For weeks there had been a rumor circling around the Dragons Rhondorf that a new player would be arriving, but that took a while to happen, but prior to the RheinStars Cologne game the name Anish Sharda was presented as the 36 year old 188cm point guard was reeled in for his vast experience and scoring and playmaking something the team had been lacking this season. Sharda is in his 13^th professional season and knows the German Pro B very well having played a total of 116 games with teams like Mainz, Hanau and TV Langen over the last years. He played the last four seasons in the German Regionalliga with ASC Theresianum Mainz and never averaged less than 18,9ppg. This season he was tearing up the league again as in 13 games he averaged 21,2ppg, 4,4rpg and 4,9apg while shooting a respectable 38% from outside. He demonstrated his scoring abilities best against Fellbach devouring them with 44 points and helping crush Tuebingen with 32 points. The Dragons Rhondorf went into the game against the RheinStars in 11^th place with a record of 3-10 having lost four of their last five games and had come close at home the weekend before staying with the wiha Panthers for 38 minutes while the guests had a poor 2-11 record and were looking for revenge after their 77-67 loss to Rhondorf in the first meeting and it was also the home coming of Thomas Michel who had graced the jersey of the Dragons the season before. 750 fans were in a great mood and already prepared for Christmas as the atmosphere was great, but for Dragon Rhondorf fans there was no happy ending as they couldn´t win the game at the end as they had their chances, but just couldn´t execute with the final seconds waning down. After the game an upbeat Anish Sharda explained his first feelings about his new team and why the club couldn´t pull out the win. “It was a great atmosphere here tonight and I had fun. I have to thank the Dragons organization for giving me this opportunity. There is a difference between Pro B and Regionalliga, but at the end basketball is basketball for me. Despite the loss, I felt we did a great job bringing energy. The fifth foul on Riauka really hurt us. We could have been sharper on execution. There were certain things we forgot to do on the pick and roll. We have to be ready”, warned Anish Sharda. The RheinStars were thrilled after the win as they all rushed into the stands to celebrate with their fans, while Tucker Haymond just made the fan photo as he was being interviewed and was relieved that the team could head into the Christmas break with the win and he could go to Paris for the holiday feeling good. “We did a good job staying together at the end. We knew that if we could stick together that we would get the win. I felt we showed great team chemistry and played hard with a lot of energy. We showed great growth as a team throughout the game. It was a great team win”, stressed Tucker Haymond.

The game was very tight in the first minutes as both sides took a break and let it´s teams best two players Tucker Haymond and Zygimantas Riauka take central stage as they battled from outside and inside. Haymond came into the game shooting a disappointing 26,4% from the parking lot, but only a few days earlier warned that his slump wouldn´t last. “Shooters sometimes go through slumps, I started a bit slow this season from three but the last few games I’ve been shooting it well. I expect to be above 30% over the next few games I’m not worried ever about making shots”, warned Tucker Haymond. He stayed true to his words and quickly found a liking to the Rhondorf baskets nailing two trey´s while on the other end the Lithuanian double double beast Riauka was making the paint his stomping ground scoring twice while he also got support from Illinois native Kwam Waller who dropped a trey, but the RheinStars had the slim 10-9 lead. Waller showed the quickness that he still has at age 29 finding daylight and scoring in the lane cutting the guests lead to 12-11, but that didn´t last long as Haymond continued to want the ball and remained a shooting menace connecting on two more three´s giving Cologne the 18-11 advantage. The Dragons Rhondorf kept up their intensity and caught the RheinStars napping a few times on defense and got two buckets from Riauka who was unstoppable near the basket and also got a jumper to fall from Sharda who made his first field goal on his first attempt as a Dragon as Cologne still led 18-17. Despite the sudden burst of fire from the Dragons Rhondorf, the RheinStars stayed calm and continued to get good looks and closed out the first quarter with a 5-2 run to lead 23-19. They got two vital baskets from 20 year old Flip Kucic and a dunk from ex BG Goettingen big man Malte Herwig. Ex Bremerhaven German Bo Meister closed out the first frame with a hook shot. “They shot well and we fell asleep on Haymond. We were overhelping which led to the kicks”, stated Anish Sharda. The RheinStars shot 54% from the field and 63% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 50% from the field and 17% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

In the second quarter, the Dragons Rhondorf captured the lead back briefly before giving it up again, but never allowed the RheinStars to lead by more than 8 points. Both teams got their offenses going right away, but the Dragons Rhondorf had the better start going on a 7-2 run to retake the lead 26-25. In the run Rhondorf got good contribution from Waller with a lay in, a 15 footer from big man Alexander Moeller and a trey from ex Ehingen German Bo Meister. The game became a game of runs as both teams suffered countless break downs on defense. The RheinStars struck back with a quick 11-2 run taking the 36-28 advantage. The three ball was flying again for the RheinStars and with extreme accuracy and three fell from ex Dragon Thomas Michel who has 14 BBL games on his resume with the Telekom Baskets Bonn, Benedict Van Laack and from Haymond again who made his fifth of the game. The RheinStars offense was very fluid while Rhondorf couldn´t get out on the shooters the way they would have liked while on offense they were suffering ups and downs. Waller continued to be active on offense getting a three to fall and getting free throws to cut the guests lead to 38-33. Even if Haymond was the big story for the RheinStars, it was new Slovakian point guard Vladimir Nemcok who was a bit in the shadow of the ex Western Michigan(NCAA) standout as he was a big reason why the RheinStars offense was cooking. His aggressive play was always a threat as he constantly in attack mode and one couldn´t let him have room to penetrate which allowed him to be a threat finding the open man at all times and he did. He had a poor shooting night at 1/8 scoring only three points, but had 8 dimes. One of his better assists was to Yassin Kolo for the 40-33 lead. Nemcok who last played in Spain in the Leb Silver league for Alicante showed countless times that he could find his teammates in all kinds of situations and his teammate Haymond was impressed with his play. “He is a smart player that is fast and knows the game well. He is a great passer, but more importantly what really stands out in his game is his ability to get us the ball in our hands so all we have to do is shoot without any preparation. He was a main reason why we were leading. He is a great addition”, warned Tucker Haymond. The RheinStars kept the pressure on down the stretch getting another basket from Kolo in the paint and a clutch three from Kucic for the 45-37 lead. Sharda closed out the first half with a difficult step back fade away buzzer beater as the Dragons Rhondorf trailed 45-40 after 20 minutes. “Nemcok was important for their lead. He was really good with the pace and on the pick and roll. We all had to help and it was tough”, added Anish Sharda. The RheinStars shot 48% from the field and 53% from the three point line and grabbed 17 rebounds and had 9 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 50% from the field and 45% from the three point line and grabbed 17 rebounds and had 11 turnovers.

The Dragons Rhondorf exploded in the third quarter having possibly their best offensive 10 minutes of the season dropping 32 points and totally turning the game around. In the first few minutes both offenses were executing well as the Dragons Rhondorf were unable to pull away. Riauka continued to be the work horse getting two buckets inside and ex Telekom Baskets Bonn 2 guard Philipp Gruber also made a pull up jumper. The RheinStars Cologne continued to be driven by their shooting guard ace Tucker Haymond who didn´t only have a three point bomb to offer, but showed his Gordon Hayward like versatility scoring on transition and also sneaking inside and making like a big man and getting an offensive rebound and making the put back as the RheinStars still led 52-47. With the trey not falling as well the Dragons Rhondorf got the ball inside and were successful while the RheinStars at this point still looked like the better team as they had more options on the offensive end. But then came one of the turning points of the game as the Dragons Rhondorf exploded out on a 24-5 run to take the 68-57 lead. In the run, the Dragons Rohndorf were helped by many different players. Ex Speyer forward Yannick Kneesch had some big baskets scoring inside and showed his 48% accuracy from outside two seasons ago with the Bonn Regionalliga team was no fluke as he scored. The Dragons also got support from Waller, Riauka and Meister and got a huge three from Sharda. Rhondorf played with a lot of heart and upped their defensive intensity. Captain Joe Koschade was big annoying Vladimir Nemcok and drastically limiting his playmaking while the RheinStars totally lost their rhythm on offense. Rhondorf got added buckets from Waller and Moeller and led 72-62 after the third frame. “We executed better and did a better job on the pick and roll. Riauka was excellent and we did a better job not collapsing on Nemcok”, added Anish Sharda. “I was in foul trouble. It was a game of runs. We did a good job keeping our heads up despite their big run”, added Tucker Haymond. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 55% from the field and 47% from the parking lot and hauled down 28 rebounds and had 13 turnovers while the RheinStars shot 45% from the field and 48% from the parking lot and hauled down 23 rebounds and had 13 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, the Dragons Rhondorf held the nice lead for three minutes, but then came the big RheinStars come back. Both teams offenses got going quickly as the Dragons Rhondorf relied on their three point shooting getting trey´s from Sharda and Kneesch while the RheinStars got a three from Michel and a step back jumper from Kolo who showed his shooting versatility in that if he can´t get in the paint, then he will beat you with his mid distance or even three point shooting as he arrived into the game shooting an astronomical 53,3% from downtown, but the Dragons Rhondorf still led 78-68. Then at the 7.08 minute mark, the Dragons Rhondorf were hit with their fifth team foul which effected them right away. The RheinStars went on a 6-0 run taking advantage of the fifth team foul as Kolo and Haymond sunk free throws. Haymond then scored inside cutting the Rhondorf lead to 78-74. The Dragons Rhondorf held the slim lead thanks to free throws from Riauka and Waller, but the RheinStars continued to chip away and felt that something good could happen in crunch-time. They weren´t wrong as Van Laack nailed a trey to be back only 82-81 and then at the 3.13 minute mark, Rhondorf was served a severe blow with the fifth foul of Riauka and Thomas Michel drained free throws for the 83-82 lead. “We made free throws and kept attacking. Our defensive intensity was very good. We also hit another gear with our energy with getting rebounds and getting on transition something we didn´t do in the first half”, warned Tucker Haymond. David Falkenstein tied the score at 83-83 with a free throw, but Cologne struck back as Michel offered a perfect shovel pass to Kolo for the easy basket and 85-83 advantage. Waller made a big lay in to cut the RheinStars lead to 86-85 with 44 seconds to go. After a Nemcok miss, the Dragons Rhondorf had 14 seconds left to win the game, but coughed up the ball on the inbounds play. Rhondorf then quickly fouled Nemcok who made one of two free throws for the 87-85 lead. With 11 seconds to play, Rhondorf had the ball and chance for the win with a trey or send it into overtime with a two point basket. Nothing of that came, as the RheinStars closed down the Rhondorf primary targets as they were left with Koschade who had to finish himself. He had a good look, but missed. Kolo then closed out the game with two free throws. “We keyed in on their top players and forced them to take a shot they didn´t want to take”, stressed Tucker Haymond. “Koschade made a read and had a makeable shot. It was a tough miss, but his defense on Nemcock was amazing”, added Anish Sharda. The RheinStars were led by Tucker Haymond with 25 points. Yasin Kolo added 24 points and Benedict Van Laack contributed 15 points. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Zygimantas Riauka with 24 points and Kwam Waller added 22 points. The RheinStars shot 43% from the field and 46% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 17 coughed up balls while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 49% from the field and 41% from outside and got 36 rebounds and had 20 coughed up balls.

Tucker Haymond is a 24 year old 198cm guard from Seattle, Washington playing his second professional season and first with the Rhein Stars Koeln (Germany-ProB) currently averaging 19,3ppg, 5,0rpg and 2,5apg. Last season he played his rookie year with the Austin Spurs (NBA G-League) playing 33 games averaging 2.6ppg. He began his basketball career at Garfield High School and then played at Western Michigan(NCAA) from 2013-2017 playing a total of 123 games and as a senior played  31 games averaging 14.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 75.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the game against the Dragons Rhondorf.

Tucker thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Christmas is around the corner. How will you be spending the Christmas holiday and do you have anything on your wish list?

I will be going to Paris with my wife for about 5 days. Going to see a lot of the museums and sights. Excited to show my wife my favorite place I’ve been to in Europe. Wish list is some wins after the break!

 Despite the slow start by the RheinStars, how have you experienced your first season overseas? What has been the biggest transition for you?

 It’s been very fun, adjusting to a different playing style. I think the biggest transition is the physicality is a lot higher here than in America, But I like it.

The team has massive problems to score points and have massive problems getting stops. Why has the club not been able to improve in these two aspects this season?

I think we have had issues with that just because how young our club is as a whole. Guys have been working really hard to learn and get better at this but some things just come with experience and playing. We have made big improvements as a team, just might not always show up.

After playing in the G-League last season how much of a difference is there in skill level between the G-League and the Pro B? Have you been surprised by the difference in skill level?

There is a very big difference. G league is full of NBA players, draft picks, past NBA players and NBA assignment guys, and the athleticism is very very high. The skill level in Pro B is good, but doesn’t compare to the g league.

Let´s talk about your teammates. You have mostly young German teammates. Which German player has impressed you the most so far this season?

Phillip Kukic has probably impressed me the most, he has come a long way in developing as a point guard. He has a bright future as a point guard for sure.

What has impressed you most about the game of Yassin Kolo and have you traded stories from the NCAA?

Yasin has impressed me a lot this his ability to pass out of the post and to knock down the pick and pop 3 pointer. We haven’t talked much about NCAA more so pro stories.

Let´s talk a bit about your game. You describe your game to a Gordon Hayward. How do you feel has his game affected you the most to be able to be the player that you are today?

Just watching how he scores and does a lot of different things on the court has helped. I like watching different players games and trying to take things from it.

You can do a bit of everything on the court. What are some things that you are working on the most now to help improve your game in your effort to move up the basketball ladder?

I’m continuing to work on my playmaking ability, it’s something I’ve never had to do and the more I work on it the better I get at seeing things on the court.

You have been up and down as a shooter as last year you were near 40% from outside and this year currently below 30%. What is the biggest challenge for you as you continue to be the best shooter possible?

Shooters sometimes go through slumps, I started a bit slow this season from three but the last few games I’ve been shooting it well. I expect to be above 30% over the next few games I’m not worried ever about making shots.

You played your rookie season in the G-League with the Austin Spurs playing 33 games averaging 2,6ppg. What kind of experience was this for you? How disappointing was it not getting more minutes?

It was one of the best experiences I’ve had, there’s something to be said about being a professional and learning from guys who are better than you. Working hard every day not knowing if I’d play or not kept me always working hard. It made me hungry to get better every day.

How special was it winning the G-League title considering with all the player moves and lack of team basketball during a season?

Winning the g league title was awesome, I will always remember it. With the Spurs we played great team basketball.

Was your 14 point game in 12 minutes in the 140-128 win against South Bay one of your most memorable G-League games? –

I think that was a fun one, I liked playing in the at&t arena though probably the most.

You played 123 NCAA games at Western Michigan from 2013-2017. Was winning the MAC tournament in 2014 over Toledo where you scored 21 points as a freshman or playing in front of 4,000 on senior night your most memorable moment there?

Definitely winning the Mac championship as a freshman. That was a lot of fun.

8 years before joining Western Michigan you met coach Steve Hawkins in Hawaii and then you played for years for him. What would you like to tell him 8 years down the road in 2026 if you met him again then?

 I’d ask him if he was going to hire me as an assistant coach !

How special were the battles with E Michigan and Central Michigan? Is there a game that you will never forget? I can imagine beating them on senior night 88-80. What memories do you have of that game

That game on senior night was very fun against central Michigan. Our rivalry games were always packed against them. I love sold out games.

NBA player Markelle Fultz belonged to the toughest guys you battled in the NCAA. What made it so difficult to slow him down?

He was a very good player. Very athletic and a great scorer. He was a talent to play against.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Reggie Jones?

 Me

Your ex teammate at Western Michigan Thomas Wilder has struggled as a rookie playing briefly in Germany with BBL team Ludwigsburg and now is with the Windy City Bulls. How confident are you that he will break out soon?

He will break out soon. He was a NBA prodigy and had teams interested in him. Basketball is all about situation and opportunity. He will have a great career no doubt about it.

 You played at Garfield high school that has notable alumni like Bruce Lee, Quincy Jones and Jimi Hendrix to name just a few. Which of these three would you most liked to have met?

 I would like to meet Jimi Hendrix because he has such a legendary name and was an icon worldwide

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

 Playing against Jamal Crawford every summer since I’ve been in middle school back home. He is the hardest person I’ve had to guard. Very skilled and also a great person. Always love playing with Jamal.

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

Tony Wroten, Me, Darrun Hilliard, Livio Jean-Charles, Amida Brimah

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

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Bill Russel

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

Michael Jordan. No question.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Equalizer 2

Thanks Tucker for the chat.

Zygimantas Riauka is a 25 year old 205cm center from Lithuania playing his fourth professional season and first with the Dragons Rhoendorf (Germany-ProB). It has been a tough season for the Dragons Rhondorf with Riauka being one of the only bright spots as he belongs to one of the top big men in the Pro B currently averaging 16,6ppg, 12,4rpg and 3,5apg. Last season he played with Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-Ligaen) playing 30 games averaging 7.0ppg, 5.5rpg, FGP: 54.1%, FT: 72.9%. He began his career at Wisc.-Parkside (NCAA2) in 2011 and as a senior played 19 games averaging 14.5ppg, 7.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.9bpg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 67.3%. He returned back to Europe in 2015 and played with El Olivar Zaragoza (Spain-LEB Silver) playing 26 games averaging 13.0ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 79.7%. He remained in Spain and in 2016-2017 played with Caceres Patrimonio de la Humanidad (Spain-LEB Gold) playing 34 games averaging 4.6ppg, 3.8rpg. He spoke to germanhoops.com shortly before the start of the season about basketball.

Hi Zygi thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Congrats on signing with German pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. You have played in Spain and Denmark in the last three years. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

I know Germany is very big on soccer but also they are huge fans of Dirk.

You grew up in Illinois. What connections do you have to Lithuania and have you lived there when you were smaller?

I was born in Lithuania and moved to Chicago when I was 8 with my parents.

More than 5 years ago you played against Germany in the U-20 European championships winning 74-62 and you scored 6 points, had 4 rebounds and w assists. You played against many future BBL players like Kenneth Ogbe. What memories do you have of that game?

I don’t really remember playing against Kenneth, but I do remember they had a very strong and tall center at the time that I had to play against.

You have signed with the Dragons Rhondorf. With what kind of expectations are you coming to Rhondorf? You are a young player, but will be one of the oldest. Are you ready for that leadership role?

I’m coming to Rhöndorf with the expectation with contributing to the winning culture they had last year. I know it’s a young team but we are also very hungry so hopefully we will find our roles as the season continues but yes I am ready for the leadership role and I think that’s what the coach saw as well because he named me co captain this year.

The club was very high on your abilities, but what were the deciding factors that allowed you to chose the Dragons Rhondorf as your new team?

After I talked to the coach I was very happy of what he had to say and especially since he watched my games before so he knew what I can give to the team plus that I would be given such great conditions such as a shooting gun and practice time at the gym when needed.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a big physical player that also has good game intelligence. If you had to compare your game to a Lithuanian player and NBA player who would best fit how you play?

From Lithuania I have no idea but from the NBA I would say Nikolai Jokic.

You were really a block monster in the NCAA 2 averaging 2,5blocks per game in your last two seasons. You haven´t averaged a block as a professional. Stats don´t always tell the whole story. Have you changed as a defender or will your block shotting tendencies come back again?

The last couple of years my blocks were down because I was always a little more hesitant on picking up fouls but this year coming off the bench I’m not going to worry about that

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

One thing that is hidden about my game is the way I throw the outlet pass

Last season you played with Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-Ligaen) playing 30 games averaging 7.0ppg, 5.5rpg, FGP: 54.1%, FT: 72.9%. It was kind of an up and down season. Some games you played a lot other games you didn´t. You hardly played a role in the playoffs as in the last 7 games you played a total of only 46 minutes. What positives could you take from the season?

One thing I learned about last year is just to support your teammates and wait patiently for your chance. It’s not always up to you if you are going to play but when you get the chance go and help the team no matter what role is given to you.

How valuable was it battling 275 pound beast Christopher Gabriel every day in practice? Did your physicality grow last season having to put up with him on the court?

Chris Gabriele has actually helped me drastically last season. I learned so much from him not only on the court but also off since we were living together I am very grateful for getting that opportunity.

Two seasons ago you played with Caceres Patrimonio de la Humanidad (Spain-LEB Gold) playing 34 games averaging 4.6ppg, 3.8rpg. This was the highest professional level that you ever played at. How challenging was the season for you having had a strong rookie season in the Leb Silver and then moving up a league and playing less minutes?

Playing in second league Spain was not that different from playing in 3rd league Spain. It’s just I wasn’t given as much minutes and I was brought there to play the 4 position but half way through the year they moved my back to center. I loved the city and the team

You split with FC Barcelona 2 and played against some well known veterans like Jordi Trias and Victor sada as well as future NBA player Rodions Kurucs. Were you in awe playing against this famous organization or wa sit just another game?

Unfortunately in my situation I had an incredible center at that time there Alexander Marcius or Sandi how we all called him so it was another great experience for me to learn from an older guy and to develop my skills defensively.

As a rookie you played with El Olivar Zaragoza (Spain-LEB Silver) playing 26 games averaging 13.0ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 79.7%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you were very far away from home?

For me playing in Zaragoza was amazing. It was the first time ever in Spain and I was also on the second team. I became got home sick besides for missing my family and friends a little but for the most part I loved it since I got to finally play basketball and be considered a professional.

You played at Wisc.-Parkside (NCAA2) from 2011-2015. What were your fondest memories on and off the court?

My time in college was amazing I got to play for one of the best coaches I have had ever.

How did head coach Luke Reigel groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach Luke Reigel made my game what it is now and made me understand that you can’t just rely on one thing. You have to have multiple options to score instead of just relying on my right hand hook.

You played against many great players in your life, but which player was your toughest opponent that might be in the NBA now?

Growing up my biggest opponent would have had to be Frank Kaminski. We have had many great battles in high school and even once in college.

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

My NBA Rushmore would be Lebron, Jordan, Magic, and Shaq.

What is your personal opinion of the never-ending debate about who is better Lebron or Jordan?

I think lebron is better because he makes everyone better and does everything well much more well rounded player in my opinion.

Thanks Zygi for the chat.

Not every player that wore an NCAA 2 jersey can say that they have had such a stellar and enriching professional career that has brought one to the Euroleague and two training camp outings with the Boston Celtics, but Jamar Smith who averaged 21,6ppg as a senior at S Indiana and shot at a clip of 44% from the parking lot in his last two years can. It even brought him to Bamberg for a season in between the Chris Fleming and Andrea Trinchieri years in the 2013-2014 season. Since then he has become a very good player in Europe having played in France with Limoges, Played Euroleague with Malaga and won the Eurocup in 2017 with the Spanish side and played Eurocup with Russian team Kazan. It was more than four and a half years since he played his only professional game in the Fraport arena where he led all scorers with 18 points and helped Bamberg to a convincing 64-54 victory in a defensive battle that also featured Casey Jacobson in his last professional season. This season Jamar Smith is an instrumental part of the success in the Eurocup with the team´s 8-1 record and is the team´s second leading scorer and shooting an amazing 45% from outside and is the teams scoring leader in the VTB league. Frankfurt rested freak athlete Quantez Robertson and Erik Murphy for the big quarterfinal cup game on Saturday against Braunschweig and the ex Auburn star was disappointed he couldn´t battle Jamar Smith again and was impressed with his 49 Eurocup game streak of at least one three pointer made. “Smith is a heck of a scorer. He has a nice mid range game and can shoot the three. I was looking forward to guarding him, but coach gave me the night off. His 49 game shooting streak is a big accomplishment and shows the type of shooter he is and the confidence that he has as a shooter”, warned Quantez Robertson. After the victory, Smith had no idea of his current streak. “I remember that game four years ago. Frankfurt played us tough for three quarters, the same way they did tonight. It would have been nice to have played against Tez. It is dope that he said that about me. He is a really tough defender and I also would have liked to have played against. Concerning that streak, I´m a shooter and that is what I do. But I hate that you told me that”, smiled Jahmar Smith.

Unics Kazan entered the Fraport arena and met a successful 6-3 Eurocup team Fraport Skyliners, but a poor EasyCredit BBL team as the club had been struggling. The game was meaningless as both clubs had already qualified for the next round and were playing for pride as Unics Kazan set the tone from the start and the Fraport Skyliners had to play catch up all game long and were at eye level in crunch-time, but little mistakes and offensive rebounds that couldn´t lead to buckets cost them the win as they lost 72-65. After the victory, one noticed that ex Georgetown guard Jason Clark was disappointed with the tight loss, but content with the effort that his team gave against the top team of the group. “Overall we fought very well, but this was a game where guys could work to become better. There were good and bad things in this game. We showed flashes of good offense where we moved the ball and got open looks and also had good moments on defense, but we did miss rotations and lacked communication at times. We were unable to take advantage of offensive rebounds that hurt us”, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Jason Clark. After the win Canadian national player Melvin Ejim was content with the win and was happy with how the team closed out the win. “We played very well for three quarters. They are a very well coached team and I have played under Gordon Herbert. We didn´t have  a good third quarter, but overall we had good intensity, made good plays and adjusted well in getting the win”, stressed ex Iowa State forward Melvin Ejim.

1,350 fans turned out for a meaningless last round game and saw Russian side Unics Kazan jump all over the Fraport Skyliners early, but the home team did make strides at the end of the first quarter to get back into the game. Both teams traded three´s early as ex ratiopharm Ulm guard Pierria Henry and Jason Clark drilled home trey´s. Unics Kazan then got their offense going while keeping a high intensity on defense that stifled Frankfurt as they went out on a 11-2 run to extend their lead to 14-5. In the run, the Russian club got vital support from Ejim, ex Braunschweig guard Trent Lockett and another trey from Henry. Frankfurt couldn´t muster any offense from any other players except for Jason Clark who scored the team´s first 7 points. Down the stretch, the Fraport Skyliners got some important contribution from their young players Garai Zeeb who hit a trey and Trae Bel-Haynes who hat 4 points to help cut into the Unics Kazan lead. Russian Pavel Sergeev who played in Frankfurt four years earlier in the Eurochallenge with Enisey Krasnoyarsk (VTB) hit a key trey late to keep Frankfurt at bay as they trailed 23-16 as they were lighting it up from outside shooting 80% and had a grip on the boards. “It was tough playing without Tez our anchor and Murphy. But when guys go down others have to step up. It took us a while to get started as we got off to a slow start”, said Jason Clark.

In the second quarter, the Fraport Skyliners made a little run early to get close to Unics Kazan, but their inconsistency and continued lack of discipline allowed the Russian side to get back to double figures in their lead. 31 year old 204cm big man Maxim Sheleketo who last played for Avtodor got his team on the board with free throws, but then it was the time for German big man Leon Kratzer to propel Frankfurt to new heights. In a span of a few minutes, he totally dominated in the paint leading Frankfurt on a 6-0 run to cut the Unics Kazan lead to 25-22 as he made a tip in and two beautiful old school hook shots. Kratzer was very active on the paint and took full advantage of the extra playing time due to the absence of Erik Murphy while Unics Kazan lost their offensive rhythm and were forcing too many shots. However basketball will always be a game of runs and that Frankfurt run didn´t faze Unics Kazan. But sort of motivated them to fire back at Frankfurt which they did going out on a lethal 7-0 run to extend their lead to 32-22. In the run the Russian side was sparked by the precision shooting of Jamar Smith who was with the Boston Celtics twice, but couldn´t stick nailing two shots while ex Illinois State forward Jackie Carmichael grabbed an offensive rebound and finished with a left handed hook shot. The Fraport Skyliners had too many up and down phases and especially on defense too many break downs as they showed no stability. After a time out, the Fraport Skyliners clamed down a bit and generated better decisions on offense and got some big shots from Clark and Bell Haynes from outside cutting the Unics Kazan lead to 36-30. Frankfurt was unable to dig into the Unics Kazan lead more as Ejim and Carmichael made big shots down the stretch as the Russian team went into the break with the 43-35 advantage. “We were up and down having good and rough patches. Kratzer was big for us at the start. He was very active on the boards and on defense did a good job altering shots”, said Jason Clark. Unics Kazan shot 50% from the two point range and 54% from outside and had 17 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 37% form the two point range and 38% from outside and had 21 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

The third quarter was the Fraport Skyliner´s best defensive quarter, but they could really make a big dent in the lead or take advantage of their stops as their offense floundered and couldn´t gain consistency in results of more buckets. The Fraport Skyliners went on a big 8-0 run to dead lock the game at 43-43 while being a steel wall on defense stopping Unics Kazan on 10 consecutive possessions. In the run the Fraport Skyliners received key contribution from Kratzer again as he was a beast in the paint getting three lay in´s. Jason Clark took advantage of good ball movement and scored in the paint. Unics Kazan finally got their first field goal and points of the third quarter at the 2,46 minute mark as 31 year old 205cm Russian Andrey Koscheev who began his career with LenVO Sankt Petersburg (B Superleague) got a lay in after getting the bullet pass from Smith. It took Unics Kazan 7,14 minutes to score their first basket of the third quarter and then 26 seconds later scored their second bucket of the quarter as Unics Kazan practiced the second consecutive back door play as Locket scored getting the dime from Koscheev and Frankfurt trailed 47-43. Frankfurt then got a runner from ex Baylor(NCAA) stand out Brady Heslip and a trey from Finish national player Shawn Huff, but couldn´t get over the hump as Kosheev scored inside and Sergeev nailed a trey as Unics Kazan led 52-48 after the third frame. “We got good looks in the third, but our shots just weren´t falling and couldn´t get to our spots. They played good defense”, added Melvim Ejim. “We didn´t change anything up, but just came out more aggressive. We communicated better on offense and moved better on offense”, stated Jason Clark.

The fourth quarter was a real old fashioned dog fight where the Fraport Skyliners were on the heels of Unics Kazan, but couldn´t get over the hump in crunch-time. Fraport Skyliners head coach gave young German Richard Freudenberg and young Swede Elijah Clarance more responsibility and they didn´t disappoint as the ex St Johns forward made a turn around shot and before the ex Illinois State guard started making noise with his shooting, he made two terrific assists to center Marco Voeller. Clarance who is a combo guard, but is learning more to play the point has made strides in recent weeks with his court vision and passing abilities. “We have seen his passing before. His athleticism and dunking overshadows his passing. He is a very good passer and once his reading the plays get better so will his passes. We will begin to see more great passes”, warned Jason Clark. With Unics Kazan struggling on offense, Clarance took matters into his own hands scoring 5 points including a trey to cut the Russian team´s lead to 60-59. The Fraport Skyliners offense was really flowing now and their defense was stable and gaining more confidence with each new stop and took the 62-6o lead with a clutch Trae Bell-Haynes trey. The Canadian rookie´s three point shooting has been a work in progress as he is shooting 21% from outside in the easyCredit BBL, but was shooting at a healthy 44,4% clip in the Eurocup. But one has noticed all season long that he doesn´t crave taking three´s, but tries to avoid them. Against Unics Kazan he nailed 2/3 three´s and looked a lot more confident than usual. “His confidence is getting better with each new shot made. The difference is that he is putting in more work. He is staying after practice and coming before practice and coming in on off days to work on his shot. That is what you have to do to keep a rhythm and  stay consistent. The more he sees the ball going in, the more confident he will get”, warned Jason Clark. But the Fraport Skyliners just couldn´t build on this huge three as they allowed Unics Kazan to close out the game with a 12-3 run to win the game. Unics Kazan executed well on offense as Smith made a difficult looking bank shot which was followed by a Carmichael lay in and Evgeny Kolesnikov who is a 33 year old forward who played with Enisey Krasnoyarsk (VTB) in this arena four years ago in an exciting Eurochallenge quarterfinal game made a lay in and free throws which was the seventh consecutive point and 67-62 lead for Unics Kazan. Heslip then answered with a beautiful lay in high off the glass to put some hope into the minds of Frankfurt, but that was quickly erased by a Carmichael basket for the 69-64 Unics Kazan advantage. Carmichael finished with 10 points and has adjusted well after recently joining the team. “He is a aggressive player and fits his role well. He has been a big help on defense and has played a significant role for us”, stated Melvin Ejim. Frankfurt then mastered two big offensive rebounds, but couldn´t take advantage of two good looks as 35 year old 206cm Konstantin Kaimakoglou who won the 2011 Euroleague with Panathinaikos Athens made a trey closing the door on the Fraport Skyliners. “We made big plays and shots at the end. Kaimakoglou hit a big shot and our defensive stops held them back”, stated Melvin Ejim. “They hit a couple of tough three´s and we couldn´t take advantage of two good looks, which could of changed the game”, added Jason Clark. Unics Kazan was led by Pierria Henry with 14 points while Jackie Carmichael added 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Leon Kratzer with 13 points and 11 boards and Jason Clark and Trae Bell_Haynes added 12 points a piece. Unics Kazan shot 51% from the two point range and 43% from the three point line and hauled down 36 rebounds and coughed up the ball 14 times while the Fraport Skyliners shot 46% form the two point line and 30% from the three point line and hauled down 34 rebounds and coughed up the ball 10 times.

Shonteay Lovell is a 196cm guard from Brooklyn, New York who recently took part at the Howard Hoops academy in the Dominican Republic. He has experience having played with Albertus Magnus (NCAA3) playing 26 games averaging17.8ppg, 11.9rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 67.3%, FT: 65.4%. Last season he played with Talladega (NAIA) playing 10 games averaging 7.2ppg, 6.8rpg, FGP: 58.8%, FT: 44.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

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

Hello Miles, appreciate you for having me. I’m currently in Santo Domingo, Dominican playing for team Las Fireas in La Soga Baloncesto. Basketball life is treating me well, it’s a grind lifestyle and when you love the game you enjoy the life that comes with it.

 You just finished up at Talladega (NAIA). How big was your desire the last months for getting that professional contract?

 My desire was at an all-time high, knowing that I just finished my college career it was time for me to take the next step to play professional basketball. I made sure I doubled up on my workouts over the summer, added beach workouts to my training and prepared for my next opportunity to sign a professional contract.

 Before we talk about your current situation let´s talk about your experience in the Dominican Republic with the Howard Hoops academy. How excited were you to be getting an opportunity like this?

I was thrilled and inspirit to be blessed with another opportunity to attend Howard Hoops academy, to be able to work on my craft as well as the chance to showcase my talents on a professional platform.

How did the whole process of becoming part of the Howard Hoops academy come about? Did you send in a video to Ron Howard or did you actually know him before or have a meeting?

 It started with me seeing Ron Howard’s post on a basketball page on Facebook for free agents looking for professional basketball opportunities. I inboxed him my basketball resume and film, expressing my interest in attending his academy in Santiago, Dominican Republic. I never met Ron prior to me arriving to the academy, he responded letting me know the details of what the academy offers and I was welcome to attend. Once my flight landed in Santiago the car service brought me to the house that we would be staying in and I met Ron Howard at the front gate.

How aware were you that the chances of signing a contract after a Howard Hoops academy weren´t that bad. With what kind of expectations did you go into it?

 My expectations of going into the academy was to get the opportunity to showcase my skills in front of professional team owners and coaches as well get the Professional training I needed to play on that level of basketball. I wasn’t aware that the chances to sign a contract would happen within the first few weeks of attending the academy. I was blessed to be placed in an environment to better my game and opportunity to take my game to the next level.

 How confident were you that you would make an impact at the academy and leave it signing a professional contract?

 I was very confident that I would make an impact in the academy because I love the grind. I bring energy with me and am highly motivated when it comes to developing my game. I love to work on my weakness and knowing that twice a day I will be working on my game would increase my chances of signing a professional contract. Leaving the academy without signing a contract was not an option for me. It was all or nothing I had the mindset that this was my last opportunity to play on a professional level and I told myself that I was going to give it my all every single day. To actually sign a professional contract felt like a dream come true to know my prayers have been answered.

Talk a little about your time at the academy with Ron Howard. What was the most important thing that you gained out of this experience?

The most important thing I gained out of the experience at Howard Hoops Academy was being throughly immersed in the overseas lifestyle with opportunity to gain knowledge from someone like the “Hoop Guru” Ron Howard with already having experience of playing professional basketball. From being surrounded by the culture in a different country and playing the game of basketball with their style of play to developing a routine of waking up to eat breakfast at 8am, at 9am training session at the gym, come back to eat lunch, resting until the second session at 2pm then repeating. Has truly been one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life.

What was your impression about Howard Hoops CEO and founder Ron Howard. How quickly did you sense that his passion for helping get players a job was huge?

 My first impression of Ron Howard was this guy cares for his player, he made me feel welcomed in the academy. I quickly felt his passion for helping players get opportunities after getting settled in we spoke and he expressed the weekly plan of workout sessions that was going to prepare us for the first week schedule of 1 scrimmage and 2 games in front of professional coaches. After that conversation I knew Ron was about business and helping players be prepared and ready for job opportunities.

Ron Howard is really high on your abilities and feels that you can play at a high level. Did you feel that confidence from him in your time in the Dominican Republic?

 I felt confidence from Ron since day one he felt that I had the skill to play at a high level. Throughout the time here in Dominican Republic he kept me motivated pushing me pass my limits during intense training sessions. He’s see’s what I’m capable of doing on the court and expresses that he feels with the right work ethic I can play at a high level of basketball.

Let´s talk a bit about your game. You a 196cm forward that has a knack for grabbing rebounds. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit that?

Honestly I feel like I my game is compared to Charles Barkley, undersized but still a beast on the boards as well as bring the type of energy that a team needs.

Would you say that rebounding is your biggest strength? What other strengths does your game possess?

 I would say it´s one of my biggest strength is my versatility being able to play inside battling with the bigs as well as using my quickness on the perimeter to beat the defender to the basket. The ability to finish strong above the rim through contact is another strength that I have in my game. The fact that I take pride in defense and hustle plays, being a factor on both sides of the court.

 Let´s talk a bit about your career. You played at Albertus Magnus (NCAA3) and in your last season played 26 games averaging 17.8ppg, 11.9rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 67.3%, FT: 65.4%. Was reaching the GNAC final one of your fondest memories?

Finally getting my first official chance to play on the college level at Albertus Magnus was an amazing memory. Throughout the whole season along side a group of players with one mindset to become the GNAC champions that year. The road to the GNAC finals wasn’t easy, we as team grinded and played our hearts out each game and to fall short completing the mission was a heartbreaker. It’s a memory that will never be forgotten but my teammates and I gave it everything we had and left it all on the court. The bitter taste of failure fueled my hunger even more to force me to get back in the lab and grind even harder.

After that great season you took a step back and played with Talladega (NAIA). Why did you go this route?

 I didn’t see it as a step back, I chose to showcase my talent on a different platform. Talladega was in a tough league playing against teams all over the mid west and down south. I figured I needed to expand my audience and make connections in different parts of the country. I felt that with more people from different locations being able to watch my game it would increase my chances of me making it to the next level.

How did head coach Mitch Oliver help you develop your game at Albertus Magnus(NCAA3)?

Coach Oliver helped me get mental prepared for the college level of basketball. He scheduled 7am 1 on 1 individual workouts to help advance my skills on the court. We would have meetings for private film sessions to see my mistakes and moments that I can capitalize on.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Jaqhawn Walters?

 Me and Jaqhawn Walters was always known for competing against each other in practice. I would be on the team with the second group and he would run with the starters and we would go at each other the whole practice. We played One on one games on our own time, seemed so long ago we probably played each other over 100 times going back and forth because neither one of us liked losing. We grew a bond from pushing each other so hard, as to where we became brothers. To this day we still keep in contact with each other on our journeys in our career, I support him in his success as he does for mine.

Who was the toughest player that you battled over the years that might be in the NBA now?

Marreese Speights

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

 Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James

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

 I don´t have an opinion of that debate because in my eyes the debate of who was the greatest of all time was between Jordan or Kobe. I was a Kobe fan growing up and saw the similarities that Kobe learned from Jordan. Micheal is the greatest because he changed the game and paved the way for many other great players. Players patent their games off of his blueprint that alone shows his greatness because everybody wants to play like the best.

 What was the last movie that you saw?

 Halloween

Thanks Shonteay for the chat.

It hasn´tbeen the easiest of seasons for the 2004 Fiba Europe Cup championMittledeutscher BC as winning in the easyCredit BBL has never been easy overthe years as they have had a roller coaster route of moving up and down to thePro A and back similar to how a boarder line NBA player feels taking thosecommutes back and forth between G-League towns and NBA cities and this seasonthe club is dwelling in the cellar with a mean wolf blocking the stairs up tothe living room. The wolf´s den as many know the Weissenfels arena to be aswell as enemy gyms have not been friendly to the Wolves as they have had littleto howl about in terms of being ruthless and successful as teams have had theirway with them. The Mitteldeutscher BC has many Ameriacns in the rotation andeven a Canadian with Adika Peter Mcneilly who was used to winning as a rookielast season with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg reaching the playoffs and gettingfar in the Basketball Champions League, but this season he and his new club MBCas people like to call it when they have gotten tired of writing out the fullname Mitteldeutscher BC have had a season to forget. It has been a realstruggle of a season so players on the club can have very long days in thesmall city of Weissenfels that has little for entertainment and offers the besthang out with a Mcdonalds on the outskirts of town for that late night snackwhen you want to bury all the sorrows from the court in a big juicy Big Mac.Adika Peter Mcneilly who had a stellar college career in Canada at RyersonCollege (CIS) and a solid rookie season in Ludwigsburg shaping his basketballskills under the watchful eye of head coach John Patrick has seen the otherside of German basketball as he and his team is struggling. He is lucky,because when basketball times are bad in Weissenfels, he has more than just aMcdonalds to try to cure his basketball blues with the munchies, but has SteveHarvey to get his torn mind healed with a tad of entertainment. Even I watchSteve Harvey, but then again more for entertainment, but the American talk showhost is a guy that is able to erase your negative feelings quickly with hisfunny antics. Thank God for You Tube, as you can find seemingly unending hilariousSteve Harvey moments on the show Family Feud where he is the host and has funnymoments throughout the 30 minute program. Mcneilly is a big fan of Steve Harveyand for him, Harvey doesn´t even have to be releasing pure comical phrases toget him on the floor with laughter. “There has been a lot of lines that Steve Harvey gets me laughing at. Ithink the funniest moments is when he doesn’t say anything and he has thisblank expression on his face because of the wild answers he hears”, stressedAdika Peter Mcneilly. The next time a teammate hears Mcneilly roaring withlaughter in the bus as he is gazing intently at his lab top or phone, it couldbe a good chance that he is having his own personal moment with Steve Harvey ashe is possibly trying to shed some kind of tough basketball moment experience.

                AdikaPeter Mcneilly is a 24 year old 190cm guard that was born in Toronto, Ontarioand grew up in Scarborough. He had a stellar career at Ryerson College(CIS) from 2013-2017 playing a total of 93 games and was able to improve hisscoring and rebounding averages each season. Already as a freshman he put upvery solid stats averaging 11.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 69.6%. Hissophomore campaign was even better as he shot better than 40% form downtown forthe second straight season averaging 3.9ppg, 5.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.1spg,FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 44.0%, FT: 68.8%. He made a further jump as a junior averaging15.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 89.8%.In his senior season he played 25 games averaging 18.6ppg,7.2rpg, 3.5apg,2.1spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 85.0%. Hiscareer highlights at Ryerson included winning the 2016 OUA championship andbeing a 2017 CIS finalist. He never has had problems with his rare first nameAdika as he hasn´t had had the burden of finding a special nickname as he hasgotten used to having people call him that without the nickname. Most ofteammates the last two years that are Americans have had that NCAA experience,but he played in the growing league CIS in Canada that continues to makestrides. “The CIS has grown a lot, coming into the league several years ago to now Ihave seen the shift of players coming and out and playing oversees”, warnedAdika Peter Mcneilly. The Canadian put up very good stats in his four years atRyerson, but in a way any school that plays in the CIS is always in the shadowof the Golden State Warriors of the CIS Carleton who have a nasty habit in theeyes of every other school of racking up titles the way the New EnglandPatriots has done AFC titles with currently almost 10 consecutive titles. Hedid win one title at Ryerson and has no regrets about playing there for fouryears. “I enjoyed my time playing at Ryerson and I’ve learned a lot playing forcoach Roy Rana. He has taught me the game to the best of my abilities andalways believed in me. These last four years I’ve grown so much as a studentand basketball player and there are countless people at Ryerson that helped mealong the way”, warned Adika Peter Mcneilly.

                Hisbiggest highlight was stealing a title from the seemingly invincible schoolCarleton win the OUA championship over the Golden State Warriors of theCanadian college basket ball league 86-79 where he exploded with 29 points andcontrolled the boards like a hungry wolf scooping down 12 boards. Being able towin this title against the best basketball school in Canada is something thatnobody will be able to take from him.  Heremembers what it took to put a dent in the title trophy case at Carleton withthat very memorable victory. “Our team perseverance during times of distressand how everyone in the locker room dealt with adversity”, warned Adika PeterMcneilly. But being able to beat a top school like Carleton only a short timelater is about as rare as an Andre Drummond of the Detroit Pistons ever winninga game of Horse where the focus is only shooting from the free throw line asRyerson lost 78-69 as his 23 points didn´t mean a thing as the title went toCarleton. “We played a hard game and gave it to Carleton as they won anotherChampionship. One game would not define my CIS career, of course a nationalchampionship would be nice but I was more than happy with the way we played andhow our season was played out”, warned Adika peter Mcneilly. Not only winningthe OUA title remains a huge positive memory in his mind, but he also hadothers as he had countless huge games where he filled the stat sheet like aRussell Westbroook in the game against Western where he exploded for 36 pointsnetting 10/ 13 three´s, hauled down seven rebounds and handed out six dimes. Heisn´t 100% content it was his best personal effort at Ryerson, but itdefinitely is up there. “It may have been and I have to thank my teammates andthe coaching staff in putting confidence in me that game. Having a group ofpeople wanting you to excel feels great”, warned Adika Peter Mcneilly. TheCanadian who has a clear opinion who is the best of all-time in the seeminglynever ending debate between Michael Jordan and Lebron James taking the ChicagoBull also remembers how vital his head coach Roy Rana was for his positivedevelopment as a player at Ryerson. You can ask any guy from Carleton who everplayed for Dave Smart and get the most heartfelt answers about how vital of ateacher he was and it isn´t any different when mentioning the name Roy Rana. “CoachRoy taught me how to work hard and be the best player I can possibly be everytime I stepped out on the court, whether that was in practice or individualworkouts”, said Adika Peter Mcneilly. In 93 NCAA games he scored in doublefigures in 70 games and scored 20 points or more 27 times and 30 points or morefour times. Besides his 36 point memory against Western, fans will remember his34 point explosion against Guelph and 32 points against Ottawa. He alreadygained some international experience in 2015 with the Canadian national teamplaying at the World University Games inGwangju (South Korea) playing 8 games averaging 5.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 35.0%, 3PT: 25.8%,FT: 61.5%

                TheCanadian set out for a professional career in the summer of 2017 and wasgobbled up by the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. It can be seen as a honor playing fora John Patrick team as he always picks up special kind of guards that willunderstand his philosophy and function in his specialized guard system. Patricksaw a lot of potential in the versatile guard and signed him. Mcneilly came toGermany not having that feeling of entering a totally foreign place as helooked to his ex teammates from Ryerson. “It really helps having Jahmal Jonesand Aaron Best as friends that goes beyond basketball and that I have kept intouch with after their time at Ryerson. They told me that playing professionalbasketball will be an experience and that I should go out and play as hard as Ican”, stressed Adika Peter Mcneilly in the summer of 2017.  What also helped the Canadian coming toGermany and not having any uneasy feelings about succeeding in a rising Germanleague easyCredit BBL was just knowing that ex CIS players like Carletonlegends the Scrubb brothers Philipp and Tommy have really made a mark in theleague and moved on to bigger and better leagues as well after having thatexperience in Germany. “I feel no pressure, I have played basketball a verylong time and I am confident in my abilities. Nothing will be easy, as theleague is very good but once again I am excited to go out on the hardwood andplay”, warned Adika Peter Mcneilly in the summer of 2017. In his rookie seasonwith the  MHP RIESENLudwigsburg (Germany-BBL) he played 34 games averaging 7.9ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 31.1%,FT: 69.0%; and also played 26 BCL games averaging 8.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 33.8%,FT: 73.5%. It wasn´t always easy in the John Patrick guard infested rotation,but he held his own and had his moments. In the easyCredit BBL, he scored indouble figures in 10 contests including a 24 point effort in a 118-98 shoot outwin against the Giessen 46ers where he smothered 6 trey´s and who could forgethis 21 point BBL debut in the 98-77 victory over the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. Heperformed even better in the Basketball Champions League scoring in doublefigures in 14 games. He finished that season strong scoring in double figuresin his last six games. Memorable games of him included his 15 and 14 points inwins against Neptunas and his 17 and 12 point efforts in wins over French sideChalon. All in all it was a solid rookie season, but unfortunately not goodenough to warrant a contract extension.

                This season has been a season to forget so far as the Mitteldeutscher BC have started 1-8 and even though his minutes aren´t down from his rookie season, the Canadian has been struggling a bit in the scoring department averaging 5,7ppg and shooting an unacceptable 17,9% from outside at a clip of 5/28, but his overall game has been solid as he is averaging 2,9rpg, 2,1apg and 1,1spg. The team´s biggest problem has been not being able to keep team´s points down as they are giving up 89 points per game and scoring only 74 points per game. The effort is there on the boards as they are hauling down 33 per game fourth best in the league. The team definitely has talented defenders at the guard rotation with Trevor Releford and Lee Moore, but so far the club hasn´t found an identity on the defensive end. The season is still very long for the club to find a winning moment that will get them out of their black hole. Mcneilly is still looking for his offensive rhythm and play games the way he did against Vechta where he dropped 15 points and his three pointer was reliable. His ex teammate Jean-Victor Mukama fro Ryerson remembers Mcneilly having that special energy something that the team needs more of right now. “We have loud guys on the team, like energy guys, but Adika is a different type of energy. He’s always there to help guys with anything they’re struggling with”, added Jean-Victor Mukama. The Canadian inherited that different special kind of energy a long time ago. “My family instilled positive vibes throughout our household that helped each of us grow as individuals and I use those philosophies with basketball and everything I do in life”, warned Adika Peter Mcneilly. No matter where the basketball path of Adika Peter Mcneilly goes this season, he will always have You Tube and Steve Harvey to spruce up his day as well as having that special different energy that the Mitteldeutscher BC needs  right away to help escape their losing funk as it is 10 to midnight in the MBC season.

YannickAnzuluni is a 31 year old 205cm forward from Ottawa, Canada that also has theCongo citizenship. He is playing his eighth professional season and second inGermany returning to the Rostock SEAWOLVES. Currently he is averaging 12,8ppg,5,0rpg and 2,2apg while shooting 34,5% from outside. He played the last twoseasons with BC Lulea (Sweden-Basketligan) and last season played 39 games averaging 14.3ppg, Reb-3(8.2rpg), 2.9apg, Steals-5(1.4spg), FGP: 52.4%, 3PT:37.8%, FT: 82.1%; and played 2 BCL games averaging 15.0ppg, 10.5rpg, 2.5apg He played atHoughton(NAIA) from 2006-2010. He played his first two seasons as aprofessional with Quebec Kebs (Canada-PBL). In the 2012-2013 season he playedfor the Solarto Eagles Magdeburg (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 21 gamesaveraging 17.5ppg, 11.0rpg, 4.2apg, 3.0spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 50.2%, 3Pts: 27.4%,FT: 80.2%. In the 2013-2014 season he played for Pyrinto Tampere II(Finland-1st Division): 28 games: Score-1(24.4ppg), Reb-3(13.9rpg),Assists-5(3.4apg), Steals-1(2.6spg), FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 80.9%. In the2014-2015 season he had his first tour of duty with the Rostock Seawolves playing32 games: Score-3(21.0ppg), 8.1rpg, 4.2apg,Steals-1(3.2spg), FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 80.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com  basketball late in the summer.

Yannick welcome back to Germany. Welcome back to Rostock. How thrilled are you to be back in Germany and with your ex team Rostock?

I’m very happy to be back in Rostock i always knew I would be back for one last hurrah with them.

This is our sixth interview together. How has time not only flown since our last interview two years ago with Phoenix Hagen and your time with Rostock in 2014-2015?

Times has flown a lot since our first interview, you first interviewed me in my early twenties and I just turned 30 this week. It´s pretty amazing.

Since your last time in Rostock you have gained further experience in Sweden with two teams. How do you feel is Yannick Anzuluni different and better now as a player and person having continued to grow?

 I´m a very different player than 4-5 years ago. I´m older and more mature.  I see the game differently than I did in my younger days.

The Rostock SEAWOLVES have had a massive growth in the last years and now are competing in the very competitive Pro A. How is everything that you have seen so far different than before?

 Its a lot different than when I was here. The organization has really grown the past few year as which is great to see.

Now your ex teammate from the 2014-2015 season Jens Hakanowitz is your boss. Is it strange seeing him in a suit now making decisions behind a desk instead of banging inside? Do you remember his 19 point game in your last game with Rostock in 2015 when you lost to Oldenburg?

 Yes it was a bit strange seeing himin a different setting but Jens and I are very close. We kept in touch all theseyears. Thats why´I´m wearing the number 20 because it was his number here hislast season.

What is your early impression of the Rostock squad? How competitive will this team be and what kind of style can we await?

 The squad looks very good, filled with a bunch of great unselfish guys which will go a long way during the season.

The club kept two key players with Brandon Lockhart and Chris Frazer and brought in great players like Tony Hicks and Terrell Harris. Have you noticed a special kind of character so far? How intense are these character guys and how important will that be for the success early on?

 Brandon is not here but Chris, Tony and Terrell are all great players in their own way and have even better characters which is what you need to have for a winning season, good talent with great personalities.

The guard play in the Pro A is always at a high level, but what has been your early impression of Lockhart and Hicks. How explosive will these two players be this season? What is already special about seeing them together on the court?

Tone is a very fast and quick guard and I believe if he stays focused he could take this league by storm.

Another great player is Terrell Harris who belonged to the top players in the German Pro B two years ago and exploded in Denmark last season. He is one of those special guys that despite his success seems to never be satisfied. How will he flourish best with Lockhart and Hicks? Could he be a type of glue guy at the guard position?

Yes Terrell is a great all around guard very athletic who can score anywhere on the court with the potential to be one of the best defensive guards in the league.

It seemed like you made your breakthrough in 2016 reaching the BBL with Phoenix Hagen. In our last interview the title I chose was “ I have never been so excited to start a season in my life”. You played only two games and finished strong in Sweden with BC Lulea. How tough was this season and why didn´t your time work out in Hagen?

The situation in Hagen was not the best situation for me personally which was a blessing in disguise because it led me to Sweden where I had the best season of my career.

You were teammates with a great professional in Hagen with David Bell. How did you experience him in your short time and what will you never forget about him besides his baby hulk features and incredible shooting?

He was a great person always helping guys and only cared about one thingwhich was winning, he was a great leader.

Despite winning titles in Sweden and belonging to the top players in that league, are you back in Germany with a chip on your shoulder wanting to show everyone in the basketball community that you won´t fail again? Have you felt that chip and what is your personal goals as a player this season besides winning?

Things not working out in Hagen then going to Sweden to win a championship and being named finals MVP I don´t consider that failing at all. I have no chip on my shoulders, I decided to come to Rostock to try and help them win a championship before I hang up the sneakers for good.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a very versatile player that can guard many positions. How else do you feel will you be able to help the club be successful at all times?

Having played in back to back finals the past 2 seasons I think I can help most on showing what it takes to get through a grueling season and ultimately win a championship

 You stated this two seasons ago before your time with Phoenix Hagen. “ I feel like physically I am a lot bigger and stronger than I was in Rostock and my understanding of the game has also improved and I´m able to combine my physical skills with some good basketball IQ. How has your game continued to develop in the last two years in Sweden?

I developed physically and mentally in my time in Sweden having played different roles at a very high level really took my game to the next.

How did your 2018 summer work out plan look like? On what things did you work on most so you will be fully prepared for this season?

 My summer regimen has been the same for many years now a mix of on court workouts, lifting track workouts.

You played two seasons with BC Lulea winning the title in 2017 and losing in the final in 2018. How tough was losing the final to Norrkoping after being up 2-1 in games. Did this loss damper your time there a bit?

 Losing is never fun but I wouldn’t change anything about my time in Sweden, I  had the best seasons of my career being in multiple championships winning a championship and being able to compete in a European championship were the highlights of my career.

You played two seasons with BC Lulea with American Quinton Upshur. How much of a pleasure was it sharing success with him? Hs he become like a brother for life?

Q as we call him was a great guy and better teammate, probably the best oneon one defensive player I’ve ever played with.

In your first season with BC Lulea you won the Swedish title in great fashion winning 3-2 to Sodertalje after being down 2-0. You averaged 26 points in the last three games and shot 11/18 from outside in games three and four. Was that the best basketball you not only played in Sweden but in your whole professional career?

 Because of the circumstances being in a Finals and putting those numbers it was definitely the best basketball I have ever played.

 In your first season in Sweden with Umea you destroyed Eco Orebro with 39 points and 17 boards. What memories do you have from that game and was that the most you have ever been in that special zone?

The only memory I have about that game is that I shot TERRIBLY from the 3pts line or else I might of scored 50. I have been in that type of zone a few times in my career.

What is your personal opinion of the never- ending debate about who is better Lebron or Jordan?

No debate Jordan is the GOAT.

 Tracy Mcgrady said that the Boston Celtics will be the Golden State Warriors of the future. Do you see that happening?

 No one is beating a healthy Warriors team.

Deandre Ayton was the #1 NBA draft pick in 2018. Do you feel that from sheer talent and experience that Luka Doncic should have been the real #1 draft pick?

 I didn´t follow the draft at all but if Ayton was #1 it was because experts thoughtfully made that decision.

 Lebron James makes amazing passes in every game, but really showcased it in a game this season against the Los Angeles Lakers. He already is like a point guard, but if he played just point guard and concentrated only on playmaking how many assists do you feel would he average per game?

 10 to 12 assts a game.

What was the last movie that you saw?

 UPGRADE.

Thanks Yannick for the chat.

John Shurna is a 28 year old 204cm forwardfrom Chicago that is playing his seventh professional season and second with MoraBancAndorra(ACB). Last season with MoraBanc Andorra(ACB) he played 35 gamesaveraging 6.7ppg, 3.1rpg,FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 70.7%, and played 10 Eurocup games averaging 6.9ppg, 2.6rpg,FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 81.8%. He has garnered experience in countries likeFrance, Spain, Turkey, and Croatia with teams like Strasbourg IG (France-ProA), FIATCJoventut Badalona(ACB), Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul (Turkey-TB), ValenciaBasket (Spain-Liga Endesa), and KK Cedevita Zagreb (Croatia-A1). He began hiscareer with Northwestern (NCAA) in 2008 playing 128 NCAA games over a spanof four years. As a senior he played 31 games averaging 19.8ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.7apg, 1.2spg, 1.6bpg,FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 75.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about hisbasketball career before the Eurocup game in Ulm, Germany.

John thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Welcome back to Germany. You are back in Ulm. Three seasons ago you swept them.What memories do you have of those games?

Ulm always have really talented teams that like to play physical andthe atmosphere in their gym is always really good. My highlight was winningwith a buzzer beater in Ulm and I also remember winning a big game in Valencia.

You have a lifetime record of 6-1 against German teams. What do you feel has been your secret for having this nice success rate?

I have been very fortunate to have been on very talented teams and played with great teammates.

Your playing your second season with MoraBanc Andorra. The team has been kind of in the middle of the pack in both competitions. How much potential does the team have and what is it´s biggest strength?

I feel that we have a lot of potential in both competitions. Every game is tough and you need to bring your best effort each night. I think that we have a lot of potential in being able to continue to improve. It will be a good challenge and I hope that we can step up to the challenge.

Let´s talk about your teammates. Have you noticed Dylan Ennis having a chip on his shoulder? His never ending hard work seems to have been paying off as he belongs to the top scorers in the ACB?

He is obviously very talented. He is a very talented scorer. He has helped us out in a lot of games this season. He is a very important piece for us. I think a big help for his game is that he plays to his strength and takes what the defense gives him.

How challenging is it training with up and coming forward Reggie Upshaw? What do you appreciate most about his game?

Reggie isalso very talented. He brings a lot of energy to the court every night and cando a little bit of everything. We push each other very hard each day and bringout the best of each other on the court.

Let´s talk a little about your game. You’re a 204cm forward that can do it all. Would it be fair to classify you as a modern forward? What is your biggest strength?

That is a fair assessment of my game. My biggest strength is my shooting and that helps to open the floor for my teammates. I have been fortunate to have played with really good teammates my whole career that have been able to find me and let me shoot the ball.

If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description how you play?

Off the top of my head I have never really thought about it. I am a stretch four and have a role as a shooter that has continued to grow over the last years.

You are a modern forward that has a very versatile game, but what is a hidden strength in your game that you feel doesn´t always get recognized right away as something you do well?

I think it´s the little things. I try to make the team better

Last season you played with talented American David Walker who played at Northeastern. What memories do you have of his play and does he have Euroleague material?

Yes he does. He is a very talented player and outstanding athlete. He has continued to grow each season. He did start with an injury this season, but he looked really good in the last game. As he continues to improve, the sky is the limit for him.

In the 2016-2017 season you balled with KK Cedevita Zagreb (Croatia-A1). After coming form the ACB, how do you feel did your game grow playing in Croatia where you once again played a different style of basketball?

The basketball was different in Croatia. I was really excited toplay there coming from Spain and have nothing but fond memories from there.Once again it helped being around great teammates again which helped us toreach success there as well.

Did you ever think coming out from Northwestern in 2012 that you would have played with so many top teams in Europe and so many top players year in and year out as teammates and opponents?

I could not have predicted that when I came out of Northwestern. I have been really fortunate that I had success in the last years. I have to credit the success year in and year out not only to the talent we had on the court, but the personalities of my teammates. I look back at the memories and friendships most fondly.

In the 2015-2016 season you played with Valencia Basket. How challenging and fun was it working together with a front court like Justin Hamilton, Luke Sikma and Bojan Dubljevic? The competition must been very intense?

It was a great experience being teammates and battling against them each day. One guy played in the NBA and is China now. The other was a finals MVP in Spain and the other is the reigning BBL MVP. There was very much talent on the court with them. They were so competitive and we pushed each other so much to have success. When I look back, I´m more grateful to having these friendships with these guys than anything else.

As a rookie you led the France Pro A in three point shooting and in Turkey shot an exceptional 48% from downtown. Which NBA player did you always look up most to in terms to their shooting when you were a kid and which shooter do you respect now?

I grew up in Chicago and was a huge Bulls and Jordan fan. Everybody looked up to Jordan. With today´s shooters, I look up the most to Klay Thompson. I was his teammate with the U-19 national team. There are so many great shooters nowadays. You can start the conversation with Steph Curry or if you want to go full circle you can talk about Dirk Nowitzki who changed the game with his shooting.

What memories do you have of American Taylor Brown who played with you at Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul (Turkey-TBL). He had played in the third German league just 2 years earlier. What impressed you most about his game when you were teammates?

Taylor is a great scorer. He is a great athlete and so dangerous in the open court. What I really liked about his game is that he is able to find many different ways to score. He has a cool story. He is a perfect example of never giving up and where hard work can bring you. He has shown his perseverance and determination.

In your second season you played for FIATC Joventut Badalona (Spain-Liga Endesa). Was there a big adjustment coming from the French league to Spain that you encountered?

It was an adjustment coming from the physical French league to themore up and down Spanish ACB. It was my second season in Europe, so It was allstill an adjustment to playing overseas. I was fortunate once again being ableto play with a good group of guys. It was also nice playing with experiencedguys, but also young players. Badalona has always been known for bringing uptalented young players.

What was your favorite place to hang out in Barcelona in your second season with FIATC Joventut Badalona?

Barcelona is a great city. There is something there for everyone. You have the beach, you can go to the fountain and I liked hanging around the Olympic stadium. I also enjoyed La Rambla and going to the Gothic area and getting lost in the side streets. You can be at the beach and then with a short car ride at Montserrat. There is always sunshine there and all are happy when the sun is out.

Did Luke Sikma tell any fascinating stories about his dad and the good old days in the NBA?

I´m sure that Luke shared some stories. It was most fun when his dad was there and visited. It was a lot of fun to spend time with his dad. He is a great guy. It was cool seeing his dad who had so much success in the NBA come to visit to see Luke play and see him so happy with his success. He was a real proud dad. His dad was just a normal western guy cheering on his son.

As a rookie you played for SIG Strasburg. What was your wake up call to being a professional where you knew that you were very far away from home?

My wake up call was simply that everything was so new for me. Difficult was the changing of roles going from college to the pro ranks. The whole experience was a real eye opener. I had great teammates and they were a big help making me the player that I am today. Guys like the Greer brothers and Lou Campbell were really important for my rookie season. I still have contact to them today. Lou Campbell is the best example how to be a professional on and off the court.

How much of an impact did head coach Vincent Collet make on you as a rookie? He has had much success as France national team coach and has really made Strasburg into a top team in the last 5 years?

Coach Collet introduced me to the European game. I was very fortunate to have had him as a coach in my first year. He was quite the tactician. It was an adjustment at first, but he was really helpful teaching me the European game. He wanted the best for you, but at the same also expected the best from you. He was always very focused in his coaching. His coaching record speaks for it´s self. He has had a big impact on French basketball.

You played at Northwestern from 2008-2012. How did head coach Bill Carmody prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach Caramody played a huge role in my success in school and alsothere after. Running a Princeton offense at Northwestern was very important formy development as you had to know how to read the game and just do a little bitof everything. He has made me the player I am today. The whole coaching staffthere helped every player grow as a player and person.

You played together with Michael juice Thompson for three years who has established himself as a top guard in France. What are your fondest memories with him on and off the court?

Juice is one of my good friends. I only have good memories with him on and off the court. He always worked so hard. With his size, he was always viewed as an underdog so he played with a huge chip on his shoulder. He has had success everywhere he has played. It was great playing with him for three years and he really helped me grow as a player. He expected a lot from his teammates and his hard work he put in each day made us work harder.

You have played NBA Summer league 4 years in a row. You have played against many players in the last four years. What vivid memory do you have of playing against a player that later made it to the NBA that might have been off the radar a bit during the NBA Summer League?

I can´t really pick a player. There are always many talented guys playing there. It was a great experience for me each summer. Every guy is so competitive and everyone wants to play at the highest level. It was a lot different style than the NBA or overseas. There were usually always young players and I enjoyed testing my skills against them.

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

That´s a tough question. I had too many great one´s.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that is in the NBA right n

Draymond Green. He brought out the best in me.

If you had to construct your own NBA Rushmore which 4 heads would you chose?

Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Lebron James.

Lebron James failed to win his fourth NBA title and is still three away from Michael Jordan. Where does Lebron stand right now in your opinion in the never-ending debate of who is the best of all-time?

I would pick Jordan because of the impact hemade. Obviously I´m biased coming from Chicago. Both guys elevated the game toa new level. He won 6 titles and lost no finals. When the game was on the line,you knew who the ball was coming to and more times than not he would succeed.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Home Alone.

Thanks John for the chat.