg in the last two years. Was this seasons finish more disappointing than last season where you lost in five games to Duesseldorf? It seemed like this years team was more talented than last years team.

This season was more disappointing for the simple fact that we didn’t have Cornelius Adler for the playoffs. The main reason I came back to Nurnberg another season was to play with Cornelius and move up to the BBL together I feel if he didn’t get injured that would of happen. Last years team was definitely more talented in my opinion we lost lots of scoring and talent when Zamal Nixon and Nikita Khartchenkov left

Nurnberg had a very talented bunch of guys. What was missing this season from getting to the final?

Losing Cornelius Adler our leading scorer was a huge blow in the Crailsheim series. It was difficult for our coach to reach some players after the firing of our previous coach in the middle of the season. He was close friends with some players and I don’t think they could get over there good friend no longer being the coach.

German Michael Fleischmann had his best season as a professional. Were you a fan of his after his six three pointer sin the first game against Essen?

Fleischmann is a great shooter I was a fan of his shot from previous seasons playing against him. Have you ever played with a better three point shooter at 205cm? I’ve played with some great shooters before so I don’t want to disrespect them but he’s definitely up there in terms of shooting the basketball.

Last season you were fourth best rebounder in the German Pro A with 8,5rpg which isn´t typical for a 194cm player. Didin´t it bother you this season that your rebounding went down to 5,8rpg? I guess once you have reached a certain plateau, you get used to having stats like that?

I didn’t rebound the ball like I normally do but this season we had more frontcourt depth so I didn’t have to rebound as much as the previous season.

How happy were you with your game? You had your best scoring season in pro A and led the league in assists with 7,1apg for the second time after being second last season?

I think I played well and finished the season strong which is always my goal. Theres always room to improve every aspect of your game and I will work hard this summer on my game.

What was your season highlight? Was it your triple double against Ehingen or your 24 point and 14 assist game against Gotha?

Winning game 5 in Ehingen was the highlight of the season for me. I had the flu and managed to have a good game and get revenge for them putting us out the playoffs a couple of years ago.

You have been a top player in the German Pro A for years. You are turning 30 in September and are in the best basketball age. How ready are you for the Beko BBL?

I feel I’m ready but thats not for me to determine. With the right opportunity I know I can excel in the BBL without a doubt.

Could you see yourself adapting to being a role player or a kind of player that is happy with less minutes?That would definitely be a different situation for you than in the past?

Adapting to a new situation will not be a problem for me at all. I think thats the biggest misconception that I will not like my role in the BBL as far as minutes or my role. I’ve won at every level in Germany and had different roles on each team so that won’t be a problem I just want to win

games. As a rookie, you played in Ireland, but since then it has always been in Germany. Would you be willing to go to another country to play the game you love?

I love playing in Germany but I’m open to playing in other countries as well. If its a good situation and opportunity I’m for it.

If the Beko BBL doesn´t work out, would you be willing to return back to Nurnberg? Nurnberg is a special place to me I love the fans and playing for Benni Travnizek. Nurnberg is definitely an option for next season.

Is three point shooting accuracy still that one sore spot in your game that you need to improve?

Improving my shooting is always my main goal in the offseason. Shot selection is something I want to focus more on for next season not settling for threes late in the shot clock.

Now that you are turning 30, is there anything you have to change in your off season work out plan? AS players get older, you have to take more care of the body as well as work even harder to stay in shape. Or have you been keeping healthy as a professional over the last 8 years that has allowed you keep the same workout plan?

I take pride in having my body always in shape. So I never fall to far behind if I take 1 or 2 weeks off early in the summer. I will keep the same workout regime with my trainer that I have in my previous season. Always trying to take it up another notch each offseason to get better.

How crazy was the first round of the NBA playoffs? Were you surprised by the close series?

One of the best first rounds I’ve ever seen in the playoffs. I was surprised how well the lower seed teams played taking most of the series to 7 games.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Catching Fire.

Thanks Ahmad for the chat.

Put 1993 European  champion head coach Svetislav Pesic and Mr parking lot Heiko I can score from anywhere on the floor Schaffartzik at the same table and you probably won´t find two more focused, dedicated and hard -nosed basketball individuals than these two men who could probably put fear into anyone else at the table just with their demeanor and if looks could kill faces  and they could probably be the best agent duo ever if they were moonlighting just because of their persuasive attitude and their ability to get what they want. In the first game four in Ludwigsburg, the play where Michael Stockton was fouled that probably will be the most viewed play of the year, it was Pesic and Schaffartzik that were able to change the momentum of the game in the favor of FC Bayern Munich discussing with the referees as the Stockton free throw was disallowed and then getting possession and Schaffartzik nailed  a three pointer to help win the game. Schaffartzik was on top of the world after the 82-75 victory already with his sights toward the semi -finals, but Ludwigsburg appealed and 24 hour later the Beko BBL decided in favor of John Patrick and his team as game four would be replayed. So often FC Bayern Munich has been like a little spoiled child getting what they wanted even if they didn´t always deserve it. However this time, FC Bayern Munich had to return back to Ludwigsburg replay game four and there was no whining from Pesic  as Germanys most famous team went back to Ludwigsburg and literally took care of business. So many didn´t approve of how FC Bayern Munich went about interfering with the work of the referees, but no one can criticize their work ethic of coming back to even a more hostile environment and just cruelly slamming the door in the faces of Ludwigsburg again, but this time with five exclamation points. Fans mostly don´t like anything FC Bayern Munich does, but in the end they take care of business the way a champion team should.

FC Bayern Munich beat the MHP Ludwigsburg 3-1 and even if it did take five games to do it, the fact that game four was replayed, it will always be remembered in the minds of basketball freaks if Svetislav Pesic mentions it or not in the future simply because of the rarity. Even if FC Bayern Munich controlled the first two games to lead 2-0, one can never doubt the effort and fighting qualities that Ludwigsburg brought forward in winning a nail bitter in Munich to trail 2-1 and then having Michael Stockton on the free throw line with two chances to tie the game at 73-73. Ludwigsburg fans and organization will probably ask themselves all summer long what would have been if there had been no discussion to the free throws of Stockton and what would have happened in the closing stage of the game. Ludwigsburg had another chance to tie the series at home, but FC Bayern Munich took care of business and showed why they were the best team in the regular season destroying Ludwigsburg 101-57 and reaching the semi-finals. FC Bayern Munich clamped down on defense and made the Ludwigsburg living room very uncomfortable for John Patrick and co. FC Bayern Munich totally controlled the boards and limited Ludwigsburg to a poor 6/24 shooting night from downtown. FC Bayern Munich used their whole bench which was simply too much for Ludwigsburg. Despite bowing out to FC Bayern Munich, one can give numerous credit to John Patrick that once again came into a situation in Ludwigsburg and made it into a better one reaching the playoffs as he had done twice before with BG Goettingen and the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg. Patrick takes a new assembled team and knows how to garner success.

The Oldenburg-Bonn series could have been the final already as it had super exciting games and so much passion and emotion which brought back memories to their finals series in 2009. The Telekom Baskets Bonn had played a super series and had they hit one or two shots more, made a few big plays and better decisions could of swept Oldenburg, but instead were down 2-1 and had to win game four in Bonn. Game four was as dramatic as the Darmstadt-Bielefeld game recently where Darmstadt had to score three goals on the road to get back to the second German Bundesliga. Game four went into overtime as the EWE Baskets Oldenburg wanted to settle the series on the road. Oldenburg played their hearts out as Nemanja Aleksandrov played like the Dirk Nowitzki that so many experts had always predicted he once could be not hurting Bonn with shooting, but his ruthless take no prisoners inside game, Rickey Paulding hit a huge three pointer that seemed to ice it for Oldenburg, but then there was the hero David Mccray that won the game for Bonn with the penetration that Chris Kramer excels at. Late in the fourth quarter, Chris Kramer collided with a Bonn player and got a laceration on his scalp, got an orange bandage and shortly on continued to play as if his life dependent on finishing the game. He wasn´t rewarded with a win at the end as his last shot didn´t roll in, but Oldenburg played like they had won, but didn´t losing 72-71 in OT. Like FC Bayern Munich, the EWE Baskets Oldenburg didn´t let Bonn hang around, but took it too them from the start and learned from the Bonn game that they really had to take care of business and did.    In game five much like was the case with FC Bayern Munich, the EWE Baskets Oldenburg took care of business at home winning and controlling the game 84-72 despite a late fourth quarter rally by the Telekom Baskets Bonn. After losing the rebound battle in the first four games, Oldenburg won the fight under the boards and despite a strong game from ex NBA player Tony Gaffney, Oldenburg did  a good job controlling Eugene Lawrence and Jamal Mclean which was key and they had more support from their key players having five players in double figures.

FC Bayern Munich and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg  split the season series winning their respective games at home. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg scored 87 points in their win at home where Malcolm Delaney and Julius Jenkins had a shooting clinic, but overall took on the fight under the boards winning, shooting very well from outside and giving an aggressive defensive effort keeping FC Bayern Munich to 72 points. In the return game, FC Bayern Munich learned from their mistakes in the loss in Oldenburg and poured it on real hard in the Audi dome winning 95-62. Especially in the paint, FC Bayern Munich used their massive strength outscoring Oldenburg 48-16 and dominated the rebounding 44-25. FC Bayern Munich got a total team effort and played the usual known ruthless defense getting 10 steals keeping pretty much everyone in check except for Julius Jenkins who scored 20 points while Rickey Paulding was limited to three points. Oldenburg needs to play the way they did in their home game where they took it to FC Bayern Munich in the paint and just be aggressive to have any chance. They have Adam Chubb back now who they didn´t have in their big loss in Munich. Nemanja Aleksandrov will be the ex factor. His aggressiveness will be vital for Oldenburg. Of course it wouldn´t hurt if Rickey Paulding and Julius Jenkins have big series for Oldenburg. FC Bayern Munich have to play their usual game of overpowering offense, annoying  aggressive defense leading to easy buckets on the break. The bench will also play a big role where FC Bayern Munich has the big edge. FC Bayern Munich has the home court advantage. Never rule out the cleverness of Sebastian Machowski who lost in last years final in three games to Bamberg by only a combined total of seven points. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts as the series carries on. However FC Bayern Munich will advance to the final winning 3-1 as they have the overall stronger and deeper roster, inside game and Svetislav Pesic who is their sixth man at all times.

It was unknown what ex s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg head coach Stefan Koch was doing on a recent Sunday night possibly taking part in one of the first barbeques of the summer of 2014 in Giessen, traveling somewhere and advancing his amazing and massive network of contacts or having some early contact to the Brose Baskets Bamberg for the head coaching job? If one had brought Artland Dragons head coach Tyrone Mccoy and seven time German title winner Guido Grunheid at the same table on early Sunday afternoon and asked them to predict what game Koch would be watching that night, the Artland-Bamberg game or the Euroleague final between big favorite Real Madrid and Maccabi Tel Aviv, it would have been interesting to have heard their comments. If someone had predicted eight months ago that one ex and current Artland Dragons point guards David Holston and Tyrese Rice would be playing at the same time on the same night and kick out the four time consecutive German champion Brose Baskets Bamberg and Real Madrid for the Euroleague win, one would have thought you had heard one too many quacks In Quackenbruck and been dubbed insane. However the seemingly impossible became reality as David Holston led Artland past the Brose Baskets Bamberg 3- 1and ex Artland Dragon Tyrese Rice led Maccabi Tel Aviv past top club Real Madrid for the Euroleague crown and on top of that was awarded the MVP award. Having these two major achievements happen to ex Artland Dragons was surely a big reason to go overtime into celebration mode Sunday night with risk of being a bit under the weather the next morning at work. Without a doubt Stefan Koch was able to fall asleep a happy ex coach of these two impressive American players. The win over Bamberg is without a doubt the biggest milestone in the history of the Artland Dragons since their magical 2008 cup win over Ludwigsburg in Hamburg. The question now do the Artland Dragons run end here or will Tobi the Dragon have continued success with whatever he does in his secret lab under the Artland arena against Alba Berlin?

Who had thought that the Artland Dragons would be able to get by the Brose Baskets Bamberg in the quarterfinals, but the class and competition of the Beko BBL once again proved that any one can beat anyone, no one is afraid of Artland anymore and their time seemingly and four year reign of Bamberg has come to a halting stop. Two seasons ago, no one in the basketball world ever would have had the audacity to predict any team going into Bamberg and winning two games in the hallow Stechert arena a place where no Beko BBL team could win in a two year span from 2010-2012. However the Artland Dragons were able to do that not once, but twice. Winning in Bamberg in game one already sent out a warning that no Bamberg supporter wanted to admit bothering them, but that first win already unrattled Bamberg and they were never able to recover. Bamberg did their homework and stole game two in Artland 80-72 a place that is never easy to win in Quackenbruck. Bamberg had a huge 23 point effort from Gavel, controlled the boards and limited the Dragons to only four three pointers. For most people that predicted a 3-1 Bamberg win in the series now were back on course to keeping their prediction right and only few would have thought that the usually so well oiled Bamberg ship would sink in a two game series. The Artland Dragons continued their inspiring play and won in Bamberg for a second time and did a role reversal from Bamberg winning a  crunch time game 77-75 something that Bamberg never dared to lose at their height of their four peat, but did. Even an inspiring Casey Jacobsen warning before game four promising to be back in Bamberg for a game five didn´t help motivate his teammates as their season came to an abrupt end on the road as Artland controlled the game winning 83-75 never letting Bamberg come back and making them crawl back onto the bus like a battered and beaten team that had witnessed one too many flames being sprouted by Tobi the Dragon. Bamberg didn´t play their best basketball in the first two games while the Artland Dragons were able to heighten their game more in game three and four and Bamberg didn´t. David Holston saved his best for last combining for 40 points in the last two games leading his team past Bamberg. Basketball is a simple game and Artland shot the ball extremely well in game three and four from the parking lot making 28/54 shots while Bamberg struggled at 13/41. Anton Gavel was inconsistent and Jared Jordan was unable to get that offense into a rhythm that would have kept Artland on edge from the start. Team chemistry and inconsistency hurt Bamberg so much that they wont play in June since the year 2009. That usual devoted killer instinct was missing with Bamberg. It was the first series win for the Artland Dragons over the Brose Baskets Bamberg.

A great aspect about Alba Berlin this season has been that they have not felt the league pressure of teams like FC Bayern Munich and the Brose Baskets Bamberg. Ever since their cup win in 2013, that pressure of winning a title again has been washed away. Winning the cup for a second year in a row sparked their team confidence and this is a team that should march into the final and be a well deserved dark horse favorite. Alba Berlin came into the Ulm series as the favorite and played like one. They won the first game easily 86-66 as they controlled the game had a super offensive flow and played their ever so present annoying defense holding ratiopharm Ulm to four three pointers and won the rebounding duel. David Logan and Reggie Redding had solid games while Jan Jagla had a super 20 point effort. Per Guenther had a solid game, but his supporting cast didn´t which was the difference as Alba Berlin had consistency from the role players. Game two was the back breaker a game ratiopharm Ulm could have won, but lost 90-89 as the nerves of Alba Berlin were a bit more stable. Levon Kendall and David Logan led the charge. Ratiopharm didn´t let Alba Berlin sweep them as they won a huge game three in Berlin71-64 getting a top defensive effort halting Alba Berlin to four three pointers winning the rebound battle and getting big games from Daniel Theiss with 20 points and Edgar Sosa with 19 points. The series returned back to Ulm and instead of ratiopharm Ulm forcing a game five, Alba Berlin played like champions slamming the door shut winning 95-89 as David Logan and Clifford Hammonds combined for 43 points. Alba Berlin let their offense do the talking hitting 14 three pointers, won the boards again and despite it being a high scoring game used their experience and cleverer play to win on the road. Daniel Theiss finished his Ulm season with 46 points combined in the last two games and could be anywhere from the NBA or in Berlin, Bamberg or Munich in the next months as his stock rose dramatically this season.

Instead of having the battle of the B´s and big rivalry Berlin-Bamberg, you have the feisty Artland Dragons who are hungry and seemingly want more than just having the distinction of kicking out the defending champion Brose Baskets Bamberg meeting eight time Beko BBL champion Alba Berlin. The clubs split the season series1-1 as Artland sneaked away with a 67-66 nail bitter at home in the first game of the season while Alba Berlin used the home court advantage winning 89-75 at home. The Artland Dragons have very talented players, but Alba Berlin has even more class and individuality when pinning the players head to head. A David Holston can decide a game, but he won´t take apart Alba Berlin by himself, while Alba have the Logan/Hammonds combo that might not play consistent for 40 minutes, but will do enough each game too really hurt you. Alba Berlin has the overall advantage inside as their rotation belongs to the best in the league with Kendall, Radosevic, Jagla and Bottermann-Wohlfarth throwing a big man cycle at you that is hard to overcome. Artland has one of the top five centers in the league with Anthony King, but even consistent big games won´t promise wins. A Kenny Frease will really have to step up. The most interesting match up in the series may be the swing men of Brandon Thomas-Reggie Redding. Thomas can shoot out the lights with anyone in the league even a David Logan, but he doesn´t have the versatility of a Redding. There aren´t many guys in the league like a Redding who can look at the stat sheet after 40 minutes and lead his team in points, rebounds,assists and steals. Artland may have the momentum going into the series with their slapping Bamberg home for the summer, but Alba Berlin has that cool, business like and mission demeanor that will allow them to keep marching. Alba has the better offense, defense, players, experience and home court. Much respect to Tyrone Mccoy for doing an incredible job as a rookie coach, but he is still like a little boy in the candy store happy to enjoy the immense success over Bamberg while Sasa Obradovic is like a man in a cigar shop testing out the best ones for that special moment at the end of June. Alba Berlin will reach the final 3-1 and even if Toby the dragon finds a way to sprout his fire, the Albatross bird will be too quick to get hit and avoid it in Quackenbruck or in Berlin.

 

Jay Gavin is a 24 year old 188cm guard that recently played his rookie season in Germany for  EVL Baskets Limburg (Germany-Regionalliga). He started his basketball career in 2007 at Marist (NCAA): 32 games: 12.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 39.4%, 3Pts: 38.6%, FT: 77.1%. He then played at VCU (NCAA). He then chnaged schools once again going to  Bowie St. (NCAA2) and as a senior played  28 games averaging 13.5ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 45.7%, 3Pts: 40.2%, FT: 71.9%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Jay thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and what are you up to?

Thanks for having me, I’m currently back home working out and trying to improve my game for the upcoming season.

 

You were injured at the start of 2014. How has the rehab been going and are you back at 100%?

I was not injured at the start of the of the 2014 season.  I had some flexibility issues which did not allow me to move the way I would had liked as the season progressed.  It was nothing serious at all and I am back to 100%.

 

 

After finishing school in 2012, you finally got your first job offer from German Regionaliga team EVL Limburg. How tough was it going through life not having a basketball job? Were there any people that especially stayed at your side?

Yes, thankfully I have a great support system in my trainer Keith Williams my family of course and the other professionals that I workout with.  They are all like my basketball family. Everybody told me to keep working hard and be ready for my opportunity once it comes. I was thankful that one of my coaches, Coach Barry,  was able to get me my first professional opportunity.

 

 

 

After playing at the levels NCAA and NCAA2, you played in the fourth league in Germany. Was this more a positive thing to do to go in get good stats after being away from the game for so long?

I knew I just needed an opportunity after sitting out for a year.  I also felt that I was capable of playing professionally and I needed to get a start anywhere.  I was blessed with the chance to play in Germany and I just tried to make the best of my situation and do everything I could do to show my worth!

 

 

 

With Limburg, you averaged 23.5 points 6.6 rebounds and 4.0 assist. Did it at times feel like you were a man playing with German boys?

No, I wouldn’t say that. lol.  When I first came to Germany, it was an adjustment getting used to how the game was called by the referees and the other rules along with the physicality of the game.  I was a rookie so I just wanted to really prove myself and show that I could play at a higher level and that I belonged. I guess I had a chip on my shoulder and I’m still extremely hungry to prove my worth at my next opportunity next season.

 

When you came in, you right away gave the club a push almost winning 2 games in OT and then helping winning four of six games. How was the overall experience with Limburg and what did you learn on and off the court?

I want to WIN period. That’s the most important thing to me! The first 2 games my teammates and I were still feeling each other out trying to get comfortable. My experience in Limburg was good. I just wanted to play basketball. So nothing else really gets to me. I learned a lot about really being on my own while in Germany which I embraced. As long as there is a gym and a ball, I think I’ll be fine.

 

Your teammate was Canadian Kris Douse. He is a guy that should be playing at a lot higher level. What could you learn from him on the court?

Me and Kris were roommates. We were also the leaders of the team so we talked everyday about basketball related things. We talked about making our team better and what we needed to do to compliment each others game.  I think by him being older than me, I was able to learn to always be ready because you never know when that next job is coming. Kris was a really good teammate and I’m glad he was there to make my transition smoother.

 

 

What was the most amazing thing that you saw Kris Douse do on the court?

Once Kris and I got a rhythm with each other, we were pretty much dominant. The most memorable play that I can recall that we had was a drop off pass against Trier that he finished. It was a play we had talked about all season.  Me pushing the ball and him trailing for the pass. To see our communication turn into production on the court was great.

 

Now you have to start from scratch again looking for a new team. If you could describe yourself in a few sentences how would you so you would be appealing to any team in the world?

I’m a hard worker who just values winning. I can score, and rebound for my position. I can get my teammates involved. I flourish in transition, the pick and roll and I’m willing to sacrifice in whatever manner in order to help my team win games! I’m a natural born leader.  I’m very crafty with the ball, can get in the paint, shoot the ball from 3 off the catch or off the dribble. I’m constantly working to improve in the off-season and in-season.  I just want to keep improving.

 

As a rookie you played at Marist averaging 12.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 39.4%, 3Pts: 38.6%, FT: 77.1%. Was there a certain pressure you felt having to follow NBA draft pick Jared Jordan?

No. I can remember going on my visit to Marist. I played with the team while I was in high school and Jared Jordan destroyed me. It was like he had eyes in the back of his head. It’s no surprise to me that he is one of the best PGs in Germany and Europe.

 

 

 

After a solid season at Marist, you went to Virginia Commonwealth. Why did you feel the need to leave Marist?

Well my coach left and I also had some health issues with my family.

 

At Virginia Commonwealth, you played together with future NBA player Larry Sanders. Did you know that season, that he would be a future NBA player that also would stay in the league? What made his game different from the average NCAA player?

Larry was a special teammate at VCU He was extremely gifted but still raw but he worked at his game and improved. I was amazed by his shot blocking ability and his defensive awareness. Larry hadn’t been playing for long but you could always see the upside he possessed

 

You left for a third team one more time to play at Bowie State(NCAA2). How were all these changes beneficial to your game in general besides getting to play for different coaches?

Well it had some family turmoil after sitting out for a year at VCU my mom passed away and going through my sophomore season at VCU it weighed heavy on me. So I decided it was best to come home and be closer to my family. It’s crazy because I applied for a NCAA waiver to play right away because my mom was sick. So she never got to see me play after my freshman year. But it’s hit or miss nowadays with those things. Being at the different levels you get a feeling for how basketball changes from place to place and I feel like you can expect one thing at a place and get there and simply have to adjust so it was a blessing being well traveled and playing at multiple levels in college.

 

How did head coach at Bowie State Darrell Brooks prepare you best for  a professional basketball career? What was the most important thing that you learned from him on and off the court? 

Coach Brooks was a great leader. He was all about making his players become young men and being accountable and responsible. If you missed a class you ran 5 miles at 5am for 5 days. Needless to say, I never missed a class. Everyday he was all about being enthusiastic.  I mean we are getting to do what we love. Most importantly,  I learned that he always would have my back. I came in and was a captain right away because he trusted me and I trusted him. I see Coach Brooks everyday now because Bowie State is my 2nd home. It’s where I workout now.

 

 

 

How does a normal summer workout day look for you on and off the court?

 

Well as I get older, I’m learning more and more about nutrition and the important role it plays on performance. I’m usually in the gym around 8 and I will do a bunch of core exercises and hip strengthening exercises to warm up. Once  I get on the court it’s pretty much all full court work that entails shooting off the dribble, off the catch and running off screens.  It helps you to get in shape because it really is nothing but full court. Some days I will focus on moves and counter moves and just being skilled as a basketball players. Training is big on being skill masters and not drill masters I am usually done around 11 at the earliest and then I play 5 on 5 afterwards. I like to think we have pretty good runs with all the professionals that come to the gym. After that I eat and later on I’m running steps or the track or going to play again. I’m learning not to overwork myself and to just work hard and to work smart. If I workout consistently ,then everything will fall into place.

 

Have you been surprised by the crazy first round of the 2014 NBA playoffs? What surprised you the most?

The NBA Playoffs have been great. They are extremely entertaining and fun to watch. The western conference is so evenly matched and I’m happy to see the Wizards get out the first round.

 

 

Where will the 2014 NBA playoff run for the Washington Wizards end. Have you been surprised by their play this season?

The Wiz Kids have a young team with a few vets to even it out. I think they will get to the eastern conference finals but Miami will come out the east the west is a toss up in my opinion.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Since I’m home I recently saw Spider-Man.  I would like to take this time to thank the great fans of Limburg, my teammates and Coach Danny for giving me the chance to play in the great city of Limburg.  Thanks for having me.

 

Thanks Jay for the chat.

Playoff basketball life has never been easy for the Telekom Baskets Bonn as they are still seeking their first Beko BBl title and since their last second game 5 defeat to current nemesis EWE Baskets Oldenburg in the 2009 finals, they really can´t be thinking what could be, but just hope hope hope for a good reality after 40 minutes. When looking at the current Oldenburg series, it is just hard to contemplate what could have been after the first three games, but instead of a 3-0 sweep, Bonn came into game four trailing two games to one and really had they been able to finish game one more cleverly in Oldenburg, coupled with their game two win and had they not turned the ball over in game three and made better decisions in overtime then Bonn Germans like Andrje Mangold and David Mccray could of spent a beautiful Sunday late afternoon possibly in Cologne hanging out at the Hard Rock café watching FC Bayern Munich defeat Ludwigsburg, watching Hamburg march their way to the second Bundesliga in Furth or just sipping a smooth cool drink debating how badly Dortmund was robbed against FC Bayern Munich in the cup final in Berlin where a Hummels goal was ignored ripping the seeds for a well deserved 2-0 Munich win. Instead the two Germans and their Bonn teammates were fighting for their lives against arch rivals Oldenburg to dead lock the series and force a game five in Oldenburg  which they did thank an extremely hard fought game 72-71 in OT. After the game, Bonn point guard Eugene Lawrence reflected on why Bonn wasn´t able to relax on Sunday night and watch Bamberg get kicked out of the playoffs by the Artland Dragons. “We really had a chance if you look back at game three where we had bad starts in the first and third quarter where we missed our first 14 shots and were down by 15 points. You can´t play like that on the road and expect to win. One really has to watch the little things which can change the course of a whole game especially in the playoffs. We didn´t have any of that on our minds as we knew it was a do or die game and fought hard for the win”, expressed ex St Johns point guard. Ex Fraport Skyliner Ryan Brooks literally took the words out of the mouth of Lawrence as to why Bonn was still playing a game four. “We had a chance to sweep and this series really has shown that each possession counts. You can never take off a play, because you never know what can happen”, warned Philadelphia native Ryan Brooks.

A sold out Telekom dome of 6000 patrons wanted to see if the Telekom Baskets Bonn could force a game five and saw a very hard fought first quarter in which the EWE Baskets Oldenburg picked up the intensity at the end gaining the 27-16 lead. Oldenburg got in their comfort zone early going on a 5-2 run as 2008 cup winner with Artland Adam Chubb made a sweet fade away over Jamel Mclean and Serb Nemanja Aleksandrov hit free throws. Andrej Mangold scored inside and Chris Kramer made a free throw. Oldenburg was very physical inside and was getting easy buckets as Aleksandrov scored giving Oldenburg the 7-5 lead. Lawrence who has a pretty release then nailed a big three pointer giving Bonn their first lead of the game 9-8. That didn´t impress Oldenburg much as they picked up their game gliding out on a 8-2 run to retake the lead 15-9. Oldenburg kept pounding the ball inside as Alksandrov scored twice, Mr Oldenburg Rickey Paulding completed a rapid executed transition play and ex Bamberg center Philipp Neumann connected on free throws. Oldenburg kept up their intensity as Bonn had massive difficulty matching it and getting stops as the Oldenburg offensive machine was rolling as Julius Jenkins connected for a three pointer, made free throws and Chubb buried a mid distance shot. Just when you thought that Bonn had ended the first quarter in high fashion as Lawrence dropped another three pointer, it was Jenkins who stole him the show making an off balance step back three pointer at the buzzer and banking it home for good measure as Bamberg showed they were in early cruise control having the big 27-16 advantage. “We knew that we couldn´t come out flat and had to go out fighting. We did a good job getting the ball inside. We wanted to make them play defense. We had everyone involved on the offensive end and were defending very aggressively. You never know with a shooter like Jenkins, because he can hit big shots. The shot at the end was big. He is a great shooter”, stressed ex Frankfurt Skyliner Travon Bryant.

The second quarter had a tale of two stories as the EWE Baskets Oldenburg held their comfortable lead for the first five minutes, but let the Telekom Baskets Bonn back into the game knotting the game at 39-39 at the break. The Telekom Baskets Bonn got the second quarter going with a bang going on a 5-0 run to cut the Oldenburg lead to 27-21. Ex Giessen 46er Brooks hit a runner, then found teammate Mclean inside for an easy lay in. However Oldenburg knew when to stop the new born Bonn momentum as ex Skyliner Dominik Bahiense De Mello hit a bomb from the parking lot and forward Robin Smeulders completed the pick and role with Kramer as Oldenburg extended their lead to 32-21. Bonn then went on a 6-2 run as ex Boston Celtic Tony Gaffney scored three consecutive times and on the final bucket spinning around the Real Madrid Sergio Rodriguez look a like Aleksandrov forcing him to give a nod of respect for that move. Gaffney was extremely focused to win this game as he had gone to sleep the night before in his Larry Bird socks once again showing why one is always superstitious coming from Boston. Bonn was only trailing 34-27 and would continue to chip at the Oldenburg lead. They continued to have consistency in their offensive sets and closed out the third quarter with a 12-5 run to dead lock the game at 39-39. After a Benas Veikalas three pointer, it was ex Giessen 46er Chubb getting an easy bucket inside as Bonn trailed 38-30. A Lawrence three pointer, Gaffney steal and Veikalas free throws cut the Oldenburg advantage to 38-35. Gaffney then made free throws and defense specialist Kurt Lobby scored a put back as Bonn had regained the lead again 39-38. Jenkins closed out the second quarter with one free throw. “We were making too many quick shots which led to easy lay ups on our misses. We didn´t rebound very well and gave them too many second chances for points”, added Los Angeles native Travon Bryant.

Every so often you encounter a quarter in basketball that you want to quickly forget as a head coach, but can´t simply because nothing was going right on offense and breaking down that quarter on video could be as nasty for a head coach as it is for a five star chef trying to figure out how a piece of hair could have gotten into the main dish. The third quarter was just plain ugly from an offensive point view for both sides, but then again both teams would have been lauded for their zeal on defense. It took 12 possessions for the first field goal to fall as Ryan Brooks hit a jumper to tie the game at 41-41. The game had turned into a wild affair as fans were witnessing just about every turn over there is too see and just bricks being tossed around as if that had been on the menu by the coaches. After seven minutes of play in the third quarter, the score was 2-2, a score that Dortmund soccer fans would have dreamed for at the end of 120 minutes in the 2014 cup final in Berlin. A few more buckets were made in the last three minutes starting with a Konrad Wysocki lay in and free throw for the Oldenburg 44-41 lead. That was quickly erased as Tony Gaffney nailed a three pointer completing the nice drive and kick by Mangold tying the game at 44-44. Bonn ended the third quarter with the momentum going on a spectacular 5-0 run as Mangold dropped a huge three pointer and Veikalas hit a buzzer beater from the corner getting help from the backboard as Bonn led 49-44. “Bonn did a good job carrying over their good defense from the middle of the second quarter into the third quarter. We had no flow on offense”, stated Adam Chubb. “We were able to disrupt their perimeter shooters and we rebounded very well and just battled on defense”, warned Ryan Brooks. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were shooting 45% from the field and 40% from outside while the EWE Baskets Oldenburg were shooting 38% from the field and 20% from outside. Bonn had the 25-19 rebound edge. Bonn had nine turnovers and Oldenburg 10 turnovers.

The fourth quarter was a battle as Oldenburg would regain the lead and loose it right away, but send the game into overtime on the last play of the fourth quarter. The Ewe Baskets Oldenburg started the fourth quarter on a 6-0 run to retake the lead 60-59. Oldenburg went back to their roots scoring inside three straight times as Neumann made two put backs and Jenkins snuck home two points on an inbounds pass from Lebron James friend Dru Joyce. Bonn retook the lead on Lawrence and Gaffney free throws for the 54-50 lead. Chubb then made a free throw, but missed the second as Aleksandrov tipped home as Oldenburg trailed 54-53. The game remained extremely exciting as Mclean found Gaffney back door for the one handed dunk and and Jenkins connected on a jumper as Bonn still led 56-55. Ex Ludwigsburg guard David Mccray who cans core in spurts then took responsibility hitting a high rainbow as Bonn led 59-55. One could sense that no team wanted to win it more than the other as both were fighting to the end. Ex Purdue guard Chris Kramer collided with a Bonn player sustaining a cut on his head and finished the game with a yellow head band. Oldenburg wasn´t going down easily as Paulding scored inside while Lawrence made free throws as Bonn led 61-57. Chubb them made a jumper as Bonn led 61-59. Lawrence then took a page out of ex Bonn guard Jared Jordan feeding Looby an ally-op pass that was risky, but so perfect that the American banged home as Bonn led 63-59. Kramer then quickly scored inside as Bonn led 63-61. With 23 seconds to play, Bonn had possession, but coughed up the ball as Chubb got the ball got Kramer on the fast break, but Gaffney came out of nowhere and swatted the ball seemingly into the Rhine river. With three seconds to play, Kramer caught Oldenburg napping as he found Paulding open and he sent the game into OT with a lay in. “You can´t let a guy like Paulding get open. We did a good job getting him the ball”, stressed Adam Chubb. “We simply had a miscommunication on the switching. I am happy that that last play didn´t bite us in the butt at the end”, added Ryan Brooks. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were shooting 43% from the field and 35% from the three point line while the EWE Baskets Bonn were shooting 39% from the field and 17% from the three point line. Bonn had the 33-32 rebound edge, but 14 turnovers while Oldenburg had 11 turnovers.

In the overtime, The Telekom Baskets Bonn maintained control until the end, allowed Oldenburg one more lead change until regaining the lead and winning the contest. Lawrence started the overtime period with a three pointer which was matched by a spectacular shot by Kramer falling to his right as Bonn still led 66-65. Paulding and Brooks then exchanged free throws as Oldenburg trailed 68-66. Mccray then found Brooks on the inbounds play and he gunned the ball back inside for the easy lay in. Kramer scored on the other end as Bonn still led 70-68. Bonn then made a costly turnover as the 24 second clock expired and Oldenburg took advantage of as Mr Oldenburg Rickey Paulding did what he does best hitting clutch three pointer as Oldenburg suddenly silenced the Telekom dome leading 71-70 with 21 seconds to play. “That is the moment when we want a guy like Paulding taking that shot. We have many guys that can take that shot, but Paulding is the guy you always want in that phase”, explained Dominik Bahiense De Mello. With 21 seconds to play, Bonn didn´t waste much time as David Mccray was the hero making the lay in to give Bonn the 72-71 lead. “We had an upscreen for Mclean.He gave me a good block and I saw the hole and took it. My defender was behind me so I just took the chance”, stressed David Mccray. “We had no help side. We knew that Mccray would do that. We have to be able to defend better in a moment like that”, warned Dominik Bahinese De Mello. “Mccray had much confidence in this game and had good rhythm.  He saw open lane and took it. I am happy for him”, explained Ryan Brooks. Oldenburg had 16 seconds to win the game, but ex Wurzburg guard Kramer was unable to make the runner in the lane. “The game had been back and forth and had been a battle. Kramer had a good look, but it just didn´t want to fall”, said Adam Chubb.

The Telekom Baskets Bonn were led by Eugene Lawrence with 17 points and five assists. Tony Gaffney contributed 15 points and 12 rebounds and Benas Veikalas had 12 points. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg were led by Nemanja Aleksandrov with 14 points. Julius Jenkins added 13 points and Rickey Paulding 10 points. Bonn shot 42% from the field and 35% from the parking lot while Oldenburg shot 40% from the field and 21% from the parking lot. Bonn won the rebounding duel 40-35, but had 15 turnovers while Oldenburg had 12 turnovers. An interesting statistic has been the domination of the boards of Bonn that lead 4-0 in the series. “We have not been taking care of the boards and have given up too many long rebounds. We have to be more focused and give more effort. We have shown that we can, but need to do it each night”, expressed Adam Chubb. Game five is in 72 hours and both coaches really don´t have to teach any more x and o´s as both teams know each other inside out. “The team that works harder and wants it more will win game five”, warned Adam Chubb. “We did  a pretty good job on Jenkins and Paulding and hope it carries into game five. We need to control the game in Oldenburg and I have to take better care of the ball and stay out of foul trouble”, warned Eugene Lawrence.

After the cup mishap in Ulm where FC Bayern Munich finished in an unbelievable fourth place where the only thing missing in the Boulevard newspaper photos the next day was a collage between father and son duo Svetislav Pesic and Marco doing the famous impression of Macaulay Culkin in the cult movie Home Alone with his hands on his cheeks and looking gaunt and shockingly. After the club boldly predicted before the season that basketball hardware would be moving to the Bayern capital Munich this season, getting whipped out in Ulm was definitely not on the menu of Germany´s most famous team. FC Bayern Munich now have to let actions speak and win nine games in the post season. The club now has to wait until May 10^th with their playoff mission and the time until then most likely will feel like an eternity as the organization is as focused to finally win a title as are the Oklahoma Thunder who gave all the doubters a message forcing a game seven against the Memphis Grizzlies as stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were being publicly bashed, but came through in game six in flying colors. Just waiting until May 10^th will be as difficult for the club as it is for a little kid waiting  to be able to play X-box again after being grounded. Sports life in Munich hasn´t been easy as of late in Munich after the 4-0 loss to Real Madrid by the soccer team, but the positive news is that the basketball department can still bring some color and happiness to the organization with a title should the soccer team fail in the cup as well to Dortmund with a loss. The good news for the FC Bayern Munich basketball team is that after the cup embarrassment, the team is focused to win a title after still being title less while the soccer team lost some focus going into the champions league end spurt after having won the league title in March.

For the MLP Riesen Ludwigsburg, they aren´t reaching for the stars or have title aspirations, but are just overjoyed for having reached the playoffs again. The last time that fans were discussing Ludwigsburg playoff basketball with tasty spaetzle, current MBC mastermind Silvano Poropat was controlling the reigns as he had built a very competitive team with  solid players, but not necessarily a team that one would have put their money on before the start of the season that they would finish the regular season in second place in 2007 was their last playoff ticket as guys like Jerry Green, Nate Harris, Gordon Scott or Je Kel Foster were creating havoc and annoying top teams on a regular basis. Seven years later, the club slipped in on the eighth spot. Besides the consistent play of the team, most of the credit goes to mastermind John Patrick who once again came into a situation and turned the season into gold as he had also had coming into low market areas like Goettingen and Wurzburg in the last years. After coming in as a fireman last season, he was able to form a new team with complete control and once again found the right pieces that made another playoff appearance in his coaching career. He might not have had the best budget in Ludwigsburg, but he brought NBA glitz to the organization as well as bringing potent role players that meshed through the season. In what other small market can you see a George Karl or John Stockton sitting in the seats and observing a Beko BBL game? It has been a nice little run in Ludwigsburg and it will be interesting to see just how much energy is left in the basketball gas tank of Ludwigsburg and how much they can annoy FC Bayern Munich?

Ever since slamming into the Gordon Herbert defensive wall in Frankfurt in mid March where the Fraport Skyliners allowed FC Bayern Munich to the fewest points of the season with 62, they have been undefeated in the Beko BBL riding an 8 game winning streak and have a record of 30-4 tops in the league. The club also understood that defense wins titles and got into that mode keeping teams like SC Rasta Vechta, Bremerhaven and ratiopharm Ulm under 60 points. FC Bayern Munich is led by current MVP Malcolm Delaney who wants to keep his title streak alive in consecutive seasons as a professional at three after winning in France and the Ukraine. FC Bayern Munich´s motor is fueled by the play of the Virginia native. You can go down the list from 1-12 as each player has a defined role that helps to the success of FC Bayern Munich. If it’s the explosiveness of Heiko Schaffartzik who never met a shot he knew he couldn´t hit from the Marien place in Munich or the Messe tower in Frankfurt or the versatile Nihad Djedovic who can always decide a game to forwards like Mr energy Bryce Taylor who is the x factor in any series or the shooting qualities and mismatch factor of Robin Benzing or the never ending, overpowering big man rotation of John Bryant, Deon Thompson, Yassin Idbihi, Boris Savovic or Chevon Troutmann. This deepness down low is shear ridiculousness as Pesic is like a magician with a wan that sways it back and forth as his players create the magic and the opponent slowly gets overpowered . With so much deepness on the roster, Pesic can dabble with the audacity to throw a Paul Zipser at you who is one of the biggest German talents from the year 1994 and could be the only player to play the positions 1-5 if asked.

The MLP Riesen Ludwigsburg reach the 2014 Beko BBL playoffs with a 18-16 record fighting off the feisty Mitteldeutscher BC who were giving Ludwigsburg a real hard test for the last spot, but finished the season losing four of five games while the team led by John Patrick wining four of the last six games, but losing two of the last three games which puts a very very little damp note for the club. They definitely displayed that they belong in the playoffs beating playoff teams like Alba Berlin, ratiopharm Ulm, the Telekom Baskets Bonn and Artland Dragons. The club is led by their Malcolm Delaney MVP version in American Keaton Grant who has scored in double figures 28 times and one could say without his services would have won 2-3 games less this season. Just looking back to an early season game in Frankfurt where Frankfurt  let a huge lead dwindle as Grant took control in the second half that led Ludwigsburg to the win. The guard position is definitely their strongest position as the fresh breath of NBA air in Michael Stockton and Coby Karl have made the atmosphere sweeter on the court for Ludwigsburg. Stockton has become a solid Beko BBL player after a slow start while Karl gives the club so much experience and can really do it all on the floor. CJ Harris has kind of been that unsung hero that has had an up and down rookie season, but is the clubs best three point shooter and has hit the timely ones. At the forward spot, Ludwigsburg have more experience with Mario Stojic who somehow hasn´t fit into the system of Patrick, but at any time will be that warrior on the court if given the minutes and Shawn Huff who is a defensive specialist, but showed his scoring ability netting 46 points in two games against Bonn. In the big men area, Patrick has a nice mix of athletic ability, finesse and physicality down low with the offensive board and high flying crasher Patrick Flomo, Adam Waleskowski that has a cute inside/out game, Mr body Robert Tomazek who might not be able to scare away John Bryant as easily as a burgler in his home this season and Gary Mcghee who came late to the team and has been up and down, but is always fresh for a double double.

FC Bayern Munich swept the season series 2-0,  95-71 and 92-67. Ludwigsburg were crushed under the boards in Munich, but the 36-36 rebound balance in the loss in Ludwigsburg gives some hope in that category. Ludwigsburg has a nice rotation, but can´t match that of FC Bayern Munich which has the deepest rotation in the Beko BBL. Key for the MLP Riesen Ludwigsburg of not being swept will be their guard play which will be their bread and butter in this series as that is where their scoring power is. Catching FC Bayern Munich napping on transition defense also will be vital for success. On the defensive side, Ludwigsburg has to find a away to limit the FC Bayern Munich inside play which is easier said than done. Here the guards again will be in the focus as their track meet stamina will be a key issue in the series. Each guy has to help out as help-side, rotating and denying the ball inside as much as possible will be important. FC Bayern Munich also like to run so continued high energy stamina will be needed for Ludwigsburg to stop them on transition. Ludwigsburg really could use an invisible Quantez Robertson or Akeem Vargas to help bolster their stamina level. FC Bayern Munich should sweep the series, but it would be nice to see Ludwigsburg win a game at home. FC Bayern Munich advances to next round 3-0.

Every season seems to be getting more and more difficult for the Brose Baskets Bamberg to dominate coupled with the vast competiveness that the Beko BBL seems to increase in each season and this season is no exception. Each team guns for Bamberg and the simplicity that Bamberg once had to win games in the past when guys like Kyle Hines, PJ Tucker and Marcus Slaughter were on board has become history as it seems to be getting more and more tough to win games as this season has shown.  Bamberg  finished the season in second place with a record of 28-6 record and is  very commendable, but the way they win has changed. They had stellar back to back wins against Wurzburg and Frankfurt allowing only 49 and 43 points, but then had an interesting span of four games in a row where they really were challenged winning by not more than a combined total of 11 points against Bayreuth, Bremerhaven, Tuebingen and Braunschweig. Mind you these are not playoff teams and with some misfortune which they definitely didn´t have in Bayreuth the club could of lost all games and now have eight loses and be in fourth of fifth place and having some real heat behind them with team sneaking up the rear. Bamberg as always has talent, but that killer instinct and total reliance of each player is simply missing that has been seen in the past. In the first three years where Bamberg was unbreakable the club also never had more than two new players coming in, that changed last season with more players coming and going and really hit its pinnacle this season as guys like Jamar Smith, Rakim Sanders, Novica Velickovic  and Damir Markota came and during the season more new faces came with Elias Harris, D or Fischer and Jared Jordan. Even that is a lot for manager Wolfgang Heyder to digest from his standing place at center court in the entrance to the visitor dressing room in Bamberg. However when push comes to shove, Bamberg is still the defending champion and team to beat and are still the best crunch time team. You can ask any Beko BBL coach who the favorite still is and each will say Bamberg except for maybe Sveislav Pesic. In a basketball town like Bamberg that is known as freak city, there is constant jibber jabber and rumors flying about anything which doesn´t make it easier for coaches and players. However now it is that time of year again where Bamberg shines and plays their best basketball. Despite heavy competition from teams like FC Bayern Munich or Alba Berlin, Bamberg is still the favorite. The only time when one knows that something has changed is when café´s in Bamberg increase their sales in May at times when there should have been Bamberg games being played at home

The Artland Dragons moved up to the Beko BBL in 2003 where some German citizens were bewildered for the first time about the Michael Jordan hype in Germany which wasn´t a certain 6 time champion from North Carolina, but a gregarious, but fierce competitor from Philidelphia with the same name. The only title for the Artland Dragons was under current Bamberg head coach Chris Fleming in 2008 where they beat Ludwigsburg in the cup in Hamburg. Since moving up, playoffs have mostly been a yearly occurrence except for two times during the short Thorsten Leibenath era. However since then, Stefan Koch did it three times and nothing has changed as with a new coach Tyron Mccoy, the Dragons are one of the eight best teams in the Beko BBL again. However one thing that they have never done is beat Bamberg in the playoffs.  The most memorable, but also disappointing was their final appearance in the 2006-2007 season where the team was led by guys like Adam Hess, Darius Hall and Bryan Bailey. Artland surprised Bamberg in game one in Bamberg and seemed like they were a competitive opponent, but then had serious misfortune as Puerto Rican point guard Filiberto Riviera was hurt and missed the rest of the playoffs as Bamberg went on to win their second Beko BBL title. In 2010-2011, Bamberg crawled through the series having massive problems winning in a five game series and in the 2011-2012 season, Bamberg had an easier time as they swept Stefan Koch and co 3-0. The Artland Dragons are back again for a fourth time trying to get by the Brose Baskets Bamberg. It would be an enrichment for the Beko BBL to see a massive upset, but before that happens, it seems like Dragon mascot Toby  would have to transport his lab from Quackenbruck as it seems like during home games he has orchestrated some secret dragon business from the dungeon, but in Bamberg, Artland really has to leave it all on the floor to have any chance to win an dhope Toby is praying from his dungeon in the Artland arena.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg arrive into the playoffs with a  14-3 record since the Allstar break losing to top playoff teams FC Bayern Munich, Alba Berlin and Oldenburg. They had some more close wins, but also blew out teams like Wurzburg and Ludwigsburg. Even without the recent services to top point guard Jared Jordan who missed the last four games, the team registered a 3-1 record and got by without him, but his 10,0ppg and 7,8apg obviously are missed in the offense where without the Hartford native, Bamberg has less options in the playmaking. Since March, the team has played 13 Beko BBL games and their defense has been consistent as they have held opponents to 69 points per game.  Even with the deep and talented roster that Bamberg has, the club is led by Anton Gavel and their strong suit has to be their guard play. Gavel keeps the team together and focused and is leading the team in scoring, would be first in assists with 3,7 if Jordan wasn´t on board as is the teams second best three point shooter. Their guard rotation lives from its versatility of the individual players. Jared Jordan should be the key to the team winning their fifth title in a row. He has less pressure than in Bonn to shine and can be rested more. Jamar Smith has been a consistent performer in the last months after a slow start and can challenge a Gavel for making big shots. John Goldsberry who just might have the biggest heart on the team with his will to always come back after injuries. He is the perfect classic point guard that is one of the teams best defenders once getting 10 steals for Leverkusen as a rookie. German national player Kartsen Tadda rounds out the guard rotation. His defending skills are respected and he is always able to make a shot even if his three point shooting has been suspect this season. At the wing positions, Bamberg has the talented duo of ex NBA player Casey Jacobsen and Rakim Sanders. Jacobsen has won nine titles with Bamberg and belongs to the most professional players in the Beko BBL. Smartness and shooting is his trademark and Rakim Sanders has been one of the more consistent Bamberg players down the stretch as he could challenge a Marcus Slaughter for the best hang time. Five months ago, one may not have believed it, but Bamberg´s sore spot was at the big positions. Bamberg manager Wolfgang Heyder understood this and got D or Fischer and Elias Harris. Fischer has been their staple on defense. Even if you get by the front guards, there is still that big Fish greeting you. The worth of Fischer to the Bamberg defense is indescribable. Harris came from the Los Angeles Lakers and has made a fine transition and his inside out game is difficult to defend. German national player Maik Zirbes isn´t having his best season, but he knows it and is still giving support with 8,5ppg and 3,8rpg. Having the beast in the game can wear down any team quickly. Sharod Ford who was top rebounder three seasons in a row in Italy was injured for a while, but seems as good as old as he produced 14 points and seven rebounds in the last regular season game against Bonn. There isn´t a better 1-2 center defensive punch in the league better than Fischer and Ford.

The Artland Dragons finished the regular season in seventh place with a record of 20-14. They arrive into the playoffs not having played their best basketball winning only two of their last six games. They beat the Mitteldeutscher BC on the last game 89-69. They showed during the regular season that they are capable to beat top teams like FC Bayern Munich and Alba Berlin. The team is led by David Holston who returned back to Quackenbruck. He isn´t as potent like in his first time in the 2011-2012 season, but he is shooting better than then and playing a bit less. A positive note is that the club isn´t as dependent on him as in the past. The club also has Antonio Graves at the guard position who thanks to his European experience had no problems blending into the Beko BBL. He has been up and down, but without his 20 points and eight assists, the team surely wouldn´t have defeated FC Bayern Munich. Back up point guard and German national player Bastian Doreth is the perfect guy to come from the bench as his activeness on both ends of the court are more than commendable. At the wing positions, Mccoy has Brandon Thomas who is one of the more consistent players that is an offensive force and without his 28 points against Vechta and 24 points against Bremerhaven surely would have had problems winning those two nail bitters. It is difficult to say that Chad Toppert has been a disappointment, because his stats are fine in the minutes he is getting and he is shooting over 40% from downtown. Don´t let him get hot as Frankfurt found out in Artland in late January as he hit seven of eight three pointers nailing the door shut on the opponent. The Artland Dragons have a strong four man rotation at the big man positions with Americans Anthony King, Lawrence Hill, Kenny Frease and German Guido Grunheid. Artland knows where to go when they need scoring as the American trio is averaging 31 points and 17 rebounds per game. King is having his best season in Artland as he has improved his scoring in each season and his rebounding of 6,4 is his best with the Dragons. One of the unsung hero´s on the team has been Hill. The ex Stanford star is averaging 11,6ppg and 6,6rpg while shooting an astronomical 49,6% from the parking lot. He has shown in his second season in Europe that he could make the transition from the Israel to German league. He is very dangerous as he can hurt you from inside and out. Kenny Frease has been a reliable role player coming from the bench. His stats and minutes are down from Tuebingen, but he causes the needed energy for the club when he is inserted. The seven German titles and experience are golden for the club when Guido Gruinheid speaks.

If one looks at the two Artland loses this season to the Brose Baskets Bamberg, there seems hope for the Dragons as they lost by only a combined total of nine points. Perhaps this could be the chance of the Artland Dragons to catch Bamberg off guard early in the playoffs and steal one in Bamberg.  However regular season and playoffs is a totally different story. Bamberg has been known to heighten their game as the playoffs move on. Bamberg is known for their experience, routine and continuity. The Artland Dragons have a potent attack and have beaten each of the top four teams. An interesting duel in this series will be down low. This series could be a lot closer than many expect when looking at the stats of the first two games. Both teams shot pretty much even from outside, while Bamberg grabbed only three rebounds more and had one less turnover. Artland will need to have a big series from David Holston. Even if the club isn´t as dependent on him, the club will get a boost mentally if he has the series of his life.  Bamberg has been known to heighten their game as the playoffs move on. The series will be decided down low and the team with the better team basketball which will be Bamberg.