Andrew Jones is a 32 year old 191cm shooting guard that has been a professional basketball player since 2007 and has returned back to the Dresden Titans this season. He played at Miles(NCAA2) and has played in Germany for most of his professional career with four seasons with the Dresden Titans and three seasons with the BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga). He also gained experience playing with teams like Marietta Storm (SEBL), BC Celtics (SEBL), C.B. Aridane (Spain-EBA) and Universidad Tecnologica Equinoc. Quito (Ecuador-National League). Last season he played for BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 19,9ppg, 6,5rpg and 3,9apg. He spoke to German Hoops before game one of the Pro B semi-finals against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors.

 

Congrats Andrew on the huge 93-80 victory against BG Karlsruhe and sweep reaching the Pro B semi-finals. How much of an urgency did the team have going into game two to end the series at home?

Thanks Miles!!! Karlsruhe is a strong team. We wanted to finish the series at our home. It would have been difficult going back to their place.

It´s been a few days since the sweep, but has the feeling sunk in that you defeated the best Pro B south team in the regular season?

Actually throughout the years, the first seeds have not won the ProB. So we knew that it could be done. We just had to focus because they were number one for a reason.

Have you felt extra energy within the city of Dresden or will that first happen when you are Pro B champs?

There is a lot of energy in the city now. Our arena is filled every home game. The city of Dresden is having a big year in sports. Dynamo just been promoted, DSC are looking to repeat and we are making moves toward the finals.

How proud are you of the team that they were able to really control the game from the start and carry it until the final buzzer?

I’m very proud. We compete very hard in practice and it shows in the game. It’s always good to see your hard work paying off.

When you look back at the short series against BG Karlsruhe, what do you feel was key for the sweep?

Rebounds was the key. Those guys can really rebound the ball. We had to limit their extra shot opportunities.

Do you feel that if Marcus Smallwood had been able to play in game two that there could have been a significant change in the outcome or would the team had been able to solve that adequately?

We solved it the first game when he was there. However, Smallwood is a rebound machine. Him not being there in game two did give us an extra edge.

Your teammate David Sturner is a very humble guy and would never comment that anything was different in his game in this series, but honestly did the American take a further step in his game in these two games?

He has been playing like this for a while now. Its just being noticed even more because the stage is bigger.

The playoffs continue and this is the farthest you have ever come in the playoffs. How confident are you that this fairytale story will continue through Frankfurt?

Its just great to know we have the opportunity to compete for the final two positions in the league and potentially win the championship. I am confident that my team will give everything they got against Frankfurt. We have to, they are a good team!

You had 22 points in the loss in Dresden and 0 points in the loss in Frankfurt. Will you be extra aggressive to make amends for your performance in Frankfurt some months ago?

I will play to the flow of the game. My role is slightly different this year. If I score 20 and a win I am good. If I score 5 and a win I am good. I just want to make sure I play hard regardless.

The Dresden Titans have scored 80 points or more in the last 17 games stating back to the loss against BG Karlsruhe. How do you explain this amazing consistency?

Coach Clauss wants us to run. So we run, simple as that.

Now the Dresden Titans face the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. What kind of a series can we await?

 I believe each game will be a dogfight for both teams. They have a very good organization in Frankfurt. They produce solid players. It shows in their playing style.

The Dresden Titans lost both games by a total of eight points. Are the Titans a better crunch time team now?

I will say we have been battle tested throughout the second half of the season. So we know what to look for when the game is on the line.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors have a very potent offense, but so does Dresden, but would you agree whichever teams wants it more on the defensive end will win the series?

That is definitely the key to the series! The best defense will definitely get to the championship.

Who would win a game today the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls or the 2015-2016 Golden State Warroirs?

The Bulls no question! They were too strong mentally.

What was the last movie that you saw?

 Daredevil (Tv Show)

 

Thanks Andrew for the chat.

 

Daniel Berger is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Medford, Oregon playing his rookie season with Team Ehingen Urspring (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career with Chemeketa community college an dthen moved to Utah State(NCAA) where he played 59 NCAA games from 2011-2014. As a senior he played with BYU-Hawaii (NCAA2) playing  20 games: 14.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 48.4%, FT: 79.2%. He spoke to German Hoops after sweeping the ScanPlus Baskets.

 

 

Daniel thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the second sweep in the playoffs for Ehingen. How good does it feel to be 4-0 in the playoffs and in the semi finals?

It feels great. We are playing well and all are having fun. I am just trying to enjoy every one of these moments.

How proud are you of your team that they were able to rebound from being swept in the regular season by the ScanPlus Baskets and now sweeping them back?

I am so proud of the team man. We responded when it was time and that shows some toughness. We are not done yet though!

Do you believe that having had that momentum from the Itzehoe series carried you to the series victory or was it more better preparation and execution this time?

 The Itzehoe series gave us confidence for sure. It was a mixture because we were prepared and focused to execute our game plan against Elchingen.

Ehingen jumped on the ScanPlus Baskets early scoring 55 points in the first half. Did you know early on that the Ehingen offense would be rolling?

We played a good half offensively and just tried to stay focused to close it out. I told the guys at half time that its playoff basketball and they will make a run. We just needed to not lose our cool and close it out.

Ehingen was captured in a very exciting fourth quarter as the ScanPlus Baskets never gave up and really challenged you. What made the play of Lorne Jackson annoying in the fourth quarter that didn´t allow you to contain him better?

He was super aggressive in the fourth. When he gets out in transition he is tough to stop.

You won the game with a huge three pointer and free throws at the end. Did you feel an extra need to step up or did you just take what the defense gave you?

 I didn´t want to force anything. Actually looking back I felt like I should have been more aggressive in the fourth quarter. But I took the open shots when I had them. We just wanted to get a quality shot every possession no matter who took it.

What do you feel ultimately won Ehingen this series against the ScanPlus Baskets?

We are all on the same page. Playing as a team and trusting each other is what won it for us. We all want each other to succeed and ultimately win. No one is out to get theirs at this point.

Did the blind on court understanding of you and Devon Moore grow a bit more with this victory?

 Devon and I play well together. The entire season we have supported each other. He is so fun to play with. Always looking to get people involved and just wants to make the right play. This series proved what we have tried to do all season.

Was this a sort of break out game for Zaire Thompson who had 13 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals? How vital was he for the team success in game two?

Zaire has been the x factor in both games of the series. His confidence is high and its really fun personally for me to watch. We all know he has it in him. His focus and determination has been awesome.

Ehingen is 4-0 in the playoffs, but with Nordlingen coming up, on what things will the team need to work on to get a good start into the semi-finals?

Nordlingen is a good team that is going to be ready to play. We are going to have to bring it when we play them. At this point its whoever wants it more. Getting on lose balls, getting rebounds, and determined defense is what is going to win the game.

The Giants Nordlingen are up next who upset top ranked team Iserlohn. How do you explain the success of a team that has the thinnest rotation in the Pro B?

They are relentless and confident. The second half of the season has been great for them. They believe their team should be here and so do we. Should make for a great series.

Ehingen split the season series against Nordlingen, but have home court advantage. What will be key in advancing to the final?

Like I said before, the game winning plays like loose balls and rebounds will be key. The aggressor usually is the one who comes out on top. We have to remember that and do a lot of the same things we have been doing.

The Golden State Warriors recently got the NBA regular season record of 73 wins. Who would win a game today the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls or Golden State Warriors?

 I am not sure who would win in a game. The two eras are different. That being said I don´t think I could bet against Michael Jordan.

Where does the 2016 Villanova final win rank up in all-time most exciting games that you have seen?

That shot was incredible. Literally a shot every basketball player dreams of. Jenkins taught me something when he said he thinks every shot he takes is going in.

What was the last movie that you saw?

 I actually just got home from watching the new jungle book movie. Before that it was white men cant jump.

 

Thanks Daniel for the chat.

 

Quinton Mcduffie is a 25 year old 197cm forward from Suffolx, Virginia. He got his college basketball experience at Va.Wesleyan (NCAA3), Alabama St. (NCAA) and Chowan Univ. (NCAA2). He started his professional basketball career in 2013 with the Portsmouth Cavaliers (APBL): 6 games: 24.6ppg, 6.0rpg, then moved to TLG-13 NGO S.Tulga (Mongolia-MBA) 21.9ppg, 9.2rpg. Last season he played with La Gallofa Cantbasket 04 (Spain-EBA) playing 18 games: 10.9ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 49.7%, FT: 70.8%. This season he played with Parque Sur de Concepcion del Uruguay (Argentina-TFB) playing 14 games averaging 8,0ppg and 3,5rpg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

 

Quinton thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and did you catch the 2016 NCAA final?

 I am currently in Huntsville, Alabama training for next season. I had the chance to catch the second half the championship game. I have to say that it was the most exciting game in the NCAA this season regular season and post season.

Where do you rank that finish with Villanova hitting the buzzer beater in all-time best NCAA finals?

I would rank this game probably second to the N.C. State v. Houston championship game in 1983, when Coach Jimmy V’s team won at the buzzer against a stacked Houston team. Both games where very entertaining to say the least.

What do you know about the German basketball scene? Do you have friends that are balling there at the moment?

I know a great deal about the German basketball community. It is one of the most competitive leagues in Europe, no question! I have had a lot of friends who have/ are playing in Germany. From all of the information that I know about German basketball, it is one of the most respected leagues in the world to play in.

If you had the opportunity would want to display your basketball abilities there?

If I was granted the opportunity to display my talents in Germany, I would definitely be excited and prepared to take on the hefty challenge.

Explain your game in a few sentences and why you could be an asset to any professional basketball team?

I am a very versatile forward, who can be a matchup nightmare for taller-slower forwards. A couple things that I can do well on the floor, that can help a variety of professional teams are: Score, pass, stretch the floor, and finish at a high level. I feel as though these attributes can translate on any level of professional basketball.

You have been a professional basketball player now for three seasons that has taken you to Mongolia, Spain and Argentina. Do you already feel yourself as a basketball world traveler at age 25?

Well, In my three seasons playing professional basketball I have played not only in three different countries but on three different Continents as well, Asia, Europe, and South America. I feel like a journeyman at this point in my career. And I love every moment of it. I consider it a blessing to travel and see the globe.

You played this season with Parque Sur de Concepcion del Uruguay (Argentina-TNA), but had to leave in December 2015. Did this end up as not being the right situation for you?

 First off I would like to thank Club Parque Sur for giving me the opportunity to play and display my talents on the court this past season. I just feel as though this past season I played very efficient offensively on court but the team wanted to go in a different direction to start the new year, So we partied ways. I am very grateful for my experience in Argentina this season.

You played 18 games averaging 8,0ppg and 3,5rpg. What overall experience was it for you playing in the second division in Argentina?

 It was great a experience playing alongside alot of older veteran players. I was able to take away a lot of things that can help me next season on and off the court.

How overwhelming was it being the only American on the squad? Did the players already look up to you because you were an American?

It was actually a great experience being the only American on the team. Yes, the whole city of CdelU was amazed to see a foreigner walking around their city.

Last season you played for La Gallofa Cantbasket 04 (Spain-EBA) playing 18 games: 10.9ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 49.7%, FT: 70.8%. You had a solid season in the fifth Spanish division. Often Americans that had played in the EBA were able to move up a level or move to better leagues in Europe. Do you feel like you missed a golden opportunity making the jump to another higher league in Europe?

I feel like I had a solid season in Spain last year, but I do not feel as though I missed my opportunity. At this point in my career I feel like my time is coming and I just have to trust God and keep working hard and everything will pay off.

How did you enjoy your first full season in Europe? How do you feel did your game develop further in the EBA?

 I loved Spain. That season I was able to pick up a lot of good habits that I used while in Argentina this season, as far as, dieting and leading a healthier lifestyle.

AS a rookie you played for TLG-13 NGO S.Tulga (Mongolia-MBA, starting five): 21.9ppg, 9.2rpg. What was your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were very far away from Suffolk, Virginia?

My biggest wake up call would most definitely have to be the weather. I landed in Ulanbatar, Mongolia on my birthday, it was -44 degrees. I lived in Chicago, Illinois a little bit growing up and I had never experienced weather that cold.

What one experience in Mongolia on and off the court will you forever keep in your mind?

One of my most memorable experiences from Mongolia would have to be signing autographs with my other American teammates. My teammate and I walked into a local mall and caused a may lay as soon as we walked in. We signed hundreds of autographs and took pictures with all the kids. Very cool highlight in my short career.

You played for three different schools with Va.Wesleyan (NCAA3), Alabama St. (NCAA1) and Chowan Univ. (NCAA2). Do you feel like having had the chance to play for numerous schools that this had an impact on your development as a player on and off the court?

 Yes, I am one of the few players in the country that played on all three levels of the NCAA basketball. This helped me grow as a person as well as a player. I think that God was preparing me for the rigorous grind of professional basketball.

How did head coach Brent Vincent groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career at Chowan State(NCAA2)?

Honestly Coach Vincent was the best Coach that I have ever played under. He helped me grow as a man, and I cannot thank him enough for what he did. And this year he turned a team that was 0-16 in conference play, just two years ago, into a 20+ win team this past season. He is definitely a Division 1 head coach.

As a freshman you won the ODAC tournament with Va.Wesleyan (NCAA3). What memories do you have of this run?

Such an epic run. I just remember how well our team came together when it mattered the most. We played 4 games in 5 days to win the championship.

Some of the older NBA players that played at different times are having a hard time giving Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors credit for their success saying they might not have had that success 20-30 years ago. Are these former players just jealous or why can´t they just give credit where it´s due?

 I think its a matter of jealousy mixed with a little bit of ignorance. Most of the older guys would have a hard time playing in the NBA today, so I feel there should be NO comparisons either way. We should just sit back and watch GREATNESS as it unfolds. Its a pleasure to watch the warriors this season.

Recently ESPN made a top 100 greatest NBA players of alltime poll putting Lebron at #3 before legends Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and BIll Russell. Do you see that as being justified?

Unfortunately I didnt get the chance to see Bill Russell, Larry Burd or Magic play, but from my vantage point looks like ESPN got it right lol. I’ve watched LeBron James play throughout his whole career and I only seen two people better than him. Micheal Jordan and Allen Iverson.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last thing that I saw was the OJ Simpson Television series on Fox! Very good watch. Although its not a movie.

Thanks Quinton for the chat.

 

Brandon Lockhart is a 25 year old 185cm guard from St Louis, Missouri that is playing hiss econd professional season and first with German team Giants Nordlingen. AS a rookie he played for BK Levicki Patrioti (Slovakia-Extraliga) playing 34 games: Score-5(16.7ppg), 3.8rpg, Assists-5(4.3apg), Steals-1(3.0spg), FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 28.5%, FT: 78.9%. He played at Drury (NCAA2) from 2009-2013 and as a senior played 35 games averaging 12.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 6.1apg, 2.9spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 48.3%, FT: 77.1%. He spoke to German Hoops after the thrill sweep against Iserlohn.

 

 

Brandon congrats on the sweep of number one team Iserlohn. The fairy tale continues. What do you feel has been the most special part of the Nordlingen fairy tale this season?

Thanks Miles!! I think that the bond we have created as a team on and off the court is the most special part to me. We enjoy playing basketball together but also get along really well off the court.

The Nordlingen Giants are now 4-1 in the playoffs and are sitting in the semi-finals. How has the team progressed in the playoffs since the 2 game losing streak to end the season?

The two game losing streak to close the season really opened our eyes to things we needed to improve if we wanted to be successful. Since those last regular season losses, we have been better on defense and securing rebounds.

How important was it setting the tone in the first quarter by scoring 24 points as a team and showing Iserlohn that it would have to be a battle for them to escape home with the series tied 1-1?

 Getting off to a good start was really important because we knew they were going to try and come out and be the aggressor. So we just wanted to withstand whatever they threw at us and not let them get rolling.

In the second quarter after a tighter first quarter, Nordlingen was able to break away and lead 52-37. Did Iserlohn get a good dose of true Nordlingen basketball that makes it difficult for the opponent to react to?

In the second quarter, our defense improved a little bit which allowed us to get out on transition a little more for easier buckets. When we are able to get out on transition, we are a tough team to stop.

With 20 minutes to go, and a 52-37 lead, what was the most vital thing that head coach Mario Matic told the team not to forget to do in the last 20 minutes?

 He did not want us to forget that we are playing a really good team. They were the best team in the North this year for a reason, so we knew they weren’t going to go down without a fight.

In the second half the Nordlingen Giants wore down Iserlohn never letting them get closer than 10 points. How vital was the last 20 minutes in showing the team one more time just how good they are closing out the a top ranked team despite having a thinner bench?

A thin rotation is something we’ve been up against all season so it’s not anything new for us. But closing the game out at home was really important because having to go back to their place on shorter days rest with a thin bench would have been a tough challenge to overcome.

You really have stepped up your game in the playoffs and taken another step in the Iserlohn series with 25 points in game one and now 24 points and 11 assists. You didn´t have your best shooting day, but does the aggressiveness and getting to the free throw line and making 16 of 19 free throws make up a bit for the rest

 I just go out each game trying to do whatever I can to help my team be successful. As long as we win, I’m not too concerned with how many points I score. I would have liked to have had a better shooting day, but attempting that many FTs definitely can cover up a poor shooting performance.

Besides wanting your team to do well, do you feel that this is your time now to show everyone that you are a top guard at the Pro B level?

Yes, it would be nice to be considered one of the top guards in a league filled with a bunch of good guards. But I am more concerned with being a part of one of the top teams in the league.

You had an amazing 9 steals. The total number of steals doesn´t always measure the total worth of a defensive performance as often there are other things done not seen on the stat sheet to stimulate the defense, but was this your best defensive game this season?

 9 steals is an accomplishment but if I went back and reviewed films from previous games, I’m sure I would find better defensive games.

The Giants Nordlingen now face Ehingen and will attempt the next upset. Nordlingen split the season series with them. What kind of series can we await?

I think it’ll be a fun, tough series played by two good teams. We have played each other twice this season so both teams know what to expect from the other.

What will be key to having further success against a very talented Ehingen team?

Focusing on defense and finishing defensive possessions with a rebound will be extremely important to whether we win or lose this series.

You had a good series against them scoring 16 points twice. Will your adrenaline go up another notch when game one arises and how good do you already feel now about going out and doing work?

 I feel good about this series and will definitely just go out and play to the best of my ability. I’m confident that as long as we play our game, we will have a chance to win the series

The Golden State Warriors recently got the NBA regular season record of 73 wins. Who would win a game today the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls or Golden State Warriors?

Bulls! Hard for me to go against MJ

Kobe Bryant recently played his last game. He ended his illustrious career with 60 points. What was your favorite Kobe moment in his career?

I think the game winner he hit against Steve Nash and the Suns in the Western Conference Finals in 2006 is one I’ll never forget. He hit another big shot before that to send the game into OT. I am a big Steve Nash fan, so it was tough to watch that

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Night Before. A comedy with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen.

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

In the last weeks, do or die games have been seemingly as frequent on the menu for the Weissenhorn Youngsters and the Fraport Skyliners Juniors as dunks were for Tomas Dimsa in the crushing defeat by the Beko BBL club Fraport Skyliners over the Mitteldeutscher BC last weekend where the Lithuanian seemed to roam on the rim all day long like a white stork does bringing harmony to his country and people wherever they nest. Weissenhorn had to do it twice against Wolfenbuettel and were saved in game three with a magnificent 24 point game by German U-20 national player David Kramer who nailed big shots in crunch time. Only 72 hours earlier, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had to win at home after they had to recover from a bitter 107-38 loss on the road with a major depleted roster as six players were idle and in London and missing an average of 76 points, but in game two the whole crew was on board while Weissenhorn was without key players Nils Mittmann, David Kramer and Joschka Ferner. In the game two win by the Fraport Skyliners Juniors, they were able to continue their better defense as of late holding Weissenhorn to 64 points and letting their opponent cough up the ball 25 times while containing top Pro B assist man Chris Anderson better in the second half. After the glorious Frankfurt victory, their three point specialist Travis Thompson who dropped 36 points and 10 three´s against Lich this season stated that he wasn´t ready to travel the 4,651 miles back home to Alaska yet. In game three on a rare Tuesday night, both the Fraport Skyliners Juniors and Weissenhorn Youngsters had everyone meaningful on board and had to prove who was more in do or die mode as the home team did more things better and Weissenhorn had absolute no remedy against the lethal three point shooting of the Fraport Skyliners Juniors as they advanced to the Pro B semi-finals with a 109-93 victory earning a date with the Dresden Titans. Do or die games belong to the normal routine for a basketball player, but the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were able to win the last battle in the trenches in this series. “Do or die games is why we play the game. It is a great feeling to be able to win a meaningful game like this. We had a great first half and shot well. In the second half, we played ok, but could of played better. We moved a step closer to winning the title”, stressed Paderborn native Niklas Kiel. Weissenhorn had their moments in the second half, but just couldn´t stay with the Fraport Skyliners Juniors for 40 minutes. “Congrats to Frankfurt. They played very well and defended well for 40 minutes. We weren´t ready to go into the game and Frankfurt made it difficult for us in the first half. They came out and surprised us. Having to comeback the way we did cost us a lot of energy. If we would of played the way we did in the second half the whole game, then the game would have turned out differently. Frankfurt was just too strong and disciplined. It was a tough way to end the season”, stressed German U-20 player David Kramer. “We played a very good first half as key wasn´t only our good shooting, but had a better mix of inside out game. When we are shooting well then it is always more difficult to defend us. Our intensity in the first half was the best this season. It was a bit up and down in the second half, but we still finished well”, warned Fraport Skyliners Juniors head coach Eric Detlev.

As is so often the case both Frankfurt and Weissenhorn had their runs in the first quarter, but after 10 minutes, the potent Frankfurt offense rattled off 27 points while Weissenhorn had only 19 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors jumped all over Weissenhorn early getting a 7-2 lead already displaying their disciplined offense and shot making precision. Lithuanian Tomas Dimsa wasted no time scoring in bunches as he scored on a lay in and scorched home a step back three pointer while Alaska native Travis Thompson stayed alert on the offensive board catching a Dimsa air ball and getting the put back. This quick Frankfurt strike didn´t rattle Weisenhorn in the least as they reacted with a 8-2 run taking their first lead of the game at 10-9. In the Weissenhorn run, the club coached by Danny Jansson stayed aggressive getting free throws from Germans Nils Mittmann and David Kramer and lay ins from German talent Joschka Ferner and Mittmann. Then it was time for Frankfurt to make their next run as they went on a 7-0 run to retake the 16-10 lead as they got some stops and a three pointer and free throws from German Max Merz and free throws from Niklas Kiel. A trey by Ferner and a Marvin Oumuvwie lay in cut the Frankfurt advantage to 18-15. However Frankfurt stayed consistent on offense and constructed their versatile play early as Johannes Richter scored inside twice and ex Bremerhaven guard Garai Zeeb nailed a three pointer to end the first frame. “Frankfurt moved the ball well and hit many open shots. On defense, Frankfurt did a good job pressuring them and not letting them get in a comfort zone and forced them to tough shots”, stressed Fraport Skyliners guard Phillip Scrubb. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 44% from the field and 30% from outside while Weissenhorn was shooting 54% from the field and 50% from outside. Frankfurt had the 10-6 rebound edge and three turnovers while Weissenhorn had seven turnovers.

In the second quarter, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were able to up their game a level higher extending their lead to 20 plus points as Weissenhorn had no clue how to combat the hot Frankfurt shooting. Weissenhorn played very strong in the first few minutes cutting the Frankfurt lead to 32-25 as Nils Mittmann made a high falling rainbow from the top of the key, Chris Anderson who was being closed down inside so he shifted gears forcing turnovers and running the transition and feeding Kramer for the lay up and the German then made free throws. However this quick burst of energy and offense was stopped by Frankfurt as they went on a devastating 18-5 run to totally open the game and lead 50-30. The three point touch of the Fraport Skyliners Juniors dominated in this phase as Travis Thompson nailed two, while Merz and Kiel also scored from downtown. Kiel also hit a running hook shot something that ex Skyliner Ilian Evtimov had in his arsenal during the 2007-2009 years. Johannes Richter also made an alley-oop dunk as Merz made a floater that turned out to be a pass that the German rammed home. Frankfurt also upped their aggressiveness on defense as Weissenhorn got into a rut and never recovered. Anderson and Marcel Pongo scored in the last minute while Zeeb dropped another three for good measure as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors lead 54-35 at halftime. “Their play looked like us. We are one unit. The Pro B players practice with us, work hard and they play great team basketball. They were playing good defense where everyone was helping each other. It was a do or die game so everyone knew what to do”, warned Fraport Skyliner guard Jordan Theodore. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 53% from the field and 47% from the three point line while Weissenhorn was shooting 55% from the field and 50% from the three point line. Weissenhorn had the 15-12 rebound edge, but 14 turnovers while Frankfurt had five turnovers.

In the third quarter, Weissenhorn stayed on the heels of the Fraport Skyliners, but whenever they seemed to be crawling closer, they were squashed by a huge three pointer and their poor free throw shooting also slowed down their comeback. Also Tomas Dimsa was a pest for Weissenhorn as he scored 11 points in the quarter and kept their comeback at bay. Johannes Richter started off the  second half with a free throw which was followed by a Dimsa trey which extended the Frankfurt advantage to 57-36. Weissenhorn then found some daylight going on a 8-0 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 57-44. In the run, it was team leader David Kramer who scored inside and hit a three pointer. Anderson then dropped a bomb from outside. Frankfurt then went on a 10-4 run to extend their lead to 67-48. In the run, it was Dimsa that took control scoring eight points including nailing two three pointers and taking a sweet dish from Merz on the alley-opp dunk and Richter connected on a baby hook shot. Weissenhorn continued to do an excellent job executing on offense and staying with Frankfurt, but couldn´t get consistent defensive stops. After being contained well inside in the first half, Anderson got free for two buckets inside to cut the Frankfurt lead to 72-57. However Frankfurt always had somebody that hit a three pointer as this time it was role player Lennart Okeke to extend the Frankfurt lead to 75-59. Weissenhorn was still focused and not thinking about summer as they closed out the third quarter with an important 6-2 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 77-64. In the run, Weissenhorn got valuable production from Kramer on a pull up jumper, but had their free throw phobia in full swing as Marcell Pongo, Ferner and ex TV Langen forward Tom Alte connected only on one of two free throws. “Dimsa gave us a lot of energy and security in a bad phase that we were having. We took advantage of Weissenhorn not shooting their free throws well”, added Niklas Kiel. “Dimsa had a good game and hurt us with his shot. We contained him well in the fourth quarter, but it was already too late”, stressed David Kramer. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 50% from the field and 52% from the parking lot while Weissenhorn was shooting 58% from the field and 45% from the parking lot. Weissenhorn had the 21-20 rebound edge, but 14 turnovers while Frankfurt had seven turnovers.

The fourth quarter became a massive shootout that Frankfurt won 32-29. Weissenhorn was losing energy and still couldn´t find a way to get consistent stops. David Kramer nailed 15 points in the fourth quarter cutting the Frankfurt lead to near 10 points on many occasions, but the Weissenhorn defense just couldn´t get stops. Merz started off the fourth quarter with free throws, but Weissenhorn reacted with a 4-0 run as 18 year old Lukas Rosenbohm scored inside and Kramer scored on a lay in to cut the Frankfurt lead to 79-68. Weissenhorn seemed to be so close, but then again so far away as Frankfurt went on a crushing 6-0 run always having an answer as this time it was Merz hitting a trey and Zeeb making three free throws extending the Frankfurt lead to 85-68. Kramer continued to be the work horse making a trey and put back, but each time met with a Richter three pointer and Kiel lay in extending the Frankfurt advantage to 90-75. In the next two minutes Kramer was able to cut the Frankfurt lead to 13 points with two three pointers and a runner to 98-85, but each time Frankfurt had an answer as their offensive versatility was simply too overwhelming for Weissenhorn to combat. Frankfurt closed out the game and series with a 11-5 run as Dimsa finished on a fingertip roll and Okeke nailed his second three pointer of the game while Weissenhorn got a tip in dunk from Omuvwie and a Rosenbohm lay in. “We showed that we are a good shooting team and that every guy does his role and can carry the team. Okeke hit big shots and it is important to get security from our role players”, added Niklas Kiel. “At halftime we spoke about coming together and I felt we did. Everybody fought until the end not only me. Anderson continued to try to find every player and Omuvwie continued to go hard for the rebounds. We couldn´t get stops and they took advantage of us not being able to get the easiest points from the free throw line”, added David Kramer. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had six guys in double figures and were led by Tomas Dimsa with 22 points. Max Merz contributed 16 points and nine assists. Niklas Kiel and Travis Thompson chipped in with 14 points a piece and Johannes Richter had 13 points and Lennart Okeke had 10 points. The Weissenhorn Youngsters were led by David Kramer with 28 points. Chris Anderson added 13 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while Marvin Omuvwie had 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 52% from the field and 53% from outside while Weissenhorn shot 57% from the field and 40% from outside. Weissenhorn won the rebound duel 30-27, but coughed up the ball 17 times while Frankfurt had 10 turnovers.

Jordan Talbert is a 25 year old 198cm forward from Little Rock, Arkansas that is playing his second professional season with the Giants Nordlingen. He came to Germany as a rookie last season and played with the Giants TSV 1861 Noerdlingen (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 26 games: 21.6ppg, 9.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, Blocks-4(1.5bpg), FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 28.9%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college career at Missouri SO(NCAA2) from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 31 games averaging 11.7ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 70.1%. He spoke to German Hoops after the sweep of Iserlohn reaching the Pro B semi-finals.

 

 

Jordan congrats on the sweep of number one team Iserlohn. The fairy tale continues. What do you feel has been the most special part of the Nordlingen fairy tale this season?

 The best part of this season has for sure been the bond that our team has built. To add 5 new players to our team from last season and develop the chemistry we have on and off the court is incredible.

The Nordlingen Giants are now 4-1 in the playoffs and are sitting in the semi-finals. How has the team progressed in the playoffs since the 2 game losing streak to end the season?

I think those 2 loses gave us a chance to regroup, refocus, and recognize that we have play at a much higher level if we want to be successful in the playoffs.

How important was it setting the tone in the first quarter by scoring 24 points as a team and showing Iserlohn that it would have to be a battle for them to escape home with the series tied 1-1?

We knew we wanted to have a great start to the game. If we gave them confidence early it would’ve been tough for us to win. The supporters were also huge for us. They gave us a tremendous amount of energy and motivation.

In the second quarter after a tighter first quarter, Nordlingen was able to break away and lead 52-37. Did Iserlohn get a good dose of true Nordlingen basketball that makes it difficult for the opponent to react to?

We played well in the second quarter. I think they got a little frustrated with how the game was going and we were able to take advantage of that.

With 20 minutes to go, and a 52-37 lead, what was the most vital thing that head coach Mario Matic told the team not to forget to do in the last 20 minutes?

 He just told us to continue to play our game and not to lose focus. A 15 point lead is not much to rest on especially against a good team.

In the second half the Nordlingen Giants wore down Iserlohn never letting them get closer than 10 points. How vital was the last 20 minutes in showing the team one more time just how good they are closing out the a top ranked team despite having a thinner bench?

Closing out the game the way we did is just an example of our toughness, physically and mentally. We were exhausted but we wanted to win so we pushed through as a team to finish the game.

You had another solid game scoring 15 points and having 11 rebounds. What kind of a feeling do you have not only after a win like this, but also once again seeing the nonstop contribution from everyone never letting down during the course of the game?

It’s a great feeling. We play our best basketball when everyone is involved. For everyone to have confidence in themselves and each other to go out there and contribute is the reason we are still playing right now.

After a big game like this do you feel that the team recognizes your stellar defensive game with 3 steals and 3 blocks as well?

Of course I do. I think my team knows that I take pride in playing defense and that I will always have their back on that end of the floor.

You and Brandon Lockhart were the lock down guys on defense, but the team also got solid support from others. It seems like the offense of you two is the most vital for the team, but how vital could this defensive consistency be for the team in the series against the talented Ehingen team?

Our defense is really the foundation of our team. If we get stops the better our offense is because we get to run which is something we like to do.

The Giants Nordlingen now face Ehingen and will attempt the next upset. Nordlingen split the season series with them. What kind of series can we await?

Ehingen is a very good team. They have a lot of good pieces but I’m confident in my team and our ability. I don’t know what to expect from the series but I do expect the Giants to come ready play.

What will be key to having further success against a very talented Ehingen team?

Our defense and rebounding. If we do those things well we have a chance against anyone.

You had a good series against them scoring 16 points twice. Will your adrenaline go up another notch when game one arises and how good do you already feel now about going out and doing work?

 I’m definitely motivated right now. I don’t want this season to end just yet. I know that whatever I did against them in the regular season means nothing if I don’t help the team in the playoffs.

The Golden State Warriors recently got the NBA regular season record of 73 wins. Who would win a game today the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls or Golden State Warriors?

I would pick the Bulls. I would never pick against Jordan and Pippen in their prime.

Kobe Bryant recently played his last game. He ended his illustrious career with 60 points. What was your favorite Kobe moment in his career?

 My favorite Kobe moment would be game 6 of the 2008 finals when they lost against the Celtics by 40. I was never a Kobe fan but I have the upmost for him as a player. He’s drive and dedication is definitely something that inspires me.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Martian.

Thanks Jordan for the chat.

 

If one had been out on a rare Saturday night and not had the pleasure to watch a basketball game in some gym in Germany, but rather sat through the 151 minute Batman Vs Superman the Dawn Of Justice to see if the world will be back to normal with the help of the Ben Affleck character Batman bringing the Superman character Henry Cavill back down to earth and then come home to read the unbelievable 107-38 massacre of a score in Weissenhorn, it wouldn´t have been difficult to guess that the team on the losing side would have been the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. Of course some kind of flu could have broken out with both teams, but the chance that it was the Frankfurt team was simply greater, because the Beko BBL team had been together in London, England on a 4 day team building seminar where many of the double license players that also compete for the farm team were away seeing a new way of life in the Reykjavik on the Thames. On any night when the Fraport Skyliners Juniors have all or most of their double license players on board, they can beat anyone in the league. In game one, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were without the baby twin towers Johannes Richter and Niklas Kiel as well as Germans Tim Oldenburg, Stefan Ilzhoefer and Max Merz and Lithuanian Tomas Dimsa and together these fine six players average 76 points per game. It also didn´t help the Frankfurt cause in game one that second top scorer American Travis Thompson mustered only nine points and went one for nine from the parking lot. The Fraport Skyliners juniors now were faced with a do or die game at home and would need to win two games in a row to advance at home within 72 hours. Recently the Fraport Skyliners had a do or die game in the Fiba Europe Cup and got by Israeli team Maccabi Rishon and now their farm team wanted to follow the tradition in 2016 with continuing the positive trend and also pull a do or die win stunt and did coasting by the Weissebhorn Youngsters 77-64. The game meant a lot to Alaska native Travis Thompson who hadn´t had luck in school with these must win games and also was looking for some revenge on his terrible 1/9 shooting day in game one in Weissenhorn. “I had had my share of do or die games in college, but didn´t have too much luck in those type of games. I wasn´t ready to go home the 4,651 Miles to Alaska, but still wanted to stay here. I really like it here and my teammates”, smiled Fraport Skyliner Junior Travis Thompson. For California native Chris Anderson, he felt like Quantez Robertson as his legs got an extra workout as he logged 39.33 minutes which topped his 28 minutes from last week, but in game two with three key players missing, he was the mega work horse that really had the game in his hands at all times and did a good job in the first half keeping a depleted team close to Frankfurt. “I was definitely more tired today and I knew that I had to step up with guys missing. We battled the whole game and always had to fight back. Frankfurt has great ball movement and shot the ball very well. We played ok on defense and had our runs, but it came down to them shooting better and making the right plays to win”, added Ex university of San Diego guard Chris Anderson. Even if Fraport Skyliners Juniors head coach Eric Detlev had a smile on his face, he rather would have wanted his cute black Labrador to explain what was key to winning game two as he wasn´t pleased with the team play of Frankfurt. “It was important that we won this game so our season could continue. Weissenhorn had no pressure and it didn´t surprise me that they played with heart. We let them play with us. We will have to be a lot better in game three”, warned Eric Detlev.

In the  first quarter nobody would have thought that the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had a big advantage on paper as the Weissenhorn Beko BBL license players David Kramer and Joschka Ferner were missing playing against the Giessen 46ers and ex BBL veteran Nils Mittman was also out and after 10 minutes the score was deadlocked at 22-22. Weissenhorn took the quick 5-2 lead as athletic German Marvin Omuvwie scored on a lay in and ex Finke Baskets forward Till Pape buried a three pointer as he was fed nicely by Anderson who had made a pretty crossover in traffic and then kicked it out to the big man in the corner. However Frankfurt quickly found their rhythm going on a 7-0 run to retake the 9-5 lead as 2014 NBBL rookie of the year Niklas Kiel snuck inside for a lay in, Thompson found Tim Oldenburg for a lay in and Lithuanian Tomas Dimsa nailed a three pointer. Weissenhorn knew that they could decide the series on the road and were aggressive from the get go and stopped the Frankfurt run and then ignited their own 10-3 run to retake the lead at 15-12. Weissemhorn mixed it up getting great support from big man Pape with a trey, Bjoern Rohwer running the fast break like a guard and scoring, Omuvwie hitting a floater and Nicolas Moebus a three pointer. Both teams continued to execute well on offense as Frankfurt got three pointers from Ilzhoefer and Thompson and Weissenhorn from Omuvwie. Both teams then closed out the first quarter with 4-0 runs as Frankfurt led 22-18 with buckets from Kiel on the fast break and Johannes Richter free throws and Weissenhorn baskets from Rohwer with a hook shot and Anderson with an acrobatic lay in. “Weissenhorn showed early that they are a good team despite being shorthanded. They took advantage of pushing the ball when we missed shots. We were still finding our rhythm which came as the game went on”, stated Travis Thompson. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 47% from the field and 40% from outside while the Weissenhorn Youngsters were shooting 53% from the field and 67% from outside. The rebound battle was tied at 8-8 and both teams had three turnovers a piece.

The second quarter remained a fierce battle between both teams as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had a nasty opponent on their heels that they simply were unable to shoo away like a fly on a hot summer´s night. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors started off hungry in the second quarter going on a 5-0 run to extend their lead to 27-22. The run was started by a Tim Oldenburg lay in and free throw and two free throws from Paderborn native Marius Nolte. Frankfurt stepped up their defense in the opening minutes forcing Weissenhorn to three consecutive turnovers on their first three possessions. However Frankfurt had more difficulty executing on offense allowing Weissenhorn to get new opportunities and Chris Anderson used his biggest strength getting into the lane and scoring twice to cut the Frankfurt advantage to 29-28. Anderson was keeping Weissenhorn in the game with his aggressive offensive mind set while Frankfurt was uncharacteristically leaving open shots on the rim or short. However with a potent offensive team like the Fraport Skyliners Juniors, you will only have so many chances to capitalize on their misses as sooner or later they will start to hit shots in bunches. And that is exactly what they did exploding on a 11-3 run to take the 40-31 lead. In the run, they received a 20 footer jumper from Kiel, Stefan Ilzhoefer jumper and back to back three pointers by Thompson and Garai Zeeb. After a Moebus lay in, it was Thompson who nailed another trey as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors led 43-35 at the break. “It has been unfortunate that both teams were missing key players in the first two games. Both teams played very hard in the first half. I still thought that Frankfurt was moving the ball well and playing good defense. Anderson obviously had to do a lot tonight with scoring, passing and rebounding. He did a good job getting into the lane and finding his teammates and is tough to guard. At the end, he made a nice offensive rebound over our bigs off his own miss”, added Fraport Skyliners guard Jordan Theodore. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 41% from the field and 32% from the three point line while Weissenhorn was shooting 48% from the field and 63% from the three point line. Weissenhorn had the 20-16 rebound edge, but 12 turnovers while Frankfurt had five turnovers.

In the third quarter, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were able to open it up more as further turnovers and the Frankfurt versatile offensive arsenal was growing and growing as Weissenhorn was having more difficulty to cope with it. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors got on the board quickly with two Thompson three pointers to extend their lead to 49-37. However Weissenhorn never gave up and made big buckets in a phase where Frankfurt was lurking to really run away with the game. Weissenhorn went on a 5-0 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 49-42 as 19 year old Hungarian guard Marcell Pongo dropped a three pointer and Omuvwie scored inside. Frankfurt had success playing their inside out game and always had the option of getting the open three or banging the ball inside on occasion as Oldenburg scored twice and Johannes Richter powered home a two handed dunk as Frankfurt extended their lead to 57-45 and continued to keep Weissenhorn at bay as they couldn´t get stops on defense. After a Pape lay in, it was Richter who nailed a three pointer as Frankfurt led 60-47. Weissenhorn was unable to take the momentum into the third quarter despite free throws from German Lukas Rosenbohm and Chris Anderson as Weissenhorn cut the Frankfurt lead to 62-52. On the last play with 3,4 seconds to play, it was Max Merz that had the inbounds play and found a rapidly moving Tomas Dimsa escape to the other wing who was all open and taking the beautiful ball reversal pass from the German and unleashing a three pointer that splashed like there was tomorrow and Frankfurt led 65-52 after three quarters. “We stuck together and capitalized on defense. We did a good job shutting down Anderson better and making him have to make the difficult pass”, expressed Travis Thompson. “When we dig down on defense, we can get teams to become sloppy on offense. We want to make the game ugly. Our rotations were ok, but they still hit many three pointers”, stressed Chris Anderson. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 44% from the field and 36% from the parking lot while Weissenhorn was shooting 50% from the field and 60% from the parking lot. Weissenhorn had the 27-22 rebound edge, but 18 turnovers while Frankfurt had nine turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, fatigue and turnovers were present on both sides as well as less execution keeping the scoring down. Weissenhorn was able to cut the lead down to eight points with two minutes, but Frankfurt then pulled out the win with a 5-0 run to end the game. Weissenhorn had absolutely no clue how to keep Travis Thompson in check as he started the fourth quarter nailing his sixth three pointer of the contest. Weissenhorn was tiring and taking more difficult shots and some even fell like the fingertip roll lay in from ex TBB Trier guard Luca Breu to cut the Frankfurt lead to 68-54. Even when Frankfurt missed shots or turned the ball over, Weissenhorn would cough up the ball right away again as they couldn´t bring any calmness into their game. After a Kiel offensive rebound and put back, Weissenhorn mustered together another run as Anderson hit a three pointer and Pape a lay in as Anderson found him all alone down low cutting the Frankfurt lead to 70-59. Frankfurt then capitalized on an Omuvwie turnover as Dimsa got out ahead of the pack and scored the easy bucket on transition as Frankfurt led 72-59. Weissenhorn then used their absolute last speck of energy as ex Baskets Rendsburg center Bjoern Rohwer scored back to back baskets inside to cut the Frankfurt advantage to 72-64. However time was running out on Weissenhorn and the Fraport Skyliners Juniors slammed the door shut with a 5-0 run as Kiel hit a jumper and Thompson his seventh three of the evening. “Weissenhorn was tired at the end as they were missing key guys. Key in game three will be stopping their transition and rebounding”, stressed Travis Thompson. “We got tired at the end. Every new three pointer they hit made our energy go down a bit more. Their ball movement reminds me a lot of the San Antonio Spurs. Frankfurt is a very good team. Even when I thought that we rotated well, they still had a guy open”, stressed Chris Anderson. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Travis Thompson with 23 points. Stefan Ilzhoefer had 11 points and Niklas Kiel 10 points and eight rebounds. The Weissenhorn Youngsters were led by Chris Anderson with 17 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Bjoern Rohwer and Marvin Omuvwie chipped in with 12 points a piece and Till Pape had 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 41% from the field and 35% from outside while Weissenhorn shot 47% from the field and 47% from outside. Weissenhorn won the rebounding duel 38-31, but had 25 turnovers while Frankfurt had 12 turnovers.