Jerrick thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. Congrats on the 90-81 Basketball Champions League win over Brose Bamberg. What kind of an experience was it playing the game in Bosnia? How accommodating were the Bosnians?

The Bosnians were very accommodating. They did a good job setting everything up and took very good care of us at the hotel. It was definitely a different experience playing in Bosnia. It reminded me of my AAU days. We had to bring our own energy to be successful.

How crucial was it getting the win. A loss would of put you at 2-1, but now with the win having a very comfortable 3-0 record.

It was a big win. We started of badly. We had something like 15 or 16 turnovers in the first half. But we stood resilient and just kept grinding.

Nymburk has a lot of depth, but how proud were you of the team being able to make adjustments around not having Retin Obasohan?

I’m very proud how the team stepped up. Whenever we have an injured or sick player, it’s time for the next guy to step up. We have so many weapons and guys that can step up at any moment.

One could say this was a tale of two halves. Bamberg dominated the first half and ERA Nymburk the second half. You were down 44-32 after 20 minutes. What was key for the German side to have the double digit lead at the break?

We played terrible defense in the first half. They got so many wide open shots and were more physical then us. We got the kind of shots that we wanted, but just couldn’t execute.

Two guys that were really giving Nymburk problems in the first half was David Kravish and Christian Sengfelder. Why could you keep these guys under control?

Those two guys move really well without the ball as does the whole team. They got some big back door buckets. But we defended better on their bigs in the second half and went to a zone that slowed them down.

You crawled back into the game in the third quarter winning it 24-14. What did head coach Oren Amiel tell the team to do better in the second half?

Coach just told us to be ourselves. We know how to play. It was on us to come out in the second half and play better.

You totally took control of the game in the fourth quarter exploding for 35 points. The hero was Lukas Palyza who exploded for 19 of his 26 points. Is his lethal shooting something you see in practice day by day?

Oh for sure. Even before he joined us, he lit us up with his old team. He can get it going very quickly. It is a lot of fun to watch.

Palyza played in Germany 7 years ago and couldn’t find his niche. He went back to home and has had amazing seasons. Does he have the self-confidence now to be able to decide a title game?

Yes I think he is capable of doing that in a big game. But he also puts in the work and is always putting up shots before and after practice. He is already a very confident guy and we have a lot of confidence in him being successful.

Despite Bamberg having some very talented bigs, Nymburk won the boards. How key was this stat at the end of the day?

It was a big stat. Everybody got into it and rebounded. Coach also told us guards to help the bigs rebound. We did a good job supporting the bigs.

What was it like battling ex NBA player Devon Hall. When you see his game and see where you are, would you like to get a NBA Summer League invitation to test the NBA waters?

Yes for sure playing in the NBA Summer League has always been a goal of mine. I’m a competitor and I always compete no matter who the player is. It was fun competing against an ex NBA player and to test my game.

You had a very good game scoring 19 points, getting 5 boards and 6 assists. It was the most assists as a professional. How much of a priority is it for you keep showing your playmaking ability?

It’s very important. I know that I can score, but my next step is to showcase my playmaking. I know that I can do it. I want to build on it and keep being consistent.

You shot only 1/5 from downtown. After a shooting performance, do you get back into the gym the next day and put up extra shots or do you study film?

I do a little of both. My shot is affected by my foot work and balance. A bad shooting day always motivates me to get back in the gym the next day and put up shots.

Ex NBA legend Dino Radja proclaimed that he couldn’t imagine Russell Westbrook being able to lead a team in Europe to success. Do you agree?

The European game is a lot different to the NBA game which is ball dominant. But Westbrook is an amazing player. I feel that he could dominate anywhere.

Draymond Greene said recently that he feels that he is the best defender of al-time. Do you agree?

It is good that he thinks that. But to say that he is the greatest of all-time, I don’t know. There have been so many great defenders like a Dennis Rodman.

Will Gonzaga take the 2021 NCAA title or will another team stand in their way?

Anything can happen even to an undefeated team. I like the underdog and will go with USC over Gonzaga.

Have you seen Coming To America 2? Should they just have kept the original and not made a sequel?

I liked the sequel. It was pretty funny., It was obvious that the sequel wouldn’t out do the original. But it was fun to see Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall back.

Thanks Jerrick for the chat.

Robert Marberry (201-C-96, college: Lipscomb) is a 25 year old 201cm forward/center from Nashville that is in his second professional season and first with the Artland Dragons (Germany-ProA). His stay was short as he left the club at the end of January 2021 citing personal reasons. In his time with the Dragons, he averaged 5,3ppg and 2,0rpg and 1,2apg. Last season as a rookie he played with Parnu Sadam (Estonia-KML) playing 6 games averaging 8.0ppg, 2.7rpg, FGP: 74.1%, FT: 66.7%, in Nov.’19 moved to Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-BasketLigaen) playing 16 games averaging 15.4ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 61.9%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 66.0%. He began his basketball career at Franklin Road Academy averaging 16ppg, 8rpg, 3bpg; and finished his high school career with over 1,500 points and 850 rebounds. He played his freshman year at Western Kentucky University (NCAA) playing 12 games averaging 2.0ppg, 1.1rpg. He then played at Lipscomb University (NCAA) from 2016-2019 playing a total of 99 NCAA games averaging 12.7ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 61.0%, FT: 74.3% as a sophomore,15.8ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 61.2%, FT: 74.4% as a junior and as a senior averaged 14.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 63.2%, FT: 67.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career during his time with the Artland Dragons.

Thanks Rob for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment?

Thank you for letting me do this interview. I am currently in Quakenbrueck, Germany playing for the Artland Dragons. Life here is pretty slow due to the corona virus but other than that, it is nice.

Like so many other players your season was cut short in March 2020. How did you experience the whole COVID-19 the last 7-8 months. What was most challenging for you in terms of staying in shape and being able to continue to work on your game?

It was tough trying to stay healthy and get in the gym as much as possible this off-season. I luckily found a great gym in Nashville, Tennessee that was very organized and had great trainers (All Around Game). The most challenging part was just finding a gym to get in initially. Colleges were on a pretty strict lockdown so it was impossible to get into my old school, Lipscomb.

Were you able to work out with other players or did you focus more on your own individual workouts?

I worked out with other players most of the time. It was a good mix of international players and some NBA guys that were in their offseason too. I like working with others because there is still so much I need to learn and I can do so by watching and talking with some older guys that have already been playing a while.

With everything that you experienced off the court how do you feel did COVID-19 make you stronger as a man in general?

I think its all just made me more resilient to change and sudden events that occur. No one saw this type situation coming so we all had to be resilient try to make the best of the situation at hand.

Congrats on signing with the Artland Dragons. After playing your rookie season in Estonia and Denmark, what convinced you most on coming to the Dragons?

I knew that the Dragons had a well managed organization and great facilities to train at so I would feel at home here. After my rookie season, I wanted to play on a team that was well balanced and had a good culture and I found it here with the Artland Dragons.

What has been the most special thing about playing for the Artland Dragons? Did you hear that new Denver Nuggets Isaiah Hartenstein played for the youth teams there?

The most special thing about playing here for the Dragons is the relationships I’ve already developed with my teammates and coaching staff. The whole team is very close to each other despite age and background and I find that very cool. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Isaiah’s father and sister and they are great people. He’s a very good player and I think he could be successful with the Nuggets.

The club has started off very well. Where do you see the journey of this team going this season?

We started well so far and I think we still have so much more in the tank. We are a special team with many weapons so if we get into a rhythm at the right time, there aren’t too many teams that can stop us.

Let’s talk about your teammates. The club is stacked with 2 other talented big men with German veteran Robert Oehle and athletic high flyer Quadir Welton. How do you feel do you fit in best into the rotation and what have you appreciated most about their games?

They’re two great players that bring different assets to our team. I think we are a scouting nightmare due to the different type players we have at each position. Robert is a veteran in this league that many teams had had fits with due to his size and strength and Quadir is extremely hard to stop once he gets going. He has great reach and touch around the rim that many can’t guard. I think I fit best in the rotation by being the energy guy when the team needs it and even stretching the court to the perimeter when someone slower or bigger is guarding me.

What have you appreciated most about team leader Chase Griffin. How valuable have his leadership skills been for the early going?

Chase is a great leader. I’ve learned so much already from him. Having a guy that has played so many years professionally is a necessity on a team. He’s been a great help with our younger guys.

How impressed have you been with young point guard Zach Ensminger? His father is a basketball legend in Germany. He seems like he hasn’t been overburdened with having such a big responsibility at such a young age?

Zach has been off to a great start in ProA. He’s young and has a lot of energy and that carries over to the games which we need a lot of the time. Coach has put a lot of faith into our young guards and Zach definitely hasn’t let us down when we need him to hit a big shot or carry out a play correctly.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm forward/center that can do a lot of things on the court. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I’m working on expanding my game each day and coach has been great helping me with that. I know that if I want to continue playing in good leagues like ProA, I need to become a 4 so I am working on my ball handling and a variation of pick and pops and shooting. I would like to become a player that resembles Kevin Love. He plays a lot of the game with his back to the basket but also moves outside and plays the perimeter and knocks down open shots through motion and pick and pops.

It is easy to see that you can score and rebound the ball. What other strengths does your game incorporate that will continue to help you move up the basketball ladder?

I like to get my teammates involved as much as possible so when I have the ball in the low post or at the top of the key, I try to make plays for them by passing in the right spots. Post players have a different perspective when low and can make reads that others can’t through the game.

You were a solid defender in the NCAA. What steps are you taking most now in continuing to become a good defender? What kind of defender do you want to continue to develop into to?

I’ve been working on becoming a 4 man mostly so with that, it comes with a lot of switching onto guards that are smaller and quicker so I have been working on staying in front of smaller players and containing them to one side of the court. I want to be a guy that can defend all positions throughout a game if needed so that’s what I’m working on right now.

You shot only 3 three’s in the NCAA? Last season you took 15 three’s and this season 3. Do you see yourself developing your three pointer more to become more versatile or will you continue not to take many?

Yes, in college I played only the 5 and had very few opportunities to stretch outside because we had so many good shooters already. Last season was really my first season ever working on my outside shot so I am getting more confident each day with shooting. I’ve been fortunate to have two coaches, professionally, that have confidence in my shooting ability.

Last season as a rookie you split time with Parnu Sadam (Estonia-KML) averaging 8.0ppg, 2.7rpg, FGP: 74.1%, FT: 66.7%, in Nov.’19 moved to Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-BasketLigaen) averaging games: 15.4ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 61.9%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 66.0%. What was your wake up call where you knew that you were very far away from home?

The first day I arrived in Parnu. I am very family oriented and love spending time with them so when I arrived in Estonia, it hit me that I wouldn’t be able to see them everyday like I usually did. I luckily had my girlfriend and parents come over in Denmark during the holiday’s which was awesome.

You played for 2 teams as a rookie. How tough was it starting in Estonia, but then coming back and having a strong end to the season in Denmark, What did you learn in general about the business as a rookie?

It was a tough start to my professional career for sure. I honestly was not ready for the physicality and speed of the game. It’s not like college where you have multiple coaches telling you what to do every day and patting you on the back after a good game. If you do not do your job, you get fired. It’s that simple. I needed that experience in Estonia to become the type player that I am now. I quickly realized in Denmark what I needed to do to be successful and tried to execute that every day.

In Denmark you had 2 monster games scoring 34 and 28 points but lost. Was your 21 points and 17 boards in the win over Copenhagen one of your most memorable moments in Denmark?

Yeah, those two games were extremely fun for me. I’ll never forget those great times with my teammates in Denmark. We had a great group of guys that loved playing with each other.

After a stellar career at Franklin Road Academy you began your NCAA career at Western Kentucky University (NCAA). You only played 12 NCAA games and left after 1 season. What memories do you have from your freshman season and what positives did you get out of your 1 year there?

I’d have to say just getting my first taste of college basketball and playing in Madison Square Garden my freshman season for a Thanksgiving tournament was pretty awesome. The biggest takeaway from my freshman season was that I knew that I needed a lot of work and practice to become better and I don’t think I would have trained as hard as I did after that season if I didn’t have those hard times at WKU.

You then finished at Lipscomb from 2015-2018. How tough and important was the season you sat out? Did you become more mature which allowed you put up 3 consistent seasons?

If I had to do college all over again, I would 100% red shirt and sit out again. It taught me a lot of things that playing wouldn’t. It also gave me a whole year to work on my game and understand Lipscomb’s system. It was hard on game nights to sit and watch, knowing I could contribute, but once I was allowed to play the following season, I was ready.

You had a stellar career at Lipscomb. You won the A-Sun tournament in 2018 and reached the NIT final in 2019. What was your fondest memories from your 3 years at Lipscomb?

I loved my experience at Lipscomb. It’s an incredible school with great people and staff. My favorite memory was going down to Florida Gulf Coast University during the 2017-2018 season and winning the A-SUN championship. It’s what every kid wishes for when they attend college and we accomplished something that no other Lipscomb basketball player or team has ever done. That will always be my favorite memory for basketball.

You put up very consistent stats at Lipscomb. How do you feel did your game grow at Lipscomb in your 3 years?

I knew my job at Lipscomb and didn’t try to do anything else other than my job. We all had different jobs and assignments that helped the collective goal of winning and no one had a problem with that. My game grew more as becoming a leader than a player. After my first season playing at Lipscomb, my teammates and coaches voted me captain of the team for my last two seasons.

How much fun was it being teammates with Garrison Mathews? Did you know that he would reach the NBA and what was your fondest moment with him?

He’s the best player that I have played with on a team. Every night, you knew he was going to give his full effort and put on a show for everyone. He had really good chemistry on the court and was hard for other teams to stop. He actually wanted to become a Navy Seal after college was over but as time went on, we all knew he had a shot at the NBA. I’m really happy he’s living out this dream and working hard at it.

Talk a little about your memories of the 83-66 loss against NCAA powerhouse North Carolina. You held your own against future NBA players like Joel Berry, Theo Pinson and Cameron Johnson. How aware were you after the game that you could play with the absolute best?

That was a really fun game. We knew we had a shot before the game just because we were so good offensively. We held it pretty close up until the last couple minutes of the game and I think their experience in the tournament took over and they stayed collected and ended up pulling away from us. I went back and watched film and saw that I could play and hold my own and that was a lot of the reason why I wanted to become a pro.

You had many huge games at Lipscomb like your 38 point explosion against USC Upstate. What do you feel was your best game in the NCAA?

I would have to say that my best game was against North Florida in conference play. I had 39 points on 75% shooting against a team that always gave us a good game.

How did head coach Casey Alexander groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Alexander is a great coach and an even better friend. He would tell it how it is and never sugar coat what was on his mind. That’s what players need, someone to tell them the correct thing at the correct time and he always did even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. He taught me how to play within an offense and still be effective almost every play.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Eli Pepper?

We didn’t play too many times but I think I had him beat in one on one. He definitely beats me in a dunk contest though.

Who was your toughest opponent in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Grant Williams was a tough assignment in college. He was extremely strong and athletic and played so well in Tennessee’s system. He ended up being super successful in the SEC and March Madness and is now with the Celtics.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Garrison Mathews, Braxton Beverly, Ahsan Asadullah, Kenny Cooper, and Dillon Glenn.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore from past and present players?

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant.

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the best of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

I honestly think its Lebron. They have both done so much for the game and created so many different positives for the game but I think Lebron is better and has uplifted the game more than any player in history.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I am a big Marvel movie guy so I just got finished watching “Black Panther’ and “Avengers End Game” for the third or fourth time. I highly recommend those movies.

Thanks Rob for the chat.

Professional players balling in Europe with chips on their shoulders is as common as Julius Randle going the extra mile each day at home or on the road with his extra work outs in order to be the best he can like Kobe Bryant always showed and it isn´t any different with current rookie Jerrick Harding who is playing with ERA Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL). After being a standout at Wichita Southeast High School where he averaged 27,8ppg, there was no interest from Kansas´s top NCAA school´s Kansas, Kansas State and Wichita State. The only school that had interest in him and believed in his basketball qualities was Weber State. There after a solid freshman season, he exploded in his last three seasons averaging 21,9ppg. After a standout career, the American is recognized as one of the best players that ever played there with other guys like ex NBA players Edward Gill and Joel Bolomboy as well as players like Scott Bamforth, Kyndahl Hill and Brekkot Chapman, but none is as known as Damian Lillard that played his entire career at the school. The biggest difference to Lillard and Harding is that Lillard has become a NBA superstar and Harding is trying to make a name in Europe. Lillard had three solid first seasons and broke out as a senior averaging 24,5ppg. Technically Harding had a better scoring career then Lillard there, but at the end of the day didn´t pave the road to the NBA for him. His early basketball journey has been a positive one, but at the same time his talent not being recognized better has actually helped him develop a chip early that has helped him want to always be a better player. “It definitely put a chip on my shoulder. I was kind of hurt not getting an offer from my own hometown college, Wichita State, and we also played the state tournament in their arena where I scored 103 points in three games. I still use it as motivation to this day, and I alsso remember that when I’m in the gym, and just think to myself that I don’t want to be overlooked anymore”, stressed Jerrick Harding. A big aid in his basketball journey has been the city Wichita where he comes from and Damian Lillard. “Wichita made me who I am today and I feel like Wichita is a place that not too many people know much about, and even though we kind of fly under the radar, we have a lot of success that comes out of there as well. Wichita is a place that instilled hard work and never backing down. You have to be confident in what you do, because if you’re not people can sense it and tear you down. Damian Lillard has been a mentor to me. He always keeps up with what’s going on at Weber and he saw potential in me. From then it was him giving me pointers during the season and when he would come back to train at Weber in the summers. We eventually exchanged numbers and I reach out to him for any questions I have and it’s definitely cool to have someone who is where you want to be, give you game and support you”, stressed Jerrick Harding. Who knows where Jerrick Harding would be today without Wichita, Weber State and Damian Lillard. “I think about this sometimes, but I just try to live in the moment and worry about my reality as of now. I feel it´s all about making the most of the opportunities you get so I feel like regardless I would have been fine. I´m definitely thankful and blessed to have been able to go to Weber State and have a relationship with one of my favorite NBA players”, stressed Jerrick Harding.

            Jerrick Harding was born on April 13^th, 1998 in Wichita, Kansas and began to play basketball at age 2, but also enjoyed soccer and football. He attended Southeast High School and led the school to the state championship where he averaged an insane 34,3ppg and his 103 points broke a 37 year record. He left the school as it´s all-time leading scorer. He picked up the awards HS Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year, HS All-State honors, and HS Class 6A runner-up -16. He scored more points 103 in that state tournament than Wilt Chamberlains´s 100 points in a game even if it wasn´t in one game, but the whole experience was thrilling. “That was 103 points in three games, which was a record too, but it was fun because nobody saw our team making it to the state tournament and it was also fun for me being that those were my last three high school games”, remembered Jerrick Harding. After high school, he picked Weber State where he balled from 2016-2020 and played a total of 119 NCAA games. In his freshman year he played 30 games averaging  9.5ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT: 85.2%. He averaged only 18 minutes per game, but finished strong. After scoring in double figures 8 times in his first 23 games, he ended the season scoring in double figures in his last 7 games. He scored 22 points against Idaho State, 19 points against Montana State and 18 points a piece against North Dakota and Texas A&M CC. He celebrated his break out season as a sophomore as his average rose from 9,5ppg to 22,2ppg and minutes went from 18 to 33 minutes. “I had more of an opportunity in my second year, but also with the work that I put in the summer before I came back super confident. We also lost our leading scorer from the year before so I had a bigger role on the team”, stated Jerrick Harding. His averaged 22.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 87.9%. he scored in double figures in 28 of 30 games and scored more than 20 points or more 20 times. He exploded against Montana State with 46 points in a classic 95-92 victory and also scorched Iona and S Utah for 31 points a piece and hit Arkansas Pine Bluff for 30 points. His 682 points as a sophomore was also a school record.

            In his junior year, the American who has NBA legends Allen Iverson, Michael Jordan, Lebron James and Kobe Bryant on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore kept up his consistency averaging 21.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 87.0%. He scored in double figures in 27 of 30 games including 20 points or more 19 times. He rocked Delaware State for 36 points in a 83-69 win, scored 31 points against San Jose State in a 85-77 win and had 30 points against BYU and Montana. In his senior year he played 29 games averaging 22.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 86.3%. One game he will never forget was his 44 point explosion in the 70-66 victory over Sacramento State where he broke teammate Jeremy Senglin´s school scoring record. It was a hard choice for him to pick which game in his NCAA career was his most memorable since his 46 points also was massive. “Probably the 44 point game, because it was a must needed game and we had been through tons of ups and downs my senior season, so to break the all time scoring record, score 44, and beat Sac State was a big accomplishment. Also Jeremy Senglin is a really good player that I played with my freshman year of college so it was definitely an honor”, remembered Jerrick Harding. He isn´t only aggressive on the court, but also has that aggressive mentality. Had someone told him as a freshman that he would leave the school as it´s all-time scoring leader, he would have had an answer ready. “I would’ve said, “we will see”. I don’t think I was thinking of anything like that at the time. I was just thinking about what I had to do to play more minutes. But, I also had the confidence to be like , “why not me”, stressed Jerrick Harding. He scored in double figures in 27 of 29 games and scored 20 points or more 18 times. He had other senior year memorable games like scoring 36 points against Utah State in a 72-66 win and had 32 points in a OT 87-85 win over Montana where he scored 9 points in OT. He was so consistent in his last three years as he scored in double figures in 82 of 89 games as the grind and staying in the lab was vital. “I feel like that just comes with hard work and having confidence in myself to go out there and do what I know how to do. I also have to give credit to my teammates and coaches over the years for giving me confidence and letting me play my game as well”, expressed Jerrick Harding. He also knows that he wouldn´t be the player that he is today had he not gotten the green light from head coach Randy Rahe. “Coach Rahe taught me a lot, and it was more about off the court, and how to handle yourself, how to be on time, just what it takes to be a successful person first. The culture that I was a part of at Weber will always be with me and I feel like I built so many good habits from Coach Rahe and Weber State”, commented Jerrick Harding. He left Weber State with numerous awards and achievements like Big Sky Conf. All-Tournament Team -17, Big Sky Conf. Tournament Finalist -17, All-Big Sky Conf. 1st Team -18, 19, NABC NCAA D1 All-District 6 1st Team -18, 19, Big Sky Conf. Tournament Semifinals -19, USBWA All-District VIII Team -20, All-Big Sky Conf. 2nd Team -20, and NABC NCAA D1 All-District 6 2nd Team -20.

            The Kansas native who last saw the movie Coming To America signed his first professional contract on August 4, 2020 with ERA Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL) LIVING In Podebrady. He was an unbelievable consistent player in the NCAA in his last three years, but this season there are so many outside factors with COVID-19 that players have to deal with which makes the whole experience difficult. “We’ve actually had to be in Quarantine as a team twice this year, and it can definitely challenge your mental state. It’s definitely tougher as far as living with COVID, because a lot of times you can´t do the things you want to do, and you have to make sure you’re on your P’s and Q’s at all times, because you have to be safe and not risk your own health but others as well. Also with games getting canceled all the time it can be difficult to stay in a good rhythm as a team, but we just have to keep being professionals and be ready to play when it’s time to play”, stressed Jerrick Harding. COVID-19 definitely has made everyone more aware of how precious life is and that one should cherish every day you have with family. COVID-19 definitely made him stronger as a man. “Honestly, COVID has just made me not take anything for granted, because as we’ve seen it has taken a lot from people. In order for you to be successful in life you are going to have to go through adversity, and my thinking is if we can make it through COVID, we can make it through anything”, warned Jerrick Harding.

            The American who lists current Boston Celtic Jayson Tatum as his most toughest player he faced as a youth on the court has joined an organization with ERA Basketball Nymburk that is the most famous basketball club in the Czech Republic. He is more than blessed to be able to play and learn and develop as a player with such a legendary organization. “I’ve learned to appreciate that they care about everyone in their organization and they make sure that you know that. I’ve also just loved being around a winning culture. Everyone in the organization plays a role in why Nymburk is such a successful organization”, stated Jerrick Harding. The club currently has a 25-1 record in the NBL league in the Czech Republic and they are always the target each weekend, because every other team is gunning for that upset. “It’s a challenge, but at the same time it’s a blessing in disguise because we can’t take any games for granted, and I feel like it just helps us build habits in the way we want to play”, added Jerrick Harding. He also has been fortunate to have some great teammates who have made his rookie season a lot easier. One of those players has been guard Retin Obasohan who has seen a lot in his career. “It’s been great playing with him. He been a great teammate and someone I can look to if I have any questions about on the court stuff or even off the court as far as the pro lifestyle. Any time you can get around someone who has been playing at this level for a while it’s good to pick their brain so you can just know things to expect”, stated Jerrick Harding. He also has had the luxury of playing with a guy Petr Benda who collects titles as easily as Serena Williams has with Grand Slams as he has an amazing 24 titles to his credit. “Petr is one of the nicest guys ever man. He is a legend in my eyes, and for him to have the longevity that he’s had is definitely something that I admire. He’s definitely someone I take things from, just how he prepares himself for practice/games, what he does after to make sure his body is ready to go the next day, and just how locked in he always is when it’s time to go”, expressed Jerrick Harding.

            The Kansas native who lists his five best teammates of all-time with Dre Franklin, Jordan Murdock, Brenden Morris, Richaud Gittens, and Petr Benda is a 185cm guard that like many other kids out there idolized Allen Iverson. “Growing up I always wanted to be like Allen Iverson. I knew I probably wasn’t going to be that tall because my Dad is 185 cm, so I would always take moves from him and go work on them outside or in the gym. But I admire him so much because even though he was one of the smallest guys on the court , he was also the most fearless, and he got buckets”, stressed Jerrick Harding. He is playing incredibly efficient as a rookie in the NBL league averaging 16,7ppg, 2,6rpg and 1,6apg in 18 minutes per game. He demonstrated in the NCAA that he is an explosive scorer, but he can do so much more on the court. Any teammate that has ever played with him saw that ultra competitiveness and that zeal to do anything to get the victory. His will to do anything to get the dub has also helped spark this year´s team to being so successful. He shot over 40% from the parking lot in his first two seasons in the NCAA, but in the last two years of school didn´t eclipse the 40% mark, but it simply got tougher for him to shoot the ball. “I feel like I’ve always been a pretty good shooter, but I guess after I had success my first two seasons teams were focusing their defensive schemes around me, and at that point I was taking tougher threes. That could contribute to the drop in percentages”, warned Jerrick Harding. He is back to his old ways of shooting very well from outside as he is currently shooting 40% from downtown. But he isn´t only a threat on offense, but also takes a lot of pride on the defensive end, even if he doesn´t always get the credit as his abilities still seem to be a bit off the radar. “Me being able to bother people on the defensive end is something that I never got credit for. I feel like I have quick hands and have good effort on that end as well”, said Jerrick Harding. With the season winding down, he still has two opportunities to win titles and add to his cup win that he recently won with ERA Basketball Nymburk. He doesn´t take anything for granted and will forever remember that he wouldn´t be where he is today without Wichita, Weber State and Damian Lillard.

Stephen Zimmerman (213-F-96, college: UNLV) is a 24 year old 213cm center that is playing with ERA Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL). He was born in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He began his basketball career at Bishop Gorman High school, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He played a season with the University of Nevada – Las Vegas (NCAA) playing 26 games averaging 10.5ppg, 8.7rpg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 62.4%. He was drafted by the Orlando Magic (NBA,2rd (41). In 2016-2017 he played his rookie year with the Orlando Magic (NBA) playing 19 games averaging 1.2ppg, 1.8rpg, and played also at Erie Bay Hawks (D-League) playing 21 games averaging 13.4ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 48.8%, FT: 61.8In the 2017-2018 season he played with the South Bay Lakers (NBA G League) playing 25 games averaging 6.5ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 58.5%, FT: 61.9%. In the 2018-2019 season he played with the Westchester Knicks (NBA G League) playing 46 games averaging 8.3ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 63.3%. Last season he played with the Telekom Baskets Bonn (Germany-BBL) playing 14 BBL games avergaing 6.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.6%, FT: 60.7%; and played 16 BCL games averaging 7.4ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 64.0%, FT: 53.1. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against Brose Bamberg.

Stephen thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

Hello! Right now I am in the Czech Republic playing for Era basketball Nymburk. Basketball is good but tough, especially overseas.
But still always blessed to be playing basketball for a living.

Before we talk about your basketball career, I want to know how you experienced the whole COVID- 19 crisis after your season ended with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. What were the biggest challenges that you faced in 2020?

Yes, it was a weird situation for everyone. For me it was good and bad because my season was ending, and I didn’t really play how I wanted to so I wanted to get better stats. The good part was the season was ending and after being out of America for the first time I was excited to go home. Also my girlfriend gave birth to our first child at the beginning of the season, so being back with my family was important. Also when I got home we were in quarantine and I couldn’t play basketball or really exercise for a while. So that didn’t help my weight at all!

Everybody saw different sides of COVID-19. With everything that you experienced during COVID-19 in 2020, how do you feel did the whole experience make you stronger as a man?

I am very lucky that Covid hasn’t affected me or my family too much. Towards the end of our quarantine me and my girlfriend tested positive for Covid, and we both were sick for a couple days. It didn’t have to much of an impact on us but we were worried about our families and our new son! So he stayed with his grandparents while we got better. Seeing all of the death and misery this virus has caused we are definitely lucky nothing more happened.

Your playing your first season with Era basketball Nymburk. How has it been playing in a new country?

It has been a unique one so far, since we have been playing the whole season without any fans in the stands. But this team has a winning tradition that any player can grow to appreciate. We have been playing well in the Czech league and champions league so it’s pretty positive vibes for the most part. I think having champions league games sprinkled into our schedule definitely helps us stay locked in. Kind of a change of pace. Most Czech teams have a couple of guys that can go off for 20-30 points on us so as a team we have to take things personal and set goals for ourselves every game in preparation for champions league games.

How do you describe being able to play with a Czech legend like Petr Benda who has won 24 titles with Nymburk. Is he a guy where you can profit from his game?

Petr is a great teammate and a great guy to go at in practice every day. Even though he’s in his later years he always knows where to be and is a very smart and skilled player.

What kind of a role do you have on a team that has many scoring options? How can you best incorporate your abilities at both ends of the court?

Well I wish I had a bigger role but with this team having so many scoring options there isn’t much for me to do offensively in our system. My job is to set screens to get our great shooters open and try to crash the glass as much as possible to kick it back out to them for shots. I try to lock in defensively and grab as many rebounds as I can, run the floor on offense and make shots easier for my teammates.

Last season you played with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. What was your wake call to being overseas for the first time?

I have always been the type of person that likes being alone but after so long of it and with my just born son being at home with my girlfriend by themselves it was kind of hard for me. Now he’s 18 months and developing a personality it’s getting even harder and harder to be away from them.

You have had many teammates in your career, but how will you always remember TJ DiLeo? Was he one of the better teammates you had combing skills and character qualities?

Tj is a great guy and a great teammate! He’s the first one to take responsibility and help you when you need it.

In 2016 you were drafted by the Orlando Magic at #41 in the second round. You played 19 NBA games averaging 1,2ppg and 1,8rpg and also played with the Erie Bay Hawks (D-League) playing 21 games averaging 13.4ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 48.8%, FT: 61.8%. What was your wake up call to being in the NBA?

I would say there are a couple things. But being put in the right situation with a team that’s going to let you play and learn from your mistakes is important. A team that needs you, and helps you. Being that young in the NBA is a tough task for anyone, but some people get more help from the people around them than others. Also taking advantage of opportunities is huge, obviously. I got a chance to play against great big man with
the magic.

You played your first NBA game against the Detroit Pistons logging 8 minutes and getting 4 rebounds. What do you remember from that first game. Were you in awe or actually pretty relaxed?

Basically every game I played in I felt the same, you can see I didn’t play much so when I got on the court everything was so bright. It was hard to realize it was real life. Preseason was a little different. I didn’t quite feel the pressure, so I played better. A lot of the time when something negative happened while I was in the regular season I would be subbed out right away, and most of the time sent back to the G league.

You played against the Spurs against guys like Kwahi Leonard, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobolli as well as against Lebron James. Was seeing these future legends some of your most memorable experiences that you had
in the NBA?

Yes one of my first preseason games was against Lebron and the Cavs. Having Kevin Love guard me was something I’ll always remember. Also driving and seeing Lebron coming over to help, when I passed it to Jeff Green for a lay up. Those were definitely memories I will never forget.

In your second season you played with the South Bay Lakers (NBA G League) playing 25 games averaging 6.5ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 58.5%, FT: 61.9%. How tough was this season after coming from the NBA and averaging 29 minutes in the G-League, you logged only 15 minutes per game with South Bay.

It was really tough. For my parents being in the G league at all was frowned upon. So it lead into my play. I was down there feeling sorry for myself instead of trying to prove I should be in the NBA. That mixed with playing behind Thomas Bryant who was on assignment from the Lakers and playing really well with South Bay. So I didn’t get to much playing time. Also that summer I spent in the weight room and got pretty heavy. I was 275, then when the magic cut me and I went to the Lakers they said they wanted me to lose weight and that was a lot harder than I realized.

In your third professional season you played with the Westchester Knicks (NBA G League) playing 46 games averaging 8.3ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 63.3% When did the deciding moment come where you decided to turn your back on the G-League and go overseas?

I decided to go overseas mostly because I wanted and needed to find a team that I was able to show what I can do. I want to play somewhere where I can play more than 12-15 minutes a game. I didn’t feel like I could show my skills and why I belonged in the NBA with the G-league teams I was playing with. I’m still trying to find the right spot for me.

What was the best example that you saw in your three year NBA/G-League experience where you saw first hand that the NBA is always a business first before anything else?

For me it was seeing guys in the NBA that I didn’t think deserved to be there. Guys that kept getting chance after chance but we’re doing similar or even worse than I was. I also had to cut ties with my agent at the time because I felt like he wasn’t doing anything for me. I didn’t know if it was the team that just liked those players or the people that they knew helping them stay at the top.

You played one season in the NCAA with the University of Nevada – Las Vegas (NCAA) averaging 10.5ppg, 8.7rpg, 2.0bpg FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 62.4%. 10.5ppg, 8.7rpg, 2.0bpg. Do you ever wonder how your career might have gone had you stayed longer in the NCAA?

Of course, unfortunately my one year in college was filled with all kinds of twists and turns. If I would have stayed another year at UNLV I would have had to play with a whole new team because they fired everyone, even the athletic director. And all but two players that were on my team left. If I would have transfered I would have had to sit out a year and then play the next. It was a tough situation so I decided to help me and my family and go straight for the NBA.

You had many great games like against Utah State and New Mexico, but if you had to pick a most memorable game what would it have been?

That’s a tough one, I loved the Oregon game because I was playing
against friends, in front of our family and friends in Vegas. I was
able to put up 12 and 12 that game with multiple blocks. Or the
Arizona game where I had gotten hurt a couple days before in practice.
I came into the game and the crowd started booing. I started the
game off strong but a couple minutes in I re-aggravated my injury and
had to sit out the rest of the game.

How did coaches Dave Rice and Todd Simon groom and prepare you best for a basketball career?

They helped a lot, Dave Rice did what he could before they wrongly fired him, and coach Simon did what he was supposed to. The whole UNLV coaching staff was filled with great guys from top to bottom along with Ryan Miller and coach Augmon.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Ben Carter?

Haha I don’t remember ever playing Ben in one on one but that’s my guy. He’s such a great player and teammate and I’m happy for how he’s playing in Israel. But I like my odds in that one on on! Haha

You are the only player in Nevada history to have won four straight state championships. What do you remember being your biggest challenge in your high school career?

For me I think it was knowing what I could do, or the player I could be and sharing it with my teammates. I played with another good big in chase Jeter and Zach Collins was on the Bench. We had good wings and guards that were also trying and capable of getting D1 offers. So sharing that limelight when I knew if it was just me I could have played 30 minutes and averaged 25 and 15 was my biggest challenge.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

Stephaun Branch, Ben Carter, Paul Watson, Tj DiLeo and Cj Watson in no particular order

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present NBA players?

Lebron James, Shaq, Kareem, MJ. I feel like those are the best players of all time.

What is your opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

Obviously Jordan was a once in a lifetime player, but I feel like Lebron James is the greatest.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Disturbia, Shia lebeouf is a A+ actor.

Thanks Stephen for the chat.

James Robinson is a 27 year old 190cm guard from Mitchellville, Maryland that is playing his fifth professional season and first with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. Last season he played with medi Bayreuth (Germany-BBL) playing 21 games averaging 10.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 4.6apg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 92.6%; and played 14 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 6.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 5.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 37.1%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 85.3%. In the 2018-2019 season he played with Bnei Hertzeliya (Israel-Winner League): playing 24 games averaging 9.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 76.9%. In the 2017-2018 season he had his first tour of duty with medi Bayreuth (Germany-BBL) playing 38 games averaging 9.4ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.5apg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 84.9%; and played 17 BCL games averaging 10.2ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 74.4%. He played his rookie season with BC Igokea Aleksandrovac (Bosnia-Division I) helping them win the cup playing 16 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 61.1%, 3PT-2 (48.8%), FT: 75.8%; He also played in the Adriatic League playing 24 games averaging 12.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 86.3%. Before turning professional he played at Pittsburgh (NCAA) from 2012-2016 playing a total of 137 games and as a senior played 33 games averaging 10.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 5.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 75.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 80-68 win over the Fraport Skyliners.

James thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the big 80-68 victory over the Fraport Skyliners. How important was this win after having lost four of the last five games?

This was a very important win for us. We had been playing well the last couple of games, but we gave up the lead. The second half and especially third quarter have given us problems. Today we were able to hold the lead and pull out the win.

Did you feel that the team collectively was more together than usual and had revenge on their minds after losing a shoot out in Frankfurt 103-98?

I wouldn’t say revenge. We were more worried about if we could keep the lead after half-time. We wanted to do the little things and be able to keep the lead in the second half.

How content were you with the Braunschweig offense in the first half scoring 48 points. The team had many scoring options. Was this the way Braunschweig should execute always?

It would be also nice to be able to defend like that as well. I think our offense has shown that we have a good system and very unselfish players that make our offense go. I thought that we moved the ball well, made shots and got the free throw line. But defense was the key for the win.

How key was Schilling and Velika’s play in the last minutes of the second quarter to help you keep the momentum?

Their production was big time. They are big time players. Velika knows the game so well and continues to get better with more experience while Schilling has been stepping up all season long. It is good to see that he continues to progress.

The Basketball Lowen Braunschweig did a super job managing a run by Frankfurt and still leading by double figures after 30 minutes. What did head coach Pete Strobl tell you guys to do for the last 10 minutes?

Our number one goal was to win the second half and we did by one point. He told us to stay focused on defense. We knew that Frankfurt would make a run. We didn’t want to panic or freak out and think that we could lose the lead again. We did a good job locking in and getting the job done.

Braunschweig did a great job keeping the lead in the fourth quarter and not allowing Frankfurt to get over the hump. What was key on the defensive end in the fourth quarter for grinding out the win?

I think that we were familiar with their offense. We knew that Mobley would get a lot of shots. Key was playing very good team defense

Matt Mobley scored 24 points. How key was it not allowing that second and third player to get really hot?

We knew that he would get his share of shots. So we stayed true to our principles. Important was it limiting Frankfurt to one shot per possession. Everybody was on the same page.

A big strength today was Braunschweig’s ability to control the boards 41-24. What do you feel was the team’s biggest strength today?

I think huge today was that we had multiple efforts. Every player added something to the game. Everybody sacrificed in some way. Luc Van Slooten did a great job making charges. Garai Zeeb gave a lot of energy form the bench. We got behind them and added energy.

Braunschweig is in no man’s land. They are far from the playoffs and won’t move down. Is the team’s biggest goal now to finish the season strong?

We will take it one day at a time. We want to continue to get better in practice and continue to give our best effort in each game. I think that if we continue to do the right things in practice that it will translate into the games. If we can do that who knows where we will be at the end of the season.

Czech Republic player Martin Peterka had a solid game and has been playing very well in the last weeks. How important has his game been this season for the success of the team?

He has been a big time contributor to our success. He is a very good catch and shoot shooter. He also reads the mis matches well and is a good passer. It is good to see how well he has developed.

You are the only real American player on the team which is very rare in any league in Europe. Do you feel that this gives you a special kind of freedom that you wouldn’t have if you had three or four other American teammates?

I don’t think so. I also wouldn’t want to abuse that. We have a great group of young and smart players. They aren’t any lesser than I am. It is a lot of fun to play with them. I learn from them each day and I would hope that they do the same from me.

In our last interview you stated that ‘I want to be that complete point guard and do what my team needs to win. I also want to continue to be a good leader’. Do you feel like you have shown this in the last months?

I believe that I’m progressing toward that. One can always improve and develop more. I believe I will continue to grow.

Your averaging 11/2/5 stats in 30 minutes per game. Do you at times feel like you could be more efficient in the minutes you get?

Yes I could be more efficient. But then again no player is perfect. I think that my production has been pretty good. One can always be more efficient. That is what I’m striving for.

What kind of an experience was it battling Kam Taylor twice in three days. How tough was it losing that first game 84-81?

Anytime you lose, it’s tough. It also is tough losing to one of your best friends. Hamburg is a great team and Kam is a great player. We weren’t locked in down the stretch. We learned from it and moved on.

How proud are you of Kam Taylor. He helped beat Berlin and Munich in the same week. Is he ready to make the next jump to lead a Eurocup teams?

Kam is a special talent and person. He can make any team better no matter where and make an impact on and off the court. I think that he is ready for the next step.

George King of Chemnitz told me a few days ago that this years Gonzaga team could be one of the greatest college teams of all-time. Will they win it all or do you see another school winning it all?

Gonzaga will be tough to beat. I have to go with Michigan and Hunter Dickinson. He went to my high school Dematha so I have to root for them. Plus Michigan has that German connection with Franz Wagner.

European basketball legend Dino Radja said that he couldn’t imagine seeing Russell Westbrook have the ability to lead a team in Europe to success. Do you agree?
.
I think with his NBA back round, he can lead a team anywhere. If he will make triple doubles or score 40 points in Europe, I don’t know. He has been a leader where ever he played. If you’re a leader then you’re a leader. He knows how to lead teams.

Draymond Green has said that he believes that he is the greatest defender of all-time in the NBA. Do you agree?

He is supposed to think that with that defense tag. He is definitely an excellent team defender. I personally like Tony Allen and Scottie Pippen as defenders.

The reviews of the Coming To America sequel have been mixed. Shouldn’t they just have kept it with the original and not made a sequel?

I haven’t seen it. As a fan of the original yes. But the actors have talent and aspirations to make a new one. People still would go see it so why not.

Thanks James for the chat.

Chase Fieler is a 28 year old 203cm forward from Parkersburg, West Virginia playing in his seventh professional season and first with Brose Bamberg. Last season he played with ASP Promitheas Patras (Greece-A1) playing 13 Eurocup games averaging 8.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 48.7%, FT: 71.4%; and played 14 Greek A1 games avergaing 8.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 60.9%. In the 2018-2019 season he played with Filou Oostende (Belgium-Euromillions League) playing 39 games averaging 8.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 83.0%; and played 14 BCL games averaging 10.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 74.3%; and played 4 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 11.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.0apg, 1.5spg, 1.5bpg. As a professional he has racked up a very impressive 9 professional titles in Spain and Holland. He played two seasons with Donar Groningen (Holland-Eredivisie) winning 4 titles. He also won a title in his rookie season with Ourense Termal (Spain-LEB Gold). He began his basketball career with Florida Gulf Coast (NCAA) in 2010 playing a total of 133 NCAA games as was able to improve his scoring and rebounding averages each season. As a senior he played 34 games averaging 13.7ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 30.2%, FT: 70.7%. He spoke to eurobasket after the massive 88-74 win over ratiopharm Ulm.

Congrats Chase on the big 88-74 win. That was the fifth straight win in the easyCredit BBL. Is Brose Bamberg playing their best basketball at the moment in the BBL?

Yes I think so. We are finally playing with a full roster again and have had longer stretches during games playing with a lot of energy. We have been doing a good job using our depth and that has translated into our games and helped us be successful.

You swept the season series against ratiopharm Ulm. How big was this win which put the team three wins more than Frankfurt and Bayreuth.

This was a big win in our playoff push. I hope that we can keep it up. We have a tough game against Hamburg and before that have to play two Basketball Champions Ship games within 48 hours. Hamburg is very talented and deep. They have ex Euroleague player Bryce Taylor, Jordan Swing who seemingly has played everywhere, and Allen and Shorts have been having good years. It will definitely be a tough game.

Ratiopharm Ulm had the two point advantage at the break. Why couldn’t any club break away from the other in the first 20 minutes?

The first half was a battle. Both teams played good basketball. Ulm showed earlier in the season that they could play very well against strong Eurocup teams. It was a back and forth game. They went on a run early and we were able to close the gap at the end.

Basketball is a game of runs and Bamberg went on a run to lead 55-45, but ratiopharm Ulm struck back and finished the third quarter with a 15-3 run. What do you feel was giving Bamberg the biggest problems on the defensive end in that run?

I don’t think that anything was really giving us problems. Ulm just played well and hit shots. They are a deep team and will make runs. Runs will happen when you play them. They got some offensive rebounds that led to put backs. All you can do is just continue to force them to taking bad shots.

What did head coach Johan Roijakkers tell the team to do better for the last 10 minutes?

Coach just told us to keep doing what we were doing and stick to the basics.

Brose Bamberg set the foundation for the win with four lethal three’s as Hall and Vitali made two each. Did that offensive punch paralyze ratiopharm Ulm?

I think those early three’s stopped their momentum. But I don’t think that you can ever really paralyze Ulm. There was a recent game where Osetkowski made shots, but against us he had good looks, but just didn’t make shots. I think that we have elite fire power and that is hard to guard. David Kravish was huge making great passes out of the post and Tyler Larson who is back from a long injury was also huge for us. He is still looking to regain his touch, but what he gave us with his rebounding, defense and facilitation was so important. Larson’s return also has forced other guys back to their natural position which is also important.

A big key to the win was the Bamberg high shooting percentage, but what do you feel was the club’s biggest strength on this night?

I think that our biggest strength was our ball movement. We played at a high pace and we have so many unselfish players. Our good ball movement helped us find the open guy. Devon Hall makes great shots against great defense. There is a reason why he was in the NBA.

What is Brose Bamberg capable of achieving this season in the Basketball Champions League and easyCredit BBL?

I feel that we can move up to position 7 or 6 in the BBL. What then happens in the playoffs is up in the air. The playoffs are a different season and everything begins at 0. I hope that we can make a run. I think that we also have a good chance of making the Basketball Champions league final 8. It probably will be played in a bubble. Not traveling will be a big plus.

People tend to talk about Trae Bell-Haynes and Jaleen Smith for MVP, but what about Devon Hall? His three big three’s at the end of the third and start of the fourth carried Bamberg in the right direction to the win. Where would the team be without his services?

Devon has played incredible and it is rare seeing him be so unselfish despite being as talented as he is. Bell-Haynes and Smith have been more talked about simply because their teams have been more successful than us. But you can still put Hall in the conversation for MVP. It will come down to how well we end the season. A guy like David Kravish also has been incredible for us. He didn’t seem like he had his greatest game tonight, but he still had an efficiency rate of 23. That just shows how much he effects the game for us.

Tyler Larson was out for four months. How important is it that he is back not only for his versatile game, but his strong playmaking skills?

He hasn’t been shooting the way he usually does in the first two games back, but he effects the game so much in an important way. His pace, play calling and the way he picks up full court on defense has been key for us. Him being back adds another level of depth that we didn’t have before. His facilitating also has been so important. He had 7 assists tonight, but he easily could have had more. He gets the hockey assist a lot. He does a great job getting all involved and keeping the offense fluid and keeping the ball moving. The ball is never stuck long in his hands.

Could one say that Italian shooter Michele Vitali has been something like the team’s unsung hero this season? He comes in and time after time making big shots to help the team to success.

He is such an incredible shooter. He forces the defense to pay attention more to him which takes their help side away. That allows Hall, Kravish and me to getting easy lay ups. He also does a great job drawing fouls as defenses have to play him more physical. I really believe that there aren’t many other guys in Europe that shoot the ball better than him. His IQ and off ball sets him apart from the others.

In your first five professional seasons, you were out 8 weeks in your rookie season and 6 weeks in your second season. After that you were injury free for three. Last season you got injured in Greece and this season was out for five weeks. How tough was this injury mentally after having been injured last season something that you previously hadn’t really seen as a professional?

Injuries are a part of the game. You know coming into the season that there is a high possibility that you might be injured. Basketball is physical and puts a lot of stress on the body. My injury this season was tough because I wasn’t playing my best basketball and many guys had to play heavy minutes because we had other injuries as well.

You had a huge game scoring 19 points shooting 85% and swatting away two balls. Did we see the Chase Fieler of old tonight?

Yes tonight was more the way I like to play. Things can always change from game to game. In my last game I scored 13 points, but was 0/5 from outside. I feel that I should of made four of those shots. But for me most important is creating shots and trying to impact the game the best way that I can and just doing positive things on the court. I have never said that I’m a scorer, but rather am a player that wants to affect the game in the most positive way.

George King of Chemnitz told me a few days ago that this years Gonzaga team could be one of the greatest college teams of all-time. Will they win it all or do you see another school winning it all?

I didn’t follow the NCAA enough this season to comment. I follow my school, but watch more Euroleague and Eurocup basketball. I have seen that Gonzaga is undefeated. You have to give their coaching staff a lot of credit, because they have been doing this year in and year out. A kid from high school committed to Gonzaga instead of Kentucky or Duke. Years ago when I was in school something like that would have been unheard of. Gonzaga now is competing at the level with schools like Kentucky and Duke in terms of recruiting.

European basketball legend Dino Radja said that he couldn’t imagine seeing Russell Westbrook have the ability to lead a team in Europe to success. Do you agree?

It is hard to say since defense is played differently in Europe. I don’t know how well he would shoot the ball in Europe, but it is wrong to say that he couldn’t have success here. He is an unbelievable player that is so explosive. I think that he would still be able to score here and with his athletic ability would set him apart from 98% of the players.

Draymond Greene has said that he believes that he is the greatest defender of all-time in the NBA. Do you agree?

I don’t know if he is the greatest of all-time, but he surely is one of the most versatile ever. He can guard so many positions 1-5. By doing that he has to be in the consideration. I watched Lebron put up big numbers against him. If he really is the greatest of all-time, then he really should of guarded Lebron better in the playoffs.

The reviews of the Coming To America sequel have been mixed. Shouldn’t they just have kept it with the original and not made a sequel?

I haven’t seen it. It is hard to say. They were offered money to do a sequel. The first one was so good. I was impressed that they were able to get so much of the cast to return and make the sequel. Because of that people want to see the sequel. I can understand why they made the sequel.

Thanks Chase for the chat.

Robby Scheinberg and Oscar Da Silva in the Maples Pavilion in Stanford

It was a Thursday night and I was waiting on well known German youth coach Robert “Robby” Scheinberg to conduct an interview. Now when I think back, the whole situation reminded me of a classic Dirty Harry scene where Clint Eastwood responded to the Mayor´s question about what he has been doing with siting on my butt for 45 minutes waiting on you Sir. But with me and Robby, it was all good, because he had warned me in the morning that it could become late because he was training players. But that didn´t bother me, because it gave me the opportunity to finish my new piece on rising American player Jerrick Harding who plays for Era basketball Nymburk in the Czech Republic. Finally a few minutes after midnight on March 26^th I got a message from him that we could still do the interview in the wee hours of the morning. The basketball life and passion never ends for Robby Scheinberg. Anyway he had had sleepless nights the last few days concerning his player Bent Leuchten and where he will play in the NCAA next season. It was only normal that I had to catch up with the NBBL coach of IBAM as a big story had surfaced in the German basketball world as his ex player Oscar Da Silva had signed with top club MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. He has experienced so much over the years with Da Silva that he could surely write a very informative and thrilling book about him. He spends a lot of time with him in the summers on and off the court and could surely tell numerous stories about him. But it wouldn´t all be about his game. Oscar da Silva is so much more than just a great player, but is the full package. He has an incredible charachter something that is hardly ever seen with kids his age and Scheinberg has seen it develop over the years. There have been numerous examples where Da Silva´s role model type character has sparkled as much as the game of Lamello Ball has in his rookie NBA season. “It was one of our last Regionalliga games with Schwabing in the 2016-2017 season before he went to Stanford(NCAA). We had  a game in Leitershofen. As usual I was driving the mini van and Oscar sat next to me up front something he always did on away games. So when we got there, all the players went into the gym except Oscar. He remained behind with me as there was a lot of bags and equipment to take to the dressing room. There was a lot to carry. A jersey bag, medical kit, paper rolls, ball bag and so much more. He carried everything himself including his own bag. I still don´t know how he managed. I took a photo and then showed his teammates in the gym. He did all this without a complaint. He then stepped on the floor and scored 40 points, had 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. Oscar has absolutely no diva like qualities. I told his teammates that if all guys could be like Oscar that I would then be the happiest coach on earth. He never hates on other people. He always did the dirty work on and off the court and never complained. Oscar always leades by example”, warned Robert Scheinberg. Oscar Da Silva has that special game and character that other young players can only dream about.

Robert Scheinberg is a German-Polish coach that has been coaching since 1993 currently coaching the NBBL team IBAM. He began as a youth coordinator for FC Bayern Munich. He then coached teams like TSV Jahn Freising, Head Attack Baskets Erding (Germany-Oberliga), and  MTSV Schwabing (Germany-Regionalliga). Just like everyone else on earth, the 48 year coach has still been able to stay busy and conduct a lot of individual training sessions with players and had most of his team together, but still it wasn´t the same without having competitive games and he has really missed it. “The time without games has been difficult and boring. I´m a guy that is emotional and need the games. I miss showing the emotion and having the thrill of seeing how players react in good and bad games and in pressure situations. The individual training has been beneficial, but at the same time, guys don´t really know where they stand without competitive games”, stressed Robert Scheinberg. A big negative point about Corona concerning sports has been the cancelation of the youth seasons not only in basketball, but also in many other sports. “Only a few of my guys could play Pro B. Corona didn´t hurt the crème de la crème, because they could play, but Corona really hurt the sleepers. That has been a catastrophe for these players, because they were unable to show their talent. Others guys in the second row also were affected especially the birth year 2002 as they were looking for division-1 scholarships. These guys couldn´t reach the next level. Corona also hurt the JBBL guys who were moving up to the NBBL. Because of this lost season, they are light years away from being NBBL players”, warned Robert Scheinberg.

As is the case each season, players come and go and Scheinberg had many new players with IBAM and also had some guys returning like Jonas Maerz, Ivan Borrisov and Dan Mukina. Despite not having competitive games guys were able to develop further as was the case with Dan Mukina, while other guys like Maerz and Borrisov had it more difficult to make new strides in their games. “Dan only started to play three years ago. He has a huge upside and is very raw. Having two coaches work with him helped his game a lot. He is very disciplined and was a big winner during Corona. With Maerz and Borrisov it was more difficult to develop, because they are done players. They couldn´t show new things with their games. But both guys definitely made new strides with their shooting and defense”, added Robert Scheinburg. The ambitious coach also coached another talented German last season with Leander sShwalm. He is one of those gifted players that seemed to have been tossed around the last years as he went from Alba Berlin to IBAM to the Fraport Skyliners in three years. But the young buck also had his studies on his mind which was a big factor in his nomadic ways. “Leander´s mother had ties to Munich and that is why he came to IBAM. He also had nice memories of Munich. It isn´t our focus to keep guys for a long time with IBAM: The reason why he went to Frankfurt is because he wants to go to University and got a spot in Frankfurt. He came late to Frankfurt and didn´t have a chance to show his game. I love him and still love him”, stressed Robert Scheinburg. Another big winner in his basketball stall is Bent Leuchten. He profited from Corona and got good minutes with Pro B club Oberaching averaging 12,8ppg and 6,8rpg in 25 minutes per game. “Bent gave me a lot of sleepless nights as he is currently choosing a NCAA school. His choices are UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, Pittsburgh and Arkansas. He developed well. He was a bit behind athletically, but he lost 8 ponds and really worked hard on body. He could make the German U-20 team”, stated Robert Scheinburg. The ambitious and experienced coach is confident that next season the NBBL will be in full swing again. “The biggest topic now are the Corona shots. Everyone getting them is the solution to having games played again. It is hard to understand why Germany is so behind in this area. I think that a normal season will be able to begin again in October or November. I believe that the NBBL can´t afford to lose another season again. That will financially not be possible”, stressed Robert Scheinburg.

Scheinberg who last watched the movie Wonder Woman has been busy all season long with helping develop his players, but also was able to follow his ex player Oscar Da Silva play at Stanford(NCAA) from 2017-2021. A few days ago, the news came that Da Silva would play for the MHP Riesen, but also have the opportunity to play in the NBA should he get drafted and get the chance. For many this move may have been a surprise, but not for Scheinberg who was in close contact with John Patrick about Da Silva coming back to Europe. “A big reason for Oscar making this move was because Patrick is coach there and went to Stanford. Oscar and me are like a family office. I spoke very long with Patrick. He understands the agenda of Oscar. Oscar will need to shoot more three pointers to help his NBA stock. He will fit in well to Patrick´s system with his character. It will be a good match”, said Robert Scheinberg. The German/Polish coach watched the German play in Stanford the last four years and is disappointed that he couldn´t utilize his biggest strengths as a player as he couldn´t show his true game the last two years at Stanford. “I train with Oscar every summer for three months. He arrived at Stanford in 2017 as the third best player coming into the NCAA. He was a small forward at IBAM and also played that position his first two years. But that changed when he became a junior. Stanford didn´t have enough big men and made Oscar into a mobile five man. That didn´t really bring his game forward, because he couldn´t play his normal game and show what he does best. He was in the post and didn´t shoot many three´s in his last two seasons. But he still put up good stats in his last two years, because he is so versatile. He showed real character in that he stood behind the team and didn´t complain. He got better in the post. That is also a reason why he went to Ludwigsburg. They have good connections to the NBA and now he will be able to play his position that he couldn´t at Stanford. He also only played limited games at Stanford. That wouldn´t have helped his NBA Draft stock. Now he can play another 20 games with Ludwigsburg. Going to Ludwigsburg was the right step. Now he can shoot three pointers and he will have more options from outside. Important also is that he will be able to play against men”, warned Robert Scheinberg. It will definitely be interesting how well Da Silva comes to terms with John Patrick´s system. His versatility will definitely be beneficial for him achieving success in the easyCredit BBL. “I imagine that Rodriguez and Polas will play the four when they play small. I see Oscar being able to play the four and five at times. The BBL is a very physical league and one can´t expect wonders from him right away. He still is a rookie in a very strong league. He will need time. I think he may need three or four weeks. But I can see him becoming a factor in the playoffs”, stressed Robert Scheinberg.

It is no secret that Da Silva wants to get to the NBA and obviously playing competitive games in the next months will definitely help his NBA Draft Stock. After finishing the season with the MHP Riesen, he will be best prepared going into the NBA workouts that he will get. “It will help that he plays 20 games with Ludwigsburg. He injured his leg in February and missed a month and 4-5 games with Stanford. He now has come to a great team and can play for a title. His biggest benefit is that he can practice with men every day. At Stanford he was one of then oldest and now is one of the youngest. Now NBA scouts will be able to follow him and he will get in game shape for the NBA draft. From what I have heard from NBA teams, Oscar should go in the second round. A guy like Franz Wagner could go in the first round. The NBA always looks at the potential of players. Oscar is a senior and now you hardly see seniors get drafted. I think that if he also has good workouts that he then should find a good team and be drafted in the second round”, warned Robert Scheinberg. He still can get better as he continues as a professional player and has the drive and dedication to continue to grind in the lab on his game. “Oscar has to work on getting a higher shooting percentage from outside. He also needs to shoot more three´s. He also has to become a more aggressive rebounder and work on lateral movement on switches. He also needs to work on his athleticism and become more agile and mobile”, warned Robert Scheinberg. He not only followed Oscar this season as he ended his NCAA career, but also his younger brother Tristan who started his NCAA career at Colorado. The younger Da Silva had growing pains as he averaged only 9,0mpg. “There were many seniors on the team. I felt that he used his minutes well as a freshman. He has good chances of being a starter next season. He is a mega talent and started later than Oscar. He had a tough injury and worked very hard to come back and get this opportunity with Colorado. They were my sleeper this season. Tristan did a good job finding his way into the rotation”, expressed Robert Scheinberg.

Scheinberg who sees NBA superstar Luka Doncic as a top 3 player individually but not top 3 player with the full package can now observe Oscar Da Silva even more closely in the easyCredit BBL. Da Silva plays his first game on Sunday in Bayreuth. Scheinberg would love to see him in Bayreuth, but can´t because COVID-19 has made it very strict for people to watch games live. Even if Da Silva put up great stats in the NBBL and Regionalliga and averaged 15.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, as a junior and 18,5ppg, 6,7rpg and 2,4apg as a senior at Stanford, Scheinberg doesn´t even see him as a very talented player on the court. He sees many other abilities that will always get him a spot on any roster for any team in the world. “Tristan is an unbelievable talent. Oscar is totally dedicated, down to earth and totally understands what a coach wants from him. He also is always in the right spot and does nothing wrong on the court. He has shot 60% or better from the field since five years. You can always have a good conversation with him. It is just fun to be with him. His biggest quality is his charisma and he is just a good guy. That really helps carry his game. He is always working to improve and has that unbelievable fighting will”, warned Robert Scheinberg. The next months will be very interesting and exciting as to where the basketball journey will go for Oscar da Silva. How much of an impact will he have for the MHP Riesen in the easyCredit BBL and will he land on a NBA team this summer? Not only will his game have an effect where his journey goes, but his character will also play a huge role. Scheinberg is 100% confident that his qualities off the court will help him. “Oscar is eloquent, good looking and speaks 6 languages. What can go wrong?”, smiled Robert Scheinberg. Even if Clint Eastwood has the audacity to give a cheeky remark to the mayor about waiting on him, you can be sure that Oscar Da Silva will only have the utmost respect for John Patrick. Da Silva´s character simply won´t allow him to have a cheeky slip up. He simply knows better and doesn´t have the Diva in him.

Keith Hornsby (192-SG-92, college: LSU) is a 29 year old 193cm shooting guard from Mouth Of Wilson, Virginia that is playing his fifth professional season and first in Germany with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Last season the American played with Polski Cukier Torun (Poland-EBL) playing 19 games averaging 15.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 75.7%. He played his first 3 professional seasons with the Texas Legends (D-League) playing 116 games and averaging 4.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.0apg in his first season, 10.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 78.3% in his second season and 12.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT-2 (49.1%), FT: 84.1% in his final season. He began his basketball career with Oak Hill Academy. He then split time with 2 schools with the University of North Carolina – Asheville (NCAA) and : Louisiana State University (NCAA) playing a total of 116 NCAA games. His best season with the: University of North Carolina – Asheville (NCAA) was his last season where he averaged: 15.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 92.5%. He put up very consistent stats with Louisiana State University (NCAA) in both years averaging 13.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 78.4% and in his senior year averaging 13.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 81.8%. He spoke to germanhoops after the big 98-92 OT win in Chemnitz

Keith thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Congrats on the massive 99-92 win Chemnitz. How thrilling is it in general to be able to win a OT game on the road?

It‘s an amazing feeling. We knew Chemnitz would be a tough opponent at home, and we really had to buckle down and focus to win the game. If we had lost, it would’ve been a brutal six hour bus ride back to Oldenburg through the night.

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg had the slim 43-39 lead at the break. How tough was it playing Chemnitz in that first half and why couldn’t you break away as a team?

Chemnitz made some good plays and gained some momentum at the end of the first half. They’re a very dangerous offensive team if they get going. We missed a ton of lay ups and open shots throughout the game, and especially in the first half. If we’d have capitalized on those shots and been a bit better defensively we would’ve had a more comfortable lead.

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg kept the double digit lead through 30 minutes with good inside out play but lost control in the fourth quarter as Chemnitz scored 27 points. What was key for Chemnitz getting back into the game?

They were playing well together and really testing our defense by making us do multiple rotations. They’re a team that gets hot at home easily, and they certainly did in the fourth quarter.

German big man Jan Wimburg scored 14 points in the contest and was big in the first minutes of the fourth quarter getting buckets. Did you sense that he was extra motivated to play his ex team Oldenburg?

The returnees from the last few years would know more about his motivations against Oldenburg. I didn’t know he used to play for the club.

With 10 seconds left in the game, the Niners Chemnitz sent the game into OT with a Marcus Thornton bucket. Take us through that last play. What led to Oldenburg not getting that last stop?

I’ve known Marcus for a while. I used to play with him in the summers when we were in college while he was at William and Mary and I was visiting home in Williamsburg, Virginia. He has a deadly between the legs hesitation move that he kept using to get in the paint against us. We did a good job helping out for the most part, but he threw up a left hand contested lay up that rolled in. Tough shot!

In the OT time both teams kept exchanging blows, but Braydon Hobbs made the key basket. How huge was he and how vital is his overall good team play and character this season?

He’s simply one of my favorite teammates ever on and off the court. He plays with such poise, is a savant passer, and is a complete knock down shooter. It took some balls to take and make that big shot after he’d missed his previous few, but we all know any three is a perfectly makable shot for him.

How much fun does it continue to be playing with Rickey Paulding? Does he sometimes give you that popcorn and sit back feeling when he plays the game?

Rickey is a legend man. The best part about him is despite his big reputation in Oldenburg, he’s such an incredibly humble person and all around good guy. Not to mention a genetic freak! If he gets the pass in the post, I just chill and watch the show. He can get a great shot out of that position every time.

How much easier does Rasid Mahalbasic continue to make it for the EWE Baskets shooters? How vital is his out of the post passing for the success of the club?

He’s the best post passer I’ve ever played with. He’s always trying to balance his scoring attack and passing ability out of the post, because most of the time he meets some serious defensive resistance down there. He’s given me countless open threes this year from passes of wizardry. We fed him in the post a lot tonight and ran the offense through him. He was extremely affective.

You had a quiet night scoring 5 points. Recently you scored 28 points against Munich making 6 three’s. How do you digest a loss like this coupled with only 5 points mentally?

Offensively we have so many threats on Oldenburg. I didn’t feel very involved tonight offensively, but if I’m not scoring points, chances are someone else is having a big night, and that’s fine. Tonight that was Rasid, Rickey, and Phil Pressey. Each game is different, but I think I can be a little more aggressive and affect the game more even if I’m not getting the ball. That Munich loss was tough to digest. I was flowing very well offensively against them making tough shots, but if you score 28 and lose, it’s not a great feeling. If we would’ve won, it would’ve been bliss.

You have had an amazing season shooting 53% from outside. The best you ever shot before this season was 49% with G-League team Texas Legends. Has it only been extra reps and good shot selection that has helped you achieve this excellent shooting percentage or did you change something up with your mechanics?

I’ve actually taken much more difficult threes this season than my 49% year in the g league. I’m just a better shooter than I’ve ever been before. I give my teammates a lot of credit, because I’m lucky to play with some players who have a great feel for the game. They give me some great shooting opportunities most games despite more focused and scouted defense against me. I also like the spalding Tf-1000! Great basketball. A shooter’s ball I believe.

The EWE Baskets have a favorable schedule until the end of the regular season. How confident are you that the club could possibly overtake a team above them? Is there less pressure on you then the other top 3 teams?

We never look too far ahead. We’re looking forward to each match up. We can surely win out, but we have to be better than we were tonight.

You next meet Wurzburg on the road. They will surely be motivated after losing by 40 points in Oldenburg. What will be key for sweeping the season series?

They have a few new players that weren’t there the first time we played them. They have a reinforced roster. It’s always difficult to win on the road, so we really have to attack them early and get stops in the first half like we did the first time.

Ex NBA legend Dino Radja said that he can’t imagine Russell Westbrook being able to lead a team in Europe to success. Do you agree?

I love Russell Westbrook, but his game is definitely more fitted for the NBA. I think he wouldn’t be as effective in Europe, but still a complete problem for opposing defenses.

The reviews of the new Coming to America movie have been mixed. Shouldn’t they just have kept it with the original classic instead of making a sequel?

I actually enjoyed the sequel. It plays a lot of fan service to the first movie, so if you’re not knowledgeable about the original, you’ll miss a lot of jokes throughout the sequel. It was actually better than I thought

Thanks for the chat Keith.

                When I skimmed my basketball working calendar in January 2020, I had some real serious basketball highlights that would even have given Scooby Doo a run for the money with his share of treats that he usually received on a daily basis. I had waited a long long time to finally catch my buddy 4 time Euroleague champion Kyle Hines play live again. I had last seen him his first season in Germany with Bamberg in 2010-2011 and then never again. It was actually my own fault as I was too lazy to make the 2 hour drive to Bamberg to see him battle in Euroleague from 2011-2020. I saw him help his team CSKA Moscow to a road win in Munich. A few weeks later, I was on my usual annual return home to Boston to see my family and during my stay was able to see the Los Angeles Lakers close up. Meeting the legendary Jason Kidd and getting a selfie and then observing as Lebron James made the 30 yard walk from the hotel entrance to the bus which I captured with a video a moment that I will never forget. I mean seriously how often can one get that close to the planet´s best player? Squeezed in between these two very memorable experiences was a NBBL game between Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners and BBC Porsche Ludwigsburg. At first glance watching a German U-19 game couldn´t be anywhere close to being as eventful as meeting the Euroleague´s best player Mike James and having Lebron James next to you for a split second, but for me even this youth game had weight with me. A few years ago an unknown Isaac Bonga learned his basketball trade in Frankfurt on that court and on this day Ludwigsburg were sporting vast talent with the Patrick brothers Jacob and Johannes as well as other German Lukas Herzog and possible future NBA Draft Prospect Ariel Huckporti. January 2020 was a basketball smorgasboard for me with all types of amazing players that I could see, but there was also an interesting head coach that was barking commands on the sideline. American David Gale of BBC Porsche Ludwigsburg was in the building. He has had a very interesting and noteworthy basketball career ranging from the NBA/G-League to Germany and now has made the next step to Lithuania. For Gale, hearing all these names was like a basketball reunion as he has had connections to all in some way. “I grew up watching & wanting to be Jason Kidd while he was playing at Cal. I played against Lebron on a few different occasions on the AAU circuit & at Adidas ABCD camp. All these pro’s & legends started off playing with youth teams & built themselves to the point they’re at now. Hopefully, one day, we’ll be talking about Ariel, the Patrick´s, Lukas, in the same breath as Pro’s we are watching at the highest levels today”, stressed David Gale.

            David Gale was born on June 3, 1984 in Sherman Oaks, California. He spent some time as an adolescent on the east coast attending Brewester Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. He then attended Loyola University of Chicago (NCAA), but quickly realized that a professional playing career wouldn´t be in his cards. He didn´t play much, but still made some valuable memories reaching two Horizon League Tournament Semifinals in 2006 and 2007 and was a USA Selection for the Maccabi International Games in Australia in 2006. As is often the case for guys that aren´t talented enough to go the playing route, one often finds another talent and desire and for him it was coaching. “While at Loyola, I didn’t play nearly as much as I had hoped however, the upside to that was being able to change my mentality and start to train my mind to be a coach. Coach Patrick Baldwin, now the Head Coach at UW-Milwaukee, was extremely influential in helping me to see the game from a coachs standpoint. At the same time, as I look back upon my time at Loyola, my player development work started during my senior year, going to the gym with my teammate & European basketball legend at this point, Blake Schilb. I think during my senior year at Loyola, I realized that working for an NBA organization, most likely in coaching, was what I wanted to do”, remembered David Gale. He really didn´t waste any time seeking vital opportunities which then led to added contacts and new relationships. Already as a student at Loyola, he was able to sample those first key experiences at the NBA Summer League being a video coordinator from 2004-2007. It also didn´t hurt that already at the age of 10 he worked together with Neil Olshey who then was a trainer and later would be the assistant general manager of the Los Angeles Clippers. He got his first NBA gig with the Clippers where he stayed from 2007-2011. His NBA journey then continued with the Toronto Raptors from 2011-2017 where he was an assistant coach with the Raptors and farm team and sustained his most successful time and then was with the Delaware 87ers where he was also an assistant. He wouldn´t trade his time with all three experiences for anything in the world. “Each organization & each coaching staff I was privileged enough to be around was invaluable. With the Clippers, I began to understand the commitment it took to be a coach.  With the Raptors, I learned the importance of consistency, accountability & thinking outside the box. Not just that, but my time in Toronto was when I feel I grew the most as a man off the court as well. In Philadelphia, I was able to develop more of my defensive mentality and continue to develop my player development philosophy, working with some great young players. All 3 organizations helped me to develop my overall coaching philosophy and to help shape most of my ideas about being a successful coach & leader”, stressed David Gale. The American was able to really shape his coaching horizon in his 6 years with Toronto, because he had the luxury to have worked with so many amazing people. “The Raptors have a very collaborative approach to building a successful culture. No detail is too small and no individuals voice is too insignificant. From the top down, they really focus on every step of making winning & player development the priority. I was fortunate enough to learn from Coaches such as Dwane Casey, Jesse Mermuys, Nick Nurse, Billy Bayno, Jerry Stackhouse, Eric Hughes and front office executives such as Masai Ujiri, Bobby Webster, Bryan Colangelo, Marc Eversley, Jeff Weltman & Ed Stefanski. The culture of winning & player development, focused on relationship building & attention to detail is truly second to none in the NBA and G-League”, stressed David Gale. In the last years the Raptors organization have come along way with the pinnacle being the 2019 NBA title. It is obvious that Gale profited highly from being able to work with so many talented guys on and off the court. “Building relationships & developing players is truly the focus of the entire organization.  The players with whom I’m still in contact regularly are Jonas Valanciunas, Terrence Ross, Patrick Patterson, DeMar DeRozan, Bruno Caboclo & Greivis Vasquez.  I spent hours in the gym, time with off the court, learnt about their families and life outside of basketball and with that, you build life long relationships focused on so much more than just basketball”, warned David Gale.

                After a year in the Philadelphia 76ers organization, he proceeded to take on a new challenge and went overseas to Germany. He spent two years in the MHP Riesen organization acting as a easyCredit BBL assistant coach under John Patrick and also coached their NBBL(U-19 team) where he won NBBL coach of the year in 2020. He and his NBBL team BBC Porsche Ludwigsburg were rolling during the season and then out of nowhere COVID-19 arrived wiping out the magical season that ended abruptly. He remained in Germany until the end of June and then headed to Toronto to visit his wife´s family. After that he headed to Los Angeles to train players from the NBA, to D1 College, to High School & all the way to Middle School. Some of the players he worked with were Patrick Patterson, Kyle Guy, Dewayne Dedmon and Trent Lockett. He also spent time developing his business SoCalHoop and watched a lot of video, picking up some new concepts that he wants to use in the future. In June he finished out the easyCredit BBL season in the bubble in Munich helping the team reach the final, but it was his baby his NBBL team that he couldn´t watch compete for the U-19 title that hurt badly. The roster that he had had had some serious talent with the Patrick brothers, Lukas Herzog and Ariel Huckporti and it is a bunch of guys he will never forget. Unfortunately for him, he will never know if that team could have lived up to his lofty, but also just expectations. “I think the main thing I learned was that you can’t take anything for granted & to make the most of every minute you have a group like that. I’ve had some debates recently with other German coaches and players, but I believe that our U-19 group last year will eventually be looked at as the most talented NBBL team in Germany history. We had an unbelievable season on the court & formed a real family with that group. I feel the worst for the kids who didn’t have the opportunity to experience that moment of pure joy & accomplishment at the end of the season. Like I said, I learned to enjoy every moment & live in the moment because you never know when it could be taken from you. Control the things you can control”, warned David Gale. He didn´t just end his NBBL season in March and thank his young players for the moments, but still spent time with them conducting individual work outs as well as helping their minds with zoom conferences with interesting and noteworthy guests. “My goal in bringing NBA players and coaches on our zoom calls was to give our players another perspective on what it takes to accomplish your goals. Our players see the guys in the NBA on TV & view them as the best players in the world, rightfully so. To give our guys the opportunity to speak with these players, especially the international ones like Jonas Valanciunas & Bruno Caboclo, who have played in the same tournaments (ANGT & BWB) & experienced the same hurdles, helped our players to grow a bit mentally as well as maintain their focus and understand what it takes to accomplished their goals”, stressed David Gale. During COVID-19 he didn´t only spend his time wisely on the court, but also used the extra time wisely off the court.  “I think the time away from coaching a team, I was able to truly reflect on all that I’ve learned in my time as a coach.  On a personal note, I was able to spend more time connecting with my wife & my family, something that you rarely have such an extended opportunity to do in the coaching industry”, remembered David Gale.

                The American who lists his personal NBA Mount Rushmore with legends Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Jordan, Lebron James was able to profit in his two years in Ludwigsburg being able to work with so much German talent. Two players that he will never forget were the sons of head coach John Patrick Johannes and Jacob who already made their BBL debuts last season profiting form the Bubble in Munich in June 2020. “Both Johannes & Jake are very talented basketball players. Their games and personalities are very different but both have shown great growth over the past 2.5 years. They definitely benefited from COVID, having the opportunity to play on a larger stage in the BBL bubble but I believe both players would have reached that level sooner or later regardless of the timing”, stressed David Gale. It seems like the younger Jacob is more talented than his older brother, but if there is one guy who should give the perfect scouting report than it´s David Gale. “I wouldn’t say Jake is more talented than Johannes, they simply have different games & different natural abilities. Jake is naturally a pure shooter with more size than his older brother. Jake also has a gift that most players do not, he as the mental capacity to play through missed shots & mistakes without letting it affect his game. He will have a long, very successful career as he continues to develop and mature. Johannes has a bit more speed than his younger brother, is a tenacious defender on & off the ball and plays with the passion that coaches want all their players to show. He has grown into being a real leader, as he was the captain of our U-19 team both years I was in Ludwigsburg. Johannes plays with a chip on his shoulder as most people view he and Jake the same way you phrased this question. Both brothers are great players and I’m excited to watch both of their careers continue to blossom”, warned David Gale. The American was really fortunate to have been able to work with top easyCredit BBL coach John Patrick, but at the same time also get that perspective from a players view point with David Mccray who retired from the game after many years of being known as a ruthless defender and aided him with the U-19 side. “Working with John and being able to learn from him every day was an invaluable experience. John empowered me & gave me my first opportunity to be a head coach and I will be forever grateful to him for that. On the court, I learned about pressure defense & defensive schemes that I hadn’t seen before in North America. He changed the way I view team & individual defense. I think there are some aspects of Johns defense that you will be able to see with my team in Nevezis. As just as John would do, I won’t give away any other secrets about our schemes. Dave is a very talented basketball mind that has the two things you need to be a successful coach, internal drive & extreme dedication to his craft.  Having Dave on my coaching staff last season was something I pushed for as he contemplated retirement as I saw the potential and value in having him on the bench & in practice next to me. Players respond to his passion and they can feel that he truly cares about their development, both as players and as men.  I think Dave, as long as he wants to, will be a BBL coach in the very near future. Dave is like family to me, he and I still talk regularly. Just like our players from the past years, I can’t wait to see his growth and future as a Head Coach”, said David Gale. He is obviously a different coach now then two years ago when he arrived in Germany from the NBA. He is very thankful that he was able to mature further as a coach in Germany. “My main areas of growth over those 2 years have been staff management & game management.  Being a head coach, you have to be a consistent leader of large group of people every day.  Being able to test my philosophies on a daily basis, build relationship, instill a structure & culture and gain in game head coaching experience in over 100 international games are all areas I was able to grow over the past 2 years”, stated David Gale.

                Now let´s fast forward to 2021. COVID-19 is still alive and so is David Gale´s coaching career as he has landed in Lithuania possibly the most passionate basketball country in Europe. After getting extensive experience in the United States and expanding his basketball coaching skills in Germany, coming to Lithuania for his second overseas job is a no brainer. “I’m extremely excited about the opportunity to continue to grow in a new organization & new country. I was looking for a new challenge, mainly in North America however, when the coach with Nevezis stepped away, the team reached out to me, amongst a few other candidates. I was lucky enough to be the man that the management felt was right for the job based on my previous experiences in both the NBA and Germany”, stressed David Gale. He also received a pre-Christmas present in that he got a special working reunion with his ex-player. “Having the opportunity to continue to work with Ariel Huckporti is something I’m extremely excited about. He’s a special talent, and anybody who has met or spent time with him would quickly tell you, he has an infectious personality that makes you want to be around him. The sky is the limit for him going forward. Ariel however, was not the only reason for taking this job. There is a lot of talent on this roster with a good mix of veteran & younger players.  The opportunity for myself to move to professional league that is respected worldwide, along with the 2 NBA Prospects in Ariel and Abramo Canka, made this an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. ”, warned David Gale. The American hasn´t come to Lithuania unprepared. He has had the luxury of having gotten a taste of some of the best Lithuanian players in the last years and of course has done what a coach has to do to survive anywhere and that is watch unending clips of film. “I’ve had the ability to work with a number of Lithuanian players, including Jonas Valanciunas, Linas Kleiza, Domantas Sabonis and Donatas Sabeckas to name a few.  During my time in Germany, I also spent a good amount of hours watching Zalgiris & Rytas in international play. We also had the fortune of competing against Rytas’ U-19 team twice last year in London. I’ve known for quite some time about the love for the game here in Lithuania but I’m excited to learn so much more in the future while here in Kedainiai”, added David Gale.

                The American who last watched “On the rocks” with Bill Murray has had years and years of the best prepping for his new challenge in Lithuania. He is definitely 100% ready for this job the same way A Lebron James each day for the next battle on the court. “All of my time working for fantastic head coaches over the past 13 years has prepared me for this opportunity here in Lithuania. I have worked at every level along the way, from video coordinator with Mike Dunleavy & Vinny Del Negro to Player Development with Dwane Casey & Assistant Coach Nick Nurse, to being the Offensive “Coordinator” for Jerry Stackhouse and the Defensive “Coordinator” with the Delaware 87ers of the 76ers organization. All these stages & steps, along with of course being given the opportunity to be the Head Coach of Porsche BBA in Ludwigsburg by John Patrick have prepared me for this challenge in Lithuania”, warned David Gale. Also being able to work with Ariel Huckporti again is very exciting for him as well. Being able to witness the next steps in his development is as compelling as wondering what a Luka Doncic will do next to stir up the NBA in some new way. There was no hugging in their first meeting in Lithuania, but just a lot of mutual respect. “I have maintained my relationship with Ariel during this period, but as I’m already in Lithuania, I can tell you that the first meeting with Ariel did not include a hug, but it did include a lot of smiles, reminiscing & talking about how bright the future will be the rest of the season & beyond. Ariel has a skill set that many have yet to see.  There are a lot of preconceived notions about what kind of players he is. I think everyone will see a highly skilled 7 footer, with ball handling skills and jump shooting ability that is very seldom seen in a player his age and his size. His passing ability is another aspect of his game that I believe is underrated.  I’m excited for everybody to see how talented of a player Ariel is and how bright his future will be.”, stressed David Gale. Even if he is in Lithuania now and is suffering a few coaching growing pains as his team is 7-18 and in ninth place, he very well knows that this new step wouldn´t have been possible had he not made the jump to Germany. Possibly one day when he is in the NBA, he will look back and be able to pin point exactly where the turning point was in his career. “Moving to Germany and taking on my role with MHP Riesen & Porsche BBA in Ludwigsburg definitely ended up being a life changing decision that I could only have half predicted. My growth as a coach on the court and as my personal growth a man off the court were beyond measure. I loved my time in Ludwigsburg. It only served to make me better in all respects”, added David Gale. He has that totally focused approach now ready to tackle his new challenge in Lithuania, but knows exactly what route he wants to take down the road. “My goal is to be an NBA Head Coach at some point down the road.  I’ve learned that only time, opportunity & preparation to take advantage of those opportunities will dictate where your career goes. For the time being, I’m enjoying the journey & every step of the process to be the best coach possible”, warned David Gale. I may only have stood next to Lebron James for a split second as he whisked by me on to the bus on Boylston street in down town Boston on a very cold Monday evening less than a week before the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, but David Gale´s eyes light up when he tells his own personal story about Lebron James who obviously is the best player he ever worked with. “. I was working with coach Billy Bayno on his Scouting Reports and will never forget how dominant Lebron was during those 4 years in Miami.  If you let him get to his right hand attacking the basket, he finished at the rim 98% of the time. It is pretty difficult to guard somebody that never misses”, remembered David Gale. He will forever cherish this minuscule encounter he had with Lebron James while David Gale may just have a new encounter with Lebron James when he reaches the NBA.

George King (198-G-94, college: Colorado, agency: Slash Sports) is a 27 year old 198cm guard from San Antonio, Texas playing his third professional season and first with the NINNERS Chemnitz currently averaging 11,2ppg, 4,2rpg, 1,3apg and 1,0spg while shooting an astronomical 50% from outside. Last season he split time with Dolomiti Energia Trento (Italy-Serie A) playing 16 games averaging 5.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 2FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 23.7%, FT: 89.5%; played 12 Eurocup games averaging 6.3ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 44.8%, FT: 90.5%, in Jan.’20 moved to Stelmet Enea BC Zielona Gora (Poland-EBL) playing 6 games averaging 8.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 66.7%; and played 5 VTB United League games averaging 10.6ppg, 5.6rpg, FGP: 37.5%, 3PT: 45.5%. In 2018 he was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the second round with the #59th pick and played mainly for the Northern Arizona Suns (NBA G League) playing 40 games averaging 15.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 43.9%, FT: 81.7%. He also played 1 NBA game for the Phoenix Suns. He played at the University of Colorado (NCAA) from 2013-2018 playing a total of 127 games and as a senior averaged 12.9ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 78.2%. He spoke to eurobasket after the huge 87-83 win over the Basketbaall Lowen Braunschweig

George congrats on the huge 87-83 win over Braunschweig. How good did it feel getting revenge and halting the team three game losing streak?

The win felt really good. I thought that we had bit of an advantage over them. We had just played them and knew how to play them.

How crazy is it now looking back and remembering how you beat Bamberg and Munich back to back by only 5 points and then lose three games in a row? Does that show just how competitive the easyCredit BBL is?

I think it shows just how aggressive the Corona virus is. We beat Vechta, Bamberg and Munich always having a day break before the next game. Then came the Fiba break. We had a much needed rest. . We had a guy go to the national team. We took a week off and then came back to practice and got the ball rolling again. Then after the 4th day, we had two positive Corona cases and had to play Goettingen 48 hours later. Then we were quarantined for two weeks. So then we were one month in the house with no basketball. It effected our rhythm and it took us a while to get back. Then we had to play the top team Ludwigsburg with only 8 guys and no point guard. Then we played against Braunschweig and were expecting not to have our point guard. Hours before game the three guys who had been tested for corona Matthews, Thornton and Wimburg got in a van and drove to Braunschweig. They had had no practice. It was nuts. Braunschweig was tough that shot the ball really well and had guys hit shots that we didn’t expect to make shots. Then we played in Bayreuth and couldn’t buy a bucket. Now thankfully we are all healthy and back.

Braunschweig was firing on all cylinders scoring 33 points in the first half despite being down 7-0. What was key for them being so potent on offense?

Braunschweig is a good team with good players. We just didn’t click in the first half. We locked down in the second half and were able to pull out the win.

Did you even have German talent Luc Van Slooten on the scouting report?

What number was he? #15?

No that was Peterka. Van Slooten has # 4

Oh ok. Yes we had him briefly on the scouting report. There wasn’t a big emphasis on him. I remember the numbers better than the names.

The Niners were down 50-35 at the break. What did head coach Rodrigo Pastore tell you guys to do better in the third quarter? It helped as you scored 28 points to trail only 73-61

I don’t really remember what he said. We just locked down and played at a higher level. Basketball always has mood swings during the game. A team will have momentum and then it will swing in the other direction. I’m happy that it then swung in our direction.

The fourth quarter was a real dogfight. The Niners never gave up. What was key on the defensive end in crunch-time that allowed you to grind out the win?

I think it was the little things that helped us get the win. Little things like making the post entry more difficult and just having hands in the face and just taking away the easy stuff and forcing them to harder things. Every guy made the extra effort on defense. Wimburg had a big block that was also huge.

The Niners Chemnitz are currently in 11th place. How realistic do you see the playoffs? You have a ok remaining schedule where you could win possibly 5-6 games if all goes well?

Our goal is to be a top 8 team. I think it is as realistic as the air we breathe. I think that it can be done if we continue to play at a high level. I feel that it will also be beneficial if teams help us along the way. We just have to continue to be focused and take care of business. I have been in this situation before in college. We began 0-7 and then would have stretches where we would win three or four in a row and then lose one or two games. At the end of the year we had teams helping us and then boom the post season was there.

You saw German Karim Jallow twice now as he scored 21 points in the first game and 16 in the loss. He has developed great with Braunschweig after being with FC Bayern Munich and not getting a chance earlier in his career. How much potential does this guy have?

He has good size and strength a great straight line drive to the hoop. I think that he can be as good as he wants to be. I think that he can develop fine with the work ethic and will and go as far as he wants to.

How much fun has it been playing with ex NBA player Jonathan Williams. You dished up a nice alley-oop pass in the fourth quarter. How valuable has the acquisition been?

Jon has been really big for us. His value has really shown with his ability to rebound and play defense. We let him defend one on one, because we really like our chances of being successful. A big plus is that he won’t only force a player to a bad shot, but at the same time will clean up on the glass and get the rebound and start the fast break. On top of that he is really a great guy. If he wasn’t involved with basketball, I could really see myself hanging out with him. I can say that about all my teammates. We have a special team.

It’s been four months since we last spoke. You have been a vital contributor all season long. How comfortable do you feel now playing in the easyCredit BBL? How has your game developed?

I am comfortable playing in this league. But you can always have lapses and it can be turbulent with the rules, but each league in Europe has it’s own way of doing things. I’m still not comfortable with how some fouls are called, but overal I’m continuing to become more comfortable with my team and role. My game is still developing. I was more of an off the ball player as the season started, but have become more of an on ball player. I was more on the ball against Alba Berlin. When I came here all saw me as an off ball player, but now people are seeing me more as an on ball player.

Your three pointer has been very lethal as your shooting 50%. How do you explain your rapid rise from the parking lot?

I think that my good shooting this season is a testament to the work I put in last summer. I also think that Rodrigo’s system has really helped me. He has really given me the freedom and encouraged me to shoot. It has helped that I have gotten so many spot ups. If you want to stop my shot then you have to hug me. Also it has helped that I have great teammates that have found me all season long.

Ex NBA legend Dino Radja stated that he couldn’t imagine Russell Westbrook having success leading a European team to success. Do you agree?

That is his opinion. I believe that any player can accomplish what he wants if he really puts his mind to it. So many guys come overseas and struggle and it could also happen with Westbrook. But I’m sure after time he would figure it out how to be successful here. He probably wouldn’t dominate right away, but I think that with the right coach and system, he could be successful. He won’t be the Russell of Europe overnight, but with time he can.

Draymond Green said he is the best defensive player to ever play the game. Do you agree?

He is definitely special on defense. I bet that he scouts other teams as much as coaches do. He is making millions for a reason. But is he the best ever? I don’t want to knock Draymond. I’m a Scottie Pippen fan and also like guys like Akeem and Kareem in the discussion. If Draymond wants to be in the discussion as the best defender ever why not. I won’t be mad about it.

Will Michigan or Gonzaga win the 2021 NCAA title or will another team?

I have to be honest that I have hardly followed the NCAA this season. My Colorado team is out. My man Jonathan Williams went to Gonzaga. I heard through the grape wine that this years Gonzaga team is one of the best ever. They are undefeated and their resume speaks for itself.

Have you seen Coming To America 2 yet? Shouldn’t they just have left it with the first one and not making a sequel?

I haven’t seen it yet. I also have heard that it wasn’t as good as the original. All the actors are still alive and they wanted to make some money off the sequel. I will still watch it in the States. The original is a classic and hard to top it.

Thanks George for the chat.