Tarique Thompson is a 24 year old 196cm forward from Raeford, North Carolina playing his rookie season in Germany with MTV Herzoege Wolfenbuettel (Germany-ProB). He played with High Point (NCAA) from 2013-2017 playing a total of 107 games and as a senior played 31 games averaging 10.0ppg, 5.2rpg, FGP: 58.7%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 77.3%. He spoke to German Hoops before the start of the Pro B playoffs against the Dragons Rhondorf.
Tarique thanks for talking to German Hoops. You just completed the regular season with MTV Herzoege Wolfenbuettel. What kind of overall experience was your first season overseas like?
My first season overseas was a great experience, The game is played slightly different here, I had to get used to not taking a step before I put the ball down so I was adjusting to that, it took a while but I got used to it pretty fast. I’m in a nice town, and as far as meeting people it wasn’t that hard because I’m more of a people person because I’ve moved around as a kid so many times because my mom and dad was in the Military so adjusting to the culture wasn’t really that hard for me, the only thing that I would say was hard was the time difference.
How proud are you of the team in general of making the playoffs and bouncing back after the poor year last season?
I’m really proud of the accomplishments that we’ve had this year, everybody has worked extremely hard to get where we are at right now. Making the playoffs is a great thing to do but we don’t just want to make the playoffs, we want to win it!!! The coaching staff is amazing, Coach Steve is a great coach and he knows the game extremely well. Yes we’re the players playing on the court but he’s the main reason we are where we are now because its more than just scoring more points it’s how you do it and the way you do it and he’s taught us every step of the way. Last years season I don’t think was as structured as it was this year, Not taking anything away from their coach they had last year.
Melvin Ejim is a 27 year old 201cm forward from Brampton, Ontario playing his fourth professional season and first with Unics Kazan (Russia-VTB). Last season he won the Italian Serie A title and reached the Basketball Champions League Final 4 with Umana Reyer Venezia. IN the 2015-2016 season he played with the Orlando Magic (NBA), released in Oct.’15, then moved to Erie Bay Hawks (D-League) playing 39 games averaging 14.6ppg, 7.7rpg, 3.1apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 51.8%, 3FGP: 33.0%, FT: 79.1%, in Mar.’16 signed at Umana Reyer Venezia (Italy-Serie A) playing 16 games averaging.9.3ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 75.0%. In his rookie season he played with Virtus Acea Roma (Italy-Serie A) playing 29 games averaging 7.7ppg, 6.3rpg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 77.1%. In the Eurocup he played 18 games averaging 8.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.0%. He played at Iowa State from 2010-2014 playing a total of 135 NCAA games and as a senior played 34 games averaging 17.8ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 76.1%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup do or die game against FC Bayern Munich in Kazan.
Melvin thanks for talking to German Hoops. A tough 83-75 loss in Munich. On what things did you think about most during the long road trip back?
We had a lot on our minds on our long road trip back to Kazan. It was a tough game. We just couldn´t get over the hump at the end and make shots. It was tough for me as well. I had a very bad shooting game. I had some pretty good looks down the stretch, but they just didn´t want to fall. Despite the loss, I felt like we played pretty well limiting their transition game and offensive rebounds. We could have done a better job against their pick and roll. All it came down to was had we made just a few more stops we could have won. They opened up the game a bit at the end and just rode it out. Munich played well.
Unics Kazan (Russia-VTB) shot near 50% from downtown and limited FC Bayern Munich well from outside. But FC Bayern Munich killed you inside. How confident are you that you can advance on your home court?
Munich did a good job playing their game in Munich. We have to do the same at home and play our game. When we do that then we always have a good chance to win. We have to prepare mentally and do what we have to do and win at home. We have our backs to the wall, but expect to return to Munich.
Your playing your first season with Unics Kazan (Russia-VTB). Was the ambition to play VTB and Eurocup higher than returning back to Venice and defend your Serie A title?
Yes definitely that was why I left Venice for Kazan. Despite winning the Italian Serie A and reaching the Basketball Champions League final 4, I felt that it was time to make the next step. It has always been my goal since arriving in Europe to get to the highest level there. For me being able to play for Kazan and play in the competitive VTB and play Eurocup was a challenge and a stepping stone in my career.
Unics Kazan (Russia-VTB) is playing great in the VTB league and have a better record than powerhouse CSKA Moscow. What has been the secret to the success in this competition?
The secret has been that we have been very consistent in the VTB. We also have played very well whenever we needed to pulling out some tough wins including some buzzer beaters and some balls going our way. We have done a good job taking care of business and making those late game plays needed to win games. We have shown in the VTB that everyone is sacrificing for the good of the team to win.
How challenging has the VTB been for you in comparison to all other leagues you have played in? You had a tough loss to CSKA Moscow, but a strong game and win against Khimki scoring 16 points.
It has definitely been an adjustment for me this season playing in the VTB. The VTB league has been a lot different style to what I have been used to. From the officiating to how teams defend, it has been a lot different for me. It has been a rocky start for me, but I just concentrated on helping my team win in any way I could. I have shown glimpses of my talent, but at the end of the day it´s all about winning. I just try to play my best at this level and continue to move forward in my game.
You’re a veteran, but how important has a guy like Stephanie Lasme been for you in your fourth season as you continue to develop further as a player?
He has been great, but it hasn´t only been him, but also the other veterans like Jamar Smith, Joaquin Colom or Anton Ponkrashov. All these guys have been important for me. All have played at different levels and have helped guide me this season. It has been great learning from them this season.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet and your athleticism really stands out. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would you choose?
I get the most comparisons to Draymond Green. I´m a guy who can rebound, defend, make passes and be a consistent scorer.
You have never been the total dominating scorer, but had some season where your consistent scoring was present like in your senior season at Iowa State, in the G-league and last season with Venice. Is it hard to accept not being that dominant scorer all the time or are you more content being that versatile all-around player?
I am more content being that versatile player. I bring a lot to the table and I have shown that I can be that scorer or go to guy like in my senior year at Iowa State, but for me the most important thing is to do those things that my team needs at that moment to win. I have shown that I have many skills like scoring, rebounding or defending. For me it is a bigger value being able to do many things than just that one thing. I know that my role will always change where ever I play and key is always being able to adapt and play well. That has been a big defining skill in my career that I have been able to do.
You’re a guy that can fill up the stat sheet, but what do you feel is still a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?
Passing has been something that has been off the radar. I have always been able to help get guys shots or be able to create for others. I don´t average huge assists, but I don´t always get the direct assist, but am involved in some way in getting that basket. You can call it the volley ball or hockey assist.
Do you still think back often on last season´s very exciting final series against Dolomiti? The series was tied 2-2 and Umana VE won game five and game six by no more than 5 points combined. What do you remember most vividly from these two incredible wins?
I think my biggest memory in that series against Dolomiti was actually the game three buzzer beater by Michael Bramos. That win was huge, because we had been down the whole game, but had stayed in the game and that buzzer beater was big. The atmosphere was huge at home and being together with my teammates in the trenches and getting that win against an underdog team was big. I really needed to win the series in six games and not seven games. The reason was because I was getting married and had there been a game seven, I would have missed my own wedding. There was so much emotion in the series, and I can remember telling the guys I needed to win in six and not seven games and we pulled it out in six games.
In the 2015-2016 season you saw it all. You had a great NBA Summer League impressing the Magic and made their training camp roster. Then you were cut right before the regular season started and played in the G-League and then got cut in March. Did you lose hope in the NBA process after experiencing all that?
I had my ups and downs. It was a long season. I had signed with the Orlando Magic and got cut right before the start of the regular season. I then played in the G-League for a few months and finished my season in Europe in Venice, Italy. I didn´t lose faith in the NBA with that season. I understood that getting there would be different and that I would have to take a different avenue. Reaching the NBA has to do with the situation. The Magic made a few trades and so much changed for me. I learned valuable information about the NBA and met important people. My way to the NBA didn´t work then. So now my plan is to keep building my brand and stock in Europe and showing value in hopes of getting to the NBA one day.
Do you ever realize that anything can happen in basketball? When you were with the Orlando Magic, you had to battle your ex rival from Iowa Devyn Marble who got the job, but as of now isn´t playing this season. How tough was that whole season seeing this develop?
It was a little different than how you describe it. Marble had been on the team and played with them the season before. At that time when I was there the Magic had 15 roster spots and there was only one opening. When I was sent to the G-league my goal was to get a call up. Marble also was sent down and he wanted to get back to the NBA while I just wanted a chance in the NBA. It was great being teammates with him and he is a great guy. He has had some tough injuries and I hope that he can recover from them. It was tough playing in the G-league as there were a lot of emotions involved.
You had a very good season with the Erie Bay Hawks (D-League) playing 39 games averaging 14.6ppg, 7.7rpg, 3.1apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 51.8%, 3FGP: 33.0%, FT: 79.1%. Did you ever have a feeling you might get a NBA call up?
I did early on as I played well. But as always it had to do with the situation that they were in. They had some guards go down and didn´t need forwards. I felt that I was playing well and was shooting the ball well. In my mind, I was playing the right way. Of course, I was disappointed that it didn´t happen. I continued to keep grinding and become successful in a different way and showed that in Europe.
You didn´t participate in the NBA Summer League in the last two seasons. Have you put the NBA on hold for now or is there always a back door open for it?
The NBA is always a possibility for me. The past two summers, I had some situations where I couldn´t play. In 2016 I chose to play with the Canadian national team. Last summer, my season in Italy ended in late June and I got married. I just didn´t have time to play NBA Summer League. I just take it as it comes and am always doing what is best for my family.
Does your ex teammate Julyan Stone motivate you for that NBA dream? He is back at the big show after toiling in Europe for some years. He didn´t put up great stats last season with Umana Reyer Venezia. Is this the best example that the NBA is still there for you to grab?
Definitly Julyan gives me motivation for my NBA dream. He didn´t have unbelievable numbers, but Julyan plays the game the right way. He has the skill set and knows the NBA. He had a tough injury, but he is a very versatile player and he is back on his way up. He is an excellent example of a guy who continued to build his brand and continued staying relevant playing the game the right way. The NBA came back to him and found use for him. I am happy that he could return back to the NBA.
As a rookie you played with Virtus Acea Roma (Italy-Serie A) playing 29 games averaging 7.7ppg, 6.3rpg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 77.1%; In the Eurocup, you played 18 games averaging 8.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.0%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you were very far away from home in Canada?
I never had problems with having to get adjusted to a new culture as I left Canada early going to Iowa State. The biggest transition for me was the different basketball style in Europe. I saw some of the style playing for Canada, but seeing the flopping and the steps was an adjustment at first. I learned to adjust to the European style and be successful. Being able to play and live in Rome as a rookie had a big effect on me. It was an amazing experience being able to experience the culture in Rome.
I have interviewed your ex teammates Jordan Morgan and Brandon Triche as well as Bobby Jones over the years and I have never heard a negative thing about your ex teammate Bobby Jones. How important was he for you as a young kid coming from Iowa State to Rome?
Bobby Jones was such an interesting person on so many levels. He was such an important person for young guys like Jordan and I. We could always go to him for advice and he told us his experiences in the NBA and gave us great ideas for what we can do after basketball. He is such a dynamic guy that is so involved with his movies that he is making. He taught us so much about how we can gain the most with our European experience and that we should never limit ourselves, but should pursue other aspects in life. On top of that he was a hell of a player. He had a lot to give to us on and off the court.
Did you even realize how lucky you were being able to live in the historic Rome. When you look back at your rookie season what did you cherish most about the city?
At that time no I didn´t. Now years later, I have realized how lucky I was being able to play as a rookie there and experience the culture. The people were so laid back and the food was great. It was incredible being able to drive past so many historic places. It was an amazing experience being there.
You played at Iowa State from 2010-2014. You achieved so much there. Where do you rank your incredible 48 point explosion against TCU?
That was definitely one of those games that I look back on fondly. I had so many great achievements there. I remember the TCU game as one where I went in not expecting any big game from me, but just wanted to win. I got some early dunks and buckets in transition. After that my team started looking for me and finding me. I really had no idea how well I was scoring until halfway through the second half where my teammates were egging me on and telling me how well I was doing.
In your last three seasons you had a 2-1 record against archrival Iowa. What will you never forget about this rivalry?
I might have been 3-1 actually. The atmosphere was so incredible in every game. Being able to win against Iowa was always a great feeling. It always meant so much to the fans and being able to win gave us a great feeling.
You beat North Carolina 85-83 and in your last NCAA game lost to Uconn 81-76. Was this one of your toughest loses in the NCAA?
I had some other tough loses. It was tough going out against Shabazz Napier and Uconn and then seeing them win it all in 2014. But the year before we lost to Ohio State on a buzzer beater by Aaron Craft and the year before that we lost to Kentucky and Anthony Davis who would go on to win it all also. We were really in good position to win some games, but the NCAA tournament just shows how hard it is to get far and win. I´m thankful we did get far in some tournaments. I played well against North Carolina. Even if these loses were tough, it was basketball at it´s purist. I will never forget my time in the NCAA. They were great and fun times as a youth.
You only played one season with Will Clyburn. What memories do you have of the head to head battles and is he another one of those guys you look up to now being he is a Euroleague player?
My relationship with Will has grown so much over the years. I respect and admire him so much and strive to be like him. He has put in so much work to be able to play at the highest level and be successful. We have had many battles on the court over the summers. He is a great friend. It is great to see how hard work has helped him get to the highest level. He is an important friend for me,
How did head coach Fred Hoiberg groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?
Fred was so great. He wasn´t only a great basketball mind, but was a great guy. He taught me at Iowa State how to act the right way on and off the court. I am happy that I was able to experience basketball at the highest level. His coaching helped us be successful there and after as a professional.
Who won a one on one in practice you or Will Clyburn?
He will say him and I say me. We had many battles then and still have them today. Our battles have gone back and forth over the years.
Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?
Joel Embiid. He was already incredible as a freshman. He was difficult to guard. Thomas Robinson was tough as well as the Morris twins and Doug Mcdermott.
You played at the 2018 World Cup qualifying games recently for Canada. What kind of experience was it playing for Gordon Herbert? He belongs to the best coaches in the BBL. Did some of his defensive schemes rub off on you?
Yes in the short time where I played for him in the last weeks, some of his defensive schemes did rub off on me. He challenged me on defense. He is a great coach. His coaching style wasn´t only beneficial for me, but also for Canada. We showed great basketball and showed that we could play at the highest level.
In 2015 you won a Gold at the Marchand Cup and Bronze with Canada at the Fiba Americas cup. You were teammates with Philip Scrubb. He is a legendary CIS player from Carleton that is playing in Germany. Do you keep tabs on your ex teammates and did you notice his game among so many of the athletic teamamtes then?
I noticed Phil Scrubb right away. He has always had a great reputation in Canada and showed how good his skills were in the CIS. I have played with him in some teams. He is a quiet guy, but his skill set speaks volumes. During the summers when he is in Toronto, he is all over the place playing in various tournaments. He has had health issues, but when he is fit, he can shoot the ball so well. Everyone knows Phil in Toronto. I keep tabs on him and have ties not only to him, but also to his brother Tommy. My younger brother played with him at Carleton
If you had to construct your own NBA Rushmore which 4 heads would you chose?
Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James
Lebron James failed to win his fourth NBA title and is still three away from Michael Jordan. Where does Lebron stand right now in your opinion in the never ending debate of who is the best of all-time?
I think that it will be hard for Lebron to pass Jordan. Jordan was so iconic how he changed the game. I think many believe that Lebron will never pass him. Jordan will always be the greatest. Lebron will eventually pass him statistically as one of the best to ever play the game.
There has been criticism of Russell Westbrook to be focusing more on rebounding to help inflate his stats and possibilities of getting triple doubles instead of focusing on his defensive assignments. Do you feel that this is a fair assessment to the player Russell Westbrook?
I don´t think it´s a fair assessment to him. He has to do so much for his team. He won so many games for his team when people never thought it could be done. It really doesn´t matter if he is stacking his stats or not, because nobody can stop him anyway.
How do you summarize the 2017 NBA Draft. What sleepers do you see playing a role in the NBA?
Kyle Kuzma and Donovan Mitchell. I knew Mitchell would be good, but not this great.
Where will the journey of the Houston Rockets go this season with Chris Paul and James Harden in the back court. Do they have enough to make a serious run at the title or is something missing?
The Rockets have a great team this season. If there is anyone who can beat the Warriors in a playoff series, it’s the Rockets. It will depend how well they shoot the ball. They are a high volume shooting team. It will depend if they stay hot.
How do you rate the Kyrie Irving-Isaiah Thomas trade? Who got the better deal and which team will profit better in the long run?
Boston got the better deal. Boston has been playing at a high level with Kyrie Irving.
What was your take on the Cavs wheeling and dealing sending away Thomas, Wade and Rose? How quickly will they be successful?
The Cavs had no choice. They are a better team now. They may not have the better individual players, but as a team, they are better. They will be good over time.
Where will the journey of the Oklahoma Thunder go this season with Westbrook, George and Anthony? Can they make a serious run in the west?
The Thunder have potential. It will be interesting to see what they can do with Mello, Westbrook and George.
What was the last movie that you saw? I will predict it was Black Panther since that has been a favorite of basketball players in my last 7-8 interviews.
I wish it was, but they haven´t shown it in Kazan yet. My last movie was Icarus.
Thanks Melvin for the chat.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Melvin Ejim after a 2018 Eurocup game in Frankfurt
Michael Holton JR is a 26 year old 185cm guard from Portland, Oregon that is playing his second professional season and first in Germany with RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf (Germany-ProB).Currently he is averaging 20,3ppg, 4,7rpg and 3,4apg and shooting 44% from outside As a rookie two years ago he played with ECE Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 38 games averaging 8.4ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 75.7%; He also played 6 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 10.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 87.5%. He started his basketball career in 2010 at St.Michael’s (NCAA2) and as a senior played 17 games averaging 14.9ppg, 4,5rpg, 3,8apg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 79.6%. He spoke to German Hoops about his season in Germany.
Michael thanks for talking to German Hoops. You played your rookie season with ECE Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-A Bundesliga) and took a step back to play in the German Pro B league for RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf. When looking back at the season did you regret having made this decision?
I have no regrets this season playing in this league or with Stahnsdorf. I’m actually extremely grateful for the opportunity I’ve had this season to play for Stahnsdorf and in the Pro B. Basketball is my passion and every opportunity I get to go out and play is a blessing. I’ve enjoyed my experience this season being able to do what I love and I’ve been able to learn a lot from it.
In our first interview last summer you stated “Everybody has been working really hard early on here in the preseason and I can really tell that we have a great group of guys who are ready to train hard and go out and compete”. The team was rewarded in the first game with a win against Wolfenbuettel, but then lost 11 of 12 games. Did a few loses effect the team mentality in the early going that didn´t allow the team to get out of it´s funk?
We had a really rough patch and needed to keep showing up every day and putting the work in regardless of the game results. We lost a lot of those games in the final minutes. It was a really tough challenge for our young team, but we’ve been steadily learning and improving as a unit over the course of the season.
The team has had a lot of difficulty on the defensive end allowing 82 points per game. What have been the main reasons for the club not being able to be more consistent on the defensive end?
Throughout the season we’ve had some injuries, roster changes, and have gone into some games undersized; we’ve needed to adjust and throw teams different looks. The entire season has been a learning process for all of us. When we defend with a high level of energy and together as a team, we’re very competitive against anybody.
It didn´t help in that losing streak that you also lost three games by three points or less. When looking back at those three games, do you realize that had you won those three games, you might be in the playoffs now instead of the playdowns?
It’s always tough to go back and look at those close games and see the plays where you could have done something differently on offense or defense and think what could have been, and hindsight is always 20/20. I believe had we collectively been playing how we are now as a team in the first half of the season that we could be a team heading into the playoffs rather than the playdowns.
How confident are you that the Playdowns will be a success for Stahnsdorf? You go into the playdowns having won three of your last four games.
I’m very proud of our group of guys for all the work we’ve continued to put in over the course of the season. It’s hard to take a lot of losses, but we’ve been continuously learning from them and have steadily improved up to this point in the season. We’ve been playing good basketball lately and winning our last 3 out of 4 games is a testament to that resiliency. We like how we’re playing and we like our chances heading into playdowns.
The club had two dominant import players with you and Josh Smith. Do you feel like depth was missing from having been able to win more games?
Not necessarily. One of the challenges in team sports is to find a way to win with what you have available. There will always be adversity.
How much of a pleasure has it been being teammates with Josh Smith? What did you learn to appreciate most about his game?
Josh is a great teammate, a hard worker, and a very unselfish player. It’s really easy to play with him because he can make his teammates better, and he makes everyone’s jobs easier with his presence on the court.
How have you seen the development of German point guard Colin Craven? He has developed nicely since 2014 with Stahnsdorf. Do you see him making the next jump to a higher league?
This is my first season being around Colin and getting to see how he is as a player and teammate. He’s a fierce competitor and has a lot of tools in his kit. He’s improved a lot over the course of the season and I know he has what it takes to make the next steps in his career and play at a higher level.
How content have you been with your game this season with Stahnsdorf. Currently your averaging 20,3ppg, 4,5rpg and 3,8apg and are shooting 42% from outside.
Content is not a perspective I have as a basketball player. The goal is to always get better.
You never shot as well as this season from outside. Has your improved accuracy from outside been with putting up more reps or better shot selection?
Shooting is something that I’ve paid a lot of attention to over the course of my career with repetition and routine and, as long as basketball is played with a scoreboard, scoring will always be important. However, my learning curve this season has taught me that while getting good shots and the ability to score is an important skill set, true effectiveness can only come from team execution. My coaching staff and team put me in a position to get good shots and I play with a group of guys that execute.
How would you classify your overall development as a defender. In the last four seasons you have never averaged a steal a game per season. How do you justify being a solid defender from your overall abilities that isn´t based on getting steals?
I don’t necessarily think that you have to get steals to play good defense. The most important thing to me defensively is to keep the ball in front of me and to limit the amount of times our defense gets rotated. My personal challenge defensively is to not give up straight line drives towards the basket. I want to limit the amount of possessions that I give up dribble penetration, which is always a challenge for anybody who is tasked with defending primary ball handlers.
Where would you rank your 39 point explosion against top Pro B team Artland Dragons in your all-time best games as a professional?
It’s up there. We had been in a tough stretch and really needed a win, especially going into the Christmas break. Being able to have a game like that and win against a highly ranked opponent was a special feeling.
You had some very good games this season. Do you feel like you could have been even more aggressive and less unselfish in certain games that you had lost?
I’ve played on teams where I’ve scored a lot and we had some success and I’ve also scored a lot on teams that didn’t have so much success. One thing I know is that basketball is a team sport. We go to work together every day in practice, know what each other are capable of, and trust in each other’s abilities out on the floor.
You obviously have the ability to take over games. Do see yourself being able to heighten your game even more during the playdowns? Is your playmaking something you see needing to be better when you take on the challenge of the playdowns?
Situational awareness is important, and we are all aware that this time of the season calls for all of us to be playing our best basketball. Every day I wake up I feel a personal pressure to be better as a person and as a basketball player. I like being in a leadership position on this team and I accept the responsibility of playing well. My number one goal right now is to go out and play well enough to help my team survive and advance, no matter what is required of me on the floor.
Who was the toughest guard that you battled against this season? Possibly Demetrius Ward of Wolfenbuettel?
There’s a lot of talented guards and tough teams in this league. Demetrius Ward from Wolfenbuettel and Pierre Bland from Artland are both guards that do a lot for their teams and can impact games in a big way with scoring, playmaking, and defense.
From your experience this season in the Pro B, what teams do you see having the best chance of winning the Pro B title?
I think it will be interesting to see how things finish for Artland, Woflenbuettel, Schalke and Bernau as I believe they all have a good chance at the title.
With March Madness just around the corner. Who are some of the favorites to reach the Final 4 and who are your sleepers?
March Madness is such a special and unique time in sports, I’m excited to see how the brackets shape up on Selection Sunday. I think that Duke and Villanova are really strong this year as usual, and there’s some other teams not ranked as highly that are rolling right now like Michigan and Gonzaga. Can’t wait to watch.
How will the Cavs react on the court after trading away their stars Thomas, Wade and Rose and becoming younger? Where will their journey go in the next years?
They’ve got a completely different look to them now in comparison to how their roster looked and how they were playing prior to trading away those stars. Maybe it was what they needed to do, by getting some younger guys that are also really good. LeBron has shown over his career that he’s able to lead all kinds of teams into the post season and even the finals. So I think they will be okay. In today’s NBA it seems like anything can happen now with trades and free agency periods. It’s really hard to forecast a team’s future with how things have gone in recent off-seasons.
This season Dragons Rhondorf guard Kameron Taylor has flashed that winning smile on most occasions simply because the regular season was a smashing success and loses weren´t as prevalent as last season where the team was denied the playoffs. On account of his MVP like season where he in most cases than not must have felt like a man playing against boys as scoring at times felt as easy as it was for Russell Westbrook to register triple doubles last season and nailing two back to back triple doubles against BBC Coburg and Dresden kept his smile in constant rotation as basketball life at the moment is in perfect harmony for him and the Dragons Rhondorf. With the regular season history, the playoffs are approaching rapidly and suddenly the Dragons Rhondorf will have to be extra sharp in every game, if they want to continue their quest of reaching the Pro B final and going for another Pro B championship. The club had a two week break until the playoffs begin this Saturday and of course some more valuable time for Taylor to get his warm and childlike smile a workout. He might have been daydreaming here and there while sitting at the annoying red light at the intersection Menzenberger street and Linzer street or waiting for the annoying long German commercials on television to be over imagining just how competitive the head to head duel will be in the next weeks with American Demetrius Ward. His smile may have been extra supercharged recently when he observed the ridiculous James Harden ankle breaker on Los Angeles Clipper Wesley Johnson as he starred him down for a split second and then shot an in your face three to supply you tube world with unending clicks, but was there anything that may have actually postponed that smile or even turned that smile into a sceptical one? Well if the knowledge that the MTV Herzoege Wolfenbuettel were the Dragons Rhondorf first opponent in the playoffs didn´t then it most likely may have got head coach Thomas Adelt a bit uneasy and hardcore knowledgeable Dragons fans as this opponent is no cake walk. But then again this opponent may actually be a blessing in disguise for the Pro B title contender Dragons Rhondorf. Even if many opposing team´s management think the world of him as this Saturday the representatives of one of the top German pro A teams will be in the Dragon Dome to watch him wheel and deal, Taylor can´t always play hero and in this series the Dragons Rhondorf might have to produce new heroes.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Kameron Taylor after dropping his second triple double in a row at home with 22 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists in the 91-74 win against the Dresden Titans
Josh Adams is a 24 year old 188cm point guard from Colorado that is playing his second professional season and first with Besiktas Sompo Japan Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). He started the season with Anadolu Efes Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) playing 6 Turkish BSL games averaging 11.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.3apg, 2FGP: 68.4%, 3FGP: 26.3%, FT: 86.2%. In the Euroleague. He played 16 games averaging 7.0ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.0apg, 2FGP: 56.8%, 3FGP: 38.5%, FT: 83.3%. He played his rookie season with Avtodor Saratov (Russia-VTB) playing 13 games averaging 12.1ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 61.7%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 73.9%; and also played 4 BCL games averaging 7.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.3apg, 2.0spg. He played at Wyoming from 2012-2016 playing a total of 130 NCAA games and as a senior played 31 games averaging 24.2ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 82.1%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Basketball Champions League game against medi Bayreuth in Bayreuth.
Josh thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. You have a 1-1 record against German teams Oldenburg and Bamberg. What do you remember from the loss in Oldenburg? Possibly the 34 point game of Brian Qvale?
That was a terrible game for me. That wasn´t long after the accident I had had. That was a time where I was trying to get the bearings back in my game. I tripped on the last play and we lost the ball and game. I remember that the most and less the 34 point game of Brian Qvale.
Do you count your blessings every day that you can still play the game you love after your scary car accident in the summer of 2016 that almost left you paralyzed?
Yes, I absolutely do. I have been counting my blessings since I got a scholarship to a division one school and signing my first professional contract. There are people that can´t see or walk down the street so that really puts it into perspective just how quickly you can have nothing.
Kyle Wiltjer is a 25 year old 208cm forward from Canada that is playing his first season in Europe with Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-A1). Last season as a rookie he played with the Houston Rockets (NBA) playing 15 games averaging 1.1ppg, He played also at Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League) playing 31 games averaging 20.7ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 85.1%. He started his career at Kentucky(NCAA) in 2011 and played two seasons playing 73 games and winning the 2012 NCAA tournament. He then finished his NCAA career at Gonzaga (NCAA) in 2016 playing 36 games averaging 20.4ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 43.7%, FT: 85.7%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.
Kyle thanks for talking to German Hoops. You next play Brose Bamberg in the Euroleague. In the first game in Bamberg, you suffered a tough 67-65 loss and could have won the game with a Brian Roberts shot. You played three good quarters, but Bamberg kept you to 7 points in the fourth points. Why did the game end up so close at the end?
It was a tough game for us as Bamberg played really well. We just came up short which was too bad as we want to win every game.
You had 11 points in 10 minutes. How happy were you with your break out game in Europe?
I was very happy I could break out in this game. Seeing shots go in is a good feeling. I just have to shoot my open shots and be confident.
Was this your first time to Germany? What dealings have you had with the country Germany and have you had friends playing here in the past?
It was my first time in Germany. Bamberg is a great city. I have a close friend playing in Bamberg with Augustine Rubit. He has shared his experiences that he has had playing in Germany.
Even if the Fraport Skyliner players forgot the 83-59 massacre in Giessen a little more than two months ago, head coach Gordon Herbert probably thought of that loss daily wondering what it was that negatively turned their season around? The Fraport Skyliners had had a 9-4 record going into that Giessen game on the road and anything but a win seemed realistic, but the surprising loss had turned into a negative trend in that Frankfurt had had a 3-6 record since then and suddenly the playoffs seemed to be a question mark. However their last win in Ulm 18 days ago had lifted the team´s spirits and one can´t forget that they had had suffered many unwanted injuries in that 9 game span and players had been slowly been coming back. The Fraport Skyliners had had a long break of 18 days as they had to wait out the World Cup qualifying games schedule and had a lot of time to work on their weaknesses as well as producing a potent game plan against the s.Oliver Wurzburg squad who had creamed them in their own living 81-64 shortly before the new year. On that night the Bavarian squad came alive in the second half and in total dropped 15 three´s which put out the lights for the Fraport Skyliners. Both teams were fighting for a playoff spot and the perfect playoff atmosphere was set in the Fraport arena as 5000 fans came out for a mild Sunday afternoon matinee and saw a hard fought game that wasn´t pretty and despite Frankfurt having control of the game, they never could totally shake Wurzburg from their backs as they grinded out a brutal 78-72 victory which held them on playoff course.
Philip Scrubb led Frankfurt in scoring (31) and rebounding (9)
After the game Frankfurt top scorer Philip Scrubb reflected on the big win and the battle to close down a Robin Benzing. “It was a hard fought game and Wurzburg came at us in the second quarter. But we played them tough and rebounded well. We also hit some shots when it counted most. I missed some games this season while Benzing stayed very consistent. He is really difficult to stop. I felt we did a good job making it hard for him to score in the fourth. That was one of the keys to getting the win”, warned Canadian national player Philip Scrubb. For s.Oliver Wurzburg, it was a bitter loss as they need every win they can get for reaching the playoffs. They did a good job fighting until the end, but had problems getting stops and getting Benzing involved in crunch-time. “We didn´t rebound well and let Scrubb loose. We need to tune up our defense more in the next games to be successful”, stressed s.Oliver Wurzburg guard Abdul Gaddy.
Abdul Gaddy is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Tacoma, Washington that is playing his fifth professional season and first in Germany with s.Oliver Wurzburg. Last season he played with VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL) playing 26 VTB United League games averaging 5.5ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 52.4%; In the Latvian LBL, he played 25 game averaging 9.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 5.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 50.0%. He played two seasons in Italy with Granarolo Bologna (Italy-Serie A) and as a rookie played with the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA), then moved to Maine Red Claws (D-League) playing 46 games averaging 9.0ppg, 3.2rpg, 5.0apg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 57.6%. He played at Washington(NCAA) from 2009-2013 and as a senior played 34 games averaging 10.9ppg, 3.2rpg, 4.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 65.9%. He spoke to eurobasket before the game against the Fraport Skyliners in Frankfurt.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing s.Oliver Wurzburg guard Abdul Gaddy after he steered home 17 points in helping secure 2017 Gezeiten Cup over the Telekom Baskets Bonn
Thanks Abdul, for talking to German Hoops. Last weekend was the World Cup qualifying round and teams had a break. How did you use this time?
I went home for four days and was able to celebrate my mom´s birthday.
Your playing your first season with s.Oliver Wurzburg. After two seasons in Italy and a season in Latvia, what kind of experience has it been playing in the BBL?
It´s been good. The BBL is a defensive orientated league where you have to respect every team from top to bottom. It has been an enjoyable experience.
I had Wurzburg as one of my dark horse favorites before the season. Despite injuries and numerous guys coming and going, what do you believe has been key for still having a solid record.
We have a pretty good team. You have to credit coach Bauermann for picking a good team. We have a good mix of Americans and Germans. Our team chemistry has been good. We have had ups and downs, but we are headed in the direction of the playoffs.
Japhet McNeil is a 32 year old 183 cm guard from Brooklyn, New York playing his 10th professional season and second with 1. FC Kaiserslautern (Germany-Regionalliga) and last season he played 24 games averaging 12.7ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.9apg, Steals-2(3.6spg), FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 10.5%, FT: 61.2%. He played at East Carolina from 2003 -2006. He then transferred to Bridgeport(NCAA2) for his senior year in 2006-2007. At Bridgeport, he played 31 games averaging 16.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.9apg, 4.0spg, FT: 67.3%, FGP: 38.3%, 3PT: 34.6%. In 2008-2009, he played his rookie season in Germany in the PRO A for USC Heidelberg playing 30 games and averaging 14.8ppg, 3.1rpg, Assists-1(7.9apg), Steals-1(3.5spg), FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 24.1%, FT: 63.3%. In 2009-2010, he played in Finland for Kori-Konkarit Loimaa (Finland-1st Division, starting five): 5 games: 9.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.8apg, 3.4spg, FGP: 35.0%, 3PT: 19.0%, FT: 50.0%. In 2010-2011 he played for BG Karlsruhe (Germany-ProA) playing 3 games averaging 4.0ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.7apg. In 2011-2012 he got experience playing for the Connecticut TopBallerz (ABA). In 2012-2013, he played for the BSW Sixers (Germany-ProB) playing 14 games averaging 4.5ppg, 1.6rpg, 4.1apg, 1.5spg. He then played two seasons with the Schieren Black Frogs (Luxembourg-N2) and a season with DJK Nieder-Olm (Germany-Oberliga). He spoke to German Hoops about basketball at the start of 2018. Since then 1. FC Kaiserslautern has a 3-4 record.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with Japhet Mcneil in the Fraport arena 2016
Japhet thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how was your holiday season this year?
Thanks for having me miles, always a pleasure! Currently I’m back in Germany. My holiday break was refreshing. Got a chance to visit my home town with my wife and my 10 month old daughter. Well needed trip.
2018 has come. Are you the kind of guy that believes in setting new years resolutions or are you the type of guy that doesn´t bother and just lives from day to day?
I’m more of a new year, same motto type of guy. Keep striving on growth. If I need to adjust something in life then so be it, but new year resolutions are pretty much for the folks who sign up for gym memberships on Jan 2!!
The last interview we did was in the summer of 2014. Has time flown by in the last three years. How has the man Japhet Mcneil matured as a player and person since this time?
Yeah a lot has changed since then. I became a husband and a father, business owner and established my life in Germany off the court. Where I can have comfortable living. That balance is key, it allows me to play with a different poise.
Guy Aud is a 28 year old 186cm point guard that has the Israeli/German citizenship that began playing basketball in Israel in the late 90´s. He played five years with the Hapoel Jerusalem youth team and also for teams like Hapoel Hevel Eylot (Israel-Artzit), Maccabi Hod Hasharon (National League), and Hapoel Afula (Israel-National League). He came to Germany in 2011 and played for teams like Lich, Paderborn, Chemnitz, Dresden and last season with the Uni-Riesen Leipzig (ProB) playing 12 games averaging 11.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 5.6apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 34.1%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 82.9%. He sat out this season to concentrate on his other love music. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball and music.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Guy Aud who produced 13 points after the 73-67 win of USC Leipzig in Frankfurt.
Guy thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how is life going for you?
Thank you for having me, I’m doing well and I stayed to live in Leipzig at the moment.
It has been 3 years since our last interview and time really flies. Instead of being on the court, you have taken a break and pursuing music. How did this come about?
Beside the basketball I always used to play instruments, since I was a kid I played the drums, guitar and harmonica as main instruments, in the past few years I started to write more and more songs, and I felt this stronger feeling in me like it was something I got to do, and I decided to quit basketball and concentrate only on music.
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