The season for Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners has had two sides in that they have always played well against teams that they had to beat, but couldn´t find a way to beat the top teams like FC Bayern Munich, IBAM and Ludwigsburg. They continue to feast on the weaker teams. Last weekend they swept the season series against Giessen, but had their hands full winning a nail bitter 80-78. The 5-4 team met the weak Tennet Young hero´s from Bayreuth who have had a tough season having only a 1-8 record and have lost their last 8 games in a row after winning the season opener against Nurnberg. In the two teams first meeting, Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners won 83-69 on the road where they controlled the boards. The Bavarian team as usual got a lot of support and production from their starting 5, but got only 3 points from their bench. In the return meeting, Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners met a very motivated Bayreuth team that gave the home team a fierce fight, but a game has 40 minutes and in the second half the guests fell apart losing 99-79. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners upped their intensity and aggressiveness at both ends of the court and allowed only 27 points in the second half after allowing an unacceptable 30 points in the first quarter. After Frankfurt recorded it´s sixth win of the season a subdued Maxi Begue discussed the tale of two halves. “We had a terrible start at both ends of the court. We had no communication on defense in the first half. We underestimated them and figured that we would breeze by if we only watched out for Wenzl and Feneberg. We started talking more on defense in the second half and showed our game”, explained Maxi Begue. The Tennet Young Hero´s gave a good fight thanks to Nico Wenzl who produced 24 points in the first half, but was held to 2 points and 0/5 from outside in the second half which showed as Bayreuth had little extra fire power to compensate his lack of scoring. “In the first half we moved the ball well and hit shots. In the third quarter Frankfurt upped their intensity and we weren´t ready for it. We were unable to match their physical presence”, stated Tennet Young Hero guard Nico Wenzl.

                Some may have been expecting Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners to rapidly dominate and run away with the contest early on since they were favorite and had a huge advantage with their length, but the Tennet Young Hero´s came to play and stuck with Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners from the get go being able to execute on offense against a club that gave up only 70 points on average. Bayreuth gave impulses inside right away as German Jonas Vogel scored twice showing that a 194cm player could execute inside. There were four lead changes at the start as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners also tried to establish their inside game getting buckets from ex Cologne center Jordan Samare and 211cm big man Julian Steinfeld. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners held the lead, but couldn´t get away from Bayreuth because quick guard Nico Wenzl was hitting from all over. Frankfurt was playing transition and getting everyone involved as three point specialist Risto Vasiljevic scored as did the versatile Maxi Begue. It wasn´t only Wenzl that was executing, but the whole team was present as Vogel hit a hook shot and 18 year old  195cm small forward Lukas Pryszcz made free throws. The Tennet Young Hero´s got the lead back with a Wenzl trey 18-16. The lead changes continued to go back and forth as there were 6 in the first quarter. Vasiljevic nailed a three only to have Wenzl drop another trey giving Bayreuth the lead back at 23-21. Samare then dead locked the game at 23-23 on the pick and roll with Frederick Fischbach. But Wenzl remained aggressive and continued to have the hot hand scoring 5 unanswered points for the Bayreuth 28-23 lead. 17 year old Isaac Obanor made a lay in, but 16 year old 186cm 101 kilo power forward Dimitrios Karakasidis hit free throws as the Tenent Young Hero´s had the surprising 30-25 lead. “We had no communication on defense and allowed too many easy baskets. We didn´t force our inside game enough”, added Maxi Begue. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 71% form the field and 33% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Tennet Young Hero´s shot 56% form the field and 50% form outside and had 7 rebounds and 2 turnovers.

                In the second quarter Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners had a good start, but once again couldn´t defend consistently and allowed Nico Wenzl to wheel and deal and continue to hit shots leading at the break by only 1 point. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners began with a 11-4 run to retake the lead at 36-35. They began to force the inside game and had success. 17 year old ex U-16 German national player Christian Feneberg began the quarter with a trey giving the guests the 33-25 advantage. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners then began to up their aggressiveness on offense getting a three from ex TG Hanau forward Calvin Schaum and free throws from Maxi Begue. They then got big man Julian Steinfeld involved as Obanor gave a perfect lob pass for the easy basket and Schaum then delivered the perfect alley-oop pass for the Steinfeld dunk. Begue then scored in the paint giving Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners the 36-35 lead. Besides getting their inside game going again, Frankfurt sneaked in some press defense and overall were just playing smarter and better team basketball. Wenzl had been on the bench a few minutes, but was inserted and right away took over achieving 5 points for the 40-36 Bayreuth lead. The German guard who has one BBL game on his resume halted the Frankfurt momentum and demonstrated how strong he is mentally as he was that game changer that Bayreuth needed. After 18 year old 198cm forward Benjamin Hoehmann made a lay in, Frankfurt received some production from Fischbach with 3 points, but Bayreuth still led 42-41. Wenzl was so focused and on his game that one could sense that he didn´t want to give up the lead again as he drained a three pointer and Feneberg followed with a floater and 47-43 lead. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners never gave up and knew exactly where their strength was as they continued to feed Steinfeld the ball inside and he came through with a tip in and dunk for the 49-47 Frankfurt lead. Feneberg countered with a trey and 50-49 Bayreuth lead, but Vasiljevic stole the lead back for Frankfurt with free throws. There would be two more lead changes as there were 7 in all in the second quarter as Pryszcz and Fischbach traded free throws as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners led only 53-52 at halftime. “Wenzl is a good guard that hit shots. You can´t underestimate him. He gave us 24 points in the first half, but in the second half we did a better job on him as he scored only 2 points”, stressed Maxi Begue. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 66% form the field and 29% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 7 turnovers while the Tennet Young hero´s shot 49% form the field and 54% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

                The turning point of the contest occurred in the third quarter as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners got going quickly getting the lead into double digits and never looked back. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners began with a quick 11-3 run to extend their lead to 64-55. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners did a good job attacking inside and taking advantage of the mis matches. Begue began with a hook shot, Vasiljevic scored in the paint, Steinfeld hit free throws, Fischbach made a steal and lay in on the coast to coast sprint and Schaum connected on a trey. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners finally was putting it together consistently at both ends of the court. Especially on defense, they upped their intensity which led to easy baskets on offense. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to play the Tenent Young Hero´s very tough continuing to defend well and banging the ball inside. Steinfeld who at age 18 is playing his first NBBL season after living 2 years in the States has made a good transition back to Germany and came up big with a block and scored 3 times as Frankfurt led comfortably 74-60. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners had control of the game with good ball movement and decision making and were defending Wenzl tougher as he couldn´t make any more shots while Feneberg had to take up more responsibility. Down the stretch of the third quarter, the Tennet Young Hero´s got some clutch three´s from 16 year old Florian Kaempf who´s grandfather is the well known German coach Georg Kaempf and 18 year old Lukas Pryszcz to keep them in striking distance, but Vasiljevic closed out the third frame with an offensive rebound and put back for the 79-66 Frankfurt lead. “We began to play more inside as they had no height to defend us. We also took advantage of the many mismatches”, added Maxie Begue. “We lost energy. Their posting up hurt us as well. Their big men are good passers and had the ability to make the kick out passes to the shooters”, stressed Nico Wenzl.. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 64% from the field and 30% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Tenent Young hero´s shot 42% form the field and 46% from the parking lot and had 21 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

                In the fourth quarter Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to play their game and execute while the Tennet Young Hero´s were unable to overcome the big deficit and have the energy needed to stage a successful comeback. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners started with a 8-2 run to extend their lead to 87-68. Frankfurt was sharing the ball around well and continuing to get everyone involved as Isaac Obanor showed his extreme athleticism scoring in the paint and then made free throws on the next possession. Frankfurt continued to annoy and take advantage of their physicality feeding Steinfeld inside who finished with a two handed dunk and 16 year old Pierre Bathoum also got aggressive inside making a dunk. Wenzl got Bayreuth´s first points of the fourth quarter with free throws at the 6.16 mark and he would never score again in the game. Pryszcz gave the Tenent Young hero´s their first field goal of the last frame at the 5,34 minute mark to trail 87-70. Both teams closed out the game with good offensive execution, but Bayreuth had to big of a deficit to make any kind of a turn around. Samare scored back to back buckets to help his stats while NBBL rookie Amir Dorn played tough with his 190cm´s getting an offensive rebound and put back and making a runner. Bayreuth got a basket from Kaempf and two from Hoehmann. After 40 minutes, Begue reflected on the last 10 minutes. “We shot well and had another run. We played like we did in the third quarter and finished the game well”, stated Maxi Begue. “We fought well the whole game, but were tired at the end. It was tough having to come back with a smaller rotation”, stressed Nico Wenzl. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners had 6 players score in double figures with Julian Steinfeld registering 18 points and 13 boards. Maxi Begue added 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists while Risto Vasiljevic added 14 points and Frederik Fischbach had 13 points. The Tennet Young Hero´s were led by Nico Wenzl with 26 points. Christian Feneberg added 13 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists while Benjamin Hoehmann added 11 points. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 58% from the field and 19% from outside and had 46 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Tenent Young Hero´s shot 41% from the field and 40% from outside and had 27 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Not only in the EasyCredit BBL is the exciting and emotional Hessen derby between the Fraport Skyliners and Giessen 46ers, but also in the Pro B the two farm teams of the BBL clubs also have battled each other for some years. Both Pro B clubs met in the first game of the season in Giessen where the Fraport Skyliners Juniors suffered an agonizing 80-63 loss where they were badly outrebounded and gave up 13 offensive rebounds and coughed up the ball 17 times. Frankfurt had played a lot better in recent weeks having won two of their last three games including a solid come from behind win at home against the Morgenstern BIS Baskets Speyer where they defended with passion again and had more options on offense while Giessen also has played a lot better after their horrible start where they lost four of their first five games have rattled off 9 wins in 12 games since the bad start. The Fraport Skylines Juniors sought their second win in a row while Giessen wanted to start a winning streak after losing to Orange Academy last weekend and Frankfurt put on an offense show and stepped up their defense in the fourth quarter outscoring the guests 29-16 to celebrate a big win as they moved back into the playoff spots with a comfortable 104-82 victory. After the huge win, Nigel Pruitt didn´t have much time to chat, because he was preparing to travel to Bamberg with teammates Len Schoorman and Aaron Kayser as they will be a part of the BBL roster for the game tomorrow as the club still has many injuries. Pruitt finished with 15 points and hit big three´s in the second half and ran the pick and role perfectly with Kayser and was elated about the two game winning streak. “”This was a great team effort where all were ready to play. We showed true dedication to defense where we were able to stop guys 1-1 and we rebounded well. Playing good defense gave us confidence on offense and everyone was ready to make plays”, stressed ex Kenneshaw State forward Nigel Pruitt. Depant Giessen 46ers Rakelos made their runs during the game, but when the Fraport Skyliners Juniors went on runs in the second half, they were unable to follow them and fell apart on defense. After the contest a disappointed Watt Lohaus explained what went wrong. “We made too many mistakes, but were able to stay close in the first half. We began well in the third quarter pushing the ball and getting stops, but we continued to make too many mistakes and gave up too many offensive rebounds. We had a lack of defensive execution in the second half”, warned ex N Iowa(NCAA) guard Wyatt Lohaus.

                Both teams traded buckets in the first few minutes as Germans Calvin Schaum and Cosmo Gruehn connected for Frankfurt and Leon Okpara and veteran Johannes Lischka who has 205 BBL games on his resume scored for Giessen as the game was deadlocked 4-4. The game would be a game of runs and the Fraport Skyliners Juniors went on the first one scoring 10 unanswered points to gain the 14-4 advantage. Frankfurt took apart the paint area getting easy baskets. New guard Bruno Peric scored on a lay in, Pruitt scored twice with a transition lay in and jumper and Kayser made a lay in off the lob pass and Gruehn hit a jumper on transition. Frankfurt was moving the ball well and executing well while stepping up their defense. However the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were unable to keep the momentum as Giessen retaliated and slapped Frankfurt with a 10-2 run in the face trailing only 16-14. Giessen played with high intensity on offense and was more patient and lived of the mid range game as Lischka and Okpara made shots and Lohaus nailed a trey. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors  would keep the narrow lead as both teams refrained from defense as both teams offenses continued to execute with ease. Frankfurt got much needed production from ex PS Karlsruhe center Noah Kamdem with 2 baskets while Giessen continued to get consistent scoring from Lischka and Lohaus. Lohaus snuck inside and made an offensive rebound and put back. Maxi Begue closed out the first quarter with a lay in for the 26-23 Frankfurt lead. “They focused on our shooters so we established our inside game having more room in the paint. Once we got our inside game going, they didn´t know what to do”, stressed Nigel Pruitt. The Fraport Skyliners shot 71% from the field and 0% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 3 turnovers while Depant Giessen 46ers Rackelos shot 57% from the field and 50% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

                Both teams had runs again in the second quarter, but after 20 minutes it was the Fraport Skyliners Juniors that had the lead again at 48-42. German big man Tim Uhlemann got Giessen on the board first with a lay up to trail Frankfurt 26-25. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors then exploded with a 12-2 run to extend their lead to 38-27. In the run, Frankfurt displayed their versatile inside out game getting back to back three´s from Pruitt and Peric and also got free throws from Kamden, a lay in from Kayser and lay in from Alvin Onyia. Frankfurt continued to bang the ball inside, but also added that outside presence and were able to execute. Frankfurt also clogged the zone better not allowing Giessen inside as easily as in the first half. But like in the first quarter, Giessen was able to counter and follow Frankfurt´s run with their own and creep back into the game with a 9-0 run to trail only 38-36. Giessen continued to glow with their mid range game getting key baskets from Okpara, Lischka and Lohaus. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors closed out the second half strong and kept the lead keeping Giessen a bit off balance. Frankfurt continued getting easy baskets inside from Kayser and Kamdem while Giessen got another basket from Lischka while Lohaus closed out the second quarter with a trey trailing Frankfurt 48-42 at the break. “We tried to contain Lischka as best as possible, but he is a veteran with a big body and knows how to play. He kept them in the game. We forced him to take tough shots. He can´t hit contested shots for 40 minutes”, added Nigel Pruitt. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 63% from the field and 38% from the three point line and had 16 boards and 5 turnovers while the Depant Giessen 46ers Rackelos shot 50% from the field and 33% from the three point line and had 16 boards and 6 turnovers.

                The Depant Giessen 46ers Rackelos grabbed the lead back at the start of the third quarter, but then Frankfurt inserted Noah Kamdem and the turning point of the game came as he gave the much needed energy and aggressiveness on offense getting Frankfurt the lead back and they would never look back. Giessen came out potent going on a 8-0 run to get the lead back at 50-48. In the run they continued to hurt Frankfurt with their mid range game as Okpara made a runner, Lischka hit another one of his off balance shots and Lohaus made free throws and a pull up jumper. Giessen stopped Frankfurt on it´s first five possessions mixing up their defensive formations sneaking in a press as well. Frankfurt grabbed the lead back and slowly built on it. Huge in the turn around was Noah Kamdem who dominated the paint area giving execution a new meaning and getting vital rebounds. After Schoormann hit a three giving Frankfurt it´s first field goal of the third quarter at the 6,20 minute mark, it was then Kamdem who took over. He scored 7 of the team´s next 14 points scoring three times in the paint including a pretty left handed hook shot. Frankfurt also got another clutch trey from Peric as Frankfurt led 68-58. Giessen got some key baskets from German Tim Koepple and a lay in by Lohaus, but it was Kamdem who continued to be a force and was Frankfurt´s best player in the third frame. He made a key kick out assist to Pruitt for a trey and scored in the paint two more times including hauling down an offensive rebound and making the put back as Frankfurt led 73-64 after 30 minutes. “Noah had a good week of practice. He was mentally aggressive and was hard to stop. Key for him is to continue to get easy lay ups and rebounds. I think that he can continue to do that and still have a big impact in the game. He continues to get better”, stressed Nigel Pruitt. “We gave up offensive rebounds and their pick and roll created advantages for them. When a team starts to have a cushon it becomes hard to stop a team when they are rolling”, added Wyatt Lohaus. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 59% from the field and 44% from the parking lot and had 22 rebounds and 7 turnovers while the Depant Giessen 46ers Rackelos shot 51% from the field and 38% from the parking lot and had 19 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

                In the first few minutes of the fourth quarter, it was young German Aaron Kayser and veteran Johannes Lischka who put on a show trading baskets three times. Lischka continued to shine with his unstoppable mid range game making an off balance shot, runner and lay in while Kayser ran the pick and role perfectly twice with Nigel Pruitt, but Giessen couldn´t make any ground still trailing 81-72. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had a comfortable lead, but didn´t want to threaten losing it, so they slammed the door on Giessen with a 15-4 run to extend their lead to 96-76 and coast home to victory. In the run, Frankfurt got clutch production from 2017 JBBL finalists and new generation players Len Schoormann and Maxi Begue. Begue made an incredible reverse lay up and trey while Schoormann made a transition bucket and free throws. Peric gave added stability with a three pointer and Kayser remained aggressive on the offensive glass getting an offensive rebound and put back. Frankfurt continued to execute well in the last minutes getting a lay in from Pruitt and Onyia. Schoormann made two great assists with a no look pass to Kayser who made a massive two handed dunk and made the pass of the game to Cosmo Gruehn for the 100 points. He got the ball and made a semi full court bounce pass to the German for the lay in. He must of seen Rajon Rondo passes from back in the day when he played for the Boston Celtics. “I saw him, but he was far away. It was tough to throw it with two defenders in the area so I figured that the bounce pass was the more sure pass. I know that Rondo can make that pass”, stressed Len Schoormann. “That was a great pass. I didn´t think that he saw Gruehn. I thought he would dunk”, added Nigel Pruitt. Lischka and Okpara rounded out the scoring for Giessen who had lost their last two games. “We continued to defend well and got stops. Giessen was tired. They didn´t want to give up the three ball so we did the pick and roll”, added Nigel Pruitt. “We continued to make many mistakes. The momentum swung in their run and we couldn´t find any rhythm on offense. They continued to get easy baskets”, stressed Wyatt Lohaus. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Noah Kamdem with 21 points. Len Schoormann and Aaron Kayser added 19 points a piece and Bruno Peric added 11 points and 6 assists. The Depant Giessen 46ers Rackelos were led by Johannes Lischka with 29 points. Wyatt Lohaus produced 22 points while Len Okpara had 19 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 62% from the field and 43% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 9 turnovers while the Depant Giessen 46ers Rackelos shot 46% form the field and 31% from outside and had 30 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Chris Carter is a 27 year old 195cm guard that was born in Brooklyn, New York and is from Port St. Lucie, Florida that is playing his fifth professional season and second with the Niners Chemnitz. He played the last two seasons playing with Rasta Vechta. Last season in the BBL he averaged 4.0ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.4apg. In his first season with Rasta Vechta he helped the club move from the Pro A to the easyCredit BBL winning the Pro A title averaging 11,0ppg,3,4rpg and 5,3apg and shot 40% from outside. In 2016-2017 he played for BV Chemnitz 99 (Germany-ProA) playing 40 games averaging 12.4ppg, 4.2rpg, Assists-4 (5.7apg), Steals-4 (2.1spg), FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 73.4%. As a rookie he played for Bipa Basket Odessa (Ukraine-SL Favorit Sport) playing 32 games averaging 14.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 5.0apg, Steals-1 (2.2spg), FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 77.3%. He started his basketball career at Air Force (NCAA) and then played the last three years of school at Florida Tech (NCAA2) and as a senior played 21 games averaging 14.0ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 75.8%. He gave a special tribute interview about Kobe Bryant who passed away recently.

Where were you and how did you find about the death of Kobe Bryant? 

I was on the bus back home from a game and heard about it on Instagram. 

When I heard about it, I thought it was a hoax. What were your first thoughts when you heard about it? 

I checked the dates to see if it was April fools day because there just wasn’t any way that was real. 

How much of your day the day after did you take informing yourself about his death and watching videos?

I watched a lot of videos on youtube and other social media outlets in disbelief. 

You were born in 1992. Can you remember about when you first knew about Kobe Bryant and what was your first impression of him as a kid? 

I remember Kobe when he was in Adidas with the afro. Him and Shaq were basically taking over the league and I knew that I wanted to be on television one day just like Kobe. 

How did your love for Kobe Bryant develop over time as you got through childhood and high school? You were very young for his first wave of titles with Shaq around the millennium, but you must have witnessed the 2010 title against my Boston Celtics.

I was raised in south Florida but my heart was in LA. I was a die hard Kobe fan and no disrespect would be tolerated around me. I wore all of his shoes, had his jerseys. I was serious about him. 

Kobe Bryant was for so many the greatest ever. What did you appreciate most about his game? Was he a guy that you pretended to be on the playgrounds? 

He was a guy that made it cool to countdown in your head ‘3..21..’ and then shoot and yell ‘KOBE’. I appreciated his sacrifice to the game more than anything. 

Kobe Bryant had so many amazing games like his 81 points and countless other games where it was lights out as well as winning 5 titles. What is your fondest memory of him of what he did on the court? 


My fondest memory is when he dunked on Dwight Howard! 

The outpouring of sadness was incredible in the last 24 hours. Guys were crying and leaving heart felt messages on Social Media. How long do you think it will take until the basketball world comes to terms with this tragedy?


I don’t think it really will. Things won’t really make sense in the basketball world. 

When you look back in 20 years on the career of Kobe Bryant how will you remember his legacy best? 

A winner, innovator, and a global icon. 

One of my last questions in my standard interviews is what is your opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James. Often players remind me that I left out Kobe Bryant.I have been thinking about this a lot in the last days. How worthy is a Kobe Bryant to be seen as the greatest of all-time?

He should be on everyone’s Mount Rushmore. 

My last question isn’t what is the last movie you saw, but what video of Kobe Bryant will you take a look again when you have some time to look back at his great career? 


The video when he discusses in depth about the Mamba Mentality.

Thanks Chris for the chat and giving your memories of Kobe Bryant.

Curtis Hollis is a 21 year old 198cm forward from Arlington, Texas that is played his first season overseas and first in Germany with the Dragons Rhondorf averaging 22,4ppg,8,2rpg,3,8apg and 3,1spg. He left the club to go back home on account of personal reasons. He began his career at Mansfield Summit High School. In 2017-2018 he played with Hutchinson CC (JUCO) playing 34 games averaging 6.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 27.0%, FT: 66.3%. In 2018 he played in Lavar Ball’s new league with the Houston Ballers (JBL) playing 7 games: Score-5 (29.3ppg), 11.3rpg, 5.3apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 21.2%, FT: 71.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com one more time after 16 Miles Basketball minutes with a farewell interview.

Curtis thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and when you left at the end of December to return to Germany from break did you already have an inkling that it would be a short stay in Germany?

I’m in Dallas Texas and no I actually didn’t I had planned on coming back focused to finish the season and win the Regionalliga championship!

A few days ago, you wrote me telling me how much you appreciated what I had done for you with the extensive and unheard of media coverage I had given you. I really had no idea that you were leaving the team. Your hints to me just weren’t good enough. I am a bit shocked because I really enjoyed watching you play and all the post game interviews and 16 Miles basketball minutes for you. Has it all sunk in that you no longer will play for the Dragons Rhondorf?

No it hasn’t fully sunk in yet and it was a shock for me as well cause it ended so fast. You know like I said I have to give Yassin & Alex and the rest of the Rhoendorf management a huge thank you and a lot of credit for figuring out a way for me to get back with my family. It was tough how it all ended but I had to make a big decision for my family.

Could you please explain why you left the Dragons Rhondorf. The club, teammates and fans liked you. It didn’t seem like it had anything to do with this. The reason was stated as personal reasons. Could you elaborate a bit on this please.

Just something really personal came up in my family that the WHOLE family had to tend too. It’s getting better but it was just something major that I had to obviously leave quick to get back too.

You love basketball and I’m sure your decision wasn’t an easy one. Was it a difficult decision or one that was decided and made quickly on account of what was going on with the family.

It was for sure both. My teammates, the club, the fans like you said all had a huge impact on me. And I know how important it was for the club to move up. All that hit me really fast, but my family is so important to me and when something big happens I have to be there for my family.

You have left a huge void in the team play and chemistry. A new American was gotten, but he needs to be integrated and needs to get adjusted to the Regionalliga play. Despite making this decision for the family, do you feel some remorse of leaving the organization hanging?

I was at first but with the help of everybody there it really helped me get to a good head space. They understood how important that it was for me to get back with my family.

You played a great season with the Dragons Rhondorf and now the team will have to finish the season without you. How confident are you that the club has the capabilities on the court to move back up to the Pro B without you?

I’m extremely confident in these guys. Like I always said pretty much every week with a new guy the team is extremely talented. We lost a few but we were a young team and it’s all about growth. Come playoff time I know for sure they won’t go out easy.

Let talk a bout your teammates. You saw the development of many young players and also saw fine play of the older guys like guards Sharda and Foz. If you had to pick one player that you feel left the biggest impression on you as a player and person who was it?

I would say they all left a impression on me in different ways. Everybody was different, saw the game different, played the game different so it helped me adjust learning how to get guys the best opportunity to be successful. I really appreciate all of them because they helped me in so many ways to grow my game.

You had a special relationship with head coach Yassin Idbihi. One could say he discovered you in the summer of 2018 in Baunach and gave you a chance in 2019 to present your extra ordinary skills with the Dragons Rhondorf. How thankful are you of him and what will be your long lasting memory of him as a coach and person?

Man I’m so thankful for him I can’t even put it into words. He was such a honest and trustworthy guy. He brought me here to develop to a high level and help him win and understand how the European game works on and off the court. Without him I’m not sure where I would be European basketball wise. My lasting memory will probably just be every memory I had with him. He was so hard and tough on me and really really wanted to see me be successful and use all my talent. But even thou he was tough he would be the first to tell me how much better I was doing or that I was doing a good job. So I’ll miss Yassin and like I said I can’t put into words how thankful I am for him. We will have a relationship forever.

Let’s talk about your game. You played 18 games averaging 22,7ppg, 8,2rpg, 3,6rpg and 3,0spg and shot 38,9% from outside. How content were you with your professional rookie season?

I’m pretty content. I feel like if I would have finished it out my numbers would have been better but those numbers aren’t bad for a 21 year old with no high level college experience. So I’m blessed. I worked and still work very hard and watched a lot of film so that’s just hard work coming to light.

How difficult was it mentally for you just stopping and having to realize now that your rookie season is history? Do you feel like you were the best that you could be for the time that you played with the Dragons Rhondorf?

It was really tough mentally. It helped me grow but it was tough being by myself having to get through that. I feel like I got better every game, every minute, when I was on the floor. I was really starting to figure it out and take the next step. But I know everything happens for a reason so I can’t dwell on it I just have to move on.

You set the Regionalliga on fire right from the start and was a consistent contributor that filled the stat sheet like no other. How do you feel did you develop as a rookie? How was Curtis Hollisa different player now then in September 2019?

Man I developed crazy. And really fast! I didn’t expect it but like I said I was working so hard every day every week so it was only right for me to start becoming elite. The difference from September to January was my patience, my understanding of the European game, my reads in the PnR, off the ball movements, starting to attack more and more every time down! Really just everything I had really started to figure it out.

You had many great games including a masterful triple double with 10 steals in a win against the Bayer Giants Leverkusen 2 team. What was your most memorable game with the Dragons Rhondorf?

It was probably that game or really all of them. I feel like my teammates & I all had a great time playing together and there was a lot of talent. I’ll really miss these guys.

What did you learn to appreciate the most about the country Germany? What about the culture will you miss the most?

I appreciate how calm and nice the people were. English is on a high level as well so it really helped me fit in! I’ll miss the most just the respect of the culture they have principles you have to follow and I really respect that.

The fans loved you in Rhondorf. What kind of message would you like to send the fans? How much did they support your game every weekend?

I just want to tell them I love them to death I’m sorry about how it ended but man they really helped us out nightly home games and was like a 6th man for us! My goal every night was to win and to make sure I put on a show for the fans so they were entertained and enjoyed watching us play. So I just want say to them thank you thank you thank you! You guys are honestly amazing. They supported every weekend!

There is that special family feeling with the Dragons Rhondorf. What besides this will you miss the most from the Dragons Rhondorf?

Just the family vibe and the everybody loves everybody no matter where people are from. I feel like people really embraced me here and it really helped me settle in! I’ll never forget that.

What is the next step for Curtis Hollis. You’re a gym rat. Will you take a step back from the game or will you be in the gym again fine tuning your game so you will be ready for that next opportunity whenever that should present itself?

You know me I’ll get right back to it and in the gym. I’m going to enter the 2020 NBA Draft so we will see where it takes me but it’s just the beginning for me and my career. This year really helped me. I learned so much.

With your very strong play in Germany and connections, do you feel like you could land in Germany again as a player for an organization?

I for
sure do and I love Germany. So there could absolutely be a chance I’m back here in the future.

I will remember you as a very exciting player that has just began his basketball journey that is still at the bottom of the totem pole. You’re a guy that made every game a thrill to watch with your exciting versatile play as well as always having that surprise effect with being able to making that game changing play or thunderous dunk. Off the court you presented yourself as a true professional always having time for my extensive questions and posing for the usual post game photo. What will you remember most about my work and our special relationship that is seldom seen between a player and media person.

I’ll remember the most about your work for sure with how extremely hard you work and put into your craft & the commentary of every game we played when you would say the ‘CURTIS EZWORK HOLLIS’ man you’re a star in the states for all my people! They love you. Haha your passion for the game is amazing and the questions you always gave me kept me on my toes. Our relationship was great we could talk about anything and I just really want to say thank you to you and I really appreciate you covering me night in and night out. That love and effort doesn’t go unnoticed and really really helped me out throughout the season. You’re a special guy Miles! I consider you a friend for life.

Who will win the Super Bowl and what is your score prediction between the Kansas City Chiefs or San Francisoc 49ers?

Chiefs for sure by a long shot.

Thanks Curtis for the chat. All the best to you. Maybe we will cross paths again in Germany.

Tucker Haymond is a 25 year old 198cm guard from Seattle, Washington that is playing his third professional season and first with FC Schalke where he produced 13 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists in his debut in a loss against Tuebingen. He began the season with AEL Limassol (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League) playing 3 games averaging 13.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.0apg, 2.0spg. Last season he played with the Rhein Stars Koeln (Germany-ProB) averaging 22,5ppg,6,0rpg and 2,3apg. He played his rookie year with the Austin Spurs (NBA G-League) playing 33 games averaging 2.6ppg. He began his basketball career at Garfield High School and then played at Western Michigan (NCAA) from 2013-2017 playing a total of 123 games and as a senior played 31 games averaging 14.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 75.6%. He spoke to germanhoops about his memories of Kobe Bryant

Where were you and how did you find about the death of Kobe Bryant? 

I was at the Chinese buffet with my teammates. We were all sitting around eating and a notification popped up for a new tweet. Saying that Kobe had passed away. 

When I heard about it, I thought it was a hoax. What were your first thoughts when you heard about it? 

At first, I thought it wasn’t true. Because I have seen hoaxes before for well known people and their deaths. But then the more I read online and more news came out. It was confirmed and that’s when it really started to sink in. First initial thoughts were just sadness and feeling for the families involved. 

How much of your day the day after did you take informing yourself about his death and watching videos? 

I spent the rest of the night just watching videos on reports from ESPN. Then just started watching old videos and reminiscing on my memories about Kobe. Thinking of all the things I used to do just because he did it.

You were born in 1994. Can you remember about when you first knew about Kobe Bryant and what was your first impression of him as a kid?

I remember when I was younger hearing about Kobe because my dad used to talk about Shaq. After I started watching basketball more and more Kobe was the main person I would watch. He was the face of the league obviously. Once all the Kobes started coming out for Nike, I started wearing all his shoes. Watching all his games. My mom used to read Kobe books to me at night before bed. I remember as a young kid watching Kobe on Christmas and seeing what his Christmas version of his shoes would be would be what I would be excited to see. 

How did your love for Kobe Bryant develop over time as you got through childhood and high school? He had his biggest success when you were very young winning titles with Shaq as the millennium came. 

I used to admire Kobe just for his killer instinct. Also because he had a lot of haters. More than a lot of superstars. And he kept killing even with all the people hating on him. His confidence made me draw towards his demeanor and just presence. He has one of the most legendary mindsets in the history of the game. His imprint on the league is huge and will forever have an imprint on the league, and basketball worldwide. 

Kobe Bryant was for so many the greatest ever. What did you appreciate most about his game? Was he a guy that you pretended to be on the playgrounds? 

I think the most I appreciated about his game was his mindset and killer instinct. He never was afraid of the big moment. His confidence is what I appreciated most about him. And yes pretending to be Kobe I think me and a lot of people did. Counting down to the buzzer and yelling Kobe.

Kobe Bryant had so many amazing games like his 81 points and countless other games where it was lights out as well as winning 5 titles. What is your fondest memory of him of what he did on the court? 

Scoring 81 points I think is my favorite. I have the 81 point poster that I have by my bed back home. I used to go to sleep all through middle and high school with the Kobe poster right next to my bed. It’s still hard to fathom that someone who I used to look up to and still do is gone in such a tragedy.

The outpouring of sadness was incredible in the last 24 hours. Guys were crying and leaving heart felt messages on Social Media. How long do you think it will take until the basketball world comes to terms with this tragedy? 


I think that it will take a while before the basketball world comes to terms with this. I think it will linger for a few years to be honest. He had such a big impact not only on NBA basketball. But also WNBA and women’s basketball with his daughter. His reach was far and wide. 

When you look back in 20 years on the career of Kobe Bryant how will you remember his legacy best?


I think remembering his legacy was about his will to win, his focus, mentality, as well as his toughness. Him tearing his Achilles and walking up to the free throw line and knocking down the free throws. Nobody has done something like that. A lot of things he did were just legendary and will stick around the game forever. 

One of my last questions in my standard interviews is what is your opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James. Often players remind me that I left out Kobe Bryant.I have been thinking about this a lot in the last weeks. How worthy is a Kobe Bryant to be seen as the greatest of all-time? 


I for sure think Kobe is one of the greatest. I think regardless of position he is top 5 for sure. Because he was able to win playing with a dominant player beside him. And he was also able to win as him being the dominant player with a supporting cast. He also stayed in LA for his whole career. Didn’t chase a ring, stayed and did what he could.

My last question is usually what is the last movie you saw, but in this interview it is a bit different. What video of Kobe Bryant will you take a look again when you have some time to look back at his great career?

I have just been watching Kobe interviews. Listening more to the things he says and how he thinks about things on and off the court. Paying more attention to the mental side of things.

Thanks Tucker for sharing your memories of Kobe Bryant.

Chris Hooper is a 28 year old 198cm forward from the Bronx, New York who is playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with the Itzehoe Eagles (Germany-ProB). Currently he is tearing up the German Pro B being fifth in scoring, third in rebounds and seventh in blocks. He is plastering the stat sheet like no other averaging 19,9ppg, 9,9rpg, 3,6apg, 1,2spg and 1,1bpg. He has scored in double figures in 16 of 17 games and has scored 20 points or more 7 times. His best scoring games included a 33 point explosion against Rist Wedel, 30 points against TKS 49ers and 29 points against Bernau. He played the last two seasons with Obera Tennis Club (Argentina-La Liga Argentina) and last season played 49 games averaging 16.9ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.8apg, Blocks-4 (1.5bpg), FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 70.5%. Two seasons ago with Obera Tennis Club (Argentina-TNA) he played 28 games averaging 16.2ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.1apg, Blocks-3 (1.4bpg), FGP: 60.1%, FT: 58.9%. He played his rookie season with the Reading Rockets (United Kingdom-NBL D1) playing 21 games: Score-5 (22.4ppg), Reb-1 (12.3rpg), 2.3apg, 1.4spg, Blocks-4 (1.3bpg), FGP-1 (68.1%), FT: 63.9%. He began his basketball career at Arturo A. Schomburg Satellite Academy and then played at St. Francis College (NY) (NCAA) and in his last year played 32 games averaging 11.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 58.3%, FT: 57.1%. Last summer he spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Chris thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. After a year in Great Britain and two in Argentina, you now will play your fourth professional season in Germany. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? 

Yes three years professional going into my fourth, and I don’t really know anything about Germany but everybody tells me that its nice. As far as basketball I know it’s very good basketball and puts you in a good position to move up or to a better city I know more about the BBL of course because its what’s most talked about when people speak of Germany.

Have you had any friends, ex teammates or opponents that you know of have played in Germany over the years?

Yes I’ve had friends that played in Pro B maybe you might be familiar with the names Moussa Kone , Qua’dir Welton , as well as ex opponents ( JoJo Cooper) . 

Congrats on signing with the Itzehoe Eagles. After seeing England and Argentina, what were the main reasons for signing with the Itzehoe Eagles. How vital was it for you having a good feeling about the head coach Pat Elzie?

Thank you I really appreciate that and the opportunity of course. The main reason for signing with the team was I felt a connection between me and coach from the beginning. He explained how he liked my game, broke it down and explained where my weakness was and just told me how much he wants to help me improve and help move up or get where I need to be at least. I’ve always had a good feeling about coach Pat he just seems like a good person and that’s what it’s about. Basketball is important but good character is hard to come by and that’s what coach Pat displayed to me. 

Pat Elzie stated that he feels that you will be able to bring the team to a new level. Do you feel like that has more to do with your playing ability or your hard work ethic?

First off I’m glad he feels that way about me and it means a lot and I would say a little bit of both but for sure it all starts with your work ethic so I’m going to lean more towards that answer.

You had solid stats, but now going into your fourth professional season, you have always played in the second division as a professional. Is there a chip on your shoulder that keeps getting heavier and heavier?

Yeah I wouldn’t say the chip is getting heavier but I would say I think I’m definitely a top tier player and proven it multiple times and until I get there I’m going to keep proving myself which starts off by keep working hard and working on all my weaknesses.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 198cm forward that isn’t very big, but very quick and is an unstoppable player one on one. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player new or old who would best fit the description?

If I had to compare my game to an NBA player it would definitely be Zach Randolph, he’s a bit bigger then me but I’ve watched many of his films he’s tough ,gets to his spots on the floor, not the most explosive guy, very energetic, good one on one player and it just reminds me of myself. 

You are a very good rebounder for your height. It seems like you have become an even better rebounder since you turned professional. Has that occurred because of more experience over the years?

Yeah I think it just something I felt I had to get better at, because when I became a professional I was responsible for all rebounds so I just tried to figure out ways how to move guys out of the paint because they were usually bigger then me and I won’t out jump them. 

You began to play basketball at age 17. What has been your secret to developing so well? Is it more that you were born with immense talent or is it your non-ending work ethic? 

Definitely the work ethic and the people that just started jumping in my corner and guiding me the right way, and pushed me to be better and better until I wanted it for myself.

You have been so consistent as a professional always being a top scorer and rebounder. What do you feel has been your secret to being a consistent player over the years? 

There’s no secret to being consistent just have to keep working hard and pushing yourself to limits. My mentor always told me ‘what you do in the summer will show in the fall/winter’

Your only 1/9 from downtown in three years of professional ball. Do feel the need to develop a three pointer as you continue to move up the basketball ladder? 

Yeah I think that’s what I need to work on the most out of everything is my three point shot, and not just because I’m climbing the ladder but because it takes pressure off me and I don’t have to bang down low all game I can face up , pick and pop etc. 

You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet at ease, but what do you feel is a hidden strength in your game that doesn’t always get noticed right away on the court? 

A hidden strength I would say in my game is my energy to the game, my leadership on the floor and just being vocal. Those all very important things to the game that doesn’t really get noticed right away. 

You played the last two seasons in Argentina for Obera Tennis Club (Argentina-La Liga Argentina). You had very consistent stats. How vital was it being the only American both times? Was dealing with pressure with having to produce something that came easier over time?

It was a very challenging job trying to be a leader and not speaking the same language as my teammates but as the time went on I started to learn a few words and I was able to communicate a little then it became easier. The second year started rough as well having new players and a new coach but I just played the same way, I learned personal and things started to get much easier. 

As a rookie you played with the Reading Rockets (United Kingdom-NBL D1) playing 21 games: Score-5 (22.4ppg), Reb-1 (12.3rpg), 2.3apg, 1.4spg, Blocks-4 (1.3bpg), FGP-1 (68.1%), FT: 63.9%. What was your wake up call to being an American in Great Britain where you knew that you were very far away from home?

I never really thought about being far from home because I was treated like family there. I’m a guy that likes to experiences things and places and Reading Rockets gave me that first chance to experience being across the waters.

How important was it having fellow rookie Craig Ponder as a teammate in Reading? Are you surprised that he never played a second professional season? 

Craig Ponder was a great player and an even better person, me and him became brothers, on the court we picked up each others slack. We were leaders to each other and it made us so good our rookie season. Yes it was most surely a shock for me when I found out he wasn’t playing a second year but I speak with him all the time he’s doing great. 

You played your first two years of college ball at Kaskaskia College in Illinois and at Odessa College in Texas. How important was it getting this experience and how did it get you ready for the NCAA?

That experience for me was very important because it taught me to be tough, and grind hard because in JUCO everybody is competing for one thing which is to get an NCAA scholarship preferably from a Division 1 college. 

You played your last two years in the NCAA at St Francis. You made a huge jump in your senior year averaging in double figures in scoring. How did you feel did you develop your game in your last year?

I talked with my coach at the end of the year and he explained to me what I had to get better on and what he thought was best for me for the summer time, which was stay at school all summer and just work on my game and don’t even go home so that’s what I did. Over that summer I shed 27 pounds and got in better shape than I was before. 

In your first ever NCAA game, you played against top basketball school Georgetown losing 83-62 scoring 7 points and 5 rebounds in 13 minutes. What memories do you have of this game and the high quality players that you faced?

I wasn’t really worried about the players on the other team, but I was more worried about doing good in my first division 1 game. I was so nervous and just wanted to play well.

How did head coach Glen Braica groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He always preached hard work to me but basketball is not what’s most important to him, it was about getting all of us to graduate and just being a good person no matter what, because there are players who are the most talented but home doing nothing because of the attitude and the kind of person they are, so that’s what he most prepared me for as far as becoming a professional. 

Who won a one on one in practice you or Antonio Jenefer?

HaHa me and tone had a lot of battles in the two years we were there but if I had to break it down all the times we played I would say its split even, but tone is a very talented player.

Who has been the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that is in the NBA or in Europe? 

The toughest player I played against would have to be Montrez Harell.

Please list your five best teammates of all-time? 

Kevin Douglass Tyreek Jewell Craig Ponder Jalen Cannon Jordan Aaron

Please name your personal own NBA Rushmore. Which four heads would you pick past or present for your list?

Kobe Bryant Shaq James Harden Tracy Mc grady 

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

To be honest I’m a Kobe fan so I’m going to go with Kobe haha but what Lebron is doing is amazing and greatness and hard work can’t go unnoticed.

What was the last movie that you saw? 

The Last movie I saw was The avengers end game .

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Richard Solomon is a 27 year old 208cm center from Torrance, California that is playing his sixth professional season and first with JDA Dijon Bourgogne (France-Jeep ELITE ProA). Last season he played with the Oklahoma City Blue (NBA G League) playing 35 games averaging 13.8ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 63.5%, 3PT: 17.5%, FT: 71.1%. In the 2017-2018 season he balled with Muratbey Usak Sportlif Basketbol (Turkey-BSL) playing 19 games averaging 9.9ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 59.7%, FT: 68.1%. In the 2016-2017 season he played with BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral (France-ProA) playing 31 games averaging 10.1ppg, Reb-3 (8.0rpg), 1.2spg, FGP: 59.2%, 3PT-3 (50.0%), FT: 59.7%. In the 2015-2016 season he played with Toyota Alvark Tokyo (Japan-NBL) playing 59 games averaging 11.3ppg, 8.9rpg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 17.9%, FT: 66.0%. He played his rookie season with the Oklahoma City Blue (D-League) playing 30 games averaging 8.3ppg, 6.6rpg, FGP: 61.3%, FT: 62.4%. He played at the University of California (NCAA) form 2010-2014 playing a total of 111 games and as a senior played 30 games averaging 11.0ppg, 10.2rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 54.3%, FT: 53.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against the Telekom Baskets Bonn in Bonn

Richard thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Before we get to the interview, I have to ask you about how you found out about the passing of Kobe Bryant? How much of an influence did he have on you?

I was eating dinner in Gravelines and I got a text from my sister telling me that Kobe had passed away. At first I thought that it was a joke. When you get a message like that, you just can’t believe it’s true. As the whole thing began to unfold more and more, I got this heartbreaking ooze. I grew up in Los Angeles and he is the reason why I started to play basketball. He inspired me to become the best that I could be and play in the NBA. One of my first Laker games was when he was teammates with Shaq. I am still in disbelief of what happened. It is like a bad dream. He didn’t only mean a lot to L.A, but to the whole world. 

Welcome to Germany Is this your first time to Germany? What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?

This is my first time in Germany. I don’t know much about the country. I have heard of the top teams Munich and Bamberg. The crazy thing is that I actually was deciding to join Bamberg for this season, but then I went to Dijon. 

Your playing your sixth professional season and third in Europe and first with JDA Dijon Bourgogne (France-Jeep ELITE ProA). You had played in France before. Do you feel like the athletic game of the France Pro A suits your game best

I feel that with the type of player that I am that I can adjust to any league or style. I’m a versatile player. Coming off injury, I felt as if Dijon was the best fit for me. We have big expectations and want them to happen.

How excited are you to be playing the Telekom Baskets Bonn again. You lost the first game at home. What will be key to getting the victory this time?

We are really fired up to play against Bonn tonight. There is a lot on the line. We are playing for home court advantage. We have a bad taste from the first game. Defense will be key for us winning this game. We have to limit their three point shooting and make everything as tough for them at both ends of the court. I think that we will be ok if we can keep them under 70 points.

Let’s talk about your teammates. How much easier does a guy like David Holston make your game when he is on the floor?

He makes it easier for everybody. He can shoot from anywhere on the court and can get it going at anytime. Setting screens for him and freeing him up is a big advantage for his game and ours.

Another experienced veteran on the club is Lamonte Ulmer who also has had his time in Germany. What stands out most with his game that has been crucial for the success of the team?

He is the type of player that is everywhere on the court. He can rebound, get steals and can knock down shots. He has been a huge spark for us this season and can do a little of everything. He continues to show that he can contribute in so many different ways. 

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 208cm center that can score, rebound and be a lock down defender. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?


That is tough. I think my game is like a Amare Stoudemire when he played with the Phoenix Suns. I know what I’m capable of on the court. I can do so much and with me starting to shoot the three more, I feel like I separate myself from those guys in the NBA

Would you say that your in or near your prime at the moment? On what area’s of your game are you working hardest on to keep developing nicely with your game?

I feel like that I’m approaching my prime if not in it. At this point in my career, everyone knows what I can do. I’m an athletic player that can dunk and finish. Now I’m focusing mostly on my whole skill set and being able to stretch the floor and be more of an outside threat.

You don’t take many three’s, but is that still a part of your game that you would like to refine a bit more?

With how the game is changing now, you have to be capable of doing more than one thing. If you can do more, it makes it harder for the opponent as well as against players matching up against you and how teams prepare for you.

Last season you played your second season in the G_League with the Oklahoma City Blue (NBA G League) playing 35 games averaging 13.8ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 63.5%, 3PT: 17.5%, FT: 71.1%. This was a vast improvement from your rookie season. How do you feel has your game matured since then and how far do you truly believe are you from the NBA?

Last year was a great year despite the injury. I refined my love for the game. I worked my butt off each day and took care of my body. It really paid off. I got called up to the Oklahoma Thunder for 10 days. I felt that I was having my best season, but then it was cut short due to injury and I had to start all over again. I feel like if I hadn’t gotten injured that I would be in the NBA now. I was happy that I got good feedback from the NBA. I think after having that experience last season that now I’m just trying to be the best player that I can be and play at the highest level. Getting back to the NBA would be lovely, but my focus now is on Dijon and helping them be successful. I want to make the most of my opportunity with Dijon and continue to work hard. The rest will take care of itself. 

You have played two seasons in the G-League and at countless NBA Summer Leagues. What was the best example that you have seen over the years where the NBA is strictly a business first before anything else?

You see the whole business side of how guys are sent down and when they are drafted. It is clear to see then just how much time an organization invests in them in comparison to how other guys are dealt with. You can’t get worried about the business side. You have to always be locked in, keep working and keep your head down and keepmoving forward. If your locked into your craft then the next time you look up things will be happening for you. 

Last season you also played a few World Cup qualifying games. How cool of an experience was it suiting up for your country and being able to play at a time when many of the other American players had NBA commitments?

It was an amazing experience being able to put USA on your chest and be able to qualify for the Olympics. I had good teammates and a good coach in Jeff Van Gundy. I think that this experience helped me elevate my game to a new level. It gave me a clear picture of where my game was at. I will cherish this moment forever.

I’m sure that you will also keep your USA jersey forever.

Yes I will.

Two years ago you played with Muratbey Usak Sportlif Basketbol (Turkey-BSL) playing 19 games averaging 9.9ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 59.7%, FT: 68.1%. There you played with another real veteran with Earl Calloway. What memories do you have of him and just being able to play with another gem of a guard?

That was a tough year. I was hurt. When I came to the team, they were 1-12 or something. There was a lot of pressure and I had to do a lot of work to help turn it around. I picked Earl’s brain and just tried to improve my game through his advice and see the game through his eyes. 

In the 2016-2017 season was your first in Europe with at BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral (France-ProA) playing 31 games averaging 10.1ppg, Reb-3 (8.0rpg), 1.2spg, FGP: 59.2%, 3PT-3 (50.0%), FT: 59.7%, 7.2rpg, FGP: 69.6%, FT: 42.5%. Hoe enjoyable was it being reunited with your ex California (NCAA) teammate Justin Cobbs? Did it feel like old times with him on the court?

Justin and I played at the same high school and at the same university. To be able to end up on the same team overseas was a joy. I was back together again with my brother. We had always had good chemistry in school, but now we were more defined and mature which made the whole experience a lot easier. We knew where the other guy would be on the court.

Justin Cobbs has had a very solid European career and was on many NBA teams radar’s coming out in 2014 and since being in Europe. Is he an NBA caliber player? Why do you feel hasn’t he been able to get there yet?

I think that he is a NBA player. Unfortunately the NBA is a business and not everyone gets the opportunity to showcase their abilities. I think that there are a lot of guys overseas that could play in the NBA. I think that he is better than a lot of players in the NBA now. But that is just how it goes. 

You once said that he is a clumsy guy that would knock over a glass of water. What is your fondest memory with him in your life?

I have seen him from high school until now and he is grown a lot. We both have sons and I have been lucky to see how he has matured and become the man that he is today. We were kids in college. We always hung out and he spilled water. He will always be my brother. When we are in L.A, we always hang out and work out together. He is like family to me. It is great to see that he is still playing and getting better. 

In 2015-2016 you played with Toyota Alvark Tokyo (Japan-NBL) playing 59 games averaging 11.3ppg, 8.9rpg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 17.9%, FT: 66.0%. What was your wake up call to being in Japan where you knew that you were very far away from home?

I was in love with the game then as I still am today. We had much success with Toyota. We didn’t win a title that season, but we did win a lot of games. Being in Japan was a great experience and it is what got my overseas career started.

You were teammates with probably one of the greatest 188cm undersized centers ever with Jeff Gibbs. Were there times in practice when you thought ‘Damn how did he get that rebound’?


For sure I said Damn. He is 6,2 and has a 7,3 wingspan and can shoot and dunk with anybody his age. It was crazy what a guy his size could do. He was so effective for his size. I was closest with him on the team. 

You played at California (NCAA) from 2010-2014 improving your stats each season. As a senior you averaged double double stats in points and rebounds. How do you feel did your game develop best in your senior year?



As a senior I was most focused on what I had to be able to showcase in my last year. I was so locked in as a senior. I had a goal and worked my butt off. 

As a junior you lost to Syracuse in the NCAA tournament scoring 22 points and hauling down 14 rebounds. Despite the loss was this one of your best game at U-Cal?

Numbers wise for sure. That was a huge game. This game showed me exactly what I was capable of doing on the court. I was really excited for this game. This headlined of how my senior year would be like. I wanted to league the league in rebounds and did.

Who won a one on one in practice you or David Kravish?


I did every time. David was my guy. Honestly I don’t think that we ever played. But I would take myself each time. He was a great teammate. He was fun to be around. When we were on the court together, we were always locked in. We always wanted to block every shot and get every rebound. 

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that went to the NBA?

Derrick Williams. It was incredible to watch him play. He was very hard to stop. 

Please name your best teammates off all-time?


Allen Crabbe, Justin Cobbs, Jorge Gutierrez, and David Kravish

Please construct your personal own NBA Rushmore of past and present players?

Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Leborn James Shaq

Who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant or Lebron James?

I wasn’t alive when Jordan played. I knew he was great though. Lebron is the all around best player from the three. He is just so physically gifted. Kobe had that killer instinct. He played with so much heart. I have to give it to Kobe. He was so different from everyone else. We woke up at 3.00 and would have his first work out from 4-6 and then it would continue a few more times during the day. After having that work ethic and schedule for many years, nobody could catch up to him. He separated himself from everyone else. 

What was the last movie that you saw?


Bad Boys For Life.

Thanks Richard for the chat.

Greg Whittington is a 26 year old 205cm forward from Columbia, Maryland that is playing his fifth professional season and first with Galatasaray Odeabank Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) averaging 12,4ppg, 4,9rpg and 1,6apg while shooting an astronomical 52% from outside in the BSL and averaging 12,5ppg, 6,5rpg and 1,4apg while shooting a strog 48% from outside in the Eurocup. Last season he played with Hapoel Galil Gilboa (Israel-Winner League) playing 30 games: Score-3 (18.4ppg), Reb-1 (9.6rpg), 2.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 69.0%. Previously he has gained added experience playing in the D-league with the Sioux Falls Skyforce and also played in Japan and Australia. He began his basketball career at Oakland Mills High School averaging 23.5ppg, 11.6rpg, 4.4bpg, 3.0spg, 2.7apg. He then played at Georgetown (NCAA) from 2011-2013 and as a sophomore averaged 12.1ppg, 7.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 60.6%. He then began his professional basketball career with the Miami Heat before going to the D-league and overseas. He spoke to germanhoops.com recently when he played a Eurocup game against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. 

Greg thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Before we start from now going back in your career, I want to begin with a question concerning your time with Georgetown. You were a freshman there while Jason Clark was a senior. What memories do you have of him and what did it mean to you having him as a teammate?

I have many of memories of Jason, but one him being an all around player and always competing! Also it meant a lot having him as a senior and mentor and also having Henry sims there as well! Both taught me to always work hard and achieve anything! 

You played your first time on German soil in your career losing a Eurocup game to the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. What impression did you get from the country and the basketball?

My first impression of Germany was this is a peaceful country and was beautiful! Even though it was cold! The basketball play is a high level they are very aggressive and always competing! 

Your playing your first season with Galatasaray Odeabank Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). What kind of experience has it been playing with this traditional organization that has won 13 Turkish league titles and has the competitive level of the Turkish league been higher than the Israeli Winner League?

It’s been an amazing experience coming to a club that is this well known and big in the Turkish league! It’s the biggest club I’ve been on for playing overseas! It’s a lot more competitive in this league then in Israel every night is a dog fight and I love it! 

The last league title was in 2013 and before that in 1990. With a few top Euroleague teams Efes and Fenerbahce and other teams, how high are the expectations of the team to realistically win titles?

Our expectations are always high to go win the tittle! We have a great group of guys! We know we have the talent to compete so that’s what we are trying to do! 

The team has so much talent with ex NBA players and high level guys that have played well overseas. What makes it so special playing together with these group of guys?

Things that make it special is that we all played at high levels and know the game really well! We all went to great schools as well so our backgrounds are strong! We are all unique players! 

What has it been like having a guy like young Ben Moore on the court? What have you learned to appreciate most about his game?

It was great having Ben Moore on the team! He worked hard! His game was nice a slasher that could shoot and hustle! 

I covered Tai Webster two seasons ago when he was a rookie in Frankfurt. I remember seeing a very talented young player, but with making the typical rookie mistakes. How have you seen him mature as a player in the early going?

Tai is an great player and everyday I see him maturing into an great point guard! I like the progress he’s making everyday on the court and off!

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 203cm forward that can score and rebound very well and hit the three. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I compare my game to Kevin Durant with him being from the DMV area! 

This season your shooting out the lights from outside What has been different with your success rate? It seems like shot selection has been big for you this season.

Yes I’m just trying to put extra shots up before and after practice! Like you said my shot selection is a lot better this year!

You were always a solid scorer in your career in the NCAA and pro’s, but not overwhelming until last season where you averaged 18,0ppg in Israel. Did last season give you added self confidence that you can be more than just a solid scorer?

Yes coach put a lot of confidence in me to score! So it made me realize I can out score anyone any night! Even though I already knew that but was always humble! 

What are your goals this season on keeping to develop as a player? What parts of your game are you continuing to tweak and are there other areas of the game that you want to add to your game?

My goals are to keep becoming the best player I can be for myself! To always go all out every night and prove people wrong! I’m tweaking my handle more tight! 

Last season you played with Hapoel Galil Gilboa (Israel-Winner League). It was your first season in Europe. Americans always rave about the amazing living conditions and culture. What was your best experience there?


The fans where amazing! The people was always nice when your out! Tel Aviv was always great to be in! 

You averaged 18.4ppg, Reb-1 (9.6rpg), 2.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 69.0%. It was your best season ever. What do you feel was key for you having such a great personal season? Was it extra hardwork or the style of play and your teammates?

It was me having at team that needed me to really showcase my abilities! Yes I was putting in extra work that whole offseason and during the season to stay sharp! My teammates helped open it up too having Bryant Crawford and Ian Miller was big!

Two season ago you played with Levanga Hokkaido Sapporo (Japan-B League) playing 18 games averaging 11.0ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 69.8%. What kind of experience was it playing in Japan. Was there an experience off the court that you will never forget concerning their culture?

It was a lot of fun playing in Japan! The style of basketball was different but i enjoyed it a lot! I love the food they had! I tried shark soup and many more! 

Three season’s ago you played for a time with the : Sydney Kings (Australia-NBL) playing 28 games averaging 11.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.8apg, Steals-4 (1.5spg), FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 70.7%. What did it mean being teammates with such an experienced guy like ex NBA player Josh Powell. Was he like a mentor there and how did his game influence you?

It was amazing playing with josh Powell! One of the best teammates I’ve had! He was for sure a mentor to me always giving me the ends and outs to the game! Especially with me just losing my dad before I came! He was great! Loved his game I took a little bit out of his book! 

You played two seasons in the G-League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce putting up solid stats. What kind of experience was it for you? Did you ever feel like you were close to an NBA call up?


The G league taught me a lot and was a great experience! Yes I was going to get a call up but then I broke my wrist! 

You won the 2016 D-League title. How special was that and how much more special was it winning it with your Georgetown teammate Jabril Trawick?

It was super special to win that title! We set the record for the wins that year! And it made it even more sweet having my boy Jabril on my team since we both was Hoyas together! 

You last played NBA Summer League in 2015 with the Miami Heat and played with them in pre season leaving a lasting impression. What do you feel has kept you away from the NBA?

Just felt like I needed to get stronger! And just prove people wrong more!

You played only 46 NCAA games for Georgetown from 2011-2013. You played with some top class guys like Jason Clark, Otto Porter, Hollis Thompson and Henry Sims just to mention a few. Which of these guys or other player had the biggest influence on you while you were there.

Henry Sims and Jason influenced me a lot and taught me a lot! 

You missed the 2013-2014 season with Georgetown due to an ACL and missed the 2014-2015 season at Rutgers. Do you ever wonder how your career may be now and how your game may be had you had four years of NCAA experience?

I always think about it everyday! My game would have been super polished and I would of did a lot of big things in college! 

You had many great games at Georgetown, but where did your 25/11 game in the win against W Carolina rank?

It ranks high with all my great games I’ve had in my career! 

How did John Thompson the third help groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He was like a father not only my coaches but he always taught to be respectful and be a hard working man! Amazing coach to have! 

Who won a one on one in practice you or Otto Porter?

Ha, I won a lot of those battler with no question! You can ask the staff! 

Who was the toughest guy that you battled in the NCAA that is in the NBA today?

Will Burton, was a tough player in college! 

If you had to construct your own personal NBA Rushmore, which 4 heads would you pick that bets fits your taste?

Michel Jordan, LeBron, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant! 

Where will the journey of the Golden State Warriors go now with the injury to Steph Curry? Is the Dynasty now over?

Yes it’s over since they lost Kevin Durant! This season will be for them to get other players ready for the next step! 

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

To me Jordan is the goat and forever will be! But LeBron has for sure proven that he’s a goat as well in this era and will be for a long time! 

What was the last movie that you saw?

Black & Blue

Thanks Greg for the chat.