Author: Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Basketball journalist and play by play commentator

The Fraport Skyliners Players 2018 NBA Summer League Watch Volume 3

With the Utah and Sacramento NBA Summer Leagues history, teams and players now have traded the mountains of Salt Lake City and the old town of Sacramento while not on the court for the Thomas & Mack center and glitz of the always happening and wide awake Las Vegas. On Friday the 2018 easyCredit BBL scoring sniper Philip Scrubb had his first action in 2018 with the Washington Wizards after having made his debut back in 2015 in Orlando with the Memphis Grizzlies where he played 5 games averaging 2.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 20.0% and in Las Vegas with the Toronto Raptors where he played 4 games averaging 5.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.0apg. The ex Carleton stand out who won 7 titles there and won the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup with the Fraport Skyliners came from the bench as the Washington Wizards went mostly with their starters who averaged 28 minutes in the 72-59 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Some of the more known players this summer for Washington are guys like Aaron Harrison, and Thomas Bryant. Scrubb logged 13 minutes and apparently isn´t quite used to the rims in the Thomas & Mack center still searching for the feel and touch as he went 0/4 from the field and 0/3 from outside as his usually very feared three pointer is still looking to drop. He also hauled down four rebounds and coughed up the ball three times. Scrubb next plays on Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs.

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Isaac Bonga Starts Basketball Cinderella Story Signing With The Los Angeles Lakers

Where the private thoughts of Isaac Bonga were in the last days concerning his future with the Los Angeles Lakers must have been very intense, because if he hasn’t noticed yet that he is living the ultimate Cinderella basketball story then at least his famiy and closest friends and agency Wasserman must have reminded him just how lucky he was. Working out for the Los Angeles Lakers and getting advice from the legend and possibily one of the best point guards to ever play Magic Johnson would get any basketball player on earth jealous, but finding out he could be practicing with the best player on earth and maybe being NBA teammates in the future with Lebron James and learning from Mr triple double Rajon Rondo is something he never would have imagined only a little bit of a month ago. There he was horsing around and having fun with his teammates of the Fraport Skyliners like Quantez Robertson and Mike Morrsion and posing with fans at the official Fraport Skyliners farewell party. In only a short time he has gone from boy to seemingly man as now his ultimate basketball experience is starting with the Los Angeles Lakers. This reality was confirmed yesterday as all this was not a dream as the German 18 year old wonder boy was given a three year deal according to numerous media reports.

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The Fraport Skyliners Players 2018 NBA Summer League Watch Volume 2

After an off day on Wednesday at the NBA Summer League, play resumed on thursday with four games. One Fraport Skyliner was in action again with Tai Webster with the Miami Heat. Webster who had played his first game this summer on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers played 21 minutes in the 89-74 victory. He scored three points, hauled down 2 rebounds and dished out 4 assists and had a steal. The only negative stat was his 1/12 shooting day from the field. However in his third game in Sacramento against the Sacramento Kings, he only mustered four minutes in a 86-76 victory. The native New Zealander who had a solid rookie season with the Fraport Skyliners did as much as he only could in four minutes of play. In a style in the NBA Summer League where each player is playing for his own stats trying to impress the swarm of NBA general managers and coaches, Webster got up a shot and made a big play on the defensive end coming up with a steal.

Webster´s big competition Derrick Walton Jr out of Michigan who played sparingly last season with Miami seeing action in only 16 games and played most of the season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce (NBA G League) playing 27 games and averaging 16.1ppg, 4.0rpg, 7.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 90.2% saw increased action in this game as he logged 27 minutes. He put up 10 points on 3/7 shooting, grabbed two rebounds and dished out seven assists and made a steal on the defensive end. He gave a pretty solid performance as he is trying to become more of a role player in the Miami Heat organization this season. Webster has stiff competition and has to fight for minutes and just do the best he can in the minutes he gets and be as efficient as possible.The Miami Heat didn´t get any huge games from one player, but shared the ball nicely showcasing five players in double figures led by Derrick Jones Jr with 19 points. Bam Adebayo followed with 14 points while Duncan Robinson of Michigan(NCAA) contributed 12 points and big man Yante Maten of Georgia(NCAA) was efficient in 13 minutes contributing 10 points and eight boards. Today should see the 2018 NBA Summer League debut of ex Charleton(CIS) stand out Philip Scrubb with the Washington Wizards as they face off against the Cleveland Cavaliars as well as another German Isaiah Hartenstein who suits up in his first game this summer with the Houston Rockets against the Indiana Pacers. Hartenstein is still unsigned and will be looking to impress in Las Vegas to earn that NBA contract.

Dennis Mavin Feels Like He Isn´t Far Away From Being Able To Match Up Against The Best In The easyCredit BBL

Dennis Mavin is a 26 year old 190cm guard form Gainsville, Florida that recently completed his third professional season with the Giessen 46ers where he played two BBL games and also 9 games for their farm team in the Pro B averaging 18,4ppg,3,6rpg and 2,6apg while shooting 36% from outside. He played his first two professional seasons in Morocco winning 2 titles. He played a total of 123 NCAA games for two schools with Florida Atlantic (NCAA) and FIU (NCAA). In his senior year at FIU (NCAA) he played 33 games averaging 17.2ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 64.3%. He spoke to German Hoops at the end of his third professional season in Germany.

Dennis thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and what was the first eatery that you scoped out when you returned home?

At the moment I’m in the Bahamas on vacation enjoying myself before the summer grind. The first restaurant I went to was “Yamato” a Japanese restaurant.

After playing two seasons in Morocco, how did you experience playing your first season in Europe? Is this a territory where you want too remain for good in the next years?

My first season in Germany was amazing. I was blessed to be a part of such a great organization with so much history like the 46ers. I couldn’t have asked for a better situation. Europe is definitely a spot I want to remain at.

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The Fraport Skyliners Players 2018 NBA Summer League Watch Volume 1

It is no surprise that one has seen easyCredit BBL teams feature players at the NBA Summer League over the years. In 2014, the Fraport Skyliners had current FC Bayern Munich forward Danilo Barthel suit up for the Miami Hear and he held his own being teammates with NBA players like 2014 NCAA champion Shabaaz Napier with Uconn and Justin Hamilton. However it is rare when a easyCredit BBL team is able to showcase more than one as this summer the Fraport Skyliners will be able to observe three players displaying their abilities with Tai Webster Philip Scrubb and Isaac Bonga.

Basketball BL / Playoff-Viertelfinale Spiel 4 / FRAPORT SKYLINERS - FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN BASKETBALL

15.05.2018 / Basketball BBL / Playoff-Viertelfinale / -0- Tai Webster / FRAPORT SKYLINERS

Ex Carleton sniper and all around great player Philip Scrubb helped Canada at the 2019 world cup qualifying games last weejned with wins against the Dominican Republic where he contributed six points and four assists in 22 minutes and stroked home 14 points in 17 minutes in a crushing 30 point victory against the Virgin Islands. Scrubb will suit up for the Washington Wizards in Las Vegas this weekend and will be teammates with some well known players like Thomas Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, Aaron Harrison of the Dallas Mavericks and Devin Robinson of the Washington Wizards. He also will be teammates with Phil Goss who is one of those players that has had a solid career in Europe and looking to turn some heads of the many NBA Gm’s on hand. Sam Cassell Jr will also be on the roster a guy who stands out just with his well known name. Isaac Bonga is slated to play for the Los Angeles Lakers with the official announcement still not having been made.

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Continuing To Develop His 15 Footer Will Help Expand The Game Of Justin Alston

Alston Justin Alston is a 23 year old 203cm forward from Maryland that completed his rookie season in Germany with the Romerstrom Gladiators averaging 11,9 and 5,1rpg. He completed his career at Boston University(NCAA) where he played from 2012-2017 amassing a total of 114 games and as a senior played 31 games averaging 12.0ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 57.1%, FT: 74.7%. He spoke to German Hoops after his rookie season in Germany.

Justin, thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on a great rookie season with the Romerstrom Gladiators. Did the amazing playoff run erase a bit of the injury frustration that you encountered this season?

Thank you very much, and the amazing playoff run we were able to put together was a testament to all the hard work we put in this year. But for me personally it definitely was a blessing being able to continue to showcase my skills after the injury.

When you return home to Washington DC, what will be the first thing that you will do besides see family and friends? I can imagine find your favorite eatery?

I just returned to the states yesterday and the first thing I did was give my mom a kiss then head to Chick-fil-A and order half of the menu

Your rookie season started off well, but you got injured after the seventh game. How tough was this time off of three months. Was your injury experience in your junior season at Boston University a help in getting through this period?

Honestly I believe my injury was the best thing that could have happened for me, because I was able to step away from the game and learn the European game more. My experience in college helped me understand how to do this and come back and be effective.

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Jake Marvin Has Found More Than Just Basketball In Germany But A Special Bond To God And The Youth

Jake Marvin is a 203cm forward from Lincoln, Nebraska that recently completed his rookie season with TSV Neustadt temps Shooters (Germany-Regionalliga playing 24 games averaging 16.5ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 64.1%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 67.2%. Before turning professional he played with Hastings (NAIA) and as a senior played 30 games averaging 8.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 40.4%, FT: 62.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about his basketball life.

Jake thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how have you been enjoying your early summer vacation?

Thanks for the interview. Currently, I am actually still in Germany, living in Wunstorf outside of Hannover. And to be honest, it hasn’t felt like too much of a vacation. I’ve been very active in my church and youth work here in the Wunstorf community. As the leader of the youth group for a local church, we’ve been busy with our weekly meetings, participating in service and preaching, as well as outside events like attending a weekend retreat, starting a little running group, and a financial seminar that I put on for the kids.

You went from the bank to the basketball court after playing your last college game in 2013. Why do you feel did it take so long for you to get a professional job?

Since college was over, I hadn’t actually been looking to turn pro until summer 2016. I had some injury issues my senior year, and at that point was ready for the next step in life. It wasn’t until I quit my bank job in the spring of 2016 that I began to think about the possibility of a return to basketball. I definitely wasn’t satisfied with sitting behind a desk from 8-6 every day and was longing for something more. I was healthy again, feeling good, and playing my best basketball in the Denver ProAm and other competitive leagues I was in. I thought that was the right time to chase the dream again. After making the decision to try again for the pros, it took me just one season to get my foot in the door and land my first opportunity. I knew all the while that God had meant for me to be doing this and opening the right doors at the right time. I’ve learned over the years to be patient and trust his timing.

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Byron Sanford Demonstrated As A Rookie That He Can Overcome Adversity Quickly And Be Efficient And Effective

Byron Sanford is a 25 year old 183cm guard from Louisville, Kentucky that completed his rookie professional basketball season in Germany with BBC Coburg averaging 11,6ppg, 4,6rpg and 2,5apg.. He played at Trevecca Naz. (NCAA2) and really excelled in his last two seasons as a junior he played 17 games averaging17.2ppg, 6.5rpg, 4.2apg, Steals-3(2.9spg), FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 72.0%. In his senior year at Trevecca Naz. (NCAA2) he played 32 games averaging 18.4ppg, 7.6rpg, 4.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 69.5%. He was the G-MAC Player of the Year in 2016. He spoke to German Hoops after completing his rookie season in Germany.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Byron Sanford of BBC Coburg after hitting Frankfurt for 16 points in a bitter 76-73 loss on the road

Byron thanks for talking to German Hoops. You just compelted your rookie season in Germany with BBC Coburg. If someone had told you in September that the team would move back down to the Regionaliga would you have believed it?

No problem always a pleasure to talk with you. Never would have thought the season would have went the way it did. It was definitely a learning experience and something we can look back and all grow from.

After such a great first season where BBC Coburg moved from the Regionaliga to the Pro B, how disappointing is the fact that the club was unable to stay in the Pro B?

It is very disappointing given that I felt we had the right pieces to be very successful in the league. If you look at our season it very well could have been the opposite because we have so many single digit losses that could have very well went in our favor. If a few more things went right we would have been a playoff contender for sure! Even with our ups and downs as a team our fan support was by far the best in the league and that meant a lot to have ride or die support!

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Brad Tinsley Continues To Expand His Game Not Just Being Labeled Just A Scorer Or Just A Pass First Player

Tinsley Brad Tinsley is a 29 year old 191cm guard from Oregon that completed his fifth professional season and first with Chemnitz averaging 9,3ppg,3,1rpg and 3,9apg. He started his basketball career at Vannderbilt in 2008 playing a total of 134 NCAA games until 2012 and as a senior played 36 games averaging 9.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 85.5%. In 2012-2013 he started his professional basketball career for Generali Okapi Aalstar (Belgium-Ethias League) playing 3 EuroChallenge games averaging 7.3ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.3apg; and in the Belgian Ethias League playing 4 games averaging 4.5ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.0apg, left in Feb.’13, later that month moved to Saint Vallier Basket Drome (France-ProB) playing 13 games averaging 10.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 80.6%. In 2014 he played for the Lakeside Lightnings (Australia-SBL) playing 31 games averaging 28.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 6.0apg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 80.2%. In the 2014-2015 season he played for the MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany-ProA) playing 33 games: Score-4(16.8ppg), 3.8rpg, 3.5apg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 76.7%. He played for FC Porto from 2015-2017 winning 2 titles and last season averaged 10.9ppg, 2.0rpg, Assists-3(5.1apg), FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 69.6% He spoke to German Hoops after his season in Germany with Chemnitz.

Brad thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and did you catch any added sites it Europe after your season in Germany before heading home to the states?

I am currently at my home in Portland, Oregon, relaxing and enjoying my time with family and friends. My wife and I took a short trip to Paris to see the sights and visit some old friends. It was an amazing experience.

Our last interview was in December 2015 when you were playing for FC Porto. Since then you won another title in Portugal and played in Lithuania before coming to Chemnitz. Has time flown by since that Fiba Europe Cup game in Frankfurt?

Yes it definitely has. That was a fun game in Frankfurt and I miss playing in the FIBA Europe Cup.

You started the season with Vytautas Prienu (Lithuania-LKL) playing 2 Basketball Champions League games averaging 10.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.5apg. In the Lithuanian LKL you played 7 games averaging 7.1ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.1apg, 2FGP: 48.3%, 3FGP: 26.1%, FT: 66.7%. You were only a few months there. Did you gather anything positive from that experience and why was your stay so short?

Yes I gathered a lot of positive things from that experience. The LKL is a very competitive league. It is very physical with a lot of talented and tough players-they know how to play good basketball there. I had a lot of great teammates that helped my transition there, which was great for me because I was the only American on the team.

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Chris Brady Has remained Completely Coachable And Attentive To Feedback Because It Will Only Make Him Better

Brady Chris Brady is a 22 year old 208cm center from Greenlawn, New York that recently completed his rookie season in Europe in Germany with the Hebeisen White Wings averaging 9,8ppg,4,8rpg and 1,0apg. He played at Monmouth (NCAA) from 2013-2017 playing a total of 133 NCAA games and as a senior played 34 games averaging 9.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 69.1%. At Monmouth he was able to improve his scoring and rebounding each season. He spoke to German Hoops after the completion of his rookie season in Germany.

Chris, thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on a solid rookie season in the German Pro A with the Hebeisen White Wings. Your season ended with a sweep by the Crailsheim Merlins. The first team against the eighth team. How confident was the team that they could win this series or was the club somewhat aware of basketball reality?

We were confident going into the series. We were aware of how good they were as a team but we had to focus on our game plan and executing it.

Some may have expected the miracle in game three, but nothing changed. The Hebeisen White Wings were blown out on the court. What adjustment did Hanau try to make in game three that didn´t work once again?

We had a game plan and didn’t execute it on the court.

Crailsheim was the better rebounding team and hit their three´s well. Hanau hit only 11 three pointers in the whole series. How key was the inability to hit the trey significant for not being able to stick with Crailsheim?

It’s hard to win a basketball game by getting out rebounded and not shooting well from 3. I’d say these are significant factors in every basketball game.

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