A few weeks ago the odds of the Dragons Rhondorf to remain in the German Pro B were minimal and about as possible as it is for NBA veteran Jamal Crawford to make another 51 point game in his career, but the club wasn´t totally down and out, but needed to play their best basketball as well as get a lot of help from the other teams to slow down Wurzburg. In that time the Dragons Rhondorf were alive and kicking and finally got some good production from more German guys like Bo Meister and the team seemed to have found their overall rhythm. Their two imports Zygimantas Riauka and Kwam Waller had carried them the whole season and now all of a sudden you had that third and fourth scoring option pull through and suddenly the club was having that long awaited success.  Better late than never? That is a fine phrase that you can use in many occasions, but the way the Dragons Rhondorf season went, that better late than never phrase should have come a few months earlier and if it had, the reality of their season and their future would most likely have looked a lot different. The Dragons Rhondorf season was alive and kicking on March 13^th, but now in mid April and the playdowns having ended, they are finished and have been trampled on. Had they won in Coburg instead of losing 99-90, then there season may have looked a lot different, but in hindsight Wurzburg did win the games they needed to. The last game in Coburg is one that top Pro B big man Zygimantas Riauka doesn´t look back fondly at. “We had some injuries going into the game with Kwam Waller being out and Julian Jasinski got kicked out. The officiating wasn´t in our favor. I grab the offensive rebound after being held down and I get called for the offensive foul. It was no fun playing in that game. We did what we could. We had many tough calls. We wanted to finish the season with a two game winning streak and did. Unfortunately  we couldn´t gather more winning streaks during the regular season. The RheinStars didn´t help us either”, stressed Zygimantas Riauka. After 20 years of competing in the second Bundesliga, the Dragons Rhondorf say farewell for now. It was a season to forget and there were substantial reasons why the club won´t be playing in Frankfurt next season, but in smaller locations like in Langen.

                The first big obstacles that the Dragons Rhondorf had to contend with was not only losing their top player Kameron Taylor, but losing three vital German players with Viktor Frankl-Maus, Thomas Michel and Valentin Blass. This was something they had to accept going into the season but never recovered from as it put them into a hole right away as that usual consistency was not being compensated by the other German players. That was a huge problem that kind of accompanied the Dragons Rhondorf all season long and in a way affected them on the court as well as mentally even if nobody really wanted to admit it. The season was a tale of two as one had the awful regular season, but then was rewarded at the end with a positive 4-2 playdowns record, but then again punished as it wasn´t enough. After the last home win of the season over the RheinStars one could see that Zygimantas Riauka was super proud of how his team performed in the playdowns and in the last win, but that overall concern for the future wasn´t there mainly because he will be moving on to possibly a top Pro B team or even pro A team or to bigger and better things in another country. Riauka left it all on the court each night and did all possible to put the team in a winning position each night. Even if the club will move down, the organization was enriched by his positive attitude and special character that rubbed off on everyone and his role model features were felt every time he was on or off the court. He reflected as best he could about the tough season. “We had an awful start and guys were being sent home. We struggled with finding our identity. The young guys then finally figured it out how to get wins. But when that did happen it was unfortunately too late”, stressed Zygimantas Riauka.

                The first problem right at the start was that the two young imports Raekwon Miller and Joe Mvuezolo were let go before mid October and  as other teams were finding a quick rhythm like Leverkusen, Schwenningen and Frankfurt, the Dragons Rhondorf seemed like they had to start all over as they had to look for new players and work on getting that team chemistry right which never did happen. Miller had been a very solid NCAA player at UNC Asheville, but a young rookie. It didn´t help that he was hurt and also had personal problems he had to deal with at home. He left after two games and Mvuezolo lasted only one game more and has bounced around his rookie season having played in Austria and currently with his second team in England with Surrey where he currently is averaging 7,6ppg, 4,5rpg and 1,2apg. Sometimes it just takes longer for players to get adjusted to the professional ranks. Perhaps it would have been more clever to have picked up two guys with more professional experience, but often it is like playing the slot machines as finding the right player for the right price and what you have in your budget is easier said than done. “Miller was a good competitor and a good guy. He had that killer mentality and we missed having that when he was gone. Mvuezolo was also a good guy, but was young. It just didn´t fit”, stressed Zygimantas Riauka. Kwam Waller was brought in and he proved that he was worth every penny as he was consistent and filled the stat sheet like a Russell Westbrook. A Waller and Riauka can only do so much, but if they combine for 60 points, but the rest of the 10 players muster only 9 points then you could end up losing more games then you want to. Anish Sharda also came in, but very much later. He had his moments, but didn´t score as much as the club would have liked. But he stepped it up in the playdowns also a bit too late.

                Two very important ingredients that Pro B teams need to be successful is to have very strong imports and very solid German role players. The Bayer Giants Leverkusen were a good example of having top import players Ron Mvouika and Nick Hornsby, and had very potent German players with Tim Schonborn, Alexander Blessig, Dennis Heinzmann and Marian Schick. The Dragons Rhondorf had talented German players, but youth and inexperience played a huge part for them not bringing the consistency and production that a Frank-Maus, Michel and Blass would have brought to the table. The organization had some talented guys like Julian Jasinski who has 26 BBL games and 10 Basketball Champions League games on his resume, Bo Meister who had gotten BBL experience with Bremerhaven, Yannik Kneesch who had years of Pro B experience with Speyer and Rhondorf and big body Alex Moeller who also had BBL and Basketball Champions League experience. Of the lot, Jasinski brought most of the production, energy and flair, but he also missed important games due to injury and games with BBL team Telekom Baskets Bonn due to his double license. Alex Moeller couldn´t improve his stats really and Kneesch upped his scoring a bit. Meister was solid with 7,2ppg, but all in all, the latter three just didn´t bring the consistency and what really hurt the team was that third and sometimes fourth scorer in double figures was missing on many occasions. The best example was in the playdowns where they lost to the RheinStars and only 9 points of the 68 points was scored by the team that wasn´t named Riauka or Waller. One couldn´t rely on consistent production from David Falkenstein and Joachim Koschade simply because they hadn´t had much Pro B experience. Falkenstein had his share of good moments giving the team energy and points, but one has to tip their hat to captain Koschade. A few years ago he had been playing Oberliga in Baesweiler and then came to Rhondorf getting a huge chance. Last season he averaged 0,7ppg and this season upped it to 5,3ppg. He definitely was the clubs most improved player. A guy that didn´t have the most talent on the squad, but definitely the biggest heart. Two other Germans who came on strong late in the season were 34 year old Lotola Otshume and the young buck Karl Dia. These guys made huge strides and made the most of their minutes. “No one really knew how to play with each other. A big problem was that when the players gelled, we lost players and then we had to start all over again which took it´s time to gel again”, stressed Zygimantas Riauka.

                The other major problem was the team defense. It was rated dead last in the Pro B at 24th giving up an average of 81,9 points per game. The team gave up 80 points plus 15 times. A big problem was that even when they were able to defend a little better, they still lost because they couldn´t put up enough points on the board. In seven games, they gave up between 70-80 points, but still lost. They finally put it together a bit more on the defensive end at the end of the season holding Wurzburg to 61 points in the last regular season game and in the playdowns had consistent outings against Coburg giving up 71 points and in the last game in the win against the RheinStars with 75 points. You don´t need the most talent when defending, but just have intensity and the will to want to stop your defender. The team had some very feisty and consistent defenders with Zygimantas Riauka who swatted away 1,4 balls per game and had 1,3spg. Kwam Waller was the leader on defense with 3,5spg and was a force making big plays on defense that led to transition points, but unfortunately his stellar play didn´t infect the other teammates. The other top defender was captain Joe Koschade who never gave up on a play. Even if he got beat on a play, he would return on the next play and erase his past mistake with a hustle play. He was not only the type of defender every coach dies for, but the character and mentality guy that the Dragons Rhondorf could have had a few more copies of. The two biggest sore points were the easy points allowed in the paint and just keeping your man in check as the one on one defense was often nonexistent. “We got beat a lot. Our help defense wasn´t very good, but it got a lot better in the last games. We had problems shutting down three point shooting teams no matter how bad they were”, stressed Zygimantas Riauka.

                Of course there were some good points in the season. The biggest and most exciting win was the 88-87 victory at home against the Lowen, where the Dragons Rhondorf stopped their last possession as the last 14 seconds felt like a few minutes as the guests had five chances, but couldn´t get the winning bucket. Other high points of the  season was having another top player in the Pro B for the third year in a row with Zygimantas Riauka who followed Kameron Taylor and Aaron Nelson. The continued development of captain Joe Koschade was refreshing and the capping of the end of the season with a 4-2 playdown record and winning three of the last four games. “The playdowns were great. We had team chemistry, everybody played their roles, and everybody sacrificed. It was fun playing together in this time. I will miss it”, stressed Zygimantas Riauka. So what is next for the Dragons Rhondorf? They will compete in the tough Regionalliga west. Of course the goal has to be to return after a season back to the Pro B. But that won´t be easy. The Regionalliga west is a very competitive league with some very traditional teams like Herten, Dorsten and Recklingshausen that all have Pro B experience as well as other strong teams like the two clubs from Hagen with BG Hagen and Hagen-Haspe or teams like Dortmund, Herford and Grevenbroich. It definitely won´t be a boring season for the Dragons Rhondorf, but one where they will have to be ready for. The question will be what route will they go? Will they concentrate on getting many EU players to force more of a return or concentrate on German players with a mix of an American and a few EU players. There is so much tradition with the Dragons Rhondorf, that the organization will work extra hard to construct a winning culture. CEO Alex Dohms is back on board after taking a short absence in the season. He is very motivated and focused to get the organization back on track. Zygimantas Riauka won´t be back next season, but is confident that the Dragons Rhondorf have a healthy future ahead of them. “They are a great organization with a great past. I hope that they will be able to gather themselves and see the big picture and continue to develop German players and grind themselves back to the Pro B where they belong”, warned Zygimantas Riauka.  The Dragons Rhondorf were alive and kicking ending the season with a 2 game winning streak and had only two all season long and they occurred in the playdowns. They may be done now after getting Trampled on all season long, but at least they ended the season in the playdowns alive and kicking with their much improved play. They will start the new Regionalliga season alive and kicking and give it their best because the Regionalliga west won´t be a cake walk and they will need all the energy to keep kicking. So they can be a top team and be alive at the end of the season and be ready to move back to where they belong in the Pro B.

Shaquille Hines is a 26 year old 203cm forward from Chicago, Illinois playing his third professional season and first with the Basketball Loewen Braunschweig (Germany-BBL) currently averaging 7,1ppg and 3,9rpg. He began this season with Yulon Luxgen (Taiwan-SBL) and last season played with ASA Koroivos Amaliadas (Greece-A1) playing 26 games averaging 10.0ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 71.4%. In his rookie season he played for Boras Basket (Sweden-Basketligan) playing 33 games averaging 11.2ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 75.3%. He began his career at UTRGV (NCAA) in 2012 and played 122 NCAA games in a four year span and as a senior played 30 games averaging 13.9ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 74.4%. He recently spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball

Shaquille thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Your playing your first season in Germany with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. What kind of experience has it been for you playing for a surprisingly successful team?

My experience here in the BBL with Braunschweig has been great so far. I like it a lot here ,it took me a while to get adjusted with the team but now I’m more comfortable than ever. Every one plays their role and I think That’s why we have been successful.

What has been your impression of the easyCredit BBL? Last season you played in the competitive Greek League that has 4-5 very strong teams. Would you say the overall competitive level of the teams in Germany is higher than in Greece?

Playing in the BBL has been very competitive I think that’s the biggest difference from the Greek league. Is that every team from top to bottom is very competitive

It has been a roller coaster ride for the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. You started off with a five game losing streak, then won nine of ten games, but then lost five of six games. Three of those loses were tight games. What did the club get away from in the last month that has caused them to lose more games?

Yes the season has been a roller coaster especially over the last 6 games. We went away from being completely locked in defensively I think, but every team in the league is good and are capable of beating each other on a good night.

The club will have to look very far back to see if they ever beat Alba Berlin and Bamberg in one season. The Bamberg win was huge, but what did the Alba Berlin victory mean to the team?

Yes those wins was vs Bamberg and Berlin were huge. We played great defensively those games. That game was great as a basketball player you live for games like that. We were excited after beating them

It would be huge if the Braunschweig could make the playoffs again. The league is tight and competitive. What do you feel will be most key for the team making the playoffs?

The key for us to make playoffs is to protect home court and get back locked-in on defense

Let’s talk about your teammates. How much of a pleasure has it been playing with Deandre Lansdowne? Where would the team be now if he wasn’t on board?

My teammates are great. We all bring something to the table that helps us win games. But Dre is great and he’s a PROFESSIONA.L I learned a lot from over this short time on how he approaches everything. We definitely wouldn’t be where we are with our him

Deandre Lansdowne came from the Pro B and has become a top easyCredit BBL player. His journey proves that guys playing in D-2 can make it to the top. Do you feel his chip on his shoulder still there now as he is enjoying success in Germany?

Yes the Dre story and grind is tremendous. But yes I think he still has a chip on his shoulder as we all do. As a basketball player you never want to get to high and never too low.

You have seen many great centers in Germany, but where do you rank Scott Eatherton? Is he behind Giessen’s John Bryant or do you see him as the best center in the league? 

For me I will say Scott is number 1, I’m bias because he is my teammate but he’s great he’s a work horse on the court. He’s so skilled and has great hands with a great touch. He is also a great teammate.

How much of a pleasure has it been being teammates with German Christian Sengfelder? How beneficial was him having an NCAA career helping him be the player he is now?

Christian has been great so far. playing NCAA has helped him a lot. He played against great competition and many pros during his time in college and that has prepared him for now.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 203cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit that description?


I would compare myself to Luol Deng in his prime. I’m trying become a Jimmy Butler type player now That’s a hard question for me to answer lol

Talk a little about your strengths as a player and how your game has developed in Europe via your stops in Sweden and Greece? 

My strengths are that I am versatile. I am able to do many things on the court. I can guard and play multiple positions on the court

You have never shot under 38% from outside in a season as a professional. How confident are you that you could become a 40% shooter as a professional? 

I am very confident that I will become a 40 percent shooter. I work so hard towards it. I just have to take smarter shots

On what things are you working on most this season so you can continue to develop in a good way as a professional basketball player?


The things I’m working on the most this season is my shot. I want to become a 40 percent shooter and also my ability to drive and attack the basket and make plays for others

Last season you played with ASA Koroivos Amaliadas (Greece-A) playing 26 games averaging 10.0ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 71.4%. How important was your second professional season. You proved coming form the weaker Swedish league that you could make an impact in Greece. How did your game grow most last season? 

Last season in Greece I was determined to show that I can play at a top level I had to prove that too myself and I was up for the challenge I was focused and I worked hard that year to have a good season individually. My game grew just from the experience, experience is the best teacher

You played twice against top Euroleague teams Olympiakos and Panathinaikos getting crushed each time. You did have a strong 16 point 8 rebound game against the latter. What memories will you always have of playing against the two best teams in Greece? 

My experience from playing against Olympiakos and Panathinaikos was great those are the teams and level I one day want to play for. I will always have the memory that I played well individually against both clubs. That’s good for my confidence.

You were teammates with Kevin Langford. Do you remember ever hearing any stories about his brother Keith Langford who was an Euroleague star in Europe for many years? 

Yes Kevin Langford was a teammate of mine and I heard about his brother quite often while he was with us. His brother is a euro league legend is what I was told lol

In the summer of 2017 you played NBA Summer League with the Oklahoma Thunder. What kind of experience was this and which teammates and opponents impressed you the most?

Playing with the OKC summer league team was great. I enjoyed every minute of it. I learned so much in a short period of time. Domantas Sabonis was very impressive and he was so skilled and strong and athletic. Great guy as well

As a rookie you played for Boras Basket (Sweden-Basketligan) playing 33 games averaging 11.2ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 75.3%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you were very far away from home? 

As a rookie is Sweden my wake up call was the time difference not being to talk to your family on the regular basis.

What memories do you have of Swedish teammate Christian Maraker? How key was he for introducing you to the European game and what could you soak up from him most? 

Christian Maraker was a great player and teammate. I learned a lot from him as well. He was very smart. He invested in things to take care of his body, he ate healthy all time. Those are the main things I took with me

You played four years at UTRGV (NCAA) from 2012-2016 playing a total of 122 games. You were very consistent in your last three years. What were you fondest memories there? 

My fondest memories at UTRGV was developing as a player and getting that experience to play a lot. Like I said earlier experience is the biggest teacher I learned so much from just playing.

You had many great games in the NCAA, but was your 23 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 blocks and 1 steal in the win against SE Missouri State one of your most memorable games there? 

Yes the game vs SE Missouri was one of my best overall games. That game showed the player I am and what I can do on the court.

How did head coach Dan Hipsher groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career? 

Hipsher made me mentally tough, He challenged me and made me better and forced me to get better. He expected me to show up every game and I thank him for that.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Dakota Slaughter?

Me and Dakota Slaughter never played 1 on 1 before but I would’ve murdered him easy lol

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

The toughest guy I battled In NCAA was Pascal Siamkam. He had a motor that didn’t stop and he was everywhere.

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

My personal favorite starting teammate is a tough one but I’ll go James Washington, Deandre , Quentin Decousy, Scott and Maraker lol

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

Mount Rushmore MJ.Kobe.LBJ.Shaq

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

My opinion is the MJ is the greatest ever but my all-time favorite is Kob.e I grew watching and wanting to be him. So my argument is MJ or Kobe 

What was the last movie that you saw?

Bird Box.

Thanks Shaquille for the chat

It is usually normal procedure in the easyCredit BBL for two teams to meet only twice in the regular season, but sometimes those extra games pop up when teams get the luck of the draw in other competitions as the Fraport Skyliners and ratiopharm Ulm witnessed this season. This should have been only the second meeting between the two clubs, but instead it was already the fifth as they faced off early in the season in a cup duel that Frankfurt won 78-74 thanks to a combined 39 points from now departed players Erik Murphy and Brady Heslip and met also twice in the Eurocup. The Fraport Skyliners didn´t have much luck with the Ulm as they came into the last regular season season game with a 1-3 record. Frankfurt lost on the road 70-63 and then got crushed 83-68 in their training facility which was the first ever professional game that the Fraport Skyliners had to carry out in their home away from home BCM gym. The Fraport Skyliners also lost the first regular season game on the road 82-72 as American Dwayne Evans was on fire netting 20 points in the win. The Fraport Skyliners entered this contest in 12^th place and three wins away from the last playoff spot and had another do or die game while ratiopharm Ulm entered the game in sixth place only a win more than the eighth place team and also needed to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. On a beautiful Easter Monday spring day, both teams were hoping to have had their Easter Sunday meal digested and both were hungry for a victory, but only ratiopharm Ulm came to play destroying the Fraport Skyliners 91-63 for the fourth time this season. After a very convincing victory over Brose Bamberg three days ago, the 2000 BBL cup winner Fraport Skyliners stunk up the Fraport arena and left behind some rotten eggs for the fans as they couldn´t get anything going on both ends of the court. “We came out terrible. We didn´t have focus or intensity. Everything that we had against Bamberg we didn´t have against Ulm. When you dig a deep hole, it is always tough to come back no matter how talented you are, you will have a huge mountain to climb. We had way too many turnovers and no communication on defense. It seemed like they hit almost every shot. We weren’t there mentally or physically. You can have bad offensive days, but not bad defensive days”, stressed ex Georgetown guard Jason Clark. The Fraport Skyliners have been a welcomed and favorite target of ratiopharm Ulm as they have won four of five games and after playing them so often, it makes it easier getting a good handle on their plays. “We were very aggressive on defense. We were able to bother their guards which led us to go on transition and get easy baskets. We did a good job getting open shots and finding the open man and our defense gave us easy opportunities for transition baskets”, added ex Radford(NCAA) guard Javonte Green.

The Easter weekend wasn´t over yet coupled with amazing early spring weather, only 2,680 fans ventured their way into the Fraport arena. Frankfurt head coach Gordon Herbert had rising center Leon Kratzer back in the starting lineup, but left Jason Clark on the bench as a possible spark plug. On the first play the Fraport Skyliners seemingly did everything correct on the play except score as Leon Kratzer missed an easy give me lay up which served as a bad omen as scoring would be a big problem on the balmy afternoon. On the next play, Frankfurt defended tough and aggressively, but weren´t rewarded as German/Serbian center Bogdan Radosavljevic who was sporting a dark blond dew hit a desperation trey to give ratiopharm Ulm their first lead of the game 3-2. Frankfurt did a good job executing on offense on the next two plays as Tyler Larson scored in traffic and Kratzer made a hook shot, but Frankfurt trailed 5-4 due to ex Tennessee State guard Patrick Miller´s lay in in traffic. Then came the turning point of the game as ratiopharm Ulm upped their offense and defense crushing the Fraport Skyliners with a brutal 16-0 run to extend their lead to 21-4 which Frankfurt would never recover from. Ratiopharm Ulm did a fine job spreading the ball around getting good production from many heads. Ex Trier forward Dwayne Evans who fancies and knows how to draw fouls with the best of them nailed a trey, Radosavljevic hit a 20 footer, Green scored on a massive one handed dunk and ex Alba Berlin guard Ismet Akpinar made a lay in. ratiopharm Ulm´s offense was rolling and displaying great ball movement while their defense was giving Frankfurt big fits getting their guards of guard which led to turnovers. “They did a good job on ball screens and packing the paint. They are a very athletic team and guys have long arms that know how to get into passing lanes”, stressed Jason Clark. After almost six minutes played, Frankfurt finally got a field goal as Kratzer made an offensive rebound and put back. Ratiopharm Ulm closed out the first quarter in fine fashion and just continued to play aggressive defense which led to another dunk from Green, an Evans lay in and David Kramer trey from the corner. Jonas Wolfarth-Bottermann who would foul out in 11 minutes played finished the first quarter with a lay in with two seconds remaining, but Frankfurt trailed big 30-9. “We had too many turnovers which led to easy Ulm points which helped their rhythm and self confidence. They also had good ball movement. When a team like that gets going, then it´s tough to stop them”, stressed Jason Clark. Ratiopharm Ulm shot 73% form the field and 60% from outside and had 5 rebounds and 0 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 36% form the field and 0% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

In the second quarter ratiopharm Ulm wasn´t as potent as in the first quarter, but due to their big lead were able to manage it well, while the Fraport Skyliners were up and down and had no real offense except from ex Auburn(NCAA) guard Quantez Robertson who got hot. Ratiopharm Ulm got on the board first with a David Kramer lay in, but the Fraport Skyliners then really poured it on going on a 13-2 run to cut the ratiopharm Ulm lead down to 34-22. Quantez Robertson became aggressive and hot scoring 11 points including three three´s. Leon Kratzer also scored a hook shot over two Ulm Players. Ratiopharm Ulm relied to much on their big healthy lead which led to some dumb mistakes which allowed Frankfurt to cut into the big Ulm lead. But Frankfurt would show just how up and down their season has been as their beautiful Tez run was tortured with a ratiopharm Ulm 11-0 run as suddenly Frankfurt was thrown back down into a deep hole as they trailed 45-22. In the run ratiopharm Ulm tore apart the paint area doing whatever they wanted scoring easy buckets from Miller, ex Marquette(NCAA) guard Katin Reinhart, Evans and Radosavoljevic. Jason Clark continued to have misfortune missing shots and when their shooting guard sniper has an off day then the Fraport Skyliners look like an ugly mess. Ratiopharm Ulm just didn´t let up executing well and establishing fine inside play with cutters and crisp passes that Frankfurt couldn´t stop. Down the stretch Jason Clark scored twice, but it didn´t help much in the Frankfurt comeback attempt as ratiopharm Ulm also executed well getting lay ins from ex Hawaii(NCAA) forward Isaac Fotu and from ex Michigan State (NCAA) center Gavin Schilling to lead 50-27 at the break. “My shot wasn´t falling, but I know that I can shoot the ball. There are always nights like that where the shot isn´t falling. Tez as always gave us a spark on offense and defense. We need to play off his emotions, but we didn´t”, stated Jason Clark. Rtaiopharm Ulm shot 64% from the field and 44% form the three point line and had 13 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 42% from the field and 27% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners couldn´t get over the hump as ratiopharm Ulm always had that 20 point lead cushion. The Fraport Skyliners tried to go inside again to Leon Kratzer which worked again as he connected on a hook shot and lay. Kratzer had another solid game with 11 points and 9 rebounds on 56% shooting. At times he makes wrong decisions, but that is something common for a young player. For example in the first half, he was triple teamed and instead of kicking out the ball tried a desperation shot through the three man wall and failed. “He needs to understand that the way he is playing now and dominating that teams will throw more bodies at him. The next step in his development is being able to find the open guy on a consistent level. Once he can do that he will be a great player”, warned Jason Clark. The Fraport Skyliners couldn´t take advantage of the Kratzer buckets as their defense failed time in and time out allowing a trey to Evans and a Green jumper as Ulm still led 55-34. Frankfurt´s defense had taken a break the whole game, but so did ratiopharm Ulm´s as Frankfurt scored a lot easier, but couldn´t make any ground because of their unstable defense. In the past ratiopharm Ulm had let some teams like Crailsheim come back after leading big especially when their bench was in, but this didn´t happen in Frankfurt. The bench came up big and Ulm´s starters like Miller and Green had consistent games. Highly talented German national players Akpinar and Kramer combined for 20 points in the game. In the third quarter Kramer did a good job picking his spots and scoring twice while Akpinar scored in the paint. The Fraport Skyliners also got better offensive production as guards Clark and Larson hit runners, Zeeb went on his own personal Easter Monday stroll through the Ulm zone for an untouched lay in and Robertson continued to nail three´s left and right connecting twice, but ratiopharm Ulm still owned the commanding 70-48 advantage. “We knew that basketball is a game of runs and didn´t want to letup and just continued to do what we did in the first half”, stressed Javonte Green. “Coach Herbert told us the story of when his team was down 25 points to a Russian team in the Fiba Europe Cup and were able to come back. Everything is possible in the game of basketball and you just need to believe it. We all have to believe it. We can´t come out as individuals, but play as a team”, warned Jason Clark.

In the fourth quarter ratiopharm Ulm had their fourth consecutive 20 plus points quarter in the game while the Fraport Skyliners mustered only 15 points. Frankfurt did a good job executing their offense, but had no defensive stops. Frankfurt got good production from Kiel and Kratzer with baskets in the paint and Clark dropped a trey, but ratiopharm Ulm also showcased their amazing deep roster as Fotu scored three times displaying his knack for scoring in bunches. Ratiopharm Ulm also got a basket from Gavin Schilling as Dwayne Evans showed his unselfish play making the extra pass for the 78-55 Ulm lead. Down the stretch, ratiopharm Ulm never let up on defense continuing to force Frankfurt to costly turnovers while on offense their next weapon was ready to explode as Reinhardt hit for three three´s. The Fraport Skyliners couldn´t take that “team basketball” label form ratiopharm Ulm for their play as they opted for more one on one play. Finish national player Shawn Huff connected for two trey´s, but that was about all Frankfurt could muster in the last minutes. The German bachelor Andrej Mangold once again sat, sat and sat for the 40 minutes wondering when his time will come. 48 hours earlier he had had another Bachelor engagement in Vienna, Austria and missed a practice. His missed practices are obviously not going to help him get on the court any quicker. “We are a very deep team and when we play the way we do tonight then we can play with the top teams of the league. It was good to see Reinhardt knock down three´s. He was injured this season and for him to come back like that is huge. He is the type of player that when he hits one, then there is a good chance that the second and third will also fall”, stressed Javonte Green. “It continued to be tough seeing the way Miller and Akpinar moved the ball. They play very well together. Ulm is the type of team that when one guy isn´t hitting shots, then they have another guy that will. They were rolling the whole game and did a good job keeping the energy the whole game”, stressed Jason Clark. Ratiopharm Ulm had five players in double figures and were led by Katin Reinhardt with 13 points. Dwayne Evans added 12 points, 7 boards, 4 dimes and 3 steals, while Isaac Fotu and Ismet Akpinar had 11 points a piece and Patrick Miller added 10 points while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Quantez Robertson with 17 points and Leon Kratzer had 11 points. Ratiopharm Ulm shot 54% from the field and 38% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 41% from the field and 29% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

Virgil Matthews is a 35 year old 188cm guard from Federal Way, Washington that is playing his 12th professional season and fourth with the Niners Chemnitz. He has given his massive experience and helped the club reach the Pro A semi-finals and are on their way of getting to the BBL. Last season he played with the Nuernberg Falcons BC (Germany-ProA) playing 24 games averaging 8.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 28.4%, FT: 71.4%. Two seasons ago he almost led Chemnitz (Germany-ProA) into the BBL playing 40 games averaging 9.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 86.7% He played at Montana (NCAA) and in his senior year played 31 games averaging 10.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.7spg, FG: 49.8%, 3PT: 48.4%, FT: 76.1%. In 2006-2007, he turned professional and came to Germany and played for KICKZ Muenchen Basket (Germany-2.Bundesliga) playing 29 games averaging 18.0ppg, 6.1rpg, 5.2apg, 2.6spg, 2FGP: 57.3%, 3FGP: 31.8%, FT: 66.5%. In 2007-2008, he played for Tacoma Jazz (IBL). In 2008-2009, he returned back to Germany and played for Schwelmer Baskets (Germany-Regionalliga). In 2009-2010, he played for Olympia Reign (IBL) playing 28 games averaging 23.1ppg, 7.2rpg and for Seattle Aviators (NABL).In 2010-2011, he played his first season for Erdgas Ehingen playing 32 games averaging 11.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 71.3%. He would play until 2014 with Ehingen playing 126 games with three seasons in the Pro A and one in the Pro B. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the win against Ehingen.

Virgil thanks for talking to germanhoops.com You have met many people in you life, but where does the meeting of German chancellor Angela Merkel rank?

Its definitely up there. When you can meet the leader of any country it is a pretty big deal, and for me being in Germany for about 10 years it’s like a second home to me so meeting her was pretty cool.

She took a photo with the team after the win over Ehingen. Was there any other conversation with the team or was that all the time she had? 

We just took a photo no time for questions really. We also had just won an important game so we were also just pretty excited. 

If you were able to have a dinner with her what main topic would you love to have a conversation with her? 

I would of loved to ask her about her struggles to become a person in such a high position as a woman. Also, her thoughts about socialism, and what she thinks America could do better as a country.

Congrats on the super season that Chemnitz is having. There aren’t many faces left from 2017, but at first glance how is this season’s team different than two years ago where the BBL was so close? 


Thanks, I think we are more experienced than two seasons ago, we were more of a surprise that season and this year I think we saw our potential early and we haven’t looked back. The players that were here before have also gotten older and gained some experience. 

The team started off so well winning it’s first 12 games. How much of the early success can one only attribute to head coach Rodrigo Pastore considering that there were 6 new Americans on the squad? 

We only had 5 Americans we added on when we had injuries and once we got healthy we went back to 5 again. Coach has a lot do with our success. He works really hard and tries to put us in situations to be our best and to make everyone look good. He knows what he wants and pushes us to try to be at that level every day.

Even if the defense was solid in the winning streak what really stood out also was the offensive consistency and winning some close games. What did you attribute the early winning streak most to? 

I think confidence, we had a really good preseason and I think we just felt like no one could beat us. We carried that into the start of the season and we played well. I also think our depth is really big I think we have had 8 or 9 guys all lead us in scoring in a game, we are a dangerous team when you can’t just focus on stopping 1 or 2 guys. 

Around Christmas came a down time where you lost three of four games. The defense averaged 85 points per loss. What did the team mostly get away from in that losing phase?

I think after that first loss our confidence took a hit, but also we had had some big injuries and people coming back, it just threw our rhythm off a little bit. Rotations and things change and you’re playing with different guys and stuff like that, just took us some time to adjust.

In February the team lost two straight, but since have won three of four. You have four games remaining with an easy schedule. How confident are you that the Niners will win the Pro A regular season?

In this league this season there isn’t a such thing as an easy schedule anyone can beat anyone. With that being said we plan to stay focused and finish the season strong, I’m very confident that we will finish the regular season in 1st. 

You split with Rostock and did the seemingly impossible winning in their place. You have seen many Pro A arena’s over the years, but how special does their basketball culture seem to be there? 

They struggled at winning at home early in the season, it is a really nice atmosphere there, but I don’t know if their basketball culture is better than other teams in the Pro A such as ours here in Chenmnitz or a place like Trier, but I think maybe they felt some pressure to want to be so good there early on and they just couldn’t get it done, but they have gotten better and played really well. 

You have played under Rodrigo Pastore before. How do you feel has his coaching developed further than two seasons ago? He is two years older and has more experience and now must be ready to land in the BBL. 


I think he has grown and gained experience just like all of us players. They had a rough season last year after two really good ones, I know he’s probably harder on himself than he should be for that, but I know he’s always putting in effort and trying to improve not only the team but himself as well. I think that is a big reason for the success is his focus on always improving not only the player but himself as well. 

Let’s talk about your teammates, Last season Malte Zigenhagen led the team and he is doing it again. How has he developed this season and is he ready to lead this team in the BBL next season? 

Malte is a knockdown shooter, if he’s open its pretty sure to go in, we all have the most confidence in him. He’s also added to his game to work on becoming a more complete player, he improves on that every day. I think he has made huge steps in leadership, he’s the captain of the team and I think everyone is behind him and that is important and you don’t always see that from the German players in the Pro A. It will be nice to see him in the BBL. 

How important has American Kavin Gilder-Tilbury been for the success? He had a tough Pro A rookie season with the RheinStars. What kind of player has he become this season having this winning culture present?

Kavin has been really important for us, he’s won us some games with his ability to score, there are times no matter what teams do they can’t stop him. I don’t think he even knows his potential sometimes. He can do everything on the basketball court. I think those are the players any coach would want or would take. 

Talk about the worth of the two Germans Robin Lodders and Jonas Richter? These are two players that have been infected positively by the winning culture and have been important offensive players. What have you appreciated most about their games? 


Both guys are so important for our team. Robin has improved a lot from what I saw in the one game where I played against him last season. I feel like he makes every shot when he’s in the paint. Jonas is another guy who has no idea his potential. He has NBA level talent he can do everything on the court. I think he will end up at a very high level by the time he finishes playing. 

Let’s talk about your game. Your 35 year old and in your eighth Pro A season. I’m sure you can remember how you were feeling in March in Ehingen years ago. How do you feel now and does you body feel a year older each season as the playoffs slowly approach?


I’ve been really focused on trying to keep my body healthy whether it be from eating or treatment or whatever so that when playoffs come I’m ready. I definitely feel older though. Games are exciting though and my adrenaline gets me through it even when I don’t feel great. Surprisingly though my body has felt good I even feel a little better than I did at the end of last season. 

You said in our last interview that I’m ok with any situation as long as we’re winning. I think I can be effective in any role I’m put in. I don’t really look at minutes or things like that’. Have you been surprised at having averaged 27 minutes this season? 

I think everyone is surprised at the minutes I’ve had to play. Again we’ve had injuries. I think that more than anything else has been the reason I’ve had to play so much. I’m ok with the playing time though we play well when I’m on the court I think, and I think the guys all trust me so that makes it easy. 

Your filling up the stat sheet well. How happy have you been with your play? Your averaging close to six assists per game.


I’m satisfied with my play but there are always things I can do better. I had a bad shooting stretch in the middle of the season so that’s always frustrating but passing and reading the game is something that I’ve always been able to do well so the assists aren’t so much of a surprise for me. 

How has your communication been with head coach Rodrigo Pastore this season on and off the court? Do you sense like that a coaching job could be something for you down the road? 

I would love to coach down the road for sure, I don’t know where or if it will happen, or when! Coach definitely has taught me things that I think I will carry on into my coaching career when I start. We have a good relationship, I think we think sometimes very similar so we don’t have to communicate too much and we both know what the other is thinking. It is a really good relationship I’m lucky that I’ve had the chance to meet him and be coached by him. 

You also stated in our last interview that you would do anything for the win, but wouldn’t hope that you would have to be a consistent scorer. You showed against PS Karlsruhe that you could lead the team with 22 points. Do you feel like there is still that switch that when you get the green light you can go off on anyone?

Hahah, I don’t know if there’s a switch, but I think that game against Karlsruhe just put me in a situation to have to do that we didn’t have many players available and they did some things defensively that I thought helped me be more aggressive, and I also made a couple of outside shots which helped, but I still stand by my statement I would rather not have to do that every game! 

Against PS Karlsruhe you had 22 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists in 35 minutes. You had triple doubles in your Pro A career against Leverkusen, Nuernberg and Ehingen. Early in your career you achieved one triple double with Ehingen. How crazy is that being so close now at age 35. Even if you don’t shoot for triple doubles, does a performance like this give you added fire to possibly continue wanting to play some more years? 

I think its very crazy to have stats like that at 35 but I think with my understanding of the game I can do some things on the court better with my mind which allows my body to not have to do so much. As far as still playing who knows I just go on how I feel and how my mind feels while in the off season, but games like that lets me know I can still do it if I want to. 

You said in our last interview that you have to work harder now at age 35 to be able to stay at the level at where you are now. What do you appreciate about playing the game most now than say when you were at the start of your career with Ehingen? 

I appreciate wins more. It is a lot a sweeter to win when you never know when your last game will be. When you are young you feel like you can play forever, but as you get older you value wins more and time hanging out with your teammates. 

You have seen Ehingen’s big man Kevin Yebo the last two seasons. Three years ago he was an unknown player in the German Regionalliga. How have you watched his game develop and when will he be in the BBL? 

I have heard he is a hard worker which would explain his development, I still think he has some big holes in his game that he has to improve before he is able to be an effective player in the BBL but his talent level is hard I hope he continues to work and gets that opportunity to play at the next level. 

Please name your five all-time best teammates in college and pro’s 

Ajay Calvin I played two season in Ehingen with and in Chemnitz Chris Carter in Chemnitz Joe Lawson in Chemnitz Kavin Gilder-Tilbury this season Dan Oppland last year in Nuernberg. I gave 6! That’s a hard list to make there’s been so many teammates over the years 

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? 

Definitely he reads the game so well watching him the past two season in Europe I knew he would be special in the NBA. It’s good to see him doing well! 

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

I think all great players think that way especially when they are still playing he is incredible. He’s probably not wrong either. 

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

I don’t think I do I think Michael among his peers was so highly revered as not only a great player and winner but also one of the best talents at the time. I think a lot of people wouldn’t say those things about Tom Brady but he is a great player and a great winner. 

Tom Brady won sixth Super Bowl. Where will he be if he wins a seventh next season? 

There will be no arguments about his greatness as a football player if he wins again. It’s just hard to give so much credit to one person on a football team.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Sisters Brothers interesting film!

Thanks Virgil for the chat.

is a 24 year old 198cm guard from Hyattsville, Maryland that is playing his third professional season and first with Pecsi VSK-Veolia (Hungary-A Division) currently averaging 18,3ppg, 7,8rpg, 3,6apg and 2,4spg. Last season he played in Germany with the Dragons Rhondorf and tore up the Pro B averaging 23,4ppg, 7,9rpg and 5,6apg, and 2,6spg. As a rookie he played with Team Ehingen Urspring (Germany-ProA) playing 29 games averaging 10.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 43.9%, FT: 80.2%. He started his basketball career at DeMatha Catholic and in 2012-2013 started his career at Seton Hill (NCAA2) and as a freshman played 28 games averaging 7.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 40.6%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 70.0%. In his second season at Seton Hill (NCAA2) he played 27 games averaging 12.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.6apg, 2.0spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 77.9%. In his junior season at Seton Hill (NCAA2) he played 16 games averaging 13.1ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 70.6%. In his senior year at Seton Hill (NCAA2) he played 27 games averaging 20.8ppg, 8.7rpg, 4.1apg, 2.2spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 76.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com recently about his new experiences in Hungary.

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

I’m in Hungary playing my third professional season. Doing what I love, so no complaints.

Your playing your third professional season and first with Pecsi VSK-Veolia (Hungary-A Division). After playing your first two seasons in Germany in the Pro A, Pro B and BBL, you are now in the Hungarian first division. What kind of experience has this been for you?

The experience has been great so far. I am still trying to affect the game in all facets at a high level while winning in the process.

Has the Hungarian culture been an adjustment for you considering everything is pretty much Americanized in Germany?

Personally I love getting to know and embracing new cultures. It’s one of the advantages playing overseas. I get to make new friends and create new relationships while getting hands on experience with new traditions. So for me no, the adjustment was pretty quick.

Pecsi VSK-Veolia (Hungary-A Division) is in the middle of the pack and fighting to reach the playoffs. 

Yes. The league is very competitive. One or two games can decide if you are top of the league or bottom of the league.

The club started off very well winning six of seven games, but since then have a 3-9 record. What do you feel have been the main reasons for the club not being able to have more consistency?

I think we got away from what we were doing in the beginning of the year and that was playing basketball without thinking so much. We are at our best when we just make what we feel is the right play along with tough defense. I think we will end the season the way we started.

You lost two games by one point. Do you feel loses like that could mentally hurt the team more than it might ever realize?

Those losses are the worst feeling because one less mistake from anyone could determine the game a different way. But dwelling on a loss doesn’t help, so we focus on the next opponent and focus on getting the next win.

How confident are you that Pecsi VSK-Veolia (Hungary-A Division) has the talent and desire to reach the playoffs?

We will reach playoffs. No question.

Let’s talk about your teammates. How important was the pick up of Canadian Ryan Wright?. How key is his experience and what kind of an effect has he had on you since his arrival?

Ryan has played all around the world and played with some pretty big names in college as well. Him bringing that type of experience, along with his willingness to do anything to help us win has been great for the team.

What has it been like playing along side 38 year old Andrija Ciric who has played in many countries and won titles in four countries. What have you learned to appreciate most about his game this season?

His Longevity is amazing. For him to be at that age and still to be playing on a high level is crazy. What I appreciate most from his game is his competitiveness. He hates losing and you can see through the way he plays.

Let’s talk about your game. Last season you ended the season in the German easyCredit BBL with Wurzburg and demonstrated that you could play and hold your own in that league. Having offers in Germany why didn’t you stay in Germany and why did you opt to go to Hungary?

Hungary was the next step in my career. I’m always anxious to see my next step.

You have played in three leagues in Germany. Where would you rate the Hungarian A Division in comparison to the German leagues? Could one say it is somewhere between Pro A and Pro B in skill?

I think more in between BBL and Pro A, but regardless of league, if you can play basketball high level coaches/scouts will always be able to recognize it. I feel last year, the only thing different for me in Pro B and BBL was my role.

Last season with Rhondorf you were one of the oldest players on the team and now your one of the younger ones again. How does it feel being the team’s top scorer while being one of the younger guys on the team?

My coach brought me to the team because he knows I can score with the best. I do anything to win whether it be on the youngest team or the oldest team.

Last season you were the top Pro B player in Germany and was the main go to guy with Rhondorf. Do you have a similar role this season or do you feel like it is a bit different?

My role is pretty similar, the only difference is I have older players that have already been through what I have been through adding new moves and giving me advice/experience on what to improve.

Last season with Rhondorf you produced two triple doubles. This season you were very close once?. After getting triple doubles does one think about it during certain times of a game when one is producing all over the court?

Triple doubles are nice but has not really been important to me. The way I play does make it simple to get one but I’m not striving for a triple double I’m striving to win every game.

After you strong season last year where you went from the Pro B to the BBL, how did you go into this season in terms of where you wanted to take your game? Was it a tough adjustment not seeing the BBL type of skill level in Hungary this season?

I’m the type of guy that motivates himself. I never needed a big name on the other side of the court to give me motivation or raise my game. I continue to improve as a player no matter what league I play in. The league doesn’t make me a better player. My constant hard work and working to improve my weaknesses make me a better player every year.

Two things that you were working on at the end of last season in the BBL was the three dribbles and disrupting the other team’s offense without being overly aggressive. How did last season’s experiences in Germany make you a better player?

Playing with Coach Bauermann last year was a great experience. He wanted to get the most out of me and the team every single day and just experiencing that allowed me to know the level of basketball had to expect from myself.

On what things are you working on most this season in your quest of continuing to improve your game and bring it to the next level?

This year I have been playing a lot of back up point guard because one our guards got injured earlier this year. So being able to bring up the ball, read defenses, and getting my teammates involved have been more important this year

You had two successful seasons in Germany. What things on and off the court have you missed the most?


There are some German foods I miss but most of all just my teammates and friends that I have made over the two years. The fans were also so great and I miss them as well.

What are your feelings of your ex team’s Ehingen and Rhondorf? Ehingen is surprisingly playing a very strong season while Rhondorf is in danger of moving down. How do you think they will end their season’s?


Ehingen can hopefully do really well in the playoffs, they gave me my first shot so they will always be special for me. And Rhondorf I’m really hoping they don’t move down because I have been a part of the hard work on and off the court by the fans, players, coaches, and organization. So I really hope they can stay in the league.

Please name your five all-time best teammates in college and pro’s

1. Victor Frankl Maus – I’ve been told multiple times we were the best duo in Pro B. We definitely wouldn’t have had the record we had without him or any of my other teammates on the Rhondorf team. 2. Damjan Sredanovic – he was a Montenegrin on my college team and was really pushing me on and off the court to be the player I am today. And now one of my best friends. 3. Devon Moore – He was the best teammate in pushing and challenging me to be better. My first year playing against him I knew I could improve on so many things just because he made everything look so easy. And we both had a competitive fire to win. 4. Cliff Hammonds- he just knew everything and had everything in his arsenal. I really am not sure what his weakness is. He was always very professional when it came to the job. With him it was always a team first mentality. 5. Miles Cartwright- though I only played with him for one game, he was the type of guy that always motivated you. In Wuerzburg we were always practicing with each other. If he is playing 40 minutes or 5 minutes he remains the same guy and continues to give the team energy. He was also one of those players that just made the team better by just being on the court.

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? 

Easily everything is up to him he just has to keep playing at a high level.

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

Lebron is one of those special players not only on the court but off the court as well. If I was him I think I would call myself the GOAT too.

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

Hard to compare sports…Championships in any sport are extremely hard, and they both are in top of GOAT talk.

Tom Brady won sixth Super Bowl. Where will he be if he wins a seventh next season?

He’s already the greatest of all time he’s just extending his legacy if he gets 7

What was the last movie that you saw? 

Last movie I saw was Green Book.

Thanks Kam for the chat.

One of the biggest draws of the season for the Fraport Skyliners since the 2003-2004 season where the clubs battled back to back for the BBL title splitting has been Brose Bamberg. Even if FC Bayern Munich may still be the biggest fan gatherer, there is no other BBL team that has the prestige that Bamberg bring each season simply for the memories of three fierce final series where Bamberg have the upper hand 2-1. However on April 18^th, 2019 Brose Bamberg which had amazing players like x NBA player Elias Harris, Greek legend Nikolaos Zisis or ex Euroleague players Tyrese Rice and Ricky Hickmann actually took a back seat with the popcorn and coke to the Fraport Skyliners newest signing Andrej “the bachelor” Mangold. After not having played a professional game since 2017 with s.Oliver Wurzburg and having spent the last months entertaining exotic women on the sandy beaches of Mexico, his life has slowly settled down a bit and he decided to give professional basketball a go again. Even if Mangold´s life is calming down, the 2004 BBL champion Fraport Skyliners desire to make the most of this signing coup and quickly proclaimed the game against Bamberg “Ladies Night” in the hopes of attracting more spectators into the Fraport arena preferably  young women who could raise the decibels a bit more. Mangold has had a solid BBL career where he spent the most of his time with the Telekom Baskets Bonn where he played 171 BBL games, but nasty injuries derailed his career in 2016 until the Bachelor came calling in December 2018. Mangold was back and donning a fancy Fraport Skyliners jersey and with many ladies cheering him on, but his appearance in a Skyliner jersey had to wait as he wasn´t inserted. He got some cheers with his pre game introduction that sounded mixed in with teenage screams, but more subdued then some may have expected. Head coach Gordon Herbert stated that he would have to work hard in practice to deserve minutes. Mangold was all smiles after the big 86-79 win over Brose Bamberg, but smiling for all occasions is something he has learned the last months while his teammates commented on his not playing more reserved. “It was coaches decision for not getting him in. He is still getting in game rhythm. He is still finding his way, but once he gets in the rotation, he will do good things”, warned Jason Clark.

                The Fraport Skyliners entered the game with as about minimal chances of making the playoffs as it is for the Los Angeles Clippers have of getting by the Golden State Warriors in seven games even if they tied the seris 1-1. The 2000 BBL cup winner pretty much had to win every game of having any realistic chance of playing in the promised land in mid May as well as getting help form other teams. Going into the usually meaningful game against Bamberg, they were dumpling around in 13^th place four wins away from the eighth and last playoff spot and had had a 3-3 record in the last six games and lost three of the last four games. Meanwhile Brose Bamberg have had a very satisfying season despite all the troubles in the current past, had regrouped and won the 2019 BBL cup, reached the Basketball Champions League final 4 and were sitting in fifth place of the BBL standings with a 19-8 record. Bamberg legends like Chris Fleming and Casey Jacobsen could be happy with their ex team as they have been the other big surprise of the season next to Rasta Vechta. But the Fraport Skyliners came out surprisingly focused and energized as this season that hasn´t always been the case and played a very solid game for 40 minutes as the Kratzer and Clark show smothered Brose Bamberg. After the huge victory, ex Georgetown(NCAA) guard Jason Clark was thrilled about the teams performance. “We came out aggressive which is what we wanted to do on offense and defense. We played very well together. Kratzer came out and was an inside presence which helped open up everything else. We stayed together late in the game. Rice is a hell of a player and made tough shots, but we never got rattled and executed on offense and stuck together on defense”, stressed Jason Clark. Brose Bamberg didn´t play their best game and didn´t start well, which carried over for the whole game as they were trailing for the most part of the game and inserted a lot of energy and just couldn´t get consistent stops on defense. “We didn´t start well and gave them confidence right away. We knew that it would be an intensive game, but we were never able to stop their inside game as we were always a step behind. Our communication wasn´t good and Frankfurt wanted it more. We played better in the third quarter, but when Frankfurt is game tough, then they are hard to beat especially in their place”, stressed Brose Bamberg guard Maurice Stuckey. Clark just smiled when he heard the name Kratzer and Clark show. “Kratzer dominated and you can see he has developed. You can see he has the confidence that he can dominate. He rebounded well and never hesitated when he got the ball down low. When he dominated it opens up the game for everyone else”, stated Jason Clark.

                Only 3,300 fans wanted to witness another interesting duel between the Fraport Skyliners and Brose Bamberg including the German bachelor Andrej Mangold, but there were also some other factors that led to the les than satisfactory turn out. Football team Eintracht Frankfurt was playing an international quarterfinal do or die game at home against Benfica Lisabon, Ice Hockey team Eisbaeren had a game, it was the first beautiful spring day of 2019 and the Easter holidays were underway. But at least the Fraport Skyliners came out on fire taking command from the jump ball and controlled the game rapidly. Frankfurt got huge production from ex Bamberg center Leon Kratzer who came out reborn against his old team scoring 8 points quickly as nobody could stop him. The German big man finished with 26 points on potent 13/17 shooting from the field and had to make the rounds at the end with many interviews and knew what was key for his success, but he wasn´t a man playing among boys. “It wasn´t that easy. It was good to play against my old team and see many of my ex teammates. I think I have developed well in Frankfurt. It took some time, but when you work hard and take it step by step, good results happen”, smiled Leon Kratzer. Frankfurt was defending with passion forcing turnovers and even making blocks helping get a comfortable 18-8 lead. Tyler Larson scored 5 points as he remained aggressive early, as Jason Clark added two three´s to help keep the comfortable 23-12 advantage after 10 minutes. “Key in the first quarter was defense. Niklas Kiel rebounded very well and good defensive stops ended in big rebounds”, added Jason Clark.

                Brose Bamberg upped their game in the second quarter cutting down the Frankfurt lead, but still couldn´t get over the hump as the Fraport Skyliners had the slim 40-35 advantage at the break. Bamberg began with free throws from ex Gonzaga(NCAA) standout Elias Harris and Jonas Wolfarth-Bottermann who played only 11,26 minutes due to Leon Kratzer´s big game made a tap in for the 25-14 lead. However basketball will always be a game of runs as Brose Bamberg proved that going on a 8-0 run as suddenly Frankfurt´s lead was shaved down to 25-22. In the run Bamberg got two mid distance jumpers from ex Tuebingen forward Augustine Rubit and a trey from Maurice Stuckey. Bamberg was playing calmer and more controlled being patient and looking for better shots while executing while the Fraport Skyliners couldn´t muster any offense in that short phase. The Fraport Skyliners stayed calm and relied on what was working best and went back inside keeping the lead. Kratzer continued to be a menace scoring twice while being aggressive on the offensive boards while long time injured German Niklas Kiel also was aggressive on the offensive boards getting two buckets to keep the 33-26 advantage. Bambrgr had no solution to keep Frankfurt out of the paint in the stretch run as Kratzer and Kiel(reverse lay up) connected again, but Bamberg did a good job not getting irritated. Brose Bamberg continued to execute getting a 20 footer from Greek legend Nikolaos Zisis, a beautiful alley-op slam dunk from ex Portland Trailblazer Cliff Alexander and a three pointer from ex Boston College Eagle Patrick Heckmann, but Frankfurt led 40-35. “We got away from what we were doing well getting the ball inside, but they defended well. But we managed to go inside again and hold the lead”, added Jason Clark. The Fraport Skyliners shot 55% from the field and 40% from outside and had 15 rebounds and 4 turnovers while Brose Bamberg shot 50% from the field and 29% from outside and had 14 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

                In the third quarter Brose Bamberg got big time production from Elias Harris, Augustine Rubit and Tyrese Rice who combined for 22 of the 27 third quarter points reeling in the lead again 62-59. The Fraport Skyliners continued to do what they did best all game long and hammer the ball inside as they were rewarded with three more Kratzer buckets. He finished with two two handed dunks and a tap in to keep the valuable 46-39 advantage. But Brose Bamberg never gave up, but continued to chip away at the Frankfurt lead and got a clutch 6-2 run all scored by ex Los Angeles Laker Ellias Harris to cut the Frankfurt lead to 48-45. Harris showed just how versatile he is hitting a 20 footer, connecting on a lay in on transition and making a two handed dunk on the pick and roll play with Tyrese Rice. Frankfurt was holding on to a thread as Brose Bamberg continued to threaten on offense, but just couldn´t get over the hump quite yet. Brose Bambergr played to their offensive strengths as Rubit nailed three deep mid distance jumpers while Frankfurt got contribution from ex Alba Berlin guard Akeem Vargas who drained a trey and Tyler Larson hit a floater as Frankfurt led 55-54. Bamberg simply had too many weapons as now it was time for the uprising play of Tyrese Rice who closed out the third quarter with 8 points with two massive three´s and a fade away jumper while Jason Clark hit a deep trey over Alexander, but Brose Bamberg led 62-59. “Bamberg has a lot of offensive weapons. Guys like Harris and Rubit are very athletic and hit tough shots. We weren´t playing bad defense, but when everything is rolling for them, it is hard to stop them. But we handled the situation well and didn´t get rattled”, stressed Jason Clark. “We had more intensity and were quicker on offense and defense”, stressed Maurice Stuckey.

                In the fourth quarter, it looked like Brose Bamberg had figured out the Fraport Skyliners taking a six point lead early, but the Kratzer and Clark show with a touch of unsung hero Tra Holder wouldn´t disappoint as they turned around the game leading Frankfurt to the well deserved win. Despite getting struck by two flagrant fouls early, it didn´t faze Brose Bamberg as Frankfurt couldn´t capitalize. Brose Bamberg got clutch three´s from Euroleague champion Ricky Hickman and German youth national player Louis Olinde. But like in so many times in the game, the Fraport Skyliners didn´t get rattled as they struck back as Jason Clark hit Brose Bamberg with 6 points dead locking the game at 68-68. “We had good ball movement and I just took what the defense gave me. Larson did a good job drawing the defense as did Robertson and Shawn Huff with drive and kick. Once we are rolling and find our spots, I get open shots. I knocked down these shots because of my teammates”, warned Jason Clark. After a Alexander put back, it was Holder who made a pretty runner bank shot to tie the game at 70-70. He made some big plays in a few minutes time keeping Bamberg at bay. Frankfurt didn´t crack under pressure, but got consistent production from Kratzer who scored two more times, but each time Bamberg matched Frankfurt with a Harris lay up and Rice floater to cut the lead to 76-74. Clark then hit a huge three to give Frankfurt the 79-74 lead, but Rice struck back with another trey cutting Frankfurt´s advantage to 79-76. Bamberg had their chances, but couldn´t execute. Zisis missed an open three from the corner which led to a Larson pull up jumper for the 81-76 lead. With 39 seconds to play. Rice then missed two shots which sealed the win for Frankfurt after Larson free throws for the 84-76 lead. A late three by Hickman and lay in by Huff ended the game. “Our defense was key at the end. We knew that Rice wanted the ball. Kiel switched and did a good job forcing him to take a tough shot”, stressed Jason Clark. “It was the small things like loose balls that cost us the game at the end”, stressed Maurice Stuckey. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Leon Kratzer with 26 points. Jason Clark added 22 points and Tyler Larson had 14 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists while Brose Bamberg were led by Tyrese Rice with 18 points. Augustine Rubit added 15 points and Elias Harris had 12 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 54% from the field and 44% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 11 turnovers while Brose Bamberg shot 53% from the field and 35% from outside and had 28 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

On a very balmy and beautiful early spring day in April the wiha Panthers entered the Ost Halle gym for their third playoff do or die game against Giessen and had solid support from their two stars Rasheed Moore and Bill Borekambi, but there was also that third player with Anell Alexis who stepped up in a huge way scoring 19 points and hitting 5/6 three´s the most in his career and had the game of his life even if he didn´t think so. “I don’t feel like it was to be honest with you. I try to treat every game in the same even-keel manner, so the fact that it was a win or go home Game 3 really didn’t make much of a difference to me mentally”, warned Anell Alexis. He won´t go into the next playoff game in Munster with special added confidence because of his 5 three´s in Giessen either. “I’ll have the same confidence that I always have going into the games that come because I understand that game happened because of the work I put in”, warned Anell Alexis. The American/Panamanian who has that memorable hair where some could say he came straight from the 70´s Disco era hasn´t always looked like that, but perhaps he got some valuable tips from his dad Wendell who was a teenager in the late 70´s and surely was sporting something to that nature. At closer inspection the name Alexis probably didn´t ring a bell for twenty somethings in the Ost halle gym as the only names that might ring a bell for them that played at Syracuse are current NBA players Carmelo Anthony, Dion Waiters or a Wesley Johnson, but 33 years ago there was Wendell Alexis who was doing his magic with memorable players like Pearl Washington, Sherman Douglas, Rafael Addison and Rony Seikaly there. For those people of the older generation in the 40´s, the name Wendell Alexis will surely bring back the golden age of Alba Berlin in the late 90´s when they were dominating the BBL winning 7 titles in a row and the elder Alexis led the team as he chipped in with 8 titles and at age 39 in 2004 averaged 18,1ppg in the BBL and helped lead the Mitteldeutscher BC to the Fiba Europe Cup title. Current BBL Dino´s like Mcelroy, Allen and Jenkins were young pups and probably didn´t recognize it, but now are  following in his steps trying to outlast him and play into their 40´s. Obviously it is never easy for a son of a famous father to come to terms with the legacy, but for him the secret has been knowing the difference between him and his dad on the court and not letting a bad game ever affect him mentally or physically. “The main thing I really learned from my father and took with me is that is to stay even emotionally. Whether I have a game where I score 30 points or have a game where I score 3 points, as long you put the work in everything will even itself out over time. And for me it wasn’t really hard being his son as it wasn’t something I paid a whole lot of attention too. He and I have two different games. He was more of a stretch power forward while I mainly play the shooting guard/small forward position”, stressed Anell Alexis. Some ex players remain in Germany and find a new life as a head coach or other job, but Wendell Alexis returned back to New Jersey after he retired and that allowed Anell to grow up in the States which in a way was an advantage, but also had it´s negatives as being an Orange man from Syracuse will always leave memories with people. “I’m happy that I left Germany at the age that I did because I feel the transition would have been more difficult if I had left when I was any older. It wasn’t any easier in the sense of people recognizing my father because a lot of people knew him from having played at Syracuse when he was in college”, added Anell Alexis. All in all Anell Alexis has learned to block out his father´s legacy and learned to stay emotionally even to have a successful career.

 

            Alexis was born on February 28, 1990 in Hillsborough, New Jersey. He had quite the globe trotter life as a child going everywhere where his dad was which included countries like Italy, Spain, Israel, and France. Then he found a home in Germany´s capital as his dad was 32 years old and would rack up numerous titles in the next 6 years and make himself immortal in Alba Berlin history. Son Anell was infected by the basketball bug and played with the Alba Berlin youth teams and saw the early development of current Alba guard Joshiko Saibou. In the time that he was growing up in Berlin and witnessing his father win title after title the way a Jordan did in the 90´s with the Chicago Bulls, he didn´t seem affected by the hoopla of his dad´s achievements or feel any pressure. “At that age most people didn’t make too big of a deal of it. It wasn’t until I got around the age of 11 and 12 that I noticed it, but for me personally I didn’t pay much attention to it. I was just having fun playing and winning”, said Anell Alexis. While his dad closed out his professional playing career in Greece and Germany in 2004 winning the Fiba Europe Cup, He went to the states in 2002 and wouldn´t return back to Germany until 2015 when he got his first playing gig with Bremerhaven. In his first years back in the States, he went to St. Benedict’s Preparatory School from 2002-2008 and then stuck on an extra year at prep school St. Thomas More School.

https://youtu.be/E8aiSyE4Je4

 

            He then attended Marist(NCAA) from 2009-2013 which is around the corner from Hartford and the school that brought Germany Mr pass Jared Jordan. He played a total of 78 NCAA games and didn´t have much success there, but he played against some top basketball schools and big time players and remembers those years and what this experience taught him. “Those years were tough because we weren’t very successful as a team. The biggest thing I learned over the course of those four years were to believe in yourself even when it seems all odds are against you and to never stop putting the extra work in because it will pay off”, stressed Anell Alexis. Even if he never averaged more than 14 minutes in a season and his minutes were shaved down each season, he did have some memorable games like his 14/11outburst in the 71-67 victory over St Peters and his 22 points that he scored on his birthday to beat Siena. But one game he will never forget is a game that he lost by 50 points, but it was against powerhouse Kentucky where he scored 3 points and had 4 boards and battled against future NBA players like Lamb, Gilchrist, Miller, Teague, Jones and Anthony Davis came from the bench. He remembers that game like it was yesterday. “I just remember thinking that all of the stuff that we could normally get away with against other teams and players were not working that day. I also remember it being a four point game at halftime and they came out in the second half and blew the game open. Davis was doing things that I had never seen someone his size or his age be able to do. He was able to cover so much ground and cover for so many of his teammates’ mistakes that I knew he would be really good as he got older”, expressed Anell Alexis. After his four years at Marist, he was able to play an additional year and opted for Norfolk State where he was teammates with current BG Goettingen guard Pendarvis “Penny Williams and  played 34 games averaging 7.3ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 78.3%. He helped the school reach the 2014 MEAC Tournament Semifinals. He was thankful for getting another opportunity to show his abilities and to develop further before embarking on a professional basketball career. “It was very important for me to leave and experience a different culture in college after Marist. I had gotten hurt my freshman year at Marist and was granted a medical redshirt which was what allowed me to leave to go to Norfolk State. I didn’t have too many thoughts as to what would have happened had I stayed at Marist for my graduate year”, stated Anell Alexis. Even if he took a step back to play in the NCAA 2, it was a vital choice for his game and he could gather last important ingredients for his game from head coach Robert Jones before he set off on a professional basketball career. “Coach jones is my guy. Honestley he taught me how to win again because at that point it had been 3 years of consistent losing.. and he also got me back playing in a freer and more instinctive manner which I had gotten away from playing in a rigid system at my old school”, stressed Anell Alexis.

 

            The American/Panamanian started his professional basketball career in 2015 in Panama with whom he also was a part of the national team in 2012. He played his rookie season with Caballos de Cocle Aguadulce (LPB) playing 9 games and averaging 17.2ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP-3(58.0%), 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 66.7%. The game style and lifestyle fit him perfectly and he remained another season with Caballos de Cocle Aguadulce (Panama-LPB) playing 17 games: Score-5(16.6ppg), 4.5rpg, 3.8apg, FGP-2(59.9%), 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 76.7%. Three was a charm as he finally won the Panamanian title in 2018 with Universitarios (Panama-LPB) playing 15 games averaging 9.0ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.5apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 20.4%, FT: 70.6%. He will always have his time in Panama in his heart. “Winning that championship is a memory that I will never forget because it wasn’t something that anyone expected us to do. Life is more relaxed out in Panama compared to Germany, as well as there being a lot more sunshine and hot weather throughout the year”, smiled Anell Alexis. After his rookie season with Panama, he got his first gig in Germany with BSG Bremerhaven (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 13 games averaging 22.7ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 83.7%. He had an exceptional first season in Germany and one would have thought that this would have been the stepping stone to possibly starting his Pro B career a few years earlier, but he had other ideas and options. “I had the opportunity to play with a team in Panama that was going to play in the Ligas Las Americas, which is the South American equivalent of the Euroleague, and I wanted to test myself at the highest level possible”, warned Anell Alexis. He also won´t forget his first head coach Jan Lipke who was the first coach in Germany to believe in his abilities. “I’ll always appreciate coach Jan because he was the first coach to give me an opportunity to play professionally in Germany. He helped me a lot because he gave me a lot of insight from a coaches’ perspective on how things worked here and how to best approach things as a player, as he also played at a high level during his career”, stressed Anell Alexis. Last season he played his first full season in the Pro B with BBC Coburg playing 25 games averaging 6.3ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 85.7%. He scored in double figures in 7 games and had his moments drilling home 18 points in the 92-89 win against the Bayer Giants Leverkusen and added 16 points in the victories against Schwelm and Wurzburg. He needed very little adjustment period coming from the Panamanian league. “At first it was the speed of the league for the first game or two, but once I got used to that there was not a huge adjustment that needed to be made”, said Anell Alexis.

https://youtu.be/3SDII90uS58

 

                The American had tasted big time success in Panama and returned back to Germany to face a new challenge with the new Pro B team wiha Panthers Schwenningen and came at the end of November and it didn´t take him long to discover that he was playing with a very special organization. “The entire organization is very tightly knit. Players wives and girlfriends help out throughout the organization, the women’s team always supports us at our games, and we even have assistant coaches who coach youth teams. Everyone is helping one another in different ways”, warned Anell Alexis. He also understood quickly that a winning team need the right mix of players, but nothing is complete without the right coach that holds everything together and is able to construct a chemistry that will bring success. “Coach Velcic is a very hard-driving coach but I can appreciate playing for someone like that because there are days throughout the season were the team may not be giving it’s best effort, but he won’t allow us to give anything but that. He is a great motivator and helps everyone fight and give their best”, stated Anell Alexis. Alexis who lists Scotty Hopson as the toughest player he battled in the NCAA knows that the success of the wiha Panthers Schwenningen has been a combination of Velcic and his teammates and is thankful of being able to share the ball on a daily basis with it´s two best players Rasheed Moore and Bill Borekambi. “With the numbers Rasheed puts up on a consistent basis he has to be up for MVP consideration. He’s fun to play with because he’s still young so you can see him growing and maturing as a player with every game that we play. The most amazing play Bill has made since I have been here would be that last layup against Giessen. His body was parallel to the floor and he was still able to make it. He makes really difficult shots on an everyday basis so I can’t even say I’m surprised anymore when I see him make them”, stressed Anell Alexis. He also has the utmost respect for the guards Abaker and Karamatskos who so often change the game with big plays on offense and defense. “Abdul made a key steal when we were down four points with a minute to go against Giessen as well as the two free throws that followed. Kostas’ injury may have been a blessing in disguise because that allowed Abu to develop as a point guard uninhibited during that time. Kostas is actually a big joker but you would never know that unless you saw him outside of a game environment. At the same time, he keeps the team locked in and focused on the task that we have at hand, whatever that may be at that given time”, warned Anell Alexis.

                The wiha Panthers Schwenningen have had an overwhelming exciting playoff series having beat SC Rist Wedel in three games and doing the same against Giessen and surviving three do or die games. There is the famous Gary Lineker quote and in the end the German football team always wins. In the last games the wiha Panthers Schwenningen haven´t only had a lot of luck, but been able to always win at the end like Germany once did. “I wish it was that easy but we really lock in and focus in these do or die games. None of them have been easy but we make all the plays that we need to make in order to win the game”, expressed Anell Alexis. Giessen gave it a great fight, but so did Wedel, but in the end it was that special heart and fight that have helped carry the wiha Panthers Schwenningen to so many wins this season. “Game three against Giessen was not decided until the literal last possession of the game. We were down double digits for most of the second half but we never gave up and that’s what helped us pull the game out at the end”, stressed Anell Alexis. Now head coach Alen Velcic and his players are ready for  a new challenge against the energetic and feisty Munster team who like Schwenningen moved up to the Pro B after many years of being  a top Regionalliga team, but always came up short winning the title. It will be the third series in a row where the wiha Panthers Schwenningen won´t have home court advantage again, but their playoff track record at 2-0 is perfect, but they will have to be very aware of one of Munster´s big strengths at home. “I feel like it will be a series of the team who can best impose their will on the game will have the best chance of winning the series. I like our chances in this series, but we have to be focused and locked in because Munster is a team that shoots the ball well, especially at home”, warned Anell Alexis. 

https://youtu.be/CKblKCsHMbM

 

                Alexis came from Panama which is a league where defense isn´t necessarily on the basketball menu, but he knew that he would really have to be awake on defense playing under Alen Velcic. “I really didn’t have much choice to develop it if I wanted to play. I always prided myself on playing defense but playing with Coach Alen made me be a lot more physical and aggressive while playing it. I always liked to use my length to bother people on defense whereas he wants me to pressure players full court and never give them room to breathe”, warned Anell Alexis. He compares his game to a Brandon Roy and since coming to the Panthers has played 18 games averaging 6,1ppg and 3,3rpg while shooting 32% from outside. Even if he has scored in double figures in only 4 games including a 15 point effort against Wurzburg and 11 points against his ex team Coburg, he does a lot of things on the court besides score and his abilities are appreciated by his teammates. ““Anell is giving us some needed depth. He is a good player that has got a good jump shot is tall and helps us with our rebounding struggles”, added Bill Borekambi. He brings versatility to the court, but also knows that he will have his moments shooting the three and that is a part of his game that he will continue to tweak in the basketball lab. “I always feel like you can work on a daily basis even when you’re shooting the ball well. Your shot is what ages the best throughout the years so it will always be something that I work on consistently”, warned Anell Alexis. He didn´t have it easy at first as he was inconsistent and had his lapses on the defensive end, but with time he has gotten used to the Panthers style, teammates and head coach Velcic. Velcic may get on his back and be hard on him, but he knows it´s not personal. “He doesn’t let up. That’s what I appreciate the most. At the same time, you know he’s doing it with your best interests at heart. That always makes it easier to absorb the message he’s saying and not the way he’s delivering the message”, warned Anell Alexis.

 

            Before he thinks about his future, there is still the current season to play and the way their luck has gone in the playoffs, the wiha Panthers might be able to make another huge surprise against Munster and keep their season going. There has been that myth that 29 year old Anell Alexis is already looking past basketball and preparing for a life after the game he loves. He has a business degree and has thoughts about going that route perhaps a bit earlier and hasn´t had that total seriousness about basketball, but that is totally incorrect. “I plan on playing as long as my body allows me too.  I have my masters degree but the part about basketball not being the biggest focus of my life isn’t true. I just want to put myself in a position where I am prepared for life after my playing career is done”, warned Anell Alexis. For now Panthers fans can have fun watching Alexis continue to woo them with hopefully continued three point accuracy along with his versatile game while some of the older fans will still have his dad in their memories as he isn´t ready yet to hang them up quite yet. He might not be the same player that his dad was, but maybe he has that playing longevity in his genes that will allow him to play and enjoy the game for many more years the way his dad did

Ronald Moore is a 30 year old 183cm point guard from Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania that is playing his ninth professional season and first with Openjobmetis Varese (Italy-Serie A). He has gained much European professional experience having played in countries like Slovakia, Poland, Hungry, Ukraine and Italy. He was among the league leaders in assists in every country he played in. Last season he led the Italian Serie A in assists with The Flexx Pistoia (Italy-Serie A) playing 30 games averaging 11.0ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-1 (5.8apg), FGP: 39.5%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 76.6%. He played at Siena from 2006-2010 playing a total of 135 NCAA games and as a senior played 34 games averaging 7.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 7.7apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 31.8%, 3PT: 21.8%, FT: 64.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the Fiba Europe Cup Final 4 when he played against German team s.Oliver Wurzburg.

Ronald thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Early in your career you played a Eurocup game with PGE Turow against Alba Berlin in Berlin. What memories do you have of that game?

I remember being excited to be playing in Eurocup playing against great competition. Alba had a great atmosphere in a great arena which are the type environments i love as a player.

Do you remember an extremely quick point guard by the name of Dashaun Wood who played at Wright State? I’m sure that you guys had some interesting duels on that night?


Yes, he was a good player. I always love going against great competition because it pushes me to be better.

Now you will be returning for a second time in the Fiba Europe Cup semi-finals against s.Oliver Wurzburg. Wurzburg is the place where Dirk Nowitski made a name for himself in the late 90’s before reaching the NBA. What will it mean for you being able to play in the gym where he played once?

It will be another great experience added to my career. I hope to embrace the moment and go out there and play at the level I know I’m capable of. 

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Have you had friends or ex teammates playing here in the past?

I don’t know much history about Germany, but I do know it is a great country to live and play in. I have had many friends who have played there and always wanted to play there before my career was over.

It has been seven years since you last played in international club play. You have helped Openjobmetis reach the semifinals. How special has it been for you being able to compete in the Fiba Europe Cup this season? You had two close wins over Prishtina and Oostende. Which win was bigger?

Playing in Fiba Europe Cup was one of the main reasons I came to Varese. I have not played in international club play and wanted to do so if I had the opportunity this season. I think the game in Prishtina was the bigger win because it was a tough environment to play in there.

What kind of series can we await against s.Oliver Wurzburg? They have a very talented squad and have guard terror with Cameron Wells, Jordan Hulls, Skyler Bowlin and Brad Losing always making life uncomfortable for opponents. How excited are you for the series?

I think it will be a hard fought series. They are a good team and we are looking forward to the matchup.

Your playing your fifth season in Italy and first with Openjobmetis Varese (Italy-Serie A). Has Italy become like a second home for you over the years and could you imagine finishing your career there?

Italy has become like a second home for me over the years and i do like my time I have spent here. I don’t know if I will finish my career here, it is possible. But I would like to experience playing in other countries if it presents itself. 

You won your only two professional titles in Hungary. How challenging is it playing in the Italian Serie A and how has your game gotten better in this league?

It is hard to win championships no matter where you are. In Hungary we had a special team that allowed us to be that successful. Italy is definitely a tougher country from top to bottom and has a lot of talented players ever year.

Openjobmetis V is having a very strong season fighting for the playoffs. What has been special about playing for this organization in comparison to the other Italian ones you have played for?

Varese has a rich history in the Italian league, it has been nice to become a part of that history. 

How vital has Canadian Thomas Scrubb been for the success of the club? What have you appreciated most about his play on the court?

Tommy I think it one of the most valuable pieces we have on this team. He effects the team both offensively & defensively each and every game. We would not be as successful as we have been without Tommy.

Let’s talk about your game. You weren’t much of a scorer at Siena (NCAA), but a great playmaker. You became more of a scorer as a professional. Did you always have that scoring ability and just didn’t need to show it at Siena?

I always loved being a pass first point guard, but with the ability to score. In college I didn’t need to score much because of the great players around me. At the professional level I quickly learned the clubs appreciate more point guards that score so I did just that while also balancing passing the ball.

You had to pay your dues in your first seasons as a professional in Slovakia, Poland, Hungary and the Ukraine. Why do you feel did it take so long for a higher league like Italy to notice your play?

I think a lot of good players sometimes have to take a tougher route to get to some of the top leagues. There are a lot factors that may cause that, but I am happy about my journey because it taught me a lot and helped me grow. 

It doesn’t matter where you have played as a professional, you have always been in the top 5 in assists. You led Slovakia and Italy in assists and was second in Hungary and the Ukraine. What is your secret to making an assist?

I just have been blessed with the talent of passing the ball. I always try to get the ball to my teammates in the best scoring position. I have to thank all of my teammates for finishing off the plays by scoring the ball. 

You have made numerous assists in your career, but what was your favorite that was important in a game and what was your most spectacular and acrobatic pass that you have made?

That is a tough question. I can’t think of just one right now but making tough passes in the traffic of defense are some of my favorite assists. 

Now at age 30 on what parts of your game are you working on most to continue to be a consistent player and continue to improve?


I want to be more consistent with my 3point shot. I think as I get older and keep slowing down a little my 3 point shot has to be more consistent and that is something I work on.

Your cousin is ex NBA player John Salmons. What kind of an influence has he been on your career? Was he a guy that had an impact on you becoming the player you are today?

Yes of course, he passed on a lot of knowledge to me about the game of basketball. When you have somebody in your family make it that far, it only motivates you to go as far as you can.

You played the last 3 years for The Flexx Pistoia (Italy-Serie A). How important were the last three years in terms of how your game was able to develop playing in one of Europe’s top leagues?

I think it was very important. I was able to make a real name for myself in this league. I was a captain and learned how to lead a team in this league and take them to the playoff two years in a row. 

How important was a guy like guard Jamon Gordon? What were you able to soak up from his vast experience?

Jamon taught me a lot in a short time. He was an experienced euroleague player and taught me a few things about being a leader as well as making plays. I was fortunate to have him as a teammate and still being able to speak to him even after he left the team. 

You played parts of two seasons for JuveCaserta (Italy-SerieA) and was teammates with ex NBA player Sam Young. What memories do you have of him? How did his experience help you in Italy as you continuing to make a name there?

Sam was a good guy. I also was fortunate to learn some things from him as well not only about basketball but about planning for life after basketball. 

In your third professional season you played with Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar (Hungary-A Division) playing 45 games averaging 11.5ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-2 (6.3apg), Steals-4 (2.3spg), FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 72.5%. You won two titles. You had some big playoff battles. What made this team so special that season?

We had a lot of weapons on that team and we played together. We liked playing together on the court as well and hanging out off the court. I think this is important and that special bond makes a team really good when they work together towards a goal.

In your second season you played with PGE Turow Zgorzelec (Poland-PLK). I covered German Konrad Wysocki for a season in Frankfurt. What do you remember about the intelligence of the Princeton graduate?

Konrad was my guy. He was a great captain and taught me a lot in my young career at that time. He was a stand up guy and I enjoyed playing alongside of him.

As a rookie you played with BK SPU Nitra (Slovakia-Extraliga) playing 48 games averaging 16.9ppg, 5.0rpg, Assists-1 (6.9apg), Steals-2 (2.4spg), FGP: 38.8%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 71.6%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Slovakia where you knew that you were very far away from home?

My first year was really tough being in Slovakia. I actually thought about leaving and going home. It was such a cultural shock for me, but I was lucky to have good American teammates along with family members who helped me get through that season. 

How important was it having a guy like J J Montgomery around as a rookie? What do you remember being his most important piece of advice about basketball overseas?

JJ was one of the Americans that helped me get through my first season. He helped me understand that business side of basketball and going out each and every day to do your job. It made me grow up quick in that sense. 

You played at Siena (NCAA) from 2006-2010 winning the MAAC tournament in 2008,2009 and 2010. Which title was the sweetest for you?

I believe the sweetest one was the 2009 title. We had such a special group of guys and we knew we were a dangerous team. We had got a taste of what is was like our first year and we just wanted more. That drove us all season in 2009 with playing against some of the best teams in the country. Siena years were a time I will never forget.

Recount your game winner against Ohio State in the NCAA tournament. Is this one of those videos you like watching from time to time?


It is definitely one of the greatest moments in my basketball career. People from Siena until this day still bring it up and it is a great feeling watching that video from time to time. 

How important was a guy like Kenny Hasbrouck for you. He was a year older, but accompanied you in your first three seasons. Have you followed his professional path?

Kenny is one of my best friends. He was like an older brother at school and took me under his wing and helped me along the way. I follow him for sure through his professional career and we support one another. 

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

Coach McCafferry is one of the best coaches I ever played for. He just gave me the confidence to be a leader as well as the confidence to compete against anybody. That little intangible has helped me along my entire career.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Kenny Hasbrouck?

Haha, I will give it to Kenny only because he ability to score in so many different ways. We both are real competitors so it wouldn’t be an easy game for either person.

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


I would have to say Derrick Rose. His speed and athleticism at the guard position was unmatched in college. He was a tough cover as well as a great defender to score on. 

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

Thats is a tough question. Not including myself I would have to say Kenny Hasbrouck, Brandon Wood, Terran Pettway, Jeff Brooks, Alex Kirk. There are many more, I played with a lot of talented guys.

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

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Shaq

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


I think Michael Jordan will always be the standard. I am a huge Lebron James fan and because he is my era of basketball I tend to choose him as the greatest.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was Captain Marvel. 

Thanks Ronald for the chat.

Just a few weeks ago there was still hope in Rhondorf that the Dragons might be able to be saved and stay in the Pro B, but on the last playdown game day of the season, the ex Pro A team that won only two games in that league in the 2015-2016 season were playing for pride as they had no chance to stay in as Wurzburg had secured the last spot. The Dragons Rhondorf knew coming into the playdowns that they needed many wins and help from other teams, but that didn´t happen. Their 3-2 playdown record was ok, but not good enough and they didn´t get help from the other teams as Wurzburg did what they had to do keep winning and not to allow Rhondorf any chance of overtaking them. On the last game day of the season, it was a rather cool spring day as it felt more like a warm winter day in mid April as fans came to watch the last Pro B game for a while. Fans were able to see the amazing Zgimantas Riauka for one last time as he had been an absolute delight to watch and with the poor team season, his amazing stats of 17,2ppg and 12,4rpg were lost a bit in the agony of all the loses, but he will definitely be a player that will be remembered as his fierce never die attitude classy style and top character that was a role model for so many kids won´t go unnoticed. The Dragons Rhondorf entered the game not only wanting to close down their season with a win, but had a lot of revenge on their minds as they had had a poor and unsatisfying 1-2 record against the RheinStars Cologne. Especially their last loss was a nasty reflection of how their season went as their two best players Riauka and Waller carried the team with 59 points combined, but the rest managed only 9 points. They shot horribly from outside netting only three three´s, lost the rebound battle and had only one positive stat coughing up the ball only 5 times. The winner of the game would kick the other into the final standings cellar spot and the Dragons Rhondorf got revenge from their last loss in Cologne and closed out the season in fine fashion winning 89-75. After the big win, Zygimantas Riauka seemed like he was top of the world as he was smiling and totally thrilled about the win. “This was a total team effort. Every one showed up to play tonight. Everybody fought, everybody was unselfish and we played as a team”, stressed Lithuanian big man Zygimantas Riauka. The RheinStars raced to their faithful fans after the buzzer sounded after 40 minutes and then American Tucker Haymond reflected on the loss. “We definitely have played better, but I give a lot of credit to Rhondorf. They had more energy and outplayed us in every aspect of the game. It wasn´t my best game and since my team relies on me a lot to produce, there was a lot of pressure on them. It was just one of those days”, stressed Tucker Haymond.

                The first quarter had ups and downs for both teams and saw five lead changes, but after 10 minutes the Dragons Rhondorf had the slim 20-18 advantage. After German Benedikt Van Laack who had a whole fan club at the game and Riauka traded baskets, both teams traded leads. After American Kwan Waller gave Rhondorf the 4-3 lead with a pull up jumper, the RheinStars escaped out on a lethal 11-2 run to extend their lead to 14-6. In the run it was ex Dragons forward Thomas Michel who has 3 BBL games with Bonn on his resume led the charge with three three´s. With every new three, the more confident he got and the more aggressive he got. His hot shooting came in handy as top Pro B scoring leader Tucker Haymond was coughing up the ball more than he was scoring.  The Dragons Rhondorf had no real offensive rhythm and were turning the ball over too much. Rhondorf then led a come back and let their defense spark their offense cutting the Cologne lead to 16-14. The Dragons controlled the boards and upped their defensive intensity which led to a Lotola Otshumbe offensive rebound and hook shot basket, a Waller Floater and Riauka lay in off an offensive rebound. The Dragons Rhondorf traded a few leads at the end, but kept the lead due to continued hot execution from Riauka who netted two buckets for the 20-18 lead after 10 minutes. “We had a few jitters at the start, but came back strong. Michel played some years here and had something to prove and it showed with his three´s”, stressed Zygimantas Riauka. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 50% form the field and 20% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the RheinStars shot 47% from the field and 50% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

                The first few minutes were tight in the second quarter, but the Dragons Rhondorf then got away from Cologne, but they fought back only to see the opponents lead rise again. Thomas Michel continued to stay aggressive and have the hot hand as he dropped two baskets to give Cologne the 22-20 advantage. But the Dragons Rhondorf answered rapidly scorching the RheinStars with a swift 5-0 run as 36 year old Anish “the fountain of youth” Sharda nailed a trey and German Karl Dia scored inside for the 25-22 advantage. An interesting stat coming into the game for Sharda was that he led the team in three point shooting at 33%, but was the worst from the field at 18,2%. Young German Tim Van Der Velde scored on transition and 31 year old German Veteran Max Dohmen hit a free throw to dead lock the game 25-25. The Dragons Rhondorf then hit the RheinStars with a 10-4 run to lead 35-29. In the run, the club got valuable support from German big Man Alex Moeller who scored twice including a nice spin move around Dohmen on the baseline. After going 1/5 from outside in the first quarter, the Dragons started to hit their three´s better as Sharda connected again and captain Joe Koschade also dropped a trey. The RheinStars had a lack of concentration leading to turn overs and bad decisions on offense. A big difference in the game in comparison to the whole season for the Dragons Rhondorf was that whenever the opponent threatened to come closer, they had consistent answers ready. Another clutch three from Michel cut the Rhondorf lead to 35-32, but Rhondorf had offensive answers with a Sharda basket and Julian Jasinski who has 26 BBL games on his resume with a lay in and three from Waller quickly giving them the comfortable 43-34 lead. Rhondorf kept the lead despite three points from 29 year old German Jan Zimmermann thanks to a Bo Meister lay in and hard Kwan Waller one hand dunk. Haymond finally scored again cutting the Rhondorf lead to 47-39, but his halftime stat line read 5 points and 5 turnovers. “We made more shots and everybody put their bodies on the line”, added Zygimantas Riauka. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 51% from the field and 36% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 9 turnovers while the RheinStars shot 48% from the field and 45% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

                In the third quarter the Dragons Rhondorf continued to control the game and lead by as much as 15 points never allowing the RheinStars to get over the hump and get below 10 points. The Dragons Rhondorf got off to a terrific start breaking out on a 7-0 to run to have their biggest lead of the game at 54-39. They upped their defensive energy stopping the RheinStars on their first five possessions which led to a Waller floater, Riauka steal and two handed dunk and the second trey from Koschade. The RheinStars finally achieved their first field goal of the third quarter as Michel hit a fade away jumper and then scored again cutting the Rhondorf lead to 54-44. In the past the Dragons Rhondorf would have wilted and fell apart, but they had enough support from many players that continued to keep the lead in double figures. Waller connected on another trey and then came vital added support from the bench as German David Falkenstein who has 2 BBL games on his resume scored on the set offense taking advantage of failed communication from Cologne and then scored on transition giving Rhondorf the 63-50 lead. The RheinStars continued to get little offensive support from Pro B top scorer Haymond, but got offensive aid from 31 year old Max Dohmen who got to the free throw line and made a fade away jumper. However the Dragons Rhondorf continued to execute at ease and shared the ball well and had many options. Riauka made a hook shot, Sharda a pull up jumper and Falkenstein a pretty alley-op tap in on the perfect feed from Sharda as the Dragons Rhondorf led 69-56 after 30 minutes. “We had a good start getting the momentum, but also got a bit sloppy making too many mistakes, but we fought through it and kept the lead”, stressed Zygimantas Riauka. “We couldn´t get stops and just traded baskets. We didn´t give ourselves a chance to string together buckets and stops. We couldn´t match their intensity”, stated Tucker Haymond The Dragons Rhondorf shot 53% from the field and 41% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the RheinStars shot 43% form the field and 38% from the parking lot and had 22 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

                The Dragons Rhondorf continued to control the fourth quarter and never allowed the RheinStars to cut the lead below double figures except for the first 34 seconds, but after that it was all Dragons Rhondorf. The RheinStars had a lightening start going on a quick 5-0 run in 34 seconds. Angolian Silvio Mendes-Mateus drilled home a trey and German Tim Van De Velde made a steal at center court and scored cutting the Dragons Rhondorf lead to 69-61. The last quarter would prove to be a game of runs as Rhondorf mustered three defensive stops and went on a crushing 7-0 run to extend their lead to 76-61. In the run they got big support from Sharda that hit a tough contested trey from the corner, Moeller made a 20 footer from the baseline and Sharda made free throws. Then it was time for the RheinStars to come back going on a 5-0 run to cut the Rhondorf lead to 76-66. Haymond was able to score in bunches something he did all season long, but couldn´t do in the first three quarters as he made a pretty floater over Moeller and then dropped a trey. The RheinStars couldn´t get the needed stops while they still executed ok, but couldn´t get over the double digit hump. Rhondorf got a vital offensive rebound and put back by ex Speyer forward Yannik Kneesch. A technical foul by Jan Zimmermann didn´t help Cologne´s cause which led to a Jasinski free throw and Riauka jumper and 84-70 Rhondorf lead. In the last minute Waller helped spice up his stat line with a trey and hard one handed dunk, while Cologne got some free throws from young German Sebastian Pritz who was inserted for garbage minutes closing out the game. “Our offense wasn´t working as we got sloppy and just tried to do too much. Our defense got us the win as we didn´t let them get over the hump”, stressed Zygimantas Riauka. “We were right there to get over the hump, but couldn´t. They continued to execute well down the stretch. Riauka was tough at the end. Nobody can stop him”, added Tucker Haymond. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Kwan Waller with 19 points. Zygimantas Riauka had 18 points and 12 rebounds and Anish Sharda had 15 points while the RheinStars were led by Thomas Michel with 24 points. Max Dohmen added 12 points and Tucker Haymond 11 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 525 from the field and 38% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 20 turnovers while the RheinStars shot 42% form the field and 33% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 21 turnovers.

Josh Young is a 30 year old 185cm guard playing his ninth professional season and third with SC Rasta Vechta (Germany-BBL). Last season he played Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProA playing 38 games averaging 9.2ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 46.6%, FT: 69.6%. H ehas had a solid professional career and played three seasons in the easyCredit BBL with the Tigers Tuebinbgen and also sampled Pro A experience with Vechta and Nurnberg. As a rookie he played with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen (Germany-ProB). Before turning professional, he played with Drake (NCAA) from 2006-201 playing a total of 126 NCAA games. germanhoops.com spoke to him recently about the successful Vechta season.

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

At the moment, I’m in Vechta and life is pretty good. I can’t complain. 

You played the last four years in the Pro A. How do you feel has the easyCredit league changed in the last years on the court?

The league has grown tremendously. With all the games being shown on Magenta Sport, all the social media coverage, the level of the teams in the league, the BBL is making its mark as a top European basketball league.

If someone had told you in September of 2018 that Vechta would be in third place at the end of January 2019 what would you have thought?

I would have thought that’s a crazy prediction. When I looked at all the teams before the season, I didn’t think negatively about our chances, but I knew there were some great teams we would be competing with this year. 

Congrats on the great season your having. Does it feel like a real Cinderella story or do you feel like as competitors you would be selling yourself short knowing the potential the team had. 

Thank you. I’m not sure that anyone expected much from our group at the beginning of the season. Coming from the second league, usually means a middle to bottom of the pack season. But with this group, even from preseason we were always working for more. 

The club began slowly losing it’s first three games, but since then have rattled off 12 wins in 14 games. Was a reason for the turn around just the normal bla bla of the team having to find each other in the early going or were the reasons for the turn around a lot deeper?

We were able to turn our season around through consistency. We merely just became better at the things that we were already doing, working on. With each win, our confidence grew. Now we are at a place where we are creating winning habits so that hopefully it can translate to the game. 

You have found ways of wining in so many ways if it was through defensive battles, scoring shootouts or close wins which occurred three times. Half way through the season what do you feel is the teams biggest strength?

Our biggest strength at this point is that we are mentally all on the same page. We work hard in the week and when it’s gameday, all 11 of our guys are ready to go to war. It’s special. 

You have celebrated some memorable wins in your career, but please explain where the victory against Alba Berlin ranks? How special was this day for the team? 

That was a big day for the entire organization. We know that Alba plays at another level than we do but we also know that we have the opportunity to compete against great teams like that. I don’t know that anyone gave us a chance to win before the game. Not only was it special, it was shocking. And that’s a great feeling, to be able to prove people wrong when they doubt. 

Years ago winning in Bamberg would have been unheard of, but even now it’s no easy task. What did it feel like winning in Freak City? How big was this win for the team? 

That was a big turning point for us. It wasn’t that we won there but more so how we did it (tough defense, sharing the ball, playing smart). Bamberg is a good team so to be able to go there and steal one in their house felt great. 

How huge in general was the win against Alba Berlin for the team mentality and self confidence? Do you feel like that win proved to the team that it can beat anyone?

The win against Alba was early in the season. We knew from the beginning of the season that if we commit to playing harder than other teams that we would have a chance to be in most games, but winning creates confidence. That game definitely catapulted our thinking to another level. 

You have played against many talented kids and have seen Philipp Herkenhof and Luc Van Slooten develop, but just how raw is Franz Wagner at age 17? He didn’t do much against Vechta, but he has had some other really good games and even started games. Is this guy NBA material like his brother Moritz? 

Franz is extremely talented. Alba does a great job developing their young talent and so I think he’s in great hands to push the boundaries of his potential. For sure he is a high level player when it’s all said and done. 

Vechta averages 83 points per game and allows only 77 points per game which is third best. What has been the secret to the success on the defensive end? 

Our secret to defensive success has been hard work. We work on our defense practically every day. And the way people see us play defense in games, is the exact same way we play it when nobody is there watching. We are creatures of habit. And Pedro has developed very strict defensive habits within our group. 

How vital has head coach coach of the year candidate Pedro Calles been? How has he developed this season as a BBL head coach?

Pedro has been the biggest reason for the success of this club. From his ability to capture his players, to his coaching philosophy, to the way he approaches the game, he is the ultimate professional. Our guys love playing for him and as you can see, we play extremely hard under his leadership. It’s been cool to watch him grow as a head coach this season. I’m glad we are able to be apart it with him. 

Let’s talk about your teammates. TJ Bray brought experience and a special fire that really capitulated his game to another level. He was always a solid professional player, but he really made the next step with Vechta. What do you believe has been the biggest reason for his success? 

TJ is extremely intelligent and knows the game well. I think the combo of his skill set and our coaching staff putting him in situations to be successful attribute to how well he’s playing. He is an amazing passer, pick and roll player as well as shooter. He’s the engine of the team. 

Even if there no super stars, American Austin Hollins has been that type of go to guy that has carried the team in his own way. How important has his leadership qualities been?

Austin is our scorer. That’s what he is great at and does with the best of them. We look for him to make plays for us and he continues to deliver this season. Also his length on the defensive end gives us a lot of steals. We aren’t the same team without him. 

How important has the stellar play been of Seth Hinrichs this season? What has been his most important quality that has made the club better?

Seth is our all arounder. He can do a little bit of everything well and he has a high motor that we feed off of. He has come up big many times for us this season and is proving himself in the league. 

How important was the pick up of Max DiLeo for the Vechta defense? How has he made an impact on the defensive end most that has helped the team most?

Max is our defensive leader. We take our cues from his hustle, intensity and aggressiveness. When you see how he is able to impact games through his defense, it’s quite impressive. 

How cool is it being reunited with Tyrone Nash again. You guys were teammates from 2011-2014 early in your careers with Tuebingen. How has his game developed further in the last years?

I’ve known Ty for years, we are good friends off the court and also have a good chemistry when we play. It’s nice to see how his understanding of the game has expanded so much since the first time we played together. He plays well on both sides of the ball. 

Let’s talk about your game. Your stats are up from last season, playing more minutes and have improved your free throw percentage. How content have you been with your play this season?

My play is a direct reflection of the amazing teammates I have as well as the system of Coach Calles. Anytime I can go out and help my team be successful, I’m content. And I have been able to do that this season. 

You stated in our last interview that your constantly breaking down your own game film. Those things have helped you to become a better player over the years. What has been the most challenging thing on the court as your back in the BBL again after years in the Pro A?

The BBL is another level in terms of physicality and mental approach. I’ve had to become a much more cerebral player this season in order to be successful on the court.

In our last interview you stated saying that you saw your role being similar to last season in that you would be a leader on the court. What do you feel has been your most important input that you have given that has helped the team be so successful?

I tried to make sure that our guys understood from the beginning of the season that nothing would be given to us and if we were willing to go to war to gain our respect, we would do just that. 

Your are aging like fine wine. Your 30 years old. When you see the Jena legends Allen, Mcelroy, and Jenkins or other legends like Quantez Robertson or Rickey Paulding, do they motivate you further to want to strive to play a long career?

I’ve been seeing those guys play at a high level for a long time. It’s definitely inspiring and motivating to me to continue playing as long as I have the ability, just as they are doing. 

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? 

Absolutely. What he is doing already in his rookie season indicates that he is on the path to greatness. 

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

I think when you are the greatest, you don’t have to tell the world, the world will tell you. 

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

I think that Tom Brady is the goat in his sport just like Michael Jordan is in basketball. It’s difficult to compare the two. It’s like comparing apples and oranges. 

What was the last movie that you saw?

Green Book 

Thanks Josh for the chat.