If Fraport Skyliner fans thought times were difficult now, it could have been a lot worse going into the Trier game. After winning their first 9 games of the season, they have since had lost 4 of their last seven games. They could easily be 10-6, because they were very fortunate to escape Bremerhaven and Koblenz with wins. Their biggest problem is that when their three isn´t falling, it gets very difficult to win and they are playing too little inside. After an ugly loss in Vechta, it didn´t get any easier against Trier even if they were back in their living room. The Romerstrom Gladiators have been playing great basketball as of late riding a 6 game winning streak and have won 3 of the 6 in crunch-time showing they have nerves of steel when it counts most. Trier came to Frankfurt with Maik Zirbes who had played in Frankfurt more than a decade ago when he was playing in Bamberg and Frankfurt desperately needed a victory for their self esteem and not to drift away from the top spots. However they just couldn´t control the boards and match the high intensity of the guests at both ends as the guests came out with a big 84-77 win on the road. J.J. Mann (198-SF-1991, college: Belmont, agency: GoEmpire Group) was a menace as he set the tone on offense not just hitting shots, but spectacular shot after shot, but he also had his teammates who all came together and fought for each other. “We executed what we wanted to. Frankfurt has a great team, but we did a better job making our shots and they went more our way. Coach is big on defense which is one of our identities and our good rebounding was a plus. When you rebound well, you usually have a good chance to win”, stressed Virginia native J.J. Mann. The Fraport Skyliners had good stretches in the game at both ends, but overall couldn´t match the Trier physicality and string up a few key runs that could of changed the game in the second half. “We didn´t play a full 40 minutes. You need to do that against a strong veteran team like Trier. They hit many tough shots against good defense. We have to be able to play more complete”, warned ex Indiana State guard Cameron Henry.

Marco Voeller at the FT line

The Suwag Energie arena was sold out and the fans were offered basketball at a high intensity from the get go as the Romerstrom Gladiators Trier ran out on a rapid 4-0 lead as 5 time Iranian champion Behnam Yakhchali made a step back 20 footer and ex Euroleague player Maik Zirbes who won 14 titles in his career made an offensive rebound and put back. Frankfurt didn´t waste time and punched back with 4 unanswered points as ex Carleton guard Aiden Warnholtz made free throws and Minnesota native Booker Cooplin hit a shot from the mid range. Trier continued to get unending production from Yaktchali who snuck inside for an offensive rebound and put back and lay in. Unlike other games, Frankfurt wasn´t as predictable with their three pointer as they banged the ball inside more and were rewarded with 2 Lorenz Brenneke buckets and trailed only 13-10. But Frankfurt didn´t totally refrain from the long ball getting consecutive three´s from ex Oldenburg guard Kevin Mcclain and ex Schwenningen forward Jacob Knauf while Trier got solid energy from the bench from ex Valdosta State (NCAA) guard Clayton Guillozet with a three as the game was deadlocked 16-16. But the guests closed out the first quarter on a rush scoring 7 points to Frankfurt´s 2 points getting great help from their bench as ex Artland Dragon Marko Bacak made a lay in and ex Paderborn big Marten Linsen made a 15 footer while J.J. Mann made his first crazy shot of the game with a buzzer beater jumper from the corner for the 23-18 Trier lead. “I missed 2 easy pull up jumpers that I usually make and then I respond with a tough one. That’s just how it happens sometimes”, stressed J.J. Mann. The Romerstrom Gladiators Trier shot 50% from the field and 43% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 54% from the field and 30% from outside and had 4 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Behnam Yakhchali off balance shot

In the second quarter the Romerstrom Gladiators Trier continued to keep the lead, but could never totally shake the Fraport Skyliners as they hung around. Trier got early production from their 2 best players on this day with Yaktchali who hit an off balance shot and Mann made a catch and pop jumper, while Frankfurt returned back to their sharp shooting ways executing getting baskets from Cameron Henry and ex TV Langen big Marco Voeller as Frankfurt trailed only 27-24. But Trier were simply cold as ice continuing to hit contested shots from all over as ex Sacramento State (NCAA) guard Marcus Graves connected on a trey from the top of the key and Guilozet scored off the glass. Here and there Frankfurt would get out on transition as Canadian David Muenkat scored, but all in all, Trier hustled all game displaying excellent transition defense as they led 32-27. Trier had the slim lead, because they were doing a little better job on the offensive glass getting more possessions. Frankfurt continued to stay with the long ball and didn´t execute allowing the guests to go on a 7-2 run to achieve their biggest lead of the game at 39-29 as Zirbes contributed 4 points and Guillozet supplied another trey. Aiden Warnholtz added a clutch trey, but as usual J.J. Mann had an answer and dropped another crazy shot with a line drive three from the corner for the 42-32 advantage. “That was a laser shot. I had to get that off quickly. Usually those will go in 2/10 times”, commented J.J. Mann. Ex Alba Berlin center Lorenz Brenneke closed out the first half with a pretty left handed hook shot, but Trier led 42-34. “We executed very well and played good defense. We rebounded better and were just more active than Frankfurt”, said J.J. Mann. The Romerstrom Gladiators Trier shot 33% from the field and 38% from the three point line and had 19 boards and 8 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot41% from the field and 33% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

David Muencat to the hole

In the third quarter, it rained three´s from both teams as combined they hit for 8 and Frankfurt trailed by only 4 points, but in the second half of the quarter, Frankfurt shut down offensively a bit and had to play catch up basketball again. Yakhchali and Voeller traded baskets to begin the third quarter and then came the rainfall of three´s as 5 were thrown back to back as Frankfurt got 2 from Warnholtz and one from Cooplin while Trier got three´s from Graves and Mann. Henry then added a runner and Frankfurt suddenly was down only 50-47. Frankfurt had a nice flow and were playing with a higher intensity and were more physical and seemed to be good for a run or not? Frankfurt continued to trade three point punches and remain on Trier´s heels as Cooplin dropped 2 three´s and Mann also scored as Frankfurt trailed only 57-53. Trier closed out the third quarter continuing to play their beautiful high energy game getting defensive stops while getting a lay in from Linson, pull up jumper from Mann and 2 baskets from Yakhchali to lead 65-54. Henry ended the third quarter with a timely trey, but Frankfurt trailed 65-57. “At the end of the day it is shot making that will win the game. We mixed up our defense with zone and man and got them off track. We never let down continued to play hard and rebound the ball well”, stated J.J. Mann. “They went to a half zone and we didn´t take enough time in our sets. We weren´t able to take care of the ball better”, stated Cameron Henry. The Romerstrom Gladiators Trier Shot 51% from the field and 62% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 44% from the field and 42% from the parking lot and had 18 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Maik Zirbes at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners like at the start of the third quarter had a lightening start in the fourth quarter, but that was quickly washed away with a Trier run that would decide the game early. Frankfurt got an incredible burst of energy right of the bat from Marco Voeller who made a lay in and 2 steals which was followed by a Brenneke dunk cutting Trier´s lead to 65-61. The arena was loud and in Skyliner comeback mode, but then Trier just shifted a few gears up and just mowed down Frankfurt with a lethal 11-2 run to heighten their lead to 76-63. In the run the guests got 2 lay in´s from Zirbes, a lay in by Yakhchali, free throws by Graves and another crazy Mann off balance shot that had many thinking does this guy ever miss these type of shots? “I actually practice that shot. I shoot that because I have the confidence that it will go in”, warned J.J. Mann. The intensity level of Trier just remained high while Frankfurt´s shrunk more and more with every missed shot. Warnholtz stopped the run with a trey to trail 76-66, but Frankfurt couldn´t get defensive stops. Trier responded again with a massive Zirbes alley-oop dunk with the perfect Graves pass and Graves lay in for the 80-66 advantage. Frankfurt did amass a 5-0 run late with Cooplin and Brenneke baskets to trail 80-71, but Trier had done the most damage and time was running out. A Zirbes lay in and Mann free throws sealed the win in Frankfurt. “We never stopped in the fourth quarter, but just kept going. We just kept playing our game. That can get boring, but we stuck with it. We were like a clock work”, warned J.J. Mann. “They made the shots when they mattered. We got good looks. I tip my hat for them making tough shots. They had many offensive rebounds. When you get outrebounded, it gets hard to win”, stressed Cameron Henry. The Romerstrom Gladiators Trier were led by J.J. Mann with 21 points. Behnam Yakhchali and Maik Zirbes added 16 points a piece while Marcus Graves had a quiet but strong 12/9/8 game while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Aiden Warnholtz with 19 points and Booker Coplin added 14 points. The Romerstrom Gladiators shot 52% from the field and 36% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 45% from the field and 38% from outside and had 24 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

The Dragons Rhondorf have been struggling as of late as they had lost 2 of their last 3 games. They arrived in 2024 playing their first game on the road in Fellbach and were greeted with a loss as they got revenge on the Dragons after losing a tough battle in the Dragon Dome a day before Christmas. The Dragons Rhondorf came back home to the Dragon Dome for their first home game of 2024 and right away were greeted with a top game as they met the Basketball Lowen Erfurt who had an identical 11-3 record. The Lowen have been on an upward trend in the last years and last season gave top team EPG Baskets Koblenz a good run in the playoffs before losing and this season haven´t changed much with their roster getting only Paul Albrecht, but losing top player Guy Edy. Paul Albrecht was extra motivated to be back in his old stomping ground where he had played 3 seasons. Paul Albrecht had been a real fan favorite the last years and always had a smile on his face for the starry -eyed children after games. Paul Albrecht had had many incredible games in the Dragon Dome including a rare triple double against Lok Bernau 2 seasons ago and this time the ex el Capitano didn´t disappoint exploding for a 32/18 game, but his team couldn´t follow his lead as the Dragons Rhondorf tore apart the CATL Basketball Lowen 99-80. The Dragons played a consistent offensive game for 40 minutes and there was nothing that the Lowen could do, but watch the beautiful ball movement and 11 three´s and countless easy baskets inside. “Erfurt is a great team, but we had everyone on board something that doesn´t happen often. When everyone is on board, you can see our potential. Tyrese Blunt set the tone on defense and offense and we all followed his lead. We are continuing to improve on defense. Our offense isn´t an issue, because we know we can score, but we want to be able to lock down on defense”, stressed Dragosn Rhondorf guard Kelvin Omojola (183-G-1997, college: Northwest) who had his mother in attendance who made the trip to Germany from Las Vegas to watch him. It was one of those days where Erfurt just couldn´t execute the way they wanted to at both ends. They were already without 4 players, but it didn´t help their cause when starter Lorenz Schiller went down after 25 seconds. “Rhondorf executed very well on the offensive end. We couldn´t get control of the game because we had too many turnovers. We also didn´t get to the free throw line enough”, stressed CATL Basketball Lowen guard Tyseem Lyles.

Paul Albrecht at the FT line

Both teams found to their offensive game in the first quarter, but after 10 minutes the Dragons Rhondorf had the comfortable 8 point advantage. Young Lowen forward Tim Herzog who averaged 14,0ppg in the NBBL (U-19) last season got aggressive scoring twice as both teams enjoyed having the lead in the first few minutes. But the Dragons Rhondorf kept a better offensive rhythm as the quarter went on as Kelvin Omojola hit a trey and Texas native Avery Sullivan hit a 20 footer for the Dragons 14-6 lead. The Dragons set the tone on defense as their on ball pressure by the 3 guards of Blunt, Omojola and Buck was top class. But Erfurt kept fighting and got clutch buckets from Albrecht and Lyles to trail only 14-12. But whenever one team punched, the other retaliated as Rhondorf received a trey from ex RheinStar Antonio Pilipovic and trey by Tyrese Blunt for the 20-14 lead. Lyles kept getting looks from downtown and nailed another as Erfurt was only down 20-17. But the Dragons Rhondorf continued their offensive onslaught and closed out the first quarter with a 8-3 run to lead 28-20 after one quarter. In the run, the Dragons shared the ball well and got good support from many as 17 year old German Janne Muller nailed 3 free throws, ex Duesseldorf guard Matej Silic made a lay in and Avery Sullivan made a timely shot at the buzzer. “We began well at the start. The first quarter was sort of a shoot out. We found our rhythm well on offense and buckled down on defense”, stated Kelvin Omojola. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 60% from the field and 57% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 3 turnovers while CATL Baskets Lowen Erfurt shot 53% form the field and 67% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Badu Buck with the drive

In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf shifted their game up a few gears and were able to lead in double figures and at the break led by 21 points holding the guests to only 12 points. Rhondorf raced out on a swift 9-0 run to lead 35-20. In the run the Dragons got 5 points from Pilipovic, a lay in by Omojola and from Blunt. Blunt was a defensive terror that set the tone with his aggressive on ball defense that gave the Lowen players nightmares. The Lowen finally got on the board at the 6,33 minute mark as Tim Herzog made a lay in. But Rhondorf´s offense just kept executing as Blunt hit another trey and ex Bamberg big Leon Bulic made a lay in for the 42-29 Dragons lead. Both teams showed their mini runs as ex Jena guard Jan Heber made a 20 footer and Paul Albrecht an old school hook shot which was matched with a trey by Bulic and lay in by Blunt as Rhondorf still had the big 47-28 advantage. Rhondorf was playing with higher intensity at both ends and it seemed like Erfurt was always a step too slow. Rhondorf had the big lead and needed self confidence to manage the lead the way they wanted to. Albrecht continued to terrorize Rhondorf with back to back hook shots as Rhondorf led only 47-32, but Rhondorf was simply too strong and too consistent as they closed out the second quarter with a 6-0 run. Rhondorf got to the free throw line twice and connected 4 times from Sullivan and Blunt and Sullivan made a tip in at the end. “Tyrese Blunt set the tone at both ends. His play was no surprise for me. I expect him to play like that. On offense we moved the ball really well and were really aggressive, but in no way in a selfish way”, expressed Kelvin Omojola. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 58% from the field and 57% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 7 turnovers while the CATL Basketball Lowen Erfurt shot 43% from the field and 25% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

Tyseem Lyles from outside

It might not be easy to comprehend, but the CATL Basketball Lowen actually won the second half 48-43, but the first big half allowed the Dragons Rhondorf to be able to compensate this. The guests caught the Dragons Rhondorf napping in the first few minutes of the third quarter as they cruised out on a lethal 8-0 run to trail only 56-40. In the run the guests got good support from Tyseem Lyles who added 6 points with 2 lay in´s and free throws while ex Itzehoe German Alieu Ceesay also made a lay in. Where was the high aggressiveness and pressure by the Dragons guards? It was absent as all three lay in´s were without defensive resistance. But a big strength of the Dragons Rhondorf is their ability to fight back from adversary and not just punch back, but offer extra punches. Rhondorf struck back with an annoying 12-2 run to lead 68-42 and have total control of the game again. In the run the Dragons got great support from Sullivan with 4 points, 2 three´s from Blunt and Buck and an incredible acrobatic circus shot from Omojola. Rhondorf did a fine job displaying their inside out game and found back to their aggressive pesky defense by the guards. The circus shot by Omojola was one to remember. “I thought I was fouled. Because I thought it was a foul, I just threw it up. It was a tough angle, but it just fell in. I don´t practice that shot”, smiled Kelvin Omojola. Paul Albrecht continued to do all he could as he hit a trey, but Rhondorf still led very comfortably 71-47. Both teams had 5 team fouls, so the last few minutes saw many free throws. Albrecht was on fire as he continued to be a one man wrecking crew connecting on 2 more three´s and added 5 free throws. “He is a big piece of our success. His stats speak for themselves”, said Tyseem Lyles. Muller scored inside and also made free throws to keep Rhondorf ahead 81-59 after 30 minutes. “We came out flat out of half-time. We have had this issue all season long. We have to clean it up before the playoffs. We came back with a run. We don´t need to be motivated by coach to do this. We have a lot of experience and top players. We hold ourselves accountable”, stressed Kelvin Omojola. “I saw hope at the start with our run. But our defense just couldn´t stay consistent. But that happened the whole game”, commented Tyseem Lyles.

Avery Sullivan at the FT line

The CATL Basketball Lowen Erfurt won the fourth quarter, but they couldn´t get over the hump on account of the big lead by the Dragons Rhondorf. Jan Heber had been kept quiet by Rhondorf through 3 quarters, but found his shooting touch from outside connecting twice from the parking lot early as Erfurt trailed only 83-66. Avery Sullivan bounced back with consecutive buckets and Badu Buck made a lay in as Rhondorf led 89-68. After another basket by Paul Albrecht, the Rhondorf offense continued to sizzle as Pilipovic added another trey and Blunt lay in for the 94-70 advantage. Heber continued to shine with a trey and left handed lay in as one could see that the feistiness and intensity of the Dragons had gone down. Lyles added a trey at the end and Leo Doering also scored for the last Erfurt points. The Dragons Rhondorf also missed reaching the 100 points as Leon Bulic had the last chance, but his euro step was seen as a travel ending the game. Kelvin Omojola had another double double as he continues to show his smooth playmaking skills. “I have great teammates. It´s easy to get assists. I have been more aggressive and when I see guys open, I will swing the ball to them “, stressed Kelvin Omojola. “The deficit was big, but we continued to fight. The problem was when we responded, they responded back. When that happens, then it´s hard to win”, commented Tyseem Lyles. “We had no real let down. We remained consistent. We knew that we had to keep pushing the lead”, stressed Kelvin Omojola. The Dragons Rhondorf had 6 guys in double figures and were led by Tyrese Blunt with 23 points. Avery Sullivan produced 18 points and 10 rebounds while Kelvin Omojola added 12 points and 10 assists while the CATL Basketball Lowen were led by Paul Albrecht with 32 points and 18 boards while Tyseem Lyles added 17 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 50% from the field and 42% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 19 turnovers while the CATL Basketball Lowen Erfurt shot 45% from the field and 47% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 25 turnovers.

Pic credit Itzehoe Eagles

Mason Vires (182-PG-1996, college: CSC, agency: One Motive Sports) is a 27 year old 182cm guard from Michigan playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with Pro B team Itzehoe Eagles. Last season he played with KB Teuta Durres (Albania-Superliga) averaging 17.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 4.3apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 62.0%. The season before he played with Hibernians (Malta-BOV League D1) averaging 26.0ppg, 7.9rpg, 3.8apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 74.0%. He played his rookie season with Hibs Sen (Malta-BOV League D!) averaging 28.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 79.3%. He began his basketball career at Oxford high school. He then played at 2 Juco schools with Oakland Community College (JUCO) averaging 15.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 70.1% and with Morton Community College (JUCO) averaging 17.8ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 28.3%, FT: 67.6%. He finished at Culver Stockton College (NAIA) averaging 13.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 75.7% and as a senior averaged 19.4ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.8apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 77.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Mason for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome to Itzehoe. After playing in Malta and Albania, you now are playing in Germany for Itzehoe. How excited are you?

I’m very excited for the opportunity to play in Germany, I’m looking forward to building chemistry with the team and making a push during the second half of the season to make some noise in our division. God willing we are able to stay healthy and follow Coach Timo’s game plan then we will be able to make a push for the playoffs as well.

Did you get any tips from your ex teammate Avery Sullivan who is also playing in Germany in the Pro B?

That’s my guy, I spoke to him every week if not every other week throughout the course of the season. We played against each other in Malta and together in Albania so we’ve developed a good relationship. He mentioned the marketing behind the Barmer league and I’m very excited to get things started. We call ourselves the International Good Guys.

You won titles in Malta and Albania and have that winning gene, Did you always have this? You also won titles in school years ago?

I’m a very competitive person, I think it comes from my mom. Winning in Malta taught me about the importance of cup games overseas and how serious the community takes them. Any time I step onto the court my objective is to win. I was able to be a part of a couple teams that won certain titles as well growing up ranging from high school to college.

Itzehoe is a club fighting to remain in the Pro B. Do you feel any pressure and having to be a type of savior?

I want to come in and lead by example, I know that if I can help mold the mentality of priding ourselves on hard work anything is possible.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 182cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I don’t believe I have a fair description of one player that I model my game after, basketball is all I’ve ever watched since I was in 3rd grade. I’m the type of player that really looks at every type of player whether it’s NBA, Overseas, or even WNBA. I like to take certain moves, mannerisms, or approach and add them within my game.

You are a scoring point guard. Is that a fair assessment. How big is versatility in your game? You know how to fill the stat sheet really well.

At the end of the day, I just want to win. I pride myself on my work ethic and professionalism. I know how to be a part of a winning culture but I also have been around losing cultures as well for example my last year at a university. Every situation brings lessons and experiences, I am a team player. I will do whatever it takes to win. Whether the coach wants me to facilitate or if he needs me to be aggressive leading the team in scoring. I’m more than just a scorer, I take the challenge of guarding opponents best players as well.

Last season in Albania you averaged your highest assists at 4,3 in your career. How developed is your playmaking. Do you feel able to produce somewhere in the range of 5-7 assists in the next years if a team wants more playmaking?

Playing with Teuta gave me a new experience of team basketball and structure within a system. Coach held players to a high standard and we had to follow the game plan. It’s been a goal of mine to average within the range of 5-7 assists throughout a season.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I enjoy the challenge of having to guard the best players, I’m a 2 way player. I want to be the hardest worker on the court every time I tie my shoes up. I have a lot to learn in my young career but I am a sponge when it comes to the game of basketball. Personally, I believe I need to get better when it comes to taking charges throughout games. Continue learning how to read passing lanes to help my steal average as well.

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

I’m a student of the game. During the off-season I have a rigorous schedule when it comes to workouts and conditioning. I train twice a day for 6 days out of the week. Sunday is my active recovery day where I really focus and tune into what my body needs. I think the biggest thing is staying consistent in all areas. Master the fundamentals and continue adding more and more each year. Judging from previous seasons and looking statistically how can I do better. For instance, my free throw percentage in Albania was the lowest in my career. That’s a mental lapse on my end and has to improve. 3PT Percentage is something that as the game of basketball evolves will be huge when it comes to teams looking for a point guard that can come in and facilitate while also knock down the open shots.

Last season you played with KB Teuta Durres (Albania-Superliga) averaging 17.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 4.3apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 62.0%. You helped win the Super Cup. What will you always remember from this chip?

This was another opportunity to represent the best club in the country. Teuta had a great fan base and I’ve never forget the experience of what it felt like to play in the game. The camaraderie of the team was great and it showed as we were able to pull out in a narrow win.

Two seasons ago you played with Hibernians (Malta-BOV League D1) averaging 26.0ppg, 7.9rpg, 3.8apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 74.0%. You won the cup and MVP and MBA Shield and MVP. Talk a little about this season. Will it be hard to top a season like this?

I loved representing the Hibernians, I always appreciate Coach Mario for trusting me when it came down to big time game decisions. We developed a good relationship and trust on the court and it showed. Statistically, it showed clubs a taste of what I’m capable of. However, at the end of the day the game is a team sport. I want to win and that’s all that matters. Clubs will get a winner with a pedigree of hard work behind it whenever I represent them. Anything is possible, if I’ve done it once I know I can do it again if not better. The biggest thing is the longevity of the season and being tuned within your body physically, mentally, and spiritually. Work hard and trust God’s plans that he has for you.

Did you have extra energy and spirit coming into the season after Covid cancelled your rookie season with them?

I was very amped to get back on the court after Covid but it allowed me to learn a little bit before hand which I took as an advantage. In fact, my first game was actually cancelled due to Covid so I had to wait an additional two weeks just to play my first professional game.

How key was head coach Mario Tabone in your first steps as a pro player? He must of believed in you from day 1?

Coach Mario was one of my favorite coaches because he was a players coach. He takes care of his players and allows players to flourish within his system. He had a good relationship with my agents and me after day one.

After Oxford high school you played at Oakland Community College (JUCO) averaging 15.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 70.1%, It is rare for guys to play at 2 Juco schools but you did that. How vital was this first step in your JUCO career?

After my freshman year, I made a decision that suited me best for the future. Attending Morton College offered me an opportunity to learn from Brandon Watkins who had a very big resume from playing in college, overseas, and coaching with big time programs.

You then went to Morton Community College (JUCO) averaging 17.8ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 28.3%, FT: 67.6% and winning the ISCC title. What do you remember being the most difficult hurdle in attaining this chip?

Coach Watkins took a position soon after I arrived to school so we had to run team practices and conditioning while the school searched for a new coach early before the season. The biggest thing was getting our team to buy into the coaches philosophy at first and trusting his game plan. Morton taught me so many things and it was by far one of my favorite college seasons if not favorite.

Every player that I have interviewed that played JUCO have stated that it was a tough experience, but one they wouldn´t have traded anything for. How was it for you after seeing 2 different schools?

Juco is a grind. I live by the mantra embrace the grind so it was the best route for me. Junior college teaches you the importance of being a student athlete because everything matters. You could have the opportunity to leave after one year but everything has to be in check. Grades, character, and film. It’s easy for players to lose focus and lose opportunities because they don’t have the right approach for the whole school year.

You then finished at Culver Stockton College (NAIA) averaging 13.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 75.7% and as a senior averaged 19.4ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.8apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 77.1%. You made a massive jump in your senior year. How did your game grow in those 2 years?

I showcased what I was capable of during my sophomore year as an All-American but I tore my meniscus and had surgery 2 weeks into my junior year. However, I returned to the court 3 weeks post surgery due to my discipline and consistency within rehab 3-4 hours per day. I started every game at Culver-Stockton during that and was the only player to do so. I shared the court with a senior guard at that time and we struggled to find the best chemistry at times. However, after he graduated my role expanded more and I was ready for the opportunity. I learned from my junior year and my work ethic allowed me to flourish statistically proving I was one of the best during that year.

You had massive games in the NAIA like 36 points against Evangel or 31 points against Peru State. What was your fondest moment on the court?

I’ll never forget my buzzer beater 3 point shot that gave us the win over Mount Mercy and all of the students rushing the floor with joy and emotion.

How did head coach Aaron Hill groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Hill had experience in Australia and was a very polished D2 player, he shared insights on what it took to get to that level.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Thaddeus Newby?

I would win during the one on one battles.

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

I’ve played a numerous amount of NBA players being from Michigan from Miles Bridges, Josh Jackson, Isiah Jackson, Jamal Cain, Kalin Lucas, Cassius Winston. Just a few names that have had an opportunity to play in the NBA.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Dominic Mitchell Orlando Fikes Thaddeus Newby Avery Sullivan Keith Dimech

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Lebron James Stephan Curry

Who is your GOAT and why?

Kobe Bryant. Since day one, he was who I grew up watching and his mentality taught me the importance of approaching the game with a serious demeanor.

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

I haven’t seen it yet, but it’s hard to top a classic.

Thanks Mason for the chat.

Guys play so many games that sometimes its hard to believe that 2 guys haven´t stood face to face on the court in 2 seasons. But it does happen at all kinds of levels. In the last 2 seasons German basketball has seen the steady rise of German Ivan Khartchenkov who scored 16 points at only 15 years of age and 5 days in his Pro B debut against Koblenz in Sept 2021 and 2 years later in pre season 2023 was scoring in double figures against Euroleague teams with FC Bayern Munich. But he isn´t the only young player making strides, but Dusan Nikolic (191-PG-2005) is doing the same thing with the organization Fraport Skyliners. It is difficult to believe that they didn´t meet in the last 2 seasons despite playing Pro B and in NBBL competitions. Ok so Khartchenkov had longer injuries in both seasons while Nikolic was out twice last season, so it isn´t so surprising that they didn´t meet until the first time this season on October 14th in Frankfurt. Frankfurt had the misfortune that Munich´s top 3 players Dino Radoncic who played 8 seasons in the ACB and was teammates at Real Madrid with Luka Doncic, Khartcehnkov and Martin Kalu combined for 51 points of their 80 points. Frankfurt gave it a tough fight, but couldn´t slow down that trio. Khartcehnkov had a normal Pro B day at the office with 17 points, hitting 3 three´s and showing his worth at the opposite end with 3 seals. Nikolic on the other hand had 3 points and 5 boards in 9 minutes. He is a player that is known as being a fighter and being very ambitious. Nikolic may be a year older than Khartchenkov, but you could notice in that game that he was watching his opponents every move. There was that look in his eyes. He is aware of his big time prospect rating and was very eager to hold his own against him and his teammates. Now a few months later, he looks back at that meeting and one can sense that he would love to play him again better yesterday than tomorrow. Being able to play against one of the best if not the best German player from the birth year 2006 motivates him to a new level. “Ivan is a very good player and I have a lot of respect for him. Obviously I really get up to play well against a guy who is playing Euroleague. I will never hide from him on the court, but always take on the challenge. I´m not scared of him. He has to show me that he is better than me on the court”, warned Dusan Nikolic. Dusan Nikolic has that I´m not afraid of anyone mindset and also isn´t shy of expressing Euroleague aspirations.

Dusan Nikolic who remembers Nemanja Nedovic, Russell Westbrook and Miro Teodosic as being his childhood idols was born of Feb 25, 2005 in Bad Nauheim, Germany and possesses Serbian roots. He began to play soccer at a young age as basketball wasn´t present yet. But that changed when he heeded the words of his dad who said that basketball was played more in Serbia. “My dad told me that basketball fit to me better than soccer, so I took his advice and began to play basketball”, remembered Dusan Nikolic. He was 8 years old when he picked up the basketball for the first time. He began his career in Giessen and enjoyed his stay there despite not seeing eye to eye with his coach who wanted him to play more the 4 position because he had reached 180cm at a very young age. But he knew that playing the guard position was his natural calling. He then moved to Lich which he also remembers dearly as a place where everyone accepted him with open arms and where he actually was allowed to play with and against men in the Regionalliga. There he got early basketball grooming from American Scottie Stone who balled at St Cloud State (NCAA) who would always train with him. He then made the jump to the Fraport Skyliners in 2021 as he played Pro B and NBBL. In the U-19 league NBBL he played 16 games averaging 8.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT: 68.8%, and with Pro B team Juniors was thrown right into the shark tank playing 9 games averaging 1.4ppg, 1.2rpg. “It was a good first season for me. They believed in me right away in the NBBL as Miran Cumurija let me play and playing Pro B was a surprise for me. It wasn´t normal to play Pro B so quickly like I did. The competition helped me with the physicality that I saw. I got more responsibility right away which helped me game grow. I was able to learn from my mistakes by being able to play”, stressed Dusan Nikolic. He scored in double figures in 7 games in the NBBL including 18 points against Bamberg and 17 points against FC Bayern Munich. He was fortunate to be around Matthew Meredith (German Devin Booker) and tried to soak in as much as possible from his fine qualities. “Matthew was like a mentor to me as was Philipp Hadenfeldt. Matthew took me under his wing. He was a very good teammate and always gave me tips. The most im portant thing he told me was too always shoot the ball when I´m open and don´t hesitate”, warned Dusan Nikolic.

Last season the guard who never makes a mistake a second time and lists Nikola Topic as his toughest opponent so far in his career made another jump in his game despite being injured twice. He broke his hand twice, but still was able to make a massive jump in the NBBL playing 6 games averaging 16.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 88.2%. “My role got bigger in the NBBL. I feel like my decision making got better and I got even better adjusted to the physicality in the Pro B as I knew what to expect”, remembered Dusan Nikolic. In the NBBL he hit Ludwigsburg for 23 points and Urspring and Jena for 22 points apiece. In the pro B he played 8 games averaging 3,4ppg. He had his best games against the EPG Baskets Koblenz scoring 10 and 9 points. “Those 2 games were my break out games in the Pro B. They had an incredible team with guys like Marvin Heckel and Leon Friderici. They had an unusual season. Playing so well against a top team meant so much more than playing well against a last placed team”, said Dusan Nikolic.. In the last years he benefited greatly from coaches Miran Cumurija and Sepher Tarrah. “Miran helped me most with the mental side while Sepher gave me a vital tactical understanding. He also helped me with scouting and how to read the game better out of the pin down”, warned Dusan Nikolic. Being able to play alongside so many talented and more experienced players in the Pro B also has been instrumental in his basketball development. Last season he often witnessed the athleticism of Nolan Adekunle and how he drove to the hole. Nikolic´s drive seems to have become more and more lethal. “Nolan is a great shooter, but also has an excellent drive. I´m always trying to pick up things from other players. What I have taken most from Nolan´s game is how well he understands how to put himself in position to be successful”, stated Dusan Nikolic.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Dusan Nikolic in the BCM in Frankfurt

The driven guard who lists Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Luka Doncic and Damian Lillard on his NBA mount Rushmore and Dirk Nowitzki, Franz Wagner, Detlef Schrempf and Dennis Schroder on his all German Mount Rushmore is a player that would compare his game most to Luka Doncic. His 2 biggest strengths on the court are his drive and IQ. He is also a player that enjoys taking the three pointer, but that is still a work in progress as he has never shot higher than 26% with the Frankfurt. He understands exactly what he needs to do to get a stable shot. “I need more repetitions and better shot selection. When I´m wide open I shoot it and if I get some room, I shoot it. I think key will be just to keep shooting and consistency will evolve”, warned Dusan Nikolic. He is a very skilled offensive player, but also wants to be known as a consistent defender. Being teammates with classic 3 and D player Bennet Schubert has done wonders for his game. “Bennet has such a high IQ on defense. He is always standing in the right position. I´m an ok defender now, but want to be more aggressive and use my body and long arms better”, commented Dusan Nikolic. In the NBBL he has improved his stats once again currently at 21/4/2/2 stats despite having to help out at the 3 more since the team is small, but knows on what area´s he has to focus on most now. “My shot still has to become better and I have to make decisions even quicker”, warned Dusan Nikolic. He is playing 3 minutes less in the Pro B in comparison to last season, but knows he can´t control the minutes he gets, but one thing he can control is his ambition and that will never be low. “My pre season preparation with the Pro A team was important. I want to continue to get better and not end in the Pro B. The Euroleague is my goal. The Pro B is just a stepping stone. I want to be a professional player”, warned Dusan Nikolic. Maybe one day he can battle an Ivan Kharchenkov in the Euroleague. Two players that will be able to measure themselves against each other at the highest level overseas. The motivation for that to become reality will definitely never be lacking in the eyes of Dusan Nikolic.

pic credit: Maria van Tillburg/Tatyana Klee

Deion Hammond (193-G-1999, college: Monmouth, agency: One Motive Sports) is a 24 year old 193 cm guard from Upper Marlboro, Maryland playing his third professional season and first with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg currently averaging 7,3ppg and 2,0rpg in the BBL and 5/1 in the BCL.. Last season he played with Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Holland- BNXT League) averaging 14.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 44.6%, FT: 86.3%. He played his rookie season with CS Municipal Ploiesti (Romania-Liga) averaging 14.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 84.3%. He began his career at Riverdale Baptist high school and then played at Monmouth University (NCAA) from 2017-2021 playing a total of 115 games. In his senior year he averaged 16.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 74.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

No problem, thanks for reaching out! I’m currently playing for MHP Riesen in Ludwigsburg, Germany. Everything out here has been nice so far. I really have no complaints, I’m really just trying to grind through the preseason.

Congrats on signing with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. Head coach Josh King got a gem in Jhonathan Dunn last season from Leiden and now is hoping for his next gem from Leiden with you. What was the deciding factor for joining the MHP Riesen?

After sitting down and talking with my agent and my family, we came to a consensus that this would be the perfect next step for me and my basketball career. The BBL is a very good and very respected league, and being able to play on a stage like the champions league is a blessing.

Did you get any useful tips from Doug Spradley who has coached in Germany for many years?

I learned a lot from coach Spradley throughout the season. He helped me especially on the defensive end, and gave me some keys that I can take with me and get better moving forward.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Do you know of any guys that have played in Germany?

In general, I know that Germany is a good basketball country and is very respected in the basketball world. They just proved even more after winning the world cup. Many great players have come and gone through Germany, but there’s only a couple that I know personally. My guy Justin Robinson actually played on Brose Bamburg a couple years back, a team we will face in the league.

Your playing in one of Europe´s top leagues. What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for you on the court coming from Holland?

I think so far the biggest adjustment for me has been the pace of play. Coming from my team in Holland we were an ok transition team and we ran a lot of sets in the half court. Here at Ludwigsburg we play very up-tempo and fast pace the entire game.

You’re a 193cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

If I had to pick NBA players to compare myself to I guess I would say shades of Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, they are 2 of my favorite players and I definitely study their games.

You can score and shoot the ball. What other strengths does your game have?

I’m progressing every day at becoming a better defender, I’m decent at getting steals and disrupting plays. I think my body size, physical tools/athleticism helps a lot.

Your three pointer continues to be a work in progress. On what area´s are you focusing most on this summer so your shot will take off in the BBL?

In the summer I worked a lot on all three levels. I make sure I spent enough time working on touch around the basket and close range, my mid-range game, and a lot of different 3 point looks of course. My main focus in the summer is usually ball handling and trying to get quicker and stronger.

What kind of defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

Right now I’m just a solid defender. I’m decent on the ball and pretty good at reading and getting some steals. I want to be better at all aspects of defense because I think it can separate me, especially I need work on off the ball awareness and communication.

Last season you won the triple with Leiden. There are probably 80% of guys overseas that can´t say they have won 3 titles in your career. What was so special about last season´s team?

Last year’s team was so special because we played really well together. Everybody bonded well off the court and I think it translated. The crazy thing is, we weren’t a good communicative team in games, so the fact that we pulled off a triple crown is amazing to me and I’m grateful to have been a part of something that amazing.

Take me back to the last 140 seconds in the last playoff game against Groningen where you helped your team come back from 16 points and win the title. Were you guys playing on total adrenaline?

I actually fouled out in the middle of the fourth quarter so I wasn’t in the game when we made that crazy run. Salute my guys Lucas Kruithof and Luuk Van Bree, they were the key factors for us to spark that run and get a victory. I can’t forget Tommy Rutherford, he hit the free throws that sealed the win.

You also won the BNXT league. How challenging was this competition and how do you feel did your game grow there?

I did feel like my game got to grow in the BNXT, it was good to see the other side of the league with the Belgian competition. They had more teams towards the top of our league so it was definitely a challenge.

You played your rookie season with CS Municipal Ploiesti (Romania-Liga I) averaging 14.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 84.3%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I never really had a wake up call because I knew what I was getting myself into. I do say it took a minute to adjust to the time zone differences, because I’m used to being away from home, but I wasn’t used to not being able to talk to my people for hours at a time.

You played 4 years at Monmouth (NCAA) reaching the Mac final in 2019. What was your fondest moment there?

I had many, reaching that championship game after starting the season 0-12 was special for sure. I could also say reaching the 1,000 point mark, or even breaking the all-time 3pt record was one of my best moments.

As a freshman you lost by 16 points to NCAA powerhouse Kentucky where you played against future NBA players, Knox, Washington and Diallo. You also held your own against Shai Gillgeous-Alexander scoring 19 points to his 15 points. What memories do you have of this game and did that convince you that you could play with anyone?

I will always remember that game because I’ve always wanted to play against schools like Kentucky, so doing that as a freshman in Madison Square Garden where a lot of history was made, was surreal for me.

You made a great jump in your last 2 seasons in the NCAA. How do you feel did your game grow in the last 2 years?

The goal in college was to get better every year, and after having an ok sophomore year I had to look in the mirror because it wasn’t the year I wanted to have. My last 2 seasons I think what helped me was slowing down a little and letting the game come to me, taking what the defense gave me. I think that’s what took me up to being one of the best players in the conference.

How did head coach King Rice groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He prepared me every single day. Our whole coaching staff did, I don’t think I would have made it professionally if it wasn’t for the wisdom they passed down to me while I was growing up in my time at Monmouth.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or George Papas?

Me and G and a pretty good record with king of the court 1’s. We normally play with about 3-5 people, but I think our amount of wins are pretty even.

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

I would say Shai Gilgeous Alexander.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Ray Salnave 2. Micah Seaborn 3. George Papas 4. Austin Tilghman 5. Naji Marshall

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe Bryant 2. Michael Jordan 3. Allen Iverson 4. Dwayne Wade

Who is your GOAT and why?

Kobe Bryant will always be my GOAT because I grew up watching him and his wisdom and approach to the game has taught me a lot and will always stick with me.

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

I don’t think I have seen it, but now I definitely have to give it a watch!

Thanks Deion for the chat.

Shawn Scott (185-G-1996, college: SW Christian) is a 27 year old 185cm guard playing his third professional season and first with BG Hagen. Last season he split time with TVO Biggesee / TV Jahn Lindhorst (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 31.2ppg, 10.4rpg, 6.1apg, 3.6spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 77.6%, in Jan.’23 moved to BG 2000 Berlin (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 4.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 64.4%. he began his career at Jenks High School and then played 3 seasons at Southwestern Christian University. He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.

How did you get into 2024? How was New Years eve in Germany?

My New Year’s Eve was pretty calm it was just spent with my girl.

Congrats on the big 83-82 win against Hagen-Haspe. Would you classify this as a rivalry?

Thank you, it was definitely one for the books. I would say yes. Even if it’s just my first year here, I could feel the energy and motivation both teams and the fans had to come out on top in the derby. Both games didn’t disappoint one bit and we’re fortunate to have come out on top both games.

The game had a close finish, but how was your summary of the 40 minutes?

The game was completely close the whole game until just the 4th quarter when we found ourselves in a hole down 12 points. But one thing about us is we never ever lose hope and it shows by the amount games we’ve been able to win this season after being down with little time left.

Talk a little about the last minute and what was key for the win?

Well the last minute was when we had finally made our comeback and the game was back tight again. With 15 seconds left, Haspe got fouled on a 3, going 2-3 at the line. We’re now down one and coach draws a play that we executed well and found ourselves up one with 7 seconds left. We couldn’t have played better defense for the last possession and Haspe wasn’t able to get a shot off and that was the game. The key was we kept fighting the entire game and took it one possession at a time when we were down late. That’s been us for the whole season thus far.

The team rebounded well but didn´t shoot great from outside? What was the team´s biggest strength in the game?

I think we were very aggressive going to the basket this game but were not getting foul calls we expected by the refs but still we kept putting pressure on them from the bigs to the guards. But we hit much needed three’s when we desperately needed them so it all worked out.

You had a great first game in 2024 with 31/12 stats and 4 steals and shot 50%. I guess the 5 turnovers had you a bit upset?

Definitely was upset about that. I could tell I was a bit rusty the first game back after the break because I had many uncharacteristic turnovers and wasn’t flowing like I would like. But it happens and it’ll be fixed come next game.

You next play Munster 2 who are 6-9. You easily won the first game scoring 101 points. What will be key to getting the win?

I think playing fast and rebounding will be the key just like the last time and putting pressure on their young squad along with the veteran König. We have to keep rolling now and play like it’s a playoff game because still any team can win against anyone and that’s the scary thing about this region.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.

Tajion Jones (194-G-1999, college: UNC Asheville) is a 24 year old 194cm guard from Tennessee playing his rookie season overseas with Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Holland-DBL). He began his basketball career at Oak Ridge high school finishing his prep school career with 1,246 points, 148 steals and 136 assists. He then embarked on a 5 year career at the University of North Carolina – Asheville (NCAA). He played a total of 149 NCAA games. In his last year he averaged 14.9ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 44.8%, FT: 71.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the Niners Chemnitz.

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

I think basketball life is treating me well at the moment. I’ve always wanted to be a pro playing the sport I love, so I think I’m at a good place at the moment.

Your playing your rookie season with Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Holland-DBL). What kind of an experience has it been coming from Tennessee and North Carolina living in Holland in a very flat country? What have you learned to appreciate most about the country and the people?

Coming from Tennessee and North Carolina, my experience living in the Netherlands has been cool. This is my first time ever being in Europe and the furthest I went out the country in the US was to the Bahamas. It is indeed very flat here and that reminds you of Florida a little bit lol. The thing I’ve learned to appreciate the most here is that mostly everyone here speaks English very well. So, it wasn’t very hard for me to adjust and kind of get around the city a little bit

The team is doing very well in the BNXT league and Fiba Europe Cup. You also already won your first chip as a pro winning the Super Cup. There seems to be no superstar and everyone playing for each other. What is the secret to the success?

I think the secret to our success is that we do play for one another and that we all trust each other’s abilities on the court. I think that we have a good team chemistry and that nobody is selfish on our team as well.

The club only has 2 Americans and has done it with good Dutch role players on the side. How much credit does Doug Spradley get. He was successful in Germany for many years and now has made a name in Holland. How has he been able to shape the success?

I mean I think coach gets a lot of credit. He has a good system and a good amount of plays that can set you up to score in various ways. He helps me out a lot being a former player at the same position I play and is always giving me advice and pointers on how to be good in this league and for the future of my career.

Have you formed a special bond to American Alex Gross? What have you learned to appreciate the most about his game?

I think Alex and I have formed a little bond with each other. We definitely get along with each other and always talk about things on and off the court. I appreciate that he can finish down low and also step out and hit an occasional three as well. He has good IQ as well.

Let´s talk about your game. Your a 194cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would fit the description best?

If I had to compare my game to someone that was in the NBA. I haven’t really thought about who my game is somewhat like in the NBA. Growing up my favorite player was Carmelo Anthony and tried to take a little bit of his scoring. I obviously don’t have or use his incredible post up game but I did take his triple threat attack. He used his jabs and fakes so well that he could get a shot off without having to move or take a dribble. It also helped him get his defenders to bite on one of the fakes so he could drive to the basket. But, back to who would my game resemble I would say a little bit of Klay Thompson because of his ability to catch and shoot the ball off pin downs, transition, mid range curls off pindowns, and how he defends.

One thing that stands out in your game is consistency something that you built in the NCAA. What other strengths does your game possess?

I would say other strengths my game posses is my ability to shoot the 3pt shot. I would also say my ability to finish around the rim as well. I have gotten really good at using my floaters and high off the glass layups against taller/bigger defenders as well.

You shot over 40% from the three point line in 3 of 4 NCAA seasons. What are your biggest goals as a professional in the next years as you view the development of your outside shot?

To continue perfecting my shot. That’s what helped me get to this point and I want to continue to get better at shooting off the dribble like I did last year. I’ve been continually working on shooting threes off the dribble after moves like crossovers, behind the backs, off the pick and roll, etc. and that’s what helped me be more dynamic instead of being just a spot up shooter.

What kind of defender are you at the moment and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I think I’m a pretty good defender right now but, I still want to continue to get better at being a defender. There’s still a couple things I need to work on to be better but that will come with time and experience as well. I want to be an elite 3 & D player as I progress through my career.

On what areas of your game are you working on most as you continue to develop further as a player?

I would say I am continuously working on my handle. You can always have a better handle and that’s one area of my game that I am working on the most. I am also just working on reads within the offense as well but that just comes with more experience being a pro.

You played at the University of North Carolina – Asheville (NCAA) from 2018-2023. You had a 4-27 record as a freshman and came back for a 5th season and won the Big South title and reached the Big dance. Was this the best times of your basketball life? How did you develop as a player and man?

I would definitely say that my final year at Asheville was probably the highest moment in my basketball life. I finally won a ring after being close to winning one in middle school and in high school. To finally achieve that was something that I was really proud off. All the work through my college career finally paid off in the end and I think that I made the right decision to come back for my covid season. It all helped me develop as a player and as a man too. I was able learn how to take care of things on my own and to find out my own routine as a player as well.

You came back for a 5th season as you stated you had unfinished business after suffering that last second loss to Charleston Southern. How important was this last season. How did you grow as a man?

Like I mentioned before I think my decision to come back for my 5th season was the best decision I could have made. I was able to win a conference title and I think it gave me another year to better prepare myself for ball after college. It really helped me get into the position I’m in now.

You were down by 14 points in the conference final to Campbell but led an incredible comeback scoring 13 points in a row and winning the game. What will you always remember from that game?

I will always remember that the game isn’t over until it’s over. I learned that from the year before as well since we lost on a last second put back to CSU.

How did head coach Mike Morell groom and prepare you best for a proferssional career?

I think coach Morrell helped groom and prepare me to be a professional really well. Coach Morrell has a lot of guys he’s coached and put in the pros but he definitely helped me become the player I am today. The off-season workouts with him were always tough and they made me better each year. He’s seen and knows what it takes to be a pro and he helped me with knowledge and wisdom that he got from some of his former players.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jamon Battle?

I won the 1v1 for sure between me and Jamon “Doc” Battle. Doc and I have had some good battles in 1v1s against one another but I’m up in our series for sure.

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

I think the only one that I faced that was really tough that ended up in the NBA was Jaime Jaquez. He was really good and just knows the game really well. He could shoot, playmake, defend, etc. He was an elite player. But I’ve faced a lot of really good people in high school that made it to the NBA and the one that stands out is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He was elite in high school and we played him and his school a couple times in the summer (Hamilton Heights). He was just as crafty and smooth as he is in the NBA now

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I think my top 5 best teammates are LJ Thorpe, Drew Pember, Macio Teague, Trent Stephney, EJ Bush. And honorable mention would go to my guy Tee Higgins.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

My personal Mt. Rushmore would be Michael Jordan, Steph Curry, Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, and honorable mentions would be Kevin Durant and Shaq.

Who is your GOAT and why?

My goat is Michael Jordan because the man was a straight killer. I know people love to say LeBron James because of all of his accolades and records but Michael Jordan could’ve done more if he never retired once or twice. He did a lot more than LeBron in a shorter span and lesser games too. Mike was a different breed. I respect everything LeBron has done and achieved but nobody tops Michael Jordan for me. His highlights of his finishing around the rim and his elite post fade was a work of art. His hangtime in the air when he jumped was insane.

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

I didn’t see the sequel of the classic Coming To America and I didn’t even know there was a sequel out lol. The original was a hilarious classic and I think I could recite some lines word-for-word.

Thanks Tajion for the chat.

It definitely helps coming from Boston That my GOAT is Larry Bird. When you grew up in the 80’s you really couldn’t go wrong with that choice. If you were from L A it would probably have been Magic or Kareem and from Philly it would most likely have been Julius Erving. In today’s age the 2 most common guys mentioned are Michael Jordan and LeBron James (203-SF-1984). Other guys that also are listed by many are Kobe Bryant or Steph Curry. For professional player Kareem Green (F) there is only one GOAT for him. ‘LeBron James is my Goat.He’s the number 1 scoring leader of all time and he sits at number 4 all time assists leader, and he’s been to 10 NBA finals won championships for 3 different organizations. He’s a great passer, a great leader and teammate. He’s a great father and husband and he impacts his community in a positive way for all those reasons he’s my goat’, stressed Kareem Green.PIf I would have had to pick one favorite moment from Larry Bird, It would have been difficult picking just one. It is safe to say that the most famous Bird moment was surely when he stole the ball in game 5 of the 1987 series against the Detroit Pistons. Other great moments that I remember was when he was on course for a quadruple double against Utah having 9 steals by the start of the fourth quarter but subbed himself out not chasing numbers, or his 60 points against the Atlanta Hawks or playing left handed for a half against Portland achieving a triple double and 47 points and game winning shot or combing for 81 points with Dominique Wilkins in an epic 1988 playoff battle or winning 3 NBA Allstar three point shooting contests and last but not least his endless trash talking duels with anyone who had the audacity to take him on as Xavier Mcdaniel and Merry Bleeping Christmas Chuck Person found out. Not to mention his dazzling no look passes. I really couldn’t mention one. Finding a LeBron James favorite Moment isn’t easy either. ‘I have 3 favorite Lebron moments. One moment for sure was this entire last season. It was crazy watching Lebron go from 14th place the first half of the season to being eliminated in the western conference finals at the age of 38. He carried his team as an old man something Jordan and Kobe couldn’t do at that age. Second was when the Cavs were down 3-1 to the Golden State Warriors and they came back and won the finals that was unheard of. My third favorite moment was Rookie Lebron vs Tmac 2003 Christmas game. Tmac had 41 and Lebron 34 and that was an epic game at the time. Tracy McGrady was top dog in the NBA so to see Lebron go against Tmac and kill,M we knew Lebron was going to be a major problem’, remembered Kareem Green.

In February 2023, the 39 year old NBA scoring record that Kareem Abdul Jabbar had held for almost 40 years was finally broken and from none other than LeBron James. If you were in the States and basketball fan, there is no way, you missed the game. ‘I did watch that game and it was beautiful to see Lebron pass Kareem with a step back mid range even though T Bryant had his man sealed in the paint. Lebron passing Kareem was like watching Leonardo da Vinci painting the Mona Lisa. It was art and it was also painful because we lost that game’, stressed Kareem Green. That this illustrious record stood for so long was no real surprise. ‘It stood for 40 years for a reason. Kareem was an excellent scorer, a basketball Sivart in the paint. I still can’t believe he scored all those points with no 3s. When people think of Lebron they think of a passer, a team leader not a scorer. It’s amazing how Lebron is number 1 In scoring and number 4 in all-time assists leader with 10,420 assists that’s unheard of’, stated Kareem Green. Lebron was all business that night showing his brutal scoring game and showed he can really explode at anytime for a game like that as if it was nothing. ‘I think he was gunning for that 38 points in 26 mins. He wanted to get it out the way and he was hungry for it. But yes just another day at the office for him. Last year he averaged 28.9 8 and 6 not bad for an old man’, smiled Kareem Green. On his record breaking play, Lebron received the pass from Mr triple double Russell Westbrook and made a fade away jumper. Will anyone remember the pass in 20 years and wouldn’t a dunk have been more spectacular for the fans? ‘Nobody will remember the pass. I didn’t remember the pass until you just said something and Russell is my man too. I really respect his game. I know Lebron is still capable of throwing it down hard and postering players but Lebron is an old man so a step back fadeaway is expected from him just like Kobe and Jordan once their athleticism was gone, they developed a wicked jump shot same thing Lebron has done. Actually that step back fadeaway is 1000 times better than a dunk because it shows growth in his game’, said Kareem Green. One has too wonder just how much that record breaking ball will be worth? ‘That’s a great question. According to basketball insiders the game jersey where he passed Kareem is worth 3 million so I’m thinking the ball maybe could be worth 1 maybe 2 million realistically. Idk is there a number for it yet Miles?’, added Kareem Green.

In today’s generation, you could find many that wouldn’t even know who Kareem Abdul Jabbar was, but Kareem Green knows exactly who Kareem was. The real basketball nerds even young know exactly who Mr skyhook was. ‘Well my father named me after Kareem so Kareem always had a special place in my heart you know. People only talk about MJ being the goat but Kareem has everything MJ has plus more to me. Kareem is definitely a top 3 player of all time. I would say if younger players are serious about the game and dedicated and study the game then it’s no way possible to not know who Kareem is’, commented Kareem Green. One has to wonder what would have happened had Lebron had had the audacity of making the record breaking shot with the famous sky hook? Back in the day, you would have found some interesting newspaper headlines and in 2023 social media would have exploded. ‘Social media would have had a field day with memes. If Lebron would have scored that basket with a skyhook. They already had hundreds of memes out on when he passed him so I could only imagine how the twitter and Instagram world would have reacted. But if Lebron did take a skyhook and made it and then said I’m paying respects to Kareem then that would have been so inspirational’, explained Kareem Green. How long will Lebron be able to keep the record? Possibly another 40 years, or could Luka Doncic break the record if he can suddenly become a physical specimen and keep the motivation? ‘I believe in due time it will be broken, because history repeats itself but in my opinion the person that’s going to break that record hasn’t been born yet. I think Lebron will have 40 years at the top like Kareem. I don’t think Lebron’s record will be touched any time soon. Luka can play until 60 and it still won’t come close and Luka is a beast. I think the person that will pass Lebron hasn’t even been born yet’, warned Kareem Green. The Harlem New York native has a lot of respect for Michael Jordan and definitely knows his basketball, but there is no doubt that this record gives him the GOAT status over Jordan. ‘This one record does not make Lebron the goat over Jordan but Lebron’s body of work makes him the goat over Jordan. 3 championships for 3 different organizations is extremely impressive 6 for 6 is too but when you take into consideration number 1 all time scoring number 4 all time assists leader top 30 in rebounds, Lebron longevity and hard work makes him the goat’, stressed Kareem Green. So what is my favorite Lebron moment? Well it actually never happened on the court. It was actually seeing him close up on a Boston street in January 2020, a little less than a week before Kobe Bryant tragically died. Not many can say they were that close to the planet’s greatest player. On the court, I just never watched lot of LeBron James. Living In Germany for more than 20 years, I just fell in love more with the Euro game and lost track of the NBA.

Collin Turner (185-G-1995, college: Angelo St.) is a 27 year old 183cm guard from Maryland playing his third professional season and first in Germany with BBG Herford (Germany-ProB). He began this season with Sabah BK Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL) playing 3 Fiba Europe Cup games and averaging 3.0ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.7spg and in the Azerbaijani league averaged 8.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 5.3apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 53.6%, 3FGP: 35.3%, FT: 84.6%. Last season he played with Gence BC Ganja (Azerbaijan-Superleague) ( averaging 19.9ppg, 6.9rpg, Assists-2 (6.6apg), Steals-1 (2.4spg), FGP: 51.3%, 3PT-2 (39.6%), FT-1 (87.0%). In 2021-2022 he played with Gtuni (Georgia-A League) averaging 15.4ppg, 4.7rpg, Assists-2 (4.0apg), Steals-1 (2.3spg), FGP: 55.2%, 3PT-3 (39.6%), FT: 79.5%. He got his first pro experience with the South Shore Monarchs (TBL). He began his basketball career with Poolesville High School and then played 2 years at Montgomery College (JUCO). He finished his college career at Angelo State University (NCAA2) averaging 17.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 79.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball. 

Thanks Collin for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome to Germany. You’re a JUCO man. How blessed do you feel to be playing the game you love overseas? Seldom do JUCO guys make the way overseas to ball as a professional? I take it you have learned to take nothing for granted?

I am extremely blessed to be playing overseas or playing basketball period. This game I have put so much time and effort into and to be able to play it at the next level means everything to me. I’m so grateful to be playing basketball overseas. Nothing is taken for granted I play every game like it could be my last.

You played in Georgia and Azerbaijan. Has it been like a culture shock to how different Germany is to these countries or haven´t you noticed yet?

Yes Germany is completely different from Azerbaijan and Georgia from what I’ve seen so far. Georgia and Azerbaijan are very clustered, everything on top of everything. Here in Germany landscape is more spread out suburban/country side type of feel so far a lot more spacious.

You know what the overseas grind is all about coming from Juco and the NCAA 2 and not getting a job overseas right away. How was the transfer market mid season? Did you have other offers despite Herford?

The market isn’t always promising but I had faith I would land a job good things come to those that wait & I just had to wait for what was right for me. I had some offers besides Herford but just didn’t think they were the best decision for me.

What was so appealing to Herford. What were the main reasons for coming?

Well Germany is a great basketball country so that was the main reason for me coming here. The opportunity to play in German and potentially move up or get seen by a team to excel my career to the next level. Plus the quality of life and modernization of Germany was really big for me.

What do you hope in achieving with your game. The club needs wins, but you won´t be required to be the savior either? How do you value you your self more than just being a 1-1 swap for Marquis Moore the other American that had to depart?

I hope to bring the club wins, make a run for the playoffs and fulfill my role anyway possible for my team. I’m a leader, someone who can control and team and someone the guys can lean on when things get tough. That’s something I think the club needs to push us over the hump of those close game losses that we can turn to victories.

You are a 185 cm guard that can fill the stat sheet. A bit like a Westbrook? To what NBA player would you compare your game to?

I’ve been compared to players like Devin Booker, Bradley Beal or Kyrie Irving from other people’s speculation of me. I would say Kyrie Irving because he’s my favorite player behind Lebron James. I’m a crafty, shifty, playmaking guard who can affect the game multiples ways on offense but I also play defense, I enjoy guarding teams best players, getting steals, forcing turnovers. I’m a 2 way guard that gets it done on both ends.

Could one call you Mr versatility. How vital is this in your game?

I would say yes you could call me Mr.Versatility. It’s very vital to be versatile when you have a player who isn’t one dimensional it makes them a lot harder to scout, someone who can take on any role given to them and excel on both ends of the floor.

Despite all your strengths is scoring still your biggest weapon?

Scoring for sure is probably my strongest weapon but playmaking as well being a scorer and being able to draw defenders to you and put other in position to score.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I’m a solid defender that plays solid defense can guard multiple positions. The defender I hope to become is a full court lockdown just pest kind of player like a Patrick Beverly. I’m a very good defender but still always room for Improvement to get better.

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

IQ & efficiency, basketball is a thinking man’s game you have to be able to make decisions the right decisions and the right plays in a split second and be able to out think your opponent. Also efficiency I want to be as efficient as possible that way I’m the biggest threat I can be on the floor making shots at a high percentage, having a great assist to turnover ratio to be the best I can be at my position.

After a great season in Azerbaijan last season, this season wasn´t the same. Why didn´t this season pan out the way last season did? It seemed like you were the odd man out of the the other 4 Americans?

Coming into Sabah this year I came in late and had to learn a complete new system and the team, we actually had 7 Americans at my time of arrival and 2 other foreign players with that many players it’s hard to give everybody minutes and points when only 3 foreign can play at a time. So I had to take on more of a true point guard role into setting offense making the right plays and scoring when it came back to me. Compared to last year in Gence we only had 4 Americans total and my role was to go win us games and take on a much bigger role.

Last season you played with Gence BC Ganja (Azerbaijan-Superleague) averaging 19.9ppg), 6.9rpg, Assists-2 (6.6apg), Steals-1 (2.4spg), FGP: 51.3%, 3PT-2 (39.6%), FT-1 (87.0%). How tough was losing the playoff series to Sabah where you had a triple double in the final loss?

Losing that series was very tough, because of all the things we endured during the season to get there. We had a lot less resources than other teams and still worked hard and grinded to make it to the finals so we felt we deserved it and it was right in our grasp. Couple different possessions defensively and we win the championship.

You had your first pro triple double against NTD. How cool was that and how aware are you that triple doubles are rare overseas no matter what level?

Triple doubles are always cool being able to impact the game 3 different ways at a high clip is special, I think triple doubles are special no matter where you are. It’s a rare part of the game so I think it means a lot no matter where you play at!

You played your rookie season overseas with Gtuni (Georgia-A League) averaging 15.4ppg, 4.7rpg, Assists-2 (4.0apg), Steals-1 (2.3spg), FGP: 55.2%, 3PT-3 (39.6%), FT: 79.5%. What do you remember being your wake up call to be overseas where you knew you were far away from home?

I think honestly the way of life & food. I couldn’t wake up in my own bed go jump in my car and drive all through my city, my routine was different I couldn’t find all the food I wanted & that was my wake up call like ok I have to make a couple adjustments to my day to day life to be able to live overseas.

How important was veteran Jamani Pierce in your rookie season? Was he like a mentor to you?

Jamani was a big part in my rookie season someone who’s lived it been there and knows what to expect guiding me and helping me through things that I sometimes might not have understood and wasn’t used to.

You got your first pro experience with the South Shore Monarchs (TBL) averaging 14.0ppg, 9.5rpg, 3.0apg, 1.5spg. How tough is it playing semi pro basketball in the states where everyone plays for their stats. What positives could you take from it?

It’s tough playing in situations like that because you know shots come few and far between so when you get your shot your have to make it and be efficient because you don’t know how long it will be before you will get another one. It just made me aware of efficiency, taking and making good shots

You began your college career at Montgomery College (JUCO): Every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO has confirmed that JUCO was tough but one of best basketball experiences in their lives. How was it for you?

I love my Juco experience if I could I’d go back and do it all again, from my team to my coaches to the staff and fans and community. You gain like a family of brothers and supporters. Juco is for sure a grind but if you can withstand the grind and get through it the experience of it all is for sure worth it.

You won the 2018 JUCO title. What memories do you have of that run?

2018 was a great year in Juco for me I was the leading scorer in the country, was a first team all American, my team was ranked in the country everyone on board was successful the whole season was a great memory, our road trips to away games, making it to the final four of the national tournament the season as a whole was just a great one!

You finished at Angelo State University (NCAA2) averaging 17.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 79.1%. Was coming here one of the best decisions in your life and how did your game grow?

Coming to Angelo State was for sure one of the best decisions I could have make based on my circumstances. San Angelo is still like a second home to me, I have formed life long bonds and family coming to Angelo state. It made me more mature as a player being from the east coast and coming to Texas and playing a complete different style of basketball. I grew in all areas of my game both sides of the floor with the resources and staff we had at Angelo state.

You had a crazy 47 points against Lubbock Christian. How mad were you missing 45free throws which could of gotten you 50 points? What memories do you have of this game?

Lubbock Christian game was crazy double OT win in the conference tournament finishing with 47 was crazy. I wasn’t counting my points I didn’t know I had 47 until after the game was over but missing free throws period is never a good feeling I was mad even missing 1 I finished the night 20-25 from the free throw line but it would have been awesome to have scored 50 points. That game made me the schools single game scoring leader of all time. Another memory I have is when 3 of the 5 starters had fouled out of the game leaving me to play with young inexperienced role players & telling my guys I would guide us to a victory tonight no matter what then hitting a buzzer beater shot from the 3 off the glass to send the game into double overtime and coming away with the win

How did head coach Cinco Brown groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Boone made me tougher, taught me how to think the game better & polished my skills that allowed me to excel at the next level. He gave me the resources, tools & coaching I needed and told me get to work so it was all laid out for me I just had to be willing to put in the work to become the better player.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Paul Williams?

1 on 1 nobody on my team was beating me, 1 on 1 is what I do that’s my game but Paul was my roommate in college and also one of my best friends to this day when we did play one on ones I would win those games.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life on the court that reached the NBA?

Quentin Grimes when we played university of Houston. He is a great player, I think the toughest part was guarding someone of that skill level in Houston’s system guarding a nba level player running through screens of Houston’s 6’8-6’9 230+ pound plus bigs all night trying to guard Houston’s best player is tough. But I enjoyed the matchup for sure and was a good experience

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time

Best 5 teammates of all time Paul Williams, Ronald Bell, Jeremy Hayes, Andres Ibarugen, & Jamani Pierce

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

Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal & Lebron James 4 most dominate players to ever touch the floor

Who is your GOAT and why?

Lebron is my Goat we’ve never seen someone on this reign for so long at such a high level Lebron is a player who can do everything on the court and guard 1-5 all time league leading scorer and the numbers don’t lie. Lebron is 39 now and still a top 10 player in the NBA full of young talent.

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

Yes I have seen the sequel and I liked it nothing like the classic but entertaining Eddie Murphy is a good actor and makes good movies but he definitely could have left it alone we didn’t NEED a second one but it was horrible.

Thanks Collin for the chat.

The Fraport Skyliners finished 2023 on a winning note winning a nail bitter in Speyer and now would meet them again in 2024 for the second time in a row after only a 2 week break in between. Frankfurt had been playing spirted basketball in the last weeks having won 3 of their last 4 games. They had showed a solid mix at both ends of the court while the 5-8 Speyer team had won 2 of their last 3 games, but lost 4 of their last 6 games. In the victory 2 weeks ago, German Philipp Hadenfeldt gave his farewell leading the team with 21 points. This time the medical student wasn´t in uniform, because he had taken a leave of absence and gone to Australia to take a semester abroad. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors now had to compensate that loss and had numerous young players that wanted to prove themselves. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had an explosive first quarter, but then had to throw punches with a feisty Speyer team that just wouldn´t go away and had to decide the game in crunch-time to escape their living room with the hard fought 72-68 victory. Were the younger guys more motivated than usual because they had to step up? “We are always motivated. The young guys knew they would play more minutes and played with a high intensity. We hustled and played with heart. We did a really good job always being able to find solutions at both ends of the court when we needed them”, stated Fraport Skyliner Junior Drago Crnjac. Last season the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer won in Frankfurt with a buzzer beater and it looked like the game could come down to another buzzer beater, but this time they had no Quadre Lollis Jr. “The first quarter hurt us. We had to play catch up basketball after that. We played good defense for 30 minutes and got Rupp back on track. There were 1-2 plays at the end that decided the game for Frankfurt”, stressed Speyer guard DJ Woodmore.

Florian Dietrich at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors came into the contest very depleted as they were missing Nolan Adekunle, Jordan Samare and Justin Onyejiaka who were playing in Vechta while Felix Hecker was injured and Philipp Hadenfeldt was in Australia. But that negativity didn´t faze Frankfurt as they stormed out on a rapid 6-2 lead as young German big man Florian Dietrich who played 44 Regionalliga games for Kronberg scored the teams first 6 points including 2 layin´s with 2 assists from Trevian Bell. Frankfurt wanted to establish their inside game and did. Spanish guard Carlos Hidalgo got Speyer going scoring 5 points and trailed Frankfurt 9-5 after Alvin Onyia hit a trey testing his 41%. Speyer had an offensive rhythm and shared the ball nicely getting baskets by Woodmore and Germans Dennis Diala and Pavle Pisic to lead 13-11. But the Fraport Skyliners Juniors didn´t shy away from showing all their scoring depth and exploded on a lethal 16-3 run to lead comfortably 27-16 after 10 minutes. In the run Frankfurt was led by Drago Crnjac who compares his game to Miami Heat Tyler Herro amassing 8 points with a three pointer and 2 lay in´s while Trevian Bell and 2017 JBBL finalist Calvin Schaum dropped three pointers. “I felt like we moved the ball really well. We also used the mismatches to our advantage and used our 1-1 qualities and executed well”, stressed Drago Crnjac. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 59% from the field and 67% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 3 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer shot 46% from the field and 40% from outside and had 4 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Christoph Rupp at the FT line

The scoring machine of the Fraport Skyliners didn´t execute as well in the second quarter as the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer buckled down on defense and inserted a zone at times that Frankfurt couldn´t crack. Speyer held Frankfurt to 9 points, but Frankfurt still led by 3 points at the break. Speyer came out refreshed in the second frame going on a 7-0 run and trailed only 28-23. In the run the guests got lay in´s by big man David Aichle and Dj Woodmore and the American also added 3 free throws. Frankfurt lost their offensive rhythm and made bad decisions and were rushing their plays too much while Speyer played spirited team basketball. Frankfurt didn´t let Speyer get over the hump getting a key lay in by Bell and three pointer by young German Dusan Nikolic to lead 33-27. Dennis Dialla one of the defensive stoppers for Speyer head coach Catl Mbassa made key free throws, but that was matched by 3 free throws by Drago Crnjac to keep the 36-29 advantage. Spanish guard Carlos Hidalgo who played 146 EBA games in Spain ended the quarter with vital energy making an off balance shot and lay in on transition as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had the slim 36-33 lead. “Speyer went to a zone and they were the first team this season that was able to slow down out one play against the zone. We continued to play good defense which helped us keep the lead”, added Drago Crnjac. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 34% from the field and 28% from the three point line and had 25 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer shot 42% from the field and 29% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Calvin Schaum from outside

The third quarter remained a close battle, but despite some lead changes, the Fraport Skyliners had the slim 2 point lead after 30 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had a horrible start getting stopped 6 times, but the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer couldn´t take advantage of it scoring only 3 baskets, but taking the 39-36 advantage. In the Speyer 6-0 run, Dj Woodmore, Dennis Dialla and David Aichele all scored in the paint area. Speyer played controlled team basketball and took advantage of the mismatches and on defense continued to Stifle Frankfurt with their zone defense. Frankfurt finally got their first field goal at the 6,09 minute mark as Dietrich scored which was followed by an Onyia three pointer for the 41-39 lead. The lead didn´t remain long as Rupp tied the score at 41-41 with a lay in. The game remained tight as Christoph Rupp was a real energizer being aggressive and scored again and made free throws for the 48-47 lead. “Rupp was big at both ends. He can really be our motor sometimes. If we can contain to sustain this, then I think we will be really good”, stated DJ Woodmore. But Frankfurt had a real hot Drago Crnjac on this day as he continued to carry Frankfurt. In the last minute, he made a big lay in and closed out the third quarter with a buzzer beater trey. “We defended well on 1-1 play and boxed out well. We hardly gave up any easy baskets”, commented Drago Crnjac. “We switched to zone and caught them off guard. We rode that momentum and got back into the game”, expressed DJ Woodmore. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 36% from the field and 27% from the parking lot and had 35 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer shot 42% from the field and 23% from the parking lot and had 28 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Carlos Hidalgo jumper

The fourth quarter continued to be a real dog fight as the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer took the lead twice, but couldn´t hold it and then in crunch-time lost it and the game. German Simon Franke began the fourth quarter with a free throw which was followed by a Dragon Crnjac floater and 55-52 Frankfurt lead. But Speyer fought back and got back to back buckets from 212cm center David Aichele who made a one handed dunk coming from the base line and then a floater as Frankfurt trailed 56-55. Then came real brotherly love as Drago Crnjac was in trouble and somehow found his 16 year old brother Ivan in the corner and he dropped a trey for the 58-56 Frankfurt advantage. “It is really one of the best feelings being able to play with your brother at a high level. We support each other. It´s like a dream come true”, stated Drago Crnjac. DJ Woodmore tied the game at 58-58 with a 20 footer. Ivan Crnjac then made an off balance jumper and free throw and Rupp a trey to dead lock the game at 61-61. Both teams continued to exchange blows with the other always finding a an answer. Nikolic made 2 free throws and Aichele a lay in to tie the game 63-63. Speyer got the lead back with a Rupp runner only to see Drago Crnjac tie the game at 65-65 with a runner. Bell then made an off balance jumper for the 68-66 Frankfurt lead with 16,3 seconds to play. After a Hidalgo miss who had a good look, Drago Crnjac made 2 free throws for the 70-66 lead with 14,9 seconds to play. He would finish with a career best 29 points. “I had a feeling today that this could be my day after I saw who would play. I took advantage of it. I give a lot of credit to my teammates who found me. Even when I made mistakes, my teammates still had faith in me. Hard work really pays off”, said Drago Crnjac. Dialla made an off balance shot with 5 seconds to play and then Drago Crnjac iced the win with 2 free throws. “Bell shot helped us, but we also got to the free throw line. We also did the simple things at the end”, stated Drago Crnjac. “Both Crnjac brothers made big plays and shots. Hidalgo makes that shot at the end 9 out of 10 times. It was just one of those days where shots didn´t fall”, stressed DJ Woodmore. The Frapöort Skyliners Juniors were led by Drago Crnjac with 29 points and Trevian Bell added 12 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists while the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer were led by Carlos Hidalgo and Christoph Rupp with 14 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 35% from the field and 26% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer shot 43% from the field and 23% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 14 turnovers.