Omar Cook is a 37 year old 186cm guard that is playing his 18th professional season and third with Movistar Estudiantes Madrid (ACB). He has had a stellar professional career winning titles in Belgium and Montenegro. He played seven seasons in the Spanish ACB and also played in countries like Lithuania, Italy, Serbia and France for teams like KK Buducnost Voli Podgorica, Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius, EA7 Emporio Armani Milano, Caja Laboral Vitoria Valencia B.C, Unicaja Malaga, KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd, CSK VVS Samara, Strasbourg IG and Dexia Mons-Hainaut. He has played 90 Euroleague games and also played 22 NBA games between 2003-2005 with Portland and Toronto. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2001 in the second round at position 32. He began his basketball career at Christ the King HS and played a season at St.John’s (NCAA) playing 29 games averaging 15.3ppg, 3.0rpg, AssistsNCAA-2 (8.7apg), 2.3spg, FGP: 36.0%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 74.2%: His 252 assists set a freshman school record, previously held by Erick Barkley and ranks second on the all-time single-season chart. He spoke to germanhoops.com recently about his basketball career.

Omar thanks for talking to germanhoops.com I could only find your game stats dating back to the 2008-2009 season. You played some seasons of international team basketball. You have played so many games, but hardly against German teams. Last season you split with medi Bayreuth. Do you remember playing against German teams early in your career?

I think last season was the 1st time I played against a German team. 

You have spent many years in Europe and currently are in your 14th season in Europe. What has been your general impression of German basketball and how it has developed over the years?

Before I came to Europe one of my best friends growing up he played in Germany. His name is Brian Brown. So he would always talk about the German league. Also I played with sand against Julius Jenkins. So I know he played in Germany many years. I think the German league has grown a lot the past few years with the Addition of Munich becoming a power team. Your have Bamberg and Alba as well. And it’s other great German teams who play in the other European competitions. But I’m not sure how the German league is because I’ve never played in it.

You recently turned 37 years old and are still going strong. What still keeps you going at age 37? How long do you still want to play the game that you love?

First it’s pride. Last few seasons I keep hearing I’m to old. It’s annoying because it’s not about age. It’s about performance. I lead the ACB in minutes right now this season. Also I have a very healthy diet and life style that keeps me in shape and I train very hard. Always the 1st one in the gym and the last one to leave with extra shoots treatment etc. This is my 18th professional season. The goal is to play 20 professional seasons. But also to play until I’m 40. So 2-3 years left I believe.

You played together with Julius Jenkins in Montennegro and like you is still playing in Germany and is a year older than you. How much do you respect guys like that and is he like a role model for you in terms of keep grinding and playing as long as possible? 

Me and Julz talk from time to time. Always respected him playing against him. We had some great battles my 1st season in Europe in Belgium. But playing together he has that killer mentality. Small but so much heart. 

Your ex teammate Elmeden Kikanovic said this about you once. ‘Omar is a great professional. He takes care of his body. He is feeling ok and still playing good. I’m happy for him. He is one of the best passers who played in Europe. I was very young and it was very simple to play with him at that time for me. I improved a lot my pick and roll game playing with him. He had a great season with Red Star probably the best in his career’. What do you remember about his game? 

Kika was my young guy at Red Star. Very raw but worked so hard. He’s had a really nice career and has played on some really good teams and has played well everywhere he’s been. He’s actually passed my expectations of him. Really good guy and has had a great career so far. Wish him the best going forward. 

Your playing your third season with Movistar Estudiantes and seventh season in the Spanish ACB. What have you enjoyed most about having the opportunity to play in this league and is it the best league that you have played in? 

This is the longest I’ve been on 1 team 3 seasons. Spain is a very good league. Maybe the best yes. Overall top to bottom every team is good at home. And the talent level in ACB is very high. 

What are your biggest goals now as a player? Obviously winning a title is always the biggest, but that will be tough in the ACB. On what things are you focusing on most now and enjoying the most as you are in the twilight of your professional basketball career? 

I always want to win. My goals are to play on the highest level I possibly can play. Just trying to not put so much pressure on myself. I’m my biggest critic. So I’m hard on myself. Just trying to finish my career the right way. And on my terms. 

You have played together with Niklas Caner-Medley who has had a long career. He has been doing very good things off the court and has made a lot of extra money. What have you appreciated most about his game and has he given you tips about finances off the court? 

Nik seems to be on business calls 24/7. Great guy. Quiet but he’s a good person. I ask him questions when things happen around me that I see him doing. But I don’t get into his personal life so much. As you said for a guy who has so much going on off the court he brings it every day. And he’s motivated. He’s here putting in the extra work all the time. 

You played two seasons with KK Buducnost Voli Podgorica (Montenegro-Erste Liga) from 2014-2016 winning two league titles. Were these two seasons some your best years as a professional as you were winning and putting very high assists averages? 

Buducnost was great. I love Montenegro. My family loves Montenegro maybe even more than me. My 2nd home. Omar Kukic. But the local league there they always win. 1st year was very easy. But the 2nd season was very hard to win the Montenegro league. I always say the 1st one don’t really count. But that season does. Bar Monar made it very tough for us. I guess I underachieved there. Couldn’t help get my team to the Euroleague as they are now after winning Aba league last season.

You played a very strong season with Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania-LKL) as usual putting up very high assists averages and was teammates with Zabian Dowdell. He had reached the NBA a few years earlier. What was it like being teammates with him and could you refrain from making those judgements as to how he had been in the NBA and making comparisons to your game as you also had been in the NBA.

Z was my teammate in Malaga as well. He’s a very good player with a lot of talent. NBA is all about timing I think. I think I got a raw deal in the NBA. Never was on a team on opening not with a guaranteed contact to feel free and comfortable. Was always on a non guarantee contract or a 10 day. Very hard to be yourself when your always afraid to mess up. 

You played two season with EA7 Emporio Armani Milano (Italy-SerieA) from 2011-2013. You led the Euroleague in assists one season. What did it mean to you having this achievement?

I think assists is my strong point. Always in the top 3 in assists my whole career. Just a gift I have of finding people in the right positions. I always say assist can only come if your teammates score the ball. So it’s not about me.

There you were blessed playing with some amazing players like Keith Langford and Malik Hairston, but please explain how much fun it was playing with Greek legends Antonis Fotsis and Ioannis Bourousis? 

Fortsis and Ioannis both great guys. Fortsis was a very quiet guy. He loved cars. Loannis was always animated. Both are legends and had amazing careers. 

You had your first tour of duty in the ACB from 2008-2011 with Malaga and Valenica. When you look back at that time and compare it to how it is today how has the league changed?

I think when I first got to Spain besides Pau Gasol all the best players from Spain were in the ACB. They had that 1980s class which was amazing. To many guys to name. But they all were in the ACB. And spread out throughout the league. They were just on 3 or 4 teams. They was on say 10 teams. Think now the league is still great and the ACB is looking for the next generation of great starts. Trying to see who they will be now. A lot of the great young guys from Spain are in the NBA.

In 2010-2011 you played with Valencia B.C. (Spain-ACB) for head coach Svetislav Pesic and a young Nando De Colo. What memories do you have of both and do have any nice stories concerning them?

My best overall season in Europe. Pesic is a great coach who understand the game. You can never question what he asked from you on the court. Maybe practices were way to hard. But when he came we were 1-6 in ACB and 1-4 in Europeleague. We finished 3rd in ACB and made it to the top 8 in euroleague. Nando was another very quiet guy. Maybe the most quiet guy I’ve ever played with. But he did his job and worked hard. He’s 1 of the best if not the best player in Europe right now. 

You played for Unicaja Malaga (Spain-ACB) from 2008-2010 and led the Euroleague in assists again. What has been your biggest pride when you pass the ball? How special is it getting that assist? 

Just like to do whatever it takes for my team to win. If it’s assists, scoring or guarding the best player on the other team. I just try to do whatever I can to help my team win. I only care about winning. 

You played for head coach Aito who is still coaching now and has turned Alba Berlin around and made the youth development alive again. What words do you still have in your mind when he spoke to you concerning your incredible playmaking? 

Aito is a teacher. Great coach for young guys. And he’s been coaching since forever. Another great mind who understands the game. He’s was a PG and coached a lot of PGs. So he tried to put me in the best position to be successful on the court. 

You also were teammates for two seasons with Czech Republic legend Jiri Welsch who had just returned back to Europe after three seasons in the NBA? Was he one of those players that could amaze you each day in practice or in a game? 

Jiri is another good guy. He always worked hard and had an amazing understanding for the game. I think my 1st season and Malaga and my season in Valencia was thebest teams I’ve played on. On and off the court. We always organized things to bond as a team. Very great groups.

In the 2007-2008 season you played for KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd (Serbia-A League) having amazing stats Adriatic League: 29 games: Score-4 (16.5ppg), 2.3rpg, Assists-1 (6.5apg), Steals-1 (3.0spg), FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 75.8%; ULEB Cup: 14 games: 15.2ppg, 3.2rpg, Assists-2 (6.1apg), 2.4spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 79.8%; Superleague: 14 games: 14.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 6.9apg, 3.0spg, FGP: 54%, 3PT: 41%, FT: 72%; Play-off: 2 games: 14.0ppg, 1.5rpg, 6.5apg, 3.5 spg, FGP: 30%, 3PT: 46%, FT:30%. Was this your best professional season?

Best season stats wise. This made the big clubs take notice of me. The summer before this season my wife was pregnant with our 1st child and it seemed like no teams wanted to sign me. I signed with Red Star in late August early September I believe. I remember sitting in my house almost in tears without being signed. So I came in very motivated. My best season was in Valencia I think. After having a great season in Malaga and them not picking up my 3rd year options, it was very confusing to me. So had a point to prove. Seems like the story of my Career. Always the forgotten one.

As a rookie you played for Dexia Mons-Hainaut (Belgium-D1) playing 7 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 13.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 7.6apg, 2.3spg, 2FGP: 37.5%, 3FGP: 41.7%, FT: 53.8%; and played 31 Belgian League: 31 games: 14.0ppg, 2.4rpg, Assists-1 (7.2apg), 1.9spg, 2FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 49.0%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you very far away from home? 

Funny looking at these stats. For a guy they say couldn’t shoot I think my percentages says different. Haha. But living in another country for the 1st time was very hard. I was alone. My wife didn’t live with me. No kids yet. It was very hard for me. But when I was in that Arena. And the games was full gym made very exciting games. 

You began your professional career in 2001 and played your first four seasons mostly for the Fayetteville Patriots (NBDL) and averaged 8,8apg in your last two seasons. You got rewarded with two 10 day contracts with Portland and Toronto and played 22 NBA games. What memories do you have of your short NBA time? 

I just wish I had got the chance to be on an NBA team from the first day with a guaranteed contact where I could have been myself. But grateful for the chance to make it to the NBA and actually play in some games. I know my best game in the NBA was my last game. With the Raptors playing against Lebron James and the Cavs and if they beat us and someone else lost they go to the playoffs. I had 19pts and 9ast that game. I remember it perfect. I thought that was the start for something great for me, but it was my last game in the NBA. I went into summer league with the wrong attitude and it costed me a spot on the team for the next season. 

What was the best example then that the NBA was strictly a business before anything else?

Just seeing how teams handled players and how quickly you could disappear. I have a story about getting signed to The Boston Celtics on the last day of the NBA season. I had a two year deal. The second year would be guaranteed after August?? Don’t remember the day. And I rented me a apartment next to the practice facility. But I couldn’t practice with the team. I wasn’t allowed to sit on the bench during the playoff games. It was a very strange situation. I was seated in different seats throughout the Arena. Not even the same seat every game. I was 19 years old with a suit on sitting with the rest of the fans. And after my 1st summer league game after not being around the team the whole playoff run. They went to the Eastern conference finals that season. I was not in the plans after 1 summer league game. That was the biggest wake up call for me. 

Do ever wonder how your career might have gone had you come out of the NCAA now? Do you feel like your game might have been more suitable for the NBA or perhaps less? 

When I came out a lot of teams was looking for big guards. And now the NBA is a guards game. Best position in the NBA right now I think is the PG. Every night someone is coming at you. So I think my game is great for how the NBA is now. But I’m 37. Feel 27 but in Reality I’m 37. Maybe I will get a job with a NBA team after I retire and I can have a great career there as a coach scout etc. 

You played NBA Summer League in 2006 and then concentrated on a career in Europe. Did you get the kind of feedback then that the NBA would be a reach. What do you feel was missing from your game that could have kept you in the NBA?

I’m not a summer league player. I need structure. Summer league guys are going for theirs. It’s not good for how I play the game. I think I was and still am an NBA player. I can run a team. I play on both ends of the court. They say my shot but you just showed me my numbers. I didn’t even know I was shooting such a great percentage. It’s all about timing. I think if Denver who traded for me on draft night would of took the time to let me get comfortable that I could of had a great career in the NBA. But everything happens for a reason. And my game was to be seen all over the world. 

You played only one season at St Johns in 2000-2001 and broke Mark Jackson’s game assist record with 17 and Your 252 assists set a freshman school record, previously held by Erick Barkley and ranks second on the all-time single-season chart. What was your best moment that one season? 

Being in my city. Playing at MSG was amazing. I wish we could of won more games. But we were a young team. Great memories. 

Do you ever wonder how you may have developed differently had you stayed three or four years at ST Johns. When looking back did you ever wonder if leaving early had been a mistake?

Maybe one more season would of helped me far as my making the NBA. I felt with Jayson Williams staying in school I was one of the top PGs in the draft. 

How did head coach Mike Jarvis groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career at St John 

I will skip this question. Just heard things about things he did after I left that I didn’t know about at the time. So will skip this. I will say as a coach and my time with him at SJU was great. 

Who won a one on one in practice back in the day you or Sharif Fordham?

I didn’t lose 1 on 1 games in college. 

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

The toughest player I played against growing up in HS and college was Jayson Williams. He was amazing. Fast strong could shoot. He was the truth. Another guy I didn’t play against in college but in HS was D.Wade. He wasn’t an all American in HS. But from my class he by far has had the best career. And I wish him the best in his last season. I respect that guy so much. 

If you had to pick your personal favorite starting five of teammates over the years which players would you chose? 

I did 1 for ACB. I picked Nado, Edwin Jackson, Sylven , Marcus Haslip/ Dusko Savanaic and Boni Ndong. For NBA career I played with Steve Nash and Dirk and Paul the Truth P. Zach Randolph. But I don’t count the NBA guys. 

If you had to construct your very own NBA mount Rushmore which 4 heads would you pick? 

Greatest ever? If so MJ LBJ Kobe and Magic. 

What is your personal opinion about the never ending debate of who is the greatest between Michael Jordan and Lebron James?

LBJ overall game and numbers are amazing. MJ is a killer. Greatest winner ever. 

You saw first hand how much talent Luka Doncic has last season. When all is said and done, could be on of the greatest European players that ever played in the NBA?

He can be one of the greatest ever if he stays the course. His basketball IQ is on another level for his age. He’s way ahead of his time. 

What was the last movie that you saw?

Some kids movie with the family if Netflix don’t count lol. Think it’s was the cartoon spider man movie.

Thanks Omar for the chat.

Pete Strobl has been around the European basketball scene for 20 years having had a stellar professional basketball career and now is an assistant coach for German easyCredit BBL team ratiopharm Ulm. He played at Niagara (NCAA) from 1997-2000 and then had a 9 year professional playing career that took him to countries like Germany, Austria, France, Ireland, Iceland and Switzerland. He founded The Scoring Factory in Pittsburgh and wrote a must read book called Backspin. He is a very interesting basketball mind that doesn´t shy away from speaking his mind especially on Twitter. German Hoops and Pete Strobl will team up every so often talking basketball with the title “Current basketball affairs with Pete Strobl. You can follow Pete Strobl on twitter @petestrobl

1. The playoffs are right around the corner and it seems like ratiopharm ulm has made a really strong push lately. What’s been the difference?

We’ve definitely done well the past few weeks in locking in and winning some very important games. I think it’s a combination of a lot of factors, but overall our guys have grown together and the team chemistry has helped us to finish off some very tight games. I’m not sure we were ready to do that yet in the beginning of the season. As a coach who cares deeply about player development and spends a lot of time analyzing ways to stimulate and implement growth, it’s rewarding to see a group of individuals come together when it matters most. Obviously we still have a few games left in the regular season, but it seems like we’re finally on track. My own personal goal is to finish the regular season strong, and then attack each round of the playoffs step by step until we lift the championship trophy. I know that might sound optimistic to some, but why else would you compete unless your goal is to win the championship? 

2. What are your plans for next season and beyond?

It’s too early to think that far ahead as we still have this season to finish before I can even start to think about that. As you know, my goal is to be a head coach and I would love to stay in Germany. It’s a beautiful country and I can’t say enough nice things about how great it’s been for our family as a whole. I’m also open to going to a new country if the opportunity presents itself. I’ve had the good fortune of seeing some amazing parts of the world through basketball and I’m open to new challenges and adventures. If there’s a team out there looking for somebody like me to lead their program, I’m willing to listen. I think people that know me understand how I’m wired and the manner in which I operate. I pride myself on leadership, communication, discipline, knowledge and the ability to build. So, that’s my future plan, but first my entire focus is on doing everything in my power to help us finish this season with a championship parade. 

3. You tweeted recently about the concept of developing local players to build enough talent for a Bundesliga team. Do you think this is feasible?

I love discussing things like this. I think there are a lot of challenges and hurdles to this sort of proposition, but it’s definitely possible. Imagine the positive impact that could have on a city, their fan base and sponsors to see a team comprised of their own locally developed players. That’s the type of continuity that builds longevity as opposed to the yearly changing of foreigners as if they were mercenaries. It’s not very often that a club is able to keep a player long enough to develop him into a local legend like Per Günther or Rickey Paulding. 

That tweet kind of developed into a thread with a wide range of ideas and sub topics and it was really interesting to see it take on a life of its own. I enjoy healthy debate and it’s interesting to hear and read the viewpoints of other basketball minds. The variables that developed basically discussed the viability of taking 1,000 U12 players from a 100km radius and working with them over a period of 10 years to produce a team of 10 top level players. This requires a high level of planning, vision and above all patience. The risk is being able to keep the core group together once they start to attract the attention from bigger clubs who are able to offer larger contracts. 

I think this theoretical problem is enjoyable to dissect and hopefully challenges clubs to spend more time, effort and energy diving into developing their own long-term prospects. Just developing them in the youth levels isn’t enough however as they need minutes at the higher levels to gain experience while learning from their mistakes. Germany has more players than ever before playing in the NBA and many players with meaningful roles on BBL teams. It’s a great start, but the potential for me is there. Whoever invests in the youth now, will reap huge rewards down the road. 

Colton Ray is a 196cm guard from Williamsburg, Virginia played his second professional season and first in Germany with Pro B team ScanPlus Baskets and averaged 8,8ppg, 3,5rpg and 2,8apg. He began the season with KK Ulcinjska Rivijera Ulcinj (Montenegro-Erste Liga). Last season as a rookie he played with St. John’s Edge (Canada-NBL Canada) playing 13 games averaging 3.6ppg, 1.7rpg. He began his basketball career with Lafayette HS and also played with Saint Ignatios Prep (S.C.). He played at Coastal Carolina (NCAA) from 2013-2017 playing a total of 119 NCAA games and as a senior played 37 games averaging 9.4ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 73.0%. He spoke to eurobasket at the end of the 2018-2019 season.

Colton thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. Where are you at the moment and what thoughts have been on your mind the most at the moment?

Just reflecting on a long season and just trying to relax now for a few weeks.

Your season in Germany is over now. The ScanPlus Baskets lost the playoff series to Oldenburg 2-1. How tough was it losing this series?

It was very tough because we felt like we were the better team and proved it for a majority of the series. Ultimately we gave up both games on the road in the last 5 minutes so that’s always frustrating 

The games were all pretty much close as there were no blow outs. In the deciding game the stats were very close. What was key in game three that the ScanPlus baskets were unable to move on in the playoffs?

I think it was execution at the end and just not having the right guys in at the end. We gave up some easy buckets on the defensive end at the game and we didn’t handle their run at the end well at all.

Oldenburg had many talented players, but how much of a factor was American Nigel Pruitt. You couldn’t control him better as a team. Do you feel like the series would have been different had he been slowed down better?

Pruitt was a tough player. He can really shoot the rock and can guard well too. Honestly his points really came off of passes from others getting into the lane and kicking it out to him . He got all his points in the flow which was the most impressive to me. But like I said they don’t really run sets for him so it wasn’t a slow down situation because it never felt like he was doing as well as he was until you read the box score at the end. But of course take some of his points away especially in game 1 we win the series.

What kind of experience was it this season playing against a handful of farm teams? You battled teams like Frankfurt, Giessen and Oldenburg just to name a few. What was your impression of the German players that you saw not only with these teams but in general?

I think it’s a cool system Germany has set up to really develop younger players. I was pretty impressed with two to three players on each farm team for sure.

For many the ScanPlus season was disappointing. Ok you reached the playoffs, but the team was Pro B defending champions. Do you feel like the team underachieved?

I feel like we underachieved greatly. We had the talent to win again but the puzzle pieces just didn’t fit together along with some other distractions we went through as well. But Leverkusen has 1 loss on the year and it was to us by about 30 points. So that tells you the potential we had we just couldn’t figure it out.

What was the most positive thing you got out of having the opportunity of having so many different nationalities around you. What did you appreciate most about the experience with your teammates?

I appreciated sharing the court with so many guys from different places. We all speak different languages but the language of Basketball was universal and it was cool just to be able to take part in that.

Let’s talk about your teammates. What kind of experience was it playing with mega veteran Marin Petric? Was he like a role model for you and an inspiration how long he has played?

Awesome guy. First of all if I can be his age and still playing ball I will be beyond blessed. But he was somewhat of a role model to me just trying to pick his brain about different things on the court and trying to add some things he does into my game. Definitely learned some stuff from him.

How valuable was it being teammates with Stefan Fekete. He is a pass first guard that knows how to lead a team. Did his playmaking skills rub off on you a bit?

I always had the play making ability so I wouldn’t say that. However his understanding of the game as far as drawing up a quick set off the top of his head and going and executing it was the most impressive thing to me about Stefan.

You stated this about teammate Brian Butler in our first interview. ‘He has a lot more in his dunking bag than I do. I’ll try to do something a little crazy in the warm up line and then he’ll do the same thing and make mine look awful so I really leave the dunking up to him’. What were you able to pick up from his dunking and overall game?

I think what people fail to realize is that Brian can actually play. Yeah the dunks provide some thrill but he actually has game. He has a post game and a mid range jumper and he can guard the 1-5 (except me haha) which makes him so versatile. Not to mention he plays so hard on both ends too. I haven’t learned anything new from his dunking however because I can’t do half the things he can do.

What kind of experience was it being teammates with CJ Oldham? He is a guy that can fill up the stat sheet at ease and can do many things well. Did any of his versatility rub off on you and did he tell any stories about his famous dad?

That’s my guy! CJ is one of those glue guys that every team needs and he proved his worth over the season on numerous occasions. Didn’t go into much detail about his dad other than he’s famous in Germany obviously. He really didn’t have to because a lot of times people were coming up asking him so I take it the guy was a big big deal. 

Let’s talk about your game. You came in November to the ScanPlus Baskets and averaged 8,8ppg, 3,4rpg and 2,7apg. What was your overall summary of your play in Germany?

I honestly wasn’t happy at all with my play. I started off pretty well here and then a coaching change threw everything in a loop for me and I really didn’t see much action once that happened. I’m not sure why but the coach at the time thought it was what was best for the team so I can only control what I can control. I had some pretty good moments that really showcased what I brought to the table and I can leave here happy about that.

Your minutes were up and down this season. How tough was this fluctuation and did becoming efficient in the minutes you get become a big factor for you?

It was a tough adjustment like I said previously. Once I figured out that the new coach had different plans for me all I could do was go in every game and do everything I could while I could and that’s all I was focused on. I just wanted to win.

You obviously couldn’t put up consistent stats when your minutes were up and down. What did you learn about your season in Germany that will help you in the future with your next team?

I didn’t really learn that much but there were some lessons that needed to be reinforced. Just no matter what stay in the gym and don’t stop working. 

How do you feel did your game grow with all the different nationalities on the team? Was there a part of your game that you feel profited most just from having these daily experiences?

I think it grew in the aspect of managing personalities. Dealing with 13 different guys you have to know how you can communicate with someone to bring the most of out of them and I think I expanded my knowledge in that area.

You had some memorable games. Was your 20 point game, 10 rebound, six assists and two block and two steal game against Orange Academy your most memorable moment?

I mean definitely a high point as well as my game at Leverkusen. But my best highlight to me would be my first game against Giessen just because I had a double double with 10 assists. I say that because it kind of cemented the kind of player I wanted to be on this team. Get everyone else involved and also get some buckets myself.

What is the next step for Colton Ray? If you got the right offers would you like to remain in Germany and get further experience?

I would definitely come back to Germany if given the right offer. Hopefully it happens so we can talk again in person. But right now I’m fielding offers from everywhere trying to figure out the next best location for me and my family.

What are your summer plans? Will you travel and on what things will you be working on most in the lab?

Travel a little bit but mostly in the lab getting ready for next season.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the Pro B this season?

There’s was a few tough guys. Nigel Pruitt, Dennis Mavin, and Moore from Schwenningen

What has been your opinion as to why the Los Angeles Lakers are where they are now with Lebron James. Did the Lakers not have the right mix of players that Lebron could work with?

I actually think they got what they need I think it was just LeBron’s injury that set them back from missing the playoffs this year.

What was your reaction when you heard that Lebron James named himself the greatest of all-time? 

Don’t necessarily agree but he’s definitely number two and has a legitimate argument for #1. I’m just a Jordan guy.

Charles Barkley recently proclaimed that Tom Brady Is more of a GOAT than Michael Jordan. Do you share his opinion?

I do not. Michael Jordan takes more part in his teams success than Tom Brady ever has.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Aquaman

Gabriel Olaseni is a 27 year old 211cm center from Great Britan that is playing his fourth professional season and second in Germany and first with s.Oliver Wurzburg. Last season he played with Montakit Fuenlabrada (Spain-Liga ACB) playing 34 games averaging 5.2ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 51.0%, FT: 82.4. In 2016-2017 he split time with Banco di Sardegna Sassari (Italy-Serie A) playing 13 games averaging 6.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 2FGP: 70.8%, FT: 73.3%; and played 9 Basketball Champions League gameS averaging 6.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 2FGP: 67.7%, FT: 70.6%, left in Mar.’17, later that month moved to Entente Orleans 45 (France-ProA) playing 13 games averaging 10.2ppg, 8.0rpg, FGP: 52.9%, FT: 66.7%. In his rookie season he played in Germany for Brose Bamberg (Germany-BBL) playing 9 games averaging 4.3ppg, 3.1rpg; and played 5 Euroleague games averaging 2.4ppg, 2.8rpg, in Nov.’15 moved to Giessen 46ers (Germany-BBL) playing 24 games averaging 11.7ppg, Reb-3 (7.0rpg), 1.2apg, FGP: 62.6%, FT: 70.0%. He played at Iowa (NCAA) from 2011-2015 playing a total of 119 games and as a senior played 33 games averaging 7.9ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 51.8%, FT: 75.0%. He recently spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Gabriel thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Your playing your first season with s.Oliver Wurzburg and with your sixth team in four seasons. Do you sometimes feel like a basketball globetrotter?

Sometimes I did at the start of my career, but I haven’t been upset to how my career has gone. I always saw the many opportunites as being positive playing for coaches and teammates that liked me. I have always remained humble and believe that I will have a long career playing somewhere between 10-15 years. I feel that I have established myself in recent years.

Your playing your second season in Germany and with your third team after having gained experience in Italy and Spain. Do you feel like that the German EasyCredit BBL fits your style in how you play the game best?


Yes I think it does. I feel having been able to play in Germany has been a big boost in my career. Knowing how coaches coach in Germany and how refs work has benefited me. I may not always be the strongest guy on the court, but I can be the quickest and most athletic. I have been fortunate of having coaching staffs be able to put me in successful situations.

How exciting is it playing basketball for s.Oliver Wurzburg? The team had problems finishing games in 2018, but have turned it around in 2019. What has been secret to the success?

I think that the secret to the success now has been guys buying into their roles. Early on every guy wanted to do everything themselves. There will be games when you will shoot and then in other games when you won’t. If you play the right way then good things will come. It also helps when we know where the other guy will be. A Cook knows where and what I will do and vice versa. 

How big of a reason coming to Wurzburg was because of head coach Denis Wucherer? How has his coaching skills improved from your rookie season with Giessen?

Back in Giessen he was a big confidence booster for me. I remember the first conversation I had with him when I came to Giessen. He told me that my time in Bamberg didn’t go as planned, but that he would give me a chance to prove myself. Now he knows what I can do and it’s time to step up. The main difference between Giessen and now is that then coach believed I could do it and now he knows I can do it. He will get angry at you, but also gives praise. I have grown up since Giessen and know what I’m capable of now.

Is it difficult keeping the hunger simply because last season you got experience playing in the top league ACB in Spain. How will your ACB time help you best in the BBL?

My time in Spain in the ACB was also a big confidence booster. I was able to practice against top guys each day and play against top teams every weekend and that helped. I was fortunate to have success in a difficult environment despite not having a big role

Let’s talk a bit about your teammates? How enjoyable is it playing with Jordan Hulls. For me he is a top 5 guard in the easyCredit BBL. Why do you feel is he so underrated?

It has been great playing with Jordan. I remember playing against him in College. I was at Iowa and he was at Indiana. We were a bit stand offish at first, but we have a great relationship here. He may be the best shooter that I have ever played with. He is underrated despite making the 50/50/90 stats. We know that he takes only the shots that he knows he can make while on the highlight films you always see those wild shots. He is more than just a shooter, but can pass the ball well and talks. We have the utmost confidence in him and he makes winning plays. 

This your second tour of duty with Cameron Wells. He is another won of those guys that had to work up from lower leagues. Did you sense that he had a chip on his shoulder back in Giessen and is it still there now?

His chip on his shoulder is bigger than ever. He is a great player and he always wants to prove that he is a winner. He also makes winning plays and we all felt that he should have been an allstar this season. He wants to be seen as a top point guard.

How important has it been bringing in Mike Morrison? Is your toughness rubbing off on him and how do you feel will you profit from his presence?

It has been great having Mike on the team. I remember when he came in that management said that they wanted a change and I totally welcomed it. He is one of the vocal leaders on the team and so passionate. He always pushes you in practice. I have profited from him in many ways. He has helped me with running the floor, drawing fouls and understanding mismatches and playing angles. 

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 211cm center. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I can’t compare my game to an NBA player. My favorite players are Serge Ibaka and Steven Adams

You’re a guy that has a versatile big man game. On what things do you continue to work on most as you continue to develop your game?

I’m working hard on my body and conditioning especially my lower body. I am also concentrating on working on running in transition and developing consistent post moves as well as working on my arc, free throws and angles.

What do you feel is still a hidden strength in your game that continues to get overlooked?

My passing. A lot of times I overpass. I like to see the floor and after an offensive rebound kick it out to my shooters. My teammates love my extra pass. My passing isn’t a hidden strength on my team, but it is on the outside. I’m a hockey assist guy.

Last season you played with Fuenlabrada and had some nice moments including the 80-75 win over Baskonia where you produced 10 and 6 stats, the 71-69 win against Estudiantes where you had 14 points and the 108-102 win against Zaragoza where you had 14 and 7 stats. Which win was your most memorable?


My most memorable game was against Estudiantes. I wasn’t fit at that time as I had a shoulder and neck injury. They told me to just go out and play. I was aggressive from the start and had a good game. I just wanted to contribute and win. 

Two seasons ago you played with Banco di Sardegna Sassari (Italy-Serie A) playing 13 games averaging 6.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 2FGP: 70.8%, FT: 73.3%; and 9 Basketball Champions League games averaging 6.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 2FGP: 67.7%, FT: 70.6%, left in Mar.’17, later that month moved to Entente Orleans 45 (France-ProA) playing 13 games averaging 10.2ppg, 8.0rpg, FGP: 52.9%, FT: 66.7%. How tough was this season playing for two teams again after doing it as a rookie in Germany? What did you learn from this experience?

That season was tough. I played decent at the start, but then we had a rough patch and the club brought in some new guys. I was very fortunate to have some very good teammates with Trevor Lacey, Darius Johnson-Odum and Josh Carter who always told me to keep working and to understand the ups and downs. It is difficult when you are a young player and are putting in the work, but not getting minutes. I remember I tried to always contribute in practice no matter what. I decided to leave and to establish myself for next season and went to France. I went there just wanting to contribute and help win games. I enjoyed the French league, but I realized that in 9 out 0f 10 times you won’t be the most athletic guy. I learned there that I won’t be able to out jump anyone, but I had to out smart everybody else. At the end of the season when I reflected on my season, I felt that I had improved my game regardless of what my stats were and if I had wins. I was able to sleep at night.

You played a few months in France. What memories do have playing with 35 year old veteran Marcellus Somerville who is still playing today in Israel. When looking back at that time how did you profit best from his presence?

His work ethic was amazing. I remember that he had a wife and several kids and he had to make breakfast and bring the kids to school, but he was still the first at practice. He was going early and leaving late. He also had an amazing passion. I can remember many games where we were winning well and he would still be screaming to us do even better. As a young player, I really looked up to him. He wasn’t old in age, but old in his basketball career.

As a rookie you split time with Brose Baskets Bamberg (Germany-BBL) playing 9 games averaging 4.3ppg, 3.1rpg; and played 5 Euroleague games averaging 2.4ppg, 2.8rpg, in Nov.’15 moved to Giessen 46ers (Germany-BBL) playing 24 games averaging 11.7ppg, Reb-3 (7.0rpg), 1.2apg, FGP: 62.6%, FT: 70.0%. You had some very good moments with Bamberg, but why do you feel were you not able to make more of an impact in that roster?


My time in Bamberg was a great situation. Going to a Euroleague team as a rookie is unheard of in Europe. It just doesn’t happen often. I wouldn’t say that I wasn’t ready, but moreover it had to do with my consistency. I was up and down with Bamberg. I started off well against Crailsheim and Ulm, but was up and down in between. They couldn’t wait for me to establish myself and make that step. I am very thankful for my opportunity wit Brose Bamberg. 

You were teammates with current Boston Celtics Brad Wanamaker and Daniel Theis and New Orleans Pelicans Darius Miller. Which guy had the biggest impact on you?

Brad Wanamaker had the biggest impact on me. He was a great overall leader. He was always in the gym and always kept giving me advice. He was playing in the second division in Italy, but he was always confident. He was always able to find his spots and never did anything crazy. He always told me stories about when he was in difficult situations, but always knew that he would make the elite level. He is such a humble guy that you would never know if he had won titles. I’m not surprised of the success he has had and I’m very happy for him. 

You finished the season strong with the Giessen 46ers. How vital was head coach Denis Wucherer in you achieving your BBL break through?

Besides high school and college, he was the first coach that truly believed in my abilities. I’m sure that I annoy him a lot, but he still trusts me. He puts me in successful spots. He has expectations for me now and he knows that I will step up. 

You seem to play your best basketball with the British national team. Does it mean more to play for your country than for a club team?

It is definitely different playing for your country than for a club team. It is great playing for Dennis and playing with guys like Wells, Bowlin and Hulls, but with the national team you are playing with guys that you grew up with and that is the main difference I have experienced so much with my British national team teammates. It just means so much more when you can reflect on how far you have come over the years with your national team teammates whereas with a club team you are only together for 10 months. You develop that pride and joy with the national team when you have success. 

You had amazing 18/11 stats at the 2017 European championships. Was your game at all noticed by big teams or even the NBA during this?

I had signed with Fuenlabrada before the Euro had started. I remember my agent telling me that I was getting more interest. I told him not to tell me anything, because I wanted to focus on the tournament and nothing else. 

You played NBA Summer League in 2015 with the Miami Heat and put up good stats. Did you get any kind of feedback from NBA teams where you had the feeling the NBA could actually happen one day?

It felt good playing there. I felt that I came from college to the NBA Summer League and was able to establish myself. I felt then that I could get to the NBA one day. I want to be able to show my skill set again some day and then show how I have developed so they see that I put in the work. I had interest, but it was for camp invites and The G-League. Since I was European, I wasn’t afraid to go to Bamberg. It was an offer that was too good to pass up. It made sense to make the jump to Bamberg. I hope one day I can make the jump to the NBA.

What kind of an experience was it being teammates with ex NBA player Ben Gordon? When do you remember first seeing him play and how important was his presence with your growing up?

The first time that I saw him play was when he played that crazy series against the Boston Celtics where he was hitting shots from everywhere in game 7. I remember a friend telling me that he was British. I didn’t believe him. He is a great guy and can shoot the ball. I remember when I heard rumors that he would join the national team, I expected an arrogant guy. The type of guy that won’t listen to the coach or make the extra pass. But it wasn’t like that at all. He was very talkative and it felt like we had been teammates for 10 years. He was that clutch shooter that we needed. He was a real fun guy and so down to earth. I never expected that.

You played at Iowa (NCAA) from 2011-2015 reaching the NIT final in 2013. What memories do you have of this run hat you will never forget?

There were many great memories at Iowa. I remember traveling to New York and playing at Madison Square Garden. But my most memorable moment was having the fortune of having three senior nights. It was great to have the extra opportunity ton play and be together with my teammates.

You played three seasons with current Euroleague Player Aaron White. Has his development and his rise up the basketball ladder surprised you?

No not at all. Aaron is one of the hardest workers I have ever seen. He wanted to be a professional player before he was a college player. He taught me how to act in a professional way. He is a very focused guy. He is all about family and friends, but then it’s all basketball. 

Was beating the mighty North Carolina 60-55 one of your biggest wins at Iowa? Playing against all those future NBA players who stood out the most?

What really stood out was their history. Winning against them was another big confidence booster. The size on the court also stood out. Every player on that team was versatile and was a NBA prospect. It was a very emotional game. Seeing all that talent on the court really opened my eyes to how much harder I had to work. J.P Tokoto and Kennedy Meeks stood out the most. I won’t forget how they were able to finish around the rim. 

How did head coach Fran Mccaffery groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

I remember coach holding everyone accountable. He would scream the same way to an Aaron White as he would to a walk on. He was able to get everyone established in their roles. He asked us to accept our roles and just be the best that we could be. Even if he would scream at you, he was the sweetest kindest guy. He spoke with great passion for life and really cared about his players. He must of screamed at me 1000 times, but it was all for a good reason. The day a coach stops screaming is the day he stops caring. Playing for him was the best thing that could have happened to me. I can’t thank him more for the opportunity.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Adam Woodbury?

Big Wood. Our games never ended because there were too many fouls. He helped me so much. He was the biggest player in the league. He made you think the game. When I played against him, it prepared me best against a big guy and when he played against me it prepared him best for an athletic guy. The contrast was perfect. He was also a cool guy off the court.

You played against many great players the NCAA, but who is the toughest guy that you battled ever on the court that made it to the NBA?

Cody Zeller was the toughest player I faced in the NCAA. I ran the floor a lot, but he ran the floor every time. He always attacked the rim and always finished around the rim. Another tough player to play against was Przemyslaw Karnovski of Gonzaga. I couldn’t move him. He was my teammate last season and he always reminded me of our last college game about how tough he made life for me on the court.

If you had to pick your personal favorite starting five of teammates over the years which players would you chose?


Anthony Clemmons, Peter Jok, Aaron White, Suleiman Braimoh, Ian O’Leary

If you had to construct your very own NBA mount Rushmore which 4 heads would you pick?

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Magic Johnson, Shaq

What is your personal opinion about the never ending debate of who is the greatest between Michael Jordan and Lebron James?

This is a tough question. I grew up watching Lebron James, but I have seen Jordan play. I would have to pick Lebron.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Captain Marvel. I love Super Hero movies. This one was pretty good.

Thanks Gabriel for the chat. 

Elias Desport is a 26 year old 203cm forward from Stockholm, Sweden that completed his first season in Germany with the EN Baskets Schwelm (Germany-ProB) averaging 6,3ppg and 4,6rpg. Last season he played with A. Desportiva Sanjoanense (Portugal-Proliga) playing 13 games averaging 13.2ppg, Reb-1 (10.9rpg), 1.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 11.1%, FT: 43.8%. He began his career with KFUM Blackebergs IK (Basketettan) and also played with Taby Basket (Basketettan). He then lived 4 years in the states playing with St.Peter’s (NCAA) playing 119 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 2018-2019 season.

Elias thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Despite getting swept by the Bayer Giants Leverkusen, how proud are you of the extreme hard effort the team gave in the series?

I think we played some of our best basketball all season in Game 1 against Leverkusen but it simply wasn’t enough. They’re a great team and they are well coached. I think they have a chance to win it all this year. 

You guys came really close at the end and could of forced a third game had German Niklas Geske hit the last three. Do you feel like winning that second game could have made the big turnaround in the season?

I guess that’s just one of those ‘What If’ scenarios that will never truly know the answer to. But we all know the competition gets better and better the closer you get to the finals. 

The EN Baskets Schwelm really played the Bayer Giants Leverkusen tight in the series. When looking back at the series what do you think was key for them being able to advance?

They had a deep team and they seem to play well together. They only lost one game all year so clearly they had the blueprint figured out. They also have a lot of size and it was hard for us at time since we were one of the smaller teams in the league. As I said before, they are well coached too and disciplined. 

You played your first season with the EN Baskets Schwlem. How would you personally summarize the team season. Would it be fair to say that the team played it’s most successful and best basketball at the start of the season? 

I think we were inconsistent. We never really figured it out and we never truly played together with the exception of a couple of games maybe. And I would say that we played our best basketball in Game 1 of the playoffs. 

The team ended 2018 well with a three game winning streak, but then began 2019 slow with a four game losing streak. Why do you feel couldn’t the team keep it’s winning ways going into 2019?

This goes back to what I said before, we were inconsistent and therefore, we had some good stretches and some bad stretches. We were also hit with some tough injuries throughout the season, that didn’t help our situation. 

What do you feel was the season highlight for you? Possibly winning the derby game against Iserlohn or against top farm team Bernau?

Season highlight for me was definitely playing against my old college teammate, Quadir Welton. That was a fun game for me because we were both going at it back and forth. It’s always fun to see how much both of us have improved our games and I’m truly happy for his success at Bernau. It seems as if he’s ended up in a great situation. 

If you had to choose the toughest player that you battled in the Pro B this season who would you pick?

Pro B really has a lot of big guys that are tough to play against. Schmidt from Itzehoe was a lot to handle in the post, Mallory from Iserlohn always made me work hard on defense, Turudic from Sandersdorf was a very skilled and mobile big and Watkins from Dresden was athletic, it was unfortunate that he had to leave. 

Let’s talk about your teammates. How much of a pleasure was it playing with German Niklas Geske? After five years in the BBL, he took a radical step backwards and destroyed in the Pro B. What did you enjoy most about his play?

‘Nick’ has super quick feet and he can get into the tightest spaces on the court. He probably has the quickest feet I’ve ever seen on a guard. He was tough to guard coming off the pick and roll, especially for bigs in our leagues. 

How did you experience talented German Jean Louis Marley this season. How important was he for the success of the team and what will you never forget about his presence on and off the court?

Marley is a good shooter and plays very physical and we needed him to space the floor and knock down shots for us. 

How did you see the game development of American Erik Durham? What did you learn to appreciate the most about his game?

Erik plays at his own pace and his game is very smooth. Some of the guys on the team used to call him the ‘Silent Assassin’ because he was one of the most quiet guys on the team. But he’s also very unselfish, I think that’s one of the things I appreciated the most. 

How vital was it having Dario Fiorentino as a teammate. He was another guy with massive experience. How vital was he for you getting a grip on German basketball?

Dario was the oldest guy on the team so he was very vocal and always talking a lot. 

Let’s talk about your game this season? You averaged 6,3ppg and 4,6rpg. How content were you with your first season in Germany?

I’m not content at all. I worked extremely hard this summer, basically working out 2-3 times a day, 5 days a week since May and I was hoping to have a breakout year to really improve my stock going in to the following season. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. 

You’re a player that can impact the game in many ways. You did that in many games, but then in other games you didn’t show it always on the stats sheet. Do you feel you impacted the game on a consistent basis this season?

No, not at all. It’s difficult to have an impact on the game when one is not playing consistent minutes.

You were the sixth most efficient player on the team and did a good job mostly in the minutes you got. How do you feel did your game progress this season in the minutes that you got?

Really? I didn’t even know that. I just tried to go out there and do the best I could in the minutes I got. But like most players, it’s hard to be productive when one can never get into a rhythm. 

You’re a player that expects nothing for free and is always working hard in the gym. On what parts of your game did you work the hardest on in Germany and where did you see improvement the most?

I think I grew mentally this year. I did a lot of things off the court to improve the mental side of things. I read books, meditated, kept in touch with a mental coach that helped me out a lot, etc. I learned to accept things for what they are controlling the things that I could control. 

You had many good games, but what was your own personal favorite game? Perhaps your 14 point game in the win in the derby against Iserlohn?

Statistically speaking, it would probably be the Iserlohn game or the first game against Wolfenbutell. But like I said before, my favorite game was playing against ‘Q’. 

What is the next step for you? Could you imagine remaining in Germany playing Pro B or Pro A?

I have no idea what the next step is for me. Obviously, you want to continue to ‘climb the ladder’ every year and play at a higher level. Pro A would definitely be nice and I could even see myself playing in the Pro B again if I end up in a better situation. 

If you had to name your five best teammates of all-time which guys would you pick?

Desi Washington, Marvin Dominique, Tony Hicks, Trevis Wyche and Quadir Welton.

It’s still so early, but when all is said and done could Luka Doncic be one of the greatest Europeans that ever played in the NBA? 

It’s possible, but as of now, I’d say that Mr. Nowitzki has that award. 

What was your reaction when you heard that Lebron James named himself the greatest of all-time?

I don’t like to engage in that GOAT debate because I think it’s stupid and that’s all people do nowadays. I think we get so caught up in debating greatness and who’s better rather than appreciating the greatness that we are seeing. 

Charles Barkley recently proclaimed that Tom Brady Is more of a GOAT than Michael Jordan. Do you share his opinion? 

I don’t really see how one can even begin to compare the two, basketball and football are two completely different sports. That makes no sense to me. 

Do you think that the New England Patriots and Tom Brady Can Win A Seventh Super Bowl and where would Tom Brady then stand with the greatest athletes of all-time?

I hate to say this because I can’t stand the Patriots but as long as TB is in New England with Coach Belichick, they’re going to be contenders. 

What was the last movie that you saw? 

Green Book. Amazing movie! A must-see! 

Thanks Elias for the chat.

                               The last hurdle in the direction of reaching the 2019 NBBL Top 4 in Jena has arrived as usual a lot of the known big name teams are close to getting back to winning the title like powerhouse Alba Berlin who are defending champions, 2017 NBBL champion FC Bayern Munich as well as past winner Breitengussbach and the always dangerous IBAM that produced current Stanford(NCAA) standout Oscar Da Silva. Then there is also Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners that belong to the top youth programs having won the JBBL(U-16) title in 2016 and last reached the NBBL final in 2015 losing to FC Bayern Munich. This season they are stocked again with overwhelming talent like their two athletic wing players Len Schoormann and Maxi Begue that fly to the rim with ease the way birds do knowing when it´s time to fly south for the winter. But before they could book their ticket to the NBBL top 4 in Jena, they had to get past the always tough AB Baskets from Berlin. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners had an easy time in the first round of the playoffs with the Piraten Hamburg sweeping them smoothly averaging 94 points in the series on the offensive end and allowing only 51 points on the defensive end improving their season average of 57 points. The AB Baskets came into the quarterfinal series having had a solid regular season where they swept defending champions Alba Berlin and in the first round of the playoffs disposed of the Metro Baskets Ruhr with little difficulty. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners had home court advantage and came into game one confident, poised and ready for battle, but surely didn´t expect such a tough fight as the AB Baskets stole game one 87-81 and can wrap the series next weekend at home to reach the NBBL Top 4 in Jena. The AB Baskets played a spirited game with a lot of intensity and just never backed down in any situations against Frankfurt and exploded with emotions at the buzzer as if they had won the 2019 NBBL title. After the game AB Baskets top German player Max Stolzel who produced only 8 points, but made big plays in crunch-time was thrilled about the huge win and also comical. “One can classify this win as an upset. We have had these type of wins this season as we also beat Alba Berlin twice. Our coaches did a very good job scouting. Frankfurt gave us problems in the first half, but we played a lot better in the second half. At the end anyone could of won. There were two talented teams and we just had more luck hitting shots. I really like the Frankfurt team, but they have many young players and have two more years time. We have many guys leaving so please let us get to the top 4 this year”, smiled Max Stolzel. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners seemed shocked as the buzzer sounded as they surely never dreamed that they would lose this game, but they didn´t have a good day. Their defense wasn´t their old self as they gave up 30 points more than their season game average and their other strength press wasn´t used the way they would have liked. “We started well, but then let up. We didn´t play well against their offense. They wanted it more than we did”, warned Len Schoormann.

                Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners started off well, but the AB Baskets found their rhythm in the latter part of the first quarter and trailed Frankfurt only by 6 points after 10 minutes. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners got going quickly hitting the AB Baskets for a 11-1 run. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners did a great job attacking the boards and beating the guests with their game as they were the fifth best rebounding team in the NBBL. Ex Cologne youth player Jordan Samare scored twice, 16 year old ex BC Darmstadt guard Len Schoormann dropped a trey and captain Alvin Onyia made a steal and went coast to coast for the basket. The rapid start by Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners was nothing new for them as they had had leads like this all season long. Frankfurt had a good rhythm and played their usual aggressive defense and especially Leon Pullen played excellent defense on guys like Leonard Hampl who had some inches and kilos more. The AB Baskets finally got their first field goal at the 5,55 minute mark from 19 year old 187cm point guard Laszlo Cavalar. Frankfurt then struck as ex BC Darmstadt guard Maxi Begue scored with a lay in for the 13-3 advantage. But the AB Baskets finally got their ball movement going and hit some big shots as well as eluding their press.  Cavalar nailed another trey as did 18 year old German Ben Post who prefers the mid distance shot, but hurt Frankfurt on this afternoon with his trey as Frankfurt suddenly led only 15-11. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners got some big three point production from Schoormann and from captain Alvin Onyia who isn´t known for his outside shooting coming in at 19%, but drilled one home. But the AB Baskets matched Frankfurt´s precision shooting as Post had the hot hand and nailed two more, but Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners led 25-19 after one quarter. “We played our game well at the start and gave gas, but then just let up”, stressed Len Schoormann. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners shot 47% from the field and 57% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the AB Baskets shot 43% from the field and 50% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

                The AB Baskets began the second quarter strong getting their first lead of the game, but gave it up in the latter part as Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners erased their inconsistency and played a lot better at both ends of the floor stealing the lead back. The AB Baskets spanked Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners with a swift 8-0 run to gain their first lead of the game29-25. The AB Baskets mister everything Max Stolzel wasn´t a factor, but the club had other guys step up like Ben Post who refrained from his three in the run and scored twice in the paint. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners continued to be punished with their lax one on one defense and coughed up the ball while the AB Baskets looked confident and were hitting shots. A three by Schoormann didn´t scare the AB Baskets as they continued to execute and get good contribution from their bench from the Friederici twins. Athletic shooting guard Marc Friederici hit a trey and made a steal and went coast to coast for the lay in and 34-28 advantage. Basketball will always be a game of runs and Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners then demonstrated it best going on a swift offensive frenzy going on a 11-0 run to retake the lead 39-34. In the run, they got vital production from Maxi Begue who used his biggest weapons his mid range and driving game scoring three baskets in a row. Schoormann dropped another trey and Pullen scored in the paint. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners kept the momentum down the stretch getting another bucket from Begue and Schoormann while the AB Baskets got another trey from Marc Friederici and Post lay in. Schoormann had his own heroics as he scored at the buzzer with a lay in as Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners led 49-42. “Our offense was working better. We were playing quicker and getting out on transition better”, stressed Len Schoormann. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners shot 50% from the field and 38% from the three point line and had 21 boards and 5 turnovers while the AB Baskets shot 45% from the field and 44% from the three point line and had 16 boards and 7 turnovers.

                The third quarter was an exciting back and forth battle as there were 6 lead changes, but Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners had the very slim 68-66 advantage after three quarters. The AB Baskets were wide awake and hit Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners with a quick 7-1 run to cut Frankfurt´s lead to only 50-49. The AB Baskets received two quick baskets from their only true big man 202cm German Leonard Hampl and also got a basket from 18 year old German 197cm forward Leonik Wadehn. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners continued to have no cure for their inside defensive woes as the AB Baskets got easy baskets. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners had some fortune going on a mini 4-0 run as Begue made a quick steal at center court and made a hard one handed dunk. That was followed by a trey from 2017 JBBL finalist Calvin Schaum who began his career at TG Hanau lifting Frankfurt to the 57-49 lead. But the AB Baskets offense was flowing and executing as they let the long ball fly and got trey´s from Stolzl and Cavalar while Oniya hit another three, but Frankfurt still led 58-55. Both teams then played trading baskets and leads as Post hit a three which was followed by a Pullen lay in. Schoorman then answered with a massive block on Post which led to a Begue fast break basket and 62-59 Frankfurt lead. But the AB Baskets just continued to chip away and execute as the Friederici twins went on a 5-0 run as Vincent hit a trey and Marc made a floater recapturing the 64-63 lead. Onyia gave Frankfurt the lead back with a coast to coast sprint and lay in only to see that lead erased by a Stolzel off balance shot. Schoormann closed out the third quarter with another basket at the buzzer nailing another three as Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners led 68-66. “They hustled very well and we couldn´t come to terms with that. We were slow on transition and didn´t respect or get on their three point shooters”, added Len Schoormann. “We played good one on one defense and just continued to fight hard”, added Max Stolzel. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners shot 52% from the field and 42% from the parking lot and had 27 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the AB Baskets shot 48% form the field and 46% from the parking lot and had 24 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

                Both clubs gave it a great fight in the fourth quarter, but it was the AB Baskets that simply wanted it more and made the bigger plays and executed better at both ends of the court. It also didn´t help Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners cause getting out on a horrible start diming their confidence and heightening that of the AB Baskets. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners stopped the AB Baskets first two possessions until Wadehn scored to dead lock the game at 68-68, but Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners was stomped on their first 8 possessions, but the AB Baskets couldn´t take better advantage of it except for two buckets. Vincent Friederici made an amazing circus shot for the 70-68 AB Baskets lead. In the first quarter Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners was beating the AB Baskets at their game on the boards and in the first minutes of the fourth quarter the AB Baskets were playing the kind of aggressive consistent defense that Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners couldn´t play on this day. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners finally got their first field goal of the fourth quarter with a Jordan Samare offensive rebound and put back at the 5,18 minute mark. The AB Baskets rolled out on a quick 5-0 run to lead 75-70 as the Friederici twins did damage again as Vincent made free throws and Marc nailed a high rainbow trey. “At about the seven minute mark, we stressed that we wouldn´t loose this game. We left at 9am this morning and weren´t going to lose this game. This could have been the turning point had they made a few trey´s, but lucky for us we went on a run until the end”, stressed Max Stolzel. From this point on the AB Baskets played very smart and always had an answer when Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners threatened. Begue made a runner and Schoormann made three free throws to cut the AB baskets lead to 77-76. The AB Baskets stayed calm and executed their offense well. Hampl made a lay in getting a no look pass form Ben Post for the 80-76 advantage. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners didn´t give up getting a pretty turn around shot from Pullen and Onyia free throw to cut the AB Baskets lead to 80-79. Cavalar then nailed a huge three with 43 seconds remaining for the 83-79 AB Baskets advantage. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners couldn´t execute as the AB Baskets tightened up their defense and just made clutch stops. Schoormann free throws cut the AB Baskets lead to 84-81 with 21 seconds to go. Onyia then missed a trey and Stolzel closed out the game with free throws. “We never panicked. Cavalar made a huge three. We got stops and rebounded well. We were a bit more clever and made our free throws”, stressed Max Stolzel. “It was ok for Onyia to take that shot. Begue and I were closed down. “We didn´t communicate well and couldn´t close out the game. They wanted it more than we did”, stressed Len Schoormann. “I hope we shocked them a bit with the win. They will be very motivated in game two, but so will we. We want to go to Jena”, stressed Max Stolzel. The AB Baskets had 5 guys score in double figures and were led by Ben Post with 19 points. Laszlo Cavalar and Marc Friederici added 14 points a piece and Leonard Hampli, Vincent Freiderici and Max Stolzel added 11 points a piece. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners were led by Len Schoormann with 25 points. Maxi Begue added 19 points and Alvin Onyia contributed 14 points. The AB Baskets shot 45% from the field and 41% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 12 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners shot 43% from the field and 29% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

is a 26 year old 199cm forward that is playing his first season in the easyCredit BBL with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. In the BBL he is averaging 2,8ppg and 1,7rpg and in the Basketball Champions League he averaged 5,1ppg and 2,9rpg. Last season he played with PS Karlsruhe Lions (ProA) averaging 13,9ppg, 5,9rpg, 3,0apg and 1,8spg. Last season as a rookie he played with Vechta (BBL) and the Westchester Knicks (D-League). He was born in South Carolina and grew up in Frankfurt, Germany. He headed back to the states in 2008 and returned in 2016. He played at Pleasant Beach HS an dthen played for three NCAA schools with Rice, Rhode Island and E Kentucky playing a total of 125 games. He had his break out season as a senior at E.Kentucky (NCAA) playing 30 games averaging 17.9ppg, 6.8rpg, 3.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 78.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Jarelle thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and is hanging out at the Rhein river something you will do now when the weather gets warmer?

Hey thanks for interviewing me again I’m currently still in Bonn. I did go to the Rhein river over the weekend since we had great weather

Before we get to your current situation with the Telekom Baskets Bonn, let’s talk about the team’s season. The team is fighting for a playoff spot and competed in the Basketball Champions League this season. How would summarize the season to this stand point?

The season to this stand point has been a rollercoaster just like pretty much every basketball season. Our goals for each competition CL and BBL was to play in the post season which we did in the CL and now we want to accomplish that in the BBL as well

It has been a very interesting season for the club in the easyCredit BBL in that it has been completely up and down. It began the season with a three game winning streak then lost 8 0f 10 games and soon changed coaches. Then you won 9 of 11 games and currently have lost three of four games. You have had injuries, but why do you think has the team not been able to play at a more consistent rate this season?

I think that the league is so competitive and that at any given night anyone can beat anyone. We put down some great months winning a few games in a row and beating good teams. I think other teams had just better performances during certain games which we have to give credit to. Winning 9 of 11 games shows that we can be consistent when we show up focused and ready.

The club had to make a change and said farewell to head coach Predrag Krunic. Did the players lose faith in him during that first big losing streak

No we never lost faith in Predrag. He did a great job while he coached here. Losing streaks are part of Basketball we battled our way back and are now on course for the playoffs

How have you seen the further development of the club under new head coach Chris O’Shea? He has done a fine job making the adjustment from an assistant to a head coach. What have you appreciated most about his coaching style?


Coach Chris been in Bonn for a while and he knows the guys that have been there and has great relationships with everyone in the program. As a coach he pays close attention to details and makes it clear that the little things matter especially on a high level. He gives our guys a lot of freedom on offense but makes sure we bring it on defense as well.

The Telekom Baskets Bonn score a lot of points 86 on average, but also give up 86 points per game. A lot of the games you won were shoot outs. Why has the Bonn defense continued to be a work in progress this season? The club has very athletic and feisty guard defenders with Polas, DiLeo and Mayo. 

Those guys been great just like everyone on our team has been defensively. I think that’s an area we pride ourselves in. There has also been games where we held teams to low scoring. Sometimes the games become up tempo and with good players the scoreboard can run up quick. As long as we get the needed stops towards the end of the game and come up with a win we are all going to be happy.

It is a real dog fight for the last playoff spots as Wurzburg and Ludwigsburg are hanging on and at the playoff doorstep. The club has a tough schedule and the last home game against FC Bayern Munich could be the decider. How confident are you that the team will compete in the playoffs and what will be key to being successful in the last five games on the court?

I have confidence in us that we can make the playoffs as long as we stay focused. During the end of the season everyone is fighting for something and we have to keep doing the things that made us successful over the last months

The next game is against the Fraport Skyliners. They won the first game 83-79. What does it mean for you playing against the organization where you began your career with with Eintracht Frankfurt (2 regionalliga) in 2007. Do you ever wonder how your career would have gone if you would have stayed there a few more years instead of going to New Jersey?

It’s a regular game for me. We played against Frankfurt a few times now. I’m not sure how my career would have gone if I would if stayed in Frankfurt. But that team developed very good players so I’m sure it would also been a positive experience

The Fraport Skyliners have had a poor season and most likely won’t play in the playoffs bearing a miracle. The Telekom Baskets Bonn have another must win. What will be key to coming out with a win?

The key for tomorrow is to make them uncomfortable and take them out of their sets. They are very disciplined on offense and a gritty defensive team so our main goal is it to disrupt them

Let’s talk about your teammates. Josh Mayo is having another solid season and has been lighting it up from outside. He doesn’t always get the respect for his abilities maybe because he hasn’t been able to lead Bonn to a title. How valuable has he been this season for the team and will he ever get the deserved respect in the BBL?

Josh been great I think he got the respect he deserves from the players He’s very valuable with his shooting and his leadership

One of the big stories has been German Martin Breunig who has had his break out season after Charles Jackson was injured. What have you been able to appreciate most about his game and what do you feel has been most key in him having consistent success?

Martin is a guy who brings it every time with his finishing but also his passing has been great for us. I believe he’s always been that good he just took advantage of his opportunity with Charles having to sit out so long

The club recently got ex Euroleague player Nate Linhart who is as versatile as they get in the basketball business. What have you been able to soak up from his game in the short time that he has been there?

Just his feel for the game. Nate does so many little things that help our team win but his play making ability and basketball iq is what I soaked up the most while he’s been here

Let’s talk about your game. After a great season in the Pro A, you have struggled to get minutes averaging only 9,1 per game in the easyCredit BBL. How tough has this season been for you mentally?

It’s been tough not playing or having the role you want to have. But I think I improved a lot and I was able to show it the times I played a little longer. I understand it’s a process. I learned so much this season and I can’t wait to show it in the future

With what kind of expectations did you come into your first BBL season? Were they higher than the number of minutes that you have received?

I didn’t really have any expectations. I just wanted to come in early work hard and prove myself.

You have been efficient in some games like scoring 14 points against Bremerhaven and 8 points against Ludwigsburg. You have made the most of your chances in many games, but that didn’t help you get better minutes later. Obviously the team is stocked with talent, but do you at times feel like you haven’t got a fair chance of being able to play more minutes?

Like you said we have a lot of great players on our team. I did get my chances to play more and even start, I believe that I took advantage of the times where I did play more

How much of a learning experience has this season been for you. Despite the limited minutes, what positives have you been able to take from this season in your development?

I think I developed a lot physically. Our athletic trainer Yorgo does a great job. I did a lot of extra work with him after practice.

You averaged 15 minutes in the Basketball Champions league averaging 5,1ppg and 2,9rpg and have played very well. What kind of an experience has it been playing international club basketball and how has it helped your game most?

It was a great experience traveling around Europe and playing other good teams. I think just getting more playing time on that level improved my game a lot. There’s a difference playing in the Pro A and playing internationally

You have stated in a past interview with me that you always have a chip on your shoulder. After reaching a top league like the easyCredit BBl, does it make it easier to lessen the chip or do you have that phrase ‘once a chip always a chip’ in your thinking?

Yea that chip will always stay there. You can always improve and want more no matter how high you get. I’m in the first league now and I have new goals I want to reach and yes that chip is there

Please name your five best teammates of all-time including school and pro’s?

All my teammates are great I can’t just pick 5 everyone was special in their own way

Damien Lillard hit a crazy three sending the Oklahoma Thunder home. Why can’t Russell Westbrook lead his team to more success in the post season?

Damien was unbelievable all series and they couldn’t stop him

What was your reaction when you heard that Lebron James named himself the greatest of all-time?

Lebron has the right to say that after all that he accomplished

Charles Barkley recently proclaimed that Tom Brady Is more of a GOAT than Michael Jordan. Do you share his opinion?

No comment MJ is the goat

When all is said and done do you feel like Luka Doncic could become one of the greatest Europeans to ever ball in the NBA or will it be hard to surpass Dirk Nowitzki?

I think it’s hard to pass Dirk. He set the bar high but nothing is impossible

What was the last movie that you saw?

Walk Hard.

Thanks Jarelle for the chat.

Some habits and desires never change ove rthe years as somehow one will always love eating a hot dog at the ball park with all the works or remembering that first poster with that super model on the bed room or even getting autographs which tends to be a man thing. I remember getting my first NBA team the Houston Rockets during the 81 finals against the Boston Celtics and showing everyone at school the next day my crumpled piece of paper with Moses Malone´s signature. Getting athletes autographs became a huge hobby in the 80´s for me, but died down near the end of the decade and didn´t get reborn again for some reason again in 2012-2103 when I returned home for a visit to Boston. Since being involved with professional basketball for more than 15 years, seeing those professional players in Germany and having dealings with ex NBA players every so often, that autograph bug in me got hungry again. The hotel choices of the NBA teams had changed since back in the day, but I had the chance that short visit to relive encounters with two ex easyCredit players Brian Roberts who had made the jump from Bamberg to New Orleans and PJ Tucker from Bamberg to the Phoenix Suns. Brian Roberts even greeted me with the surprised phrase “what are you doing here”? I had interviewed Roberts some years earlier when he was leading Bamberg to BBL titles. I also met up with Tucker who remembered me from an Allstar encounter in Ludwigsburg in 2012. So what do these stories have to do with Maurice Ndour? Well when I was checking the Eurocup rosters of the Fraport Skyliners opponents this season, I was pleased to see the name of Maurice Nndour a guy I had seen a few years earlier in Boston when he had played for the New York Knicks. Usually it was ex BBL players that had gone to the NBA that I had seen again, but now I had this opportunity of seeing an NBA player again after he had returned to Europe. I also had that one experience when I got 2012 NCAA champion with Kentucky Darius Miller´s autograph in his rookie season with the Pelicans, then covered him in Germany when he was with Brose Bamberg and interviewed him in Germany and then saw him again this season back in the NBA. Now back to Maurice Ndour. I´ll never forget that late afternoon waiting for the Knicks to depart. As is often the case, the stars with Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Rose, Kristaps Porzingas and Joakim Noah went in a straight line to the bus not even hesitating to make the effort to turn their heads to the horde of autograph seekers hanging out behind the security belt. Even if Melo didn´t make a lasting impression on me in terms of his willingness to stop for a few seconds and sign for me, his play on the court definitely did for Ndour. “Melo is one of the greatest players the game has seen and he is even a better person. If you know me, you know I like to challenge myself and I don’t never back down. So one time we were on our east coast trip about to play the Golden State Warriors the next day and I challenged him up on a one on one. He beats me 7 to 2 and trust me during that whole time, he probably took 2 dribbles the most. He is one of the toughest players to guard especially on that low post, you are on an island with him”, stressed Maurice Ndour. II didn´t get any of the stars autographs, but had to settle for guys like Courtney Lee, Lance Thomas, and Kyle O´Quinn. Heck even two time NBA champion Sasha Vujacic who was about to step on the bus stopped and decided to come over as fans politely asked him to do so. Oh yes and then there was a tall guy with a salad in his hand who even bent down so he could fit into my selfie. His name was Maurice Ndour. I was so excited to see him again in Frankfurt and hand him our selfie and ask for his reaction. Unfortunately our new meeting would never happen as he didn´t make the trip due to an injury with his team Unics Kazan. I did get to interview him later when he was back in Russia, but just never got to meet him again in person. He played for two great addresses in his first two professional seasons with Real Madrid and the New York Knicks, but got lost in the mix, but with Unics Kazan now he is finally able to get minutes and feel wanted in the success of the team.

                Maurice Ndour is a 26 year old 206cm forward that was born in Sindia, Senegal and grew up in Mbour, Senegal playing football and basketball. He spent a good part of his young life in his home land Senegal, but then as a teenager got the rare opportunity to experience a total different lifestyle moving to Japan. He would live in Okayama which is about 100 kilometers north of Fukuyama. He would attend Okayama Gakugeikan high school and got to experience a new culture and lifestyle that very few Africans do. The ex NBA player still raves about his young teenager days in the far east. “They said the greatest gift you can give yourself, is the gift of traveling. Japan is like a second home to me. It helped me develop so much as a person and a basketball player than any other places I’ve lived so far. It was very important. I think it was the turning point of me believing that I could definitely play basketball professional. And as a person, the country has taught me what it really means to take care of one’s environment, to respect others, to always work hard and to never give up”, stressed Maurice Ndour. Even though he was an interesting young prospect, the African didn´t land in the NCAA right away and had to pay his dues first at junior college. He attended Monroe Coll. (JUCO) in New York City and got his first taste of basketball in North America. After his first season in 2012, he would only be 4 years away form the NBA via Real Madrid. If someone had told him in the summer of 2012 that four years later, he would be playing against the best players in the world and having daily conversation with Carmelo Anthony, he probably would of thought you were insane. “It would almost be unbelievable, but I had to see it for myself to believe it and back then I didn’t see myself playing at that level yet”,added Maurice Ndour. He was able to set his mark in the JUCO and was rewarded with playing in the NCAA in 2013 until 2015 with Ohio (NCAA) playing a total of 63 NCAA games. In his junior season, he played 34 games averaging  

13.8ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.6apg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 74.0%. In his senior season he was able to improve his points, rebounds and blocking as he played 29 games averaging 16.1ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, 2.1bpg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 45.6%, FT: 77.9%. He remembers one game in particular where he blasted Buffalo for 31 points in a tight 63-61 win. “ We always had a tough battle against Buffalo but that game was one to remember. We won it by a touchdown pass from Antonio Campbell to me and I just turned around it and dunked the ball. It was incredible”, stressed Maurice Ndour. He will also never forget the one on one battles with Campbell in practices. “I think I had the upper hand back then probably due to him being young but if we had to do it now, I think it would be a fair fight, that kid is talented”, warned Maurice Ndour. In his senior season he scored in double figures in 25 games and registered 10 double doubles. He closed out his NCAA career in fine fashion as he averaged 25 points in his last four college games. He played at Ohio for only two seasons, but despite playing for two different coaches with Jim and Saul Christian, he was able to develop well and become the professional player that he is today. “It always hard to spend two years with two different coaches but I think they both prepared me for the future. Not only did they believe in me and put the ball in my hands a lot, they helped me understand the game and worked with me individually. I remember my first time on campus during the summer and Coach Jim Christian used to make me come early morning to do some individual workout with him before going to class. He was really hands on and available to the players”, stressed Maurice Ndour. He made the All-MAC 2nd Team in 2014 and 2015.

Before turning professional in 2015, he was already was able to compete against the best players in the world as he participated at the 2014 World Cup for Senegal playing 6 games averaging 5.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 23.1%, FT: 75.0%. His best game was scoring 13 points against the Philippines. In 2015 after leaving Ohio(NCAA), he played at the well known Portsmouth Invitational Tournament playing 3 games averaging 4.0ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.3 bpg, FGP: 30.0% and then played at the NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas for the New York Knicks playing 5 games averaging 9.6ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.0spg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 51.2%. He left a fine impression in Las Vegas and was signed by the Dallas Mavericks. He played pre-season for them, but had some major misfortune injuring his left knee and getting waived. After a few months of soul searching, he had to realize that the NBA was still a step too early, but what young 23 year olds can boast that they played their professional rookie season with Real Madrid one of the best clubs in the world. Ndour signed with Real Madrid in December 2015 and it would become an incredible challenging season filled with hardships. He came in mid season that was packed with incredible talent at every position and he found himself playing only 12 ACB games averaging 2.3ppg, 1.8rpg, and played 6 Euroleague games averaging 1.7ppg, 1.2rpg. Despite having such a tough rookie season, he stayed 100% professional and still was able to find positives from his rookie campaign. “I don’t think I have ever been that gloomy in my career. First time in Europe, playing for one of the best team’s and I didn’t really know what to expect. It was a struggle. I almost looked like I didn’t know how to play basketball. I was doubting myself and couldn’t really get the hang of playing basketball European style. Despite the fact that it didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to be, I was grateful. I quickly learned what it meant to be a professional, to always come in to work regardless of the situation and what you are going through, to have a strong mentality so you don’t get broken or frustrated. It’s never easy but after a while it becomes second nature, you learn to cope. I really appreciated the fact that they let me grow as a rookie and as a person. Being in different situations and getting out of my comfort zone is something that I always had to do and that I really value. I think it would be way different now, if I ever have a chance to wear Madrid’s jersey again”, warned Maurice Ndour. The African was able to get support from everyone on his team including top Euroleague player Trey Thompkins who battled against him every day at his position. “It always nice to have somebody that you can talk to and obviously that had more experience than me playing in Europe. So definitely he was a big help during my time in Madrid and so was everybody really”, added Maurice Ndour. Besides living in an amazing city, and playing against top competition every weekend, he also had the pleasure of witnessing the very early development of basketball wonder boy Luka Doncic. “He is such a joy to watch. I mean back then he showed flashes of what he could do and almost every time he had the ball in his hands, he will make the crowd go wow. I have witnessed him making defenders fall, making tough circus shots”, added Maurice Ndour.

After getting that first taste in Europe with Real Madrid, he made the trek back over the pond and split his sophomore professional season between the New York Knicks and G-League team Westchester. He showed his high basketball class with the Westchester Knicks playing 18 games averaging 14.7ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 77.9%. He scored in double figures in 13 games and had three double doubles. His best scoring games were against Eire Bay with 27 points and 26 points against Grand Rapids. He also got his chance with the New York Knicks playing 32 games averaging 3.1ppg, 2.0rpg. His best games in the NBA was a 15 and 8 effort against the Memphis Grizzlies and a 13 and 12 game against the Chicago Bulls. “I think both games were amazing. In Memphis I started the quarter really hot scoring the first 8 points of the Knicks but I think against Chicago was more memorable simply because we won the game and my mother was there to see me play. So that was cool”, stressed Maurice Ndour. He got his feet wet in the competitive NBA and if he ever gets through the door, he will be ready for new challenges and knows that what he learned the first time around will help him the second time around. “It’s not easy being on a team and not playing much but if there is one thing that I took from that experience is that you always have to stay ready so you don’t have to be ready. You could get subbed in at any given moment and that can just be the chance that you have been waiting for, you have to cease the moment. I think any organization where there is a lot of money involved, is going to be about business first. A team might play somebody who is less talented than you but they pay him more money than you do so of course he will get more minutes, that’s just business and you can’t get caught up with that”, warned Maurice Ndour. He also wouldn´t mind battling against James Harden a second time around since he was his toughest cover and demonstrate what he had learned in Europe after his first tour of duty in the NBA. “James Harden is the first name that comes to mind. We played them in preseason when I was with Dallas back in 2015. My length speed and quickness was no match to him. He made tough shot after tough shot”, warned Maurice Ndour.

Ndour who has the legendary Bill Russell on his personal NBA Mt Rushmore returned to Europe in 2017 and chose the lifestyle and the cold winters of Russia suiting up for Unics Kazan (Russia-VTB). He played in the second best European international club league Eurocup and top league VTB. In the VTB, he played 22 games averaging 10.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 68.8%, 3PT-3(50.0%), FT: 86.4%. He scored in double figures in 11 games and had two great games against N Novgorod with 30 and 24 points. He played 12 Eurocup games averaging 5.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.2%. He had a 11 point seven rebound effort against top Turkish club Darussafaka. He had a solid season in Russia reaching the Eurocup quarterfinals and VTB Final 4. “I think my season highlight was in the playoffs against Nizhny Novgorid. We played a tough game on their court and we battled all the way to the end and came with the last shot to win the game on an offensive rebound fade away shot by Melvin Ejim, it really showed our character”, added Maurice Ndour. After having only a few professional seasons under his belt, the African already can name his personal favorite starting five of teamamtes with Drimir Ferguson , Jaycee Carroll, Luka Doncic, Andrei Nocioni «El Chapu” and Hamady Ndiaye decided to remain with Unics Kazan. There is also a very plausible reason why he did. Why get into another situation where he won´t be playing and contributing when he can stay put with Unics Kazan. “It’s just the fact that I am playing compared to when I was in Madrid or New York. I think being able to play and being a part of the team’s success, has made Unics Kazan special”, stressed Maurice Ndour.

This season Ndour and Unics Kazan have been enjoying continued success as the club continues to belong to the top teams in the VTB league and currently in second place behind the mighty CSKA Moscow with a record of 20-5. They reached the semi-finals of the Eurocup losing to eventual winner Valencia. The African describes what the secret to the success of the club has been. “I think the talent is here, no doubt about it but what makes us so special is that we almost had everybody back from last year and we had the same coach so there were no adjustments period. We are all familiar with the system and above all, I think we defend and play as a team, we move the ball pretty well and anybody on our team can pretty much read the game and make a play”, added Maurice Ndour. It also helped the team dramatically that they were able to add two great players with Pierra Henry and Erick Mccollum who could make the difference between a title and not. “I think Henry has been a great addition, one of the most selfless point guards I know. He has the ability to make unbelievable plays and get his teammates shots. Eric is not new to the European scene. I think he established himself winning a Eurocup and Eurocup mvp so his experience and scoring ability will definitely be needed for our team”, warned Maurice Ndour. Despite battling some injuries, his stats have been solid as in the VTB he is averaging 10,7ppg, 4,5rpg,and 1,3bpg while in the Eurocup he averaged 9,6ppg, 4,2rpg, 1,1spg and 1,2bpg. He has benefited greatly from daily duels with ex easyCredit BBL MVP Raymar Morgan who has been a force where-ever he has played in his career. “He got the skills of a point guard in a big man frame. I have been impressed with how he plays with his back on the basket. I like competing with him“, warned Maurice Ndour. Seasons. Maybe their paths will cross again in Europe or in the NBA, but for now the African big man is happy to finally be playing again and being in a situation where he can help and be a factor in the success of a team something he couldn´t do in Madrid or New York.