Nico Hihn is 27 year old 190cm guard that is playing for SpVgg Moehringen 1887 (Regionalliga) this season. He played 3 seasons with SV 03 Tuebingen 2nd Team (Regionalliga) with his best seasons were averaging 19.4ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.2apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 78.8% and 18.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 39.9%, FT: 79.0%. He recently scored 48 points in a Regionalliga game and spoke to germanhoops.com
Thanks Nico for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment? I´m in Moehringen at the moment and happy with my basketball life.
Last weekend you scored 48 points in a tough loss to Haiterbach. Despite the loss could you enjoy the the individual great game bit? I could enjoy my performance a bit. I felt good early as I had 17 points at half-time. I knew I had to continue to step it up in the second half as my teammates weren´t having great shooting nights. I just took it into my own hands and everything worked out well.
Did your teammates do something for you or did you have to get donuts?
Not yet. We have practice tonight. I haven´t heard anything is something is planned. I did get many congrats from family and friends.
How good does it feel scoring the most points in Germany last week?
I´m very happy how I played and hope that I can take my play into the next game. We are in a tough phase at the moment with injuries and guys being sick.
You had some 30 plus points in the Regionalliga for Tuebingen. Was this the most points in a game for you? That was the most points that I ever had in the men´s game. I did have 53 points in a game in the U-12.
How quickly did you know in the game that you could have a good game?
In the last games my three pointer wasn´t falling. I hit 2 wild three´s in the first and second quarters. Usually when that happens, I will have a good game.
Did you know in the fourth quarter how many you had? You were so close to 50 points and just missed it.
I didn´t know at that stand point. I first knew that I had scored 48 points at the end. In the fourth quarter I thought that I must have around 40 points. But I was focused too much on trying to win the game.
How thankful to have Daniel Grieb who dished out 7 assists despite averaging only 0,9apg coming ínto the game?
I´m very thankful how well he played. Our big man is out so he got a lot more minutes. It isn´t easy when you go from a few minutes to 38 minutes. He did a good job.
You always were a good scorer in your career, but did you ever think you could score 48 points in a game? One does think about having the opportunity of having a crazy game, but scoring 48 points is still a lot different than hitting for 35 points. It isn´t easy to make 48 points in a game. You have to hit everything. Plus we also are a team with many good scorers.
What does 48 points mean to you? Is the goal now to reach 50 plus points? Yes nothing is impossible. Everything worked for me on this night. Scoring 48 points doesn´t happen often. It is possible, but I think that as soon as we have everyone on board again, I don´t think so many plays will be run for me. It is seldom that you have 2 games like that back to back or in a season. But it could happen. I have a lot of self-confidence now
You began your career at SpVgg Moehringen 1887 and then played 3 years at SV 03 Tuebingen 2nd Team (Regionalliga) during COVID. Why did you return back? You had good seasons in Tuebingen.
I live in Moehringen with my brother Ruben. I went back for private reasons. I know everybody here and I enjoy playing for Moehringen. I went to Tuebingen a few years ago to play at a higher level.
Did you ever have bigger aspirations as a basketball player? It was always 50/50. I never really wanted to turn pro, but the opportunity was there. There was a time where I had to decide between hanging out with friends on the weekend or being in the gym.
You were teammates with Danish athletic player Bakary Dibba. Did you ever expect him to make such strides in his basketball career? I was pretty sure that he could. His athleticism speaks for it´s self. He isn´t the best shooter, but his tempo and steps on the court are big.
Is it an added plus for you personally to play with your brother Ruben?
Yes it is. I´m 2 years younger than him. It is something special to play together with him.
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Niklas Schueler?
Back then he had no chance. I have a quicker first step and am bigger. But he is a great shooter. He is one of my best teammates ever.
Who is the toughest player that you ever battled that reached the NBA? In the JBBL, I played against Mahir Agva. Another guy would be David Scheu from Karlsruhe.
Please name your best teammates of all-time? Nicklas Schueler, Ruben Hihn, Petrus Tzikas, Bakary Dibba
Please name your NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore?
Jordan, Lebron, Kobe, Shaq
Teodosic, Spanoulis, Sloukas,
Dirk, Andreas Obst, Dennis Schroeder, Franz Wagner
Chrysostom Chukwuma (190-G-1996, agency: Bell Basketball) is a 28 year old 190cm guard playing his first season in Germany with the Skyliners Juniors (Pro B) after starting the season with the Helsinki Seagulls. He began his basketball career with Vantaan Pussihukat. He then played 5 seasons with Jyvaskyla Basketball Academy. He then played 2 seasons with Lapuan Kobrat (Korisliiga) and a season with Pyrinto Tampere (Korisliiga). He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big win over the TSV Oberaching Tropics.
Thanks Chuko for talking to germanhoops.com. Did you watch the Superbowl or is that not as popular in Finland? It isn´t as popular in Finland, but I have friends that follow it. I never got into it.
Did some of your teammates watch or watch in groups? I have no idea.
Congrats on the big 75-63 win over the TSV Oberaching Tropics. The team has a 3 game winning streak. How good is life now?
It feels great to be successful. It wasn´t easy for me to come to a new team in mid season. I have to learn the coaches philosophy, system and tendencies of the players. It was our first game without Hadenfeldt. I want that responsibility and leadership. We have a young team, but have a lot of potential.
The first quarter was won 19-17 by the guests. How tough was it getting the offense going with the pesky Tropics guards?
That was our biggest problem the whole game. They did a good job dodging the screens. We had problems getting open. We had too many turnovers.
The team had 7 turnovers in the first quarter and 23 in all. How big is it of a job for you to bring some stability to the offense? Yes exactly. Hadenfeldt is away now and I have to bring rhythm into the offense and bring calmness to us.
In the second quarter the Skyliners Juniors did a better job on the pick and roll after not getting the side pick and roll going in the first quarter. How much fun is it playing with Malik Kordel? I love Malik. I watched some games before I signed. I have never played with a 7 footer that has such good hands as he does. He is super young and has a bright future. I love playing with him.
In the third quarter the Skyliners Juniors were able to lead by 12 points after 30 minutes. What adjustments did the team make? We just turned up the intensity and got more stops and ran the court and pushed the pace. We made one pass to the wing and attacked.
In the fourth quarter the Tropics punched back with a 9-2 run to trail 56-52. What was key for the guests coming back? We made small mistakes. We have to learn to be consistent for 40 minutes.
The Skyliners Juniors came back with a run to get their lead back to double figurers. How developed is the cohesion of the team?
I think that we have good energy. When we have hard moments, it tests us. Then we can see how well we can stay together, but that happens with young teams.
Malik Kordel made a massive poster dunk on Maxwell Dongmo Temoka. What were you thinking when you saw that? That is what he does. He is a great athlete that can run the court well. I have never seen a player that tall that can move so well.
When you look back at the 40 minutes of the game, what was the Skyliners biggest strength in the game? We kept fighting and where physical even if it was ugly.
You had a 15/4/2 game in 28 minutes. How content were you with your game?
I made some three´s that gave us some release. You can never be satisfied. I´m looking forward to the next games.
What was your favorite play of the game besides Kordel´s poster dunk? I liked how we played the third quarter. We began with good energy. That is how we should start every game. Make the first hit and make the opponent call a time out and put pressure on them.
Philipp Bode (179-PG-2001) is a 24 year old guard playing his 7th season for the TSV Oberaching Tropics (Pro B). He got early basketball experience playing with TS Jahn Munich (NBBL). He spoke to germanhoops.com after the loss to the Skyliners Juniors.
Thanks Philipp for talking to germanhoops.com. Did you watch the Superbowl or are you not a fan of football?
I did watch it. I was born in USA and got to know it there. We began watching the game in the car. We got home to Munich at 1.30. I then continued to watch at home.
Did some of your teammates watch or watch in groups? Some guys watched more than others.
You turned 24 on Sunday. What does a guy like you still wish for for their birthday? That is a tough question. I just generally wish to have a great life with the situation I´m in. That is most worthwhile for me.
How tough is it having a birthday on an away game? Did your teammates do anything for you?
Of course they sang happy birthday to me. I actually don´t mind having a game on my birthday. It would have been nicer having a home game instead of driving 10 hours and losing on the road. But no matter what it is simply the best sharing my birthday with my friends (teammates).
You suffered a tough 75-63 loss in Frankfurt. Do you sometimes wonder how many more wins you would have if all were fit?
Not really, but we had small injuries in the last weeks that effected our rotation. It hurts our overall rhythm and we have to keep making adjustments.
The first quarter was won 19-17 by the guests. How vital was the defensive presence of you and Mateo Jukic there?
My main duty is playing defense. That is what people expect from me. It is important for me and the team that we bring energy, because there are some older guys that are slower.
Do you sometimes try to get going in a game first with your defense to get your offense going?
It is different from game to game. Every team in the Pro B have 1-2 great players. It is my job to slow them down. Being able to do that helps us find a rhythm.
In the second quarter the Skyliners Juniors did a better job on the pick and roll after not getting the side pick and roll going in the first quarter. How tough was it keeping Malik Kordel under wraps?
Kordel is a huge presence on the court and changes the game so much. He makes the pick and roll 10 times harder to defend. He is also a great rim protector.
In the third quarter the Skyliners Juniors were able to lead by 12 points after 30 minutes. What adjustments did the they make? Their help defense was strong.
Their set defense was prepared for us and they were very present on the court. Their defense got better mid way through the second quarter already.
In the fourth quarter the Tropics punched back with a 9-2 run to trail 56-52. What was key for the guests coming back?
Our defense was good. We got consecutive stops which helped us get easy baskets. Unfortunately easy baskets didn´t happen often in the game.
The Skyliners Juniors came back with a run to get their lead back to double figurers. Were the Tropics feeling it in the legs? Yes, but we are used to it. We know how to play with fatigue. We had bad execution in that phase and missed open shots.
Malik Kordel made a massive poster dunk on Maxwell Dongmo Temoka. Maxwell seemed to take it with humor? Now Maxwell is seen everywhere being on that poster. But he is a player that tries to contest every shot. If he is on a poster on every fifth shot, then he is contesting the other 4 very well. He gets there. His quota is very good. He just keeps jumping.
When you look back at the 40 minutes of the game, what cost you the game most? Bad execution and not playing enough execution. We wanted to play more transition.
You had a 4/3/3 game in 33 minutes. You were a little unlucky with your 2 point shooting. My job isn´t to take many shots. I should of made 2 of my 5 misses. It just wasn´t my day. It was one of my worst games of the season.
You next play the tough Leitershofen who you lost by 27 points in the first game, but this time your at home. What will be key to getting the win? They are a tough team. We have a difficult program in the next weeks. But in this league everyone can beat everyone. We showed that we could beat the RheinStars. We go into each game giving 100%
The seventh placed Skyliners Juniors continued to play good basketball in the last weeks having won 3 of their last 4 games including a 87-61 on the road against the always pesky Ehingen team who like Frankfurt have many talented young players. With the regular season going into the last stage, every game is important for the jockeying of the playoff places. Frankfurt didn´t have an easy opponent this weekend as they had the TSV Oberaching Tropics who despite being banged up for weeks and not having a full roster still had a positive 9-8 record and were in fifth place. Head coach Mario Matic who was a easyCredit BBL player in 2008 with Nordlingen has done a great job for years keeping players and developing a great team chemistry. Oberaching had a positive 3-2 record since the new year, but only 3-5 on the road. Frankfurt had to say farewell to veteran Philipp Hadenfeldt who for a second time in the last 2 seasons took a semester abroad this time in Italy. But they had hauled in Finish point guard Chuki Chukwuma who had been solid in his first 3 games including 28 points against the RheinStars Cologne. On a cold Sunday evening, both teams met in the BCM in Frankfurt and saw a very low scoring and tight first half, but in the second half the Skyliners Juniors found to their game better and took control and in the end won easily 75-63. “In the first half we didn´t really have a good offensive flow, but our defense was pretty good. We had a few individual mistakes and they over gambled a bit. In the third quarter we upped our defense allowing only 6 points. That helped us get good control of the game which we kept to the end”, stressed Skyliner Junior Jamie Edoka (195-G-2008). The TSV Oberaching Tropics as usual weren´t complete again as captain Janosch Koegler was sick and Jorg Dippold was injured. They stuck with Frankfurt for a half, but in the second half just couldn´t keep up their consistent defense from the first half as the Juniors executed well and played great inside out basketball. “We didn´t have the necessary energy, concentration and focus tonight. We were satisfied at the break that we were only down by 1 point. We didn´t play a good first half. We had a slow start in the third quarter and that carried over until the end”, stressed TSV Oberaching Tropics guard Omari Knox.
Chuko Chukwuma at the FT line
The first quarter was a back and forth battle with 5 lead changes where no club could get away from the other. Both teams were concentrating more on getting the ball inside. Ex IBAM center Fynn Fischer who played 3 BBL games scored twice while Frankfurt got a bucket from big man Malik Kordel and a basket by Jamie Edoka as the game was dead locked 7-7. 38 year old Omari Know who averaged 22,0ppg in 8 Regionalliga seasons showed he can score in bunches as he presented his deadly mid range game for the 11-7 Tropics lead. Jamie Edoka who turned 17 years old a few weeks ago continued to play with crazy self confidence hitting a trey to trail only 11-10. The Tropics continued to find Fynn Fischer as he made 2 lay in´s to keep Oberaching ahead 15-12. Three´s hadn´t been on the menu, but ex Hanau guard Bruno Albrecht nailed a trey to tie the game at 15-15. The guests had the narrow 19-17 lead after 10 minutes getting free throws from Fischer and a lay in from birthday boy Philipp Bode. TSV Oberaching Tropics shot 47% from the field while Frankfurt was at 33%. Both teams couldn´t hit the ocean from outside as combined they were 2/12. Frankfurt dominated the paint area 12-6 with 3-0 offensive rebounds while their plague of coughing up the ball continued as they had 7 turnovers and TSV Oberaching Tropics only 3. “We knew that it would be a hard game. They like to bump you a lot. We aren´t used to that. We had no offensive rhythm as their pick and roll defense was good as they slowed down our side pick and roll”, stated Skyliner Junior Florian Dietrich.
Omari Knox with the step back
The second quarter continued to be low scoring as the TSV Oberaching Tropics led by as much as 9 points, but the Skyliners Juniors never stopped fighting and came back and had the 1 point lead at half-time. The TSV Oberaching Tropics came out with a lethal 9-2 run to extend their lead to 28-19. In the run The TSV Oberaching Tropics played aggressive defense and forced turnovers with their quick guards Bode and Jukic. Omari Knox added 4 points including a three pointer and Fynn Fischer and Jukic added lay in´s. Frankfurt´s offense was ok and had good looks, but they weren´t capable to hit open shots. But basketball wouldn´t be basketball without runs as now it was time for Frankfurt. Frankfurt buckled down and heightened their defensive pressure and finally started to hit shots as they escaped out on a 13-3 run to take back the lead 32-31. In the run the Skyliners Juniors got massive support from Jamie Edoka who led the offense with his leadership and scored twice while Chuko Chukwuma scored 2 three´s. “Jamie is a Pro B rookie, but plays like he has been in the league for 5 years. He just does the job and always finds a solution on offense. He reads the defense so well. Last year he had problems with the trap, but he has improved so much. He also played good defense on Omari Knox”, stated Skyliner Junior Florian Dietrich. Maximillian Peters also added a step back jumper from the wing. Frankfurt´s high energy and aggressiveness on defense led to Tropics turnovers while the Tropics defense were a bit weak on the 1-1 defense. Fynn Fischer closed out the second quarter with an old school hook shot. “We played more pick and roll through the middle. They didn´t ice as well so we got more three pointers”, commented Florian Dietrich. The Skyliners Juniors shot 36% from the field and 29% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the TSV Oberaching Tropics shot 35% from the field and 8% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 6 turnovers.
Jamie Edoka with the step back
In the third quarter the Skyliners Juniors were able to take total control of the game and led by as much as 14 points and after 30 minutes led by 12 points. The TSV Oberaching Tropics got on the board first as ex Fc Bayern basketball 2 German Maxwell Dongmo Temoka made a lay in to give Oberaching the 33-32 advantage. The Skyliners Juniors then exploded for a 10-0 run to capture back the lead at 42-33. In the run Jamie Edoka continued to be in attack mode as he scored with 2 drives, Bruno Albrecht added 4 points and versatile German Marvin Esser made a runner. Frankfurt tightened up their defense as they would only allow 6 points. Their help defense was their biggest strength in the quarter. TSV Oberaching Tropics couldn´t match Frankfurt´s intensity and their 1-1 defense couldn´t contain the Juniors attackers. Fischer stopped the Frankfurt run with a hook shot, but Frankfurt punched back with a 7-0 run to extend their lead to 49-35. In the run Frankfurt got 3 free throws from Bruno Albrecht, a massive dunk from Dusan Nikolic from the wing and a big 2 handed dunk by Marvin Esser who received the bullet pass from Namori Omog. “He has a special knack of seeing his teammates”, said Jamie Edoka. The TSV Oberaching Tropics closed out the third quarter with a lay in by Maxwell Dongmo Temoka to trail 49-37. “Our offensive flow was very good. We had one good situation which led to another good situation. That helped raise our self-confidence. We knew they would go inside. Our help defense was excellent. We know we have to help each other because we are all like family”, added Namori Omog. “We had a lack of focus and mis communication on defense. They did a good job hitting shots”, expressed Omari Knox. The Skyliners Juniors shot 36% from the field and 22% from the parking lot and had 35 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the TSV Oberaching Tropics shot 29% from the field and 5% from the parking lot and had 32 rebounds and 9 turnovers.
Maxwell Dongmo Temoka at the FT line
In the fourth quarter both teams had their respective best scoring quarters in the game as both scored 26 points a piece, but the TSV Oberaching Tropics couldn´t get over the hump as they couldn´t get stops. Fans also saw a few more spectacular dunks to go home content. The TSV Oberaching Tropics got good support from ex Tuebingen playedr Niklas Schueler with 2 baskets while Frankfurt received lay in´s from Albrecht and Chuwuma and a trey from Maximillian Peters, but the TSV Oberaching Tropics couldn´t make any ground as Frankfurt led 56-43. Despite having only a 8 man rotation, the TSV Oberaching Tropics still had some energy left in their gas tank as they broke out on a 9-2 run to trail only 58-52. In the run ex BBL player Peter Zeis was aggressive scoring 5 points including a three pointer while Dongmo Temoka and Schueler made lay in´s. “We lost a little concentration. But the good thing about our team is that we are always able to catch ourselves”, stated Jamie Edoka. But the Skyliners Juniors fought back going on a 9-4 run to extend their lead to 67-56. In the run it was Jamie Edoka who made a lay in while Chukwuma also scored in the paint area and Bruno Albrecht hit a trey. Malik Kordel ended the run in massive fashion with a poster dunk on Dongmo Temoka. “Dongmo was hyped up I think. You should never try to jump with Malik. Nobody can stop him”, warned Jamie Edoka. Zeis stopped the run with a trey, but Edoka connected again with a trey as time in and time out, he hit big shots for the 70-59 lead. “With Hadenfeldt gone, I know that I have to show even more responsibility. I´m ready for it. I know that I have too many turnovers, but I´m working on it. I´m always ready to take the big shots”, warned Jamie Edoka. Knox did add a trey, but Frankfurt closed out the game strong with a Kordel alley-oop dunk and Chukwuma three pointer. “We pushed the ball and got the ball inside and got easy baskets in our run, but Frankfurt got their offense going again and hit three´s stated Omari Knox. The Skyliners Juniors were led by Jamie Edoka with 21 points while Bruno Albrecht added 16 points and Chuko Chukwuma 15 points while the TSV Oberaching Tropics were led by Fynn Fischer with 16 points while Maxwell Dongmo Temoka added 12 points. The Skyliners Juniors shot 46% from the field and 31% from outside and had 44 rebounds and 23 turnovers while the TSV Oberaching Tropics shot 37% from the field and 11% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 10 turnovers.
The last weeks haven´t been easy times for the Dragons Rhondorf as losing has been the main course on the menu. Despite a new coach with Marko Zarkovic, the winning didn´t resurface as last week they lost to a hungry and team orientated club with the Fellbach Flashers and had lost their fourth game in the last 5 games. The Dragons might be losing but the team continues to give effort and fight. Their next opponent was FC Bayern Basketball 2, possibly the best opponent for them at this crucial part of the season as wins have to come for the fight for the playoffs. It has been a very tough season for FC Bayern Basketball 2 as they were in dead last place with a 3-14 record. The youth and inexperience continue and the departure of Ivan Kharchenkov and Martin Kalu hurt their offense. FC Bayern Munich came to Rhondorf having lost 4 of their last 5 games, but had some confidence having beaten the Ahorn Camp Baskets last weekend. On a cold Saturday night the Dragons Rhondorf finally began a winning streak again in their quest to reach the playoffs in 2025. The Dragons Rhondorf showed as usual that they can present their explosive scoring, but also showed that they can defend when they want to. It was the least points that they have given up in a game in 2025 as effort and teamwork was rewarded with success. “We didn´t have the best start. We scored well, but didn´t defend as well. We went in the game with the goal of allowing 72 points. Our offense was good for the most part with good ball movement. We woke up on defense in the third quarter. It was a good team performance where all played well and played for each other”, said Dragons Rhondorf guard Janne Muller.
Marco Frank at the FT line
The first quarter showed 2 teams that were executing solidly on offense, but didn´t find their defensive rhythm yet. FC Bayern Basketball 2 were led by Marco Frank and Dominick Dolic who were aggressive from the jump as they scored. The Dragons Rhondorf wanted to get their 3 ball going again and got a trey early from ex Drake (NCAA) guard Antonio Pilipovic as well as lay in´s from rookie Ohio native Tim Smith Jr and ex Coburg center Danas Kazakevicius (207-PF-2005, agency: Highlight Athletes) as the contest was dead locked at 9-9. FC Bayern Basketball 2 attacked the rim more than attempting three´s and were successful with a Nicklas Kodjoe lay in and 2 lay in´s by Marco Frank who kind of had that Ivan Kharchenkov role that led the club last season. The Dragons Rhondorf also preferred to go to the hole Kazakevicius and Las Vegas native Kelvin Omojola scored, but FC Bayern Basketball 2 had the slight 18-17 lead. In the last minutes there would be 2 more lead changes as Rhondorf got valuable support from their bench as young German Kenan Reinhart who last played for the RheinStars Cologne dropped a clutch trey while Pilipovic hit another jumper. FC Bayern Basketball 2 got big support from the bench from 16 year old Serbian talent Andrija Susic who scored 5 points for the 23-22 advantage. However the Dragons Rhondorf still had one play left and got a clutch trey from ex wiha Panthers guard Alex Lagerman who entered the game shooting a lethal 56% to give the Dragons the 25-23 lead after 10 minutes. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 60% from the 2 point range and 43% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 4 turnovers while FC Bayern Basketball 2 shot 70% from the 2 point range and 33% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 4 turnovers. “We didn´t have the right defensive communication from the first minute. We just didn´t find our rhythm. It was small things like not fouling to stop transition. If we can be consistent then we can be a good defensive team”, stated Janne Muller.
Janne Muller with the jumper
In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf were able to get away from FC Bayern Basketball 2 and lead by as much as 10 points, but had to settle for the 7 point lead at the break. Lagerman took the momentum from his first quarter ending trey into the second quarter dancing into the zone and spinning past his opponent for the 27-23 Dragons lead. FC Bayern Basketball 2 then punched back with a mini 4-0 run to tie the game at 27-27. In the run FC Bayern Basketball 2 got a bucket from Greek guard Nikolas Sermpezis and a lay in from Montenegro guard Amir Licina. The Dragons Rhondorf then finally were consistent at both ends of the court going on their first big run of the game of 11-0 to take the big 38-27 lead. In the run, the Dragons Rhondorf got total team support as Janne Muller added 5 points, Lagerman made a massive dunk on transition, ex Jena center Marco Rahn made a lay in and Kazakevicius made a tip in. The aggressive on ball defense by the Dragons sparked their offense. Omojola was huge in the run getting 2 steals as the Dragons defense didn´t allow anything easy for FC Bayern Basketball 2. FC Bayern Basketball 2 also had problems getting into the paint as the Dragons had heightened their 1-1 defense. In the last minutes, FC Bayern Basketball 2 began to execute better, but couldn´t get stops to creep back as the Dragons also executed. FC Bayern Basketball 2 weren´t hitting three´s so continued to drive to the basket getting buckets from Dolic, Sermpezis and Frank. The Dragons Rhondorf got baskets from ex Orange Academy guard Marco Rosic with an off balance shot, a lay in by Pilipovic and 2 baskets from Kazaskevicius. “We did a good job pressuring their guards and forcing them to tough shots. We had good ball movement, used the pick and pop and ran our transition well”, stated Janne Muller. The Dragons shot 58% from the field and 36% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 7 turnovers while FC Bayern Basketball 2 shot 63% from the field and 21% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 8 turnovers.
Niclas Kodjoe from outside
In the third quarter the Dragons Rhondorf exploded for 31 points and decided the game early. FC Bayern Basketball 2 got some baskets early from Kodjoe with a lay in and a trey from Dolic, but the Dragons Rhondorf also executed as Kazakevicius scored 3 baskets and totally dominated inside against Italian big man Alessio Calamita as Rhondorf led 53-42. “Danas was very aggressive on the court. He did a great job scoring and rebounding. I´m really happy for him”, stated Janne Muller. The Dragons Rhondorf began to showcase their total offensive arsenal as now it was time for Tim Smith Jr to score 8 points in a row. The 3 level scorer who compares his game to NBA player Jayson Tatum hit a three pointer, 2 lay in´s including a reverse lay up and made free throws for the 61-44 advantage. FC Bayern Basketball 2 executed well getting more lay in´s from Dolic, Volf and Susic, but couldn´t make any ground as the Dragons Rhondorf continued to execute with ease. After the Smith Jr show, it was time for Janne Muller to show his scoring in bunches abilities as he scored 7 points including a three pointer, off balance shot and mid distance shot. Marko Rosic added a three pointer as the Dragons Rhondorf led 75-53 after 3 quarters. “At half-time coach Marko told us to be aggressive on defense and continue to play with confidence. We did that in the third quarter. We shared the ball well. Scoring has never been a problem for us, but our ball movement can be at times. We did a good job going from defense to offense”, added Janne Muller. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 61% from the 2 point range and 47% from the parking lot and had 33 rebounds and 10 turnovers while FC Bayern Basketball 2 shot 62% from the 2 point range and 22% from the parking lot and had 21 rebounds and 10 turnovers.
Tim Smith Jr at the FT line
In the fourth quarter FC Bayern Basketball 2 had their highest offensive scoring quarter with 24, but couldn´t make any ground as the Dragons Rhondorf scored 23 points. Kazakevicius began hot again scoring 5 points including 2 lay in´s as he controlled the paint area. On his 2 hand dunk, he got a nifty no look pass from Antomio Pilipovic who finished the game with 6 assists and once again proved he is like an extra point guard. “His assists and the way he passes the ball doesn´t surprise me. Even if he does make risky passes at times, he has a good eye for his teammates. He is like a magician”, smiled Janne Muller. FC Bayern Basketball 2 added a trey from Licina and a lay in from Calamita but trailed 83-61. Ex Red Deer (JUCO) guard Kelvin Omojola then scored two baskets in a row for the 87-61 lead as the energy level was still very high with the Dragons Rhondorf. After Kodjoe and Kazakevicius traded baskets, FC Bayern Basketball 2 then went on a 10-0 to trail 89-73. In the run FC Bayern Basketball 2 got key support from Dolic and Volf who nailed three´s and 16 year old giant Killian Dueck made a lay in. “We lost some concentration. We put in some of the younger players and we simply made easy mistakes. These mistakes can happen when your up by 26 points”, expressed Janne Muller. The Dragons Rhondorf closed out the game with a 9-4 run. In the run got another trey by Kenan Reinhart, a floater and free throws from Marco Rahn and free throws from Kelvin Omojola. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Danas Kazakevicius with 25 points and 11 rebounds and Janne Muller added 19 points while FC Bayern Basketball 2 was led by Dominik Dolic with 18 points and Marco Frank added 11 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 54% from tehf ield and 38% from outside and had 44 rebounds and 17 turnovers while FC Bayern Basketball 2 shot 42% from the field and 24% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 15 turnovers.
After learning of the Luka Doncic deal on Sunday, I really thought there wouldn´t be much more that could shock me in the basketball world. I mean you could go on an on discussing the Doncic trade and still not get any clarity why the Dallas Mavericks could ever do a deal like this. That was just pure negative shock for me. A few days later I got that shock feeling again, but it was rather positive and pure enjoyment shock if one can name it that. I was checking social media early Tuesday afternoon and there was a post, I had been waiting years for, but had never gotten. The post read FORWARD: JJ Ingram goes off for 30 points in First League Luxembourg against the #1 Team in the Country. I sawthat and at first couldn´t believe it. I went to my message box and there was a message from Jeremy Ingram (183-G-1991, college: AAMU) with the highlight video. It had finally happened. Jeremy Ingram was on a first division team. I mean for years he had been grinding to at least reach the Pro B in Germany as he was dropping 30 points in the Regionalliga almost blindfolded. I mean he would have been ecstatic reaching the pro B, but it was even greater. He was in the first division in Luxemburg. “It felt amazing to be honest, at one point I almost shed a tear because I should have been on this level years ago. But I was just grateful for the opportunity”, stressed Jeremy Ingram. He will enjoy every minute as his contract is for 10 days and 3 games. He lost the first game to T71 scoring 12 points, but found to his game in the second contest exploding for 30 points.
I interviewed Jeremy Ingram who has toiled in the German Regionalliga for 8 seasons with clubs like like Speyer, Idstein, Bensheim, SG Mannheim, TSV Bargteheide and SG Braunschweig more than a month ago where he had told me that after sitting out this season to concentrate on his skills training business, he would resume his playing career next season. And then he surprises the world by landing in Luxemburg. Did he plan this or was this out of the blue? “This offer was completely out the blue. I was actually in Milan, Italy celebrating my birthday when I got the call. I moved there literally 2 days before the 1st game”, said Jeremy Ingram. One big supporter of Jeremy Ingram is Chris Cumings who was his coach in Mannheim and has kept contact for many years. Did Cummings who has good contacts have anything to do with the deal. “No Chris had nothing to do with this. I actually came to workout with this team years ago but I believe I ended up signing to a different team in Germany that year so me and the manager kept contact for all these years. I guess their American got hurt and he thought about me and wanted to give me a chance to step in for a few games”, stated Jeremy Ingram. His new team Avanti are in last place and need as much help as possible. He has 2 main goals in his 10 day stay. “ The main goal is to help these guys get a win because they desperately need it. The other goal is to pretty much show people that I´m here and I should have been here. Maybe more higher league doors will open up for me after this”, warned Jeremy Ingram. It isn´t to difficult to guess what the role of this walking bucket is. “At 1st I was told like every other team I played for to come in and be a point guard. But teams always see how well I score the ball so I always end up with a scorer role on the team. But my main role is to just help win, whatever it takes”, commented Jeremy Ingram. He quickly found good company as there was another American on board with Jake Ross. “Jake is a very nice guy and a very good shooter. Met part of his family and they were also super sweet. He is definitely the 1 person I talked to the most while in Luxembourg. Shoutout to him”, expressed Jeremy Ingram.
Jeremy Ingram who thinks that the Dallas Mavericks made a huge mistake trading Luka Doncic had a massive challenge in his second game battling number one team Etzella that featured some very talented Americans with Jimmie Taylor and Quatarrius Wilson and put up 30 points. It wasn´t difficult for him to find the best comparison to where the first division Luxemburg would rank up to leagues in Germany. “Playing in Etzella’s gym was amazing because it actually felt like a first league gym and their team was very good. Even though we lost I played pretty decent so I was happy about that. I mean dropping 30 on the #1 team in the country is definitely an accomplishment. I would say the league is in between Pro B and Pro A for sure. It is very fast and very competitive though”, said Jeremy Ingram. It seemed like he nailed 30 points without any effort at all especially after viewing the highlight reel. “I can always get to my spots. And if I get to my spots I feel like no one can stop that, it’s just up to me to make my shots. I put up 30 points after really not playing competitive basketball or training for like a whole year so my thoughts are what if I actually started the season with the team or actually practiced more than once before playing maybe I could have been a little more efficient and had a lot more than 30 points”, warned Jeremy Ingram. Even if he has that lethal scoring and incredible knack of showcasing his game 1-1, will he be able to showcase other parts of his game? “ This game specifically called for a lot of scoring because the other team was scoring a lot so we were trying to keep the game as close as possible. I was really the only 1 with a great rhythm this game so I was shooting to score but like I said if I was more in game shape maybe I could have been a little more efficient. But I only had 1 team practice before the game. My team will need me to step up on the defensive end but the whole team will need to step up on the defense side if we expect to get the W. You proved that you can score a lot at a high level”, stressed Jeremy Ingram. So does his chip get a bit easier on the shoulders after having a masterful 30 point game, or does it remain heavy? “I mean I know I can score at any level, it’s the rest of the world that doesn’t seem to know that. The chip will always be there until I hang my jersey up, I think that´s what keeps my drive so strong”, warned Jeremy Ingram. If you watch his Luxemburg highlight reel, you are getting Jeremy Ingram at his best. His ball handling and getting to the hole is incredible. There aren´t many guys in the easyCredit BBL that have those skills in the 1-1. “People always tell me how much they enjoy watching me play basketball. I know guys in the BBL right now who wouldn’t be able to guard my shadow but unfortunately for me it´s all about politics so it don’t matter what I feel I deserve, unless someone wants to give me an opportunity it won’t happen”, added Jeremy Ingram. What more does he have to do to stick out? I believe now that he showed what he can do at the first division in Luxemburg, he may not even have to hope for a job in Germany. He has game to play anywhere. The first division can continue to be his calling now in other countries.
Malik Riddle (193-G-1999, college: HSU) is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Tennessee playing his second professional season and first in Germany with Pro B team RheinStars Cologne. Last season he played with Gzira Athleta Birkirkara (Malta-BOV League D1) averaging 28.8ppg, 9.4rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-3 (2.6spg), FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 75.5%. He began his basketball career at Rossville Christian Academy. He then played 2 seasons at Morehead State University (NCAA) and then played 3 seasons at Henderson State University (NCAA2). He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.
Congrats on the huge 81-77 win on the road against Ludwigsburg. The RheinStars won the first game by 27 points. How were they a different team this time? Thanks. I feel that they made a lot more shots this game and came out with a bunch of energy. Can tell they really wanted to win this one.
Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg led by 8 points at half time. They broke away giving a mix of inside out basketball. Was it tough matching their energy?
Yeah we kind of didn’t have the energy they had in the first half and caught ourselves down at half. We also had to many unnecessary turnovers.
In the third quarter the RhenStars fought back scoring 29 points. What adjustments did you make as a team on the defensive end? We picked up the energy and the intensity up the second half. Defense was a lot more aggressive that second half than the first and we locked in as a group and our defense led to easy offense.
Crunch-time was very exciting. Ludwigsburg was down 79-77 in the last minute. What was key then for getting the win?
We had to make sure we executed down the stretch on both ends of the court. We had some mistakes but still we ended up making it up in the end.
The RheinStars recently added Maxi Begue and Jonas Flakenstein. What do they bring to the team? They both can take care of the basketball and run the show on offense. They bring good defense as Maxi had some steals during the game.
The team had 19 steals. How vital was the defense in crunch-time for the win? The defense definitely showed a difference in the second half and during that crunch time we got stops when we needed them most.
You had a great game at both ends with 16 points and 4 steals and a block. Did your defense carry your offense? I had good energy this game on the defensive end and that led to easy offensive baskets for me.
You next face the Ahorn Camp Baskets. Cologne escaped with a 86-84 road win despite 29 turnovers of the opponent. What will be key to getting the win? I think we have to play with more energy this game. We fell behind this past game so we have to come out more urgently this game and not turn the ball over as much this game.
The losing woes of the EPG Guardians Koblenz continue in 2025. They are still winless in 2025 as they were riding a 6 game losing streak. It seemed like the confidence level continued to sink with every new loss. Injuries have plagued them all season long and even sickness cost them games in the current losing streak. Defense continues to be an issue, but also shooting as they just couldn´t find any consistency this season. Things didn´t get any easier for the 16th placed team as the 4th best team in the Pro A came to Koblenz. Giessen is a team that is dying to get back to the easyCredit BBL and currently had won 6 out of their last 8 games. They are a team with very talented guards, a big time veteran in Robin Benzing and very smart bigs from the Balkan area. On a untypical Thursday night, the CGM arena wasn´t as packed as usual as once again home fans were unable to see a complete game from the EPG Guardians as they had a solid first half, but stunk up the second half allowing 49 points and losing 89-60. It is really a riddle how the EPG Guardians continue to be able to play solid basketball and then go from such a high to such a low. “We had a good first half, but we simply lack experience. We also had too many turnovers from our guards. We didn´t get enough inside scores. Giessen is a top team. They can win the Pro A title”, warned EPG Guardians head coach Marco Van Den Berg. Giessen didn´t play their best in the first half, but even at 60% were good enough to secure the lead. In the second half, they really turned up their game and Koblenz had no answer. “We didn´t come out with the energy that we needed. We knew that they were an aggressive offensive rebounding team. We settled in after their run and got more relaxed. It was a decent first half for us. We have a deep roster and just kept going at them. We did a good job stopping their strengths. We had a good start to the second half and then at our foot on the game”, warned Giessen 46er Aiden Warnholtz (188-G-2000, college: Carleton). Giessen did a good job limiting TJ Cockfield to only 4 points inn the second half. “They did a good job taking my game away”, stressed TJ Cockfield.
Ty Cockfield at the FT line
The EPG Guardians were without new player Brandon Averette who had the flu, but other than that were complete as was Giessen. The EPG Guardians Koblenz surprised everyone coming out and smacking Giessen with a lethal 12-1 run. Koblenz came out with high intensity and a physicality that Giessen couldn´t match. Czech player David Bohm played his inside out game to perfection scoring 7 points while American TY Cockfield found his spots early adding 5 points. Giessen seemed shocked, but they didn´t have the normal intensity. The body language of Koblenz was magnificent and they were presenting different defenses and not allowing Giessen to get into a rhythm. But basketball is a game of runs and making adjustments and that is what Giessen did. They slowly settled down and found into their sets and a rhythm and closed out the first quarter with a 18-7 run to dead lock the game at 19-19 after 10 minutes. Canadian Aiden Warnholtz had been out for many months and had only played one game since scoring 4 points. In the run he nailed 2 three´s and had 8 points. Ex Bremerhaven guard Simon Krajcovic also drilled home a trey. Serbian beast Simon Kovacevic also added a nasty poster on David Bohm. “That was sweet. The whole set up was done well. He made good reads and got free. It was fun to watch”, said Aiden Warnholtz. TJ Cockfield continued to get to the hole getting 2 buckets and keeping the Guardians in the game. “After their run, we did a good job not allowing easy offensive rebounds. Once we got some stops and saw some balls go in, it got easier for us as we were more relaxed”, stressed Aiden Warnholtz.
Mladen Vujic to the hole
In the second quarter the game was at eye level as no team could break away from the other. Despite Giessen´s good ending to the first quarter, it was the EPG Baskets Koblenz that got out of the gates stronger in the second quarter. Koblenz went on a 6-2 run to lead 25-21. Bohm continued to be aggressive and wanting to shine and nailed a trey while ex BBL player Leon Friederici made a lay in. However the Giessen bigs weren´t the only concern for Marco van Den Berg, but also Giessen´s guard play. Out of seemingly no where the guests pulled out a lethal 9-0 run as Warnholtz stroked home 2 three´s and ex Xavier (NCAA) guard Kyle Castlin hit one as Giessen led 30-25. Koblenz wasn´t showing that high intensity and were bewildered by the Giessen ball movement and open shots. Luckily for the EPG Guardians, they were in a phase where their offense was executing. Cockfield continued to make his shots as he scored twice as did role player Ben Stevens while Giessen got a three from ex national player Robin Benzing and a Castlin lay in as Giessen led 35-31. The EPG Guardians Koblenz continued to punch back, but couldn´t get over the hump. Giessen did a good job being aggressive and getting to the free throw line while the Guardians received two buckets from Friederici. The EPG Guardians had good shooting percentages of 54% from the field and 71% from the two point area while Giessen was at 44% from the field and from outside. Koblenz also had the rebound edge 17-12 and only 9 turnovers while Giessen had 10 turnovers, but were still down by 4 points. The three ball from Giessen cost them the lead at the break. “We had problems containing Cockfield. He is a good player and they have good players. Our offense was pretty good. We had a few bad lapses, but overall happy to have the lead at the break”, stated Aiden Warnholtz.
Ty Cockfield with the off balance shot
The turning point of the game came in the third quarter as Giessen shifted up a few notches on defense allowing only 10 points and finding a beautiful flow on offense as they scored 25 points and led by 19 points after 30 minutes. Cockfield actually began the second half with a basket as Koblenz trailed only 40-38. But the Giessen 46ers then went on a 14-2 run which the EPG Guardians couldn´t recover from trailing 52-40. Ex Frankfurt Skyliner Kevin Mcclain was instrumental in the run nailing back to back three´s as his microwave abilities do remind one of Vinnie Johnson from back in the day. Mcclain also fed Kovacevic with a pretty alley-oop. “Mcclain did a good job going down hill and finding him for the dunk. Kovacevic is very athletic and gets up there”, stated Aiden Warnholtz. Ex Nurnberg big man Jonathan Maier made back to back baskets while Leon Friederici answered with a reverse lay up and ex North Kentucky University (NCAA) guard Michael Bradley made a 20 footer to keep track to trail 56-44. In the first half Koblenz was able to punch back after being punched, but not so much in the third quarter any more. Giessen continued to execute well against the harmless Guardians defense that still couldn´t gain that intensity from the first 4 minutes of the game and closed out the third quarter with a 9-2 run to lead 65-46 and pretty much already decided the game there. In the run, Giessen got to the free throw line and dominated the paint against the harmless Guardians as Giessen´s Serbian duo of Kovacevic and Mladen Vujic scored. The Guardians offense was static and little ball movement as Giessen aggressive on ball pressure led them to 1-1 situations. “We came out with the right energy on defense. We have athletic and smart guys that executed our game plan. On offense we did a good job sharing the ball and attacking their weaknesses”, commented Aiden Warnholtz. “We have to learn to put together 2 good halves. They consuled out our ball movement and fast tuned their defensive principles”, expressed TY Cockfield.T
Jonathan Maier at the FT line
The game was already decided in the fourth quarter and it was 10 minutes of pick up basketball mentality. Giessen began rapidly going on a 7-0 run top extend their lead to 72-46. Warnholtz continued his scoring spree with an off balance shot while ex BBL player and Kirchheim Knight Nico Brauner hit a trey. The EPG Guardians were always a step to slow and were lacking the needed intensity and aggressiveness. After a Bradley off balance shot, Giessen struck back with back to back three´s from Warnholtz and ex Braunschweig forward Luis Figge to extend their lead to 78-48. Team play was non existent with Koblenz as they continued to play 1-1 as if they were on a Sunday stroll on the playground. Friederici was at least successful making 2 difficult buckets while Vujic made an easy lay up for the 80-52 advantage after hauling in a blazing bullet pass from Robin Benzing. “Robin is a very good passer. He sees the floor very well and is smart. He makes those passes all the time”, stated Aiden Warnholtz. The game was long over with a few more minutes to play as Giessen outscored Koblenz 9-7. Giessen got another trey from Nico Brauner while Warnholtz made his last basket of the game while Cockfield and Yassin Mahfouz scored. “We finished the game strong. The game was out of hand. It was only my second game back. I tried to make good use of every minute”, stressed Aiden Warnholtz. “We were trying to pick up our game and figure how to put the ball in the hole and try to get all involved. We simply struggled”, said Ty Cockfield. The Giessen 46ers were led by Aiden Warnholtz with 22 points while Victor Kovacevic added 11 points while the EPG Guardians Koblenz were led by Ty Cockfield with 17 points and Leon Friedirici added 15 points. The Giessen 46ers shot 46% from the field and 46% from outside and had 29 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the EPG Guardians Koblenz shot 45% from the field and 17% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 18 turnovers.
Sometimes it can go so quickly in basketball as U-19 team Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners witnessed the last weeks. Not long ago, the club was perfect 8-0, but then it was broken with a loss to IBAM. The losing continued with back to back loses to the powerful FC Bayern Munich who like most years are incredibly deep and talented. Munich will be very tough to beat in the post season, but thankfully that is still more than 3 months away. Frankfurt had to find a way back to winning and thankfully for Frankfurt they had to deal with Science City Jena who had only two wins this season. But the last thing that Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners could do was underestimate them, because they had lost 2 tight games to IBAM and one to FC Bayern Munich. Science City Jena was a way better team than their record showed. On a untypical Wednesday night, both teams came into the BCM and both had injuries, but none was as tough to digest as that of Ivan Crnjac who is the central figure of Frankfurt´s offense. Frankfurt´s offense wasn´t sparkling as usual, but their defense was in top form as they beat Science City Jena in a 68-54 grind out win. They held Jena to 30 points in the first half and stepped it up a notch more in the second half allowing only 24 points. “We had our ups and downs in the game, but we had many guys that played many games in a short amount of days. We had some sloppy moments on defense, but overall, we were there for each other. Our bench had a lot of energy and stepped it up. We had our problems with their press and on ball pressure. You could notice that Ivan Crnjac was missing in our offense”, stressed Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliner guard Jamie Edoka (195-G-2008). Science City Jena was without 2 players and they are a young team, but they fought hard for 40 minutes, but just couldn´t get in an offense groove. “We didn´t use all the opportunities presented to us. We also weren´t able to use all our strengths. They were better prepared than we were. We had some good defensive phases. We didn´t drive enough to the hoop and we had mental phases”, stressed Science City Jena forward Daniel Biel.
Jamie Edoka at the FT line
The first quarter was a real battle as no team could break away and there were 4 lead changes as Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners had the narrow 3 point lead after 10 minutes. Frankfurt broke out taking the rapid 7-4 advantage as Jamie Edoka began aggressive scoring 4 points while Maximillian Peters made an offensive rebound and put back. But Science City Jena was aggressive as well on the defensive end stifling Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners with their press as Maxim Bader made 3 steals including a lay in and free throw to tie the game at 7-7. German Johan Grau gave some good energy from the bench with 2 buckets while Fabrice Heberer did the same for Frankfurt nailing an off balance trey for the lay in, but Jena led 11-10. But Frankfurt kept their nerves intact and closed out the first quarter with a 7-2 run to have the 17-13 advantage after one quarter. In the run, the Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners bench continued to sparkle as Chris Widmer unraveled an old school hook shot, Kostantinos Kapetanakis made free throws while Heberer made another trey on the pick and pop which had the guests somewhat surprised. “We had many turnovers. That is a big flaw of the team. It showed that Frankfurt´s offense was at a disadvantage without Ivan Crnjac and Julius Messer. We didn´t have consistent ball movement”, stated Fraport Skyliner Junior Marvin Esser. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 38% from the field and 29% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 8 turnovers while Science City Jena shot 31% from the field and 0% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 7 turnovers.
Tim Rothämel to the rim
The second quarter remained a defensive battle as Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners was unable to get away and led only by 3 points at halftime. Bader got a free throw to get Jena on the board first, but Frankfurt responded right away as Maximillian Peters drilled home a trey for the 20-14 Frankfurt lead. It was only logical that some team would break out on a run at some time and Science City Jena was the first team to do that going on a 14-4 run to lead 28-24. Instrumental in the run was German Daniel Biel who scored 9 of the 14 points. He began with a great dunk. His coach Marius Linartas wasn´t kidding when he said before the game that when Biel gets in the open court, nice things happen. Biel´s onslaught continued with an offensive rebound and putback, lay in and three pointer. “I found back to my game in that run. I needed some words of inspiration from my coach. I slowed down the tempo and thought about what I was going to do”, stated Daniel Biel. Frankfurt´s offense floundered during Jena´s run. Jamie Edoka was trying to do too much himself as the team got away from team basketball. Frankfurt was really missing Ivan Crnjac´s one on one qualities, but Jamie Edoka also had them. After being a little unlucky the previous minutes, he now was more successful in execution and took matters into his own hands. He scored 7 of Frankfurt´s last 9 points and dominated on the drive one of his biggest strengths. “Biel´s dunk gave him a lot of energy and after that the hole looked bigger for him. Edoka did a good job at the end taking control”, said Marvin Esser. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 40% from the field and 25% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 11 turnovers while Science City Jena shot 32% from the field and 7% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 10 turnovers.
Jamie Edoka with the lay in
Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners took control of the game in the third quarter heightening their offense and scoring 21 points and led 54-41 after 30 minutes. Luca May actually got the guests on the board first with a three pointer to dead lock the contest at 33-33. But that didn´t faze Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners as they stormed back going on a 11-2 run to take the 44-35 lead. Maximillian Peters began the run with 5 points and Frankfurt dynamic guard duo of Edoka and Omog did what they do best attacking the rim as Edoka scored twice and Omog once. Frankfurt increased the aggressiveness on defense which led to transition baskets. Jena´s offense was sloppy and they couldn´t get good looks. German Leopold Schmidt gave Jena some spark with 2 baskets to trail Frankfurt only 46-39. But Frankfurt wasn´t about to allow another run and closed out the third quarter strongly going on a 8-2 run to lead 54-41 after 3 quarters. In the run it was the bench again of Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners that stepped up as Chris Widmer scored twice and showed what a good role player is supposed to do. Omog added free throws and Lukas Brendel also scored in the paint. “We had a good talk at the break. We were upset that we were only up by 3 points. We knew that we had to step up our game. We were more awake on defense and were able to get out on transition”, added Jamie Edoka. “I think that we played more against ourselves than for each other. We knew that we were running out of gas”, commented Daniel Biel. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 42% from the field and 27% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 14 turnovers while Science City Jena shot 35% from the field and 11% from the parking lot and had 31 rebounds and 19 turnovers.
Daniel Biel to the hole
In the fourth quarter Science City Jena had their chances early, but just couldn´t get over the hump as Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners managed the lead well and were able to close out the game with the victory. Science City Jena stepped up their defense in the first minutes and held Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners to no field goal for many minutes. They stopped Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners 8 times and they only got one point through a Brendel free throw. However they were unable to make steps on offense during their defensive success as only Bader and Tim Rothamel scored as Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners still had the comfortable 55-47 advantage. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners then added 5 quick points as Edoka made an offensive rebound and put back and dropped a trey for the 60-47 lead. Jena made 3 more stops which led to a Karl Haring lay in and Schmidt basket, but Frankfurt still led 60-52 with 3 minutes remaining. But Science City Jena was running out of energy and Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners used that advantage and slammed the door on them, Edoka hit a trey while role player Finley Pruever made a acrobatic lay in and steal and transition bucket to close out the game. “If the situation is there, I´m always ready for the kill. We all stuck together and helped each other out on defense. Big plays motivated all. This game wasn´t our best defensive performance of the season, but it was a good one”, warned Jamie Edoka. “We have had motivational problems this season. There are some guys that fight, but others give up”, expressed Daniel Biel. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners was led by Jamie Edoka with 27 points and 12 rebounds while Maximillian Peters added 10 points while Science City Jena was led by Daniel Biel with 15 points. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 40% from the field and 30% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 21 turnovers while Science City Jena shot 33% from the field and 14% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 23 turnovers.
Peter Bullock (198-F/C-1982, college: Alaska-Anch.) is a 42 year old 198cm forward that was born in Long Beach, California and grew up in Anchorage, Alaska and is playing his 20th professional season overseas and fifth with Fyllingen BBK (Norway-BLNO). He has played his whole pro career in Norway for teams like Froya Basket Laksevag, Ulriken Eagles, Gimle BBK Bergen and at Baerums Verk Jets. He also played briefly in Australia. He began his basketball career at East high school and then played at the University of Alaska at Anchorage. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against Bamberg.
Thanks Pete for talking to germanhoops.com. Your 42 years old and still playing. There haven´t been many Americans that have had such a long and prosperous career overseas. What has been your special secret to your longevity? I have been blessed with good health and no major injuries while playing basketball up to now. I´m a competitive person and my favorite to exercise is playing basketball. I´m nowhere near my prime as a player but I think I´m still able to bring mentorship and toughness to the team. My two oldest kids that are 10 (Peter Jr.) and 8 (Bella) have been my reason to keep playing. They love being around the team and as their youth coach and father I feel they gain a lot of basketball knowledge by spending quality time around Norway’s top team.
If someone had told you in 2004 when you arrive din Norway that you would still be there in 2025, what would you have thought? I would have laughed and never believed it. I always had in my head that I was here to work (play basketball) and would definitely return to the US. Life doesn’t always go as expected but I would say that now I am living the “Norwegian Dream”.
Why did Norway become your second home? What is so special about the country? I mean you were used to the cold since you grew up in Alaska.
I came here with basketball as my only focus but my wife made Norway my 2nd home. We have a wonderful family and life here but we are also really good at getting back to visit the US often and we are lucky enough to have US family and friends visit us here quite often. I don’t know anyone that has moved so far across the world to the same type of freezing climate lol. Definitely have to have the proper clothes for the weather.
You could of retired years ago. What keeps you coming back each season? Is it just the love for the game?
I have a pretty busy life working as a shipbroker and having 4 kids so it is definitely difficult to prioritize basketball. When I think with my head…I should definitely not be playing basketball in the Norwegian top league/ENBL anymore but the combo of my kids pushing me to play and my love for the game keeps calling me back.
Let´s go way back. You played at the University of Alaska at Anchorage (NCAA2) from 1999-2004. What memories do you have of those early years in your basketball development? It was a long time ago and basketball was different. How did you develop your game there?
Wow, that was over 2 decades ago! I had some amazing experiences playing college basketball at UAA. It was a surreal experience to be able to represent my hometown on the basketball court. 4 of our current players on Fyllingen have played for college teams that have traveled to Anchorage Alaska to play games. They always remind me how they remember seeing larger than life size pictures of me up at the UAA arena and my UAA sports hall of fame plaque. I am the type of person that likes to live in the moment and don’t think about past accomplishments but pretty funny when my much younger teammates bring stuff up like that. I developed my game thru hard work, dedication, being coachable, and listening to my upperclassmen mentors. My older sister that played D1 basketball at University of Iowa and I also would fly me down to stay with her in Iowa for the summers and would arrange for me to scrimmage and work out with the University of Iowa ´s team which prepared me greatly for the Division 2 level and for my my professional future.
You were always a guy that could score and rebound very well for your height. How do you believe would your career have gone had you been born 20 years later? The game has changed so much. Would you have been a different player today as a 24 year old kid?
So if I was going to have a do over, I would start playing the game much earlier and drill much harder on the basic fundamentals of the game. Now as a youth coach I make sure not to just put my big guys under the basket as pivot players. I believe it´s important to learn all the skills of the game so you don’t put limitations on what position you can play in the future. The more you work on skills the longer you can play the game of basketball. Unfortunately, as you age you definitely lose the athleticism you once had. At 6’6’’ I am more of a sg/sf size. I have played my whole career as a pf/c which pushed me to play with a high motor to make up for size at my position.
You lost a defensive battle against NCAA team Seton Hall. You scored 16 points and had 11 rebounds. You showed you could play against a top Big East team. What memories do you have of that game? My memories from that game were pretty cool. I started school early so I was actually a college freshman already at the age of 17. I had just turned 18 and was playing in a game against a Big East team that had Stephon Marbury’s little brother and Tavorris Bell on the team. Tavorris Bell had rockets tattooed on his calves and I heard that he had just won a dunk contest the summer before at Rutger Park by dunking over a car. Instead of being intimidated I was excited for the challenge. When I was able to have success at a young age against a group like that, I was able to prove to myself that I was ready to play against anyone.
How did head coach Charlie Jones groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
My coach Charlie Bruns helped to prepare me for the professional level with two quotes: “You don’t know, what you don’t know” and “What have you done for me lately”. It took me awhile to decipher the first one but I understood it to mean always be well prepared every time you step on the court and the 2nd reminds me to always be hungry and bring it every time you step foot on the court. Never be comfortable and rest on what you’ve done in the past. I try to live by those two quotes.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Josh Evans?
Josh Evans is a beast. I remember watching him go back and forth with Carlos Boozer when Josh was a freshman in high school. But, I don’t remember losing many 1 v 1 matchups with college teammates
You got your first pro experience with the Rockhampton Rockers (Australia-QABL) averaging 23.5ppg, 14.2rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1bpg. What do you remember being your wakeup call to being an American where you knew that you were far away from home?
My Rockhampton days were some great times. The people in that city and that basketball organization treated me amazingly. I spent two fun and competitive seasons in Rocky and still have close friends from there today. I knew I was far away from home when I attended a party with some of the locals and a kangaroo hopped right thru the middle of the dance floor (no joke).
You came to Europe in 2005 and joined Baerums Verk Jets (Norway-BLNO). What do you remember being your first impression arriving? It was the dead of winter. Did it feel somewhat like home because of the cold temperatures?
When I came to Baerum I was so focused on basketball and trying to make a strong impression to my team that I didn’t think of the weather at all. I actually got the opportunity because Serge Using was playing there and recommended me to the team. He played at UAA in Alaska before my time and is the school ´scurrent all time blocked shots leader I believe. When I arrived in Norway I had to go to my first practice straight after getting off the plane from the US. I still remember the thunderous dunk that I had over 7 foot Serge Using in our first team practice. Now when I look back on it, maybe I should have been more grateful that he helped me get the job and should have layed it up instead
You then played 4 seasons with the Ulriken Eagles (Norway-BLNO). You were a real double double monster, You won league titles in 2007 and 2009. Which title was sweetest? I have been fortunate enough to win 4 Norwegian league playoff titles and for me all of them are the sweetest. Rather I was the go to guy on the team or mentor/energy guy. There are many different roles in the game of basketball that all are keys to winning championships. Having a long career has allowed me to experience many different roles on a team which has helped me learn more about the game of basketball.
You needed no adjustment time and dominated the first division Norway. What do you remember being key for being able to step up right away?
For me to play with a high motor and to try to always think of every game as your last has helped me to be a productive basketball player. Experience against NBA and overseas caliber guys by playing in the Great Alaska Shootout and in the Iowa Prime Time League really helped me to be prepared for this level of competition.
Was there a player in those early years that was like a mentor for you? More than having specific players as mentors I feel my approach of respecting the game of basketball and trying to always give the game my everything has really helped me. When I am finished playing I will definitely look back and smile about how my career has gone.
You then played 2 seasons with Gimle BBK Bergen. What memories do you have of this organization? Your consistent play continued. Gimle is a well run organization and they have been Norwegian Champions many times in recent years. I have nothing but respect for their club and the way they compete in the game of basketball. I had a great experience playing there but love playing against them now as well.
What memories do you have of 16 year old Chris Ebow-Ndow. I know you have played against thousands of players and had so many teammates, but do you remember him? He has had a great career and is playing in France Pro A now.
Chris Ebow-Ndow is a beast on the court. He has always loved the game of basketball and plays it the right way. He moved to Bergen on his own as a young kid and dedicated his whole life to basketball. I always remember him being a huge Lebron fan. His game as a youngster made me thing a bit of Paul George. It is fun seeing how much international success he is having now with the game of basketball.
You then played with Froya Basket (Norway-BLNO) from 2011-2020. You won a league title in your first season. What was so special about that team?
The Froya team was special because the team was so close as friends and coach Ron Billingslea was a great motivator of men. That group was a great example of a true team effort. Fun times at Froya forsure.
For the first seasons and many others you were often the lone American. What kind of an experience was that for you? What kind of a leader did you become over the years? The players must of really looked up to you. Sometimes I was the lone American but we were usually two. When you are so far away from home, your import teammates usually become like your brothers. I have made great long term relationships over the years with Serbians, Bulgarians, Latvians and many fellow players with different nationalities. You also learn many life lesson from people coming from different parts of the world. My goal has always been to lead by example so rather if its practice or games I take pride in trying to always be the hardest worker every time I step in the gym.
Your playing your fifth season for Fyllingen BBK (Norway-BLNO). What has been so special about this organization? You won another league title last season? Playing at Fyllingen allows me to spend quality time with some of my best buddies that are still active around the game of basketball and get much needed exercise. Fyllingen is trying to grow the level of basketball in Norway and take things competitively to the international level. Not only are we trying to do a good job as a team on the court, but we are also trying to have a positive impact on the local youth in our community here in Bergen. It was fun winning the Norwegian championship last year behind some of the phenomenal players we had but we also want to push to be a competitive team through out Europe.
How cool is it to be playing ENBL so late in your career? What do you cherish most about it?
ENBL is a really fun experience for a 42 year old. I want the Norwegian basketball to be able to have international experience for years to come so it´s important for me to give everything anytime I step on the court. The ENBL is a very well run league with strong competition. It´s an honor to still get a chance to compete on such a professional stage.
Your minutes have gone down the last years. What kind of a mentor are you? My minutes have definitely gone down the last years. I have different priorities and responsibilities than the rest of the team but I give my all whenever I cross the lines. My teammates actually tell me that I demand I higher level of competitiveness at practices and games. If the young guys believe I am still helping, I want to be out there for them.
Isaac Likekele said this about you. ““Pete has been a great guy to play with because he is all about team and winning. Pete is a mentor & emotional leader for the whole team. He is our enforcer like a Draymond Green without him we wouldn’t have won this many games, and the box score might not say that. But, for everyone that tunes in and watches they can clearly see how much of an effect he has on the court each game”. How special of a player is he?
Ice is a big time player with great basketball pedigree. The sky is the limit for him. He is the type of player that will go as far as he wants to with the game. He was a complete game changer for our championship run last year. Unfortunately he was too good to keep playing in this league.
How much longer do you want to play? Could this be your last season?
This could definitely be my last year playing. Little bumps and bruises take much longer to heal at the age of 42 and I don’t have as much time to prepare when having a highly demanding full time job and 4 kids under the age of 11 that all have their own activities the I want to be able to attend to support them on a daily basis.
Who is the toughest player that you faced that went to the NBA? The toughest player that I have faced that went to the NBA is Reggie Evans back when he was at the University of Iowa. He was a beast and played about 13 seasons in the NBA.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Top 5 teammates is a tough question that I will have to pass on. I have been blessed with some amazing teammates over my long career during my youth, college, and professional playing days.
What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?
Kobe, Lebron, Jordan, Kareem
Who is your GOAT?
Lebron is my GOAT
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? The sequel of coming to America was a bit funny for sure but definitely should have been left alone!
German Hoops 