Jonas Herold is a 25 year old 198cm forward that is playing his third season for the Artland Dragons. Last season he played 19 games averaging 3.6ppg, 1.8rpg. He began his basketball career with BBG Herford (2.Regionalliga), and then went on to gather further basketball experience with teams like BSG Bremerhaven (2.Regionalliga), TV 1864 Salzkotten (Regionalliga), Paderborn Baskets III (Oberliga) TSV Crailsheim Merlins 2nd team (Regionalliga and the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau (ProA). He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career. 

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

Right now I’m at home in Bielefeld at my family’s during the weekdays, I’m doing my rehab nearby in Herford. On the weekends I’m always in Quakenbrueck to be with the team. It’s a good mix for me as I still have my usual rhythm in Quakenbrueck and get to be with my teammates and coaches. Basketball wise it’s super tough at the moment, I’m not going to lie. Seeing the guys practice, play and compete sucks because you know there’s nothing you can do in order to help the team succeed on the court at the moment. I get to see the game more and more out of the coaches perspective in some regard, and it’s a terrible perspective! At the same time I’m happy that I get to spend so much time with the team, see the team develop from week to week and be able to talk to the guys and maybe help them out here and there.

You suffered a tough ACL injury just before COVID-19 hit the world. How are you feeling today and how was the rehab during COVID-19?

Currently I’m feeling quite well. I’m making constant progress and the hard work is paying off slowly. The thing bothering me the most right now is my peroneal nerve which got compressed during the injury. It’s responsible for lifting the foot and due to the injury I still can’t lift it, as the nerve is still recovering. Regarding the rehab during COVID-19 I got to say that the virus didn’t really change one bit of rehab for me. I still get to go to rehab every day, my physiotherapists and doctors are still working and available for me, which definitely is a privilege.

How tough was rehabbing in a time of COVID-19? What were the biggest challenges for you to be able to get the best treatment?

Everything stayed the same for me from March on up until now. I got to spend 3 months at Medicos.auf Schalke. where I was only one of a few pro-athletes that were able to be there and get treatment almost 24/7, so that was big-time.

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

It made me a lot stronger! Especially the beginnings were extremely tough. I had surgery in Hamburg a day prior to my birthday, and on top of that nobody was allowed to pay me a visit due to the COVID-19 rules. Definitely not the best feeling in the world being stuck in bed with tons of pain, sleepless nights and nobody allowed to come by. After I was able to get out of bed it was eye-opening what I got to see. My room-mate had stage 3 bone-cancer in his thy. I saw little kids with cancer, tumors all over their face, I saw COVID-19 patients coming into the hospital. It was scary, but extremely humbling at the same time to know that the problems I have are minor compared to others destinies.

Let’s talk about your career. The Artland Dragons is your 7th team. You have seen many organizations in young years. Can you say that the Artland Dragons have become your second home?

100%! The organization treated me well from day one, and nothing has changed ever since. The way they stuck with me during my injury, by far my lowest point in my career, was incredible. I know they got my back no matter what and I’m forever grateful for that. Even though pro-sports is a business, the Artland Dragons in some regard swim against the tide. They never leave out the humanity within the business. 

How much are you itching to play again? How tough has not playing been and what have you missed the most from the game?

It’s itching like crazy! You get to see so many things from the outside during this time span you never really saw before. You would do so many things differently. You get to control your emotions even better than before because you know there’s nothing you can do. You get to understand the coaches better. You think you’d adapt your game if you should return. What I miss about the game can’t be cut down to one or two aspects. I miss everything. The practices, the shootarounds, the lifting sessions, the games, may they be good or bad, the comradery. You even get to miss the pre-season and video-sessions. What I know best is that I will never ever will take anything for granted again because nothing is guaranteed, especially not in sports. I will surely stay the ambitious athlete who hates losing more than anything, but I would deal with all of that in a whole different way.

You increased your minutes from 8 to 19 with the Artland Dragons. How do you feel has your game grown and matured in the Pro A with the Dragons?

I think my offensive game has developed quite a lot during the years with Artland. I worked a lot on my shot with coach Tuna Isler and with Florian Hartenstein previously. I set out my own personal goal in becoming somewhat of a swiss-knife on the court, being a player that has no real weakness. I worked on my shot and ballhandling, tried to strengthen my drive and skills on the defensive end. I tried to erase my weaknesses and build on my strengths. What I saw during the time at Artland is that a lot comes with experience. It might help you to gain that slight advantage over your defender, read in-game situations better and also becoming more vocal on and off-court.

One guy who played a big role in your development has been Florian Hartenstein. What was the most important things that he gave your game that you are most thankful for?

Flo had an impact especially on the offensive end. He’s definitely a player’s coach and pushed me to being more confident offensively, worked with me on my shot and also made me a more vocal player on the court. He stuck with me when I put my head down and always approached me with a positive attitude, not pulling me down but always trying to lift me up when I was too hard on myself. He was the first to give me legit game-time on Pro A level with the Dragons and I’m forever thankful for that.

Let’s talk a bit more in depth about your game? You’re a 198cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I really like the game of Bogdan Bogdanovic and might compare it to him. I followed his game when he was in the Euroleague with Fenerbahce already and same goes for his NBA days now. He’s not a flashy player, so am I. He’s smart on the court, sneaky and really versatile. He got a great shot, for sure a lot better than mine, is able to go all the way to the hoop and also knows how to share the ball and provide for his teammates, like I do as well. Same goes for the defensive end, versatile, smart and sneaky.

Talk a little about your biggest strengths on the court. In what direction do you want to take your game as you continue to climb the basketball ladder?

I’m coachable. As I said before, it might be the versatility and the aspect I don’t have a big weakness. I think I got a high game-IQ, became a decent shooter adding to my drive and am a good passer for my position. Defensively I’m trying to be a vocal anchor and not shying away from doing the dirty work. Looking ahead, I want to be a clear leader on and off-court. Besides that there’s always room for improvement in every aspect, maybe on my shot and ballhandling the most.

You take a lot of pride with your defensive game. How important is your defensive presence for your team?

I think it’s important to have. The last two years I was happy to play alongside my former teammate Jannes Hundt, who always was a pain in the ass for opponents guards. It was great to have another guy like that around because it makes life easier for you as well. Being a defensive presence gives the team some kind of security as well as for the coach. I’m pretty versatile for my size, which helps guarding either smaller or bigger players and also helps in the modern switching defense.

You moved around a lot in young years playing in Paderborn, Bremerhaven and Herford. What memories do you have of these times and why was it difficult staying in one place for you?

I started off in Herford but quickly went to Paderborn to play in my youth days as it was the only team I got to play on the highest youth level back in the day. As Hamed Attarbashi was my previous coach in Paderborn and then moved on to coach Bremerhaven he offered me to come and join him there when I was 16. It was a no-brainer for me as I knew what a great, developing coach he was. With that being said, I have a lot of great memories about that time. We had a lot of success in Paderborn and then in Bremerhaven when I moved away from home with 16. I had to be self-reliant in Bremerhaven, lived in a shared flat with teammates, had to handle both school and practices. We spent so much time together as a team and developed a real brotherhood that is still present today. It was a great time!

You played a season with the TSV Crailsheim Merlins 2nd team (2.Regionalliga) playing 25 games averaging 8.7ppg. How tough was this season as a 20 year old not really making steps as a player as you had to play in the second Regionalliga?


It was really tough. I got to Crailsheim the season before right around January, only to break my hand in the very first game. I was out for the season, got the chance to come back to the club but was stuck in the Regionalliga and didn’t get to practice or play with the Pro A team at that time. It was hard to keep going and keep the motivation up, but I’m thankful for the coaches Kai Buchmann and Pascal Heinrichs back then for always being hard on me, because it paid off and Tuomas Iisalo gave me a chance to present myself towards the end of the season. 

You got a taste of your first Pro A moments with the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau (ProA). How thankful were you that American head coach Simon Cote gave you a chance?

Man. I’m forever thankful that I got to be around Simon. He taught me so much about what it means to be a pro. He was hard on me, made me fight adversity, made me better and tougher and a better person as well. He was a perfectionist on court and that’s what stuck with me the most. He always led by example. As I got more and more game time towards the end of that season thanks to both Simon Cote and also my current coach Tuna Isler, who was assistant coach back then and invested incredibly much time in me and my game and therefore surely is the biggest promoter during my career, I made the best out of the chances I got, played good ball and earned me a contract with the Artland Dragons.

What are your biggest goals now as a player at age 25? Is just becoming a good Pro A role player the goal or do you have BBL ambitions?
I’

m an ambitious person, so of course my goal is to reach the next level. But for now my goal is to complete the rehab process 100%, then we’ll see.

You don’t only have basketball and play station in your head, but are an ambitious student. Talk a little about what you are studying and how challenging that is despite being a full time professional player?

I study sports science, English and psychology. I always knew for myself that I wanted to do something else besides basketball no matter what and that’s why I’m totally fine with it and the challenges that come with it. Of course it’s tough when it comes to submitting papers, learning for exams and having to do university stuff before or after practice when others are able to chill and relax. But I know that I would go crazy in my head only playing basketball and not gaining new knowledge. For me it’s a great alternation.

Who has been the toughest player that you ever faced on the court?

It’s a toss-up between Josh Richardson and Thomas Walkup. 

Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Chase Griffin
Chris von Fintel
Leon Friederici 
Jona Spradley
Robert Oehle

Good players, even greater and/or funnier persons!

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

Michael Jordan
LeBron James
Magic Johnson
Hakeem Olajuwon

What was the last movie/series that you saw?

I recently started ‘House of Cards’, good stuff.

Thanks Jonas for the chat.

James Robinson is a 26 year old 190cm guard from Mitchellville, Maryland that is playing his fifth professional season and first with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. Last season he played with medi Bayreuth (Germany-BBL) playing 21 games averaging 10.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 4.6apg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 92.6%; and played 14 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 6.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 5.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 37.1%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 85.3%. In the 2018-2019 season he played with Bnei Hertzeliya (Israel-Winner League): playing 24 games averaging 9.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 76.9%. In the 2017-2018 season he had his first tour of duty with medi Bayreuth (Germany-BBL) playing 38 games averaging 9.4ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.5apg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 84.9%; and played 17 BCL games averaging 10.2ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 74.4%. He played his rookie season with BC Igokea Aleksandrovac (Bosnia-Division I) helping them win the cup playing 16 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 61.1%, 3PT-2 (48.8%), FT: 75.8%; He also played in the Adriatic League playing 24 games averaging 12.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 86.3%. Before turning professional he played at Pittsburgh (NCAA) from 2012-2016 playing a total of 137 games and as a senior played 33 games averaging 10.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 5.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 75.8%. He spoke to egermanhoops.com after the tough 103-98 OT loss in Frankfurt against the Fraport Skyliners. 

A tough 103-98 OT loss against the Fraport Skyliners. Pete Strobl looked very down after this loss which is expected. What were the main reasons for the loss?

Honestly we didn’t play that bad. It came down to missed free throws and they made the big plays. We were in position to win, but couldn’t pull it out. It was tough losing, but we can’t look back and have to learn on the fly and get ready for Bonn on Tuesday.

It was one of those games where the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig had to play catch up all night long. What do you feel did the team gain from getting some added experience about never giving up?


I felt the way that we fought was a very good sign. We fought the whole game. We have a team of fighters. No mater who we play, we always feel like we can win. We just weren’t able to close out the game. We will grow from this experience and be better against Bonn. 

Braunschweig was down 84-77 with 3,09 to play. How confident were you at that moment that you would come back?

We were confident we could win. We knew the time and score. We didn’t want the score to dictate us. We remained focused and knew that we had enough time left. 

You raved about Lukas Meissner in the last interview. Please talk a bit how well German Gavin Schilling has developed. He had many good scenes in the paint all night long?

Gavin is a crazy athlete. He works really hard at both ends of the court. He is our motor. He has done a really good job stepping into his role this season. I liked his huge 50/50 ball he got in the first half. It is good to see his progression and he has improved a lot already this season. We know that he is capable of giving us even more. 

You hit a huge three to force OT. Fraport Skyliner Rasheed Moore said after the game that great players make great shots. As a good playmaker is it sometimes tough to take the shot when you have a lethal scorer like Bryon Allen?

Not really. Bryon did a good job driving to the basket and then kicked it out to be and I knocked down the shot. It was a routine play. If it was the other way around then he would of shot. All eyes are on him, because he is a good scorer. He is more than a willing and capable passer.

You always look so comfortable and so at ease taking big shots. At times it reminds me of Kam Taylor. Has some of his coolness rubbed off on you over the years?


I would like to say yes. Kam’s demenor is laid back. Neither of us ever gets too high or down in tough situations. That is a shout out to our upbringing. He always stays level headed. If there is a shot to be taken, we aren’t scared to take it. 

My friend colleague and basketball expert Manuel Schust who wrote the book 111 Gründe Die FRAPORT SKYLINERS zu lieben told me during the game a club like the Fraport Skyliners could use you. Is that another good example of how your sound game can fit to many systems?

I think so. I feel like I’m a pretty well rounded player. I rely a lot on my IQ. I do my best to help make my teammates better and get the most out of my teammates to have success. I feel that I can play for any coach, team or organization at any level. That is a big time compliment coming from your friend. 

Luc Van Slooten hit a rare bank shot from the corner. I had to rub my eyes after that. How often have you seen a shot like that before?

I saw that shot one time before. He did it earlier in the season on a buzzer beater in front of our bench. It is his thing to hit the awkwardly good shots. Luc is super talented and is doing a good job finding his way. It is interesting how he is able to hit these type of three pointers. 

Both teams allowed a lot of points. What do you believe did the team do well and what were things that continued to hurt you during the games?

When a game goes into OT, then it will be more high scoring. I felt like both teams did a good job switching on screens and playing the mismatches. I felt like we played solid defense. Frankfurt did go on some runs and Mobley got hot where we suffered some break downs. They hit some tough shots which decided the game. We didn’t play great defense, but didn’t play terrible defense either. 

You don’t have much time to recover and await the Telekom Baskets Bonn at home on Tuesday. They are a talented team that seem to be coming around now. What will be key for the win?


We have to all be on the same page. We need a quick turn around and have to be sure to lock in mentally more than physically. We have to focus on ourselves and execute our offense and play good defense. If we can do that then we will be ok. 

You had a fine performance against Frankfurt with 16 points and 8 assists. Jon Axel Gudmundsson ate rein deer and Matt Mobley a pizza for Christmas. What X-mas dish did you have?

Well we were in the hotel. We were fortunate to have good hotel food. It didn’t rub off on me. As a professional I know what I need to do be successful.

The Golden State Warriors have started very slow. Will they escape this funk?

I think that it all depends on their injuries. With Thompson and Greene out you have to major staples out. They played in a tough environment on Christmas day. I think that James Wiseman played well. He should be a bright spot this season. Once they get more healthy and find their rhythm then they will be ok.

What basketball New year resolutions do you have?

Staying as healthy as possible is always the #1 thing when you play sports. I also want to keep getting better as a player and help my teammates get better.

Thanks James for the chat.

It is never easy playing games during the X-Mas holidays, but when your playing in Europe, that is part of the norm. The Basketball Lowen Braunschweig had a week to recover from their disappointing 108-75 loss against explosive team HAKRO Merlins where the raining of three´s kept a consistent trend all day long from Elias Lasisi and co. On the other hand the Fraport Skyliners only had 4 days to recover also from a loss to Crailsheim, but at least they had had their chances to win the game. But they just couldn´t control their up and down spurts throughout the game and couldn´t withstand the fourth quarter Merlins knock out punch where German sniper Maurice Stuckey demonstrated that he is always good for a shooting clinic. A day after Christmas and digested dinners, the Fraport Skyliners met the talented Basketball Lowen Braunschweig and thanks to a shooting clinic from Matt Mobley who didn´t have anything eccentric like Jon Axel Gudmundsson who ate Rein deer for Christmas, but kept it a bit odd with a Christmas Pizza erupted for 31 points and three massive three´s in overtime to spark the Fraport Skyliners to a 103-98 victory. He didn´t match his career best of 35 points in Turkey, but got over that 29 points hurdle.” I thought I might never get past 29 points, but then I got to the free throw line and did. I didn´t get frustrated after a few misses. My teammates did a good job putting me in good situations to score. I just played my role”, stressed ex St Bonaventure(NCAA) stand out Matt Mobley. The Fraport Skyliners offense is slowly beginning to gel, but the club still haven´t been able to put it together at both ends of the court. “We are happy about the win. We dedicate the win to the fans. It was a tough game. Our offense played well. There were too many times when we tried to get away on offense, but couldn´t due to our defense. We need to get more experience and defend better as a team. We want to put our good defense against Carilsheim and good offense against Braunschweig together”, stressed Fraport Skyliners head coach Sebastian Gleim. The Basketball Lowen played an inspired game, but in overtime just couldn´t keep Matt Mobley in check. “We knew this would be a tough game. We played hard and tried to move the ball well, but it all just wasn´t enough tonight. We are a young team and need to learn from our mistakes”, stressed Basketball Lowen Braunschweig head coach Pete Strobl.

                The Fraport Skyliners came out on fire on offense hitting their first 4 shots executing well in the paint. Ex Auburn(NCAA) great Quantez Robertson scored in the first 5 seconds with a lay in, ex wiha Panthers Schwenningen forward Rasheed Moore went coast to coast with the lay in, ex Davidson)NCAA) guard Jon Axel Gudmundsson nailed a 10 footer and ex Vechta center Michael Kessens scored on the pick and role. Braunschweig also got their offense going getting a lay in from ex Munich guard Karim Jallow and ex medi Bayreuth forward Lukas Meissner scored a trey as Frankfurt had the 8-5 lead. Frankfurt had some serious early foul problems which led to them losing the lead. Quantez Robertson was hit really hard with 2 fouls in 15 seconds which led to another Meissner trey and 12-8 Braunschweig advantage. Frankfurt then got 4 consecutive free throws from ex Miami(NCAA) center Kamari Murphy to dead lock the contest at 12-12. Braunschweig continued to win the lead back getting back to back lay ins from Jallow and Meissner who showcased his fine inside out game early. Gudmundsson tied the game at 16-16 with free throws and a lay in. Moore really stepped it up in the last minute picking his spots well and hitting two 3 pointers in a row. He hadn´t played since the Crailsheim game 96 hours earlier as he had suffered severe back pain and couldn´t practice the days leading up to this game, but the Skyliners medical staff had put him together perfect for the game. Moore finished with 16 points and continues to demonstrate that his rare amazing climb from the German fourth division to the BBL was no fluke. “It has been an adjustment in the BBL playing against top scale athletes. I think that the BBL games and practices have helped. I feel good. I am now where I wanted to be 4 years ago. It is nice to see that hard work pays off”, stressed Rasheed Moore. German top talent Luc Van Slooten ended the first quarter with a buzzer beater trey as the game was dead locked 22-22.

                In the second quarter the offenses continued to shine as the defenses took a break. The Fraport Skyliners offense got even better and allowed them to lead by as much as 10 points, but their defense continued to let them down allowing the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig to rally and come back. The Fraport Skyliners wasted no time to begin the second frame escaping out on a 9-0 run to extend their lead to 31-22. In the run the 2016 FIBA Europe Cup winner got solid support from many sides as Rasheed Moore continued to show his efficiency with a runner while Mobley also executed on a runner and free throw, but the story belonged to German veteran Marco Voeller. Voeller who isn´t the most talented on the team, but there isn´t another guy that works harder scored two buckets including a massive two handed dunk and a beautiful offensive rebound and put back where he allowed his physicality to take total control in the paint. It seemed like this could have been the time where Frankfurt would totally break away, but Braunschweig had other plans not giving up. They fought back getting a rapid 4-0 run getting a fade away jumper from Robinson and Meissner killed Frankfurt on one of many back door cuts on the day as Frankfurt only led 31-26. Frankfurt then got a quick 5-0 run as Gudmundsson nailed a long three from at least 8,5 meters and Voeller made free throws for the once again seemingly comfortable 36-26 advantage. “We don´t practice those long three´s by Jon and Matt in practice. It is nice to see that they can do things in games that we don´t practice in practices”, smiled Sebastian Gleim. But there was Braunschweig roaring right back going on a 8-2 run to cut Frankfurt´s lead to 36-34. In the run, the guests allowed it to rain three´s getting two from Van Slooten who hit a very rare bank shot from the corner and ex George Mason(NCAA) guard Bryon Allen also delivered from down town. Frankfurt held the slim lead down the stretch and Braunschweig stayed in the game with three consecutive Jallow buckets as he made a tip in, one hand dunk and reverse lay up as Frankfurt led only 42-40. The Jallow show would continue in the last minute as Frankfurt couldn´t keep him under control. Despite a Mobley trey, Jallow struck back with a three pointer and lay in on the back door as Braunschwieg trailed 47-45 at the break. Both teams had almost allowed 100 points combined at the break. It was obvious that the defensive end is still a work in progress. “Each team in the BBL have their specialties. Braunschwieg is one of those teams that likes to have 4-5 guys pushing the ball in transition. We gave up way too many transition baskets. That has to get better”, stressed Sebastian Gleim.

                In the third quarter the Fraport skyliners kept the lead, but couldn´t break away. Somehow the Basketball Lowen were able to hang around. Mobley continued to be a one man wrecking crew supplying 7 points in the first few minutes. He nailed a trey and twice was fouled behind the three point line connecting on four of six free throws. Braunschweig got some huge baskets and Jallow demonstrated that he will always be able to create his own shot scoring inside while James Robinson showed the calmness of his buddy Kameron Taylor dropping a three, but Braunschwieg still trailed 56-50. Braunschweig just continued to chip away going on a 6-2 run to trail only 58-56 as Robinson, Jallow and Meissner continued to be the team´s  most consistent performers scoring easy baskets. Braunschweig just couldn´t find some healthy consistency on the defensive end always allowing Frankfurt to get points on the set play with a Mobley trey or a transition basket as Gudmundsson fed Murphy for the perfect alley-oop slam dunk as Frankfurt tried to break free again leading 63-59. A Robertson pull up jumper and Gudmundsson three pointer gave Frankfurt the 68-61 lead. Frankfurt displayed their finest ball movement of the game on the Gudmundsson three as 6-7 players touched the ball. Frankfurt kept the lead, but Braunschweig´s prolific sniper Bryon Allen scored three clutch shots in the last few minutes to keep Braunschweig very close as they trailed only 73-70 after 30 minutes. “The third quarter was built for uns. We had our ups and downs. It was one of those games where neither team could get stops. You just got to keep going”, stressed Rasheed Moore.

                In the fourth quarter both teams took a break from the consistent scoring as only 26 points were scored between the two clubs while in the third quarter they had doubled that output. The Fraport Skyliners always seemed like they were in the drivers seat and would walk away with win leading by as much as 7 points, but the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig hung in there, fought and forced a overtime. Karim Jallow who has made an amazing development in Braunschweig like no other young German in the easyCredit BBL proved again that his three point shot has become a reliable one dead locking the game at 73-73. Frankfurt were more awake on defense as Quantez Robertson leaped into a passing lane made a steal and supplied Kessens for the easy two handed transition stuff. Frankfurt made another stop and then it was Rasheed Moore again coming in the clutch and making a big hook shot for the 77-74 lead. Moore continues to be that reliable hard worker that has established a fine inside/out game. Frankfurt also had been without their scorer Jon Axel Gudmundsson who had suffered a cut and had to be stitched back up in the locker room and never returned to the court. Frankfurt then got to the free throw line twice as Moore connected as did ex Ludwisgburg guard Konstantin Konga for the 81-75 advantage. Once again Frankfurt was attempting to pull away, but Braunschweig always had an answer and continued to hurt Frankfurt in the paint as German big man Gavin Schilling who finished with 12 points and 9 boards used his physicality to his advantage and muscled home a basket to trail only 81-77. Frankfurt then had the next knock out punch flying as Konga nailed a trey and Allen followed with an airball with 3,09 minutes to play as Frankfurt led comfortably 84-77. But Frankfurt just were unable to close out the game allowing the guests on a nasty 7-0 run to tie the game at 84-84 with 29 seconds to play. In the run, Schilling executed again with a tip in, Allen made a lay in and Robinson dropped a clutch trey. “Robinson is a great player. Great players make great shots. We wanted to win, but they didn´t go away. We were just trying to make plays”, said Rasheed Moore.  Frankfurt had one more chance, but Moore coughed up the ball. He erased his mistake guarding Jallow aggressively on the final shot as it didn´t fall. “I made up for my turnover. I knew that I had to cut off the baseline and force Jallow to take a bad shot”, commented Rasheed Moore.

                In the overtime period, Matt Mobley took over letting it rain three´s pacing the Fraport Skyliners to the win. Mobley hit two three´s early, but that didn´t shake Braunschweig as Meissner connected from the parking lot and Schilling made a lay in as Braunschweig trailed only 92-91 with 1,37 to play. Frankfurt then suddenly slammed the door shut on Braunschweig as they went on a 7-0 run to extend their lead to 99-91. Mobley hit another huge trey, Moore made a hard two handed dunk on the fast break and Joe Rahon made a lay in. “I always had a good feeling we would win. Mobley obviously was a big factor, but we got important support from Moore, Rahon and other players”, stressed Sebastian Gleim. Mobley had the hot hand all night long and in the overtime Braunschweig was unable to key in on him better. “At the end of the game the talent of a player like Mobley goes up. Our defense wasn´t always where it should have been, but he did make some tough shots. Plus we didn´t make our free throws”, said Pete Strobl. ”We ran the same play three times. I was surprised they didn´t cover me better”, added Matt Mobley.  Despite late three´s by Robinson and Allen, it was just garbage points as Robertson and Mobley had made their free throws. “Matt is a special player. When he is hot, he is tough to guard. He was in a groove. We have full confidence that he will make his shots”, expressed Rasheed Moore. The Fraport Skyliners had five players in double figures led by Matt Mobley with 31 points. Rasheed Moore supplied 16 points, Jon Axel Gudmundsson 13 points, Kamari Murphy 11 points and Konstantin Konga 10 points while the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig were led by Karinm Jallow with 23 points. Bryon Allen added 21 points and Lukas Miessner 18 points. Th e Fraport Skyliners shot 49% from the field and 41% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig shot 50% form the field and 45% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

James Robinson is a 26 year old 190cm guard from Mitchellville, Maryland that is playing his fifth professional season and first with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. Last season he played with medi Bayreuth (Germany-BBL) playing 21 games averaging 10.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 4.6apg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 92.6%; and played 14 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 6.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 5.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 37.1%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 85.3%. In the 2018-2019 season he played with Bnei Hertzeliya (Israel-Winner League): playing 24 games averaging 9.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 76.9%. In the 2017-2018 season he had his first tour of duty with medi Bayreuth (Germany-BBL) playing 38 games averaging 9.4ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.5apg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 84.9%; and played 17 BCL games averaging 10.2ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 74.4%. He played his rookie season with BC Igokea Aleksandrovac (Bosnia-Division I) helping them win the cup playing 16 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 61.1%, 3PT-2 (48.8%), FT: 75.8%; He also played in the Adriatic League playing 24 games averaging 12.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 86.3%. Before turning professional he played at Pittsburgh (NCAA) from 2012-2016 playing a total of 137 games and as a senior played 33 games averaging 10.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 5.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 75.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a easyCredit BBL game against the Fraport Skyliners.

James thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. How is basketball life for you currently?


Basketball life is good at the moment. It has been a big adjustment not playing in front of fans. But at the end of the day basketball is basketball and I play for the love of the game.

Our last interview seems ages ago. It was in March 2018 when you were with medi Bayreuth. Has time really elapsed quickly since then?

I would say that time has gone by fast. I have been lucky to have met many great people where ever I have been. I was a year in Israel. I have taken my many experiences that I have had over the years and hope for many more.

How tough has COVID-19 been for you in 2020. What were the biggest challenges that you were faced with your basketball life on and off the court?

The biggest challenge was facing the level of uncertainty on a daily basis. Also important was being super safe where ever I was. I had to be as cautious as possible and just be as smart as possible so as not to put any of my family or friends at risk. 

With everything that you have faced how do you feel did COVID-19 make you stronger as a man?


Being able to adjust on the fly. Twice we have had games postponed because of COVID-19 so being able to adjust to those situations have been tough. Also just waking up each day and appreciating what we have. 

Your playing your third season in Germany and first with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. What kind of an enrichment has it been playing with a young team where the organization likes to feature young players.

I think that it has been a great experience having the opportunity to be around some of the best young talent in Germany. Of course growing pains and a lack of experience will come, but overall it is a great challenge for us to get better and continue to work hard to achieve our goals. 

As a point guard how much of a duty is it for you not to perform well for owner Dennis Schroeder, but really well?

Regardless of who the owner is, you always want to play well. It is cool playing on Dennis Schroeder’s team. I’m sure what he and the Lakers do this season will be big time. That adds excitement to being the point guard for his team. I want to lead the team as best as possible and help it be successful. 

The club is playing well and recently had a 4 game winning streak. It pretty beat teams they had to and lost to better teams. What do you feel is this teams biggest strength on the court?

We are still trying to find our true indentity but overall our biggest strength is that we play hard, care and want to win. Our biggest focus each week has to be to get that 1 win per week. We will continue to do our best and try to continue to improve each week. 

The club also has really bought into the system and philosophy of head coach Pete Strobl. What have you gone on to appreciate most about his worth ethic and plan?

The thing I appreciate most about coach Pete is how much effort and time he puts in to have us prepared well. He and the coaching staff do a great job doing everything possible so we are best prepared before each game so all we have to do is go out and execute. 

The team is scoring a lot, but also giving up a lot on defense. What does the club have to tweak most on the defensive end to be able to be even better against the better teams?

The biggest thing for us to get better at on the defensive end is our level of consistency. There are a lot of good teams in the BBL and they will come out and have their runs. We have to do a better job limiting their runs. We have one of the best second half defenses in the BBL. We have to translate that good defense more to our first half. If we can do that then our defense will improve. 

You have seen the development of German Karim Jallow in the last years. How impressed are you with his development and where has he grown the most on the court?

I remember Karim from last year and he was our focal point on the scouting report. I really appreciate his work ethic and how much he cares and wants to win. He is a very good leader and what really impresses me is his day to day will to want to improve.

You also saw the development of Lukas Meissner in Bayreuth. He really has the freedom to play his game with Braunschweig. How is he a better player now then last season?

Last season in Bayreuth was a very good experience for Lukas. He showed many flashes of his talent last season. He had a different role to this season. I remember him dominating practices in Bayreuth. This season he has more of a chance to really showcase his talent. He is back home here and is feeling very comfortable. I really enjoy playing with him.

How much easier does a guy like Byron Allen make your game. You have played together with many lethal scorers, but where does he rank with all that you have played with?

He is a really talented player and everyone sees him as the scorer, but I see him as the basketball player. He is like a decoy for me. He is the oldest player on the team and brings a different level of experience to the team. He has Eurocup experience and can do so much more than just be that lethal scorer. He can pass and play defense as well. He is an overall talented player. 

Let’s talk about your game. Your playing a very good season. Your averaging the most assists ever. What do you credit your stellar playmaking success to thus far?

Honestely I credit my success to my teammates. They cut when they need to cut and hit the shots when they need to. They don’t make my job easier, but just help me out a lot. That speaks for their great work ethic. In the system that we play in, it also helps that we know where the other will be. 

How much of a challenge is it organizing an offense that has many young players and not an abundance of Americans something you have been used to where ever you have played in your success?

It really hasn’t been too much of a challenge. My German teammates are so talented, smart and have a high IQ that bringing that stereotype of young Germans is wrong and unfair. We have already developed a good chemistry and want to play well and win. For me it has been nothing but a great experience playing with these talented young players. 

In our last interview you stated that ‘Since I was young, I have had great teachers and coaches. Starting with my parents, they helped me develop a tough minded and winning mentality. They put me in environments where I had to compete and work hard. At DeMatha Catholic high school I competed against and with some of the best players in the country and that same standard continued once I arrived at University of Pittsburgh’. How do you feel did your game grow under Raoul Korner in your two tours of duty in Bayreuth?

His mind is impressive. He did a good job making me see the game in a different way and opening up my mind and helping me see things differently. He definitely has made me a lot better in those 2 years.

You never have been that explosive scorer, but do you feel like you could make more ground as a scorer in Braunschweig?

I feel that I’m more than capable of being that good scorer, but that isn’t most important. I will do what the team needs me to win. If that means being the playmaker and being the vocal leader then I will do that. I want to win at all costs.

Your leadership abilities have always been a big aspect of your game. How do you feel have they came best to form with so many young Germans this season?

Important has been being able to learn from many over the years. Key in Bayreuth was learning from Bastian Doreth. It was big in my leadership development being around him on a day to day basis. I also credit many of my coaches in the States where I have bene able to incorporate that information and put it into effect. 

On what area’s of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to move up the basketball ladder in the next years?


I want to be that complete point guard and do what my team needs to win. I also want to continue to be a good leader. 

In your first professional meeting against good friend Kam Taylor in 2018 you lost to him and 2 years later lost to him again against Bamberg. Has he been getting on you about not winning?

No not all. Secretly Kam is way to nice of a guy to do that. We are family. He currently has the bragging rights. We both know the record. At the end of the win lose or draw Kam is family.

How has Kam Taylor’s game progressed in the last 2 years? Does he have the game to move up to even higher levels?


For sure he can go up levels. When I see what he can do today, it is amazing how much he has improved since high school. His athleticism, coordination and defense has gotten a lot better. He has the complete package. The way he presents himself of the court is very special. He is an even better guy off the court.

Has your relationship grown with your connection to Germany the last years?

I think that our relationship has grown more by default. We have always remained close and are always together during the summer. No matter where we are we talk each day. Our conversations don’t even consist so much about basketball, but more about family and friends. Now that we are both playing in Germany we have more common ground.

You played a season with Bnei Hertzeliya (Israel-Winner League) playing 24 games averaging 9.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 76.9%. Americans always rave about Israel. How do you feel did your game grow there?

Israel was definitely a different kind of experience. I really liked everything there. I liked the league and team, but unfortunately we didn’t win so much. Having to deal with adversary made the experience tough. At the end of the day it was a good learning experience dealing with adversary.

You were teammates with NCAA champion and ex NBA player Jeff Adrien and ex NBA player Hilton Armstrong. What did it mean being their teammates and what NBA stories did they share?

When I went there, I was really excited to be able to have them as teammates. I remember growing up and watching them play at UConn and watching those Big East battles against Syracuse. I remember them always talking about how difficult it was getting to the NBA and how hard they worked for it. If you had to pick a great veteran and leader for your team then you would pick Hilton Armstrong.

Who wins a one on one today you or Kam Taylor. 

Kam may be family, but I will always say myself. If we play one on one nobody will know the score. 

Can anyone beat the Lakers with Lebron, Davis and Schroeder this year? Where will their journey go?

The Lakers have an impressive roster and one of the more complete rosters. In the NBA anything can happen, but they are one of the favorites.

One of the toughest players you faced in the NCAA was CJ McCollum. Do you feel like his legacy as a player gets lost a little with how Damian Lillard has evolved in the last years?

From a fan perspective possibly. Everyone has seen how Lillard has hit those long three’s and reached celebrity status, but you need to appreciate what McCollum is doing on the court. He is still able to pick and chose his spots and make an impact in the game. 

What are your favorite Christmas childhood memories? Is there something that you really miss about back in the day?


The family aspect. It is tough being away from family overseas, but luckily we have face time.to stay connected. My best X-mas memory is just being around loved ones.

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

Home Alone.

Thanks James for the chat.

DJ Woodmore is a 28 year old 190cm point guard that is playing his first season with the EPG Baskets Koblenz. Last season with Morgenstern BIS Basket Speyer (Germany-ProB) he played 21 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT-2 (50.0%), FT: 87.3%. In 2018-2019 13.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 60.2%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 71.6% in the Regionalliga. In his first two seasons with Speyer he averaged 14.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 40.1%, FT: 72.1% and 17.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 76.4%. he played at Virginia Wesleyan College (NCAA3): from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 31 games averaging 20.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.3% (219/435), 3Pts: 46.0% (91/198), FT: 76.9% (93/121). Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and DJ Woodmore team up each week to talk basketball.

Thanks DJ for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the huge 89-82 victory over the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau. How good does it feel to end this horrible 2020 year with a win on the road? 

Thank you as always!! It feels great to go into the shortened break with a win. Definitely not our best performance, but I’ll take it. From all the ups and downs in 2020, just hoping that the new year picks up where we left off! 

After an explosive first quarter scoring 26 points, the EPG Baskets Koblenz allowed a scary 29 points. How disappointing was this second quarter and why did the defense suddenly lose control of the game?

I thought we struggled on their pick and roll plays. Our game plan was to force them baseline as much as possible, but it seemed to be a little harder than we expected. They ran their sets well, and their players made shots. Probably their best shooting night from 3 all season. So I have to give them a lot of credit.

A week before, head coach Danny Rodriguez got loud at the break. Was he even louder in Hanau and what words of wisdom did he give you guys? 


Just told us we need to step it up on defense. Offense is always going to come easy to us. But if we can’t get stops, we can’t win games. He made some other great points about personal and I think we did a much better job in the 3rd.

Your were down by 8 points after 30 minutes. How confident were you that the team would rebound and get the lead? 

Honestely I never doubted that we would win this game. I knew we had gotten Hanau’s best basketball of the season thru three quarters. Once we started the 4th with 3 steals in a row, we knew we had the game back in our hands. It felt like we’ve already been battle-tested for situations like this from previous games. So I don’t think anybody on our team lacked confidence at all. 

The EPG Baskets Koblenz closed out the game with a 12-3 run. Talk a little about that run. It seemed like team basketball came back to life. 


Like I have said, we’ve been in situations like this before already, and it seemed like everybody came together at the right time. Jacob made some clutch shots and passes. Zaire knocked down some free throws when we needed them. And CJ and Brian made some huge defensive stops. I think the key to that 4th quarter was us being in the bonus within the first 2 minutes. this put a lot of pressure on them and we knew we could take advantage of it for the rest of the game. 

Sometimes stats don’t tell the story. You had 18 turnovers while Hanau had only 8 turnovers. Where do you feel was this game won in the stats?

I think the game was won on the free-throw line. We shot 31 and they shot 16. With us staying in attack mode throughout the game, it balanced out their good shooting performance. 

You had 5 guys to score in double figures. What do you enjoy most about being able to share the ball so successfully as a team?


I love that this team doesn’t have any selfish players. Sharing the ball is contagious when you’re playing with a team like this. I think we struggled with it a lot in the beginning of the year, but we’ve found our way now. Once we get Chaed back next game, I’m sure it will only get better. 

Talk a bit about how valuable veteran Edin Alispahic is. He was very efficient in little minutes against Frankfurt and did it again against Hanau. 


Edin is our Captain. We definitely missed him in the few games he missed due to injury. We know we can rely on him to step up and make big shots when things are getting out of our hands a little. He’s going to come in and play extremely hard and be really confident. Been a great leader for us on and off the court. 

You had 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Anotehr solid game for you. How do you summarize your play for 2020 with the EPG Baskets Koblenz?

Consistent. That was my goal coming into the year, and I feel like I’ve done a decent job of it so far. I thought this first half of the year has been pretty good individually. I think I’ve found a good mixture between being aggressive and getting everybody else involved. But I can definitely take my game to another level, and I’m sure we’re going to need that if we want to make a deep playoff push in the spring!! 

Talk a little about Christmas 2020. How tough will this one be for you with COVID-19 effecting life so much? 

This year will be tough for me again. Once Dresden called and wanted to move the Christmas game to February, I thought that would give me a chance to fly back home for the holidays. But COVID had other ideas. Once Germany went into lockdown that meant that the only way I could go home, was to quarantine for 2 weeks once I flew back. And with such a short break between our next game against Speyer, there was no chance. But I’ll spend some time with the family on FaceTime and talk to some friends. I’ll make it work for sure and celebrate Christmas in the summer after the season. 

What is your favorite Christmas movie


I honestly don’t have a favorite, but if I had to pick, I would say Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Absolute classic.

Thanks DJ for the chat.

Nigel Hayes is a 26 year old 203cm forward from Toledo, Ohio that is playing his fourth professional season and second with B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania-LKL). Last season for B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania-LKL) he played 28 Euroleague games averaging 6.3ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 75.8%; and played 24 Lithuanian LKL games averaging 7.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 76.7%. In his first season overseas he played with Galatasaray Odeabank Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) playing 33 BSL games averaging 12.6ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 74.7%; and played 10 Eurocup: games averaging 15.7ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 91.7%. As a rookie he played 38 G-League games for the Westchester Knicks averaging 16.1ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 45.4%, FT: 74.4%. He also played 2 NBA games for the Los Angeles Lakers, 2 NBA games for the Toronto Raptors and 5 NBA games for the Sacramento Kings. He played his NCAA career at Wisconsin from 2013-2017 playing a total of 148 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Euroleague game against FC Bayern Munich. 

Nigel thanks for talking to germanhoops.com.com. Christmas is right around the corner. With what kind of feelings are you going into this year’s Christmas?

My main focus is basketball. Just concentrating on getting that next win and getting into the top 8 of Euroleague.

Before we get to your basketball career, I have to ask you about how you experienced COVID-19 in 2020. Your season ended in March 2020. What were the biggest challenges this year in trying to continue to be a basketball player on and off the court?

I was very fortunate during COVID-19 to be able to work out whenever I could. I feel like I got better as a player and also improved my body. I also could take care of things off the court with my investments. It all went very well despite so many in the world being affected. 

With all that you have experienced in 2020 how do you feel did COVID-19 make you stronger as a man?

I don’t really know. I have been very fortunate to say that none of my family or friends were affected by COVID-19. I have anti bodies and never had COVID-19. I’m immune to it. 

Your playing your second season with B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania-LKL). The club is doing very well in the LKL league and is up and down in Euroleague. Where do you see the journey of the club going this season?

We are currently on a good way. We did go through some tough Euroleague loses and some games were very close. We had games where we did enough, but not as much as we could of. Recently we have been doing the little extra on offense and defense and just playing winning basketball. 

What has been your impression of the German coaching duo of Martin Schiller and Arne Woltmann? What has been key in their work that has helped the team most so far?


Both coaches have been very trustful of us and being very positive allowing us to play free and play through mistakes. They also have been good with skill work with us and giving us confidence to be aggressive on the court. I feel like the team has gotten better with their system. 

The club has quite a few players that have played in Germany. What kind of an experience has it been playing with Augustine Rubit? Is the competitive level in practice one that you would call fierce?


It has been good being teammates with a player that is focused on the team. He has been around many teams, players and coaches and has experience. He has shown from day one that he stands behind me and is always aggressive which fits my game. He has that similar shot to Dirk with that one foot knee in the air. His fade away is a money shot and very hard to guard. It has benefited me very much having such a smart and hard working player on the team. 

Last season you played for the Lithuanian legend Sarunas Jasikevicius. What kind of an experience was it balling for him and what will you never forget from his character?

Playing for him has been like a fantastic misery. On the one side he saw me as an interesting player. It was great to see his mind work and observe how his different schemes work. It also is great to see how he makes adjustments on the fly after time outs. The horrible part was that he is just tough to play for. He is a real perfectionist. Even when you did something right, you could of done it better. But the way he coaches makes his players and team better. 

Your playing your third season in Europe. How are you a better player now than you were when you landed in Turkey in 2018?

It isn’t even close. I’m a much much better player today then I was two years ago. Every game that I have played in Europe over the years has made knowing that basketball at home is a lot easier. So many guys that have played overseas as well as in the NBA have also said this. The European game has allowed me to see the game a lot better. When I look at NBA clips now, then I right away know exactly what I would do in that situation. 

As a rookie you played with : Galatasaray Odeabank Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) playing 33 games averaging 12.6ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 74.7%;and played 10 Eurocup games averaging: Score-5 (15.7ppg), 5.6rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 91.7%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being in Europe where you knew that you were very far away from home?


When I landed and got in the car in Istanbul. I realized right away that I couldn’t read anything. Coming to Turkey was a total culture shock for me. People spoke English there, but still Turkish is the main language. They have a totally different religion to what we know and that takes over their culture.

You began your rookie season with the Westchester Knicks (NBA G League) playing 38 games averaging 16.1ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 45.4%, FT: 74.4%.Besides getting sufficient minutes what do you feel was most important in these first pro months that prepared you best for your NBA run?

I did there what I do now. I became more selfish, but in a good way. Becoming more aggressive in my game has made me a better team player and made my teams better. Just like back at home when I was more aggressive, I helped my teams win more here. My time there was one of the greatest time periods in my life. I was in the best present situation then. All the guys around me were fantastic. We all had one mind and bought into it. That rarely happens. 

In your third game you exploded with 37 points against Delaware. Did you take out Trey Burke after that sensational game?

No no I didn’t take him out to dinner. We were all playing for each other. There was no jealousy, we all bought into the system together and always worked hard together. I was super aggressive in that game. When that happens usually good things happen. 

You reached the NBA playing 2 games for the Los Angeles Lakers on a 10 day contract. The team was young. What memories do you have of that brief time and does one notice that your different from the rest of the players on a 10 day contract?


Not really. I was there just analysing the situation as best as I could. Just trying to understand what was going on and how the players act. This happened in all three of my NBA stays my rookie season. I was never permanently on one of those teams. I was always leaving. I learned very much from my experiences in the NBA which have helped me in Europe. 

Did you experience an eye popping experience with the Los Angeles Lakers like seeing a Magic Johnson or Kobe Bryant at the facilities?


Yes I saw Magic. He is one of my favorites to watch. He brings that killer ferocious instinct and then smiles after making that no look pass. The most important thing that he told me was too be aggressive. The story of my career. 

Your next tour of duty was with the Toronto Raptors. Here you had some real veterans. Which player in your short time there made the biggest impact on you?

CJ Miles made the biggest impact on me. He is a great person that took care of me. I will always remember him as being an upstanding human being. 

You then finished the season with the Sacramento Kings going from 4 minutes per game in Los Angeles and Toronto to 21 minutes there. Did you finally feel like you belonged?

No not really. Like I said before, my whole NBA time was a lot of down loading of information that has helped my career since. 

You battled against the Spurs scoring 7 points and getting 9 rebounds going against Pau Gasol, Tony Parker and Manu Ginoboli. What will always stand out most form this game?

I always put myself in the moment. When I was on the court and saw these Hall Of Famers, I had that wow feeling. 

Was it like a candy store for a little boy for you getting the chance to be teammates with Vince Carter? What did you soak up best from him and what lasting impression did he leave on you?

I told my assistant coach Tautvydas Sabonis when we were working out recently about my time with him and how I was just tagging along like a fly on the wall. Really key for me was watching how he would recover and get ready. Like I said before that whole year was a downloading year for me. 

You have played NBA Summer League from 2017-2019. How realistic is the NBA still for you now in 2020?

I believe that it is very realistic, but at the moment I’m not worrying about it. If you do your job and take care of business then the NBA will notice you. They have a million eyes. I watched the Patrick Beverly documentary and in it he said how much he needed to get back to the NBA right away after coming overseas. Then when it didn’t happen he said screw it and told himself to become the best he could overseas. That is then when the NBA called. 

You played at Wisconsin (NCAA) from 2013-2017 reaching the NCAA final, Final 4 and wo Sweet 16’s. Was this some of your best times in your life and what do you miss most about those 4 years? 

Absolutely. My sophomore year was perfect. All that I needed was a NCAA title. You can’t always have what you want in life. But my time at Wisconsin from school, social life, relationships etc were fantastic.

You put up very consistent stats in the NCAA. How vital was the team success for your personal growth as a player at Wisconsin?

In college it’s all about team. That is all that matters. We all bought in. The formula was run the system, and sacrifice for the team. Usually when you do that great things happen. 

In the 2015 NCAA final run you disposed of North Carolina and Kentucky. What do you remember most from beating those NCAA powerhouses?


It was a great experience being able to beat these revered teams. 

How did coaches Bo Ryan and Greg Gard groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

It boiled down to learning the fundamentals. Wisconsin isn’t really a basketball program that brings players to the NBA. This isn’t a knock on the team. They are a school that prepares you to be a disciplined player. Besides the fundamentals also getting an IQ was important. I learned how do things the right way there.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Sam Dekker?

I won for sure. Always.

Who is the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that reached the NBA?


It wasn’t a guy that I played against, but a guy I always heard stories about before I arrived. It was Doug Mcdermott. He was really tough to guard. He could do what he wanted to. 

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Josh Gasser, 2 of the football players in high school (They are the best teammates because all they care about is winning. Jordan Henriquez, Trevon Jackson

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

Jordan, Kareem, Wilt, Lebron

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

Jordan is better. For me the GOAT are Kareem, Wilt and Bill Russell, but big guys are never seen like that because they aren’t flashy. Jordan reached the milestones that Lebron did in half the time.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Angel Has Fallen.

Thanks Nigel for the chat.

Haywood Highsmith is a 24 year old 198cm forward playing his first season with the HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim (Germany-BBL). Last season he played with the Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League) playing 43 games averaging 10.4ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 70.2%. As a rookie the ex Wheeling Jesuit University (NCAA2) standout played with the Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League) playing 45 games averaging 12.3ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 66.7%. He also played 5 nBA games for the Philadelphia 76ers. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the Merlins 76-64 win where he contributed 5 points, 5 rebounds and 1 steal in 29 minutes.

Congrats Haywood on the satisfying 76-64 win over the Fraport Skyliners. Your 7-1 at the moment. How good does basketball life feel at the moment?

Basketball life is really good now. Anytime you win is good. We played well against Frankfurt. I hope that we can keep up the streak and keep improving.

This was a hard fought win. How taxing were the ups and downs for the HAKRO Merlins?


We knew coming in that it would be a dog fight. Frankfurt was a very good team at both ends of the court. We knew that we wouldn’t run away with the game. We knew that we had to keep fighting. At half time we talked about how we had to come out in the second half and gut it out and do the little things necessary to win.

Quantez Robertson said before the game that they couldn’t allow Crailsheim to play their game. How content were you with how well you were able to perform the game plan?


We struggled a bit at the beginning. We scored only 34 points at half time which isn’t a lot for us. We fixed a few things at the break and then came out and played our style. We had better ball movement, controlled the pace and played great defense. 

After creaming medi Bayreuth last weekend and dishing out 31 assists, how challenging was it coming out and holding Frankfurt to only 64 points?


Frankfurt is a good offensive team. We had to lock in more on Mobley and Gudmundsson. Our defense is similar to Bayreuth’s. We knew that we had to step it up. We did a good job communicating and limiting their transition. We also did a good job not letting their shooters get hot and were physical on defense. 

Crailsheim went on a huge run in the fourth to seal the win. How much do you appreciate the sniper qualities of Maurice Stuckey?

Mo is one of the best shooters in the BBL. He has been around for a while and knows how the game is played. We always believe that every shot he takes will go in. He is a dead eye sniper.

The team rebounded great and had only 8 turnovers. What part of the Merlins game were you most proud of tonight?


I liked the way we fought. We were down by 8 points in the third quarter, but we kept fighting and pushing. We then performed the final knock out punch in the fourth quarter. I was most proud of our willingness to fight, toughness and grit.

What kind of an experience was it playing against top BBL defender Quantez Robertson? What impressed you most about his game?


He is an older guy and knows everything. He knows what space he has to be and knows the type of plays teams run. He gets in passing lanes well. He is definitely one of the best defenders that I have seen in the BBL.

Trae Bell Haynes is a big MVP candidate. His organization skills are excellent. How has he continued to get better in last weeks?

He is a great point guard that is quick. I think that he has improved his shot a lot. I get up shots with him before and after practice and I have noticed that his shot is more fluid and that he is more comfortable. We totally believe in him and he proves each night that he belongs to the best in the league. 

How content were you with your game of 5 points and 5 rebounds. You seem to be coming into your own as a guy that will do anything to help his team?


I’m not having the greatest statistical season, but I’m just glad were winning. I just try to do my best to help the team keep winning. I think that I’m doing my thing on the defensive end well which is good for me. I know that my shots will start to fall. I just have to keep pushing and never get too high or too low. 

Christmas is around the corner. What is your fondest X-mas memory as a kid?


I had older siblings, but I felt like an only child. I got a lot of gifts. I just remember waking up in the morning seeing the presents under the tree. That was a special moment. For me it’s important to give back to people and keep the Christmas spirit going.

What is your favorite X-mas movie.


Home Alone.

Thanks Haywood for the chat.

The Fraport Skyliners have been on the rebound the last few weeks after starting 0-4 and have won two of their last three games. After a very satisfying victory on the road in Chemnitz where they demonstrated a disciplined defense allowing only 70 points, they returned home to lose to playoff team Ludwigsburg and then get a great offensive performance  scorching medi Bayreuth for 104 points. Skyliner identity figure Quantez Robertson was only 6 years old when on December 30, 1990 then Orlando Magic guard Scott Skiles dished out an incredible 30 assists in a 155-118 win against Denver that would break the record of Kevin Porter who had had 29. In the game against medi Bayreuth, the Fraport Skyliners played offense like an NBA team dishing out an easyCredit BBL record 31 assists. “It was cool being part of that record 31 assists. We were playing loose and free all night long. Nobody was afraid to take any open shots”, stressed ex Auburn(NCAA) standout Quantez Robertson. Jon Axel Gudmundsson led the club with 8 assists while Joe Rahon added 7 dimes, Quantez Roberson had 6 assists and even pure scorer Matt Mobley showed some unselfishness with 4 assists. It was one of those games where everything was going so smooth that talk of any records didn´t show up during the game. “Honestly I never thought that we had so many. At the end of the game, I thought that we had something like 20 assists. It felt like Scott Skiles game where he had so many. We were having so much fun sharing the ball”, added Quantez Robertson.  Everybody thought the record was 31, but actually after better scruntity it is actually Phoenix Hagen that has the record of 38 assists and the Artland Dragons once had 35 assists.

                It was a refreshing breath of new air on the offensive end for the Fraport Skyliners  who shot out the lights at 63% from the field and 48% from down town while netting 15 three´s. They also rebounded the ball very well, a part of their game that hasn´t always worked to their content this season. They haven´t always been consistent scoring, but against medi Bayreuth everything came together. Scoring the ball well like in the past has been very distant for Quantez Robertson as remembering those 100 point games is tough. “This was our best offensive performance of the season. This is the first time I can remember scoring 100 points since I have been here. We did a good job being more aggressive on offense during the week of practice. We were more comfortable in practice and that carried over into the game. What we did well in practice, we did a lot better in the game”, said Quantez Robertson. The club has had their point guard issues this season, but the return of Joe Rahon who played for the club last season has made a huge difference. That discipline and consistency has returned back to the playmaking that the club had been lacking the last weeks. “Joe has been a pretty good addition. He doesn´t look so much for the shot, but rather likes to find his teammates. His addition has helped move Jon Axel Gudmundsson come off the ball more so he doesn´t have to bring the ball as much. Joe always has the ability to find the open guys. I feel like we already had guys here before Joe came that were able to get assists. It does get contagious when you have many guys that can find the open guy. Joe´s added playmaking has rubbed off on us”, expressed Quantez Robertson.

                A month ago the season low point happened in Oldenburg as Frankfurt was crushed 86-69 and head coach Sebastian Gleim questioned the mentality of certain players. The team mentality has definitely changed in the last weeks as the focus has team which has become more present. “We aren´t letting each other down anymore. We are playing harder now and want to play for each other”, stressed Quantez Robertson. The team has improved since that ugly loss in Oldenburg, but there is still a lot to do on the court for this club to be able to feel comfortable. “It was tough starting the season playing against 2 top teams. I think that we have shown progress in each game. Even in games we lost, we played hard against top teams that helped us. I think that we have improved on defense by playing against top teams. Talking and helping out on the back line has improved most on the defensive end. We also have been rebounding better. We have been gang banging on the defensive glass and it has shown in games”, commented Quantez Robertson.  Now with some more wins on their belt, they may just be able to find some consistency slowly. “Consistency will come by being more active on both ends of the court. We have to always play hard and believe that we can beat anyone”, warned Quantez Robertson.

                The Fraport Skyliners want to keep their winning streak alive with a victory in Crailsheim against the HAKRO Merlins. The Fraport Skyliners will have a reunion with ex player Canadian Trae Bell Haynes who played with the Skyliners in the 2018-2019 season. Quantez Robertson can name hundreds of ex teammates, but he is really excited to play against him again. “He is a quick crafty point guard that can get to the basket a lot, but also likes to find guys for assists. Now I can finally play him in a real game and not just in practice”, smiled Quantez Robertson.  Bell-Haynes made a massive progression in the last 2 years. Last season he had a solid season in Finland, but it wasn´t explosive. This season he has taken the easyCredit BBL by storm leading the league producing almost double double stats with 21ppg and 9,0apg. Even Quantez Robertson who has a good eye for talent didn´t expect this big rise in play by his ex teammate. “I knew in Frankfurt that he was a good point guard and that he could get to the rim and free throw line, but I honestly didn´t see him being able to lead the BBL in scoring and assists this season. I saw him averaging something like 10,0ppg and 7,0apg. He continues to show that he can make the extra pass and that has showed in Crailsheim”, added Quantez Robertson. Bell Haynes was only a Skyliner for a few months, but Tez does remember the cup game against ratiopharm Ulm. “Trae scored like 20 points off the bench. It was a heck of a game from him”, remembered Quantez Robertson. The game was tight in the end until Robertson hit a big shot which was followed by a big Bell Haynes shot to ice the 78-74 win. Making shots under pressure is something Bell Haynes has always exceled at. ““I have to give a lot of credit to my time in college. I have learned it´s important to be poised down the stretch. Pressure is a privilege. It is a lot of fun and these are the games we live for”, warned Trae Bell-Haynes. The Fraport Skyliners not only have to keep an eye on Trae Bell-Haynes, but the whole team is very dangerous. Crailsheim have a 6-1 record and are second best in scoring in the easyCredit BBL with 93 points. “We have to slow them down and make them play our type of game. They like to get up and down the court. We will have to play very good defense and limit them to one or no shots each possession”, warned Quantez Robertson.

            The Fraport Skyliners won´t have a Christmas break after the Crailsheim contest as Braunschweig comes to town on December 26^th, and then have away games in Giessen on December 30^th and in Weissenfels on January 2^nd. Of course the team will take each game one at a time, but they also know that the next weeks could slowly point the way in what direction the season journey could go. “We can´t look past any team. They may not be high in the standings, but any team can beat anyone. We have to understand that we can´t underestimate anyone. Any team can get hot and go on a wining streak”, warned Quantez Robertson. Robertson is hoping that his team can pull out another win even if it means going against the tough HAKRO Merlins. He will spend a lot of time on Face Time during Christmas as his family is back home. Watching his family open presents and eat good home cooking surely won´t be easy, but in the end he still has his big love basketball and will be focused to keep the Skyliners having positive performances on the floor. He hasn´t been content with his game as he needs to be better for his team to be successful on the court. His scoring hasn´t been as spot on as in other years as becoming more aggressive could be a proper 2021 New Years Resolution. “I will just continue to do what I do on the court. But being more aggressive is important. I will be that no matter what. I have to work more on my shot. Sometimes I overthink when my turnovers go up. I just have to remember not to overthink and just play”, warned Quantez Robertson. Even if he gets bored during X-mas, he could still go on You Tube and relive that magical Scott Skiles 30 assist game for added offensive inspiration for the upcoming battles.

Elias Valtonen is a 21 year old 201cm forward from Finland that is playing his first season in Germany with the Tigers Tuebingen currently averaging 12,0ppg, 2,2rpg, 1,5apg and 1,0bs. He played the last 2 seasons in the States with Arizona State University (NCAA) playing 38 games. He began his basketball career with UU-Korihait Uusikaupunki (Korisliiga). He then played He then played 3 seasons and 71 games for HBA-Marsky Helsinki (1st Division) and in his last season played 31 games averaging: 14.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 74.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com late in the summer about basketball. 

Elias thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been despite the whole COVID-19 effecting the world

I have been in Tuebingen for 2 days now. My summer has been actually almost normal. In Finland COVID-19 is not the worst so we were able to practice the whole summer with National team. So it’s been pretty good.

How have you experienced the whole COVID-19 crisis in Finland the last months How much did the last 6 months change your life and how much of a challenge was it finding the time and places to be able to stay in shape and be able to work on your game?

Like I previously mentioned, it wasn’t that hard for me since June. From March till June I was just in my hometown Eura and practiced in outside gym and courts. Basically I did a lot of other stuff as well during that time.

How do you feel did COVID-19 make you stronger as a man?

I feel like it helps me and others respect more little things like access to the gym. Gratefulness.

You played your last game on Feb 20 against Oregon. How difficult was it for you personally not playing competitively for so long. Was there anything special you did from time to time to stay mentally active with basketball?

In our Open Gym practices in Finland we had pick-up games twice a week and in the end of the summer we had National team camps where we prepared for two games against Estonia.

Congrats on signing with the Tigers Tuebingen. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?

Thank you! About Germany I know that it is one of the biggest countries in Europe and has very deep culture of football and basketball. Of course, Nowitzki comes to my mind every time we talk about German basketball.

Head coach Danny Jansson has known you for a while. How was he able to sell you best about joining this organization?


Yea we have known each other a few years. I know how good a coach he is to develop players and he just said that here would be a good place to take a next step as a player.

After 2 very tough seasons in the NCAA with Arizona State, you are very hungry to show your game in Germany. With what kind of expectations are you going into your first season in Germany with?

My expectations for the upcoming season is just to keep improving every day and keep progressing towards bigger leagues. I am hungry to show what the best Elias is capable of.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm guard that can play the positions 1-4. Your favorite players are Kevin Durant and Gordon Hayward but if you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

It’s hard for me to say any player who I remind. I just like versatile players who can play in both ends.

It is no secret that your biggest strength is your versatility, but what other strengths does your game possess? 

I think I can read different situations well like attack close-outs and push the ball in transition. On defense I think my size helps me to guard multiple positions.

Even though you didn’t play much in the NCAA, you shot the ball very well from outside. How vital was being efficient and shot selection in your 2 years at Arizona State University?

I think ot was very vital. I think that’s one factor why I started couple games last season. Maybe I should have taken few more shots as well.

You’re a very good defender. How much pride do you take on the defensive end and how do you feel will you help the Tigers most on defense?

I take pride on my mach-ups. Basketball is a game of small matches and I feel like if you win those small battles more you have good chance to win. I think when I am active on defense I can force people to take tough shots and get steals.

On what things did you work on this summer the most on your game so you will be best prepared for the Pro A?

I worked most on my shooting this summer. To being able to get to the next level I think I have to be more consistent on that.

You played 2 seasons with Arizona State. You went from 4-13 minutes per game in your second season. What were the biggest positives that you got out of this experience?

I played with a couple NBA guys during that time and I know the level of their daily work. I also learned about competiiveness and more individual style of game. Now I feel it’s good to come back to more familiar team ball for me and come back to Europe.

You scored once in double figures with 10 points in a win over ST Johns. What was your most memorable game in the NCAA?

I would say that game against St. Johns, I had couple good looks in that game and was able to deliver.

How did head coach Bobby Hurley groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

We didn’t talk a lot individually, but I learnt toughness from him and feel like he helped me to understand that basketball could be played in a lot of different ways.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Lugentz Dort

Me of course, Lu is known to be bad defender. Just kidding. I think Lu got couple more 1 on 1 wins than me but I also got couple.

At the U-17 World Championships in 2015, you beat Germany 92-63. In that game NBA player Isaiah Hartenstein scored 9 points. What memories do you have of him and did he look like a future NBA player?


I remember him to be very tall and athletic during that time. I heard he was a NBA prospect during that time and thought that he would make it there.

In that game you also played against a young Oscar Da Silva. 2 years later you played against him and Stanford going 1-1 while Da Silva scored 20 and 15 points. He had a tough injury last season, but how good did he get and could you see him reaching the NBA?


I think if eveything goes right he has chance to make it but he will definitely be a good European player because of the understanding of the game and feel.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCCA or anywhere that went to the NBA?

I think Anthony Edwards, potential top-3 pick in the upcoming draft. I had the chance to start against him against Georgia and I think I did pretty good job with him in that game.

Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time? 

Lauri Markkanen, Luguentz Dort, Zylan Cheatham, Remy Martin and Shawn Huff

Please construct your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present players?

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant

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

No explanations, but I will say Michael Jordan

What was the last movie that you saw?

I think I watched movie ‘Escape from Alcatraz’ on Netflix

Thanks Elias for the chat.

 George P. Filkinis is a FIBA Basketball Coach from Athens and well known as a master of the “Running Basketball”as his teams are always distinguished particularly by the extreme speed of development and execution of their offense. His way of offensive basketball is influenced by the presence at Loyola Marymount University next to his “mentor” coach Paul Westhead. He is also considered as a defensive genius as he eminently uses complex and pressing defenses with “traps”, multiple and consecutive rotations that confuse and overwhelm the opponent. Besides , it is no coincidence the fact that his personal record in 701 official games , 496 (70,8%) wins , 205 (29,2%) defeats , while he has conquered 11 (eleven) championships at all levels as a head coach and 6 (six) as assistant coach and defensive coordinator With coach Filkinis we had a really interesting conversation for the friends of germanhoops.com .

•Welcome coach to the site of germanhoops.com. I’d like to ask you to inform us about you and specifically about your style of play . It’s known that you are an “up-tempo” coach but it’s useful our fans to know more details . *

Thanks a lot for the hospitality dear Miles and for the opportunity to contact with many friends and basketball fans both in Germany and elsewhere in Europe . I decided to follow coach Westhead’s way of play first of all because he was my offensive teacher during the period I was in USA and secondly because I found out the last 18 years that the game of Basketball has to change , to become faster and finally I vindicated by the results that my teams achieved and by the fact that even late FIBA decided to establish the rule of 14 seconds ! The basic thought that created the entire offensive philosophy of the “Running Basketball” is purely a matter of probabilities . The more efforts to make shots from your opponent , the more chances you have to beat him if you are simply able to maintain a minimally “acceptable” accuracy . And when we are talking about shooting “efforts” obviously are needed more possessions of the ball than our opponents . As when we are talking about “shots” we mean “open” shots and from specific spots . So when the 99% of the basketball coaches in all over the world are “teaching” their players offensive “systems” and “plays” to face all the possible game situations , general and specific , depriving them the creation and the initiative we “teach” our team how to create “possessions” and “open shots” in 3 seconds with the help of the basketball fundamentals and mathematics . This style of play, has nothing to do with the “common” running game that some teams use at times and if you “adopt” it once you CAN NEVER COME BACK . If you follow this first of all you will not be popular . This is a “radical change” and people don’t like radical changes .

Your fellow coaches, administrators and fans will dislike you . Because it’s too hard for anyone to understand . For example why you are still running when you are up 15 and there are 4 minutes to go in the game and you don’t delay the game ? They can’t understand that it’s impossible to “stop” your team ! Even the officials will absolutely dislike you because you make them work too hard . So why we do this ?

Because it works , has great results , makes our team solid and almost unbeatable and personally I don’t give a damn if they like me or not , if they hate me or not , when my team runs and strangles the opponent ! I don’t give a damn also, because my job is to find “ways” to make my team win the games and this kind of basketball “proven” is the best I ever had ! The philosophy of this “Running Basketball” is that we run on every situation. Turnovers, steals, defensive rebounds, made shots, missed shots, loose balls, up 20, down 20. Non stop running . I’m a strong believer in what Sun Tzu writes in his book ” the Art of War ” When you prepare everywhere you will be weak everywhere . ” So we don’t spend our time in practices to teach our team what to do against personal defenses or zone defenses . Our fast break is all that we do, we run it and that’s it. We have no zone offense as I said earlier , no press offense , no secondary offense , no delay offense . We do one thing and the players know we do one thing and they believe in what we do because they have no choice. They have no choice because there’s no alternative . We have a 7- second offense on missed shots . If we get the defensive rebound we like to shoot the ball within 7 seconds . On made shots we have a 3 second offense. We will get the ball out of the net and shoot within 3 seconds. It takes us 7 seconds to get a shot if the opponents miss and 3 seconds if they make it. Our main goal is to get 100 shots a game when our team is ready. We are more interested for shots and points than in anything else and when we get a lot of points we usually win. We never but never use “scouting” we don’t waste our time to analyze our opponents way of play. Our assistant coaches and all our staff works hard for our team. And in most games we don’t call time outs, we don’t need them as we haven’t anything to say and our players know very well what to do and they have to do only one thing. Deeper than that if a team is scoring on us the worst thing for us to do is to call timeout because we need the clock running to do our game. Dead time hurts us stop our pace and gives breaths to the opponents .This is just a part of my offensive philosophy that gave me till now in 701 official games , 496 (70,8%) wins and 205 (29,2%) defeats and this is my one and only weapon.

It’s really impressive coach this kind of play and I’d like to give us more details and if it’s possible a sample of your defensive philosophy and about your next plans

 Some times even though it seems a little selfish , I enjoy with some who claim , insist and flaunt that their teams are running .You’ve heard about early offense ? Let me inform you that I have and I use a pre early offense ! Everything happens so quickly that sometimes even the guy who operates the game clock , the timekeeper , is confused ! But the most important of this offense first of all is that due of its quickness the opponent teams are constantly in a situation of transition defense and fail to apply against us their well – training defenses and secondly that our players do whatever all the basketball players in every point of the planet like to do : To run and shoot the ball and no one will care or worry if they will make the basket or no It’s normal to play special defenses that will allow us to steal balls , to push the opponent for turnovers and to make easy baskets . Our players like to play aggressive on defense because they know that always a teammate is next to them for help  I always in our practices force the defense to play with a player less , when other teams play 5 VS 5 and believe me that in two weeks with our right guidance and drills , team is quite ready to play a whole game with four players . You asked me about my plans . Thank God I am independent both as a professional and as a person and so I’m not making compromises and concessions ! I had proposals this season but were not tempting not from the financial side but in terms of the quality, the work conditions and the goals.  I’ll continue to choose the teams with which I want to cooperate and I’ll continue to propose myself to groups with “low profile” but which are stick at nothing like me to overthrow forecasts and projections and to succeed where others do not dare even to think I will continue dear Miles , to spread my love to basketball and to face challenges and emotions that only this game can give , as long as God gives me the power ! My hard program and my results are my only credentials . •

As usual coach the communication with you is extremely interesting and the way you play the game impresses . I would like to ask you at this point how feasible it is to put this game mode in any basketball team and how long it takes to consolidate your way .

I am delighted Miles with this question . When I’m going to a new team early in the season and before the start of it’s summer preparation , I always try to locate if the team has already 3 or 4 players, whom I’ll use as a main “trunk”, who like to run , push and jump 120 minutes continuously , with only a 2 minutes water break , because this will be the situation they will face in our practices the whole year . If I’m lucky and find these players it’s easy around them to build my offense , otherwise I have to find them and to bring them to our team . The next step is to explain in great detail to each player individually , what exactly is his role in our offense and what I’m asking from him . It’s very important all players to know their job in the court and to work hard every day to improve themselves and team’s play . But all these are the ” easy job ” as the hardest part of our effort to make our offense to work , is to change initially the mentality of our players and to make them to forget the ways they played in the past and to accept and love the new way of play , which is a radical change in everything they knew and did so far They must consolidate that for us and for THEM offensively our running game is all we have and our main goal is in every single to make it faster and more effective ! And believe me dear Miles that there is not  in all the corners of the earth , basketball players who does not like to run and shoots the ball without agony if he will make it or not as nobody is going to blame him if he misses it ! In two weeks they make certain in action the effectiveness of our game and they gradually begin to believe it and to enjoy it … Generally Miles it takes about ten to twelve weeks more or less for team’s preparation in our new way of play offensively and defensively and to be ready , solid and competitive for the new championship against anyone .

•Thank you George for this interview and for all the answers and the information you gave us. *  Thank you so much Miles for our communication and for the opportunity to inform the basketball fans about the way I work and play the game and for our excellent results ! coach George P. Filkinis Basketball Coach Certified by FIBA Facebook : George P. Filkinis E mail address : gfilkinis@gmail.co