On a January afternoon in 2021, the Fraport Skyliners were playing a league game against 2010 Eurochallenge champion BG Goettingen and it was just another normal game, but with closer inspection you could have unearthed some NBA flair. Fraport Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson hasn´t played in the NBA, but he played at Auburn where NBA legend Charles Barkley played. Ok so there are guys every weekend who played at well known NCAA schools that have famous NBA alumni, but there were some more distinct NBA connections on the court. Jon Axel Gudmundsson and Aubrey Dawkins were going head to head and they didn´t even know that in 1986 there was a Petur Gudmundsson and Johnny Dawkins sharing the ball for the San Antonio Spurs. The Skyliner Gudmundsson wasn´t related to Petur, but Aubrey is the son of ex NBA guard Johnny Dawkins who had a solid 9 year NBA career averaging 11,0ppg and reached the NCAA final with Duke. Over the years there has been so much NBA flair in the Fraport arena as guys like Luis Scola, Marcin Gortat or a Jose Calderon played there as well as American players like Dorell Wright, Darius Miller or a Casey Jacobsen to name just a few. Well known coaches have also come and gone in the arena with the best known being Ettore Messina. But the two best known guys that have entered the Fraport arena were Michael Jordan in 1990 playing a contest with Steiner Bayreuth against a team from the American military and in 2018 ex NCAA and NBA champion Larry Brown coached Fiat Torino against the Fraport Skyliners in a Eurocup game. The American was very impressed when he heard which legends have graced the floor of the Fraport arena. “I can´t even say that I share the same air with guys like Michael Jordan and Larry Brown. Everybody respects these guys. Hopefully one day I can be somehow remotely be close to the kind of impact they had. It is cool to be able to step in arena´s where legends have been. I feel a special connection when I´m in a arena and know people like that have been there”, stressed Aubrey Dawkins. For the time being the NBA is on hold as Aubrey Dawkins is playing overseas for BG Goetingen. Even if Aubrey Dawkins had that NBA connection, his amazing love for the game will keep him happy even if he never reaches the NBA.

         Aubrey Dawkins was born on May 5^th, 1995 in Durham, North Carolina. He is the youngest of four children. He was raised there during the time when his dad Johnny was on the Duke(NCAA) coaching staff. His family moved to California in 2008 when Dawkins senior became the coach at Stanford(NCAA). Aubrey Dawkins then attended St Francis high school in Mountain View, California. In his senior year he averaged 18,8ppg and 7,0rpg and made the 2013 All-San Jose Mercury News boys basketball first team along with future NBA player Aaron Gordon. He then decided to do a post graduate year at New Hampton Prep School and averaged 12,3ppg and 3,6rpg. There have been many examples of ex NBA players son´s and how they became success stories or busts and often just coping with the pressure of being able to follow in their foot steps isn´t always the easiest task. But so far the young American Aubrey has carved out a nice professional career and is truly blessed and thankful for always having his dad when he needed him. “There are no words to describe how important my dad has been in my life. He has helped me so much with his approach, outlook and drive. I just try to add what he has given me to my game and life”, stressed Aubrey Dawkins. A phrase of his which he likes to mention as seemingly often as a Dennis Schroeder must be thinking “why am I blessed to play with Lebron James” is his love for the game something which can only be traced back to his dad. “I am really blessed for having a great childhood. Being able to be in environments like Duke and Stanford really helped me form this love for the game the same way my dad did. I am so blessed and appreciative for everything that he has done for me”, warned Aubrey Dawkins. Being the son of a former NBA player also brings sweet advantages like being able to mingle with other NBA players. “I have met a ton of NBA legends. It was awesome meeting guys like Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson and Magic Johnson. That is when dreams really come true. I met Kobe twice last at a Nike Skills camp in 2017. It was a life changing moment meeting Kobe. He is one of my hero´s. He is my favorite player after my dad. It was so heart breaking when he died. I had happy moments with him and also got a picture with him”, remembered Aubrey Dawkins.

            He began his NCAA career in 2014 at the University of Michigan where he would play two seasons playing a total of 65 NCAA games. In his freshman season he played 29 games averaging 7.2ppg, 2.2rpg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 87.0%. He scored in double figures in 8 games and showed his first flashes of brilliance scoring 20 points in a win over Illinois and 21 points against Northwestern. But he saved his best for last at the end of the season where he scorched Rutgers for 31 points while dropping 8 three´s. It was the second most points for a Michigan freshman after current Dallas Maverick Trey Burke “That was a surreal moment for me. That is what dreams are about. I was so happy after that game and I proved in that game that I belonged in the NCAA. It was a real confidence builder that I could play. It was a big moment in my career”, stated Aubrey Dawkins. In his second year at Michigan he played 36 games averaging 6.5ppg, 2.5rpg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 44.0%, FT: 72.4%. In his second season he scored in double figures in 10 games including 19 points in a victory over Youngstown and 15 points in a win over N Michigan. ”Playing at Michigan was a huge experience for me. It was my first time playing at a high level in the Big 10. This is what dreams were also made of. I had great teammates and coaches. I loved my time at Michigan and learned a lot there”, stressed Aubrey Dawkins. At Michigan he had the great opportunity to be teammates with future NBA player Caris Levert where he honestly stated that Caris got the better of him in one on one battles in practice and also had the incredible opportunity to learn under head coach Jim Beilein. “I didn´t shoot the ball well in high school. When I came to Michigan he helped me with my jump shot very much. He helped my shot become faster and get a more consistent release. He helped me become the shooter I am today. He really helped me lay down the foundation of my game. He also helped me with ball screens, reads and defensive rotations”, said Aubrey Dawkins. Despite putting up good stats in the time he got, his playing time decreased because of guys like Zak Irvin and Duncan Robinson. His dad was named head coach at Central Florida, so it was only fitting that he would join his dad in Florida.

            Dawkins who lists guys like Zion Williamson, RJ Hampton, Jalen Adams and Yogi Ferrell as his toughest foes in the NCAA arrived in Florida with his dad for the 2016-2017 season, but didn´t play until two seasons later, because he had to sit out his first year due to NCAA transfer rules and an injury ended his second year as well. Sitting out two years would be a difficult task for any player and it wasn´t any different for him. “I don´t wish any player to have sit out a season. I felt betrayed, and it was very tough, but I just worked hard during that time and I learned just how much I loved the game. It made me appreciate the game more, because I know the game can be taken away from you at any time. You need to appreciate everything”, warned Aubrey Dawkins. He played 33 games averaging 15.6ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 40.3%. He scored in double figures in 29 of 33 games and his best scoring games occurred against Temple where he exploded for 36 points and had 11 boards, 26 points against SMU, 23 points against UConn and 22 points against Missouri and Wichita State. But the game he will never forget was his 32 points in his last NCAA game at the tournament where he had to suffer a 77-76 loss against Duke and couldn´t make his last shot over future NBA player Zion Williamson. “When I look back at that game, I don´t think about the stats, but about the little things that could have won the game. It was tough and beautiful at the same time. It was a story book ending that will hurt forever”, stressed Aubrey Dawkins. Having that NCAA experience is something no player will forget, but there aren´t many guys that can say that they played for their dad. “We had a great season and any win alongside my dad was incredible. I will never forget our win at UConn and see the pictures of my dad and I walking back to the locker room smiling. This the kind of moment you always hope for. Our relationship grew that year and we watched each other grow”, commented Aubrey Dawkins. He also had the pleasure of being teammates with current Boston Celtic Tacko Fall who has become somewhat of a cult hero in a very short time. “We spent so much time together. He is 7,6 and anywhere where we went he was always the tallest guy. He had problems going through doors. He is a hilarious guy and jokester and always has a smile on his face. He never says no to pictures and autographs. I´m happy to be able to call him a friend”, added Aubrey Dawkins. In the 2020-2021 season, Tacko Fall had a memorable game for Boston where he nailed a deep three bank shot and drove to the hoop like a guard. “I called him after that game. That was so hilarious. I will always poke fun at him, because he swears that he can shoot the ball”, laughed Aubrey Dawkins.

            The American lists only three players on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore with Jordan, Kobe and Lebron played his rookie season with the Erie BayHawks (NBA G League) playing 37 games averaging  9.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 61.2%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 86.7%.”It was a different kind of experience. I learned to take care of my body and that everything is on you. How much work you put in reflects on how much you love and appreciate the game. I gave the same dedication to the game like I did in college”, said Aubrey Dawkins. He scored in double figures in 17 games including 22 points against Greensboro and 20 points against Westchester. Despite having that known basketball name, he got no freebies and had to go his own way. “I was just one of the guys. I was just another player that tried to be the best he could. Coach Pannone pushed me and I tried to take as much from him as possible”, stated Aubrey Dawkins. He also saw so many different types of guy´s stories about the NBA and getting to the big show isn´t simple. His teammate Jalen Adams averaged 19,1ppg and didn´t get a call up and now is dominating in France. Seeing something like him doesn´t discourage him about his own NBA dreams and guys not being taken accounted for for their skills. “It is part of life. I can accept it. There are a lot of opportunities overseas. The NBA is only a small portion of the basketball population. I´m happy for the guys that are playing there and living their dream. I can´t stop my dream, but you need to love where you play. My NBA dream is still realistic, but I don´t let it control my life. If the NBA comes calling great, but if not I´m fine with my career in Europe. Many guys can´t do that. It is special for me to play in Europe. I have fun playing and want to play to the best of my abilities”, expressed Aubrey Dawkins.         

            Let´s fast forward to 2021 as Aubrey Dawkins is playing his second professional season in Germany with 2010 Eurochallenge winner BG Goettingen. He is living in a beautiful part of Germany, but isn´t living in a big city or traveling first class like he might with other organization,s but his humble character has allowed him to fall in love with the club. “It has been fun playing with BG Goettingen and a new experience. I have had no complaints. The organization has treated me great and I have nothing but love for the club”, warned Aubrey Dawkins. Often guys coming over from the States and having to witness total new playing styles, different coaches philosophies, and European players that some can´t get adjusted well, but for Aubrey Dawkins he has needed no real transition period as he belongs to the best players on the team and is a big leader. “For me I always have the same approach to the game which is to love the game. I still have the same routine, listen and learn and continue to become the best player that I can be”, warned Aubrey Dawkins. He isn´t only in love with the game, but also his teammates like English national player Luke Nelson. “Luke is a great player. I couldn´t have a better teammate. He also has a special approach to the game. He makes everyone better and I´m happy to call him a friend”, stressed Aubrey Dawkins. Another guard who he has formed a special bond to is young German Nelson Weideman who began his career with FC Bayer Munich. He has been like a mentor for the talented German. “He comes to me at times for advice. I have had different experiences and sometimes he can use a different opinion. I also have asked him for advice and he has given me tips about certain players and how they play something I didn´t see in the states”, expressed Aubrey Dawkins. Another teammates that has stimulated him on and off the court has been ex Alba Berlin cup winner Akeem Vargas who is known as a fierce defender and good shooter and off the court a very intelligent guy. “
We are usually on different teams in practice. I pick up tricks from him. He is a very smart guy with his outlook on the game and life. It is fun to talk to him and pick his brain. He has given me a lot of helpful insight on and off the court. We have had some interesting conversations on the differences between Germany and the states”, added Aubrey Dawkins.

            The last movie that Aubrey Dawkins has watched was Nothing to hide and really enjoyed watching Kobe Bryant as a kid, but who didn´t? He likes watching guys that can shoot and effect the game on multiple levels like Jimmy Butler and Terence Ross. He has been known as a good shooter for a while, but his game encompasses so much more. “My biggest strength is my shooting, but I try to be an overall player and talented scorer. I love team basketball and will do whatever the team needs me to do”, warned Aubrey Dawkins. His shooting continues to be an area where he wants to go from being a very good shooter to an elite one. “It´s all about working hard. I need to always keep the defense on their toes and play smart. I need to be more dynamic, come off screens better and make good ball fakes”, warned Aubrey Dawkins. It isn´t always easy for guys to come from the G-League where defense isn´t mandatory and be able to step in and defend overseas. But Dawkins was lucky that he had Ryan Pannone as a coach in Eire who had had experience coaching in Europe and brought that defensive mentality to Eire. “Coach Ryan helped me a lot and I´m happy with the time I had with him. The defense I learned from him is now coming full circle to use. I need to continue to bring it here and continue to get better”, warned Aubrey Dawkins. Being that allrounder has always been his goal and that hasn´t changed overseas. “I want to continue to be the most complete player that I can be. I want to be able execute anytime when coach says something. I want to have no major holes in my game and maximize my abilities”, stressed Aubrey Dawkins. Great offensive skills and a defensive game that is continuing to mature overseas are helping Aubrey Dawkins to continue to climb the ladder, but he has a third strength that will also continue to aid him to becoming the best which is his unselfishness something that is always loved by coaches overseas. “I focus on team basketball and it´s never about me or my stat line. I want to help my teammates and always see them succeed. I don´t like being selfish, but just want to win”, warned Aubrey Dawkins. If his game will be enough for the NBA one day still needs to be seen, but for now he is content in being in Europe and developing his game further. He may have that NBA name, but he has something that is even greater than that and that is a special love for the game that will always keep him happy if he reaches the big show or not.

Cayden Edmonson is a 206cm center from Dixon, Kentucky that played his rookie season with the VfB 1900 Giessen Pointers (Germany-Regionalliga) playing only one game scoring 25 points, getting 13 boards and dishing out 3 assists in a loss to Idstein and then COVID-19 ended his season. He began his basketball career with Webster County High School and then played 112 NAIA games with Bethel University Tennessee from 2016-2020. In his freshman year he played 17 games averaging 2.0ppg, 2.0rpg. In his second season he played 31 games averaging 8.9ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 55.9%, FT: 71.4%. In his junior season at Bethel University, Tennessee he played 33 games averaging 14.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 63.0%. He took it up another notch as a senior playing 31 games averaging 16.3ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 44.0%, FT: 67.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Cayden thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Congrats on signing with German regionalliga team Giessen Pointers. In a time with COVID-19 and the transfer market difficult to crack, how did this transaction come about?

I signed with Mr. Stinnett/David Gonzalez into Free Agency Basketball and once I got my passport, which was delayed quite a bit due to COVID-19, I was informed of my offers and made my decision from there. It was quite stressful, but I knew I was in good hands with my agents.

You had 2 offers from German teams. What was the deciding factor why you joined the Giessen Pointers and what was your first impression of head coach Daniel Doerr?

I joined the Pointers because they presented the best opportunity for my career. Coach Daniel is a great coach. I love his enthusiasm for the game and it helps that he played a similar position in his time, so we can relate quite a bit. He has helped me feel at home here, and has helped me with this transition as well.

How blessed do you feel about signing a professional contract. It isn’t that often that NAIA players get signed overseas. Have the goosebumps became less?

The realization that I had become a pro player was definitely a major cause of my nervousness. I didn’t really think about the aspect coming from an NAIA level because I was always told that if you can play, the pro teams would find you. It has always been a dream of mine to play professionally, I locked in and trusted God that he would lead me to where I needed to go. It all still feels new, but I know I am right where I need to be. I have done well on the court, but I know I have a lot more to give and I’m thrilled to play.

You had a really tough childhood losing your dad at age 2, sleeping on the floor and seeing drugs all around. How were you able to rebound as an adolescent Did Mr Himmelheber save your life?

I always had a positive mindset and a realization of what was right/ what was wrong, so I always tried to keep my head straight. Regardless of those situations, it is obvious that there are effects for children, but basketball was my escape. Coach D in my eyes saved my life, but God had us meet for a reason.

How has God changed your life. Where do you think you would be today had Mr Himmelheber and church not entered your life?

God changed my life by always keeping me on the right path regardless of the situation that I was in. I always had a voice over me guiding me in any situation. Without Coach D and the church, I would probably be living with my mother trying to make the best life possible with her because she is all I have as a parent.

Mr Himmelheber said this about you. ‘I’ve affected one. He’s going to affect thousands. The (number of) kids he’s going to be able to help is tremendous.’ Will you be looking to help kids in Germany?

I absolutely love kids, ultimate goal is to help as many people as possible. Due to the language barrier, it has been tough. If I can help some kids along the way, that would be an ultimate goal.

I love your quote ‘Anywhere is a chance to live my dream’ Obviously Germany is a great place to live, but would you have signed in Mongolia to live out your dream?

I would sign anywhere to live out my dream. It wouldn’t have mattered where I signed as long as I could play basketball.

You’re a history buff and living in Germany is a good place to learn about history. How excited are you about living in the university city Giessen and getting to know it’s history?

I’m ecstatic about learning the history of Giessen and getting as much knowledge about it as possible.

You played your last college game on March 5th against Loyola LA. How difficult was it abruptly your college career? What would you still have liked to have experienced as a player at the NAIA level?

The ending of my senior year in college was one of hardest things to go through because of the family that was at Bethel. I would have liked to experience a National Championship.

How did you experience the whole COVID-19 crisis in the States? How challenging was life in general for you and how did you get by best during this time?

The crisis with Covid forced me to move out of Bethel University.I had got an apartment with my High School teammate Shawn House. Life wasn’t too bad considering I had a job at the local Walmart, but the home workouts weren’t the same as an actual in gym workout.

How challenging was it finding gym time to stay in shape and also work on basketball skills? Did you have to come up with some special exercises that you didn’t do beforehand?

Staying in shape was not that bad because I was running a mile 3 out of the 7 days. Basketball skills were hard because I did not get a goal to shoot on until July. I started looking into calisthenics workouts with some friends and those workouts helped.

How did this whole COVID-19 crisis make you stronger as a man?

Covid made me focus on my mental health and become even closer with God, which prepared me more for overseas than anything.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 206cm center. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I think my play style is unique for my position. I couldn’t quite choose an NBA player.

You’re a player that can score and grab rebounds at ease. What do you feel is your absolute biggest asset on the court?

Biggest assets is that I have a do not give up mentality when playing – regardless of the score, Im still going to play like it’s a tied game

You took 46 three’s in your last 2 seasons at Bethel University Tennessee. Is developing your three something you will see doing as a professional?

I’ve always wanted to get better as a player and have more than an inside game to offer. Developing it to be more consistent is a personal goal.

On what things did you work on most this summer so you will be successful in your rookie season in Germany?

Body weight workouts were a huge success to prepare me for my rookie season because it brought more strength for me.

What do you feel is a hidden strength in your game that doesn’t always get noticed right away?

My court vision.

You played at bethel University Tennessee from 2016-2020. Was reaching the NAIA D1 Sweet 16 in 2019 your biggest achievement?

That was my biggest achievement because it was a team succession.

You had many personal good games at Bethel University Tennessee, but as a junior you had 4 games in a row against Middle Georgia, Florida College, Brewton Parker and Blue mountain averaging 23 points per game. Was this the best basketball that you played there?

Not necessarily the best basketball games, but it was the games with the mismatches down low. The game plan for those games were designed for me. I think my best basketball was as a senior on the road to my 1,000th point.

How did head coach Jeff Britt groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

By pushing me to be a work horse on the court. He was always in my ear to make me better.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Kameron Rose?


I’m about 150-0 against Kam. I know a few times I won off just dunks.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced that reached the NBA?

Ja Morant.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

5 best teammates were Mason Roland, Isaac Edmondson, Charles Cobb, Jarred Walker, and Bradley Walker. They all pushed me to be the best possible player that I could be on the court.

What is your personal NBA Rushmore of players past or present?

Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Dennis Rodman, and Shaq

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

Jordan all day.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Avengers Endgame

Thanks Cayden for the chat.

After beginning 2021 on a positive note winning four of seven games, the Fraport Skyliners fell into a rut again taking a four game losing streak into the game against Rasta Vechta. Now comes a phase again where the Fraport Skyliners who came into the game in 11^th place with a record of 7-13 play four games against opponents where three of them they can and have to beat. The last victory was against Rasta Vechta on February 6^th and tonight they had the opportunity to find their way back on the winning streak as they faced them again. It has been a terrible season for Rasta Vechta as they are in the easyCredit BBL cellar with a 3-17 record. They started the season on the wrong foot losing their first 11 games, but then built a three game winning streak including beating Brose Bamberg, but currently were clinging to life again having a six games losing streak. They came into Frankfurt and wanted to start a winning streak, but were denied again as they had a horrible third quarter which made them have to play catch up basketball for the rest of the night. They fought hard for 40 minutes, but just couldn´t get over the hump in the fourth quarter losing to the Fraport Skyliners 84-75. “We didn´t have the type of energy tonight the way we had in the last games. The 10-0 run by Frankfurt in the third quarter really hurt us and we were unable to recover from it. We risked a lot at the end, but turnovers hurt us and Frankfurt was able to close out the game”, stressed Rasta Vechta head coach Thomas Paech. The Fraport Skyliners continue to search for consistency for 40 minutes. After a difficult first half, the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup winner stepped up their defense in the third quarter which helped them get into an offensive groove and hold of Rasta Vechta in the fourth quarter. “I thought that we played ok defense in the first half, but they just made tough shots. We buckled down on defense in the second half and moved the ball a lot better which helped us get the win”, stated Fraport Skyliner guard Matt Mobley.

                Rasta Vechta was missing some scoring power without American Josh Young who had a shoulder injury, but that didn´t hamper their scoring as they sped out on a rapid 5-0 lead getting a trey from German ex Ehingen guard Tim Hasbargen and a two handed dunk from ex Boston College(NCAA) stand out Dennis Clifford. That basketball is a game of runs is nothing new as the Fraport Skyliners got their offense going going on a 8-2 run to get their first lead of the game at 8-7. In the run Frankfurt received valuable production from German big man Michael Kessens with a lay in, a nice jumper from ex Braunschwieg guard Joe Rahon who supplied some nice fakes and dribbling to get clear of his defender and from Quantez Robertson. Robertson has been up and down as a scorer this season, but he got two easy lay in´s which got his self confidence going quickly. Rasta Vechta got a 20 footer step back from ex Louisville8NCAA) guard Edgar Sosa who has been carrying the team getting two assists on the first two Vechta baskets. But the game continued to take turns as Rasta Vechta would close out the first quarter with a potent 11-7 run to lead 18-15. In the run, the guests did a good job forcing Frankfurt sniper Matt Mobley to take contested shots and didn´t allow American Rasheed Moore many touches. On offense the last place team did a good job sharing the love on offense as German Robin Christen drilled home a trey, ex Bremerhaven forward Will Voorhees hit a trey and former Pro B player Bjoern Rohwer supplied vital 5 points as he cleaned up the paint area. “We weren´t making shots despite getting good looks. That happens sometimes”, commented Matt Mobley. “We moved the ball very well and played good defense”, stated Rasta Vechta forward Jesse Hunt.

                Rasta Vechta continued to control the game in the second quarter and led by as much as 8 points, but the Fraport Skyliners stayed on their heels as they cut the advantage down to 42-38 at the break. Quantez Robertson remained aggressive on offense driving to the hoop for two points to cut the Vechta lead down to 18-17, but Rasta Vechta continued to demonstrate quick spurts of decent offense going on a 8-0 run to extend their lead to 26-18. In the run, good ball movement and wise decisions rewarded them with back to back trey´s by American Jordan Barnet who played at Missouri(NCAA) and ex Alba Berlin center Dennis Clifford made a lay in as Barnett made the extra pass. Frankfurt suffered mental lapses on defense, but luckily on offense they got further support from Quantez Robertson who added five more points to cut the Rasta Vechta lead down to 26-23. Rasta Vechta went on a 5-0 run to  extend their lead to 30-23 as Voorhes nailed another trey and Bjoern Rohwer continued to be at the right place at the right time making big plays as he caught a Sosa airball between three Skyliners and somehow managed to make the put back. The Fraport Skyliners continued to be able to stay in the game despite still getting no points from Mobley or Moore. Ex FC Bayern Munich guard Bruno Vrcic continues to stay consistent in the minutes he gets as he made 5 points and ex Davidson(NCAA) stand out Jon Axel Gundmundsson contributed 8 points in the last few minutes including notching two three pointers. “I´m happy that Jon used his time well today and made shots. It isn´t important if you start or come from the bench, but how well you use your time on the court”, stressed Frankfurt head coach Sebastian Gleim. Rasta Vechta held the lead getting an open three from Jesse Hunt, a runner with one second on the shot clock from Rohwer and a trey from ex Alba Berlin guard Stefan Peno. Frankfurt had 0 points from Mobley or Moore, but trailed only 42-38. Mobley´s shot wasn´t falling, so he became a facilitator. “Gundmundsson is so important for us. When he plays well, so do we”, stated Matt Mobley. “Gundmundsson is a good player. He hit some three´s and scored on transition. That is what good players will do”, stated Jesse Hunt.

                The turning point of the contest came in the third quarter as the Fraport Skyliners broke open the game with a massive run and never looked back as Rasta Vechta were unable to come back. The Fraport Skyliners came out of half-time rejuvenated and slapped Rasta Vechta with a brutal 10-0 run to snag back the lead at 48-42. In the run, Frankfurt was able to stop seven Vechta possessions and on offense were able to execute well. The run was sparked by ex Miami(NCAA) standout Kamari Murphy who made amends for his poor first half where he had three turnovers, two missed lay ups and an airball. He scored three buckets as every time it was Mobley that found him for a lay in, two handed dunk and an alley-oop dunk. Moore and Mobley also finally got on the board for the first time in the game. Frankfurt stepped up their defense being more aggressive and doing a great job pressuring the ball. The higher intensity on defense sparked their offense. But Rasta Vechta finally got some offensive power from Robin Christen who made free throws and drooped a three pointer as suddenly Rasta Vechta was trailing only 48-47. Frankfurt quickly picked up their defense again and closed out the third quarter strong and in fine fashion taking a lethal 11-3 run to lead comfortably again at 59-50. Frankfurt was aided by Rasta Vechta getting their fifth team foul with five plus minutes to play where they received six free throws. Frankfurt also got a two handed dunk from Mobley and a lay in by Bruno Vrcic as he snuck behind the Vechta defense hauling in a touch down pass from Joe Rahon. Bruno Vrcic continues to make good strides in his second season with Frankfurt despite having had injury woes this season. He finished with 13 points in 15 minutes and a lot of praise from Sebastian Gleim. “I felt that this was his best defensive game of the season. He didn´t hesitate taking shots. He shouldn´t think so much. His self-confidence rose throughout the game. He has really improved in the last months”, said Sebastian Gleim. Rast Vechta got a free throw from Peno and a 25 footer from Edgar Sosa. “We locked down on defense getting stops which led to easy baskets. We also got to the free throw line”, expressed Matt Mobley. “Frankfurt came out with more energy. We threw the ball away too much and kept our heads down. That helped them keep the lead”, said Jesse Hunt.

                The Fraport Skyliners led by as much as 15 points in the fourth quarter, but Rasta Vechta never backed down coming back and trailing by only five points, but they couldn´t recapture the lead again. The Fraport Skyliners blasted off with a rapid 8-2 run to extend their lead to 67-52. In the run, they got free throws from Michael Kessens, and two three´s from Bruno Vrcic and Matt Mobley. Robin Christen continued to be consistent on offense making a runner off the glass. Frankfurt kept the momentum of the third quarter as their offense was flowing while Rasta Vechta had problems covering the three point line. Rasta Vechta had been exerting a lot of energy in the second half trying to come back, but they still had some gas in their tank as they reeled off a huge 20-10 run to trail only 77-72. Instrumental in the come back was the spirited play of ex Notre Dame College (NCAA2) standout Will Voorhes who was a one man wrecking crew scoring 10 points. He showed his versatile inside out game hitting two three pointers and making a lay in and very beautiful 20 footer fade away jumper from the corner. Rasta Vechta was also aided in the run by Christen and Barnett three pointers and a lay in by Jannes Hundt. Frankfurt kept the lead with scoring with three´s from Gundmundsson and Mobley and another lay in by Quantez Robertson. Frankfurt then stopped the Rasta Vechta momentum closing out the game with a 7-3 run. Frankfurt got a Kessen´s tip in and clutch trey from Gundmundsson which sealed the victory. “We came back getting big shots from Christen and Voorhes. We cut it down to five with a few minutes to play, but they continued to get big shots and we couldn´t close the gap”, stated Jesse Hunt. “They were switching a lot at the end which didn´t allow us to get inside. So we had to do more 1-1 plays. We made the big plays and weathered the storm”, warned Matt Mobley. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Jon Axel Gundmundsson with 17 points. Quantez Robertson added 15 points while Matt Mobley had 13 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds while Rasta Vechta was led by Robin Christen with 16 points and Will Voorhes had 15 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 48% form the field and 47% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 15 turnovers while Rasta Vechta shot 45% from the field and 43% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

• Australian forward Jesse Hunt hasn´t even been a professional player for one and a half years, but the guy has already seen a lot of the basketball world. His movement among clubs has been as rapid as it has witnessing how LaMelo Ball has arrived and struck the NBA this season with his passionate and inspiring play in Charlotte. The California native has experienced the exotic culture of Turkey, been back to his home land Australia, seen the beauty of Cyprus and currently dueling in one of the strongest leagues in Europe with the easyCredit BBL in Germany with Rasta Vechta. Just as quickly as he has jumped from country to country and club to club, he knows also just how rapidly the ride can end from one day to the next. Let´s rewind back to late July 2020. Jesse Hunt had signed in Australia with the Geraldton Buccaneers (WCC) to get in some extra competition for a summer league in Australia. At first glance, having the opportunity to do this wasn´t unnormal, but at second glance, you saw two Hunt names on the roster. Jesse and brother Liam Hunt were teammates as professionals the first time since doing it sparingly in high school at Sir Francis Drake. The reunion was short lived as it lasted only two games. In a game against Rockingham on August first, 2020 an opponent crashed into Liam´s knee on a transition play in which got dislocated and he injured his ACL, PCL and LCL. The chances for his brother Liam to continue his professional career were minimal. “ Liam had a terrible injury that could end his career. But he is the toughest person that I know, he is going to fight and give it everything he has to try and come back and play the game again. He has been amazing at putting this terrible injury into perspective and has been very positive. If he doesn’t get to play again, he loves being a teacher and a coach for the younger kids in Geraldton and he is already doing an amazing job at that. I am so proud of my brother in how tough and resilient he has been over these last 7 months since his leg injury. And if he does not get to play again, he is going to do amazing things with whatever he wants to do. That´s just the person he is”, stressed Jesse Hunt. But he also knows that it doesn´t take much to quickly end a career. He is very blessed that he can play the game he loves for a living, but also very mindful that his life could be changed as rapidly as Lebron James can fly through the zone and make the next crazy dunk. “His injury made me truly understand to never take this game for granted because it could be taken away in an instant. I try to bring a lot of energy and positivity every single day in practice and games because I love this sport and want to make the most of my career because you never know when it could end”, warned Jesse Hunt. It´s March 2021 and Jesse Hunt is trying to help his team Rasta Vechta escape the easyCredit BBL cellar, but at the same time always has that brother incident in his mind and takes nothing for granted in life.

•           Jesse Hunt was born on July 30, 1997 in Geraldton, Australia and played at Sir Francis Drake high school in San Anselmo, California. He comes from a sporty family as his father was on the 1982 Sir Francis Drake squad that went 34-0 and won the state title. He went on to play at the University of Portland and play 17 seasons of professional basketball in Australia. He then went on to play at Eastern Washington University (NCAA) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 102 NCAA games. He has memories that will last a lifetime. “One of my fondest moments playing at Eastern Washington was in the pre-season of my Junior year. We went to Stanford and beat them which was one of our biggest wins in my 4 years there. Another great memory on the court was my senior year when we played at Weber State and beat them to secure the 3rd seed for the big sky tournament”, remembered Jesse Hunt.  He was able to improve his scoring average each season and made a huge jump as a junior playing 20 games averaging 7.5ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.2%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 80.6%. In the tail end of the season he scored 16 points in three games in a row against Great Falls, N Dakota and N Colorado. His rapid basketball progression really took off as a senior as he played 34 games averaging 14.6ppg, 8.7rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 75.2%. In his senior season he scored in double figures in 26 games. Some of his most stellar games included a 32 point explosion against UMKC, 27 points against Stanford, and 26 points against Seattle. He also was a menace on the boards collecting 11 double doubles. It isn´t often that you will see an Australian player in the NCAA, but even more rare when you witness three Australians on the same team as he was teammates with Mason Peatling and Jack Perry. “I have a great relationship with both of those guys. Being able to share the court with them (Mason 3 years and Jack 2 years) was very special, one because they are Aussies but also because they are great players and great people”, added Jesse Hunt. As a senior he had a great game against Stanford netting 27 points in a losing cause. In that game he battled against big German prospect Oscar Da Silva who could be a NBA Draft Pick in 2021.”Oscar is a great talent. He plays very aggressive and isn’t afraid of contact. I have no idea if he can play in the NBA, but I know he will have a great career wherever he ends up playing”, commented Jesse Hunt. The only thing missing from a perfect ending to his NCAA career was hoisting the Big Sky Conference title in the air as he reached the final in his last two years. A person that was vital in his development in the NCAA was head coach Shantay Legans. “Coach Legans was amazing for me. When he took over as head coach my junior year it truly helped my career at EWU and most certainly prepared me for the next step in my career. Legs is a great coach and is only going to continue to have more success in his coaching career”, warned Jesse Hunt.

Hunt who lists Jacob Wiley, Ahmaad Rorie, Anthony King, Liam Hunt, and Isiah Umipig as his five best teammates of all-time began his professional career in 2019-2020 overseas in Turkey with Manisa Buyuksehir Belediye (Turkey-TBL) playing 20 games averaging 9.2ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 66.2%. He scored in double figures in eight games including hitting Gemlik for 20 points, scored 19 points against Petkim and had 16 points against Samsun. One of the most interesting questions for any American rookie playing overseas for the first time is what their wake up call is. Sure you often get the normal blab la about home sickness, no internet or weird food, but also other inventive replies. “I had a very up and down rookie season in Turkey. I enjoyed my experience in Manisa and I learned a lot about how to be a professional and I also created great friendships with my teammates. My wake up call was playing against grown men for the first time. Having to match up with 30 year old forwards instead of college kids. That was a big wake up call for me and definitely helped me adjust to the physicality of professional basketball. I also think leaving my family, girlfriend, friends and arriving in Turkey was a big wake up call for me. Knowing I would be away from them for most of the year was not an easy transition, but it has also been a great experience for me playing overseas and I have certainly loved it”, stressed Jesse Hunt. During the summer of 2020, he got added valuable experience in his homeland with the Geraldton Buccaneers (WCC) playing 4 games averaging 17.0ppg, 8.5rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3sp. He scored 26 points against Kalamunda E.S and 21 points against East Perth E. Being able to be reunited with his brother Liam ´was also an experience that he will forever cherish. “I loved it. Being able to play for my home town team in Geraldton was truly an unbelievable experience and being able to share the court with my brother made it so much better. We played together in high school but I was only a sophomore and he was a senior so we didn’t get to see the court together very often. Playing basketball with my brother is hard to put into words. He is such a gifted basketball player and it was truly an honor to share the court with him, even if it was only for a few games. Being able to have the games that we did and get the win was very special”, remembered Jesse Hunt.

•          He lists current Denver Nuggets 218cm big man Bol Bol as his toughest opponent in the NCAA began his second professional season with Keravnos Strovolou (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League) playing 7 Basketball Champions League games averaging 10.0ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 41.4%, 3FGP: 39.1%, FT: 73.1%. He hit Tofas for 22 points. Even if his stay was brief in Cyprus, he also was able to make new steps with his game there. “I truly loved my time in Cyprus. We made history as a team by qualifying to play in the BCL and it truly was an honor to be part of it. Playing in the BCL was great for me. It made me understand the things that I now need to work on like getting stronger, and learning more ways to attack from the perimeter as a 4 man. Playing against the talent of those BCL teams most certainly helped me especially with it being so early in my career”, warned Jesse Hunt. He also had the privilege to play with American veteran Anthony King who balled many years in Germany in the easyCredit BBL and is truly a player that has left countless vital effects on his teammates and it wasn´t any different with Hunt. “King is a great role model for me. He would always be one of the first people in the gym before practice and would always talk to me and give me pointers on how to be a professional and what it takes to have a long, successful career. I am very lucky to have someone like him to talk to and get advice from”, said Jesse Hunt.

So let´s fast forward to March 2021 as Hunt who lists his personal NBA Mount Rushmore with legends Lebron ,Magic, MJ and Kobe has found a new challenge with easyCredit BBL team Rasta Vechta.It has been an extremely brutal season for Rasta Vechta after the end of the Pedro Calles era. In the last few years the club was used to winning and now losing has controlled the season. “Obviously nobody likes to lose. We have had our ups and downs over these past two months with injuries and losing close, tough games. But I love this team. We fight every single game and give everything we’ve got no matter how shorthanded we are or who the opponent is. There is still a lot of season left and plenty of room to grow for this team. I am very grateful to be a part of this club, and am very excited to see how we do over the next couple of months”, expressed Jesse Hunt. A big weak point has been the ability to find a defensive identity and consistency. “I believe we are moving in the right direction defensively. I also believe we are defining our identity especially over the last couple of games by showing that we are a very tough and resilient team that is going to fight back every possession of every game no matter what is on the scoreboard. We pressure teams and try to make them uncomfortable every possession. If we continue to work on our consistency in those areas, I believe our defense will continue to improve”, warned Jesse Hunt.

He has had many teammates in his short professional career and recently got a new one with ex Louisville(NCAA) standout Edgar Sosa who sparkled in his first game with Rasta Vechta with 30 points and 7 dimes. One should never hope just for that savior, but focus on the collective team effort, but with Sosa the team has found the perfect fit. “Edgar has been great for us already. He is a terrific scorer and playmaker for us and brings an added level of leadership from all of his playing experience. I believe as we continue to get him acclimated to the team, it is most certainly going to help us moving forward. It’s only been one game, but I already love sharing the court with him. He’s a very special talent”, stressed Jesse Hunt. The Australian also has come to appreciate the effort by ex Boston College center Dennis Clifford who played for top BBL team Alba Berlin some years ago. Not only has he seen what he can do in games, but also his shooting abilities before games a she made a full court shot before the game. “I’ve very much enjoyed being teammates with Dennis. He leads by example every single day in practice with his work ethic and leadership. He brings a lot of energy and professional experience to the team which has helped me a lot considering this is my second season overseas. I did see the shot. It was very impressive! I was his rebounder for the first few attempts. I don’t believe I have made a shot like that. I don’t even think I have ever attempted a full court shot like that”, stated Jesse Hunt.

• The last movie that he saw was Avengers Endgame and he is a versatile 203cm forward that believes he is a much shorter Kevin Love and likes how the NBA player can reboundsand can step out and let the three ball fly.  He is a versatile forward that can be described as a modern day forward in that he can do a bit of everything on the floor. He has a polished offensive game, but he also wants to shine on the defensive end and continue to develop further. “I take a lot of pride defensively. I believe I am a versatile defender that can switch out onto guards and also fight down low with the bigs. I take it personally if I get scored on which has helped me become a better defender”, warned Jesse Hunt. After playing in the second division Turkey and Cyprus, he has made the jump to a higher league in Germany, but isn´t content yet where he is. He understands that if he wants to continue to move up the basketball ladder, he will have to continue to grind in the lab and polish his game even more. “I need to work on getting physically stronger to matchup better with the stronger post players, I also need to work on expanding my ability to score from the perimeter and post up situations. I also want to continue to get my shot off quicker from the three point line”, stressed Jesse Hunt. Sky is still the limit for him as at the age of 23 and he has already experienced so much in a short time having seen different cultures and the beauty of many countries, but at the end of the day, it´s family that he cherishes most and is very blessed and grateful that his father played a big role in allowing him to be able to let his dreams come true and be able to play professionally and travel the world. “My dad has played a huge role in my career ever since I was 4 years old. Has taught me almost everything I know about the game of basketball and also life in general. I would not be where I am without my mother and father”, warned Jesse Hunt. He will continue to enjoy every moment on the floor, because in the back of his mind, he will never forget what happened to brother Liam. His dream and passion can end at any time so enjoying the moment is something that becomes a daily ritual.
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Jared Jordan  is a 36 year old 187cm point guard that had a 13 year professional basketball career. He began his career at Kingswood school in West Hartford and then played at Marist (NCAA) from 2003-2007 being named MAAC player of the year in 2007 and led the NCAA in assists twice. He began his professional career in 2007 in Lithuania with top team Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania-LKL) and played a season in the then D-League with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. He returned to Europe in 2009 and would play the rest of his career overseas until 2020. He was most of his time in Germany where he played 8 seasons for teams like the Telekom Baskets Bonn, Brose Bamberg and the Tigers Tuebingen. He also played in Greece with VAP Kolossos Rodou, in Spain with Gipuzkoa BC San Sebastian and closed out his career in Romania with BC CSU Sibiu. It didn’t matter where he played but as some say that guy is a walking bucket, Jordan was a walking dime as he led the easyCredit BBL in assists 6 times and also led the top European league ACB in Spain in assists and in Greece and Romania. He was a three time BBL allstar and is the all-time easyCredit assist leader breaking ex Lebron James teammate Dru Joyce’s mark in 2017 with his 1458th assist. He recently obtained his real estate license, has some basketball projects in the works and continues to be a religious golfer with a 8 handicap. I was blessed to cover Jared Jordan‘s career in Germany and gave him a career tribute interview.

Jared thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is life treating you in these tough times?


I’m in the states living in West Hartford. We recently bought a house. Life has ben different and it’s all about getting through these tough times, but all is going ok.

I was hoping not to prepare this interview yet because I was always hoping that you would return. Then I saw some fake news on eurobasket.com saying you had returned back to Wurzburg. Were you surprised to hear about this?

Yes I was surprised. A friend from Germany sent me the article. I saw it and laughed a lot. But I can say that I’m officially done with playing.

You have retired after 13 years. How much of a role did COVID-19 have in you making this decision?

I think that it played an important part for making my decision. I was playing in Romania when COVID hit. We came home and then were ready to go back, but then the season was cancelled. With all going on and having 2 young kids, we decided to stay home. It wasn’t easy ending my career like this not knowing that I would play my last game in Romania. I always wanted to know when my last game would be. But all in all it’s ok.

Your last season stat wise in Romania was very good. I’m sure you could of still played a few more years. What were the main reasons for you retiring?

Obviously my game was on the back burner, but it was still Ok. As you know my game relies on movement, cutting and keeping up with quick guards. I was getting older and that played a factor in my decision. It was time to move on. I accepted it and it was the right thing to do.

With your last club Sibiu you literally closed out your career with many ex and current BBL players and with Barry Stewart and Isiaiah Phillmore who were your teammates in Tuebingen. You also had Larry Gordon as a teammate. How often did the BBL come up especially with guys like Larry Gordon and Barry Stewart?

We talked a lot about the BBL. I had played together with Barry in Tuebingen and our wives were good friends. Larry signed late in the season. Larry is a really good guy. I remember the club asking me my opinion about Larry. I could only say the best things. He always played the right way. I remember him as a funny guy.

Let’s go back to the start After Kingswood, you played at Marist from 2003-2007. What memories do you have from that time besides getting many assists?

College was awesome. It was a great experience. My minutes increased in my second year and my game took off in my last two years. We had great veteran guys and everything clicked. We won a lot of games. We had a lot of fun my senior year and we won the MAAC title. Unfortunately we didn’t reach the NCAA tournament but got to the NIT. We lost to North Carolina State which ended my career.

You averaged 8,0 assists in your last two seasons at Marist. If someone had told you then that you would make a living getting assists and leading so many different leagues in assists in the summer of 2007 what would you have thought?

I wasn’t highly recruited when I came out of high school. I was just happy to play in college. Then during the summer before my junior year my coach told me that I could make a living playing professional basketball. That really opened my eyes. Not many guys are able to make a living playing basketball and be able to travel the world. I was very blessed to have been able to do this

How did Marist head coach Matt Brady groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He came during my second year. Many had told me that I had to bulk up more. I started to lift more, but then realized that I couldn’t move fast. Coach then put me on a weight loss program with a weight vest. He helped me improve my shot. He knew that I could pass, but he really stressed me to score. He always told me that I could score as much as I wanted to while keeping the defense honest and balanced.

Who won a one on one back in the day you or Will Whittington?

We used to play a lot of one on one. It always went back and forth. He was one of the top shooters that I had ever seen. He let it fly from anywhere. The best part of it was that when he shot 1/10, he didn’t care and continued to talk trash. He loved it. He was a great team guy. I benefited a lot from his shooting getting many assists.

What memories do you have of your first NBA training camp with the New York Knicks. Do you remember NBA legend and then head coach Isiah Thomas giving you some lasting point guard advice?

I was drafted by the Clippers and then was traded to the Knicks. The Knicks were loaded with great players. I remember meeting Isaiah Thomas. He had liked my game and it hadn’t shocked me that I had been traded. Isaiah was super nice, but at the same time really intense. I’ll never forget the look in his eyes. He had that feistiness. I wasn’t there too long, but he was very helpful in many things.

What memories do you have of battling Stephon Marbury in practice? How did you hold up against him as a rookie?


Marbury was a tough player and just an unbelievable player. The team also had Nate Robinson and Jamal Crawford. I remember Marbury as being super nice. He was a good guy and talked to me a lot. He was such a strong player that had bounce, great handles and a great step back. He was a really good player.

You played your rookie season with Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania-LKL). What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you were very far away from home?

That first time overseas was tough. I was lucky that the team had a great group of guys that took care of me. Chuck Eidson took me in. His wife took care of me. I always ate dinner at their house. He helped me open up my eyes to the European game. I had a tough Serbian coach. He made us practice a lot, but all in all he was a good guy. He knew that I was at the start of my career and he was very helpful in telling me exactly what I needed to work on.

You also played 11 Euroleague games. What memories do you have of the guys you battled then that were top players in Europe?

I remember playing against a young Danilo Gallinari who was playing with Milian. I also remember playing against Will Solomon who was a tough player and beating Maccabi Tel Aviv. At that time, I was so young that I had no idea about the teams or players. I was a clueless American who knew nothing about the European game.

In your second season you were with the New Orleans Hornets training camp. There you could battle Chris Paul. Were you able to add anything from his playmaking that would help you?

People always ask my about my experience with him. I remember the other guard being injured, so I was in charge of the second team. I was matched up against him very day. I remember having to go against guys like David West and Tyson Chandler. Chris was a high level super competitive guy and a team leader. He could turn up a gear at anytime and then it was just OMG. He always had to be first in each drill. But I remember that he really looked out for me. He had me over for dinner. When he turned it on to the next level, there wasn’t much you could do to stop him.

You then played a solid season with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League): 36 games: 10.9ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-2 (9.0apg), 2.0spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 70.3%. If you look back at those days and how the NBA worked, why do you think didn’t you reach the NBA?

I was trying to make the NBA like everyone else, but I also understood my limitations. I wasn’t quick, long or athletic. I was on a good team. At that point I was thinking of maybe sticking one more year in the D-League and then go to Europe. The D-League was an up and down stat league. It was good to play a season there. I didn’t get a call up even though I thought that I had played well. My limitations held me back from making the NBA.

What kind of NBA feedback do you remember getting from coaches and GM’s about your game and what was needed for the NBA?

The best quote I remember hearing was from Isaiah Thomas. My agent told me this story. Isaiah Thomas loved my game, but didn’t like my dad’s name. My father’s name is Michael Jordan.

The two biggest changes that I see with the NBA to back in 2008 is that there is less defense now and the league has gotten so young. What changes have you observed

The NBA has changed a lot. It is a lot more free flowing. It favors smaller guys and a ton of three’s are shot. There also have been rule changes. You can’t pack the paint. They want more attacking the rim which is good for TV. Teams now draft off potential. You don’t see many seniors anymore being drafted, but teams want to develop freshmen. There is so much crazy talent around today.

In 2009 you returned to Europe and would never go back to the States. You played most of your career in the easyCredit BBL playing 8 years. Do you feel like your game fit the BBL the best despite having great seasons in Greece and Spain as well?

I always felt comfortable in the BBL. There were good living conditions in Germany and I was lucky to play for Bonn and Mike Koch. He gave me the freedom to play my game and play a ton of pick and roll. My career took off from there.

You played the longest with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. What did you cherish most in your time with this organization?

Bonn was a great place to play for. The Telekom Baskets Bonn are a very professional organization and they really took care or me. I had great teammates and they had a very passionate fan base. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were one of the top places I played for in my career. I always tell players that if they get a chance to play in Boon then they should do it.

In your first season in Germany you were teammates with Chris Ensminger. Do you feel old when you remember his sons Zach and Jacob running around the arena 10 years ago and now both are pro’s in Germany with big futures?

Yes I feel old knowing what his sons are doing today. My first year in Bonn, we lived above them. I remember his kids always coming to practice. I saw them grow up. They already loved to play basketball at a young age. I remember them always checking the box scores and they knew the shoe size of every BBL player. I remember joking with Chris telling him that whenever Zack starts to play professionally, then I will have to retire. It is nice seeing them do so well.

I’m sure one of your favorite teammates off all-time is Tony Gaffney. He said this about you in two of my interviews. ‘It is impossible to replace Jared Jordan and ‘I don’t know if there is another player that I have played with that I have connected with on the court like Jared Jordan‘. What did you appreciate most about his game?

We clicked right away and we fit each others styles. He could do it all. He ran the floor, rolled to the basket, jumped to the rim, did alley-oops and got behind the defense. It was crazy all the things that he could do. It was super fun to play with him. He was a complete freak athlete. I remember some days he wouldn’t even stretch. We had great times.

Tony Gaffney also is known for having a very nice character. How did you experience his character?

He is a great guy that is nice to all. He was always so welcoming. We just connected

Do you give him a hard time sometimes for being known as being on the Celtics and Lakers rosters, but never playing a NBA game?

No I never gave him any ribbing about that.

You guys hooked up for many alley-oops. You must have a favorite one.

I remember us having a nice one in Frankfurt. I also remember a nice on in Bonn. It was late in the game and it was a risky play. I think it was against Munich to start the season. It was a full court alley-oop which got the crowd excited.

What kind of relationship did you have under Michael Koch? How appreciative were you of him giving you absolute freedom on the court?

He gave me what any point guard would want. He gave me the freedom to create and get up and down the court and make plays. I still talk to him to this day. I remember the first day when I was there. He sat me down in the kid’s area of the other gym. He said this is your team. You run the team and do what you have to do. I learned so much from him. He had been a great player in his own right.

Andrej Mangold was always a pretty boy. Did it surprise you he became the German Batchelor on TV?

Not at all. He was always hustling and was out and about. Being the Batchelor fit him perfectly. I watched some of that on TV. I love Dre. He was a great teammate and knew how to take control on the defensive end.

In the 2013-2014 season you left Bonn for Bamberg and it created an uproar with the Bonn fans. How tough was that experience for you?

In the summer of 2013 Bamberg had had interest in me. It was between me and Zach Wright. Bamberg ended up taking Zach Wright. But I was super comfortable in Bonn. Bamberg had won 3 titles in a row and had a big budget. You just have to be interested when a club like that shows interest. During the season I got the offer from Bamberg. It was a hard decision to make. If I had had that opportunity today, I would have done it again. My teammates told me I should go for it. I remember Tony Gaffney saying that if I didn’t take it then he wouldn’t talk to me again. I understood that the Bonn fans would be mad. It wasn’t an easy decision to make. It was very difficult and stressful for me. I did a lot of thinking while making the decision. Some fans forgave me and some hated me. I hope I can come back one day to Bonn with family and everything will be Ok.

You played one season in Greece leading the league in assists with VAP Kolossos Rodou (Greece-A1) averaging 6.3ppg, 2.6rpg, Assists-1 (5.5apg), FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 23.2%, FT: 56.0%. In one game against Olympiakos you battled Milos Teodosic who went 1/9 from outside. Did some of your defense rub off on his poor shooting?

I remember that game. We lost by three points. I remember them having great names like Teodosic, Spanoulis and Papaloukas. It was awesome playing against guys like that. My defense definitely had nothing to do with him shooting like that. Teodosic and Diamantidis are two of my favorite players that I played against in Europe.

In the 2014-2015 season you moved to Gipuzkoa BC San Sebastian (Spain-Liga ACB) averaging : 6.9ppg, 2.7rpg, Assists-1 (7.0apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 65.5%. You have won many awards but how much did it mean for you to lead the best national league in Europe in assists?

Yes that was pretty cool to be able to lead the ACB in assists. The ACB is the league to play in. The players are incredible and the IQ is so high. The league has many veterans and top European players. It was an honor to play there. I loved the life style and the style of play.

It was the season before Luka Doncic would make his ACB debut as he was playing with Real Madrid 2 when you were there. Did you already hear stories about him then?

I remember hearing stories of him. I think that I even might of played against him. I remember having a player on loan from Real Madrid and he was saying how this kid Doncic was always getting triple doubles in the youth league. Then I saw him play in Europe and NBA. At first I didn’t know that he could be so good. He does a great job getting separation from guys. He is destroying the NBA now.

What memories do you have playing Real Madrid and FC Barcelona? Were those 2 teams the ones you will remember most battling against?

Of course I will always remember those games and playing against Juan Carlos Navarro. I also will never forget playing against Panathinaikos and Olympiakos and playing against so many legends of European basketball.

You then returned back to Germany and played 3 more years with Tuebingen. What kind of experience was it playing for a team that wasn’t winning?

It was tough. We had one bad year. Even if we didn’t win many games, it was still a nice experience. I met many nice people and I liked the city. Not wining is never easy

I was perplexed when you signed with Tuebingen after having played in the ACB. I can’t imagine that you didn’t get better offers?

That’s a good question. I don’t really remember. I think I was waiting to make the right decision. I remember having some other offers. I think that I was just looking to get back to Germany. But in the end, I was super happy with making the decision to join Tuebingen.

What did mean playing with BBL legend Alexsandar Nadjfeji and also having him as a coach? What will you never forget about this jovial man?

He is great. I actually just talked to him last week. He was a funny dude, hard working and had amazing foot work. I remember in a BBL allstar game that I never had to call for a screen and roll. He was always there. I played with him at the back end of his career, but he was still a great player with such a high basketball IQ. He was such a team orientated player that always did his job. I couldn’t even imagine how good he must have been in his prime.

You were also teammates with Garlon Green. Did he ever tell Gerald Green dunk stories?

Not really. He was super talented in his own right. He was really athletic. I remember him dunking on the wrong basket in Braunschweig. I remember throwing up my arms and saying what are you doing.

You played your last season in Germany with Giessen. I witnessed your last game in Frankfurt where you lost a tough 82-81 game where you had 8 points and 11 assists. Is there a game that you will never forget against Frankfurt?

I remember one year we had to play Frankfurt in Bonn and it was the last game of the season. We had to win it to reach the playoffs. I remember Mike Koch calling me, Chris Ensminger and Benas Veikalas to a meeting and saying how important this game was. We took his words and won easily. But playing against Frankfurt was never easy with how head coach Herbert played with discipline and good defense and Tez Robertson leading the team.

You also played against Pascal Roller early in your career. What memories do you have of him on the court?

I didn’t know him at the beginning of my career, but I soon would after playing against him. He shot so well and played the pick and roll so well. He really knew how to play. I remember saying damn he is really good.

The two current easyCredit BBL identity figures are Quantez Robertson and Ricky Paulding. What memories will you always have of them?

I came into the league in 2009. Oldenburg had won the BBL title the year before. He could drive and dunk then. You would think that he wouldn’t be bale to do that now at his age. But he can still do it. You don’t even need to look at the box score. You know that today he will get something like between 14-18 points, 4-6 rebounds and 3-5 assists. His amazing consistency speaks for him. He has been doing it for so long and is still doing it at his age. He deserves so much respect. He makes it still look so easy. Robertson is in the same boat. He also deserves a lot of respect. He still is covering the whole court, playing good defense and getting in passing lanes. He also has been so consistent.

You are the all-time easyCredit BBL assist leader, led the league in assists 6 times with Bonn and Tuebingen and led the Spanish, Greek and Romanian league in assists. Do you remember the game in your professional career where you had the most assists in a game?

Yes I do. I remember getting 18 assists in the old gym in Oldenburg. I remember that we won the game easily.

You actually had more than 18 assists in a game. I will help you the date was Feb 26, 2009 as you had 16 points and 22 assists in the D-League with Rio Grande against FT Wayne

I didn’t realize that I had 16 points. But let’s be honest. It’s pretty easy getting assists in the D-League. There is no defense, so much space and they are very lenient giving out assists.

You dropped dimes as easily as Steph Curry drops three’s. You will always be known as Mr assist. Is there an assist that you will always remember out of all the ones you had?

I remember getting this assist in Oldenburg. Once your in the zone you can do anything. You throw anything up and it goes in. I remember making a behind the back pass on the pick and roll to Chris Ensminger. Also all the alley oops to Tony Gaffney stick out. I always enjoyed passing the ball and it just came easy to me. I just reacted to the defense.

How would you like basketball fans to remember the player Jared Jordan?

That I played unselfish and for the best of the team. I always wanted to win. I also would like to be known as having been professional and a good teammate. I always had good interactions with teammates and fans.

There were only 10 Jared Jordan Eurobasket titles. There would have been more if I had been a Bonn beat writer and not a Frankfurt beat writer. We only did two published interviews and of course many post game talks over the years. Our first interview was in September 2009 before you had even arrived in Bonn. What memories will you always have of me in German basketball?

I remember that first interview that we did. You contacted me and right away told me about our Avon-Kingswood connection. I knew that every time we played in Frankfurt that you would be waiting outside the locker room. We built up a good connection. I always read your aricles. It’s good stuff. You were always kind to me and always talked positive about me. I rally appreciate it.

I’m coming out with a book called ‘The Real Deal’ in 2021 or 2022 as COVID-19 has pushed everything back with 100 stories about my experience in European basketball. I couldn’t write it without having you in one of my 100 stories. My last sentence is that you belong to my 5 favorite players that I have covered. The title is my prep school connection with Jared Jordan. Is that a good title?

Yes that’s a good title. That is how it all started. It is awesome to hear that I’m in your top 5.

We have had this on going conversation since we know each other of our prep schools Avon where I went and Kingswood Oxford where you went. Let’s settle for once and for all which school rules. If we were to meet on an outdoor court in the summer in Harford and played horse, and you had HOR to give me a chance who would win? Let me warn you I beat ex Miami heat Ken Johnson who played in Bonn a few more years before you in 2008.

I have to take myself.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced on the court in Europe?

In Europe the toughest guys I played against were Teodosic, Spanoulis and Campazzo. In the BBL the toughest players were Tyrese Rice and Malcolm Delaney.

Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time?

There are too many guys. I would feel bad just naming 5 guys.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Jordan and Lebron

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

I grew up being a Jordan fan. But I think that now Lebron takes is at the top. His skill level does it all.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I just watched the Bourne Identity. I love watching that movie.

Thanks Jared for the chat.

DJ Woodmore is a 29 year old 190cm point guard playing his first season with the Baskets Koblenz. Last season with Morgenstern BIS Basket Speyer (Germany-ProB) he played 21 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT-2 (50.0%), FT: 87.3%. In 2018-2019 13.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 60.2%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 71.6% in the Regionalliga. In his first two seasons with Speyer he averaged 14.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 40.1%, FT: 72.1% and 17.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 76.4%. he played at Virginia Wesleyan College (NCAA3): from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 31 games averaging 20.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.3% (219/435), 3Pts: 46.0% (91/198), FT: 76.9% (93/121). Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and DJ Woodmore team together each week to talk basketball.

DJ congrats on the big 90-71 victory against Erfurt. How good does it feel winning again after two tough losses against Munich and Coburg?

It feels great to get back on the winning side of things! The last few weeks have been rough after to blow out losses but we knew we had to get this one.

The EPG Baskets had the 42-35 lead at the break. You guys had a small lapse in the second quarter, but what was key for having the 7 point lead at half-time?

I thought we did a good job of attacking their zone in the first half. Took us a while to realize exactly what they were doing but once we did, we could find a way to exploit it. I thought they did a good job of coming up with every 50/50 ball and converted it every time. Once we picked up the intensity a little, we were able to pull away.

Did the team prepare in a different way for RJ Price knowing he had 36 points in the last game against Frankfurt?

He was definitely our focal point in the game. We know he can be a dangerous scorer. But they rely so heavily on him. We knew if we can contain him, everything should fall into place!

The EPG Baskets Koblenz broke it open in the third quarter getting massive production from Brian Butler and Bill Borekambi. How much more valuable will they become as they get more comfortable with each other?

They will definitely be able to have more games like this. I think the more Bill plays with us the better the chemistry between the two will become. Once they can get a feel for each other, everything will fall into place.

Brian Butler carried the team in the second half. Was this his best game this season?

Yes this was one of the best performances I’ve seen from him in a while. He was able to do anything he wanted out there, and we kept going to him.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz gave up an average of 95 points in the last two games, but only 71 against Erfurt. What improvements did the team make on the defensive end?

We were just locked in for a complete 40 mins this game. I don’t think we did anything special, we just knew how important it was to win this one. But I think we have to take that intensity into every game for the rest of the year.

Anthony Canty made his debut scoring 11 points. What kind of an experience was it for you playing with him for the first time?

He’s a very smart player. He knows his game and keeps it simple. Once he’s able to get a rhythm and understand the offense inside and out, he will definitely be able to help us take that next step!

You had a tough shooting day scoring 8 points, grabbing 6 boards and getting 4 assists. Was the 0 in the turnover box the most positive stat in your game?

Probably. I couldn’t get it going from the perimeter but valuing the ball was a primary focus for me. We had way too many turnovers in the last weeks. Which is why teams were able to score 90+ points. As long as we don’t give it away, we give ourselves a chance for something positive to happen.

You next face Speyer who you beat in the first meeting 72-68. They won’t make the playoffs. They played you very tough in Koblenz. What will be key to sweeping the season series?

The key will be to keep their shooters from getting easy looks!! If we can keep them under control, we’ll give ourselves a chance. Even with the roster issues they’ve had this season they can still score the ball. They’ll play with nothing to lose and we have to match it.

What are your thoughts on Pau Gasol not retiring yet but coming back to Europe to play with FC Barcelona?

Honestly I hope he does well. His final years in the league have been ruined by injuries but hopefully he can stay healthy and have a nice fit for Barca. We’ll see though.

Thanks DJ for the chat.

Just a month ago the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were as far away from the Pro B playoffs as the Minnesota Timberwolves are at the moment, but with added inspired and improved play in the last weeks, the club is inching closer and closer to the promised land. A big win on the road and back to back last second home wins against Hanau and Speyer have brought them closer. But they had their hands full as they welcomed current number one team BBC Coburg who had a 14-5 record and were still unbeaten in 2021 with a 8 game winning streak. In the first meeting in Coburg in November, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were mauled 93-58 as the Bavarian squad nailed 10 three pointers and dominated the boards 36-21 and carved out an incredible 14 offensive rebounds. In the return date in Frankfurt, BBC Coburg controlled the game for three quarters, but allowed a furious fourth quarter comeback by the Fraport Skyliners Juniors, but held on at the end thanks to two very acrobatic lay ins by the German guard duo of Constantin Ebert and Elias Baggette. After the last second victory, 207cm big man Leon Bulic was all smiles after they were able to pull out the win on the road. “I thought that we played a super game. We executed the game plan the way we wanted to. We played a good first half playing well together getting many assists and making shots. We had some problems stopping their transition in the second quarter, but came back strong in the third quarter to lead by 20 points. In the fourth quarter we had problems controlling Len Schoormann and they began hitting more shots and we got nervous. We had luck with the last two shots, but we deserved the win. We have to learn to keep our let downs better in check”, stressed BBC Coburg center Leon Bulic. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors met a hot shooting club and had problems slowing down their penetration, but they never gave up and fought until the end, but just couldn´t get stops. “We didn´t start well, but fought the whole game which we have shown the last weeks. We were able to get the lead back, but just couldn´t get stops when we needed them”, added Fraport Skyliner Junior Philipp Hadenfeldt.

                The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were without Germans Konstantin Schubert and Leon Pullen while BBC Bayreuth were without Germans Chris Wolf and Moritz Plescher and Croatian Mateo Seric. The first few minutes were tight as there were four lead changes, but BBC Coburg then soon sped away and would explode with 30 plus points to have the overwhelming lead. German Len Schoormann found his touch in the Pro B in the last month and after scoring 28 points in Erfurt last weekend on 6/8 shooting from the parking lot, he didn´t waste anytime keeping his hot streak alive as he scored Frankfurt´s first seven points. BBC Coburg got early production from Baggette and Leon Bulic who used his height and strength for an easy bucket inside trailing 7-6 to Frankfurt. But BBC Coburg then unraveled their total offensive power going on a lethal 18-4 run to grab the 24-11 advantage. In the run BBC Coburg did a fine job displaying solid inside out basketball getting some clutch three´s from ex Breitengussbach guard Sven Lorber and ex BBL player Constantin Ebert while controlling the paint as German Daniel Urbano wrecked havoc in the zone scoring three baskets. Bulic and Baggette added buckets on lay in´s. Frankfurt´s defense had totally collapsed as their communication was non existent and they had no remedy to slow down the speedy Elias Baggette who was driving and creating and just controlling the Coburg offense with ease. Frankfurt´s offense sputtered as they made too hasty decisions and had no calmness in their sets. BBC Coburg had no mercy and just continued to pour on the offense as they closed out the first quarter with a 11-2 run to lead easily 33-15. In the run, BBC Coburg continued to get great offensive production from Urbano who scored two more times and German Johannes Mavridis gave vital support from the bench with a three pointer. “They hit their shots very well and we had no communication on defense. These things happen from time to time”, stressed Philipp Hadenfeldt. BBC Coburg shot 75% from the field and 75% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 38% from the field and 17% from outside and had 4 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

                BBC Coburg continued to control the game and led by as much as 16 points in the second quarter, but couldn´t hold it as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were able to cut it down to as much as 10 points, but trailed by 13 points at the break. In the last two last second wins at home against Hanau and Speyer, Frankfurt was able to get the majority of the 50/50 balls, but against BBC Coburg the tables would be turned. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors came out refocused in the second quarter going on a rapid 4-0 run to cut the BBC Coburg lead to 33-19. The first field goal took 4 attempts until German Jordan Samare made a tip in and ex Rostock center Noah Kamdem made a lay in as Frankfurt was aggressive inside and attacked the offensive glass. But BBC Coburg finally got on the board as Elias Baggette who is great at picking his spots made a laid back step back jumper and Mavridis made another three pointer as he stayed true to his 55% three point percentage which he had entering the game. Frankfurt got a huge trey from ex Nurnberg guard Matthew Meredith and free throws from Alvin Onyia, but BBC Coburg still led 40-24. Here and there Frankfurt had their moments taking little runs going on a 7-0 run to cut BBC Coburg´s lead down to 40-31. Frankfurt calmed down on offense making good decisions as Hadenfeldt hit a 20 footer and Kamdem nailed a 25 footer while Len Schoormann was back making a big steal and going coast to coast for the dunk. Frankfurt upped their defensive pressure and were rewarded with easy baskets. But Frankfurt weren´t able to make any ground on BBC Coburg as the guests let it rain three´s again as Urbano hit two trey´s and Bulic also stepped out and saw nothing but net. Schoormann hit back to back baskets and Jordan Samare also scored in the paint, but BBC Coburg led 49-37. In the last few minutes, Len Schoormann remained very aggressive getting to the free throw line and Noah Kamdem made a pretty fake and move to score a lay in, but BBC Coburg continued to have their dazzling point guard Elias Baggette who controlled the paint with his speed and great ball handling making a lay in and floater as BBC Coburg led 53-42 at half-time. “They hit very tough shots. It is really tough to see that happen when your defending well”, said Philipp Hadenfeldt. BBC Coburg shot 66% from the field and 58% from the three point line and had 9 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 50% from the field and 20% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

                BBC Coburg continued to control the contest in the third quarter keeping a double digit lead and led by as much as 20 points and led 74-59 after 30 minutes. BBC Coburg came out of half-time recharged and went on a quick 9-2 run to extend their lead to 62-44. In the run, they got key production from Leon Bulic who dominated the paint area with a lay in and two handed dunk while Ebert made a jumper and Sven Lorber who has played 86 Regionalliga games dropped a trey. BBC Coburg continued to run their sets and execute while Frankfurt continued to have defensive lapses and were too sloppy on offense coughing up the ball too often. BBC Coburg continued to have a well oiled offense, but it also helped that they had enough guys who also know how to execute on one on one. Baggette continued to do what he wanted scoring back to back baskets. On one play he tip toed by a defender and then scored and he also hit a 20 footer for the overwhelming 66-46 lead. “Baggette has made a good development. He has gotten stronger mentally and physically. He reads the game well and has a great IQ. His quickness is so important for his game and he is very good against the switches”, stated Leon Bulic.  It wasn´t only Schoormann who held Frankfurt in the game, but also Noah Kamdem who took responsibility and scored two baskets to cut the BBC Coburg lead down to 66-50. Both teams traded baskets until the end as Hadenfeldt and Ebert scored jumpers as Frankfurt trailed 68-52. Samare continued to be active and execute scoring twice inside while BBC Coburg got easy baskets in the paint from Bulic and Urbano. Hadenfeldt let a last spark fly in the last seconds hitting a clutch trey as BBC Coburg led 74-59. “We had a good run and got some fast break baskets. Ebert led us and Urbano had some big rebounds”, added Leon Bulic. “We had too many turnovers and gave them too many second chances. But we never gave up and fought back”, said Philipp Hadenfeldt. BBC Coburg shot 67% from the field and 53% from the parking lot and had 15 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 49% from the field and 23% from the parking lot and had 20 rebounds and 15 turnovers.

                The Fraport Skyliners Juniors big moment came in the fourth quarter where they exploded for 29 points and made a massive come back that wasn´t rewarded at the end. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors began to chip away at the huge BBC Coburg lead and stormed out on a 22-7 run to dead lock the contest at 81-81. BBC Coburg had the better start getting baskets from Bulic and Ebert, but Frankfurt then exploded going on a 19-2 run. The run began with a Schoormann floater who´s self-confidence was sky high finished with 26 points and 5 assists and continues to rule the Pro B in the last weeks. “He has understood that he can be successful with his athleticism in the Pro B. His self confidence also has grown which is a big advantage for him”, stated Philipp Hadenfeldt. Frankfurt then got a huge spark from German Alvin Onyia who had been quiet in the first three quarters offensively, but struck back in the run with a tap in on the offensive glass and a trey testing his 28% three point percentage as Frankfurt trailed only 79-71. Frankfurt also was helped by BBC Coburg who had 5 team fouls early. Frankfurt profited from that getting free throws from Schoormann, Begue and Hadenfeldt. Defensive stopper Maxi Begue who had been quiet offensively broke open scoring twice inside to tie the game at 81-81. Leon Bulic then stopped the run scoring a clutch three for the 84-81 BBC Coburg lead. Frankfurt continued to be scrappy and got a runner from Schoormann in traffic and then Begue made a massive steal and fed Jordan Samare on transition for the mega two handed stuff as Frankfurt suddenly led again 85-84 with only 1,14 minutes to play. “We didn´t make any real adjustments on defense. We got more 50/50 balls and rebounded better which led to transition baskets. We just wanted it more than them”, stressed Philipp Hadenfeldt. “Frankurt had to win and gave their all. Frankfurt was more aggressive on defense and the Frankfurt bigs got easy baskets”, stated Leon Bulic. It seemed like the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had the total momentum, but then came the crazy turning point. Ebert and Baggette slammed the door shut on Frankfurt with two acrobatic circus shots. Ebert as usual did a good job using his body making a tough shot while Baggette was seemingly on the floor already as he somehow made an insane shot. “Baggette´s shot was wild. Ebert also can make those shots. They saved us and decided the game”, stated Leon Bulic. “Both shots were tough shots. If one didn´t go in we win. But that is what happens when you have won 8 games in a row, the confidence is always high and they make those kind of shots”, stressed Philipp Hadenfeldt. BBC Coburg were led by Daniel Urbano with 23 points. Leon Bulic added 19 points while Elias Baggette had 18 points and 8 assists and Constantin Ebert had 15 points and 7 assists while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Len Schoormann with 26 points. Jordan Samare and Noah Kamdem added 14 points apiece. BBC Coburg shot 59% form the field and 53% from outside and had 21 rebounds and 17 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 53% from the field and 26% from outside and had 30 rebounds and 18 turnovers.