Ricky Easterling is a 32 year old 190cm guard from Baltimore playing his 10 professional season in Germany and over the years has been crowned Mr Regionaliga as he averaged over 30 points three times with TV Saarlouis and is now playing his second season in the German Pro B and belongs to the top 3 players there. Before moving to Saarlouis in 2007 he played at Bridgewater (NCAA3) and then as a rookie played with TSG Reutlingen (Germany-Oberliga and  Bergheim Bandits (Germany-Regionalliga). Last season with TV Saarlouis he played 28 games: Score-1(22.9ppg), 4.5rpg, Assists-4(5.3apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 86.1%. Currently he is averaging 22,7ppg, 3,9rpg and 4,1apg. He spoke to German Hoops before the start of the German Pro B playdown series.

 

 

Ricky thanks for talking to German Hoops. A tough 92-80 loss against Weissenhorn over the weekend. At the end of your second regular season in the German Pro B, how sick and tired are you of playing catch up basketball?

I’m sick and tired of playing catch up for a while now. It has been a tough 2 seasons. But regardless I am blessed to be here and remain thankful and humble for this opportunity.

Weissenhorn did everything better on the stat sheet except having one turnover more. What positive thing could you take out of this game?

For me it is hard to find setting positive to take out of this game. We didn’t play well and the stats and the results show that. But my young boy Edgar Schwarz got good minutes and played very well.

What does it say for the quality of Weissenhorn when there were only three guys in double figures and all were Germans and big talent Joschka Ferner who had 37 points last weekend wasn´t one of them?

They have a good group of young talent on their team. Many of those guys will be playing big minutes in the BBL in the near future!

You see the best young German talent every weekend in the German Pro B. Joschka Ferner only had 9 points against Saarlouis, but played Eurocup at age 16 with ratiopharm Ulm. How much potential does this kid have?

He is a big talent here in Germany and his stats show it. Has good size and a very good jump shot. I look forward to watching him in the future and I telling people I had the chance to play against him.

You had your best scoring game of the season with 33 points. With experience is there anyway you can still somewhat enjoy your good personal performances despite getting a loss?

Scoring 30+ is nothing new to me so I do not look at that as such a big deal. Wins are more important to me. So if we won this game and I had 0 points I would enjoy that more than scoring 30+ and losing

Saarlouis is back in the playdowns like last season. What is your regular season summary? What were the positives and negatives of the season?

Looking positively on the season I think we have made some improvements simply because we had the chance to win many more games this season than last. Even though our record does not show that you can look back at the box scores and find the evidence. To reflect negatively on the season we just did not have what it takes to win these close games and for me that is disappointing. We had many games where maybe one possession made the difference and we keep coming up on the losing side. Hopefully we can improve on that in the play downs.

How frustrating was it for the team to lose 3-4 games where you defended very good, but couldn´t put up points on the board?

That is very frustrating because we have the quality to win games and be good offensively but we just couldn’t put it together in these games.

Saarlouis averaged giving up 80 points in the regular season. Why couldn´t the team find any real consistency on the defensive end and what will have to improve to let up less points in the playdowns?

I don’t want to go into detail because that is something we as a team keep to ourselves. But the fact of the matter is we just have to be able to defend better night in and night out. There is a lot of talent in this league and it will not be easy. But I believe in my team and I think in the play downs we will be a team that will show what we are truly made of offensively and defensively.

Your stats are pretty much the same from last season, but you averaged more assists last season. What is your summary of the regular season of your own game?

I was playing more point guard last year so I had the responsibility to get my teammates more involved as well as being a scorer . Even though that aspect is something I have in my game regardless if I play the point or on the wing, this season being on the wing and playing more off the ball I feel I didn’t have the opportunity to create for others like the season before. I feel there is always room for improvement in my game regardless of how well I might play. So I am never satisfied and think some of my numbers could have been better then what they are.

After another season of experience in the German Pro B how do you feel your game matured this season?

I feel I understand the game better at this level. It is definitely stronger than the Regionalliga and I think I have matured as a leader being that leadership was something that was needed from me more than ever this season.

Saarlouis now plays against Speyer. How important is it that the team won the season series?

I think it gives us more confidence knowing that we can beat this team. But that does not mean that we will just go out there and win. We still need to come to the game ready to play and do what we need to do in order to walk away with the win.

In both games you combined for 48 points while Speyer American DJ Woodmore had 44 points, but 34 points in one game. How key will it be containing him?

He is their top scorer and they look to him to produce for them every game. I think it is important to keep him under control and force others to score if we want to win this game

What else will be key in this series to come out on top? I think the bench will play a big role.

Bench production will play a factor but I think our defense will tell the story in this one. If we can play good defense and make stops, it will lead to easy offense and give us the momentum we need to control the pace of the game.

As you get older, what do you appreciate most about being able to play the game so long and still belong to the top class at that level?

I appreciate just having the opportunity to play basketball overseas. It was always a dream of mine to continue basketball after college and I am living. Could ask for nothing better. To be here so long and to be considered as one of the tip players at this level is a honor. I work hard every day and appreciate the recognition of my contribution to my team

 

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?

I find that the old school are the originators of the game and set the path for the players and teams of today. So without them there would be no us today. But I do believe GSW are making history with their great season deserve to be recognized for it.

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?

 I can’t really call it. I guess if the experts say so then he must deserve to be there. One can argue for it or against it, but I’m going to plead the 5th.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The hateful 8 by Quentin Tarantino.

Thanks Ricky for the chat.

 

Hayden Lescault is a 23 year old 196cm guard from Folsam, California playing his rookie season with BG Karlsruhe. He played at Point Loma (NCAA2) from 2011-2015 and as a senior played 21 games averaging 11.5ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.7apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 78.7%. In his junior season he won the NCAA 2 title and played : 30 games: 16.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.8apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 72.5%. He spoke to German Hoops before the playoff series against Rechklingshausen

 

 

Hayden, thanks for talking to German Hoops. A big crunch time win against Ehingen to end the regular season. How good did it feel to get them back after they won the first meeting 76-67?

It felt great to get a little revenge on those guys and it’s always nice to win the last game of the season heading into playoffs. Especially a win against a strong team like Ehingen.

What was ultimately key in crunch time for BG Karlsruhe coming away with another victory?

Well we’ve played in a lot of close games this year and we have been able to pull out wins in most. I think the experience that we’ve picked up as team from those games helps keep us poise and confident in the fourth quarter of close games.

Since we last spoke, BG Karlsruhe finished the season with a 19-3- record. How has the team grown since the 77-70 loss in Frankfurt?

Everyone has stepped up their game and we are really playing well as a team. Also, the way we are committing to defense has been important down the stretch.

What really stands out in this stretch was the ability to continue to win tight games which you did 5 times since the loss in Frankfurt. Is it only the vast experience that the team has that gives you this ability?

Yeah the experience plays a big part in that and we also have a lot of guys who are reliable down the stretch. We all have trust in each other and I think that really helps in crunch time.

BG Karlsruhe has also been able to keep this healthy balance of consistent offense and defense. Do you believe just having this veteran presence all season long has given the younger guys added self confidence which in turn has sparked their play?

Absolutely, the young guys have been improving all year long and have been a big factor in helping the team get to where we are.

How valuable was the pick up of Paul Brotherson as added insurance and energy from the bench?

Paul had been a great pick up for us. He’s a very efficient player and helps us at both ends of the floor. Being a former BG player, he came in already knowing the culture around here and most of the players so it was a smooth transition getting him used to playing with this team.

How hungry is the veteran trio of Marcus Smallwood, Jeremy Black and Rouven Roessler to show basketball Germany that they still have what it takes to take a team up another level?

They are extremely determined to move up. They have all proven that they are still some of the top players in the league and their leadership has been critical. They constantly remind the team that the playoffs are a whole other monster so we can never get complacent with our #1 seed.

As a rookie your averaging 14,1ppg, 3,2rpg and 2,6apg while shooting 35% from outside. How happy have you been with your rookie season?

This has been a good start for me. Coming overseas you never really know what to expect, but Karlsruhe has been a great place to start my career and to help lead a team to the top record in the league is just icing on the cake.

Did the end of the regular season in a long season somewhat play with your body as your didn´t finish as strong in the scoring department?

No not really, my body feels great but there were a couple games there toward the end where some other guys had it going so I didn’t need to try to do a whole lot of scoring.

Since the loss in Frankfurt where you went 5/5 from outside, you have been struggling from downtown. Except for a 3/5 shooting night against Leipzig, your shooting 7/28 since the Frankfurt loss. With 2 weeks between games, will there be a new Hayden Lescault from downtown in game one against Recklingshausen?

Absolutely. I have a lot of confidence in my shot and in these two weeks I’ll have plenty of time to get a lot of reps up.

What kind of role do you want to play in the playoffs? Do you see yourself stepping up your game even more?

I don’t think the way we play as a team will change much at all because it has been working all year long. So for me, I’m just planning to come out with a lot of energy and I’ll step up my game if that’s what the team needs.

How excited are you to be playing an unknown team like Reckilingshausen that you haven´t seen yet this season?

I can’t wait.

BG Karlsruhe better not take Recklingshausen lighty even if they finished in eighth with a record of 9-13. They finished the season with a 4 game winning streak and have some real good players with Robert Franklin, Joe Kennerly and Cavel Witter. What will be key in getting to the next round?

Not taking them lightly, playing to our strengths, and execution.

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?

They’re not jealous… they are crazy. Steph Curry is unreal!

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?

I do, LeBron is one of a kind.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Deadpool.

Thanks Hayden for the chat.

 

Elijah Allen is a 26 year old 195cm swing man from Columbus, Ohio that is playing his fourth professional season in Germany and second with Lich. He started his basketball career at NW Missouri St. (NCAA2) in 2007 where he played until 2011 playing a total of 103 NCAA games and as a senior played 26 games: 14.9ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.1apg, FG: 44.8%, 3Pts: 23.1%, FT: 74.8%. He came to Germany in 2012 and played his first two seasons for the VfB 1900 Giessen Pointers (Germany-Regionalliga) and in the 2013-2014 season played 26 games averaging 20.0ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 58.7%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 68.4%. Last season for the Licher Basket Baeren he played 28 games: 10.4ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 72.2% He spoke to German Hoops  before the begin of the 2016 Pro B play downs.

 

Elijah thanks for talking to German Hoops. You closed out the regular season with a big 93-72 win against the BIS Baskets Speyer. How important was this win for the self confidence of the team for the play downs?

Hello Miles. Thanks a lot for the interview. Last weekends game were very important especially for our young guys. Basketball is all about confidence and we will need it going into these last 6 games.

The team also saved the last regular season game to score their most points of the season. Did the team feel more relaxed than usual?

We made some tough shots for sure but I don’t feel this game was more relaxed than others. I feel we are a competitive team that just caught the case of being inconsistent some games this season.

A lot of the role players and young Germans were involved in the scoring. How key will the bench be in the series against Wurzburg?

Our bench has been the key all season. We don’t rely on just one or two people to do all the scoring. Every player has had a good scoring game this season.

How key was it that American Lamar Mallory had a big 29 point 14 rebound game after being out for a month with an injury?

 I am really happy he is back and didnt have a major season ending injury. Having a good game this past weekend is really important for his confidence . After having an injury it can be hard to get your confidence back right way because a lot of times you can be hesitant to not reinjure yourself. I know he will carry this confidence into the play downs and continue to play well.

In the time where Mallory was out, Lich still had a 2-1 record without his services. How was Lich able to compensate the loss of the American best in this period?

 We missed Mallory a lot especially on the defensive end. He makes a lot of plays for us that don’t show up in the stat sheet. We really had to fight together as a team to pick up those 2 wins.

Lich did a pretty good job on the defensive end this season giving up an average of only 74 points, but often would come back the next game and give up 90 points. Why did the team continue to have these breakdowns all season long?

We try to play defense at a high rhythm with a lot of pressure and doing unordinary rotations to try and confuse the offense. Some nights it really works and other nights teams figure it out at a high pace.

You really stepped it up offensively in the last few games. Did you let the game come more to you then usual or how did you explain this scoring explosion?

 I have just been playing aggressive and just trying to read what the defense gives me. Our point guard Nil Angelats has really done a great job in getting me into positions to score the ball at a high rate.

You only made three three pointers last season and 24 this season and 12 in the last two games. Did the Steph Curry fascination inspire you?

 HAHA! I would never try to duplicate what Steph Curry is doing right now. It is truly amazing to watch him hit these crazy shots over and over and over. Personally my shot selection comes from what the defense gives me and I try to make the right read at the right time. Teams are playing off me because I like to drive the ball. I am just taking what the teams are giving me.

Do you see yourself keeping up the offensive aggressiveness in the playoffs or will you go back to your usual play of being a glue guy that does much, but not necessarily have to score much?

 I am the type of player that likes to read the game. If needed I can score the ball and if not I have no problem doing the little things to win games.

Do you see yourself taking on an even bigger role in the play downs simply because you have experience from last season as Lich has many young guys this season?

 I think just as a leader I need to keep this team focused and encouraged. Not making playoffs is a bit of a disappointment. We were one maybe two games away from being in the playoffs right now. We need to now focus on winning the next game so that we can keep the team in the league. I am very confident in our team and it has been fun seeing the development of our youth.

You split the season series with Wurzburg 1-1. What will be key to getting that first win?

 Wurzburg is a team that I felt also deserved to be in the playoffs. They are very talented and have good victories this season. They were also inconsistent like we were. We will have to focus on the defensive end to come away with a victory against them. They are a good club with good players.

How key will it be to containing German Felix Hoffman that registered two double doubles against Lich this season?

 Felix Hoffman is a good player that competes hard every night. He is undersized at the 4 position and makes teams pay offensively from his quickness and strength. He is a good player and will get his stats. Keeping everyone else under control will be our main focus.

How did you see the NBA trades recently at the deadline? What teams did the best?

 I thought the Joe Johnson trade to the  Miami Heat was a really bad one for the Nets. Joe Johnson is one of the highest paid players in the NBA and Brooklyn got nothing in return for him. I really like the trade for the Heat. Now they just need to hope Chris Bosh can return and play.

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?

 In a way I understand what the older players are saying. The game was way more physical 20 or 30 years ago. Defense in the NBA is not the same as it is now. The pace and passion was also different. I can’t picture Curry making some of these plays on legends like Gary Payton. He would have hurt Curry before he let all these shots go in HAHA!

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?

Like I said in my previous answer I feel the time period is just too different to really give a rating who was better than the next man. Lebron is a great talent and is the best easily in this generation.

What was the last movie that you saw?

 Deadpool.

 

Thanks Elijah for the chat.

 

Luke Loucks is a 25 year old 196cm guard from Clearwater, Florida playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau (Germany-ProA). He started his basketball career with Florida St. (NCAA) in 2008 where he played until 2012 playing a total of 136 NCAA games. He reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2011 and as a senior played 35 games averaging 7.1ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 70.8%. In 2012 he started his professional season with VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL): VTB League: 6 games: 1.5ppg; VTB United League: 6 games: 1.5ppg; Latvian LBL: 4 games: 1.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 5.3apg, in Jan.’13 moved to Forex Time Apollon (Cyprus-Division A) playing 11 games: 10.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 6.4apg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 76.5%. In the 2013-2014 season he played with the Kangoeroes Basket Willebroek (Belgium-Ethias League): 26 games: 10.3ppg, 3.3rpg, Assists-2(4.7apg), FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 77.9%. Last season he played with the t Erie Bay Hawks (D-League): 10 games: 4.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.4apg, in Feb.’15 moved back to Maine Red Claws (D-League): 9 games: 2.4ppg, 1.2rpg, 2.2apg. He spoke to German Hoops after the wins against Rent4Office and Trier.

 

 

Luke thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on a successful weekend with wins against Rent4Office and the Gladiators Trier. Have the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau finally peaked or do you still seeing that happen in the next games?

Thank you, Miles. It is an exciting time of the year as a basketball player and as a basketball fan. I do not think our team has peaked, as surprising as that may sound. I still believe our best basketball is ahead of us and that is the attitude we bring every day when we show up for work.

After remembering the first game against the Gladiators Trier being a 76-58 victory at home, with what kind of an approach did the Hebeisen White Wings go into this game with?

We all know how talented Trier is. On film during our preparation we saw that they really have been playing great basketball since the Christmas break. We had the goal of matching Trier’s intensity and physicality and tried to use their aggressive defense to our advantage with back door cuts, spacing, and ball movement.

The Gladiators Trier made a last run in the fourth quarter, but overall how pleased were you that the Hebeisen White Wings did a good job keeping control of the game in the second half?

I was very pleased with our effort and intensity all game. This was a huge defensive game for us. Trier made a great run in the second half to catch up but we remained composed under pressure and stuck to our game plan: play hard nosed defense, rebound, and share the ball on offense to find easy shots.

How fitting was it that American Kruize Pinkins hit a big bucket late in the fourth to put keep the Gladiators Trier at bay?

Kruize will tell you, we don’t really care who scores. We just try to find the best shot available every possession. Kruize made some big baskets all game under heavy defense, which he has done frequently all year.

Kruize Pinkins scored 38 points on the weekend as he was as usual on fire and a big factor in Hanau getting two wins. Do you feel that he has stepped up his game extra in the last weeks in keeping this spectacular run by the team going?

KP is really growing as a young professional. He is very active and scores more on will than on skill. His motor is always going and he just outworks people around the basket. He is really playing great basketball for a rookie and has helped us tremendously this season, especially in the past few games.

American Dane Johnson really has stepped up his game since the Gotha game. How vital will his production coupled with Kruize Pinkins be for the further success of the team this season?

Dane has been very productive for us lately. He has a big, strong body and is efficient around the rim. Coach has rewarded his production with an increase in playing time and it is helping our team having a duel threat down low with Kruize and Dane scoring and rebounding at a high level.

Since the last interview, the Hebeisen White Wings have a 3-1 record and despite a 77-71 loss against the Hamburg Towers, have given up an average of 67 points in the last three wins. Have the players grown to understand the urgency of defending well now at this stage of the season?

We feel that our defense is our best quality and has won us a few close games in the second half of the season. We have a great sense of urgency on defense and try to defend every possession like the last possession of the game. In basketball, especially at the end of the season, more teams will win close games with great defense than with good offense.

If you look at the standings now, there is a real dog fight for the last playoff spots as Chemnitz, Nurnburg, Baunach and Hanau all have 26 points. Has the excitement sunk in for you or are you still waiting for it to happen?

As excited as we are from a few huge wins for our club, we are remaining level headed. We have to play the two best teams in the league, Jena and Vechta, and understand that both of these games will be incredibly difficult to win. We are excited for the challenge to fight for a spot in the playoffs against the best teams in the league.

Before the weekend and two wins, Kruize Pinkins told me that every game is a playoff game for Hanau. The team treated the last two games as playoff games. Will the team heighten their approach and take the last two big games against SC Rasta Vecta and Science City Jena as game 7 type games?

I think that every game, from the past three wins to the next two games, we have and will continue to treat as game 7 type scenarios. Essentially, if we lose we are out of the playoffs. We are giving every ounce of effort and energy into every possession knowing that we are fighting for something that our club thought would be impossible to start the season.

The Hebeisen White Wings lost both games this season to Vecta and Jena, but both loses were at the start of the season where you were 1-6. You are a totally different team now. How confident are you that the Hebeisen White Wings will do special things in these two games?

I did not have the chance to play against Vechta on the first game of the season as my paperwork was not submitted by game time, unfortunately. I am really looking forward to playing against them as they are clearly a top team in the league and have aspirations to move up to the BBL. But first, we have a huge game at home against Jena. The last time we played Jena we were a completely different team. We were dealing with quite a few injuries and were not nearly as competitive, cohesive, and together as we are now. We played them really well in the first half and they kicked our butt in the second half to beat us at their place. We obviously respect Jena’s talent but we will be ready to fight next weekend in front of a good crowd in Hanau.

Simon Cote continues to do a marvelous job keeping the team focused and prepared each weekend. Are you looking forward to hearing the game plans for the last two games which could separate him between savior and legend?

Coach Simon Cote and Assistant Coach Ryan Pannone have done a tremendous job as first year coaches in Pro A. They are both “players coaches” and have our respect and attention. They have exceeded the managements expectations. They spend countless hours preparing with breaking down film and scouting our opponents and then applying it in a way that will help us succeed on the court. I’m sure Simon will have a great game plan for these final two matches. One thing I enjoy with Coach Simon is he really values our opinion and will gladly welcome suggestions on what we are comfortable with instead of being a dictator and forcing us to play schemes a certain way that may not gel with our roster or the match ups that we have for a certain game.

With March Madness commencing this week, what teams do you see making noise this time around?

I think that UNC will win it all. I like Michigan State due to Izzo’s coaching in March, obviously, and their veteran leadership with Valentine running the show. I am pulling for Southern California as their coach, Andy Enfeild, was the one who recruited me to Florida State before moving on to Florida Gulf Coast following our run to the Sweet 16 in 2011. I’m hoping he takes USC on a little run as he did with us at Florida State and as he did with FGCU a few years back.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Deadpool.

 

Thanks Luke for the chat.

Dan Oppland is a 32 year old 203cm forward that is playing his second season for Rent4Office. He started his basketball career for  Valparaiso (NCAA) in 2002 where he played until 2006. He started his professional basketball career in 2006 for  Hanzevast Capitals Groningen (Holland). He then played in countries like Poland and Sweden before coming to Bayreuth in 2008. He then played for seasons four Allianz Swans Gmunden (Austria-A Bundesliga) where he won three titles. Two seasons ago, he played for  Namika Lahti (Finland-Korisliiga) 47 games: 15.7ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.0%. Last season for Rent4Office he played 30 games averaging 8.1ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 52.9%. He spoke to German Hoops after consecutive loses to Hanau and Leverkusen.

 

 

Dan thanks for talking to German Hoops. A tough weekend with loses against Hanau and Leverkusen. Rent4Office helped Hanau get closer to the playoffs and the Bayer Giants Leverkusen to get away from the cellar. How tough is it helping other teams, but not being able to help yourselves?

 

Hello Miles. I hope all is well Yeah, it was a real tough weekend for us, especially when we are fighting to get in the playoffs. We definitely have dug ourselves in a deep hole.

 

Rent4Office was only down by 6 points after the third quarter. What was key for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen keeping you at bay and getting the win?

The key to Leverkusen game was the fact that we couldn’t get stops when we needed. You can’t give up 92 points at home and expect to win. You have to protect your home court and we didn’t do that at all.

 

 

The Bayer Giants Leverkusen were able to get key support from their Americans Roderick Camphor and James Hulbin who combined for 51 of the 93 points. How unfortunate is it to keep a guy like Camphor on edge forcing him to seven turnovers, but still getting beat by him time in and time out?

 

We really struggled guarding Camphor, and I think we didn’t show enough pride as a team in trying to stop him. When a guy like that keeps scoring, we need to step up and get stops. We didn’t set that tone and it showed in our defense.

 

German Mauricio Marin is having his break out year in the German pro A and contributed 19 points which was his 12 game scoring in double figures. How have you seen his game improve over the course of the season?

I think Mauro has definitely improved and shown great strides as this season has progressed. If he can stay focused and continue to work hard, then the sky is the limit for him.

 

 

Did you take a look at the standings? You have Rent4Office, Chemnitz, Baunach and Hanau with 26 points each and fighting for the last playoff places. Are you already feeling the excitement or has it not sunk in yet?

Yes, I have looked at the standings. I just hope we as a team can come together these next two weeks and do whatever it takes to win. It is up to us whether we want that or not. The ball is in our hands.

 

 

Rent4Office would have to be feeling this excitement and pressure now had it not lost six of the last seven games. Why has Rent4Office made the Pro A playoff race so exciting with so many loses down the stretch?

 

We just have been way too inconsistent on both offense and defense this entire year. I don’t have a real answer for why we have struggled so much lately, but it has been very frustrating. Like I already said, I hope we can come together these last 2 weeks of the regular season.

 

Rent4Office really haven´t been defending so bad, but just haven´t been able to put up points on a consistent rate. As one of the veterans on the team can you come up with a plausible reason why so much scoring talent on the team can´t score more consistently?

I think our offense has struggled for many reasons, but having 14 players makes it difficult to get consistent play from everyone each night. It is just not easy when you have a situation like that, but we can’t make excuses about it. We have to go out and play the rest of this season and finish strong.

 

 

With two games left on the schedule against Kirchheim and Trier who you both lost to, how confident is the team that it can win these last two games and march into the playoffs?

If we want to march into the playoffs than we have to find the confidence to go out and not only play in these games, but win them as well. We have to try and enjoy playing again.

 

 

As the oldest on the team, do you see yourself doing some overtime work in the next two weeks in getting the team ready mentally for the last two games?

 

I will continue to try and set an example as I have done all year, being the oldest player on the team. I will just be that positive influence that we need at this difficult time.

 

Before the game against the Bayer Giants Leverkusen, you were averaging 10,2ppg, 6,4rpg and 1,7apg. Your stats are up from last season. How content have you been with your play this season?

I am never worried about individual stats. Its hard to be content when your team has struggled all year like we have. But in saying that, I always give my best, so I am always content with my effort. But for me the only stat that matters is wins and losses.

 

 

With March Madness about to commence this week, what teams do you see making some noise this time around?

 

I think there is a lot more parody this year than in the past, so there are a number of teams that can make some noise this year. Kansas, Michigan St, UNC all look really tough to beat though.

 

 

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?

 

It is hard for me to speak for on what those former players have said. All I know is Stephen Curry is one of the best shooters I have ever seen and I enjoy watching Golden State play the game because they move the ball so well, and play for one another. I think the NBA golden era was during the 80’s and 90’s with Bird, Magic and Jordan. I don’t know how successful Golden State would have been in this era, but they are still fun to watch.

 

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 is hard for me to put Lebron over these legends, since I am kind of old school myself. But Lebron is a beast, there is no doubting that. All of these guys are winners, who can take a team to that elite level.

 

 

 

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

The last movie I saw was The Revenant.

 

Thanks Dan for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

Roland Nyama is a 22 year old 198cm forward from Frankfurt, Germany that has the German/Cameroonian citzenship that is playing his second year at Stony Brook(NCAA). He started his basketball career with the FTG Frankfurt junior team. He then got further valuable basketball experience with Eintracht Frankfurt (2.Regionalliga) in 2008. He then continued to play with Eintracht Frankfurt (2.Regionalliga) from 2009-2011 while also playing for the Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt II (Germany-ProB) where he played 6 games in two years. In 2011, he came to the United States and played for the Holderness School. He came to Stony Brook in 2013 and last season in his first full season played 34 games averaging 7.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 69.2%. He spoke to German Hoops after winning the AEC tournament over Vermont helping Stony Brook to it´s first ever NCAA tournament berth. Later that day Stony Brook drew NCAA powerhosue Kentucky in the first round.

 

Roland thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the amazing win against Vermont winning the AEC tournament! You are going to the big dance the NCAA March Madness. Has it sunk in yet or does it feel like a dream?

Reaching The NCAA tournament still feels like a big dream I have yet to wake up from!

After the siren sounded giving Stony Brook the 80-74 victory pandemonium erupted in the arena with loads of fans entering the court. People rushed out on the court quicker than you could blink an eye. Have you ever witnessed a celebration like that? You don´t see celebrations like that in Germany.

I’ve never witnessed a celebration like that and it was truly an incredible experience to be able to see something like that happen. That’s why I love college basketball

After reaching the AEC final in four of the last five years, the school finally won it and will take part in their first NCAA tournament ever. Many Germans have come to the United States to play college basketball, but only a small number can say they went to the NCAA tournament. All the hard work you have done in the last 6-7 years have paid off. If someone had told you at Holderness that you would play in an NCAA tournament in the future what would you have thought?

I would’ve thought they’re very optimistic.. Coming to the United States I had no idea what to expect nor what was going to happen. I hoped to continue my basketball career at the highest level but could only dream of something like the NCAA tournament.

Did the club dedicate the AEC tournament to anyone? Jameel Warney had a huge game, but if there is anyone that should have got it then head coach Steve Pikiell who came 11 years ago and made Stony Brook into a consistent winning program.

Coach is an incredible coach and he is hugely responsible for the winning tradition at Stony Brook so yes one could dedicate the championship to him or to Jameel but at the end of the day were a team and everybody counts from the starters to the bench to coaches even the maintenance  people count.

Lets talk a bit about the game. In the second half, Stoney Brook was down by 15 points. What were your thoughts at that moment? How confident were you that the team was capable of a comeback despite having lost to them 2 weeks ago?

This group has been battle tested in the last two years. We’ve been down 16 to Columbia this year and came back, we’ve been down 16 to Washington last year and made it back. I never doubted our capability to make a run and never lost confidence that we would exit the game victorious.

Besides the big game from Jameel Warney, what do you feel was key in crunch time for Stony Brook getting over the hump and getting the biggest win in the school´s history?

The biggest key in my opinion had to be on the defensive end. With getting the necessary stops the confidence in our offense came and we were able to make big plays.

Jameel Warney has scored in double figures In all 32 games this season and had a 36 point game against Hartford, but saved his best for last with 43 points, nine rebounds and four blocks on 18/22 shooting. Do you think that he was able to propel his game to a new level in this game?

I mean we see it every day in practice. This kid is a beast! But yes he defiantly rose to a whole other level and didn’t want to let a disappointment end his career and leave a stain on his legacy as one of the greats at our school.

After seeing Jameel Warney play every day the last three seasons, do you see him reaching the NBA or moreover being a player suited for the European game?

I think he has a shot at the NBA. He may be a bit undersized but he makes up for it with skill and determination. Plus he has million dollar hands that literally catch everything. Put him in the right place and he could have a very successful basketball career in my opinion.

This season your averaging 11,1 minutes per game and played 5 minutes in the 80-74 win. Has it been a difficult adjustment this season since you averaged 24 minutes last season as a freshman?

Coming off of major knee surgery in the summer I missed most of the preseason and never got into the groove of things. It has been difficult at times but our teams success definitely makes up for it. Plus I got a couple more years left to play.

With playing less minutes than last season, do you focus on other things on the court to help your team win games?

I focus on bringing energy off the bench to light a spark. A charge, a block, a three pointer anything that gets the crowd going, momentum changers are the things that I try to do on the court now.

The season could be over after one more game, but what are you looking most forward to in the NCAA tournament?

I look forward to it being the experience of a lifetime. I will tell my children about this and my grandchildren. I just want to soak it all in a hey; maybe make a little noise too

With the NCAA draw approaching, would you rather see a Duke or North Carolina as that one time big moment or a lower ranked team where Stoney Brook could make a possible run?

I don’t really care about it as much I feel like on any given night anybody can get beat.

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?

Because the game has changed so much and doesn’t look like the game they have in mind now maybe some of it could be jealousy yes but I really have no idea.

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 really hard to compare players from different eras but I think we have never seen anything like Lebron James before therefore I think his high ranking is justifiable.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was oculus, a scary movie. Love scary movies haha.

Thanks Roland 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 after the 81-78 loss to Science City Jena.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks Virgil for talking to German Hoops. BV Chemnitz suffered a tough loss last weekend to Science City Jena 81-78. When you look back at the last 1,36 minutes how did you guys lose control of crunch time slipping by allowing a 6-0 run?

You have to give credit to Jena for continuously playing hard and not giving up. I mean when you lose games late like that everything plays a part, I´m sure we could’ve executed better just need to get big baskets to finish off games.

If one looks at the stats one could name the 20 turnovers as a big factor for the loss, but honestly stop German Lars Wendt 2-3 times cleanly and you would have won the ball game. He attempted 14 free throws and made 13. What made this guy so hard to stop cleanly?

He’s good at getting to the line,  he is a smaller guy and I think he does a good job selling contact, we also made bad fouls that gave him so many free throws.

How hard have the last 5 games been for a guy like Greg Logins who really has broken out of his shell and produced past expectations?

Greg has been great really keeping us in the past games he’s been great on the boards and has been knocking down shots all season so its nothing specially different Greg has been consistent all season it just the numbers have gotten him more attention the past games. I think he’ll continue to do big things.

This was another close battle that BV Chemnitz lost and seventh tight loss of the season. You have lost the last four games combined by 13 points. Does it get more and more frustrating over time losing these type of games?

It is frustrating to lose any game but yes losing this way makes it hurt more especially with 2 games being at home and one being a derby. It makes it hurt a little more to let the fan down when they come out and give us such great support.

Do you believe this inability to win close games has more to do with the mental side than what is actually done physically on the court?

It is a bit of both I think for most people it is harder to stay concentrated mentally when the body is tired physically. And we have a core that plays a lot of minutes and so possibly that could affect us mentally down the stretch of games. At the same time there are no excuses these losses are just on us.

If BV Chemnitz had won four of those seven tight games, they would have 15 wins now and be in sixth or seventh place. Instead with four games to go and two wins from the eighth spot the team has to really perform in the last few weeks. How confident are you and the team that magic can be done

We have to take it one game at a time to finish out the season. Nothing can be gained by looking back on those games and what could have been. Got to just look forward to the future and I am confident that we will do what we need to do to get where we want to get.

Do you think that the announcement of extending head coach Rodrigo Pastore until 2018 was the perfect timing for the team to get that extra motivation to do special things in the last four games?

I don’t know if it is the perfect timing or not, but I think the extension was a no brainer, he is a great coach and has us in a great position even with all the obstacles that we may have within the team or the organization. I don’t think there is any extra motivation though everyone is on the same page and we know what we have to do to get there.

The last four games were close affairs, but in all games the club was well above it´s season average of giving up 71 points. What do you feel has been missing in the last weeks for the team not having been able to defend better?

We just have to do better containing guys off the catch and finishing the play with rebounds I think once we do that we will be hard to beat for anyone.

BV Chemitz can start a new winning streak this weekend as they tangle with Paderborn and the RheinStars within 48 hours. This season the two times where you played two games on the weekend, you have a 3-1 record. These two teams are below you in the standings. How confident is the team that you can come away with victories?

I think we are 1-3, but we don’t worry about stuff like that we look at it as we play Paderborn, after that we look at it as we play Cologne we got to keep the approach of one game at a time. We are confident but we also know nothing is easy or guaranteed so we just got to continue to work.

You suffered a close loss to Cologne, but easily beat Paderborn. What will be key in getting the win?

The key will be the same as we always have play our game, rebound and get out in transition, both teams have some similar traits but again we just take it one at a time.

As one of the leaders on the team, what is your biggest focus now in taking the best qualities in your game and being able to help your team play best?

The biggest focus for us I think will be to make sure we stay hungry and don’t think that because we played the two top teams close that it will be easy against teams lower in the rankings .

Your averaging four turnovers per game. With the season winding down, but the club still able to reach the post season do you channel your aggressiveness more in the decisions that you make?

I’m not going to change what I do now that would be a mistake. I’m always concentrated on taking better care of the ball but with the playmaking comes the turnovers too so it is a give and take situation.

How did you see the NBA trades recently at the deadline? What teams did the best?

Nothing big happened really but I think the Tobias Harris trade to Detroit will help them in the future.

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?

Its understandable I think everyone thinks it was better in their day no one wants to be forgotten. I also think maybe they just want to see him do it a little more than two and a half seasons. He’s great though but everyone won’t always give you your credit, and I’m sure he doesn’t care.

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?

He does some amazing things I think there are cases for so many players being in different positions but he’s somewhere near the top.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Trumbo Good movie!

Thanks Virgil for the chat.

 

 

 

 

Greg Logins is a 27 year old 203cm forward from Sodus, New York that is playing his fifth professional season and first in Germany with BV Chemnitz. He started his basketball career with Canisius (NCAA) in 2007 where he played until 2011 and as a senior played  30 games: 11.8ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 45.4%, FT: 78.3%. In 2011 he turned professional and played for Barreteros de Zacatecas (Mexico-LNBP): 10 games: 7.5ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 9.1%, FT: 68.4%, left in Dec.’11, then joined RST Tanger (Morocco-D1) playing 15 games: 25.3ppg, 11.6rpg, 3.5apg, 1.2spg, 0.9bpg, 2FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 69.5%. He then played for Lappeenranta NMKY (Korisliiga) in Finland from 2012-2014. Last season he played for Fukuoka Rizing (Japan-BJ League): 30 games: 9.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 47.5%, 3FGP: 35.3%, FT: 70.6%, in Feb.’15 moved to Tapiolan Honka (Finland-Korisliiga): 10 games: 12.0ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 31.8%. He spoke to German Hoops after the tough 81-78 loss against Science City Jena

 

 

Thanks Greg for talking to German Hoops. BV Chemnitz suffered a tough loss last weekend to Science City Jena 81-78. When you look back at the last 1,36 minutes how did you guys lose control of crunch time slipping by allowing a 6-0 run?

Yes, that was a tough loss. I believe when it was crunch time, and when we needed to make a play to seal the game, we lacked to do so. With teams with more experience than us, we can not afford to make mistakes during crunch time, or else they will make us pay for it, which they did. I believe we just have to learn that during crunch time, and when we are up, we have to take full control and keep the control to seal the game.

If one looks at the stats one could name the 20 turnovers as a big factor for the loss, but honestly stop German Lars Wendt 2-3 times cleanly and you would have won the ball game. He attempted 14 free throws and made 13. What made this guy so hard to stop cleanly?

Yes, one could say that the turnovers played a part into the loss, but even though we turned the ball over that many times, we were still right there with one of the best teams in the league. Lars did get some clean looks. I think we should have did a better job packing the paint, and not allowing him to get some looks that he had done. It was not what he was doing, it was us missing the assignments.

How tough have the last 5 games been for you who has had some big games?

It has been a little tough. But it is not all about me, it is about my team. I am doing whatever I can to help lead my team into the right direction and to keep a positive mind. The last 5 games are games we could have won, and the games were against the upper half of the league. During these 5 times, myself and my teammates, showed that we can compete at a high level. We just have to figure out a way to get it done, without any lapses during crunch time, or the fourth quarter.

This was another close battle that BV Chemnitz lost and seventh tight loss of the season. You have lost the last four games combined by 13 points. Does it get more and more frustrating over time losing these type of games?

Yes, it does get frustrating because of the close losses, but we just have to try to lick are wounds and stay positive moving forward. We just have to continue to just fix the little small things that need to be fixed, so we can finish off these games.

Do you believe this inability to win close games as more to do with the mental side than what is actually done physically on the court?

Yes it is the mental side. Us as a whole have to be mentality strong and focused during the crucial times, so we can get the job done. During crunch time is a great part of the game, especially when your neck to neck with the top teams. As I mentioned, we just have to get it done.

If BV Chemnitz had won four of those seven tight games, they would have 15 wins now and be in sixth or seventh place. Instead with four games to go and two wins from the eighth spot the team has to really perform in the last few weeks. How confident are you and the team that magic can be done?

A lot of people are saying if we did this or if we did that, then the situation would be different. Of course, that statement is true, but we cann´´t get those games, and mistakes back. We can not continue to dwell on that, or put our heads down and think it is over. Moving forward to the last part of the season, I am confident that we are going to be focused and get it done.

Do you think that the announcement of extending head coach Rodrigo Pastore until 2018 was the perfect timing for the team to get that extra motivation to do special things in the last four games?

Yes, I believe so. Coach is a good guy, with good vision. He prepares us well, and I think that with the extension, it gives the players more motivation, to believe and be focused unto what he is trying to do. I think it was a good move for the team, organization, and city.

The last four games were close affairs, but in all games the club was well above it´s season average of giving up 71 points. What do you feel has been missing in the last weeks for the team not having been able to defend better?

It is not that we are not defending well, the last four games, we played against teams that normally put high scoring numbers up on everyone in the league. Not only did we give up points, all four did the same against us. It was more so of a derby the last couple games, and a high paced game throughout the whole game, which playing fast ball, you put numbers up on the score board.

BV Chemitz can start a new winning streak this weekend as they tangle with Paderborn and the RheinStars within 48 hours. This season the two times where you played two games on the weekend, you have a 3-1 record. These two teams are below you in the standings. How confident is the team that you can come away with victories?

We are confident in how we are playing ball right now. If we play the way we have been playing against the top teams, with a little bit of changes, I believe we will be good.

You suffered a close loss to Cologne, but easily beat Paderborn. What will be key in getting the wins?

I was not on the team when the team last play Cologne, but I was here for Paderborn. I believe that we just have to play with high intensity and physical, with our style of ball, and we will be good.

As one of the leaders on the team, what is your biggest focus now in taking the best qualities in your game and being able to help your team play best?

I just need to continue doing what I am doing. Being a leader on the court, helping rebound, defend, and just playing my game at a high level at which I am doing.

After a scoring dry spell in January, you really broke out of your funk in February scoring in double figures in all five games and registering four double doubles. How do you explain this big power increase in your game?

I was not in a funk, It was more so getting used to playing with new players that we have got. I was still shooting the ball well, and doing my job, I just was not putting up high numbers as I am doing now. It was more so also, still just learning how to put all my things I do, to help us get the job done. I have a mindset to just go out there and play. I try to just go for every rebound, and let the other aspects of my game come to me. That has been my focus the last month or so, is to have no excuses, and just “go get it done”.

How did you see the NBA trades recently at the deadline? What teams did the best?

I have not really followed the recent trades lately, but I do like that the warriors picked up another big guy, Varejao.

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 game now is way different than what it was back then. I believe they are saying this is because now in the league, most teams do not play any defense at all. With the Warriors having so many offensive weapons, they just crush everyone. Back then, I think the league was more physical, and the refs just let the guys play. I think it would be a little bit more tougher to do the things that they do now.

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?

Those are big names that they are putting him in front of. I mean LeBron is a beast, but I think that they are forgetting that there are ALOT of greats that are being out shined by the present.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Training day.

Thanks Greg for the chat.