After winning five of their last six games to start off the season, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors have suffered a dry spell and lost the last two games to the Basketball Lowen and a nail bitter to the Hanau White Wings. This weekend they met the young and always talented Orange Academy who came into the game sporting a solid 6-2 record. The ratiopharm Ulm farm team have been playing excellent basketball of late having a three game winning streak and were coming off a strong win against the EPG Baskets Koblenz holding them to an incredible 54 points totally slowing down their usual potent offensive attack. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors wanted to start a new winning streak after the long FIBA window’s lay over, but once again had difficulty in crunch-time as they let their lead slip away in the last minutes allowing Orange Academy to win their fourth game in a row 72-67. After the loss Frankfurt top scorer Matthew Meredith reflected on another game that they let get away. ‘We gave up too many turnovers again which led to easy baskets for the opponent. We fought back after a bad start and played as a team. We were unable to play with disciplined that hurt us’, stressed Fraport Skyliners guard Matthew Meredith. Orange Academy were unable to keep their comfortable lead of the first quarter, but overall played a fine game and never allowed Frankfurt to break away. Despite the victory, Orange Academy head coach Anton Gavel was not pleased with the start, but thankful for the win. ‘We let Meredith get hot and had problems with Voeller. We have to play smarter in the future. We hit shots and got key offensive rebounds, but we can’t allow a team to come back the way Frankfurt did. I give a lot of credit to Frankfurt who have had a good season. It is never easy to win in Frankfurt’, said Anton Gavel. Orange Academy continued to show that they are a very good defensive team. ‘We like to keep teams under 60 points, but we kept Frankfurt under 70 points. We were very aggressive and got many deflections. Moritz Krimmer saved us a lot tonight’, stressed Orange Academy guard Jacob Ensminger.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors got on the board first with a Philipp Hadenfeldt lay in, but that didn’t scare Orange Academy at all as they played their game and rolled out on a 9-0 run. In the run the guests got a three from Stoll, free throws and a left handed dunk from Moritz Krimmer and a jumper from German Latrell Grosskopf. Frankfurt couldn’t come to terms with the energetic play of the guests at both ends of the court. Frankfurt also missed some easy lay ups which didn’t help their self-confidence. Frankfurt got some buckets from raw German Alexander Richardson and high flyer 8 year man Konstantin Schubert, but continued to not be able to get stops. Frankfurt was unable to match Orange Academy’s intensity as they continued to execute getting a trey from Krimmer, a tap in from Austrian youth national player David Fuchs and a lay in by future Oregon State player Michael Rataj for the 21-6 advantage. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors got sone fortune at the end getting a trey from Philipp Hadenfeldt at the buzzer, but trailed 21-9. ‘Orange Academy like to play with much movement. You can prepare against it, but in the game it’s a totally different thing. It took Frankfurt some time to get used to. It is possible to give up a run at the start which they did. Their size and athleticism overpowered Frankfurt’, stressed Frankfurt NBBL head coach Miran Cumurija. The guests shot over 50% from the field and over 60% from outside while Frankfurt couldn’t hit the ocean shooting only 14% from outside. The guests also had the 11-6 rebound edge and both teams had 5 turnovers apiece.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors adjusted better to Orange Academy in the second quarter and went on a massive run, but still trailed 38-34 at the break. Hadenfeldt got Frankfurt on the board first like in the first quarter, but the guests matched that rapidly getting baskets from Rataj and Fuchs keeping the 25-12 advantage. But Frankfurt then took the guests momentum as they raced out to an overwhelming 20-6 run to recapture the lead again 32-31. In the run they got more aggressive and just attacked the rim which led to success. Frankfurt got 2 lay in’s from Meredith, a left handed hook shot from Marco Voeller and Richardson lay in while also mixing it up with three’s from Hadenfeldt and three and D player Risto Vasiljevic. Hadenfeldt was key in the run as his playmaking and leading the team were first class. He made a beautiful Rondo like bounce pass to Richardson and helped Frankfurt match Orange Academy’s intensity. Frankfurt also upped their defensive pressure forcing Orange Academy out of their comfort zone and making them lose their calmness. The guests forced more shots and lost their offensive rhythm. Frankfurt was unable to hold their lead as German Tobias Jenson made a few baskets for the Orange Academy half-time lead. ‘Frankfurt were more physical and attacked the basket better which led to more confidence and hit some three’s. We also did a better job containing them on defense and didn’t allow them to play their game’, expressed Frankfurt NBBL head coach Miran Cumurija. Frankfurt upped their shooting to 46% from the field and 25% from outside while Orange Academy’s shooting percentages dipped to 47% and 44%, but they held the 18-14 rebound edge while both teams suffered 8 turnovers a piece.

The third quarter remained very tight as no club led by more than 5 points. After 30 minutes the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had the slim 56-54 advantage. Orange Academy kept the tight lead as Moritz Krimmer who has played 26 easyCredit BBL games was their go to guy as the modern day forward showed his mature inside out game banging for an offensive rebound and put back and then made a trey while Frankfurt recieved support from Voeller with a dunk and Meredith lay in but Orange Academy still led 44-41. But then came the Matthew Meredith show as he took over scoring 7 points to give Frankfurt the 52-48 lead. The German who played his first Pro A game at age 14 nailed two three pointers and a pretty floater. ‘Coach told me at half time that I had been forcing too much in the first half. I got more aggressive and went to the basket in the third and then was in the flow’, stressed Matthew Meredith. Meredith’s spirited play also heightened the Frankfurt defense as they got stops, but they couldn’t keep the lead. Orange Academy stole back the lead with a Rataj trey 53-52. But Frankfurt got the last laugh as Richardson nailed a 20 footer and role player Risto Vasiljevic made a lay in to end the third quarter. The game had turned into a real defensive battle as both team’s youngsters were playing with passion as blocks, steals and deflections were a common occurrence on each possession. ‘We played our game and had good ball movement. We played as a team and got more stops and didn’t give up transition baskets’, stated Matthew Meredith. ‘We didn’t do a good job on Meredith on defense. We have to react better against him’, stressed Jacob Ensminger. Both teams shot over 40% from the field while Orange Academy shot 38% from outside and Frankfurt shot 29% from the parking lot. The guests continued to have the slight 27-24 rebound advantage and they also had 12 turnovers while Frankfurt had 10 turnovers.

The fourth quarter remained a real dog fight as both teams continued to play superb defense and no team could get away. Marco Voeller got hot at the start scoring twice including a two handed dunk as Frankfurt led 60-58. Frankfurt continued to keep the upper hand as Meredith scored on a beautiful finger tip roll lay in and Richardson made a lay in after getting the swift no look pass from Meredith as Orange Academy trailed 64-60. But Orange Academy had their ace in the deck and unsung hero with Moritz Krimmer who continued to step up and make big plays at both ends of the court. He remained aggressive scoring on a coast to coast drive and then made a steal on an inbounds play as Frankfurt made an errant pass as he scored again giving the guests the 65-64 lead. The guests had stole back the momentum and didn’t let it slip away again. Hadenfeldt gave Frankfurt the lead one last time with a basket, but Krimmer again gave his team a huge push with a lay in tying the game at 67-67. But Meredith couldn’t score again missing which led to a clutch Marius Stoll (197-SG-99) trey for the 70-67 lead with 43 seconds remaining. Orange Academy got another stop and Jacob Ensminger iced the win with free throws. ‘The inbounds steal and Krimmer dunk hurt Frankfurt mentally. We then played pick and roll and they cheated leading to Stoll’s three pointer. That was very important for us’, stated Jacob Ensminger. ‘ The inbounds play hurt, but the Stoll three pointer cost us the game’, stressed Matthew Meredith. Orange Academy was led by Moritz Krimmer with 22 points while Marius Stoll added 13 points while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Matthew Meredith with 20 points while Philipp Hadenfeldt added 13 points and 7 assists. Orange Academy shot 42% from the field and 30% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 45% from the field and 22% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

After starting the season off perfect with a fantastic 6-0 record, the EPG Baskets Koblenz have suffered growing pains the last weeks losing two of their last three games. After being shell shocked in Oberaching, the club returned home and tore apart Hanau only to visit Orange Academy the next weekend and lose a defensive battle 66-54 shooting a miserable 25% from downtown. This weekend they had to contend with top team Dresden Titans who entered the game with a perfect 8-0 record and continue to shine with their offensive arsenal as they have scored 80 points or more in six games. The EPG Baskets Koblenz wanted to experience another fine home winning experience and were able to win their second game in a row in their new CGM arena, but had to withstand a fourth quarter run by the Dresden Titans and survived 85-71. In crunch-time the EPG Baskets Koblenz buckled down and got some late energy from Brain Butler who made some thunderous dunks to secure the win. After the win he was all smiles for everyone in the arena. ‘This was another big win for us. We once again heightened our game again. We had some injuries this week, but we sold ourselves very well and showed just what we are made of. Our big strength was our passion on defense. We show every week that we belong to the best defensive teams in the league. Our offense follows when we play good defense’, warned Brian Butler (196-F-91). The Dresden Titans made a furious come back, but weren’t rewarded at the end. ‘They were very athletic and physical something that we weren’t used to. Their physicality made us play hesitant on offense. They limited us to 4-5 passes and kept us out of our plays. We just couldn’t respond to how they played’, stressed Grant Teichmann.

The EPG Baskets exploded in the first 5 minutes and then lost focus on offense, but their consistent defense allowed them to keep their commanding lead. They didn’t have any of the Orange Academy woes in their mind as they erupted on the court in the first quarter taking a quick 15-3 lead. In the run the EPG Baskets Koblenz howed their lethal inside out game letting it rain three’s from Domnique Johnson, American Shembari Phillips and German Niclas Sperber while also getting baskets in the paint from German Moses Poelking, Johnson and Phillips. This offensive explosion shocked Dresden as they were unable to get into their sets and were forced to too tough shots by the Koblenz aggressive defense. The EPG Baskets Koblenz played as if they were on a mission and it was the final game of the playoffs. In the last 5 minutes, the EPG Baskets Koblenz lost focus on offense, but continued to play defense with passion and didn’t allow a Dresden field goal until the 9,13 minute mark. The Dresden Titans did a good job keeping Brian Butler in check, but he would have his coming out in the second quarter while Koblenz did a fine job keeping Teichmann and Georg Voigtmann in check. After 10 minutes the EPG Baskets Koblenz led 21-10. ‘We have had bad starts in most games this season. We knew today we had to get a better start and then everything would be easier for us. Today we were all ready and began aggressive’, stressed Brian Butler.

In the second quarter, the Dresden Titans began better and cut the Koblenz lead to 7 points, but then fans in the arena would witness the Brian Butler show as he would connect for 11 points and allow the EPG Baskets Koblenz to secure the comfortable 44-25 advantage at half-time. The Dresden Titans started with a positive 9-5 run to cut the Koblenz lead down to 26-19. Dresden began with more physicality as German big man veteran Max Von Der Wippel scored twice while ex Tigers Tuebingen forward Tanner Graham made a lay in and three pointer. Koblenz lost their rhythm on offense as the aggressive Dresden defense gave them fits. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz have so much talent and depth, that anyone can go off at any time. Brian Butler was often the first scoring option last season, but this season doesn’t have to be that guy anymore. Tonight his team needed him to step up and he did showing once again that the paint is his own stomping ground. He scored in a variety of ways displaying his moves and dunks. He also got support from ex Georgia Tech (NCAA) guard Shembari Phillips who blasted home two three’s. The EPG Baskets Koblenz continued to defend very well not allowing Dresden anything easy inside and guarded the three point line well. Butler’s invincible play was key for his team having the big lead at the break. ‘Today we wanted to get the ball inside a lot. I was aggressive and my teammates found me. I was able to use mismatches to my advantage. We stuck to the game plan and continued playing our game and moving the ball well’, stated Brian Butler.

In the third quarter the Dresden Titans were able to execute better on offense, but couldn’t make any ground on the EPG Baskets because they scored 28 points and held on to their massive lead 73-54 after 30 minutes. In the first few minutes, bot clubs found their range from outside as Grant Teichmann who had been very quiet in the first half connected as did Daniel Kirchner while for Koblenz, it was the hot hand of Phillips who always stepped up making two three’s, but Dresden still trailed 57-33. Even if Dresden was executing better, it was mostly Canadian Tanner gGaham who became the team’s almost only scoring option as his team was always finding him and he was able to provide a stable inside out game. Down the stretch of the third quarter Georg Voigtmann also began to find his game better making a basket and free throws, but Koblenz simply had too many scoring options that could execute as Butler was back off the bench and Marvin Heckel who had suffered blood poisoning only a few days earlier also scored. But the guy who always came in the clutch was Phillips who continued to knock down three’s as if it was the easiest task. ‘When Shembari is comfortable, he gives us so much. He is never afraid to take a shot. When he is ready, he can really hit the tough shot’, warned Brian Butler. Grant Teichmann ended the third quarter with a trey as he was getting warmed up for his personal fourth quarter finale. ‘We didn’t change much. We were motivated to keep our big lead’, expressed Brian Butler. ‘The third quarter was a game of runs. We played more free, but they continued to hit shots’, stressed Grant Teichmann.

In the fourth quarter basketball once again proved that it will always be a game of runs. The Dresden Titans had not played particularly well for 30 minutes and it was really only a matter of time before they would break out of their shell. The Dresden Titans broke out on a captivating 15-0 run cutting the Koblenz lead to 73-69 as Grant Teichmann led the way with 10 unanswered points. Dresden stepped up their defense stopping Koblenz on 11 possessions. Teichmann started off the run with a four point play which was followed by a trey by German Daniel Kirchner. Teichmann continued his offensive rampage connecting on two more treys and the Dresden defense was more aggressive and the Koblenz play reminded one of last year’s team were such lapses happened more regularly as the team forgot what team play was and chose 1-1 on play. ‘We were able to play our style. When we get stops then we can get out on transition. We were finally able to adjust, but it took us too long’, warned Grant Teichmann. The EPG Baskets finally got the monkey off their back scoring at the 3,25 minute mark as Lucas Mayer nailed a trey for the 76-69 advantage. The EPG Baskets Koblenz then buckled down on defense and got 3 consecutive stops while on offense they executed getting Lay in’s von Poelking and Heckel to secure the victory. Koblenz finished strong after stopping Dresden’s run, they went on a 12-2 run. Koblenz got another trey from Philipps and 2 thunderous dunks from Brian Butler. ‘Runs happen in games. The question is always how does one react. We reacted well getting big plays and shots at the end’, said Brian Butler. ‘We made a nice run cutting their lead to 4 points, but they answered the bell. We couldn’t break their neck as they sustained our run. They hit shots and we couldn’t finish off the run’, explained Grant Teichmann. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Shembari Phillips with 23 points while Brian Butler added 22 points. The Dresden Titans were led by Tanner Graham with 20 points and Grant Teichmann added 16 points.

Jared Savage (196-G/F-97, college: WKU) is a 24 year old 196cm forward that was born in Dakar, Senegal and grew up in Bowling Green, Tennessee. He is playing his second professional season in Germany with the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. Last season as a rookie he played with GS Lavrio Aegean Cargo (Greece-A1) playing 33 games averaging 5.5ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 69.7%. He began his basketball career at Warren Country Central High School. He then played at Austin Peay State University (NCAA) from 2015-2017 and then played at Western Kentucky (NCAA) from 2018-2020 playing a total of 64 NCAA games averaging 12.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 37.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 81.8% and as a senior averaged 11.7ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 83.6%. He spoke to eurobasket before the game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Jared thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment

I’m in Crailsheim, Germany and we just had a scrimmage against MBC in order to get some rhythm after the long Fiba break. It was good to get a sweat and get some wind back.

You were in the States and in Greece during the Pandemic. How have you experienced COVID and what were the most challenging things you had to cope with?

I feel with COVID having come, I still haven’t truly experienced how European basketball is. Last year we played without fans and this season with fans, but now again fans won’t be allowed to remain in the arena’s.

With everything that you witnessed during COVID off the court how do you feel did you get stronger as a man?

On a life scale, COVID has made basketball seem so small. I learned to focus on the little things. There have been guys in the BBL that got COVID and as a result have had heart problems and had difficulty walking up stairs. At the start we all took it as a joke, but now you have to take it very seriously. It is important that everyone stays safe.

Your playing your first season for the Hakro Merlins. What kind of an adjustment has it been coming from Greece to playing in the very competitive German BBL?

The BBL is more tactical and technical while in Greece basketball was more roll out the ball and play. In Greece it was more playing to your strength and like open gym. Each game in the BBL is a dog fight. You have to bring you’re a game every night especially on the road.

Crailsheim is playing a very strong season in the easyCredit BBL and Fiba Europe Cup. What has been the secret of the success? Possibly there is no real superstar with all respect going to TJ Shorts talent?

We have a very balanced team where everyone knows their roles. We have 3-4 guys that are shooting 40% or better from outside. A lot of credit goes to TJ Shorts who does a great job getting all involved. We have no selfish guys and meshed together quickly. We want to keep it rolling.

How much credit has to go to head coach Sebastian Gleim? He didn’t have great success the last 2 years in Frankfurt but seems to be making his break through this year.

Coach wants everything done perfectly. If we mess up then we keep doing it again until it’s right. This is great because in the game we know how it’s done. He has done a great job building trust. Even if we make mistakes, we know how to fix it. He is very honest and makes us pay attention to detail.

How important has TJ Shorts been for the success? Does his game and overwhelming self-confidence pull the team to greater heights?
I can’t count how many games there have been where he won it for us. He puts the team on his back and does a great job finding everyone. He scores, rebounds and makes plays. He continues to show how good he is.

What has it been like playing with veteran Terrell Harris? What have you appreciated most about his presence?

He does a great job talking to the young guys. He has a calm head about basketball. He trusts you and helps tell us what to do on and off the court. He is always even keel. He is never too high or too low. He is a very good leader.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm forward. To what NBA player would you best compare your game to?

I would compare my game to a PJ Tucker. I’m a 3 and D player that can guard 1-4 and hit the open three pointer.

You’re a player that has proven that you can score and rebound the ball. What would you say is your biggest strength on the court?

I think my basketball IQ. I think people don’t realize that. I watch a lot of video.

How would you describe your role with the Merlins? What has it been like coming from the bench something you have had to get used to as a professional?

Last year in Greece, the adjustment was a lot bigger. I was used to playing 38 minutes in college. But some of the best players in Europe come off the bench. I accept the role I have with the Merlins. Being a 3 and D player and doing all I can to help my team win.

What strides do you feel have you ben making with the continued development of your three?. You were always high in the 30% before this season, but currently are at 47%.
I give a lot of credit to Jacob Hayslip who is a GA at Western Kentucky. We worked a lot last summer on my shot. I took something like 500-600 shots a day. I was in the gym a lot.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most so that you can keep climbing with your game?

I’m working most on my body. I want to gain more weight and strength at this level. I’m playing against grown men, guys that are 35 years old. I want to play a long career. I want my body to be prepared for that. I need to have strong knees and ankles. Later I want to walk away when I’m ready and not because of injury.

You played your rookie season with Lavrio in Greece. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were very far away from home?

I think that the whole year was a wake up call. I never really realized how far away I was home. I had to grow up and realize that I couldn’t just take a car and go home. I was 5000 miles away.

How important was it having a guy like Glen Cosey. Was he like a mentor for you? How did he help you most as a rookie?

When I was in Greece, he lived 2 doors down from me. He has been around for a while. This is his 9th season. He taught me how to compete. He literally jump started my competitiveness. I can’t say how often he was on guys during practice for not going hard enough.

What kind of an experience was it upsetting Panathinaikos 92-82 and beating all these world class players? What will you always remember the most from this great win?

We actually beat them twice that season. I remember coaches crying in the locker room after we beat them the first time I hadn’t understood the history then. It was very special for me being part of a small club beating a big one. Those were the two biggest wins of my career and I’m proud to have been a part of it.

You began your NCAA career at Austin Peay (NCAA). How instrumental was head coach David Loos in your early development? What did he help you with most that allowed you become the player that you are today?

He gave me a lot of freedom and confidence to be a shooter. Half way through my freshman year, he told me to go make shots and that is what I did. I still hold the record for the most three’s with 19 in a conference tournament. Shout out to him for giving me an opportunity. Austin Peay had been the only division 1 offer that I had gotten. He believed in me.

How much of a learning experience was it losing to Kansas as a freshman in the NCAA tournament? Kansas had a bunch of guys that reached the NBA. Which guy impressed you the most?

They had 5 NBA players like Devontae Graham, Perry Ellis and Frank Mason. My match up was Wayne Seldon. I was 6,4 and 185 pounds. He gave me a serious wake up call. I realized that it was serious.

You were teammates with John Murry who proved to everyone at Austin Peay that he was good enough to play at a high level as a pro. Instead he has been toiling in Germany’s 4th division for 3 years. How crazy is that?

When I signed in Germany, he hit me up right away. He is like 4 hours away. John has been killing it in Germany. You can see he is a real good player. Hard work has paid off. In high school, I had no idea what hard work was. I just went to games. He taught me to work hard on my game. In practice he was always in full sweat.

Does an example like this prove that there are simply too many great guards and to little spots?

Before I came overseas, I thought that the whole experience would be easy. I thought it would be a cake walk. You see so many talented guys overseas form D-2 or the NAIA trying to feed their families. I believe John can play at the highest level in Europe. It is only a matter of time. His work ethic will get him there.

You then finished at Western Kentucky (NCAA). How beneficial was it for your game becoming the primary scorer as a senior after future NBA player Charles Bassey went down with an injury? Is becoming that first option one you would like to have again as a pro?

When Charles got hurt, we took a big hit. I had to step up and lead the team. As a pro I’m a 3 and D player. I’m fine with this role. I don’t think that I will ever be that primary scorer. Do I want that role? Maybe. But I’m fine with just doing whatever the team needs to win.

Was your 24/16 game in the win over Texas-San Antonio your best game in the NCAA?
I believe it was in regards to points and rebounds. We needed that win because it was the last game before going to the conference tournament.

How did head coach Rick Stansburry give you that little extra push on your way to becoming a professional player?

He surrounded me with a good coaching staff. They all believed in me and helped me get better there.

Who was the toughest player that you encountered in the NCAA that would reach the NBA?

Charles Cook from Dayton. He played the 3 and was a real good guard. I will always remember him.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tyson Carter, Taveion Hollingsworth, Alpha Diallo, Devon Davis, Charles Bassey

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

I will name my favorite players. Devin Booker, Jayson Taytum, Kevin Durant, Zach Levine and Lebron James

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

It is a toss up, but it is Jordan, but Lebron isn’t far behind.

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

I like action movies. The sequel was kind of weird for me.

Thanks Jared for the chat.

John Murry (192-G-95, college: Austin Peay) is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Indianapolis, Indiana that is playing his third professional season in Germany with BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga). Before that he had experience with the Kitchener-Waterloo Titans. He played two years at Owens Community College playing 63 games and two years at Austin Peay State University (NCAA) playing 56 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 16.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 81.1%. He and Miles Schmidt-Scheuber talk weekly about basketball.

The up and down weeks continue for Grevenbrocih. How much did the 87-72 loss to Leverkusen hurt?

It was just mind boggling considering we played so well against a team that was ranked higher in the league but at the end of the day we will go back to the basics and fix things so we can be better and ready for the game on Saturday.

Leverkusen 2 shot the ball well and rebounded well. What were the main reasons for the team’s ninth loss of the season?

A lot of mental mistakes, where we could make simple plays but took the more difficult route which resulted in a loss for us. When we are making the simple plays and focused on our game, we are one of the best teams in the league for sure.

The team had 19 turnovers while you had 1 turnover. How vital does inexperience play a role this season during certain phases of the game?

Experience definitely plays a major role in phases of the game, obviously we have more youth then experience this year so we try to mix the two very well so we can make things work together for us to win.

Ali Thiam contributed 13 points. How have you followed his development this season?

Definitely pushing him in practice, staying on him to make shots and be focused on defense, he has a lot of potential to be good in this league.

You had another solid game with 28 points, four rebounds and three assists. How content were you with your game?

I am Definitely never content with any performance I have, I always feel like I can do more and play a better game even if I go perfect from the field with no turnovers, there is always room for improvement in my game. I feel like that’s what keeps me at a high level.

You had misfortune shooting the ball from outside. How have you seen the development of your three pointer this season?

It just comes down to taking the right shots at the right time and having the right people on the floor with me at that time. I started off not so well but have definitely found my Rhythm to make shots down the stretch.

The next game is against the 5-6 Lowen. This will be another key game for you. What will be key in getting the win?

Just staying focused for 40 minutes, it’s not checkers it’s chess and that just means being precise with our decision making, making shots, and sticking to our defensive principles. That should bring us a W home.

Thanksgiving has come and gone. What was your favorite Thanksgiving memory and how did you celebrate in Germany?

Just cooked up a big meal for myself and FaceTimed family as they gathered around, it was fun almost like I was there but it’s never easy being away from home for the holidays so we just have to make the best of our situation overseas as pro athletes.

Thanks John for the chat.

One of the worst moments for any aspiring player is having to wait for that first NBA experience. Just sitting at the end of the bench and hoping that coach calls your name can be as nerve wracking as it is for a guard going into the lane and seeing Rudy Gobert come out of nowhere to make the monster block. Just getting to be on a NBA roster is difficult, but then having to wait for that first call can sometimes never occur. Just ask a guy like Tony Gaffey who was on the roster of his home team Boston Celtics and rival Los Angeles Lakers in the same season, but never played a second for either team. For a guy like Ishmail Wainright (196-G/F-94, college: Baylor) who has experienced the full Cinderella story in his career playing in the German second division only three years ago reached the NBA this season with the Phoenix Suns, but had to wait a while before being inserted for the first time against the Dallas Mavericks and in his second game scored his first NBA basket against the Denver Nuggets driving in from the wing and making a crisp lay up. Ex teammate Brandon Jefferson who played with him in France last season with Strasburg knows it must have been difficult for him to have to go through such a long time before playing his first NBA minute, but all in all had the needed patience to stick it out. ‘Ish is competitive and wants to play of course, but he knew that he would have to wait his turn and that his opportunity would come! Before the season, Ish told us that he wanted to be in the NBA someday and he made it happen. He had a great season and him being with the Uganda national team helped a lot also! He got to showcase his talent’, stressed ex Phoenix Hagen guard Brandon Jefferson. ‘ We still have a group message from the imports last season, and we all said no matter when your time comes, ‘keep your head up, we’re all proud of you and what you’ve achieved. When your name is called, just be ready’, explained SIG Strasburg guard Deandre Lansdowne. Of course hard work, timing and luck have aided Ishmail Wainwright in reaching the NBA with the Phoenix Suns, but there has also been something else. Royce O’Neale of the Utah Jazz played in the easyCredit BBL as a rookie and with Strasburg his second season while Wainright did the same with the only difference being that the Sun had a steeper road to go beginning in the German Pro A. More than two seasons ago when he was a rookie, he already had massive thoughts about what O’Neale had done and where his journey could go. ‘I’m not saying it could happen to me but you never know what the future holds you know. God works in mysterious ways’, warned Ishmail Wainright. The one’s who truly knew him as a person and his game knew that it could become reality. ‘Not many people would’ve guessed, but some of us thought, if he got the chance, he deserved it. Character wise, but also because he extremely skilled’, stated ex Basketball Lowen Braunschweig American Deandre Lansdowne.

Ishmail Wainright who lists NBA player Buddy Hield as his toughest cover in the NCAA, because he had to know at all times where he was was born on September 12th, 1994 in Kansas City, Missouri. He split time at Montrose Christian high school and at Raytown South high school where he played his first two seasons. There he averaged 13.6 points and 9.8 rebounds as a sophomore in 2010-11. He then finished his high school career at Montrose where he aided the team to a 19-5 record as a senior in 2012-13. He earned 2013 All-MET honors after averaging 8.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists for the school. He then played at Baylor (NCAA) from 2013-2017 playing a total of 131 games where he was a sports management major. In his first two seasons he didn’t average more than 1,9ppg and had some serious growing pains, but he survived his freshman year. He had some very good players as teammates with Brady Heslip, ex NBA player Cory Jefferson, Isaiah Austin, NBA player Royce O’ Neale, NBA player Jonathan Motley, and NBA player Tauren Prince. ‘That year was a grind. Practices was by far some of the toughest practices ever. We were all fighting for playing time. I loved every bit of it too’, stated Ishmail Wainright in 2019. In his last two seasons he became a solid two way player filling up the stat sheet and showing his vast versatility averaging 5.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 73.0% and as a senior averaged 5.5ppg, 5.1rpg, 3.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 68.3%. He scored in double figures in 11 games, but even more important was that he helped his team reach the NCAA tournament 4 times in a row and made the Sweet 16 twice. The school has only reached the NCAA tournament 13 times dating back to 1946. He remembers exactly which one was sweeter. ‘2017 because it was my senior year, I was the only senior and we were picked last in the BIG12, wasn’t even ranked in pre-season. They laughed at us man. We started that season off on a mission. Non conference was tough but we took care of everyone. Conference play was conference play. The Big12 was stacked from head to toe. Everyone wanted us to lose in the first round of the tournament. We fought until the end’, remembered Ishmail Wainright. He once saw ex teammate and Belgium national player Manu Lecomte go off for 10 straight three’s in practice was lucky to have Scott Drew who has been instrumental in the school having so much success. ‘Hall of Fame coach for sure. He treated us like professionals since day one. Talked to us like one. Worked us like one. He used to tell us, ‘ You guys want to be professionals someday, you have to walk, talk, eat, work, and take care of your bodies like professionals do’, stressed Ishmail Wainright.

The American who lists Kenny Cherry, himself, Royce O’Neale, Taurean Prince, and Isaiah Austin in 2018 as the best starting five he has been a part of didn’t turn professional right away in 2017, but instead remained at Baylor (NCAA) and put his strong 235 pound body to good use playing football catching 4 passes for 34 yards and 2 touchdowns. He finally turned professional in 2018 moving to Germany to play for the Nurnberg Falcons (Germany Pro A) playing 39 games averaging 12.1ppg, Reb-5 (7.3rpg), 2.8apg, Steals-5 (1.7spg), FGP: 65.0%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 74.8%. He needed no real adjustment period having played a season of football. He was able to use his strength to the full advantage and is still doing it today. ‘My weight really helped realizing that most players aren’t as strong as I am so I can use that to my advantage’, expressed Ishmail Wainright. He was an instrumental part of Nurnberg making a surprise visit to the final losing to the Hamburg Towers. They won their last 11 games to reach the playoffs. ‘We came together and knew what we wanted to do. We wanted to do something that hasn’t been done in years’, said Ishmail Wainright in 2019. He scored in double figures in 25 games and being that lethal and consistent scorer was no surprise to him. He just didn’t need to show it at Baylor. ‘When you are playing with Pros like Isaiah Austin (China) , Corey Jefferson (NBA), Brady Heslip (BBL), Royce O’Neale (NBA), Taurean Prince (NBA), Johnathon Motley (NBA), And Rico Gathers (NFL), and others, I didn’t need to score in my mind’, remembered Ishmail Wainright in 2019. He had monster games against Rostock with 26 points and 17 boards and 26 points and 11 rebounds against Chemnitz. He was also very fortunate to play for a very experienced head coach Ralph Junge who has a track record of developing young players that is unmatched. ‘With this being my first year in Germany, Ralph has helped a lot. I mean a lot a lot because basketball is just different. He’s helped with just understanding the style and the movements with and without the ball. The automatic reads on the floor. He also encouraged me to just go play and kill whoever is in front of me. ‘, commented Ishmail Wainright in 2019 who’s toughest opponent as a rookie was Trier’s Canadian Jermaine Bucknor. The team success as a rookie was vital in him landing in Europe and making the next step to the easyCredit BBL. ‘That being the first year it went pretty good but I’m extremely hard on myself. I know I can give more. I have to give more. I have A LOT of work to do. My game grew in many different ways. And far as being a leader, that just came with everything. You have to want that. And I want that. And I feel like the team this year allowed that to happen. We had a great team and we all worked well together’, remembered Ishmail Wainright in 2019.

In his second professional season the ex Baylor player who’s toughest opponent in the BBL was Alba Berlin’s Luke Sikma made the next step to the easyCredit BBL playing with Rasta Vechta. He continued to make strides in his game as he played in 2 higher leagues BBL playing 26 games and averaging 10.4ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-3 (1.8spg), FGP: 64.7%, 3PT: 24.7%, FT: 77.6%; and played 13 Basketball Champions League games averaging 10.7ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.8apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 67.9%. ‘I came in with a chip on my shoulder and will continue to have that throughout my whole career’, warned Ishmail Wainright in 2020. He had a great season stat wise and needed no adjustment period even if it was a massive step coming from the Pro A to the BBL. ‘I was trying to be the 1st steal getter in the BBL this year. But the toughest adjustment was really , the players. They are smart. Older. And also our style of defense. I love what Pedro does on the defense standpoint of the game. Play to the limit and I will carry that with me where ever I go throughout my career. My game has developed a lot and still will continue. Shooting the ball. Scoring off the dribble. Finding my spot on the floor. Things I still have to work on to being one of those top guys in Europe’, stated Ishmail Wainright in 2020. He will never forget this season because it was interrupted by Covid-19 as there will always be what if questions. ‘There will always be a what If. Before the break we were in 6th and just got things rolling. Down to 1 game a week. Guys were starting to really feel their game and we were clicking. You never know what would’ve ‘ happened. I will cherish the fans. The team. Pedro and the coaching staff, man, it was an amazing year. Everyone knows about RASTA now on the international level. What more can you ask for? I loved every bit of it’, added Ishmail Wainright in 2020. He proved at the international level that he could hold his own against top players in the Basketball Champions League as he scored in double figures in 7 games including 19 points against Anwil and 16 points against AEK Athens. His teammates like Jarelle Reischel will always have him in their memories. ‘I used to call him Issaaaaahhhhhhhhmeeeeee! Hard working on the court and off the court and a very positive likeable guy that I enjoyed playing with’, said Jarelle Reischel. Even his BBL opponents like legend Quantez Robertson is happy that he made the NBA. ‘I remember him being a strong forward who could stretch the floor and shoot the ball. He had a pretty good season in Germany and even better one in France. It didn’t surprise me that he made the NBA. It just shows what can happen if you perfect your game, work hard and have decent numbers. You can get a look anywhere. I think he could remain in the NBA. The game has changed a lot. Teams are always looking for guys who can shoot and defend’, warned ex Auburn (NCAA) guard Quantez Robertson.

In his third professional season he made another jump playing for top French team SIG Strasbourg (France-Jeep ELITE ProA) playing 36 games averaging 11.7ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-5 (1.8spg), FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 72.6%; and played 14 BCL games averaging 10.2ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 60.3%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 82.6%. He scored in double figures in 25 Pro A games including netting 19 points against Levallois and Chalon and in the Basketball Champions League scored in double figures in 9 games including 19 points against Tenerife. Here he had great talent around him and was teammates with two ex BBL players Deandre Lansdowne and Brandon Jefferson as well as ex NBA player Bonzie Colson. It really doesn’t matter who talks about Wainright, but the love is always huge for him and Lansdowne who like Wainwright also made a steep trip up the basketball ladder beginning in Germany’s third league. ”I really look up to guys like Ish. Ish is my guy. He is a great player and person. We room and often talk about our college days. He is always pushing everyone in practice. Every team should have a guy like him. They always come to work with a smile on their faces. They are an inspiration for all’, warned Bonzie Colson Jr in 2021. Everybody looks up to Ish. ‘Just being in the trenches with Ish last season as we made our run in BCL and in French league was great. We went through a lot of ups and downs and he was always the same. Would come in with a smile! I’m glad he’s made his dream come true, but now the work really begins! Ish will do big things in his career’, warned ex Metropolitan State University of Denver (NCAA2) stand out Brandon Jefferson in 2021. The trio of Wainwright, Jefferson and Colson were very special, but the team wouldn’t have had the success if it hadn’t have had the services of Deandre Lansdowne who gave his special touch to the team. ‘Some games would get lost and I would hit Ish with an extra pass and he’d hit a corner three and he’d say ‘Thank you Dre! ‘. With a big smile. just always made me realize even in a game you’re not scoring much, it can take one thing and he’s still so positive’, stressed Deandre Lansdowne

The American who lists Scottie Pippen, Lebron James, Tony Allen, and Magic Johnson on his NBA Mount Rushmore is a tweener that has a game similar to Draymond Green that can bring the ball up, rebound, defend the positions 1-4 and basically do whatever the team needs. Defense is easily his recipe to being the successful player that he is today. ‘I’ve always been a defender. It’s just in my blood. Watching Tony Allen lock up the NBA just fired me up. I want be that player that stays on the court because he can hold the other team’s best player from start to finish. Rebounding and just getting my teammates involved. I love when my teammates score’, warned Ishmail Wainright in 2019. It is no secret that a big strength is his rebounding. Any big man that he plays with knows that if a rebound does get lost, Ish will be around the corner to scoop it up. ‘It’s just a mindset. You aren’t going to stop me from getting that ball off the rim. If you do, believe me, I won’t stop going after it. And that’s the mindset you have to have’, warned Ishmail Wainright in 2019. If he is having a bad shooting day, then it will always be his defense that will pick up his game like deflections which is a hidden strength in his game. ‘I’ve always prided myself on deflections. I want to get the most deflections and at a high rate too. It’s just something that’s followed me throughout college. Even in practices I do the same’, said Ishmail Wainright in 2019.

In the last year he made waves with the Ugandan national team as he showed his all around game and exploded for an incredible 36 points against Cape Verde and also added 13 boards and 7 dimes. This happened at the FIBA AfroBasket 2021 qualifiers where he led the tournament in scoring and was fifth in rebounding and assists averaging 21.3ppg, Reb-5 (8.3rpg), Assists-5 (5.7apg), 1.0spg. He continued to perform at a high level at the FIBA AfroBasket in Rwanda where he was fifth in rebounding and first in assists playing 5 games averaging 12.6ppg, 9.4rpg, 6.4apg), 2.0spg, FGP: 32.4%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 70.6%. He also registered a superb triple double of 22/12/10 against South Sudan. His excellent play in Europe and continued rise up the ladder plus his domination in the FIBA AfroBasket put NBA teams on his radar. His ascension to the NBA began last summer with the Toronto Raptors where he signed a 2 year non-guaranteed contract and played NBA Summer League averaging 7.4ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.0%. Despite a solid performance in the Summer League, he was waived on October 17th and was very close to making the team, but his NBA dream didn’t end there. Only a short time later on October 22, he signed a two way deal with the Phoenix Suns. He couldn’t have landed on a better team. He may not be playing much, but he is enjoying the current incredible run as the team has a 17 game winning streak and beat the Golden State Warriors last night. So far he has played 3 games.It is no surprise for me that he has made his NBA dream a reality. Ish is so much more than just a magnificent versatile player, but so much more. Just being his teammate is a fabulous experience that is rarely seen. ‘When I hear Ish’s name, I always think about how his energy and smile is contagious. You can be having a bad day and when you get around Ish, your whole mood changes. Ish is able to adapt to wherever he is. Ish being himself attracts a lot of people to him. Dude is a joy to be around! He was the X factor for our team last year in Strasbourg. He did a lot of things that didn’t show up on the stat sheet that helped us win a lot of games! He even ran point forward for us occasionally’, remembered current Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) point guard Brandon Jefferson. It will be interesting to see if Ish can remain in the NBA? Just checking the Suns box score every morning in Germany is an experience and fun to see if he got in or had to witness a DNP. His own self confidence and that of his ex teammates is huge for him being able to stick in the NBA. ‘As long as Ish stays locked in, he can do whatever he wants to do’, warned Brandon Jefferson. He has so much going for him that everyone is rooting for him. ‘He just enjoys every moment. Through ups and downs, he’s always smiling, he’s always having fun. He does everything, from understanding the game, can shoot, create for others, rebound, defend, and is always the loudest on the floor, which is a rare trait’, remembered Fort Lewis College (NCAA 2) guard Deandre Lansdowne. All eyes are on Ishmail Wainright as he continues to claw his way through the NBA especially those of 2021 NBA MVP Jaleen Smith. Smith was in his second professional season and Wainright was a rookie when they battled 6 times during the 2018-2019 season. Wainright got the best of him having a 4-2 record and winning the playoff series 3-1. Last summer both played in the NBA Summer League as Smith opted to go back and become a Euroleague player instead of taking the risk of reaching a NBA roster in training camp and then possibly being cut making his trek back to Europe more difficult finding a team in October. The risk for Wainright paid off as he is in the NBA. Smith will always have a what if, but at the same time is happy to be with Alba Berlin and battling the best players every week in Europe. The respect from Smith was always there for Wainright, but has grown even more with his arrival in the NBA. ‘Ish worked hard to get to the NBA. He went from Germany Pro A to Germany BBL to France LNB to now play for the Phoenix Suns and seeing someone make it not even the easy way. He really took the long route to get to the league and he’s a down to earth guy. Nobody deserved it more than Ish himself’, warned Alba Berlin guard Jaleen Smith. There won’t be any haters toward Ishmail Wainright simply because you just have to love his journey, game and his character.

Andree Michelsson (188-G-97) is a 197 cm guard from Sweden that is playing his first season in Germany with the BBC Twisters Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga) currently averaging 18,7ppg, 3,0rpg and 3,8apg.He has scored in double figures in all 11 games including 29 points against Berlin BG 2000 and Bergedorf.He began his career in Sweden with Malbas Oresund Malmo (Basketettan) He played the last four seasons in Iceland with Ungmennafelagio Snaefell (Iceland-Dominos League) averaging 11.7ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 81.7%. Then he played two seasons with Hottur Egilsstadir (Iceland-Dominos League) averaging 8.9ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 51.9% in his first season and in his second season averaged 11.5ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 65.5%. His last team in Iceland was UMF Sindri Hofn (Iceland-D1) where he averaged 18.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.3apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 71.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about his basketball career.

Thanks Andree for talking to germanhoops.com. Before we talk about basketball, talk a little about how you witnessed COVID-19 last year in Iceland. What were the biggest challenges for you on and off the court?

The Covid situation in Iceland was shut down in 2020, so the season ended a little earlier. I’ve been in Malmoe Sweden working/studying and just trying to build something here as well this Year.

With everything that you experienced in Sweeden and Iceland off the court, how do you feel did COVID make you stronger as a man?

It really did, I saw things from an other perspective and realized that some things in life is bigger than basketball.

Congrats on signing with the BBC Twisters Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga). Is this like a dream come true? You always wanted to play in Germany.

Thank you! This has been a goal of mine for a while now to play in Germany. Good country and basketball is big there, I hope for a great season and that everything goes well.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Have you known any guys that have played in Germany?

I’ve heard a lot of great things about Germany and the basketball over there. Have some friends that been playing there as well so I’m looking forward to get going!

What were the main reasons for signing with the BBC Twisters Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga)? What was the deciding moment that allowed you to make this step?

Coaching staff had a great mindset and I hope I can be a good fit for the team and help out.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a good shooter, but also very creative and can read the pick and roll well. What other strengths does your game have?

Yes, I like to have the ball in my hand and make decisions that’s best for the team. I’ve scored a lot my whole career but I also see the floor very well and make my teammates get looks as well. Some say that my NBA comparison is like a Deron Williams play style.

On what things do you continue to keep working on so you can continue to grow as a player?

A lot really, I can get better at everything.

You began your basketball career with Malbas Oresund Malmo (Basketettan). How important were these young years in your development and which coach do you remember being very important in your growth?

Malbas times where great for me growing up, specially thru the age of 13-16 when a lot happend in my life and basketball really made me to man I am today.

You played the last 4 years in Iceland in the country where your mother comes from. What did you enjoy most about the country?

Yes, it’s a beautiful country first of all and very good and helpful people that I am very appreciated of. And the competition was great, I developed a lot there!

You played in the first and second divisions of Iceland. How do you feel did your game grow in the last four years? How are you a different player today than when you arrived there in 2016?

For sure, I went straight after high school in Sweden and it was a tough challenge with taking care of yourself on a professional level. But I’m Happy I got the experience it at a young age that is a big factor now.

What memories do you have of teammate Charles Clark? Are you surprised that he has hasn’t continued his career?

It seems like COVID got in the way. Charles and I got a great relationship and I played with a lot of good guys that year that still are my friends today.

You played together with another talented American with Aaron Moss who had Westbrook like stats with 23/12/9. How much did your game profit from a guy like this?

I took a lot of vision and play making from Aaron, he knew the game very well and how to change the game with in positions.

What do you remember being your wake up call to being Iceland your first year where you knew that you were very far away from home?

It took like 3 days for me to understand what was going on, because everything happens so fast but you have to get in a good routine and make sure to stay ready.

Who was the best player that you ever played in your career that played at a high level?

That’s a good question, I’ve played with/against very high level guys in my career and I can’t pick really.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

Elijah Clarance, David Guardia Ramos, Robert Northmann, Charles Clark and Tobias Sjoeberg

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

MJ, Lebron, Kobe and D Wade

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

MJ at the moment but Lebron is on his way.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I saw a really good documentary of Conor McGregor. I’m going to eat dinner with that guy some day, believe that. Thank you for the interview Miles, appreciate it!

Even if the 2021 FIBA Window is in full effect, it didn’t put a dent into the NBBL schedule as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners were back at it and wanted to continue their winning streak. Last week they got revenge over IBAM winning a 68-66 thriller in their living room as the week before they stunk up the IBAM living room losing 76-58. This weekend they met the always dangerous Brose Bamberg who were reeling off a brutal 92-73 loss at the hands of FC Bayern Munich 92-73. Both clubs met on a cold Sunday afternoon as Frankfurt’s Alesio Santagati was looking to duplicate his fine and flashy play from the week before, but couldn’t totally, but German Bennet Schubert led a brutal comeback in crunch-time that wasn’t rewarded losing to Brose Bamberg-Troester Breitengussbach 79-73. After 40 minutes Bamberg head coach Jan Schroeder was totally angry even if his team won, but the 27 team turnovers were totally unacceptable. ‘I’m happy how we rebounded and our overall tempo in the game. But I’m not happy about how we defended and our communication. We allowed too many turnovers and 27 is an absolute catastrophe.I can understand getting 27 turnovers against FC Bayern Munich, but not against Frankfurt. We lost our concentration at the end. But a win is a win. It is never easy on the road especially in Frankfurt’, stated Brose Bamberg/Troster Breitengussbach head coach Jan Schroeder. Frankfurt as usual had the biggest heart, but couldn’t finish in crunch-time as turnovers hampered their play all afternoon long. ‘We had way too many turnovers and weren’t physical enough. We put ourselves in bad situations the whole game. Yes we fought back, but it wasn’t enough. Bamberg have enough guys that know how to put the ball in the hoop’, stressed Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners head coach Miran Cumurija.

Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skjyliners began well, but allowed Brose Bamberg/Troester Breitengussbach to rally and come back and then take control of the game mid way through the first quarter and never looked back. Frankfurt began very well taking the early 9-4 lead as point guard Alessio Santagati scored twice in the paint using his aggressiveness and quickness to his advantage and captain Bennet Schubert got his three going rapidly as it would be his biggest weapon all day long. Frankfurt had a lot self-confidence from the big win over IBAM and were constantly attacking the rim while Bamberg got a good grip on the boards early which would hurt Frankfurt all day long. The guests started chipping at the Frankfurt lead and got 3 big offensive rebounds and 2 baskets from Lithuanian player Danas Kazakevicius which helped dead lock the contest at 14-14. Brose Bamberg/Troester Breitengussbach then took charge in the game closing out the first quarter with a 13-5 ruin to lead 27-19 after 10 minutes. In the run the guests made 3 steals in a row leading to 3 easy baskets from Adrian Worthy (186-PG-03), Nico Hoellerl and Lukas Passarge. which gave them the momentum. Point guard Calin Nita and FrankfurtvGeran Romario Holloway added three’s to close out the quarter. The guests controlled the boards easily 13-5 and forced Frankfurt to 6 turnovers.

In the second quarter Brose Bamberg/Troester Breitengussbach continued to control the game and lapses by the guests couldn’t be compensated by Frankfurt as their inconsistency plagued them. Frankfurt got on the board first with a Joscha Zentgraf lay in who had a solid game scoring 11 points and securing 6 rebounds constantly out battling players on the rim, but Bamberg had the needed answer with a 8 point explosion form German Adrian Worthy who has Pro B experience. His drive and physicality gave Frankfurt headaches all day long. The German who came from Wurzburg finished with 25 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. ‘His scoring is so important in every game. He can make something out of nothing. He is so valuable to our team, but also still has so much potential’, said Jan Schroeder. After the Worthy scoring rampage came 6 unanswered points from the team’s best shooter Nico Hoellerl to give Bamberg the overwhelming 37-23 advantage. Frankfurt then came back going on a 7-2 run only to lose some concentration in the last minute allowing a 4-0 run to trail 43-30 at the break. In the run, Frankfurt was aided by free throws by Schubert and Joscha Zentgraf and a massive trey by Dusan Nikolic. But little mistakes caused Frankfurt to allow an easy lay in by Nita and free throws by Worthy. Frankfurt had good shot selection from outside shooting 4/8, but were only at 35% form the field while Bamberg shot 50% form the field. Bamberg continued to have the upper hand on the boards24/13 securing 8 offensive rebounds while Frankfurt had 15 turnovers and the guests 12.

In the third quarter it looked like Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners would change the direction of the game with a massive run, but they allowed Bamberg to slap them right back in the face with a huge run allowing them to keep the double figure advantage. Frankfurt came out on a mission and went on a great 9-0 run to trail only 43-40. In the run they got big three’s from Schubert and Nikolic and lay in from Joscha Zentgraf and a hard two hand dunk from Nikolic. Frankfurt showed their huge heart and stepped up their defense getting 5 Bamberg stops and on offense found a groove again. That groove was stopped by Bamberg as they retaliated with a lethal 10-0 run to up their lead again to 53-40. In the run the guests got three’s from Worthy and Hoellerl and inside used mis matches and the length of Passarge for a lay in and Worthy’s athleticism for another basket. Frankfurt also had some tough misfortune in this phase as their attacking of the basket never waned, but they just couldn’t execute missing easy shots. Bamberg kept control of the game doing much damage inside getting easy baskets from Worthy and Hoellerl. Worthy also showed his precious inside out game also drilling home a trey. Bennet Schubert closed out the third quarter with a trey, but Frankfurt still trailed 63-49. ‘We showed a lot of character coming back from a Frankfurt run. We stayed calm and made plays to get the big lead back again. I don’t like these up and down phases’, stated Jan Schroeder. Frankfurt continued to shoot strong from outside at 47%, but had their difficulties from the field shooting 39% while Bamberg was solid from the field at 47%. Bamberg continued to control the boards 33-22 and had the 12-7 offensive boards lead.

In the fourth quarter Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners made one last push in crunch-time, but it wasn’t enough. Frankfurt started off well in the fourth quarter getting 4 points from Joscha Zentgraf to cut Bamberg’s lead down to 65-54, but the guests always had answers as German Finn Radina and Matteo Sattler connected and the guests led 70-55. Frankfurt believed in their capabilities and slowly chipped away at the guests lead going on a 13-4 run to cut Bamberg’s lead down to 74-69. Frankfurt was aided by Bennet Schubert who continued to wail away from the parking lot scoring twice. Santagati also found space and little cracks to drive to the basket for 2 baskets. Bamberg lost concentration and coughed up the ball time in and time out as Bennet Schubert led the charge with 2 blocks and 2 steals in the comeback. Nikolic also made a steal and coast to coast sprint and dunk. German Abdelkahar Karioui made 4 clutch points to give Bamberg the 77-69 lead, but Frankfurt never gave up. Tyrese Kilee made a basket and Schubert another trey to cut Bamberg’s advantage to 77-73 with 28 seconds to play. Bamberg then broke Frankfurt’s press leading to a hard two hand stuff from Karioui to seal the win. ‘Players are allowed to make mistakes at this level, but the question is what type of mistakes. Our problem was that we were up by 15 and thought we had the game won. We have to finish the game better, stated Jan Schroeder. ‘We weren’t smart enough at the end and didn’t have enough experience’, stated Miran Cumurija. Brose Bamberg/Troester Breitengussbach was led by Adrian Worthy with 25 points. Nico Hoelerl added 13 points and Abdelkahar Karoui added 11 points while the Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners were led by Bennet Schubert with 25 points. Dusan Nikolic added 14 points and Joscha Zentgraf 11 points. Brose Bamberg/Troester Breitengussbach shot 48% form the field and 30% from outside an dhad 45 rebounds and 27 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners shot 39% from the field and 45% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 25 turnovers.

Stanley Whittaker (183-G-94, college: Keiser) is a 26 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 basketbal

Stan thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. PS Karlsruhe has a 3 week break. How tough is it waiting for so long for the next game? –

The break in itself isn’t really tough we just have to use it in ways that can best benefit our group and look to improve more and come together more.

Do you have the last loss against Jena longer in your mind mainly because the break is so long.

That loss isn’t on my mind anymore, we learned from the game and move forward.

How has coach structured the practices now with such a long break? Is the team focusing more on it’s weaknesses?

The focus is always more on what we can improve upon while sharpening up the things we do well, so mainly just looking to be better in all areas but more importantly emphasizing strengthening up our mishaps.

PS Karlsruhe is 3-6. The next weeks will be instrumental if the team can make a run for the playoffs or not How important will the game be against Vechta?

Each game is important for our group. But all we can do is focus on the one in front of us. Going into Vechta will be a battle but we’ll be ready for the test.

Vechta has a similar record like you. That will be a great test for you. You will have your hands full with their very experienced guards Josh Young and James Washington.

We look forward to the competition.

The team brought in ex NAIA player Trevion Crews. How have you guys began to gel on the court?

We been gelling well, he’s a good player.

How excited are you to play Steve Nash like David Cohn in a few weeks? It must feel like being a kid in a candy story seeing these talented guards each weekend?

Not too familiar with him but I welcome the competition and prepare the way I’m supposed to.

Your second in scoring and fifth in assists in the Pro A. How do you feel has your game profited most from the style in the league?

I think my game profited the most by being cerebral and just being myself honestly.

You average 36 minutes per game and average 3,4 turnovers per game. How confident are you that you can shave this down more?


Just have to take care of the ball and not be careless. Value each possession.

What is your take on the Lebron/Isaiah Stewart tussle. Did Lebron not get away too lightly?

When Battling for position goes wrong. Kind of an unfortunate play which led to unfortunate turn of events.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

John Murry (192-G-95, college: Austin Peay) is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Indianapolis, Indiana that is playing his third professional season in Germany with BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga). Before that he had experience with the Kitchener-Waterloo Titans. He played two years at Owens Community College playing 63 games and two years at Austin Peay State University (NCAA) playing 56 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 16.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 81.1%. He and Miles Schmidt-Scheuber talk weekly about basketball.

Congrats John on the huge 79-70 win over Deutzer. How good does it feel beating a 6-2 team?

Thank you it was a magnificent feeling to beat one of the top teams in the league. When we play like that I feel like we are one of the top teams in the league on any given night.

This must give you and the guys an extra boost with your self-confidence. How was the mood after the game? Do you guys have that ‘we still have a lot of unfinished business in front of us’?

Things are always better when your winning, guys are smiling and fans are celebrating, the goal is to build off this win and keep it rolling into next game.

Talk a little about the game. Was it as comfortable as the score shows or was it tougher to pull out than the result indicates?

It was more about just being disciplined and capitalizing on our offensive positions to score and make the extra effort on defense.

Deutzer is one of those scrapy teams that play well together and stick together well. Were you happy with how the team plan went through the 40 minutes?

Yes we were definitely happy with how we executed, we were also able to stay together ourselves and pull the win out.

Grevenbroich did a fantastic job on the boards. Where would the team have been without Dezemal Selimovic? He was a real work horse.

https://youtu.be/jqAjs4RCHHk

Yes He is one of the best bigs in the league and works his butt off on the boards. We definitely praise his effort and performance with games like this.

How did the team compensate the 20-12 turnovers where they had 8 turnovers more? Basketball sometimes works in a strange way?

Basketball is definitely a roller coaster at some points but we just managed to stay disciplined on defense which gave us more offensive opportunities in which we scored on.

What was it like playing against the two very scrappy German guards Patrick Reusch and Joachim Koschade? I know they kept you on your toes all night long?

It was a challenging night that I over came by just realizing how the defense was playing me and I was able to make the right play off their defensive schemes.

You had another great game scoring 30/5/8 but 5 turnovers. I guess the 5 turnovers don’t feel quite as bad when you get the win.

Just trying to make sure I’m doing everything I can on my end to secure the win, the 8 assists was big for me because I put emphasis on myself to make sure I made the right plays in certain timing and situations.

You shot the ball very well 8/15. What else besides finding your spots helped you achieve good shooting?

Well, Like I said before just knowing when to make the right play, sometimes plays need scoring and other times the play is to distribute so I would say that’s the biggest bonus to my game, being able to control the game, score when needed, and also getting my teammates involved all at the same time.

You next battle Leverkusen 2. Another good team with a 6-3 record. What will be key for getting win?

Just making sure we talk on defense, stay disciplined and make sure we make our shots on the road.

What is your take on Anthony Davis’s play at the moment. Many experts don’t see him as a top 5 NBA player now. Is he too much in shadow of Lebron?

I believe the Lakers and all the players will get things together, they just need some time to gel together.

Thanks John for the chat.

When you have been used to having Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ) as head coach of the Fraport Skyliners for more than half of their existence, it isn’t easy forgetting him or reminiscing about great basketball days in Frankfurt when things weren’t going so well for the Skyliners in the last two seasons. Herbert is a figure in Fraport Skyliners history that is as loved as guys like Pascal Roller, Chris Williams or Quantez Robertson, but basketball life does go on. After a long stay with the Fraport Skyliners, he felt it was time for a new challenge and he kept very busy coaching the Canadian National team as well as being a consultant for the Brooklyn Nets and last coached in Russia for VTB team Avtodor Saratov. A guy like Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ) isn’t jobless long and when I heard the news last Monday that the German national team was going to present it’s new coach, I immediately yelled Mike Taylor. I have no idea why his name popped up, but he has had success in the BBL with Ulm and Hamburg, but then I remembered oops he has been like a hero coaching the Polish national team the last years. Then I figured they were going to name a German coach, but when I heard it was Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ), I was instantly overjoyed. And why not. Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ) was a great choice. He knows the easyCredit BBL, has had success with the Fraport Skyliners and one of his biggest strengths over the years was getting the most of his players with a more limited budget that was given to him. Not only I was very pleased with this announcement, but also many others especially people affiliated with the Fraport Skyliners. One ex player and Skyliner legend who was instrumental in the team winning the 2004 BBL title was Pascal Roller. He can bright up a room with his smile and crystal blue eyes and I would have loved to have seen his expression when he heard of the news. ‘I’m very happy for him. It is good that he will give a full time commitment. I always liked how well Gordie was prepared and putting the players strengths best to use. It will be exciting to see what kind of team he will be able to form in a short time. I’m confident that Gordie can do a good job’, warned Pascal Roller. Mike Taylor gave his respect over social media classifying the holy four letters GOAT to him.

I reach Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ) who’s first club he coached in Germany was Wurzburg on a Friday morning in Finland four days after he was named German national team head coach. He is very relaxed and in very good spirits. I notice right away that this new challenge is very exciting for him. Sometimes going from a job were you were released to getting a new opportunity comes quicker then one may expect. He had to go in March 2021 and it took him only six months to get that new chance in Germany again. I remember him joking to me after his release that he actually lasted longer than the last coaches in the last 6-7 years. Sometimes one can be bitter for doing a pretty good job and almost reaching the playoffs and having to go, but he took it in stride knowing it’s a business and was blessed for the opportunity. ‘I had a good experience in Russia and I’m very glad that I did it. I knew coming in the history the club had had with coaches in the last 6-7 years. I have no regrets. It’s the nature of the job’, stated Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). He has sampled vast experience coaching in some very good leagues like in Germany, France and Greece, but being able to coach in the very popular, demanding and skilled VTB league where top teams like CSKA Moscow and Khmiki Moscow play was an enrichment for his basketball resume that he won’t forget so rapidly. ‘The VTB is a great league. It has tremendous teams and coaches. I think that there was only one Russan coach in the league. The VTB had coaches from countries like Spain, Greece, Lithuania, Croatia and Serbia. I really enjoyed my time there. It was a very professional league as well’, stressed Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ).

Now the ex Paris Basket Racing (France-ProA) head coach begins a new challenge in his career and for German basketball. Things moved very quickly. The German basketball Federation didn’t waste much time finding a replacement for 1993 NCAA champion with North Carolina Henrik Roedl. He signed on a Monday and had the press conference. The first phone calls and meeting occurred the Thursday and Friday the week before. Sometimes talking to some former coaches like Roedel and Dirk Bauermann help in making a decision, but he didn’t need to do that He remains very laid back in our conversation, but I continue to notice that he was 100% sure about taking this job.’ I intend to talk to Dirk Bauermann and Henrik Roedl soon. I had a great meeting with Ingo Weiss and Armin Andres. I felt very good in the talks. They were very professional. I like how they want to move forward’, said Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). The outpouring of support was huge from people and he also didn’t waste anytime quickly reaching out to his new players that he will be guiding. ‘I got about 50 text messages after press conference. It was very nice. I spoke to Johannes Voigtmann, Danilo Barthel, Isaac Bonga and Leon Kratzer. We have a list of 40 players. So far I have reached out to 80% of the players’, added Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). Even when he was bound to other jobs, the personable Canadian never loses track at what is happening in the easyCredit BBL or the German national team. Germany was the country where he enjoyed his most success and has always followed what was happening there. After an embarrassing 2019 World Cup showing where Team Germany possibly had their strongest roster ever, the 2021 team rebounded with an amazing qualifying round and reached the Olympics. Herbert is very excited about the future of German basketball. ‘I was really impressed how they played. They played very well. I really liked their spirit. Henrik Roedl did a really good job. I’m really happy for him. The team has tremendous potential and it was one of the main reasons why I took the job. I like the professionalism of the German basketball federation and the infrastructure. There are some players over 30, but there is a great core of players between 24-30. Plus there are good guys coming up. This is a great opportunity for me. I got tremendous responses from all the players that I spoke to. They are all very excited to play for their country and have success.’, warned Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ).

With the Fraport Skyliners he returned a few times and always had success again. In 2004 he won the easyCredit BBL title. In 2010 he returned taking over for the departed Murat Didin and reached the BBL final. After coaching Alba Berlin, he came back to Frankfurt for a third time and led the club to the 2016 FIBA Europe Cup title. He will most likely return back to the Fraport arena on occasion to scout potential German talents. He surely felt pressure at times with his tenure in Frankfurt and it isn’t any different now with the German national team. After Roedl did a super job, now German basketball fans want Herbert to take that momentum and ride with it and gain further success and take a new step. Herbert is more than ready for new pressure. ‘Sure there is pressure. But I have always said that the more pressure I have the better the job is. That is the nature of the job. But I tend to put more pressure on myself. It is success orientated. You have to understand that you are judged by how well you do’, expressed Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). It will be interesting to see what kind of philosophy Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ) will instill into the German team. For years he was known as a defensive master with the Fraport Skyliners building top defensive teams with guys like Quantez Robertson and John Little. Last summer Roedl’s assistant Roy Rana introduced the Scram Switches which did wonders for the German team as they were one of the better defensive teams. Herbert already knows in what direction he will be going in terms of what he will be expecting from his players. ‘I will have my own philosophy and will build around the team. There are three things that I believe in. One guard your position, two rebound your position and three execute in the half court offense. Now we have to adjust the philosophy to the strengths of the players. We start with the defense and then go forward. We also have to be unified, play together and be able to have a good skill level. The first two are very important’, warned Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). Not only having success will be a challenge, but also building a roster at certain times when you don’t always have all players available. ‘It will be very challenging especially around the windows. The NBA and the Euroleague players won’t be available. That will be a great opportunity for the other players to get minutes and step up. You never know who is healthy or has contract issues at the start of the summer. So we will have to be flexible and be able to adjust. We need to form a team and find different pieces. The 12 best players don’t make the team. It is like a puzzle. You have to hit the different area’s. We will do the best job that we can to have the best team where the country will be proud of’, commented Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ).

Two players that he is absolutely thrilled about being able to work with again are current CSKA Moscow big man Johannes Voigtmann who most likely could have played in the NBA for the Washington Wizards, but opted to stick around in the Euroleague and Danilo Barthel who has been a Euroleague player for ages. The trio won the 2016 FIBA Europe Cup together and just harmonized very well. Now they hope to do it again. ‘They are both great people. They are both very good players, but even better people. When they were in Frankfurt, we had one of the best teams ever there. They began with us and it has been great seeing them develop further in the last years. It is hard to say now exactly what kind of role that they will have. The players tell us exactly what kind of role they will play when they are on the court. I had a great experience coaching them in Frankfurt. I’m looking forward to coaching them again. That was another reason why I took the job, because it is intriguing to coach them again’, warned Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). One very interesting issue is Joschiko Saibu. He is a guy that created a massive stir in basketball Germany concerning his political views especially with COVID. Germans fans hated him for it while the German Basketball Federation looked the other way. In the end, he was chosen to represent Germany and did a pretty good job on the court. The question now is will he get a chance under Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket )? ‘I don’t want to discuss personal issues. I had a great conversation with him. I think that he will play for Germany again, but I’m not sure. I look forward to our first eye to eye talk’, stressed Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). It will be interesting to see what new young players will be invited ‘We start at ground zero. I have had great conversations with many. I have been taken back by how much they are committed to want to have success. There will be variables with injuries and who is available. But we will always put together the best team possible’, said Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ).

It also will be very interesting to see the ex Aris Thessaloniki (Greece-A1) coach who hasn’t seen the sequel to the classic Coming To America but knows it’s always tough following up a classic handle players from his former team Fraport Skyliners. The Fraport Skyliners organization has been known for years to be an excellent breeding ground for young players. One very interesting player is 19 year old guard Len Schoormann who continues to develop beautifully in Frankfurt, but there are also other candidates. ‘Len is one of the 40 players on my list. He has played very well in pre-season. I will look at all the players and decide who is best. Frankfurt has many candidates. Lukas Wank is there. Unfortunately Bruno Vrcic is injured. Then there is also Richard Freudenberg who has had injury problems. There are currently a great group of players especially between 19-23 in Germany. Young players will get a chance to get experience during the next windows’, stated Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). One very interesting player he will have to observe from a far is Joshua Bonga the younger brother of Isaac who played under Herbert in Frankfurt and is currently in the NBA with Toronto. He surprisingly jumped ship from Frankfurt to go to uncharted waters in Lithuania to BC Zalgiris. It is never easy to make a risky move like that, but he does have a German coach with Martin Schiller and will have an opportunity to possibly play Euroleague. ‘I know Isaac well, but don’t know so much about Josh. I watched some games of him last season. He looked good. I have no idea why he left Frankfurt’, expressed Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). Herbert has been so instrumental for players developing in Frankfurt and making the next step . Two of those guys were Tyrone Ellis and Jordan Theodore. The love from them is immense. ‘I’m extremely happy and proud of him. Gordie and my college coaches were the most influential coaches in my career that made me into the coach that I am today. The reason is that he cares about the players more than he does their talent. We won a championship because we were one big family. We communicated well and always had each other’s back’, stressed Tyrone Ellis. ‘I’m extremely happy for Gordie. I’m still in contact with him today. He’s one of the few coaches I still talk to regularly. He is well known in Germany and loved. This will be a great opportunity for him. We all know that he is an outstanding coach who really gets through to his players. And I know that Danilo and big Joe are happy to be able to play for him again’, warned Jordan Theodore. It will be interesting to see how the German national team will perform under Gordon Herbert (agency: BeoBasket ). The team is riding a high and Herbert is seeking new success again. His love for the players will be there again and it won’t be any different from his players. History and experience simply show that the love is mutual from both sides and that it goes hand in hand.