After the huge 105-63 destruction that the Telekom Baskets Bonn performed over their Pro B farm team Dragons Rhondorf, the always boisterous Dragon Dome emptied rather quickly with the possibly of some wanting to reach that café on the Rhein and enjoy one of the last real nice comfortable summer nights of the year. In the quiet gym, a trio of Bonn Americans of James Webb, Charles Jackson and Rashad James came slowly slithering towards the VIP room as they almost combined for half of the clubs points and surely for them it was another normal day at the office, but if they truly knew that their new team was in the final again and would be looking for revenge the next day in the final against Wurzburg is more than unlikely, but as the final fast approached on Sunday, these guys were now aware of the revenge factor and had their game faces on. For s.Oliver Wurzburg they had had a tougher time reaching the final clawing out a difficult crunch-time affair against the Fraport Skyliners, but when it counted most they did the little things better especially in executing on one on one situations and being more aggressive on the boards and getting consistent offensive power from their ex Kansas(NCAA) ace Perry Ellis and getting timely baskets throughout the game from their guard power trio of Cameron Wells, Skyler Bowlin and Jordan Hulls as well as perfect role player Brad Loesing who Frankfurt could never really control over long phases of the game. Both teams were seeking that first title of the season and the Telekom Baskets Bonn would put a big dent into the Wurzburg ambitions of bringing home a second consecutive title as they controlled their destiny in crunch-time and were powered to the title by Mr clutch Rashad James who hit big shots in crunch-time and showed his scoring dominance leading all scorers with 28 points. Despite having just won a title even if it didn´t count, James didn´t bask in the glory of the win or his stellar play, but was already looking forward to the season and how good this team can still get. “We played very well and were strong as a team, but it is still early in pre season, but this win will continue to help us build. Our chemistry continues to be built and once we really start to click as a team, then we will be very scary”, warned ex Siena(NCAA) guard Rashad James. After the loss one could see it on all the faces of the Wurzburg players that they had expected so much more, but at the end of the day they couldn´t execute when they needed to. “We fought hard, but we missed too many open shots. It was just one of those days where they didn´t fall. When shots aren´t falling, then you have to do more at the other end, but we didn´t do that”, expressed 2013 NCAA finalist with Kansas Perry Ellis.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Rashad James after he dropped 28 points in leading the Telekom Baskets Bonn to the 2018 Gezeiten Cup win over s.Oliver Baskets
The first quarter showed a strong Bonn side in the first five minutes while the Bavarian squad of head coach Denis Wucherer fought back hard in the last five minutes to shave a seven point deficit down to only two points. The Telekom Baskets Bonn got the quick lead 9-4 as James showed his presence early and just got aggressive and never let up for 40 minutes getting to the free throw line and finishing strong with a lay in. s.Oliver Wurzburg´s offense was stagnant in the first minutes so Cameron Wells had to create for himself and his quickness allowed him to score easily inside as he cut down the Bonn lead to 11-8. But the little Wells one man show didn´t faze Bonn as they upped their lead again to 18-10 as they got hot shooting from Montenegran Bojan Subotic and Charles Jackson and James getting to the free throw line. S.Oliver Wurzburg did close out the first quarter in fine fashion going on a 8-2 run as they got full German support as ex Bonn forward Florian Koch nailed a trey and ex Gotha forward Felix Hoffman also dropped a trey and made a tap in. The Telekom Baskets Bonn did keep the lead as New Jersey native TJ DiLeo scored giving Bonn the 20-18 advantage.
The one thing that every basketball team dreads is playing the first game on the final day during a tournament because that means they are playing for nothing, but pride as the two final teams can relax a bit more and rest their muscles while the two losing semi-finalists have to forgo a hearty lunch and play in the early afternoon. The Fraport Skyliners had a short recovery period after their disappointing 85-79 loss to s.Oliver Wurzburg as they had less than 24 hours to return to the court with a clash with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. It was obvious that Frankfurt was still very early in the pre season as they had some fine moments against Wurzburg, but that that feared defensive ensemble that head coach Gordon Herbert builds each season was still far away, but that is expected at this point of the pre season as the one on one defense and communication was a major work in progress. Their offense showed massive potential and Erik Murphy was a major bright spot that showed right away that he could do a lot more than shoot the ball and that his rebounding was efficient. So for the Fraport Skyliners meeting the weaker Dragons Rhondorf came just right for their team to continue to work on their offense, get some new added self confidence and also to work further on their shaky defense. For the Dragons Rhondorf meeting another easyCredit BBL team was another huge test that they most likely wouldn´t win, but just getting the experience to match against an ex NBA player, battle BBL legend Quantez Robertson and all the other talented players was like a gift where the young Germans and talented imports Raekwon Miller and Joe Mvoezolo could work on their game and match up against the best. Even if the Dragons Rhondorf made it a game for a quarter, they were unable to keep that consistent level as a nasty 24-0 run in the second quarter erupted the Fraport Skyliners in winning an immense lopsided game 99-36. After the big win head coach Gordon Herbert didn´t look happy or content, but the way he does after every game in that he knows that there is always room for improvement even after a 63 point drubbing of a Pro A team. “Our intensity was better on the defensive end and our team play was a lot better. It is hard for guys to find a rhythm when you play 12 guys so today we first played 10 guys and put in Vargas and Freudenberg in the second half. They gave us a lot of energy in the third quarter”, stated head coach Gordon Herbert. For the Dragons Rhondorf it was a worse performance than against Bonn where they lost by 42 points, but the club sees it as a learning experience and nothing else. “I thought we did many of the small things well, but we still have a lot of work to do. Important now is that we stay positive”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf head coach Thomas Adelt.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and ex NBA player Erik Murphy at the 2018 Gezeiten Cup
The Dragons Rhondorf came out focused while the Fraport Skyliners may still have had their pre game video session in their minds which Gordon Herbert had implied after the loss to Wurzburg and weren´t as focused on the court while the Pro B team rushed out to a 7-4 lead surprising the guests. Rhondorf spread the ball around getting baskets from Joe Mvuezolo, Alex Moeller and a trey from husky forward Yannick Kneesch, but the Frankfurt side didn´t let this minor shock effect their game as they got calm and started to move their offense which led to sound execution with a 20 footer from ex Chicago Bull Erik Murphy, a trey by ex Baylor(NCAA) sniper Brady Heslip and a lay in by Canadian rookie Trae Bell-Haynes as Frankfurt led 12-7 as their 8-0 run was only a preview of what would later happen.
That first weekend in early September typically is a horror for American school kids as it is that last weekend of freedom, that last time on the beach, that last moment to sleep until noon or to be able to catch your favorite TV show as after that the new school year starts and that whole cycle and lifestyle gets back to normal. However in the German basketball community that first September weekend isn´t a horror for kids or adults, but the signal that the new basketball season is not far away. In the month of September there are countless basketball tournaments across Europe where teams prepare their new plays while new players get integrated. One of the first well known basketball tournaments that commence each pre-season in Germany is the Gezeiten Cup in Bad Honnef in the Dragon Dome where Pro B team and farm team of the Telekom Baskets Bonn Rhondorf play their home games. This year the other three teams that were invited were of course the Telekom Baskets Bonn, Fraport Skyliners and s.Oliver Wurzburg. Of all the four teams, Rhondorf had had the longest idle phase as their inspiring season had ended way too early in mid march in the playoffs against Wolfenbuettel. The s.Oliver Wurzburg team played six weeks more as the Americans booked their flights home at the begin of May as they missed the playoffs. For the Telekom Baskets Bonn and Fraport Skyliners, they reached the playoffs, but both bowed out in the quarterfinals. The Telekom Baskets Bonn gave a good fight, but were swept by Bamberg while the Fraport Skyliners gave the mighty FC Bayern Munich a nasty scare taking a 2-1 games lead, but then were rudely squashed by the 2018 cup winner losing by 35 points in game four and by 20 points in game five. All four teams had busily shopped over the summer and fans were greeted by the arrival of some very well known and exciting players as Bonn had reeled in ex NBA player James Webb, the Fraport Skyliners had hauled in Canadian sniper Brady Heslip and ex NBA player Erik Murphy and Wurzburg ex Kansas(NCAA) standout Perry Ellis. The first game on the schedule was a clash between head coach Gordon Herbert and the Fraport Skyliners against his ex team and first team he ever coached in Germany Wurzburg which was in the 2000-2001 season. S.Oliver Wurzburg met the Fraport Skyliners in the first semi-Final and squeezed out a nail bitter 85-79 while in the second semi-final the Telekom Baskets Bonn demolished their farm team Dragons Rhondorf 105-63, but that was expected as their was a huge class difference between the BBL and Pro B team.
Elias Desport is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Stockholm, Sweden that will be playing his first season in Germany with the EN Baskets Schwelm (Germany-ProB). Last season he played with AIK Basket Solna (Basketettan) playing 3 games averaging 1.0ppg, 2.3rpg, in Jan.’17 moved to A. Desportiva Sanjoanense (Portugal-Proliga) playing 13 games averaging 13.2ppg, Reb-1(10.9rpg), 1.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 11.1%, FT: 43.8%. He began his career with KFUM Blackebergs IK (Basketettan) and also played with Taby Basket (Basketettan). He then lived 4 years in the states playing with St.Peter’s (NCAA) playing 119 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com earlier in the summer about basketball.
Elias thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment an dhow have you been enjoying your summer? Right now, I’m in Stockholm, Sweden. I’ve been working out a lot, two workouts a day but I’ve also had time to see my family, friends and enjoy the weather.
Congrats on signing with German pro B team EN Baskets Schwelm. How excited are you to be playing your first season in Germany?
Thank you! I’m very excited, hopefully the fanbase of Schwelm is excited as well.
What do you know in general about about the country Germany and it´s basketball? As a guy from Sweden, how have you followed the development of German basketball over the years?
I know that Germany is a basketball country and the level of basketball is very high. I’ve played against German youth level teams when I represented Sweden in the U18 and the talent level was very high. However, I can’t say that I’ve followed the development.
After playing in Portugal and England the last two seasons, you now will make your debut in Germany. How was the transfer market for you in general this summer? You signed early. You must have been very convinced about signing early with the EN Baskets Schwelm?
Well, I had a tough year last year in England. I was dealing with injuries and I didn’t get the minutes that I wanted and that I thought I deserved. Going into the summer, you have no clue what can happen and I knew that it might take a while before I received interest but luckily, Schwelm showed interest and the rest is history.
What sold you coming to the EN Baskets Schwelm? Did you have some talks with head coach Falk Moeller that helped make your decision easier?
I’ve talked with the head coach and the management over the phone and they all seemed nice and genuine. Also, after talking with my agent, I knew it could be a good situation for me to play for Schwelm.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re an athletic 204cm power forward that can score, rebound and play good defense. If you had to compare your style on the court to an NBA player which player would best describe how you play?
That’s a tough question. I believe I can impact the game in many ways on both ends of the floor. I’m a very underrated passer for my size as well but to be honest I don’t know who I would compare myself to. I just try to do the things necessary in order to win.
You had a monster season in Portugal in the second division as a rookie after often not being able to play a big role in the NCAA or for other teams as a scorer and rebounder as you got little minutes. Are your expectations to have a season like in Portugal again since you will get ample minutes in the German Pro B?
It’s hard to say because every team and situation is different. Portugal was very different from England and I’m sure Germany is going to be different as well. I expect to make the most out of my opportunity, win and take the next step in my career.
You didn´t get many minutes in England last season, but played at a higher level than in Portugal. How confident are you that you will be an impact player this season for the EN Baskets Schwelm?
I’m confident but at the same time I’m not expecting anything for free. I know I have to earn minutes just like any other member on the team. If I work hard, everything else will take care of itself.
You’re a guy that can fill up the stat sheet at ease, but what do you feel is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?
My passing. Definitely my passing. I like to get my teammates involved and I have good vision. Growing up, I used to play point guard because I wasn’t very tall, I think that’s where I learned to pass better and to see the floor. Also, my defense. I’m a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions.
Last season you played with the Surrey Scorchers (United Kingdom-BBL) playing 26 games averaging 4.5ppg, 4.3rpg. How do you feel did your game develop last season that will help you be that impact player in the Pro B?
I believe my game took a slight hit last year because of the reduced role I had. I learned how to stay professional throughout last years adversity, keeping my head down and just working. Staying in the gym and doing the things necessary to improve and get better.
How vital was it for you battling experienced American Gerald Robinson on a daily basis last season? How do you feel did you profit most form his game on the court?
Gerald is a physical guy so it was fun going up against him in practice every day. He knows how to score the ball, both in the paint and on the perimeter so it was always challenging to guard him but fun at the same time.
As a rookie you played for AIK Basket Solna (Basketettan) playing 3 games averaging 1.0ppg, 2.3rpg, in Jan.’17 moved to A Desportiva Sanjoanense (Portugal-Proliga) playing 13 games averaging 13.2ppg, Reb-1(10.9rpg), 1.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 56.8%. How tough was your rookie season back in Europe after coming from the NCAA those first few months back home? What kept you going in that time? For the record, I never had a deal with AIK. I was working out with them throughout the fall and winter after college just to stay in shape and then I played 1-2 games with them but I was never fully on board. But it was definitely tough when I didn’t have a job. I honestly thought that I wasn’t going to play anymore and I was going through a phase of depression. Then, I received the job in Portugal and I was back on track. However, playing there was also challenging because I had no social life at all so I felt really lonely at times.
With A Desportiva Sanjoanense (Portugal-Proliga) you made your real professional breakthrough. What did you learn about your game that season that you hadn´t known before that?
I learned how to be more assertive and aggressive every game. I had a bigger responsibility to perform in my rookie season that I’ve probably ever had.
What was it like being the only import player on a team that had only home grown players? It seemed not to be any kind of adjustment for you. Do you feel like your leadership skills matured more this season?
It was extremely tough because there was a constant language barrier with my teammates and coach. Most of my teammates were more interested in soccer than basketball. Like I mentioned earlier, I didn’t have much of a social life but some of the guys tried their best in order to made sure I felt like I was a part of the group. We went out to eat, went to bars, the beach, etc. It’s kind of hard to lead a team when you don’t even speak the same language.
You played at St.Peter’s (NCAA) from 2012-2016 and played a total of 119 games, but never averaged more than 3,7ppg in a season. Despite playing little, you had an enriching experience in the class room. How important was it for your development as a player and as a person to have made this decision to play four years in the NCAA?
You learn a lot about yourself in college and I believe that’s when you really mature and grow up. Obviously, I didn’t have much success on the basketball court and in hindsight, there are definitely some things I would’ve done differently. But I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. I learned a lot of new things about the game in college. The game is played so differently in the US compared to Europe. I feel like I’m comfortable in either system.
Do you ever think back where you might be as a player and person today had you remained in Euriope and never gone to St Peters?
Of course, I always reflect on things in life where I could’ve gone a different way and what that might’ve lead to. Sometimes I wonder what would’ve happened if I moved to the U.S. to attend high school and played in all these AAU tournaments. But I knew that I wanted to attend college, that’s something that I’ve always wanted to do and since I have family there, it was the right thing to do.
Some of your best personal games in the NCAA were against competitive schools Seton Hall and Tennessee Tech. What memories do you have battling against top players and really holding your own?
It was fun battling against some of the best. I remember my freshman year when we played Rutgers on their season opener. This was before the Mike Rice scandal and Rutgers was still in the Big East. The atmosphere in that gym was like something that I’ve never experienced before. I ended up knocking down two free throws at the end of the game to get the win. That’s something that I’ll never forget.
How did head coach John Dunne help groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?
Dunne taught me the importance of attention to the minor details, on and off the court, that you might not think about as a player but that are extremely important. All these minor details correlate to winning. He also taught me how to be more physical as a player.
Who won a one on one in practice you or Quadir Welton?
Ha ha. Q is my guy and he was a tough cover because of his long arms and great touch around the rim. We would go at it a lot in practice and pick up and it would be back and forth. He’s a better inside scorer than me but I’m better on the outside.
You were teammates in the past with Charles Barton Jr in Swedish national teams. How have you seen his development over the years and can he play in a top league in Europe soon?
Me and Charles are good friends and we always see each other during the summer to workout. I’ve known him for a long time and he has really put in work and the results speak for themselves.
Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that reached the NBA?
Probably Isaiah Whitehead. He was a tough guard with great strength and size. I’ve also played some other guys that didn’t make it to the NBA but that were really good. David Laury, A.J English, Justin Robinson, Momo Jones, Angel Delgado, etc. I’ve also played against Rudy Gobert, Davis Bertrans, Dario Saric in European competitions.
If you had to construct your very own NBA Rushmore which 4 heads would you pick old or new? Jordan, Kareem, Russell, Magic.
What is your personal opinion of the never ending debate about who is better Lebron or Jordan? As a player and stats Lebron owned him, but Jordan has 6 rings?
I try not to debate this topic because it’s impossible to reach a consensus. There are so many things to take into account, eras, NBA rules, opposing teams, play styles, skill set. Jordan and LeBron are two completely different players. I think the more interesting debate is Kobe and Jordan.
Tracy Mcgrady said that the Boston Celtics will be the Golden State Warriors of the future. Do you see that happening?
Two completely different teams, so I’ll say no.
Deandre Ayton was the #1 NBA draft pick in 2018. Do you feel that from sheer talent and experience that Luca Doncic should have been the real #1 draft pick?
You can’t teach 7’0 with that skill set so that was a no brainer in my opinion.
How did you follow the 2018 NBA Draft? How cool is it having two Germans being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers?
I kept up a little bit. I was more interested in who the Knicks drafted. They are my favorite team. I like Kevin Knox. I didn’t even know the Lakers drafted wto Germans but that’s cool.
Lebron James makes amazing passes in every game, but really showcased it in a game this season against the Los Angeles Lakers. He already is like a point guard, but if he played just point guard and concentrated only on playmaking how many assists do you feel would he average per game?
He could easily average over 10 assist per game in my opinion. He’s probably the greatest passing wing player this game has ever seen.
What was the last movie that you saw? Let me guess Black Panther? A Cabin in the Woods. I watched it on NetFlix and it was terrible.
German Hoops 