It was January 2021 and nothing was normal in the world or for me. Covid was all over the place and driving people crazy while I was stuck deep in my Cancer struggle. I will continue to say it to this day. Basketball saved my life. Even with all this pain in the world thank God for basketball. It was January 20th and despite having had chemotherapy only 2 days before and feeling weak, I wasn’t going to miss calling any games. I was calling a routine Pro B game between two of Germany’s best youth programs with the Fraport Skyliners Juniors and Orange Academy in Frankfurt. I had already seen Orange Academy once in December 2020 in Koblenz and in that game a fellow by the name of Igor Milicic really stood out for me. A Polish player with real family history with a well known dad who had had a great career and was coaching in Poland and a younger brother Zoran supposedly even more talented than Igor. In the game Igor posted 19 points and showed his vast versatility at both ends of the court while hitting 4 three’s. I went on two write an article about the flashy Polish player 9 days after my I saw him my second time. I’m known for having a liking of interviewing Americans or just really talented guys who have a massive future ahead of them. It’s no secret that I love to say ‘you see that NBA player, I interviewed him when he was unknown or still young’. I had had a 50-50 chance of picking that player that would blast off like only few would have predicted. It was between Igor Milicic and Jeremy Sochan (6’9”-F-2003) of who I would interview after the game. I made the wrong choice as time would tell picking Igor. At the end of the day, I was really happy to have interviewed Igor because he was a real nice guy and I truly loved his game. But basketball is so fascinating how certain guy’s paths move. 16 months after this encounter, Jeremy Sochan the guy I didn’t interview was drafted at #9 by the San Antonio Spurs at the 2022 NBA draft. I’m not totally sure, but I believe I did talk to Jeremy Sochan after the game and got his email address so I could interview him. It never came to an interview mainly because I misplaced the email address and never found it. That really annoyed me that I didn’t. The big fish got away from me. What did Jeremy Sochan do in 16 months to get drafted by the NBA?. Obviously his choice of going to 2021 NCAA champion Baylor was correct. Orange Academy Definitely was a stepping stone for Jeremy Sochan‘s path to the NBA.

The Polish/American forward may only be 19 years old, but has seen a lot in his young life. He was born in Guymon, Oklahoma. His mother Aneta was a Polish basketball player that went to the United States to study. Early in his life he moved to England in 2005 and got his first basketball experience for the Solent Kestrels youth team and also played for Itchen College in Southhampton. His final club in the UK was the MK Trojans in Milton Keynes. He returned back to the United States and played at the Lumiere School in Indiana. When Covid hit in 2020 he declared to play for Baylor (NCAA), but wouldn’t go right away as he would go to Europe and play for Orange Academy the farm team of easyCredit BBL team ratiopharm Ulm in the Pro B (3rd division Germany). He came to Germany with his first big success in basketball helping the Polish U-16 team win the European championships. He exploded in the tournament playing 8 games averaging 16.1ppg, 9.6rpg, 3.0apg, Steals-4 (3.1spg), 1.5bpg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 57.1%. He scored in double figures in 7 of 8 games and had 4 double doubles. He had massive games against Bulgaria with 28 points and hit Hungary for 21 points.

I reach ex Jeremy Sochan coach Anton Gavel on an early Friday afternoon less than a day before he would be officially named ratiopharm Ulm head coach. The athletic forward who can finish with the best of them and is a fine passer first had contact to ratiopharm Ulm in 2017 and visited Orange Campus in 2018. ‘Chris Ensminger gets all the credit for finding Jeremy. We had had him on our radar for a while. We felt very lucky being able to get a player like that for our program’, stressed ratiopharm Ulm head coach Anton Gavel. That first impression is so important in all walks of life, but it may not be quite as vital in sports when a player is young simply because he has time to develop. Gavel remembers exactly how it was when he saw Jeremy Sochan step on the court at Orange Academy for that first practice in 2020. ‘I could see right away that he was very athletic. But like with all young players would need time. He would have that time with us. I saw he had a lot of talent and knew that he could be a great player’, remembered Anton Gavel. He showed rapidly in pre season that he could play and had a few games scoring 20 points, but he then suffered an injury that would keep him out until October 30th when he gave his debut in Germany. In his first game he wasted no time showing that versatility could be a new middle name for him as he had a stat filling game in the exciting 72-70 win over FC Bayern Munich 2 recording 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 4 blocks. ‘What many didn’t see then was that he could defend the positions 1-4. Of course we used that advantage. He was very mobile and very quick off the floor going after his own misses. He was a good rebounder and loved to get in the open court. He still had to work on his shot, but there were also games where he showed a stable three pointer. We liked putting him on the other team’s best player’, remembered Anton Gavel. He had very good outside shooting games against FC Munich 2, Frankfurt and Dresden. There were games where he didn’t take control, but on a young team that had so much talent, Gavel did a super job sharing the team roles well and having a team where many could take over on any night. One of those more quiet nights was against Oberaching where he contributed 6 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 19 minutes. Despite not having a big game, Oberaching head coach Mario Matic saw something special in his game. ‘He was a big and athletic wing player with the qualities of an American in the Pro B. He also could shoot the ball well. I was a bit surprised the kind of development he took. He must have been exactly what the NBA was looking for as a potential draft pick. Jeremy was able to develop further under Moris Hadzija and in the States’, stated Mario Matic. ‘Training Jeremy was a true blessing, from day one. We all knew his future will be amazing. We spent a great amount of time together in the gym and I was glad to be able to have met him as a person. Wonderful human being, humble, and very competitive’, remembered Moris Hadzija.

In his season with Orange Academy the Polish national player averaged 9,4ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, Blocks-4 (1.4bpg), FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 24.2%, FT: 52.5%. He scored in double figures in 12 of 19 games including hitting Dresden for 20 points, had Karlsruhe’s number scoring 16 and 14 points and had 14 points against Giessen. He couldn’t score in double figures against Hanau where he had 9 and 6 points in the two games, but left a lasting impression on American Omari Knox who has been grinding his whole career and has carved out a fine career in Germany in the Pro B and Regionalliga. ‘My impression of Jeremy when I played against him the previous season was that he’s an NBA player. Playing in Europe (Germany), definitely helped him a lot but I see him thriving more in an up and down, fast-paced setting’, stressed Omari Knox. Sochan was able to improve his game with experience in the Pro B, but especially the mental aspect of his game grew simply because he always had the right attitude. ‘I think the most important thing that he gained in Germany was that he always went in with the mentality that he had something to prove. He was never satisfied. He was so competitive and always wanted to defend the best player. He just wanted to beat the best’, remembered Anton Gavel. No player had it easy in the Pro B against him especially when he had his A game on on defense. ‘What really stood out was that he was always able to stand in front of his man. He never became irritated by a cross over. This quality is something I believe NBA teams look for and if he can continue to do that at a high level, then I think he will be a very good defender’, stressed ex Fraport Skyliner Matthew Meredith. ‘I think his biggest defensive asset besides athleticism is definitely his inner motor and drive to win and stop opponents’, warned Moris Hadzija. He also demonstrated with the Polish national team and at the 2020 Addidas Next generation tournament that he is the real deal. He played one national team game against Romania winning scoring 18 points and at ANGT averaged 15.5ppg, Reb-2 (12.8rpg), 2.8apg, 1.5spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 24.0%, FT: 55.6%. He scored in double figures in all 4 games and had 3 double doubles. He exploded against top Euroleague team FC Barcelona with 16 points and 16 boards and hit Gran Canaria for 15 points and 17 rebounds. ‘It didn’t matter against who he played, he was always able to meet the challenges’, warned Anton Gavel.

After his fine year with Orange Academy he chose to go to the States and test the waters in the NCAA. He had already committed to Baylor (NCAA) in the summer of 2020 and now was ready for the next step. ‘I think that going to Baylor was absolutely the right step for him. He always liked the big stage and knew that the scouts would be watching. He did all the right things’, expressed Anton Gavel. It surely didn’t hurt his mindset or development going to Baylor that had won the 2021 NCAA tournament. Sochan and co who had another incredible team with guys like Adam Flagler, James Akinjo, and Kendall Brown, but were unable to repeat losing a tough battle against top team North Carolina 93-86 in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Sochan had a fine freshman season playing 30 games averaging 9.2ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 58.9%. He was able to booster his game as he could defend 1-5 and even played point guard against Kansas. He helped Baylor win the Big 12 title and achieved Big 12 best sixth man of the year and was named to Big 12 All-freshman team. He scored in double figures in 14 games and had 2 double doubles. He also had 17 games with at least 1 block and 26 games with at least 1 steal or more. His best scoring games were against Alabama, TCU and Kansas with 17 points apiece. He also finished the season strong scoring in double figures in the Big 12 title run and in the NCAA tournament. Despite popping up on various 2022 NBA Mock Drafts, he was able to continue to play his game and develop without letting the hype distract him during the long NCAA season. He and everybody else connected to him knew he would get drafted. ‘The NCAA can either help or hurt you depending on the player, and their goals. For an NBA prospect like Jeremy it definitely helped to raise his stock by playing and performing on the National stage for a year’, commented Omari Knox. The big night for Jeremy Sochan arrived on June 24th and he was drafted at #9 by the San Antonio Spurs. He didn’t go alone from Baylor as teammate Kendall Brown was also drafted at #48 by the Timberwolves and traded to the Indiana Pacers. ‘I’m so happy for Jeremy. He did all the work and deserved it. I really didn’t do anything. I tried to do as much as I could. He did all the work and made it. I hope that he has a great NBA career’, stressed Anton Gavel.

Now he joins a system with Gregg Popovich that likes to feature players that have the sound fundamentals which is exactly what the ex Orange Academy player has. Also if he wants to have a quick coffee with ex Baylor coach Scott Drew who achieved his 5th first round NBA pick with Sochan will only have to drive 2 hours and 45 minutes for a reunion. In a way all basketball players are a big family and genuinely have respect and love for each other. ‘I’m happy for Jeremy. I think the year at Baylor was pretty much just for him to showcase that he could still play with the best of the guys in his class. I saw that he was already a top talent coming out of prep school so I’m not really surprised that he was drafted’, said Omari Knox. He now will have a very exciting and interesting summer as he prepares for his first NBA training camp with the Spurs. He knows that he still has a long way and will have to grind, grind and grind. ‘I think he will be in good hands and his ceiling is huge but if I could choose the elements I would say besides shooting he needs to keep on working on his solution and expanding that part of his game, for example keeping the dribble alive when going downhill or when creating for himself or for teammates’, warned Moris Hadzija. It is no secret that Jeremy Sochan touched so many hearts in his one season in Ulm as everyone will be watching from a far as he continues his rise up the basketball ladder. ‘I will never forget his hunger to get better and enormous will. For example he was waking up almost every day together with Igor Milicic at 5 in the morning so he can attend morning workouts with me before school. I think that says enough about the person he is’, said Moris Hadzija. Even if he coached Jeremy Sochan only for a season, Anton Gavel will always remember the youthfulness that the kid had in Germany which was very refreshing. Now he will be competing with the real men. ‘I remember in pre season seeing how he saw the game as a youth. He walked through the streets like a kid. He played like a kid with us that made mistakes’, remembered Anton Gavel. At the end of my discussion with Anton Gavel, I couldn’t help myself to ask him if he would become the new Ulm head coach. He politely laughed and said that that was for others to decide. He probably knew the decision, but couldn’t say yet. If I were to ask him if he knows if Jeremy Sochan will make the 2022-2023 San Antonio Spurs roster, he won’t know the answer and won’t be able to comment. After a summer of hard work in the lab, time will only tell if Jeremy Sochan will make his NBA dream a reality in October.

Devaughn Mallory (201-F-1997, college: Jefferson) is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Charleston, South Carolina that completed his rookie season with the BBC Twisters Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 19.4ppg, 10.3rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 64.1%. He began his basketball career with Polytech High School. He played at Delaware State (NCAA) from 2015-2017 playing 53 NCAA games. In his second season he averaged 10.3ppg, 6.3rpg, FGP: 55.4%, FT: 65.6%. he then finished at Jefferson University (NCAA2) playing 59 games and averaging 16.9ppg, 9.9rpg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 84.1% as a junior and as a senior averaged 18.2ppg, 9.8rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 53.2%, FT: 84.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Devaughn for talking to germanhoops.com. You were in the States during the Pandemic. How did you experience COVID and what were the most challenging things you had to cope with?

I’ve experienced Covid as a very serious thing specially since I’ve had a couple friends and family members that ended up catching it last. Also the most challenging things to cope with was always wearing a mask and being very distant from family and friends.

With everything that you witnessed during COVID off the court how do you feel did you get stronger as a man?

I felt like me being off the court due to Covid made me become a stronger man by having a stronger and better mentality of being more patient and always looking at every situation more positive since we already have to fight against Covid for over a year now.

After finishing school, you sat out last season. The BBC Twisters Rendsburg already wanted you last season. How tough was not playing last season? What positives could you still get out of it?

Sitting out last season was definitely tough but again I just looked at the positive side of things meaning I was given more time to work on my game. And time to get stronger physically before actually joining the Twisters team.

Were you able to use more time in the lab to better your game? How do you feel did you make steps in your game during the long break from competitive basketball?

I definitely was able to use more time in the lab to better my game by becoming stronger and faster on the court. Along with working on my IQ, stability, ball handling, and jump shot since thankfully layer through Covid my trainer was able to get permission to reserve a gym for basketball gym. Along with him having his own weight lifting gym too.

Your played your first professional season in Germany with Rendsburg in the Regionalliga. What did you enjoy most about being a professional player?

What I’ve enjoyed most is simply getting paid and being able to continuously play the sport that I love most. Along with building up a fan support system for the games in Germany and becoming a role model for these young kids who dream to follow a similar path as me in their future’s.

You needed no adjustment time to the Regionalliga posting double double stats. What was your secret to being a dominant player?

I don’t want to say too much on my secrets for how I play on the court lol but let’s just say whenever I’m on the court I give 110% and whatever coach says we’re lacking with offensive or defensive wise I accept the challenge to fix it before the end of the game.

What was it like playing with Swedish point guard Andree Michelsson? Did he make your life a lot easier on the offensive end?

It has been a lot of fun playing with Andree Michelsson he’s a great point guard, who creates opportunities for everyone on the court to score, he also talks on the court. And is always can give us a bucket when we need it. Also he definitely makes it easier for my life on the offensive end.

Head coach Bjarne Homfeldt was a big supporter of your game. What did you appreciate most about his teachings to you about the game you love?

For coach I appreciated his support a lot and for his teachings I appreciate him working his system around my game a little, and just allowing me to play the way I want too. Also whenever there’s anything he feels I should work on he lets me know for sure.

Let’s talk a little about your game. You’re a 201cm undersized big man. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

For an NBA player I would say Paul Millsap or Rui Hachimura.

You can score, rebound and have incorporated a outside shot into your game. What other strengths does your game have?

Other strengths I would say I have is that I’m always talking to my teammates on the court to work hard, and stay positive. Also I’m in very good shape and always out running other bigs up and down the court. Plus I have a quick first step against most bigs that guard me.

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

Areas that I’m working on most to elevate my game is my shooting range behind the 3pt line and ball handling.

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

A hidden strength that I have is just being a great rebounder and always out working/ hustling players that are assigned to guard me in the game.

You played two seasons at Delaware State from 2015-2017. You had a very solid second season averaging 10/6 stats. How important was head coach Keith Walker in your early basketball development?

Keith Walker was very important because he had the most faith in me and was the only division 1 coach to offer me a full scholarship. So that I could have the opportunity to play at the high NCAA stage. He also helped me develop on becoming a better rebounder and to always working hard and stay in shape before and after the season.

In your freshman year you played against powerhouse Michigan. What memories do you have playing against some of the countries best players?

Michigan was a crazy/ exciting game and the environment of the fans made the game very fun. But overall it was just crazy seeing the skill set and chemistry that their team had putting overseas players and players in the states together in such short time.

You had many great games in the NCAA. Was your 16 points and the win over St Johns one of the more memorable?

St. John’s game was definitely the most memorable moment that season because it was one of the biggest wins in Delaware States university history. And people had very small confidence of us walking out that night with the win, so we definitely shocked a lot of people around the world that watched that game.

You then transferred to Jefferson University (NCAA2) averaging 16.9ppg, 9.9rpg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 84.1% and as a senior averaged 18.2ppg, 9.8rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 53.2%, FT: 84.6%. Why did you take a step back after proving you could play in the NCAA?

I decided to step down because me along with 7 other of my teammates that year chose to enter the transfer portal. So if I stayed I would have to play with a whole new team and rebuild chemistry at the division 1 level. Also education is a big thing in my family and Del State didn’t have my college degree there either. Also there was rumors that coach Walker would probably be fired after this season. So I just figured that playing somewhere new that still had a great basketball system along with my major degree was best whether it was D1 or D2.

You were a top player in the NCAA 2. How do you feel did your game grow in your last 2 years?

Yes, I feel my game has grown a lot more along with my atheism and mentality while playing on the court.

You had Wilmington’s number as a senior scoring 31 and 30 points and beating them to reach the CACC final. Were they your favorite opponent?

Wilmington university was definitely my favorite opponent since they were always under sized big man wise against me. So it was easier for me to score on the court along with getting rebounds.

How did head coach Herb Magee groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach Magee just told me that with my skill set and knowledge for the game that once the season ended my senior year a lot of agents would reach out. So choose wisely with who you want to represent you and once I get overseas and have my opportunity for me to go make a name for myself starting the first game.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Prince Hickson?

Crazy thing is that me and Prince never actually played one on one before. But I will say he was our best defender and best defender I ever played with on the court, and I’m just grateful that he was on my team.

Who was the toughest player that you encountered in the NCAA that would reach the NBA?

Toughest player I encountered before that made it to the NBA was either Kyle Kuzma, Derrick Jones jr or Duncan Robinson.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

My five best teammates are Ricky Hicks, Juwan Gray, John Pierce, Donte DiVincenzo, and Eric Laster.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads.

My list is Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, and Stephen Curry.

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

Micheal Jordan is the greatest of all time to my opinion and that has never changed for me.

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

Yes, I have seen the sequel and I agree that they should have just left the classic along honestly.

Thanks Devaughn for the chat.

Joseph Feraci (180-PG, college: LSUA) is a 180cm guard from Slidell, Louisiana that is finished his rookie season for 1. FC Kaiserslautern (Germany-Regionalliga) in Germany playing 23 games avergaing 14.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 81.8%. He began his basketball career at Pope John Paul II High School and then played at Louisiana State University at Alexandria (NAIA) from 2014-2018. He won 3 RRAC titles. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his interesting life

Thanks Joe for talking to germanhoops.com. You were in the States and Germany during the Pandemic. How have you experienced COVID and what were the most challenging things you had to cope with?

Luckily and fortunately, covid has not been nearly as hard or challenging on me as it has for many others. I’d say the biggest challenge I faced at the height of the pandemic was lack of everyday interaction with people that I was so used to having, gyms being closed, and not being able to freely travel outside of the country.

With everything that you witnessed during COVID off the court how do you feel did you get stronger as a man?

I think it mostly made me realize how much I may have taken simple things for granted. It sort of gave me a new found motivation to take advantage of every opportunity at hand because you truly never know when you may lose certain things or opportunities.

You finished at Louisiana State University at Alexandria (NAIA) in 2018. Was there ever any thought that you could live the dream of being a professional player overseas despite never averaging more than 4,8ppg in the NAIA.

When I played my last collegiate game I never thought I’d have the opportunity to play professionally overseas. I thought that I could and believed I was good enough but the reality of it all was that I was hurt a lot in college and when I was healthy I didn’t really stand out very often on a team loaded with so much talent and other deserving guys.

You came to Germany in November 2020. Were you already in the army before you came to Germany? Talk a little about what you did after you finished at school?

I graduated in May of 2018 and got married about a year later to my college girlfriend, Katie Lemieux who played on the women’s basketball team at LSUA. Katie decided she wanted to join the Air Force and she had my full support. A few months after she joined we found out that we would be moving to Germany in November 2019.

How did the job opportunity with 1. FC Kaiserslautern (Germany-Regionalliga) come about? Who was your first basketball contact in Germany?

I arrived here in Germany in November 2019 and through playing pick-up at local gyms I was able to get in contact with Coach Mario Coursey and get a tryout with the team for the 2020 season. Things went well but the 2020 season ended up getting cancelled. Fortunately, Coach Mario reached back out to me for the 2021 season and thankfully had a spot for me on the team.

How cool is it living the dream of being a professional player with 1. FC Kaiserslautern (Germany-Regionalliga). You are putting up solid stats. What has been your secret to being able to adapt so quickly?

It has been nothing short of a great time. I couldn’t be more thankful to have the opportunity to play for FCK. The game is a lot different than what I am used to in the States. Players move and play differently and referees even call games differently. I’ve had a smooth time adapting simply through being more confident in myself than I have ever been before. My teammates and Coach Mario have especially made the transition easy on me as well.

How important was veteran Aaron Ellis for you? Was he like a mentor for you since you have been with the team?

Man, having Aaron on the team has been great. He’s a natural leader and with him having played at Wichita State back in the US I feel like we see the game similarly and we have good chemistry together on the floor. He keeps the team and I grounded when things get tough. Couldn’t be happier to have an experienced guy like that on the team helping me through my first year.

Let’s talk a bit about your game. You’re a 180cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I don’t know if I would necessarily compare myself to this guy because he’s one of the greatest point guards to ever live but someone I watch a lot and try to emulate is Chris Paul.

You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet with ease. What do you feel is your biggest strength on the court?

I think my biggest strength on the court would be my shooting and ball handling.

How good does it feel having a central scoring role now something you didn’t have in school?

It feels great. It’s feels like a comfortable role for me.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most now so you can keep improving your game?

I am mostly working on my in-between or mid range game and being able to finish in the paint.

With your good play on the court, how big are your aspirations to keep having a professional career after this season? How much of an inspiration is ex teammate Jordin Williams who is a rare NAIA player that has reached top leagues in Europe?

I have big aspirations and would love an opportunity beyond this year. I am confident that I can play with the best and will look to prove that as this season goes on. Jordin was my roommate in college and we put in a lot of work together. Seeing his dreams come true and the opportunities he made for himself was like a dream come true for me too because I knew the work he put in behind closed doors. So yes his story is very inspiring to me and others.

You won the RRAC tournament 3 times. Which one was the sweetest?

The sweetest RRAC that we won in my opinion was the 1st one we won my freshman year. We were down 20 at one point and came back and won in OT.

How did head coach Larry Cordaro groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Cordaro has a work ethic that not many other people have and he taught me about what having a work ethic truly means. My dad Joseph Feraci Jr., my high school coach Krisner Green, my college assistant coaches Jay Smith, Casey Apetrei and Daniel Roy, and my good friend and trainer Matt Binder all played central parts in preparing me for this moment.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Jordin Williams?

Jordin has never beat me one on one. I’ve actually taught him every move he knows!

Who was the toughest player that you encountered in the NAIA or anywhere in your life in the gym that would reach the NBA?

I would have to say Stevie Clark was the toughest player I ever guarded in the NAIA.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

In no order I’d say Deangelo Coleman, Jordin Williams, Gilbert Talbot, Codey Davie, and Colby Harrison.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads.

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson

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 watching Lebron and I’d have to go with him. The physical attributes, longevity, and the peak of his prime are all 2nd to none in my opinion.

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

I did not see the sequel but I couldn’t imagine it being any where near as good as the original. My blind opinion would be that they probably should’ve left it alone.

Thanks Joe for the chat.

Tags : JOSEPH FERACI, 1. FC KAISERSLAUTER

December 26th, 2020 is a date that will forever be remembered in Austrian basketball and also in the basketball life of American Richaud Pack (192-G-1992, college: Maryland). In the NBA Laker fans will always remember where they were when Kobe Bryant scored 81 points, Boston Celtics fans will always remember the day in 1987 when Larry Bird made the steal and fed the ball to Dennis Johnon for the lay in and win over Detroit in the playoffs and fans in Philadelphia will always remember where they were when Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points as a Warrior. December 26th, 2020 was the day where Pack who played 82 NCAA games for 3 schools scored a mind boggling 55 points for BC GGMT Vienna in a thrilling 104-101 victory over Arcadia. He filled up the stat sheet recording 5 rebounds and 7 dimes and showed that despite putting up 32 shots he can also be unselfish. ”I remember a play where I was at 25 points in the first half and I was playing 1-on-1. Most coaches will let you shoot any shot at that point. No one will say anything. However, when a player helped on me, I passed to our captain Paul and he made a 3. I was always trying to make the right play’, stressed Richaud Pack. His basketball journey has been a slow one, but he has continued to be consistent where ever he has played and keeps steadily moving up the basketball ladder. After his massive season in Austria, he followed up that with another spectacular season in Israel in the second league called National league. He has always been a good scorer, but especially in the last two season he has cranked up his explosiveness to another level. Even if scoring 55 points is something that will be very difficult to repeat, he has that special mentality that will always help him be focused to be that consistent prolific scorer. ‘It’s an honor to have scored the 55 points in a game which is the all-time record for a single game there. Scoring 55 point in a game has only helped me. When I train, when I play in each game, I always remember that’s the type of player I’m capable of being. When I’m training and I get tired, I think to myself I have to train like a guy who is trying to score 50 again. So I’ll go the extra mile or two, literally. If I miss a few shots in a row, my confidence doesn’t shake because I’m a guy who can score 50. It’s helped me elevate my work ethic and build up my confidence. I can do it again’, warned Richaud Pack. The American who played at the University of Maryland has become an elite scorer and wants to continue with having the correct mindset and going the extra mile.

It is early summer 2022 and the ex Florida International university guard who currently sees sniper Steph Curry among the elite guards of all-time with Magic and Isaiah is kicking it back home with family in Houston, Texas after having completed his seventh professional season. He has already started training for the new season and like his family is in good health despite Covid still being a worldwide issue. Despite already being in the lab and grinding to get better, there was some time to reflect and look back at his last season in Israel. This past season he played with two clubs in Israel. The first was Hapoel Afula (Israel-National League) which was only a short stay where he played 3 games, but quickly showed that he needed no adjustment time averaging 22.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.7apg, 1.3spg. ‘I enjoyed my stay with Afula. The management and coach there really seemed to love my game and respected me as a person. I had a minor hand injury I had to tend to which required me to rehab and take time off. Once I was back healthy, I returned to the league. I was able to help my team and win the scoring title. (It was actually 5 or 6 games I believe because of the Cup games. The team won the Cup championship. I am proud of being a part of that’, stated Richaud Pack. The American who played a season at North Carolina A&T State University (NCAA) got going right away Hapoel Afula displaying his great scoring and playmaking and was fortunate to have a multi talented big like Michael Holyfield in the paint. ‘It was a really good experience playing with Big Mike! We connected on and off the court. I think he’s a guy I’ll call a friend for life. On the court it was great to have a big guy back there who had your back on defense. He directs traffic and protects the rim at an elite level’, stressed Richaud Pack.

The basketball globetrotter who thinks that there are very few people on earth better than Luka Doncic at basketball then made the jump to H.Izrael where he did all he could on the scoring end, but couldn’t get his team above 500 as it went 6-8 in his time there. Of course after wining the scoring title in Austria and being a walking bucket, he was on everyone’s scouting report and feared. It was only obvious that he would have extreme difficulty having to be consistent against opponents defenses, but he always held his own. ‘It was a challenge but I looked at the positives. The team’s record with me was much much better than without me. So even though we didn’t win as much as I would’ve liked, I looked at the games we did win as an accomplishment. I faced challenges scoring like double teams on a lot of pick and rolls, double teams whenever I tried to play one on one, ‘Jordan rules’ some games but real scorers always find a way’, warned Richaud Pack. One can always laud guys that show consistency in one country, but what about a guy like Pack who has exhibited his game in countries like Finland, Spain, Cyprus and Austria. In Israel he did it again playing against top import talent. ‘ I think the level of imports in the National League is very high. When you look at the guys in the league this year, you see legitimate NBA experience and top level Europe experience France Pro A, BBL Germany, Winners League Israel, etc). Not just played but produced. Guys who have averaged 20 points in Winners League Israel (Mark Lyons) led Winners league in rebounding (Demetrius Treadwell) and more. The talent level of the imports is the highest I’ve played with’, expressed Richaud Pack.

In Israel he had to match up against top quality guards each night and some of the toughest he faced had some great resumes like Vander Blue and Glen Rice Jr with NBA experience or guys like Mark Lyons, Jason Siggers, Kwame Vaughn. ‘I think each guy had a bag of tricks that I respected. Different guys could dominate in different ways’, said Richaud Pack. His stats with H.Izrael were remarkable as he averaged 24.4ppg, 5.2rpg, 4.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 80.8%. Obviously grinding like a manic in the off season while other guys put it off one week longer is vital for success, but for him, it is a combination of that and other things. ‘A lot of it is preparation and mentality. I study other teams, watch games, see where I can make plays and improve. It was an honor to win the scoring title amongst guys with so much talent’, commented Richaud Pack. He scored in double figures in every game and had more than 20 points in 12 games. His best scoring games were against E Netanya and M Maale Adum that he hit with 34 points apiece and scored 32 points against R Hamat Gan. He always has been a scorer, but he became n explosive scorer at the pro level the last two seasons. It will be interesting to see if he can take another step as his confidence level continues to rise. ‘Back to back scoring titles in two different leagues. I think it shows my game translates to different styles and different levels. I’m more dedicated and focused than I’ve ever been. My confidence is high because I know I’ve put the work in and I’m capable. I was a top 10 scorer in Finland at nearly 20ppg. I think if the season finished I would’ve finished at the top (covid year). I was averaging 24ppg the last 10 games there. In Cyprus, I was also top 3 in scoring. Trae Golden, my teammate, and Thad McFadden are the two who outscored me that year. Not bad company ‘, stated Richaud Pack.

But for the ex Maryland (NCAA) guard it isn’t just his incredible scoring that opponents have to be geared up to, but also his playmaking that has vastly improved. Three seasons ago he scored less than the last two seasons and also averaged only 1,7apg, while in the last two seasons he really upped his scoring and also averaged almost 5 assists per game. His balancing of scoring and playmaking has worked very well the last two seasons. ‘That’s where I feel I’ve improved the most. I can get my guy’s shots when they need them and where they need them. I can read where the advantage is going to be for other people and run a play based off that. To get to the next level I just have to expand the types of passes and reads I can make. It’s actually what I’m focusing on this entire summer. Being a better playmaker’, warned Richaud Pack. Obviously if your playing for losing teams, a player of Pack’s offensive talent can get a reputation for not bringing it at both ends, but team defense brings championships. If not everyone is on the same page, it will be difficult to win. ‘We had a short roster and a young team. This is the reality. Individually, I defend at an elite level. My coach and my teammates, or anyone I have guarded will tell you this. However, defense takes all 5 guys to be in sync. If there is one weakness, the offense will exploit it even if there is 4 really good defenders on the floor’, stressed Richaud Pack. This summer will be very important in how he goes about continuing to improve as a player. He will most likely play at an even higher level so he will have to be prepared. Play making ability, being more of a verbal leader and being in the best shape of his life will be vital, but also taking care of the ball. In the last two seasons he always had the ball in his hands while averaging 34 minutes per game. He only coughed up the ball 2,8 times per game which is pretty solid, but he is extremely focused to trim that down more this upcoming season. ‘It goes into making better reads. This year I was our only playmaker so a lot of the responsibility fell on me. Some turnovers come with having to be aggressive every play. Most were either off of passing or offensive fouls so the improvement will be more with making the correct reads and making them confidently more with my ball handling’, warned Richaud Pack.

So what is the next step for him who didn’t see the sequel to the classic Coming To America and didn’t think it needed one? Every American I have interviewed and that played in Israel have raved about the life style and it wasn’t any different for him. ‘I really enjoyed living in Israel. The people are full of life. There’s so much to see from the Dead Sea to other historical landmarks. The food is amazing! The weather is good yearround relative to other places in Europe. Covid presented some challenges throughout the season but all in all it was still good’, said Richaud Pack. Often when Americans dominate in the Israeli National League, they often get rewarded and move to the Winner League. Could he stay in Israel? ‘It’s a possibility. I’m not sure what the next step is. A lot of teams have called me and my agent. My agent is Israeli and so I think it might give me an edge. We’ve heard from teams already in France, Germany, Israel, and Champions League. That’s really encouraging’, stressed Richaud Pack. I personally would love to see him come to Germany and show once again he has the game to perform at another level and different style. ‘ It could become a reality. I have always wanted to play in Germany. I have friends and family there. 2 teams have already been in contact with my agent Eyal Grossbard. I don’t want to jinx it but one team is very interested. I try to never speak about these things in detail until a deal is done’, warned Richaud Pack. The basketball junkie who follows fellow players checking rosters, box scores and researches guys he has never met and believes he is a serial researcher by nature has especially kept tabs on Stanley Whittaker a guy like him who has had a chip on his shoulder his whole life and continues to move up the basketball ladder recently signed in Wurzburg in Germany in the easyCredit BBL. ‘Congrats to Stanley on signing in the BBL That’s a great step. I always look forward to meeting guys again at a higher level. On or off the court. From the guys I played against to the guys I played with. I just had dinner last week with a guy I played against 4 years ago, Jaylen Riley. We met during that game against each other and have been cool since. It’s cool to be in the same leagues and cities as familiar faces. Life goes full circle’, warned Richaud Pack. It was by chance 19 months ago where I came across Stanley Whittaker in my darkest times in my life where I was diagnosed with cancer and was in the hospital for 10 days after an operation and discovered Stanley Whittaker and Richaud Pack dominating in Austria. Wouldn’t it be cool to see both of them going head to head in Germany this season in the easyCredit BBL? I would love to see it. Life really goes full circle.

Tags : RICHAUD PACK, HAPOEL MIGDAL HAEMEK/EMEK IZRAEL/NAZARETH ELITE, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Eddie Hunt (201-F-1996, college: Limestone, agency: Wasserman) is a 26 year old 201cm forward that was born in Topeka, Kansas. He began his basketball career at Highland Park High School. He then played two seasons at Barton County Community College (JUCO) playing a total of 57 games. He then finished at Limestone College (NCAA2). He has gained professional experience in Mexico, Argentina, Italy and Estonia. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

The pleasure is all mine. I am living in Miami during the offseason period where I am preparing myself for my 4th season. And recently wrapped up my 3rd season in Estonia (Europe) where I would say I finished the season strong.

Just looking at your bio, you have two things that not every player has. You have heart and that never give up attitude. Would you agree with me?

I would definitely agree with that statement. I’m sure everyone else have faced a lot of adversity in life and also in my career. As a professional I have been taught to never get to high or to low stay balanced and trust myself and the journey I am on. With this mindset I have been able to continue my playing career, and more importantly building my character.

Even if it isn’t fair, teams do look at stats. You didn’t have good stats in Juco or the NCAA 2, but that still got you jobs in Mexico, Argentina, Italy and Estonia. You also must have a big self-confidence level inside you. Do you feel like you were unjustly doubted with your game especially in school?

During my collegiate career as you mention my stats weren’t good for whatever reason may be at the time, I used it as motivation to work hard and continue to believe in my skill and my development. Watching former teammates achieve great things on the court pushed me to sleep in the gym and work on my game, numerous of times I was literally sleeping in my locker room just to be able to perfect my craft and make sure no one is out working me. Since a little boy I’ve wanted to become a professional athlete. And watching my mother raise 8 kids on her own gave me my strength to never give up and I am not only playing for myself but my family, friends and those who have followed my career so far. My self-confidence is high and it is because on the court I know that I am a good player defensively and offensively, being 6’7 mobile with 7’0 wingspan gives me the opportunity to be able to guard all positions, and also I have worked to become a 3 level scorer playing against NBA guys and euro league guys and being able to defend and score at will definitely helps my self-confidence and brings me motivation of how far I’ve come and how far I can go. Well my first two years of JUCO I would say I had some really skilled high level teammates at my D1 JUCO, we had few D1 transfers and also the player of the year in the most difficult JUCO conference ( Jayhawk conference) so my first two years I had to get better but accept my role as a player and what I offered the team at the time. Unfortunately once I transferred to my university I would say yes I was unjustly doubted, myself and teammates also assistant coaches loved me and loved how hard I worked and most importantly what I brought to the court as a player and a teammate everyday in practice and games, but I had to embrace certain things that were out of my control and allow my faith to guide my through the rough patch of my collegiate career. Ultimately it led me to leave college early my Junior year and pursue my professional career.

How much of a factor did COVID play in getting jobs? You sat out the 20-21 season.

Covid-19 played a huge huge factor in my career during the 20-21 season, most of the world was shut down or maybe had a small bubble season or wasn’t bringing Americans in from across country due to the virus. So that forced me to lock into my craft once again and pushed me to have my breakout season later on. I trained 3 times a day for the entire year with NBA trainer Taylor Wayer in Indianapolis where he helped elevate my shooting and skills and also gave me the opportunity to compete with future NBA stars and current NBA vets on a daily basis. So I would say that Covid was a blessing in disguise for me personally.

This season you played with Pompea Atri (Italy-Serie D and Reinar Halliku Korvpallikool/Iisaku gumn (Estonia-1.Liiga). Things are looking up for you now. How did these seasons go for you?

Yes this season I started off in Italy, where unfortunately due to visa reasons I had a short stay, but was a great experience and performed in my short time there. When that door closed another opportunity opened for me and I signed with Reinar Halliku in Estonia where I avg 13ppg 10rpg & 2apg in 26mins played. The last 6 games I played my best on both ends averaging 16ppg 11rpg. Huge thanks to my coach and owner who gave me the opportunity and helped me and pushed me everyday to be my best and be a great person.

In Estonia you were teammates with American Treven Jones. He played at Virginia (NCAA) 10 years ago and has been grinding like you his whole career trying to find opportunities. I’m sure you guys bonded well?

Recently jones actually left once I got there I think he might of had an injury or something but I heard nothing but great things about him and sure we would have been great teammates, and who knows what the future holds.

Let’s talk a little about your game. You’re a 201cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Great question, honestly might sound off the wall to a lot of readers who haven’t had the opportunity to watch me outside of YouTube film but I’d compare myself to Paul Milsap and Carmelo Anthony. I say that because I am more skilled player with the ball and at the midrange game and also being able to score inside and out, also create for myself and teammates, the last couple of games I was bringing the ball up and playing the on ball and off the ball. A lot of people don’t know that I actually had to play PG my rookie year in Mexico in a great league. So the ability to be 201cm but able to play back to the basket and post up and make plays from the block and defend the bigs but also be able to comfortably play in the P&R as ball handler/or screener and knock down open 3ps and or roll to the block and score, and make the right play gives me the advantage of being diverse and a unique style of player.

Are you a classic big man? Talk a little about your strengths?

I wouldn’t say I am a classic big man no but I would agree that I am a good fit to play big. Some of my strengths are having high basketball IQ, having a strong body that give me the advantage to post up guys that are smaller and also bigger guys can space the floor and attack slower bigs. Also being able to knock down open 3ps, and the high level midrange. Defensively having a stronger body and 7’0 wingspan allows me to defend bigger traditional bigs, being mobile on the defensive end gives me the ability to switch screens and guard 1-5 comfortably.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to climb the basketball ladder?

Last season I showed where I can be number wise but this offseason I am working hard on my body and being more explosive and agile. The best defenders and better yet athletes in general take care of their body at a high level so I’m focusing a lot on my body and taking care of it and getting stronger faster and explosive, and on the court working on being more consistent behind the 3pt and finishing above the rim.

In 2019-2020 you played with Progreso de General Roca (Argentina-La Liga Argentina). What kind of an experience was it playing in Argentina? I can imagine it was an ordeal just reaching Roca by means of transportation.

Argentina was nothing but an amazing experience on and off the court, was honestly felt like an NBA season traveling for weeks on end having back to back away games through the week and being away from home for long periods of times. Gave me the true professional experience and the league is a very good certified league. I had the opportunity to play against great talent in the LNB ex NBA guys. The travel from America to Argentina took 3 days it was horrible but great at the same time and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Hopefully later in my career I can return to Argentina.

You were teammates with Kevin Hayes who put up real good stats in the NCAA 2. He is out of basketball. I guess not many guys have the determination or will like you to keep grinding which you continue to do.

Kevin is a great guy actually our birthdays are a day apart so we had the opportunity to bond on and off the court. Talent wise speaks for itself he is definitely a bucket. And I’ve continued striving for a long time now and experience so many former teammates pursue different life careers. For myself my determination and perseverance for this game is unmatched I love basketball eat, sleep, dream about this game.

You got your first pro experience in Mexico. What do you remember being your wake up call where you knew that you were a pro player?

My first experience was in Mexico yes, and it was one heck of an experience I’d say that. Great culture and fans. A lot of players would say their wake up call of being a pro would be an on the court experience but for me my wake up call of being a professional basketball player was on my birthday January 12th at the time I was staying at a hotel because I just arrived maybe a week or two, but I woke up and I got a call from the front desk with an regent call to come to the lobby. I came down and there’s a group of fans with a birthday cake and a poster of me in the lobby with some fans wearing a team jersey. In the moment I just embraced it and said to myself ‘I am a pro now’ may not be a cool story but very special moment in my professional career.

You played two years at Barton County (JUCO). Every guy I have interviewed JUCO have said that it was hard but an experience that they would always have done. How was it for you?

Yes I played JUCO and I will tell you that there is nothing like JUCO, you meet the friends you’ll remember and stay in touch with forever. JUCO is a nonstop grind, dog eat dog works at that level everyone is wanting ‘theirs’ hungry to shine. As young adults were on our own with not much guidance not many people care about Juco Athletes but one thing about Juco you have to be a dog and you have to love the game and when and if you can make it out of JUCO you can handle whatever the game of basketball brings you. I loved my time playing JUCO but I would of loved to start my career at NCAA1 ( also went prep school in Lee Maine where I got the opportunity to get the overseas pro feel, having all foreign teammates and living in a home with just basketball players and having that experience definitely helped me down the road) I held 15+d1 offers coming out of high school unfortunately I only took the act 1 time and decided to enroll into prep school that later pushed me to the JUCO route.

You never averaged more than 4,7ppg. Talk a little about how you was used. Were you a special role player?

I just wanted to win and make the right play and being reliable in my role was my only focusI never payed attention to how much I scored or any of that I had so many guys better than me at scoring so I found a way that kept me on the court at least and that gave me the opportunity to be all around player. I knew in due time I’ll have the chance to be a star player or be able to bring the scoring. I would say being a role player has helped me to become the player I am becoming.

You then played at Limestone College (NCAA2).You averaged 3.8ppg, 2.6rpg. This seemed to be difficult situation. What positives could you take?

Limestone was a very difficult situation for me on the court. Being a transfer didn’t really help the coach trust me I would say no matter how much I showed in games and in practice that I should have more opportunities, at the time it was frustrating knowing that all the coaches except the head coaches believed in me and all the players believed in me. I was just not a part of the plan that the head coach at the time had. He ended up leaving the program at the end of the year and I pursued my professional career and was able to make a step so I guess it was just another test in my journey thus far. With low numbers and not much opportunity I made sure I stayed ready I made sure I had the right mindset when and if the time came. And when it came I had a breakout game 12pts in 13 mins and a win. And after that game the coach decided to go another route and benched me. I kept a positive mindset and finished the school year out and became a pro. I would say some positives I took was stay ready, and things want always go in my favor but the things I can control and that’s where my staying in the locker room and dedicating myself to my dream kicked in. Positive is that I never gave up or I didn’t let a bad situation destroy my dreams.

You showed that you could playing scoring 12 points in 13 minutes against S.Wesleyan. Was this your fondest game in the NCAA2?

Yes I would say number wise it was my fondest moment, but honestly my first game against Anderson was my personally fondest moment because we were down with few minutes left and I came into the game scored 3 back to back buckets and then made a clutch game winning rebound then assist to win the game. Having the stay ready mindset and closing out for my team and getting the win was huge for me. And it said a lot about me as a player.

How did head coach Brandon Scott groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I would love to mention Marquintous Jones, and assistant coach Joshua Davis who are both with different programs now. They both groomed me as a person and pushed me as a player and made me believe in myself and never gave up on me as a player or a person. And for coach Scott I appreciate the opportunity he gave me and allowing me around his family and home and made me feel at home in South Carolina away from home.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Donovan Harris?


Don that’s my guy but Don know he taking that L in the 1 on 1 hahaha

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

The toughest player I have faced that has reached the NBA is Donovan Mitchell, he was a man amongst boys at the time of 2015 where I played in Massachusetts.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

5 best teammates of all time 5. Tyrone acuff out of Detroit 4.Siler Schnieder -Kansas (pro) 3. Ahmad walker- New York 2. Shaq dance -NC. (Pro) 1. Jahmal McMurray-Kansas (pro)

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?


My Mount Rushmore Lebron James, Allen Iverson, Shaq, Michael Jordan.

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

My opinion about MJ and Bron, is that appreciate greatness while we can. Haha I think with time all things get better and with that being said the Jordan time came and went and we’ll be remembered but LeBron’s time is now and the world has never seen anything like Bron in any era.

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

Haven’t seen it but I’ve heard about all the bad reviews so I’m going to stay away from that movie and hope I never run by it haha.

Thanks Eddie for the chat.

Ex Penn (NCAA) player Adam Chubb (208-C/F-1981, college: Pennsylvania) is a 208cm center that had an illustrious 12 year professional career. He played in countries like Korea and Spain (ACB) but spent most of his time in Germany playing 10 seasons for teams like Giessen, Bremerhaven, Alba Berlin, Artland Dragons, EWE Baskets and Crailsheim amassing 329 BBL games. He won 3 BBL cups with 3 different teams. He played 4 seasons with the EWE Baskets and Rickey Paulding and shared his memores of that time.

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

Hi Miles, I am currently living in Charleston, South Carolina. We moved here after retiring from playing, and life is good.

You retired from the game in 2016. That seems like ages ago. How are you keeping busy in 2022 and do you still have a connection to basketball?

I have two girls, almost 9 and 7 years old. So we are running around to different activities and sports keeps me pretty busy. I also have an insurance practice that is based in Charleston and I am active in investment real estate as well. As for the connection to basketball, I run a couple of camps and will help some of the local teams from time to time.

You played most of your career in Germany and had a connection to many teams. What do you miss from being on the court and what do you miss the most from off the court?

I miss the team atmosphere, the camaraderie of being on a team and playing in front of the passionate German and European fans. Off the court, I miss the friends we made, the food, and the ability to travel and be so close to many interesting places.

Rickey Paulding played his farewell game on June 4. What is the first thing that you think of when you hear the name, Rickey Paulding?

First off, I think of a genuine, trustworthy, family-first guy! On the court, a legend!!

Have you ever seen a player who has been able to play so well at a high level at his age?

Not really. The only other person I would think would come close to would be Lebron James, which is some pretty good company.

What about his game will always stay in your mind when you hear the name, Rickey Paulding?

Awesome teammate, clutch, always ready when you need him.

You were opponents for 3 seasons before you joined Rickey in Oldenburg. What do you remember from your battles against Rickey with Alba Berlin?

Ricky was always a player you worried about when you played him. You know he could get hot, and you never wanted that to happen. But sometimes, there was nothing you could do about it.

You were teammates with Rickey for 4 years and topped it off winning the cup. What memories do you have of that weekend? You had a very bad cold.

Yeah I had come down with something that weekend and tried to play the best I could but it only helped so much. It was a fantastic weekend, and the fact that we could do it in front of our home fans was even better.

No matter whom you talk to, everyone only has good things to say about him. Do you have a special story where you saw exactly what kind of person he is off the court?

Nothing specific, just an overall great person and incredible family man.

What kind of legacy do you believe will he leave in the EasyCredit BBL? Do feel that there will ever be another American that will be able to reach his longevity in that league?

I believe he will leave a legacy of integrity, longevity, and success. I also do not think there will ever be another American that will be able to reach the level of success and longevity that Ricky has achieved.

Please leave some closing words for Rickey Paulding.

Ricky, congrats on a remarkable run and much success going forward. Best, Adam

Chris Frazier (182-SG-1990, college: Dubuque) is a 31 year old 182cm shooting guard that hails from Heidelberg, Germany, but also has the American citizenship and finished his eighth professional season and second with Pro A team wiha Panthers Schwenningen averaging 10.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 88.5%. In 20-21 with Schwenningen he averaged 8,4ppg, 1,3rpg and 1,1apg while shooting 45% from outside. In the 2019-2020 season he played with Pro B team Iserlohn playing 21 games averaging 14.7ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 92.1%. In 2018-2019 he played his second season with the Rostock SeaWolves averaging 2,5ppg, in 6,8 minutes per game. In 2017-2018 he helped Rostock reach the Pro A averaging 9,9ppg,1,2rpg and 1,6apg. He started his basketball career at TV Schwetzingen (Germany-2.Regionalliga) before moving to the States to play at Dubuque (NCAA3) from 2010-2014 playing a total of 107 games and as a senior played 26 games averaging 13.7ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 88.0%. He came back to Germany in 2014 and played with the Otto Baskets Magdeburg (Germany-ProB) playing 20 games averaging 16.1ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 80.6%. In the 2015-2016 season he made the jump to the BBL playing for the Crailsheim Merlins (Germany-BBL) playing 13 games averaging 2.3ppg. In the 2016-2017 season he played for the Artland Dragons (Germany-ProB) playing 25 games averaging 13.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 79.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his memories of Rickey Paulding.

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

Hey Miles appreciate doing another interview with you. At the moment I am at home in Velburg, Bavaria. Since the season doesn’t start until Oktober I’ve taken a little longer time off than usual.

You played the last few years for the Wiha Panthers. How do you summarize the last season? There were a lot of ups and downs. How vital was the team chemistry that seemed to never gel for the results of the season.

The season was very difficult. Umm it really was a season of ups and downs. We would beat some of the best teams and lose to the teams that we should have beat. The team chemistry off the court was perfect. We all got along with each other, but we sadly couldn’t translate that to the court, but at the end of the day we helped the Panthers stay in the Pro A and that’s what counted at the end.

In the last week came bad news that the club might lose the license for the ProA. How devastating would it be for the organization to get set back like this.

It would really suck because I had promised Coach Alen that we would give everything we had to keep this club in that Pro A. The pPnthers gives guys like me another chance to showcase what we can do and they do a good job at picking players back up after they got knocked down. I’d hate to see Schwenningen not get the license.

When you hear the name Rickey Paulding what is the thing that comes to mind.

Legend, leader, loyalty. You don’t usually see those words to often in this game. To me he seemed to be the ultimate leader!

This season the easyCredit BBL lost some legends with Paulding, Guenther and King. Soon Quentez Robertson also will belong to this group someday. Does the BBL have to worry about finding new identity figures.

I believe so, but that’s not the leagues fault. We are in an era where we as players look for clubs that have the most money. We can’t play this game forever so we have to make the most of what we can get. That being said we also don’t have committed guys lol like that anymore. I’m pretty sure every single one of those guys could have left their teams and made more money, but they stuck with their teams and are all legends and their names will always be remembered.

You only played twice against him in the BBL. How did you observe him as a player before 2015 and after as a second Bundesliga player.

Well oddly enough I knew nothing about him. I used to only pay attention to the NBA, but after I saw his picture in front of the arena I knew he was big time. It’s always crazy to see how humble he was and how everyone in that arena loved him. After I saw that I knew he was a big deal in this league.

Rickey Paulding played until nearly 40. He probably could of played 2-3 more years. How much of a role model is he for any player in terms of work ethic?
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You don’t get to play that long without taking care of your body. I’m sure 99% of players in the world would love to play for that long and still perform at the highest level.

You played against Rickey Paulding twice in the 2015-2016 season with Crailsheim. What do you remember most with your 2 battles against him besides the blowouts.

Ouch Miles haha that hurt a little. I’ll remember how calm and collective he played.

Many players said his athleticism really stood out, but what did you appreciate most about his game?

How calm he played and how well he always led his teams.

How will Ricky Paulding’s legacy be forever be remembered in the BBL? Will we ever see a guy like him again that will show his consistency on the court and dedication to one organization?

He will be remembered as top 5 of all time probably. Will we see a player like that again? With the same dedication? no I don’t believe so.

Please leave some closing words for Rickey Paulding.

Rickey, thank you for everything you’ve done for the game. I’ve followed you ever since we played against you and you definitely played a role in how I like to treat my coaches and my Teammates. The BBL will definitely miss you and it will most definitely be weird not seeing the #23 come out the tunnel. Enjoy retirement man. It’s well deserved.

Benas Veikalas (192-G-1983, college: MSU Denver) is a former professional player that had a 10 year professional career. He began his basketball career in his native Lithuania and then played 3 years at the Metropolitan State University of Denver (NCAA2). He then returned back to Europe in 2007 and began his professional career. He played two years in Lithuania and the Czech Republic and a year in Italy, but spent most of his career in Germany with 4 years with the Telekom Baskets Bonn and finished his career with BG Goettingen. His most successful time was with the Telekom Baskets Bonn where he belonged to the top three point and free throw shooters. He also battled against Rickey Paulding on a number of occasions and shared his memories of him.

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

What’s up Miles – Greets to Germany and sorry for getting back to you so late. Currently we reside in Las Vegas, we love the flashy lights here but still cannot get used to the heat It’s definitely a different life after basketball. I got into real estate business with my wife and spend way more time watching my kids play basketball and do gymnastics and love it !

You retired from basketball in 2017 after a 10 year professional career. You played 5 seasons in Germany. What do you remember being your fondest moment on the court with the Telekom Baskets Bonn?

I loved playing for the Telekom Baskets – great organization and great fans and I loved the fact that they would fill up the dome which made it very fun to play! Man every season was so different and it seemed we just could not make it over the 1st round of the playoffs which was disappointing. I remember my 1st season we had a hot hot start and then after a couple injuries got out of rhythm but still made a great playoff series vs Bamberg which were in an unbelievable shape that season. It’s unbelievable they didn’t lose another game in the playoffs and we had a chance to beat them twice if I made the last shot in that game 4. The 2nd season was tough. We had a lot of talent but would not mesh at all until like new year when the team made a few changes to the roster – after that we really clicked as a team and played great. We were looking forward to play Oldenburg. But unfortunate for us we lost one of our best scorers just before the series started. We tried to adjust and still made it an unbelievable series but man came short . Our 3rd season again we felt really good and had a great team and we were looking forward to the playoffs especially vs Oldenburg. I felt like we had a chance but with a few decisive plays in the game 5 just came short. The fourth season was great. We felt really good as a team we were playing amazing the whole season and felt great going into the playoffs. We thought this was the year we had home court advantage vs Ulm. It didn’t end as we wished which was heartbreaking to that great great season .

Rickey Paulding played his farewell game on June 4. What is the first thing that you think of when you hear the name Rickey Paulding?

I didn’t think Ricky would retire – consistency comes to my mind when I think about him, he was always in a top notch, always producing and punishing the other teams and very professional the way he carried himself on and off the court.

Have you ever seen a player who has been able to play so well at a high level at his age?

I think the only other player that I could think of that played so well for so long would be Rimantas Kaukenas from Lithuania. It’s like they were both basketball iron men – they were playing at the highest level even at the end of their careers .

What was your first impression when you saw him on the court? The first game with Bonn you won 81-79 and he had 9 points. What was the first thing that really stuck out?

I remember that game – he had a great play and a steal at the half court and a thunderous dunk with Tony Gaffney chasing him down – I thought I better watch out for that very athletic guy.

You played 5 seasons against him. Do you believe your record was above or below 500?

I think it was below because we lost to them in the playoffs twice . And that hurt .

You had a 10-10 record. You lost back to back 5 game playoff series to Oldenburg in 2013 and 2014. What was always the toughest thing about playing against Rickey Paulding?

They were tough losses. We just could not get a win in Oldenburg. Ricky could go off at any moment in the game – very streaky shooter could catch fire in seconds and then you were in trouble. The biggest thing for us was always knowing where he was on the court because if you fell asleep he would punish you right away his play and athletic abilities made it very hard to stop.

What memories do you have of the exciting 5 game series in 2014? Game 3 and 4 were both 72-71 results.

Crazy ain’t it . I wish we won both of them – but unbelievable we split with exactly same score.

What kind of legacy do you believe will he leave in the EasyCredit BBL? Do feel that there will ever be another American that will be able to reach his longevity in that league?

He set a very high standard. It’s amazing he stayed with Oldenburg for that long which shows the bond and relationship he had with that team. Great guy on and off the court and the great example for the rest of the players. I believe there will be another Ricky in Germany but it will be very hard to follow in his footsteps. I mean how many players get their city names changed to Pauldingburg.

Please leave some closing words for Rickey Paulding.

I wish him much health and good luck for him and his family in the next chapter after basketball. I really enjoyed competing against him ! Good luck Ricky

Tags : BENAS VEIKALAS, BG GOE

Skyler Bowlin (190-G-1989, college: MSSU) is a 32 year old 190cm guard that finished his 11th season as a professional and his sixth in Germany and first with the Telekom Baskets Bonn averaging 9,2ppg, 1,9rpg, and 3,5apg. Last season he split time with GS Iraklis Thessaloniki (Greece-A1) averaging 8.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.4apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 47.1%, 3FGP: 30.8%, FT: 70.6% and also played with Enea Zastal BC Zielona Gora (Poland-EBl) averaging 9.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 78.3%.. In the 2019-2020 season he played with s.Oliver Wurzburg averaging 11.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 3.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 44.8%, FT: 87.2%. and the season before averaged 9.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 4.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 70.7% in the BBL and in the Fiba Europe Cup averaged 8.4ppg, 1.9rpg, 5.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 72.2%. The ex Missouri So (NCAA2) began his professional basketball career with BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-ProA) and then played three seasons in Denmark with Horsens IC and a year in Sweden with the Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan). He played two seasons in Germany with the Giessen 46ers and with Science City Jena (Germany-BBL) playing 32 games averaging 11.7ppg, 2.9rpg, 5.1apg, Steals-5 (1.6spg), FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 80.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his memories of playing against Rickey Paulding.

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

I’m in Denmark with my wife and son at the moment relaxing and recovering after a long season. Life is good!

The Telekom Baskets played a magical season and one that nobody in Bonn will ever forget. What was the most special thing about the season for you?

My teammates and everyone around the club were the most special. I can’t explain it really, but it was just a special group!

Your heading back to a place that you love, but you played 5 successful seasons in the BBL. What will you always remember from the BBL?

The BBL tretaed me so well. The thing that I loved most about it was that you had to bring it every day or you would lose. The league was so competitive and the crowds were always great.

What is the first thing that you think about when you hear the word Rickey Paulding?

I just remember him always making the big shot when needed. He was a killer.

Did you ever see a player that was able to play so well at his age?

He is definately one of the few that can, but I also played with Julius Jemkins, Immanuel Mcelroy and Derrick Allen when they were at the end of their careers.

What part of his game will never slip your mind?

His fadeway in the post is something I will always remember.
What do you think was your record against him? Do you think you were above or below 500?I can’t remember exactly.
You were 2-6 and were 2-0 with Giessen winning some exciting games with Giessen and Bonn. What kind of legacy do you feel will he leave in the easyCredit BBL? Do you feel that tehre will ever be another american that can reach his longevity?
He clearly has made a uge impact in the BBL and of course Oldenburg. That just doesn’t matter a lot where an american stays with a team for so long. It’s a truly special situation that probably won’t ever happen again. Very very cool.
Please leave some closing words for Rickey.Heck of a career. Congrats on tons of success and longevity and good luck in life after basketball Rickey.

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Jaleen Smith (193-PG-1994, college: UNH) is a 27 year old 193cm guard from Freeport, Texas that is playing his fifth professional season and first with Alba Berlin. He played the last two seasons with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg averaging 15.2ppg, 5.0rpg, Assists-3 (5.3apg), Steals-2 (1.8spg), FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 87.5%; and 10.7ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 82,8% the season before. In 2018-2019 he played with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany-ProA) averaging 12,7ppg, 3,9rpg and 2,7apg. In his rookie season with New Hampshire (NCAA) from 2013-2017 where he played a total of 120 NCAA games. He improved his scoring, rebounding and assists average each season and as a senior he played 32 games averaging 15.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 78.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after leading Alba Berlin to the 2022 easyCredit BBL over FC Bayern Munich scoring 23 points.

Congrats Jaleen on winning the 2022 easyCredit BBL title over FC Bayern Munich in 4 games. How does it feel winning your first professional league title?

I can’t describe the feeling I have right now. Everything went really well for us in this game. There is such a positive vibe right now in the train. I love it.

What does it mean winning the title in Munich after the team showed an embarrassing game 3 performance at home?

It shows that we took game 3 for granted. We had a pretty easy game 3 against Bamberg and against Ludwigsburg it was tough, but we were always sure that w would win it. We showed in game 4 our true fighting mentality.

Did the Telekom Baskets Bonn give Alba Berlin some inspiration in that they were able to beat Munich on the road twice in their playoff series?

No they didn’t. We were all disappointed how we played in game 3 and that we lost in front of 14,500 fans at home. We felt like game 3 would be easy. We wanted to come out in game 4 and show that we wouldn’t have another game like game 3 again.

The 90-60 game 3 loss was a tough pill to swallow. Did Luke Sikma step up after the game leading up to game 4 and give some words of inspiration or did someone else do some talking?

After the game 3 loss Luke Sikma and Maodo Lo took charge. Maodo warned us that Munich had taken Barcelona to 5 games and Luke was super focused. He already wanted to play game 4 the next day. We came into game 4 and executed really well. We put Munich under the hill early and punched them in the mouth first. We took that game 3 loss very personal and came to play in game 4.

I remember before game 3 you told me that FC Bayern Munich would be ready for the task and were. In game 4 Alba Berlin was ready for the task. Alba came out storming and were ready. Do you believe the great first half in game 2 had less to do with tactics and was more just mental and focus and playing Alba Berlin basketball?

We couldn’t play our game in game 3. Munich did a good job denying Maodo Lo, but in game 4 Munich was out of gas. The arena was so hot it was crazy. Despite being tired, we were able to play our game and were able to push the ball on transition.

Alba Berlin dominated for 3 quarters and FC Bayern Munich began with a 8-0 run in the fourth. Even if Munich did score 27 points in the fourth how sure were you that this title was yours?

We had the comfortable lead, but then took our foot of the gas pedal. After that 8-0 run, we began trading baskets and that went back and forth. That decided the game in the fourth quarter. Nobody was getting stops. We knew that if we could run our plays that we would have the title secured.

Obviously the 14 three’s helped in the win, but you beat FC Bayern Munich at their own game securing 12 offensive rebounds to 4. Did Alba Berlin just want the title more?

In game 3 Munich did a good job boxing out. We wanted to rebound better in game 4 and wanted 4 guys crashing the boards. Our bigs all played hard and made them pay with our offensive rebounds. A big key were the offensive rebounds. We had as many or more points off the 12 offensive rebounds. We were able to beat Munich on the boards.

You led all scorers with 23 points. Is it fair to say you absolutely saved your best for last?

I choose the big moments. I was really concentrated on this game after our embarrassing game 3 loss. I really wanted to win game 4 badly and have this amazing time back on the train home. It is insane to have been able to win the last 3 games in Munich.

In the first three games you shot 4/21 from outside. Did you have a good feeling in warm ups that this could be a good day for you?

I just really love the gym in Munich. I always have had a good feeling going back to the bubble. I remember shooting the ball well in the last regular season game in Munich and in game 2 I shot ok. I was just really locked down in game 4 and wanted the series to be done here.

You shot 6/7 from outside. You always say that your blessed when your teammates put you in good spots, but was anything extra key for really having that accuracy that every player dreams of in a title game?

I think my teammates as usual put me in good spots. Luke, Maodo and Tamir did a good job finding me. They have a lot of trust in me and know I can shoot the ball well. I can’t complain when I have an open shot. I was extra aggressive and was super happy to see some three’s go down again after 3 tough games.

What will you always remember most from this game in terms of when people say that was pure Alba Berlin basketball?

I think that a lot of people singled us out after the game 3 loss. We went into game 4 with that nothing is going to stop us and we took care of business. I think that Munich was gassed from using so much energy in game 3. No matter how hot it was, we were going to play Alba Berlin basketball.

How is the celebrating going in the train?

The atmosphere is great. Everybody is hyped. Guys are eating out of the trophy. I have never experienced something like this. The Alba Berlin culture is so amazing.

Thanks Jaleen for the chat.