Somestimes all it takes is playing against 1 team in your life that will take care of the most important basketball stories that you will ever be able to tell your grandchildren. It was December 31st and no matter how 2021 had gone for Cameron McGriff (201-F-1997, college: OK State), he definitely closed out the year in tremendous fashion. Only a little bit more than 7 months earlier, he had closed out his rookie season in Belgium being swept by Limburg, but now as 2022 was about to begin, the Texas native was in the Staple center in Los Angeles and within only a few feet of him on the court, legends left and right with Lebron James, Dwight Howard, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony. This would be his last game in the NBA for now as it would only be 3, but on this evening, despite losing by 33 and seeing a 43 point masterpiece by Lebron James, the forward was in basketball heaven and will never forget the 14 minutes on the court and 7 points and 5 boards that he produced. ‘I didn’t have any small talk with any of the Lakers. I was the new guy in town. I didn’t know anybody. I guess there was a little bit of chat here and there. Melo said what’s up young fella at the free throw line. It is nothing out of the norm how I would approach any other game. The Lebron performance was like a welcome to the NBA moment. When I got in the game in the third quarter, he already had like 30 points. Seeing his game up close and personal is exactly as advertised through the TV and video games growing up. He was a beast that night and tough to stop him. I had the opportunity to guard him and he scored a few buckets. I can tell my kids when I get older’, laughed Cameron Mcgriff. He will never forget being able to guard Lebron James and hear what’s up young fella from Carmelo Anthony at the free throw line.

Cameron McGriff who lists Thomas, Dziagwa, Lindy Waters Isaac Likekele Jalen Cruther, and the entire AEK team as his best teammates of all-time so far in his career was born on September.30th, 1997 in Grand Prairie, Texas. As a kid he enjoyed playing flag football, but soon as he began to grow immensely took up basketball and could dunk by sixth grade. He got his first basketball experience at South Grand Prairie High School averaging 14,3ppg and 7,4rpg as a senior. He was ranked as the 10th best recruit in Texas by ESPN. He then chose to attend Oklahoma State to further his game. He balled at Oklahoma State from 2016-2020 and played a total of 130 NCAA games. He was able to improve his game dramatically from his freshman year to his sophomore year averaging 3.8ppg, 3.1rpg as a freshman and in his second year averaged 8.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 86.0%. Taking 1000 shots a day was instrumental in his game really moving along at a fine pace. ‘It helped my game develop. My percentages were raised between my first two seasons. I became a hard worker at the end of the day. Working hard has helped me become the player I am today and that is what I hang my hat on day in and day out. I always have been the first and last to leave from the gym. That has got me to the point I am today’, warned Cameron McGriff. He really stepped up his game in his last 2 seasons demonstrating what consistency is all about averaging 12.4ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 76.7% and as a senior averaged 12.3ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 83.2%. His biggest achievement there was reaching the NIT Elite 8. ‘It was great going to school there. I played in the NCAA tournament, got far in the NIT, played against rivals, and playing against many great players was great. In the NIT we played against a few guys we may see like Justin Johnosn in the BCL and other guys. It’s always great playing in the post season’, remembered Cameron McGriff. In his last 2 seasons, he played 64 NCAA games and scored in double figures in 44 games. His best scoring games occurred against Oklahoma and LSU where he hit both for 28 points apiece. He got a Big 12 honorable mention in his senior year. Especially beating the school’s huge rival Oklahoma and scoring 28 points was a big career highlight.’ This was the last game. There is so much history and it is a huge rivalry. The state lives for the rivalry. It was my senior year and we played against a pretty good Oklahoma team. It matched my career best. I went out with a bang and there wasn’t a better feeling than that. That was probably my best game in the NCAA especially with the energy around it. It is a moment I will never forget’, stressed Cameron McGriff. All the extra hours of grinding in the lab was monumental for his development, but so was head coach Michael Boynton. ‘He groomed me as a player but also as a man in this world. He told me where ever I go hard work will always help you. That always stuck with me. He led by example. He was one of the hardest workers as a coach that I have known. Even when I met him he was an assistant coach, but he worked his tail off to become a head coach’, stated Cameron McGriff. He also has a huge smile recounting his battles with current Oklahoma Thunder Lindy Waters in practice at Oklahoma State. ‘I let you ask him about who won. There wasn’t much competing back then since we played different positions. My game has evolved so I can play the 3-5. He can come into the paint with me and I can go out on the perimeter with him. We made each other better and I’m really happy with the success he is having with the Thunder’, added Cameron McGriff.

The athletic forward who lists Trae Young, Dean Wade and Jonathan Motley as his toughest opponents in the NCAA played his rookie season in Belgium with Okapi Aalst (Belgium-Euromillions League) averaging 13.5ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 89.6%. Every American has that wake up call to being overseas for the first time and it wasn’t any different with him. Being in the middle of Covid didn’t make it difficult reciting that wake up call. ‘It was tough my rookie season. Plus it was the year of COVID. Being in a closed off country where I couldn’t experience the atmosphere of being somewhere else wasn’t easy. It was like being locked in a room and just going to the gym every day. It made me a solder. If I can overcome that I can overcome anything. I had some tough hardships. It was a long 9-10 months. But I was able to focus on basketball and it helped me make a big jump which has helped me get to where I am today’, expressed Cameron McGriff. He scored in double figures in 21 of 27 games and had a 26 point explosion against Liege. He ended his rookie season being swept in the first round of the playoffs against Limburg where he was solid averaging 12,0ppg and 5,0rpg in the 3 game series. ‘The level is raised in the post season. Every game counts but playing in a series where you have to make adjustments and have the big time players step up, the team has to become closer together. Limburg was closer as a unit. It was a good experience. I helped the team become top 4. It was a good year for the team’, commented Cameron McGriff.

The American who lists Kobe, Jordan, Lebron, and Shaq on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore left Europe and came back to the States in his second professional season. He was with the Charlotte Hornets Summer League team and later signed with them, but was waived. He then signed a contract with G-League team Greensboro Swarm and played most of the season with them, but also was very fortunate to profit from the NBA Hardship exception and signed a 10 day contract with the Portland Tralblazers where he got into 3 games. He had a very solid G-League season averaging 11.7ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 77.8%. Overall it is very difficult to get an NBA call up because being able to keep consistent stats is very difficult with all the movement happening. ‘It was definitely tough, because you never knew what the roster was going to look like the day before a game. You have to be on your toes every night. In Athens there can be changes, but you normally know what you will get on a regular basis. The team put me in many different spots, but I was still able to be successful. That was a good point for me during my stay with Greensboro’, remembered Cameron McGriff. In the G-League he scored in double figures in 25 games and had a 33 point explosion against Windy City. His stay in the NBA was brief, but sweet. Right away in his first game, he had the fortune of having a type of home game playing against the Dallas Mavericks. ‘Playing my first game against Dallas was surreal for me. It was special for me since being a kid from the Dallas area.The city embraced me even though the game was in Portland. I got a lot of love form family, friends and long time teachers. It was a moment that I will never forget. It was a good day’, stressed Cameron McGriff. Even if he was benefited in a way from Covid in helping him reach the NBA, it also hurt him on January 2nd 2022. Who knows what could have happened had he remained healthy. ‘The greatest example that the NBA is business before anything else was when my 10 day contract got cut short, because I had got COVID after the game against the Lakers. After that it was just over. There were no more questions or get well soon remarks. That is how you know that the NBA is definitely a business. I just picked up my bags and moved on. There were no hard feelings. I had the chance to go to camp the next summer. You just can’t get too emotionally invested’, warned Cameron McGriff. In the summer of 2022, he still had the NBA on his mind as he was with Charlotte again in the NBA Summer League, but didn’t play. That helped him comeback to Europe, but is the NBA a done deal? ‘It was tough for me mentally, but I never could get too down on myself. I know I will always find a way. I’m really grateful that I got the offer to play for a great club like AEK Athens. I wouldn’t say not being in the NBA is the biggest loss, but I’m just thankful that I can continue to play the game I love at a high level. Now I’m focusing on growth of myself and AEK’, warned Cameron McGriff.

The American who believes that the classic Coming to America should have been left alone now has a new challenge in Greece with Basketball Champions League team AEK Athens. He definitely chose a great country to live in as well as playing in a very respected league. ‘It has been a great experience. You can feel the fan enthusiasm in the gym. You can see the black and yellow everywhere in the arena, city and even seeing the support from the fans at grocery store is great’, said Cameron McGriff. Leaving the NBA isn’t easy for any guy that was there and being teammates with a veteran who was there for 8 seasons like Tim Frazier can be tough getting reminded so often, but on the other hand also very beneficial. ‘It has been good being teammates with Tim. Having a veteran around where I can ask him questions about the NBA, but also as a professional there is that automatic respect, because we both have been in the NBA. I ask him questions about his professional career things off the court as well. He is a great leader and he carries himself in such a professional way. It isn’t about scoring, but for him it is about how he carries himself as a professional’, added Cameron McGriff. He has needed no adjustment period in the Greek first division averaging 13,5ppg, 6,2rpg, 1,2apg and is shooting a very respectable 42% from the parking lot. He also has made his mark in the Basketball Champions League averaging 10,3ppg and 7,7rpg while shooting 37% from outside. He has proven that versatility is something the team will always get from him. ‘I can do multiple things. I am defensively versatile, bring energy on the court on offense and defense. The team can always count on my effort, because I will play hard’, warned Cameron McGriff. He has experienced so much since his rookie season in Belgium and is a totally different player now. ‘My game has grown in that in my first season I was trying to find my identity and how I could fit at the next level. I worked a lot on my jump shot and becoming more consistent. I also focused on becoming more aggressive defensively guarding multiple positions. I put all that on to display in the NBA and G-League. There really wasn’t that much change besides becoming more physical and getting my body better in shape. Now I focus on the tactics and understanding the different philosophies of teams. I also attack the game with all my weapons and don’t be a one dimensional player’, warned Cameron McGriff. It will be interesting to see where the journey will go with him this season. AEK Athens are mixing it up with Euroleague teams Panathinaikos and Olympiakos in the Greek standings and will most likely compete for the Basketball Champions League title. His game will continue to grow this season that getting a NBA call down the road could become a reality again. After having some legendary stories for the grandchildren about the Laker greats, why not add some new ones in the future?

Tags : CAMERON MCGRIFF, AEK ATHENS, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Joshua Ward-Hibbert (196-G-1994) is a 28 year old 196cm forward that was born in Mansfield, England and is playing his third season for Eurocup team London Lions. He was a massive Bristih tennis talent growing up, but switched to basketball in 2016. He began his basketball career with the Derby Trailblazers (EBL). He then played 3 years with the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders (BBL). He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against the Hamburg Towers in Hamburg.

Thanks Josh for talking to germanhoops.com Your playing a Eurocup game in Hamburg Germany. What do you know about the country Germany and it’s basketball?

I’ve been Germany before and had good experiences there, and on the basketball side they have strong league and great players come out of Germany.

Sometimes I’m just amazed. If I hadn’t checked Wikipedia I would never have known that you were a professional tennis player just from looking at your eurobasket profile. At a young age you were playing tennis and basketball. What was the most difficult challenge juggling these 2 sports?

The only challenged juggling the two sports was time. Balancing my time between the two and school

You were a very good junior player winning the Australian doubles junior tournament. Were you better suited to be a doubles player than a singles player?

I think especially when your young you just play both singles and doubles, most people focus on singles first but i enjoyed both but wanted to pursue singles.

You were clocked with having the fastest serve at Wimbeldon at 133 miles per hour. Who were your favorite serving players at Wimbeldon when you were growing up?

I liked watching people play not just there serves but players like Roddick and Federer and Tsonga and Monfils was great to watch

Do you have any cool story that you had with a well known professional tennis player early in your career that you will never forget? Like meeting a Boris Becker or John McEnrow at Wimbeldon who were always around commentating matches?

No crazy stories really, had a practice session with Rafael Nadal and that stuck with me because of his focus during the session. He showed me how to do it if you want to be great

In 2016 you made the switch from tennis to basketball. What was the deciding moment where you knew basketball would be your future?

There was a lot of reasons but basketball kind of fell into place, the decision wasn’t necessarily to switch to basketball. It just kind of happened

You have carved out a wonderful basketball career having won 6 titles already as a pro. Do you ever wonder where you might be today had you stuck with tennis?

Not so much really, I try and make the choices best I can at the time and just live with whatever comes from it

Let’s talk a little about your game. Your a196cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would like to compare it to Jimmy Butler.

You can score and rebound the ball well. What other assets does your game have?

I feel like I got many attributes to my game and can help my team succeed in whichever way is needed whether rebounding or scoring, or defense and energy

How important has your tennis skills been in helping your basketball game. I can imagine the lateral movement, agility and foot work is something that has helped your defensive game?

I definitely think tennis helped me in basketball, as you said with my movement and coordination. I think it allowed me to be the player I am today

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

Really I’m trying to work on everything and get better at all aspects of my game

Your playing your third season with the London Lions. What kind of an experience has it been playing for this organization?

Yes it has been my third season and it’s been great, I’ve personally had some ups and downs but being around the club and the team it’s been amazing, I’ve learnt a lot and developed here a lot too.

What have you appreciated most about it? The expectations must be very high.

I always expect a lot of myself regardless. So no one can expect more of me then I expect of myself.

Do you feel pressure having to win titles? How tough is it for you having a smaller role than other players?

I don’t think about that too much, something I can’t control, everyday day and every game I just want to impact winning as much as I can, and do anything which will give the team a better chance of winning

In your first season you played with one of my favorite guys that I covered in Germany Orlando Parker. What memories do you have form his time there?

Orlando Parker, great player and great guy. Was great to share the floor with him, a real talented scorer.

You have played with many ex NBA players like Deandre Liggins and now Kostas Koufos and Sam Merrill. Talk a little about how each guy has enriched your time there?

There been some great players, role models and veterans I’ve played with here including the ex nba players. I’ve learnt a lot from each of them and there still teaching me things today. I just wanna keep learning and keep building the best I can from them.

Some guys move around from season to season while others remain with a team forever. Are you at an age where you could imagine finishing your career with the London Lions?

Who knows what the future holds, that’s something for future Josh to worry about. For now I got nearly a whole season to focus on

You were a U-16 British national basketball player. How is the state of British basketball at the moment? Where do you see it going in the future?

British basketball is definitely on the rise, you can see it and feel it, It’s moving it the right direction and it’s exciting to see whether it will be in years to come

The UK have brought on many talented players over the years but one that I covered early in his career in Germany was Myles Hesson. He is a guy that moved from lower leagues to top leagues. Is he a role model for you?

Myles is a great player and great role model for many young British players, and watching him and training with him has helped me with my game more then he probably knows

Who was the toughest player that you encountered your career on the court that would reach the NBA?

couldn’t say who’s the toughest player I’ve played against, I’ve faced so many great pI layers and wouldn’t want to leave anyone out

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

My 5 best team mates, I gotta extend that to 12 and say every player currently on the London Lions team. We had a great squad and we working towards something special

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

Mount Rushmore is Kobe, MJ, Lebron, and Wilt

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

My never ending debate ends with kobe – he was my role model when I was playing tennis and he will forever be the greatest ever in my eyes

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

I haven’t watched coming to America haha so I can’t say.

Thanks Josh for the chat.

Tags : JOSHUA WARD-HIBBERT, LONDON LIONS, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Before Robin Benzing (208-F-1989, agency: BeoBasket) unleashed his scoring excellence in the easyCredit BBL with Ratiopharm Ulm and FC Bayern Munich and 4 years in the best league ACB in Europe in Spain, he first came on the scene in the summer of 2009 at the European U-20. That was so long ago, it wasn’t back in the day, but moreover feels like it was in another lifetime. He was the top player at tournament dominating like a Luka Doncic averaging (22.2ppg), 5.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 80.0% and showing future NBA players and Euroleague players like Bogdan Bogdanovic, Nemanja Nedovic, Vladimir Lucic and Zoran Dragic who boss was. After that his career took off like crazy as he became a house hold name in Germany putting up great stats with Ulm for 2 seasons and then becoming a sturdy and solid role player for FC Bayern Munich for 4 seasons. He then played in Spain for Zaragoza where he averaged double figures in scoring in 3 of 4 seasons and also played a season in Turkey with Besiktas Sompo Japan Istanbul and last season at age 33 played with Fortitudo Kigili Bologna (Italy-Serie A) putting up potent stats averaging 13.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 85.3%. He has always been a consistent player in his 17 year career and has played more than 100 games for the German national team and played at 5 European championships, 2 World championships and at the 2021 Olympic games. It is November 22 and Robin Benzing isn’t under contract with a professional team. He may be turning 34 in January 2023, but he still has the offensive qualities that the Fraport Skyliners could use right now.

There have been times in the last few years where basketball life has been extremely bad for the Fraport Skyliners, but currently it is at an all-time low. The club is currently at 1-6 and are the doormat of the easycredit BBL hanging out in the basement and the door out being seemingly held shut by angry and annoying Giessen fans. Where is Michael Hakim Jordan when you need him most? Well he is head coach at Lafayette(NCAA) and a type of tirade that he let go in 2010 in Frankfurt against his team Phoenix Hagen could help any team now. Phoenix Hagen somehow was saved that season. The Fraport Skyliners definitely aren’t a bad team, but they aren’t a good team either. The only thing that matters right now is achieving wins and somehow trying to get better step by step day by day. Even if they could have won 3 of the 7 games so far, at the end of the day the only thing counts are wins and that is something they are having a lot of difficulty doing. They want to be a good defensive team, but still allow 82 points per game. On offense they are the 17th worst offensive team scoring only 76 points per game. The biggest problem is that they just don’t have the personal to keep up with their competitors and aren’t getting enough firepower. On top of that, they have injury woes at the big man position with guys like Einaras Tubuties and Lorenz Brenneke out. The club got active a few days ago signing experienced American forward Marcus Lewis, but is he the right fit? They probably didn’t have any better candidates. He definitely has proved his scoring capabilities in places like Canada where he did it on a consistent rate for years, Finland where he was the third best scorer in the league, averaged double figures in scoring in the Basketball Champions league and in Poland. But can he keep doing it at a higher level like the easyCredit BBL? The Fraport Skyliners also need support under the boards and that is why a name like Robin Benzing has popped up. But is he the right player now?

Not only would bringing in Robin Benzing make sense with his scoring capabilities, but also with his early history. He grew up only 45 kilometers south of Frankfurt Seeheim-Jugenheim and learned to play ball with TV Langen. Back in 2008 there was a trio of TV Langen players practicing with Frankfurt with the Barth brothers Sebastian and Kai and Robin Benzing. I was under the impression that then Skyliner head coach MuratDidin didn’t like Benzing, but that was false. He wanted Benzing in Frankfurt. ‘I watched Benzing a few times and told Gunnar Wobke to sign him tomorrow. The problem was that Benzing’s father was tough. He felt that the kid still had time. If he had been born in Belgrad then Partizan and Belgrad would have been fighting over him. I said let him come. He was cheap. I told Gunnar to pay him extra. That weekend we were in Hamburg playing the cup top 4. I was ready to put him in the starting 5 against Duesseldorf without him having played a single game with the Skyliners. Gunnar thought I was crazy. He was born to be a basketball player. In the end he left for Ulm’, stated Murat Didin in 2020. Benzing definitely has one supporter in EPG Baskets Koblenz head coach Pat Elzie who feels that Benzing would be the right man now. ‘I know Robin for a long time and am a big fan of him. When he asked me a few months ago if he could stay fit and practice with us, it was a no brainer. He heightens the quality of the training with each team. He still is one of the best offensive players that I have seen. He may be a bit slower on defense, but he balances that out with his high basketball IQ’, warned Pat Elzie. Benzing surely won’t be a rabbit on defense, but Frankfurt simply needs someone that will take responsibility and be that consistent go to guy on offense. ‘Robin could give important impulses with his offensive qualities and experience to a team like Frankfurt’, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein. Frankfurt simply doesn’t have that player. Martinas Gebens can be that player as well, but Frankfurt need more than just one. One massive priority is to hold Gebens as well. They can’t afford to let him go and waste time to integrate another new player. But then again what happened to Danilo Barthel. He seems to have disappeared from the German basketball scene. He played the last 2 seasons with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). But already last season he had severe injury problems. If fit he could help the Fraport Skyliners right away. It would be refreshing to have him back. Benzing can’t be too expensive now while Barthel should be out of the Skyliners financial range. It would be like a dream to have a guy like Barthel back. But at the moment the club can’t dream, but have to be realistic. Two other interesting big men available are ex easyCredit BBL player Chris Otule and Jackie Carmichael. Both are over 30 and have a lot of experience. The club has to react now before it’s too late.

It was that time again during a hard fought game where certain players strive and live for called crunch-time. A moment where back in the days a Michael Jordan had fans dumb founded with his alien like plays or now adays where a perfect basketball specimen like Luka Doncic will convert plays where a Steve Urkel would refrain from ‘did I do that’ and say ‘Did he do that’?. There was 4,05 minutes to play in a very exciting back and forth duel between home team s.Oliver Wurzburg and new easyCredit team Rostock Seawolves that had engulfed basketball Germany into their hearts after starting the season in amazing 4-0 form. The Rostock Seawolves seemed to be in control in crunch-time and had the momentum leading 83-79. There was no Jordan or Doncic in the house that would decide the game and it wasn’t going to be a guy with an immaculate NCAA resume, but rather an NAIA player named Cameron Hunt and his side kick another NAIA player Stanley Whittaker (183-PG-1994, college: Keiser) who isn’t shocked that Spain is #1 in the Fiba World rankings over USA, because when the playing starts he likes our chances also named the dynamic duo. Those 2 studs took control propelling s.Oliver Wurzburg on a magical 18-4 run to seal the victory and lift the Tectake arena into ecstasy. Hunt and Whittaker combined for 13 points in that span as Hunt had 9 points including 7 free throws and Whittaker had 4 points in the paint. They had grabbed the opportunity and the responsibility and led the team to the win. Hunt reached the easyCredit BBL via the Pro B and is now in his third BBL season and continues to be a solid player while Whittaker is a BBL rookie after paying his dues in Austria and German Pro A. What these 2 guys display on the court proves you can never doubt the skill level of NAIA players, because they are for real. ‘As I stated last year, being able to share the floor with former teammates of mine, Leo Behrend, Trevion Crews, who also played at NAIA programs, it’s a great feeling. We’ve been written off because we went to NAIA schools, which is quite unfortunate. So for Cam, myself and the others guys that’s playing professionally and played college basketball at the NAIA level, I’m rooting for us all. I hope we all can stay healthy and do well. Most importantly, we can be the examples to the ones coming behind us, and to also show people that count us out that NAIA guys can perform and play at a high level’, warned Stanley Whittaker. The win over the Rostock Seawolves was more than needed. ‘Man we needed a home win Miles. Feels good to win at home for the first time, our fans come out and support us very passionately! So it feels good to deliver for them. We’ve been in some close ones at home, but this was good for our group’, stressed Stanley Whittaker.

Cameron Hunt scoring 28 points in Frankfurt in 2020 in a Pro b game.

The Rostock Seawolves came into the game riding a 2 game losing streak as did s.Oliver Wurzburg, but both clubs came to play off the bat as it was a roller coaster game with no team allowing the other to get away. Whittaker and co had massive difficulty with experienced and ex Virginia Commonwealth University (NCAA) point guard Jequan Lewis who had his playmaking down to an art and finished with13 dimes. ‘He’s a good player, his usage rate is high as he’s their main playmaker. He does a good job at creating and he has guys around him that can put the ball in the basket’, said Stanley Whittaker. In the second quarter s.Oliver Wurzburg were able to free themselves a bit to lead 52-46 at the break. One guy that was vital in Wurzburg being able to keep the lead was ex North Carolina State forward CJ Bryce who came up with huge plays. ‘CJ is instrumental to our group. He gets after it! Hard working, blue collared guy, he helps our team in many different areas, both offensively and defensively. I’m glad he’s with us! A great teammate’, added Stanley Whittaker. But Rostock fought back and the game began to go back and forth again until Cameron Hunt took over in crunch-time. ‘As a whole, we lean on Cam due to his success and experience in the BBL. Cam is poised, very patient and he has a high competitive spirit. He made the right plays down the stretch and was able to draw fouls and knock down the free throws! I find inspiration through Cam, as well as each of my teammates because each of them have an inspiring quality about who they are as professionals’, stated Stanley Whittaker. Rostock have had incredible efforts in the first 4 games, but in crunch-time in Wurzburg, the will of Wurzburg seemed to be higher. ‘We haven’t closed out games well, so it was pivotal that we put them away and finish the game. Through our previous experiences, we are learning and working to improve the way we finish ball games and this game we showed the discipline and determination to close the game out’, expressed Stanley Whittaker. Rostock continue to lose games after a great start. Have they lost their steam? ‘I wouldn’t know if they lost steam or not because this my first time competing against them in league play. They’re playing good basketball, they have a good team, and do some good things on offense. They were missing two key players from their group today, I’m just glad we were able to get the job done’, commented Stanley Whittaker.

The Philadelphia native who began to pay his dues at Franklin Philips (JUCO) College and is a fan of the brand of basketball that the Boston Celtics play and their 2 grenades Tatum and Brown and believe they are for real had a solid game in the victory pouring in 16 points, dishing out 8 assists and hauling down 3 boards, but of course his 4 turnovers had a bitter taste. ‘I was okay today. I didn’t enjoy turning the basketball over which is frustrating. But we got the needed win which matters most. I’ll get back to the work and find ways where I can be better’, stressed Stanley Whittaker. Coming from a league lower and not only withstanding the challenge of the competitive BBL, but actually being a very good player is refreshing and he cherishes every day where he can show everyone his unique skills. ‘It’s a challenge but just the game in general is a challenge. I embrace the opportunity. The BBL is full of good teams so it’s good to get out there each week, compete and give your best to try and get the win’, warned Stanley Whittaker. Currently he is averaging very solid 18/2/5/1 stats. There is no secret to his success, but just being himself and doing what he has always done for helping him get from the JUCO to the easyCredit BBL. ‘For me the game is the game. I credit my preparation though. I try to remain myself through it all, no matter how it goes, just always trust the work I’ve put in and be confident! There’s no secrets really’, said Stanley Whittaker. The guard isn’t only a prolific scorer something he has done consistently since coming overseas, but he also has flourished with his shot selection and defense. ‘Shot selection is important at any level, whether it’s the BBL and or Pro A. Teams strive to get a good shot every-time down the floor. So for me, valuing possessions is key. The guard play is high in the BBL so I have my work cut out for me on defense week in and week out. I’m still figuring it all out though, but I look forward to the guard play’, stated Stanley Whittaker The season is still very long, so being able to be consistent and give his team the best chances to win every game will be more beneficial if he continues to improve his game step by step, day by day. ‘I’m working on all areas of my game. That’s part of being a professional, everything can use more work, I understand that. I’ll continue to work the way I know how to work, and just hope I can remain productive and consistent’, warned Stanley Whittaker. The real test for the ex NAIA greats Hunt and Whittaker will come next weekend as they face off against top team FC Bayern Munich. Hunt has a 1-3 record against them, but who will forget last season’s masterful 90-70 upset where he scored 14 points. In his first season he hit Munich for 19 points in a loss. Hunt knows what to expect, but what about Whittaker? It will be his first game against them. He surely will be ready for the battle. Just another day at the office for them and another opportunity to prove on a massive stage that NAIA players are for real.

Sometimes when basketball life is going well and your winning, you just want to keep playing, but sometimes that isn’t possible as the Fiba Window has become a part of the world basketball schedule. It is moreover the team that are losing and have banged up bodies that take the Fiba break with open arms. Even if the EPG Baskets Koblenz are the best and hottest club in the pro B, the organization didn’t take any time off, but actually made their roster even stronger with the addition of German Leon Frederici who came from easyCredit BBL team MLP Academics Heidelberg. While the 1-5 Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg team took the Fiba Break with open arms as they had to digest the last 81-80 nail bitter loss to Speyer and find new energy for the next games. It definitely didn’t get any easier as they had to travel to the unbeaten living room of the EPG Baskets Koblenz and after 40 minutes, the guests went home having to digest a brutal 107-51 loss. The EPG Baskets Koblenz dominated on offense and defense for 40 minutes and with only a few lapses demonstrated that they live for consistency. ‘We played so well together today. We communicated blindly on defense and had all our match ups and switches were good. We had so nice ball movement. It was just beautiful basketball. I had to scream a few times on the court, because our play was so good. For anybody that couldn’t witness the game in the arena definitely missed something’, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz forward Moritz Huebner. Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg had to fight an uphill battle from the start as they couldn’t match the intensity and physicality at both ends of the court and were rapidly in the hole. ‘There were 4-5 gears of difference in the level of play of both teams. It was actually fun to watch them. They have a very well known coach and great team. We weren’t ready to compete. We were too young and just need time’, stated Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg head coach Khee Rhee Young.

Alani Moore at the FT line

The guests arrived with a slim 9 man rotation which would have massive difficulty keeping their intensity up in the second half. Both teams came out ready as the contest was deadlocked early at 5-5. Huebner and Eddy Edigin had traded three’s, but then the EPG Baskets Koblenz just ran away and never stopped. The home team went on a massive 14-3 run to lead 19-8 and then it was apparent to witness that the guests would have a hard trek up the mountain to reach the peak. In the run they used their physical advantages and scored much in the paint area. German center Moses Poelking scored twice as did undersized big Brian Butler. Koblenz also got sufficient support from their guard play from Moore and Heckel who combined for 7 points. Butler also unleashed a pretty no look pass to woo the fans. ‘Not only is his passing underrated, but also his dribbling’, stated EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein. The physical Koblenz defense didn’t allow a fluid ball movement to develop which made Ludwigsburg opt for more 1-1 plays which they couldn’t execute on a consistent rate. When the guests did get 1-1 baskets, then from ex Rhondorf guard Esli Edigin who nailed a trey and lay in as Koblenz led 23-14. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz closed out the first quarter well going on a rapid 9-2 run to lead 32-16 after 10 minutes. In the run, Koblenz let it rain 2 three’s from ex easyCredit BBL player Dominque Johnson and American Alani Moore. New Koblenz player Leon Friederici (190-SG-1995) also added free throws. ‘We were dominant on offense and defense against a pretty good team. We had no lapses on the floor and when we subbed new players in. We played great team basketball’, added Thomas Klein.

Leonardo Kratzer from the corner

The EPG Baskets Koblenz kept up their dominant play in the second quarter and led by as much as 28 points. What fans saw in the first 4 minutes of the second quarter was a masterpiece of incredible play by Leon Friederici who came in and scored 9 unanswered points and 12 points in less than 4 minutes. ‘We await Leon to give us energy as well as giving us three point shooting quality as well as driving to the basket’, warned Thomas Klein. In that early second quarter display of excellence he showed more than that. He began with an incredible two handed dunk. ‘I knew he was athletic. But when you see him, you wouldn’t think he was athletic, but he has so much power’, expressed Thomas Klein. He then showcased his offensive play with clever inside out play with 2 lay ins and two threes as the EPG Baskets Koblenz led 47-19. ‘Leon was integrated very well. He only had a few practices, but in the game it seemed like he had been here since pre season. He had a great game. I like how flexible his game is. He isn’t just a slasher, but a team player’, warned Moritz Huebner. The experienced German finished with a smooth 18 points and 5 assists in 15 minutes. ‘I felt good. I know more than half of the team so it’s easier to get adjusted quickly. I’m more than just a shooter and defender. I’m not a bad passer either’, smiled Leon Friederici. Koblenz kept executing well, but the guests had their best span of the game notching 3 three’s from Edigin, ex BBL player Aenas Jung and young talented 17 year old Abdulhay Komurkara. Moritz Huebner led the team into the break with a spark making a hard two handed dunk as Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg trailed 55-30. ‘We lost some intensity at the end, but still played at a high tempo. We drove more in the first quarter, but began to hit more three’s in the second quarter. Our read and react strength showed the quality of players that we have’, warned Thomas Klein.

Brina Butler with pull up jumper

The EPG Baskets Koblenz continued to be aggressive at both ends in the third quarter and the guests began to lose energy as the 9 man rotation began to prove as being to thin. Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg executed well in the first minutes as Komurkara began to make good plays as he showed his sniper qualities from outside as he connected twice and Dutch forward Emmanuel Ugbo scored on a lay in traffic. But the guests couldn’t make any ground as Koblenz continued to run their plays on offense and score with ease. Heckel scored twice, Butler and Leo Saffer dunked and Friederici made a lay in as they led 67-38. When you have a deep roster and are subbing in frequently, you will always have a good chance of keeping the intensity up especially when you have so many offensive weapons. The guests were often a step to slow as their energy level was waning as 4 turnovers in a row suggested. The EPG Baskets closed out the third quarter strong with a 13-3 run to lead 80-41 after 30 minutes. In the run, the club received support from their bench as German Niclas Sperber added 7 points including a trey and dunk and Moore hit a three pointer as the Koblenz ball movement was rolling. ‘I thought our defense was a tic better than in the first half. We played very hard nosed. Our transition play was also very good. We continued to keep a good balance as every player contributed’, expressed Thomas Klein.

Emmanuel Ugbo at the FT line

Nothing changed in the fourth quarter as it was almost identical to the third quarter in terms of points and points given up. The EPG Baskets Koblenz led by as much as 58 points. The contest was already decided in the third quarter, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz just continued to have passion and began with a brutal 12-2 run to lead 92-43. In the run the ambitious team continued to have great output form many players as Moore made a lay in. That was followed by Yasin Turan free throws and a Poelking lay in. Heckel then added a three pointer and Hubner a dunk. After a Ugbo lay in, Koblenz got lay in’s from Heckel and Johnson to lead 96-43. The EPG Baskets Koblenz just didn’t lose their consistency. ‘Teams that are mentally strong and have a great team chemistry won’t have many let downs’, said Thomas Klein. After Jung nailed a three pointer, the EPG Baskets Koblenz closed out the game in top fashion going on a 11-3 run to win the game. In the run, Koblenz got 2 buckets from Johnson, lay in’s from Butler and Turan and free throws from young German kid Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri. ‘This was the best win of the season. Everybody fought hard. I’m overjoyed’, stressed Thomas Klein. ‘We kept a good level for 40 minutes, but you can’t forget that we played against a last placed team. We have to do that against better teams. Even when your near perfect, you do notice the small holes in the play’, stressed Moritz Huebner. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Alani Moore and Leon Friederici with 18 points a piece while Marvin Heckle added 15 points and Moritz Huebner 14 points while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg were led by Esli Edigin while Abdulhay Komurkara added 16 points. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 63% from the field and 50% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 8 turnovers while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg shot 29% from the field and 32% from outside27 rebounds and 22 turnovers.

Tags : LEON FRIEDERICI, MLP ACADEMICS HEIDELBERG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Nico Santana Mojica (196-SF-2002) is a 20 year old 196cm guard that began his basketball career with ESV Rot Weiss Stuttgart. He joined the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg organization in 2018 and since ha splayed games for the EasyCredit BBL team, Regionalliga team called BSG Basket Ludwigsburg (Regionalliga), Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg and it’s U-19 team. Last season for the Regionalliga team he played 23 games averaging 13.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.0apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 59.4%. He ha splayed 7 easyCredit BBL games and 2 Basketball Champions League Games. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Pro B game against the EPG Baskets Koblenz.

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

I’m in Ludwigsburg right now and basketball life is treating me well.

As an ambitious 20 year old player, how was your schedule during the Fiba window break? Did you do anything special in the gym or was it business as usual?

We had a few days off. It helped guys that play many minutes. It was good for recovery and be able to put up our feet for a while. I did put up shots. It was nothing out of the ordinary.

Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg have gotten off to a very slow start at 1-5 and this weekend play on the road against unbeaten Koblenz. Is this the perfect place to turn the season around?

It will be a tough game in Koblenz. We know that they are a tough team and have very good 1-1 players, but if we can play our game for 40 minutes, I feel that we will have a chance. We are a young team and the underdog but maybe we can surprise them with our quickness and physicality

The team is very young. How much of a factor is that in the results. The team has talent to score, but aren’t and are giving up too many points on defense?

It is known that Ludwigsburg defends hard in the BBL, but we haven’t had good results yet. But we have had new guys come in as well as injured players come back. Plus we have anew coach. We still have to find each other and come together. We have to focus on getting better step by step.

Young head coach Kee Rhee has a real challenge at the moment getting every one on the same page. Despite the start, what have you appreciated most about his coaching?

I feel like he has been direct and truthful since the start. I respect that a lot. If you have a coach like that then players will play hard for him. He is a young coach and if he continues to develop then I feel like he has a lot of potential. It isn’t always easy for him to coach many young guys and a full chaotic guys, but he is doing a good job so far.

The team has no player older than 20. What do you believe is the biggest advantage of having so many young players. Is the competitive level at a special level?

We know that when all 12 players are on the court, no matter if you get 1 minute or 30 minutes, we will work hard. It is a very positive thing in the Ludwigsburg program that they allow young players to get minutes and have the chance to develop. It is a shame though that we don’t have some older guys on the team.

You’re a 196cm guard/forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I would say Royce O’Neal who once played in Ludwigsburg. He has a consistent shot like me and can guard many positions.

Talk a little about your game. Your a tweener that has an all around game. What is your biggest strength?

I feel that my defense is my biggest strength. I can guard the positions 1-3 and sometimes the 4 as well. I think that if I can get better as a defender will help me reach a higher level in the future. I’m working on getting better day by day.

You’re a player that hasn’t found your speciality yet. What do you believe could become your speciality?

I can be that point guard type of player that plays the position 3. I like to make plays for others and for myself. I want to be a good all around player that is a 3 and D player that likes to defend. I also like to play the position 1.

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

At the moment, I’m trying to change the form of my shot. But overall I’m working on everything. I’m also working on all the different types of shots like a floater or pull up jumper.

How much of a challenge is it finding a suitable role in a young and hungry team where every player can be an impact player?

Every day is a battle in practice. You are competing against 15 talented guys. On the one hand you love your teammates, but on the other hand you need to go your own way. Everybody is young and hungry and wants a successful career. Everyone is competing daily for their career, but doing it in a respectful way.

You played NBBL ball with the Patrick brothers already 4 years ago. Have you been surprised how quickly their basketball development has come in the last 3 years?

It has surprised me. They put a lot of effort and time in becoming the players they are today and they were rewarded. I know how much hard work they put in. It wasn’t always easy for them, but they fought very hard to get to where they are now. They have deserved it. I have a good relationship with both of them.

The year 20-21 is a year that will always be in the mind of many young players. The NBBL and Regionalliga seasons was cancelled. Despite you being with the BBL squad, how much do you feel did your development suffer that season?

I don’t feel it did. I was with the easyCredit BBL team for 10 months before my injury. I had to guard really good and physical players that were fast on a daily basis. It would have been nice to have played Regionalliga games and compete against men, but being able to train with BBL guys was no comparison. This wasn’t a step back, but my best year in my development so far.

How thankful are you for John Patrick giving you a chance during 20-22? He is known as being a very demanding coach. How did he help you most?

He was always open and truthful with me. If you worked hard and used your chance, he would reward you. Sometimes he would surprise you and put you in early. I remember coming into my first game against Braunschweig in the first seconds of the third quarter and had to guard Tookie Brown. I came into the game in the second quarter against Alba Berlin. He was a very demanding coach, but so are all coaches. Otherwise it would be boring. I’m so thankful that John Patrick saw potential in me.

You have played 7 BBL games and a few basketball Champions League games. What do you feel is still missing for a BBL career?

I need to work on my body and gain some kilos and become more physical. I also want to continue to work hard each day. Having the right attitude to work hard will be key. I think in 2-3 years, I will know where I will stand.

You played your first BBL game against Braunschweig scoring 5 points in 7 minutes. What do you remember from your debut most?

It was a great feeling coming in and seeing how connected our team was. I played with a 37 year old Tremmel Darden who had played with Real Madrid and won the Euroleague other guys that had 300 plus BBL games. These guys who have seen it all were so happy for me. I really could see how tight the team was. I would never have thought 5 years earlier that I would play in the BBL.

You also lost a nail bitter to Alba Berlin and beat FC Bayern Munich. Any memories that stuck most from those games?

I was on the court with top players like Vladimir Lucic who has been a Euroleague player for so long as well as Luke Sikma. I can’t describe the feeling being able to share the court at age 19 with guys like that.

What is your biggest wish for this season in the development of your game?

I want to have a good standing in the Pro B and maybe get into some BBL games. That could be good for my mental state. I want to continue to go step by step in my development.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Mikey De Sousa?

I win.

Who was the toughest player that you have battled so far in your career?

I had to defend Nils Giffey 1-1. That wasn’t easy.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Jonah Radebaugh, Nick Weiler-Babb, Tremmel Darden, Yorman Polas, Isaiah Whitehead

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Lebron James, Luka Doncic, Joel Embild

Jordan, Lebron or Kobe? Who is the goat?

Jordan

What was last movie that you saw?

King Richard

Thanks Nico for the chat.

Tags : NICO SANTANA MOJICA, PORSCHE BBA LUDWIGSBURG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Ali Sow (185-PG-1998, college: Laurier) is a 23 year old 185cm guard playing his rookie season for German pro B team RheinStras Cologne. He is leading the German Pro B in scoring with 26,7ppg, 5,5rpg, 2,8apg and 2,0spg. He got his first taste of pro experience playing with the Saskatchewan Rattlers (CEBL) in the summer of 2022. He began his basketball career with Merivale high school and also played with Ottawa Next Level. He then had a illustrious career at Laurier University (CIS) where he never averaged less than 17,0ppg in a season. In his other 3 seasons he twice averaged 24,0ppg and once 27,0ppg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Ali for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with German Pro B team RheinStars Cologne. What do you know in general about the country Germany and basketball? In the last 10 years more and more Canadians have played in German leagues.

Thank you! I feel as though the basketball game in Canada is very similar to the pace that is played in Germany as well, similar skill sets and play styles. Looking forward to learning more about the city and the people!

What was your first impression of Stephan Baeck in your talks? Did you do some research on him and learn that he won the 1993 European Championships with Germany a feat Dirk Nowitzki never did.

I’ve learned that he’s had a great career and had more than a few championships, so I believe he knows what it takes to win at a very high level.

You’re a guy that surely will make the jump from college ball to the pro’s overseas. What is your biggest goal with your game that you hope to be able to accomplish with Cologne?

I’m very new to the pro level overseas so I try not to have too many expectations, but my goal is to compete and grow my game, try to make myself and my teammates better everyday, and I think it will translate to winning.

You must of heard of your predecessor Vincent Golson who dominated the league. Do you feel some pressure having to fill his shoes?

Of course! I saw what he was able to accomplish here, he’s a great player. I think he’s set the standard and example for how to be a great player and scorer for this team and the league.

You recently got your first professional experience with the Saskatchewan Rattlers (CEBL). What kind of experience was it getting that first pro experience? What did you gain from it?

Experience is always the best teacher, playing with and against really talented players and teams tests you and you can only get better being around that kind of talent and experience.

How beneficial was it seeing how it’s done from veteran Tony Carr who has played at high levels in Europe. Did you have some meaningful chats with him?

Yea, Tony is super skilled, it was cool to get to know him and he’s a guy you can learn from on and off the court. He knows how to win and you just get better being around him.

Let’s talk a little about your game. You’re a 185cm guard that showed explosive scoring qualities in school. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I think my game is most comparable to Lillard, Garland, guards who play quicker.

You’re a player that can fill the stat sheet without problems. How big is versatility a strength in your game?

Being versatile helps winning, and helped me be better in different situations with different players. I like being able to find success in different systems and situations.

You made a jump in rebounding and assists in your last season at Laurier. How advanced is your court vision and do you believe that you can make the next step as a playmaker?

My goal was to not only be a scorer, but be able to impact the game in different ways, defensively, rebounding and in creating and co-existing with others. I think it has pushed me to be a more complete player and continue to grow my knowledge.

How much is your three pointer still a work in progress? You have shot the ball Ok from outside the last years in Canada, but not great. What do you feel is still the biggest problem with your shot and is it just reps or shot selection or something else?

I have a lot of confidence in my shooting ability, however the stats may be. Shot selection and IQ always grows with experience and picking better spots and times to take certain shots.

You’re a very quick and agile defender What kind of a defender are you now and where do you want to be as a defender in the next years?

I believe I’ve made big strides in my defensive effort, I think this summer was a good test and you learn where to be, how to guard better, faster players. With experience, I hope to be able to be a great two-way player, guarding scorers and being versatile in my position.

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

Working on my body, working on being poised and being able to score and create from multiple positions on the court.

You played at Laurier (CIS) from 2017-2022. As a guy that played in Canada, what stories have you heard of Phil Scrubb who played at Carleton a few years before you began play?

I’ve heard a lot of stories of winning of Phil, I used to go summer camps at Carleton being from Ottawa, so I heard and saw how dedicated they were to winning. He’s the first NBA-caliber point guard I was able to watch up close at home.

You reached the OUA semi-finals twice. What was your fondest moment at Laurier?

My fondest memory is to be honest is playing with my brother in pre-season games last year, I know it was short but that really was a dream come true for me.

You had quite a few 40 plus games and many 30 plus point games. Which was your most memorable game at Laurier?

I think my most memorable game, a game people still bring up is our semi-final loss at Western which was a thriller and very fun, but still not a game I like to reminisce about.

How did head coach Justin Serresse groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Justin has always challenged me as a person and player every year I’ve known him. He’s put me in different positions and challenged me to grow and play and think in different ways that translate to the next level.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Ismael Sow?

He will never, ever beat me one-on-one. Love him to death though.

You played twice against Germany at the University games in 2019 splitting. What memories do you have of Germany and how they played?

I remember Germany being a big-size team, having above average height at each position, efficient, physical brand of basketball. It was good to experience that kind of play style early.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced on the floor so far in your career that reached the NBA?

The toughest are probably Jamal Murray or Nickeil from younger tournaments.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

Five best teammates is tough.. Ntore Habimana, Adnan Begovic, Chuder Teny, Vladimir Matovic, Joseph Fo. Gotta add Kemel Archer too.

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore


MJ, Kobe, Magic, LeBron.

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

I used to say LeBron, but Jordan is the greatest player of all time. LeBron is a more complete player in my opinion, Jordan was just greater.

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

It’s just like the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to me. Some classics just need to be admired forever.

Thanks Ali for the chat.

Tags : ALI SOW, RHEINSTARS KOELN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

James Murray-Boyles (201-F-1997, college: UNCP, agency: Players Group) is a 25 year old 201cm forward from Columbia, South Carolina playing his fourth professional season and first with the Norrkoping Dolphins (Sweden-Basketligan). Last season he played with the BK IMMOunited Dukes Klosterneuburg (Austria-BSL) averaging 15.6ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 79.5%. He played his first two professional seasons with BKM Lucenec (Slovakia-SBL) averaging 9.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 83.3% in his rookie season and in his second season averaged 13.4ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 78.8%. He began his career at AC Flora high school and then played 121 NCAA 2 games for the University Of North Carolina at Pembroke improving his points and rebound average per season. In his senior year he averaged 14.8ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 79.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

Hello! I’m in Norrkoping, Sweden right now and I really am enjoying the basketball life.

How happy are you to be playing the game you love? You have been grinding since school and continue to move up the basketball ladder. What has been your biggest challenge just having to deal with the basketball process daily?

It’s a blessing to be able to play the game at this level. Everyone doesn’t get the opportunity. My biggest challenge I would have to say is balancing my family life while playing in different countries!

Your playing you first season with the Norrkoping Dolphins. What kind of an experience has it been playing for this organization? What have you appreciated most about the experience?

It has been a great experience playing with the Dolphins so far! They are really professional and we’re obviously competing European competition which is always great!

Your playing your first international club competition with the Fiba Europe Cup and playing very solid needing no adjustment period. What do you feel has been key in you being able to adapt so well?

I think that just being confident in the work I have put in over the years. I’ve always had people telling me I had the ability to play on this level and also higher so I just always believed when I got the opportunity I would be able to perform. Also I give a lot of credit to my coaches and teammates for believing in me.

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

I wouldn’t really compare myself to anyone in the league. But I do try to take from a lot of different players like Brandon Ingram, Kawhi Leonard, Carmelo Anthony, Paul George, players like that

You’re a guy that can fill out the stat sheet with ease. How much is versatility of a strength in your game?

Versatility has always been a strength in my game for as long as I can remember. I think it is a reason I have gotten this far in the game of basketball.

You always have been a solid free throw shooter, but last season in Austria you were #1 at 94%. Did you take extra shots in the summer of 2021 or what do you credit your success to?

Yes I’ve always been a solid free throw shooter but I definitely shot a lot more in the summer in order to improve.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so that you can keep climbing up the basketball ladder?


I definitely am trying to improve on my 3 point percentage and just be as efficient as possible on the court overall. Also to show I can rebound at a high level.

Last season you played with BK IMMOunited Dukes Klosterneuburg (Austria-BSL9 avergaing 15.6ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 79.5%. After playing 2 seasons in Slovakia how do you feel did your game take another step in your third pro season?

I felt like it take a huge step because I had more responsibility on myself. I was able to have the ball in my hands a little more and expand my game more on the perimeter while still maintaining my core strengths.

You had Arkadia’s number scoring 32 and 31 points, but I can imagine you won’t forget the 97-95 loss?

Yes that was a tough game for me to lose. I felt like I played almost perfect but we still couldn’t come away with the win. And it was against one of my best friends from high school, Karl Gamble. So he has bragging rights over me from that game.

You played your first 2 pro seasons with BKM Lucenec (Slovakia-SBL) averaging 9.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 83.3% as a rookie and 13.4ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 78.8% in your second season. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wake up call was as soon as I landed and went to the grocery store. I had never been to Europe before and didn’t have much knowledge of what it was like. So everything was new to me. But once I got on the court everything got better and I realized I could really compete.

What memories do you have of Covid. You seemed to get through it ok playing the whole 20-21 season. There were other guys that weren’t as fortunate.


I remember when covid first hit my rookie year. We had to cut our season short when we were about to make a playoff run. And every year except for this year, covid has had a major effect on my career. Having little to no fans sometimes. Also have to take multiple tesst per week. It has been a crazy time. Luckily I have never gotten it.

What memories do you have of teammate Dominique Hawkins who played at Kentucky. He hasn’t played since the 20-21 season. Was he a victim of Covid in terms of not getting a job? What did you appreciate the most about him?

I loved playing with Dom. He was a great teammate and player. I definitely think he has been a victim of covid as it has been tough for a lot of people after the pandemic hit.

You played at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (NCAA2) from 2015-2019. What memories do you have of these 4 years. What was it like playing in the state of North Carolina and having so many great schools around like NC, NC State or Duke, but playing in the NCAA 2?

I loved my decision to go to my school. It was great. I was able to really showcase my skills from my freshman year and I think if I would have gone to a bigger school it would maybe have been harder to really show what I could do. I always feel like everything happens for a reason.

You were able to improve your scoring and rebound scoring each season in school. What kind of a player were you in 2015 and what kind were you in 2019 when you left?

I definitely improved every single year in school. I’m very proud of that. My coaches and teammates worked with me every year to improve my game and I was way more skilled in 2019 compared to 2015.

You won 2 Peach belt titles in 2017 and 2018. Which one was sweeter?

Both are equally as good for me because it took a lot to get there both years. The journey was different both times.

In the 2018 title over Queens you battled talented Todd Withers. What memories do you have of his game. He is a guy that could still go very far up the basketball ladder.

Queens definitely got the best of us that game. They were a great team and Todd was a great player. That game was definitely motivation for me to become better.

How did head coach Ben Miller groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He groomed me a lot by always pushing me to be the best I could be. He saw the potential in me from high school and he never let me slack off.

Who won a 1-1 battle in practice you or Akia Pruitt?

Akia is a great player and he came in a year after me. Since the day he came he was a great player to go against in practice. We always used to go back and forth beating each other.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA 2 or anywhere else that reached the NBA?

For sure PJ Dozier.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Mike Caffey, Melsahn Basabe, Akia Pruitt, Daniel Mullings, Pj Dozier

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

LeBron, Jordan, Curry, Kobe

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

I always go back and forth on this but I will have to judge when LeBron is officially done playing.

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


No I didn’t see it.

Thanks James for the chat.

Tags : JAMES MURRAY-BOYLES, NORRKOPING DOLPHINS, GERMAN BASKETBALL

It was February 2021 as Covid was in full swing and one had to wear masks at sporting events. I was in Giessen watching a Pro B clash between the Depant Giessen 46ers and easyCredit BBL team Ratiopharm Ulm farm team Orange Academy. It was an exciting game, but in crunch-time Giessen buckled down on defense getting 5 stops in a row to clinch the win. A vital factor in the win was mr triple double Donte Nicholas (196-G/F-1987, college: FPU) who contributed a rare, but also unconventional triple double with 17/12/12 stats. But the last number weren’t assists, but turnovers. Ok so the triple double wasn’t glamorous, but at the end of the day a triple double is a triple double. You have to live with it. One would think a spectacular triple double like that would stay in your head forever. ‘ Not really because I already forgot about it’, smiled Donte Nicholas in 2022. 5.5 weeks later he achieved another triple double against Koblenz. It was his sixth triple double in his 8th professional season. Triple doubles in Europe aren’t as usual as most guys will never get one, while other guys might get 1 or 2. Guys like Kameron Taylor, Curtis Hollis, Luke Sikma and Rashid Mahalbasic have proved in the last years in Germany. After playing a season in Luxemburg, the Virginia native returned back to Germany this season and is playing in the former East Germany for the BSW Sixers. In his third game, he was ripe again for a triple double as he was instrumental in his team defeating Vechta 2 90-85 scoring 18 points, hauling down 13 boards and dishing out 10 dimes. Triple doubles seem to be in his blood as he is always good for a triple double.

Even if Vechta 2 is a new team in the Pro B north after moving up from the Regionaliga, head coach Hendrik Gruhn has carved together another competitive squad as they welcomed the BSW Sixers with a 3-1 record. But like in Giessen back in 2021, Nicholas who played at Fresno Pacific University (NAIA) and believes that Steph Curry is currently a top 5 point guard of all-time and his team were able to prevail in crunch-time and pull out the victory. It seems to be the standard answer I get from triple double guys after an extraordinary feat in that he had no idea he had achieved the triple double until a teammate had informed him and he checked the stat sheet. A common occurrence in German basketball after a player scores the 100th point in a game, he usually has to buy a case of beer for the team, but in the case of the American, it is actually handled differently after a triple double. ‘ Yea right, all that work I put in my teammates have to lol. Luckily for them though, I don’t drink beer, maybe some wine’, laughed Donte Nicholas.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Donte Nicholas in Frankfurt in 2017

In tennis a Boris Becker can still remember what kind of a winner he shot at 4-3 in the fifth set of a crucial match at Wimbeldon and in basketball, it isn’t any different as players can remember exactly what happened at a certain moment of a game. But sometimes guys miscalculate their own feats even if some are rarer and less to have to remember. When it comes to knowing how many triple doubles he has accomplished in his career, he was wrong in his estimation. ‘ No idea, but I would hope at least double digits’, said Donte Nicholas. Since 2015 he has exhibited 7 triple doubles. He had 3 in the UK and has had 4 in Germany against Bernau, Ulm, Koblenz and Vechta 2. There is one that is still dancing around in his mind. ‘ I don’t remember them all but one that stands out was the Bernau one because I believe it was in a crucial playoff game if I’m not mistaken. I think I also had one in the UK which was close to a quadruple double with steals as well’, stated Donte Nicholas. Even if he can’t remember all his triple doubles, each had a place in his heart as they happened. ‘ Triple doubles are pretty special because they are one of the toughest things to accomplish out on the floor. I think they signify a player having a bigger imprint on the game than scoring a bunch of points for instance’, added Donte Nicholas. One might think that as one gets older, it has to be more special and difficult to get a triple double, because a player’s skills aren’t necessarily getting better, but rather declining. ‘ I wouldn’t say they’re more special for me because I know what I’m capable of doing but I know others would be surprised for the reason you listed’, expressed Donte Nicholas. Some players are just more destined to get triple doubles, because that special versatility doesn’t live in every player. Sometimes having limited resources for personal can help a guy achieve triple doubles, but in the case of the ex Metropolitan State University of Denver (NCAA2) forward, he has been able to be that triple double man on account of his game and not what kind of personal the team had. ‘ I think regardless of personal or whatever, I’ve always been this type of player. That’s why I can continue to perform like this different years and different locations. This is the type of player I enjoy being and wouldn’t want to be any other type because this is the most fulfilling to me’, warned Donte Nicholas.

The stat filler who has played more than 200 professional games and isn’t surprised by the horrible start by the Los Angeles Lakers because they are simply a bad team that just isn’t built to be competitive played last season with BBC US Heffingen (Luxembourg-LBBL) having another incredible season stat wise averaging 17.3ppg, 10.5rpg, Assists-3 (4.7apg), Steals-4 (2.3spg), FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 74.8%. He played in a very small country where often young Americans like to play right out of school to have great stats and then make the next step. He has played many years in the German pro B and knows exactly what league is more cut throat. ‘ I think Germany is a little more competitive across the board, because for the most part everyone is playing with a goal to play at a higher level. In Luxembourg, some have that goal but definitely a smaller percentage’, stressed Donte Nicholas. Last season he scored in double figures in 20 of 22 games and registered 12 double doubles. He even cracked the incredible 20 rebound mark having 19 points and 21 boards against Contern. ‘Last season was an interesting season, we didn’t have the most talent but I definitely think we overachieved. We surprised a lot of people in that league by performing how we did, that’s probably what I’ll cherish the most’, remembered Donte Nicholas.

The ex Montgomery College (JUCO) player who saw the sequel to the classic Coming To America and believes the classic should have been left alone has began hot with his new Sixers team and currently are 4-1 as they welcome another hot club the Dragons Rhondorf this weekend. The club may even have been 5-0 now had he been able to compete in the first game. ‘Unfortunately I didn’t play the first game but I think I could’ve helped and giving us a better chance to win. There is no secret to success but we have found our identity a little better and we’re trying to stick to it. Take care of the ball and play good defense and we have a chance to win games, simple as that’, commented Donte Nicholas. In comparison to other years, this season he is on a very young team that has an average age of 21 years. He is almost 20 years older than the clubs youngest youth player Armin Duracovic. He obviously has a special leadership role. ‘ It’s been fun, similar to the season I was in Giessen. I like working with the young players and helping them figure some things out. There is a lot of young talent here and I think the earlier they can learn the game the better and I do my part to help with that. This team is very young so naturally I fall into a leadership role but I think to be a successful leader you need to put others in position to lead as well. That way we all share responsibility and accountability so everyone feels the same motivation’, expressed Donte Nicholas. Currently he is averaging insane stats of 16/12/7 and is averaging the most assists in his career since his second season in Plymouth and currently is third in the Pro B. Not bad for a guy that isn’t a point guard. But as usual his humbleness shows that he sees his success as a product of what he has around him. ‘ Like I said earlier the assists are heavily reliant on the talent around you and we have a lot of talent here. The other stats are pretty consistent from what I’ve been doing my whole career’, warned Donte Nicholas. He will be turning 36 in March 2022 and the question is how much longer does he still want to be grinding on a daily basis for the game he loves. But 40 may be a reach for him. ‘I always said I want to ‘get out while the gettin’ is good’. Basically, I don’t have a set timeframe but definitely sooner rather than later but you never know’, stressed Donte Nicholas. One thing is for sure, I will definitely be able to see him play at least one more time. I have marked my calendar for the day February 18, 2023, because then I will see him ball again in Rhondorf. Maybe he will produce a triple double for me? And in terms of playing until he is 40, I could give him Derrick Allen’s number for motivation.

Tags : DONTE NICHOLAS, BSW SIXERS SANDERSDORF, GERMAN BASKETBALL

The 2021-2022 Ratiopharm Ulm U-16 team was a very special team that won their first title in May 2022 in Frankfurt. I was lucky to have witnessed their fantastic run that was crowned with the final win over Rostock. The club played as a team and just played beautiful basketball for kids 16 and under. There were 3 guys that really stood out and stayed in my memory even months later and they were the flashy scorer Jordan Mueller, the versatile big man Eric Reibe who had a nice soft touch and was a rim protector and then Joel Cwik, an overwhelming athletic player that I just remembered him being literally all over the court. A guy that could score and could defend the positions 1-4. It didn’t surprise anyone that he was named the 2022 JBBL (U-16) defender of the year. Almost 6 months later, I was overjoyed that I could possibly not only observe him again, but also his teammates Reibe and Mueller in a Regionalliga game in Limburg. Even though I would probably see them again soon in Frankfurt in a Pro B or youth game, I was still excited to see these talented players again and see how much better they were now then back in Frankfurt in late May. When I arrived to the Gym in Limburg, I scooted up to the scorers table and checked the BBU01 Ulm roster. Ok my heart sank a bit. Only 1 player of the 3 made the trip to Limburg. I thought at least one was there and it was Joel Cwik. A few hours later and after a hard fought 40 minute game, Joel Cwik left the gym as Ulm’s top scorer with 22 points and made 2 clutch money shots in crunch-time to seal the win. After the win, he spoke with ease in the post game interview as if he were a 10 year pro veteran.’ I have to make shots in important moments. Even though I had missed shots, my teammates still had faith in me and just told me to keep shooting’, expressed Joel Cwik. Even if his shot propelled the team to the win, it is that ability that is still his biggest weakness in his game. Other than that, he is simply a Swiss army knife that is just enjoying the game at age 16.

Joel Cwik all thumbs up after scoring a team high 22 points in the Ulm win in Limburg

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber conducting a post game interview with Joel Cwik After the win in Limburg

Joel Cwik was born on April 10, 2006. He grew up in the beautiful town Schwabische Alb and had very ambitious parents who would drive him the 40 minutes to Ulm so he could practice. Now he lives in Ulm and doesn’t have to commute anymore. He has played his whole life for the ratiopharm Ulm organization and was already seen as a massive talent early in his career. He was always a player that played one level higher than the age he was. One person who has been on his side since years is ratiopharm Ulm JBBL (U-16) coach Jochen Lotz who is in his sixth season at the helm. He is a school teacher and on the side basketball teacher that is very disciplined and emotional during his work. He was twice U-14 German finalist and won the U-16 cup once. He is a coach that has seen many very talented players over the years and with Joel Cwik has possibly one if not the most talented player ever. When you ask him about the 16 year old, you can hear that immense joy in his voice when talking about him. The first thing thought that Lotz has when he hears the name Joel Cwik isn’t his abilities, but something different. ‘He is a great guy’, said Jochen Lotz.

Having a good character is so vital now adays especially in professional sports for building good team chemistry, but obviously having game is the other part. His U-16 national team college Ivan Kharchenkov has practiced many times with him and battled against him various times as an opponent and has seen his game change in the last year. One thing is for sure that Lotz and Kharchenkov agree on some similar things concerning Cwik. ‘In the past he was more of a slasher and lock down defender, but he has improved his shot and now I see him going more in the direction of a 3 and D player’, stressed FC Bayern Munich guard player Ivan Kharchenkov. But his coach sees him as being much more than just a 3 and D player ‘He can do everything. He has game intelligence, is athletic, can go to the hoop, use both hands and can make deciding shots. He was a slasher once, but now he can find good solutions and is like a Swish army knife Plus he is the best defender on the wing for his age. He just needs to improve his shot’, stated Jochen Lotz. ‘He just needs to work on his shot. He has everything else’, warned Ivan Kharchenkov. I asked Ivan Kharchenkov to which German player he would compare the game of Cwik to and the answer was very chilling. ‘He reminds me of Scottie Pippen (202-G/F-1965, college: Cent Arkansas). He is an annoying defender that always sticks on you like a tick’, stated Ivan Kharchenkov. I tell Jochen Lotz this comparison and there is a short pause and chuckle. ‘I can’t really think of a German player, but I honestly have to agree with Ivan that he is a Scottie Pippen type of player. He does a lot of things you don’t see on the stat sheet. It reminds me of when a Jordan wasn’t there, Pippen proved he could take over a game. Well there actually is a German player that he reminds me of and that is Isaac Bonga. A player that can defend many positions’, warned Jochen Lotz

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Joel Cwik head coach Jochen Lotz at the 2022 JBBL final in Frankfurt

Last season in the JBBL (U-16) league he averaged 22,9ppg, 5,0rpg and had 2,5spg. He had 11 games with 3 or more steals and was always in double figures in efficiency. He continued to also play at a higher level than his age and already made strides in the NBBL (U-19) league playing 13 games averaging 8.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 69.1%, 3PT: 24.0%, FT: 66.7%. ‘He developed well in the JBBL and already practiced a lot with the NBBL team and played games. He showed that he could carry the team emotionally and with his game in critical phases. He grew into a great leader’, stated Jochen Lotz. His development continues to rise this season as he has the opportunity to play 3 levels with NBBL, Pro B (third division) with Orange Academy and in the fourth league Regionalliga with BBU 01 Ulm. He played 1 NBBL game scoring 12 points against Wurzburg, is averaging 16,3ppg, 2,8rpg, 1,2apg and 1,5spg while shooting 39% from outside in the Regionalliga while logging 25 minutes while in the Pro B is averaging 6,5ppg in 17 minutes time and shooting 40%. He is a big leader in the Regionalliga at age 16 where there are many grown men while in the Pro B is fighting for minutes against guys 2-3 years older than him who are further in their development. Lotz has a good explanation about his play at both levels. ‘Joel was always mature. He was already the second top scorer with the JBBL team when he was still a U-14 player. He understands the game well and has a good IQ. He is able to play against more physical players at the Regionalliga. He is a leader in the Regionalliga while in the Pro B needs to find a role. But he has competed hard and played well in practice against the older players Tobias Jenson and Max Langenfeld’, expressed Jochen Lotz. He can score at a high rate, but how good of a passer can he still become and possibly fill the stat sheet more and how will he continue to develop as a defender? ‘I think he can up his passing skills. He sees the holes well, but at the moment scoring is so easy for him that he doesn’t need to pass as much, but he definitely has the tools to be a good passer. To make the next step as a defender, he needs to get used to the higher tempo and get bigger. He is athletic, but in comparison to Ivan needs to get stronger. He also needs to get used to the speed. But he definitely can guard guards and bigger forwards on the wing’, stated Jochen Lotz.

There is something that Ivan Kharchenkov and Joel Cwik share and it isn’t mass. But when it comes to winning, they both have that special killer instinct. ‘Joel always wants to win. He likes to trash talk, but does it in a positive way. He always pushes everyone else. He can also get frustrated when something doesn’t work, but it is important to have an attitude like this’, warned Jochen Lotz. So where will the journey go for Joel Cwik? ‘If he continues to develop well as a young man and work hard on his game, he could be a easyCredit BBL player. But anything can happen. I think he could have the potential to be a Euroleague player’, warned Jochen Lotz. Lotz has worked countless hours with his student and has had many beautiful moments, but none better than this. ‘I can remember how happy he was when he made his first alley oop dunk after it hadn’t worked the first few times. His laugh was so authentic. It was so positive and refreshing. He grew 10 centimeters in this moment’, laughed Jochen Lotz. But also Ivan Kharchenkov has seen a side of Joel Cwik that entertained the whole gang during a youth national team practice. ‘We had a 5-5 training session. Before the drill there was a huddle and nobody wanted to defend me. Then Joel agreed to defend me. He jokingly said, I’m shaking at the knees, but Ok I’ll do it. Then everyone burst out laughing’, remembered Ivan Kharchenkov. Joel Cwik is only 16 and has already experienced a lot in his young career and is on a positive way up the basketball ladder, but the most important thing is that he is having fun. That is so invigorating.

Tags : SCOTTIE PIPPEN, SUNDSVALL DRAGONS, GERMAN BASKETBALL