Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Tim Smith Jr in the Dragon Dome in 2024

Tim Smith Jr. (201-F-2000, college: N.Alabama, agency: 011 Sports) is a 24 year old 201cm forward playing his first season overseas with the Dragons Rhondorf. He began his basketball career at Lakewood high school and then played at 3 Universities. He began at California University of Pennsylvania (NCAA2) averaging 8.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 88.9%. He then played 2 seasons at Walsh University (NCAA2) averaging 10.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 72.1% and 16.1ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 87.1%. He then finished at the University of North Alabama (NCAA) averaging 9.4ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 79.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big win 94-72 win in Frankfurt

Congrats Tim on the big 94-72 win in Frankfurt. It was the first win in club history in Frankfurt. How good does it feel to achieve this?

It feels amazing. We knew coming in that this was a big moment for the club, and to be the first team in history to win in Frankfurt is special. We came in locked in, played together, and executed the game plan really well. It’s a great feeling to make history with this group.

How big was the revenge factor after losing the last 3 times to Frankfurt and on a Trevian Bell buzzer beater last season in Frankfurt? The first loss in Rhondorf was tough a game that the Dragons should of won.

We wanted to come in and make a statement, not just for ourselves but for the club and the fans who’ve supported us through those tough losses.

How big was this win for the team. Coming off a tough loss at home against Leitershofen last weekend. The team seemed 100% prepared.

It was huge. After the Leitershofen loss, we knew we had to respond the right way. We had a strong week of preparation, focused on tightening things up on both ends, and came in ready to execute. Everyone was locked in from the start, and that showed in how we controlled the game. This win gives us a lot of confidence moving forward.

Frankfurt Skyliner Junior Jamie Edoka said after the game that they weren´t ready to face the Dragons and not on the same page. Did the Dragons want it more than Frankfurt?

I think we definitely came in with a stronger mindset. We had something to prove, and from the beginning, you could see the energy and intensity we played with. Every guy on the team was locked in and ready to compete, and I think that showed in how we took control of the game early and never let up.

The Dragons Rhondorf took control of the game from the second quarter onward and just managed the lead well. What did the Dragons Rhondorf do better on the defensive end to begin getting more consecutive stops?

We really tightened up our rotations and played more physical on defense. In the first quarter, they got some easy looks, but after that, we made adjustments, communicated better, and forced them into tougher shots. We also controlled the boards and limited their second-chance opportunities, which helped us get out in transition and build the lead.

In the second half, the offense continued to be very consistent. Has anything changed with how the offense works better now under new head coach Marko Zarkovic?

Yes, there’s definitely been a shift. Coach Zarkovic has emphasized playing with better spacing and making quicker reads. He’s simplified our offensive sets in a way that allows us to play more freely while still being disciplined. The biggest difference is how we are attacking—there’s a clearer structure but also a focus on trusting instincts and moving the ball efficiently.

The team allowed only 72 points and gives up 89 points per game this season. What has Marko Zarkovic changed up or made adjustments that have allowed the team to not only keep flying around on the court but also grab rebounds better?

The biggest change has been defensive accountability. Coach Zarkovic has emphasized a more aggressive approach on defense while making sure we’re finishing plays by securing rebounds. We’ve focused more on positioning, communication, and making sure every guy is engaged in boxing out. He also made some adjustments to our rotations, making sure we have fresh legs at key moments to sustain our defensive intensity.

What have you enjoyed most about the coaching philosophy of Marko Zarkovic in the few weeks that you have known him?

I really like his energy and attention to detail. He holds everyone accountable, but at the same time, he gives us confidence. He wants us to play aggressive, fast-paced basketball, but in a smart and controlled way. His communication is also great—he’s clear about expectations and what he wants from each player.

You next play Coburg, who you beat in a grind-out game 62-58. This is another do-or-die game for the Dragons.

Yeah, this is a huge game for us. Coburg is a tough team, and we know they’ll come in hungry for revenge after that last game. At this point in the season, every game is critical, and we have to approach it with the same intensity and focus we had against Frankfurt.

Kelvin Omojola stated after the game that the biggest strength of the Dragons Rhondorf was consistency and team. Is the team now 100% aware of how vital these last games are for the playoffs?

Absolutely. Every guy in the locker room knows what’s at stake. The mindset is clear—there’s no room for slip-ups. We have to bring it every game and stay locked in as a unit. The way we’ve been playing lately shows that we understand the urgency.

What was your impression of Jamie Edoka? He just turned 17 and is a starter in the Pro B. Could he be the next Isaac Bonga for Frankfurt?

Jamie is a talented young player. For someone his age, he already has a strong presence on the court and plays with confidence. He’s got good length, athleticism, and instincts, and if he keeps developing at this rate, I think he definitely has the potential to make a big jump in his career.

What was your impression of Malik Kordel? He has played between 40-50 pro games and destroyed the Dragons in the first game with a 16/21 game. He has offers from Michigan, Butler, and Villanova. How talented is he?

Malik is a special talent. He’s got great footwork, a strong frame, and a natural scoring ability that makes him tough to guard. His efficiency speaks for itself, and he’s only going to get better. You can see why he has those high-level college offers, he has the tools to be an elite player at the next level.

How big has Danas Kazakevicius been in the last months? Can one say that consistency has really rubbed off on him now?

Danas has been huge for us. He’s stepped up in big moments and has really found his rhythm. You can see the confidence he’s playing with now—he’s making smart decisions, and being a steady presence on both ends. His consistency has been a big factor in our recent success.

Janne Müller had another great game and was the top scorer. He averaged 8.0 PPG last season and 13.6 PPG this season. Will this be his last Pro B season as he will be a full BBL player next season? I can imagine one has to enjoy every Pro B game now.

Janne has taken a big leap this season, and it’s been great to see his growth. He’s proven that he’s ready for the next level, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him playing in the BBL next season. For now, we’re just enjoying having him on the team and making the most of every game together.

Kenan Reinhart also has developed well in the last 6 weeks. He had a great start in Frankfurt, but why did he only play 13 minutes?

Kenan has been playing really well, but it was just a matter of matchups and rotations in this game. Coach made adjustments based on what was working, and we had other guys stepping up too. It wasn’t about his performance, just about the flow of the game.

Marko Rosic had a tough stretch before the Leitershofen game but has since been great. Has he benefited from the new coach?

I mean if I’m being honest I didn’t know he had a tough stretch, he comes to practice everyday and works his butt off and he gives everything he has to the team and I think he’s just playing with more confidence and we need that to make a push.

He really stepped up in the last 2 games and put Kelvin Omojola a bit in the shadow. How important is that competitiveness in a team at a stage like now, both for him and Kelvin?

Competition within the team is always a good thing. It pushes everyone to be better, and at this stage of the season, we need guys stepping up. Marko playing at a high level doesn’t take anything away from Kelvin, it just makes us deeper and stronger as a team.

Kelvin Omojola had a tough game against Leitershofen with 5 turnovers and 4 in the first quarter. You sparkle with actions, but did you give him some vocal support after his tough first quarter?

Of course. Everyone has tough stretches, and as teammates, we’ve got to pick each other up. I just reminded him to stay aggressive and trust his game. He’s a leader for us, and we all believe in him, so it was just about helping him reset and move forward.

How important has the leadership been of Kelvin Omojola? What have you liked most about his game?

Kelvin’s leadership has been crucial. He’s vocal, he sets the tone, and he keeps us organized on the floor. What I like most about his game is his ability to control the tempo and make plays for others. He’s a true floor general, and that’s something every team needs.

Let’s talk about your game. You destroyed Pro B competition in the first 7 games, and then a dramatic fall in production came. Why did that happen, and did the mental part affect your game after that?

Early on, I was in a great rhythm, playing with confidence, and everything was flowing. Then teams started adjusting, I was getting different defensive looks, and I had to adapt. I probably overthought things at times instead of just playing my game. It’s a learning process, and I’m using it as motivation to keep growing. To me basketball isn’t about how many points you score but how you impact the game I think I impact the game on all sides and provide more impact than just putting the ball though the hoop.

The coaching change came and you put up the big goose egg in Speyer. There were rumors that you and Marko Zarkovic had a falling out. Was that true?

I think it’s a combination of a lot of things, I’m learning and growing as a player I believe I provide more value to a game then just scoring. The more I focus on just being a good teammate and trying to win the better I will play and the team will play. And that’s not true at all, we had a conversation after the game basically about what I need to do better to contribute to the team winning games other than that I think we have had a good relationship in the short time I’ve known him.

Since that game your back playing very well averaging 18 points and 6 rebounds. Do you feel like you will be able to step up your game even higher so the Dragons reach the playoffs?

I’m putting in the work everyday to be the best player for the team that I can and I’ll do everything within my abilities to help us reach the playoffs.

You had 5 blocks in the last 2 games and the most in a 2 game span this season. Has it been more due to effort or understanding the players better the second time around?

Probably effort, like I stated before I do more than just score the ball so I’ve been trying to focus on impacting the game in other ways so that I get in the flow of the game.

What is your biggest personal goal now in the last games besides giving all you have for the team?

My biggest goal now is to control what I can control, go out every night and put on show for the wonderful fans we have and try and make a run.

Were the Dallas Mavericks jinxed this season? Dante Exum is out with a broken hand. They currently only have 8 players. How crazy is that?

Yeah, Dante Exum’s broken hand adds to an already insane injury list. They’re down to just eight available players, and with key guys like Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II out, it’s starting to feel like they’re cursed. If things get worse, they might not even meet the NBA’s minimum roster requirements.

Thanks Tim for the chat.