Courtney Belger is a 26 year old 187cm guard from St Louis that just completed his first season with the Itzehoe Eagles (Germany-ProB). Last season he played his second professional season with TV Ibbenbuehren (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 21 games and averaging 23.7ppg, 7.5rpg, Assists-4(6.7apg), Steals-2(3.5spg), FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 75.2%. He started his basketball career at Quincy (NCAA2) in 2008 where he played until 2012 playing  a total of 113 NCAA 2 games. As a senior he played 27 games averaging  11.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.9apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 10.5%, FT: 72.0%. He improved his scoring and rebounding average each season. He just finished his third professional season in Germany with the Izehoe Eagles and now hopes to continue his rookie season in Australia. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Courtney thanks for talking to German Hoops. You just got off the plane, but instead of setting foot on home soil in St Louis, you have touched down in Australia. Did you kiss the ground for making down under safely?

Haha no I did not but I definitely prayed and gave thanks. That was an extremely long flight.

What has been your first impression of the country Australia?

Australia is great. One of the nicest places I have seen for sure. Nice weather and the people are very friendly here.

After just completing your third season in Germany, you have decided against a month of fun and then back to the grind and getting ready for the new season, but decided to prolong the 2015-2016 season in Australia. Are you still not tired from the last season with Izehoe?

Well I did a decent job of balancing working out and resting since the season has been finished and I feel like the minor aches and pains are starting to leave my body. I actually came to Australia to visit my girlfriend and we are currently looking for me a team to play on. I have been close to signing already but the other player’s who’s spot I was going to take have received their visas at the last minute. I think I have a good chance at hopefully finding a team. It sounds like the coaches here like my highlights from last season. It just depends on who has a spot left. Last time I visited my girl in Germany and tried out, this worked out pretty good for us haha.

After reaching a higher level each season in Germany in the last two seasons, is your goal to reach a new higher level for next season?

I’m a very ambitious person and the game doesn’t change, only the people and the philosophies. Of course I would like to play higher and feel like I can play point guard no matter where it is. I am not ruling out coming back to the pro b though.

You finished the season very strong with the Izehoe Eagles. Are you confident you can take that momentum on to the court in Australia?

I pray that I can get a team here to showcase what I can do. I am healthy finally and really feel that I can benefit a team who is looking for one more import.

Let us talk a little about your last season with the Itzehoe Eagles (Germany-ProB). The club made the playoffs, but bowed out against Ehingen. What was missing in the playoff series to getting a better result as a team?

We weren’t together enough and mentally all the way there it seemed. Everyone got along great and liked each other but on the court we just didn’t work together for 40 minutes like a team that wanted to pull off an upset.

In game one American Devon Moore hurt the team badly. In game two, the club did a better job on him, but couldn´t contain Danny Berger who scorched you for 30 points. Did they just have too many weapons to contain?

In the second half of those games their stats slowed down but it was too late and we had already dug the hole. I don’t think they had too many weapons but I think they were a great team that was focused and ready from the beginning. In both games once we woke up we had some amazing 4th quarters but you have to be perfect at that point. Not just amazing. That’s a great team with good character though and I wish them the best of luck.

You played 24 games averaging 12,6ppg, 5,3rpg and 4,5apg. When you look back at your season and compare the Regionaliga, was your overall performance that what you would have hoped for coming into the Pro B and the skill level that awaited you?

For me it was an up and down season. It was good to see that I could compete in this league, but the numbers don’t tell the complete story. We tried to go with 4 Americans and overload the team but it didn’t work out all the way due to a couple injuries to our German players. I think I could do a lot more, but was only playing half the game. That wasn’t because of something that I was or wasn’t doing. I think people don’t know or see that when they look at the numbers. We had to play like that due to the roster we had. Coach brought in 4 guys and told us he wasn’t going to leave anybody out. I respect him for that. We knew that everyone would look good if we could get rolling and make a run, but it just didn’t work out. I’m a very humble guy, but honestly feel like I was one of the best guards in the league. The hard part was just trying to give us that push in a shorter amount of time on the court compared to the other imports amount of time on other teams.

In the Regionaliga you were the main scoring threat, but with Izehoe had very talented players around you like ex Beko BBL player Flavio Stueckemann and others where it would have been impossible to average 20 points a game. Did you feel like you were able to showcase your overall game as you were second in team rebounding and steals and first in assists?

We had a very talented team and I was able to learn a lot from our veterans. I’m a little disappointed in my own performance this season. I feel like I have a lot more to show than this season but I am grateful for what I was able to do. I think next season will be a lot different. Everyone thought I was an eagle player, but I showed that I could assist and run a team more this year. In the right situation, I think I can have that season that Pat and I both expected this year. I’m very happy about my play to an extent, just not satisfied.

The club had some very good defenders in Flavio Stuckemann and Adrian Breitlauch. Do you feel like your overall play on defense compensated from playing with these teammates?

I think we had very tough defenders and I definitely benefitted from playing with them. Our defense took a major loss when we lost Kosta who is very versatile and clever on the defensive end. Things could have definitely been scary for opposing teams because Kosta honestly can guard 1-4 and I can hold my own as well so with Flavio and Addi that is a very quick and tough line up.

Where do you feel like your game improved the most with the Izehoe Eagles?

I feel like I learned how to give more energy at all times and not just in spurts. I also feel like I learned how to find that balance I spoke about at the beginning of the year. The balance of getting others involved and putting pressure on the other team with my scoring.

Did head coach Patrick Elzie help you become a better player on the court or make you a better character?

Pat was on me tough and straight forward this year because he knew I could take it. I asked him to push me to help me develop. I think he definitely helped me to understand that the circumstances do not matter. You have to always do what you can with what you have. Off the court and on the court he tells me I’m very professional and that I’m a great character guy. I really respect Pat as a coach so that was refreshing to know that he thought of me that way.

What was your personal season highlight? Possibly beating top ranked team Iserlohn early in the season?

Beating an early Iserlohn team didn’t mean much to me. It was the beginning of the season. You don’t really have an identity yet at that point. My highlights were winning close games on the road. I love it. Nothing better. We won a couple tight ones at home, but it doesn’t compare. When your brothers come up to you and thank you for the heart and effort you showed after a win, it’s nothing like it on the road. Schwelm on the road early. They were a tough team early on. Wedel matched up well with us and we came back and won. Won a meaningful game in Stahnsdorf when people were doubting our abilities and Bochum on the road was great. Loved that win

What is the next step for Courtney Belger after Australia? Would you like to return to Germany or are you going to really explore the market this summer?

I am open to anything for next year. Going into my fourth year I just want a good situation where I can showcase what I can do and be able to have my lady live with me if she chooses to. I have to make sure I make the right decision and pray a good situation comes my way.

Where do you rank the Villanova buzzer beater NCAA tournament win in the all-time NCAA finals?

I’m not a person who remembers every NCAA final, but this past one definitely has to be around the top of the list. The back and forth effort and then for Nova to steal it like that made it a for sure classic.

With the Golden State Warriors set to clinch the best NBA regular season record ever against Memphis, how would this great team do against the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls if both played each other?

Chicago Bulls win. No questions asked. Mike is the goat. Love curry but Mike ends that conversation.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Hunger Games. Mockingjay part 2 on the way over here to Aussie.

Thanks Courtney for the chat.

 

 

Dwayne Evans is a 24 year old 198cm forward playing his rookie season with the Gladiators Trier currently averaging 13,8ppg,7,8rpg and 2,5apg in the German Pro A. He started his basketball career with Bolingbrook, IL / Neuqua Valley in 2007 and as a senior averaged  16.9ppg, 12rpg, 3.2apg; 26-3 record; set school’s career rebounding record with 737 and finished second all-time in scoring with 1,122 points. He then played with St.Louis (NCAA) from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 34 games averaging  14.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 74.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before game 3 against the Kirchheim Knights.

 

 

Dwayne thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the 2-0 series lead against the Kirchheim Knights. The Gladiators Trier have won the last three games against Kirchheim. Could one say that you slowly have their number on the court?

I wouldn’t say we have their number until we are able to close out the series. We have been playing at a high level against them though and are looking to continue to do that

Does the Kirchheim and Hamburg 2-0 leads in the playoff series show just how competitive the German Pro A has been this season?

The Pro A has been a deep league all year with many “upsets” throughout the regular season so this is not surprising to those who play in the league

The Gladiators Trier won game one 82-75, but you made it exciting in the fourth quarter as you had a 17 point lead and Kirchheim went on a 15-6 run early to get back into the game. What was key for being able to get the win on the road?

We were able to execute down the stretch when we needed to and made free throws and were able to close it out

Would you agree that the Trier solid shooting over 50% from the field and outside was a big reason for getting the win since you lost the rebounding duel clearly and had 15 turnovers?

We do need to pick up on our rebounding and turnovers but we were able to get good looks at shots. But if we can combine all three that would be great

You have played against many very talented point guards this season, but was the 23 point, 15 assist effort by Richie Williams one of the best that you have seen this season?

Williams is a very talented player and we are trying to limit him as best we can, but he had a solid game but we came away with the win which is what matters.

How soothing is it having Simon Schmitz healthy again and contributing so well? He had 11 points in the game one and takes some of the pressure off you.

Simon has been huge for us since getting back healthy. He really organizes the game and is a lights out shooter from deep.

In game two, the Gladiators Trier won again 79-76. This was another exciting game that Trier was able to win at home in crunch time. What did the team learn from game one that they did better in game two?

We made some tactical changes on defense for game 2, but mostly we just fought with more heart and continued to be who we are as a team

There were numerous lead changes in crunch time. How proud were you off the effort of German Justin Raffington who made the big offensive rebound and put back to secure the win with 13 seconds to play as for once you didn´t have to make the big play?

Justin had a huge night for us and I couldn’t be happier because he deserves it. We had many guys who can step up and make plays and Justin came up big for us.

How motivated are you for game three not only getting the sweep, but getting more productive again scoring wise? You had 10 points in game two, but shot 1/7 from the field? Did you get away from parts of your game, but just shots not falling the way they should?

In game 2,  I still got all the shots I wanted, but  some just did not fall. I know I don’t have to score 20 every night for this team to be successful and I think that is evident from our record of 2-0 this series.

The Gladiators Trier can wrap the series in Kirchheim now. What will be most essential to doing and not forgetting on the court in game?

Limiting our turnovers and upping our rebounding will be essential to winning.

How key will it be having a better grip on top point guard Richie Williams in game three? In game two he was more than half below his points and rebound totals of game one?

Williams has been one of our major focuses since the series started and he will continue to be. We will do our best to corral him and make his shots as difficult as possible

The Golden State Warriors need two more wins against the Spurs and Grizzlies to have the most wins ever in a regular season. Will the Spurs let them get this record?

I don’t think the Spurs will have a choice, the warriors are on a mission this year.

Where do you rank the Villanova 2016 NCAA final in all-time best finals ever?

I think it has to be the best in my lifetime, only thing that would top if it is if SLU was in it.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Revenant.

Thanks Dwayne for the chat.

Brandon Spearman is a 24 year old 190cm guard playing his second season in Germany in the Pro A for the Gladiators Trier. He started his basketball career in 2010 for Dayton(NCAA) where he played 36 NCAA games. He then moved to Indian Hills CC (JUCO) and finished his last two seasons at Hawaii (NCAA) and as a senior played 26 games averaging 11.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 52.8%. As a rookie last season in Germany he played for SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB) playing 18 games: 17.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 64.0%. He spoke to German Hoops before game 3 against the Kirchheim Knights.

 

 

Brandon thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the 2-0 series lead against the Kirchheim Knights. The Gladiators Trier have won the last three games against Kirchheim. Could one say that you slowly have their number on the court?

Kircheim is a really good team, both teams playing very hard. We just want to go out there claim victory and play with each other. Represent the city and people of Trier every night.

Does the Kirchheim and Hamburg 2-0 leads in the playoff series show just how competitive the German Pro A has been this season?

Yea defiantly this year has been very competitive with this being my first year

The Gladiators Trier won game one 82-75, but you made it exciting in the fourth quarter as you had a 17 point lead and Kirchheim went on a 15-6 run early to get back into the game. What was key for being able to get the win on the road?

We always have been able to stick with each other when things don’t go our way in a course of a game. One thing I love about this team is that we stick together.

Would you agree that the Trier solid shooting over 50% from the field and outside was a big reason for getting the win since you lost the rebounding duel clearly and had 15 turnovers?

We’ve been shooting the ball well hopefully that will continue, we have to do a better job in some areas on defense but I’m sure will fix them and be just fine.

You have played against many very talented point guards this season, but was the 23 point, 15 assist effort by Richie Williams one of the best that you have seen this season?

That was a good performance he’s a good player that can make plays.

How soothing is it having Simon Schmitz healthy again and contributing so well? He had 11 points in the game one and takes some of the pressure off you.

Simon has been great for us. He’s one the reason why we been able to play so well this second half of the season and playoffs. Simon is a great PG and always looking defiantly relieves pressure off me.

In game two, the Gladiators Trier won again 79-76. This was another exciting game that Trier was able to win at home in crunch time. What did the team learn from game one that they did better in game two?

We did some different things on the defense end and changed some things but our aggressiveness we wanted to maintain and we did just that also protecting home court is key.

There were numerous lead changes in crunch time. How proud were you off the effort of German Justin Raffington who made the big offensive rebound and put back to secure the win with 13 seconds to play as for once it wasn´t Dwayne Evans needing to make the big play?

Justin had a big rebound that saved us the game probably. It was big

You have been very steady in game one and two scoring 13 and 12 points. How key has your shot selection been in the first two games for your offensive success?

Just been picking my spots better I’m not forcing shots like I’ve done in the past, but just being smarter with shot selection

The Gladiators Trier can wrap the series in Kirchheim now. What will be most essential to doing and not forgetting on the court in game?

We just have to play hard and give it are all like we have been doing in this series.

How key will it be having a better grip on top point guard Richie Williams in game three? In game two he was more than half below his points and rebound totals of game one?

We been doing a great job I think on the defensive end and we have to keep it going and make sure we limit his touches.

The Golden State Warriors need two more wins against the Spurs and Grizzlies to have the most wins ever in a regular season. Will the Spurs let them get this record?

Golden State is a unbelievable team and I love watching them play. They will get the regular season record for sure.

Where do you rank the Villanova 2016 NCAA final in all-time best finals ever?

Man that was a crazy game for sure one of the best all-time NCAA finals.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Dead Pool.

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

 

On many occasions this season during home games of the Fraport Skyliners, one could observe a tall, rugged looking 201cm 221 pound big fellow that has the liking of wearing a Benny hat and thus making his own special fashion statement and would warrant any kid in the arena to wonder all game long for what professional basketball team he plays for. For the basketball insider and members of the Fraport Skyliners, knowing who the 33 year old native from Greenville, South Carolina is isn´t difficult as it is Martinis Woody who serves as a sixth man good luck charm and temporary baby sitter for the kids of John Little and Quantez Robertson during the game as one can see him chasing after the very very outgoing and lively toddlers on many occasions. Coming to see his friend Quantez Robertson play and make the 144 kilometer trek from Karlsruhe and back didn´t pose a problem for him as he attempted the road trip on many occasions this season. Last season Robertson also would visit Woody in Langen when he had games making the 23 kilometer trek from Frankfurt look like a kid´s field trip instead of a business type trip that Woody made from Karlsruhe. On the last day of the German Regionalliga season, Woody and his team PS Karlsruhe Lions were playing for a ticket to move up to the German Pro B, but the big man had to do it without the support of Quantez Robertson. This weekend would have been perfect for Robertson to make the 80 kilometer trip from Frankfurt to Limburg as the Fraport Skyliners had an off weekend. However Robertson was on his own business trip taking part in a team building seminar in London, England and couldn´t help support Woody in Limburg. Instead of cheering on Woody, Robertson was in London getting his special dose of Big Ben and Buckingham palace, but Woody didn´t need any extra support from the Skyliner as the PS Karlsruhe Lions had massive support from their fan base creaming the EVL Baskets Limburg 92-69 winning the 2016 Regionaliga south-west title. With 30 seconds to go in the game, one could already observe Martinis Woody on the sidelines with a huge champagne bottle ready to celebrate South Carolina style and when the buzzer sounded there was no stopping the American, his teammates and fans as pandemonium had broken out on their side of the court. After taking some sips from the champagne and then giving the rest to his teammates, the American was able to reflect on the game and season. “This was the first time that I have moved up in my professional career. We as a team did a great job to come in here and win this game. We had our ups and downs this season, but we always stayed positive. We worked hard and with the help of  a great coaching staff stayed together as a team the whole season. We knew that it wouldn´t be easy here, but we had to make Josh Michaeux work for each shot and just key on him. Our great fans supported us all season and helped us get this win. Quantez Robertson wanted to come to our game last week, but today was in London with his team. When I get home, he will know about this win”, stressed Martinis Woody. It was a nerve wracking day for EVL Baskets Limburg head coach Danny Stallbohm, because he and the team had to wait until 5.00pm to know if they would have a do or die game. Had Crailsheim beat Mainz, then Limburg would have needed to win, but because they lost, Stallbohm´s season was already saved before the jump ball at 8.00pm as his team will play in the Regionalliga again next season. “We didn´t have as much pressure going into the game. However we didn´t show that in the first half as we slept a bit. We showed a lot of heart in the second half coming back”, stressed EVL Baskets Limburg guard Justin Stallbohm.

In the first few minutes of the first quarter, the EVL Baskets Limburg were hit by a lightening offensive force that powered the PS Karlsruhe Lions to an overpowering 11-0 run. The guests stepped on the floor and just showed a very versatile offensive style that at first showed their dangerous outside shooting. The guests got on the board first and quick footed Croatian Dino Palacic scored in traffic and then it was boom, boom, boom as the PS Karlsruhe Lions connected on three straight three pointers from Croatian Branimir Mikulic who played in the UK The last two seasons with Leeds Force (United Kingdom-BBL) nailed two while ex Kirchheim Knight German Michael Baumer connected on the other. The most fascinating aspect of this quick run was that all 11 points were scored before the work horse Martinis Woody had even touched the ball once. “When you have a good point guard, good shooting guard and a great four man, there isn´t much any team can do. We have the ability to get going early like that, I know that eventually I will get the ball. We are very dangerous when we get going like that. I love this group of guys”, added Martinis Woody. The EVL Baskets Limburg still had problems overcoming this early shock as the guests extended their lead to 18-3 as Woody got his first bucket with a lay in, Croatian Dino Jakolis who averaged 15,2ppg last season with the PS Karlsruhe Lions in the second German Regionalliga made a hook shot and Palacic scored inside again. The PS Karlsruhe Lions had an amazing ball movement that looked like a junior version of the Fraport Skyliners and were always attacking on offense and at every instance pushing the ball forward which the home team just couldn´t adjust too. It also didn´t help that the EVL Baskets Limburg were as cold as an ice pond in Alaska. The EVL Baskets Limburg found some kind of a rhythm in the last few minutes scoring eight points to cut the PS Karlsruhe lead to 24-11 after 10 minutes. Ex SG Sechtem 1971 (Germany-Regionalliga) 202cm forward Kevin Yebo got going scoring inside twice as his quickness posed problems all night for PS Karlsruhe and Mike Sharma nailed a trey. The EVL Baskets Limburg would of probably trailed by far less had Josh Micheaux been able to get going more early as he was tossing up brick after brick in the first quarter. “I don´t think that we were nervous at the start, but their run got them self-confidence and we just didn´t hit shots”, added Justin Stallbohm.

The second quarter was dominated by the PS Karlsruhe Lions as they outscored the EVL Baskets Limburg 30-14 to take the very comfortable 54-25 advantage at the break. The PS Karlsruhe Lions got out to another big start and extended their lead to 36-16. The PS Karlsruhe Lions showed just how powerful and deep they are as they were able to get this big lead with Woody on the bench. The guests got production from many different hands as ex wiha Panthers Villingen-Schwenningen 204cm center Daniel Zovko scored inside as well as Jakolic and Max Roser. Ex Licher Basket Baeren (ProB) guard Deon Mcduffie also showed his quickness on offense and defense scoring two buckets inside. The EVL Baskets Limburg had problems with the offensive tempo of Karlsruhe who continued to have ball movement where whipping the ball around was the norm and otherwise continuing to push the ball forward at any time. The EVL Baskets Limburg were getting tangled up into too much one on one situations that they couldn´t take advantage of. The offensive consistency continued for the PS Karlsruhe Lions as they went into halftime with a 18-7 run. 27 year old forward Max Roser who played 3 Pro A games with BG Karlsruhe in the 2007-2008 season got going on both ends of the court and scored twice inside. Mikulic connected on another three pointer and Woody and Mcduffie also contributed in the scoring. Justin Stallbohm connected on a three pointer for Limburg at the end to make the score of 54-25 not look as bad for the home team.

With 20 minutes to go, the EVL Baskets Limburg may have looked like they were helpless in the Mojave desert, but in heart and spirit, they believed that they could still find that water for the extra energy and did. The EVL Baskets Limburg won the third quarter 29-18 to cut the PS Karlsruhe lead to 72-54. Kevin Yebo and Josh Micheaux were the impact players in the first five minutes of the third quarter which got their club going. Yebo was a work horse battling and finding the way to the rim and scoring twice while Micheaux had his inside/out game going hitting a trey and going coast to coast for the bucket and German Robin Pflueger who was always hanging around the three point line connected for a bomb cutting the PS Karlsruhe lead to 64-41. Limburg was finally hitting shots on a regular basis which upped their self confidence to a 9-3 run cutting the PS Karlsruhe lead to 67-50. In the run, the EVL Baskets Limburg got added production from other players like Kaan Kus who made a runner and floater while Pflueger also scored inside. Micheaux put an exclamation mark on the 67-50 PS Karlsruhe lead as he weaved through the zone finishing with a menacing one handed dunk. After Micheaux and Bramer traded buckets, it was Mikulic who put a dagger into the spirt of the Limburg comeback with a quarter ending three pointer. “It seemed like Karlsruhe was a bit nervous and already thought they had won the game. We defended and pressed well and hit our shots. We really thought that we could come back, but Mikolic kept hurting our comeback with his three pointers”, stressed Justin Stallbohm. “Limburg played well in the third and we just lost focus. However we kept our composure and fought”, stressed Martinis Woody.

The fourth quarter was relatively even with the PS Karlsruhe Lions winning it 20-18 and with their already big lead had a 7-3 run to extend their lead to 79-57 as Woody helped his stat line with two easy buckets inside and Mikolic connected on another trey.  PS Karlsruhe continued to hold their big advantage with further buckets from Woody and Palcic extending their lead to 87-62. With three minutes to go and the game decided both coaches emptied their benches and the EVL Baskets Limburg closed out the season in fine fashion with a 10-5 run. Ex VfB 1900 Giessen Pointers guard Henry Volkert scored on the fast break and Justin Stallbohm got revenge after missing two free throws hitting a three pointer and scoring the last points of the season for the EVL Baskets Limburg. “We lost energy in the fourth quarter. All in all we are lucky to have stayed in the league. We knew it wouldn´t be an easy season after losing many key guys from last season. We had a young team and we lost some games that we should have won this season. Thanks to Mainz for saving our season”, smiled Justin Stallbohm. The PS Karlsruhe Loins were led by Branimir Mikulic with 25 points and seven three pointers and Martinis Woody added 18 points. The EVL Baskets Limburg were led by Kevin Yebo with 26 points and 17 rebounds. Josh Micheaux and Justin Stallbohm added 14 points a piece. The PS Karlsruhe Lions shot 54% from the field and 28% from outside while the EVL Baskets Limburg shot 37% from the field and 25% from outside. Limburg had the 42-34 rebound edge, but had 10 turnovers and PS Karlsruhe had five turnovers.

Travis Smith is a 24 year old 190cm guard from Johns Island, South Carolina that is playing his second professional season in Germany. As a rookie he played for RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf (Germany-ProB) playing 27 games: 17.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 87.9%He played his last two years of college at Mercer and as a senior played  36 games: 13.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 89.8%. As a senior he reached the NCAA 2 Sweet 16 and was a A-Sun Regular Season Champion and
A-Sun Tournament Finalist  in 2013. This season he started with MTV Herzoege Wolfenbuettel (Germany-ProB) where he played six games averaging 9,0ppg, 2,0rpg and 2,8apg and now has moved to the TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademy(ProB) and spoke to German Hoops during the Pro B play downs.

 

 

Travis thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are playing in the playdowns for the second straight season. What do you remember from your experience with Stahnsdorf last season?

Well of course the goal at the beginning of the season is to make the playoffs, so there is some disappointment when you don’t achieve it. The main thing that that I remember from my experience in the play downs from last season is to win early to make sure you stay ahead and are safe on the table. I feel like our team has found a good rhythm and has done a great job at staying positive even though we fell short of original goal.

Wurzburg went into the Pro B play downs having beaten playoff teams Leipzig and Nordlingen. How important were these two wins for the super 2-0 start for your team?

Those were very important wins for us as far chemistry and rhythm goes. Both Nordlingen and Leipzig are strong teams, so defeating them gave us a good foundation of confidence going into the play downs.

Wurzburg has a 4 game winning streak. Does it feel a bit strange having to fight to stay in the league despite playing very good basketball at the moment?

It really doesn’t, I feel like as a team we are finally understanding how to play together successfully for 40 minutes. We have a lot of talented players and unfortunately we were unable to figure out how to use each other’s strengths sooner or else may have been able to play in the playoffs.

Wurzburg gave up the fewest points this season in the 55-48 win against Lich. What did the club learn from this win on the defensive end that they maybe didn´t know at all this season?

We were proud of our defensive performance that game especially being on the road against an opponent that beat us previously. A lot of the credit goes to our coach for preparing a great game plan. We realized that we can be a tough team to score against if we play team defense and stick to the principles that our coach taught us.

In the 98-84 win against Saarlouis, Wurzburg showed a very strong offensive performance. Despite scoring only 55 points last week, does the overall team confidence to be able put points on the board at anytime outweigh any doubt that could ever arise during a down phase of a game?

Like I mentioned earlier, we have a good rhythm as a team and have found a way to play successfully for 40 minutes. We have gone through so much this season that we can withstand any type adversity throughout the course of a game.

How important was this off weekend for Wurzburg? How important is the short break at this point of the play downs mentally?

Honestly we treated this week like any other week. Our coach wanted to stick to the same practice times and schedule as usual and mentally I believe everyone on the team knows what needs to be done to continue winning games.

Wurzburg next battle the BIS Baskets Speyer twice. Wurzburg swept the series this season without problems. This will be your first time playing them. How excited are you to be taking on the challenge?

I am always excited for a chance to compete. I watched my team play against Speyer earlier this season when I first arrived in Würzburg but was not yet on the roster. Speyer is a good team that has been winning recently and is making a serious push to stay in the league. It should be a good game.

Wurzburg didn´t have any problems with Speyer this season playing consistent defense and holding them to 68 points a game and dominating the boards. What else will be key for getting the wins?

Overall the key for us is just being a team, playing together and communicating on offense and defense. When we play together we are a hard team to beat.

You have been a force since coming to Wurzburg in December averaging 14,8ppg and shooting 44% from outside. How do you think that your offensive game has benefited most in the new system with Wurzburg?

 It took me a while to figure out my role on this team. When I arrived mid season I noticed there were a lot of talented guys with good skills on the team, and I just wanted to add my strengths to help the team perform better. At times I feel like I can do more but as a team our current rhythm and chemistry is good and that is the most important thing.

How do you feel your game has profited with Wurzburg that you weren´t able to do previously with WolfenbuetteL?

Defensively my mindset to be aggressive, especially on the ball, is the same no matter where I am. Offensively I had two very different roles with each team and the stats can attest to that. In Wolfenbüttle the team needed me to be more of a point guard, organizer, and a creator for others. While I was there I had more assists but I scored less and shot less threes. In Würzburg they need me to be more aggressive as a scorer and to be more of a shooting guard. Because of this, I have less assist but my scoring average has increased. I am a combo guard and I know that throughout my career depending on the team I am on and the players I am with my role will be different. The most important thing to me is winning games; anyway I can use my versatility to accomplish that for my team is all that concerns me.

Some of the older NBA players that played at different times are having a hard time giving Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors credit for their success saying they might not have had that success 20-30 years ago. Are these former players just jealous or why can´t they just give credit where it´s due?

The things Golden State are doing this season is amazing, no doubt. It is a new era, with a different style of play, and slightly different rules. Every era believes that their time was the greatest. I just think the former players are having a tough time admitting to the success of this new style of playing.

Recently ESPN made a top 100 greatest NBA players of alltime poll putting Lebron at #3 before legends Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and BIll Russell. Do you see that as being justified?

 It’s tough to say especially right now because his career is still in progress. All of these guys are legends so you can really make an argument for any of them being in that spot.

Who will win the 2016 NCAA tournament and will Buddy Hield be the #1NBA draft pick?

I think North Carolina will win the championship this year and as far as the #1 pick in the draft, goes I think it depends on which team has the first pick.

What was the last movie that you saw?

 The Revenant, it was a very inspiring movie.

Thanks Travis for the chat.

 

Brandon Lockhart is a 25 year old 185cm guard from St Louis, Missouri that is playing hiss econd professional season and first with German team Giants Nordlingen. AS a rookie he played for BK Levicki Patrioti (Slovakia-Extraliga) playing 34 games: Score-5(16.7ppg), 3.8rpg, Assists-5(4.3apg), Steals-1(3.0spg), FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 28.5%, FT: 78.9%. He played at Drury (NCAA2) from 2009-2013 and as a senior played 35 games averaging 12.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 6.1apg, 2.9spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 48.3%, FT: 77.1%. He spoke to German Hoops after big 79-58 victory against Oldenburg

 

 

Brandon thanks for talking to German Hoops Congrats on the huge 79-58 win. With what kind of a feeling did you go into this do or die game. Were you a little nervous or were you able to block out the major importance of the game?

Hello and thank you Miles! I was not too nervous before this game because we had a good week of practice leading up to this game. I have a ton of confidence in my team’s abilities. So that really helps to eliminate any nerves going into games

When you look back at your basketball career how successful have you been in do or die games and what importance and standing did this game weigh in comparison to early game?

I like to believe that I have had more success than failure when it comes to do or die games. Since this was the most recent do or die game I’ve been in, I would say this was the most important one.

The Giants Nordlingen lost game two 82-72. What lesson did the team learn in general from the game two loss?

We learned that we needed to rebound if we wanted to have a chance to win game 3. I do not remember the exact numbers but I believe they had 20+ more rebounds than us in game 2.

At halftime, Nordlingen led 38-35. What did head coach Mario Matic tell the team to do better in the third half which the team heeded to and did on the court?

They were creating and making a bunch of open shots in the first half. They have some players that can really make shots so we wanted to at least make the shots they made were contested and not wide open.

Nordlingen exploded in the third quarter going on a 26-9 run to seal the win. What adjustments did the team do in general to totally sway the game in your favor?

Our defense in the third quarter improved and it allowed us to get in transition for easier buckets.

When the Nordlingen offense is in full swing like it was in the third quarter is the opponents defense no matter what they throw at you helpless?

To get our offense in full swing, we have to focus more on defense. That’s when we get to get in transition, our best offense, and score against a defense not set.

One could say when the big three of you, Brandon, Janek and Leo Vrkas score in double figures and combine for 70 points and the defense is spot on that the club has very good chances of winning?

On any night, we could have 3 or 4 players combine for high scoring totals. But it’s all about our defense. If our defense is on point, we can compete with anyone in the league.

You had another normal day at the office with 16 points and 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals. Do you feel like you will have to raise your game even more against the forthcoming difficult series against Iserlohn?

I don’t think myself or anyone on the team needs to do anything different from what we’ve done all year. It’s going to be a tough series, but we play our best basketball when we play as a team.

Despite your solid offensive showing, is this the kind of game where your most pleased with your defensive effort helping to allowing only 58 points?

Yes! Because we know to be successful, we have to play good defense nightly. Holding a team with a bunch of capable scorers under 60 is definitely something to be proud of.

Oldenburg have many young talented young Germans. After seeing talented German big man Jan Niklas Wimberg three times in the post season, what was your overall impression of him and his game and how far can a guy like that go in professional basketball?

I was impressed by his game. He has the ability to score in the post, off the dribble, and shoot the 3. So he is really a tough match up for opposing teams. He has the potential to be a major player in the BBL here if he really wants it. He has the size and skill to be successful.

With what positives can the Giants Nordlingen go into the next difficult series against Iserlohn?

If we play defense and do not get demolished in the rebound battle, we have a chance to win most nights.

How excited are you to be playing another opponent that you didn´t face in the regular season? What are you looking most to in this series?

 Extremely excited because it’s always fun to play against a new opponent. I’m just looking forward to playing more games with this team. It will be a tough challenge and I’m just excited to get back at it!

The bench could be the biggest factor in the series. What else will be key to getting by the top team of the Pro B north?

We know they have a solid rotation of about 9-10 guys but that does not really change the keys for us. Our keys to competing in this series will be good defense and securing rebounds.

Were you surprised that Oklahoma lost by 44 points to Villanova?

I was incredibly surprised by the outcome of that game. I did not expect for the game to be such a blowout.

Who will win the NCAA 2016 title North Carolina or Villanova and what will the score be?

 I am a Duke fan so no way am I picking UNC lol. But even if I was not a Duke fan, I still would like Villanova in this game. They are just playing extremely well right now. 92-80

What was the last movie that you saw?

Limitless.

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

 

 

David Sturner is a 206cm power forward/center playing his first season in Germany for pro B team Dresden Titans and currently is averaging 11,4ppg and 6,4rpg. He started his basketball career with Orgeon State playing 13 NCAA games and then moved to S.Oregon (NAIA) and as a senior played  31 games: 14.6ppg, 9.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 56.2%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 56.2%. He started his professional basketball career recently with the West Adelaide Bearcats (Australia-Central ABL) before coming to Germany. He spoke to German Hoops after the dramatic do or die playoff win in Rostock.

 

David congrats on the big 92-90 do or die win in Rostock. How proud are you of your team that you survived and escaped the nasty Seawolves den?

Thank you Miles. I’m extremely proud of my team. The heart that we showed all series, and especially in this 3rd game shows what we are capable of. Credit to Rostock, they had a great team and played hard until the final buzzer.

What were head coach Steven Clauss´s first words directly after the game in the locker room?

Coach told us great job to come back and win two games in a row, and to celebrate the win.

Head coach Steven Clauss got revenge after losing a do or die game last season with Hanau. Could you sense some relief for him finally beating Rostock in a three game series?

I don’t know if he was relieved. Coach Clauss expected us to win the series, and he wasn’t treating the series as trying to get revenge from last year. All week there wasn’t any stress within the team or management, so I think he was just excited after the game and looking forward to our next series.

You won your second do or die game in a row. Do you feel like winning these tight do or die games are coming a positive habit for you?

Yeah I definitely think it says a lot about your team when you can win with your back against the wall. We know we can play with every team in ProB so our confidence played a big role in pulling through these two games.

The Dresden Titans had the solid 46-39 lead at halftime and seemed in command on hostile ground. What words of wisdom did Steve Clauss give the team going into the second half?

He just told us to keep pushing the ball and play our game. We knew they would make runs in the second half, so it was important for us not to relax and get comfortable with our lead.

The Dresden Titans led by as much as 15 points in the second half, but Rostock made a furious comeback. Did Dresden feel too comfortable and lose focus and an oversight of it´s basketball principles?

I think their comeback came down to simple mistakes on our part. Turnovers, offensive rebounds, and some soft fouls allowed them to score quickly, a lot like the first game of the series. We didn’t stop playing our game and keeping our nose to the grind, and that’s why we came out on top.

Rostock made a big run in the fourth to tie the game at 85-85. What was key for Rostock making the game very interesting again?

Rostock is very good at finding extra opportunities and taking advantage of them. I think they knew they couldn’t stop us from scoring so they had to get offensive rebounds and force turnovers. In that run they were able to do this and score a couple of and-one’s and threes.

The game continued to swing back and forth, but Randall Holt made a big three and Dresden went on a 7-0 run to lead 92-85. How difficult was it being focused on all game situation principles in a loud arena that was going wild?

Personally, the last few minutes I don’t even remember the crowd. I think as a player you just get into a zone where all outside distractions don’t effect you. In Dresden, we always have such a loud arena, so we are all used to playing in such an exciting atmosphere.

Dresden pulled out the win at the end, but it was very close? Was team rebounding what was key in the last minute for securing the win?

Exactly, rebounding and not letting Rostock’s momentum effect our heads.

How difficult is it to understand that the team shot the lights out from downtown with 16 three´s, but won only by two points?

I had no idea we had shot the ball so well from 3 until the bus ride home. I was very surprised, and to shoot that well and only win by 2 is an a anomaly I’m sure but that goes back to Rostock’s offensive rebounding and forced turnovers. I haven’t checked the possessions yet, but I’d imagine Rostock had at least 10 more possessions that we did.

You had a very strong game with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Was this the kind of game that was vital for the further progression of your game going into the next difficult series against BG Karlsruhe?

Whether I have a good or bad game I don’t like to let it affect my mindset going into the next game. I think you should have confidence regardless of how you’ve been playing. It was a good way to finish the series, and now we have a clean slate going into Karlsruhe.

Dresden now meets BG Karlsruhe. How excited are you to be battling the best team in the Pro B south?

I’m very excited. We had a close battle with them at their place earlier this year and struggled at home with them. Now we have the addition of coach Clauss and Randall Holt so it will be an entirely different game in terms of strategy and tempo.

You lost one game by 16 points, but lost the first encounter by three points. In both games you didn´t have Randall Holt yet and BG Karlsruhe didn´t have Paul Brotherson yet. In the 16 point loss, three of their starters scored 80 of the team 96 points. What kind of series can we await this time?

I think the series is going to be a physical one, much like this series with Rostock. Karlsruhe has great bigs and can put points on the board so we will have to slow them down, and of course play our high tempo game.

BG Karlsruhe have a very strong starting five and beasts in Marcus Smallwood and Jeremy Black. What will be key in getting the upset?

I think it will come down to boxing out and keeping their bigs off the offensive glass. They are workhorses when it comes to rebounding and we will have to counter that.

How confident are you that you will be able to step up your game even more in the series against BG Karlsruhe?

I’m very confident in our team. We have been playing at such a high level, and with so much confidence, we know that we can beat anyone. We just have to execute and be ourselves on the court.

Were you surprised that Oklahoma lost by 44 points to Villanova?

Very surprised, I told you last week I thought they were going to win the championship! But it will be a fun game to watch UNC and Nova.

Who will win the NCAA 2016 title North Carolina or Villanova and what will the score be?

UNC: 76-68

What was the last movie that you saw?

Haven’t watched another movie since Star Wars! But there’s a few movies out right now that I would like to see.

Thanks David for the chat.

Virgil Matthews is a 32 year old 188cm guard from Federal Way, Washington that is playing in Germany in the PRO A for BV Chemnitz in his second season. Last season for BV Chemnitz he played BV Chemnitz 99 (Germany-ProA) 30 games averaging 14.3ppg, 5.7rpg, Assists-2(6.1apg), Steals-4(1.8spg), FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 71.4%He played at Montana (NCAA) and in his senior year played  31 games: 10.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.7spg, FG: 49.8%, 3PT: 48.4%, FT: 76.1%. In 2006-2007, he turned professional and came to Germany and played for KICKZ Muenchen Basket (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 29 games: 18.0ppg, 6.1rpg, 5.2apg, 2.6spg, 2FGP: 57.3%, 3FGP: 31.8%, FT: 66.5%. In 2007-2008, he played for Tacoma Jazz (IBL). In 2008-2009, he returned back to Germany and played for Schwelmer Baskets (Germany-Regionalliga). In 2009-2010, he played for Olympia Reign (IBL, starting five): 21 games: 23.1ppg, 7.2rpg and for Seattle Aviators (NABL).In 2010-2011, he played his first season for Erdgas Ehingen playing 32 games: 11.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 71.3%. He would play until 2014 with Ehingen playing 126 games with three seasons in the Pro A an done in the Pro B. He spoke to German Hoops before the start of the 2016 Pro A playoffs.

 

Virgil thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on a strong season and reaching the playoffs in your second try with BV Chemnitz. How thrilled and proud are you of this accomplishment?

We are very thrilled especially to bring playoffs here to the fans who are so supportive of us they deserve it, but we are focused and concentrating on trying to win not just being happy with being here.

Congrats on the 82-69 win against the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. Is there anything better than sweeping a season series when you beat a professional basketball team?

Winning a season series is always good its so hard to do even against bottom teams every game is tough especially on the road so you can’t them for granted.

BV Chemnitz pretty much secured the win in the second and third quarters letting up only a total of 26 points after giving up 25 points in the first quarter. What adjustments did the team do on the defensive end to get the team going?

We played better offense which helped us not allow them to get out into transition we made a little tweak but nothing major. Getting into the flow is also part of it after such a long trip takes a bit to get to that level we want to be at.

BV Chemnitz hauled down 53 rebounds. Was this one of the best games that the team had on the glass this season?

Yes it was! Rebounding hasn’t been our strongest trait this season so it was nice to dominate the glass like we did.

In the last interviews we talked about you getting your triple double and you finally did in the last regular season game. Was there any point in the game where you knew that you might have the chance of getting it?

The game was still too close to ever get comfortable and think about stuff like that and the game was to get into the playoffs so that was the main thing on my mind. Afterwards its nice to look up and see that though.

If you look back at your career in Germany, can you ever remember getting 17 rebounds in a game?

Never! I’m pretty sure that has never happened to me crazy to find out about that at the end of the game.

Now BV Chemnitz meets powerhouse team Science City Jena. This season you were swept by them? You lost by 30 in the first game and recently by three points. Does that give the team added confidence going into the series?

Playing a team close always gives you confidence especially in their place, I’m sure they will have a good plan and they have a good coach who will have them ready. So even with confidence we have to be ready to play hard and match their intensity

Science City Jena did a pretty good job on you as you had 9 turnovers in the two games. How focused are you personally going into this series to show the league that you can make the upset and lead the team to the win and belong to the top players in this league?

Yea I turned the ball over way too much this season and Jena does a good job. I’m focused and concentrated on doing the best I can for the team.

Your not getting any younger so striving for that title gets bigger and bigger with time. Do you see BV Chemnitz as being a championship team this season?

We feel that at our best we can beat anyone so if we can do that maybe we have a chance, but now we just focus on the first game versus Jena.

Science City is the best defensive team in the German pro A. What is going to be key to picking apart the defense in a possible five game series?

Keys are always the same take care of the ball and get out in transition, easy baskets are important against good defenses.

How key will it be to keep Marcos Knight in check. What does he give Science City Jena that they didn´t have before he arrived?

Its very key he’s great at attacking the rim slashing and scoring, he does a lot for them. He adds another slasher and scorer that they lost with Hewitt and he fit in their system without problems which helps.

Were you surprised by so many upsets in the NCAA March Madness? Is there more parity with NCAA schools than possibly in the past?

I think there are more lower level teams who can beat power teams on any given night and have no fear, but overall power teams are still power teams as we see by the final 4 teams.

Who will march to the NCAA final with teams Villanova, Oklahoma, North Carolina and Syracuse?

Really have no idea I will say UNC because I’ve heard they have the best team when playing their best.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Batman vs Superman.

Thanks Virgil for the chat.