Author: Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Basketball journalist and play by play commentator

Having Won International Titles Has Been A Product For Luke Petrasek(Anwil Wloclawek) Having A Consistent Lifestyle Doing The Right Things Each Day

Luke Petrasek (206-PF-1995, college: Columbia) is a 29 year old 206cm forward from East Northport, New York that also has the Polish citizenship. Currently he is playing his eighth professional season and fourth in for Anwil Wloclawek (Poland-OBL). He also has gained experience in Germany, Russia and the G-League. He began his basketball career at East Northport high school. He then played at Columbia (NCAA) from 2013-2017 playing a total of 113 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.

Thanks Luke for talking to germanhoopos.com. Your playing your fourth season with Anwil Wloclawek (Poland-OBL).The club won back to back league titles in 2018 and 2019. It won the Fiba Europe cup a few years ago. How big is the desire to win in this organization?

The desire to win in this organization is everything. This club has a history of success and winning culture, they expect our best every season. So there of course always expectations to be on the top whether in the Polish league or any European league. We have had a lot of team success in my four years here and we plan to continue this

What is so special about this years team? Is the mix of players? How do you explain the great chemistry so early? It brought in more than 10 new players?

Yes this year we had a lot of changes in players, as only 3 players remained from the previous season. But I think that everyone who has come in has adopted the winning mentality and of course are very talented. We push each other in practice which then translates to the games. Everyone on our team wants to and expects to win games.

The club has a great group of bigs. How is the daily competition level in practice for you with guys like Funderburk and Jackson just to name a few?

The competition in practice is really great every day. Our group of bigs are super talented and very athletic which is a great combination. We have daily battles between ourselves and also have good chemistry and relationships off the court.

You have put up great stats every season since you joined Anwil. How you explain the consistency? Is it a mix of the coaching staff and your work ethic?

I definitely think it can be attributed to both. My coaches here have put me in a good position to succeed but also I have developed a very consistent lifestyle. The statistics and winning is only the product of the things I do every day. I try to do all the right things each day and after multiple years this, plus hard work success will be there.

You were fortunate to paly with Polish legend Szymon Szewczyk in his last season. That guy played for Alba Berlin 20 years ago. What memories will you always have of him and how did he help you most that first season in Poland?

Szymon is an amazing guy who was a great vet for me when I came into Anwil. He always cared about all the guys and did whatever he could to be there for us. I still see him regularly out here and he has for sure become one of my closest friends. I always will have good things to say about him.

You won 2 international titles back to back with the ENBL and Fiba Europe cup. That is an incredible feat. Not many guys can say they have done that. What was so special about the ENBL winning team?

That ENBL winning team was an amazing team truly. I really loved playing basketball with all those guys and of course a lot of them have gone on to see success in their careers. We had super close relationships off the court, and a lot of fun on the court. I still talk with a lot of them even now 3 years later.

You saved your best for last that season netting 25 points in the final against Siauliai. Was that your greatest basketball moment up to that point in your life?

I would say personally leading up to that, my “greatest basketball moment” was signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Charlotte Hornets. Being able to be a part of NBA training camp at 22 years old was an amazing experience and such a great time in my life. It was a lifelong dream to put on my own NBA jersey.

In the next season you won the Fiba Europe Cup. What do you remember being so special about that team?

That FIBA Europe Cup championship team was also a great group of guys. We had the MVP of that year Phil Greene, who was always bringing a good energy to the gym. We also had a lot of the same Polish players from the previous year so the chemistry was definitely there. And we added Victor Sanders and Malik Williams who were great for our team. Everyone on that team was special and great guys, I wish I could name everyone.

You played the 2020-2021 season with BC Nizhny Novgorod (Russia-VTB United League) averaging 5.0ppg, 3.2rpg; Band in the BCL: averaging 6.2ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT-2 (55.0%), FT: 63.6%. How challenging was the VTB league? Was that the best pro league that you have played in overseas?

That was definitely a great league there were a ton a really talented players and Euroleague teams. I guess I would say play in VTB and BCL that year was probably the best competition I’ve faced overseas.

What memories do you have of playing then powerhouse team CSKA Moscow. You lost one game 85-84 and had 7 points and 5 rebounds.

For sure they were a very strong team and one of the best in all of Europe at that time. I always like playing against great competition so I prepared for this match the same as any other game. But of course that team had a lot of talent.

What memories will you always have of teammate Andrey Vorontsevich? This guy is a legend. He played 14 seasons with CSKA Moscow reached 6 Euroleague final 4´s and has won more than 20 titles. Was he like a mentor for you?

We only got to spend about half of the season together but he was a good addition for our team at that time and helped us a lot. He gave me some good advice on the court and definitely tried to help me in the best ways he could to improve my game.

You played your second pro season with the Giessen 46ers (Germany-BBL, starting five): 11 games: 10.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 45.7%, FT: 91.3%. How tough was this season? You had a long injury. What did you learn from this season?

That season had some challenges for me with my injury for sure but all in all I think that was one of my favorite pro seasons. That group of guys we had was special and even if we weren’t super successful in the win column, we all grew as players. To this day I spend time with and speak to most of those teammates. I battled in a playoff series against Stephen Brown last season, he was our PG in Germany. That was a great year for me and I truly enjoyed that club.

What memories will you always have of big John Bryant? Was he one of the more difficult guys to shove out of the paint area?

Big John was an awesome vet for me that season, he was always lightening the mood around the guys and locker room. But also he definitely cared about us as we were all “younger” guys that season. He is an insanely talented guy and I would love to run into John again but unfortunately we haven’t crossed paths since that season. One of the funniest teammates I’ve had as a professional for sure

You 2 seasons with the Greensboro Swarm having identical stats each season with 6/4. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie in the G-League?

I don’t know if I would say that I had one specific “wake up call” but I would say the athleticism, size and speed of almost every player in the G League was very high. So it was for sure a step up from college and I had to begin to adjust certain aspects of my game for these reasons. But I really liked how professional the facilities were in Greensboro. Getting paid to solely focus on basketball was amazing after coming from college, and I knew this was definitely the career path for me.

How tough is it in general to convince coaches and GM´s of your talent? You averaged 21 minutes per game, but having played 30-33 minutes would of improved that NBA opportunity. How competitive did you feel was the whole process?

I think this whole process is actually the most competitive. You have every player with the same goals and dreams as your trying to compete for 1-2 spots on each team. So in each league there could be about 25-35 people with jobs at your position. This means you have to do all the right things to have advantages. I let my game on the court speak for itself as well as holding my character and morals to a very high standard and treating everyone with respect. And I like to believe that has also brought me success in my career and life.

You had many solid games. What was your fondest moment in the G-League?

I would say one of my fondest moments was playing in the Long Island Nets arena in front of my whole family, or playing in Greensboro against the Westchester Knicks. In that game I guarded my best friend Nate Hickman, and it was a truly amazing moment because we always manifested playing pro together when we were in college. And now that game it had come to life for us.

You played at Columbia University (NCAA) from 2013-2017. Your game took off in your last 2 seasons. How did your game grow there?

My game grew due to my hard work and love for the game of basketball. I never let anything hold me back from my dreams and put so much work and time into improving that I had no other choice but to be successful. When you put so much work energy and effort into what you love, things find a way of manifesting for you and doors will open to let your dreams happen.

You were teammates for 3 seasons with German world champion Maodo Lo. What memories do you have of him and if someone had told you in 2016 that he and Germany would beat USA at the 2023 World cup and win Gold what would you have thought?

Maodo was living in the room next to me at Columbia for a few years and we always hung out or just had some good laughs. He is a great guy, a real professional and we all looked up to him when we were there. He really paved the way for guys like me as he left before us and became a pro, did NBA summer league, made real good money from his love of basketball. This all showed us it was possible and we really did look up to him. Now we have a great relationship still and I would always text him to hang out if we were in the same city. If you told me this info, I would say I believe it because Lo was always deserving of his successes, he treats the game the right way.

In your second season you lost a crazy defensive battle against NCAA powerhouse Kentucky 56-46 and played against many future NBA players. You lost the game, but keeping them to 56 points was amazing.

Yes it was a great experience to play against the number 1 team in the nation at the time, of course I’m really proud of how our team battled and it is definitely an unforgettable game.

How did head coaches Kyle Smith and Jim Engles prepare and groom you best for a professional career?

I would say Kyle Smith taught me a lot of great lessons off the court which helped me be a great professional. He helped me realize the importance of being on time, being prepared mentally, being tough physically and so on. Jim Engles gave me the freedom and confidence my senior year to allow me to grow into the player I was ready to be and take that into the professional level.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jeff Coby?

I would say that you will not be able to find any evidence of me losing a 1v1 to Jeff. So I guess by that logic I always won. But Jeff and I had an amazing on and off court relationship, one of my best friends to this day.

Who is the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that went to the NBA?

I would say guarding Adreian Payne, while i was an 18 year old freshman in my 3rd or 4th ever college game was the toughest match up I’ve had. Michigan State at that time was #1 in the nation.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

5 best teammates all time would probably be Kamil Laczynski, Grant Mullins, Victor Sanders, Nate Hickman, Tim Köpple.

What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

I would have to say my Mount Rushmore is Lebron James, Shaq, Kevin Durant and Michael Jordan.

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?

I would say Lebron is the greatest basketball player of all time. In my opinion he is just a complete all around player who has dominated the game for over 20 years straight. There are plenty more reasons why and facts I have to back this up, but I will save that for a personal debate.

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

I would have to say this question made me laugh because it is extremely random, but no I have not seen the sequel. If you’re saying they should have left it alone then I guess I won’t be racing to watch it on Netflix in my free time.

Thanks Luke for the chat

Fynn Fischer(TSV Oberaching Tropics) Appreciates The Togetherness as Nobody Worries About Their Stats But Only Winning

pic credit: eyoleon

Fischer (208-PF-1999) is a 25 year old 208cm center playing his fourth season with the TSV Oberaching Tropics. He began his career with IBAM and also played with Regionalliga team MTSV Friendsfactory Schwabing. He then played 2 seasons with Wurzburg playing 3 easyCredit BBL games and also with the farm team averaging 7/3 and 9/4. He then played a season with the Nurnberg Falcons averaging 2/2. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 89-85 win over the RheinStars Cologne.

Congrats on the big 89-85 win at home against top team RheinStars. How big was this win?

It was a big win for us. The Rheinstars are one of the top teams in the Pro B. Being able to annoy them and win was a huge success for us.

You got revenge after losing 90-86 in Cologne less than a month ago. How big was the revenge factor for the team?

We were very annoyed with our loss in Cologne. We didn´t play well the last few minutes before half-time. They got out on a big lead. We had to play catch up basketball the whole second half. We fought hard and made it close, but lost. We shouldn´t have let it come to that.

Oberaching must still have been very confident going in. You hit 14 three´s and had 15 offensive rebounds in the loss in Cologne.

We feel very confident being an underdog. We have nothing to lose and like to play at home with the support of our fans. They do a great job pushing us.

What was the game plan going? What does one have to do to win besides trying to control the dynamic duo of Hennen and Rohwer?

They are their key players. Hennen is a great point guard who carries them and leads them. Rohwer is big and a good rebounder. We wanted to control the rebounds and play together. We did a good job not getting lost with their pressure.

Oberaching had a great start leading 11-1, but then let up a bit to come back and trail only 19-18. Were you a bit surprised how well you started as a team?

I wasn´t surprised. Everything began perfect for us. Philipp Bode began strong making a few buckets. Getting a start like that against a top team is always a help, but they did fight back.

17 year old young German Davi Remagen began hot and finished with a Pro B personal high 26 points. How big was his 40 plus points in the NBBL last weekend for his self confidence?

Having self confidence is always vital for young players. Having a strong NBBL game will help and the coaches notice. He went into the game on a high after his big NBBL game and just played and didn´t think much.

How talented is Davi Remagen? Where do you see his journey going to?

That’s not easy to predict. He is a very good player. We will see.

The RheinStars had the slim 43-40 advantage at halftime. Ruppert Hennen gave them some good energy as did Jannis Von Seckendorf. How annoying is it playing against a player like Seckendorf?

It is never easy when he is on the court. He makes the game fast and aggressive.

In the third quarter the guests went on a run, but Oberaching punched back with a run to lead 62-60 after 3 quarters. How vital are the fighting qualities of the team and how have they grown this season?

We are a team that have played together for years and are friends off the court. That chemistry shows on the court. We are always helping each other out on the court and fight for each other. We never worry about our stats, but play to win. The will to win is big for us.

Omari Knox and Janosch Kogler made big baskets. Where would the team be without these 2 ultimate warriors?

They have been the key players for us for years. They are key for helping the young players as well. We give them the ball when we need to win in close games. They have so much experience.

What did head coach Mario Matic tell the team to do going into the fourth quarter?

He told us that we are in the game. He told us that he wanted us to fight until the end. We had a big chance to win. It wasn´t like in Cologne where we had to come back.

Did the quick Oberaching start in the fourth quarter and three´s by Schuler, Knox and Kogler seal the win? They never got over the hump?

We didn´t think about it. That quick start gave us security. We knew that we had to react quickly, because they are a good team.

What was the biggest strength of the TSV Tropics Oberaching on this afternoon?

I think that our team play was our biggest strength. We did a good job playing inside out basketball. We defended well and didn´t get hurt by their pressure.

You had a solid 8/5 game in 26 minutes. Is that a performance you can live with?

To be honest, I´m most happy when we win. I personally was annoyed with 2 shots that I missed that I usually make. That annoys me more than anything.

Oberaching next battles Rhondorf. You lost a shootout at home where 223 points were scored. How bitter was that loss?

That was a very bitter loss. We gave up way too many points in that game. We defended very well against the RheinStars and want to build on that performance and take that energy to Rhondorf.

Will guarding the three point line be a key to win? They made 17 three´s in that game.

Yes that will be important. We have to be aggressive on the three point line, but also not forget to defend in the zone.

How excited will you be to play? You missed the first game? Do you see yourself having a big game?

I may get more touches against them. I may see more double teams. I´m looking forward to the game.

Thanks Fynn for the chat.

Playing JUCO Helped Ronald Jackson(Anwil Wloclawk) Build Character And Was Instilled With Discipline and Lessons That Has Helped Him Get This Far

Ronald Jackson Jr. (203-F-1997, college: NC A&T, agency: BIG) is a 27 year old 203cm forward from Florida playing his 5th professional season and first with Anwil Wloclawek (Poland-OBL). Last season he suited up with : Kometa Kaposvari KK (Hungary-A Division) averaging 11.2ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 31.5%, FT: 77.4%. In the 2022-2023 season he played with Reale Mutua Basket Torino (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 9.9ppg, 6.2rpg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 84.8%. In the 2021-2022 season he balled with Rogaska Crystal (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM) averaging 13.2ppg, Reb-3 (9.3rpg), 1.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 73.2%; and in the Adriatic League 2) averaged 12.8ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.7spg, Blocks-1 (1.1bpg), FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 83.3%. He played his rookie season with BG Goettingen (Germany-BBL) and Instituto Atletico Central Cordoba (Argentina-La Liga) averaging 8.0ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 64.9%. He began his basketball career at Flemng Island high school and then played 2 seasons at Hillsborough Community College (JUCO) averaging 6.7ppg, 6.6rpg, FGP: 52.6%, FT: 64.7% and 13.0ppg, 10.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 83.1%. He then played 2 more seasons at North Carolina A&T State University (NCAA) averaging 7.5ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 73.8% and.0ppg, 10.4rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 60.3%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 76.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.

Thanks Ronald for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your fifth pro season and have played for 7 organizations. Do you feel like a basketball globetrotter?

Yes I do actually. I’ve played basketball in about 3 different continents and experienced things I never imagined.

Your playing your first season with Anwil Wloclawek (Poland-OBL). What kind of an experience has it been playing for this club?

The experience has been a good one thus far. Business is taken care of well and we are a strong team with good depth.

You will be facing German team Ludwigsburg soon. You already played them in Germany and lost 86-81. What is your overall impression of German basketball and have you had friends ball there?

Though I had only a short stint in Germany, I have experienced the strength of the German league. A strong competitive and organized league with good talent. I made very good friends in Germany that I still communicate with to this day.

You have always been close to winning titles a pro but still seeking that first one. This season could be that golden opportunity as your in first place in the polish league. How big is your desire to win that first chip?

Winning a championship would be an amazing accomplishment. I’ve come close and I’ve got to see what it takes to be the last team standing. It is quite a desire of mine considering I’ve never won any type of team championship since I began playing basketball. Always very close.

As a pro you have averaged more than 19 minutes per season, but this season it´s at 10 minutes in the Polish league. Do you have a different kind of role than usual?

Considering my situation this year and joining the team late being a replacement for an injured player, I was aware of my role being historically different considering the depth this team has and the success prior to me coming. However I’m always ready to compete.

The team is really stacked with a lot of bigs like Funderburk and Petrasek. How vital are the daily battles with them and others for your game? The competitive nature must be huge.

I’m a competitor at heart and have always been an underdog since I got cut from making the high school team at 16. So battling against them week in and week out along with my other teammates is a nice challenge, as they are all good players. Iron sharpens Iron so it’s only making us better.

Let´s talk a little about your career. You have seen so much, lived in many cultures and seen many different brands of basketball. How do you explain your ability to really have been able to adjust anywhere and simply produce?

I think my game is applicable to any style and any league of basketball. A guy who can do a little bit of everything, play and guard multiple positions, play defense, rebound and can make the right plays.

You played last season with Kometa Kaposvari KK (Hungary-A Division) averaging 11.2ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 31.5%, FT: 77.4%. What kind of an experience was that for you and what was your fondest moment there?

My experience last year was an interesting one. One where I really had to learn to just control what I can control and be ready no matter what adjustments or random changes may occur. My fondest memory would probably be the games we won when the odds were against us.

You played the 2022-2023 season with Reale Mutua Basket Torino (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 9.9ppg, 6.2rpg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 84.8%. Many say this league belongs to the best second divisions overseas. Was it the best league that you have played in?

A2 was certainly a really good league to play in and it was competitive on both divisions. It’s definitely one of the better leagues I played in for sure.

How tough was it losing to Pistoia in the final? You had played 2 very exciting series against Milan and Treviglio. Was that some of the most exciting basketball that you have encountered in your life?

It was tough losing to Pistoia. Sometimes I wonder how things would’ve went if we won. But congrats to them they were a good team. The environment in the playoffs was very special.

You played the 2021-2022 season for Rogaska Crystal (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM) averaging 13.2ppg, Reb-3 (9.3rpg), 1.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 73.2%; and in the Adriatic League 2) averaged 12.8ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.7spg, Blocks-1 (1.1bpg), FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 83.3%. Was that one of your best seasons as a pro?

This was one of my better seasons. I had a heavier role on this team and my coach Damjan Novakovic did well with helping me adjust to the European style of basketball.

What will you always remember from the semi-finals against top team Cedevita? They had some big time players and Yogi Ferrell.

Yes they had some big time players and a lot of depth. The city of Rogaska was proud of our efforts but Cedevita defeated us.

You split your rookie season with BG Goettingen (Germany-BBL) and Instituto Atletico Central Cordoba (Argentina-La Liga) averaging 8.0ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 64.9%; and in the BCL Americas averaged 9.0ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 58.8%. 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 being cut! That introduced me to another side of basketball. It made me realize how much a fit and situation really matters to a team. It was during Covid as well so to go to two different continents at that time was unique.

What was it like living and playing in Argentina? You lived in a nice city Cordoba. What did you enjoy most about their culture?

I didn’t get to experience much because we were in a bubble during covid. But the weather and scenery was refreshing. Sometimes it reminded me of home and the meals were nice.

You had some well known names as teammates and coach. You played for Sebastian Ginoboli who is the brother of legend Manu and with Juan Brussino, the brother of Nicholas who played in the NBA. Did Sebastian tell any inspirational Manu stories?

No Sebastian didn’t really talk to much. I was there for a couple weeks and then we had a new coach.

You played at Hillsborough Community College (JUCO) averaging 6.7ppg, 6.6rpg, FGP: 52.6%, FT: 64.7% and 13.0ppg, 10.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 83.1%. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have said it was a grind but one that was very worthwhile. How was it for you?

JUCO for sure is a grind. I did 3 years there (walk-on redshirt freshman) and made it do the division 1 level. It was very difficult for me mourning the loss of my mother, trying out for the team for a month, tough workouts, balancing school and being away from home. It builds character for sure.

You made a massive jump in your game in your second season. How vital was head coach Derrick Worrels for your development? How did he help you grow best?

Huge shoutout to Coach Worrels for giving me an opportunity. He was hard on me and he instilled disciplines and lessons in me that have gotten me to this point in my career.

You then played 2 seasons at North Carolina A&T State University (NCAA) averaging 7.5ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 73.8% and 15.0ppg, 10.4rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 60.3%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 76.5%. Again you made a big jump in your game in your second season. How did your game grow there?

The grind grew my game. I knew I wanted to play pro ball and I knew there were a lot of people ahead of me so I just worked on my craft on and off the court. I had good coaches and good teammates and especially my point guard Kameron Langley who’s currently on the coaching staff at Clemson.

How did head coach Jay Joyner groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Joyner taught life lessons that can be used on and off the court.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Devin Haygood?

I don’t remember playing Dev too much in 1v1 but we definitely had great battles playing king of the hill.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Pg- Kameron Langley

Sg- Jordan Stevens

SF- Aubrey Dawkins

Center – Tai Odiase

Jorge Gutierrez

What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Lebron Mj Kobe Shaq

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?

I’ll take Lebron over Jordan. He can practically do everything and guard every position, and what he’s done, we’ve never seen anything like it before. But I like to think Lebron is the greatest basketball player of all time, but Jordan is the greatest to play the game if that makes sense.

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

Didn’t see it.

Thanks Ronald for the chat.

Matt Thomas´s Precision Shooting Powers Alba Berlin Over The Frankfurt Skyliners 75-61

There were times in the history of the Frankfurt-Alba Berlin games over the past 20 years where both were playoff teams whenever they battled each other. They even had exciting playoff series where Frankfurt always gave Germanys capital city team a good run for the money. Then there were times also were Alba Berlin was still a top team and Frankfurt wasn´t a playoff team anymore where the games weren´t always exciting. But now there is a scenario where both are struggling teams, a concept that has never been seen before. The Frankfurt Skyliners are a team that has arrived in 2025 as a team that is fighting to stay in the league. Luckily for them, there is an even worse team then them with BG Goettingen who only have 1 win. In other years Frankfurt would currently be the door mat of the league. Alba Berlin hasn´t had a great year coming in in 13th place with only 2 wins more than Frankfurt. Their abundance in losing is something difficult to digest. They are 3/16 in Euroleague play and the only positive thing for them going into this game was that they had upset FC Bayern Munich last weekend. Alba Berlin was still a scoring club, but defensively were in another galaxy. If Frankfurt had some of their walking wounded back, then this could be a game where they could compete. Frankfurt had their chances in an overall poor offensive performance and when a Trey Calvin is missing and other walking bucket Malik Parsons gets held to 2 points and 1/8 shooting and 5 turnovers, you will have problems winning. Plus coughing up the ball 26 times didn´t help their cause either. “We missed many shots. You can´t have 26 turnovers against a team like Alba Berlin. They did a good job converting on our turnovers and Matt Thomas (195-SG-1994, college: Iowa St.) shot lights out”, stressed New Jersey native Jordan Theodore. Alba Berlin didn´t have a great offensive game, but really sparkled on defense for 40 minutes. “We defended very well. Frankfurt was annoyed with our good 1-1 defense. Being able to hold Parsons to 2 points was a big step for us. We didn´t have a good offensive game. If we would have had a better offensive game, then we would of won a lot easier”, stressed Alba Berlin assistant coach Thomas Paech.

Yanni Wezell with the lay in

5000 basketball fans came out on a cold Sunday evening and rapidly saw a lightening start of Alba Berlin as they slapped around Frankfurt taking the quick 15-2 advantage. Alba Berlin had the correct body language and intensity while Frankfurt seemed passive and like they just got out of bed. Alba Berlin did a great job in the paint area dominating Frankfurt. Ex NBA player Matt Thomas scored with a lay in and connected with 3 free throws while NBA draft pick Gabriel Procida of Italy was aggressive and scored twice while German Tim Schneider had 2 dunks. Frankfurt couldn´t match Alba Berlin´s physicality and on offense had problems getting into their sets. Frankfurt finally escaped their funk going on a 12-6 run to trail 21-14. Einaras Tubutis hit 2 three pointers while ex Boston College forward Patrick Heckman and Alaska native Kamaka Hepa scored inside. Frankfurt was more aggressive and played good inside out ball. However Frankfurt couldn´t keep that intensity to the end as Alba Berlin finished with a 5-0 run to lead 26-14 after 10 minutes. Alba Berlin got production from ex LIU Brooklyn (NCAA) player Martin Hermannsson with free throws and a lay in and free throws by Australian center Yanni Wetzell. “We showed our presence on defense right away and had little mistakes”, stated Thoams Paech. “We had a bad start. I was trying to find my feel for the game. I picked up my game then and the team fed off me”, stressed Jordan Theodre. Alba Berlin shot 56% from the field and 0% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 3 turnovers while the Frankfurt Skyliners shot 36% from the field and 29% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

Kamaka Hepa at the FT line

In the second quarter the Frankfurt Skyliners rebounded from their poor first quarter and began with a 11-3 run to trail 29-25. In the run Frankfurt began to defend more aggressively while Jordan Theodore and Booker Coplin carried the team. They did all the scoring while the team was getting no production from walking bucket Malik Parsons. “He is young. He had some really great games for us. Other teams defenses are starting to key in on him. He has to find ways around that”, warned Jordan Theodore. But even if Alba Berlin isn´t having a great BBL season, they still have enough offensive talent to get away fast. They went on a lightening 7-0 run as Matt Thomas had 5 points and Procida a pretty reverse alley-oop dunk with the nifty dime from Thomas. “I´m starting to find my rhythm again after my surgery. My team did a great job finding me in the right spots”, stated Matt Thomas. Frankfurt punched back with a swift 5-0 run as Theodore made a lay in and Tubutis another trey to trail 36-30. Thomas nailed another trey and 2022 NBBL champion Elias Rapique made a lay in while Frankfurt countered with another Theodore lay in and massive dunk from 2018 NBBL champion Lorenz Brenneke, but Frankfurt was unable to get over the hump trailing 41-36. “We let them get too much in the zone and allowed them to create and make plays”, said Thomas Paech. “I played more pick and roll and kept the ball in my hands and found guys. We rebounded a lot better”, added Jordan Theodore. Alba Berlin shot 48% from the field and 25% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Frankfurt Skyliners shot 45% from the field and 25% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Jordan Theodore with the floater

In the third quarter both teams struggled offensively and Frankfurt cut it down to 3 points, but once again couldn´t get over the hump and missed golden opportunities. Canadian David Muenkat got Frankfurt on the board first with a lay in as Frankfurt trailed 41-38, but couldn´t get stops as Alba Berlin reacted with a 5-0 run to lead 46-38. Matt Thomas stroked home another three pointer and Hermannsson hit a 20 footer. Frankfurt didn´t give up and just continued fighting and chipping away at the guests lead as Tubutis made a lay in and Hepa a clutch trey to get close again trailing 46-43. Tubutis not only had his shooting stroke on, but he was on fire on defense as he kept making big blocks and steals and had 5 blocks and 3 steals after 40 minutes. “My defense stood out, but that’s how I play. I don´t think they expected that from me. I just did my job”, said Einaras Tubutis. Frankfurt just couldn´t get over the hump as Alba Berlin always found a way to hurt Frankfurt with 1-1 play. Procida made a lay and Wetzell a tip in dunk for the 56-48 advantage. Parsons continued to have the goose egg and was 0/5 and Alba Berlin led 57-48 after 30 minutes. “Our 1-1 defense stopped them. We kept Parsons and Theodore under control”, said Thomas Paech. “We had so many opportunities and missed open shots”, added Jordan Theodore. Alba Berlin shot 41% from the field and 19% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Frankfurt Skyliners shot 40% from the field and 25% from the parking lot and had 26 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

Matt Thomas at the FT line

In the fourth quarter Alba Berlin did a super job managing the lead and never let Frankfurt get closer than 8 points. Rapique and Muenkat traded baskets to begin, but Alba Berlin still led 59-51. After Schneider made a catch and pop shot, Malik Parsons finally made his first field goal at the 6,13 minute mark, but Frankfurt still trailed 61-53. This could have been a golden moment for Parsons to keep producing, but it just wasn´t to be. It was a just one of those days where nothing worked for him. Thomas then hit another clutch trey as did Schneider as Alba Berlin extended their lead to 68-56. Time was winding down as Frankfurt realized that they weren´t going to win this game. Wetzell made a floater down the stretch and Schneider a lay in while Coplin made a 15 footer and Muenkat a lay in, but Frankfurt trailed 72-60. Hermannsson then put an exclamation point on the victory with Alba Berlin´s 7th three pointer of the game and the win. “We stuck to our game plan tonight. We played great 1-1 defense, but also great team defense forcing them to 26 turnovers. Matt Thomas was the only good offensive player for us. He made the difference. He isn´t only important as a shooter, but also as a leader”, warned Thomas Paech. “It was my fault. I have to play better. I have to score more and get more assists”, warned Jordan Theodore. Alba Berlin was led by Matt Thomas with 28 points while the Frankfurt Skyliners were led by Einaras Tubutis with 14 points while Jordan Theodore had 13 points and 8 assists. Alba Berlin shot 39% from the field and 23% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 18 turnovers while the Frankfurt Skyliners shot 39% from the field and 20% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 26 turnovers.

The Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors Display Their Offensive Explosiveness Routing The Ahorn Camp Baskets 100-67

With 2025 here, the Pro B was in full swing again. The Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors got off on the wrong track losing in Oberaching while the Ahorn Camp Baskets Speyer rebounded from their loss in Rhondorf before Christmas beating top team Leitershofen. It has been an up and down season for Frankfurt as they came into the game riding a 6-7 record, while the Ahorn Camp Baskets Speyer continue to make strides as they have improved the last seasons and this season are near the top of the Pro B South sporting a 8-5 record. After a slow start to the season losing 3 in a row, they have continued to build on their chemistry. This game was the battle of the guards DJ Woodmore who has been a top guard in the Pro B and scored 40 points this season against Bruno Albrecht who hit for 36 points this season and had 8 three´s in 3 consecutive home games this season. However on this night the Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors didn´t need Albrecht´s pinpoint 3 point shooting as Felix Hecker (193-SF-1998) stepped up with 22 points and 4 other players stepped up scoring in double figures as Frankfurt showcased an offensive explosiveness routing the Ahorn Camp Baskets 100-67. “We showed a very good reaction tonight after the bad loss in Oberaching last weekend. We came out right away with good energy and played strong defense which led to transition baskets. We moved the ball very well against their zone and never let it bring us out of rhythm”, stated Skyliner Ivan Crnjac. Speyer was without veteran Christoph Rupp, but even with him wouldn´t of had much of a chance as when Frankfurt is totally on, they can beat any team in the Pro B. “Frankfurt came out shooting well and every player was playing at a high level. We were always a step slower on defense. That allowed them to get many open shots”, stressed Ahorn Camp Baskets guard DJ Woodmore.

Jamie Edoka at the FT line

Both teams found a rapid rhythm right from the start as there were 6 lead changes. Frankfurt did a super job getting big Malick Kordel involved as he made back to back dunks and scored 8 points in the first minutes. Speyer shared the ball well getting a trey from Spanish guard Carlos Hidalgo, a 15 footer by German David Aichele an d a mid distance shot from DJ Woodmore as Frankfurt had the slight 8-7 advantage. But Frankfurt then ran away on a 19-7 run to lead 27-14 after 10 minutes and would never look back again. Frankfurt showed how explosive their offense can be and tightened up their defense and became more aggressive. Frankfurt played superb inside out basketball. 16 year old Jamie Edoka conducted the offense very well including getting 3 baskets and a dunk. Kordel got another lay in and long injured German Marvin Esser made a bucket right off the bench. “It was important for Marvin´s self confidence. It is nice that he got the trust from coach. He had 5 rebounds at the break. He was a big help”, stated Skyliner Junior Fabian Baumgarten. Speyer´s offense turned static and they just were unable to match Frankffurt´s intensity. 2016 AST winner Philip Hadenfeld dropped a trey as did Felix Hecker at the buzzer. The Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors shot 61% from the field and 40 % from outside and had 13 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp baskets shot 33% from the field and 40% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 4 turnovers. “Frankfurt came out with a lot of energy and attacked Speyer´s flat defense. They also did a good job getting Kordel involved. We had a good offensive rhythm and forced Speyer to tough shots”, stated Frankfurt Skyliner Junior Fabian Baumgarten.

Benjamin Hoehmann with the floater

In the second quarter the Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors continued to execute very well on offense and defend solidly being able to increase their lead to 23 points at half-time. Frankfurt didn´t waste anytime continuing their offense party strutting out on y 15-7 run taking the 42-20 advantage. In the run it was the walking bucket Felix Hecker who took over scoring 7 points, but it was also Jamie Edoka who did a good job finding his spots scoring 7 points as well. One could say it was the Hecker and Edoka show. Speyer´s lack of defensive intensity played perfectly into the cards of Frankfurt´s offense. Frankfurt led by 20+ points and then like so often when one is leading by much lost some focus and allowed the guests to go on a 9-2 run to trail 44-27. In the run it was ex Hanau forward Marco Djordevic who added 6 points. He was by the far the most aggressive Speyer player and was able to get to the free throw line whenever he wanted to. However Frankfurt found out of their funk and punched back and finished the second quarter with a lightening 10-4 run to lead 54-31 at the break. In the run it was universal genius Ivan Crnjac who scored twice and Bruno Albrecht hit a trey. “Frankfurt played with structure and together. They hustled well and rebounded better than Speyer. Frankfurt played well against their zone. They had a little lapse in the middle, but closed the quarter strong”, said Fabian Baumgarten. The Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors shot 65% from the field and 45% from the three point line and had 27 rebounds and 9 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 31% from the field and 18% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

bruno Albrecht with the fade away jumper

In the third quarter the Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors continued to control the game and defended solidly and led by 29 points after 3 quarters. Djordevic and Kordel traded baskets to start the second half, but Frankfurt still led comfortably 56-33. Then came a little lapse by Frankfurt as Speyer produced 5 stops and got 5 points as German defensive stopper Dennis Diala made a lay in and DJ Woodmore a lay in as Speyer trailed 56-37. But Frankfurt found their offensive rhythm again going on a 9-2 run to extend their lead to 65-39. In the run Frankfurt got 5 points from Hadenfeld and 2 baskets inside from Kordel. Speyer tried to mix it up with their press, but to no avail as Frankfurt executed again the way they know how. Frankfurt was a one man wrecking crew to the third quarter buzzer as it was all Felix Hecker who adcded 10 points. He added 2 three pointers, a lay in on the coast to coast sprint and a beautiful finger tip roll. Speyer couldn´t muster much offense in this phase as they got all their points from Djordevic who added 8 points. He made 2 lay in´s and continued to be aggressive getting to the free throw line. Frankfurt had the comfortable 76-47 lead after 3 quarters. They continued to manage the lead well, while Speyer was at the bottom of the hill and their trek up to the peak seemed miles away. “We wanted to come out with more energy, but we had some let ups on defense. We had some problems with Djordevic. I tried to front him, but he got easy baskets. We found to our game on offense”, added Ivan Crnjac. “When your down by 20 + points, you play desperation ball. We were unable to get 2-3 consecutive stops. Then they hit shots and bang the lead was up at 22-24 points again”, commented DJ Woodmore. The Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors shot 63% from the field and 47% from the parking lot and had 38 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp baskets shot 32% from the field and 13% from the parking lot and had 24 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

DJ Woodmore from downtown

The game was decided and both teams executed well on offense as Frankfurt won the quarter 24-20. Speyer had another good start as they cruised out on a 7-0 run to trail 76-54. In the run, the guests got back to back baskets from Woodmore and Aichele and Djordevic hit free throws. Frankfurt finally got on the board at the 7,43 minute mark as Hadenfeld made a pretty floater. Speyer continued to execute well on offense as Aichele and Pepe Lahr connected on three´s. Frankfurt executed well as well as Ivan Crnjac showed that he can score in bunches as he made 3 baskets including a runner on transition, a trey and dunk on transition as Frankfurt led 90-61. Frankfurt did a good job keeping up their intensity and Speyer fought and didn´t wilt like a flower. Both teams looked at the end of the bench and put in little used Germans Julian Haskins and Joshua Kreilein. Kreilein scored a basket and Julian Haskins made 2 three pointers and the second one was for 100 points. “I was happy for Julian. We all jumped up from the bench after he made both. These minutes were important for his confidence. It was good experience for him”, said Ivan Crnjac. Dusan Nikolic also added a fancy lay in spinning and spinning. “The spin move was nice. It was funny to watch from the bench. We all celebrated him from the bench as well”, expressed Ivan Crnjac. “We played for pride. We fought until the end. We freelanced a bit. Some guys hit shots, but it wasn´t enough”, stressed DJ Woodmore. “We played concentrated until the end. I´m happy that Esser and Haskins contributed so well. It was a great game for our team chemistry” added Ivan Crnjac. The Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors were led by Felix Hecker with 22 points. Malick Kordel added 17 points and Ivan Crnjac 15 points while the Ahorn Camp Baskets were led by Marko Djordevic with 19 points while David Aichele added 12 points. The Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors shot 66% from the field and 52% from outside had 45 rebounds and 20 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp baskets shot 34% from the field and 165 from outside and had 32 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Nothing Has Ever Stopped Jacob Salinero(Lich) Of Trying To Become Great Despite The Grind In Lower Leagues And Having Had To Share A House With 15 People

One of my favorite places in the United States besides my hometown Boston is San Francisco. I will never forget visiting it in 2015 and spending 3 days there. If I could I would have spent 2-3 weeks there. Just hanging out at the marina and enjoying the view over the bay or visiting filming locations of the Dirty Harry series would fill the time. It would never get old. Not far away from the bay area is a Half Moon Bay which is about a 40 minute drive to San Francisco. Half Moon Bay sits on the pacific ocean and looks like paradise. How could anyone not want to live there? But sometimes guys even want to get out of there. In the case of Jacob Salinero (185-PG-1997, college: Sonoma St.) it was 1000 emails for the love of baseketball. He was his own agent for 2 years and researched leagues overseas with the bible of basketball eurobasket.com and used Instagram to connect with teams. The American is playing his second pro season and first in the German Regionalliga (4th division) for seemingly peanuts, but hey the trek up the basketball ladder to higher leagues isn´t without paying their dues and it isn´t always easy. “I think the biggest thing is truly committing to the process of getting better. I really love basketball and personally I believe playing overseas means you HAVE to love it because you are sacrificing so much. In terms of trying to establish myself and climb the ladder it will always be difficult being that I am 186cm but no one works harder and is more committed than I am to try to be great so I believe that anything is possible and within reach”, stressed Jacob Salinero. Some guys will do anything when they are chasing the basketball dream. “My first year playing in Spain I lived in a house with 15 people so being adaptable I would say is essential to the job but the communities of Lich and Leer have welcomed me with open arms. I believe only about 3-4 people from my hometown have been able to play overseas and the experiences I have each year are part of what makes the journey so special and the adjustment not as difficult as one might think. I am extremely grateful for it all”, stated Jacob Salinero. All in all, he is just blessed to be able to play the game he loves. He didn´t have the greatest stats in the NCAA 2, but still made it across the pond to play. ““I really love what I do and throughout all the ups and downs I always knew this was a possibility, it was just about timing matching up with all the hours I have spent in the gym”, said”, Jacob Salinero”

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber in front of the filming location of Dirty Harry film “the Enforcer “Barber Shop” in the Filmore District, San Francisco

Jacob Salinero who lists Jeremy Lin, Will Cherry and Jaylen Wells as his toughest foes on the court was born on December 2nd, 1997 in Half Moon Bay, California. He attended Half Moon Bay high school and then played at Skyline College (JUCO) from 2016-2019. He had to red shirt one year and in his 2 years there played a total of 55 games averaging 2.1ppg, 1.2rpg, FT: 81.8%, 3PT: 22.2%, FG: 34.7% and 5.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 66.0%. “Juco was a 8-5 job pretty much. With classes in the morning and team practice in the afternoon and you are at the school the whole day. Additionally everyone is trying to make it out so it cultivates a certain chip on your shoulder. That was the place where I first saw who really loves it and who doesn’t”, remembered Jacob Salinero. Even if he wasn´t a main scoring threat on the squad there, he did grow as a player with the guidance of Justin Piergrossi. “He was huge about playing off of two feet and showing up daily. He had a great quote “How you do anything is how you do everything.” He really cares about his guys and still follows all of us to this day”, commented Jacob Salinero. His basketball career then continued at Sonoma State University (NCAA2) where he played 2 seasons averaging : 6.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 71.4% and 5.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 37.5%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 77.8%. He missed one season due to COVID. “I would say Sonoma State was the first time in my college career where I realized how good I could actually be. I give a lot of credit to Coach JJ Santa Cruz for throwing me into the starting lineup against CSU Monterey Bay because from there I really began to grow. My favorite memories though are the late nights shooting in the gym with my former teammates Jaylen Wells, Simon Ramirez, Jackie Luong, and Isaiah Usher. That gym became a sanctuary for us that despite having a losing season we were able to go there and get better. It should be mentioned too that 3 of those guys went on to play professionally so we must have been doing something right”, expressed Jacob Salinero. He made the jump to the NCAA 2 and became a solid role player thanks to head coach Pat Fuscaldo. “He taught me how important it is to enjoy the daily grind or else you can get lost in it. His passion for life is what truly set him apart. He loved coaching at Sonoma State more than anyone”, added Jacob Salinero. He was teammates with 201cm forward Jaylen Wells who proved you can go from the very bottom in 2022 at JUCO to the top via 1 season at Washington State (NCAA) to the NBA in 2024 where he is currently a rookie with the Memphis Grizzlies and averaging 11,6ppg. “I knew after the first few weeks of open gym that he could be a NBA player as it was just so obvious to me. He could dribble, shoot, and pass at 6’8 and he was extremely unselfish and coachable. He’s one of my best friends. We still talk all the time in our group chat with our other Sonoma State teammate Jackie. Jaylen and our teammates used to shoot every night sometimes after coming back from the airport at 1am. Jaylen´s story is super inspirational because I have seen first hand what a NBA player looks like up close and how quickly your life can change in a year. It’s just about continuing to work and show up”, warned Jacob Salinero who remembers beating teammate Michael Smith at 1-1 and is still tied with NBA player Jaylen Wells.

The California native who lists Jaylen Wells, Isaac Davidson, Tommy Nuño, Johannes Lischka and Clayton Ladine as his 5 best teammates of all-time came overseas in 2022 playing in Spain in the fifth division. Last season he made the jump to Germany playing with Kleene Trockenbau Baskets Fortuna Logabirum (Germany-2.Regionalliga) averaging 20.1ppg, 6.2rpg, 7.4apg, 2.6spg. He will never forget what his wake up call was to being overseas. “Just going to the grocery store and not being able to ask for anything was difficult, because I don’t know how to speak the language. That’s usually when you realize you need to hop on Duolingo fast”, laughed Jacob Salinero. This season with the thanks of top German agency Scorer´s First has landed in Lich that is playing in the fourth division called Regionalliga. Lich is having a very successful season competing head to head with the SC Wizards and traditional organization TV Langen for first place in the south-west standings. “The secret to the success has been great coaches and a team that already had a high level of chemistry before I arrived. Many of the players in Lich have played together for almost a decade and at various levels including BBL, Pro A, Pro B so having me being able to come in and add to already tight knit group has been extremely helpful to our success thus far”, said Jacob Salinero. The team has great players like Johanes Lischka, Noah Litzbach and Niclas Bilski. So where does Salinero fit in who is currently averaging 15,1ppg, 7,3rpg, 3,0apg and 2,6spg. “My role on the team is similar to my role at Logabirum which is to use my speed and shifty ball handling skills to create easy scoring opportunities for myself and others as well as pick up full court and keep the other team from running their offense successfully”, said Jacob Salinero. He is very fortunate to be teammates with ex easyCredit BBL player Johannes Lischka who has seen it all in the last 20 years in Germany. “ Johannes has been someone who I have been able to learn from. He has the best midrange I’ve ever seen and has a huge breath of knowledge in the game of basketball. Definitely someone I knew right away would be able to teach me a lot about the in’s and out’s of German Basketball”, stressed Jacob Salinero. I rarely saw Lischka smile on the court as he is like a tiger with that non stop focused look. How can you make him smile? “I am still trying to figure out the answer to that question to this day maybe it’s the 8th wonder of the world. In all seriousness he takes basketball with an incredibly focused approach and that’s likely why he has been so successful in his career”, stated Jacob Salinero. He continues to grow with his game and has received the perfect guidance from experienced coach Rolf Scholtz. “Rolf and Kai have both been instrumental to my success this year and they were a huge reason why I signed to play here. They both played in the Bundesliga and are constantly giving me advice about where I can improve and grow as a player. One of the things they tell me is what higher leagues look for in their point guards and how to make great choices offensively and defensively. They both have done an excellent job in making my transition to Lich as smooth as possible and I can´t say enough how appreciative I am for both of them”, added Jacob Salinero. It is always interesting to get the 2 cents from players how low leagues óverseas compare to division 2 leagues or JUCO. “In my opinion Regio 1. teams could beat a lot of D2 teams just because of how well they move the ball and consistently make correct reads on both ends of the court. Also with the addition of a high level import player on the majority of the teams it’s definitely a jump. I think the athleticism in the states is the real separator and would be the biggest reason as to why the D2 teams would be able to give Regio 1 teams some trouble”, commented Jacob Salinero.

The 185cm guard who lists LeBron, Michael Jordan, Steph, and Wilt on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore and has Lebron James as his GOAT is a player that can compare his game to many NBA players. “I wouldn’t say it’s one player but the three players I have taken the most from would be Trae Young, Jalen Brunson, and Kyrie Irving. Being exceedingly strong for my size and position allows me to guard players much taller than me well. I feel highly confident in my ability to guard in the post and against switches. Offensively utilizing my dribbling skills creatively coupled with my speed grants me the ability to create plays without ball screens and when defenses retreat to prevent drives I feel super comfortable shooting off the dribble or in catch and shoot situations. I’m in the gym everyday”, warned Jacob Salinero. At Skyline and Sonoma State he never averaged more than 6,0ppg in a season, but as a professional is suddenly a walking bucket. “Personally I have always been able to play like this it was more so just that in college I was so afraid to get subbed out or have my teammates get mad at me for making mistakes that I never tried to be aggressive. It wasn’t until I came overseas that I realized that my aggression actually helps the team and makes me 100x better. I think as players and people we all possess unique skills and it is our duty to explore them to the fullest. The best version of yourself is the one that helps the most people”, stressed Jacob Salinero. He is currently filling the stat sheet like a Russell Westbrook, but versatility isn´t his biggest strength “ I would say my biggest strength is being a winner. I don’t mean that literally in terms of winning and losing games but more so just the persistence and grit to do anything in my power to make things happen. A perfect example is what you just said about players that average 6ppg don’t usually play pro but I made it happen. You won’t find a player as dedicated as I am and that skill has carried me into being a versatile asset to the teams I have had the privilege of being a part of”, stated Jacob Salinero. This season he has scored 23 points against Saarlouis and 22 points against Bensheim, but his versatility also lets him shine as a playmaker and defender. “I grew up watching a ton of AND1 street ball and players like the Professor and Skip2MyLou always had an innate flair to passing. The more I began to understand defensive coverages and how defenses respond to dribble penetration I gained the ability of knowing what the defense would do before they did it. Then from there the reads kind of make themselves. I know if I drive from the wing which low guy is supposed to help and now the weak side is open. Combining the creativity of AND1 with conventional basketball knowledge allows me to accurately deliver on time and on target passes to shooters and cutters. I am aggressive on defense yet calculated. I watch a lot of film especially on the guards I am going to play. I’ll watch an entire game film just watching the other player I’m going to be guarding and no one else. I have found that a lot of my steals come from making calculated reads and picking on up tendencies. I want to become a guy at the point guard position that can guard ideally 1-5. Where there is no match up disadvantage defensively and I am always putting my team in good spots with rotations”, warned Jacob Salinero. It will be interesting to observe how the journey overseas of Jacob Salinero will keep progressing. The guy definitely has the right attitude and correct work ethic. I would love to see him make the next step next season in Pro B in Germany. One thing is for sure, no matter how his career goes, he will always have paradise with Half Moon Bay to go home to every summer. No matter the mood, that will always keep him happy.

Ariel Hukporti´s Best Friend Tyreese Blunt Believes That The Big Man Could Receive A Good Role As A Rookie With The New York Knicks

Tyreese Blunt (191-PG-2002) is a 22 year old 192cm guard playing his first season with the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. Last season he played mainly for the Dragons Rhondorf averaging 15.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 63.9%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 70.1% and also played 8 easyCredit BBL games for the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He played 2 seasons in the Bamberg organization and also played 44 games for farm team BBC Coburg. He began his career with the MHP Risen Ludwigsburg and played 1 BBL game there. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball and his ex teammate Ariel Hukporti who was drafted by the New York Knicks.

Thanks Tyreese for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with the Hakro Merlins. If the Dragons Rhondorf would have played Pro A do you feel like you may have remained?

It could have been possible, but you never know, I may have gotten other job opportunities as well.

Moving from the pro B to the Pro A was a logical choice. Was working with David Mccray a big reason why you signed there?

I think that my path would have brought me to the pro A sooner or later after 2 strong Pro B seasons. Being able to play for my ex coach David Mccray made my decision a lot easier. He is a super guy.

You already played for David Mccray in Ludwigsburg. What do you appreciate most about his coaching style?

I appreciate his work ethic most. He is always working and we train together every night. His work ethic gives me a reason to always give my best in practice or games. His work ethic boosts me to give my all.

You played the last 3 years in Bamberg and Rhondorf. How did you observe his coaching from afar? What are you expecting from him as a coach now 3 years later?

I will expect the same as before. I am expecting that he helps me become better and help me make the next steps. I also want to have a successful season with him on the court with the team.

How excited are you to play Pro A. How confident are you that you can become an impact player at that level?

I´m not that excited. Those days are over. I´m really looking forward to this season and believe that I can play a big role if I find my way quickly.

You were teammates with Ariel Hukporti in Ludwigsburg. If you could say one word describing him what would it be?

One word is easy. Hustler.

How proud were you that he was the last player picked in the 2024 draft by the Dallas Mavericks? It wasn´t self-evident that he would get picked as he was seen as a possible late second round pick.

I´m so proud of him. He went through so much already at a young age. Moving away from his mother wasn´t easy, but he fought through all adversary. He went through injuries, but always worked hard to achieve his goals

Describe the feeling when you heard his name?

I was so happy. At first I was speechless. I couldn´t realize it at first. I remember him calling me after he got picked and he couldn´t tell me that he was getting traded to New York.

Do you feel like he can crack the NBA rotation in 24-25?

Yes I think he can. It will be tough, but if he gets an opportunity, he will make it.

Everyone talks about his incredible defense and rebounding. What is off the radar with his game?

His athleticism is still a bit off the radar. Usually bigs aren´t so athletic, but he can really jump and is quick.

What is your fondest moment with him on the court?

It was always fun to play with him in every game. I can´t pick one thing.

He seems to have a massive heart for the people in his inner circle. What is your fondest moment with him?

We have gone through so much and are best friends. It is always a blessing to come together each summer and see each other again. I enjoy my time with him to the fullest. Every time we see each other, it is like we saw each other yesterday.

You big is still that bond from the Ludwigsburg days? Hukporti and Dejan Bruce are like brothers to you. How strong is this bond today?

It is big. Now in the summer we see each other a lot. During the summer we try to talk to each other every day. We always have a great time together. I value our time together highly.

What would you like to see Ariel Hukporti achieve in his first season in the NBA?

I honestly believe if he gets a chance, then he could get a big role. He wouldn´t be a main guy like Jalen Brunson, but have a good role.

Thanks Tyreese for the chat.

The Miles Vs Malik Riddle Weekly Basketball Chat Volume 9

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 RheinStars 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 withgermanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.

Congrats on the big 84-81 win over Ehingen. It was the third win in a row and third win in row where you won with a few points. How much longer are these consecutive crunch time wins go?

Big win for us for sure, and I don’t know just glad we are figuring out a way to win in these crunch time games. Shows that we can lock in as a team and finish strong.

You have won 5 close games and lost only once. How do you explain this incredible knack of being able to win at the end?

We try not to panic and just stay calm and try to focus on what we want to execute during those moments.

The RheinStars Cologne had the comfortable 45-37 lead at the break. What was key for having the solid lead?

I think in the first half we did a good job of getting stops on the other end which led to some good transition baskets.

Stephan Baeck took a time out at the 6,48 minute mark of the fourth quarter stopping Ehingen´s lightening start to the fourth quarter as they tied the game 70-70. What advice did he give the team?

Stephan told us to pick it up on the defensive end his biggest focus is for us to be aggressive on defense and get some stops.

Talk about the last seconds and Jannis Von Seckendorf´s dunk. You guys had the lead, but how thrilling was that dunk?

It was great to see him get that dunk. Felt like we solidified that win with that dunk.

You didn´t have a good shooting night and had only 2 points. How do you recover from a game like this?

No I didn’t some nights be like that even for the best players in the world. I just have to move on and lock in for the next game. And focus on my effort being better.

You next play Oberaching who you beat 90-86 a few weeks ago. What will the team have to be more aware of this time?

I think we just have to be better at boxing out as well as no easy baskets or paint touches.

Thanks Malik for the chat.

Juan Fernandez(Umana Reyer Venezia) Is A Leader And Learned Early That It´s Never About You But That Team Comes First

Juan Fernandez (193-G-1990, college: Temple) is a 34 year old 193cm guard from Argentina, but also has the Italian citizenship playing his 10th professional season and first with Umana Reyer Venezia (Italy-Serie A). He has played most of his pro career in Italy, but also played in Spain and Argentina. He played at Temple University (NCAA) from 2008-2012 reaching the NCAA tournament each season. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against the Hamburg Towers.

Thanks Juan for talking to germanhoops.com. Before we begin with your career, I have to tell you that we have a few connections however one wants to label it. I have been in Argentina 17 times in my life dating from 1983-2007. Unfortunately I haven´t been there in a while. Most of my visits were in 90´s. Have you ever met a person that has been there as much as I have?

That’s great. Argentina is a beautiful country; I hope you’re able to make it back there soon.

My first longer stay was 1986 when I witnessed Argentina beat Germany in the world cup in a living room in Argentina filled with about 30 enthuastic Argentines. I had to keep quiet and watch how much I cheered for Germany. Lol. Anyway 2 guys from that visit I´m still friends with today as well as some others that I met in the 90´s. I have got to know the Argentine people as very friendly and loyal no matter how bad the conditions may be. What do you think makes Argentine people in general this way?

Argentinians are super passionate and proud people. I think, as South Americans, we’ve had to become really resilient over time, dealing with a lot of challenges as a country. That resilience has taught us that we’re stronger when we come together. Socializing is just part of who we are; we don’t overthink it. You can organize an asado for 30 people in five minutes, no problem. Our tradition of drinking ‘mate’ is another great example. Mate isn’t just a drink; it’s a way to connect and share time with others. I think our history, with all its ups and downs, mixed with the influence of our European roots, especially Spain and Italy, has made us passionate, resilient, empathetic, and really good at sticking together when it counts. That combination is what makes Argentinians who we are.

I actually got to know normal people in a small town about 500 kilometers west of Buenos Aires in my first visit to the town in 86. But my family actually had connections to Argentina with a very well known family. I will never forget many incredible times with them especially their sons who were always so nice to me despite me being 10+ years older. The family I´m talking about are the Roemmers. The names Maradona and Messi are household names, but how well respected is this name in Argentina?

In Argentina, many respected names and people have done great things for the country, and there is no doubt about that. However, soccer is like our religion. If you can make Argentinians proud and represent them well inside a soccer field, you will win their hearts. That’s what Messi and Maradona have managed to do.

My other connection is TJ DiLeo. I covered him for many years in Germany. You were teammates with him at Temple. How was your relationship with him then and did a friendship remain in the last 15 years?

I have a great relationship with TJ and his family. They were among the few people who took me in during a difficult transition, my first time leaving the comfort of my home in Argentina to chase my college dream in the United States. Our paths with TJ also crossed in Europe. He was a great teammate and an even better friend. Our relationship continues to this day. These relationships are what I cherish the most about my career, even more than any trophy or individual accolade.

You were born in Argentina, but also have the Italian citizenship. How is it for you personally to have been born in Argentina and be teammates with so many Italians each season. Do they see you as an Italian or more as an Argentine?

Because Argentinian and Italian cultures share many similarities, it has been really easy for me to adapt and blend in with my Italian teammates. I believe they consider me more Italian than foreign, although they never forget I’m Argentinian; I wear that label proudly. It’s nice to feel so welcomed in this country; I’ve made many friends and met wonderful people. Both of my kids were born in this country. My wife and I also got married here. Italy definitely feels like home for my family and me.

You have been a professional player since 2012 and have played most of your career in Italy. Was the love for Italy so big that you never played anywhere else besides Spain and Argentina?

I’ve always made career decisions in line with what I thought was also best for my family. Because we love living in Italy, we always decided to stay when I had the option. What led me to pursue a year in Spain were some challenges experienced in Italy during the off-season, which made me feel like it was time for a change of direction and look for new stimuli. I honestly never saw myself playing anywhere else other than these two countries.



Your playing your first season with Umana Reyer Venezia (Italy-Serie A). You have played in some very pretty places in Italy, but now Venice is home. You couldn´t be living in a more beautiful place. What do you enjoy most about that city?

Venice is unique for obvious reasons. Having played in Italy for many years, we had visited this city in the past, although we never lived nearby. Getting to experience it as a local and exploring it more often is something we’re extremely grateful for. People spend a lot of energy, money, and time to travel here and visit Venice. We’re very fortunate to live in such a beautiful place.

This is only the second time that you have played international club basketball in the Eurocup. You played once very early in your career. How has this competition helped your game grow? You see great competition in Serie A, but it must be a big plus to be able to play here.

The Eurocup is a great competition. Any chance you get to play at a European level is a great opportunity for a player to keep growing and challenge yourself against high-level competition. Although the schedule and the traveling sometimes make the season a little more demanding, I’m grateful for the opportunity to get to know many beautiful places and play at some of the nicest arenas in Europe. It’s great for us to challenge ourselves as a team and keep growing as well.

How tough is it getting minutes this season. There are many ex NBA players at the guard position with Mcgruder, Munford and Ennis. Is every practice for you like a game 7 simply because your fighting to get minutes in the next game.

I knew my role very clearly coming into the team this season. After over two years away from professional sports, I also had clear goals and objectives for myself. I wanted to enjoy my experience playing basketball again, prove to myself that I could get back to playing at a high level, and help the team wherever my help would be needed, either on or off the court at any given time. My personal journey, at this time, goes way beyond how many minutes I play.

You only averaged in double figures once as a professional, but usually around 8-9 points per game. Was that “role” player a job that you grew into well as a professional or was it tougher?

I don’t consider scoring the most important part of the game or something that defines whether you’re a starter or a ‘role’ player. I’ve always tried to put the team first and help where I saw help was needed. There have been teams where I was asked to take more of an offensive role and teams where my job was to facilitate for others as a point guard. I regard intelligence, selflessness, and adaptability as some of the most important attributes any basketball player could have.

You played 5 seasons with :Pallacanestro Alma Trieste and helped the club move up to Serie A in your first season. What do you remember being extra special about that winning team?

Trieste holds a very special place in my heart. The bond my family and I created with this city, the club, and its people is truly something special. I always say that the team we won that championship with was one of the best teams I’ve ever played for, not for its talent on the court but for the relationships we managed to build outside of it. I still stay in touch with every player on that team and even the coaching staff. I believe that was the key to our success that year.

You were teammates with Javonte Green. 2 years later he reached the NBA and has been there since. Would you have thought back in 2017 that he could reach the NBA so quickly via Europe and stay there?

I wouldn’t say I knew he would reach the NBA so quickly because something like that depends on so many variables beyond what any player can control. I definitely knew he had the potential, however, to make it to the NBA. Javo was one of the best players and teammates I’ve ever shared a team with, and I’m so happy to see him shine in one of the best leagues in the world.

You were teammates with American Ricky Hickman. He had won the Euroleague. What memories do you have of him? How vital was it having a veteran like that on the team?

We didn’t share much time on the court with Ricky because he got there after our season had started, and then that year, the season stopped because of COVID-19. It was good to share the team with someone like him, and his experience helped us during a difficult time as a team.

You played 5 seasons with Italian veteran Daniele Cavaliero and then he retired. How vital was his leadership and overall having him as a teammate? Could a guy like you soak anything up from his words of wisdom?

Dani is one of my very good friends to this day and one of the best teammates I’ve ever had. I’m grateful to have shared a team with him for so many years, and our time together definitely helped me mature as a player and as a person. We also share similar interests outside of basketball, so our conversations would go beyond just sports. He was also the first teammate I ever opened up to about my struggles right before retiring from basketball in 2022. His support and guidance during that difficult personal time is something I will be forever thankful for.

You played a season with Cafes Candelas Breogan Lugo (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging 9.0ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 31.9%, FT: 87.8%. What kind of an experience was Spain? What did you enjoy most about the season?

The transition was challenging for me. The club was great, and its people really welcomed me and my family with open arms. However, as I said before, I was coming off of a challenging post-season experience in Italy, and in some ways, it was difficult for me to leave that behind. I didn’t have the maturity and mental strength needed to fully overcome a moment like that back then, and I believe I paid for that during the season in Spain. The human and social side of the experience was amazing. We loved living in Lugo and experiencing their culture. On the basketball side, although I wouldn’t categorize it as a bad season for me, I definitely would have liked to play better and help the team more than I did.

You played 3 seasons with Centrale del Latte Brescia (Italy-Serie A2) helping win the Serie 2 title in 2016. What do you remember being so special about that team?

I always say that there are two places in Italy my family and I will never forget, and those are the two cities where my kids were born. My daughter was born in Brescia, and my son in Trieste. Brescia was also where my wife and I got married, so the place holds great significance for us. To add to that, it was my first championship as a professional, so that’s something I’ll never forget. I also still stay in touch with many of my former teammates from that team. Brescia was a great place to live in; I’m also very grateful for our experiences there.

You also played briefly with Banco di Sardegna Sassari (Italy-Serie A). They had some great veterans on that team like the Diener brothers, and Drew Gordon. What memories do you have of Drew Gordon who died a few years ago?

I actually didn’t get to play with Drew Gordon on that team. I left the team in January and he got there after that. People have told me great things about him, however, and we were all very sad to hear about his passing. May he rest in peace. I did build good relationships with many of my teammates that season, including Travis and Drake Diener. In fact, I’m now sharing the team with Amadeo Tessitori again, who was also part of that team in Sassari. It’s great to reconnect with former teammates after so long.

You played at temple University (NCAA) from 2008-2012 reaching the NCAA tournament each season. Not many guys can say they did it every season. Was your time at temple one of the best basketball years of your life?

Without a doubt, my time at Temple was one of the best and most transformative periods of my life. The college experience in the States is truly unique, and I’m very grateful that all of the teams I played for those years experienced such success on the court, something not easy to accomplish. Going to Temple was the true start to my journey of chasing the dream of becoming a professional basketball player, and it helped me create the foundations as a person that would guide the rest of my life. Although the college basketball world has drastically changed since then with the NIL, I still recommend any young player who has the opportunity to go to college in America to live the experience and get their degree while still growing and developing as an athlete in one of the best places in the world to do so.

In your freshman season you played Arizona (NCAA) at March madness playing 6 minutes. Do you remember being on the floor with James Harden? Would you ever have thought then that he could become one of the best NBA players in the last decade?

I didn’t play much of that game, so I got to watch most of it from the bench. You could tell Harden would be good, although I don’t think I imagined then that he would become the superstar he is. Although I’m not a huge fan of his game, there’s no denying he’s one of the most talented and skilled players in the NBA. I’m fortunate to have faced such level of competition in college.

Was you’re your winning shot over Penn State (NCAA) at March Madness your most fondest moment at Temple? How cool was getting to take the last shot? Your teammate Khalif Wyatt helped a bit persuading coach to draw it up.

That moment was definitely the highlight of my college basketball career. Of course, getting my degree was a huge milestone too, but that was off the court. What made this moment so special for me was knowing how much it meant to Coach Dunphy and the whole team, especially after being eliminated in the first round of the NCAA tournament two seasons in a row. The fact that my teammates trusted me to handle the ball and make the decision in such a big moment meant everything to me.Sure, it was amazing that the result went in our favor, but honestly, what mattered most was having their trust in such a critical situation. That feeling of being relied on by your team is way more meaningful to me as a player than making the shot.

How did Fran Dunphy groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

The main thing that Coach Dunphy did for me was to take me outside of my comfort zone. There were many tough moments together, and although I didn’t fully understand it then, I now see that he was helping me and my teammates build mental strength and develop our character. He taught me to be a leader and put the team first. “It’s never about you,” he would always say, and that’s a lesson I’ve always carried with me. We have a great relationship to this day, and I’m grateful to call him a mentor and a friend, not just a coach.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or TJ DiLeo?

TJ had the athleticism and defensive skills I never had. When it came to the offensive end, I’d say I could hold my ground. In some ways, we complemented each other on the court. It was fun sharing a team with him because we also got along very well off the court, which translated to the game during the times we played together. We understood each other.

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

Kawhi Leonard. After that buzzer-beater game against Penn State, we played San Diego State during the second round of the tournament. You could tell Kawhi was going to be a great player then.

Please name your 5 best teammates of alltime? Let me guess TJ DiLeo is on that list.

TJ DiLeo, Daniele Cavaliero, Andrea Coronica, Marcos Delia, Salva Arco.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili.

Who is your GOAT?

As a former pro player and as a person, my father.

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

I did not see the sequel, sorry.

Thanks Juan for the chat.

Brodric Thomas Will Never Forget James Harden Saying Calm Down And Guarding Legends McCollum And Lillard In His NBA Debut

I have only been to 3 G-League game of the Maine Celtics, but every game was a great experience and in some way each game had a connection to my basketball job as writer and commentator. My first trip to Portland was in the 2012-2013 season as back then they were called the Main Red Claws. I had a very good reason to come, because my friend Mike Taylor was the coach. I had covered him many years in Germany. I was able to meet guys like Chris Wright, Dajuan Summers and Shelvin Mack. My next visit was in November 2021 during the hey day of Covid. Everybody was wearing masks, but it didn´t hinder me to meet some players. I had interviewed Eric Demers via email and then finally met him. We have kept close contact the last years as I tried to get him to play in Germany, but he landed in Spain and got his first taste of euro ball there. I remember meeting guys like Luke Kornet, Chris Clemons and Greg Monroe from Capital City. A few months ago, I was back for a third time and saw the now Maine Celtics defeat Capital City. As usual I had a field day with selfies seeing guys like Ron Harper Jr, Justin Champaigne and Drew Peterson. Another player I saw play 3 years ago was Brodric Thomas (196-G-1997, college: Truman St.). Unfortunately I hadn´t met him there, but after 3 years our paths crossed again, this time with a telephone interview. A big shout out to his agent Duncan Lloyd for setting us up for such an interesting conversation. “I appreciate you coming out to see me play 3 years ago”, said Brodric Thomas. He is only in his fourth pro season and first overseas, but he has already seen so much in his career having reached the NBA. He is one of those guys I won´t forget simply because he had an upbeat attitude and gave me a great interview.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Eric Demers in Portland, Maine Nov 2021

Thomas who lists Trevor Hudgens as his toughest opponent in college and a guy who with himself proved you can reach the NBA and not be a division 1 player was born on January 28th, 1997 in Boilingbrook, Illinois. He attended Boilingbrook high school, but had many talented players around him and got no interest from diviison1 schools. He committed to play at Truman State (NCAA 2), but he suffered a tough injury and had to redshirt and played a season at Southwestern Community College. There he had massive success and won a JUCO title. “We lost 1 game that season. I think the special thing was our attitude. We all came in with the mindset that if we are successful then we can go where we want to. Everyone bought into that and we had a very special relationship”, remembered Brodric Thomas. He was one of the few guys that went from Juco to the NBA. Another guy that comes to mind is Jay Scrubb. Was he overlooked in JUCO and at Truman State or did he make massive strides in your game in school? “I think that it is a bit of both. I went to division 2, then to JUCO and back to division 2. My game in JUCO grew from a mental and physical stand point. In my freshman year I was 6.1 and 150 pounds and when I went to JUCO was 6.4 and 195 pounds. I changed a lot as a player. I had a lot of freedom in JUCO”, stressed Brodric Thomas. It doesn´t matter who I have interviewed that played JUCO, but everyone always stresses that JUCO was a real grind, but an experience they wouldn´t have traded the world for. “I can attest to that. That season was one of the most pivotal in my career. It was where I realized who I was. When you play in a small town, there is only hoops and school. You can really work on developing your game. It was a tough grind, but we built a special relationship. You don´t see that often”, warned Brodric Thomas. One fellow that was instrumental in his early basketball development was head coach Todd Lorenson. “He believed in me and all the players. He is a players coach. He allowed us to play our game and feel comfortable. That helped us all. He also had interpersonal relationships with all. He allowed me freedom and gave me the reins to the team. I can´t thank the man any more than that”, stated Brodric Thomas. In his JUCO season he picked up NJCAA D2 All-Tournament Team -and All-NJCAA D2 Region XI First Team.

The Illinois native that lists James Harden, John Wall, Demarcus Cousins, Darius garland and Prentiss Nixon as his 5 best teammates of all-time then had a great 3 year career at Truman State University (NCAA2) averaging 16.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 4.2apg, 1.7spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 69.1%, 18.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 3.3apg, 1.3spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 82.2%, 21.5ppg, 7.2rpg, 3.3apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 80.9%. He made huge strides in his game there. “I built on my game each season. JUCO taught me that if I got better, good things would happen. JUCO helped me to bring leadership and the expectation of what winning is. I was able to elevate myself on and off the court”, commented Brodric Thomas. He played 80 games at Truman State and scored in double figures in 75 games. Some of his best scoring games included 35 points against Maryville MO, 34 points against Missouri S&T, and 34 points against Missouri S. He had the luxury of playing for 2 head coaches with Chris Foster and Jeff Horner who did superb jobs in their own unique ways of steering him to a professional career. “Both played a different role and helped me grow. Jeff had the more important role. He had had experience as a player and knew what it took to get there. He set big expectations and saw I had potential to get to the league. Important also was that his system was more of a pro one as opposed to a college one. He played pick and roll and that helped shape my game. Jeff helped me with the mental side and instilled confidence in me. He taught me that it is a grind, but you need that same mentality to get better. He also helped me with defensive principles”, expressed Brodric Thomas who never lost to teammate Mark Rodgers in 1-1. At Truman State he picked up various achievements like All-GLVC First Team -2018, 19, 20, GLVC All-Defensive Team -2018, 19, 20, GLVC All-Tournament Team -2018, 20, NJCAA D2 All-Americans Second Team -2018, and NABC NCAA D2 All-Midwest District Second Team -2019.

The ex NCAA 2 player who lists Jordan, Lebron, Kobe, and McGrady on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore turned professional in 2020 and had a whirlwind of a rookie season getting 2 NBA opportunities starting with the Houston Rockets where he played 4 games and then played 28 games with Cleveland averaging 4/1/1 stats. He also had 2 G-League stints with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers averaging 16.4ppg, 7.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.6spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 53.8% and with the Canton Charge averaging 21.3ppg, 6.7rpg, 4.2apg, 2.0spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 62.5%. He couldn´t have joined a better organization than the Rockets as that team had an incredible meaning to him. “My wake up call was day 1. I had been a huge Rockets fan growing up and loved watching Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming play. It was dream come true being able to wear that jersey. Seeing guys like James Harden and Demarcus Cousins in training camp was great. That will stick with me forever”, explained Brodric Thomas. He couldn´t of played in a more meaningful first game against the Portland Trailblazers. He didn´t score in 10 minutes of time, but there was this incredible aura on the floor. “I remember the thrill of checking in. In that game there were a few other guys that got their first minutes. It was eye opening guarding players like that. When you get in you have that competitive nature of wanting to get stops. I remember James Harden saying calm down. In the heat of the game, your not thinking about that. But it made sense that you need composure. We rushed things and maybe had jitters. Watching those legends was unmatched. I remember everyone saying will we see the James Harden of old. He had a great game in my debut and proved all wrong. It was nice to see that happen”, said Brodric Thomas. With the Cavs he scored twice in double figures netting 13 points against Dallas and 14 points against Brooklyn. With the Cavs he was teammates with big rugged German big man Isaiah Hartenstein. It took Hartenstein 6 NBA seasons to finally get a chance with the Oklahoma Thunder. He wasn´t used properly in New York, but this season can display his whole game. “Isaiah is one of the most underrated bigs in the NBA. He gets overlooked a lot. But there are a lot of politics in the NBA. I´m glad that he has found a home with OKC and is flourishing”, said Brodric Thomas.

The ex NBA Summer League player who feels that you can´t go wrong with either Jordan or Lebron as the GOAT played his second professional season with the Boston Celtics (NBA) playing 12 games averaging 1.8ppg, played also with Maine playing 28 games averaging 16.0ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.9apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 39.9%, FT: 75.7%. It is no surprise that his time with the Boston Celtics was something extraordinary. “It was a different kind of aura there. You really felt that sense of history there. You felt that breath of culture throughout the team. The expectations of success really rubbed off on all. From top to bottom. It was a cool experience. We reached the final. I saw what it took to get there. I will take that feeling with me forever”, commented Brodric Thomas. Not many guys can say that they were teammates with Jayson Tatum. How realistic is it that one day he will be the best player in the NBA? “Yes I feel he can. This season he is making a case for MVP. His game speaks for it´s self. He won the title and really has nothing more to prove except to keep winning. He is on his way to becoming 1 of the best in the league. He is still pretty young and has time”, stated Brodric Thomas. In the G-League he scored 32 points against Westchester and 26 points against Grand Rapids. He sat out the 2022-2023 season due to injury and last season played with the Ontario Clippers averaging 11.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.1apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 75.0%. It was a solid season, but not great one. Did he lose faith in the NBA process thus coming overseas this season? “No I didn´t. For me it was just to get back to my old self before my surgery. I wanted to get my confidence back”, said Brodric Thomas. With Ontario he scored in double figures in 11 games including lighting up the G League Ignite for 26 points and Santa Cruz for 25 points.

This season the 196cm guard who didn´t know that a sequel had been produced of the classic Coming To America is playing overseas with Manisa Basket (Turkey-BSL). Turkey is one of the top leagues in Europe and have high salaries. It is no surprise that he has been content with the experience so far. “The experience has been really good. The organization was very welcoming as was the city. They accepted me with open arms. It has been fun. We haven´t been as successful yet, but I really like the guys”, said Brodric Thomas. For him it must be like an NBA reunion with guys like Saben Lee, Chris Chiozza, Jamorko Pickett, and Troy Brown Jr. “Yes it is. It is fun seeing a lot of familiar faces. It is good to talk to them and relate to stories”, added Brodric Thomas. He hasn´t been able to play Basketball Champions League yet, because he wasn´t registered yet when he was signed, but if the team moves by Chemnitz could be eligible then. In the BSL he hás been solid averaging 8/4/1/1 stats. ”It has been an adjustment figuring out my role. The lineup changed again with the arrival of Saben Lee. I´m still trying to feel what my role is. I´m still learning and taking it day by day and not looking at my stats”, expressed Brodric Thomas. With so much talent, it isn´t always easy to get the number of shots that one wants. “We are all trying to figure out where we can all get a piece of the pie. We are learning each others tendencies better each day. We want to be able to give our best together”, stressed Brodric Thomas. It will be interesting to see how his game keeps developing overseas. PJ Tucker reached the NBA and then went to Europe for some grooming and then after some years returned to the NBA and is still there 10 + years. He is overseas now, but does he still see having the NBA as a side door in the future? “For me it is Ok where I´m at. I´m always striving to be the greatest. If it will take me back to the NBA great, but at the end of the day if I flourish overseas then that’s Ok as well. I just love the game and want to play at the highest level. I would be happy with both”, stressed Brodric Thomas. For now he is looking to make some history in Turkey with Manisa Basket. The first order of business is to get by the Niners Chemnitz so they can continue to move forward in the Basketball Champions League.