If your in an arena in Germany and have your ears on properly in radar mode, it is very possible you could hear a Japhet McNeil (183-PG-85, college: Bridgeport) smooth talking someone even when your in a line dreaming of sinking your teeth into a juicy German Hot Dog. Even if your totally preoccupied as your watching a food stand attendant prepare the scrumptious Hot Dog, you will notice Japhet McNeil no matter what. Even if you don’t know him personally, just seeing him in front of you in his modern threads, massive wide simile and hearing his mesmerizing words, you could easily think that back in the day he was one of those guys that was loved in school and was popular. His smooth talking is something everyone notices. ‘My wife tells me that! I guess that’s from growing up in the heart of New York City. When I attended East Carolina Univ. The Southern people would say ‘ Jah your talking to fast ‘ and I would reply ‘ I’m not talking to fast, your just listening to slow’, laughed Japhet McNeil. Japhet and I go way back and still have a nice relationship today after having first met during his rookie season in 2008-2009 when he balled for USC Heidelberg. I remember watching a game between TV Langen and USC Heidelberg and seeing his dazzling basketball talent for the first time. USC Heidelberg was a team that had another young and talented player named Jibril Hodges who is the son of NBA champion, NBA three point contest winner and Michael Jordan teammate of the early 90’s Craig Hodges. The team also had a very young Danilo Barthel who currently is one of the big guns for the German national team at the Olympics in Japan. The American knew early on that Danilo Barthel was special. ‘Sometimes when you see a kid and he has the goods you know he got that ‘IT’ Danillo Barthel had it’, remembered Japhet McNeil. We met and understood each other masterfully and over the years a nice friendship developed as well as various interviews that today stands at 8. The first interview we did together was in 2009 and how could he forget when I invited him to my weekly basketball radio for Radio Fortuna in 2009 which at that time was the first ever weekly basketball radio show on German radio. ‘8 .That’s the Number!!! 2009. Woooow!!! That’s a blessing. I’m all about longevity. Father time is definitely undefeated. I Remember our first interview like it was yesterday. It was in Frankfurt. The set up was really cool. It reminded me of a radio station room. You gifted me a bottle of wine or maybe it was Sekt. Your hospitality was on point. I remember my girlfriend at the time, who is my wife presently accompanying me and she kept saying how cool the experience was on our way back to the city I lived in at that time. Honestly I’ve lost count on how many. But I do know that every time we’re able to chop it up about basketball and life. It’s always real. I truly enjoy our encounters and I appreciate and thanks your continued support and allowing me to express myself over the years! You mean a lot to the basketball community and I’m glad I’m able to share my continued journey through your journalism!! Your a legend Miles stay blessed’, stressed Japhet McNeil. I love meeting Japhet again in arena’s and it has happened on occasion in the last years in Frankfurt in Bonn. I’m always amazed to witness everyone that he knows. I remember over the years when he would watch his buddy fellow New York native and former Euroleague and Seton hall great Jordan Theodore (his brother from another mother) or observe him conduct passionate talk about basketball with coach Joey King who worked under top German coach John Patrick. Mcneil’s smooth talking never eludes him and sometimes he inserts that special New Yorker language that I don’t understand. I always wondered why he didn’t go into acting. I could easily have seen him slip into the Eddie Murphy role in Beverly Hills Cop and watching him weasel out of jams. ‘That’s interesting you say that because I would love my daughters to go into acting. I’m a big movie guy. I watch all genres. Eddie Murphy is a big act to follow. He’s one of the Goats ( Greatest Of All Time ) I’m not sure if I can play Eddie but you better believe if I put my mind to it I can come close. To believe is to achieve’, warned Japhet McNeil. Instead of having gone the Hollywood route, he did something way better for the game of basketball. Instead of preaching on TV, he decided to keep preaching on the court.

Even if Japhet McNeil who remembers ex easyCredit BBL player Wayne Bernard being his toughest cover in his rookie season is 36 years old, he is still playing professional ball today even if it isn’t in the foreground anymore like usual as he has found another big Love called Combine Sports. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York and attended Christ The King High School where he led the team to a Catholic Division A title in 2003. He averaged 18,0ppg as a senior and finished with over 1,100 points and finished third on the school’s all-time assist list behind future NBA players Omar Cook and Erick Barkley. He then had a steady NCAA career at East Carolina from 2003-2006 where he played 81 games. He then finished at Bridgeport University where ex NBA 229Cm player Manute Bol played as he averaged 16.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.9apg, StealsNCAA2-1 (4.0spg), FGP: 38.3%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 67.3%. He began his professional career in 2008 in Germany with USC Heidelberg averaging 14.8ppg, 3.1rpg, Assists-1 (7.9apg), Steals-1 (3.5spg), FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 24.1%, FT: 63.3%. He belonged to the top players in the German Pro A and after that would carve out a solid professional career. He brought his talent to Finland to Kori-Konkarit Loimaa (Finland-1st Division) and also played two seasons for Schieren Black Frogs (Luxembourg-N2). But somehow he found a second home in Germany where he would always come back to and play. He also had experience with teams BG Karlsruhe (Pro A),BSW Sixers (Pro B), 1 FC Kaiserslauteren (Regionalliga) and DJK Nider-Olm (Regionalliga 2). Despite his age, he has always kept in shape mainly because of his new baby and business Combine Sports which has allowed him to still compete and play the game he cherishes. ‘I am still playing professional. I say that proudly because the journey hasn’t been easy you constantly have to find ways to reinvent yourself because it’s a young man’s sport. Off course you can play at an older age but your glory days are when your in your early to late twenties. The body recovers faster. Younger legs. You have less responsibility in life. The list goes on. The last team I was signed to was DJK Nieder-Olm. Regionaliga-2. Due to COVID 19 we were not able to play a full season. For a numerous amount of reasons I decided that playing at a lower level in Germany would be beneficial for the current phase I am in pertaining to my life’, stated Japhet McNeil.

So let’s fast forward to 2021. At the moment as usual Japhet McNeil who remembers ex NBA players Travis Diener and Darius Washington being his toughest covers in the NCAA is in Germany and has declined to take a trip back home to New York to visit family and friends as he has preferred to get a jump on some opportunities. ‘Basketball is great and has been great to me, I will continue to use basketball as a tool. The possibilities are endless’, warned Japhet McNeil. One of those great new opportunities has been teaming up with Ron Howard to form the Howard Hoops Combine which will run from August 5th to the 9th in Germany. Life has been extremely tough for everyone in the last year and a half with COVID and obviously has affected him in many ways which is very understandable. ‘First and foremost. I’d like to send out my condolences & prayers to the families that experienced losing a loved one / ones due to COVID 19. I Also want to highlight the people who was tested positive and was able to beat COVID 19. I had a few challenges with COVID 19 but the biggest challenge I’d say was not knowing. I’m thousands of miles away from my family & Parents. God forbid if any one of them would have came down with Covid. There’s NO WAY that I could get home and aid them. It was a zoo. Travel bans in full effect, hospitals wouldn’t allow family members to visit patients, you couldn’t even have a proper burial. Really tough time that our world experienced. I’m very happy that we are returning to a sense of Normalcy’, stressed Japhet McNeil. By nature he is a very upbeat human being who is always good for a joke and having a good time, but COVID also has given him time to reflect on serious things and helped him learn new things. ‘Going through this time period that I’ve encountered off the court with Covid made me appreciate the little things that we have in life. For example. Going to a restaurant of your choice, taking trips with family to see family, the option of going to the gym to hoop and most importantly the health of your loved ones. As a man I value those things a lot more and it taught me to never take life for granted’, warned Japhet McNeil.

Before becoming a part of the Howard Hoops Combine, the Queens native who has Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and Lebron James on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore first had to build up Combine Sports something he has done successfully, but with COVID he met many new challenges. ‘Building my own business and brand was always part of my plan. My only problem was always being on the move. I never got the opportunity to sit down and actually map out the direction I wanted to go in because I was always chasing the next basketball contract. When COVID hit that forced me to sit down and really think about what’s next. Life after basketball. I had to find something that I was just as passionate about and for most athletes that’s not an easy task. This COVID period gave me some time that I needed to get my mind right mentally. It allowed me to get my paper work in order so that I can gain Dual Citizenship. American & German Passports, I accomplished that. It also allowed me to spend quality time with my wife and daughters which validated the reason for me playing at a lower level with a less strenuous schedule. The COVID period allowed me to set the blueprint for my business / brand and execute. I began investing in the market. My main goal was to gain in life because it was so much time taken away due to our COVID 19 rough patch’, warned Japhet McNeil. He has built up Combine Sports steadily over the years and continues to build it up. It may not have been the best choice in his life now, but I bet it’s at second place tied with his wife. ‘What we do at Combine Sports is basketball skill development. I wanted to find a way to sculpt our younger generations through basketball. My intent is to introduce and instill the things I’ve learned from the game of basketball to all nationalities, to all people whether your black, blue, yellow, green, white, or orange!! In this world hate and racism still exist, but through competition and sports we become one. I’ve met some of my closest friends from competing on the basketball court and they had different backgrounds, had different beliefs, dressed differently and spoke differently as well. The one thing we had in common was our will to be better basketball players and our will to win. A Universal language!!! I’ve learned so much by being open minded and it made me a better leader, player, trainer, person, father, son, friend, Husband. Hopefully I can spread that amongst the people I encounter with Combine Sports. – The best Choice I could have made at this phase in life is Josie and Jiana Mcneil. My daughters. Everything stems from them. They are the reason why I work smarter & harder’, warned Japhet McNeil. Some guys go into coaching or get normal 9-5 jobs while others just want to remain on the court and help the youth of today get better. ‘I love to develop and train players. I’m very passionate about it. Basketball has been my job ever since I can remember. I got free gear, free trips, through AAU, my tuition paid in full at Christ the King High School b/c of basketball. Awarded a full athletic scholarship for college. A 12 year playing career as a professional athlete overseas. I wanted to find a way to stay in the field without feeling like it’s a job. I’m able to train players that I’ve competed against. Players that are still playing professional. I train JBBL Players as well as NBBL players here in Germany. Last week My bro Tyrone Nash a Notre Dame University standout that also played in the BBL here in Germany called me up and booked some sessions. My BROSKI Jordan Theodore Ex Unics player, just signed to a team in Tokyo plans to come punch the clock with Combine Sports. I’m not big on name dropping because just as I look forward on training those great players, I’m looking forward to training my 8 year old client whose parents sacrifice their time. Drive them to and from the workout. Sit and watch the workout. Doing all of the above after working their 9-5 shift. The real MVP’s! The future for Combine Sports is to become a international household name for developing basketball players. I want to continue to build the brand. Grow my following with the Combine Sports Clothing brand. (Combine-Sport.Com ). I want to help young European basketball athletes attend High Schools and Universities on full athletic scholarships in America using my connections I’ve made throughout my career. I want to have the option of helping basketball athletes from America come play professional in Europe. The options are limitless. My short term goal is to invest in a location that I can build a Combine Sports Basketball lab. That’s the main problem in Germany. Resources. A Gym. A Vertimax machine, the shooting Gun machine, high quality modern training equipment that enables the athlete ETC. Once you own a space with a basketball court. You can set the bar!! Ownership!! That is the short term Goal’, stressed Japhet McNeil.

Networking is something that is done everywhere to help build connections and just help a product grow and with Japhet McNeil and Ron Howard coming together to join forces is a no brainer. Ron Howard is the God Father of helping unknown players and sometimes with no resumes help attain their dream of becoming a professional basketball player. Ron Howard also played professional ball in Europe at the same time as Japhet McNeil. Howard formed Howard Hoops in 2015 and the German basketball community is so small. but why did it take so long to come together? ‘Ron and I go way back. We used to see each other out all the time at events whether it was in Frankfurt or Kaiserslautern on and off the court. We had mutual friends. I respected his basketball mind and his will to help basketball players and he respected mine. We’ve had several conversations on where or what could we bring to the table together. Our main objective is to give back, to help the next person change their surroundings, change their lives through basketball. We came up with the Howard Hoops Combine. Your Right about that. The German basketball community is small. I guess it was more about timing. We are trying to recover from a pandemic. A lot of players lost out on opportunities to play overseas. Seasons for European basketball Clubs were affected by the pandemic tremendously. Sponsorships were cut. That means less money for budget. So many factors played apart. When you look around there’s not to many platforms that allows players to come display their talent and earn a professional contract to play overseas basketball. Not in Europe!!! Coaches in Europe or Club managers receive 25 emails with game film a day from different players and agents. That can be overwhelming for the club and coaching staff. A lot of players become lost in the pile of emails. We want to create and build an atmosphere where players can be seen or talked to directly by European coaches, agents, or club managers. With hopes of signing a contract to start their career or further their careers’, stated Japhet McNeil. It is too bad that they never actually faced off on the court. That would have been a brutal basketball battle. ‘ I heard Ron was a Dawg!! If he attacked his opponents like he does his goals then I have no doubts about his hooping ability!! He’s a lefty. Lefty’s are uncanny, very hard to guard’, said Japhet McNeil. The combination of Howard and Mcneil with their talent of finding players, placing them on pro teams and developing their skills is one of a kind. ‘Our Main Goal is to create a platform that basketball players can use to earn a professional contract to play overseas basketball. Not only Americans. We hope to have all nationalities. The best player for the job. We aim to build relationships with players, agents, agencies, club managers and coaches. To build trust worthy relations that if a player or team is needed we are able to help both parties. When it all boils down to having two individuals with a lot of experience in Europe that’s passionate about the game of basketball. Passionate about helping basketball players change their lives. Both platforms Howard Hoops and Howard Hoops Combine’s general purpose is to use basketball as a tool. Ron Howard has encountered and helped so many basketball players through and through. I have in different ways as well. Now we are Combining our powers as a unit to continue to push the basketball culture forward’, warned Japhet McNeil. The Howard HOOPS Combine will have the biggest roster ever and will play games against each other as well against German regionalliga teams Ibbenburen and Bigger See where German coaches and Gm’s will be in attendance to observe the raw talent.

Even with the Howard Hoops Combine being his biggest issue at the moment, the American is always good for giving his two cents on certain basketball topics and he is never short with his answers. Americans living in the states who never saw Luka Doncic develop in Europe with Real Madrid continue to be slow on giving him the deserved props on his ability. But if you ask American players in Europe who played against him years back and saw him play give him more respect. It isn’t any different with Japhet McNeil. But he doesn’t share the same opinion with me yet that he is currently a top 3 NBA player. ‘I’m Very high on Luka ‘Magic ‘Doncic. But what I’m not big on is giving a player that top 3 tag so easily. The basketball culture known for that. They love the New kid on the block ready and willing to give that top 3 tag away. For other great players they drag them through the mud to get that tag. They have to be Superman in order to get that top 3 tag. They pick and choose swayed by what have you done for me lately, it’s funny how quickly sports fans forget. That goes for the fans and sports analyst. First they love you and then they hate you. Then they Love you again! Thats a Hov Bar – Luka is dead NICE!! But he’s not top 3 yet. Has to learn how to lead. He knows how to win. Won in Europe. Won several awards individually. He has to figure out how in the NBA. Last but not least Luka has to make free throws! He supposed to be shooting 85% and up! He is a great young talent. Slovenia and the NBA will be in great hands’, expressed Japhet McNeil. He also gave his personal opinion about where Chris Paul is in the top point guards of all-time and how team USA will fair at the Olympics. ‘With or W/o a ring I believe Chris Paul ( CP3) is Top 5 PG’s all time. He will be a first ballot hall of famer. It’s only right I go with team USA. I do think it’s a lot of parity in teams. When you look at every roster you see a legit NBA player or two or a Very good European player listed. I won’t be surprised if team USA doesn’t win it all. I can tell you that’, commented Japhet McNeil. You also have to be very careful when asking him about the biggest basketball debate question currently about who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James. I mean how can one seriously omit Kobe Bryant in this discussion? ‘Michael 1 ( A ) Kobe 1 ( B ) LBJ 1 ( C ) – It’s the highlight watching fans and the sports analyst who never played a lick of basketball that don’t have The late GREAT Kobe Bryant In the GOAT discussion. The real students of the game. Current and past NBA players mention Bean in the Greatest of all time discussions!! Real Hoopers know!!! #BlackMamba’, warned Japhet McNeil. Of course, he is no stranger to my last question in interviews ‘what was the last movie that you saw’, but this time, he gave his feedback on the Coming To America sequel and why they should have left it alone. ‘I did see the sequel to Coming to America and I took it for what it was worth. It’s hard to top part one. I think they prolonged the sequel. All the actors in the sequel accomplished and established. As opposed to part one no Hollywood household names. The actors and actresses were trying to be where they’re at financially as actors in the sequel. It’s a DIFFERENT Funny way more Raw’, warned Japhet McNeil. In my book Japhet McNeil could easily moonlight as an actor, but then again if that didn’t work, he could easily be a movie critic.

Philip Jalalpoor (188-G-93, college: UBC, agency: Blacktop Management) is a 28 year old 188cm Iranian guard that is currently playing with Iran at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Japan. He was born in Schifferstadt, Germany and began his basketball career with the BIS Baskets Speyer in 2010. He then played college ball in North America from 2013-2018 starting with Lower Columbia College (JUCO) and then played a season with Olds College (Canada-CCAA). He then finished at the University of British Columbia (Canada-CIS) where he played from 2015-2018 and as a senior averaged 16.6ppg, 5.0rpg, 3.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3FGP: 36.3%, FT: 67.9%. he played his first three professional seasons in Spain, Austria and Germany for teams Bodegas Rioja Vega Logrono (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging 3.4ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.0apg, SKN St. Poelten Basketball (Austria-BSL) averaging (18.6ppg, 6.4rpg, Assists-1 (6.9apg), FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 68.3% and last season played for medi Bayreuth averaging 2.2ppg. He spoke to germanhoops.com after he battled against team USA.

Thanks Phil for talking to germanhoops.com. If someone had told you 2 months ago after the easyCredit BBL season ended that you would be playing at the 2021 summer Olympics what would you have thought?

My pleasure! Well the Iranian Basketball federation had shown interest last summer so I knew I will have the opportunity to fight for a spot in the training camp for the Olympics. And now I am obviously really grateful that it all worked out.

After you found out that you would go to the Summer Olympics how many messages did you get? What was the coolest message that you got from someone that you not necessarily would have thought would come?

I received quite some messages and that meant the world to me since a lot of those people with their continued support are part of the reason, I ended up making it. Probably the coolest messages were from young athletes that have been following my journey and said that this brought a lot of inspiration and hope to them. And that is what it’s all about for me!

Playing at the 2021 Summer Olympics is obviously your biggest experience in your young basketball career. How have you experienced your time there? What has been the most overwhelming thing that you have had to contend with?

It definitely is an unbelievable experience and I am enjoying every second of it. I think just the confirmation that anything really is possible is making these moments even more special. Overall especially the village experience being among and getting to know some of the best athletes in the world has been a lot of fun.

The total Summer Olympics experience would have been different without COVID. What has been your impression with how everything has been run by the organization of the Olympic committee? Have you felt comfortable?

That is true and it would have been a great experience to play in front of fans and getting to see more of Tokyo but understandably keeping everybody safe should be the top priority. I can obviously only speak for myself, but I had a great experience so far and I have everything I need. I am feeling very comfortable and I think the organizers are doing all they can to provide everybody with the best experience possible.

You lost against Team USA 120-66. Were you in total awe? Was it difficult getting in game mode with your emotions playing against the best players in the world?

That was a rough game, but the result is a lot worse than it should have been. I think a lot of players were trying too hard to show that we can compete with the best in the world and therefore we ended up not playing the way we usually do. Also, Team USA had a great game especially from the 3point line and played very aggressive since they had to bounce back after losing to France. Those two factors in combination obviously did not lead to a good result

Team USA offense is based on ball movement that legendary head coach Gregg Popovic lives by. They had problems against France but not against Iran. What was the toughest thing that Iran had to handle on the court?

I think their switch defense ended up being our biggest problem. We did not execute well and rarely took advantage of the resulting mismatches. This allowed them to get stops, get comfortable, and get out running. Also, on defense we did not really force them to play like a team lacking especially second and third rotations which played into their hands by allowing them to play simple offenses.

Team USA have let up many points and don’t defend the way teams do in Europe. What was it like for you standing on the court and showing your abilities against the best players in the world?

Team USA has so many incredible players. Of course, their defense seems to be more based on simply stopping guys 1on1 versus the team defense in Europe. But I would not say that they are a bad defensive team. Especially when Green was out there leading the way, it was extremely difficult to get any open looks. It was obviously a great experience playing against these guys, but I approach every game the same way by trying to make a positive impact at all times.

Which player impressed you the most which you might not have thought before the game? You played 10 minutes getting 4 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists. How happy were you with your own performance? You took 2 shots. Were you pleased with your aggressiveness?

I think they are all great players, but I was too focused on trying to get us back into the game, so I was not able to pay close attention to what player was especially impressive. I honestly was not upset about my performance since I did what the coaching staff wanted me to do. I think we played well in the time I was on the court and that is all I can control. But I still think we could have made this a way more competitive game.

What was your personal favorite play in the game? Maybe one of your 3 assists? What was it like playing against Damian Lillard, Devin Booker and Jrue Holiday? How do you feel were you able to hold your own against these top players?

Yea maybe one of the assists when I was able to get by Holiday and kick it out for a corner 3. That play is still in my mind. Those guys are at a level that everybody is trying to get to in their careers, so it was a good experience to see what they do on the court and to see for myself that I am able to hold my own at that level.

What was it like seeing Draymond Green on the court? Many say he is one of the best defenders ever. How did you experience his defense?

His defense is obviously incredible, but one of the things that stood out the most is how much he communicates. He is constantly talking getting everybody on the same page and picking up his teammates when they need it. Also, we ended up talking after the game and he is a really genuine and nice person.

You have showed your scoring abilities in the CIS and Austria. What exactly is your role on the team?

I am all about winning so I do whatever the coaches/organizations need me to do for them. In those seasons my role was to score the basketball and I was able to showcase my abilities in that regard. Now, I was brought to the national team here to organize the game and to make sure we move the basketball. We have a lot of aggressive players that look to score so I was brought on to complement that style by putting players into good positions and by making sure we execute as a team when we need to.

What kind of a relationship do you have with Behnam Yakhchali? He had a great season in the German Pro A. Are you surprised that a guy like that wasn’t in the easyCredit BBL?

Behnam is a great guy and a really talented player. I think it was difficult to go directly from the Iranian league to the BBL so the season in the Pro A was perfect for him. He was able to adapt and show everybody he deserves to get a chance in the BBL. I am really happy it all worked out for him and I expect him to have a great season.

Is Behnam Yakhchali a player where you enjoy trying to soak up as much from as possible on the court?

It is very easy to play with Behnam because he is an intelligent player that constantly makes the right decision. So, I think the times we are on the court together we play well.

What kind of an experience is it being teammates with legend Hamed Haddadi? What is he like off the court? Does he tell any stories from his NBA time?

Hamed truly is a legend. It has been a lot of fun getting to know him and he is the nicest and most humble guy you will ever meet. Of course, he has a lot of great stories and it was a true honor for me to compete alongside him. This guy can pass the ball like no other big man I have ever seen.

Iran played very well against the Czech Republic. What was your impression of them? They are a very hungry team. Could they upset USA?

The Czech Republic have shown especially through the Olympic qualifying tournament that they are a great team. They play together and obviously have some exceptional players. I think they are capable of anything if they have a good day, but beating the USA is definitely a big challenge.

What has been your coolest experience at the Summer Olympics? Have you met any interesting athletes from other countries?

I think the best thing is just talking to all the athletes. I have met so many fascinating people with incredible stories. How they have put in 20+ years of work into this one big moment and how difficult it was to get here. Just listening and hearing some of those stories is something that I will forever be grateful for.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Sandy Wexler

Thanks Philip for the chat

Cameron Gause is an American basketball player that is a point guard and grew up Tucson, Arizona. He has college experience with New Mexico State and Northern Colorado and professional experience in the ABA. He spoke to germanhoops.com before taking part at the 2021 Howard Hoops Combine.

Cameron thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is life treating you?

Hey Miles glad to talk to you again. I am currently in Los Angeles, California. Life has its ups and downs, and it’s a real grind right now. But God is good and things could always be worst so I try to stay positive and not complain too much.

Your taking part at your second Howard Hoops founded by Ronald Howard (181-PG-84, college: Mayville St.). Only this time it is called the Howard Hoops Combine. How excited are you to come back?

I am definitely very excited to be coming back, I have some un-finished business in regards to this so I’m definitely excited!.

What memories do you have from the Howard Hoops Tour in 2020? What positives did you gain from it?

I wasn’t actually able to make the 2020 trip due to Covid, problems with my passport and the death one of my younger brothers.

What are your goals at the Howard Hoops Combine in 2021 besides finding a job?

My Goals outside of landing a job is to network and build relationships, as well as enjoy Germany once again. Building relationships is very key in life and enjoying the moment is as well.

How tough was Covid-19 for you in the last year? Did you find a professional job?

Since I didn’t make the 2020 trip i stayed here in LA and played Semi Pro in the ABA on the weekends where I averaged 22ppg and have been training 5 days a week.

How do you feel has your game grown in the last year despite COVID-19?

I actually sustained 2 injuries right when covid started, a broken toe and a bone bruise on my other foot. So covid actually helped me rehab and get back to a high level. But I feel like my overall game has improved, with specific detail on my off hand, handle, and defense.

You have played semi-professionally in the ABA, but how much of a void do you believe has the non college experience been for professional teams?

I really didn’t want to play ABA for the risk of getting hurt but was convinced which turned out to be a good idea. But without an agent lobbying for me with the Professional teams, I haven’t had any contact with them so I wouldn’t say it’s a void. But if my college career would have gone as planned, or even if I had touched the floor just a bit. I know I wouldn’t be in this position

You practiced with New Mexico State in the 2016-2017. Despite not playing games what benefits did you get form this experience having the day to day opportunity to be in a competitive basketball environment?

All the guys on the team then except two or three I had been playing with from my previous time at New Mexico State so the main thing that was different was just seeing my improvement over time from my own work. Which really just boosted my confidence and let me know that I belong on the court with those guys. It also kept the dream alive for me, I was able to visualize the goal more clearer.

When head coach Paul Weir left a new coach came in and brought in new players and you were left in the cold. What were you able to soak up best in that year from head coach Paul Weir that you believe helped your game most?

I love coach P Weir, although it didn’t work out all the way how I wanted it to. He really gave me a great opportunity that year to earn a spot, which kept the dream alive. I enjoyed every single day, which really made that the best year in college for me! I remember he sent me this quote ‘ To pursue greatness, is to pursue maybe’ – John Bare. That really stuck with me and fueled my fire.

Let’s talk about your game. If you had to describe it to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would say Quinn Cook,or Tyler Ulis with some flashes of other players.

Talk a bit about the strengths of your game and on what areas are you continuing to work on most in the lab to get better?

Strengths are quickness, ball handling, effort, passing, and I’ll say shooting because I’ve spent a lot of time this past year shooting and working on my shot.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? What are you looking forward to most?

I don’t know anything to be honest. I’m looking forward to testing the work I’ve put in and my confidence level. As well as seeing a different part of the world and experiencing something new.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore. Which 4 heads old or present would you pick?

Kareem, MJ, Bron, Steph Curry. Even though I think Kobe is better than Lebron.
What is your personal opinion of the never ending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

I got go with MJ, maybe Lebron later.

How sad is it that Chris Paul didn’t win the NBA title? Where does his legacy stand now?

Haha to me it’s not that sad, growing up partially in Arizona I just couldn’t imagine the Suns winning this year so I wasn’t shocked. But I think his legacy is still stamped, he will be in the HOF one day and can potentially still win a title so it will be all good for him.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Suicide Squad.Thanks Cameron for the chat.

LaByron Harris (202-F-97, college: Miles) is a 24 year old 202cm forward from Alabama that is seeking the professional career. He played at three schools at Wallace Community College Selma (JUCO) playing a total of 49 games averaging 2.4ppg, 1.2rpg and in his second season averaged 10.3ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.0apg, 3.9bpg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 64.9%. He then played a season at Blue Mountain College (NAIA) playing 24 games averaging 7.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.4bpg, FGP: 49.6%, FT: 63.3%. In his senior year he moved to Miles College (NCAA2) playing: 29 games averaging 6.4ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 22.9%, FT: 64.1%. He will be taking part at the Howard Hoops Combine in Germany in August 2021 and spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

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

I’m in Birmingham, AL right now & basketball life is great, I’m not where I want to be but I continue to workout everyday!

You finished school in 2019. How have you been keeping busy the last two years outside of basketball? Did you get a 9-5 job to help pay the bills?

Well I actually stopped going to school during the spring semester of 2020 in January, that was due to personal reasons. I had a lot to take care of dealing with my family at the time. I want to go back to school but I want to do it online because going on campus won’t work with my life now. As far as outside of basketball activities, I have my beautiful 3 year old daughter that I take care of & I had a job but I quit for a couple of reasons. Day Care was down because of Covid so I chose to stop working so I could have my little girl throughout the week so her mom could work, also I wanted to pursue basketball full time which is what I’ve been doing. I also did door dash when I had my car & that brought in a lot of money for me to take care of what I needed. Also door dash enabled me to bring in money while I had my little girl with me because you’re in the car delivering food the whole time.

Were you able to use your college degree to get into the job field that you wanted?
I have not graduated yet. I have my brick masonry certification from JUCO but that’s it so far. I made the deans list in college but like I said previously I had a lot of personal things going on at the time that hindered my schooling but all that is fixed now & I’m in a much better place now.

How big has your urge been to be a professional player since leaving Miles College (NCAA2)?. Obviously it isn’t easy to turn pro from a NCAA 2 school but it can be done. Why do you believe hasn’t your dream of being a professional player panned out?

My urge to play professionally is extremely high, I’m a student of the game & I love basketball in general. If I’m not playing it then I’m watching it. My dream hasn’t panned out yet because being in Division 2 ball with not great stats is not helpful. It’s like that because our coach emphasized team ball so we had multiple players that could go get you 20 points but we didn’t play that way, we really executed the system & also trying to make it professionally without an agent is also another reason. I’ve literally had to ask players that I know who are already overseas or people that played in the past just trying to see what I need to do because obviously this is my first time in this process so it’s been a struggle but I’ve found beauty in it & that’s why I keep going no matter what.

Let’s talk a little about COPVID-19. What were the biggest challenges for you during this time? Was it tougher keeping that normal work out routine?

Personally I didn’t really have challenges during Covid besides basketball because I’m a simple guy. I don’t really go anywhere, I like to stay inside & chill. I’m not really with all the outside activities. I like to have fun but I’m just a chill person. For basketball it was definitely hard because all the gyms closed & they even took down the goals on the outside rims so it was hard to get shots in but I worked out as hard as I could at home with in home workouts. It got better towards the middle of Covid because private sessions started being held. So that helped a lot.

With everything that you have experienced during COVID-19 off the court how do you feel did it make you stronger as a man?

Well I can say that it helped me find myself & get more in tune with myself mentally because we couldn’t go anywhere even though I really don’t go anywhere anyway. But that’s about it, I didn’t really have a hard time staying still during Covid.

You will be taking part at the Howard Hoops Combine in Germany in August. How excited are you to show your abilities in front of GM’s and coaches?

Oh man I’m extremely excited to show what I can do. The main reason is because I know my senior stats aren’t eye popping because of our system play so I’ll be able to show them what I can do for the eye test because I know how important the eye test is. Also, I honestly feel I belong so I’m ready to prove it to myself & the GM’s

How excited are you to be playing in Germany? What do you know about the country and it’s basketball? Have you had friends or ex opponents or teammates play there?

I can’t even put into words how excited I am to play in Germany! It is really a dream to even get a chance. I know it’s a good place to start your overseas career. As far as the country, I don’t really know too much honestly but I’m a quick learner & I’m ready to learn the culture & everything dealing with Germany! No I do not know anybody who played in Germany specifically.

How did you get in contact with CEO and founder Ron Howard? Did he find you or did you find him?

I found him! I saw a flyer & immediately contacted him through email & filled out the application for the combine. Also we connected on Instagram.

Ron Howard is a legend. He is the voice for the unknown players wanting to get a job overseas. What kind of relationship do you have with him and what do you appreciate most about his character.

I’ve had a few conversations with Coach Ron but mostly about what I need to do for the combine, I haven’t really just had a heart to heart with him yet but from what I’ve observed, he’s really helpful & he truly wants to see people like me succeed. He’s also really genuine & reliable!

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 202cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

If I had to honestly compare myself to an NBA player is would probably be offensively kind of like Jeff Green because I can spot up shoot, I can cut backdoor & I can pick & pop or roll or Brandon Ingram because also I can create off the dribble if need be & I can also get into the lane & finish effectively! Defensively I’m probably like Ben Simmons because I can guard 1-5 on the court & I make it tough to score with my length & defensive instincts.

You can score and rebound, but what really stands out is your shot blocking abilities. Is defense your biggest strength?

Yes my defense is my biggest strength because of my defensive versatility. My blocks are not just me standing in the paint, I come from the wing to block a shot also I’ll chase a block down. I also get blocks on ball when a player tries to shoot on me because of my length & if I don’t block your shot I have good shot contest skills to really make a shot difficult for my opponent.

Would you be comfortable to say that you are a type of defensive stopper?

I wouldn’t say defensive stopper but I can definitely slow a player down & give him a rough night because it won’t be easy to score in bunches on me.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most so you can continue to grow as a player?

My midrange game as far as pull ups & my ball handling to get it more secure. Also just continuing to get shots up.

You played at 3 schools and moved up the ladder each year going form JUCO to NAIA to NCAA 2. How big is your chip on your shoulder? It must be bursting?

The chip on my shoulder is huge! Everywhere I played I put the work in to play. I was also a very vital piece on every team I played on. I had to really spend a lot of nights in the gym because I started playing basketball late so I actually didn’t have a scholarship coming out of high school only playing 2 years of it, so to think I’m at this point now really humbles me & makes me grateful all the time.

You began at Wallace Community College Selma (JUCO) and made a massive jump from freshman year to sophomore year averaging 2.4ppg, 1.2rpg to averaging 10.3ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.0apg, 3.9bpg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 64.9%. Every guy I speak to say JUCO was hard, but an experience they wouldn’t trade anything for you. How vital were these two years in your development?

Oh man like I said previously only playing 2 years in high school, those 2 years in JUCO was basically like my other high school years. JUCO is where I truly came into myself & my style of play. We had a dribble drive offense so I shot a lot of shots & had to create off the dribble a lot. That really elevated my game playing in that style of play. JUCO made me the player I am today so I am very grateful for that experience. Also my coach really believed in me & that helped me produce the way I did.

How vital was head coach Duane Evans in your development in those two years? How do you feel did he help your game most?

Coach Evans was very vital in my development because for one he actually cared & that meant a lot to me. He really trusted me with the ball & helped me develop as a perimeter player which caused a lot of mismatches because I’m dribbling & shooting at 6’7, which is crazy for JUCO ball especially when I’d come back down on the other end & check the same person I just scored on whether it was a 6’0 guard or 6’8 big. He really wanted me to shoot & that’s what I did because we got up a lot of shots up on the shooting machine so I trusted the preparation

You then played a season at Blue Mountain College (NAIA) averaging 7.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.4bpg, FGP: 49.6%, FT: 63.3%. What do you remember from this year and what positives could you take form it?

That Blue Mountain year was only so rough because of outside issues for me personally. I had just found out my daughter was on the way along with many other things. The school is great & I like what they’re doing but our team as a whole was never on the same page, we had a brand new team, all transfers mostly & we went through 3 coaches so it was rough but some positives I can take from that year is that we beat a few ranked teams as bad as we played & I also got bigger while I was at Blue Mountain. As a player I definitely took a step back though & that’s on me!

You then finished at Miles College (NCAA2) averaging 6.4ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 22.9%, FT: 64.1%. You helped win the SIAC tournament. Was this your most enjoyable time in your basketball career?

Miles College was definitely the highlight of my college career. Everything I went through previously prepared me for Miles & it was definitely a blessing in disguise. The stats don’t even do it justice how good we played that year as a team. I didn’t shoot much at Miles. I mostly attacked the rim & had to help my guys on defense & we were able to have the top defense in the nation which is major! We were a big team also. We won the Western Division, & also won the SIAC Championship which both were the first time in our school’s history! My contributions to the championship run secured the MVP for me! That definitely topped of my college career & I went out with a bang because that was my senior year! Also we played the playoffs & championship at the crossplex arena which is in Birmingham, AL which is where I’m from so that really meant a lot to me personally playing in front of my hometown!

Who won a one on one in practice you or Rashawn Champan?


Rashawn & I only played a couple of times but I got the best of him because of my shooting, he’s a really good, long defender like me so it was a battle.

How did head coach Fred Watson help give you that last push in your game?

Coach Watson really helped me more so mentally than physically. He didn’t want me to let opponents off the hook because I played passive, he wanted me to be more aggressive & use my skills to create mismatches because I’m quicker than bigs & bigger than guards so that was his biggest thing with me just being more aggressive & being in attack mode more instead of being passive because he knew what I could do on the court.

Who was the best player that you ever battled that went to the NBA?

I’ve never played against a guy in college & then he went to the NBA. Most of them have went overseas though so I would have to say probably the lead guard for Kentucky State during our year, I can’t remember his name but he is a bucket & he can score with the best of them! I’ve played against NBA players but not like in college & then watched them go the league

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Well I actually love all of my teammates from all three schools first off. But if I really had to narrow it down to just 5 wow, I’d have to say Gene Davis, Damien Archer, Jaylon Bardley, Rashawn Chapman, & Jelani Watson-Gayle. That was tough because I love all my teammates but I thinks that’s my best 5.

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

I’d have to say LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, & Magic Johnson. That’s my personal Mt. Rushmore.

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

Haha well my favorite player of all time is LeBron but in my personal opinion I don’t mind if people say MJ is the goat because I only feel like 3 people could be the goat. Either LeBron, MJ, or Kareem. If you say either one of them is the goat I won’t argue but me personally my absolute favorite player is LeBron but I’d put MJ number 1 & LeBron 2 reluctantly

What was the last movie that you saw?

War for the Planet of the Apes

Thanks Labyron for the chat.

                It has been more than two months since the Fraport Skyliners ended the season in fine fashion beating Wurzburg and Hamburg in their last two games despite not reaching the easyCredit BBL playoffs. A few days later Quantez Robertson was on his way home back to the United States. Over the years he has been making the trip back over the pond flying from Frankfurt and depending how beneficial the ticket price was flew over Dallas, Atlanta or even Charlotte to Huntsville, Alabama. He had a lot to contemplate about on his long flight home in May 2021. “I thought that we played hard and fought each game. I feel like we were only a few games short of making the playoffs. A few mishaps got in the way”, stressed Quantez Robertson. It is the dog days of summer as I reached Quantez Robertson on a Saturday afternoon on the first day of the Summer Olympics. The ex Auburn(NCAA) stand out was in good spirits and why shouldn´t he be when he can be with his family, but as is always is the case in the deep south, finding that cool spot outside is a massive reach. “It´s been a very hot summer. We have had 100 degree days. I´m glad that we have great air conditioning in the house”, laughed Quantez Robertson. Even if it was a very scorching hot summer, he didn´t sit around lazy, but kept very busy. He obviously stayed very occupied concerning the game he loves. He will be turning 37 in December and has to battle guys 10 years younger and more on a regular basis. Even at his age, he is still very focused on perfecting his game. He got up in the morning at headed to the gym at 10:30 or 11:00 and then did two hours of basketball work. He then went home relaxed and would go to his kid´s sports games or play with them around the house. He didn´t hit the weight room, because he didn´t want to put on added muscle weight. He also stayed active with his conditioning running on the track and running on the treadmill. The biggest highlight for him this summer was being able to spend a lot of time with his family. Even if it only a phone call, you know his eyes were lighting up when talking about his kids. “My eight year old daughter plays soft ball and my five year old son baseball. He is also playing flag football. I went to a lot of their practices and games. They couldn´t play basketball because of Corona, but they will in the future. It has been a pretty full summer for me”, stated Quantez Robertson. But the family also were able to check out a famous amusement park that the Brady Bunch helped make famous in the early 70´s. “We went to Cincinnati and visited some amusement parks with some friends and their kids. We went to Kings Island and had a blast”, commented Quantez Robertson.

                As rapidly as he got home in mid May, just as quickly he will have to head back to Germany in a few weeks to start his 13^th professional season with the Fraport Skyliners. As usual at this time of the year, clubs seek out new players for the upcoming season and it wasn´t any different with the Fraport Skyliners. They first got a new coach with Diego Ocampo a Spanish instructor that is looking to follow in the foot steps of Aito and Pedro Calles in the easyCredit BBL. Robertson is really excited to play for a Spanish coach, but is still guessing about what type of style we will see from the team. “I´m not too familiar with the new coach yet. But I feel like we will be one of the youngest teams so I can imagine us being a fast paced team”, said Quantez Robertson. Tez also has been observing the new player transactions from a far and took the news very neutrally and wasn´t surprised that the club didn´t get any experienced BBL players. “I think that it really has to do what the coach prefers. New guys are always coming each season and guys work out”, stated Quantez Robertson. The moves that the Fraport Skyliners have made have been surprising in a way, but in a way also weren´t. In terms of the imports they have added three guys with Donovan Donaldson who has that special chip on his shoulder having played NCAA 2 chip ball and has put up huge stats in lower leagues as a pro, Dutch rookie Matt Haarms who is a 221cm giant who played at Brigham Young and has a lot of potential and another big man named Brooks DeBischhop who put up solid stats in Belarus last season. Robertson who kind of was a player that was off everyone´s radar in 2009 except Murat Didin knows what it is like to come to an organization not being a household name. “I can remember my first few years that we had guys that weren´t known. Guys like Ramon Galloway and Jared Dubois were guys like that. But they showed that they could do good things. I am very confident that our team will do good things this season”, warned Quantez Robertson. He also will have to get used to not seeing former teammate Marco Voeller on the court, but see him watching the guys play from his office window in the BCM. But calling the new Sport manager boss may be a step too steep for Tez. “His new job in a way is funny and also kind of weird. It will take some getting used to seeing him in the front office and not on the court. My favorite memory of him was in Vechta when he hit a turn around shot to give us the lead a few years ago. It was just something you didn´t expect from him”, said Quantez Robertson.

                If your going to shoot the breeze with Quantez Robertson during the dog days of summer, you obviously have to include basketball and what better topics then the Olympics and 2021 NBA finals. Team USA stunk up pre season losing to Nigeria and Team Australia and did it again in their first Olympic game in Japan against France. The pre season loses shocked Quantez Robertson immensely. “They shouldn´t have lost those games to Nigeria and Australia. They don´t have much time to get ready. The lacking chemistry and overall physicality of the game in Europe will hurt them. Even the American TV commentators said that the game is a lot more physical in Europe. Team USA just don’t have many bigs”, stressed Quantez Robertson. Obviously the physicality of the other nations could give Team USA problems, but the American knows exactly where their strength lies. “Team USA´s perimeter defense and great outside shooting will help them. The additions of Booker, Holiday and Middleton will be important. They have so many scorers. They just have to somehow play strong under the basket”, stressed Quantez Robertson. Despite the early loss to France where Evan Fornier put on a show with 28 points, there is no doubt for Tez who will win the Gold. “Team USA will win the Gold. I have a lot of confidence in the guys”, warned Quantez Robertson. He also has team Germany on his radar as many of his ex teammates and opponents from the easyCredit BBL are battling in Japan. “I think Australia will advance and it will be between Germany and Italy for that second spot. Nigeria is good, but even with so many NBA players, many don´t play solid minutes there”, added Quantez Robertson. Robertson who had many play ground duels in Cincinnati with ex Phoenix Hagen guard Mark Dorris obviously also followed the NBA finals between the Suns and Bucks. The Bucks win surprised him. “I thought the Suns would win, because they looked better at one point. The difference was Jru Holiday. He stepped up his scoring in the last games when Chris Paul had some bad games”, said Quantez Robertson. Even if Chris Paul still hasn´t won a NBA ring, the guy simply has too much respect form the basketball community to be classified as a chocker. “He isn´t that at all. Things just didn´t fall in place for him. He had some great games. He just wasn´t good enough to get over the hump”, expressed Quantez Robertson. Paul still has the skills despite being 36 to play some more years. Wouldn´t it make sense to go to the Lakers? “Yes it would. He is good friends with Lebron, but I don´t know if it could happen”, said Quantez Robertson. The dog days of summer are winding down for Quantez Robertson as in a few weeks, he will be expected in Frankfurt for the new season. Now he can enjoy the Olympics and his kids and know that he has one up on Chris Paul. Even if Tez never reached the NBA despite having the defensive skills to teach many guys one thing or two there, he has that one chip having won the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup title and nobody can ever take that away from him.

Arcaim Lallemand (198-F-96) is a 24 year old 198cm forward from Naples, Florida. He will be taking part at the 2021 Howard Hoops Combine in Germany in August. He began his basketball career at Golden Gate High School. He then played at Eastern New Mexico University (NCAA2) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 92 games. He best year was his junior year where he averaged 7.6ppg, 5.6rpg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 66.7%, FT: 73.3%. As a senior he averaged 5.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 11.1%, FT: 75.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

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

Hello Miles, Thank you for having me. I am currently in south Florida and basketball has been slower than I am used to but always been good to me.

You finished school in 2019 and had professional experience in Mexico. Have you had anormal day job or have you focused 100% on basketball and having a professional career?

Well, I am 100% percent focused on having a professional career. But I have been working with Special Olympics Florida and while working towards more schooling I took on a job doing Cabinetry.

How big has your urge been to be a professional player since leaving school? You have professional experience in Mexico. Why do you believe has it been so difficult to find job opportunities as a professional basketball player?

I think I am as anxious as one can be to be back in a professional setting. I believe that Mexico sometimes does not get the respect it deserves as far as basketball goes internationally, although there is a lot of talent there. So that added to the fact that I replaced a player midseason. It is humbling but understandable how a club could hesitate.

Let’s talk a little about COPVID-19. What were the biggest challenges for you during this time? Was it tougher keeping that normal workout routine?

I think COVID was tough on all of us. I completely was taken out of my daily routine and had to adjust. Not only were gyms closed but park rims were removed and gates onto courts were locked. I had to get creative with my workouts in my yard and just keep in mind what I was working towards.

With everything that you have experienced during COVID-19 off the court how do you feel did it make you stronger as a man?

I think during that time I was able to learn a lot and work on mental toughness. I found new hobbies and ways to challenge myself which I think will help in the long run.

You will be taking part at the Howard Hoops Combine in Germany in August. How excited are you to show your abilities in front of GM’s and coaches?

Extremely excited. I truly love to play basketball so just this opportunity is crazy but to I know I will be surrounded by some of the biggest basketball clubs and names in international hoops is a blessing.

How excited are you to be playing in Germany? What do you know about the country and it’s basketball? Have you had friends or ex opponents, or teammates play there?

I have been doing some research on Frankfurt’s Art and culture so I am excited to see some of that, but I loved what I’ve learned so far about German culture and can’t wait to experience it. Two good friends and teammates of mine Chukuka Emili and Andre Hughes

What has it been like for you coming in contact with Howard Hoops Combine CEO Ron Howard?. How blessed are you to know this gentleman

He is an Awesome guy who has a lot of knowledge and big heart. I am super appreciative of him and what he is helping me accomplish. We have kept in touch regularly since first connecting. This will be my first time meeting him in person which makes this more special.

Let’s talk about your game. You are a 198cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

That would be tough because I am not sure if there is a player built like me. Respectfully. Players I model my game after Rudy Gay, DeMar DeRozan and Paul George.

Talk a little about your game. Your athletic and can play above the rim and guard multiple positions. What other strengths does your game incorporate?

Well, I can shoot the ball pretty well and I have fun passing the ball. I think a big assist can get a team going just as much as a dunk or a three sometimes.

How much pride do you take on the defensive end? Do you feel like you could be that lock down defender at the professional level?

I think I give problems on the defensive problems for any matchup. Setting the tone defensively is very important I feel like everyone can score but not everyone wants to sit in a stance.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most so you can continue to grow as a player?

I have been working on picking my spots and making reads to make those openings possible. I think a big thing at the professional is knowing what shots you can get are not always the shots you want.

You played at Eastern New Mexico University (NCAA2) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 92 games. Talk about your time there and what was your fondest experience? As a junior you had a huge game against Cameron with 20/11 stats in a 70-67 win. Was this one of your best games at the NCAA 2 level?

I think It was my favorite game just to come in and steal a conference game. Not to mention I gave trouble on both sides of the floor.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Chukuka Emili?

Well, me of course! Kidding, but it would usually come down to heat up from three first, Chu was another High IQ athlete/ defender so we would not let each other get to any of our spots.

You also have had professional experience in Mexico. What kind of experience was that getting your feet wet at the pro level?

I would say it was interesting to say the least. I had great teammates and a coach who believed in me a ton and was able to go against great talent and prove I belong.

Who was the best player that you ever battled that went to the NBA?

John Collins was a strong talent even when I faced him in AAU. He has had all his game and the only difference is he was a lot heavier.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time.

Jonathan Isaac Jeffercy Jean Chris Wyms Lawrence Domingo Chukuka Emili

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

Lebron, Magic Johnson ,Jordan, Bird, Julius Irving

What is your personal opinion of the never-ending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

I think it is two players that are great beyond their times. I think they both dominated their era’s no matter which one you put them in. I believe if Lebron gets one ring he might be the ‘GOAT.’

What was the last movie that you saw?

Fast and Furious 9! Great movie, love the actions and the driving scenes. It could not me driving like that though!

Thanks Arcaim for the chat.

Michael Hudson (SG) is a 173cm guard that has professional experience having played for TC Elite the last four years winning a title and 2 slam dunk contests. He played college ball at Fond Du Lac. He will take part at the 2021 Howard Hoops Combine in Germany. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Michael thanks for talking to germanhoopscom. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment?

Hello Thanks for interviewing me. I’m currently in Minneapolis Minnesota and the basketball life is treating me pretty well here , there is a lot of good Hoop sessions around the city , good competition, I love the challenge

You haven’t found a professional team since finishing at the University of North Georgia (NCAA2). How was the whole process for you in the last year trying to find a club or did you postpone it because of the difficulties with COVID?

Yes I have been playing Semi Pro basketball for the past 4 years with TC ELITE in 2018 we were the champions of the Midwest Basketball League ! The whole process In the Last year was pretty tough because of COVID so I postponed it. Last June I decided to move to Miami in the beginning of COVID , just training and staying in shape , and also giving back to the game of basketball I was helping train kids with this business called M.T athletics !

How big has your urge been to be a professional player since leaving school? Why do you believe hasn’t your dream of being a professional player panned out?

My urge was very high to be a professional basketball player since I left fond du lac college , Which is about 2 1/2 hours from Minneapolis that was always a dream come true but it was difficult because I wasn’t a TOP 100 ESPN player and I also didn’t go to a big university to get the exposure, but I believed I had the hard work and dedication and talent to compete at a high level of basketball .

Let’s talk a little about COPVID-19. What were the biggest challenges for you during this time? Was it tougher keeping that normal work out routine?

My biggest challenges for me during COVID-19 was finding a gym to workout in that a lot of the gyms were closed. Also being in the gym when I did get the chance to play I went to visit my parents and family and I had to be real cautious of who I was around because I have 2 younger brothers and 1 young sister and 1 niece , I didn’t want to get them sick by any means ! It was pretty tough keeping a normal routine in Minnesota as a lot of gyms were closed until I moved to Miami ! A couple of my college friends had some places to workout at so my routine started to be daily instead of only 1 or 2 days out the week .

You will be taking part at the Howard Hoops Combine in Germany in August. How excited are you to show your abilities in front of GM’s and coaches?

Yes I will be taking part in the Howard Hoops Combine in Germany I’m very excited it’s like a dream come true unfolding right before my eyes , I am thankful to be blessed to showcase my talent in front of the GM’S and Coaches because I’m a hard working individual who puts everything out on the floor , to be part of this is. It is a blessings and I just want to take full advantage of my opportunity to show my abilities and hopefully signing my first pro overseas contract !

How did you get in contact with CEO and founder Ronald Howard (181-PG-84, college: Mayville St.)? Did he find you or did you find him?

I got into contact with Coach Ron through a teammate of mine growing up he has been training with coach Ron and introduced me to him . I was living in Miami at the time when I got introduced to Ron , his business partner trains players out in Florida so I was excited to get some professional work in from a great trainer !

Ronald Howard is a legend. He is the voice for the unknown players wanting to get a job overseas. What kind of relationship do you have with him and what do you appreciate most about his character.

The relationship I have with Coach Ron is very Close I would call it. He is very outgoing and I love what he is doing for the game of basketball and also the private trainings sessions he has are really good that will get you prepared mentally and physically to play at the next level. I was never afraid to open up and talk to coach Ron about anything basketball related or not he was there to help every step of the way. I just want to say thanks to coach Ron again for giving me this chance to change my life forever !

What is your biggest goal at the Howard Hoops Combine besides getting a job overseas?

My biggest goal at the combine will be all the knowledge that I will have endured from the coaches , trainers also GM’s just the overall experience of being able to showcase my God giving talent is a blessing to me ! I’m ready to work hard and make new memories and create relationships with my peers !

How big is the chip on your shoulder? You have played at the NAIA level, but surely believe you can play at a higher level. How do you balance that chip on your shoulder?

The chip is really big on my shoulders I have played semi pro basketball for about 4 years now but I know I have what it takes to play at a high level professionally, this is a quote that I live by ‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,’ I feel I’m not the best player in the world but my hard work and dedication and drive to get better everyday is at a ALL TIME HIGH and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to sign a contract overseas !

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 173 cm guard that is a sharp shooter, can facilitate and gets the team going. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I’m a combo Guard that lives above the rim I would compare my game too Paul George and also Lou Williams !

What other strengths do you have on the offensive end? What would you classify as your absolute biggest strength on the court?

My other strengths on the offensive end would be my elite athleticism, scoring ability, solid ball handler, above average defender! My biggest strength on the court is my scoring ability and getting to the basket to get my team open !

On what area’s of your game are you working on most so you can continue to grow as a player?

The areas I’m working on most is gaining more body strength and being more explosive , working on my combo moves and also improving my IQ and defensive skills as well !

You are known as being a very good dunker and have won some titles. Talk a little about those memories.

Yes I’m a 2x dunk Slam dunk champion with TC ELITE both scenarios was very exciting and fun for me. It was some great opponents from all over the Midwest , but I came out on Top back to back years ! My favorite dunk Idol is Paul George and Derrick Jones Jr , they are both high flyers !

You’re a high flyer. What is your most memorable play as a player?

My most memorable play is when I got an alley oop from half court my freshman year in college against Mesabi Range , the Stands was filled with fans from both teams , it was a Tie game 88-88 , I was coming down the left side of the court when Kevin Gutter threw up the ball from half court and I went up to get it and dunked it. The atmosphere of the game just change drastically and we went on a 12-4 run to close the game out ! That was my legit ever first dunk in a game !

Who was the best player that you ever battled that went to the NBA?

The best player I have ever battled that went to the NBA is Rashad Vaughn , he got drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2015 ! Also is Zach Lofton who got drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 2018 ! Those 2 players are high NBA caliber players and it was a great challenge for me I learned a lot from both players !

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

My best 5 Team mates of all time are Freddie Young Clement Gibson Landon Kirkwood Rodney Owens Martavian Payne

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

Magic Johnson Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant R.I.P Mamba Lebron James Shaq !

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

My personal opinion on who the greatest of all time would have to be Michael Jordan because that’s who I grew up watching play the game of basketball , also I believe it’s 2 different ERA’s when Jordan was playing than Lebron is playing , Jordan is the goat of his Era and Lebron is the goat of his Era , this is a never ending debate we can talk about this all day !

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Last movie I saw was Space Jam 2 which is a great movie by the way. It was a great message for the kids !

Thanks Michael for the chat.

Chris Buckley (183-PG) is a 183cm guard that will play at the Howard Hoops Combine in Germany. He hails from Minnesota and is seeking his first ever professional contract. He played at three schools at Waubonsee Community College (JUCO) averaging 11.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 60.9%, east Georgia State College and at Central Lakes College (JUCO) averaging 21.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 79.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

Right now I’m in a great space I just welcomed my first son into the world. Life has been great for me and I feel that I’m at the best I’ve ever been when it comes to basketball.

You finished school in 2019. Have you found any professional experience or semi-professional experience in the last years?

No, just some pro Am stuff in the city really just staying consistent with my body and working out.

How big has your urge been to be a professional player since leaving school? Why do you believe hasn’t your dream of being a professional player panned out?

Greater than its ever been because I had such a great season at Central Lakes and even had interest from the University of Arkansas. Only thing was my clock had ran out to play NCAA which means I couldn’t join the team unless I appealed.

Do you have a chip on your shoulder? You only played at the JUCO level, but showed there that you can dominate. You must feel like you can compete at a higher level?

I have always played with a chip on my shoulder coming from were I come from it was instilled in me. I know I can play at a higher level and I just want to show people what I can do.

Let’s talk a little about COPVID-19. What were the biggest challenges for you during this time? Was it tougher keeping that normal work out routine?

The biggest challenges during Covid was not being able to workout consistently and yes it was very tough to keep the same routine but I learned to improvise and just workout from home.

With everything that you have experienced during COVID-19 off the court how do you feel did it make you stronger as a man?

I think I’ve grown mentally because I had a chance to regroup and expand my mind and read a little bit more and focus on what’s important to me.

You will be taking part at the Howard Hoops Combine in Germany in August. How excited are you to show your abilities in front of GM’s and coaches?

This is and experience of a lifetime not too many people get this opportunity to go showcase their skills in another country. I’m very excited looking take full advantage.

How excited are you to be playing in Germany? What do you know about the country and it’s basketball? Have you had friends or ex opponents or teammates play there?

Excited isn’t a word but I’m not too familiar with Germany’s basketball but I’ve been watching the Olympics and they looked pretty good. I know Quintin Hooker he’s a Minnesota guy and he’s been putting on ever since he left North Dakota.

How did you get in contact with CEO and founder Ron Howard? Did he find you or did you find him? I can imagine you met him in Minnesota where he trains players.

A trainer from lifetime put me in contact with Ron and he wanted to see me hoop in person. He invited me to a private run and it was a go from there.

Ron Howard is a legend. He is the voice for the unknown players wanting to get a job overseas. What kind of relationship do you have with him and what do you appreciate most about his character.

I look at Ron like a big brother. He can relate to the young guys and he’s played in Germany so he can give guys insight on what it takes to be a pro so I have much respect for Ron and giving me this opportunity he’s a stand up guy. He’s not just one of those people who talks he can show you.

What is your biggest goal at the Howard Hoops Combine besides getting a job overseas?

Just to show coaches and Gm’s that I can compete on any level and to get more exposure.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 183cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I would say Kyrie Irving and Damion Lillard.

You’re a player that can fill the stat sheet with ease. Is versatility one of your biggest strengths on the court?

Of course, I always wanted to be a well rounded player I wanted coaches to look at me and think he can do it all we need a player like that.

You also have a developing three pointer. How has the development of your three pointer continued since leaving school?

It’s the best it’s ever been and my range has increased being a shorter player you need to have a consistent shot in today’s game.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most so you can continue to grow as a player?

I think IQ. I want to out think my opponents and give my teammates better looks. I’ve always been a scorer that comes natural but I want to have less turnovers and be reliable in all aspects of the game.

You played at Waubonsee Community College (JUCO) in 2015-2016 averaging11.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 60.9%. What memories do you have from your first JUCO year?

I was a young buck trying to find my way in the world. I had so much to prove as a freshman I wasn’t developed I had a lot to learn but I showed ready to work hard each day.

Did you continue to play there or play elsewhere before going to Central Lakes College (JUCO)?

No I left and went to East Georgia State College.

Every JUCO player that I have interviewed all have said that JUCO was hard, but an experience that they would never have traded for the world. Was it the same with you?

Yes I needed to learn discipline and to buckle down. I learned how to block out all the noise and lock in. I stayed in the gym and weight room every day and it paid off I feel like if I stay consistent with that formula I can’t lose in life.

You finished at Central Lakes College (JUCO) playing 31 games averaging 21.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 79.7%. You made a massive jump in your game there. How do you feel did your game grow in your last season there?

I became a leader that I always knew I could be that reliable player that you can count on. I challenged my teammates in practice and made them better as well. Even off the court I wanted to have the best grades so I had grown from a young boy to a MAN.

You reached the NJCAA D3 Final Four there. What memories do you have from that amazing run?

The was one of the best memories because we had talked about that the whole year and I wasn’t going to let anything stop that. Durning the national tournament I had an injury in my foot and I still went out there and gave it my all but it was all worth it to see my guys right there with me enjoying the moment.

How did head coach Jum Russell groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He believed in me and shaped me into a man. He allowed me to be myself and let me lead.We developed a great relationship and he showed me how to be that coach out on the floor when some of the guys aren’t responding well I was that other coach who could get them going or relay the message.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Josh Arnold?

Guys know in practice I’m playing like a game I wasn’t letting anyone beat me.

Who was the best player that you ever battled that went to the NBA?

I played against Chris Duarte in an All star Game for Juco. He was a smooth 6’5 guard who could do it all. He was tough for sure but I knew that I could hoop with the best of them.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tyreeon Johnson, Malik Hill, Al Jearue Ray, Dakota Fleming, Josh Arnold

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

Mj, Kobe, Lebron, Shaq, KD

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

No Debate, Jordans The Greatest of ALL Time ask Lebron

What was the last movie that you saw?

Fast 9

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Gorg Alhag (190-SG-97, college: Mayville St.) is a 23 year old 190cm guard from Mankato, Minnesota that is taking part at the 2021 Howard Hoops Combine in Germany. He began his college career at North Dakota State College of Science (JUCO) averaging 3.0ppg, 1.5rpg. He then played a year at Rochester Community & Technical College (JUCO) averaging 12.5ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 67.9%. He tehn finished at Mayville State University (NAIA) averaging 13.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 82.2%
as a junior and as a senior averaged 13.7ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 72.9%. He won two North Star tournaments at Mayville State University. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment?

Hi Miles, I am currently in Minnesota. Basketball life is treating me well. I’ve been able to get in and get my work in so that’s always a positive.

You finished school in 2019 and had a little professional experience with Team Auckland (Eurobasket Summer League in Chicago). Have you had a normal day job or have you focused 100% on basketball and having a professional career?

I currently have a job as a direct support staff with hours based around my workout schedule.

How big has your urge been to be a professional player since leaving school? You have professional experience. Why do you believe has it been so difficult to find job opportunities as a professional basketball player?

The urge has been huge. It has always been a dream of mine and I hope to achieve it. I believe it’s been tough because of covid, restrictions, and guys not being able to travel.

Let’s talk a little about COVID-19. What were the biggest challenges for you during this time? Was it tougher keeping that normal work out routine?

The biggest challenge would be not being able to get in everyday and get shots. During covid it was definitely tougher to get that workout routine in just because so many gyms were closed.

With everything that you have experienced during COVID-19 off the court how do you feel did it make you stronger as a man?

I learned to be more patient and trust the process of what I am trying to achieve.

You will be taking part at the Howard Hoops Combine in Germany in August. How excited are you to show your abilities in front of GM’s and coaches?

I am very excited. I have been waiting for this even since September so it has been a while, but I feel like I am as ready as ever now.

How excited are you to be playing in Germany? What do you know about the country and it’s basketball? Have you had friends or ex opponents or teammates play there?

I don’t know much about the country but I do know a little about the basketball in Germany. I watch highlights here back home of the BBL league daily.

How did you get in contact with Howard Hoops Combine founder Ron Howard? Did you meet him in a gym in Minnesota?

I met Ron through my head coach at my university and we connected right away. I’ve trained with Ron in the twin city area.

Ron Howard is a legend. He is the voice for the unknown players wanting to get a job overseas. What kind of relationship do you have with him and what do you appreciate most about his character.

I have a good relationship with Ron. He’s a humble guy and I appreciate what he does for me I appreciate the time and effort he puts into things that he cares about.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 190 cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

If I had to compare myself to an NBA player I would say like a Kendrick Nunn/Dennis Schroder. I can score when needed and facilitate but also get after you defensively

Talk a little about your game. You can do a lot like score, defend, fly with your athleticism and lead a team. What would you say is your biggest strength on the court?

I would say my biggest strength on the court would be playmaking. I am a good read and react guard who can handle the ball so making plays is a strength on mine.

How much pride do you take on the defensive end? Do you feel like you could be that lock down defender at the professional level?

I take a lot of pride on the defensive end. My last year at Mayville I was runner up for DPOY. Defense is all effort and heart

You shot the ball pretty well in your last two years of school at Mayville State. Do you feel like you could make that next step at the pro level as a shooter?

I can be an effective shooter at the next level. Since graduating I have been working a lot on mt shooting and I know it has improved.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most so you can continue to grow as a player?

The area of my game I am working on the most is in the post. I feel as if I can be an effective posting guard with my length.

You began your college career at North Dakota State College of Science (JUCO) playing 8 games averaging 3.0ppg, 1.5rpg. How difficult was that first JUCO year? Players always tell me that JUCO is a very tough league to play in.

My first year of JUCO was difficult just because I wasn’t patient and wanted to play right away coming out of high school. We had a great team, which was older so I didn’t get as much playing time. It was difficult for me as a person but we were winning, and that’s all that matters.

In your second JUCO year you blossomed at Rochester Community & Technical College (JUCO) playing 29 games averaging 12.5ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 67.9%. How do you feel like did your game grow that year?

My second year I had more freedom which played a huge part. The coach trusted me out there and that’s what built my confidence.

You finished your last two years at Mayville State University (NAIA) averaging 13.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 82.2% and as a senior averaging 13.7ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 72.9%. What steps did your game take in your last two years?

My last two years I really wanted to become that team leader. I wanted us to win and everyone to be happy while doing it. As for my game, I had a coach who trusted in my work and allowed me to be free which helped me blossom.

You won the North Star tournament in 2018 and 2019. Talk a little about both runs and which one was sweeter?

‘Winning the NSAA was great. Makes it even better when you win back to back. The first one was definitely sweeter just because it was my first season at Mayville, and we were predicted to finish last. The second run I felt was for the new guys on the team who haven’t experienced winning in college yet. It was still a great feeling just not like the first time around.

How did head coach Darren Tighe groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach taught me a lot, not just about basketball but life in gerenal. He always held me accountable and told me to always do things right the first time. He pushed me to work hard everyday and never let me settle for less.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Daniel Lindgren?

Dan is a good player but 1 on 1 I got him.

Who was the best player that you ever battled that went to the NBA?

Not sure.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Dan Lindgren, Marco Green, Max Cooper, James Batemon, Akeem Smith

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

Jordan, Magic, Lebron, Kareem

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

Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player in my opinion.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Misfits

Thanks Gorg for the chat

In the last decade 2004 easyCredit BBL champion Fraport Skyliners have had the luxury of not having to make any real changes at the head coach spot. Canadian coach Gordon Herbert coached for the club that came into existence in 1999 for 10 of the organization’s 22 years and helped guide the ambitious team to two of the three club titles. Herbert left two seasons ago to train the Canadian national team, was a consultant with the Brooklyn Nets and recently coached Avtodor Saratov before being dismissed in March 2021. Frankfurt was coached the last two years by young German coach Sebastian Gleim who now has left for a new challenge with the Crailsheim Merlins. That left Frankfurt without a head coach, but many faces available like Mike Taylor, Tyrone Mccoy, Derrick Allen or Will Voigt to name a few, but the Fraport Skyliners had other ideas. Instead of taking a known face in German basketball, they wanted to attempt something totally new and go with a trend that was started in Berlin some years ago. Bringing in Spanish coaches to Germany is the new sexy as legendary head coach Aito has proven in Berlin with his free style that let’s the players make the decisions and Pedro Calles in Vechta and Hamburg that went form an athletic trainer to one of the most sought after coaches in Germany showing he can lead teams to success with limited player resources. The Fraport Skyliners want to get back on track, and reach the playoffs and build something for the future with the planned new arena coming. The club have brought in 45 year old experienced Spanish head coach Diego Ocampo . The ex Weber State (NCAA) stand out Scott Bamforth who has played 8 professional seasons and 4 seasons in the Spanish ACB and won the 2019 Fiba Europe Cup had the pleasure of playing for head coach Diego Ocampo in his second season in 2014-2015 and has a notion why Spanish coaches have become the new sexy in the easyCredit BBL. ‘I think that the style of play is what makes Spanish coaches different than any other coaches. I think that in general, Spanish coaches teach their players and teams how to play basketball the right way all of the time in which I mean, they teach to make the extra pass of offense, make the extra help on defense’, stressed Scott Bamforth who last played with Le Mans Sarthe Basket (France-Jeep ELITE ProA).

The 44 year old Diego Ocampo began his coaching career with with C.B.Tarragona (LEB1) in 2004. After that he coached Cajasol Sevilla (ACB) for four years and then also coached clubs like Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB, Tuenti Movil Estudiantes Madrid, Divina Seguros Juventut Badalona, FC Barcelona Lassa 2nd team (LEB Gold) and last coached ACB team Zaragoza. After coaching his whole career in his native Spain, he will now be coaching his first atime broad and in Germany. He is coming to Frankfurt ready to go and wants to bring new energy to a club that is looking to get back to the playoffs as well as continue to develop young talent. ‘I want to use all my knowledge and strength to help the club to continue to lead and develop the identity. We want to reach big goals. We want to give all and be competitive. We also want to make the young players better. We also want to show the fans good ball movement, passion and that we are having fun on the court”, stressed Diego Ocampo . Not only is the Spanish coach excited about coming to Frankfurt, but so is Skyliner captain Quantez Robertson. ”It’s going to be fun playing for a Spanish coach for the first time’, added Quantez Robertson.

Scott Bamforth played for Diego Ocampo in his second professional season 2014-2015 with Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB (ACB). But that wasn’t the first time that the American had played for him as he was an assistant his rookie year with Cajasol Banca Civica Sevilla for the legendary Aito who just won his second German BBL title in a row over FC Bayern Munich. Bamforth had a very solid rookie season in Europe’s best club league ACB playing 37 games averaging 10.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 87.1%. He then had Ocampo as a head coach in his second professional season with Murcia. He has great memories of Ocampo and things just clicked between the both of them. The Spaniard had a philosophy that all players could relate to. ‘Diego coached in a way that taught players how to play basketball the right way and make the extra pass and help your teammate on defense etc. He was a great coach in those areas’, remembered Scott Bamforth. In his second season in the ACB, he played 29 games averaging 8.9ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 85.0%. His stats weren’t as good as under Aito, but he was able to get the most out of the coaching style of Ocampo. ‘ On the court, Diego is a great coach who focuses on working and helping his players get better every day. He is a great at not only teaching individual skills, but also team skills that will help the team play together and play great basketball’, stated Scott Bamforth. One thing that Bamforth will forever remember was that he played under Ocampo when the coach was a rookie. That first head coaching job isn’t always the easiest, but the American was able to harmonize with the Spaniard. ‘I think my greatest memory with him that season was just being with him every day through the ups and downs of the season and going through his first season as a head coach with him. These were a lot of good times and bad, but we stayed together and kept working to be better’. Commented Scott Bamforth.

Ocampo is also known for being able to work together successfully with young players. He coached the Spanish U-16 and U-17 teams and won a Bronze medal at the U-16 European championships in Lithuania in 2011. He also coached the FC Barcelona farm team for two seasons that play in the Spanish second division called LEB Gold. He also has had the distinction of having helped develop future NBA players like Leandro Bolmaro, Kristaps Porzingis, Marc Gasol and Tomas Satoransky. Bamforth remembers seeing the touch that Ocampo had back in 2014-2015 when he was a young player himself and how he was able to motivate kids. “Diego is amazing with young players. He has worked with a lot of young players in his career and I think that he is able to teach young players a lot. Teaching individual skills is one of his greatest strengths as a coach”, warned Scott Bamforth. Two of the biggest desires for the Fraport Skyliners is to win and develop their young players. That is definitely something that the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup winner Fraport Skyliners and Diego Ocampo see eye to eye with. “That season I remember just the way he wanted to win and wanted his players to get better every day in practice. That was his main goal every day and I think that allowed the players to become better players every day and the team to become a better team every day”, remembered Scott Bamforth. Another experienced player that played for Diego Ocampo was Garrett Stutz(Wichita State University (NCAA) He has played in countries like Korea, Poland, Czech Republic, Belarus, United Arab Emirates and has made a name in Japan the last four years. He played for Diego Ocampo with Badalona in the 2016-2017 season. Sometimes a player and coach aren´t always on the same page on the court, but the character of a coach off the court can be just as vital as that team chemistry has to always be present there. “I really liked him as a person. He cares deeply about his players and family. We had some differences on the court. His solutions for every problem was work harder, work harder, work harder. Spend more hours practicing. My mindset is identify the problem and find the smartest solution. So we didn’t see eye to eye. Both of us cared so much about basketball & the team, but with different philosophies it was a conflict”, remembered Garrett Stutz. It will be interesting to see what the Spanish head coach can accomplish with the Fraport Skyliners and exactly what kind of steps the young talents Len Schoormann, Bruno Vrcic and Lorenz Brennecke can achieve under him. So far Aito and Pedro Calles have brought much joy to Alba Berlin, Rasta Vechta and the Hamburg Towers, so why shouldn´t there be a new Spanish success story ready to grow with the Fraport Skyliners?