It´s has been real tough the last 2 seasons to see 2 easyCredit BBL legends go with Rickey Paulding and Quantez Robertson. Combined they played 29 seasons in the easyCredit BBL and won a combined 3 titles. They not only became the identity figures of their ball clubs EWE Baskets Oldenburg and Fraport Skyliners, but also of the easyCredit BBL. But there are also other incredible players that have been around forever and thank God will continue playing. One of those is Mr Saarlouis, Mr Regionalliga, Mr mid range Rickey Easterling. This explosive scorer who has made the mid range jumper his bread and butter the way Steph Curry has his three began his professional career in 2005 and came to Germany in 2006 and the rest is history. Except for a season in Reutlingen, Bergheim and Karlsruhe, he has made Saarlouis his home for 15 seasons and will return for a 16th season in 2023-2024. I mean how could it be any other way? Saarlouis and Ricky Easterling (189-G-1983, college Bridgewater) go hand in hand like Paulding and Robertson did in Oldenburg and Frankfurt or Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics or the legendary Red Auerbach and his cigar. The devoted and faithful guard who has the mid range game that many would die for has played 355 games for Saarlouis and it will continue this season even if his role may change a bit. “ You will see me as a part time player. I am no longer a full pro player. I’m taking the next step in my career and focusing more on coaching”, warned Ricky Easterling. He knows exactly what Paulding and Robertson went through with their teams and it isn´t any different with the Sunkings Saarlouis. “Ever since day one Saarlouis welcomed me with open arms. Once we both got to know each other it was a perfect match on and off the court. They love having me here and I love being here. If I left tomorrow I would miss everything about Saarlouis. The fans and friends I have met over the years, walking around the city and also stepping into the Stadtgardenhalle for game days”, stressed Ricky Easterling. It just wouldn´t be the same in Saarlouis without Ricky Easterling.

Ricky Easterling and miles Schmidt-Scheuber in Frankfurt in 2015

It is summer 2023 and like most pro´s Ricky Easterling is enjoying time off from competitive basketball, but is still keeping busy. “My summer is going well. I haven’t been any place new in a while. I’m just in my normal routine. When the season is over in Germany I always make sure I go home and visit my family. Once I see them, I go to Kutsher’s Sports Academy where I coach and train players of all ages and skill levels. I also take the time to workout myself to stay in shape for upcoming seasons”, stressed Ricky Easterling. Working out and staying in shape has been a huge focus in his life and a big reason why he can still compete and play the game he loves. Time really flies as he turns the magical 40 in November. But the grind doesn´t get any easier with age. “When I’m warmed up and active I feel good. But I must admit, warming up takes a bit longer than it used to. I also feel more sore and stiff after playing and it also takes longer to recover. So Father Time is starting to show his face a little bit more these days”, said Ricky Easterling. This season he will surpass BBL legend Rickey Paulding who was 15 seasons with one club the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Even if he played mostly in the Regionalliga, he followed Paulding and Quantez Robertson who played 14 seasons with one organization Fraport Skyliners. “I am very thankful that I was able to play for such a long time. If you would ask me this before I started playing overseas I would never have thought I would be here this long. Longevity is very rare in the sport business. Many things contribute to that but I’m very thankful I was able to play for so long. Knowing how rare it is I give everyone who is able to play the game for a long period of time the up most respect”, added Ricky Easterling.

The guard who led the Pro B in scoring 2 years in a row and averaged 30,0ppg plus 3 times continues to be a top player in the Regionalliga at almost 40 years of age. Even if his scoring isn´t as explosive as 11 seasons ago where he last averaged 30,0ppg, he still scores at ease as he has averaged 23,0ppg in the last 6 years and is filling the stat sheet up with ease. His secret to being able to score is easy. Don´t do anything out of the ordinary. “Reps and sticking to what I know I can do on the court. I try to only take shots that I practice or I know I can make. If it is not a good shot for me I don’t take it. I think this approach to my shot selection helps me stay efficient and consistent”, warned Ricky Easterling. His mid range game continues to be his bread butter. He hits those as easy as Kareem Abdul Jabbar did the annoying sky hook shot. How many shots does he get up? “ It may vary depending on where I am at the time. But I normally try to get 3 or 4 sessions in a week of 300-500 makes. These shooting rep sessions are extra reps in team practices or workouts with trainers are not included”, stated Ricky Easterling. He has always been a solid three point shooter, but never great. But why stress something when you can make the mid range shot in your sleep. Last season he averaged 40% from down town for the first time in his career. What changed in his preparation? “In this case it was the reps. As I got older over the years I had to adapt to Father Time and defenses. My 3s were one of the things I added to my summer workouts, and reps from behind the 3 pt line helped me develop a more efficient 3pt shot. Now I’m able to apply it in the game. The last couple seasons I have increased the volume of threes I attempt per game and they are falling more consistently all at the same time. It is a good feeling to work on something and see the hard work pay off”, commented Ricky Easterling. Last season his toughest opponent was Fellbach who moved up to the Pro B. They double and triple teamed him, but he always had a solution. This season may not be the same as in previous seasons as he is only a part-time player, but his desire to leave everything on the floor won´t be any different than a decade ago, so he will as always be best prepared. “ I’m the type of player that bases my workouts on reps and build muscle memory. I make sure I keep my strengths shape and there is no better way to do that then repping it out. Then I gradually add new things to my game. Normally I keep it simple and concentrate on just 1 or 2 new things and rep it out over the summer. Then by the time the season comes around I got some new stuff in my bag to use on my opponent’s”, warned Ricky Easterling.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Ricky Easterling in Frankfurt in 2017

When he isn´t grinding in the gym, the ex Bridgewater College (NCAA§) great follows the game just like any other American. He was shocked like everyone else when the Team USA 12 man roster for the 2023 World Cup was announced that will commence at the end of August. There were no mega superstars on the list. “That roster looks like a good bench line up. My first thought was “ where are the starters at? I honestly have no idea why super stars are not participating. I think it is very unfortunate for our country”, stated Ricky Easterling. He does have high hopes for guys like Jalen Brunson and Brandon Ingram as being the leaders and go to guys and players like Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges coming up big for them as well. Team USA definitely won´t have a cake walk as there are many countries that will challenge them like Spain, France, Serbia and Germany. Another country that also could do serious damage will be Canada who are sporting enough NBA fire power with guys like Luguentz Dort, Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Cory Joseph, Kelly Olynyk and Dwight Powell. “Canada have a deep roster. I’m not ready to say they are a favorite to win it, but they definitely have a good chance to win with all those NBA players on their roster”, stressed Ricky Easterling. With so much great talent from Europe and countries catching up with USA, can America win the Gold? “I can’t say that I am a believer this time around. I hope I am wrong though”, warned Ricky Easterling. His hope in Team USA winning a Gold medal may be minimal, but his self-confidence in his game will never wane. His consistency just speaks for him being successful even at age 40.