Author: Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Basketball journalist and play by play commentator

I Run For Miles And Miles And Miles Tention Performs His Miles On The Basketball Court

It is always a delight meeting another Miles in life. I mean Miles is a very rare name. Sometimes it is written Myles, but I actually have come across more names written Miles. It is even nicer when I meet a basketball player that shares my name. This season there is a new player balling in the German Pro A with the Tigers Tuebingen called Miles Tention (196-G-1999, college: St.Anselm). He like me hasn´t come across many Miles´s either in his life, so his response to meeting another Miles was just as enriching. “Oh another Miles great. I think I’ve met 3 other Miles’ ever, Miles Byrd who is a family friend, our dads coached together and he is currently playing college basketball at San Diego State University. One of my girlfriend’s family friends is a Miles, and finally Miles Simon, who I last knew was the coach of the South Bay Lakers – LA Lakers G League affiliate. He’s actually who I got the name Miles from, my dad coached at University of Arizona where Miles Simon won a national championship and was national player of the year”, stated Miles Tention. He has found his calling with basketball while I found my calling in my teenage years with running. Even before I began running, I heard that annoying line so often growing up with “your running for miles and miles or I can see for Miles and Miles”. Now when I look back on those days, I chuckle. I run almost everyday and I literally run for miles and miles and love it. Tention also heard his share of lines from people about his unique first name. “ That´s funny because same, run for miles and miles, or it´s only a miles long. (about 6 ½ feet) and my last name being Tention I also got some Attention jokes growing up”, remembered Miles Tention. For now Miles Tention is in Tuebingen to do his running on the court and try to help the Tigers Tuebingen reach the easyCredit BBL again.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber doing a training run around the Alster lake in Hamburg, Germany

Miles Tention who has seen his array of incredible players on the court and battled guys like Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trailblazers, and during the summer having worked out or played open gym with Jeremy Lin who´s a Palo Alto High School Alum, Jordan Poole, or Andre Iguodala was born on March 21st, 1999 in beautiful Palo Alto, California. He began his basketball career at Palo Alto high school and then spent a year in Connecticut at the ST Thomas More school. He then traded the beautiful pacific ocean and sun for the beautiful mountains of New Hampshire playing at Saint Anselm College (NCAA2). “New Hampshire was great to me, a totally different feel than Palo Alto, but getting able to experience four seasons, getting there in summer, playing through Fall and Winter, and then enjoying the spring before going home made years feel long. But that isn’t a bad thing because I loved campus, living with my teammates and playing for my coach”, remembered Miles Tention. In his freshman year he averaged 5.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 79.4%, but really took off in his last 3 seasons averaging 14/3/3 stats. His shooting was incredible as he averaged 44% from downtown in those 3 years. He helped the school win the Northeast title in 2020 and 2023. “Personally I think 2023 was sweeter for me, going into that season there were a lot of questions and doubts about what to expect from our team having lost some key players in 2022. So I knew that I was ready to step into that role of leading the team and being the oldest guy, we had a group of guys who mostly were inexperienced so to be able to pack our gym for the conference tournament, win something as a group and get to see those young guys all see what it takes, how hard it is, and how fulfilling it is to win a championship really felt special to me. Not that 2020 wasn’t another amazing experience, I just think the doubt from the outside and proving them wrong and proving myself right was extra sweet”, stressed Miles Tention. In his last 3 years, he scored in double figures in 51 of 84 games including 35 points against Bentley and 30 points against S Conn.” So many moments at Saint Anselm that I’ll keep with me for the rest of my life, and it´s hard to choose one. Besides winning 3 championships during my time there, 35 points at home against Bentley my senior year, one of the few games each year my family got to come watch in person, also scored my 1000th point that game, and really carried a majority of the offense that game for our team, was a special one for me”, said Miles Tention. His game grew and matured under the guidance of head coach Keith Dickson for whom he will always be grateful to. “Coach Dickson is a realist, a straight shooter, so he’s going to tell you how he feels, what he wants, when you do good or when you do bad. Under him I learned how much goes into winning a basketball game, how important it is to play together, believe in yourself and believe in one another. He really showed me and everyone what it means to be together, be a family on and off the court, and trust the work. He had been so successful for so long, and I just wanted to come in and continue that, and starting as a freshman and learning as much as I could until I was a senior and then passing that down to the guys below me was an experience that gave me so much gratitude”, added Miles Tention. He even had the pleasure of being teammates with German Elias Rodl who´s dad is German basketball legend Hendrik Rodl and won the NCAA title in 1993 with North Carolina “I only got to play with Elias for one season but still talk to him every week and he’s like a younger brother to me. So many memories around school, in the dorms together, eating together and I love the kid. He faced some challenges coming over from Europe to the States but seeing him keep his head down and keep working extremely hard was motivational for me as I came from California which was a long way away but he was even changing countries. He’s a heck of a shooter and can really score the ball in a variety of ways and a great competitor. He’s fearless, and a true competitor and really wants to learn and get better on the court, so I can’t wait to watch him play at Brandeis”, expressed Miles Tention who remembers getting the best of Matt Becker in 1-1 battles. Some honors that he got there were All-Northeast-2010 Third Team -2020, All-Northeast-2010 Second Team -2022 and Northeast-10 All-Tournament Team -2023

The California native who lists Tim Guers, Tyler Arbuckle, Christopher Paul, Gustav Suhr-Jessen, and Matt Relihan as his best teammates of all-time began his overseas career last season with Frederick Achilleas Kaimakliou (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League) averaging 15.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 4.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 75.9%. Coming from California to Cyprus may not have been a shock with the weather, but there were other factors that weighed in heavily with the adjustment period. “Outside of basketball for sure when they gave us a car in Cyprus and we drove on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on the right side of the car was the initial shock to no longer being at home or anywhere close to home. Along with being in the locker room and talking to players or coach one minute and the next minute their speaking Cypriot and I have no idea what they are saying. On the court, I think the wake up call was joining a team where most the guys have never played with one another before. In college I was at the same school for 5 years so the only turnover was seniors graduating and freshman coming in along with an occasional transfer, but a majority of the team stays the same year to year. Where in Europe you have a team with guys of wide range of age, most of which have never played together, so having to learn how everyone plays, guys strengths and weaknesses all while trying to build some chemistry was a wake up call”, remembered Miles Tention. His best scoring games in Cyprus included 25 points against Apop and 23 points against Etha. This season, he is playing his second professional season in Germany with the Tigers Tuebingen and has no complaints about the experience. “This organization feels pretty special or unique, the group of guys that the team has brought together along with everyone from coaching to managers to people behind the scenes are all extremely welcoming, close knit, caring. The team is already connected and closer than most other teams if not all other teams in this league even only being together for about 2 months. The whole organization supports one another and wants the best and I truly couldn’t be more grateful for how caring everyone is from top to bottom. On the court we play together, we want to see one another succeed just as much as we individually want to succeed. We play for one another and I think we are just at the beginning of that too”, said Miles Tention. After a season in the first division, the Tigers have moved back down to the Pro A. The Challenge of helping them move back up was big on his list of coming. “Being in this league, with the professionalism of a team who has proven they can be promoted to the BBL was definitely a reason for coming. Hearing nothing but good things about the club’s structure and organization, as well as getting on the phone with Coach Dominek Reinboth and hearing how he wanted to run the team, what his philosophies were and who he is as a person, it made the decision to want to come here pretty easy. My agent Mario Scotti also had very high praise and was reassuring me the high level the team would be at, along with being able with Kenny Cooper, another player in my agency who I knew was highly talented”, said Miles Tention. Being able to play for a great coach like Reinboth and be teammates with the ultimate leader Marvin Heckel has been enticing and enjoyable. ”Coach is one of if not the most detailed oriented people I’ve ever been around. And that´s on and off the court, his offense really allows us to play to our strengths, we have a lot of talent on the team and it´s not always easy to manage when you have a lot of capable players. That being said he has taken time to learn all of us as people and players and put us in positions to thrive. His offense isn’t fixed and rigid, he gives us some structure and then gives the responsibility to us to make the plays and go out there and perform. Defensively he has made it clear what he wants the identity of the team to be from the first conversation that I had with him, and he has really gotten everyone to buy in. We play hard, we play aggressive, and we play fast, and it´s a great feeling knowing that you can give it everything you have, and when you need a breather the guy who comes in next is going to do the exact same. His philosophies make sense, they are well thought out, and everything that we do has a reason for why we are doing it. And he holds everyone including himself accountable, like I said he is extremely detail oriented and can´t emphasize that enough to us that one step, one foot, one hand can make the entire difference and I’ve tried to take everything he says to heart and live with the results. Marvin! Marvin is just an A+ person. There isn’t a negative thing you could say about him, he leads by example for sure, works extremely hard on the court, in the weight room. He’s a true professional when it comes to his preparation and making sure he is always taking care of his body which I’ve tried to learn and copy as much as I can. He’s a very calming presence on the court, level headed, mindful, and I’ve really enjoyed competing against and with him everyday”, commented Miles Tention.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Miles Tention in Koblenz on Dcember 1st, 2024

The versatile player that lists Lebron James, Steph Curry, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is a player that watched Andre Iguodala most of his life and would compare his game best to Donte DiVincenzo. “Like most players I’ve grown up watching the NBA, going in the back yard and practicing moves or shots that I saw on TV. Andre Iguodala, who my dad coached in college and I’m lucky enough to know and feels like a much older brother. His selflessness, willingness to adapt to his situation, desire to make his team better, effort on defense is someone I would say I’ve learned or tried to take the most from his game. But his athleticism is something special that I can’t say I possess, however I would say I’m a better shooter. Donte DiVincenzo is a good comparison to my game, an athletic guard who can really play defense, handle the ball, and shoot it at a high rate. but I’ve always struggled at who my NBA comparison would be so please if you have any ideas let me know”, said Miles Tention. His shooting is possibly his biggest strength, but what a joy to have versatility just as potent in one´s game. “Versatility is huge for me, and really just trying to do whatever my team needs to win. And for most people that is scoring as much but I know how much goes into winning a game. So being able to score, defend, set my teammates up or make plays for guys, space the court, push the pace and push the ball in transition, control the pace of the game, know the offense, know defensive scenes are all things that go into winning and I try to do at a high level. There are 10 guys on the court at all times and only one ball, so growing up my parents instilled in me that, “what are you doing to help your team win if you aren’t scoring.” Being a taller guard, I love that I can bring the ball up, play off the ball, guard a team’s best player, hold my own in the post, and I think that really increases my value as a player”, warned Miles Tention. His shooting percentages were incredible in the NCAA and he has a special mentality that has helped him be successful. “I’ve never really focused on trying to shoot a certain percentage, I mean being a 40%+ 3 point shooter definitely means that you can shoot the ball well, but for me I want to be a threat at all times, a good bit of my offensive game stems from being a threat to shoot the ball, setting me up for long closeouts, spacing the court, making shots over defenders. So I think my mentality is understanding that I can shoot it at a high clip, and get as many good looks as I can over the course of a game, because percentages point to that making my team successful. And I know how many hours I’ve put in working on the art of shooting, so I always believe my shot is going in no matter where I take it from”, said Miles Tention. He has so many other assets on the court besides shooting out the lights. “I love defending, being a pest, being hard to score against. I think I’ve been around the game my entire life with my dad being a college coach, mom being my travel coach, so I would like to think I have a high basketball IQ. Whether that’s making sure everyone is involved on offense, knowing when to push the ball or slowing things down and controlling the game is definitely a strength. And also I like to think I’m a natural leader. Another thing my parents said was “don’t be a follower be a leader” and that can come in different forms in basketball. Whether that’s making sure I’m always setting the tone and bringing energy to games and practice, always working hard and giving it my all when I’m on the court, talking and making sure everyone is on the same page are all ways I can lead besides trying to be the best player on the court”, expressed Miles Tention. But it won´t only be his offensive game that will shine, but also his defensive game. “I think right now I’m a good defender, my size allows me to guard shorter guards, and I contest a lot of shots both on the perimeter and at the basket. I can guard wings, in the post I try to make it as hard as I can for bigs. I put a lot of preparation in to learn players and their strengths and weaknesses. Learn what kind of shots they like and don’t like and play to that. I want to be a great defender or all league defender. And that comes with experience, learning from Coach and taking what he has to say and applying that, gaining some weight to be more physical and stand up to forwards and really rebound better. But I think I’m on my way to becoming the defender that I want to be”, commented Miles Tention. As a rookie, your always grinding in the gym in order to get better. “I think I can improve all parts of my game, but I think playing lower to the ground is something that stands out for me, both on offensive it will let me be more explosive, have better ball security, and be able to make decisions faster, and then on defensive it’ll allow me to stay in front of the ball even better, get more steals because my hands are in a better position, and overall be harder to score on. Working on finishes around the rim, over people, through contact, changing up my finishes with floaters, stride stops, off one leg, dunks is another area I definitely see myself improving as the year goes on”, warned Miles Tention. The Tigers Tuebingen will play with Jena and Trier and some other teams to move up to the easyCredit BBL. Miles Tention will play a big role with the Tigers to get back. I don´t know if he will meet another Miles in Tuebingen, but on December 1st, he met another Miles with me in Koblenz and it was a real pleasure.

Shawn Scott(TSV Neustadt Temps Shooters) Has Much More To Give And Determined To Step It Up Even More

Pic credit Jens Gebauer

Shawn Scott (185-G-1996, college: SW Christian) is a 28 year old 185cm guard that is playing fourth season and first with Pro B team TSV Neustadt temps Shooters. Last season he played with BG Hagen averaging 30.1ppg, 9.0rpg, Assists-2 (5.9apg), Steals-5 (2.7spg), FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 78.0%. In 2022-2023 he split time with TVO Biggesee / TV Jahn Lindhorst (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 31.2ppg, 10.4rpg, 6.1apg, 3.6spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 77.6%, in Jan.’23 moved to BG 2000 Berlin (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 4.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 64.4%. He began his career at Jenks High School and then played 3 seasons at Southwestern Christian University. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball

Thanks Shawn for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the big 85-82 win over Lok Bernau. How good did it feel to finally get your first Pro B win?

Thanks for having me. It felt like we had won a championship honestly. The feeling of relief to finally get that first win is a great feeling and now we need to take this momentum and keep going.

Lok Bernau began fast leading 9-0. With the season that Neustadt has had does one think in moments like this oh not again here we go again in terms with the slow start?

Statistically, almost every game has been a slow start for us so we don’t think anything of it and just continue to keep fighting back into the game.

Neustadt went on a massive run at the end of the first quarter as the three ball was working. How prevalent has being unpredictable been a theme for this team this season?

Every game we step it up a notch and with that, players show more and more what they can do and I think that’s what makes us so unpredictable because anyone can step up and have a great game and I think everyone contributed greatly to our first win.

Neustadt had the slim 46-45 advantage at the break. What was so difficult in containing the Lok Bernau drive? That was a big issue in the first half?

Bernau had young but smart guards who were good at finding angles and getting to the basket. With their good big man, it was tough to contain them and keep them out of the paint.

You traded buckets with Uzziah Dawkins at the beginning of the third quarter. What was it like battling him? How do you view in general the competitive level and skill of Pro B guards in comparison to Regionalliga import guards?

It was a good competitive battle between us and I think he was great finisher around the rim for his size. I think in Pro B, most of the imports have close to no flaws in their game and can do everything on the floor at a high level. They don’t take plays off and play with extreme confidence.

Neustadt had the slim lead after 3 quarters. How content were you with the team fighting mentality at that point?

You could tell we had a different energy and motivation to us since the start of the game and as it went on, it got even higher because we felt that we really deserved to win this game. I was just proud that we kept fighting to the end.

What was key in crunch-time for the win? Neustadt punched back hard and Lok Bernau couldn´t react anymore.

Stops, rebounds, and staying calm. Everyone stepped up huge when it was time to get a rebound and we were determined to not let this game get away from us like other games.

What was the biggest strength of the team besides their fighting qualities? How big was the rebounding work?

It was for sure rebounding id say. Our bigs stepped up this game and fought hard for key rebounds on offense and defense.

The team has won it´s first game. What does the team have to do now to get a winning streak?

Just keep this momentum and stay locked in for the next games ahead because we have a big chance to turn our season around.

What was it like playing against Alba Berlin´s farm team? Was there a German player that really stood out for you?

I actually didn’t know Bernau was Alba’s farm team until some days before but you could see they have some very talented young players over there with bright futures. #22 was very good in my opinion and I was impressed with his finishing around the rim.

How big was the pick up of German/American Anthony Watkins? He still needs to adjust, but what have you liked most about his game?

I think Anthony is going to help us big. He has a ton of experience and can play on both sides and can do everything on the court very well. He didn’t have the best game but you could already see his impact for us and once he catches rhythm it’s going to be real tough to beat us.

How vital is Duje Dujmovic for the success of the team? What have you enjoyed most about his game?

Duje is a good all around player with a very smooth shot. There’s no shot he doesn’t like and sometimes I think that’s good when it’s crunch time and you need him to knock down a big three like he did last game. He’s not 100% healthy and still helping us big time.

You had a great game of 20/5/6/3 game. How do you view your own performance differently now a level up from last year?

I think I was able to impact the game in every way but as long as we win, I’m happy.

Currently your averaging 18/6/4/2 stats. How would you rate your play at the pro B level. Is this what you expected of yourself?

I think I have much more to give and I’m determined to step it up even more. I honestly feel that my stats don’t matter at this point because we haven’t been successful as a team but I’m sure that this will change real soon.

Your getting 2,2spg. How is playing defense different in the Pro B than Regionalliga?

I think teams are just much smarter and you can’t just get easy steals like you could in Regionalliga. One on one defense is so important in Pro B and I’ve learned that I can’t take plays off on defense because you can get exposed quickly if you do.

Your mostly a driver and mid range game but can shoot the three. Is 13 three´s about right for your game at this stage or do you feel like you could have taken more three´s by now?

I think I could have taken more threes but I’m just taking what the defense gives me and if I can get to my spot and get a quality shot off then I’m okay with that.

How do you see your role now with a new coach and player Anthony Watkins? What can we expect from your game in the next weeks?

Nothing will change honestly. Maybe I will play a bit more off the ball but that’s no problem for me. Just have to make sure I stay sharp and continue to lead by example on defense especially so that we can keep the wins coming.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?

I think reading defenses on pick and rolls and help side so I know exactly what I need to do without making a mistake or turnover. And Of course my three point shot and being more confident in that.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.

Playing For Bonzi Wells Helped Jaquan Lawrence(VEF Riga) Respect The Game And Accept No Short Cuts

Jaquan Lawrence (206-F/C-1999, college: LeMoyne-Owen) is a 26 year old 206cm forward that was born in Chicago and is playing his third professional season and first with VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL). Last season he played with Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions (Austria-BSL) averaging 7.8ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-3 (1.4bpg), FGP: 53.1%, FT: 64.5%. He palyed his rookie season with Pyrinto Tampere (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 8.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.2spg, Blocks-2 (1.7bpg), FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 23.5%, FT: 54.0%. He played at Le Moyne-Owen College (NCAA2) from 2017-2022 playing a total of 101 NCAA 2 games and as a senior averaged 12.6ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.2apg, 2.6bpg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 66.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball champions League game against the Telekom Baskets Bonn.

Thanks Jaquan for talking to germanhoops.com Your playing your first season with VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL). What kind of an experience has this been for you? What have you enjoyed most about the country and organization?

This year so far has been amazing, VEF is an amazing organization with an amazing coaching staff that is very passionate about winning and growing players for the next level in our careers. I feel as if I fit right in because we all share the same desires to win. Latvia is a country that loves basketball and I saw that in the very beginning when I arrived and played in the country’s birthday celebration game with 24 hours of non-stop basketball games. That was amazing and this place is feeling more and more like home for me.

The organization is used to winning as it has won the double in the last 3 years. How much do you feel that ambition to win within the organization? How special is that?

We definitely share the same ambitions to win every game and bring home another title this year. Bonding is a major part of our performance on the court, so for me to meet another group of guys that are ready to battle every night for a victory, it just makes our time together off the court better when we get to reflect and motivate each other individually to become great collectively.

Your desire to win must of grown and be really big after reaching a cup final last season. After reaching a SIAC final years ago your chances of winning a title this season is huge.

Yes, coming from Chicago where we naturally have a competitive spirit with everything we do, I just carry over that winning mentality everywhere with me.

The club has a good mix of young and old. What exactly has been your role on the team?

My role this year is more on a leadership side being that I am not one of the oldest, I still have younger guys that look up to me on and off the court so always carrying myself as a Pro is pivotal but also still being a student of the game soaking up as much as I can.

What has it been like being teammates with legend Dairis Bertans. The guy has seen it all from NBA to Euroleague. What do you believe has been the most important thing that you have been able to soak up from him despite not playing the same position?

Dairis Bertans is not only a great basketball player but he is an amazing guy altogether and I learn so much from him during the games and practice. The most important thing I have been able to soak up is that every point counts at the end. That means either defending and getting stops or getting more possessions crashing the offensive boards.

What is your biggest goal with your game this season? In comparison to Finland and Austria, the Basketball Champions League is the best league you have played in. Would making an impact on the defensive end be a goal for you?

My biggest goal is doing everything I can to work towards winning another championship. Making an impact on defense is definitely my main goal just to become better individually because if I am at my best,I can help the team be our best being the defensive leader.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 206cm power forward/center. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

If I compare my game to an NBA player it would be Anthony Davis. We both had growth spurts, attended the same high school, and have similar game.

You’re a great rebounder and shot blocker. What other strengths does your game incorporate?

I am also a rim runner that is a lob threat. I can shoot the midrange shot as well and defend all 5 positions. In my eyes one of the best PnR defenders.

Since 2017 you have always averaged at least 1,0 block per game. How would you classify your shot blocking game? What do you still have to do to become an elite shot blocker?

I have always been a rim protector, and I would classify my shot blocking game as Elite. I still have to become better with reading the guard to understand if it’s a shot to contest or just stay down and guard 1 on 2 for a split second.

What other strengths do you have on the defensive end that helps you be able to make an impact at the defensive end?

My speed and long arms allow me to hard hedge on PnR defense and get back to my man. I alter shots well. I also get a lot of deflections and steals for my position.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?

My free throw percentage is where I am looking to improve the most in my game now.

You played last season with Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions (Austria-BSL) averaging 7.8ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-3 (1.4bpg), FGP: 53.1%, FT: 64.5%. You played a tough playoff series losing to Oberwart 70-69 in the final game. What will you always remember from that game?

I will always remember the fighting spirit I had in that game to close out the series. I injured my foot in the first half but I taped up and finish the game. Coming down to the last shot, I got an offensive rebound with 3 seconds left falling down and shooting the last shot from the floor and missing right before the buzzer sounded.

What was it like battling veteran Fabricio Vay who played 14 seasons with Arkadia and even in the G-League 15 years ago. Was he like a mentor for you?

Fabricio Vay was definitely a great mentor for me; he was a major competitor. There were some tough battling within the practices but afterwards he would always invite us to do fun things off the court just to enjoy life as good brothers

You played your rookie season with Pyrinto Tampere (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 8.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.2spg, Blocks-2 (1.7bpg), FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 23.5%, FT: 54.0%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wake up call was landing at Sweden airport and realizing the currency was different and the charger ports were also.

You played 4 years at Le Moyne-Owen College (NCAA2) improving your scoring and rebounds average each season. How did your game grow there? What kind of a player were you coming in and what kind when you left?

My game grew because every summer I put in those endless hours in the gym trying to improve my all around game. Also the environment of my HBCU was like family, so the support and love always made me want to be better. South Memphis just kept me humbled because everywhere we played we were the underdogs. Coming into LeMoyne-Owen I was an athletic finisher and rim protector with a very thin frame with lots of potential. I left as one of the best in the conference with DPOY, Second team all conference honors, and 2022 Inaugural HBCU ASG (All Star Game) selection.

In your senior year you had a 17/14/10 blocks in a win over Tuskegee. How special was that game? It isn´t often that you see a triple double with blocks.

That was an unbelievable game for me and still one of my most memorable ones. I love blocking shots but I never thought that I would ever get 10 in a single game. The most important thing is that we won.

You played 2 seasons for Bonzie Wells. What was it like learning the game from him? He was a very good rebounder for his height when he was playing.

Bonzi is also a student of the game and his desire for it is even more imposing. Learning the game from him was incredible. I never imagined having someone who so many people looked up to, as not only a head coach but one of the coolest mentors.

How do you feel Bonzie Wells groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Bonzi Wells’ favorite saying was “ I only trust the work ” so as long as you were working on your game and respecting the game, in due time you will see the results. When you are practicing and working out at game speed everything must carry over to the competitions. I took that and ran with it because if you are playing this game you must respect it, there are no shortcuts!

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Dajion Henderson?

There were consistent battles between us but we never played a 1 v 1

Who is the best player that you ever battled on the court that reached the NBA?

Talen Horton Tucker Jalen Duran Thad Young Ayo Dosunmu

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Ike Smith, LJ Thorpe, Tylan Birts, Davon Clare, Demarcus Demonia

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Lebron James, D- Rose

Who is your GOAT?

Yeshua

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I have not seen the movie yet but I will watch to see LOL.!

Thanks Jaquan for the chat.

Zac Seljaas Wants To See Exactly Where He Can Go With His Game And At the Same Time Enjoy The Ride

pic credit: Viktor Meshko

Zachary Seljaas (202-SF-1997, college: BYU) is a 27 year old 202cm forward from Utah playing his 5th professional season and second with FIT/One Wuerzburg Baskets (Germany-BBL). In the 2022-2023 season he balled for the Tigers Tuebingen (Germany-ProA) averaging (16.9ppg), 6.0rpg, 2.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 84.8%. He played his first 2 pro seasons with BC Prievidza (Slovakia-SBL) averaging 13.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 9.5%, FT: 75.0%, and with BC Vera (Georgia-Superleague averaging22.1ppg), Reb-2 (12.0rpg), 2.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 83.5%. He began his basketball career at Bountiful and then played at Brgham Young (NCAA) from 2015-2019. He spoke to germanhoops.com after a massive 89-70 win over Frankfurt.

Congrats on the big 89-70 win over Frankfurt. How huge was this win after the last loses?

It was a really good and big win for us. It was important to get our rhythm back and to have finished the game strong. I think like we got the feel back to heading back in a positive direction as a team.

Frankfurt entered the game with a huge cup win and Wurzburg a tough 2 point BCL loss. I guess sometimes all one needs is one huge quarter to secure a win?

Yes it sure can. We saw it last week in the BCL and last night against Frankfurt. Frankfurt began the fourth quarter with a run. We knew that we had to regroup. We didn´t want the game to end like the last few games. We did a good job regrouping and figuring it out.

A lot of punching back and forth in the first 5 minutes between both teams. How crucial were your 2 consecutive three´s? Did that give the team some early momentum?

Yes I definitely think so. I think that it wasn´t just me, but how the team was able to create our offense as a team. We did what we always do in practice. That helped build our rhythm.

In the second quarter the game remained tight. Big man Hannes Steinbach had back to back assists. Is he the perfect definition of a modern big man?

Yes he has. He has so much potential. He surprises me every day again. He is so natural with his game. It is really crazy what he can already do with his game at his age. He is only going to get better. It is fun to see his development on a daily basis. Sky is the limit for him.

Last week Wurzburg pro B player Calvin Wishart said that it wouldn´t surprise him if he laned in the NBA. What about for you?

For sure. I can see him flourish in an American system. The way he plays and his style would fit well in the states. I could also see him playing college basketball there.

Jordan Theodore hit a big three is his third come back with the team. He led Frankfurt to the Fiba Cup title when you were a freshman at Brigham Young. Does he still have what it takes to lead this team to success?

Yes for sure. He is a great player. He has a lot of experience. That doesn´t only help him on a personal level, but also the team. He was a huge pick up for them.

Wurzburg broke free in the third quarter and led by as much as 13 points in the third quarter and led 60-51. What was key in the third quarter for having a bigger lead?

Our defense opens up so much for us. Our energy starts with our defense. That is how coach runs it. We get stops and then run on transition. I think in that phase we also limited our turnovers. We had had too many earlier in the game. We tried to make big plays, but in the third slowed it down which helped us limit them.

David Muenkat began the fourth quarter with his own 8-0 run as Frankfurt trailed only 60-59. What did head coach Savo Filipovski tell the team in the time out?

He told us for most just to lock down on defense. We needed better rotations and had given up too many open shots. They have good players and they made tough shots. We have to be locked in 40 minutes on defense.

David Muenkat had a big night with 23 points. What made it so difficult to control him?

He is a good player. I feel like we underestimated his shot making qualities. He made tough shots which we didn´t expect from him. We relied too much on his drive. We have to know the tendencies better of everyone. We gave Parsons and Theodore too much focus.

Wurzburg than exploded going on a 21-2 run. Mike Lewis added 9 points and Jhivvan Jackson 3 three pointers in a row. Was this just one of those classic massive runs or was there more behind it?

That is just how our team is. We can get hot quickly. It helps when your at home playing in front of our great fans. After a few shots go in, our confidence continues to grow. When your making shots, defense becomes more exciting which makes it easier. An offensive explosion can happen at anytime.

Did that run totally break Frankfurt´s confidence?

I think so. That helped us get a good distance between them and us. WE showed that we didn´t want to stop, but play well until the end. We kept our rhythm until the end.

How proud were you that the team finished the game in good form after the run? There was no let up which sometimes can happen after a run like that?

I was very proud. There can always be a letdown. I feel like in being able to close out the game strong, we were able to make a big step. I feel like that gave us a lot of confidence that will help us the next time.

A game has more than just 1 quarter. The team shot 16 three´s and easily won the rebound fight. What was the biggest strength of the team in the game?

I think it was our team work especially on the defensive end. We helped each other. I think we shared the ball great. We had our season high in assists. We also did a good job getting guys into rhythm.

Wurzburg now has some big games coming up in few days. Alba Berlin isn´t what it once was. What will be key to getting win?

It really is about us and how we approach each game and how much confidence we have.

What will be the biggest key for the team to be a playoff team again and not have last season be a fluke?

I think our success has to do with our culture and how hard we work as a team. I don´t think last season was a fluke. We are on a good way of being a good team again.

Your in your second season in the easyCredit BBL. Your scoring average is down a bit. Is that because of more offensive weapons this season?

Yes I think so. My role is a bit different this season. I´m captain and a leader and have more of a focus on defense. I have a lot more to do this season than just score. Not scoring as much doesn´t bother me. The most important thing is that we win and fight.

What is your big goal this season as a player after your break through season last year in terms of your game?

My goal from day 1 was always to get better. I want to be able to see how far I can go as a player. I want to have the opportunity to see what can happen with my game. At the same time I want to enjoy my time here as a young man with a family. Not everyone gets an opportunity like this.

Your having a huge BCL season averaging 21,0ppg. Is your role a bit different than in the BBL?

I think it had to do how game went. I go out and approach each game the same way. I think many underestimate how physical the easyCredit BBL is and how good teams are. It is really hard to score in the BBL with the physicality and scouting. The BCL has been a fun experience and I´m fortunate to have played well.

What do you enjoy most about Christmas and the German Christmas market´s?

When it comes to Christmas, I´m like a child. I love the feeling of Christmas. I feel like I enjoy buying presents for kids more than they do opening them. I love the markets and hanging out with the family there. I enjoy the culture and the community. Christmas is one of the nicest times of the year.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Maxi Ugrai?

Me. Max is great, but I think I got him.

Thanks Zac for the chat.

Harrison Cleary´s(VEF Riga) Biggest Goal This Season Is To Prove He Can Lead A Team To A Championship

Harrison Cleary (185-PG-1997, college: UMC) is a 26 year old 185cm point guard from Oak Creek, Wisconsin playing his 5th professional season and first with VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL). Last season he played with Lahti Basketball (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging (22.9ppg, 2.7rpg, Assists-2 (6.5apg), 1.0spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 92.5%. He played the 2022-2023 season with the Veolia Towers Hamburg (Germany-BBL) averaging 6.3ppg, 1.5apg an din the Eurocup averaged 6.3ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 26.3%, and he also played with SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB) averaging 23.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.9apg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT-1 (45.3%), FT: 78.4%. In the 2021-2022 season he played with Aquimisa Carbajosa (Spain-LEB Silver) averaging 15.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 45.7%. He split his rookie season with TAU Castello (Spain-LEB Gold) and Afanion CB Almansa (Spain-LEB Gold). He began his basketball career at Oak Creek high school and then played 4 years. He then played 4 seasons at the University Of Minnersota Crookston (NCAA2) and as a senior averaged 26.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 90.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against the Telekom Baskets Bonn.

Thanks Harrison for talking to germanhops.com. Your playing your first season with VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL). What kind of an experience has this been for you? What have you enjoyed most about the country and organization?

It’s been a great experience so far. VEF is a very storied and successful club so it is great to be part of an organization like that. Riga is a beautiful city and I have enjoyed exploring and finding some cool spots within the city.

The organization is used to winning as it has won the double in the last 3 years. How much do you feel that ambition to win within the organization? How special is that?

It is the number one goal for us to win as many trophies as possible. They have won the LBL title for the last 3 years in a row so of course it is something we want to do again this season. In addition, we want to win the cup and take home the Est-Lat league title as well. I haven’t been part of an organization with title aspirations like this one in my career so far, so it is an exciting challenge and something I am taking very seriously because I want to uphold those standards and also cement myself as a winner.

After taking a step back last season to play in Finland, you took a step forward this season. Was this one of the best pro decisions you have made in your career?

It has been a good decision so far. Of course the opportunity to play Champions League is something that is very hard to pass up. I’m enjoying things in the moment, and I think I will know a few years from now when I am later in my career how beneficial this move and season was for me.

You are in great position to win that first pro title. How hungry are you for that first pro dub?

That is my primary goal for this year. I’ve accomplished a lot of things individually in my career, so I am really focused on winning as many games as possible and trying to bring home that first championship.

The club has a good mix of young and old. What exactly has been your role on the team?

As a point guard your role is always to be a type of leader. Of course we have veterans and experienced guys that have been at the top, so they lead us for sure. I try to lead by example as best I can and always be the hardest worker. On the court, I try to do whatever is necessary to win us games. If I need to score more that day, or play make more, or just feed the hot hand then that is what I try to do.

What has it been like being teammates with legend Dairis Bertans. The guy has seen it all from NBA to Euroleague. What do you believe has been the most important thing that you have been able to soak up from him?

It’s been great playing with Dairis. Unfortunately he has been injured lately, but we all saw what he was capable of against Bonn. Playing with a shooter like that is a huge privilege and I just try to watch him work and pick his brain whenever I can because learning from a player that has played at the levels he has is priceless.

Your having a very good BCL season. How vital was it having had that Eurocup experience a few years ago to help your game as you have moved forward in the last years?

I value my experience in the Eurocup very much. This season is a much different role than I had with Hamburg that season, but my time that I got in the Eurocup was definitely meaningful and allowed me to see the speed and physicality and type of players I would be up against this season.

What is your biggest goal with your game this season? You have been a sniper your whole career, but have also made steps in other parts of your games in the last years?

My biggest goal individually is to show that I can lead a team to a championship. I feel like I’ve showcased my shooting and scoring ability in the past at all different levels, so I really wanted to display my ability to run a team and do whatever is necessary to win the game that particular night.

Your playmaking is one of those. You averaged the most assists per game in Finland. How have you grown as a playmaker in the last 2 years?

I think that is the area I’ve probably grown the most the last 2 years. I was put in situations in Germany and Finland where I had the ball in my hand so much that I was learning little things every game. I came off so many ball screens and saw so many different coverages that I was able to really learn from my own film after every game and get to a point where I felt really comfortable against all types of defenses.

You continue to be an incredible shooter. Are you an elite shooter now or almost there?

I can say it is one of my greatest strengths and something I still put a lot of work into daily. I feel like I’ve played with some elite shooters like Dairis, Ryan Taylor, Bobby Planutis, but I don’t know if somebody can label themselves an elite shooter haha

Last season you played with Lahti Basketball (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 22.9ppg, 2.7rpg, Assists-2 (6.5apg), 1.0spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 92.5%. You had great stats, but the team lost a lot. What did you learn about yourself as a player?

I feel like I was just constantly learning and growing that season. I think that was probably the first time in my career where I really understood that every possession can make or break a game. We lost our fair share of games by only a few points and it made me learn I have to really limit mistakes and find those plays in a game that can really change the momentum

Two seasons ago you played with the Veolia Towers Hamburg (Germany-BBL) playing 4 games averaging 6.3ppg, 1.5apg; and played 8 Eurocup games averaging 6.3ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 26.3%, played also at SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB) averaging 23.9ppg), 2.8rpg, 4.9apg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT-1 (45.3%), FT: 78.4%. How vital was this season for your basketball development? Practicing with the BBL team each day and playing games and playing Pro B?

That was the year I kind of got my career back on track after two tough seasons. I really appreciate Coach Blode in ProB giving me such a big role on that team and allowed me to show who I was as a player, but also allowed me to make mistakes and learn on the fly which I think played a big role in my development. Practicing with the Towers everyday was also a big help because of the coaching staff there and the talented players on the roster. Playing against really athletic and talented players each day made it easier to head back to ProB and play against competition that maybe wasn’t at the level of BBL yet.

How vital was a guy like Seth Hinrichs for your game? He is as versatile as you can get and is a great teammate. What could you learn from him best?

Seth is a really great teammate and although we don’t play the same position, he has such a high basketball IQ that it was great to hear any advice he had.

You had many explosive games in the pro B, but also 13 points in 14 minutes against Paris in a Eurocup win. Was that one of your most special games?

That was a big game for me. That was the game where I think I gained a lot of trust from the Hamburg organization and also showed what I was capable of on a larger stage.

You played your second pro season with Aquimisa Carbajosa (Spain-LEB Silver) averaging 15.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 45.7%. After a tough rookie season, you had good stats, but an injury kept you on the sidelines long. What positives could you get from this season?

That was a really tough situation and injury to deal with at that point in my career. I think the biggest positive from that season was the people I met and also it showed me how badly I wanted to be successful with this career. I hardly had any games on my resume after this injury, and it would have been easy to just “retire” at that point, but I was going to do whatever it took to get healthy and back on track.

You split your rookie season with TAU Castello (Spain-LEB Gold) playing 5 games averaging 2.6ppg, in Jan.’21 moved to Afanion CB Almansa (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging 0.5ppg. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

To be honest my wake up call started before I even left the states. I was in Miami getting on my flight to Valencia and they started speaking Spanish on the intercom at the gate and that’s when it started to hit me that I was about to be in a foreign country for the first time.

This was a tough season. What did you learn about yourself that season?

I think I learned I had to change my style of play a little bit from how I was in college if I wanted to be successful.

You played at the University of Minnesota Crookston (NCAA2) from 2016-2020 and left as having scored the most points. You averaged 23,0ppg in 4 years. Were these 4 years some of the best times in your life?

They were definitely a good 4 years. That was some of the most fun I had playing basketball.

You scored in double figures in 109 of 114 games. Your consistency as a scorer was amazing. What kind of a player were you in 2016 and what kind of a player were you when you departed in 2020?

I think my scoring ability was the biggest change in those 4 years. I was a good scorer in 2016, but I wasn’t as good in the ball screen or isolation at that time. By the time I left in 2020, those were my biggest strengths as a player. Every summer I went back home and worked on my game with my trainers and came back to school better the next year, and I feel like we still do the same thing to this day.

You had a 52 point game and numerous 40 plus point games and numerous 30 plus point games. What was your fondest moment on the court?

I’d say winning the first conference tournament game in school history. Nobody expected us to win that night and we went into the opposing teams’ home gym and upset them and that was a great feeling.

How did head coach Bryan Beamish groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Beam is one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. We put a crazy amount of hours in the gym together and dissected a lot of film together as well. He played a huge role in my development and growth as a player.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Ben Juhl?

I’m not sure if we ever played

Who is the best player that you ever battled on the court that reached the NBA?

Probably Jayson Tatum

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Junior Searcy, Chase Johnson, Kendale McCullum, Thorben Meissner, James Padgett

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe, Lebron, MJ, Steph

Who is your GOAT?

Kobe. There’s players in today’s game with more talent than we’ve ever seen, but nobody will ever have the mentality and killer instinct like Kobe

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I did not see that movie Thanks for the interview!

No problem Harrison.

The Miles Vs Malik Riddle Weekly Basketball Chat Volume 6

Malik Riddle (193-G-1999, college: HSU) is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Tennessee playing his second professional season and first in Germany with Pro B team RheineStars Cologne. Last season he played with Gzira Athleta Birkirkara (Malta-BOV League D1) averaging 28.8ppg, 9.4rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-3 (2.6spg), FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 75.5%. He began his basketball career at Rossville Christian Academy. He then played 2 seasons at Morehead State University (NCAA) and then played 3 seasons at Henderson State University (NCAA2). He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.

Congrats on the big 93-72 win over Ludwigsburg. Another game another win. How big was this win? Is every new win to keep the winning streak going bigger than the other no matter the circumstances?

It was a great win for us had. Our big Bjorn was out and we had some guys step up and played well in some big minutes. I don’t think we really focus on the streak just approaching every game with the mindset to do our job and win.

The RheinStars had a potent first quarter allowing 11 points, but allowed 26 in the second quarter. Did the opponent make any special adjustments or what did you as a team get away from?

We just allowed some easy drives to the basket and the help defense wasn’t there like it was in the first quarter.

Cologne stepped up the defense again in the third quarter, but really stepped up the offense in the fourth quarter with 32 points. Did Stephan Baeck have any special strategy for the fourth quarter?

There were guys that had good offensive night that help a lot . We have to do better on the boards but just guys stepping up was biggest thing.

Ludwigsburg German Julis Baumer had 23 points. The guy plays with so much energy. How much potential does he have?

He’s has a lot of potential and he was very aggressive and played smart . When he saw a mismatch, he took advantage. A very good player.

6 guys scored in double figures including Tim Lang. Talk a little about what you appreciate most about his game?

Tim had a very good game and shot the ball well. I love his floaters I feel everyone is going in .

You added 12 points and had 5 rebounds and 2 assists. You were consistent on a night where every one was clicking. What was your biggest focus with your game on this night’?

We had guys out and I felt this was a game to get good shots. This could’ve been a game where I shot the ball wild but just taking good shots and being good on defense was the main focus.

You next play against Wurzburg who after suffering a 6 game losing streak to begin the season have a 4 game winning streak. What will be key to winning?
The key to winning will be defense . Being aggressive on that end is the main focus. Also we have to be better at rebounding as a team.

Thanks Malik for the chat.

Devon Dotson´s(Club Joventut Badalona) Time Was Limited In The NBA And Now Wants To Prove Himself Overseas

Devon Dotson (188-PG-1999, college: Kansas) is a 25 year old 188cm guard from North Carolina playing his fifth professional season and first with Club Joventut Badalona (ACB). He turned pro in 2020 and played in the NBA until 2023 with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards. He also played in the G-League with Windy City and Capital City Go Go.Last season he played with Capital City Go-Go (NBA G League) averaging 16.1ppg, 4.8rpg, 6.1apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 55.5%, 3FGP: 31.0%, FT: 87.7%, in Mar.’24 moved to Monbus Obradoiro CAB Santiago de Compostela (Spain-Liga ACB) averaging 13.0ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 85.7%. He began his basketball career at Providence Day high school and then played 2 seasons at the University of Kansas (NCAA) average 12.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 78.2% and 18.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.0apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 83.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against ratiopharm Ulm.

Thanks Devon for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first full season overseas with Club Joventut Badalona (Spain-Liga-ACB). Last season you played 9 games in the ACB and showed that you needed no adjustment time. How would you compare the ACB style with the NBA?

It is a little different. The ACB is very tactical and I try to exploit what the defense is running. The ACB is also more physical, but I have adjusted well.

What kind of an experience has it been playing for Club Joventut Badalona (Spain-Liga-ACB)? What have you enjoyed most about being part of this organization?

It has been great. My teammates have made it easy for me. The coaches have also been very helpful and just making everything easy.

Has coach Miret given you the keys to the team?. How exciting is for you being the main point guard for a Euroleague team?

It has been great. I´m just trying to learn everyday. He prepares us well for every match and we just try to bring the intensity and just do what I can to help the team win.

You never got a real chance in the NBA, but will now in the Euroleague. Do you believe we will see a different player than when you were in the NBA?

Yes for sure. I was limited in the NBA, but ready to take the next step now and perform at the highest level.

Last season you played with the Capital City Go-Go (NBA G League) averaging 16.1ppg, 4.8rpg, 6.1apg, 1.6spg, You had a better season than the season before, but got no NBA call up. Did you lose faith in the NBA process?

I never lost faith. You just got to keep going. You have to have that faith to put in the work every day. You have to stay true to your skills and everything will work out.

Your second ACB game was against FC Barcelona which you lost by 5 points. What memories do you have of that game? Did you realize then that the game was very far away from the NBA?

The experience was very good basketball. It was a very intense game and good fan atmosphere. Coming over here playing in front of the fans is a great experience.

You played your first 2 NBA seasons with the Chicago Bulls playing only 22 games and many G-League games. When you look back now, is there anything you would have done differently to have secured you a better chance of opportunities and minutes?

You have to always be ready when your named is called. You have to prepare everyday. Unfortunately for me there were many point guards ahead of me. I am over here now to prove that I can play at the highest level.

You played your most minutes and had 11 points in the last rookie game against Milwaukee. What memories do you have of that game? Was that the first time then that you felt you belonged?

It was a cool moment. My coaches trusted me and put me out there and we got the win. I made a few baskets as well.

Do you feel like you got a fair chance in those 2 seasons? They had talented point guards, but not really top guards. Lonzo Ball was injured for a good part as well?

We had many great guards. Alex Caruso was a great defensive guard. They had Coby White. I was young. The NBA is all about opportunity and I learned and got better.

In your third pro season you joined the Washington Wizards (NBA) playing 6 games and played with the Capital City Go-Go (NBA G League) averaging 14.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 6.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 85.2%. After December 22, you didn´t play a NBA game anymore, but played in the G-League playing consistently. Do you think you had warranted a NBA call?

My job was to get better each day and pushing the envelope to be the best player I could be. My goal was just to keep getting better.

What was the best example in the NBA that proved to you that the NBA will always be a business first?

It´s always a business. The first time that I got cut. They said they had to make room for the roster.

You played 2 seasons at the University of Kansas (NCAA) averaging 12.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 78.2% and made a big jump in your second season averaging 18.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.0apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 83.0%. How did your game grow your last year?

I stayed in the gym and put in extra reps after practice and watched a lot of film. The summer after my freshman year I stayed in the gym and film room and we also had a great team. My teammates pushed me to be the best player I could be and we had a great season.

You reached March Madness in 2019 losing to Auburn. What memories do you have of that run?

It was a great memory. It was my first March Madness. I had always watched it as a kid so being in that type of environment was special. We came up short against Auburn, but I used that as fuel to get back in the gym and get better.

You had so many great games in the NCAA including against Dayton and Iowa State. What was your fondest moment on the court?

My best moment was just being out there winning with my teammates and enjoying the fans.

How did head coach Bill Self groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He is a great coach. He is tough but pushes you to become the best. There were no off days. You had to keep pushing each day.

Who was the greatest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Obi Toppin

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

There are too many to name. I will just say everybody.

Who is your GOAT?

Derrick Rose

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America film? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I haven´t seen it. I actually just watched the original last week. Now I have to watch the sequel.

Thanks Devon for the chat.

Roel Moors Had A Vision A Few Weeks Ago That Darius Mcghee Would Have A 40 point 10 Three Pointers game Sometime This Season

pic credit: Joern Wolter

Roel Moors is a former professional player from Belgium that won 3 league titles in his homeland and enjoyed a 19 year career. He began his coaching career in 2015 and coach Antwerp for 4 seasons and then was a season with Bamberg, 3 with BG Goettingen and now he is in his second season at the helm with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the massive come from behind win in Oldenburg where Darius Mcghee scored a monumental 44 points with 10 three´s.

Congrats on the amazing 96-91 come from behind win on the road. Where do you rate this win in your coaching career with the amazing 44 points that Darius Mcghee scored and the way the team came back and won?

Thank you, of course every win is important to us. I think the fact that we finally found some defensive stops and of course the ability of Darius to make tough shots gave us a chance to come back in this game.

The team went to Oldenburg having lost 2 of the last 3 games including losing by 20 points against FC Bayern Munich. With what kind of a mindset did the team go to Oldenburg?

Our mindset is always the same. We go into games to win them even on the road. Of course in sports confidence is a major factor and our last couple of games didn’t really provide us that. In situations like this at the end of the day it’s about finding a way to win and luckily we did.

It was a high scoring game at the break as Oldenburg was leading 51-44. Bonn allowed 93 points against FC Bayern Munich. What was giving Bonn the biggest problems on the defensive end at the break?

Well I think overal we make too many mistakes, sometimes late in the shot clock. We are fighting each day to get better in defense because it will determine our destiny.

Oldenburg continued to execute well and open up their inside out game in the second quarter connecting more from outside. Was it more on your defense or their stellar guard play that allowed them to execute well?

You always have to give credit to opponents that play well and I think they did. We just didn’t make it hard enough for them at times.

In the third quarter Oldenburg stepped up their defense a bit and led 73-62 after 3 quarters. How was the mind set of the team? Could you sense that there was still hope to somehow turn it around?

I felt like we were always 1 step slow, we kept searching for solutions and this game again showed that a basketball game can turn around in no time. My guys showed many times already this season that they are mentally strong enough to fight back.

What kind of instructions did you give the team for the last 10 minutes?

Well we changed lineups a bit and changed the ball screen coverage and I think it gave us some confidence that we were finally able to get some stops.

If someone had told you prior to the start of the third quarter that the team would score 36 points on the road and Mcghee score 21 points and 6 three´s what would you have thought?

I would have thought that with Mcghee everything is possible. Of course it’s his first year in Europe so he lacks some consistency and is still learning things every day. But when he sees some shots go in a lot is possible.

How big was the team self-confidence of the team? Do you feel with every new three pointer, that that self-confidence grew to incredible heights in the last quarter?

I think a game of basketball needs emotions. At times we are too flat but during that run I saw a lot of positive emotions, even when we were still down 10.

Let´s talk about the 44 point night and 10 three of Darius Mcghee. How big is a game like that in today´s basketball?

It’s huge, we don’t see that a lot but to be honest it is not a total surprise to me that Darius is the one to do it.

It was the most three´s in the last decade together with Jacob Burtschi and TJ Bray. So many more three´s are taken in today´s game. Why doesn´t one see more games like this in the easyCredit BBL where 10 three´s are made?

It’s just incredibly hard to see 10 shots go in. Teams are physical in this league. It’s not like you can just get easy shots off.

Did you sense like he went into the game extra motivated after the big goose egg against FC Bayern Munich and 3 fouls and 3 turnovers?

Well of course he got hurt during that game which didn’t help. Also credit to Bayerns defense, where it’s not easy to play against Weiler Babb, who is to me the top defender in this league. It’s my job to help Darius and give him tools how to react against that defense and make him understand that whatever they throw at him he needs to know that he can hurt the defense with his quickness and shot making ability.

Did you have an extra talk with him before the game to help raise his self-confidence?

Not really, Darius is a confident guy from nature. The only talks I have a lot with him is about aggressiveness. You have all these tools, use them and be a killer.

I can imagine Mcghee´s 44 points didn´t surprise you? He had shown in college that he could score a lot once scoring 48 and 47 points in a game.

Yes as mentioned earlier, few weeks ago I predicted to my son that we would see a 40 point game of Darius with 10 3 pointers this season. Obviously I didn’t know it was going to be this early.

Will Mcghee have to invite his teammates to dinner or how does one celebrate the win and 44 point game as a team?

That’s a good question, let me put some pressure on him tomorrow.

Despite his great performance, many other guys stepped up. How vital was this win for the moral and getting back on the winning track?

Wins and especially like this can trigger something. Everybody is looking at the 44 points of Darius obviously but many guys provided something in this win. At the end of the day this team is put together to play team basketball.

Do you think that a game like this could turn the season around to where the team can make new steps going forward especially in the easyCredit BBL?

Let’s take it 1 step at a time. We need to work really really hard to find consistency. We have tools, we maybe lack some experience but we need to make up for that in other ways.

The Telekom Baskets Bonn are playing very well in the Basketball Champions League. How do you explain the better play here than in the easyCredit BBL?

Well we should not dramatize our level in BBL. We are 5-4 and everything is close together. We are just not that physical monster yet. In BCL we found ways so far to be more consistent in defense. Again we have a lot of young guys that are growing up fast and it’s our job as coaches to facilitate that process.

The Telekom Baskets Bonn have 2 tough BBL road games in Bamberg and Chemnitz. How confident are you that the team will be a top 8 team on Chjristmas?

We are confident that we can beat any team but obviously those are 2 extremely tough road games and we have 2 very important BCL games at the same time. However our approach has always been to look only one game ahead so we will not change that.

Thanks Roel for the chat.

Calvin Wishart(VR Bank Wurzburg Baskets) Took A Step Back From Portugal To Be A Leader And Mentor For The Young

Calvin Wishart (188-G-1999, college: UCSB) is a 25 year old 188cm guard from Delano, Minnesota playing his second professional season and first in Germany with the VR Bank Wuerzburg Baskets Akademie (Germany-ProB). Last season he played with CD Povoa (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 13.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 4.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 71.7%. He began his basketball career at Delano High School averaging 31.9ppg, 9.6rpg, 8.1apg, 3.6spg. He owns school records for career points (2,444), assists (798), steals (376) and 3-pointers (249). He then played 2 seasons at Georgia Southern University (NCAA) averaging 5.2ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 39.4%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 67.5% and 9.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 72.0%. He then played 2 seasons at the University of California Santa Barbara (NCAA) averaging 7.0ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 78.7% and 7.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 77.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Calvin for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second professional season and first in Germany with VR Bank Wuerzburg Baskets Akademie. What kind of an experience has it been for you and what have you enjoyed most about it?

It’s been an exciting journey so far. Playing with a younger group of guys and being the oldest player by 3 years, it’s a fun, new challenge. I’ve been enjoying getting to know my new teammates and exploring Germany a bit in my free time, as it’s my first time in the country.

You played your rookie season in Portugal and had a good season. This season your playing in Germany´s third division Pro B. Isn´t this like taking a step backwards or is being able to practice with the BBL team something that will be an advantage?

It’s a step down from Portugal 1, but being able to be the leader of the team and looked to contribute more volume is a good thing. In addition, being able to jump in some practices with the BBL team and learn from the high level pros and coach Sasha is a real privilege this early in my career.

VR Bank Wuerzburg Baskets Akademie began slow losing it´sfirst 6 games including 2 tough 1 point loses, but now is on a 3 game winning streak. What have been the main causes for the turnaround?

We didn’t have a full squad for any of those first 6 games. My work visa wasn’t passed, and I had a couple small injuries that prevented me from also playing. Some of main contributors got healthy, and we’ve been able to practice all together lately. We’re starting to figure out what it takes to win, especially what it takes defensively.

The team has some real talented players like Hannes Steinbach and Tyrese Williams. What exactly is your role on the club?

I can’t speak on playing with Tyrese as we won’t play together as he’s mainly with the BBL team. But my role is to be a leader. Vocally, and by example through my play. Do a bit of everything, and be the best on ball defender. Being an example for the younger guys in practice everyday and being a young mentor for them whenever they are seeking help and asking questions about the game.

What has it been like playing with big man Hannes Steinbach. Just how talented is this kid? You observe him in practice every day.

He’s one of the best bigs I’ve ever played with, he’s legit. He can score in every way, pass, block shots, rebound, run the floor for oops. I wouldn’t be surprised seeing him in the NBA in the next couple years.

How would you describe Alex King as coach? What have you enjoyed most about his basketball philosophy?

I’ve really enjoyed my time with Alex. He expects a lot from us, as he played at the highest level in Europe. He brought me here believing that I could make the jump to that next level with the right guidance. He makes practice something I really look forward to. He rolls the ball out and lets us play and compete, which I love.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 188cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I like Jalen Brunson’s ability to play off two feet and use his pivots, I feel like I do that well. No one is Kyrie, but he’s my favorite player and I like to watch his warm up and practice habits and utilize his techniques in my training and prep. I like the variety and randomness guys like him and James Harden use in their training.

You can really score the ball and dish out assists. What other strengths does your game have?

My defense. I take my one on one matchup pretty seriously, and I take pride in being in the right position when I’m off the ball and communicating the most on the floor.

You have never cracked the 40% mark from outside in the NCAA or pro´s. How would you describe the development of your shot? Could you become an elite shooter down the road?

Shooting has always been and always will be something that I am trying to improve. I feel like once I get caught up in the numbers and percentage is when it gets worse. I try to just shoot what I think are good looks and knock it down. When I miss or get into a slump, that’s when I need to having the shooters mentality, knowing I’ll just shoot the next one that feels good without hesitation.

How would you describe your defensive game? You never averaged more than 1 steal and this season it´s 4 in the early going.

Contained aggression and IQ. Knowing when it’s ok to be aggressive and gamble a little bit versus when I need to just contain. Thinking about the offense through their eyes and feet allow me to figure out the cadence different players have. I think that’s what’s been helping me get more steals.

You are a gym rat. On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?

Most of what it is for me is my body and conditioning entering each season, so in the summers I try to work hard at that. Gym sessions are lots of shooting and finishing, getting better with my left around the rim and honestly just shooting tougher shots off of creative dribbles and footwork. I want to get into higher level, and I know that’s required. Quicker shot making and more efficient movements.

Last season you played with CD Povoa (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 13.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 4.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 71.7%. What do you remember being your wake upcall to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I would say my biggest wake up call was maybe a few games into the season and realizing how much different it was from college. There’s much more freedom and allowance from the coaches. I realized it was more about us players making it happen, rather than a specific game plan or schemes. I particularly enjoy that. Looking at the 4 others on the floor knowing that it’s up to us to get this win, to make game winning plays, and not to follow a black and white game plan by the staff.

You lost a tough playoffs series to Oliveirense and had solid games against top teams Benfica and FC Porto. How did your game grow in Portugal?

Sort of similar answer to the last question, but just the fact that it’s professional sports now. The coaches trust you to make plays, and that in itself brings more out of you. For me, it’s been a lot better than college because I’m not restricted into one specific role. I’m free to make decisions, and mistakes. Personally, that’s when I thrive more when I have the ability to think freely.

You were an explosive scorer in high school but in the NCAA never averaged in double figures in scoring and as a pro back to your scoring ways. How beneficial was the NCAA for your overall game?

College was tough for me, but I also played with lots of talented guards where it was better that they had the ball and decisions. It was never the wrong decision to have Tookie Brown or Ajay Mitchell making every decision down the floor, because they were the best decision makers and play makers. What NCAA did for me was help me understand the roles of a team and the sacrifices it takes to be successful and win. I won 85 games in college in 4 years, but never scored over 10 ppg. I was able to affect the game in many other ways and always found myself in the starting lineup and playing lots of minutes, that’s all I wanted anyways.

You played at Georgia Southern University (NCAA) from 2018-2020 averaging 5.2ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 39.4%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 67.5% and 9.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 72.0%. How did your game develop further under head coach Mark Byington?

Coach Byington was a great coach for me. He gave me confidence as a freshman coming into Georgia Southern and allowed me to play without thinking too much. He taught me to work on cooling my composure, which he was always good at. He was very poised throughout the season, through the ups and downs. He instilled that in me.

What memories do you have of senior Tookie Brown? Was he like a mentor for you?

Tookie was a leader by example. Him and Ike Smith were the two guys I looked up to during my time at southern. Both basketball junkies and gym rats. It seemed like they were always on the gun shooting, or getting treatment on their bodies outside of our practice times.

You then played at the University of California Santa Barbara (NCAA) from 2021-2023 averaging 7.0ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 78.7% and 7.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 77.9%. You won the Big West Title and reached the big dance. What memories do you have of the title win over CS Fullerton and the loss to Baylor?

I remember the big west title game against Fullerton being a really fun battle. It was probably my favorite college game I played in. Not only because we punched our ticket to the NCAA tourney, but I gave good contribution to the game we needed most. In our game against Baylor, we were up by 1 at halftime feeling really good, myself too. I hit my first couple shots and my match up was Keyonte George and I remember I was playing good defense. It seemed like they just flipped their on switch or something. They turned it up in the second half, turning us over and making shots, ending up losing it. But to play in front of 20,000 and millions on TV was something I’ll never forget.

How did head coach Joe Pasternack groom and prepare you best for a professional career

Coach P didn’t give me much confidence at all in college to be honest. Coach John Rillie was the one who recruited me to UCSB, and he always had my back and gave me great advice that I needed during that time. As did coach Derek Glasser. Rillie always told me that he thought I would be a better pro than college player. Pasternack was very hard on me, like he is to everyone, but he never really allowed me to play my game. He wanted me to fit a certain role, which I tried my best to do, but it was a difficult 3 years for me to say the least.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Ajay Mitchell?

Ajay and I played 1-1 a few times in drills in practice and a few times on our own outside of practice. I can confidently say we were pretty much splitting those games. But we battled everyday, we were each others match up.

Who is the toughest player you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Anthony Edwards

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

That’s tough. Matthew Hurt, Ajay Mitchell, Amadou Sow, Daniel Oturu, Ike Smith

Your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Michael Jordan

Your Who is your GOAT?

Kyrie Irving

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I haven’t seen it

Thanks Calvin for the chat.

Trey Calvin(Frankfurt Skyliners) Wants That The Momentum Of The Goettingen Cup Win Carry Over To The BBL

Trey Calvin (183-PG-2001, college: Wright St.) is a 23 year old 183cm point guard playing his rookie season with easyCredit BBL team Frankfurt Skyliners. He began his basketball career at Saint Viator high school and then played at Wright State from 2019-2024 playing a total of 122 games and in his last 2 seasons averaged 20.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 88.2% and 19.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 89.6% in his last 2 seasons. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the massive cup win in Goettingen propelling Frankfurt to the Cup top 4.

Congrats Tre on the massive 78-67 cup win on the road in Goettingen. How vital was this win for stopping the 4 game losing streak?

It was a huge confidence booster to get this win and reach the final 4. I had no idea until a few days ago how big of a deal the cup is. I hope that we can keep building off this win.

This is one of the biggest wins in club history in the last 7 years. Did you sense after the buzzer sounded just how important this win was?

Even before the game started just seeing how many of our fans had come to see us play meant a lot. I realized then how big of a game it was then. After the buzzer sounded, our fans were so loud. It was a great atmosphere.

This was the first return back to the Cup top 4 in 13 years. Do you realize all you need is 2 more wins for that first chip?

Yes it is very surreal. I´m just very blessed to be in a position to win my first pro chip. We will try our best and be as locked in as possible and win the title.

With what kind of a mentality did the Frankfurt Skyliners enter the game? Was it that we have nothing to lose or was Denis Wucherer able to create self-confidence with the guys?

Our motivation was to end our 4 game losing streak. We needed this win so badly in order to get back on track.

Collin Welp was aggressive getting 2 buckets. Here a little history test. His dad Chris was one of the first 3 Germans in the NBA in the 80´s and he made the winning free throw in 1993 to give Germany a surprising gold medal at the Euro. Did you know that?

I did not know that. He is a good player. He is a veteran player that can shoot the ball very well and knows how to be in the right position to make the right play.

You scored Frankfurt´s first 8 points. Did you have a different mind set going in to be more aggressive than usual?

Yes I definitely did. In the last 2 games, I took a lot of shots and didn´t make many. Other guys in my position may have taken less, but I came into the game wanting to be more aggressive and took what the defense gave me.

New Skyliner Patrick Heckman gave big energy with a dunk and assist in the first quarter. How valuable is he for the team?

He is a big piece that we were missing. He is a veteran with BBL experience. He has the leadership and experience to know what it takes to win. We really appreciate him.

The game remained a real dog fight in the second quarter as Frankfurt had the slim 37-36 advantage at the break. How did you take in the atmosphere in Goettingen? They have very diehard fans there.

It was our second game there so we knew what to expect. It was a cool feeling, but it felt different this time, because it was an important cup game. I enjoy playing in that type of game.

What was it like battling ex Arizona State guard Tra Holder. He played with the Skyliners back in the 2018-2019 season.

He had a good game. He is a guard that is quick and tough and has that knack of shooting the ball well and getting to the basket. It was fun playing against him. He hit some tough shots.

Frankfurt led 56-49 after 3 quarters. What did coach Denis Wucherer tell the squad to do going into the fourth quarter?

Our main focus going into the fourth quarter was to get stops. We weren´t clicking that well on offense despite getting open shots.

2 three´s early by Heckman and Zeeb seemed to slow down BG Goettingen. Frankfurt then shut down BG Goettingen for minutes without allowing points. What was key in this phase defensively for being in the drivers seat heading into crunch-time?

It was huge to have a little lead heading into crunch-time. When your down with 5 minutes to play, it is hard to scratch back. Garai Zeeb was a big spark on defense. When we are getting stops, we then know that we can score.

You scored 2 insurance baskets for the 66-54 lead with 3,52 to play. How vital was a phase like this for your personal growth as a rookie?

It was a real confidence booster for me. I hadn´t played with much confidence in the last 2 games. I was more aggressive and seeing the ball go in was a big confidence booster that I can build on.

Another three by you and Heckman free throws sealed the win. What do you believe was the biggest strength on this day for the team?

Just being able to play together. Threr were stretches in the game where we were down and didn´t look good, but we always stuck through it and fought together. We played together for 40 minutes.

How big was the game of Booker Coplin? He had 10 rebounds. How vital is his energy for the team every day even in practice?

Booker is one of our leaders. He is a real good defender when he wants to be. When he isn´t scoring, he does so many other important things. Last night it was rebounding. It isn´t all about scoring for him.

After allowing 95 points in the last 2 BBL games against Oldenburg and Hamburg, what steps did the team make on the defensive end in Goettingen?

Our main focus in practice the last week was defense. We played a good defensive game for 40 minutes holding them to 67 points. We haven´t played that kind of defense much this season. Our help defense was better. Holder scored 16 points, but I feel like we did a good job on him collapsing the paint. We made it hard for him for 40 minutes.

You scored 23 points and led the team to the win. You seem to play your best basketball in the cup. How special is this competition for you?

With me it´s definitely something about the cup games. I´m averaging something like 24 points per game. But I treat the cup games just like any other game. I was aggressive and seeing the ball go meant for me that I would have a good game.

You shot 10/15 from outside in your last 2 cup games and 35% in the BBL. How vital could your shooting be especially in the next 2 big games in the next 5 games?

I think we need that kind of shooting from me. I just continue to shoot the ball when I´m open. I continue to work on my shot every day and just feel confident when I shoot.

Frankfurt now has to rebound after a big game and do it again in Wurzburg against a very tough 5-3 team. What will be key in getting the victory?

We have to limit our turnovers. They are strong with the ball and play physical. We have to get shots on every possession and lock in on defense.

Darius Mcghee scored 46 points in Oldenburg and nailed 10 three pointers the third most in the last 10 years after Jacob Burtschi and TJ Bray. Does a performance like that motivate you?

Yes for sure. I saw his clips. He was hitting shots that I never saw before. He was making Steph Curry type shots. I hope one day to have that kind of freedom and be at his level to take those kind of shots. I´m not taking those kind of shots at the moment.

Thanks Trey for the chat.

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