Author: Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Basketball journalist and play by play commentator

Tyler Stephenson-Moore Has That Derrick White in Him Being Known As A Great Shooter But Really Can Do It All On The Court

Tyler Stephenson-Moore (190-G, college: Stony Brook, agency: Players Group) is a 190 cm guard from Brookville, New York playing his rookie season for Phoenix Hagen (Germany-ProA). He began his basketball career at Long Island Lutheran High School. He then played 5 seasons at Stony Brook University (NCAA) playing a total of 140 NCAA games. In his last 2 seasons he averaged 14.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 83.9% and 16.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 84.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Tyler for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with German Pro A team Phoenix Hagen. If you could describe your excitement in 1 word what would it be?

Ecstatic!!!!

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Have you had any friends or former teammates and opponents ball in Germany?

Just the basics honestly. True sports fans at all levels, beautiful scenery, good food and lastly a welcoming culture. I do have a friend who played basketball in Germany, not sure exactly where but he said it was one of the best countries he played in as a professional hooper.

German Roland Nyama helped lead your school to their only NCAA appearance in 2016. He graduated in 2017 and since then has been a German pro A vet. Had you heard of him or even met him over the years?

No I haven’t actually, hopefully our paths cross during the season so we can talk more in depth.

What really enticed you the most about signing with Phoenix Hagen? You watched some games and did you in a way fall in love with the great fan atmosphere? Did that remind you a bit of what one sees in the NCAA?

Great fit in terms of style and play defensively/offensively. Phoenix Hagen’s fans are awesome and truly show a lot of support and love the team. The energy at the home arena looked electric!!!

Talk a little about what you appreciate most about the basketball philosophy of Hagen head coach Chris Harris? What do you enjoy most about his brand of basketball?

Extremely respectful guy and was honest in what type of player he was looking for. Consistently checked on me during my process and always wanted to have a chat. I really liked how everything is for the TEAM and not ones personal goals. Very fast pace basketball with a ton of ball movement. He elaborated a lot on having a great team culture which is something that reminded me of my LuHi High School Basketball Team in 2018-2019.

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

Honestly thinking about it right now Derrick White. Mainly regarded as a shooter but can do everything, knows his role and does what it takes to help the team win.

How would you describe your game? You’re a great scorer and three point shooter and bring great defensive energy.

I am an all-around player who will do anything to make sure the energy of the team is positive and that things are flowing smoothly.

You raised your amount of three point shots each year and twice eclipsed the 40% mark. Your three pointer seemed to make big strides in your third season and fifth season. How would you describe the development of your shot? –

Just staying consistent and having a lot of confidence. One thing you learn as a college athlete is how to keep a positive mindset within yourself. This can take months even years to really grasp but once you get past the mental part everything becomes easy. Remember we all started playing because it is FUN!

How big is the development of your passing on your basketball radar? What do you need to do to be able to develop your playmaking overseas?

Playmaking definitely needs to be improved, but it all comes down to the type of play style and certain positions my coach utilizes me in. I feel I am more than capable of handling the basketball and making the right reads to help get my teammates shots/opportunities to make plays to help us win.

You only averaged a 1 steal per game in a season in your NCAA career. Do you do a lot of things defensively that aren’t always seen on the stat sheet right away?

I can get you a couple deflections with my active hands. I can 100% also get a block and alter a lot of shots taken on me due to my athleticism.

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?

Everything. I am constantly working on everything that will keep me at my top performance!

How tough were your first 2 seasons at Stony Brook (NCAA) where you never averaged more than 4 and 2 points per game. Covid was around and could you take any positives from this tough time?

Freshman year is always the year you can simply brush off, sophomore year aka covid year was 100% the hardest year for me. I thought I was ready to step up and take on a bigger role at Stony Brook and it was ultimately a failure. I lost complete confidence in myself as a player and thought about quitting. Looking back on it I wouldn’t change anything, there were lessons learned and I personally feel I will be ready to tackle any challenge that comes my way moving forward with a clear and humble mind.

During a stretch at the end of your freshman year you were averaging 35 minutes and hit UNH and Binghamton with 19 points a piece back to back. How important was this time? Did you feel like you had arrived in the NCAA?

Very important! That was a time when I started to grasp some of the college basketball concepts and just felt extremely comfortable on the court. I wouldn’t say I felt like I arrived but honestly just having that feeling of letting some people know that I am fully capable of being a really good basketball player!

After a tough second seasons where your minutes dipped, you rebounded with a better third year and really took off with your game in your last 2 seasons as you averaged 34 minutes and 14.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 83.9% and 16.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 84.8%. How did your game grow in your last 2 seasons in the NCAA?

My confidence and work ethic got 100% better! I worked on my mentality as well, really instilled in my head that I am fully capable of being a great basketball player and needed to switch my mentality from nonchalant to being more aggressive and assertive. I went to every workout my grad year with the mindset of being a professional basketball player.

You had many great games in the NCAA like hitting Drexel with 21 points in an exciting 67-66 win or 26 points in a tough loss against Charleston in your last NCAA game where you nailed 7 three´s. What was your fondest game in the NCAA?

Playoff performances are always the best and most watched! I really enjoyed my performance against Charleston in the chip game because I knew I gave everything I had, we didn’t come out victorious but as a top player on the team you would rather perform when the lights are brightest then underperform.

You were teammates for 2 seasons with Leon Nahar who´s father Mike was drafted by the NBA and had a long and fruitful career. He didn´t play much. What memories will you have of him and how much potential does he have?

Leon is going to be a great college and professional player. He has dealt with injuries the last few years and has really been getting his body right to have a great year this year. He can space the floor with his shooting ability plus with his size he can play the 4 and some 3 depending on matchups. Great character and always has high energy.

How did head coach Geno Ford groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Ultimately just trusting me as a player over the years, took some time but he gave me the opportunity to go out there on the floor and do what I do without feeling any pressure my final two years at Stony Brook.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Anthony Roberts?

Never really played straight 1 on 1 with Anthony Roberts my junior year like that, but he would’ve won some for sure. We always competed when it came down to our 4v4 or 5v5 live periods in practice. An elite offensive scorer, definitely a guy that brought the best out of me defensively, a ton of respect.

Who is the best player that you ever faced on a court

Ochai Agbaji of the 2021 Kansas NCAA title team.

Please name your 5 favorite teammates of all-time?

I’ve had so many teammates that I can’t even really pick 5 lol. All of those guys were really cool and always respected me as a person and player.

What is your personal NBA mount rushmore of past or present heads?

MJ, Lebron, Kobe, Shaq, Stephen Curry

Who is your GOAT and why?

I truly don’t have one. I like a ton of players and I like Lebron and MJ the same!

Did you see the sequel to the classic coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I haven’t seen the sequel, but I can honestly say I didn’t want to see it because movies nowadays do a terrible job on reboots. Just keep the classics classic.

Thanks Tyler for the chat.

Uzziah Dawkins(Lok Bernau) Has Been A Leader All His Life And This Season Guiding The Young German Alba Berlin Players

Uzziah Dawkins (188-G-1999, college: Converse) is a 188cm from Spartanburg, South Carolina playing his rookie season in Germany with Lok Bernau currently averaging 18.8ppg, 3,3rpg, 2,4apg and 1,9spg. He began his basketball career at Spartanburg high school and then played 2 seasons at Erskine College averaging 6.6ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 57.7% and 9.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 79.3%. He then played a season at Davidson Davie Community College (JUCO) averaging 7.7ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 60.8%. He then finished at Converse College (NCAA2) averaging 14.6ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 65.3% and in his last season averaged 19.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 74.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Uzziah for talking to germanhoops.com You’re a rookie overseas with German pro B team Lok Bernau. How thrilled are you to be playing your rookie season in Germany?

I am very thrilled! This is a dream come true so I’m excited to get started and make the most of this opportunity.

You’re an ex juco and Division 2 player. Not many guys with a resume like yours make it overseas. How blessed do you feel and do you have a chip on your shoulder?

I am blessed to be in this position but I am also blessed to have played juco and division 2 because it made me the player and person I am today. I do have a chip on my shoulder because I know how hard it was to get here and I know how hard it is to stay here and be successful but I’m ready for it.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Have you ever had any former teammates of friends or ex opponents ball in Germany?

I’ve learned a lot more recently and since I have been watching I can tell that the basketball here is very competitive and there is some great talent. I also have had a few friends play in Germany years ago.

You have joined the organization Lok Bernau. What were the main reasons for joining besides liking it´s family atmosphere?

I really enjoyed the talks I had with coach Oppland leading up to signing. I can tell winning is important to him and from watching film it seems like there are guys on the team already who are passionate about winning so I love that.

How cool will it be battling everyday against some of the best young talented Germans? Guys like Franz Wagner and Moritz Wagner began their careers there?

I think it’s going to be great for me and it’s only going to make me better. That’s exciting because that’s shows you just how good the competition here is to have produced great players like those 2 guys.

How did the talks go with head coach Dan Oppland? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

The talks were great and that was another reason I fell in love with the organization. From the talks I can tell he wants to play fast,smart and tough and that’s something I love to do.

You will belong to the older guys on the team. Are you ready to be a leader for the young Germans? How would you classify your leadership skills?

Yes I am ready. I have been a leader on the majority of the teams I have been on so now at this age it’s something that comes natural so I am ready to lead on and off the court. I would say my leadership skills are great I am someone that likes to lead by example but I also feel I can verbalize in a way that make people want to listen.

You’re a 188cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would compare my game to Jalen Brunson and Kyrie Irving. I watch a lot of film on those two guys so I steal a lot of things they use and try to implement them in my game.

Talk a little about your game. You can fill the stat sheet with ease. What is your biggest strength on the court?

I would say my biggest strength is scoring but I think the best part of my game is being versatile and not just scoring from one area of the floor. I can post smaller guards, mid range, catch and shoot 3s or off the dribble so I think that´s what makes me most affective.

You have continued to improve your three pointer and were near scratching the 40% mark. How would you classify your three development and what is your goal this season with your shot?

My development has come a long way thanks to some great coach’s who believed in me and countless hours in the gym have got my shot where it is today. I want to keep extending my range and getting my shot as fast as I can and shoot over 40% this year.

Your also a very determined defender. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become in the next years?

I feel like over the years that’s been a part of my game that has grown a lot. I try to pride myself on not getting scored on so that’s big to me. I want to continue to grow and be an even better on ball defender and off ball defender.

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game best?

This summer has been more about getting a lot of reps in different pick and roll coverages and making the right reads because I feel like that is something used a lot at this level and I want to be elite in that.

You began your career at Erskine College (NCAA2) averaging 6.6ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 57.7% and 9.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 79.3%. What kind of an experience was it playing for Lee Sartor? How did he help your game best in your younger years?

A lot of people don’t know but coach Lee was one of my first basketball coaches when I was a little kid so he has been helping me as a basketball player for many years before I even got to college. When I got to college he just believed in me and gave me a chance to do the things he helped teach me over the years.

You then played at Davidson Davie Community College (JUCO) winning a chip and averaging 7.7ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 60.8%. What was so special about that team?

The special part about that team was that we were a big family and we were competitive. Being on that team made me a winner and showed me what it takes to win a championship so that was big in my development as a player.

Every guy I have interviewed that played Juco has said that Juco was a grind, but all worth it. How was it for you?

That’s really the best way to describe it. For me it was the best experience in my life on and off the court. It made me grow up but having a great coach like Coach Ridge who really cares about his players more than winning made the experience that much better.

You then finished at Converse College (NCAA2) averaging 14.6ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 65.3% and 19.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 74.0%. Your game made big strides in these 2 years. How did you become a better player?

I would say the work I put in over the summer getting my body in shape conditioning lifting and staying in the gym helped me take my game to another level when I got to converse.

You had some massive games at Converse against NGU and Coker just to name a few. What was your biggest highlight on the court at Converse?

My biggest highlight at converse would be against NGU when we came back to win trailing by 14 points with about 6 minutes left. I scored my career high and got my first double so that was a big game for me but it was also a big win for the team because we needed that conference win.

How did head coach Nick Pasqua groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Pasqua helped me so much taking my game to the next level and believing in me. He gave me a chance to play basketball when a lot of schools didn’t. Coach P loves the game and he’s an offensive guru when it comes to basketball so his offense and putting me in the right spots to make plays helped prepare my game to have a breakout college season but also prepare me for the next level.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or CJ Jamison?

Me and Cj had some great practice battles but I usually win.

Who is the best player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

The best player I played in college would have to be Jordan Floyd.

Please name your 5 favorite teammates of all-time?

Javeon Jones, LJ Rogers, Emandi Brooks, Jaywaun Washington, Bosko Bojovic

What is your personal NBA mount rushmore of past or present heads?

Lebron, Steph, Shaq, Jordan, Kobe

Who is your GOAT and why?

Lebron James, I think Lebron is the goat because he has surpassed all the expectations that people had for him and has been great for such a long period of times. There’s nothing on the court he can’t do

Did you see the sequel to the classic coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I have not seen the sequel.

Thanks Uzziah for the chat.

The Miles Vs Malik Riddle Weekly Basketball Chat Volume 15

Malik Riddle is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Tennessee playing his second professional season and first in Germany with Pro B team RheinStars Cologne. Last season he played with Gzira Athleta Birkirkara (Malta-BOV League D1) averaging 28.8ppg, 9.4rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-3 (2.6spg), FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 75.5%. He began his basketball career at Rossville Christian Academy. He then played 2 seasons at Morehead State University (NCAA) and then played 3 seasons at Henderson State University (NCAA2). He teams up with eurobasket.com every week to talk basketball.

A tough 114-110 double overtime loss. It was the second OT type game loss in a row. Is the basketball God annoying you guys a bit at the moment?

No I just felt like we just didn’t make the right plays that we needed during the whole game.

Do you feel like teams are scouting the RheinStars better in the second half?

I think so but also we need to make adjustments during the game. We also did not get stops like we need to.

It was one of those games where one team would punch and in the next quarter the other would punch back. In the second quarter the RheinStars punched back. What was key for having the lead at the break?

We were getting stops and getting out and getting easy baskets.

In the second half they punched the RheinStars, but you fought back in the fourth quarter. Ruppert Hennen tied the game at 89 and you stopped them to force OT. How fortunate were you to reach the OT?

Very fortunate I feel we were locked in during that moment and showed how focused we can be as a team when we need to at times.

That first OT was very fortunate again for Cologne as Alston missed a second free throw with one second to play. What was missing from you guys just to finish them off?

We just didn’t finish on offense as well as not getting consecutive stops and rebounding.

In the second OT the RheinStars went on a 4-0 run, but allowed Ehingen to come back. Is it fair to say that the RheinStars would have won the game without having to battle Jaylen Alston?

Yeah he was having a great game probably one of the best I’ve been a part of and we let him go off this game.

You had 9 points and not your best shooting day, but had 3 steals. Was your injury still hindering your play a bit?

It has been difficult for me with the injury hopefully I can use the break to heal properly.

The Pro B now has a 2 week break. What do the RheinStars Cologne have to do better in the next games?

We have to lock in more on defense like we did the beginning of the season. We have to come out the gate with intensity.

It won´t get any easier as you paly Wurzburg who beat you in the first game. What will be key to getting win?

Defense is the key. We have to play better collectively and finish with rebounding. Our intensity and urgency need to be better as a whole.

Thanks Malik for the chat.

Namori Omog Brings High Energy And Leadership That Effects Everyone On His Team And Wants To Follow In Isaac Bonga´s Footsteps

Imagine being in a restaurant in Berlin or Munich and all of a sudden a tall blond man walks by. Many people not only basketball nerds would recognize NBA champion Dirk Nowitzki. But one doesn´t only have to be Nowitzki, Dennis Schroeder or Franz Wagner to be recognized by young German kids dreaming of playing professional basketball. For Namori Omog (188-G-2006), he would surely be able to know right away who those 3 German superstars are, but now adays with the NBA being so popular, young German kids don´t only recognize the German players, but even NBA superstars in the making. Namori Omog had that opportunity during his year in the States when he went to a high school in Atlanta, Georgia. “I was in a restaurant in Atlanta and saw Anthony Edwards. I saw him in the distance and called to him and he talked with me. He answered questions and had no problem posing with pics with me. What I really liked about him was that he is exactly the way he is presented in the media. That was one of my greatest basketball moments off the court while on the court playing against France with the U-15 national team. It was great measuring up against the biggest French talents and it really helped my game”, stressed Namori Omog, Omog is a big German talent playing with the NBBL (U-19) team of Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners and the Pro B team Frankfurt Skyliners.

Anthony Edwards followed by Rudy Gobert in Boston in 2024

Namori Omog who lists Ivan Kharchenkov, Eric Reibe, Justin Onyejiaka, Ivan Crnjac and Jordan Samare as his best teammates of all-time was born on July 26th, 2006 and grew up in Wiesbaden. He has a younger brother and had a nice childhood. He tried out many sports as a young boy including soccer and began to play basketball at age 6 and then decided to stick with it. Like most young kids he had special basketball role models and chose Lebron James and Kyrie Irving. “I always respected Lebron´s story going from a rough childhood and being able to go so far. I like his personality which really has inspired me. I also like how he stands for political views and has had a great family. I also liked Kyrie Irving as I always liked how he played the game and I always wanted to play like he did”, stated Namori Omog. He then came to Frankfurt and played with their U-14 team. “My favorite Skyliner then was Isaac Bonga. I really was impressed how far he was able to go as a young player. My goal was always to follow in his footsteps”, added Namori Omog.

Namori Omog and Jamie Edoka

Last season the quick guard who lists Lebron James as his GOAT played a good role with Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners U19 team averaging 7.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.9apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 13.3%, FT: 56.1%, and also played 2 Pro B games. “I think that I did a good job defensively that season pressuring guards and disrupting opponents offenses and was a good leader and organizing the offense, but I needed to have had better decision making”, remembered Namori Omog. He scored in double figures in 3 games last season including 18 points against Hanau,15 points against Heidelberg and 13 points against Sud Hessen. He has high goals for this season as he wants to become even more dangerous in many different ways. “I want to improve my decision making and on offense be able to not only use my quickness to make easy lay ups, but score from various distances including using a floater”, said Namori Omog. This season´s team is very talented and who knows could make some noise in the playoffs again. The team has a massive leader with Ivan Crnjac and with Jamie Edoka, Omog are a potent duo at the guard position especially at the defensive end. “Ivan is very talented. You could already see that with his performances last season. This season he is showing just how good of a shooter he is and that he has a big advantage over other players. Jamie is very athletic and already very far with his development physically. We have the opportunity to pressure guards and put them in difficult situations for a whole game. I think we could become a top defensive duo in the NBBL”, warned Namori Omog. This season he continues to get Pro B minutes which will continue to bolster his development. “I have noticed that the Pro B isn´t youthlike, but adultlike. I know where my boundries are and what steps I need to make. I have to play more smart and not count on my first instincts. I have to show something, but then actually do it differently”, warned Namori Omog. In the NBBL (U-19) league he is averaging 8,5ppg, 3,0rpg, 5,0apg and 2,5spg while in the Pro B is averaging 4,0ppg, 1,5rpg and 1,4apg. He scored 14 points against Pro B team Wurzburg.

The 188cm guard who lists Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Magic Johnson on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore compares his game to the athletic and explosive Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies. “I love his energy. He is always positive and is able to transform his energy to his teammates. He shows his energy in his athleticism. He is always active on offense and always supplying much pressure on defense. I want to be able to be aggressive at both ends and always use my energy to help my team”, warned Namori Omog. He is a player that excels with his defensive aggressiveness, quickness with the ball and his finishing while his outside shot is still a work in progress. He fills the stat sheet extremely well, but stats aren´t high on his menu, but versatility is. “We have a lot of potential on the NBBL team. Winning is the most important thing for me and helping my team with my versatility. I believe that I can impact the game in many ways. I just try to be there for my teammates at all times”, warned Namori Omog. Even if he has a potent offensive game, it could be his defense that really will carry him in his development this season. “I feel like I´m an aggressive defender now and be successful with my quickness and disrupt other teams offense over the whole court. I feel like I have more potential to read where the passes will go. I will work on it. I don´t only want to be successful with my quickness, but also use my IQ”, stressed Namori Omog.It will be interesting to see where his journey will go in the next few years. One thing is for sure, a lot of the success of this year´s Frankfurt NBBL team rests in his hands. His aggressive and potent defensive game could be the difference in many games this season especially in the post season.

Undersized Kasey Draper(EPG Guardians) Shines With His Physicality And High IQ And Can Shoot With The Best Of Them

Kasey Draper is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Roanoke, Virginia playing his rookie season overseas with the EPG Guardians Koblenz. He began his basketball career at Northside High School. He then played 4 seasons at Roanoke College (NCAA3) playing 94 games. He had great seasons averaging : 19.1ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 69.1%, 20.5ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 70.3% and 17.3ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 70.3%. He added on a season with Assumption College (NCAA2) averaging 18.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 76.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Kasey for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with the EPG Guardians. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Have you known any guys that have played in Germany?

I didn’t know much about Germany or Europe before I signed to come play here. However, I have quickly learned new cultural norms and met tons of friendly people. I feel like I have already started to find a groove living here only after one month. The people around me have made it a quick and easy transition. When it comes to knowing German basketball and other players in the league, I know very little. In general, I don’t know many people who have played professionally, so everything is new to me, but I am excited to get started and make new connections in the professional basketball landscape.

You signed very late and got signed late by Koblenz. How was that first pro transfer period for you? Did you have some more offers?

The first pro transfer period was a little stressful for me because everything was so new, and the unknown made me a little anxious. However, my agent, Stefan Heinrich, did a great job talking to teams and walking me through the whole process. I had other offers during the transfer period such as playing in Portugal, Sweden, Ireland, etc., but I am happy to have chosen Koblenz and am looking forward to the season.

Head coach Marco Van Den berg and Thomas Klein are really high on your abilities. What were the main reasons for signing with the EPG Guardians Koblenz?

The main reason for signing with the Guardians is the competition level of the ProA league. I am excited to play high level basketball against high level competition. I also believe that I fit in well with what the Guardians are trying to build in Koblenz. I love the physical mentality that the team emphasizes, and I think my shooting fits in well with the motion offense.

Marco van Den Berg is the first pro coach that your playing for. What have you learned to appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

The thing I have learned to appreciate the most from Coach van Den Berg is his demanding style. He demands greatness from every player on the team, and I feel that I respond to that well. I am my toughest critic, so striving for perfection, no matter how difficult it may be, is something I strive for.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm player. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I feel that Grayson Allen is a fair comparison for me because he is a solid role player who is efficient with his shooting percentages. He relies on his shooting to open up the floor for him where he can then put the ball on the floor and score from the mid-range or at the rim.

You play the 3 and 4 positions. Are you a biz undersized for the position? But you make up for it with physicality.

Yes, I am a little undersized for my position, but I have been told that my whole life. I feel that my physicality and high IQ make up for a lot on the court. The other thing that helps me is how hard I play when I am out there. I try to leave everything on the court and let the chips fall where they may.

You’re a lethal scorer, great rebounder and can shoot the ball at a high clip. What do you believe is your biggest strength on the court?

I feel that my biggest strength on the court is my versatility. I can score from all three levels and take advantage of mismatches when they present themselves. Over the last year, I have switched my mentality from getting to the basket first and then shooting second to establishing the three and then playing from there. I think this will translate more at the pro level.

Twice you reached the 40% plateau in school. Where do you see yourself at the moment as a shooter and what do you need to do to become an elite shooter?

I am very comfortable with my shot at the moment. I started my career in high school as a non-shooter, so to be where I am today with my shooting ability is something I am proud of. I became a good shooter because of thousands of reps in the gym, so I don’t intend to try something different now. The areas where I can improve with my shot are consistency and my mental toughness as a shooter by focusing on the next shot and not letting the last shot influence the present.

What kind of defender are you at the moment and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I am a physical defender, especially in the post. I am not the quickest, so I must anticipate well and rely on my instincts frequently. I have lots of room to improve guarding the perimeter, but I am up to the challenge and am looking to take a jump in this area this season.

On what areas of your game are you working on most, so you can continue to grow as a player?

Again, guarding the perimeter is an area where I need to improve. In addition, working on my ball handling skills and facilitating for teammates is also an area of improvement. Other than that, I am focusing on playing my role and continuing to fine tune areas where I can help the team most such as knocking down open shots.

You played at Roanoke College (NCAA3) from 2019-2023 and made big strides in your second and third seasons averaging 19.1ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 69.1% and 20.5ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 70.3%. How did your game grow in that time?

The main thing that helped me grow during this time was my confidence and self-belief. My coach instilled confidence in my game which allowed me to play free and know that the work I put in during the offseason was going to show during games. My teammates also believed in me and helped me along the way.

You reached the ODAC semi-finals in all 4 years. How tough was not getting g over the hump? What was your fondest moment there?

Not getting over the hump during my career at Roanoke is the hardest thing I’ve had to deal with during my career thus far. We lost to the same Randolph-Macon team every year in the same round. They were a very good team, and we were just never able to get the best of them. However, those loses always ignited the offseason and made me a better player. My fondest memory at Roanoke College was hitting a game winner my sophomore year during the Covid season with no one in the stands. This is because the game was senior night for our lone senior, Max, from Sydney, Australia. The two years I knew Max he always talked about his family making the journey to the states for his senor night. However, Covid put a halt to that. Max was one of the best people I knew, so hitting the game winner on his day and embracing him after the game was a special moment.

How vital was head coach Clay Nunley in your early basketball development? He seemed like to have given you the green light early on.

Coach Nunley was a huge piece in my development both as a player and a person. On the court, he instilled confidence in me as a sophomore in college by making me the captain and giving me the reigns of the team. Off the court, he taught me how to deal with adversity and be a strong man while still showing compassion to everyone I interact with.

You then added a fifth year at Assumption College (NCAA2) averaging 18.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 76.9%. You needed no adjustment time between division3 and 2. How did your game grow under Scott Faucher?

My game grew the biggest under Coach Faucher with my mentality. Coach Faucher gave me the ultimate green light and encouraged me to keep shooting the ball even if it wasn’t falling at the time. He taught me to establish my three-point shot first and then play off that. This mentality has allowed me to shoot with more confidence and open easier driving lanes.

You recorded an amazing 46 points against Saint Michaels on 17/27 shooting. What will you always remember most about this game and how quickly did you know that you would have a great night?

The thing I will remember most about this game is getting the win and celebrating with my teammates in the locker room. Saint Michaels was the top team in the conference, so beating them at home was special. I was just doing what I could to help the team win. The ball just happened to go in at a high clip that night. I hit a couple mid-range jump shots early and built momentum off that.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Kani Glover?

Kani and I never played each other 1 on 1, but he is a very good player, so it would be evenly matched.

Who was the greatest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?

There are many players during my career that I have played who have reached the NBA such as Zion Williamson, Keldon Johnson, and Jacob Gilyard. However, the player that had the best game against my team and that I was most impressed with was Coby White. He scored 44 points against my high school team and made everything look easy.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

These five players truly embody the word teammate. They are both great players and good for the locker room. They are Julien Wooden, Jack Brestel, Colin Burns, Ethan Rohan, and Corey Brooks.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Steph Curry, and Larry Bird because of the way they all changed the game.

Who is your GOAT

The greatest player of all time is Michael Jordan, but my favorite player ever is Dwyane Wade.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America film? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I have never seen this movie.

Thanks Kasey for the chat

Working At Greensboro Airport In Between School Years Changed Jaylen Alston´s(Team Ehingen) Life And Made Him The Person He Is Today

Jaylen Alston (193-G, college: WSSU) is a 193cm guard form North Carolina playing his rookie season overseas in Germany with Pro B team Team Ehingen. He began his basketball career at Eastern Guilford high school. He then played a season at Gardner-Webb University (NCAA) and then played at Winston Salem State University and in his last 2 seasons averaged 11.6ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 74.5% and 18.1ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 74.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Jaylen for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season overseas in Germany with Team Ehingen. How blessed do you feel to be able to play the game you love for a living?

I feel really blessed because this opportunity is something that I got very late and I feel like it was an opportunity that God saved for me so I could be able to be somewhere where I could experience a great environment on the court as well as a great environment off the court so I truly feel blessed every time and practice or just in the games

What do you know in general about the country and it´s basketball? Have you had any friends play here in the past?

I really don’t know much in general, but I have been seeing how much they love the sport. I did know that Dirk Nowitzki was from Germany, but I do have two friends that have played here.

You came late into the 24-25 season. Was the job market tough coming from division 2?

The job market was definitely tough coming from division two and not only to mention coming from a historical black at college university. They don’t give many kids like us a chance so I just like to take my opportunity and be able to show everyone that if we were able to have more chances then we would definitely be in more of a market for basketball around the world.

What have you enjoyed most about the overseas experience? How big is that day to day feeling of being able to learn and get better?

What I have enjoyed the most is being inside of a new culture and seeing how they live every day, because it’s so different from America. The daily feeling of getting better and learning is what I think about when I wake up every day just because I know that this is my job and I have to be getting better and taking my job seriously so that way I can take this further than just this year.

Your only a rookie but one of the older guys. How enriching is it for you personally to be able to have young teammates? Does it sometimes feel like your in school again?

Honestly, I enjoy having young teammates just because I feel like I can teach them some things and show them new ways they can make themselves better and they’re all about learning so I enjoy the part of having those young guys, but it does have a feeling of being back in school.

Team Ehingen is fighting to stay in the Pro B. What is crucial now in being able to produce more wins? I´m sure the win over the RheinStars gave the team a lot of extra self confidence?

The most crucial thing now is for us to play with energy and have fight because that carries a lot farther than any of the statistics stuff. I definitely feel like it gives confidence to the entire team and the coaching staff because now we know if we can play against the number one seed, then we can play against everybody.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm swing man. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

The player that I will compare my game to is honestly Kawhi Leonard when he is healthy

Would it be a correct assessment that versatility is your biggest strength? You fill the stat sheet like no other.

Yes, I would definitely say versatility is my biggest strength and that’s something I Pride myself on being able to help the team in different areas any given night.

Last season at Winston Salem you averaged 8 rebounds and as a rookie in Germany almost 10 rebounds. Do you simply know where the ball will go on every shot? What is your secret?

I have a little trick on how I know where the ball might be in, but it’s something that I can just see for myself and I’ve been doing it since a kid so I honestly have a niche for it but it’s no big secret.

Talk a little about your defensive game? What kind of a defender would you call yourself now and where do you still want to go with your game?

I will honestly call myself a srappy defender and a defender that loves to help others, but I want to be a better on ball defender so that’s where I want to involve my basketball game mainly on the defensive side

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to make strides?

The area I´m working on most now is being comfortable, making plays with the ball along with shooting the three ball.

You must have a big ambition to reach higher leagues? Have you ever checked out a BBL or Eurocup game in ULM? Do you feel like you could hold your own against players like that?

Yes, of course I have ambition to reach higher leagues but I feel like everything will happen in due time. I have never checked out any of the BBL or euro cup games, but it would be nice to go see and I always feel like I can hold my way against anyone no matter what level of basketball.

You began your NCAA career at Gardner-Webb but played only 9 games. How tough was this freshman year? Could you gain any positives out of it?

My first year was pretty tough considering once I enrolled into the school, the coach who recruited me left, so I was left to a situation where I really had nobody that would actually pay me too much attention, but I feel like the biggest positive I gained out of it was being comfortable with not playing minutes, but still seeing myself get better every day.

You then went to Winston Salem State University (NCAA2) averaging 12.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 73.5%. You won a CIAA title in your first season. What do you remember of that run?

Unfortunately COVID cancelled the tournament after. I remember that run just being full of fun. We were really playing and clicking on all cylinders and have bought into what the coach wanted so I feel like that just gave us the edge over most teams and we were all on the same page.

Covid then changed so much for everyone. You missed 2 years and worked at Greensboro airport. How much did that change your life in that part of your life?

That drastically changed my life just because I was able to see how someone who didn’t play basketball or sports at all lived in everyday life and also gave me some life-changing events that I was glad to be a part of because it made me who I am today and has given me someone special I really needed.

You then returned to Winston Salem State University (NCAA2) and played 2 more seasons averaging 11.6ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 74.5% and 18.1ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 74.5%. You won a second CIAA title. What do you remember from that run? You had some real defensive battles against Virginia Union and Lincoln.

I remember that run being really tough for me considering I played most of the season dealing with a knee injury, but that run right there gave me a different mind of how mentally strong I know I can be

You lost your last NCAA 2 game to Bluefield State scoring 34 points. Was that one of your toughest loses in your career?

I would say yes that is the laws of my career just because I knew that was the last game that I would ever play in a Winston Salem State jersey and I never took any of it for granted.

How did head coach Cleo Hill groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Hill really prepared me for my career just by the terminology he helped us use in the way he showed us how to play basketball so the style of basketball that they play is exactly correlated to this style basketball that is played here in Europe, but I will also say both of the assistant coaches Lance Back with and Rick Wilson were two of the best coaches that I’ve ever been coached by.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Isaac Parson?

Me and Isaac honestly never played 1 on 1 basketball, but if I had to bet on who would win, I will always bet on myself.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?

The player that I have ever faced would be Coby White that plays for the Chicago Bulls just because at a young age he really understood the game of basketball and how to get to the spots. He wanted to shoot the ball in, and that helped me understand what I needed to do to get better as a player.

Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time?

This is in no specific order. I could trust these guys to never allow an opponent to score Xaiver Fennel Rob Colon Mase Harrell Ramal Patterson Imajae Dodd

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

LeBron James Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Bill Russell

Who is your GOAT?

LeBron James

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

Honestly, I have never seen the first coming to America all the way through. I usually fall asleep on some of those movies so I can’t honestly tell you too much about it.

Thanks Jaylen for the chat.

Jaylen Alston Dazzles Basketball Germany Flirting With A Quadruple Double Of 47 Points, 32 rebounds, 8 Assists And 8 Steals

Thanks Jaylen for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the massive 114-110 victory over top team RheinStars Cologne. You played them tough in the first game. How motivated was the team this time to win?

The team was really motivated to get the win. We really need to get back on the right track so I think we started off the right way by taking out a top team.

was only your second win of the season with them as you came late to the team in December. What felt greatest being able to win this in front of your own home fans?

The greatest part was definitely being able to win in front of the fans. They come and support us at every game in regardless of the outcome, they still come back game after game to see us play.

This was the second loss in a row in OT for the RheinStars. Could it be that teams are scouting better against them now in the second time around?

I would definitely say teams are scouting them better. Coach had us watch some film on them this week so we were really logged in on knowing who was who and understanding the type of caliber each player brought to that team and take out their strengths.

What did the team focus most on going into the game? How much was taking care of the ball an issue? You had 18 team turnovers in the first game?

The team focus is mainly on rebounding and playing under the correct pace at times the game can get a little fast and we like to be able to switch and make them play to our style. The issues with turnovers happen, but we do try to limit them. Coach always wants us to stay below 14 turnovers in the game because taking care of the ball is usually a pivotal point who wins the basketball game.

valuable is it having a guy like Finn Doentgens? He scored 3 of the first 4 team baskets?

A guy like Finn is really valuable. He brings great size and experiences. This is his second year playing pro B. He did help us get started scoring three of the four baskets and that’s what we need from him honestly every game because having a guy like him in attack mode puts pressure on a lot of other things big guys.

It took you a while to get going, but you had 6 points in the first quarter? Of course there were30minutes more of playing time, but did you feel like you could have a great scoring day after 1 quarter?

Yeah, I honestly don’t worry too much about scoring. I just tend to allow the game to come to me and whatever is taking place. I’m fine with as long as my team is winning so we won the first quarter of the game and I was happy with that result. I always feel like I can have a great scoring day just because I’m a volume guy and I can score different ways. I don’t necessarily need the ball in my hands for 40 minutes to score 30 or 40 points a lot of times my points are from second chance.

I totally love Travis Davis. He finished the first quarter with a lay in. Does his speed and quick finishes sometimes surprise you?

Honestly, Travis’s speed quickness does not surprise me just because I’ve been seeing it for a while since I’ve been here and I love that he has that to his basketball game and most guards tend to struggle staying in front of him and he’s also good with finishing at the room with his floater or being able to find the right team open, which gets our offense going.

In the second quarter the RheinStars punched back and held Ehingen to little points in the last 5 minutes. What was key for them coming back?

Key for coming back was for us to get back into what we did in the first quarter because being shot away from getting inside and making finishes at the rim and then we also had too many careless turnovers that lead to them gaining a little bit of momentum.

In the third quarter Ehingen fought back and you showed you’re a walking bucket scoring 9 points in a row. Did you feel that this was a time to take more responsibility or were you only doing what the defense was giving you

I honestly was just doing what the defense gave me. I tend to just see how they want to play me or other teammates so whether the opportunity is for me to score the ball or for my teammate to have the ball I’m fine with either option, but it was just great to have a little bit of momentum and scoring to push us forward with a little bit of a lead in the quarter

The RheinStars went on a little run in the third quarter and continued it going into the fourth quarter. How tough was it defending this RheinStars Cologne team that has a good mix of old and young legs?

Their team is very tough to defend. They have a great point guard along with a pretty good big man so that combination is tough when you’re in the pick and roll and they also do a great job of keeping the shooters inside the right spot so that way, you have to really decide what do you want to stop and be able to honestly switch to make yourself be there for every catch when the ball is being.

The fourth quarter was a real battle. Ehingen could of won the game, but allowed the opponent to come back and tie the game? Did Ehingen lose a bit of intensity in crunch-time to secure the win

Yeah, we definitely allowed them to come back inside the game. I’m honestly not too happy with the last possession in the way the ref called the valve for us but sometimes you have to live with those results and just keep playing so I feel like the urgency and intensity was there. We just simply gave up a bad possession for that moment.

the first OT you missed the second free throw. If you had made it, you would have won. Were you feeling some nervousness?

wasn’t feeling any nervousness. I honestly feel very confident whenever I’m shooting a ball even more confidence than I’ve ever felt in my career lately so it just simply was me missing a shot, but I know in my head I will make the next one.

In the second OT Simon Fransis made a trey with a dime from you and Jorke Aav made free throws to win.. Did Ehingen want it more at the end?

Yeah, we definitely wanted it more in the end. We honestly had a quote that we were saying the entire fourth quarter going into the overtime and it was “winners are going to win” and at the end of the day we do our job we know the results are going to favor us and that is what I felt like pushed us over the edge

How valuable is it adding a guy like 30 year old Simon Fransis from Sweden? What key element does he give the team besides experience?

Simon is very valuable. He brings a lot of experience and intelligence with a great IQ so having him on the floor all the time balances out what we have with younger guys on the team and he also is a threat and we can switch a lot of positions on defense so his versatility along with my versatility is something that can help with going into the future.

I don´t even have to ask you if this was your best career game. 47 points, 24 rebounds, 8 assists and 8 steals. I mean that´s crazy. How does that feel?

It feels pretty good. I was just really happy with the results because all those stats honestly don’t matter if we don’t win the game so it’s a great feeling seeing everybody happy for me even my teammates. They were cheering me on to go for 50 so that just means a lot for them being happy for me in every moment

Was that the most points in your career? You had a 35 point and 34 point game at Winston-Salem.

Yeah, they had to be the most. I had one game before where I scored 42 so I would say the 47 points is the most I’ve ever scored in a basketball game.

mean that isn´t in the same league as a Kevin Love. Your in your own galaxy. Did that stat line surprise you when you saw it?

stat line definitely surprise me. I was more surprised with the amount of steals along with the amount of rebounds since people look over every day so when they see the stats people are thinking I was joking about how many rebounds I had.

Does reaching 47 points give you that inner thought hmmm maybe I can reach 50?

No honestly reaching 47 doesn’t really give me the thoughts of 50. I just let the game come to me so whatever happens it’s fine with me as long as I see my team having more points than the other team.

You would have reached 50 with better three point shooting. Does knowing that give you that extra boost to go into the gym a little early on Monday or even on Sunday to work on your shot?

Yeah, I was saying the three-point shooting was something that gave me a boost regardless just because recently I haven’t put in some great reps inside of practice and I’ve seen the ball going in so for me I just want to pick up my percentage on shooting the three ball.

What was your personal favorite play of the game?

Honestly, my personal favorite play in the game had to be the last possession, seeing all of our guys ready to rebound and try to fight for the ball to seal the deal.

Did you get any special messages from people besides family and friends from people you may not have expected it from

I got some messages from old teammates, old coaches, along with new people in Germany that I wasn’t too familiar with but my most special message came from a couple of young fans and they were just so happy with the game yesterday and so things like that really make my day make me want to play harder and for the fans.

Thanks Jaylen for the chat.

William Lee´s Wake Up Call Overseas Was Hearing A 10 Minute Speech By His Serbian Coach And Then The Translator Only Saying You Have To Work Harder

William Lee (206-F-1995, college: UAB) is a 30 year old 206cm forward from Alabama playing his 7th professional season and first with the EPG Guardians Koblenz. He turned professional in 2018 playing in the G-League, Serbia, Tunisia and England. He began his basketball career at Dallas county high school and then played at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (NCAA) from 2014-2018 playing a total of 132 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks William for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season with the EPG Guardians Koblenz. What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about it?

It´s been ok. The guys and staff have done a good job making sure my living conditions are comfortable. The EPG Guardians organization is very professional.

Guardians sport director Thomas Klein called you a player that makes the difference in games. What have you appreciated most about him and Marco Van Den Berg in their vision of having success for this organization?

I want to thank both of them for reaching out to me and getting me in their quest to help them remain in the league. I also give them a big shout out for researching about me and feeling I could help them stay in the league and help them in more ways than one. Now I have to show thanks by performing at a high level.

The Guardians are in a fight to stay in the league. You saw the team be great against Vechta 2, but what do you feel needs to be worked on more so the team has no more slip ups and can generate a winning streak?

Key for us will be to remain physical. We have to remain physical with opponent´s guards and bigs and not allow anything easy. Oure hedge defense has to be better. We let too many guards turn the corner instead of making them retreat.

What positives did you see on the defensive end against Vechta? Can this be a ball club that gives up 70-75 points per game?

Yes I think we could. On the defensive end, we have to keep teams out of rhythm. We have to remain physical and if we can do that, then I think we can keep teams to 70 points or lower

The team often turns to crazy 1-1 ball when there is adversary. How vital is newcomer Alexandre Bouzidi for bring that incredible calmness to the offense and generating team basketball?

He is so smooth. He had 9 assists. For his first game in this league, that’s insane. He plays with so much poise and at his own pace. He is a rookie but plays like a veteran. He also communicates well. He is very patient and see the paly before it occurs. Sky is the limit for him.

What was your first impression of Leon Friederici? He scored 10 points in a span of 4 minutes. Is that walking bucket stamped on his forehead?

Of course he is. Leon is a professional. He has BBL experience. He has that special mentality and just knows what to do. I´m sure that he will continue to score in bunches and will continue to get the ball from us when he is hot.

What is it like being teammates with rim protector Moses Poelking? What do you appreciate most about his game?

The thing that I appreciate most from Moses is just how much space he takes up. Every basket he got yesterday was under the rim. It is hard to contain him. He knows his spots and understands game well. He just needs to take his time on the free throws.

I stated during the game if every player on the squad played with 20% of that energy that Dominique Johnson has then the team would be in a totally region in the standings. How much of an impact does he have on the team?

DJ has a great impact on us. He is our glue guy and voice of the team. He helps us stay together, organized and disciplined. He is smart and doesn´t get intentional fouls.

How much fun is it playing with Ty Cockfield. He reminds me of Boston Celtic JD Davidson. Does he play like a mini Derrick Rose?

That makes sense about Rose. I love to play with TY. He is the leading scorer on the team. He finds his spots on the pick and roll and always gets to the rim. Nobody can stop him. He is also consistent. He is also a great guy off the court as he makes sure everything is all right with me.

You played the last 2 seasons with Manchester. Your coach was Vincent Macauley who coached in Germany this season with the Artland Dragons. How did he help you develop further there?

Vince is one of my favorite coaches ever. He makes sure that your Ok on and off the court. He does a good job putting the team in a good position to win. He helped me so much mentally. He would always give each player a quote. That helped me prepare for life. My favorite quote was this. “Go as far as you can see. Once your there, go further”. He really helped me move forward in life.

You had so many great games with Manchester in your 2 seasons including a 14/13 game and 7 blocks against Plymouth. What was your favorite performance with them?

Yes it was. That was a crazy stat line for me.

Yu played a season with the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 11.7ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.5apg, Blocks-2 (1.4bpg), FGP-1 (70.2%), 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 72.0%. Was this your best pro season in terms of stats?

I think it was. We just had a really good team. We had a good point guard in Geno Crandle and good bigs. Every guy could score. It just made everything so easy for me to get to spots and contribute. It was my best shooting season. I don´t think that I took a bad shot.

You had your first tour of duty in Germany in 19-20 with the Nuernberg Falcons BC (Germany-ProA) averaging 7.0ppg, 5.5rpg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 63.3%. How tough was not ending the season as Covid arrived?

Covid was tough for all. It was the first time something like that had happened and cancelled a season besides the NBA lockout. It was universal. At first it was tough for me mentally, but as soon as I knew that my family was ok, I relaxed more. I got up shots in a park and stayed fit and ready for the next opportunity. Playing with the Nurnberg Falcons was a great experience. I think that we would of made the playoffs that season and made a run.

You split your rookie season with KK Dynamic Vip Pay Beograd (Serbia-KLS) playing 1 game and then moved to the Iowa Wolves (NBA G League) averaging 5.5ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 26.5%, FT: 71.4%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My first culture shock was when I had to have a translator. I remember coach giving a 10 minúte speech and then all the translator said was that you need to play harder. At that moment I thought I need to do something to try to understand the language.

In the G-League you were teammates with NBA veteran Hakim Warrick who was way past his NBA days but played his last pro season with you. How vital was he for a young buck like you?

Hakim was a veteran. He played at Syracuse and played with legend Carmello Anthony. I was able to learn so much from him like how he prepared for a game, how he took care of his body and how calm he was on the court. He was so poised and nobody could aggravate him. He always kept it simple.

What kind of a grind was the G-League. It is difficult to get a NBA call up playing only 16 minutes. You had your moments scoring 24 points and battling Duncan Robinson who had 21 points. What is your summary of your G-League season?

It was a great experience. It is more of a faster pace game than overseas and a lot of 11- play. No team basketball.

In the summer of 2018 you played NBA Summer League with the Memphis Grizzlies. What kind of an experience was that? What was your coolest moment in Vegas?

It was a very humbling experience. I played together with Jaren Jackson and was around Jerry Stackhouse. I was so blessed and grateful to be able showcase my skills on such a big stage.

You had a great career at the University Of Alabama Birmingham averaging in double figures in scoring in 3 seasons and averaged 6 rebounds per season. How did your game grow there?

I just learned how to play the game there. I learned to be patient on offense and get the right position on defense. I also learned to enjoy the game as well.

As a freshman you lost to the powerful North Carolina (NCAA) having a 5/4 game. What memories do you have of battling Kennedy Meeks?

I was young. We played them at their place. The atmosphere was incredible as it was sold out. That game was my welcome to the NCAA. Every player at North Carolina from 1-12 could ball. It was a great experience to play against them.

What memories do you have of your Big dance run in 2015 beating Iowa 60-59 and losing to UCLA?

It was always my dream to play at March Madness and win. Unfortunately that didn´t happen, but we did win 1 game. That wasn´t easy. We had a great team with great team chemistry and everyone understood their role. That was like a Cinderella story.

How did head coaches Jerod Haase and Rob Ehsan groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

The most important moments were in practice where they helped me understand the game and what to look for. We watched a lot of film and they helped me understand defensive rotations. They were good coaches and put me in good position at both ends to be successful.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Chris Cokley?

We never played. He is a great player. We still talk to this day. He was a beast.

Who was the best player that you ever battled in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Monte Morris and Norman Powell

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Lorenzo Cugini, Dick Williams, Chris Cokley, Taz Green, Nick Stampley

What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kevin Garnet, Shaq, Steph Curry

Who is your GOAT?

Kevin Garnet

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

Yes they should of.

Thanks William for the chat.

William Lee Wasn´t Satisfied With His First Game With The EPG Guardians As He Can Give More And Always Wants To Be Perfect

Thanks William for talking to germanhoops.com. How do you feel the day after the big 109-69nwin over Vechta?

I feel good physically and mentally. I did some treatment with Rueben today. I´m excited about what is to come in the next games.

You came and conquered in your first game. Did you eat anything special on Sunday?

I didn´t eat anything special. It was a regular day. I ate a pizza.

The EPG guardians Koblenz have had a tough season. It was on a 8 game losing streak. Then out of nothing you came along with Alexandre Bouzidi and literally the team wins like that. Were you a bit surprised how well the team played? What was your feeling going in?

I´m always excited. I was a little nervous, but I have put in the work in the lastyears. It was time for me to perform. I feel like the team was gelling well and the team chemistry is still growing. Guys are knowing where they feel comfortable.

You scored 7 of the team´s first 10 points. Did Marco Van Den Berg give you the green light right from the jump to do your thing? The team was trying to find you.

I guess I had the green light. Coach just told me to play my game. I saw that first one go in and my team just kept feeding me. As we continue to grow, it could be other guys stepping up. Anyone can get hot on this team.

You found your groove right away. What was your impression of the Pro A. How would you compare it to the BBL in the UK?

It´s a similar basketball style. I have to get adjusted to how the refs make calls. I don´t want to get into early foul trouble so I have to get used to their tendencies. The fans are great in both places.

You began hot and your energy helped everyone´s elses energy. Are you naturally a guy that speaks more with actions than words?

100% agree. I lead by actions and words follow. I have such a passion since I began to play at age 15. I have that passion to do my very best each time that I´m on the court. I always want to leave the best impression on the court.

Thomas Klein told me at halftime that your playing in another league. How big a part of your game is your midrange game?

My midrange is 80% of my game. To me it´s simple. I take 1-2 dribbles, get to my spot and then it´s target practice.

You can be the difference maker. On a team with many scoring options, would the go to guy suit you?

Yes. I can make that adjustment. I have been on many teams where I was the main scoring option. I can adjust to that or lock in on defense. I will always give my team what it needs most. Basketball is a team sport and not individually based.

You ended the game with 19 points and 9 rebounds and had 2 steals and 4 blocks. How content were you with your game?

I´m not satisfied, because I know I can give more and I want to give more. I missed some blocks. I always want to be perfect.

You made an impact on the defensive game. The Guardians defense has been a sore point this season. Do you feel like you could become the defensive anchor of the team?

Yes of course. I was the leading shot blocker at Alabama-Birmingham. It is in me to protect the rim and get defensive rebounds and get my team advantages on offense. I´m used to protecting the rim, but I can also defend the perimeter.

The Guardians shot very well and as always rebounded well. What was the biggest strength on the team in the win?

I think that our biggest strength was that we stuck together as a unit. We didn´t go our separate ways. We communicated well and had the same mission to win.

Going into the Vechta game there seemed to be concern the players didn´t understand the importance of the game and what it has to do to stay in the league. Do you feel like your teammates knew and will continue be focused?

Yes 100%. The guys are more locked in on winning now. They got that taste of winning yesterday and now know how good it feels. We will be more mentally locked in now.

What was your favorite play of the game? Maybe your alley-oop or one of your 4 blocks?

I had a lot of ones, but I think it was the lob from Leon Friederici for the alley-oop dunk. We wanted to run that the play before and then the same situation came up again and then it worked.

What did you think of the Mac McClung dunk over the KIA car? That was better than the Blake Griffin dunk years ago?

I didn´t watch it.

Thanks William for the chat.

Newcomer William Lee Takes Full Command Leading The EPG Guardians Koblenz To First Win In 2025 With Brutal 107-69 Victory Over Rasta Vechta 2

The losing woes of the EPG Guardians Koblenz has become like a disease in 2025. The team has lost 8 games in a row and continued to dig themselves deeper and deeper into a hole. They just can´t put together a strong game for 40 minutes at both ends. Last weekend, they defended well in Tuebingen, but like so often couldn´t hit the ocean with their shots. Every new loss has an even bigger effect on them mentally. Even if their next opponent Rasta Vechta 2 was the dormat of the Pro A, they had been playing their best basketball this season having won 3 of their last 5 games. They were finding themselves as a team and in 4 of 5 games gave up only 73ppg. The club´s play was definitely in an upward spiral. “I see Vechta winning 6-7 more games”, stressed EPG Guardians Koblenz manager Thomas Klein. On a cold Sunday afternoon, SC Rasta set foot in the EPG arena hungry for more wins, but on this afternoon their hunger was left in Vechta as they were run off the floor from the EPG Guardians Koblenz for their first win in 2025 107-69. The Guardians began on fire and just kept punching Rasta Vechta 2 and they had very little answers and less punches to give back. Koblenz finally had an excellent shooting day showing that they can be an explosive offensive team. “We came in very well prepared for the game and we came out with a lot of energy. I began well and all followed my energy. We had good ball movement and simply hit shots. We played very physical and didn´t allow anything easy. We allowed little open catch and pop plays. It was a total team effort”, stressed Alabama native William Lee (206-F-1995, college: UAB). SC Rasta Vechta had been playing good ball as of late, but on this day just stunk up the EPG arena as it was simply one of those days at the office where nothing worked. “The first half was a catastrophe for us. The second half was better where we lost only by 1 point. We had no energy coming into the game. We simply didn´t have the balls to come out and play the way we should”, stressed Rasta Vechta 2 guard Roy Krupnikas.

Moses Poelking at the FT Line

The EPG Guardians Koblenz were without Ben Stevens and Yassin Marfouz, but came out red hot taking the quick 10-5 lead. In the run it was newcomer William Lee that had a debut that any guy would dream of. He came out and scored 7 of the 10 points and he looked as if he had been on the team since day 1. Thomas Klein won the sweepstakes with Lee. “He plays like he is in another league. He brings that much needed seniority and leadership at both ends of the court. His play carried everyone else. He simply can do it all”, stressed Thomas Klein. Rasta Vechta American Philipp Carr who played at Morgan State (NCAA) and in Portugal last season carried his team with 2 buckets. The Guardians were doing it at both ends while Lee carried the team and his good energy pushed his teammates. The offensive explosion carried on as Koblenz continued the rout going on a swift 13-4 run to extend their lead to 23-9. Koblenz continued to share the ball well and spread the love around as Lee scored again as did German center Moses Poelking and Dominique Johnson nailed a trey. The Guardians were also aggressive and reached the free throw line as Poelking and Boehm added points. The Guardians pick and roll defense sparkled as did their help defense. Koblenz kept the pressure on as ex easyCredit BBL player Leon Friderici produced 5 points and William Lee continued to shine with his mid range game with a basket as the Guardians led 30-13. “We defended very well. Our help defense was excellent. They did have some misfortune in that they missed 3-4 open three´s. We had a good rthym and mix of inside out basketball”, stated sport director Thomas Klein. The EPG Guardians Koblenz shot 73% from the 2 point area and 50% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 2 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 40% from the field and 17% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 2 turnovers.

Kevin Smit from Downtown

The offensive clinic of the EPG Guardians continued in the second quarter as they exploded again with a few more points totaling 36 and leading 66-29 at halftime. The EPG Guardians followed their first quarter start with another massive start going on a 11-4 run to lead 41-17. They displayed good inside out basketball, but in this run concentrated a bit more on the three as Johnson connected for 2 and TY Cockfield for another. “DJ is our captain and glue guy. He keeps all together and disciplined”, said William Lee. Moses Poelking continued to have total ease getting easy baskets as French newcomer Alexandre Bouzidi made the perfect pass. The French guard who won the 2024 U-20 European championships and hit Germany with 22 points and 9 dimes showed from the first second that he is the perfect playmaker that the Guardians had always searched for. “He sees absolutely everything on the court. It is incredible how well he fits in and is running the offense with only 2 days of practice. He spreads the floor so nicely”, stated Thomas Klein. Ex EWE baskets Oldenburg guard Kevin Smit and Carr combined for 5 points which was much needed then, but Koblenz still had the comfortable 43-23 advantage. But that little burst of energy from Vechta didn´t stifle the Guardians in anyway, but instead Koblenz contiued to rattle off points after points going on a 23-5 run to have the incredible 37 point lead at half-time. In the run, Leon Friederici showed that he is an instant walking bucket adding 10 points. He showed that when he is feeling it, he just doesn´t stop, but keeps shooting. Rookie Michael Bradley from Texas also added 2 buckets while Lee also scored. Cockfield also added 4 points. Even if Cockfield added 17 points, he was a bit in the shadow of Lee. Cockfield wasn´t stressed having to do so much and was calm and picked his spots better than usual. “We hit even better in the second quarter. We kept the rhythm very well. Johnson began with shots and Friederici ended. We were playing modern basketball”, stated Thomas Klein. The EPG Guardians Koblenz shot 70% from the 2 point area and 70% from the three point line and had 26 rebounds and 6 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 35% from the field and 23% from the three point line and had 13 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Michael Bradley from the parking lot

In the third quarter the EGG Guardians weren´t as explosive on offense as in the first half, but still executed well and Rasta Vechta 2 began to hit more shots as they added 21 points, but still trailed badly 90-50. The first few minutes weren´t one dimensional as Rasta Vechta 2 actually was able to trade baskets with the Guardians. Smit and Luke House who played at Drexel (NCAA) hit three´s while Poelking and Bouziidi made lay in´s for the 72-37 advantage. William Lee continued to demonstrate his great play with an alley oop dunk getting the perfect feed from Leon Friederici. “We had tried it the play before, but I just told Leon that the lob was there and to look for me. We tried it on the exact next play and it worked”, smiled William Lee. In the next 3 plays there were 2 dunks by the Guardians from Poelking and another from Lee and NBBL champion Linus Ruff connected for a trey, but Rasta Vechta 2 still trailed 76-40. Both teams were executing well on offense, but that didn´t help the guests cause as they couldn´t make any ground and were far far away from ever getting over the hump. Cockfield and Bradley made some baskets while the guests countered with Danish guard Jonathan Klussmann and 2022 JBBL finalist with Rostock Roy Krupnikas. Poelking continued to get easy looks as he made a hook shot as Bouzidi continued to have his eyes on him and found him at ease. “We continued to play well and kept up the energy. We went into the second half as if it was 0-0. We never lost our focus and stayed together as a team”, added William Lee. “Coach Gruhn wasn´t happy how we played the first half. It was shame how we played. Their 1-1 play and physicality hurt us. We did a better job matching their physicality”, commented Roy Krupnikas. The EPG Guardians shot 73% from the field and 53% from the parking lot and had 38 rebounds and 10 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 37% from the field and 25% from the parking lot and had 22 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Justin Onyejiaka at the free throw line

Rasta Vechta 2 had their best quarter of the game in the fourth quarter outscoring the EPG Guardians Koblenz 19-17. Both teams executed their first possessions as David Boehm hit a pick and pop while Klussmann nailed a trey, but Koblenz still led 92-53- Then proceeded a massive long period where no teams scored as there were 10 stops with 5 from each team. Moses Poelking stopped the negative no points phase with an old school hook shot. Bouzidi didn´t only hand out dimes, but also showed that he could create for himself as he made a lay in while Luke House hit from outside but the guests still trailed 96-56. After another Johnson trey, Marco Bacak who played 2 seasons in Leverkusen made a lay in while William Lee added his second to last basket of the day giving the Guardians the 101-58 lead. Lee finished with a great game showing his versatility at both ends with 19 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals and 4 blocks. “I just wanted to win. I came into the game to do whatever it took to help us win. I wasn´t looking at the stats. I wanted to be a team player”, warned William Lee. Both teams executed well to the end as Lee added another three pointer and Cockfield his patent mid distance shot while the guests got 2 baskets in the paint from Ruff and an off balance shot from Carr. “Teams tend to let up when you have a big lead. We lost some energy and they hit some shots”, added William Lee. “We had no stress down by so much and just played more free. It was fun playing like this. We should of played like that from the start”, warned Roy Krupnikas. The EPG Guardians Koblenz were led by William Lee with 19 points. Leon Friederici and Ty Cockfield added 17 points a piece while Moses Poelking and Dominique Johnson added 15 points a piece while Rasta Vechta 2 was led by Jonathan Klussman with 14 points while Linus Ruff added 11 points. The EPG Guardians Koblenz shot 62% from the field and 41% from outside and had 48 rebounds and 13 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shott 35% from the field and 29% from outside and had 29 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

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