John Murry (192-G-95, college: Austin Peay) is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Indianapolis, Indiana that is playing his third professional season in Germany with BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga). Before that he had experience with the Kitchener-Waterloo Titans. He played two years at Owens Community College playing 63 games and two years at Austin Peay State University (NCAA) playing 56 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 16.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 81.1%. He and Miles Schmidt-Scheuber talk weekly about basketball.

John thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. Another game and another loss. Grevenbroich is 0-3. Does the team feel the pressure building after the loss against Wulfen?

It’s just the little things that we need to fix and I believe we will do just that.

Grevenbroich lost 90-7 to BV Wulfen. Please talk about the main reasons why you couldn’t pull out the win?.

I think team chemistry is something that we struggle with but the good news is things are getting fixed with the quickness.

The week before you allowed 102 points to Hamm and now 90 points against BV Wulfen. What continues to be the biggest problems having success on the defensive end?

We are just needing to focus on the little things as a team and be there for one another to be better and create W’s in the win column.

The club got 43 rebounds which isn’t bad as you defended the own basket, but also allowed 18 offensive rebounds. Is the effort just not there at the moment?

The effort is there just not the focus, but we are getting it together as time passes

The club also had 21 turnovers which continues to be a problem. How much of a burden does it put on you mentally seeing this problem continue?

The one thing we continue to talk about is taking care of the ball so we can make the most of our offensive opportunities.

What was it like playing against American Bryant Allen who continues to put up good numbers in the Regionalliga. He didn’t have a great shooting day but led his team to the win?

Pretty good player and we will continue to build off the lesson learned last game.

Is it a shock when you don’t get to the free throw line? Was the aggressiveness missing?

Yes I have to do better at that aspect of the game for sure.

The focus and hunger for a win and another good game must be bursting in you. How tough will the waiting be this week to finally get a new chance again?

Tough is an understatement, I can nearly sleep at night, I’m ready to play now.

You next play Recklinghausen another must win who is 2-2. There you will have your hands full with Kendall Stafford.

Yes that is definitely a must win game for us, no matter what.

What’s your take on the whole Kyrie Irving COVID drama?

I support kyrie Irving and anything another player who wants to make a personal decision for the better of themselves.

Thanks John for the chat.

Angelo Warner (188-PG-92, college: Morehead St.) is a 29 year old 188cm point guard from Orlando, Florida that is playing his seventh professional season and first with Tsmoki-Minsk (Belarus-Premier League). He has vast professional experience having played in the ABA early in his career and overseas in countries like Mozambique, Bosnia, Hungry, Cyprus and Italy. He began his basketball career at Jones high school and then played 4 seasons and 129 NCAA games at Morehead State. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game in Crailsheim.

Thanks Angelo for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome to Germany. What do you know in general about Germany and it’s basketball? Did you know that you have an ex Morehead State guy Brandon Shingles that played here? He graduated from Morehead a year before you arrived.

I didn’t know Brandon played in Germany but me and Him have talked a few times before.

Before we talk about basketball I have to ask you about COVID. Since COVID broke you played in Italy, Hungary and now Belarus. How did you experience the whole COVID time? What were the biggest challenges for you on and off the court?

Well when Covid hit in Italy, it was terrible. We were on lockdown like no other. We couldn’t move for weeks! Only trips to the market or pharmacy. I remember going to the market to buy masks, and they were out. I had to use a towel for a face cover. In Hungary, my whole team caught Covid! It was terrible also. I never had a sickness so bad. I lost 10 lbs fast! Lost my smell and taste for 3-4 weeks. The biggest challenge was getting back in shape because we had games a week later.

With everything that you witnessed during COVID, how do you feel did COVID make you stronger as a man?

I feel that it made me feel stronger about Covid. I never felt that Covid wasn’t real but I always thought our team would do everything to be secure from it but obviously not.

Your playing your first season with Tsmoki-Minsk. What kind of an experience has it been sharing your game in the VTB? You played in Eurocup and Italia Serie A. How does the VTB compare to those two leagues in terms of competition and skill?

Serie A for me was very tough and physical. Every game was tough and then we played Eurocup also which was very tough. Physically it wasn’t a challenge for me, I just feel I wasn’t given my opportunity because of the veterans there. Vtb is similar to Serie A in many ways. High level players every game, mentality and approach has to be sharp every night.

You recently probably played against the most talented professional team in your career CSKA Moscow losing 92-44. What kind of a learning experience was this for you and how do rate your game against guys like ex NBA players Bolomboy and Shved and other high class players?

I think personally to have a chance with teams like CSKA, you have to match the players some sort, physically, and with some sort of talent. We obviously weren’t ready to play them as everyone saw but I think now if we played them, it’ll be a different game, and then we’ll see what happens at the last buzzer.

How focused are you to have a great season in the VTB after not being able to show your true class in Italy?

This year has been a difficult year mentally for me. Before coming here, I lost my mom, and then couple days later I had to come here so mentally I wasn’t prepared to play basketball. A Week later, 4 of my best friends were killed, my dad was fighting for his life with Covid, I couldn’t do anything about it. So I was basically playing out of anger which turned to success thus far for me. I have another reason to play now. I always knew I could play anywhere for any club. Adaption is easy for me. Unfortunately, Italy wasn’t the place for me but now I think that’ll be a different story obviously haha.

Last season you played with Szolnoki Olajbanyasz KK (Hungary-A Division) averaging 12.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 90.0%; and in the FIBA Europe Cup averaged 14.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 80.0%. How vital has Hungry been for your career. Twice it gave you great opportunities to play in Italy and now Belarus.

Hungary has been a place I’ve enjoyed for the years playing there. I had a great team in Szolnok were we did some good things. Practices was insane but like I said, mentally and physically I was sharp enough to keep healthy for one and produce.

What was toughest about losing the hard fought 5 game series against Szombathel and top point guard Kyan Anderson who is back in Germany again.

I think we had a chance to beat them. But Falco is Hungary Stronghold. Anderson was good on film but I think we didn’t have any trouble with him, the other players though were the challenge. National team players, no chance. To

Two season ago you played with Germani Brescia Leonessa (Italy-Serie A) averaging 3.6ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.2apg; and in the Eurocup averaged 2.7ppg, 1.6rpg. How tough were the basketball growing pains and what did you learn about your game and yourself as a man?

I always talk about playing in Brescia and what I learned from playing there. I learned a lot about my game, and things I do today has been a great habit for me still today. I try to help others with what I learned from there, it’s a hard place to play. Physical! Smarts! Talent! Top quality basketball for sure. Maybe one day I’ll play there again.

Despite the tough season you had some high class teammates like Ken Horton and Deandre Lansdowne who all have played in Germany and made the next step. Especially how much of a role model was Deandre Lansdowne who went from the NCAA 2 and third league Germany to top leagues in Europe?

Those guys were great, DJ was a good dude who I mostly challenged myself with in practice. Hard working guy for sure. Ken was more of the positive guy for me. Someone I could talk to and he kept it real with me. Still today I talk to ken. He’s like a older brother to me.

In 2018-2019 you played with Sopron KC (Hungary-A Division) averaging 19.4ppg 5.3rpg, 5.4apg, Steals-3 (1.8spg), FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 82.8%. You had many huge games in your career, but what memories do you have of your 33 point explosion in the tough 90-89 playoff loss against Kormend?

So long ago! I just look at it as something I had to do in order for us to have a chance. That’s just me! Always find a way!

In 2017-2018 you played with KK Vogosca Sarajevo (Bosnia-Division I) playing 20 games: Score-1 (20.4ppg), 4.5rpg, Assists-1 (8.1apg), Steals-1 (2.7spg), FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 80.7%. Could one say after playing in the ABA, Cyprus and Africa that this was your real break through season? How vital was this season for your career?

At this moment for me I basically started all the way over. With changing agents, we had a plan for working my way back up properly. It was just an opportunity I took and ran with. Good thing is it paid off a good deal.

You played two seasons with Ferroviario Beira (Mozambique-D1). What kind of an experience was it playing Africa? Do you have a unique experience that you had there that you will never forget?

Playing there was just something I wanted to do during the summer. It was short time but different. Experienced something I thought I’d never see. Saw the good and bad of it all. Fiba Africas cup was fun though for sure.

After having a stellar career in the NCAA, how eye opening was it seeing how tough it is to get overseas? You did land in Cyprus, but not before paying dues in the ABA.

I would say representation. I had a guy who didn’t have his best interest in me and I knew him personally. Sold me a dream basically. I don’t think it’s tough getting from college to overseas because if you got it then you got it and nobody can take that away. Talent speaks for itself!

You won your first and so far only professional title with Mapfree Life (Cyprus-North League) averaging 28.8ppg, 8.3rpg, 7.8apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 58.3%, 3FGP: 42.1%, FT: 82.3%. What memories do you have from that title and does that itch to win that second one get bigger and bigger each season?

The will to win is crucial to me every night. Everybody wants to win but what separates you from another is mentality and smarts to outsmart the other opponent.

You played at Morehead State from 2011-2015. What memories do you have from your career there? What was it like coming in and having to follow up the club’s NCAA tournament appearance the year before?

It was different. Big shoes to fill obviously after a season like that. But we tried and that was that.

Your sophmore season you had Tennessee State’s number scoring 24 and 23 points including an amazing 101-100 win. Where do you rank that game in your favorite NCAA games and what memories do you have of it?

That game was one of many games for me. Just another game to help my team win. I was just lucky that day lol. But coming from Florida, hbcu colleges was all I knew. Family members attending hbcu and the culture and music is what was the best. Our family enjoyed it so I kind of stuck with me. But I had many memories from games not just that one in particular.

What memories do you have playing Kentucky with so many future NBA players? You had 2 points in a 81-70 loss. What Kentucky player do you remember standing out most?

I believe if I didn’t get a concussion that game, we would’ve beaten Kentucky. I think Archy Goodwin was there guy that year. I was the key to stop him. Unfortunately I go put out early in the game.

For three years you had intense battles with Corey Walden. Is there a certain game that you will always remember?

Me and Corey played together in high school games in Florida. But in college, he always got the best of us for some reason. He’s a good player, but the year we played at their gym on ESPN, That was my day! So that was fun.

He didn’t have better stats than you, but you actually had some better seasons, but he has been a Euroleague player for years. Does a guy like him motivate you to do more every day in the lab?

I don’t think like that. Another person motivating me to be better in the lab. I’m a strong firm believer of self motivation! If you don’t have self motivation and determination, how can someone else push you to be better. I’ll be there one day, if I do then my time has come, if I don’t then life continues. I don’t look at other people’s situation and compare it to mines. Some guys have better luck then the next. It’s the way of life.

How did Sean Wood groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Woods was great figure in my career. Inside/ out! Realization is a great word for him. He made me tougher, gritty, well rounded. He was a person that challenges you and if you can’t be coachable and accept what he wants out of you, then you will struggle. I just picked up more and more as I played with and against other players in my life.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Kareem Storey?

HAHAHA!!! Kareem is my boy for life but he knows that’s my game any time of the week. It was a challenge though for sure. Short, strong, hard defense! But for sure me.

Who was the toughest player that you ever battled on the court that reached the NBA?

For sure Mike James! Without a doubt. But then again,Teodosic was just unbelievable in my eyes when I played in Italy. But again another hard question to ask because I played against some good players. In summer leagues and professional games.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time.

Oh man that’s a long list!

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

This is a never ending debate. I think the era and rules of today’s game is judgmental to the answer. I’m a Jordan fan all day long. I grew up watching vhs tapes of him. I still have them till this day. But Lebron in today’s era is the king without question. But another thing is mental. It’s important to me! The mindset of Jordan and the tenaciousness he had for any challenge was like no other. That’s why Kobe is my other favorite. Never backed down from a challenge. Not taking away from Lebron but that’s just me.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? Shouldn’t they just have left it alone?

I haven’t watched the new but I heard it’s very different and that’s why I believe I haven’t watched it yet. Some older movies shouldn’t be messed with. They change too much and makes the movies ridiculous!

Thanks Angelo for the chat.

Jason Clark (190-G-90, college: Georgetown) is a 31 year old 190cm guard from Arlington, Virginia playing his 10th professional season and first with Tsmoki-Minsk (VTB League). He played at Georgetown (NCAA) from 2008-2012 playing a total of 130 NCAA Games. He began his professional career in 2012 and played 4 seasons in Belgium as well as in Turkey, Germany and Italy. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game in Crailsheim.

Thanks Jason for talking to germanhoops.com. What does it feel like being in

Germany again. What do you miss most from the time you were there?

It feels great. We flew into Frankfurt and it was great seeing the airport again. Germany was always one of my favorite places to play. The league was very professional and the fans were great. One day I hope to be back in Germany on a team.

Before we talk about basketball I have to ask you how you have experienced COVID. You were in Italy and China since it broke. What was the most challenging thing for you to cope with on and off the court?

I never went to China. It was just a rumor. I got out of practice and my agent sent me a screen shot where it said I had signed in China. Nobody ever approached me. In terms of Covid, Italy was hit really hard. I was in Varese when Covid hit. My daughter was about to be born so I had to make the decision to go home or stay. I didn’t know if the season would be cancelled. I decided to go home to see the birth of my daughter. A week later the season was cancelled. It was the right decision. Seeing my daughter being born was the greatest feeling in my life. All in all being home with my family during Covid was the greatest feeling. I know guys that lost loved ones and others who didn’t have jobs. Covid hit everyone hard.

With everything you saw on and off the court how do you feel did it make you stronger as a man?

Covid made me realize how precious life is and the sport basketball. We dedicate ourselves to the game. This is what pays our bills. Some guys were at the start in the middle or at the end of their careers. Covid affected everyone is different ways. Covid really made me cherish sport and to always give my best.

Your playing your first season with Tsmoki-Minsk (Belarus-Premier League) and playing VTB. How are you best prepared for the difficult travel that is involved?

Yes VTB is heavy traveling. I’m totally prepared for it. My rookie season I played Eurochallenge and I remember we traveled a lot. My season in Frankfurt we played Eurocup and we had a couple flights to Russia. Traveling doesn’t bother me. I’m so focused on basketball. Being able to play against amazing competition motivates me not to worry about the travel. I just try to play my best each game.

Winning the VTB title will be difficult, but how realistic does the club see their chances at raising the Fiba Europe Cup in May 2022?

Winning the Fiba Europe Cup is a goal of ours. We want to advance and then take it one game at a time. We beat a very good Greek team and feel good about our chances. We definitely want to be near the end in 2022.

In Frankfurt Gordon Herbert had you play the point guard position. How comforting is it being at the shooting guard position and getting fed by Angelo Warner?

It’s very comforting. We are slowly building chemistry together. He can do it all with scoring and passing. The team was missing some help at the 2 spot and I was glad to help. We both have been helping each other out and everyone else and just want to win games.

If one looks at your stats, they have been brutally consistent since your rookie season. Are you in your prime now or past it at age 31?

I feel I’m getting into my prime. Mentally I feel great and physically as well. My self-confidence is very high. I raised the stakes this season. I held out a bit longer than usual looking for the right fit. I see the VTB League and it really doesn’t get any better than that. I’m ready to continue to be consistent.

You have some very talented teammates. What kind of an experience has it been being teammates with Cuban Darol Hernandez-Zanenko who is called the Russian and has never had an agent. He seems to be a real character.

The first thing that stands out is that he is a really funny guy. He is also a great teammate. We have him play at the 5 even if he is undersized. But that doesn’t show because how big his heart is. He doesn’t score much, but he is a key part of our offense. He gives his all each possession. There are a lot of big guys in the VTB, but that doesn’t bother him. He fights against each player. That is the kind of player you always want and need on your team. He is willing to go to war on each possession.

Last season you played with Reale Mutua Basket Torino (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 14.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 88.6%. Talk a little about the A-2 league. It isn’t talked about much but is a very strong league with very strong players. How would you compare the league to other top leagues you have played in like the German BBL and Italian Serie A?

A lot of people don’t realize how tough the Italian A-2 is. There are very good Americans playing here. A lot of players come from higher leagues to play there. There are also a lot of great coaches as well. I was blessed to be on a great team in Torino. We played team basketball. There wasn’t an American that got the ball and shot the ball 100 times. We actually played defense. It is similar in style to the Serie A. there just aren’t as much Americans.

You have seen many crazy things in your basketball life, but tell me what was going through your mind at the end of game 5 against Tortona where you up 2-1 and lost game four and game five by one point each?

That final loss was a heartbreaker. It hurts till this day. In game 4 all we needed was for the ball to hit the rim and pop up and let time expire, but instead it dropped into the hands of the opponent and they won the game. In game 5 we got a questionable call and Jamar Sanders made the free throw to win the game and title. It stopped us from moving up to Serie A. It was the worst feeling in my basketball career. It hurt so much seeing how hard my teammates had fought all season to get to this position. But that loss motivated to get right back at it. But that is the glory of basketball in that there is always another day to compete.

You were teammates with American Kruize Pinkins who began in the German Pro A and made to the Italy via the German BBL. What was it like playing with this work horse?

He is a great guy. He was always professional and we had a good relationship. He is very talented and can shoot from many different positions. It was really cool to have him on the team.

Even if you never played in China eurobasket.com has 2 box scores of you in China. Many ex NBA players play in China and put up astronomical stats of like 35,0ppg. If you played 35 minutes how do you think would your stat line look like?

I would average 24 points, dish out 6 or 7 assists and have 5 rebounds per game.

In 2019-2020 you played with Openjobmetis Varese (Italy-Serie A,) averaging 11.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 83.3%. How did you rate that season until Covid came?

Serie A was a great experience. There are great teams, players and coaches there as well. I played against high talent. At that point that was the highest level that I had ever played at. It was amazing being able to have competed against such high talent.

You were teammates with Josh Mayo. What was it like sharing the back court with him? Which of you two ha s the more unorthodox jumper?

Yes we do. I don’t know which of us has the more unorthodox shot. He gets so much lift as he jumps shooting. He is still playing this season in Naples, Italy.

With what memories do you look back at your season with the Fraport Skyliners?.Statistically you had a good season. Where would you rank it statistically?

Stat wise I think it was one of my best seasons as a professional. It was my best season shooting the three and free throws. I felt I played very well all around. Gordie Herbert just put me in a great position to do well. Tyler Larsen believed in me and well Quantez Robertson did it all. It was one of my favorite seasons.

You have played with many many teammates over your career. Where do you rank Quantez Robertson alone from his sheer energy that he always gives?

Tez is my #1. He is the GOAT. I never saw a guy give it his all the way he did. You look at his age and you would think that he has got to slow down sometime, but he doesn’t. He goes out and plays 40 minutes, guards the other team’s best player and then still able to do it all on offense. He is also a great leader. He is also a funny guy. He always lightens the mood. He gets everybody to smile, but when it’s time to compete, he is a wolf. I heard about his injury. Other guys would be out for months, but he is supposed to miss 2-4 weeks. I bet he will be back even earlier.

Gordon Herbert is the German national team coach. What example can you remember from his coaching that really impressed you?

His mind for the game of basketball impresses me the most. It is at a very high level. It is amazing how he is able to control his players in terms of each guys different personality. That isn’t easy to do. He has so much confidence in his players. He always made it clear exactly what he wanted from each player. He is a coach that you want to battle for. He was one of my favorite coaches that I have ever played for. I had my best season under him, because he put me in the best position to sue my strength.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they just have left it alone?

No I didn’t see it. Of course they should of left it alone. The first is a classic. That is probably the reason why I didn’t see it. It got mixed reviews. I want to have the forever memory of the first one.

Thanks Jason for the chat.

Darol Hernandez-Zinenko is a 32 year old 207cm forward from Cuba that is playing his fourth season in Belarus and first with  Tsmoki-Minsk (Belarus-Premier League). Previously he played for  BK Grodno-93 (Belarus-Premier League) and  COR-Borisfen Mogilev (Belarus-Premier League) in Belarus. He began his career in Cuba and also played 5 seasons in Ecuador and briefly in Mexico. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game in Crailsheim

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

I am currently in Belarus, and life thank God well, struggling every day to get ahead

When you hear the word Germany, how quickly do you think about your ex teammate Yorman Polas Bartolo?

Of course I remember my friend Yorman, although we don’t talk very often, I am always proud of the growth he has had in European basketball. I wish him the best and I hope to see him soon

Your Cuban and since 2010 you have played in only 2 countries Belarus and Ecuador. A very untypical career route. Would it be fair to say that you haven´t had the usual basketball career of a Cuban player?

The truth is that since I left Cuba my professional career has been very difficult and even more so when you don’t have an agent to represent me.

Your nickname is the Russian. How did you get it? Does it have something to do with having played in Belarus?

My nickname was born since I was in Cuba in the National team, so my mother is Russian and they nicknamed me Russian

After starting your career at home in Cuba you then ventured to Ecuador as a 21 year old and played there four years for four different clubs. Why did you make this move?

Well, my years in Ecuador served me a lot, since it was my first professional experience, the difficult thing is that I only play there for 4 months. Also at that time there was not the ease that exists now of being able to sign a contract outside the country of Cuba and at that time Ecuador was the only door that was opened to start my professional career

You then made the jump to Europe to BGU Minsk (Belarus-Premier League) playing 22 games averaging 17.6ppg, Reb-2(10.8rpg), 2.6apg, Steals-4(2.7spg), FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 61.0%. What do you remember being your wake up call where you knew that you were far away form the warm climate of Cuba? I can imagine that the winter was tough for you?

At first when I arrived in Belarus it was difficult since nobody knew me and I had to make myself known, and thank God the possibility of playing for Bgu came out. The weather also shocked me hard, since one was used to a bit of heat and suddenly you are in a country where the temperature is at -20

You showed that you had no problems adjusting to overseas ball. What really stands out is your versatility? Is that something that you always had or something that grew with time?

I think I always played so versatile although I confess that I love European basketball and it makes you grow more as a player and in the way of understanding basketball

You also have very high assist numbers. Are you one of those guys that would love to play point guard for a game if given the opportunity?

I like to pass the ball. I don’t see myself playing the pg position

In your second season in Belarus you played with BK Grodno-93 (Belarus-Premier League) averaging 5.8ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 18.4%, FT: 70.1%. Your stats really dipped. What do you remember from this season and was this a reason why you returned back to Ecuador?

My season in Grodno was a bit strange, since I could never adapt to the coach’s philosophy and no, I returned to Ecuador because my daughter had just been born and also that I live there

How tough was it usually being the only import that wasn´t from Belarus? Was it difficult remembering every player´s name on the team?

Well in Grodno it was a bit difficult, all because communication with my colleagues was difficult and it was also the first time that this team had hired an import.

You then returned back to Ecuador for two seasons playing with Club Iccan de Macas (ECU-National League). How important was it returning to a favorable environment and just having fun again?

Returning to Ecuador and starting a new project with the Iccan club was special, since I met players and people who helped me to mature as a player. In addition to participating in the South American league of clubs, which is a high level in South America, was something for me super special and exciting

You then came back to Belarus and played parts of three seasons with COR-Borisfen Mogilev (Belarus-Premier League). That first season was great stat wise, but in the second you weren´t as dominant and also fled to Mexico to finish the season and then returned back to Belarus after Mexico. Talk a little about this time about your highs and lows?

After 2 seasons in Ecuador, the Borisfen club called me from Belarus, the first year went well for me personally and also collectively. The second season my intention was to participate in the Fiba Eurocup and after the tournament I got the opportunity from going to play in Mexico, which at that time was the best league in South America. Then the pandemic happened that paralyzed everything that is sport in all of South America and where the only job was in Europe and the opportunity came to return to Borisfen. As I told you at the beginning my entire career without an agent

In this time you also lost two finals to Tsmoki-Minsk (Belarus-Premier League). I guess moving to Tsmoki-Minsk (Belarus-Premier League) this season was the most obvious choice to make. Winning that chip is what it is all about.

Losing two finals against Tsmoki was difficult and even more so the second final. Now the club gave me the opportunity and I will do everything I can to help the team reach some goals this year

Your turning 32 in November and are playing in the best league in your career with the VTB League. What kind of an experience was it starting against top Euroleague team CSKA Moscow and seeing all those ex NBA players?

Starting the first game of the season against CSKA was something very hard. I think that in general the VTB league has a very high level and every game is difficult

What was it like battling that beast Tornike Shengelia? How do you feel did you hold up in this game?

Shengelia is a great player and for me a good experience to face him.

What is your biggest goal with Tsmoki-Minsk (Belarus-Premier League) besides winning titles? Your one of the older guys. Is being a mentor type to the younger guys a thing you like to do?

Well, my goal this season is to adapt to this league and do it well and to help the team win games and also to be able to give that energy that characterizes me and to give some advice to the younger players

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

In my opinion they are both great players and the two best in history along with Kobe

Did you see the sequel to the classic movie Coming To America? Shouldn´t they just have left it alone?

I did not see the movie.

Thanks Darol for the chat.

Fellbach is one of those teams that is slated to be one of the favorites for the Regionalliga South-West crown this season, but instead of having a possible 4-0 record, they were dumpling around in position 7. They have been up and down winning two shootouts with 100 plus points and then losing two defensive battles averaging only 53 points per game. They have been very unpredictable which can be very dangerous for teams. While the Bona Baskets Limburg are also a team that could give a lot of teams problems and be in the fight for the top three spots, but have also underachieved so far having a 1-3 record and were in 11th place. They returned home after sustaining a tough 93-72 loss in Kronberg and showed a lot better performance breaking open the game in the third quarter thanks to the boost of energy from Noah Westerhaus (200-PF-98, agency: Gamble Sports Management) and then cruising to the win 91-76 over the Fellbach Flashers. After the big win KJ Sherrill who didn’t have his explosive scoring game, but still filled the stat sheet nicely with 17/11/5/1/1 stats reflected on the victory. ‘Our zone did a good job recognizing their best shooter Lars Berger. We always knew where he was on the court and all his shots were contested’, stressed ex Koblenz forward KJ Sherril. Fellbach stayed with Limburg well in the first half, but in the second half didn’t execute as well on offense anymore and when they did get behind couldn’t get over the hump anymore. They also averaged giving 65 points coming into the game, but couldn’t get consistent stops all night long ‘We didn’t defend well. Our communication and help side wasn’t good. I have to give credit to Limburg for being able to get to the basket and score’, added ex easyCredit BBL player Kostas Karamatskos.
The first quarter was pretty even as no team could escape from the other and go on a run as there were 6 lead changes. Fellbach had the first lead getting baskets from ex Coburg German Daniel Eisenhardt and ex Arizona Christian (NAIA) forward Anton Ivy, but the Bona Baskets also found their offensive rhythm quickly getting a trey from captain Justin Stallbohm for the 8-5 advantage. But Fellbach swiped the lead back getting two buckets from Ivy who has found no adjustment period needed getting adjusted to the European game as he displayed a lot of aggressiveness as Fellbach led 13-10. But Limburg remained in offensive striking mode getting the lead back at 14-13 thanks to a Westerhaus left handed hook shot and a Sherril put back. Fellbach was getting many easy baskets inside as their three point game was non existent while Limburg played with a high intensity on offense. Both teams got the lead back again with three’s from Stallbohm and 31 year old Lithuanian Vilius Sermokas who came into the game shooting 50% from the parking lot for the 20-17 lead. The Fellbach Flashers held the lead to the end as Limburg played catch up basketball, but were supported by baskets from Sherrill who scored twice including on the pick and roll with Stallbohm as the game was deadlocked at 24-24 after 10 minutes. ‘Fellbach came out with a lot of energy and we couldn’t stop their transition. Once we stopped the ball, it slowed them down a bit’, stated KJ Sherrill. Both teams shot at a high click from the field at 50%, while Limburg shot 42% from outside and Fellbach a pathetic 16,7 from outside while Limburg had the 7-5 rebound edge.

The contest remained very tight until the break as no team led by more than 5 points. There were 4 lead changes, but the Bona Baskets took control at the end taking the lead into the break. Ex Croatian U-18 national player Matej Kljaic had been quiet on the scoring front in the first quarter, but got more aggressive in the second quarter scoring twice giving Limburg the 29-24 lead as his penetration is very difficult to contain as he has lightening speed. But basketball will always be a game of runs and almost as rapidly as Kljaic scored, Fellbach struck back stealing the lead back with two three’s from Sermokas and young German Jovan Vukovic for the 30-29 advantage. After getting many easy touches around the basket, Fellbach finally got their three game going. After Sherrill hit his bread and butter a 15 footer and giving Limburg the lead back, it was Fellbach again who retrieved the lead back with a Ivy reverse lay up and Berger lay up. Fellbach was breaking the Limburg zone and getting easy baskets leading 34-31. But Limburg then woke up going on a 17-7 run to lead 47-41 at half-time and they would never look back again. In the run they got a big three pointer from Westerhaus and vital production from German Norman Klima who is playing his 9th season in Limburg and never averaged more than 5,0ppg in a Regionalliga season. He dropped a massive trey and made a tap in at the buzzer. ‘We played good team basketball and just trusted each other and helped each other’, stated KJ Sherril. The Bona Baskets continued to shoot very well at 40% from the field and outside while Fellbach upped their three point shooting to 26%. Limburg also controlled the boards 18-13.

In the third quarter the Fellbach Flashers stayed close to Limburg, but half way through the Bona Baskets erupted on a 10-0 run to break open the game and led by as much as 14 points. Fellbach was playing sound inside out basketball and still continued to get easy baskets inside. Daniel Eishardt scored twice and Tauras Ulevicius nailed a trey and scored a runner to trail Limburg only 51-50. Fellbach didn’t look in bad shape, but as is usually the case, a run suddenly comes which partially paralyzes the team. The Bona Baskets struck with a blow scoring 10 unanswered points and grabbing the 61-50 lead. Noah Westerhaus exploded scoring 7 points in a row. He showed why he is a good inside out player scoring in the paint, hitting a three and then scoring a two handed dunk on transition. Stallbohm added a trey for good measure. Westerhaus showed brilliant aggressiveness while the Limburg zone stopped Fellbach making their game static. Fellbach finally executed on offense again getting a three pointer from Lars Berger who had a rough 3/11 shooting night from outside and a lay in from young German Mark Golder who started his career in Munich at IBAM. But the Bona Baskets continued to execute smoothly on offense getting two more buckets from Kljaic and a thunderous two handed stuff from Westerhaus for the 69-55 lead. Limburg had control and the momentum of the game. Fellbach wasn’t totally gone as they closed out the third quarter with a 5-2 run getting another trey from Sermokas and lay in from Berger to trail only 71-61. ‘We know that when somebody has the hot hand, we should keep feeding him. We know what Noah is capable of and he showed it. Kljaic also played exceptional. He had told us at half-time that we need to win together. It wasn’t about you or I. We trusted each other’, stressed KJ Sherril. ‘We weren’t running our plays offense and doing too much 1-1. We missed free throws and they hit big shots. We also had bad shot selection shooting too quickly’, stated Kostas Karamatskos.

The Fellbach Flashers gave some resistance in the first minutes of the fourth quarter, but the Bona Baskets Limburg then went on a lethal 8-0 run to decide the game. Berger and Golder scored important baskets to cut the Limburg lead to 74-67, but the Bona Baskets didn’t looked rattled by this come back attempt. Limburg continued to play their game and was supported greatly by their great point guard Matej Kljaic who scored 5 points in a row. He came into the contest shooting only 20%, but hit timely trey’s when the team needed them. Stallbohm did the same also scoring from down town as Limburg led 82-67. Fellbach also had a lot of mis fortune as nothing fell for them anymore. Here and there Fellbach scored, but were never able to get it under double digits again. A Ulevicius jumper and Berger jumper cut the Limburg lead to 84-74, but Limburg closed out the game in style getting another lay in from Westerhaus and another three from Stallbohm as he shot a potent 62% to end the game. ‘We knew that we had to keep the lead. They got fatigued and coach Danny told us to keep being aggressive and run our plays. Plus Matje Kljaic was our floor general and did a great job running the game. We all listened to him’, said KJ Sherril. ‘It was tough not playing with a real big man and having to go against their two bigs. We had a 7 man rotation and got tired. We didn’t have the energy from the start’, explained Kostas Karamatskos. The Bona Baskets Limburg were led by Matej Kljaic and Noah Westerhaus with 25 points apiece. KJ Sherrill added 17 points while the Fellbach Flashers were led by Lars Berger with 16 points while Tauras Ulevicius had 14 points and Vilius Sermokas 13 points. The Bona Baskets Limburg shot 52% from the field and 46% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 9 turnovers while the Fellbach Flahers shot 46% from the field and 35% from outside and had 28 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Matej Kljaic (189-PG-93) is a 27 year old 189cm point guard from Croatia that is playing his second season for the Bona Baskets Limburg (Regionalliga). Before coming to Limburg he played a season with TV Idstein (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 15 games avergaing 9.6ppg, 4.3rpg, Assists-2 (7.1apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 70.7%. In that season he recorded a triple double against Sutggart. Before that he played his career in his native Croatia. He had early experience playing for the U-16 Austrian national team and U-18 Croatian national team. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball after the win over the Fellbach Flashers.

Thanks Matej for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the big 91-77 win against Fellbach. What were the main reasons for the win?

The key tonight was defense. We had beat them last summer with our zone and did it again this time. Once our zone worked we played with more confidence on offense and had better ball movement. We played team basketball.

Your playing your second season with the Bona Baskets Limburg. How tough was last season starting the season and then having it abruptly stopped and What were the biggest challenges for you with COVID?

It was tough that all gyms were closed and we couldn’t practice. Some teams practiced while others didn’t. We didn’t have our school gym. I found another solution and went home and practiced with my old team.

How do you feel did you get stronger as a man with everything that you experienced?

I saw the world in a different light

Talk a little about your experience with the Bona Baskets Limburg. What have you enjoyed most about playing for head coach Danny Stallbohm?

I have a lot of freedom in Limburg to play my game. I have the confidence to give my maximum. I am able to lead the team.

How much fun is it throwing up the ball to the rim and knowing that KJ Sherril will get it and score?

It is a lot of fun. I love our pick and roll game. We have played more than a half year but really know each other well. We always find a solution together.

What kind of an experience has it been being teammates with Justin Stallbohm? What have you enjoyed most with his game?

Justin is a great player, guy, friend and three point shooter. When he is hitting shots, he makes everything easier for us. He opens up our inside game.

You’re a top point guard in the German Regionalliga with 20/3/6 stats. Have you ever wondered if you could average a double double with points and assists?

Yes of course I have. I have never been a guy that looks at the stats, but I first watch the team results.

I feel like you could easily play in the German Pro B. How big is your motivation to keep moving up the basketball ladder?

I hope I can play in the Pro B one day. I looked last summer, but there was no interest. Then I came to play for Danny. I like playing with Limburg. Here I can wait for new opportunities. I am a physical therapist, but in order to do that job in Germany, I need to know the language. I’m taking German courses. Currently I work at DHL delivering packages.

You are a very quick point guard that can get to the basket easily. Who were your role models growing up?

I enjoyed watching Vassilis Spanoulis and Dimitris Diamantidis

On what area’s of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?

I work on everything. My shooting, dribbling and pick and roll situations. But I actually learn more from watching. I have been watching Euroleague since I was 16 years old.

Two seasons ago you played in Idstein. You had a triple double against Idstein. What memories do you have of that game?

I remember that game. It was in Stuttgart. I didn’t know I had reached a triple double until I saw the stats. That was my best game in Germany.

You played in your homeland in your early years. Now you have been in Germany some years. Do you think you might play in other countries in the future?

I’m very happy in Germany, but I wouldn’t mind playing in Spain. I think it’s the best country for basketball.

When you were 17 you played against future NBA player Bojan Bogdanovic. What memories do you have of this battle?

He is a great player. But I played against many great players. I also played against Mike James.

Who was the best player that you ever faced?

Matjaz Smodis. He was the strongest player that I ever played against. I was guarding Dontaye Draper and Smodis made me scream on the screen.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Justin Stallbohm?

Me of course.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The series You.

Thanks Matej for the chat.

                Basketball life doesn´t get any easier with every new loss as the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup winner Fraport Skyliners began the season off on the wrong foot and entered the Telekom Dome in Bonn with a poor 0-3 record while the Telekom Baskets Bonn had  a very respectable 2-1 record. A big problem for Frankfurt has been at the point guard position and as a team that allows 91 points per game had their hands full with the leagues top scorer point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright. But then again does one really have a serious point guard problem when Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson is averaging 11,0apg. It is no secret that Tez has always enjoyed being a type of playmaker, but as a playmaker, some of his other duties get lost. The Fraport Skyliners desperately needed a win and a solution to the point guard position, but once again trailed for most of the game and never found a way to get over the hump losing 86-76 to the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Bonn did a superb job of controlling the game and not allowing Frankfurt to do big damage on their runs. After the big win top Bonn point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright reflected on the team´s third win of the season. “We locked in on our principles. We didn´t do that the last game. We knew that we had to be solid against Frankfurt who have guards that can give you trouble. We didn´t play exceptionally well, but were resilient. We didn´t play so well in the second half as Frankfurt did a few different things on defense to get us out of our rhythm. We played hard in the second half and our effort helped us when we had break downs”, stressed ex Arizona(NCAA) guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright. This was a must win for Frankfurt as they now have some real tough games coming up in the next weeks. Playing catch up ball is a matter that you don´t want to do for the most part of a game. “We didn´t start off very well. We played them even for most of the game, but when your always trailing against a team like Bonn, then it´s really tough to come back”, stressed ex wiha Panther Rasheed Moore as Frankfurt fell to 0-4. .

                In the first few minutes of the first quarter, there were four lead changes as both teams found their offense rhythm quickly. Frankfurt got some buckets from rookie Matt Haarms who continues to shine with his quick floater, a Brancou Badio pull up jumper and a trey from Rasheed Moore, while Bonn countered with two three´s with ex Crailsheim forward Jeremy Morgan, as Frankfurt had the slim 7-6 advantage. The Telekom Baskets Bonn then cruised out on a 10-2 run to take the commanding 16-9 lead. In the run Bonn really spread the ball around nicely as ex Bamberg guard Karsten Tadda connected on a trey, Jackson-Cartwright made a sweet floater, ex Fraport Skyliners Michael Kessens executed a left handed lay in and Morgan nailed another three pointer. Bonn did a good job upping their intensity and just let it rain three´s. Jackson-Cartwright demonstrated nicely his supreme knowledge of knowing exactly when to finish and when to be the facilitator as he ran the ship greatly. Fraport Skyliner guard Donovan Donaldson has showed his ability to score in other countries, but so far this season hasn´t been that aggressive. His aggressiveness was down at the start, but near the end he contributed 5 key points to cut the Bonn lead to 22-16. Bonn got a vital basket from ex Wurzburg player Tyson Ward and Jackson-Cartwright made a difficult off balance shot where he was aided by his quickness and non stop moves. Despite being down, the Fraport Skyliners were shooting over 60% from the field and from outside, but had 6 turnovers.

                In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners made a surge going on a 11-3 run to retain the lead at 27-25. The run was began by ex NCAA 2 player Donovan Donaldson who seemed  a lot more confident as he was finally shooting more and hitting a trey. Frankfurt also got production from 2017 JBBL finalist Len Schoormann with a lay in from the wing, a Matt Harms floater and a three from Badio. Bonn lost a bit of intensity as Frankfurt continued to gather more self-confidence and also finished their sets a lot quicker and just showed that commanding aggressiveness. But the Telekom Baskets Bonn are a high energy offensive team and once again found to their game going on a 21-10 run to go into the break with the comfortable 46-37 lead. Jackson-Cartwright gave Bonn the lead back 28-27 with a beautiful cross over and three pointer showing his sheer calmness and just letting the game come to him.  In the next play the American scored in transition for the Bonn 30-27 advantage. He finished with 18 points and 9 assists. “He is really quick and so far has blown by everyone he has played. He is so tough to stop on ball screens. There isn´t much you can do. You just have to try to stop him as good as possible”, stressed Rasheed Moore.  Badio who has only been with Frankfurt a few weeks and been up and down connected on a trey to dead lock the contest at 30-30. Bonn then banged the ball inside 4 times and were efficient getting 3 hard earned buckets from NCAA Final 4 player with Houston Justin Gorham and one basket from Kessens for the 38-32 lead. Down the stretch Frankfurt got some vital baskets from Moore and Haarms, but Bonn didn´t let up on offense showing consistency and versatility as Skyler Bowlin and Jackson-Cartwright hit three´s for the 46-37 advantage at half-time. The Fraport Skyliners were still shooting at a high percentage, while Bonn had 8 offensive  rebounds and had 3 turnovers as Frankfurt had 10.“Basketball is a game of runs. Quantez Robertson has a a lot of experience and been in  a lot of battles. Frankfurt was riding his toughness. Credit to us for withstanding it. We have a lot of fight and don´t get rattled”, stressed Parker Jackson-Cartwright.

                In the third quarter the Telekom Baskets Bonn continued to play their game and led by as much as 14 points as Frankfurt continued to play catch up basketball. Robertson and Morgan traded three pointers and Haarms made a lay in as Frankfurt trailed only 49-42. Bonn then went on a rapid 7-0 run to take the 56-42 lead. Bonn received good support from Gorham who hit a turn around shot, Morgan drilled home another trey and Kessens executed the pick and roll with Jackson-Cartwright. Seeing the Bonn offense operate was a picture of beauty. Three guys that really stood out and harmonized so well were Jackson-Cartwright, Morgan and Gorman. “Those two are high level players. Justin played at the NCAA Final 4 and shows an array of abilities. He can score, pass and crash the boards. When he is on he takes our game to a new level. Jeremy just knows how to play. He knows spacing and never forces anything. And he is a dangerous shooter”, stated Parker Jackson-Cartwright.  Frankfurt´s offense looked static at times while the Bonn high intensity offense just moved the ball around so nicely. Ex Wurzburg guard Skyler Bowlin hit a pair of three´s for the 62-49 lead. Even when Frankfurt cut the lead down under double figures, Bonn always had an answer. Kessens and Morgan hit buckets as the Telekom Baskets Bonn had the 67-57 advantage. “Bonn did a good job keeping the lead. They are a good team and there is a reason why they beat Alba Berlin. They played together and for each other”, stated Rasheed Moore. Both teams shot over 40% from the field and from down town, but Alba Berlin had the 11-5 offensive rebound edge.

                In the fourth quarter the Telekom Baskets Bonn began well with a 7-2 run as they got baskets from Kessens, Morgan and Gorham for the 74-59 lead. But the Fraport Skyliners made one more push going on a 7-0 run to clip the Bonn lead down to 74-66. In the run they received free throws form Len Schoorman, a trey from Badio and a runner from Donaldson. Then came a phase where both teams couldn´t execute on three possessions as this was a time where Frankfurt could of made some ground with better execution. The Telekom Baskets Bonn then got back to back baskets from Lithuanian 30 year old Saulius Kulvietis giving Bonn the 79-66 lead leaving the Fraport Skyliners shaken and still having that peak in sight, but really so far away to reach it and time was winding down. Frankfurt got some baskets from Robertson and Haarms, but Bonn always had an answer getting buckets from Jackson-Cartwright who always showed his electric speed scoring twice in the paint. The leading scorer of the BBL finished with 18 points and 9 assists and had an explanation for his personal success. “I´m not surprised with my success. I put in the work and know where I can be good. I´m never out of character. The team trusts my abilities. I´m playing off the confidence of my coaches and just try to get my teammates and myself involved. I always play with a chip on my shoulder. I may be the smallest, but I feel I have advantages on offense and defense”, warned Parker Jackson-Cartwright. Shortly before the buzzer sounded Fraport Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson landed on Jackson-Cartwright´s foot. He twisted his ankle and had to be helped on to the bus by Rasheed Moore. Skyler Bowlin closed out the game with free throws. “Frankfurt switched up things on defense and we got stagnant on offense which stopped our flow. I have to adjust when that happens. We then got aggressive again and did our main principle on offense which is attacking”, added Parker Jackson-Cartwright. “I thought that we took good care of the ball. We have a lot of young guards. I think we took a step in right direction. We have to learn to play a lot stronger”, stated Rasheed Moore. The Telekom Baskets Bonn was led by Jeremy Morgan with 22 points while Parker Jackson-Cartwright added 18 points. Skyler Bowlin had 12 points and Justin Gorham 11 points while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Rasheed Moore with 16 points while Quantez Robertson added 14 points. The Telekom Baskets Bonn shot 45% from the field and 36% form outside and had 34 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 47% from the field and 35% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

John Murry (192-G-95, college: Austin Peay) is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Indianapolis, Indiana that is playing his third professional season in Germany with BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga). Before that he had experience with the Kitchener-Waterloo Titans. He played two years at Owens Community College playing 63 games and two years at Austin Peay State University (NCAA) playing 56 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 16.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 81.1%. He and Miles Schmidt-Scheuber talk weekly about basketball.

John thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. A tough 102-81 loss against Hamm. Now your finally playing again, but losing. How tough was it to digest this loss after the first one?

It was tough but I have faith that we will bounce back strong this weekend and make a full 360 with our playing

Grevenbroich gave up 102 points. Talk about the difficulties that the team had getting stops on this night?

We did things that we normally don’t do, we just have to be more disciplined and stick to our principles from the jump

A big problem was stopping their outside shooting. How much of a problem was it defending the three point line?

We just need to be proactive on defense and take care of the ball
I believe everything else will take care of itself

Rebounding and turnovers were the positives. Is this something to build on?

Yes definitely something to build on and move forward in a positive manner to get us in the win column.

One player that Grevenbrocih had massive problems containing was Faton Jetullahi. What was most difficult keep him under control?

He hit some tough shots and was very poised with the ball, they also scored a lot in transition which we corrected in practice this week.

Teammate Dzemal Selimovic had a good game with 14 points and 13 rebounds. How important will it be for the success of the team for him to be consistent this season?

He plays a major role in our success so it will be important for him to keep working as hard as he does so we can be successful as a team.

You had 20/6/5/2 stats. After a loss like that do you feel like you could have been even more aggressive?

Yes, I took a careful look at the game and also took full responsibility for the loss we suffered, I definitely will make sure that is NOT the case this Saturday.

After a tough loss like that do you have tough mind games about what else you could have done to help the team have success?

I most definitely do have a tough mindset because I’m more strict on myself then I am with anybody else, I hold myself to a very high standard. I’m looking forward to this Saturday for sure

The next game is against 1-2 Wulfen. How vital is a win for Grevenbroich next weekend?

It’s a must win for us, so we will come in with the mindset to defend home court and stick to our principles so that we can be successful.

On what areas will the team focus on this ween in preparation for Wulfen?

We will most definitely pay close attention to scouting report as well as making sure we do what we do and stick to our principles on defense.

What was the last movie that you saw?


I Watched the pirates of the Caribbean series and enjoyed taking my time to watch it

Thanks John for the chat.

Stanley Whittaker (183-G-94, college: Keiser) is a 26 year old 183cm point guard from Philadelphia playing his third professional season and first in Germany with PS Karlsruhe. He played his rookie season in Lithuania and last season had his break through with UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) playing 24 games: Score-2 (21.5ppg), 6.3rpg, Assists-2 (8.0apg), Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college ball at Frank Phillips (JUCO) and Keiser (NAIA). He teams up every week with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber to talk basketball

Stanley congrats on the big 86-78 win against Phoenix Hagen. How good does it feel to wake up in Germany on a Sunday morning having a win?

It feels nice to wake up and know that we as a team we’re able to complete the task we had in front of us. Our whole thing is to compete at a high level and give ourselves an opportunity to win, and we did that last night!

The last weeks were up and down with wins and losses. After this week how excited are you for this week and preparation for new team Itzehoe and having a week off?

The past weeks have been tougher for our group, however we’ve faced circumstances that were out of our control and we tried to make the best of it. I’m hoping we can build some momentum from this win, and look forward to have good days of preparation for Itzehoe!

How good did it feel having more bodies again and especially Ferdinand Zylka. How much different of a quality did you have this weekend than the last?

It just felt good having our entire group back, not just in the game but in our practice and film sessions. We were able to string together some good full practices to end the week in which I think benefited us. And the difference in quality from this week than last is we were able to get a couple starters back and a couple of our rotational players back!

The first half was up and down as Phoenix Hagen began with a bang and PS Karlsruhe found better to their game in the second quarter. What adjustments did you make as a team?

I think we gave them so easy opportunities in transition as well as not finishing defensive possessions. I think they had 5 offensive rebounds in the first quarter, so we had to gather ourselves, get back on one accord defensively and finish possessions.

In the third quarter the offense was hot again making 26 points. Was that the kind of offense that you want to see for 40 minutes?

We understand that basketball is a game of runs. We were able to get stops in the 3rd quarter with led to us being able to push the ball a little and play with better pace. That helped us. I would like to see us execute and be more assertive over a full 40min game.

PS Karlsruhe led by as much as 14 points but Phoenix Hagen made a furious come back in the fourth cutting the lead down to 4 points. Why couldn’t you hinder this run?

I think as a team we kind of took our foot off the gas pedal, we weren’t assertive enough offensively or defensively as they started to make a late push to close the gap. Ultimately, we were able to rally and win the game!

In crunch-time PS Karlsruhe stayed strong hitting free throws and a thunderous Tom Alte dunk put the nail on the coffin. Is PS Karlsruhe becoming that desired tough crunch-time team?

We haven’t had any true moments in crunch time honestly, yesterday was the only game and we were leading. But credit to our team, we were able to knock some free throws down and get the win!

Matt Freeman finally had his break out game. What other dimension does he give PS Karlsruhe when he can make a double double?

Matt brings a lot to our group. He communicates is as such at a high level, plays with a ton of energy and he gets after it. Smart player as well, so I’m excited to see Matt do well, he helps our team a lot!

You had another great game with 24 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. You played 37 minutes. When is a triple double going to come?

Haha, I hope soon rather than later but you know me, I rather be victorious whether it comes about or not!

Your self confidence must be sky high. Seeing you outduel another top Pro A point guard Karrington Ward or not?

My confidence never wavers, as I stated last week. So if your asking whether my confidence went up, it hasn’t. But it was pretty good to compete against Ward, he’s a really good player.

Do you exchange in any trash talk during the game or is it silence? What did you think about his game?

There’s no trash talk coming from me, no matter who the opponents are. So for the most part, only talking your getting from me is on defensively or to my teammates hahaha. And I think Ward is a good talent. They’re play style is suitable for him.

You had a tough day at the field shooting 5/14 but remained aggressive getting 12/14 free throws. You have a long time to correct your shot in the next two weeks. Will you attempt something different perhaps?

Yes definitely was a tough outing for me from the floor, I thought I had some nice looks but just didn’t get them to fall unfortunately. However, nothing different will change in my shot, I just will get more reps up and continue to be myself.

Are you looking forward to battling Itzehoe forward Chris Hooper who had great years in the Pro B and is now showing in the Pro A that it was no fluke.

I’m looking forward to competing with Itzehoe in general, they have a good team and a very good friend of mine Andrijja Matic plays there so it’ll be good competing against him as well.

The NBA season is drawing near. Who are your favorites in the east and West?

I think Brooklyn will come out of the East, and I’m thinking the Lakers will come out in the west. I’m sure I’m not the only person that thinks that. There’s somewhat of a consensus in the world that want the NBA Finals to be that matchup.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Last movie I saw was Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

Jordan Talbert (198-F/G-91, college: MSSU) is another one of those rare players that has unique basketball qualities, but never had a cake walk in his professional career, but always had to prove himself in lower leagues in Germany. There are many guys around that are a lot better than where they are playing, but there is a massive difference between them and Jordan Talbert. The forward is as special as a player as Steph Curry is a shooter and has accomplished something so amazing in his seven year pro career in that four times he not only has helped teams move up a league, but was extremely instrumental in the success. It began in Nordlingen in 2015 under the tutelage of head coach Mario Matic who discovered him as a gem from Missouri Southern State University (NCAA 2) helping the Giants Nordlingen go from the Regionalliga to the Pro B. His next incredible feat was helping new club PS Karlsruhe go up from the Pro B to the Pro A in 2017. He should of remained and got his first burst of experience in the Pro A where he should of belonged, but instead went to ambitious team Rostock Seawolves and performed his magic again aiding them to get from the Pro B to the Pro A in 2018. His energy didn’t stop there as he did it again helping another very aspiring project the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt go from the Regionalliga to the Pro B last season. One could easily give Jordan Talbert the nickname Jordan ‘Mr move up my team please’ Talbert. Obviously moving up a league is never a simple feat, but imagine doing it in the last two seasons during COVID where living life for everyone was a real drudgery and as difficult as having the audacity as a very angry fan stepping in front of the king Lebron James and blurting out ‘You Suck’. He took his game and career to another level in the last two seasons remaining in Germany and battling injuries and COVID, but it was all worth it. The challenge of getting through the Corona period must have felt like a whirlwind at times and like an ordeal, but it definitely also made him stronger as a man. ‘Playing with no fans in the stands is something no player likes. We feed off the energy of the crowd and we’re better able to get lost in the game. Your thoughts are a lot louder when it’s a quiet gym. I believe the mental health of the athlete has become such a major issue because how unnatural it is to compete on a high level without a stage to play on. I believe COVID and the Social Issues had a universal affect across the globe. Everyone has some kind of battle their fighting. We all were made uncomfortable by what was going on in the world. I like to say ‘God will shake you up to wake you up’ and I feel that we were all woken up quickly. Self awareness, emotional vulnerability, empathy and discipline were the things I took away the most’, stressed Jordan Talbert.

Jordan Talbert is one of those guys that I have had the pleasure to interview 20 times in the last six seasons and always has something interesting to say and is simply a great interview partner. Despite a three year break, it was finally time to talk basketball again with the ex Central High School player and one thing that many may not know who don’t know him better, is that he isn’t only an exceptional baller, but a guy with a first class character that could fit in to any club from the deepest bush in Australia to the deepest part of Somalia in Africa. Before even answering my first question, he had to get something else off his chest which clearly shows the type of genuine man he really is. ‘Before we get started I would first like to congratulate you on beating cancer. So many people are happy that you were able to overcome. We all know how dangerous cancer is. You mean a lot to the basketball culture and we’re grateful to still have you doing what you do best’, said Jordan Talbert. One of my favorite questions I like to ask Americans during the summers especially when they have been away from home for a stretch is what was the first food they ate when they touched down on home soil. For Talbert just going to the local sandwich shop or a fast food place not available in Germany is out of the question. There is simply nothing better then home cooked food. ‘The first meal that I have is usually turkey and dressing. Traditionally a Thanksgiving meal and me not being home for the holiday my entire pro career I miss that the most. With the Jiffy cornbread on the side can’t forget that’, added Jordan Talbert.

This summer Jordan Talbert did something that he didn’t do the previous six summers in that he played semi-pro ball at home with the Little Rock Lightening (TBL). It was actually an obvious and well calculated decision because he hadn’t played since October 2020 because of an injury plus with COVID totally derailing the Regionalliga season, he was itching to play again. Plus he didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to represent his home town. At first glance one may not think that playing semi-pro ball could be enriching, but his stint with the Little Rock Lightening was something rather out of the ordinary. Playing semi-pro ball is like seeing 12 other Jordan Talbert‘s on a team, all with chips on their shoulders. The only difference is that most don’t have the type of resume that Talbert has. ‘It reminded me of how far I’ve came in my pro career going into my 8th season, and also how much more I still have left. I’m blessed to have had the opportunities I’ve had come my way. The margin of error is so small when it comes to being able to have a pro career’, expressed Jordan Talbert. He was teammates with all types of characters, guys that have seen it all. He was teammates with guys who have never been out of the States only knowing semi-pro ball, guys out of college looking to latch on somewhere overseas, guys with minimal experience in Europe, one player who got his first pro gig after finishing school in 2015 and heck even a 40 year old dude. I mean how much more diverse can a team get. ‘It was incredible and much needed experience. First just to be on a team where everyone speaks English which is a minor difference but has a major impact. Hearing these guys story and sharing some of your own experiences sparked a hunger that was needed. I hope I had as much of an impact on some of those guys as they had on me. Only being able to play 5 games with them before having to return to Germany was perfect preparation’, stated Jordan Talbert. Two guys that really stood out on the team was David Rivers, because he had a semi connection to Talbert in that he had played with Rostock for two years and his last season was the one before Talbert got there and 40 year old Daniel Watson who finished school in 2005 and has sporadically played semi-pro ball the last 16 years. ‘David is a solid dude. I’ve played against David when I was in high school and followed his journey through college at Nebraska. Once he came to play in Germany in the same league, I knew there would be a chance we’d meet at some point. It was great to finally get a chance to play as his teammate rather than his opponent. Daniel ‘Hotdog’ Watson is a Little Rock legend. I remember watching him play when I was a teenager and being impressed at how many shots he could make when he’s off balance. Believe it or not hotdog was the energy of the team. He had jokes and kept the team light which a very important role in locker room’, remembered Jordan Talbert. A big change to Europe is the different style in semi-pro leagues in the States, but he held his own averaging12.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.3apg, 1.5spg. ‘There’s a down side to playing with guys so hungry for a chance to prove themselves. It takes away from much of the team aspect which is what the European style is based on. When personal motives get in the way of winning games it changes the game. Playing by NBA rules also inspires the individualism because it’s more entertaining’, warned Jordan Talbert.

Despite the tough last two seasons with Covid getting in the way of everything in life, being able to help the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt was still a wonderful experience that he will never forget, so coming back to the new Pro B club wasn’t so difficult to comprehend. But one thing that I always wondered was why Talbert and his discoverer Mario Matic never reunited again after their two seasons together in Nordlingen from 2014-2016. ‘Mario is still my guy. I keep up with him and his teams. I wish him nothing but the best and hopefully we can cross paths in the playoffs this season’, said Jordan Talbert. ‘ I will never forget the first day of practice. Jordan came with a wide smile and instantly was a role model’, remembered Mario Matic. It was a no brainer that he would return even after having noteworthy encounters in Nordlingen, Karlsruhe and Rostock. ‘It’s been an incredible experience. I was able to take a step back reevaluate myself and help an ambitious club achieve their goals. Same as I’ve done for all the other clubs I played with. I’m excited about what the future holds for us’, smiled Jordan Talbert. After playing in the Pro B and Pro A with Nordlingen, Karlsruhe and Rostock, going to Wolmirstedt in 2019 and taking a step back and playing in the Regionalliga something he hadn’t done since his rookie season 2014-2015 in Nordlingen was not an easy step to digest, but once again his character showed another good side as he didn’t let his ego get in the way after his disappointing last season in Rostock. ‘It was tough, it felt like I was feeling every emotion there is. Most importantly it was a learning experience. There a thousand reasons I could say to why my last season in Rostock didn’t go as planned. But rather than placing the blame on anyone I chose to focus on what I could’ve done differently to meet my expectations for myself’, stressed Jordan Talbert. The SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt is one of those organizations that was very ambitious to move up and had some unique ways of showing off the organization like having a TV crew that produced an amazing documentary. ‘I enjoyed having them around. I felt like that team was set to have a great year and with the fans not being around it would nice to see it from a different perspective. I wasn’t expecting to have the season be cancelled but it made for an interesting story’, added Jordan Talbert. Last season the team made the jump to the Pro B and critics can always be able to say that they weren’t able to do it in a full season and they were stacked with ex BBL players something you don’t see in the Regionalliga. But some clubs will do anything to move up even if it meets renting a Konstantin Konga for a two game weekend and paying nothing. Moving up also was different and weird to previous move ups. ‘ It wasn’t as satisfying as the other promotions I’ve been a part of because of the Covid situation. I was extremely happy for the club and the city of Wolmirstedt. I don’t believe there was a big secret behind it, we had a very talented team’, expressed Jordan Talbert.

Talbert who sees Eddie Murphy as the Michael Jordan of comedy and is happy to see anything that he is involved in didn’t think the sequel to Coming To America was as good as the original, but was grateful for the effort was surrounded by some serious talent in Wolmirstedt last season. One of those guys was Mr Bill ‘the walking bucket’ Borekambi who never met a rim he didn’t like. He is a German menace with the ball that has always given the word off balance shot a new meaning. It was not difficult to understand that Talbert ranked Borekambi very high in his list of the top one on one players that he has ever played with. ‘He’s definitely top 3 of one on one players I’ve ever seen. He’s game is such a weapon for a team. His shot making ability at 15 ft is incredible’, warned Jordan Talbert. Even at age 30 a guy like Talbert still is hungry to learn and get better and wasn’t shy to try to add some of the fine nuances that Borekambi’s game presents. ‘Theres plenty to learn at my age. Historically basketball players that continue to play at an older age have a second act to their career. Kobe changed his number from 8 to 24 for this reason. Our games age and once you know how to how to facilitate that process you find new ways to be dangerous on the court’, warned Jordan Talbert. Another special teammate that he had in Wolmirstedt was German 31 year old veteran 31 Felix Neumann who had gathered previous experience with clubs like Herten, Cottbus and Magdeburg. He reminded him a bit of Daniel Watson. ‘Felix is big part of the team and our chemistry especially. As I said about hotdog earlier the same applies to Felix. He keeps things light in the locker room and his talent on the court is undeniable. We are all excited when Felix gets in his bag’, stressed Jordan Talbert.

Talbert who feels that having added Westbrook and Anthony should be enough for the Los Angeles Lakers to win the next NBA title possibly facing the Brooklyn Nets where he couldn’t imagine a bigger series is a player not only that has had the team game to help clubs be successful, but that potent offensive arsenal that has allowed him to shine everywhere as a professional. There was just one season in 2018-2019 with the Rostock Seawolves where he couldn’t be the player he is as he averaged only 2,9ppg and 2,3ppg in 34 games in his only Pro A season. That season wasn’t only eye opening for him, but also for his ex teammate German Chris Frazier who took a step back to play in the Pro B with Iserlohn to then take a step forward to the wiha Panthers where he will be going into his second season and continues to develop there. Despite serious woes in Rostock in his last season, he was able to channel that negativity into positivity. ‘The season made me more resilient and a better leader I believe. Being the Captain of the team but not playing as much as I felt I should play caused me to be more of vocal leader where as I’ve always lead by example. We still had a successful season making the playoffs first year in the league but I definitely received a wake up call’, warned Jordan Talbert. The American should of gotten a Pro A chance after his brilliant second season in Nordlingen and some more after that in the last years, but didn’t. I always felt that he was a guy that had the game for the Pro A, but apparently was off too many Pro A radar’s. ‘You’re not the first person to say that and I appreciate you doing so. That means a lot coming from you. I would be a lying if I said it didn’t bother me. It’s motivated me more than anything. There’s no need to block it out, it’s a part of my story and I accept that. Now that I have a chance to take another club to that level, I’m excited validate the people that believe in me across the country’, stressed Jordan Talbert. Even at age 30 he is always getting better and ready to attack the Pro B again this season with the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt. He is definitely a different type of player today then he left Rostock in 2019. ‘I’m definitely even more cerebral now. Much better shooter, able to play with more patience and better pace’, stated Jordan Talbert. It will be interesting to see how many more years Jordan Talbert can play, but with his versatile game surely many more years. His main goal now is to play his typical team game and help the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt be successful. Currently the club is 2-0 and he has had a fantastic start on the court averaging 16,5ppg, 10,0rpg, 1,0apg and 2,0spg while shooting an incredible 50% from outside. And who knows possibly meet his ex coach Mario Matic finally in the playoffs in 2022. Mario Matic knows any duel against his ex player will always be a battle. He doesn’t need to say much about Jordan ‘move up my team’ Talbert, because sometimes little isn’t more, but just the strongest expression. ‘Jordan Talbert is simply a winner’, warned Mario Matic.