Jay Threatt (180-PG-1989, college: Delaware St.) is a 33 year old 180cm point guard from Virginia that is playing his 11th professional season and first with Golden Eagle Ylli (Kosovo-Superliga). He has sampled extensive experience overseas having played in Iceland, Germany, Finland, Romania, Hungry, France, Poland and Greece. He began his NCAA career at George Mason and then finished at Delaware State averaging 8.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 6.0apg, Steals-1 (3.0spg), FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 26.4%, FT: 82.1%. He spoke to eurobasket before a Fiba Europe Cup game against Bamberg.

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

Wassup Miles. I’m currently playing in Kosovo for Golden Eagle Ylli on a 2 month FIBA Europe Cup deal. Anytime I’m blessed enough to be doing what I love to do I’m happy.

The last time I interviewed you is more than 8,5 years ago. Has time flown by? T

This is year 11 for me as a pro. Some days I can’t even believe it. Time has flown by.

How blessed are you to still playing the game that you love? If someone had told you in your second year in Heidelberg that you would still be playing in 2022 what would you have said?

It’s a HUGE blessing to still be playing this game at a high level; especially what the world has went through the last couple years. A lot of players I started this journey with aren’t doing it anymore so I’m blessed.

What kind of a player were you in 2013 and what kind of player are you today? You had a great second season for the MLP Academics averaging 15.3ppg, 3.9rpg, Assists-3 (6.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 79.6%

Honestly I feel like I’m the same player but just stronger and way more experienced. I have seen it all at this point in my career.

Your playing in your 9th country with Golden Eagle Ylli (Kosovo-Superliga). You did play some years for different French clubs but still you have seen a lot. Has the globetrotter life been more enriching then staying in 1-3 places in your pro career?

Playing in different countries has allowed me to obviously experience different cultures but different styles of basketball. Which in the end has made me a more versatile player. I feel like I can play anywhere and have success. But after this next month I would like to sign a 2 year deal and stay in one place.

What kind of an experience has it been playing in Kosovo? What have you learned to appreciate the most about living in this country?

Kosovo is very different but the people have been very nice and welcoming to me. I appreciate the passion from the fans at games even though sometimes it can get out of hand on the road games.

The team is quite experienced. You’re the oldest on the team. Do you have a big role as veteran or not so since there are so many experienced guys?

Yes I definitely have a big role on the team but like you said it a few guys alongside coach that have experience. Still a lot of teaching to the younger players.

What has it been like playing with a guy like Malcolm Armstead that is 33 like you? Can a guy like you still learn something new from a guy like that?

Its great having another guy my age who has played on high levels, who understands the game. I don’t have to dominate the ball when he’s out there, which allows me to go off the ball and become a different type of threat.

Basketball life has changed a bit in the last 10 years. The team isn’t as dominant as back when you were in Germany. How do you remember Bamberg back in 2013 as you could follow the BBL from the Pro A?

Yea we already played the game in Bamberg 2 weeks ago and won. It was great playing back in Germany again. Bamberg has a rich basketball history that I’m well aware of and to beat them with a team from Kosovo was huge.

I can imagine that you were really focused to play in Bamberg and win?

Yea it was and still (next two FIBA GAMES) great to play against quality BBL teams. I’ve always loved Germany as a country so any chance I get to show teams there that I’m still more than capable of playing on that level I’m going to take advantage. I could of been came back over the years but the money or situation wasn’t right. but maybe in a month when I’m free.

American guards were always good in the German Pro A. When you look back to 2013 and all the guards that you competed against what percent of Americans do you feel could have done well in the BBL?

It all depends on situations. Having the right coach and team around a player makes all the difference.

How have you followed your second pro team MLP Academics in the last years? They are in the BBL now. How much do you have to tip the hat to manager Matthias Lautenschlaeger? How do you remember his passion for the game in 2013?

I spoke to Matthias within the last year. We just caught up a bit and I told him I’m proud of him and the club. Wish them nothing but the best.

Your ex teammate Shy Ely is still with the MLP Academics. Did you know back then that he could become a lifer in Heidelberg?

Shy is my guy. We speak pretty often about the year we were together, possibly playing together again and just life in general. But nah we both had no idea back then he would stay there forever.

You have always put up consistent stats in your career. What has been your secret to being able to play so consistent in so many different places and for different organizations?

I appreciate you noticing my consistency. I pride myself on that. Teams know exactly what your going to get from me and a team that’s going to compete. I think like I said earlier my ability to adapt in different styles of basketball has made me a very versatile player.

You always have high assist rates. How would you describe your playmaking qualities. Have you always been a pass first guard or did that change during your career? You already averaged 6.0 assists at Delaware State (NCAA).

It’s very hard to guard me 1 on 1 so teams always used to send more than one guy at me to stop me. So I learned by getting my teammates involved and in a rhythm, teams couldn’t just focus on me. Which in the end would open the lanes back up for me. When everybody on the court feel involved teams normally play better.

In your third pro season you played with BC Nokia (Finland-1st Division) averaging 13.4ppg, 4.9rpg, Assists-3 (5.1apg), 1.7spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 85.5%. You won the league title. What do you remember being so special about this team?

This season was all about winning. That was everybody’s goal and we all sacrificed a lot to get it done. But I remember it being extremely cold out there.

In your third professional season you played with CS Phoenix Galati (Romania-Liga National) averaging 13.5ppg, 3.1rpg, Assists-2 (6.6apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 40.1%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 76.1%. What memories do you have of Romania? What was special about playing there?

I remember just taking a team that had just moved up to the top league to a 7th place finish and just all the hard work it took to accomplish that. Was a very difficult season dealing when a lot of things that weren’t right off the court. That season taught me to focus only on the things I can control.

In 2016-2017 you played with Sopron KC (Hungary-A Division) averaging 10.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 5.2apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 41.9%, 3FGP: 28.0%, FT: 71.4% in the Fiba Europe Cup and 14.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 6.2apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 44.7%, 3FGP: 47.8%, FT: 75.8%, in the Hungarian league. It was the first time that you played in an international club tournament. Is it tough that you didn’t play in more?

That was another grind. Playing the whole Euro cup injured was difficult but I enjoyed the traveling and playing twice a week. That was the reason I decided to do it again now I missed that stage.

What do you remember it being like being teammates with high rebounding guard Julien Mills? Do you still have contact to him?

Not much. he was older then and not I have no contact with him.

You finished the season in France and then played parts of the next 2 seasons in France with Denain ASC Voltaire averaging 10.3ppg, 3.7rpg, Assists-5 (5.8apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 76.5% and with Union Poitiers Basket 86 (France-ProB) averaging 15.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 8.0apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 55.2%, 3FGP: 36.0%, FT: 80.0%. How do you remember France. You won a cup there.

I have played the longest in France and it’s like a second home to me. The leagues are different from everywhere else in Europe with the athleticism. Wining the leaders cup there was a huge accomplishment for me and the club. Just showed that if I’m given the right pieces I can win.

I always felt like the France Pro B is an underrated league. How would you compare it then in skill level to the German Pro A?

France Pro B is the hardest second league in Europe by far. Even better than some first leagues. Anybody that’s played there knows. A lot of talent there. Way more athletic than German pro A.

You also got experience playing in Lithuania with Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys (Lithuania-LKL) averaging 13.4ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-1 (5.7apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 78.7%. Is the country as passionate about the game as people always say? What experience do you remember having with fans that proved that?

Basketball in Lithuania is #1. not soccer. They love it and the understand the game. Which made it real easy for me to play out there. The fans of all teams showed me a lot of love because of how I played and impacted winning. They always wanted pics with me after the games and I appreciated that.

In 2019-2020 you played with BM Slam Stal Ostrow Wlkp. (Poland-EBL) averaging 13.6ppg, 3.0rpg, Assists-1 (7.0apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 85.5%. What was it like playing in Poland? You won the assist title. This is another league on the rise?

Poland is definitely a league on the rise. More money has been put into basketball the last couple of years which has made better players come to the league, which then has made the polish players better. You are seeing the results of that in World Cups.

Many players had misfortune during Covid, but you had a lot of luck and made the France Pro A and Greek first division. Was that a testament of your consistent hard work to reach high leagues late in your career?

Yes I think it was just years of consistent play and the respect teams and coaches have for me across Europe.

Were you able to bond with one of my favorite guard Vincent Sanford who went from the German Pro B to the France Pro A. How quickly did you notice his chip on his shoulder?

That’s my guy right there. We talk a few times a month. Great guy and great player. We both have chips on our shoulder that’s why we get along so well.

You only played 4 games in Greece. How do you remember that league? I’m sure you would have loved to have played against Panathinaikos?

Yea I tore my hamstring after slipping on a sticker last year. Team started losing and they fired the coaches and 3 players. I didn’t want stay through all that so I decided to leave. Plus the money problems that everybody knows Greece has but the brand of basketball there is still good. Very high IQ league. Wish I got a chance to play against the Euroleague teams there before I left.

You were really close to a triple double a few times in your career and once had 15 assists. What was your best game in your pro career so far?

Ummmm I honestly don’t know what my best game was in my career. But having 36 pts 7 rebs 8 assist 45 eval in Romainia is up there.

Do you feel like you could play 5 more years? How much longer do you feel you will play?

This is the question everybody always ask me. I think I have a good 3 years left in my for sure. After that we will just have to see what happens.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Daniel Bailey Shy Ely Jalen Hudson CJ Williams Malachi Richardson

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

Allen Iverson (I’m from Virginia I’m biased) MJ Bron Shaq

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest Jordan or Lebron? Will his bad start in L.A this season tarnish his career? It seems he is waiting to beat Kareem’s scoring record.

I grew up in the Jordan era. For me it’s not even close. MJ is the GOAT. But I think Bron will go down as the best all around player. I don’t think anything that’s going on now will hurt Brons legacy. He will be at the top of every basketball record.

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

YES they should of left that one alone.

Thanks Jay for the chat.

Tags : JAY THREATT, GOLDEN EAGLE YLLI, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Markel Starks (187-PG-1991, college: Georgetown, agency: BeoBasket) is a 31 year old 187cm point guard from North Bethesda, Maryland playing his 9th professional season and first with Darussafaka Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). He has spent time overseas playing in countries like Italy, Australia, Germany, Greece, Turkey, Poland, Russia and Bosnia. He began his basketball career at Georgetown prep school and then played at Georgetown University (NCAA) from 2010-2014 playing 125 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career before a Basketball Champions League game against the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.

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

Thanks for having me! Currently in Istanbul, playing with Darussafaka. Basketball life is good. There’s always good and bad days, but every day you have an opportunity to wake up and play, is always a blessing!

Before we start I have to go back to your brief stint in Frankfurt. You were teammates with Quantez Robertson as a young player. He is turning 38 in 2 months and this is probably his last year. Could you imagine playing as long as him or will you be in politics sooner?

First, congrats to Quantez on an amazing career, if this is his last season. To be honest with you, I don’t know. Playing at a high level at 38 is a testament to him and being able to stay healthy and youthful in a sense, shows how he’s been able to take care of his body. But, for myself, tough question. I’m just trying to make the most of my opportunities as they come.

He is a defensive stopper and athletic. What will you always remember about him and do you have a memorable story about him?

He always played hard and with a high motor. He was focused into game plans and overall a great captain during my stint there. He always had guys laughing and always did stuff that brought the team together. He was a first class guy and obviously being in Frankfurt as long as he has shows his character and the great person he truly is.

Your playing your first season with Darussafaka Istanbul (Turkey-BS). You have had previous stints in Turkey and last year won your first title as a professional with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. Has Turkey become like a second home for you?

Yes, this is my third team in Turkey. My first time in Turkey I played 2nd division for Yalova with my good friend Mikael Hopkins. Then midway thru I played with Deji Akindele as the other import. Then last year with Fenerbahce.

There are 7 professional teams in Istanbul. That would be like having 7 NBA teams in New York. How can you describe the basketball atmosphere in Istanbul? Are there bars where you as a player of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul could never go to?

The basketball atmosphere is the best. Obviously futbol always comes first in most of Europe and here somewhat lol. But, overal the basketball in Istanbul is unbelievable. You feel the passion from the fans and the basketball clubs. Everyone wants to win. Everyone is a huge basketball supporter and surprisingly enough, most people really understand the game.
As a Fenerbahce player, I didn’t have the same notoriety as say Marko Guduric lol, so I was okay in many places. But, for the main guys, it was definitely tough for them when we would go to certain places for sure. Though, I can say I was around true professionals and they never treated anyone poorly.

After winning the Turkish league title last season with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul how do you top that this season? I can imagine the BCL is a more realistic goal than the Turkish title?

Obviously, a great accomplishment last year. Extremely memorable and I thank Fenerbahce for giving me such an amazing opportunity to be a part of the great history of the club and share in that moment.This season is different.We have a young locker room in some ways but we also have some veteran guys that have been around and have played a lot. Currently, we’re still trying to figure it out collectively and I think we are starting to gel as a unit. BCL and TBL are both extremely tough this year. There are no off nights in either league. So, our group is constantly being challenged and we will respond. So we have great aspirations in both BCL and Turkish league. We aren’t limiting ourselves because the competitions are tough.

The team only has 2 Americans. That is pretty unusual in Turkey. Is this a club that expects more from their Turkish players?

This is a club that expects more from everyone. Everyone is held to a high standard. And, this is how the club operates and it’s worked in years past. This is a great club that I’m truly happy to be a part of.

Your putting up solid stats but not explosive stats. I would think you could have that type of Shane Larkin role where you are one of the central main players on the team?

Right now I’m finding my groove. The club expects a lot from me and I have the same standards for myself. The season is still early but I’m not going to sell myself short, I have to do more. I’m capable of more and I will continue to work and put my best foot forward. I put the work in and obviously I’m just not having the results I want at this moment but the time will come.

Last season you began with BC Igokea Aleksandrovac (Bosnia-Division I) averaging BCL averaging 12.7ppg, 1.3rpg, Assists-3 (6.8apg), Steals-4 (1.8spg), FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 75.0% in the Basketball Champions League. You have proved in other leagues as well that you can grab 6-7 assists per game in a season. At Georgetown you never averaged more than 3 assists. What was instrumental in you becoming a real playmaker as a professional?

I learned how to be a point guard/playmaker in Europe. I’ve had some really great coaches, teammates that have been instrumental in my development. At Georgetown I didn’t play the game dominating the ball. I learned how to read and react, which helped, but in Europe the playmaker is asked to do a lot with the basketball. Create, score, defend, lead, and in big moments, make plays. But I credit a lot to my teammates because ultimately those are the guys that help make the plays as well.

What is the Bosnian league like in terms of skill level and competition to other leagues you have played in in your career?

I can’t speak for the Bosnian league but I can speak for the ABA Liga. In terms of tactical basketball by far the best basketball I’ve seen. A lot of great history, clubs, and players have come from ABA Liga.

You were teammates with American James Robinson. Did it surprise you that he retired relatively early in his career? What memories will you always share with him?

That’s my guy! Want to say thank you to James for being a great teammate and even better friend. We grew up playing against each other in the DMV area and also in college. But it was great having him as a teammate. He made me a better player with our everyday battles in practice. He understood the game and saw things 2-3 plays in advance. He would constantly tell me different things to look out and be ready for. It definitely was a shocker when he told me he was becoming a coach but realistically, he will be a phenomenal coach. Any player, especially point guards, would love to play for him. He has a great basketball mind but furthermore, a great person. The most memorable, the car rides after practice to lunch and dinner at the hotel in Latasi. When he reads this he’ll start laughing because he knows those car rides would range from practice stuff, growing up in the DMV, high school games, our parents being heavily involved, various people we knew from the area, etc. That’s my guy!

How cool was it ending the season with Euroleague team with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. You didn’t play many games but still won your first title.

It was tears of joy for me. Many times in life I was overlooked or not fortunate enough to have certain opportunities and Fenerbahce gave me that opportunity. All the years of unseen hours in the gym, summers waiting on clubs to call, frustrated that my big break hadn’t happened and just wondering if it would ever happen for me. When the call came, I couldn’t believe it. But it was a testament for the many people that help me every summer and the constant work that I put in.Funny enough, James Robinson and I were together. We were at dinner and afterwards talked in the car for over an hour. Just about the journey and how you never know what God has planned for you. It was one of the best calls I’ve ever received. So I will always be thankful for Fenerbahce. But, now I’m with Dacka, an excellent club that needs me to be me!

You only played 4 Euroleague games. What kind of an experience was that for you? I feel you were a little off the radar the last years for being able to get an opportunity like that. Are there simply too many great guards in Europe and too little available spots?

Great experience! You don’t realize how physical and fast the game is until you’re physically out there. Definitely wasn’t on the radar but the right place, at the right time. It’s so many other great guards that could’ve been chosen but fortunately enough I was the one that they went with.

You played 2 seasons for Avtodor Saratov (Russia-VTB United League) averaging 14.4ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-5 (5.9apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT-2 (95.0%) and in your second season averaged 11.2ppg, 1.7rpg, 3.8apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 87.5%. You also played for head coach Gordon Herbert. He must of always been a supporter of you? He had brought you to Frankfurt.

Coach Gordie was very instrumental in my development as well. We had history and the first time around I wasn’t mentally ready for that opportunity and I thanked him for cutting me when he was hired to coach Avtodor. I needed the wake up call during that time. But ultimately it made me a better player. It forced me to really learn and adapt to basketball overseas. My first couple years I didn’t understand the game. I was just playing basketball. But life humbles you and teaches you many things if you’re willing to listen.

He was fired during the season. I remember him telling me that was a crazy season as many guys got fired. Herbert didn’t do a bad job coaching and the record wasn’t bad, but he still had to pack his bags.

Tough situation and when I heard the news I reached out to him and thanked him for his contribution and it was a definitely a shocker but I was in Avtodor the year before so it wasn’t unusual for things like that to happen. The club expects a lot.

You played the 2018-2019 season in Poland with Stelmet Enea BC Zielona Gora (Poland-EBL) averaging 13.7ppg, 2.4rpg, 5.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 80.5%. What memories do you have of that season? How important was it that for you leading a team in the VTB league?

That year was my first year playing top level basketball. We competed in the Polish league and the first year in the VTB league. So, it was a big jump coming from 2nd division Turkey. I went from playing against 2 Americans, 18-21yrs and 35-38yrs Turkish players to now playing against CSKA and Zenit. It’s a major difference. But overall, it was great experience. It helped get my name out there in some ways. Helped get my career back on track.

You played twice against Euroleague powerhouse CSKA Moscow losing by 24 points and 41 points. You held your own against some of Europe’s finest. What do you believe is missing for a new Euroleague chance with minutes?

Believing in my ability, if I could say anything. But, honestly, the opportunity may not come again. And if it doesn’t that’s okay. I’m at the place where I should be. I’m happy being a player with Dacka.

In the 2017-2018 season you played in the second Turkish league with Yalova Group Belediye Spor (Turkey-TBL) averaging 22.2ppg), 3.4rpg, Assists-2 (7.3apg), Steals-2 (1.9spg), FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT-3 (89.2%). How vital was taking a step back? A guy like Kam Taylor did it in Germany and a few years later he was a Euroleague player.

I think most guys have to adapt to playing the game overseas. My focus that year was showing that I could play. Yes winning is always important at every level. But the great streetball legend Pee Wee Kirkland told me many years ago, ‘Coaches come to see players, not teams.’

In your second professional season you split time with the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-BBL) playing 4 games averaging 10.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.0apg. You didn’t have bad stats. Why was your stay so short?

The year before they had great success with Jordan Theodore and he was able to lead the team in many ways. And, I wasn’t the player that could fulfill that role during that time. Though, many players left and have had outstanding careers. It was hard to replace so many players from the year before and have the same level of success. But, ultimately, it wasn’t my time to be there.

You finished the season with ASA Koroivos Amaliadas (Greece-A1) averaging 13.6ppg), 2.0rpg, Assists-3 (4.9apg), FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 18.5%, FT: 79.2%. You had a 17/9 game in a loss to Euroleague team Olympiakos. What memories do you have battling legend Vassilis Spanoulis?

The legend, Spanoulis! I actually had a small head collision with him in that game lol. But, we were a low level team so he didn’t play much. But nonetheless, the fact I was on the floor with the legend said enough.

The 2015-2016 season you split time with Cairns Taipans (Australia-NBL) averaging 12.5ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.3apg, 2FGP: 52.9%, 3FGP: 22.4%, FT: 84.1%, in Feb.’16 moved to Vanoli Cremona (Italy-Serie A,) averaging 8.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 66.7%. What kind of an experience was it playing down under? That league has grown and grown with many NBA guys playing there now. How do you remember the league?

Let me tell you, great competition down under. Obviously look at all the players that have come from that league and have had success. It’s great basketball in Australia. You have athletes, physicality, and great guard play. And those guys compete everyday. And just culturally, great people and teammates! Guys I’m still in contact with to this day.

You were teammates with Torey Craig a guy that played 3 seasons in Australia and since 2016 in the NBA. Would you have thought then that he would find his way to the elite league in the world and stick?

Torrey is a great friend of mine. Torrey was an unbelievable talent. Long arms, defended at an extremely high level, and just always worked on his game. He was a late bloomer in many ways. Where he might not have been that guy at 17 but by 26-27 he was ready. I’m extremely happy for all he’s accomplished. He deserves it!

You played your rookie season with FMC Ferentino (Italy-Serie A2 Gold) averaging 14.7ppg, 2.4rpg, Assists-5 (4.0apg), FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 87.9%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My 3rd day in Italy lol. I called home and said I’m really gone from everything I know. I talked with my family for a couple hours they told me it was ok. They said I was doing something nobody in our family had ever done or experienced. So that made me feel good and gave me the support I needed at that time. But shortly after, my great friend and teammate Omar Thomas arrived and he and his family took great care of me.

You played NBA Summer League with the Pistons and Timberwolves. What was your summary of this experience? Did you notice quickly that a career overseas would be more beneficial then pressing your luck in the NBA?

I’m not an NBA athlete lol. I realized then these guys are unbelievable. And these aren’t even the guys that are the superstars. These are just guys that are trying to make the roster or rookies getting their introduction into the NBA.

You reached the NCAA tournament 3 times with Georgetown. Which one do you remember being the most memorable for you?

Florida Golf Coast. Enough said.

You played with many talented bigs that reached the NBA. Please say 1 meaningful sentence about each player and what they meant to you with Hollis Thompson, Otto Porter, Henry Sims and Greg Whittington?

Hollis Thompson was a true worker. He believed in his ability no matter what anyone had to say. And was one of the best shooters I’ve ever seen.

Otto Porter was a baller. I watched him transform into a great player from his Freshman to Sophomore year. And he was always the same whether he played good or bad.

Henry Sims, the most skilled center I ever played with. He could do everything. Shoot, pass, defend, hook with either hand. Great player!

Greg Whittington was the best all around athlete I’ve ever played with. We actually roomed together along with Mikael Hopkins, how funny is that! Greg was special, could handle the ball, shoot, jump, and defend. I don’t think people really had a chance to see how special we could’ve been at Georgetown.

How important was Jason Clark for you in your first 2 seasons at Georgetown? Was he like a mentor for you?

Jason Clark used to give me buckets every day. I never told him this, but he was by far was the most difficult person I’ve ever had to defend. In a given week, I would have maybe 2 good days (maybe lol) but the other days, he was cooking. It was plenty of frustrating days after summer workouts for me. JClark you’ll always have my respect!

How did head coach John Thompson groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He prepared me for tough coaching. He prepared me mentally to endure coaches that weren’t going to be my friend. I’m there to do a job and if you don’t do your job you won’t play. So he made me work harder and give more into my craft. Helped me become more obsessed with the grind of getting better. Made me have tougher skin when being coached hard.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jason Clark

Back in college JClark for sure would’ve got me. I had to deal with that every day. Made me a better player. Most times you need a guy like that; helps you sharpen your tools.

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

Kemba Walker

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Omar Thomas
Rob Olson
Torrey Craig
Otto Porter
Jehvye Floyd

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

Michael Jordan
Kobe Bryant
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
LeBron James

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

Michael Jordan

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

Definitely should’ve left it alone. The original Coming to America is in my top 5 favorite movies. But there were so many legends in the sequel that they felt it necessary to have everybody in one film so what can you do.

Thanks Markel for the chat.

Tags : MARKEL STARKS, DARUSSAFAKA ISTANBUL, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Seven years ago, Wayne McCullough (195-SG-1994, college: CCU) was living in beautiful Lakewood, Colorado that had around 155,000 inhabitants in the area and probably didn’t have too much problems navigating around the area in a car. Maybe he even took the bus to get around. 4 years ago, he probably had an even easier time getting from point A to point B in beautiful Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island which has 36,000 inhabitants. Perhaps he even had a bike there to observe the beauty of Canada to help take away from the struggles on the court where he hardly played in the Canadian NBL and might have been wondering why he chose the job professional basketball player. Today in 2022, he has way more problems trying to weave in and out of traffic in Istanbul, Turkey like the jolly frog in the legendary Nintendo game Frogger. I have never been in Istanbul, but have witnessed the craziness of driving in Buenos Aires, Argentina where you sometimes fear for your life in the small black cabs that go in and out of the seemingly trillion buses chugging up and down the street. The American has come a very long way from his days in Colorado and Canada and is playing in the top league in Turkey BSL and competing in the Basketball Champions League. The jovial forward always had talent, but his trek up the basketball ladder was never easy. In a way having these struggles may have been a blessing in disguise, because he has never lost the hunger to get closer to the peak. ‘I have always had a chip on my shoulder, I had zero offers until after my senior year of high school. Coming out of college I knew nobody and nothing about professional basketball. So, when I got my chance I knew coming from CCU (Colorado Christian University) I had to stand out some way. The hunger and willingness to do things other guys were ‘too good for’ help me get my edge. To this day, every game I feel like I have something to prove. My chip has only gotten bigger. Hopefully the steps I have taken and my path will help the next D2 guy to get to the highest level possible. Getting to play the game I love is a blessing’, stressed Wayne McCullough.

The American who remembers division 2 player Derrick White later a NBA first round pick and now of the Boston Celtics being his toughest cover in school was born on June 22, 1994 in Hockley, Texas. He attended Rosehill Christian high school and then went to Colorado Christian University from 2012-2016 playing a total of 108 games being able to improve his scoring average each season. He reached the ultimate crest in 2015 winning the NCAA 2 title. His time there was very instrumental in his development as a player and person. ‘My four years at CCU turned me into the man I am today. My coach, my teammates, and my experiences there were fun and memorable. I met my wife there, and have friendships with some of those people today. When I got there my freshman year I was just a young skinny kid who loved to play basketball. When I left I was about to get married and grew so much mentally, spiritually, and as a man. We did win the NCCAA national championship which was a fun special group, but the lessons I learned have shaped me into who I am today’, stressed Wayne McCullough. In his senior year he scored in double figures in 15 games. He had some huge games in losses scoring 27 points against Colorado Mesa and 21 points against Western State, but then exploded for 27 points in a 72-68 win against Black Hills State. One individual who was key for him becoming the player he did was head coach Kevin Lubbers. ‘Coach Lubbers was and still is one of the wisest men I know. We still talk to this day and he is someone I have in my corner helping me. For him it wasn’t about basketball. We had motivational speakers come talk to us, people who have crazy life stories, many different team bonding events that had nothing to do with basketball, etc. All these things help prepare me for life. Not just basketball, but life and the challenges it brings. He is always reminding me that basketball is what I do, not who I am’, stated Wayne McCullough. He didn’t have to think long when confronted with the who won 1-1 duels back in the day him or Ty McGhee? ‘Ty and me had some great battles back in the day. Both had our days, but I got to say I took home more wins than him’, remembered Wayne McCullough.

It is never a given for former division 2 guys to go pro. The chances in the States are minimal, because anything below NBA, G-League or NBL (Canada) won’t help earn a serious living. So players often look to go overseas. But getting there isn’t always easy. If you don’t have an agent, it gets even harder. The forward who lists Steph Curry, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Tim Duncan, and Hakeem Olajuwo on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore always wanted to get overseas, but for him, it just took longer. He decided to stay in Noth America and toiled 4 years in Canada. Some may have thought why Europe wasn’t an option? ‘I probably get asked this question the most. What people don’t understand I had zero connections. The third and fourth year I started to network and meet agents and people, but for the most part I knew nobody that could get me to Europe. Later, I had many agents that promised me different jobs and nothing came. The other part is, when opportunities started to come it needed to be the right situation for me and my family. Money, safe, right step for a bigger step, etc. Obviously would have loved to come to Europe sooner, but God’s timing not mine. I think it worked out just fine’, commented Wayne McCullough. The first 2 years were very tough as he played for NBL team Island Storm. He only played 24 games and never averaged more than 3,5ppg. But sometimes experiencing growing pains and wading through the mud can help prepare you for anything as well as helping get rewarded and not to mention having the support of your loved ones. ‘My first 3 years of my career shaped my perspective of professional basketball. To make a long story short, I was cut from the Island storm back to back years. My third year I got invited to the Phoenix Suns G League team and had a great training camp and was the last cut. That is were my career really started. I learned what I have to do to make and stay on a roster. I learned the business side of professional basketball. I learned how to be aggressive. Those experiences have changed my perspective on my career and life in a good way. If it wasn’t for my wife I would have quit playing during that time’, remembered Wayne McCullough. Building relationships with players in tough times can be beneficial especially with other guys with giant chips on their shoulders like Rob Nortman a guy that paid his dues in Canada before reaching the second highest level in Germany. ‘ I am big on building relationships and not just being somewhere to play basketball. I did not spend much time with Rob, but I do remember him. Rob was a super energetic and funny guy. I remember thinking that he should be a Globetrotter. Doing all the tricks with a basketball and cracking jokes. Great guy with great energy. I was also happy to see him doing well in Germany’, said Wayne McCullough.

The Texas native who has Lebron over Jordan for his GOAT then had more luck as he moved to Moncton and won his first chip. He finally had a huge work load playing 53 games averaging 9.6ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 68.6%. One could say this was his much desired break through as a professional after paying his dues in his first 2 years. ‘That year was special from the beginning. I had just got cut from the G League and did not know what I was going to do. I ended up signing with Moncton and Coach Joe had put a really strong roster together. My confidence was higher and I knew what I needed to do to get minutes and help the team win. I think the biggest thing that year was our chemistry and the rolls were very defined. Every one knew what was expected of them, they were great at that role, and more importantly they accepted that role’, added Wayne McCullough. He scored in double figures in 25 games including 24 points against Sudbury F, 23 points against his ex team Island Storm and 20 points against Cape Breton. He got the dub beating Saint John’s F in the final in 4 games, but it will be that exciting 7 game semi-final series against Halifax H that will always standout especially that game 7 that was won 85-82. ‘I will never forget that series. My guy Trey Kell had a huge series and game. The last minute they hit a huge shot that made the game feel like we were going to lose. Trey came down back to back and hit tough buckets to put us up and win the game’, expressed Wayne McCullough. He remained with Moncton for another year and even was able to heighten his stats averaging 13.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 61.7%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 59.8%. Despite having a very good season, that time will always have a bitter taste in his mouth, because COVID came and stopped everything including a possible back to back title run. ‘When a train is rolling there isn’t much that can stop it, and we were rolling. Seven guys returned, and we had one mission, back to back. Beating teams by thirty and forty. I was playing well, we were having fun and knew we were the best team in the league by far. Who knows what would have happen, but we believed we would have won it’, exclaimed Wayne McCullough. During COVID, he didn’t have any misfortune, but actually finally made it overseas to Finland. This is a country where Americans flock to and is a good jumping pad when successful to make the next step in Europe. He played for Lahti Basketball (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 17.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 70.4%. He didn’t only make good use with his scoring tools on the court, but off the court had the bike ready for all weather surprises. ‘Finland was one of the most fun years of my career. I made friendships that will last a lifetime. I think the biggest wake up call in Finland would be dark twenty hours a day and get to about negative 20 F. The best part was, my transportation was a bicycle. So I would be riding my bike in the middle of winter with a bike light on and about four layers of cloths going to the gym twice a day. I remember thinking to myself, ‘yup, not in Texas anymore’, laughed Wayne McCullough. He scored in double figures in 23 of 25 games including a 33 point explosion against Pyrinto, 29 points against Ura Baskets and 28 points against Helsinki. The season ended in the playoffs against Vilpas where 3 of the 4 games were lost by only a combined total of 11 points. He played his heart out averaging 16,0ppg, 7,0rpg and 2,0apg in the series. ‘That was a great battle against a really good team. They were playing the best basketball in Finland at the right time. Well coached with some great vets. I do remember those close games, and after the series thinking to myself ‘we had them, We were right there.’ Took them to overtime and gave them everything we had. I am very proud of the group we had. Some tough losses, but we never gave up. Made it a little easier on ourselves after the season since they won the championship that year’, stressed Wayne McCullough.

Currently the American who lists Brad States, Isaiah Pinero, George King, Gabe Olaseni, and Joey Trinkleas his best teammates of all-time is playing his second season for Darussafaka Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). Last season he played in 37 BSL games averaging a solid 8.6ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 69.7%; and in the BCL averaged a solid 8.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 81.5%. After paying his dues for 5 years, it is fair to say that he is a late bloomer. ‘Yes, I’m a late bloomer for sure. In high school I grew six inches my senior year that helped me to play in college. I did not dunk in a game until my sophomore year of college, and grew another 3 inches and put on 30 pounds. So, yes a late bloomer but I think it worked to my advantage’, said Wayne McCullough. In the BSL league he had some stellar games against Afyon scoring 22 and 16 points and had 20 points against Merkezefendi while in the BCL had 2 great games against Italian side Brindisi and Spanish club Manresa scoring 22 points a piece. He also held his own against Euroleague teams Efes and Fenerbahce scoring in double figures. Even if he had that first break through season in Canada, one can say that his first season in Turkey did wonders for his game. ‘Canada and Finland are years I am very grateful for. Now that I am playing in the Turkish BSL I found out there are levels to the game. Last year was one of the most challenging years of my career, on and off the court. Since last year my confidence is the biggest part of my game that has changed. Just like any player, if you come back to the same league with the same team your confidence should grow. It has been fun and I will only continue to grow and get better’, warned Wayne McCullough. Once again it isn’t only witnessing incredible things on the court that are enriching, but also off the court with the teammates like Gabriel Olaseni. ‘I call him the British Airways, and I love that guy. Great teammate and genuine guy. He brings a lot of experience, and not just on the court but off the court and leading guys more when their confidence is low or struggling on the court. Great guy and have had some great conversations with him. A friend I’ll have for life’, stressed Wayne McCullough. Every night he faces against top players and some of the toughest in Turkey for him have been Shane Larkin, Rodrigue Beaubois, Jamar Smith, and Jamar Gully. He always has to be ready and has 3 things that he uses that can make him impactful in any game. ‘I do not look at myself as a scorer, I just try to be aggressive on both sides of the ball. Some games that is four shots, and some games that’s twenty. I have confidence in my ability to make shots and think that can help a team win. I think my roll this year is to score and defend at a high level. Sometimes that is coming off the bench or starting, but playing confident, aggressive, and smart are three things that can make me impactful’, added Wayne McCullough. There is no stopping Wayne McCullough now as he always has the right mind set. Can he continue to make the step up to even higher leagues? ‘I’m always blessed to play the game I love. Never take it for granted and hopefully my play shows that. Yes, I am confident I will stay in top leagues, but feel like I have more to prove and higher levels to reach’, warned Wayne McCullough. It will be interesting to see where his journey will go in the next years. One thing for sure is that his shoulder will still be sore, because that chip will never go away.

Tags : WAYNE MCCULLOUGH, DARUSSAFAKA ISTANBUL, GERMAN BASKETBALL

After having a long 2 week break to regroup after starting 1-5, you would have thought that Frankfurt head coach Geert Hammnik would have had something special prepared for Brose Bamberg, but instead were destroyed 100-83. With every new loss, the Bundesliga life of the Fraport Skyliners keeps diminishing. Frankfurt more than desperately needed a win, but it didn’t get any better against the always tough ratiopharm Ulm squad coached by Anton Gavel. Despite another talented roster, Ulm began the season off on the wrong note losing 5 games in a row. But as of late the team seems to have gotten out of their funk having won 3 of their last 4 games including Eurocup action. On a cool Sunday afternoon in late November, Quantez Robertson wanted to have another good game after having hit Bamberg with 18 points the week before and also help spark his team to success. But once again Quantez Robertson had a disappointed expression on his face after 40 minutes and had to search for new answers why the club lost once again this time to Ratiopharm Ulm 97-82. ‘We didn’t get enough defensive stops, didn’t rebound well enough and gave up too many fast break baskets. We didn’t do much well. Our communication on defense was there and we didn’t play good pick and roll defense’, stated ex Auburn (NCAA) great Quantez Robertson. Ratiopharm Ulm came out strong and played good consistent ball for the most part of the game something that the Fraprt Skyliners would love to do so much, but can’t. Ex Fraport Skyliner Tyrone Mccoy who played more than 2 decades ago for them and now is an assistant coach with ratiopharm Ulm was pleased with the team effort. ‘We started off well. We had some guys out, but still felt comfortable playing with each other. We played very well in the second half and went on a run that was helped by Robin Christen (202-SF-1991) big shots that helped get our lead to 20 points. We then did a good job managing the lead until the end. I felt that you could see that every guy is finding their role and as a whole everyone was trying to give a little bit more’, warned Tyrone Mccoy.

Josh Hawley at the FT line

Both teams found their offensive rhythm right away in the first quarter and no team could escape the other as ratiopharm Ulm led 22-20 after 10 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners started the offensive attack first as German national player Lukas Wank found his game instantly scoring 5 unanswered points, but the guests didn’t waste anytime getting 2 pretty baskets as ex Rasta Vechta forward Robin Christen fed German beats Nicolas Bretzel for the alley op dunk and ex NBA Summer League player Karim Jallow added a reverse lay up to trail 5-4. Both teams tried to get their big men involved with Matt Haarms and Bretzel as both answered with buckets, and both had good games combining for 30 points. After both exchanged baskets, it was ex Tarleton State (NCAA2) great Josh Hawley that gave Ulm the 15-14 advantage with a hard two hand dunk as Frankfurt would have massive problems all day long with 1-1 defense. Then ex Alba Berlin youth player Nolan Adekunle was inserted. He had wooed everyone only 18 hours earlier making 29 points in the Pro B win against Orange Academy in front of the eyes of head coach Geert Hammink. But at the end of 40 minutes, the athletic German had only logged 2,48 minutes. It was a shame that he hadn’t received more minutes something he would have deserved. He made a pretty basket for the 16-15 Frankfurt lead. Ratiopharm Ulm then grabbed the lead back and didn’t give it up again the rest of the game. Spanish guard Juan Nunez made a lay in and then got to the free throw line as Montenegran forward Fedor Zugic made 4 of 5 free throws and Hawley also made one as the guests led 22-18. Then with 5,6 seconds left came the games most spectacular play of the game as American JJ Frazier went coast to coast making an acrobatic lay in as the Fraport Skyliners trailed 22-20. ‘There was no defense played on either side. Both teams were getting to their spots. We had problems taking care of the ball’, stated Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners shot very well with 44% from the field and 50% from outside while ratiopharm Ulm was still looking for their touch from outside as they were at 20%. Ulm had the slim 10-8 rebound edge while Frankfurt had 5 turnovers.

Laurynas Beliauskas from outside

The contest remained tight in the second quarter, but the Fraport Skyliners could never get the lead back and were constantly playing catch up basketball. Frankfurt got some early support from Joshua Obiesie who continues to show that he wants to take responsibility as he scored 5 points, but Frankfurt couldn’t get stops as Karim Jallow beat everyone on transition for an easy basket and Hawley nailed a trey as Ulm led 29-28. Ratiopharm Ulm then found some daylight escaping out on a 8-2 run to lead 37-30. Ulm got two three’s from Brazilian Yago Matheus and Austrian Thomas Klepeisz and a lay in from Hawley as Frankfurt simply gave too many open looks. But what the guests could so, so could Frankfurt as they responded on a 8-3 run to trail only 40-38. Wank continued to hit shots as did Lithuanian Laurynas Bellauskas from down town and Quantez Robertson inside getting the pretty pass from Wank. Wank finished with a career high 10 assists, but continues to be an underrated passer. ‘That pass impressed me the most in the game. He has great court vision and has the skills to be able to make passes like that’, stressed Fraport Skyliner Junior Bennet Schubert. Ratiopharm Ulm came back with a Matheus trey and Bretzel offensive rebound and put back for the 45-40 advantage, but Quantez Robertson closed out the second quarter with another lay in as Wank once again made the perfect pass, but Ratiopharm Ulm led 45-42 at the break. ‘Frankfurt didn’t have consistent offense. Frankfurt had problems controlling Matheus and Bretzel hurt the team also too much in the paint’, stated Fraport Skyliner Junior Calvin Schaum. Despite trailing the Fraport Skyliners were shooting better than ratiopharm Ulm over 50% from the field and outside, but had 5 turnovers more while both teams had 18 rebounds a piece.

Juan Nunez with the floater

The turning point of the game came in the third quarter as ratiopharm Ulm had a 31 point explosion and just steam rolled the Fraport Skyliners. Ratiopharm Ulm began with an explosive 12-3 run to extend their lead to 57-45. Instrumental in the run was ex Pro A player Robin Christen who was a late bloomer who played 6 years in the Pro A before becoming a solid easyCredit BBL role player. In the run he nailed 2 uncharachteristic touch three’s that you don’t see every day. ‘That shot is hard to make. He must be used to making that shot thanks to his quick release. He has been able to incorporate that into his game. He is a good role model and example of what hard work can do. It can help you reach the highest level’, expressed Bennet Schubert. ‘I practice this shot every day. It isn’t unusual that I can make that shot’, said Robin Christen. After a Haarms lay in and Wank trey, it was Christen again who showed his mastery at scoring making 5 points as Frankfurt trailed 62-49. ‘Frankfurt wanted to come out of half-time making a run. Frankfurt didn’t have clear plays and Ulm was more focused. They wanted to shut the door on Frankfurt. Frankfurt made dumb mistakes like that Jallow dunk’, added Bennet Schubert. Frankfurt simply had to little bright spots as even when a Joshua Obiesie sparkled with a trey, ratiopharm Ulm simply had a better bench on this day. Ratiopharm Ulm got steady support from David Fuchs who is a vital player for their farm team as well as a Nunez floater and 5 points from Zugic as ratiopharm had the very comfortable 76-54 advantage after 30 minutes. ‘We moved the ball well and got open shots. We had a good feel for the pick and roll and just did what we wanted to. We moved the ball and had 2-3 passes and then took the open shot’, stressed Tyrone Mccoy. ‘They executed their offense at a t. I thought we got good looks, but just couldn’t make shots when we needed to’, exclaimed Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners shot solidly over 40% from the field and outside, but now ratiopharm Ulm had upped their shooting percentages to 53% from the field and 47% from the parking lot. The guests had upped their rebound work having the 28-23 rebound edge and Frankfurt had 14 turnovers and Ulm only 6.

Joshua Obiesie at the FT line

Ratiopharm Ulm managed their lead well, until they were challenged by Lukas Wank who still had a little energy in his tank as his hot hitting brought Frankfurt closer, but really Ulm was never seriously challenged in crunch-time. At the 8,53 minute mark, new Fraport Skyliner Marcus Lewis who played at Eastern Kentucky (NCAA) made his first field goal in the BBL. He ended with 8 points in 16 minutes work. Frankfurt got a clutch three pointer from big man Jordan Samare and Matt Haarms continued to execute in the paint, but the Fraport Skyliners couldn’t make any ground as ratiopharm Ulm also continued to execute as Hawley and Matheus scored. One player they couldn’t control at all was beast Nicolas Bretzel who finished with 13 points and 10 boards as he continued to make easy baskets giving Ulm the 85-72 lead. But then came the big moment of Lukas Wank as he nailed back to back three’s and had the Fraport Arena cooking as suddenly Frankfurt trailed 86-78 with a few minutes to play. Wank finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds. ‘This was his best game of the season. He was already at 8/8 at the half. He was moving ball and finding guys while being very aggressive on offense’, stated Quantez Robertson. But that was as close as the Fraport Skyliners would get as ratiopharm Ulm closed out the game with a potent 11-4 run to win the game easily. Nunez made 2 clutch lay ins and Klepeisz a trey to seal the deal. With a few seconds remaining and Frankfurt already getting ready to shake hands, Matheus hit a last second three to sugar coat his stat line. ‘Frankfurt did a good job at the end switching and slowing us down. It made us stagnant and made us go 1-1. We had a good lead and Nunez made big baskets at the end to finish the game for us’, said Tyrone Mccoy. ‘Frankfurt always plays well in the last quarter. But when you have been fighting the whole game to come back, it is just really hard to get consecutive stops when your down’, stressed Bennet Schubert. Ratiopharm Ulm was led by Robin Christen with 18 points. Yago Matheus added 15 points and Nicolas Bretzel 13 points while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Lukas Wank with 18 points and Matt Haarms added 17 points. Ratiopharm Ulm shot 55% from the field and 42% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 49% from the field and 42% form outside and had 27 rebounds 15 turnovers.

Tags : ROBIN CHRISTEN, RATIOPHARM ULM, GERMAN BASKETBALL

It has been an up and down season for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors as they didn’t have a good start losing their first 3 games, but then recovered beating FC Bayern Munich and Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg. But then the team suffered the same day easyCredit BBL game something that happens every season where they traveled to Oberaching without many of their routine players and had 5 NBBL players on board. The season wasn’t a rosy one either for Frankfurt opponent Orange Academy who like Frankfurt often don’t have their full roster because of BBL commitments. Orange Academy came to Frankfurt with a poor 1-5 record, despite being close at the end in 3 of the 5 loses. On a cool Saturday evening in late November, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors began with a bang with unbelievable aggressive defense and played a consistent game for 40 minutes tearing apart Orange Academy 100-72. After the big win ex Alba Berlin wing player Nolan Adekunle (200-PF-2002) who steered home 29 points in the win was all smiles and summed up the reasons for the win well. ‘We came out with the right aggressiveness and totally surprised them. We played very well against the best rebounding team in the league. We beat them on the fast break and set play and integrated all in the win. It was a team win’, stressed Nolan Adekunle. Orange Academy head coach Baldur Ragnarsson looked speechless after the loss, but still found a way to sum up the embarrassing loss. ‘This was a tough loss for us. We had big problems on the 1-1 defense and pick and roll defense. It was a real struggle for us. They moved the ball really well and shot well. They were simply better for us. You will never win when you have 30 turnovers. We have talented young players, but they need to make the next step on defense and take better care of the ball’, warned Baldur Ragnarsson.

Jordan Samare at the FT line

The first few minutes was a real turnover fest dominated by Orange Academy as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors came out with extreme intensity as Nolan Adekunle and Justin Onyejiaka were a wrecking crew forcing 5 turnovers as Frankfurt took a rapid 6-0 lead in the first 4 minutes. ‘That phase was unbelievable. It was like that in chapters during the game. We were lacking in confidence’, stressed Baldur Ragnarsson. Big man Jordan Samare made a massive dunk and Adekunle made 2 transition buckets. German big man Antonio Dorn finally got Orange Academy on the board with a lay in at the 6,46 minute mark. Despite the guests getting a huge trey from you German Maximillian Langenfeld who recently scored 9 points in a Eurocup game, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors found their offensive rhythm early getting an offensive rebound and put back by Samare, a Adekunle three pointer and lay in by veteran Marco Voeller for the 13-6 Frankfurt advantage. Their quick begin with good defense sparked their offense on transition and then in the set play as their extra pass never let them down. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors didn’t let down and kept up the pressure and closed out the first 10 minutes with a forceful 19-7 run. Frankfurt continued to play smooth inside out basketball as Adekunle, Philipp Hadenfeld and Onyejiaka nailed three’s while Voeller had another lay in, ex Isaac Bonga teammate Alvin Onyia scored on a drive as did ex Wurzburg forward Nils Leonhardt. After 10 minutes, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had the overwhelming 32-13 lead. ‘We had good ball movement, were cutting well and got in the open court. On defense we were very aggressive and got into passing lanes well. Orange Academy were rushing too much’, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot very well at 65% from the field and 57% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 4 turnovers while Orange Academy shot 33% from the field and 25% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Orange Academy sniper Lenny Liedtke from outside

In the second quarter the guests had a good start to get back into the game, but the Fraport Skyliners Juniors got back on track and still led by double digits points at the break. Orange Academy stepped up their intensity and aggressiveness and caught Frankfurt off guard racking up an annoying 11-2 run to cut Frankfurt’s lead down to 34-26. In the run the guests got 2 quick buckets from their 2022 JBBL (U-16) champions Joel Cwick and Eric Reibe as well as 5 points from Danish youth national player Tobias Jenson. Frankfurt lost a little of steam from their first quarter explosion and got too comfortable with their lead while Orange Academy began to believe more in themselves. But the Fraport Skyliners Juniors then found back to their game and soon were able to lead by double digits again. Instruemental in Frankfurt getting back into the game was JBBL (U-16) winner with Alba Berlin Nolan Adekunle who continued to be all over the court. He fed Samare for a basket and then scored another three pointer and scored on transition as Frankfurt led 43-29. Adekunle finished with a Pro B high 29 points. ‘Nolan takes pride in stopping g guys and he makes big shots. When the team needs big baskets, he makes them and he loves to attack the rim’, stated Quantez Robertson. Orange Academy received clutch three’s from Lenny Liedtke and Antonio Dorn, but it wasn’t enough as Frankfurt continued to execute well on offense as Albert Schweitzer tournament winner Hadenfeldt made a pull up jumper and ex Rasta Vechta guard Justin Onyejiaka made a lay in as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors led 48-34 at half time. ‘It was only natural that Orange Academy would make a run. We executed better on both ends but then ran out of gas. Frankfurt got big support from Adekunle and changed the rhythm back to Frankfurt’s side’, stressed ratiopharm Ulm assistant coach Tyrone Mccoy. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were still shooting well at 53% from the field and 42% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 12 turnovers while Orange Academy shot 44% from the field and 38% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 18 turnovers.

Alvin Onyia drives to the hole

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to heighten their game in the third quarter and led by more than 20 points. Frankfurt began well continuing to play beautiful team basketball where the extra pass was king as Onyejiaka made a lay in with the sweet back door pass by Marco Voeller and a Samare offensive rebound and put back by Samare for the 52-34 Frankfurt lead. Orange Academy then had a good spurt again going on a 8-2 run to cut Frankfurt’s lead down to 54-42 as Austrian youth national player David Fuchs and Tobias Jenson connected for three’s and Liedtke made a lay in. But Frankfurt never suffered long lapses on offense as they were capable to slap runs right back into the guests faces. Frankfurt responded with a 8-2 run to lead by 21 points again 66-45. In the run, Frankfurt was led by Hadenfeldt trey and lay in’s by Adekunle and Samare. Both teams continued to execute their offenses, but Orange Academy just couldn’t get over the hump. Orange Academy got buckets from Liedtke, and 2 from Dorn while Frankfurt got baskets from Adekunle, a pull up jumper from Hadenfeldt and a trey from Bennet Schubert. ‘We struggled on defense the whole game. We didn’t find ways to execute and just couldn’t take care of the ball’, stressed Baldur Ragnarsson. ‘Coach had a good speech at the break. He expected us to keep being aggressive and be calm’, stated Nolan Adekunle. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 58% from the field and 44% from the parking lot and had 27 rebounds and 16 turnovers while Orange Academy shot 49% from the field and 48% from the parking lot and had 20 rebounds and 24 turnovers.

Austrian youth national player David Fuchs at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to execute their offense and defend solidly while Orange Academy just couldn’t find a way to consistently get defensive stops. Orange Academy got a burst of instant energy by Thomas Guas as he began the fourth quarter with 5 points on a runner and three pointer as Frankfurt led only 75-60. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to execute well and spread the offensive love around getting a three pointer by Voeller, free throws by Leonhardt and 4 points by Onyejiaka while David Fuchs found some offensive inspiration scoring 6 points, but Orange Academy still trailed 83-65. Frankfurt got a late three pointer by Drago Crnjac, but it was Nolan Adekunle who continued to be in attack mode and sparked his stats with 8 points and 2 three’s. A few years ago, you wouldn’t have seen his outside shot as a strength on the scouting report, but in 2022, he can say it’s a weapon. ‘I’m very confident taking the three now. I have made big steps the last 2 years and especially last summer with the youth national team. I had confidence from my teammates and took three’s. I was the second best shooter at the tournament’, warned Nolan Adekunle. 16 year old huge German talent Joel Cwick also hit a late three pointer and finished with 12 points in 16 minutes and continues to excel at the men’s level. ‘Joel played well today. He always plays hard on defense and takes his chances on offense. He was one of the few positive aspects in the game for us. I was happy with his performance but in the end we need our older guys to step up’, warned Baldur Ragnarsson. With time running down, little used role player Isaac Obanor scored the 100th Frankfurt point on free throws. As always tradition in basketball Germany is for that player who scores the 100 to buy a case for the team or in some cases something else. ‘Isaac owes us donuts. I don’t know what it costs, but it isn’t cheap’, laughed Nolan Adekunle. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had 5 guys in double figures and were led by Nolan Adekunle with 29 points. Jordan Samare and Juston Onyejiaka added 14 points a piece while Philipp Hadenfeldt added 11 points while orange Academy was led by Joel Cwick and Antonio Dorn with 12 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 56% from the field and 48% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 20 turnovers while Orange Academy shot 46% from the field and 41% from outside and had 24 rebounds and 30 turnovers.

Tags : NOLAN ADEKUNLE, FRAPORT SKYLINERS FRANKFURT, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners came into the game against IBAM sporting a 0-4 record. They were in striking range in the loses against Ludwigsburg and Bamberg, but had little chance against Urspring and FC Bayern Munich losing by 20 plus points. The biggest problem for the Frankfurt squad is scoring points consistently as they average only 61 per game while on defense are still searching for their identity as they allow 79 per game. Their opponent IBAM came to Frankfurt with a 2-1 record. After opening the season with a tough loss to Urspring, they bounced back with convincing wins against Jena and FC Bayern Munich. On a cool afternoon in late November Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners learned the hard way that a basketball game has 40 minutes as they played very well for 30 minutes, but had a total black out in the fourth quarter allowing a 22-4 run that allowed IBAM to fight back and win 76-66. IBAM didn’t play their best basketball in the first half, but slowly step by step heightened their game and played their best in the fourth quarter when it counted most. ‘We won the game in the second half. We didn’t play with energy in the first half. We cut down on the small mistakes in the second half. We had better stability on defense and executed better on offense. We had very good team spirit and took their strengths away in the second half’, stressed IBAM guard Tin Udovicic (190-PG-2005). Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners head coach Miran Cumurija was down after the loss which was understandable as the team didn’t play bad for long phases, but it was just that horrible fourth quarter that decided the game. ‘I thought that we played well for 3 quarters. But then in the fourth quarter they hit back to back three’s and after that we got shaky not finding the right solutions anymore. We have to do a better job cutting down on our turnovers. We just aren’t ready yet to find the right solutions yet’, stressed Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners head coach Miran Cumurija.

Marvin Esser at the FT line

The first quarter score wise looked more a like a low scoring NFL football game then a basketball game as no team could establish an offensive rhythm. IBAM star Tin Udovicic didn’t even start the game. Spaniard Alexander Moreno who played 23 EBA games for Zaragoza got the first bucket of the game, but Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners got the lead back rapidly with a trey from German guard Julian Haskins. Both teams then traded the lead as IBAM 100 kilo man Philipp Roos made an old school hook shot and athletic Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners player Alexander Lageman scored on the drive and Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners led 5-4. Then 17 year old Croatian U-16 national player Tin Odovicic was inserted and made a pretty step back jumper that reminded one instantly of Luka Doncic as IBAM led 6-5. Both teams were plagued with turnovers and the inability to hit three’s. IBAM then got a step back jumper from Jamie Jaeger as IBAM led 8-5. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners didn’t back down but got a vital three pointer from 18 year old 198cm forward Viktor Malinowsky who made his Pro B debut recently to dead lock the contest at 8-8. Daniel Riedlich and Marvin Esser closed out the first quarter with free throws. ‘Both teams defended well. We had no idea on offense. We ran good plays, but shots weren’t falling’, stressed Tin Udovicic. Both teams had low percentages from the field and were only combined 2/14 shooting from downtown while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners also had coughed up the ball 7 times.

Alexander Moreno at the FT line

In the second quarter both teams finally found their offensive rhythms, but it was Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners that exploded on offense with 29 points and got the momentum and closed out the game in potent fashion going on a 20-8 run to lead 38-28 at half-time. Esser got Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners on the board first and then Ognyen Cocic and Haskins traded three’s and Jeremy Kolev made a lay in to tie the game at 14-14. Both teams stepped up their intensity and aggressiveness, but still no team could get away from the other. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners then was able to lead 18-14 with free throws form Lagermann and Collin Toelke, but IBAM stood up and escaped out on a 6-0 run to recapture the lead 20-18. In the run IBAM was benefited by another bread and butter shot from Mr mid range Tin Udovicic, but the last 2 buckets were early Christmas presents. Moreno scored both times as on the first one he got an easy lay up on an inbounds pass and on the second made a transition basket after Syllah made the steal on a bad Frankfurt turnover. IBAM was playing heads up basketball while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners had gotten lazy and too contemplative in their sets. But Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners woke up and played their best phase of the game closing out the second quarter with a positive 20-8 run to lead 38-28. In the run Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners was led and carried by athletic German Alexander Lagerman who supplied 7 points. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners also got key support from the bench from young German Finley Pruever who scored 5 points as well as Hector Izquierdo and Barnabas Bode who scored. IBAM received buckets from Silver Bieling, Daniel Riedlich and Tin Udovicic. ‘We totally got away from our game. We lost our identity on defense and made bad decisions and shots’, added Tin Udovicic. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners upped their shooting at 42% from the field and 33% from outside and had 26 rebounds and 13 turnovers while IBAM shot 32% from the field and 8% from outside and had 19 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Barnabas Bode from outside

Both teams executed well in the third quarter, but IBAM couldn’t make a dent in Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners offense as the home team still had the comfortable 58-48 advantage after 30 minutes. Lagermann gave Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners a huge boost to begin the second half with a trey and 41-28 lead, but IBAM was never to let down as they slowly raised their game step by step. IBAM put an early scare into Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners game rattling off a nasty 7-0 run to cut into Frankfurt’s lead and trail only 41-35. IBAM executed very well and moved the ball well. Udovicic ran the pick and roll well with Syllah who scored and Kolev nailed a trey and Udovicic a 20 footer. But at this phase Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners still had answers to IBAM runs something they would lack in the fourth quarter. Lagermann and Esser combined for 6 points as Frankfurt suddenly led in double digits again 47-35. Both teams continued to execute well, but IBAM couldn’t make any ground. Both team’s stars Lagermann and Udovicic continued to carry each other’s teams scoring multiple baskets as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners increased their lead to 55-42. IBAM did a better job on the offensive rebound as Roos made an offensive rebound and put back while Moreno made a jumper and Udovicic a 20 footer, but Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners still led 58-48. IBAM definatley upped their intensity something that would increase even more in the fourth quarter. ‘We got back to doing our basics well and moved the ball better. We also rebounded the ball better and stayed away from dumb fouls’, stated Tin Udovicic. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to shoot well at 43% from the field and 36% from the three point line and had 35 rebounds and 18 turnovers while IBAM shot 35% from the field and 11% from the three point line and had 30 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Tin Udovicic from down town

The giant turning point of the contest came in the fourth quarter as IBAM went on massive run by which Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners couldn’t recover from. IBAM went into the fourth quarter having shot a pathetic 2/18 from outside, but then bang let it rain 3 three’s from Riedlich, Moreno and Udovicic which totally changed the game as suddenly Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners led only 60-57. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners just totally lost their intensity and began to think more and more about each new IBAM 3 and just let the mental part effect their execution. IBAM was reborn and just 1-2 steps ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners in every phase of the game especially on the boards. The best example was an offensive rebound and put back by Kisma Syllah who was all alone under the basket as no Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliner player was there to contest as the game was deadlocked 60-60. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners lacked effort and fight. Syllah then made the and one free throw for the 61-60 and IBAM would never look back. Silver Bieling then added a trey for the 64-60 advantage. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners got a bit more aggressive getting to the free throw line but couldn’t execute as well getting only free throws from Haskins and Zentgraf to trail 64-62. IBAM then put the final exclamation mark on the win with a 7-0 run to extend their lead to 71-62. In the run IBAM received a clutch basket from Udovicic who came into the game averaging 22,0ppg. He had another solid stat line with 23/6/8/3. ‘I didn’t have a good first half shooting wise. I went into the second half wanting to make better decisions and take better shots as well as putting my team in the best position to win’, expressed Tin Udovicic. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners made stupid turnovers in the last minutes and IBAM sealed the win with class with free throws by Moreno and Bieling. ‘We showed big time energy in the fourth quarter. We believed that we could win and had the momentum on our side. We rebounded even better, got the loose balls and did transition. We played the total opposite to the first half’, expressed Tin Udovicic. ‘We were too nervous and thought too much. They did a good job taking our entry pass away something they couldn’t in the first half. We took what they gave us in the first half and didn’t do that in the second half’, stated Miran Cumurija. IBAM was led by Tin Udovicic with 23 points while Alexander Moreno had 12 points and Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners was led by Alexander Lagermann with 28 points and Julian Haskins added 10 points. IBAM shot 39% from the field and 22% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 16 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 32% from the field and 32% from outside and had 43 rebounds and 29 turnovers.

Tags : TIN UDOVICIC, INTERNATIONALE BASKETBALL AKADEMIE MUENCHEN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

All pics except for Uli Hoeness courtsey of the EPG Baskets Koblenz

Many of the EPG Baskets Koblenz games are on Sunday’s during the season, a day where FC Bayern Munich legend Uli Hoeness is spending a lazy and relaxing day somewhere in Bavaria. The absolute last thought in his mind would have to be spending a few hours in Koblenz in the CGM arena to watch basketball. This season the EPG Baskets Koblenz are dominating the Pro B in brutal fashion and having that attitude of taking no prisoners as they are steering down a one way road to the Pro A. They are playing beautiful basketball and winning which is very refreshing in Koblenz. They are winning with ease and in a fashion that could remind one of FC Bayern Munich. One has to wonder what it would take to get a Uli Hoeness into the CGM arena? I mean if there was an announcement that superstar Ronaldo would be visiting a game, would that be enough to get him there? ‘Probably so. I don’t think Uli Hoeness knows who the EPG Baskets are, maybe sign LeBron James, KD, Giannis, Luka or that caliber of player. But I guess that’s the goal eventually in years to come, to put Koblenz on the Map as a serious basketball Club’, stressed ex easyCredit BBL player Dominique Johnson (194-SF-1992). The club is simply at a totally different level and added ex easyCredit BBL players left and right the last few years with Dominique Johnson, Marvin Heckel and Leon Friderici who all have come with grace and wanting to win for the organization. ‘I think through our careers we witnessed similar things here and there. And I think with Koblenz we felt like there is a chance to build and create something a little different. We want Koblenz to be a place where people want to come because they are valued. Plus we want to build a family culture. Where even when you leave it’s still something like a brotherhood. Plus what makes this team special is just the hunger for success, but being humbled at the same time’, stressed Dominique Johnson. Are the EPG Baskets Koblenz the FC Bayern Munich of the Pro B? ‘Well I wouldn’t go there yet. I think it takes a lot more with being called that. But in think we do have a status here in the Pro B, where everybody thinks we are the team to beat’, warned Dominique Johnson.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and FC Bayern Munich legend Uli Hoeness in the Audi Dome in Munich in 2013

There has been a steady rise in the development of basketball in Koblenz in the last 9 years. In the summer of 2014 they were a Oberliga team and then the climb up the basketball ladder went very quicky. After one season in the second Regionalliga, they made the jump to the Regionalliga where they were for 5 years. Even if their time stalled a bit there, the club was always ambitious and showed early on that they were very serious about continuing to move up and always made potent rosters. They were rewarded in 2020 moving up to the Pro B. They continued being ambitious in constructing competitive teams and made big steps in the last 2 seasons finishing in 7th place in 2021 and in 2nd place last season. The goal Pro A was already there last season, but the team just wasn’t ready yet. But this season they want three to be a charm and finally reach the Pro A. So far they are playing like a club that wants to move up basking in the limelight with a 7-0 record. The prosperity of the organization can easily be described in one sentence. ‘The success of the EPG is because of camaraderie and sacrifice’, stressed Dominique Johnson. The organization run by basketball mastermind Thomas Klein did a good job holding a good component of last years team like ex easyCredit BBl players Dominique Johnson and Marvin Heckel and added vital pieces like Alani Moore, Moritz Huebner and Leon Friederici. The team looked great on paper in August 2022, but did anyone expect the team to be 7-0 by the end of November? ‘In all honesty, YES! I knew we where going to be good! At least that’s what I expected us to be! We are hungry! After failing our goal last year’, stated Dominique Johnson. Last season the club was very strong and deep, but there a few differences this season that the team didn’t have last season, plus the bitter memory of how the season ended has stuck with the returning guys. ‘Experience and mindset are two big components I’d say. Especially guys that were here last year, still have that bitter taste of failure in the mouth. The new guys that came in fit perfectly. It’s like a puzzle. And the front office and coaches did a great job of adding the right pieces to what we already have. It feels like a family. Coach is the father and everybody else are like brothers. Sure we argue and fight but at the end we all want to win! So yea chemistry is on point! And I’ll go to war with these guys any day of the week’, warned Dominique Johnson.

With every new win, the expectations continue to rise in Koblenz and the pressure doesn’t get any less either. ‘There is a certain pressure with being the best team! But I think there was more pressure last season! They way we work and challenge each other in practice everyday makes it easy to overcome though. Because we gain so much confidence through it’, expressed Dominique Johnson. A big focus of head coach Pat Elzie coming into the season was to be a great defensive team. The team’s size and being active is a big part of why they are a good defensive team. It seems like at times they are flying all over the court. They are giving up a solid 72 points per game, but can still get better to be a great defensive team. ‘Even though it doesn’t always seem like it we focus a lot on defense and try to generate out offense and fast play through our defense. And yes your right we still do many mistakes on defense. Little things like communicating or having our hands up every time. But we make up a lot of that with our athleticism and defensive IQ. If your active and cover your brothers you can make up for a lot of mistakes. And on the other hand our offense is just clicking! That was probably our biggest problem last year. Being to stagnant and not really executing most of the time! It was all through individual ability which is different this year’, said Dominique Johnson. The experience and having brought teams up levels has been a huge strength of head coach Pat Elzie and he has a knack of having players perform very well for him. ‘Pat has been great, really. I never had a coach like him. I was more the Balkan/Yugo Coach Type. That’s when I played my best basketball. But after being around Coach Pat. It’s a lot more chilled, but he will hold you accountable when you do mess up. He gives so much confidence to guys, but is open to everybody if a player thinks something else might work better for that person. It’s a good mix of holding the ropes but giving enough freedom. I mean it’s easy to see just look at the way Leo and Moses are playing this season they are having a huge impact on the court for our team’, warned Dominque Johnson.

Even if the EPG Baskets Koblenz have much talent at all positions, it is the guard play that really carries the team. The guard duo of experienced ex BBL player Marvin Heckel and the flashy and speedy Alani Moore are a set of guards that any team in the Pro B would dream of having. They can be walking buckets at anytime, but overal still have that team first mentality before anything else. ‘Playing with Marvin and Alani is great. The way they play makes it so much easier for everybody on the court because they can score and pass at a high level. They create Buckets. Where do they rank? That’s tough since I played with a good amount of guards but they will be in my Top 5 for sure. They are so important but they are our primary ball handlers. We depend on them to get us going especially on offense’, commented Dominique Johnson. Another big part of the team is 3 year man Brian Butler. The ex easyCredit BBL slam dunk champion is a walking bucket and can out dance defenders at ease the way Mr ballerina Derrick Allen did back in the day, but he also has another valuable asset that every player profits from. ‘Brian is just a great guy! Obviously there is nobody in this league that can stop him if he is locked in. Because off the court it’s not like he is to vocal but it’s more selective with him. He is more the guy that takes you to the side and tells you what he thinks. Which makes his voice so much more heard when he does voice his opinion in front of everybody’, added Dominique Johnson. Just when one thought basketball life couldn’t get any better, they added ex easyCredit BBL player Leon Friderici. A guy like that could be the extra exclamation mark for the climb to the Pro A. ‘I think people that follow Basketball seen Leon and what he brings to the table. This guy is a beast. His work ethic is Top 5 of people I played with. He’s a blue collar player! Comes in plays defense with a high intensity and offensively a variety of ways to impact the game! He can shoot the 3, drive to the baskets and finish with a dunk or pull-up for a midrange. I think his passing is underrated. He has a good feel and vision to create for teammates. What a lot of people don’t know, Leon and I lived together in Braunschweig in a 4 man WG! So just seeing how our path and how he developed, I’m stoked to play with him’, smiled Dominique Johnson.

Dominique Johnson is playing his second season with the EPG Baskets Koblenz and when you observe him during the game on the bench when he unleashes his big smile, you know right away he is 100% happy to be in uniform. There aren’t many guys that will go from the easyCredit BBL to the Pro B, but he did. He put his ego into the closet and has been a solid contributor the last 2 seasons. He is averaging scoring in double figures and 6 rebounds and 2 assists the last 2 seasons, but this season is playing 6 minutes less. Has he changed anything? ‘I don’t think too much has changed for me. Obviously I’d say a couple less touches and like you said less minutes but. Now I can be more efficient. And focus on the little thing that don’t show on the stat sheet’, expressed Dominque Johnson. The team has so much scoring power that it is obvious that his biggest focus is being as consistent and effective in the minutes that he gets. ‘These guys make it easy for me. I can just come in and play the way I played my whole career. I can just be a complete team guy. Because I know we have plenty of guys that can score. I like playing basketball the right way! What I mean by that is not forcing shots, playing for your teammates. I adapted this from the Chemnitz Basketball culture led by my Ex Coach Rodrigo Pastore. His philosophy was always WE over ME mentality and passing up a good shot for a great shot! So yea now it’s just fun to play basketball and I can lead the guys with my experience! But also sit back and watch these guys have fun’, smiled Dominique Johnson. He has done a super job with shot selection, but more important that putting up good stats is just winning. ‘Shot selection is a huge focus. Last year a lot of time I shot a lot of my shot contested or late shot clock, which I don’t mind but this year I’m trying to get some easy looks first before I start shooting those. What is also a big focus are rebounds. I take Pride in those. You can ask my bigs if you get a chance who was the leading rebounder last season! And I’m playing on keeping it that way. All honesty I’ll do whatever it takes. I see myself as a Swiss Army knife. I think I’m versatile enough to score when you need me to, create or even just calm the game down a little. I just try to be the guy that you can count on at any moment for any situation! I just want to win and reach out final goal of moving to the Pro A’, warned Dominique Johnson. The EPG Baskets Koblenz are a lot of fun to watch this season and I know that won’t change. With Thomas Klein at the helm, good things have happened and nothing will change. They are moving up the basketball ladder at their pace and having fun. If one sees FC Bayern Munich officials in Koblenz some time this season, then you know the interest and curiosity will have tickled FC Bayern Munich. Earliest on December 17th when FC Bayern Munich and massive talent Ivan Kharkenkov visit the CGM arena in Koblenz. Perhaps Uli Hoeness can give the EPG Baskets Koblenz an early Christmas gift with a visit.

Christopher Miller (192-G-1993, college: Salem) is a 29 year old 193cm guard from Brooklyn, New York who is playing his eighth professional season and first with GoldCoast Wallabies NLB (2nd League). He played 3 seasons with the Giessen Pointers (Germany-RegionalligaThis season for Bensheim he averaged 19,5ppg, 3,8rpg, 2,0apg and 1,5spg. He has had experience in countries like El Salvador and Bosnia. He recently played for the South Shore Monarchs (TBL) playing 8 games averaging 22.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 83.3%. He began his basketball career at Clinton Community College and also played two years at Salem University (NCAA2). This season he teams up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with weekly chats about his basketball season.

Wallabies suffered a 79-71 loss against GC Zurich. It was your third loss in your third game. Does every new loss hurt more than the last?

This one hurt because I feel we played a complete game and lost it in the last 2 minutes. This was a tough one to let slip away.

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. When was this game decided?

The last 2 minutes of the 4th they went on a run and we couldn’t make up for . They went from down 3 to up 7.

Wallabies rebounded better and had less turnovers. Where was this game lost?

Little plays and execution at the end if the game.

Bench points was a problem as the team only had 3. How much pressure do you and the other starters feel when you seemingly have to do so much more?

I have faith our bench will get things together. I think they will be better for us in the future and make their mark on the game.

You filled the stat sheet well, but have had 16 turnovers in 3 games. Have you been studying extra film to get best acquainted to the league play?

I have been studying the league. I am the main ball handler and I think it’s an adjustment period and getting chemistry with my teammates . I know this number will decrease.

You have made a massive jump in your three point shooting percentages compared to Bensheim. What has changed?

Nothing has changed honestly if my stats were shown correctly from Bensheim it would show I was shooting 50% there also . I worked on my game this summer and really made it a focal point to shoot more 3s

You next play Grand Saconn who have an identical record with you. What will be key for the win?

This game is important for us in the standings we have dropped a few games and I think we need it for our confidence moving forward.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Tags : CHRISTOPHER MILLER, GOLDCOAST WALLABIES, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Jeremy Ingram (183-G-1991, college: AAMU) is a 191 cm guard that was born in Alabama and has played his entire professional career in Germany for teams like Speyer, Idstein, Bensheim and recently SG Mannheim.This season he is playing for Regionalliga team Bargteheide. Last season with SG Mannheim he picked up South West Regionalliga player of the year while averaging (32.1ppg), 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, Steals-4 (2.6spg), FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 35.4%, 9%. He began his career with Enterprise State Community College (JUCO) and then finished with Alabama A&M University (NCAA). He spoke will team up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber on a weekly basis this season to talk basketball.

Congrats on the massive 112-111 win. How good did it feel to be back competing?

I love nothing more than playing basketball so being out there enjoying those important moments in a big game like this with my team meant the world. Really happy to be playing again.

You were gone for a while. What was the first thing you thought about when you got the ball for the first time?

Well I mean I wasn’t playing in the games for a while Sure, but I was always in the gym working. So it came kind of natural. Just play my game. It didn’t take long for me to get back comfortable.

You witnessed a wild shoot out. Talk a little about the 40 minutes and what was key for reaching the overtime period?

This was probably 1 of the most exciting games i’ve ever been involved in. Both teams fought to the very end. When 1 team thought they had the game wrapped up the other team stepped up and made big plays. I’m happy to say we came out on the winning side of that 1, was very entertaining.

What was key for getting the win in double OT. It seemed like Westesrtede was a team that you just couldn’t shake?

A couple of time we thought we had the game won they came down and hit huge 3 point shots They couldn’t shake us and we couldn’t shake them. Just so happened we hit 1 more big shot than they did which got us the victory.

You and Marvel Hoppe combined for 67 points. He had an incredible 32 points. Do you feel like your return sparked his play?

No Marcel is a very good player. I’m sure my return has nothing to do with sparking his play. He’s going to be ready to play whether I’m there or not but I do think me being back makes his job a little easier.

You Hoppe and Abbakar combined for 87 points. What kind of dimension does the team have when all 3 are on? Are you then unbeatable?

I think us 3 are strong together. We still have a lot of work to do for us to all be on the same page then I think we will be very tough but that’s only our 1st game as a trio so the chemistry will come soon enough.

You had incredible 35/6/4 stats. How pleased were you with your game?

Not pleased at all. Actually was very disappointed in my play. Everybody on the outside tells me how good I played coming back from injury but all I can think about is the 6 free throws I missed and all these easy midrange shots that I can normally make in my sleep. But I’m only about 60% so I’m still proud of myself for getting out there fighting with and for my team. I really missed that.

You had 25 free throw attempts. Was that the most you have had in Germany?

I mean pretty much every season I lead the league in free throw attempts so going to the line a lot is nothing new but 25 free throws in 1 game is crazy, definitely think that’s the most for me in 1 game.

I can imagine you were very happy with your aggressiveness?

I will always be aggressive. Still not able to do a lot of things I want too because my foot is still not all the way there yet, but you will never be able to question my aggressiveness and determination.

You next play 6-3 Aschersleben. That will be a tough encounter. What will be key for the win?

Well we hope to have our team back healthy, a few injuries and illnesses right now. I think defense definitely will be the key because our offense is strong enough but if we can get stops too I think we can get the job done.

Thanks Jeremy for the chat.

Tags : JEREMY INGRAM, TSV BARGTEHEIDE, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Deishuan Booker (190-G-1996, college: LBSU, agency: Octagon Europe) is 190cm point guard from Las Vegas, Nevada playing his fourth professional season and first with Hapoel Nofar Energy Galil Elion (Israel-Winner League). Last season he played with Le Mans Sarthe Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 7.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.0apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 62.2%, 3FGP: 27.0%, FT: 80.6% and in in March’2022 moved to FOS Provence Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 17.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.7apg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 84.9%. He played his second professional season with Anwil Wloclawek (Poland-EBL) averaging 15.3ppg; 3.3rpg, 5.4apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 52.5%, 3FGP: 41.5%, FT: 80.0% and in in Dec.’20 moved to BG Goettingen (Germany-BBL) averaging 9.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.8apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 82.8%. He played his rookie season with ERA Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL) averaging 6.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.8apg, Steals-4 (1.6spg), FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 83.3%; and played 16 BCL games averaging 10.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 81.6%He began his basketball career with Democracy Prep Agassi Campus averaging 27.7ppg and scored over 1200 points in his two seasons. He played at Gillette CC (JUCO) averaging 11.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 76.7%. He then moved to to S.Idaho JC (JUCO, starting five) averaging 9.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 6.4apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 71.8%. He played at Long Beach State University (NCAA) from 2017-2019 playing 65 games and as a junior averaged 10.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 85.8% and in his senior year he averaged 18.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 91.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against Brose Bamberg.

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

I´m in Bamberg preparing for our match against Brose Bamberg. Basketball has been a blessing man it has taken me all over the world and I’ve made some life long friends from the sport.

Welcome back to Germany. You lived half of a season in Germany during Covid. What could appreciate most about Germany during these difficult times?

I actually enjoyed my time in Germany. There’s some memories I’ll never forget. The team and organization made the time there very easy. It was the season after Covid so not much was opened during the time they made sure we wanted for nothing. The team welcomed me with open arms. So shout out to BG Goettingen. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to experience the fans but I still feel the love from them until this day.

Your playing your first season with Hapoel Nofar Energy Galil Elion (Israel-Winner League). Every guy I have interviewed that played in Israel have loved it. What have you discovered about the culture that has amazed you the most?

The culture here is very similar to home in Israel. I think that’s what most guys relate to. A lot of people speak English and it’s very easy to adapt to. For me my favorite is the weather. I’m from Las Vegas so the heat is my type of party. The different sites and history you learn about is cool it’s a place I can’t wait for my family to see.

You played in top leagues Germany and France and now your in the Winners League. Where does this league compare to these 2? Where would you rank it from 1 to 3?

Aww man this is a tough question. I appreciate the leagues for different reasons you know. This is crazy, some people might be mad at me for this but if I had to choose it would be. France, Israel, and Germany. But it is very close.

You have played well in every pro league you were in, but the Winner League really suits your game as you were flirting with a triple double in one game. How do you feel does the Winner League cater best to your abilities?

I appreciate that man, but I believe the Winner League is a great fit because of the pace/style of play. It is more high tempo and those are usually the environments that I excel in. Throughout my entire youth we played a high tempo game.

You’re a player that has demonstrated at many levels that you can be a scorer. What is your biggest goal as a player besides winning titles? Do you set goals like Eurocup and Euroleague?

For sure man, I train and prepare as a basketball player. I’m comfortable being in uncomfortable situations. I can score with the best of them, I can pass with the best of them. The pick and roll, IQ and reads. I believe I can play at the highest levels now. I was very close this season to being at those levels but it fell through so we will just keep working until we reach those goals.

Last season you played with Le Mans Sarthe Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 7.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.0apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 62.2%, 3FGP: 27.0%, FT: 80.6%; in March’2022 moved to FOS Provence Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 17.6ppg), 3.0rpg, 4.7apg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 84.9%. Talk a bit about that season. You finished the season well with FOS Provence Basket scoring 92 points in your last 3 games.

I have a lot of love for the team and organization at Fos Provence. The beginning of the season was very difficult man and hopefully one day I will be able to say what happened at Le Mans. But I don’t want to speak about them at all honestly. But shout out to my teammates that were there with appreciate y’all. We can talk about it in person. Fos Provence took a chance with me because I hadn’t played in almost 2 months dealing with the situation at Le Mans. It was a family environment and genuine they cared about your well being and that translated into us being able to what a lot of people thought was impossible. That season in France just goes to show that situation/environment can be everything. My goal is to have a 50/40/90 I will get that soon man.

In 2020-2021 you split time with Anwil Wloclawek and with BG Goettingen (Germany-BBL) averaging 9.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.8apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 82.8%. What memories do you have of this Covid season. Did you see any differences in the country protocols for Covid?

Man honestly I think my nose might be partially damaged from all the tests we had to take every week, but honestly that was a season with no fans and it was a weird time. The fans make all the difference in the world. Germany was cool about it because they made cardboard cutouts of our family and some of the fans and had them in the stands. That was smooth. By the time it was getting strict in Poland I was on my way leaving.

In Poland you had some special talented teammates with Rotnei Clark and Garlon Green. What memories will you always cherish from them?

Rotnei came towards the end we got to play about 2/3 games together crazy shooter man. It was easy playing with him. My guy Garlon man, great teammate and person. He is a comedian it wasn’t much to do so we spent a lot of time playing warzone. And we were with the same agent at the time. I need to get to Texas and see him and DJ Stephens by far the two most athletic people I have played with. Garlon is actually playing in Fos Provence this season. Shout out to those guys.

You played your rookie season with ERA Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL) averaging 6.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.8apg, Steals-4 (1.6spg), FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 83.3% and averaged 10.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 81.6% in the BCL. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were very far away from home?

Man the very first night of my rookie season I got in pretty late to Nymburk and they got me taken care of you know got my car and apartment. But when I got there I realized none of my cords would plug into the wall I needed something different. So I had found my way to the store I had about 20 minutes before it closed. I didn’t have google translate or nothing so I’m completely lost in the store no clue what is what. I bought the wrong kind of milk and all type of stuff it was bad. THEN I get back in the car to go back to the apartment and have no idea what the address is or any idea how to get around lol I didn’t want to cause any issues on the first night being there so I drove around 40 minutes before making my way back home. After that night I knew I had a whole lot to learn about Europe.

What kind of a feeling was it playing with Czech veteran Petr Benda that has won close to 20 titles? Do you feel some of that champion rubbed off on you?

The legend man. It’s a myth how he does it man. I really am trying to figure out the secret to play as long man. And for sure he had every right to make excuses while playing and not once about being old or anything. He always handled his business, BUT he also enjoyed himself and has fun during the process. Being at Nymburk was a great example for me in terms of being a professional playing under guys like Petr and Pumpy. And for sure it rubbed off man I wish Covid would’ve allowed us to enjoy the fruits of that season. Nymburk set the bar high in terms of my experience in Europe and how things should go. Great place and I’m forever thankful for them. For introducing me to Europe.

You won your first chip in the Czech Republic with the cup. What was your fondest moment from the cup run?

Championships are always great man and that championship game was extremely difficult man I think we won in overtime against Prague. I don’t know what it was with them man but we struggled every time we played them. But at this point in the season I feel like we had a swag about us that losing wasn’t an option. I actually just seen and hung out with a couple of my teammates from that team. Hayden Dalton and Zach Hankins.

You played at Democracy Prep Agassi Campus averaging 27.7ppg; scoring over 1200 points in his two seasons. Didn’t you get any D-1 offers. How can a guy with those stats only play JUCO?

You know I agree with you this is wild. I have a unique/different type of play style. Usually guards at my size are extremely athletic, extremely quick you know. I’m skinny, I wasn’t crazy athletic. So I guess it was hard for them to see my game translate to the next level. I had to sit in the office with my high school coach and go from getting about 3/4 calls a week and then close to the end of the season the phone stopped ringing. I was told I couldn’t play at the D-1 level because it would be too fast and physical. So again I just got back in the lab and worked. The cool thing about this was that the same schools came back calling after JUCO and even while playing at Long Beach state. I still have the emails and things that I was sending out to all schools just for a chance.

You played at 3 schools Gillette College (JUCO), College of Southern Idaho (JUCO) and Long Beach State University (NCAA). How important was getting experience at 3 schools instead of 1. What did each school give you?

I’ve played for a lot of different coaches throughout my life. I was a gym rat. I would workout all week and whoever would call and want me to play that weekend I would go play and work on my craft. I feel this has given me an advantage in terms of IQ and the way I can adapt against plenty of different schemes. Each coach and each school had their own schemes and philosophies. I’ve taken bits and pieces from all of them. In High school I saw a lot of double teams, box-and – one, triangle and 2. Which is why I’m comfortable in tight spaces and high intensity. I appreciate each and every coach that I’ve played for because they helped me get a step closer to the player I’m becoming. The biggest thing I took away from Long Beach from my coach Dan Monson. ‘ Your job is difficult. It’s like a puzzle. Each game is a different puzzle and you have to put the pieces (teammates) in position to make the puzzle work.’ This taught me to take the time and actually learn about my teammates. Where are they most comfortable on the floor. This has been my greatest gift. My ability to learn my teammates like that back of my hand. And that’s why I have the relationships until this day with a lot of my teammates. The team is only as good as the last man. So none gets treated differently we are all here to reach the ultimate goal and we are going to have a lot of fun while doing it. People will enjoy playing with me for these simple reasons. I believe if I don’t go to as many schools or play for as many coaches. I might be more of a predictable or one dimensional player.

Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have said that playing JUCO was very difficult but an experience they wouldn’t have traded the world for. How was it for you? You played at 2 JUCO schools.

JUCO is for sure the hardest basketball I’ve played. You have to really love the game to survive through it. If you don’t love it I don’t think you can make it through. It’s a grind man and I’m appreciative of it. And it works you know so just trust your own process. A lot of players think if you don’t go division 1 right away. It’s a failure or the end of the journey. Completely wrong lock yourself in the gym and do focused work. Watch film and just keep building brick by brick.

Talk about your 2 JUCO coaches. How did each guy help you most in being able to develop and play in the NCAA?

I appreciate both of those guys man. Went to the National Tournament and won championships with both coaches. They were different in their own regards. Coach Neary was more to himself and handled business. But you know, he took me on the team as a favor you know. I wasn’t recruited there or anything like that. After that he kind of gave me my confidence that way I play wasn’t wrong and in fact just different. The only reason that I even started getting into the rotation was because my good friend of mine rolled his ankle and he had no choice but to play me. And after the game he called and told my mentor ‘you said he was a good player, and I didn’t know what to expect because every player always a good player that’s trying to get recruited, but I Didn’t know it was going to be like that.’ We won’t on to finish in 3rd and I believe we finished the season with 7 players so we could hardly even practice. Coach Phay was a players coach. You can tell he’ll put it on the line for his players. And it gets reciprocated in the way his teams play. He would freestyle his pre game speeches. Ripping the shirt and all. He put more emphasis on me being a vocal leader inside and outside of practice being a leader only wasn’t about while on the court.

You then finished at Long Beach State University (NCAA) averaging 10.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 85.8% and 18.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 91.2% as a senior. How did your game grow in these 2 years?

It was a village you know. Coach Scholl, Coach Q, my guy mark. BUT, Gerald Woods, I have him saved as the Guru in my phone. He would never leave the gym because he was always working getting the hotels and meals and stuff prepared for our trips. He noticed that I had a similar appreciation for the game and he broke down my game. From the way I step when I dribble. The way my elbow is placed. Where my thumb is placed. Watching film. Cut film of practices. He helped me take it to a different level. To help him, was my guy in Las Vegas, Coach DT, he added the creativity, separation. I’ve been working with him for a while. He was coaching me my senior season of AAU and maybe he can better explain the mindset of the coaches that we’re deciding to pass on me. Working with these two guys combined it was the perfect recipe. Still to this day they continue to prepare me to have no weaknesses in my game and it’s the ultimate goal. I appreciate and love those guys man see y’all soon.

You had so many great games as a senior, but lost some, but also won against Cal Ploy-SLO and Cal-Davis. What was your fondest moment on the floor?

It used to be some battles in the Big West man. For sure some classic games. Some crazy guards were in there man a lot of which are doing well as professionals now which is dope to see. Gabe Vicncent, TJ Shorts, Max Heidegger, Kyle Allman, and Khalil Ahmad just a couple of the guys off the top of my head. Shout out to those guys continue to stay healthy and keep doing y’all thing. My fondest memory of mine may be the Game winner against Santa Barbara easily. The other is we had a tournament in Las Vegas and my college held practice at my high school where they told me that I wouldn’t be able to play at the Division 1 level that was a full circle moment. I’m glad my coach and school got to experience that.

How did head coach Dan Monson groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach consistently held me accountable. Consistently challenged me never allowing me to be complacent in anything. Taking care of your business outside of the court and family. He was more concerned with preparing us for life in general. I was a better man, player and leader after playing for him. At the time you know dealing with the stuff I didn’t understand. But still to this day I use the things he taught me. And it hurts when I think about that I wasn’t able to help him get to the tournament. Shout out to coach Monson and y’all go check out them boys at the Beach.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jordan Griffin?

My guy J Griff. I’m not sure if we ever played ones just us. But I would’ve got J Griff man. I will tell you this though it’s not someone you want to play against. He has a different type of game. He can shoot from the parking lot. He is fast as hell. And will shoot off one leg. And can run around all day. We used to have a drill where we need three stops in a row and that drill might last 20 minutes because J Griff hitting shots like I described before. Easily one of the best shooters. Shout to J Griff.

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

Deandre Ayton the game was way to easy for him man. Way to easy. He might have had like 18 and 6 before the 2nd or 3rd media timeout. Scored every way you can think.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

This is tough actually. It’s hard to choose favorites. I’m going to go with Darrion Daniels, Kwinton Hinson, Kavell Bigby-Williams, Jake Hendricks, and God. Easiest guys to play with and they compete I will line it up with them any day of the work. There’s more obviously I appreciate all my guys

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

Steve Nash, Tracy McGrady, Lebron James/Kobe Bryant, Jamal Crawford, and Gilbert Arenas These are just some of my personal favorites and some of the guys that I studied to borrow some of their game.

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

They both are great man. Basketball gets better and players get better as time goes on. I’m going to go with Bron just more of a complete player. But I believe there wouldn’t be a Kobe or Bron if Jordan didn’t pioneer the lane for them to follow. In the next 20 years they will be another player who will enter the discussion that’s the beauty of the game it’s always growing and evolving. That’s all respect to Jordan by the way. He is HIM still.

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

I did see I’m a fan of the first one and not really a fan of sequels. Especially when it’s years later you know. The actors/actresses have different motivations and are just different people so it’s hard to get the same energy as the first one. But it wasn’t a bad movie.

Thanks Deishaun for the chat.

Tags : DEISHUAN BOOKER, HAPOEL NOFAR ENERGY GALIL ELION, GERMAN BASKETBALL