With only two days remaining in 2021, the Fraport Skyliners were more than relieved that 2021 was finally coming to an end as so far the season had been one to forget. In a phase now where the team needed wins as much as the NBA need their players back from COVID sicknesses, the 2004 BBL champion had been losing games that they must win and came into the next do or die game against new BBL team MLP Academics Heidelberg riding a disheartening 4 game losing streak. The good news for Frankfurt was that they had injured guys Will Cherry (185-PG-91, college: Montana) and Brancou Badio back and that their foe Heidelberg continued to struggle in the worst way. After starting the season with a bang winning four of the first five games were reeling to finally win again riding a eight game losing streak having lost unfortunate crunch-time games to Bayreuth, Chemnitz and Alba Berlin all games that they could have won. With the last game of 2021, the Fraport Skyliners wanted to enter 2022 on a positive note and welcomed the MLP Academics Heidelberg and finally won again slugging it out in the fourth quarter as both teams scored 67 points combined, but at the end the Fraport Skyliners had the last laugh prevailing 87-82 and landed at position 14 in the standings. Frankfurt showed in the fourth quarter that when their offense is finally rolling for longer than a few minutes, they can win games. A half hour after the win, a thrilled Will Cherry explained what motivation they had for winning again. ‘We needed to win. Coach Ocampo really had us pumped up after his half time speech. We had no choice but to be fired up after that. We almost gave it up after the missed free throws at the end. Every guy has each other’s back. We wanted to win for Jamel Mclean’s new baby girl that was born today’, stressed ex NBA player Will Cherry. For the MLP Academics it was another very brutal loss, one like so many others this season, they could have won. ‘We gave a big fight. But Frankfurt was simply better and more clever at the end. We have to learn from our mistakes be better the next time’, stressed MLP Academics Heidelberg center Philipp Heyden.

The first quarter was a tug of war as both teams had difficulty finding an offensive rhythm. Frankfurt relied on the three ball while the MLP Academics Heidelberg based their game on getting buckets in the paint. Frankfurt quickly got back to back three’s from Rasheed Moore and German national player Lukas Wank for the quick 6-2 advantage. But Heidelberg struck back with a rapid 7-2 run to get the 9-8 lead. In the run the guests got some key baskets from ex Alba Berlin guard Rob Lowery and ex Missouri (NCAA) standout Jordan Geist and a tip in from ex Harvard (NCAA) forward Keith Wright. Frankfurt had massive problems with 1-1 defense which has been a big problem this season. But Frankfurt struck back with their veteran force of ex Alba Berlin players Will Cherry who nailed a trey and Jamel Mclean made a lay in for the 13-9 Frankfurt lead. But Heidelberg showed early on that they were a fighting team and that would hold on until the buzzer sounded at the end as German Niklas Wuerzner connected on a three pointer and Geist made a pretty runner to dead lock the contest at 15-15. Geist continued his aggressive offensive game converting on a free throw and making a lay in for the 18-15 lead after 10 minutes. Frankfurt already had 5 turnovers, but they would trim down that problem as only 7 more would follow in the last three quarters. ‘We started ok, but were a bit shaky at the end. Some guys came from the bench and gave good energy’, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Felix Hecker.

The second quarter continued to be a real dog fight as no teams could get away from the other as there were 8 lead changes and both teams defense stuck out. The guests got on the board first as a Geist steal led to an easy basket by Wuerzner. But Frankfurt fought back going on a 5-0 run to dead lock the game at 20-20. Ex Alba Berlin forward Lorenz Brenneke made a pretty left handed runner and three and D specialist Felix Hecker struck with a trey. It was a game of little runs as now Heidelberg struck back going on a 6-0 run to lead 26-20. In the run, the ex Pro A team got good support from Heyden who made a turn around shot, ex Ludwigsburg American Kelvin Martin scored on transition and Wuerzner also scored on transition. Frankfurt was up and down as usual. After two good defensive stops, they couldn’t muster any new offense and on defense gave up real belated X-mas gifts as their concentration just went down. After a Lowery 25 footer and 28-23 guests lead, Frankfurt made a timely run of 7-0 to regain the lead at 30-28. In the run they got free throws from Mclean, a three from Moore and a put back from Hecker who made an impressive offensive rebound. ‘I play off my defense which than carries my offense. Coach always says to crash the boards. I was a little off balance and was lucky with getting the rebound’, stated Felix Hecker. Frankfurt couldn’t keep the lead as after Barncou Badio made free throws, it was Geist again who made a huge play getting the loose ball with 2 seconds to play and dropping a fade away jumper at the siren to tie the game at 32-32 after 20 minutes. ‘The game was at eye level. We defended pretty well. It was a back and forth game where no one could get away’, said Felix Hecker. Frankfurt wasn’t shooting well, but had control of the rebounds and only coughed up the ball 3 times.

The third quarter continued to be very close as there were 8 lead changes and no team led by more than 3 points as the MLP Academics Heidelberg led 52-50 after three quarters. Heidelberg kept the lead in the first few minutes as ex Wurzburg forward Brekkot Chapman and Academics lifer Shy Ely who was controlled pretty good by Frankfurt scored for the 37-36 lead. Frankfurt then took the lead again getting two buckets from Jamel Mclean, a player who lives off getting fed the ball down low and muscling his way to points and a Cherry three for the 41-39 advantage. The leads kept going back and forth as Chapman scored again as did Moore with a three and the 47-44 Frankfurt lead. Little defensive mistakes kept robbing Frankfurt of the lead as Wuerzner scored again for the 48-47 Heidelberg advantage. Len Schoormann who had put up the big goose egg in the first half got more aggressive in the third quarter making free throws and a lay in for the 50-48 lead. But a Diego Ocampo technical foul gave Jordan Giest the opportunity for 3 free throws and he nailed all of them. ‘Both teams showed that they really wanted to win. But no team could make a run’, commented Felix Hecker. Heidelberg was shooting over 40% form the field, but was only at 25% form outside while the Fraport Skyliners still controlled the boards and had 3 turnovers.

The fourth quarter became a real explosive offensive showdown as a combined 67 points were produced. Will Cherry and Len Schoorman took over in this quarter combining for 25 of Frankfurt’s 37 points. Cherry began the offensive spectacle scoring 6 points. One of his baskets was a big heads up play as he threw the ball off the back of a Heidelberg player retrieved it and had an easy lay in, but he would save his best for last showing that shade of Kyrie in crunch-time. The Frankfurt offense got going thanks to Cherry, but the turning point of the game was Jamel Mclean’s rare three pointer to give Frankfurt the 61-58 lead. That shot in a way also sparked Heidelberg as now both offenses were clicking and executing. ‘When a guy like that makes a three like that, it gives you energy right away’, stressed Felix Hecker. Len Schoorman also went off scoring 10 crucial points in the fourth quarter including a three for the 66-60 lead. But Heidelberg never let up and always kept clawing away at Frankfurt’s lead. One guy who really was on was Chapman who showed his fine inside out game and Lowey who also scored big baskets including a step back to trail Frankfurt 71-67. Even when Schoormann made a lay in for the 73-67 lead, Frankfurt was never allowed to breathe smoothly because Heidelberg was always in comeback mode and before Frankfurt knew what was up Ely had connected on a floater trailing only 74-71 with 1,57 to play. Even with another Schoormann three and Moore lay in, the 79-71 Frankfurt lead wasn’t secure, because Heidelberg was simply too well oiled in the fourth quarter. Heidelberg kept supplying pressure and somehow made a 8-2 run in crunch-time to trail only 81-79. In the run, they got key support from Chapman who had the touch nailing two three’s. Lowery hit a huge trey from the corner as Frankfurt led only 83-82. ‘Rob is my boy. We played together with Alba Berlin. I didn’t think that he would make it’, said Will Cherry. Frankfurt missed some free throws from Mclean and Cherry and were clinging to life, but then Cherry unraveled a shot that he may have seen the Harlem Globe Trotters perform or ex teammate Kyrie Irving as Uncle Drew. He came down on transition and made a backwards shot that some how went in. ‘That is in my top 10 best shots. The funny thing is I had the lane the first time and didn’t take it and the second time I got it up and somehow it fell in. Kyrie would have given me a thumbs up and said I had taken a page out of his tricks’, smiled Will Cherry. ‘That was the neck breaker and finally did them in. It reminded me of Jordan. Heidelberg never gave up. We were a bit shaky with the free throws, but we pulled it out at the end’, expressed Felix Hecker. ‘Both teams had their offensive rhythm in the fourth and we did a good job fighting against it. They got easy baskets and more stops. That was the difference’, stressed Philipp Heyden. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Will Cherry with 22 points. Jamel Mclean added 20 points and Len Schoormann 16 points while the MLP Academics Heidelberg were led by Brekkot Chapman with 19 points and Jordan Geist contributed 17 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 42% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the MLP Academics shot 47% from the field and 32% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Stanley Whittaker (183-G-94, college: Keiser) is a 27 year old 183cm point guard from Philadelphia playing his third professional season and first in Germany with PS Karlsruhe. He played his rookie season in Lithuania and last season had his break through with UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) playing 24 games: Score-2 (21.5ppg), 6.3rpg, Assists-2 (8.0apg), Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college ball at Frank Phillips (JUCO) and Keiser (NAIA). He teams up every week with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber to talk basketball

Congrats Stanley on the massive 87-86 victory against number one team Rostock Sea Wolves. Another game another win. What kind of a feeling do you have after beating the best team in the Pro A?

It was a good team win, battled together and remained composed through the ups and down of the game. Glad we were able to get the win to close out December.

It was the fifth win in a row and the team continues to climb up the standings. Is it dangerous feeling invincible when you defeat a game like that?

Not sure what that feeling is because our team collectively doesn’t feel that way. We still have a long season ahead of us and we’re just focusing stacking each day, one day at a time!

PS Karlsruhe had the 51-42 advantage at the break. You seemed to have no problems playing your game against the second best defensive team in the league. What do you feel was key on offense to figuring out their defensive schemes?

The key to our offensive was to remain patient. We were getting the looks we wanted the entire game it was just a matter of missing or making. Gladly we were able to make some down the stretch and get the win.

In the third quarter Rostock came back and defended better. What adjustments did they make on the defensive end to make it harder for you as a team?

They went into a zone in the 3rd quarter, that’s the adjustment they made. We still got looks we wanted we just weren’t able to put the ball in the basket the way we should’ve. In all we still got good looks, but didn’t get enough stops on the other end that’s how they were able to make their run.

The fourth quarter was a real dog fit. Trevion Crews took over scoring and you were the playmaker. Did Crews show a side of him that you didn’t see before?

No, he didn’t show a side I didn’t see before. He’s a professional, I trust him as well as I do all my teammates. Trevion played well, and hit some big shots for us in the 4th.

Take me through the game winning basket from Moyer. This basket was huge as it was the game winner, but it would never have happened had you not had 2 team offensive rebounds.

Yeah, first shot I missed a mid range short, we got the offensive rebound. Trevion missed a three long and we were able to get another offensive rebound. Then, I get the ball back with about 8 seconds left on the game clock, get a high ball screen about to get into my midrange game, a player from Rostock I believe #5 completely came to double me and left Matthew Moyer open in the corner, so I made the pass to him and he did what he was supposed to do, knock down the three pointer and give us a 1 point lead with 2 seconds left!

Matt Moyer has only been with a team a month. What has been your impression of his game and what he can give the club?

He’s a good character guy, high energy, high spirit. He helps our team from all facets of the game, glad he’s with us!

What kind of an experience was it battling ex BBL player Chris Carter? Here was another guy where you could measure your game up to.


It was a good competing against him. He does well for his team. And I don’t really measure my game up with anyone to be honest. I am who I am, and they are who they are.

You had a double double with 17 points and 12 assists and 0 turnovers. How good does it feel having no turnover in a game where you were more a playmaker than scorer?

Felt good not to have any turnovers for one, knew that taking care of the ball was a key to victory and being so the ball is in my hands the most I valued that.

How much extra confidence does a 12 assist game give you for the next game? I know winning is the key but would it be difficult to take a step back from scoring and be that playmaker?

It doesn’t give me any more confidence truthfully, winning always matters first. Even when I’m scoring, I’m creating opportunities for my teammates as well, so it’s never a game where I’m just scoring or a game where I’m just playmaking, I do both. My team expects me to be me day in day out and that’s all I can be.

The next game is against the Artland Dragons who have been struggling. What will be key for getting the sixth win in a row?

Key for this victory will continue to focus on the defensive end, finishing possessions, executing on offense and playing with high energy!

2022 is around the corner. Do you have any New Years resolutions?

I do not have any New Year Resolutions, just praying for the best in health for my family, my loved ones and those closest to me.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

It was day before Christmas Eve in Germany, but if you celebrate the German way, then the 24th is technically the night where all the kids open their presents while in the States some parents are still seeking out the local Walmat for the perfect presents for their kids. Tyler Cheese (196-G-96, college: Akron) was far away from home in Albany, Georgia but will never forget hearing his mom’s voice as a child and feeling her happiness knowing her kids were happy and loved getting the Playstation 2 and was performing what he loves most and that is filling up the stat sheet in Germany against PS Karlsruhe. The bad news for him was that his new team Ehingen would lose their 14th game of the season with no wins to show for and For Cheese it was his 9th loss in a row since arriving in October. For most players getting that dub is always the most important thing, but can one get into a festive mood after achieving an incredible and rare triple double. On this night he was involved in a tough shoot out loss one that Team Ehingen have been used to this season losing 111-91 to PS Karlsruhe and after 40 minutes where he battled for 35 minutes, his stat line read 23 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. And if you think this guy takes any plays off on defense, then you are mistaken. He also added 2 steals and 2 blocks to his game resume. Sometimes you have to wonder why the basketball God is punishing a player like that after such a phenomenal single game. ‘It’s tough, like I’m glad that I’m playing at a high level and that I am leaving everything out of the court for my team to help try and get wins! I do think we are finding our way though in order to start winning! I think since I got here I’ve been able to get some chemistry with the guys I feel that we are getting better as a whole’, stressed Tyler Cheese. It was actually his third triple double after registering two in JUCO. Even if you suffer the brutal loss, there is still a little touch of being proud of being able to produce something so rare overseas. ‘It feels good to go out there and contribute! For me, I just have to go out there and play to the best of my abilities and compete as hard as I can’, warned Tyler Cheesee. PS Karlsruhe and top Pro A player Stanley Whittaker who like Cheese knows what it’s like to have a chip on his shoulder played in the NAIA at Keiser noticed his unbelievable triple double. ‘He’s a good player, has the freedom and trust from his team to play that way, and I’m sure his team expects that from him. It was a good battle with him’, warned Stanley Whittaker. Clubs in Europe also have Cheese on their radar as he already played in Italy (Serie A) as a rookie and will surely reach a first division in a top European league again soon. Tyler Cheese is another rare guard that has demonstrated that going form JUCO to the highest Level in Europe is possible.

Tyler Cheese who lists Loren Jackson, Charles Manning Jr, Xeyrius Williams, Tremell Murphy and Shaquan Hemphill as his greatest teammates of all-time was born on November 13th, 1996 in Albany, Georgia. He played three years at Albany High School and led them to the Class AAAA state tournament in his junior year. He then finished at Combine Academy in North Carolina where he averaged 17,3ppg, 6,6rpg and 5,2apg in his senior year while shooting 41% from downtown. He earned All-State recognition with his stellar play. He then went on to play at Florida South Western State College. In his freshman year he averaged 10.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 78.2% and earned Second Team All-Suncoast Conference honors. In his second season he was able to up his stats and averaged 15.1ppg, 5.3rpg, 6.6apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 81.8% achieving first team All-Suncoast honors. He hit IMG Academy for 40 points and recorded two rare triple doubles. With my many interviews with guys that have played in JUCO, almost every guy has stated that JUCO was tough, but an experience that they wouldn’t have traded the world for. It wasn’t any different for Cheese who had a massive chip on his shoulder after showing that he could play in high school. ‘ I definitely had a chip on my shoulder going into my freshman year at FSW. Going to FSW to play for coach Marty Richter totally changed my life for the better! The experience was amazing, Juco was the best and I also wouldn’t trade it for anything. I made friendship and relationships that’s going to last forever’, warned Tyler Cheese. Even if his triple doubles in JUCO were huge memories, he also had another one. ‘I have so many to be honest but the best one was playing against Hutchison at their gym ‘because they hosted the Juco National tournament’ and we were the higher seeded team but the game felt like a road game, it was 7,000 plus standing room and we ended up winning by 20 points. I will definitely always remember that tournament’, stated Tyler Cheese.

After his stellar career in JUCO, the Georgia native who never played teammate Channel Banks in one on one, but won most other duels against other teammates made the next jump up to the NCAA and played at Akron from 2018-2020 playing 63 NCAA games. In his junior year he averaged 11.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 69.4%. He was able to make another jump in his development as a senior averaging 15.7ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 82.2%. No success comes without constant hard work something he did his two years there becoming a gym rat so it was no surprise to anyone that he could grow. ‘I think just the work I put in going into the year I felt very confident that I was going to have a big year! We also changed up how we were going to play which was very beneficial for me’, remembered Tyler Cheese. He had many great games at Akron like scoring 27 points against Miami of Ohio, but also had Western Michigan’s number as a senior netting 25 and 23 points in wins. But it was another game that ranks to his most memorable games at Akron. ‘My last game ever as a Akron Zip against Kent State at home. We won a very hard fought game and we were able to clinch the regular season championship for the conference so we got to cut down the nets. That’s a special memory that will always stay with me’, expressed Tyler Cheese. But not only hard work helped him grow as a player at Akron who remembers seeing Lebron James often at his softball charity event or his I Promise school, but also the guidance of head coach John Groce. ‘Coach Groce was the best, he taught me so much in my 2 years with him! I learned so many good habits that were bad habits before I got to him. He really just helped me become a complete basketball player and even a better man off the court’, commented Tyler Cheese. He earned Second Team All-Mid-American Conference honors and in his two year career scored in double figures in 42 games and as a senior scored in double figures in his last 19 games.

The fill up the stat sheet guard who has ex Louisville (NCAA) and current Milwaukee Buck forward Jordan Nwora as his toughest cover in the NCAA has already had experience in countries like Italy, Finland and North Macedonia before arriving in Germany. Despite him going through hardships, he has been professional enough to know that each organization wanted and needed him and that the thankfulness for his services will always be there. ‘I would just like to thank those organizations for even choosing me to be a part of their rosters! I truly learned so much from each of those teams and looking back at each situation I have nothing but positive things to say about each club. Although It was a tough experience, I don’t think I was a good fit to help either of those clubs with the way I wanted to play. Throughout my first year as a pro I was dealing with so many things from a personal standpoint that I just couldn’t focus on the game of basketball. When I was with Treviso-basket I felt I needed to be home with my family through that tough time but eventually decided to try to keep playing so my former agent and I decided to go to Salo to play but my situation had gotten even worst so I decided to end my own year by asking the team for a release to be with my family’, remembered Tyler Cheese. His professional journey began in Italy with De Longhi Treviso Basket 2012 (Italy-Serie A) which was short and lasted only 2 months. He won’t forget what his wake up call was to being a rookie overseas where he knew that he was very far away from home. ‘Just learning to be a professional at all times! I was going through a lot when I was with those teams and after being home after deciding to leave those teams I realized that I must learn how to separate off the court issues and focus when I’m on the court because at the end of the day nobody is going to feel sorry for what I have going on so just always come in ready to go’, explained Tyler Cheese.

He played 3 Serie a games in Italy the only game where he received suitable minutes was in a blow out loss to Milan scoring 10 points in 21 minutes. There he shared the court with Malcolm Delaney a guy he surely watched play in the NBA only a few years earlier and Spanish legend Sergio Rodriguez or ex NBA player Luigi Datome. You would think that an experience like this would be like a kid being locked in a candy store and being in awe. ‘ It was a good experience but it wasn’t a situation where I felt in awe about! Those guys are super talented and I respect their games for sure! If anything, it showed me with opportunity I can play on that level’, stressed Tyler Cheese. When your only there for a very short period of time, you have to soak up as much as possible especially when your teammates with a guy like then 38 year David Logan who was playing his 15th professional season and had racked up 9 professional titles, played at various European championships with Poland and played over 100 Euroleague games. ‘It was definitely a great experience to be a teammate of David’s, I still watch him play and I know if I ever needed to ask him something he’ll be there to answer any questions I have! He’s such a killer and I was able to go against him every day at practice when I was at Treviso. I learned so much and I have tons of respect for him on and off the court!’, expressed Tyler Cheese. He then finished the season in Finland with Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 4 games averaging 7.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.5apg. The Finish league is a solid league, but not as strong as the Italian Serie A. Coming to Finland must have been like a basketball culture shock? ‘The talent was definitely better in Italy because the league to me is one of the best in the world. It was difficult at times because we ran so many sets and I’m used to playing off instinct and reacting to what the defense gives me. The Finland league was a good league as well, fast paced, kind of similar to how we play in America but they were very heavy in Finland. The positives I can take with me from playing in Italy is to be more patient and always play to my strengths’, said Tyler Cheese.

So let’s fast forward to 2021 as 2022 is right around the corner. The American who has MJ, Kobe, LeBron, and Magic on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is currently with Team Ehingen and like everyone else is battling through COVID as best he can. At the moment, COVID is wrecking havoc again all over as in the NBA, teams are desperate for G-League help and in some cases like the Boston Celtics have dug out 40 year old Joe Johnson out of retirement and in Germany games are being cancelled as numerous players are out with COVID. The main reason why his rookie campaign was cut short was because his mother caught the COVID-19 virus and was very sick and it only made sense for him to go home and be by his loved ones. In some ways coming home and not being able to make money was a difficult burden, but in the end experiencing so many different kind of hard ships made him stronger as a man. ‘I was probably at the lowest I ever been because of the situation with me coming home! I felt I let some many people down with that decision but it actually became a blessing in disguise’s because a lot of people that I thought was in my corner had left my side and now I feel like a burden was lifted off my shoulders so it made things so easy going into this new season’, added Tyler Cheese. COVID is still with everyone, but he is playing ball again and putting up incredible stats, but the only negative aspect is that his team is still seeking it’s first victory of the season. The club has no problems scoring, but defense has been as disaster as it is giving up an unacceptable 99 points per game. ‘I think we’re finding our way! A lot of our struggles are because the team has had a lot of moving parts and we’re finally to a place where we have the players that we are going to keep going forward that wants to be here to start trying to win games’, stated Tyler Cheese. Losing so much has definitely been a new learning experience, but he is doing all he can to make a turnaround in the season for the team. ‘I think I just try to use my experiences from my championship teams from high school, Juco , or at Akron to stay positive and do my best to lead a young team. I think me, Mu, Taki, and Zach are essential to doing that being the older guys’, said Tyler Cheese.

The ex Akron guard who believes they should have left the classic Coming To America movie alone is currently averaging 15,4ppg, 5,9rpg, 5,0apg and 1,2spg. He has never liked to compare himself to an NBA player as he has his own unique style that he brings to a team, but he has heard the Manu Ginobili and James Harden comparisons. When you see how he can fill a stat sheet the same way a Rudy Gobert picks a rebound off the glass, then it is no secret what his biggest strength is on the floor. ‘I think that versatility is a big strength to my game! I love to play make for my teammates and myself, and being a bigger guard I always loved crashing the glass so my teams could get out in transition quicker’, expressed Tyler Cheese. There have been many guys that have made the next step from the German Pro A to higher first division teams like Kendale Mccullum, Chris Carter or Terrell Harris just to name a few, so with the kind of stats that Cheese is putting up, he will most surely make the next step up the basketball ladder. He has the focus, will and passion not to dream, but to continue to grind in the lab the same way a Julius Randle has done for years getting the special inspiration from Kobe Bryant. ‘I think I can continue to get better at all areas of my game! I can become a better shooter, whether it’s catch and shoot or off the dribble, or a better play maker, learning the balance of making plays for myself or for the team, while also being able to be a better floor general. The biggest area I’m focusing on is the defensive side, just trying to find my niche with how the overseas game is officiated. Learning not to use my hands but uses my body more, learning to be physical without fouling, things like that! I’m doing a lot of film work to help with that and being on the floor experiencing those things help as well’, stressed Tyler Cheese. At the moment he is a super role model for young Germans on his team like Kevin Strangmeyer, Jakob Hanzalek, and Tim Martinez. He remembers how it was when he was at Akron when he was able to spend time with guys like Romeo Travis and Dru Joyce that not only played in Germany, but had great careers overseas. ‘I learned about Romeo and Dru at a young age being a fan of LeBron’s, I watched the movie (More Than A Game). During my time at Akron, they both would stop by sometimes and watch us practice and play! I also got a chance to workout and play against them when they were in preparation for the TBT tournament. I think guys like that showed myself and others that we can make a great living playing professional overseas’, commented Tyler Cheese. One thing is for sure, if Cheese keeps putting up great stats, developing marvelously and climbing the basketball ladder, then guys like Travis and Joyce will be very proud of their alma mater Akron in that it can always carve out new fine talent like a Tyler Cheese.

Predrag Lukic was born in Serbia and grew up in Germany and is one of the most successful European coach in South East Asia. He possesses the coaching degree from DBB and has the FIBA license. He stared as a young coach in Germany, which ranged from Regionalliga to Bundesliga level as well as for women and men teams. He just finished a few months ago his 6th season as Head coach in Asia, crowned as Supporters Cup Champ 2021 in the Vietnam professional League (VBA) with Thang Long Warriors by Audi before the league got Unfortenetely cancelled due of COVID. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Coach, thanks for your time with germanhoops..com and congrats to your last updated successful achievement with your Team in VBA.

Thanks Miles for this Interview with you one of the best Journalists and your website germanhoops.com

You now have your 6th season as coach in Asia, four of them in Vietnam. You are now a veteran coach in the VBA and are one of the most successful there, with, among other things, Coach of The Year 2019, Runners up Trophies etc and, last but not least, the newly crowned Supporters Cup Champ 2021. How is your feeling about, where are you now, still in Vietnam or, tell us about your experiences and how things will continue now for you?

Yes we were first in the standings in the regular season, won the ‘Supporters Cup’ and were the only team to win the quarter-finals in the playoffs and reached the semi-finals. I can say, I’m very proud of my team, staff and club. Unfortunately, the 2021 season ended then prematurely in September due to the pandemic situation. Now I am at home in Serbia and enjoy my time with family. Slowly but surely, I am wondering whether I will extend my contract in Vietnam and thus go into my 5th year there, or whether I will go back to Europe

Are there currently offers from Europe?

Fortunately, there is. In the next few days I’ll make up my mind or see how everything develops. My current club TLW in VBA still have my passion and priority, we should be able to agree on the extension of the contract, which I assume.

There is another great thing, one tweets from our sources, you are a top candidate to take over the Vietnam national team as head coach for the upcoming Sea games? What’s up?

I can’t and do not want to comment on this at the moment. Of course it would be a great honor after my almost 5 years in this beautiful country and steadily growing basketball Enthusiasmus to lead the NT. You would be the first one I inform, if there is a concrete offer on table

Predrag, thanks for your time and happy holidays to you and your family.

Thank you Miles, happy holidays!

Only a few years ago the Niners Chemnitz were in the Pro A trying to move up and any thoughts then that a established team like the Fraport Skyliners could ever lose to them would have been a joke, but how times change. In a span of only 2 years the Niners Chemnitz have become a respected BBL club that have beaten FC Bayern Munich twice in the last two seasons something Frankfurt could only dream of. The Fraport Skyliners are having a season to forget as they were desperately reeling for a win as inconsistency and injuries have plagued them as of late. The Niners arrived in Frankfurt at position 7 having won 5 of their last 6 games under the superb direction of underrated head coach Rodrigo Pastore including having celebrated wins over FC  Bayern Munich and Bamberg while the Fraport Skyliners were in 16^th place riding a three game losing streak. The Fraport Skyliners played a spirited game where they defended with passion, but couldn´t make the needed stops in overtime as the Niners Chemnitz prevailed 82-78. “It was a tough game. I felt that we competed well with all the ups and downs in the game. We played solid defense the whole game. Sometimes it is 50/50 where it can go either way. We lost control of our offense at the end”, stressed Fraport Skyliners head coach Diego Ocampo. The Niners Chemnitz came out with energy and also were able to overcome the highs and lows of the game and made some adjustments in the second half that paid massive dividends. “It was a very difficult game. They are a very dangerous team beating Ulm and Crailsheim. We knew that we would have our hands full. Second chances is a big strength of them. We couldn´t counter it at the start as they got a lot of offensive rebounds. We only allowed a few offensive rebounds in the third quarter. Key to the win was limiting their second chances. But it could of gone either way”, stressed Niners Chemnitz head coach Rodrigo Pastore.

The Fraport Skyliners had fortune as they had key players Will Cherry and Brancou Badio back while the Niners Chemnitz had had Covid problems, but had most guys back except for German Nelson Weidemann. The first quarter was a back and forth tug of war as no team could escape the other as there were 10 lead changes. Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robertson started off hot with a trey, but would have a dismal shooting day, but on defense he quickly sparked the team with two steals which led to transition buckets from Cherry and Badio. The Niners Chemnitz were fueled by their Lithuanuan sniper Minduagas Susinskas who from a distance looks like Franz Wagner stepped up with 8 points. The club was also aided by baskets from ex Marquette American Trent Locket and ex EWE Baskets guard Franz Massenat. Frankfurt also received timely support from Jamel Mclean and Len Schoormann who supplied big baskets. Having ex NBA player Will Cherry back at the point was very noticeable. “He recognizes situations very well and goes there. When there are break downs, he fixes it. He makes good decisions”, stated  Nift Al-Shamal (Iraq-Superleague) guard Jermale Jones. After 10 minutes the Fraport Skyliners had the slim 21-19 edge. Chemnitz shot over 50% and Frankfurt over 40%. It was a pretty even game. Frankfurt played solid defense and rebounded the ball well”, added ex TV Lich guard Jermale Jones.

Both teams stepped up their defense in the second quarter as the contest remained tight as no team could get away form the other as the Fraport Skyliners led 35-32 at the break. After a slow shooting first quarter, Rasheed Moore escaped his funk and made big plays with an offensive rebound and two baskets showing his always aggressiveness around the rim. “Moore put that first quarter behind him. He kept his confidence which helped him step up his game”, stated Jermale Jones. While Frankfurt did a good job doing damage inside, it was Chemnitz that had success with the long ball and simply searched for the easy execution while Frankfurt at times chose the difficult execution which led to missed shots. Chemnitz got big three´s from Wimberg and twice from Susinskas who continued to be a nasty thorn in Frankfurt´s side for the slim 30-28 advantage. Frankfurt fought back and stole the lead back getting to the free throw line getting baskets from Mclean while ex Alba Berlin forward Lorenz Brenneke hit a trey and Schoormann made a floater from the wing.”Chemnitz moved the ball very well and whenever someone was open shot the ball. Frankfurt was more hesitant to shoot. Frankfurt continued to defend very well forcing Chemnitz to tough shots and rebounded the ball well”, said Jermale Jones.

The third quarter continued to be a dog fight as no team could go on a huge run and keep the lead. Ex Virginia(NCAA) forward Darion Atkins who had a stellar 18/12 night began the second half off hot with a tip in, block on Badio and dished out a dime to a Lockett basket that allowed Chemnitz to get the lead back at 36-35. The rapid Chemnitz start didn´t faze the Fraport Skyliners as they upped their intensity as they rattled off a quick 7-0 run to regain the 42-37 lead. Frankfurt did a good job swarming the paint area getting a tip in from rookie Brooks DeBisshop, a Robertson lay in and Moore three pointer. Chemnitz continued to battle back as Frankfurt couldn´t find the right defender to slow down Susinskas who continued to score making  a trey, floater and free throws. Frankfurt got the lead back with a Len Schoormann three pointer 48-46. With both teams over the foul limit, they both landed at the free throw line, but Frankfurt led 55-51 after Jamel Mclean made free throws. Frankfurt continued to be slow with their rotations and left Wimberg open twice and he let it fly and punished Frankfurt with a swift blow of two three´s and the 57-55 Niners lead after 30 minutes. Frankfurt was shooting only35% from the field while the Niners Chemnitz were at 46%. Frankfurt continued to control the boards 30-25 and had the 12-4 offensive rebound edge

In the fourth quarter it looked like the Fraport Skyliners might be able to pull it out, but the Niners Chemnitz always had an answer and forced overtime. Susinskas began the fourth quarter with a lay in after getting the back door pass from ex SMU(NCAA) forward Isaiah Miles, but Frankfurt struck back tying the game at 59-59 as Schoormann once again displayed his brutal athleticism going coast to coast for a lay in in traffic. Chemnitz than retrieved the lead back taking advantage of Frankfurt´s weak 1-1 defense as Lockett snuck inside easily for two points and Atkins made an alley op tap in for the 64-59 lead. The concentration of Frankfurt faltered as every so often after a huge offensive play, they would come right back and give up easy points. Basketball is a game of runs and the Fraport Skyliners erupted for a 9-0 run to take the 68-64 lead. In the run they got a Moore bullet three, Robertson free throws, a Lukas Wank runner and Mclean lay in. Big defensive plays sparked their offense. But Chemnitz never gave up getting an Atkins tap in and a 25 footer from the wing from Lockett to dead lock the game at 68-68 as the guests showed their best ball movement of the evening. Atkins then made a turn around shot for the 70-68 Chemnitz lead and with 37 seconds to play, Frankfurt got another clutch basket from Moore. Frankfurt then got a huge stop and had plenty of time to win the game, but Badio missed a dunk attempt when he could of made the easy lay up. “We were lucky we got the stop. We forced a tough shot on Badio. I was scared that he might score”, added Trent Lockett. “Frankfurt should of won the game. They had the easy lay up. Why go for the dunk”, stressed Jermale Jones. Frankfurt had 8 more possessions and 8 more offensive rebounds, but landed in overtime. The overtime period was tight and the Fraport Skyliners had the lead with 46 seconds to go, but couldn´t conserve the lead. With Badio putting up brick after brick, it was Rasheed Moore that became the go to guy. Chemnitz got big baskets form Massenat and Susinskas and Moore made a lay in off a Mclean shovel pass and then nailed a trey for the 78-77 lead. But Frankfurt couldn´t get stops as Wimburg connected on a trey from the corner for the 80-78 lead with 30 seconds to play. Moore then missed and Atkins sealed the victory with free throws. “Every player on the team works hard. We have confidence in each guy to take the big shot. Niklas came up big”, stated Trent Lockett. “Frankfurt made bad decisions in the last 2 minutes. Instead of making easy lay ups, they made it hard for themselves. The defensive rotation was off on that last three by Wimburg”, stressed Jermale Jones. The Niners Chemnitz were led by Minduagas Susinkas with 27 points. Darion Atkins added 18 points and 12 rebounds and Trent Lockett had 13 points while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Rasheed Moore with 17 points while Jamel Mclean and Len Schoormann had 13 points  a piece. The Niners Chemnitz shot 46% form the field and 39% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 20 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 35% from the field and 30% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 1 3 turnovers.

Terrell Harris (191-G-93, college: Georgia Coll., agency: Players Group) is a 28 year old 190cm guard from Indiantown, Florida that finished his fifth professional season and second with the NINERS Chemnitz (Germany-ProA) averaging 11,4ppg, 3,3rpg and 3,9apg. He will play his sixth professional season with the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. In 2019-2020 in the Pro A with the Ninners he averaged 14,1ppg, 2,6rpg and 5,0apg. In 2018-2019 he played with the Rostock Seawolves (Germany-ProA) averaging 13.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 66.3%. Three seasons ago he played with the Svendborg Rabbits (Denmark-Ligaen) playing 24 games averaging 17.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 71.6%. In his rookie season he played with the Iserlohn Kangaroos (Germany-ProB) averaging 18,1ppg, 4,3rpg and 1,8apg. He started his basketball career at Mars Hill (NCAA2) in 2011 and then moved to Georgia College in 2012. As a senior he played 29 games averaging 24.6ppg, 6.7rpg, 4.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 76.8%. He concluded his college basketball career winning the All-PeachBelt Player of the Year 2016. Harris spoke togermanhoops.com after the magical 77-68 win over FC Bayern Munich.

Congrats Terrell on the amazing 77-68 win over FC Bayern Munich. Take us into the locker room How does one celebrate Merlins style after a win like this?

We celebrate every win together with laughs and some music then we are on to the next one. It doesn’t matter if it’s Bayern, Bamburg, or Fibaeurocup on to the next. It’s going to be a long season.

You have beaten FC Bayern Munich twice in two seasons. Some teams don’t beat FC Bayern Munich ever. Last season Dominique Johnson beat Munich on a buzzer beater and today it was the Merlins defense. How do you personally compare this win to the thrilling Thornton buzzer beater one?

But today was more of a grinder out low scoring game. We got stops when we needed to so we were able to win comfortably.

The Merlins began quickly leading 7-0 and led 22-11 after one quarter. Could you see the shock on the faces of FC Bayern Munich?

Bayern do a lot of traveling, teams like that you have to play with energy and try to get out ahead early because it’s a matter of time they wake up which they did. It wasn’t a surprise at all since we wanted to get off to a great start.

What does it say of the fight and talent of the Merlins when TJ Shorts didn’t even make a field goal in the first quarter?

TJ is a dawg, very competitive with a lot of heart. He’s fearless, he can create his shit anytime so we never worry about him. Just a matter of time before he sees one go end and then the basket gets big for him

In the second quarter FC Bayern Munich fought back. KC Rivers led the attack scoring 17 points. Was that the best single player performance in a quarter that you have seen since arriving in the BBL?

He’s a smooth player I didn’t realize he scored 17 until halftime. He got going on the low block and with his jumper.

Did you know coming in that he could be so overpowering? What made it so difficult to keep him under wraps?

He’s very strong he started to post us up and use his strength. Not too many players in this league can do all 3. From the three, dribble, and post up from the guard position.

What did head coach Sebastian Gleim tell you guys at half time and what adjustments did you make on defense to allow only 13 points?

Just to keep playing and live with tough jumpers, we will always have a chance when our defense is clicking.

With the Merlins up 62-58 you nailed a three pointer with 5,45 to play. This was very instrumental in the Merlins not allowing FC Bayern Munich to get over the hump. How good does it I general feel making a shot like this compared to when you made big shots in the Pro B with Iserlohn back in the day?

I try to do whatever the team needs at the moment.

What was key down the stretch for not allowing FC Bayern Munich to get over the hump? Did they ever reach an offensive rhythm on the night?

We just tried to stay active and clean the boards since they have a good team it’s Bayern. They weren’t making shots so we were able to get out and run some.

KC Rivers only scored 6 points in the second half. What key adjustments did you make to limit his lethal scoring?

We played the same, he didn’t post up a lot the second half. We were very alert wherever he was on the court.

68 points was the least amount that FC Bayern Munich have scored in the easyCredit BBL this season. Was this the Merlins best defensive effort of the season?

We played a few good defensive games vs Hamburg and Ludwisburg so it’s probably up there.

Please explain how the team defense could allow the top BBL team to only 68 points on 3 steals and forcing only 6 turnovers? That is something one won’t see often.

Just staying active and crashing the boards and they also missed some shots as well.

I can’t imagine there have been many BBL teams that have beaten FC Bayern Munich with only one guy in double figures. How did the team chemistry and unselfishness grow another step tonight?

We just tried to share the ball as much as possible and then in the fourth TJ did what he do best closed the game for us.

What step did head coach Sebastian Gleim make with this win? This was without a doubt his biggest BBL win so far?

He very competitive but it’s a long season we don’t dwell on wins and losses because we have quick turnarounds

The Hakro Merlins next face your ex team Niners Chemnitz. How excited are you to play your ex team? What words of praise will you give Rodrigo Pastore when you see him again?

I’m also excited to play every team. Chemnitz has a good team so I’m sure it will be a battle from start to finish. It’s all love and good energy between us. He gave me my first chance to play BBL and I will never forget that so best of luck to him with his coaching career.

What was your favorite childhood Xmas memory and what do you enjoy most about Christmas in Germany?

When we were little we used to always get bikes and ride them around the neighborhood all day for Xmas, like a bike crew. Now days in Germany I enjoy the markets but due to Covid the markets are closed.

2022 is around the corner. Do you have any New Years resolutions lined up?

No resolutions just continue being the best version of myself and staying healthy

Thanks Terrell for the chat.

                Guys that I particularly love to cover are those guys that never got anything for free and always had to prove themselves thus never losing that drive to grind in the gym until the janitor throws them out and turns off the lights. One simply doesn´t see many players coming from NCAA 2 schools make the trek overseas and get rewarded with that professional contract. You see more of these talented players that are talented, but forever reason were off the radar of division 1 schools pop up in lower country leagues in Europe, but every so often they also appear in division one leagues in Europe. One of these special players is Justin Briggs who landed in Austria and is playing his second professional season for the Kapfenberg Bulls. He played college ball at Chico State(NCAA2) that have produced many great players, but seldom guys that have gone overseas. There was a actually one graduating class 2005 where they didn´t send one player to Germany, but four with Will Bonner, Andy Butcher, Tim Haley and Jason Van Eck. Ten years later Chico State had another special player called Amir Carraway who played three seasons in Germany. He finished school a year before Justin Briggs came on board at Chico State, but his legacy left a lasting impression on the young center. “What comes to mind when I hear the name Amir Carraway is a Friend, Mentor, and Leader who has always been open to reaching out to me and giving me advice as well as being there to work out and train with during off seasons. He understands what it takes to play at a high professional level and also knows what it takes to get there from where we both started so it is always good hearing advice from him”, stated Justin Briggs. But not only does Justin Briggs have that love for Amir Carraway, but the love is mutual. “Justin Briggs is going to be a high level big for many years to come. It only takes a couple of down and backs to see the talent. I had a chance to watch him play a few times in college and by no surprise; he’s finally getting the opportunity to showcase his talent. He’s a student of the game and has a great basketball IQ. He has good hands and rebounds the ball at a high rate. Both things you can’t teach. I’ve seen him go against lottery picks and #1 overall selection while in college and there’s no surprise that those experiences and work ethic has gotten him to the pro ranks. I expect him to excel even more as he adjusts to the pro level. For some reason Division II doesn’t get the credit it deserves as there are a handful of guys currently playing at the NBA level”, warned Amir Carraway. Briggs is an exciting player that wants to leave his mark on European basketball as well as make his school Chico State proud. His game continues to change and evolve as his mentality of always having to prove himself will help him progress.

            Justin Briggs who lists Isaiah Brooks, Robert Duncan, Mike Bethea Jr., AJ Turner, and  Isaiah Ellis as his five best teammates of all-time was born on September 19th, 1997 in Okinawa, Japan and grew up in West Sacramento, California. He attended River city High school and then attended Chico State(NCAA2) from 2015-2020. After a redshirt year, he began his NCAA 2 career in 2016 averaging 8.4ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.9bpg, FGP: 53.3%, FT: 47.7%. Right away as a freshman, he reached the NCAA 2 Elite 8. “This was one of the most memorable moments there because of the talent we had on the team that year as well as how far we made it that year. It was a great experience that a lot of people don’t get to see in their college career even if it was Division 2 it was a great accomplishment from me and that group of guys we had”, stated Justin Briggs. In his second year he averaged 8.9ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 54.2%. He displayed special consistency with scoring and rebounding and in his junior season averaged.8.8ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 46.2%. His game took greater strides in his senior season as he averaged 11.7ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 60.3%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 51.3%. He was forced into a new role and knew that he had to take control and heighten his game. “We lost some veteran players my junior year and I knew in order for our team to make another NCAA appearance I would need to step up as a scorer as the only senior that was playing on the team at the time. My game developed with each game as well as our team chemistry and the connection I had with my point guard helped as well”, remembered Justin Briggs. In his four year career, he scored in double figures in 44 games.

            The California native who has Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Shaquille O’Neil, and Jamal Crawford on his own personal NBA Mount Rushmore helped the school reach three CCAA tournament semi-finals and will never forget two of his last games at Chico State against CS Stanislaus where he lost 78-77 and 75-73. “Those we’re probably the closest back to back games that I played in college especially since we played the same team twice and those games ended up going to overtime so that is always going to be a great game to remember and I had a high school friend Xavier who played on the CSU Stanislaus team and we still talk about those games”, expressed Justin Briggs. Even if the Elite 8 loss to Lincoln Memorial was long ago, it was an experience that really helped him grow as a player at Chico State. Playing against very good talent with future NBA player Emmanuel Terry and Luquon Choice who would go overseas to Germany and being tested at any early stage of his NCAA 2 career was very important in his early development. “Playing them in the Elite 8 was a good experience and it showed the level of physicality that needed to be increased after each round of the tournament in order to be successful. They had talented players that were physically more aggressive than us and that was a lesson that I kept with me going forward through my basketball career”, commented Justin Briggs. Some of his best games in the NCAA 2 occurred against CS Los Angeles where he poured in 23 points and against CS East Bay and Azusa Pacific where he added 21 points apiece. One individual who was instrumental in him being a consistent player and maturing into a professional player was head coach George Clink. “Playing for Greg Clink was a great experience. His basketball knowledge was excellent and I hear and use a lot of his coaching points that he taught me in the professional basketball games that I’ve played in so far. He expected great things from his players and brought out the full potential in all of us. He has coached a handful of players that have went on to play overseas and I’m sure he will continue to develop new talent”, warned Justin Briggs.

            The American who remembers Deandre Ayton who currently plays for the Phoenix Suns was his toughest opponent in an exhibition game during his school time is one of those rare players that went through COVID during school and then had to find a professional team during the hard times. In 20 years he will always be able to say he had to go through all these restrictions and had to adapt to a new lifestyle overseas which obviously wasn´t easy. “The biggest obstacle when Covid was in its early stages was how we as players and staff should go about our season. We had just made the NCAA Tournament and there were rumors about it being canceled at the time or postponed and it was difficult to understand the severity of Covid at the time because of the lack of knowledge and information about the virus. Once I made my way to Austria the biggest difference was playing in empty arenas with no fans and trying to come out each day and play with energy and intensity when each game had a sort of “Practice Feel” to it”, said Justin Briggs. COVID also made him look at life a lot differently than before COVID had reared it´s ugly head into everybody´s life. “Covid personally made me understand not to take simple things for granted, such as fans, social life, and even travel. It limits what you can do and when you can do things so this past year I just kept telling myself if I can make it through a season with Covid restrictions, empty gyms, and limited travel I will be able to make it through any season and strive from here on out in my career”, warned Justin Briggs. He had to really fight for that first rookie gig as the whole transfer period was difficult and different for the 20-21 season because of COVID than ever before. But he stuck through it and signed a contract in Austria in January 2021. “When I wasn’t playing and didn’t sign in the beginning of the 2020-21 season I was down on myself at first but not discouraged. I was training everyday staying game ready and healthy even when the phone wasn’t buzzing with opportunities I had faith as well as patience and knew they would eventually come. I knew the biggest obstacle would be getting a good first job overseas that would lay out the framework for the start of my career and once I got the job I knew I had to prove that I belonged there”, stressed Justin Briggs. He never forgot that he came from the NCAA 2 and has that special mentality that from now on nothing will come easy even after he proves himself. That mentality to always have to prove himself is something that will never go away. “It was a blessing getting the call in January 2021 to come and play in Austria and prove myself as a professional Talent and to then play for the rest of the 2020-21 season and get the call that they wanted me to resign for another season in a starting role it was even more of a testament to my hard work and dedication that I have put into myself as well as the organization. Coming from Division 2 you always have to work harder than the next guy and prove yourself before you get the respect and recognition and that is what this year is all about”, warned Justin Briggs who beat Chico State teammate Marvin Timothy in one on one battles back in the day.

            Last season as a rookie in Austria with Kapfenberg Bulls (Austria-BSL) the ex NCAA 2 player who thinks Lebron James is the greatest to ever play played 23 games averaging 5.3ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 63.3%, FT: 50.0%;and played 3 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 2,0 and 1,7rpg. He right away got a great feel of what playoff basketball is all about overseas witnessing an opening round 5 game series win over Vienna, then sweeping Wels and then losing a tough 4 game final series against top club Gmunden. He also played Fiba Europe Cup getting a first taste of international club basketball. He also was lucky to have been teammates with Austrian legend and ex ACB player Thomas Schreiner and ex German Pro A player Alex Herrera. “Thomas was a great teammate who shed a ton of knowledge to me as a first year rookie We would watch game film together and he would show me clips on how to be more efficient as well as point out how to be effective while me and him are on the court together. When it comes to Alex it was great playing against him every day in practice, before I had arrived Alex was the only 5 position and once I got there he didn’t take it easy on me we both worked extremely hard to get each other better and prepared for games. It was always great battling with him and also learning from him each and every day”, stated Justin Briggs. This season Kapfenberg has added some new pieces and want to get back to it´s winning ways from 2017-2019 where they won three straight titles. “With the Covid season last year it took a toll on the basketball in the club and we are eager to get back to the standard we were once at in the past. We have a lot of goals to meet this season and we are excited to work towards them day by day”, added Justin Briggs. Two players that bring their own special qualities to the team and feed Briggs in the paint are veteran Kareem Jamar and Joshua Scott. “The biggest aspect that I get from Kareem Jamar is his knowledge of the game as well as his knowledge of the program since he was a part of those winning seasons in past years winning the Austrian cup and being a league champion. Playing with Joshua Is also a fun experience because he is a high energy player just like myself who is quick and explosive and also takes the time to learn each and every day in order to get accustomed to the team and get comfortable leading our team in the point guard position”, expressed Justin Briggs.

            The big man who felt that the classic Coming To America should have been left alone is a 208cm center that has a game that is similar to NBA player Karl Anthony Towns. He is a solid post player that can hit the jump shot and be efficient on the pick and roll. He is also an active player at both ends of the court. “My game is always changing and evolving with each passing day but I would like to say that I am a big that plays in the low post with vision to find the open man passing out of the post, playing one on one from the mid post as well as the low post, and when open knocking down the Three pointer/Mid Range. & With pick and rolls I like to make the read on how my defender plays it and make plays out of catching the roll pass and finishing or creating for a shooter”, stressed Justin Briggs. But he so much more than just an offensive presence, but also a player that has a potent defensive game that will definitely help him move up the basketball ladder in the next years should that develop as well as his offensive game does. In the NCAA 2 he averaged 1,5bs per game in his four year career and he hopes to continue to be that rim protector at the professional level. “I am a good post defender who moves well on any kind of ball screen defense and I typically come from the help side to get my blocked shots when we have guards driving to the basket or posting up on the opposite side of me. I want to consistently execute our teams defensive schemes perfectly so that teams are forced into rushed shots. I also guard different positions well on the perimeter when we go into a switch situation and I am switched out on a smaller offensive player”, said Justin Briggs. He definitely has a game that will keep developing in the next years and it will be exciting to see what next opportunities he chooses and how well he can adapt to new styles of play in different countries. But for now he has a game that will definitely turn heads in Austria. He will never be satisfied with the last big game, because he has that mentality that he always has to prove himself. He simply doesn´t know any better.

Stanley Whittaker (183-G-94, college: Keiser) is a 27 year old 183cm point guard from Philadelphia playing his third professional season and first in Germany with PS Karlsruhe. He played his rookie season in Lithuania and last season had his break through with UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) playing 24 games: Score-2 (21.5ppg), 6.3rpg, Assists-2 (8.0apg), Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college ball at Frank Phillips (JUCO) and Keiser (NAIA). He teams up every week with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber to talk basketball

Congrats on the big 111-91 win over Team Ehingen. How good does this win feel a day before Christmas Eve?
Feels good to win, it was a good team win in all. Glad we were able to go on the road against a scrappy Ehingen team and prevail.

PS Karlsruhe had the slim 57-53 advantage at the break. What was difficult on the defensive end in trying to keep the Team Ehingen off the board?

Ehingen got off to a great start, they were getting easy looks, they were pushing the ball from our turnovers and making us pay. They had it rolling which carried their confidence as a team and we just couldn’t quite disrupt their rhythm in the first half.

After 30 minutes Ps Karlsruhe had the lead. What was key in the third quarter for keeping the lead?

Key in the 3rd quarter was just to establish some resistance on the defensive end. We know if we play one possession defense we can get out running and share the basketball at a high level, so it all started on defense!

In the fourth quarter you put the nail on the coffin and kept them better in check. What was the biggest strength on defense?

The biggest strength was our rotations got better, our communication improved and we forced them to take tougher contested shots!

What was the bigger strength on the evening the rebounding or the team timely and consistent three point shooting?

They both played a huge part, however without defending well we can’t get out running and find shooters, we shot the ball well from 3 tonight. Glad we had some success with that.

Triple doubles are rare in the Pro A. What was your impression of Tyler Cheese who was everywhere on the court?

He’s a good player, has the freedom and trust from his team to play that way, and I’m sure his team expects that from him. It was a good battle with him.

PS Karlsruhe had 6 guys in double figures. Was this the team’s best offensive performance of the season?

From the Total points scored (111) I think that says it was but I think we still can improve

. The team is on a 4 game wining streak since Trevion Crews arrived. How much has this guys arrival sparked the confidence of the team?

We just been a solid rhythm. With the addition of Trev and Moyer they bring us a renewed energy and gives us depth. So we are just trying to keep it rolling.

Is the team playing it’s best basketball of the season? What will be key in beating Rostock?

I think we’re in the nice rhythm right now. Keys to that game will be high level of energy, high level of focus, playing a high level of defense and executing at a high level as well.

You had another fine game of 23/9/6. How much better are you a player when everyone is involved?

That’s the name of the game sharing the ball, and playing together as a team. It helps me and makes the game smoother for myself.

What kind of Stanley Whittaker will we see in the second half of the season as you fight for the playoffs?

A continued version of myself, just want to remain in rhythm and taking it day by day, step by step.

What was your favorite present for Christmas as a kid?

My favorite present as a kid maybe was a remote controlled toy car, they we’re always a great gift!

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

Stanley Whittaker (183-G-94, college: Keiser) is a 27 year old 183cm point guard from Philadelphia playing his third professional season and first in Germany with PS Karlsruhe. He played his rookie season in Lithuania and last season had his break through with UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) playing 24 games: Score-2 (21.5ppg), 6.3rpg, Assists-2 (8.0apg), Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college ball at Frank Phillips (JUCO) and Keiser (NAIA). He teams up every week with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber to talk basketball

Congrats on the huge 109-94 win again Bochum. Shoot outs are always risky. How worried should a team be about their defense when they are involved in a shoot out?

Teams shouldn’t want to be involved in a shootout. Well, at least that shouldn’t be how teams prepare. The game of basketball presents different challenges, so I can understand if that happens. But definitely shouldn’t be how teams prepare.

The first half was tight as PS Karlsruhe led only 53-45. Why couldn’t you get away as a team?

It’s a long game, we knew we wouldn’t beat this team in 20 minutes, we had to put together a full 40 minute effort to secure the victory. In which we did, glad we were able to protect home court!

In the second half, PS Karlsruhe was never in danger of losing as you led by double figures for most of the half. What do you believe was most key today for getting the victory?

– The thing that helped us secure the victory was our continuous effort to playing a good defense and finishing possessions, once we were able to string together good stops, we got into a nice rhythm offensively! Rebounding was a big plus.

How key was Tom Alte’s energy tonight for keeping that energy on the glass?

Tom has been great for us, we believe in him and expect that from him night in and night out. I’m just glad he’s on our side!

What was it like battling veteran guard Tony Hicks? Do you watch game film of players like him leading up to the game?

It was nice going up against Hicks, very quick and aggressive guard. And I do my homework on the opponent’s leading up to the game, it’s part of my preparation.

You and Trevion Crews continue to be a wrecking crew combining for 55 points and 15 assists. You guys have played a few weeks together. How much better can your chemistry still get?

We can still continue to build, this is only our second game with one another so there’s a lot more we can learn as well. So we’re just looking forward to getting better daily and helping the team.

The addition of Crews has been a big Christmas gift. How do you guys compliment each other best?

I think we’re both just have a decent feel for the game, we’re both unselfish and just want to win basketball games!

Are you afraid that opponents may start to key in on both of you to slow you down?

I’m not afraid, no reason to be afraid. Teams will game plan and strategize on how to limit opportunities for me, but it’s my job to continue to find ways to be aggressive and make plays for my teammates, as well as be myself.

You had a strong game of 31 points and 7 assists. No turnover is a good one. How do you summarize how your 5 turnovers happened?

I had a couple unforced turnovers from being a bit indecisive on play opportunities where I could’ve got downhill but I was too hesitant and lost my footing. I just have to do a better job of taking care of the basketball and value each possession more.

You next play a big game in Ehingen. What will be key for the win?

The key to the game against Ehingen is to have a good preparation in this week of practice, if we take care of basketball, get back in transition and finish possessions, we give ourselves a solid chance.

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

My favorite Christmas movies are, the home alone series, bad Santa one and two are good. So I’ll go with them.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

After the thrilling victory over top team Dresden Titans and then a free weekend, the EPG Baskets were brought back down to earth with a tough and unnecessary loss on the road in Erfurt last weekend. It was just one of those games where nothing worked on the offensive end as Koblenz shot only 18% from the parking lot and lost the rebound battle. They defended well, but when the offense isn’t clicking and shots aren’t falling, then it will be difficult to win. The good news for the EPG Baskets Koblenz was that they didn’t have to wait long for revenge as they could go into the short Christmas break with a win against them in their own living room. Honestly a team with the overwhelming talent and depth like the EPG Baskets Koblenz have should never lose to a team like the Basketball Lowen Erfurt. The day before Christmas Eve, the EPG Baskets Koblenz welcomed the Basketball Lowen Erfurt and finally got revenge after their disappointing 74-62 last weekend with a hard fought and well deserved 73-63 victory. For 30 minutes, it was a very even game where no club could break away, but in the fourth quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz took control playing their best quarter of defense. ‘We knew that this wouldn’t be an easy game. You can’t underestimate them. We didn’t try to do special things like we did in Erfurt, but tonight just played our game. When we play like that for 40 then we are strong and when we do that sooner or later teams will fall apart. We played our game and were solid and never got irritated’, stressed ex Ehingen forward Brian Butler (196-F-91). The Basketball Lowen Erfurt played a very strong defensive game for 30 minutes and in a few times had Koblenz reeling, but couldn’t take advantage and break away. In the fourth quarter, they caved in as Koblenz finally found a consistent offensive rhythm which they couldn’t control. ‘I knew this wouldn’t be an easy game. We knew that they would be ready for us and weren’t happy after losing to us last weekend. Saying that we had a long ride here and that key players were playing many minutes are baby excuses. Koblenz is a very good team. We have to perform a lot better. We had way too many defensive mental mistakes and couldn’t get the ball where we wanted to on offense. We didn’t shoot well as didn’t our key players. We missed many shots which gave them many opportunities for easy points’, stressed Basketball Lowen Erfurt head coach Uvis Helmanis.

The first quarter quickly demonstrated that this would be a defensive battle as no clubs got easy looks. The EPG Baskets Koblenz got on the board first with a trey from American Shembari Phillips and defensively they stopped Erfurt’s first 4 possessions. After a free throw the guests took their first lead 4-3 on a catch and pop jumper from crafty and ex Eimsbuetteler TV Hamburg guard Tyseem Lyles. Erfurt was defending really well being very compact and not allowing Koblenz to get good looks. But the good Koblenz defense allowed them to retake the lead with some easy transition baskets from Philipps and ex BBL player Dominique Johnson for the 9-5 advantage. The tide in the game would go back and forth as Erfurt went on a mini 7-0 run as they kept beating Koblenz on back door cuts as Dominykas Pleta scored twice on that play and Lyles hit another three pointer for the 12-9 lead. The EPG Baskets Koblenz recovered hitting Erfurt back with a 8-2 run to take the 17-14 lead after one quarter. Key in the run was new player Ugandan forward Emmanuel Womalla who gave energy at both ends with 2 buckets. ‘He is very athletic and is a real team player. He is also a fine defender and has accepted his role. He is a very important rotation player’, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein. Brian Butler made a tap in to end the first quarter. ‘We defended very well except for allowing 5 back door cuts. We didn’t penetrate enough. We controlled Edi very well’, expressed EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein.

The second quarter continued to be a real duel as there were 8 lead changes as no team could really get away from the other , but the EPG Baskets Koblenz had the slim 42-37 advantage at the break. A recipe for success for Koblenz was that they finally attacked the rim more and were rewarded as Butler, Meyer and Heckel executed while the guests got some baskets from Edi and ex Fraport Skyliner Noah Kamdem, but Koblenz led 25-22. A 8-0 run by the EPG Baskets Koblenz gave them the 29-22 lead as Brian Butler continued to be a work horse. ‘Erfurt was unconcentrated. We took advantage of it, but should of led by more than we did’, expressed EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein. Runs were being made left as right as the guests struck back with a 8-0 run to retake the 30-29 lead. In the run, Erfurt was aided by a Edi three pointer, two Lyles free throws and a massive one handed dunk by Noah Kamdem who out danced Leo Saffer on the baseline. Koblenz got away from their routine offense and played a little too fancy which led to turnovers on the run. The EPG Baskets Koblenz now kept control and the lead, but Erfurt stayed on their heels. Koblenz got some vital baskets from Saffer and Johnson (3/10) who had an off shooting night and Heckel for the 39-34 lead. A three point play by Kamdem cut the Koblenz lead to 39-37, but Saffer saved the best for last unleashing a bullet buzzer beater shot away from the basket that was thrown like a baseball pitcher as their was no rainbow in it. ‘It was a back and forth game. No team could get away form the other. We made easy mistakes, but still kept the lead. That last second shot by Saffer was a nice shot that had about a 1% chance of going in’, smiled EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein.

The third quarter continued to be a close fought affair as the EPG Baskets Koblenz had no offensive rhythm and the Basketball Lowen Erfurt couldn’t take advantage of it as they trailed 54-53 after 30 minutes. Ex Giessen guard Lucas Mayer got Koblenz on the board first with a transition bucket giving Koblenz the 44-37 advantage. But in the set play, the EPG Baskets Koblenz were playing far under their expectations and their three ball was nonexistent as brick after brick were being heaved up. The Basketball Lowen Erfurt took advantage of this going on a lethal 7-0 run to dead lock the contest at 44-44. In the run, Kamdem used his football like body to muscle home two points, Pleta nailed a trey and Lyles connected on a lay in. Ex Bremerhaven guard Marvin Heckel then drooped a rare three as Koblenz was shooting apathetic 2/17 from outside for the 47-44 lead. Erfurt continued to chip away and actually took the lead again getting to the free throw line with Kamdem and Edi baskets and the 51-49 advantage. Heckel gave Koblenz the lead back 52-51with another trey as he was the only stable shooter, but that was soon dissolved as German Jan Heber grabbed a loose ball and made the lay in for the 53-52 lead. But Estonian guard Indrek Sunelik ended the third quarter with a smart play scoring on an inbounds play under the Erfurt basket for the slim 54-53 lead. ‘We didn’t have concentration. Our three was instable and we didn’t have comfort in taking our shots. We were very lucky to have the lead. We didn’t have control of the game. Erfurt was more organized on offense and took better shots and finished better’, stated EPG baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein.

In the fourth quarter it was lights out for the Basketball Lowen Erfurt as the EPG Baskets Koblenz took control of the game and won. Even if ex Breitengussbach guard Miles Osei was able to score twice and match the two buckets of Sunelik I the first two minutes, it was the Koblenz Estonian guard who gave his team the needed energy to get their self-confidence up. With Koblenz having the tight 59-57 lead, they then slammed the door on the guests with a ruthless 12-0 run to lead 71-59 and decide the game. In the run it was ex easycredit BBL player Dominque Johnson who had been shut down on offense for 30 minutes, but had defended Erfurt’s best player Edi well finally found his shooting touch scoring 10 of his 11 game points nailing 2 three’s and four free throws while Butler made a pretty alley-oop dunk from the Heckel feed. Koblenz finally found their offensive touch and with every made shot heightened their self-confidence. Koblenz also raised their defensive intensity which Erfurt couldn’t match with their offense. The Basketball Lowen Erfurt did close out the game with a 6-2 run with baskets from Pleta, Heber and Kamdem, but it was too little too late. ‘We knew that if we would keep playing our defense then they would get tired. They have a short rotation and when we play high pressure defense, then they cave in. Everybody did a great job today no matter if they played 2 or 30 minutes’, stressed Brian Butler. ‘We did get tired. Our defensive intensity went down. We did accomplish one goal. We wanted to keep them under 12 points. That way we will be ahead of them in the even points’, stated Uvis Helmanis. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Marvin Heckel with 17 points and Brian Butler added 16 points. The Basketball Lowen Erfurt were led by Noah Kamdem with 20 points and Tysem Lyles and Guy Edi added 10 points a piece. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 42% from the field and 23% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 17 turnovers while the Basketball Lowen Erfurt shot 37% from the field and 24% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 23 turnovers.