Author: Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Basketball journalist and play by play commentator

Ty Cockfield Has A Lot Of Love For The EPG Guardians And Will Be In Attack Mode Against The Artland Dragons On Sunday

pic credit: Angelkingmedia

Ty Cockfield Jr. (183-PG-1996, college: Arkansas St., agency: BIG) is a 183cm point guard that is playing his 4th professional season and first in Germany with Pro A team EPG Guardians Koblenz currently averaging 18,5ppg, 2,8rpg and 3,1apg and 1,3spg.. Last season he played with Proton Cable Prizreni (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging 18,2ppg, 4,5rpg, 4,8apg and 1,1spg. In 2021-2022 he played with KB Trepca Mitrovice (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging 15.4ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 81.7%. He played his rookie season with at BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers (Austria-2.Bundesliga) averaging 22.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.6apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 87.0%. He began his basketball career at Johnson high school and then played at Stetson University (NCAA) averaging 7.1ppg, 1.9rpg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 83.3%. He then played at Georgia Highlands College (JUCO) averaging 16.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.2apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 78.1%. He then finished at Arkansas State University (NCAA) averaging 15.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 78.2% and in his senior year averaged 22.4ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 82.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Ty for talking to germanhoops.com. How did you experience Xmas in Germany in 2024?

It was pretty cool. We got a get together with all the import guys who didn´t have family here. We all brought food and had a great time together.

What was your coolest Xmas experience in Germany? Was it the Xmas markets?

Most definitely the Christmas markets. I love how Germany celebrates the holidays. It seems like whenever there is a holiday, they celebrate it for the whole month. The way Germans celebrate holidays are dope and unique.

Koblenz has the incredible festival on Ehrenbreitstein with lights which I´m visiting tomorrow. Were you able to see that this year?

I actually have not been there. But I hope to get there sometime tomorrow.

Congrats on getting a contract extension. You’re a guy that could play in many places and the Guardians are struggling. It isn´t self-evident that you resign. You must have a lot of love for this organization?

I most definitely have a lot of love for the organization. I have a lot of love for Thomas Klein and the city. I have a great relationship to Thomas. As soon as he told me how I would fit in in the future of the club, it was a no brainer. I´m very happy here. It is a great environment.

I know Thomas Klein really adores your game. Did he have to do much convincing for you to stay?

Not to much convincing from his part. I want us to remain in the Pro A. At the moment, we are doing fine. We have to find a way to put it together.

The team is 5-9. Why is it so up and down?

It has to do with us. We are still trying to find our identity and how to put it all together. We want to make a run. If it isn´t enough for the playoffs, then we want to make a run to feel good. We want to make hard for teams to play us and at the same time have fun.

The crazy thing is that the 4 wins out of the 5 were difficult crunch time wins by not more than 4 points. You lost only one close game to Nurnberg at home. The team definitely knows how to win at the wire.

The close wins we had are really a testament to how hard we work during the week. We really dig deep. Even in games where we lost, we worked hard during the week. We have not had more than 2 days in a row off this season. We feel comfortable when games go down to the wire.

The team had 2 very good defensive performances against PS Karlsruhe and against Tuebingen. But since the Tuebingen win, the team has averaged allowing 93 points per game in the last 3 weeks. Why is the team struggling so much on the defensive end?

I think it´s all about guys trying to learn coaches philosophy. It isn´t easy for the younger players to adapt to his philosophy. Guys are attacking it and studying film. It´s all about us playing his and our game at the same time.

How have you seen the development of rookie Michael Bradley? Have you taken him under your wing?

I have taken him under my wing. I try to give him as much wisdom as possible. I´m helping him with leading the team, finding his spots better and how to put his team in a better situation to win. I keep motivating him every day.

How have you seen the play of David Boehm and Ben Stevens? They bring important things to the team and are different players. Shouldn´t they be bringing more production to the team?

Most definitely they can give more especially David. We can get more out of him. He is so versatile. He has a great game and has the opportunity to have a long career. We want both guys to step up as much as possible and capitalize off their games. Ben is a great guy and a real motor. He could get a few more rebounds and demand the ball more in the post.

Let´s talk about your game. Would you be more happy with your game if the team were in fourth or fifth place?

Oh yes. I would be more happy if we were winning more. I´m not selfish. It´s not about me. The accolades look great, but I want to win more. I could average 15 points per game and be in third place. That would be amazing.

I personally think your leading the team really well, but the team is losing. How do you deal with your situation mentally. Your playing well and doing all you can for the team, but it still loses too much?

I see myself as being 1 player on the team. I´m only human. If I get double and triple teamed, then other guys have to step up. Of course it is frustrating when you look good, but still not enough to win. Longevity is a goal of mine to help rebuild this program and see guys compliment me so I can blossom even more. I will bring even more to the team this season. I´m mentally strong. We are having growing pains at the moment. For me it´s about stacking great days, leading the guys and motivating them.

Your 4/25 shooting in the last 2 games. Does that gnaw at you mentally or is your self-confidence so huge that you know you will break out on Sunday against Artland?

I will Break out on Sunday. A shooting slump is part of the game. I had 8-9 great games and then 1-2 games where I struggled. I mean sometimes you have games where the shots just don´t fall even though I still got to my spots. I´m not worried at all. Sometimes, it does get in my head, but I´m still going to take the same shots.

Do you fear that clubs will scout you better in the second half of the season?

They already have. It began after the first game. The Pro A is a great league. Teams are already getting on me. Team´s best defender guard me every weekend. Teams are defending me hard and trying to get to my spots before I do. I´m an elite scorer and It´s my job to figure it out.

When the team is losing the way it is now, do you put more pressure on yourself pressuring yourself to have to do more?

Yes I do. That is every elite player´s job. It´s only natural for guys like that to put pressure on themselves. When we lose, I put blame on myself and when we win, it´s always the team that did it. That is what a leader does.

The EPG Guardians next clash against the Artland Dragons. They have had a crazy season. They began on fire with 4 wins, but now are riding a 10 game losing streak. Is the team thinking too much now on their horrible season last season?

Yes I think so. Guys got tight after some loses and the confidence went downhill. That changed their perspective about the league, I honestly think the Pro A is top 2 in the world in the 2nd divisions.

Do you feel like the EPG Guardians won´t underestimate them? You swept them last season.

We won´t underestimate them. We lost 3 games in a row. I won´t let them underestimate them. We have to be us and fly around.

How much are you looking forward to battling pass first point guard Buzz Anthony? He leads the league in assists and steals.

These kind of matchups are always fun. I really strive for games like that. I have more fun in games like this. I don´t think that he will get so many steals.

The Artland Dragons have a talented offensive team, but no identity on defense. What will be key to getting the win?

We have to attack. We play defense. We have to put our offense together. I will be in attack mode and bring team with me. We will be aggressive on both sides of the ball.

Thanks Ty for the chat.

Calvin Wishart Will Be In Athens Greece This Christmas But Will Never Forget The Xmas Eve Dinners And Broom Ball In Minnesota As A Kid

One of the great traditions in Germany are the Christmas markets. As a German/American and having lived in Germany now for 20 plus years, I have seen many incredible Xmas markets and it definitely never gets old. I have seen my share of pretty ones like in Frankfurt and Limburg and even got rid of some money for nice Christmas presents in an old castle named Arenfels. The place was perched high on a hill overlooking the Rhein River. The view was simply breathtaking even under the stars. For American ballers in Germany for the first time, visiting a traditional German Xmas market is something on every guys bucket list. It wasn´t any different for second year pro Calvin Wishart (188-G-1999, college: UCSB) who is playing this season in the Pro B for VR Bank Wuerzburg Baskets Akademie (Germany-ProB). But for him walking around in Wurzburg and taking in the great atmosphere, delicious food and hand made trinkets at a Xmas market wasn´t enough, he just had too experience so much more. “I have been able to visit a few of them yes I have been able to go to some in Munich, Frankfurt, Landshut and Würzburg.”, stated Calvin Wishart. The Christmas time for him like so many other ballers overseas is a very vital time of the year. “Christmas is a really important time to be with family and friends. I think that’s the most important thing. Christmas is a magical time of year full of spirit, gift giving, and love. Through the winter time, it being cold and dreary, it’s something to bring up your spirits and enjoy what winter brings with friends and family”, said Calvin Wishart.

The Minnesota native already witnessed Christmas last season as a rookie in Portugal and this season has a massive luxury. In the Pro B, he has a 2 week break. If he would be playing in the easyCredit BBL or Pro A who play during the holidays, he would have to remain in Germany which would still be nice, but this season, he will experience a new kind of Xmas. “I will be celebrating Christmas in Athens, Greece this year with my best friend Anders Nelson”, commented Calvin Wishart. But he will have some interesting stories to tell in Athens about the German tradition as well. For him the Christmas markets remain one of the nicer things, but he also witnessed other things. “I appreciate how people are still outside. The Christmas markets are a good time for people to congregate and share a warm mug and conversations. We had a Christmas party with the Würzburg organization with all the guys and families of the players”, expressed Calvin Wishart. In Germany one opens up presents on Christmas Eve and in the States on the 25th of December in the morning. Would he ever change the tradition if in Germany? “I’m a firm believer that presents should be opened on Christmas morning after Santa has dropped them off via chimney access”, added Calvin Wishart. He also believes that the marketing of Christmas is just as big in Germany as in USA, but believes that one thing is done better here than at home. “I think it’s more decorated here in Europe. Even in Portugal. The towns here do a good job of dressing the city up in Christmas! obviously I’m away from family here in Europe during the holidays so it’s a bit harder, and I have fonder memories of Christmas in Minnesota”, said Calvin Wishart.

I can imagine the American will tell some childhood stories in Greece when he meets new people. Every American has their special memories of how Xmas was as a kid and it isn´t any different for him. “Christmas as a kid was easily the best time of year. On Christmas Eve, my family would host both sides of the family at our home in Buffalo, MN. Mom and dad would put together a big spread of food and drinks for 20-30 people. My dad started the tradition, “Prime Rib Dinner at Wishart’s Tavern” when I was young and we did that every year. We would go to candle lit church service on the eve around 10 pm, come home and sleep and wake up on the morning to open gifts. Growing up my parents really spoiled us with the best gifts”, remembered Calvin Wishart. He also will never forget his favorite gift as a kid. “When I was in 1st grade Santa brought me a PSP, a PlayStation portable. I have it to this day and it’s my most prized possession”, said Calvin Wishart. But nothing is nicer than having the whole family assembled around the fire place on Christmas eve as the dinner is being prepared. There are so many special traditions in families and it isn´t any different with family Wishart. “The Christmas Eve dinners when the whole family would be at our house. We’d also play “broom ball” on our neighbors ice rink. Which is basically skate less ice hockey. With long paddles and a like a handball”, remembered Calvin Wishart. But he still has one order of business before he flies to Greece and that is playing one last game on December 21st. Wurzburg has had an amazing turnround after losing it´s first 6 games, it now has won 5 in a row thanks to the great leadership of head coach Alex King and the dynamic duo of Hannes Steinbach and Calvin Wishart. “A good road win at Bayern Munich going into the break bringing the streak to 6”, smiled Calvin Wishart who believes teammate Eddy Rantz would moonlight bets on the team as a Santa Claus. Unfortunately their winning streak ended in Munich. Now he and the team have a weeks to get their batteries recharged for the second half of the season.

One Of Omari Knox´s Biggest Xmas Memories Was Seeing The New York Knicks Play At Madison Square Garden In 2018

You can be thankful about so many things around the Christmas time and for me personally it´s having good health. It didn´t look so rosy some years ago for me, but just to still be around at this part of the year and being able to be around your loved ones is simply the best feeling. Basketball wise, I´m actually thankful about many things, but one comes to mind and that is that I actually will see the great Omari Knox (185-SG-1986, college: Bloomfield) play again this season not once, but twice. Last season I wrote a farewell article to his career as it seemed like he would retire, but no he is back again this season at the ripe age of 38 and still a main force in the Pro B with TSV Tropics Oberaching. He has played his whole career in Germany and seen many Christmas´s and like for so many ballers out there a very important time of the year. “I would define it as the annual celebration of Christ’s birthday. Christmas has always been important over the years to completely recharge and enjoy time away with the family. As an athlete you invest so much time away from your family, coming home later, and every weekend spent in the gym, so the winter break really allows you to get in some quality time without distraction”, stressed Omari Knox.

The explosive scorer grew up in Brooklyn New York and still remembers those special Christmas´s as a kid as if it was yesterday. Times haven´t changed as my 7 year old son in 2024 has some Switch games on his Santa Claus wish list and when Knox was a kid, he remembers one of his favorite gifts being a Sega Genesis gaming system. “I remember being too excited to go to sleep and wake up for Christmas morning. I would usually wake up to the smell of breakfast and the sound of Christmas music playing. I would be allowed to open my gifts right away. I’m not sure how old I was, but waking up to a living room full of wrapped gifts under the tree, that weren’t there before I went to bed. I had assumed Santa wasn’t coming that year hahaha. Only to be happily surprised and get pretty much everything that I had asked for”, remembered Omari Knox. I always remembered being able to open my presents at night in the States as my German parents celebrated Xmas the European way. When school resumed I would always annoy my classmates about having already seen my presents on Christmas eve. For the guard, he has seen both sides to the story. “I’ve experienced both as a kid so it doesn’t really make too much of a difference for me. I would say I always found it more exciting and more of a Christmassy Vibe, to wake up together in the morning, have music playing and open gifts as a family”, said Omari Knox.

This season he will be back in Bavaria for Christmas where he has been most of the time since coming overseas in 2009. But there have been exceptions when he was in the States like in 2018 when he experienced an incredible time related to basketball. “It was my wife’s first time in New York and we also got to see the Knicks at the Garden”, said Omari Knox. He also has a favorite Xmas here in Germany and that was in 2022 when his parents visited him and celebrated in Germany which was their first time in Germany. There are so many beautiful things that you can experience in Germany in the holiday time and one of those are the extraordinary Christmas markets that seem to be on almost every corner like Mcdonalds are in the States. “I think my first season in Germany, one of my teammates must have brought me over to see it for the first time. Now every year, I try to go at least once or twice. Especially if I’m not yet in the holiday spirit”, added Omari Knox. During the Xmas season he is still working as he has games every weekend leading up to Christmas and then has a 2 week break. This season he has a special basketball present he wants. “The perfect basketball Xmas present for me this season would be to finish out our last 2 games with wins. Especially with the last game being, a tough one on the road in Cologne against my former team”, warned Omari Knox. His team Oberaching has continued to rise as in the last 3 seasons finished 8,7 and 6 in the standings and this season are in 4th place, It is apparent that great coach Mario Matic´s developing of team chemistry and keeping guys for years has really paid off. “Coach Mario has done a great job of always keeping the core guys together, and only bringing in good character players to add to the band”, stated Omari Knox. He also would allow his teammate Peter Zeis to play Santa Claus for the kids as he would fit that bill perfectly. Will he celebrate Xmas any differently this season? “Hopefully, the same way I’ve always enjoyed it. I hope to be able to wake up on Christmas morning, have breakfast with my family, open some gifts, and give my son some nice core memories from the holidays”, commented Omari Knox. Some things never change during the Xmas season. Reliving those memories from your life will always be present. Merry Xmas Omari. Looking forward to seeing you in 2025 in the arena again.

Christmas Isn´t About The Gifts For Malik Riddle(RheinStars) But Having Special People Around To Show Love To

For American ballers playing the game they love overseas is an experience that they will never forget. Being able to travel all through Europe during a career and learn new things about different cultures is priceless. Being overseas during Christmas is also a very unique experience. There is always that first time like seeing that first NBA game, going to a wedding or getting that annoying speeding ticket. For ballers there is also that first time spending Xmas overseas. It isn´t any different for American Malik Riddle (193-G-1999, college: HSU) who is doing his first Xmas in Germany this season. He isn´t a rookie this season as he balled in Malta last season, but actually went home last season after his game on December 17th to celebrate Xmas in the States. Usually there is that certain excitement as to see what gifts one will get, but this season he already has a very special Xmas present that he knows about. “I will celebrate Christmas this year with my lovely girlfriend in Germany excited to spend Christmas in another country with her”, stressed Malik Riddle.

Malik Riddle grew up in Tennessee and got his first basketball experience at Rossville Christian Academy and then played at Morehead State University (NCAA) and Henderson State University (NCAA2). He celebrated Christmas in the States like any other kid and it is a time of year that he is always geared up for. “Christmas has always been a special time for me. Mostly just spending time with my family and loved ones make it’s special. Christmas is the time we celebrate the birth of Christ. It’s the time to be thankful and joyful for family and friends. To me it’s not all about gifts, but it is really having special people around to show love to”, said Malik Riddle. Even though he isn´t a kid anymore at 25 years old, he still has those childhood Xmas memories tingling in his head as if it were yesterday. “I remember how exciting it was waking up to open gifts. And we usually had a family dinner at my house so it was nice when family came over for that. Back then basketball was very much involved on Christmas day and one that still ranks high on his list today. My fondest memory would be just being around family and enjoying each other company while watching NBA games”, smiled Malik Riddle. For small boys getting that first basketball or football is probably a gift that was one of their greatest or for girls getting that first Barbie doll or in 2024 getting a present pertaining to Taylor Swift. Thank God I don´t have a daughter so I wouldn´t know about what girly things are in. Anyway for the talented baller, he still remembers that special gift that he got as a child and it wasn´t a basketball. “It was when I got my first drum set, that would be my most cherished present”, said Malik Riddle.

Last season he was in Malta pre Xmas eve/day and still remembers how it was then. “It was nice out there in Malta during Christmas time. There were lights and decorations everywhere and a lot of Christmas spirit”, added Malik Riddle. He will experience his first Christmas market in Germany and what better place then to witness all the beautiful stands, decorations and food at the Cologne cathedral. The cathedral is the main visiting site in Cologne and one that is just breathtaking when your standing before it and just looking up and thinking about all the history involved. One can only imagine how unique the structure is with the bells ringing and a little snow present. It is the place to be in Cologne. It will also be his first Christmas where he is confronted with the question with how will we do the presents? Will it be the classic American way with breakfast and gift opening in the pajamas or in the more different way doing it the German way on Christmas eve? “I mean some families open present on Christmas Eve in the states so it’s not that different it’s a little different to me but nothing crazy”, stated Malik Riddle. Unfortunately a very cherished gift he would have liked didn´t come true. He was hoping that his team RheinStars would go into the break undefeated, but that wish was halted by Wurzburg as they continued their winning streak at 5 games. It would be funny to see though which of his teammates would fit the Santa Claus costume best and play the role best? We both agreed that the best fit would be a certain big man. “I think Bjoern Rohwer would be the perfect Santa Claus”, said Malik Riddle. He and the RheinStars will have a 2 week break to recharge and then return in the new year and get back to business. For now though, it is all about enjoying the Christmas season being thankful and having loved ones around.

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Ivan Crnjac´s Perfect 12/12 Game Was A Statement To The NBBL That He Belongs To The Best In His Age Group

Ivan Crnjac (203-F-2007) is a 17 year old 201cm forward currently averaging 21,8ppg, 7,8rpg, 2,2spg, and 2,4spg in the NBBL (U-19) and in the Pro B currently is averaging 11,9ppg, 4,5rpg, 1,8apg and 1,1spg. He helped the Fraport Skyliners win the B League title at the U-18 International Cup in Tokyo, Japan. In 2023 he reached the JBBL (U-16) top 4. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his perfect 12/12 game against Chemnitz in the NBBL.

Congrats on the massive 114-90 win over Chemnitz. The team is now 7-0. How content have you been with the team performance?

I´m very happy how we have played as a team. We have played very well in many types of games. We won close games and even won games where we lost the lead and came back. I hope it continues in the second half of the season. I want to remain unbeaten.

One should always think game to game and opponent to opponent, but as a young man doesn´t one think about having an undefeated season?

Yes I do. It is our goal. We spoke as a team before the season that we want to reach the top 4 and win it.

On what areas does the club need to work on most to continue to grow as a team?

We have to get better with transition defense, 1-1 defense and our communication.

Jamie Edoka had a great game with 23/12/5 stats. His super game was lost a bit with your perfect game. How valuable is he overall for the team?

He is very important for us. He is one of our young guys and he plays such a huge role in our success. He has developed very well. We need him every game with hiss coring, rebounding, assists and defense.

Julius Messer also had a great game with 26 points. He has needed no adjustment time after his long injury. How much do you value his game? He and Peters could form their own duo as you are in the trio with Edoka and Omog.

Julius is also very important. He came back strong and has performed very well in the NBBL and Pro B. He and Max can always be crucial in scoring for us. There could be games where teams will try to limit me and Jamie. Then guys like Julius and Max can take over and take on responsibility.

Congrats on the perfect game. 33 points on 12/12 shooting and 3/3 from the free throw line. What does this performance mean to you?

It means a lot to me. The NBBL is my main team. I´m one of the main guys and am captain. I still want to prove that I belong to the best in my age group. For me this game was a statement to the NBBL that I can play.

You didn´t come into the game too positive. How much did the tape on your index finger bother you?

I didn´t think about it really during the game. I was very focused and just continued shooting. The more I made baskets the less I thought about it.

Did your confidence grow with every bucket and did the basket feel like throwing it into the ocean?

My confidence grew with every three pointer. I always wanted to take the next one. I tried to take the open ones and not force anything.

You came into the game shooting 43%. How do explain the great accuracy despite the unorthodox high release?

I haven´t perfected my shot yet with the high release. But I think that I can shoot it well. The high release helps me when guys are guarding me. It gives me that advantage. I´m not afraid to shoot when an opponent is close to me.

Did you think about keeping the perfect record by not taking a shot in the 4 plus minutes in the fourth quarter?

I did think about it. I had the perfect game in my head. In between, I did look at the stats. I wanted to keep my perfect record. If I would have had easy ones, I would of shot it, but not any difficult ones.

What was your favorite bucket? I liked a reverse lay up after 2 extra passes.

That was a cool play. We actually wanted to run it earlier, but they got a steal. We ran it later and I saw the defender up high, so I went back door. It was a great pass by Max Peters. I also loved my 6th three pointer. That one felt the best. It didn´t feel real.

Did you get any cool messages from players or friends after the game?

It has been pretty much chilled until now. I got messages from my teammates and family. Friends also wrote me telling me they liked my performance. There was nothing extraordinary.

What is your goal as a player in the Pro B and NBBL in the second half of the season?

My goal in the NBBL in the second half is to keep winning and support my team as best as possible. I have the stats in my head. I want to belong to the best scorers in the NBBL. And keep my shooting percentages high. In the Pro B I want to develop my game further with my scoring. Perhaps I can belong to the top scorers on the team. I will continue to work on my game and help the team as much as possible.

How are you celebrating Xmas?

I´m with family and friends. I will eat a lot and sleep a lot.

Thanks Ivan for the chat.

Booker Coplin Gives The Frankfurt Skyliners Xmas Gift With Buzzer Beater Win Over ratiopharm Ulm 87-85

Just seeing the schedule of the Frankfurt Skyliners and their upcoming games over the Xmas time could give some players a rude taste in their mouths and lead to no appetite, but not a good idea shortly before Christmas. The Frankfurt Skyliners had Ulm, Ludwigsburg and Munich left in 2024 and needed to win as much as possible, but that was easier said then done. After a brutal loss in Wurzburg, an even nastier followed against Braunschweig. Frankfurt had 10 days to prepare for ratiopharm Ulm as all they could hope for was a merry merry game against the top BBL team. Ulm had their 5 game winning streak halted with a tough 69-67 loss in their own living room to rising team MLP Academics Heidelberg. The Frankfurt Skyliners faced a must win and I´m sure some of the most faithful Skyliner fans had produced some sort of praying going into the game. On a mild Monday night, a day before Xmas, the Frankfurt Skyliners played 40 minutes of punching back and forth basketball and saved their best for last as Booker Coplin (191-G-1997, college: Augsburg, agency: BIG) made an incredible buzzer beater winning shot that shocked ratiopharm Ulm and ruined their Xmas. “We came and played a great game. We came out strong fighting on defense. We knew that they had some talented bigs that liked to crash the boards, but we knew that if we could get back on transition and play our game that we would have a chance. I think that the basketball God was on our side tonight”, smiled Jordan Theodore. Ratiopharm didn´t have their A game, but were always ready to punch back when Frankfurt punched. Ulm had control late, but let the game fall out of their hands. “I´m very disappointed how we played. But a lot of credit to Frankfurt. They played a great game. It was a great atmosphere. We weren´t ready to play and didn´t start to play until the second quarter. We need to improve finishing games”, stated ratiopharm Ulm head coach Ty Harrelson.

Isaiah Roby at the Ft line

The first quarter was a tight affair as there were 7 lead changes, but Frankfurt was able to make some ground in the latter part and led by 4 points after 10 minutes. In the first minutes talented Israeli guard Ben Saraf who is a huge 2025 NBA draft prospect scored twice showing his IQ and being able to make quick decisions. Frankfurt got a big spark from Einaras Tubutis who added 8 points including 2 three´s while ex Seton Hall guard Jordan Theodore also added a three pointer for the 14-10 Frankfurt lead. The guests had opted mostly for the drive, but they then finally nailed a trey as ex Boise State (NCAA) guard Justinian Jessup scored to pull Ulm to 14-13. Walking bucket Malik Parsons who won the double in Denmark last season scored 6 unanswered points as his aggressiveness took over as Frankfurt led 19-13. Ratiopharm Ulm didn´t look that fresh on the court like they usually do which gave Frankfurt the opportunity to heighten their intensity and dictate the game. Frankfurt would keep the lead, but Ulm kept punching back as French junior national player Noa Essengue made a tough shot in the paint and 2017 NBBL champion Nelson Weidemann dropped a trey, but Frankfurt led 25-21 after one quarter. “Tubutis shot great for us. Parsons also did his thing. He is a walking bucket. It really felt like everyone was scoring and contributing”, stressed Jordan Theodore. Frankfurt was shooting very well with over 60% from the 2 point range and from outside and had 5 rebounds and 4 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 44% from the 2 point range and 20% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Jordan Theodore from outside

In the second quarter The Frankfurt Skyliners struggled a bit to start, but came back and then had a back and forth punching match until the break. Ratiopharm Ulm began with a 7-0 run and stopped Frankfurt 5 times. In the Ulm run, they attacked the paint area and were successful as they got a lay in from ex NBA player Isaiah Roby and a lay in and free throws by ex Munich forward Karim Jallow. The Ulm press annoyed Frankfurt and Frankfurt opted for more 1-1 play. Jallow was a real spark plug doing it at both ends. Ex Boston College German Patrick Heckman stopped the run with a sweet trey as Frankfurt tied the game at 28-28. Frankfurt´s offense executed better again with a fade away jumper from ex Wright State guard Trey Calvin and a trey by Booker Coplin as the game was tied at 33-33. Essengue and Parsons traded baskets and Ulm then went on a mini 4-0 run to lead 40-35 as Essengue scored on transition and Karim Jallow made a thunderous dunk. The dime was made by Ben Saraf who made a beautiful cross over and then made the shovel pass for the basket. Frankfurt always stayed calm and ready and punched back with a mini 4-0 run as Theodore and Parsons split the defense with lay in´s. Jallow closed out the second quarter with a lay in as ratiopharm Ulm had the slim 42-40 lead. “They tried to speed us up with their press. We turned the ball over. However Parsons still made big shots. He kept us in the game”, added Jordan Theodore.

Noa Essengue with the lay in

In the third quarter ratiopharm Ulm gave up the lead briefly in the first minutes, but then stole it back, but never led by more than 6 points as the Frankfurt Skyliners continued to execute very well on the offensive end. Frankfurt came out of half-time with a bang as Minnesota native Booker Coplin hit a trey and Tubutis made a lay in with Theodore tip toeing through the defense and giving him the shovel pass for the 46-45 lead. “I created for him and he made the bucket. I still have speed. I´m not that old yet”, expressed Jordan Theodore. But ratiopharm Ulm fought back and went on a 7-0 run as they kept hurting Frankfurt inside with their bigs as Essengue made 5 points and Roby a lay in for the 51-46 advantage. But then came the Jordan Theodore show as he supplied 13 points. It was like the good old days. He was showcasing his inside out game as he hit 3 three´s, made a 20 footer and lay in. ratiopharm Ulm also got some vital support from ex Illinois (NCAA) guard Alfonso Plummer who nailed 2 crazy off balance three´s. Parson´s also added a tough off balance shot and dunk down the stretch. Theodore´s third trey of the quarter was a buzzer beater, but ratiopharm Ulm still led 65-64 after 3 quarters. “I made a good play and got the ball to Muenkat who then got it back to me. I knew it was going in”, smiled Jordan Theodore. “Theodore gives Frankfurt a lot of experience. He made some big plays and some tough step backs and drives”, stated Ty Harrelson. “I started to catch fire. The first 2 games, I had no legs, but with the 10 days of practice, that really helped me. I was really feeling it with my shot. I finally got my number 25 again”, stressed Jordan Theodore. The Frankfurt Skyliners shot 50% from the field and 57% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 11 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 50% from the field and 29% from three point line and had 29 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Malik Parsons at the FT line

The fourth quarter was a solid offensive display as both teams executed well and no team could get away from the other and decide the game early. Frankfurt began with a key 7-3 run to lead 72-68 as Calvin added 5 points and Parsons as usual showed his crazy athleticism with a hard dunk. Jessup and Jallow gave Ulm some support with baskets, but they still trailed 74-73. After Saraf and Coplin traded baskets, the game was deadlocked at 78-78. Isaiah Roby who played for the Oklahoma Thunder during Covid made a clutch three pointer for the 81-78 Ulm advantage. Then was a golden opportunity for the guests to decide the game as they stopped Frankfurt 3 times, but they made no ground as they were also stopped 3 times. Roby then added a lay in late as ratiopharm Ulm led 83-78 and had the chance to decide the game again. However Frankfurt kept fighting and got a huge trey from Coplin to trail 83-81. Saraf made free throws with the 85-81 lead with 1,20 to go. Ulm was in the drivers seat, but wouldn´t score again. Frankfurt got Tubutis free throws to trail 85-83. On the next possession, David Mjuenkat made a steal which led to free throws from him and the game was 85-85. Ratiopharm Ulm didn´t have that killer instinct as Jessup took a jumper which was a good look, but it didn´t fall. “The game went back and forth with both teams making big shots. So many shots at the end of the shot clock”, stated Jordan Theodore. Then came Booker Coplin time. He attempted a trey with a few seconds from the corner that missed, but Tubutis got the offensive rebound and got the ball to Coplin. Coplin must have had an idea that there was about nothing left on the clock as he just tipped the ball towards the basket that fell through which left the arena in total bedlam and the Xmas win. “That was a hell of a rebound by Tubutis. That was big balls. He had the awareness to kick it back to Coplin. I never saw a shot like that before. I knew it was going in”, smiled Jordan Theodore. “We had a 4 point lead and then shot it with 7 seconds and ott the foul. We have to be more aware on defense. We could of reduced one possession. That one more possession gave them the win”, added Ty Harrelson. The Frankfurt Skyliners were led by Jordan Theodore and Malik Parsons with 18 points a piece. Booker Coplin added 14 points and Einaras Tubutis 13 points while ratiopharm Ulm was led by Isaiah Roby with 19 points and Karim Jallow and Ben Saraf added 13 points a piece. The Frankfurt Skyliners shot 46% from the field and 50% from outside and had 30 rebounds and 13 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 51% from the field and 35% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

Mr Perfect Ivan Crnjac Goes 12/12 With 33 Points Powering Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners Past The Niners Chemnitz Academy 114-90

Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners continue to be on a mission as their winning ways continue as they were sprouting an excellent 6-0 record. They have been successful with good team basketball led by their trio of Crnjac, Omog and Edoka. But they knew that if they wanted to take their unbeaten streak into Christmas, they would have to get by the Niners Chemnitz again. Last weekend, the 2 clubs had met in Chemnitz where Frankfurt escaped with a thrilling 95-93 victory where Ivan Crnjac (203-F-2007) led the charge with 21 points. Despite the Niners Chemnitz having a 3-4 record, Frankfurt couldn´t underestimate them and had to be on their A game to continue their winning streak. Frankfurt was without Namori Omog while Chemnitz was without 3 key players. On a mild Sunday afternoon in Frankfurt, history was made as German shooting star Ivan Crnjac had a perfect game going 12/12 from the field and 3/3 from the free throw powering Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners past the Niners Chemnitz Academy 114-90. “Ivan was in a little shooting slump, but it was only a phase. He is an outstanding shooter. He has that quick high release and just knows how to shoot”, stressed Skyliners Juniors head coach Sepher Tarrah. But it wasn´t only Crnjac who sparkled, but the whole team came together and had an amazing offensive game shooting out the lights. Frankfurt let up on the defensive end in the second half, but a win is all that matters in the end. “In the first half, we hit everything. It was crazy. It is only normal that a team won´t have as much focus and energy after a first half like that. I still think that we played well. I´m really proud of the team”, stressed Frankfurt forward Ivan Crnjac. Then Niners Chemnitz Academy stepped up their game in the second half outscoring Frankfurt 49-43 and showed real heart never giving up and playing hard until the end. “We let Frankfurt catch their rhythm to quickly at the start. Their quick start decided the game early. That hurt us mentally. We have to come out with more pride and play together more. We played with more pride in the second half. We gave up too many open three´s. We have to do a better job closing out and helping on rotations”, added Niners Chemnitz Academy Academy player Daniel Duhajsky.

Maximillian Peters with the lay in

In the first quarter Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners exploded for an incredible 41 points while Niners Chemnitz Academy Academy mustered only 22 points which would have looked normal in almost any other kind of circumstance. Frankfurt got off to a rapid start leading 7-2 as Ivan Crnjac added 5 points. The Niners Chemnitz Academy stayed tough and tied the game at 7-7 with a bucket from Duhajsky and a trey from Chris Wahren. But Frankfurt were just getting started as they exploded on a 21-6 run to lead very comfortably 28-13. In the run Frankfurt continued to play great team basketball as the duo of Crnjac and Julius Messer added 8 points apiece and 2 three´s a piece. Frankfurt was defending aggressively getting stops which heighted their self confidence for their offensive sets. Frankfurt didn´t let up and continued to execute excellent at both ends of the court. Frankfurt continued to share the ball nicely as Maximillian Peters scored as did Julius Messer and Crnjac added 4 more points. The Frankfurt bench also stepped up as German Finley Pruever made a steal and transition basket. It would have looked a lot worse for Chemnitz, but talented Luca Kellig added 6 points late to give them a bit of energy. “Frankfurt gave a real offensive firework. After a while you had the feeling of not knowing who scored as so many scored. We had great ball movement and the bench stepped up. Many guys on the bench would start for other teams”, stated Fraport Skyliners Juniors head coach Sepehr Tarrah. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot an overwhelming 85% from the field and 75% from outside and had 5 rebounds and 2 turnovers while The Niners Chemnitz Academy shot 62% from the field and 40% from outside and had 3 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Luca Kellig at the FT line

In the second quarter Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners didn´t score as dominantly as in the first quarter, but tightened up their defense allowing only 17 points and led 71-41 at half-time. Ivan Crnjac was 7/7 in the first quarter and in the second quarter began quickly hitting his shots making 3 more shots to be 10/10 at the break. He made a left handed hook and 2 reverse layups where the team displayed incredible unselfishness as the extra pass was the sixth man. Lennard Glowka added 2 baskets, but Frankfurt still had the immense 51-29. It seemed like almost anything Frankfurt attempted to do on offense worked. Everybody got minutes and gave their 2 cents in the win. Role player Chris Widmer who usually doesn´t get many minutes made a runner and finished with 6 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 14 minutes. “I respect Chris´s game a lot. He brings great energy from the bench and has good basketball qualities. He is a very good teammate”, stressed Ivan Crnjac. Greek player Konstantinos Kapetanakis gave Frankfurt additional energy from the bench with a trey to give Frankfurt the 56-30 advantage. He finished with 7 points and 2 dimes in 11 minutes. “He is a real hustler. He defends the way how Greek players do in Greece. He is a very aggressive defender. He needs to find more calmness though as a point guard. But he just came back from an injury”, stated Ivan Crnjac. Frankfurt continued to execute well, but so did The Niners Chemnitz Academy Academy, but they couldn´t get over the hump. Frankfurt got 2 more baskets from Julius Messer, but also additional support from the bench as Pruever nailed a trey, Widmer a lay in and Fabrice Heberer made free throws. “We got many easy baskets. I would estimate somewhere around 40 of the 71 were easy baskets. I feel like the 41 points were ok in a game that had a high tempo and many possessions”, stated Sephehr Tarrah. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 77% from the field and 69% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 4 turnovers while The Niners Chemnitz Academy shot 45% from the field and 36% from the three point line and had 11 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Fabrice Heberer from downtown

In the third quarter The Niners Chemnitz Academy had their strongest quarter outscoring Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners 26-20, but still trailed 91-67 after 3 quarters. Frankfurt got real hot going on a massive 14-2 run to have the overwhelming 85-43 lead. In the run, Jamie Edoka hit a trey while Messer made a lay in on transition while Ivan Crnjac added 9 points with 2 three´s and three free throws. It would be the last points and shots that Ivan Crnjac would take on this night. His incredible stat line was 33 points in 19 minutes at that point. “I feel great with this perfect game. It was my first in my career. It gives me added self-confidence that I really need now. I had been in a shooting slump during the last few Pro B games. I´m really relived to shoot so well. A perfect game is best for the self-confidence. I actually had a bad feeling going in as my index finger was tapped as some skin had rubbed off before the game. I was taking all my shots using my last 3 fingers and not my index finger pushing off. But it worked in my favor”, smiled Ivan Crnjac. That was about all the offense that Frankfurt would display in the third quarter as The Niners Chemnitz Academy took a page from Frankfurt´s excellent execution closing out the third quarter with a lethal 24-6 run to trail only by 24 points after 3 quarters. In the run, the guests got solid production from many sides as their team basketball sparkled. Chris Wahren added 6 points with 2 three´s while Glowka added 5 points while the Alfons brother chipped in with 7 points. “Our intensity went down. We began well with a big run, but then just lost our intensity. The whole team let up on defense. We were unconcentrated. We had the win wrapped up in our minds. I wish we could of finished the game better, but that is part of the game”, warned Ivan Crnjac. “We did a good job sticking together and trusting each other. We just stuck to the game plan and hit more shots. With more points, our confidence rose”, added Daniel Duhajsky. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 71% from the field and 63% from the parking lot and had 24 rebounds and 9 turnovers while The Niners Chemnitz Academy Shot 50% from the field and 36% from the parking lot and had 18 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Alfons Milatz with the drive

In the fourth quarter both teams executed well on offense, but The Niners Chemnitz Academy couldn´t make any ground as both teams swapped 23 points apiece. The guests began quickly getting 2 baskets from Duhajsky and 1 from Glowka, but Julius Messer slowed down some of that energy nailing back to back three´s giving Frankfurt some extra leverage leading 97-73. Messer has been back a few weeks after a long injury, but he has needed no adjustment time as he finished with 26 points in 25 minutes. “He is a very interesting player. He is a real athlete. He has a good combination between strength and quickness. He is a 3 level scorer”, stated Sepher Tarrah. After German Noah Spindler hit a trey, it was Jamie Edoka who hit the 101 points and has donuts duty for the team. He continued to be aggressive adding a three pointer and dunk for the 106-84 lead. Down the stretch, Spindler added another trey as did Fabrice Heberer. It was a game where offense ruled as a total of 204 points were produced. Ivan Crnjac played 4 plus minutes in the fourth quarter but attempted no shots to remain perfect. “I didn´t want to force anything at the end. I let other guys take over”, stated Ivan Crnjac. “We wanted to finish with pride. We defended a lot better and just finished strong”, stated Daniel Duhajsky. “We weren´t in the game anymore. We made many turnovers not from their defense, but our offense. We played for ourselves”, added Ivan Crnjac. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners were led by Ivan Crnjac with 33 points. Julius Messer added 26 points while Jamie Edoka had 23 points, 12 boards and 5 assists while The Niners Chemnitz Academy were led by Lennard Glowka with 21 points. Daniel Duhajsky added 20 points and Luca Kellig 16 points. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 69% from the field and 62% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 14 turnovers while The Niners Chemnitz Academy shot 52% from the field and 37% from outside and had 22 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

The Dragons Rhondorf Get Back On Track With Massive 91-74 Victory Against The Ahorn Camp Baskets

The last weeks had been hard times for the Dragons Rhondorf as they had lost 4 out of their last 5 games and needed a big win to end 2024. But it didn´t get any easier with the 7-4 Ahorn Camp Baskets from Speyer who had won 7 of their last 8 games and were riding a massive high. The Dragons Rhondorf were allowing a pathetic 93 points per game and it seemed like they weren´t making any steps with improvement on defense. But the defense finally stepped up as despite being without Janne Muller and Marko Rosic, the Dragons Rhondorf came together as a team defensively and had a great shooting day which resulted in a giant 91-74 victory over the Ahorn Camp Baskets from Speyer. It also helped that the guests top playmaker Carlos Hidalgo was out with an injury. Speyer moved to 7-4 and Rhondorf to 6-6. “It feels amazing to finally win again. We were so used to winning last season. But I don´t take anything for granted. It is hard to win games this season. Our energy was huge tonight as it carried us for 40 minutes. We punched them in the mouth at the start with that run and it set the tone of the game”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Kelvin Omojola. You should never make excuses, but it was obvious that losing Hidalgo hurt Speyer´s game tremendously, but they just caught a very potent Dragons team that had a great night. “We were a bit short maned. Hidalgo keeps good organization. That was missed tonight. It can get chaotic without him. They had a good shooting effort. We gave our best”, stressed Ahorn Camp Baskets guard DJ Woodmore. It was the best defensive effort of the season for the Dragons Rhondorf. “We trusted one another and play for one another. We were rotating well and just flying around”, added Kelvin Omojola.

DJ Woodmore at the FT line

The Dragons Rhondorf came out strong out of the gates going on a 7-0 run. In the run, they got a trey from ex Drake (NCAA) guard Antonio Pilipovic and 2 lay in´s by Ohio native rookie Tim Smith Jr. (201-F-2000, college: N.Alabama, agency: 011 Sports) who was looking to break out again after not scoring 20 points or more in a game in his last 4 games. Rhondorf had great energy and seemed to catch Speyer off guard. Aggressive defense led to transition baskets for the Dragons. DJ Woodmore finally got Speyer on the board with a three pointer, but Rhondorf struck back with 5 points as Smith Jr dropped a trey and ex Bamberg center Danas Kazakevicius made a tip in for the 12-4 advantage. That basketball is a game of runs was proved once again as Speyer punched back with a 8-3 run to trail 15-12. A three pointer by ex Pro A player Christoph Rupp and Woodmore lay in led the charge for the guests. Speyer upped their intensity and pressure and got great buckets from their individual class. However the Dragons didn´t wilt but continued to put on the pressure and closed out the first quarter with a lethal 15-6 run to lead 30-18 after one quarter. In the run the 2024 Pro B champion were led by Kazakevicius who was a menace around the rim scoring 3 consecutive buckets while Smith and ex easyCredit BBL player Marco Rahn made lay in´s while Pilipovic kept his hot shooting going with a trey. “We were all clicking. But we also had a great week of practice. That carried over into the game. We played as a team and were hitting our shots better than in the last weeks”, added Kelvin Omojola. Both teams were shooting in the high 50% ´from the 2 point range while the Dragons shot 50% from outside and the guests 25%. Rhondorf had the 13-7 rebound edge and had no turnovers while Speyer had 3 turnovers.

Antomnio Plilpovic from outside

In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf didn´t score as much as in the first quarter, but were able to continue to defend consistently and have the comfortable 17 point lead at the break. The Dragons Rhondorf began well scoring 2 baskets with a lay in from Omojola and free throws from Smith Jr to lead 34-19. But the Ahorn Camp Baskets never gave up, but just kept chipping away at the big Dragons lead and were rewarded with a 8-0 run to trail 34-27. In the run, the guests got a massive three pointer from ex Virginia Wesleyan (NCAA3) guard Woodmore and a lay in and dunk by defensive stopper Dennis Diala who has made big steps in his scoring average in the last 3 seasons from 4-7- to 12 points this season. Speyer upped their intensity again at both ends and got great support from Diala who used his athleticism to his advantage. But the Dragons Rhondorf then showed again that they could punch back again after getting punched and exploded on a 18-2 run to extend their lead to 52-29. In the run, Tim Smith Jr. showed his sniper qualities hitting 3 three´s in a row while energy spark and ultimate role player Mamadou Diallo who had a rare start hit a trey while Kazakevicius continued to control the boards making an offensive rebound and put back while Marco Rahn also scored. Young German Dyami Janeck made a beautiful pass in the air to Diallo for the bucket. One sees Omojola often making those spectactulat passes in the air. “I can´t say that he learned that pass from me, but it was a beautiful play with 2 extra passes. You can see that Dyami is extremely athletic”, said Kelvin Omojola. Speyer punched back one more time closing out the second quarter strong with a 6-0 run as Dialla made a runner, ex Hanau forward Marko Dordevic a lay in while DJ Woodmore went coast to coast and scored at the buzzer, but the Dragons Rhondorf still led 52-35. “Smith Jr carried us in that big run. He really set the tone with those 3 back to back three´s”, commented Kelvin Omojola. Both clubs were shooting 55% from the 2 point range, but the Dragons were at 53% from the three point line and Speyer at 21%. The Dragons continued to have the overwhelming 26-12 rebound edge and had 5 turnovers while the guests had 6 turnovers.

Dennis Diala from mid range

In the third quarter the Ahorn Camp Baskets had their strongest quarter, but couldn´t get over the hump as the closest that they got to was trailing by 8 points. Both teams got their offenses going to begin the second half as the Dragons received buckets from Omojola and a trey by Diallo while Speyer received baskets from big man David Aichele and Dj Woodmore, but Rhondorf still led 57-39. Speyer then got some momentum in their comeback attempt going on a 8-2 run to trail only 54-47. Speyer attacked the rim and were rewarded with buckets from Dordevic, Rupp and Woodmore. Speyer was more focused and just more concentrated and were aggressive getting easy baskets inside. The guests were also more active on the glass while the Dragons had lost a bit of their calmness and reacted a bit hectic in their sets. Rhondorf got some fortune getting 3 free throws from Smith Jr. Speyer continued to execute as ex Orange Academy forward Latrell Groskopf made a trey and Dordevic a lay in, but couldn´t make real ground as the Dragons got 4 free throws from Janeck to lead 66-54. But the guests also made crucial mistakes getting a flagrant foul which led to Pilipovic and Alex Lagerman free throws and the 70-56 Dragons advantage. Speyer got Benjamin Hoehman free throws and a lay in by Woodmore in the last minute, but still trailed 71-60 after 30 minutes. “Our execution at both ends wasn´t as sharp. We just couldn´t find that flow from the first half again”, expressed Kelvin Omojola. “We realized that in order to have a chance, we had to be more aggressive. We had to create for ourselves. We got more comfortable and hit more shots”, stated DJ Woodmore. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 54% from the 2 point range and 43% from the parking lot and had 32 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 61% from the 2 point range and 22% from the parking lot and had 22 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Dyami Janeck at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the Ahorn Camp Baskets began well, but couldn´t withstand the pressure by the Dragons Rhondorf as their offense got back into the flow which decided the game with a big 9-0 run. The guests began with a 6-3 run as Rupp nailed a trey and Aichele made a lay in as they trailed only 74-66. However the Dragons Rhondorf didn´t want an exciting end as they slammed the door shut on Speyer with a 9-0 run to extend their lead to 83-66 as they held the guests scoreless for more than 4 minutes. In the run the Dragons received lay in´s by Kazakevicius and Rahn and free throws by Pilipovic and a three pointer from Smith Jr. Rhondorf´s focus and energy were high while one could sense that fatigue was slowly setting in with Speyer. It also didn´t help that Dialla missed a dunk. In the last minutes Kelvin Omojola remained aggressive scoring twice, while Speyer got 3 buckets from Aichele including 2 dunks while Kazakevicius made 2 dunks. One really stood out and sparkled as Kelvin Omojola lofted up the perfect lob while he threw it down getting the Dragon Dome rocking with joy. “We knew they would run the press break. I saw Aichele step up so I just threw it up to Danas for the nice alley-oop dunk. That play was definitely not drawn up”, smiled Kelvin Omojola. “We ran out of gas in the fourth quarter. It was a tough week of practice and not having Hidalgo. They took advantage of it”, stressed DJ Woodmore. “Even if we were up only by 10 points, we never ever thought that we could lose this game. We were missing shots, but also getting stops and rebounds”, stressed Kelvin Omojola. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Tim Smith Jr. with 26 points. Danas Kazakevicius scored 18 points while Kelvin Omojola had 11 points and Antonio Pilipovic added 10 points while the Ahorn Camp Baskets were led by Marko Dordevic with 15 points. DJ Woodmore added 14 points while Dennis Diala had 13 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 47% from the field and 39% from outside and had 44 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 47% from the field and 25% from outside and had 27 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Erol Ersek(MLP Academics) Will Probably Never Get Over The Feeling Of Always Having To Prove Himself In The easyCredit BBL

pic credit: Niko.Neithardt

Erol Ersek (194-SF-1999) is a 25 year old 194cm guard from Austria nplaying his first season with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (BBL). He played the last 3 seasons for the Tigers Tuebingen. He began his basketball career in Austria with the Vienna DC Timberwolves and also spent a year in USA at Pacific Grove High School, Pacific Grove, California. He played in the FC Bayern Munich organization from 2016-2021. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Erol for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season for the MLP Academics Heidelberg. It is December 15th and the club is in first place. How good is basketball life at the moment?

Basketball life is really good now. When you win everyone is calmer. After the tough season in Tuebingen, it feels good to win again. We understand each other well and are having fun.

You played the last 3 seasons in Tuebingen. How much of a no brainer was it for you to follow Danny Jansson to Heidelberg?

It wasn´t that clear at the start. Danny called me before his move was official to Heidelberg and told me that he wanted to take me. I had other offers, but in the end I chose Heidelberg. I know his system and we know each other well. It wasn´t a tough decision.

Your from Austria and lived in nice places like Munich, and Tuebingen. You are used to pretty places. Is Heidelberg with the castle and river maybe the most beautiful place you have witnessed in your life?

The most beautiful city for me will always be Vienna where I´m from. I have a personal connection to the city. But on the other hand, everyone knows how beautiful Heidelberg is. It is extremely pretty now in the Xmas time with the Xmas markets. I´m very happy living here.

The MLP Academics are in in first place. What is the secret of the success?

The secret is our team. We play together, are versatile and play with a lot of energy.

I truly believe one of the most important guys if not the most important guy is Ryan Mikesell. Where would the team be without his leadership and versatility?

That is tough to say. He shows each game just how important he is. He can be nowhere for 35 minutes and then out of nowhere score 8 points in a row. That is an incredible quality. He is our leader and has a lot of experience. He is very appreciated.

What is it like being teammates with ex NBA player Paul Zipser. He doesn´t play a huge role on the court, but I´m sure his presence is priceless. Is he a guy where you go for advice?

He has seen the most out of anyone on the team. He has played at a high level for years in the NBA and Euroleague. He is a very funny guy and always willing to give advice. He is definitely an enrichment for us.

2 important pieces are Americans Michael Weathers and DJ Horne. The team relies on them to bring their A game daily. How valuable are both to the success?

They are both extremely important for us. I´m really happy for Horne and his success especially since this is his first season overseas. He is a great 1-1 player and can always create something when we have nothing. Weathers is so athletic and always brings great energy. He is a great defender and driver.

This is your fourth season together with Mateo Seric. Are you guys like brothers now?

Yes we are very close. In Tuebingen and now in Heidelberg, these are 2 small cities so we are never far away. We do a lot together. The other day we visited a hand ball game. It is just normal that he is in Heidelberg for me.

You have paid your dues for years. You didn´t get a real BBL chance in Munich and then made your break through in Tuebingen. Is your biggest goal this season as a player to become a consistent BBL player?

Yes exactly. I always want to prove that I belong in the easyCredit BBL. I want to be an impact player.

How difficult is it being efficient in the minutes you get? What is always your biggest focus on the court? There are enough guys that can score.

I want to be a scorer, but at the same time, I really know the system of Danny well. I feel like I can help the team in other ways than just scoring. I feel like I can call plays and have an idea of who gets the ball. I feel like I can help the team like that.

You really developed well as a player in Tuebingen under Danny Jansson. Into what kind of a player did he make you in Tuebingen?

Danny really was very important for my development in Tuebingen. He is a defensive coach. You see that with our game. He really helped me make a step forward with my defensive game as well as understanding the game better.

Last season was tough as Tuebingen went down to the Pro A. What did you learn about that season?

It was definitely a very tough season. It was a real shame that we moved down. I was very frustrated. I feel like I learned that you just have to keep pushing and make the best out of the situation. You just have to keep working hard and make sure that it doesn´t happen again.

You had so many great teammates in Tuebingen in that one season. Is there a player that had a big influence on you? Possibly a Till Joscha-Joenke?

He is the first person that came to mind. He has a great character and always plays with energy on the court. I remember when I made a shot, he right away would yell at me “pressure”, meaning to keep going strong on the next play. He has a great mentality and is very ambitious.

You played with FC Bayern Munich from 2016-2021. Was this the best basketball decision in your life?

Yes it probably was. To be able to go from Vienna to Munich at such a young age was good for me.

You helped win the 2017 NBBL title for FC Bayern Munich. What do you remember from beating IBAM and Oscar da Silva?

I remember having very tough games against IBAM and Oscar that season. Oscar had a very dominant NBBL season. He carried IBAM to the final. However we played really well in the final and were able to win.

What was it like being among so many talented youth players. Did you recognize early that some players get better treatment than others?

Of course there were some guys that practiced more with the BBL team than others did, but I believe that everyone had a fair chance. It was always an intense battle against so many talented young players.

You were teammates with great guys like Vrcic, Weidemann,Jallow, and Grant just to name a few. Which player do you remember having the biggest influence on you?

I think that Weidemann had the biggest influence on me. We were roommates for 3 years. We spent a lot of time together. We were always together.

Do you have a special moment with a Munich BBL players during those years that you won´t forget?

Yes I did. I have one situation that I never will forgot. I remember going over a screen and giving a nice pocket pass to Jalen Reynolds. He got the basket, but then came over to me and told me I have to make a high pass in a situation like that. That was that moment where I was like “Ok got it. I had never played with such high level players before and was learning on the fly.

In 2020-2021 you witnessed the emergence of Ivan Kharchenkov as a 16 year old tearing up the Pro B. Why isn´t he on any NBA Mock drafts yet?

I really don´t know. Ivan is a big talent. He has shown he can play in the BBL and with the youth national teams. He has no fear and just does his thing. I´m very excited how well he is playing this season. It is nice to observe his development.

In 20-21 was your last season with FC Bayern Munich, but had to mostly play Pro B. How tough was that season for you? You did play 3 BBL games though?

It was tough with Covid. I had a strong season in the Pro B. It was nice though to play in the BBL at the end of the season.

Was scoring 17 points in a huge 102-90 win over team BG Goettingen one of your top 3 greatest basketball moments? That was a crazy game as many of the young guys played because the veterans were being rested.

Munich had a Euroleague game against Milan 2 days later, so I was called up to play BBL. I hit all my shots. It was a great feeling.

You had so many great teammates like Lucic, Gist, Baldwin or Seeley. Was there a player that had a big influence on you?

I spoke mostly with Nick Weiler-Babb. He was a great guy. He was very calm and well spoken.

You also are a part of the Austrian national team. How is the state of Austrian basketball at the moment?

I feel like we have a good future. At the moment we have many young players playing in other countries like Spain and Italy and developing well. It is a new generation and the young guys have to take over. I´m one of the older guys on the team.

Your teammates with talented Sylven Landesberg. Is he still athletic like back in the day? I always thought he should have been in the NBA

He is a great player. He is older now, but he can still dunk from nothing. He was more athletic and explosive some years ago, but can still get you on a poster now. His dad is Austrian and he grew up in new York.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your career that reached the NBA?

Jacob Poelti

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Wade Baldwin, Thomas Klepeisz, Ryan Mikesell, Vladimir Lucic, Jakob Poelti

What is your NBA and Euro Mount Rushmore?

Jordan, Lebron, Steph Curry and Kobe and Dimitris Diamantidis, Juan Carlos Navarro, Kyle Hines and Paul Zipser

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James. I grew up with his game. I didn´t grow up with Jordan.

Thanks Erol for the chat.

It Isn´t Every Day That A Player Can Be Mentioned in The Same Breath As A Reggie Miller And Tracy McGrady But Terrence Hargrove(Bakken Bears) Can

So What do Reggie Miller, Tracy McGrady and Terrence Hargrove (197-F-2001, college: St.Louis) have in common? Well all 3 finished off games for their teams in legendary manners. When any kind of professional player is seeking some kind of inspiration, it never fails to watch the you tube videos of 2 fantastic finishes from 2 legendary players Reggie Miller and Tracy McGrady. Who could forget Miller´s incredible 8 points in 9 seconds to propel the Indiana Pacers over the New York Knicks on May 9th, 1995 or Tracy McGrady´s mind boggling explosion of 13 points in 33 seconds to help lead his team over the San Antonio Spurs on December 9th, 2004. These kind of miraculous finishes happen every now and then and there was another talented player with Terrence Hargrove who had his own experience with fame as on December 16th, 2023 he poured in 11 points in the last 28 seconds to help his team Saint Louis (NCAA) secure the unforgettable 75-74 victory over Louisiana Tech. It is one of those endings that he still watches today. “What’s funny about that buzzer beater I was watching that clip this morning because that was my first ever game winner playing college basketball and it felt so good and it was a moment I will always cherish throughout my career and hope to have more through my career and my friends always talk about it with me even my parents do to”, said Terrence Hargrove. With the game on the line and his team down by many, he was about as unlikely to pull something like that off as he had had only 2 points leading up to the last minute. “My memory from that game was I was actually having a bad game I only scored 2 points in the first half of the game and I wasn’t being the effective player that I usually am and it was just amazing how toward the end of the game that all happened because when I watched the clip after the game of the shots I made I was in disbelief because like you said that Kobe or Tracy Mcgrady material but it all goes back to the work I put in and God making that happen”, stressed Terrence Hargrove. He definitely will have that special moment forever being able to be mentioned in the same breath as a Miller or McGrady. “It makes me feel good that I have something like that under my belt because not many people have done that in their career so I am grateful that I was able to do that in mines early on”, added Terrence Hargrove. His biggest fans is family and it´s mutual. “Without my mom, my dad and my little brother I wouldn’t be no where near where I am today They are my prized possessions, they are the people I love the most, we preach family in the household back at home and family is very important in our house, they helped me get to where I am today! My mom and I study bible scriptures before every game and we don’t miss not one game at all and that’s always been our thing since I was in high school. I love that lady so much she has gotten me through so many tough battles in my life and it’s so much I want to do for my family because they got me this far but my momma is my heart I love her so so so much. My goat is my Dad Terrence Hargrove Sr, the muscle around the house the person who taught me to never back down from any challenge, to always be confident in what I do and to never make excuses and just make it happen, I appreciate my pops so much and he has taught me so much I look up to my father and wish to one day be a great man and father like he is to me and my little brother, that’s the real definition of a stand up guy”, warned Terrence Hargrove.

Terrence Hargrove who lists Jabari Smith Jr and Emoni Bates as his toughest foes that he battled in the NCAA was born on May 21st, 2001 in East Saint Louis, Illinois. He began his basketball career at East Saint Louis high school and also played AAU with Brad Beal elite. He then had an illustrious 5 year career at St Louis University from 2019-2024 playing a total of 144 NCAA games. In his first 4 years, he never averaged more than 6,7ppg, but really broke out in his 5th season averaging 13.1ppg, 5.5rpg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 79.3%. “The role I had before my 5th year of college was just that role player role because we had stars before me but it wasn’t until after they all left that I could really show what I could do and my game grew by me just putting the work in and getting the extra in when nobody was around or in the stands and it all paid off for me, God always rewards hardwork”, stressed Terrence Hargrove. He was fortunate to have incredible teammates like Jordan Goodwin who was instrumental in his first years there as their bond is strong until this day. “Me and Jordan Goodwin have a great relationship, We grew up in the same city and our family knows each other so that’s pretty much self explanatory but he is a great player and person, I always knew he would be in the NBA someday because I saw the work he put in first hand getting up every morning at 6am to get the extra work in even after days we had game or hard practices so he deserves everything that comes his way”, said Terrence Hargrove. In his last season he played 33 games and scored in double figures in 22 games including netting 27 points in a 75-63 win over S Indiana, and 21 points against Wichita State. In other seasons he hit Maryville, MO for 27 points and 20 points against Memphis. His hard work was key in him developing his game as well as the guidance of head coach Travis Ford who was always honest with him. “Travis Ford helped prepare me for my professional career by just telling me early on that’s it’s not going to be easy once you leave this school because that’s when life starts and your going to miss college in which I do I miss all my friends I’ve built relationships with and that it’s going to be hard but if you work hard and do the right things it’s amazing how things will work out for you”, commented Terrence Hargrove.

The Illinois native who lists Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Stephen Curry, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kyrie Irving on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is playing his rookie season with the Bakken Bears Aarhus (Denmark-BasketLigaen). Some guys have problems adjusting to everything that they face overseas, but for him, he has just taken everything in and enjoyed it. “It has been a great experience and I am learning so many new things playing on the professional level and with the club Bakken Bears, I’m building great relationships with my teammates and learning so much about the Danish culture. What I’ve enjoyed most about my time here is just being able to play with a great club and be around a great group of guys everyday!. I’m from East St. Louis, Illinois and what I’ve learned to appreciate the most is that just being grateful that I’m able to continue my basketball career on the professional level in a different country and just experience new things, cultures & scenery because where I’m from there aren’t a lot of people who don’t get to see what I’ve saw through my career of playing ball”, expressed Terrence Hargrove. He is playing for an organization that is used to winning. The club has won 20 league titles, 12cups and a ENBL title. “It’s always great being a part of a winning culture because everyone wants to win and with me coming off a bad college basketball season for my last year, it’s great to be a part of a winning team because the feeling of it is immaculate”, added Terrence Hargrove. As a rookie, it is always vital to soak up as much as possible form the vets and one of those is Urald King. “Urald King has been a great teammate and mentor for me just giving me pointers on and off the court great guy, great player and he has taught me so much about the professional level just teaching me so many things that I will need to know going forward after I leave Bakken”, warned Terrence Hargrove.

The 197cm forward who doesn´t remember ever losing 1-1 battles in practice to Gibson Jimerson at Saint Louis is a player that models his game after Kevin Durnat. His role on the team is to bring energy, score, defend at a high level and just creates havoc at all times for his opponent. He has continued to bring that scoring touch that he had in his fifth year in the NCAA. But did he always have it in his younger years? “I’ve always had the scoring ability in me but through college it calmed down because of my role through college but I’ve always been able to score the ball that’s one of things God blessed me with in my game”, said Terrence Hargrove. But he can also bring other key attributes to the table that will help his team be successful. “I’m very athletic, I have a motor, I can handle the ball and I just play with confidence all the time because I trust the work that I put in”, stressed Terrence Hargrove. His three pointer continues to be a work in progress despite having 2 plus 40% seasons in the NCAA. “My three pointer has been up & down I will say and I just continued to work on my shooting ability through the years but the direction I do want to go in is a knock down shooter that’s very consistent and that all start with the work I will continue to put in everyday”, warned Terrence Hargrove. But he doesn´t only want to sparkle on the offensive end. He has the potential to become a 2-way player. “I want to become a great defender and I will continue to work on my defensive game because I’ve always been a solid defender and I will keep working on my defensive game everyday until it gets to perfection”, warned Terrence Hargrove. He also wants to continue to climb the basketball ladder overseas and knows exactly where he needs to improve his game most. “The areas of my game I’m working on most right now is my ball handling, my reads and just shooting just continuing to sharpen those up everyday but mainly I’m working on my ball handling”, stated Terrence Hargrove. This week he will present his skills against German team Bamberg. He is looking forward to battling them and witness an old opponent from the NCAA. “I don’t know much about the country or the basketball side of it at all because obviously this is my first year of playing professional overseas but I do know that Bamberg is great basketball club and that they will be ready to play but so will we. I do have one former opponent that I used to play against in college that plays for Bamberg team, his name is Kyle Lofton, I played for Saint Louis University and he played for St. Bonaventure University and it was always fun playing against him in college so I know it’ll be fun playing against him on the professional level”, stressed Terrence Hargrove. It will be interesting to see where his game will go in the next years. He already had that incredible crunch-time moment in the NCAA last season. This season it´s time to win chips. He definitely has the best chance to do that with the Bakken Bears.