Jawad Williams is a 32 year old 204 cm forward from Cleveland, Ohio playing his 12^th professional season and first with Royal Hali Gaziantep (Turkey-BSL). He played at North Carolina from 2001-2005 playing a total of 128 NCAA games and won the 2005 NCAA title. He started his professional career in 2005 with Alta Gestion Fuenlabrada Madrid (Spain-ACB) playing 19 games: 5.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 2FGP: 39.0%, FT: 70.0%; released in March ’06, then joined Fayetteville Patriots (D-League): 4 games: 14.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.8apg. In the 2006-2007 season he played for the Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), left in Oct.’06, then moved to Anaheim Arsenal (D-League, starting five): 50 games: 19.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 79.4%. In the 2007-2008 season he played for Rera Kamuy Hokkaido (Japan-Superleague) playing 35 games: Score-2(24.7ppg), 7.1rpg, 1.9apg, in March ’08 moved to Hapoel Galil Elyon (Israel-Premier League) playing 10 games: 9.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 39.6%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 81.8%. He then played 3 seasons in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers playing 85 games. He then played parts of three seasons with Paris-Levallois (France-ProA) and briefly with Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir (Turkey-TBL): 19 games: 8.1ppg, 2.9rpg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 28.3%, FT: 62.9%. Last season he played for Royal Hali Gaziantep (Turkey-TBL) playing 29 games: 10.5ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 39.8%, 3FGP: 39.7%, FT: 78.0%. He gave German Hoops an exclusive interview after the 91-79 Europe Cup loss to the Fraport Skyliners

 

 

 

 

 

Jawad thanks for talking to German Hoops. You have had a long career in Europe. What experiences have you had in German arena´s over the years and how do you like the game here?

 

This was actually only my second time to Germany. I played in Ulm a few years ago in Euro cup. I love Germany. The fans are lively, nice arena´s and the league looks very professional.

 

 

A tough 91-79 loss against the Fraport Skyliners. After the 71-66 loss at home and three key Skyliners missing what did the team want to do differently tonight?

 

We wanted to step up the pressure in Frankfurt. We played terrible defense in the first game. We did a better job applying pressure, but we got into foul problems. We let them get to the free throw line 38 times. You won´t win games like that.

 

 

Why did Royal Hali Gazientep have so much difficulty keeping Frankfurt out of the paint over 40 minutes?

 

I have no idea. We supplied much pressure in the back court, but we had many break downs. It was just one of those nights.

 

 

 

You see so many different players and have had NBA experience. You saw German national player Johannes Voigtmann twice now. He has NBA interest. What was your impression of his game?

 

Voigtmann is pretty good. He is a very skilled player for his size and that will only help him.

 

He has said that if the NBA calls, he won´t mind going, but he feels his game is better suited for the Euroleague.

 

If you pay attention to the NBA, you will see that it is changing more to the European style. The Spurs and Warriors have adapted more to a European style. I think in the future you will see more NBA teams playing a European style, but you will still see your share of super one on one players.

 

 

Can the overall versatility get Johannes Voigtmann to the NBA in the future?

 

Yes of course. Versatility is the name of the game. If your versatile, it is a lot easier finding a job now a day. For example take a Lebron James or even a Draymond Green of the Warriors. You can never really pin point what position he is playing and that makes him valuable.

 

 

You are playing your second season with Royal Hali Gaziantep (Turkey-BSL). Is adding on more hardware to your cup titles your biggest priority at age 32?

 

Yes of course. I have been winning my whole career in different places. For me my biggest focus is always to win. We have good chances to win this season near to moving to last 16 in Europe Cup and we are still alive in the cup play. We are very focused now as a team.

 

 

You have always been a scorer in your career. On a team like Royal Hali Gaziantep (Turkey-BSL) where there are so many scorers, what is your role exactly this season?

 

My role has been the same wherever I have played in my career and that is too use my versatility as best as I can. If I am matched against a big guy, I go outside or against a smaller I post up. I just do what the game gives me and do what is best for the team.

 

 

You have played with many great shooters in your career, but where does a Andrew Rautins rank in a guy that can just flat out shoot the ball?

 

 

Andy ranks up with the top 2-3 best I have ever played with. I played with some great shooters like Japanese Takehiko Orimo who was 37 when he was my teammate and shot 60% from downtown, but not just catch and pop, but moving as well. I also rank John Diebler and Daniel Gibson with the Cavs as the best shooters that I have played with. However I saw Andy make shots that guys would never think of shooting. Andy is one of the best shooters in the world.

 

 

Andrew Rautins said the goal of the team in Turkey is too make the playoffs. How realistic is it with the heavy competition to win the Europe Cup?

 

That is realistic. When our roster is healthy sky is the limit.

 

When one sees you on the floor for the first time one can right away say, that guy has an NBA body. What advantages has your NBA swagger had for you in Europe over the years?

 

I think that a lot of it comes from the 1-1 aspect of the game. Since I came to Europe, I have realized that my game isn´t only from the three point line and block, but also from the mid-range. I have a big advantage with my height from there.

 

You are a guy that can do it all at 204cm, but what would you say is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away on the court?

 

Since I have been a scorer all my life, people don´t pay attention that I can actually play defense and defend multiple positions. For most of the coaches that I have played for I have had to play defense. Royal Hali Gaziantep got me because of my defensive qualities. When you are a scorer, you get a label until someone says that you can do more than just score.

 

You played parts of 3 seasons with Paris and with ex North Carolina teammates David Noel and Sean May. What did you learn from these guy 6-7 years later that you wouldn´t have in school?

 

That is funny because we haven´t learned much from then until now. We relish the North Carolina times. Everything we learned we did back in school. When I was reunited with Sean and David in Paris, we realized that isthas always been hard losing on the floor. When I was teammates with Sean May at North Carolina and at Paris, we played the 4-5 and never lost a title. We always knew where the other would be and that made everything else on the court that much easier. We were taught by the best at North Carolina by Roy Williams and the Dean Smith school of basketball. I remember we played the exact same secondary break at Paris that we also played at North Carolina. We proved the system right at Paris winning with it there.

 

 

You played parts of 3 seasons in the NBA with Cleveland. What did you cherish most about this experience?

 

Being a part of this group of guys was unlike any other group I have ever been with. We were a very close knit group and were always together. I still talk to the guys today and we see each other in the off season.

 

 

 

Not many can say I played with Lebron and Shaq on the same team. What one memory will you forever take with you?

 

There were so many memories. Back in 2008 when I was a rookie and made the team, I was in the gym 2 hours before the start of practice and Lebron was 1.5 hours before the start. He is the best player in the world, but he is still putting in the extra work. Shaq was at the end of his career, but he passed the torch to Lebron. For Shaq it was all about winning and the team. They are two great players that cared more for the team than themselves.

 

 

As a rookie you played with Alta Gestion Fuenlabrada Madrid (Spain-ACB) in 2005. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you were far away from Ohio?

 

 

Being a rookie in Madrid was tough. At that time, I was the first American rookie in Spain. I wasn´t used to the fans throwing things on the court or whistling. It was hard coming from North Carolina and being treated like a rookie. That didn´t sit well with me. I vowed to never return, but things changed. I developed further as a player and also mentally and I made a career in Europe.

 

 

 

Before reaching the NBA, you had played in the D-League and been with the Los Angeles Clippers. You then went back overseas. How tough was this period? How realistic was your NBA dream then?

 

When I made the Cavs in 2008, I had just played my first season in Japan. I told my family and agent that I never wanted to come back to the States. I loved Japan. Then I got a call from the Cavs who wanted to give me a try-out. First I didn´t want to go, because I didn´t want to go through all the same things again of playing well and then still getting cut. However my grandmother wanted me home, so I went home, tried out and hung around for three years in the NBA.

 

 

You then were second in scoring in Japan and played in Israel. Then you reached the NBA. What do you believe ultimately got you to the big show then?

 

I think my mental chip on my shoulder got me to the NBA. I was at home in Ohio and from day one I felt I belonged in the NBA. I didn´t back down from anyone. Many people respected me. Lebron respected me who I had known since high school and head coach Mike Brown also respected me.

 

 

You had many great teammates at North Carolina when you won the NCAA title in 2005 with guys like Seam May, Raymond Felton, David Noel, Rashad Mccants, Reyshawn Terry or Marvin Williams. If you had to choose one guy that left the biggest impression who was it?

 

All are great players, but if I had to choose one it would be Sean May. He had a high knowledge of the game far beyond his years. He played almost like a coach on the court. He had the mind of a point guard as a big man and saw things before they happened.

 

How did Roy Williams groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

Roy Williams installed another level of work ethic in me. He also helped me know what my deficiencies were and helped me become the player I am today.

 

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NBA?

 

Outside of Lebron it was Kevin Durant. A seven footer that can put the ball on the floor and shoot from anywhere. He was always a very tough matchup.

 

 

 

How do you get Anthony King to laugh?

 

I have known Anthony since 14-15 years. He may come over as a quiet guy, but I see through his non talkative way. I harass him, because I know what gets him off.

 

 

When all is said and done will a Lebron be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

 

Lebron will be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan. The titles don´t match up yet, but statistically he is the best ever. He does it all on the court scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. When he has a 25/12/7 game, it is seen as bad, but for anyone else it is a great game. People take his greatness for granted. He will win another title.

 

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

The Martian.

 

Thanks Jawad for the chat.

 

 

Justin Smith is a 28 year old 201cm forward from Los Angeles playing his fifth professional season. He started the season with Etzella Ettelbruck (Luxembourg-Total League) and then moved to Dragons Rhoendorf (Germany-ProA). Currently with the Dragons he is averaging 13,4ppg, 4,9rpg and 1,6apg. He started his basketball career at the University of Hawaii-Hilo (NCAA 2) and as a senior played 27 games averaging 18.4ppg, 7.1rpg, FG%: 58.1, FT%: 68.8. Ion 2011-2012 he started his professional basketball career with the Coocoon Baskets Weiden (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 24 games averaging 19.7ppg, 10.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 61.8%, FT: 72.1%. He then played two seasons with FC Schalke 04 (Germany-Regionalliga). Last season he played with the Dragons Rhoendorf (Germany-ProB) playing 11 games: 21.3ppg, 10.4rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 60.1%, FT: 72.1%. He spoke to German Hoops recently about basketball.

 

 

Justin welcome back to Germany. How easy was the decision to come back to the Dragons Rhoendorf where you played last season?

After being in Luxembourg it was easy knowing I wanted to come back to the Dragons. I’m just glad they wanted me back

How excited are you be back in Germany? What do you like most about the country and it´s basketball?

I’m very excited. I miss how competitive it is here, I’ve watched many pro A games in the past and now I get to play in this atmosphere. Can’t wait

After playing your whole career in Germany and then tearing up the German Pro B last season was it not the logical thing to have remained in Germany? Why did you chose to go to the Etzella Ettelbruck (Luxembourg-Total League)?

Probably should have stayed in Germany, but felt that I wanted to try a new country. See what else is out there.

With the Etzella Ettelbruck (Luxembourg-Total League) you had very good stats with 15,4ppg, 9,2rpg and 1,0apg. Did you have a clause to get out of the contract or were there deeper reasons why you left so early in the season?

Management was unprofessional. I feel everything happens for a reason and right now things are going in a better direction.

You now return to a team that you know well, but this season they are struggling. Do you feel pressure to have to perform and make an impact right away?

No pressure, but I definitely want to make an impact right away. I feel we can get things rolling if we play team ball and believe in each other.

How important was the fact that head coach Boris Kaminski was the coach for you returning back to Rhondorf?

Huge! Boris and I kept in contact. Simple how are you and wishing each other luck for games. We had a good relationship last season that carried off and on the court.

You also will be entering a league and level that you haven´t played at before in your professional career with the Pro A. Do you bring enough confidence from last season and this season in Luxemburg to help you be focused right away and not get lost in thinking can I produce at this level or not?

I always play with confidence, and I just take it one game at a time and give my all. Being in Luxembourg before coming to Germany kept me in good shape and ready to get right back into things.

What kind of role do you think will you have? With Sterling Carter the club has a scoring point guard and with Jordan Hamilton another guy in the same boat as you? Do you expect to be a guy that will have to produce scoring and getting rebounds at a consistent rate?

Not sure my role at the moment. But I plan on trying my best each night and hopefully producing a double double and putting my team in positions to win. But for myself I want to help my team however I can, and I think scoring and getting boards is what is needed

You have always been a consistent scorer and rebounder in Germany, but what do you feel is a hidden strength that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

Being a vocal leader and just trying my best to keep everyone focused. I try my best to keep my teammates motivated. Can’t win without team ball.

You also will be playing with Germans like Tim Schonborn, Florian Wendeler and Bastian Winterhalter. How much potential and talent do the German core players have to help make a turn in the season?

Well it’s a team sport first off. We all have to contribute, but I also think our core group of guys are good and can produce. We just all need to get on the same page and believe.

Before coming to Rhondorf last season you played three seasons in the German Regionaliga with Weiden and Schalke. Many guys move up a level after a season or two, but it took you three years. Does it bother you that it took you so long to finally get the respect or do you see it as something that happens for a reason?

I think my agent at the time wasn’t working for me. But yes everything does happen for a reason. Now it’s time to show everyone.

You played with FC Schalke from 2012-2014 playing a total of 48 games. How do you feel were you able to grow as a player at this level where you showed people that you actually can do more than just score a lot?

Two seasons with them helped because I knew everyone. We trusted each other and I was able to help them score. Helped me mature more also and just adapt to being away from family and friends. Got really adjusted to Germany

As a rookie you played for the Coocoon Baskets Weiden (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 24 games averaging 19.7ppg, 10.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 61.8%, FT: 72.1%. What was your wake up call to be a professional where you knew that you were very far away from home?

When being payed to play and others weren’t. Some had jobs and even still in school.It was very different. I was so used to everyone on the team having the same schedule. But I knew that was why they brought me, to pretty much carry the team.

How important was Czech forward Pavel Novak when you were a rookie helping you get adjusted to the level and making you his scoring side kick that season?

Pavel was like a big bro,  had great advice and was a scoring machine. 

You played at the University of Hawaii-Hilo (NCAA 2) and was first team All Pac West in your last two seasons. When did you know at university that you would be a professional player one day?

By the end of my senior year, when I was contacted by a few agents

How did Jeff Law prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career?

Always have gym access.  Many shooting drills and conditioning

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA2 that is now in the NBA or in Europe?

Steven Bennett

Kobe Bryant went 1/14 this season in a loss to Golden State. Do you think Steph Curry will ever have a stat line at Kobe´s age?

Lol never

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan one day?

Definitely, LeBron is a best.  One of a kind.  But won’t have as many rings as Jordan

What was the last movie that you saw?

Creed.

 

Thanks Justin for the chat.

 

Tre Bowman is a 24 year old 196cm guard from York, Pennsylvania that is playing his second professional season and first in Germany with the ETB Wohnbau baskets Essen. Last season as a rookie he played for Zornotza Saskibaloi Taldea (Spain-LEB Silver): 26 games: Score-3(16.0ppg), 3.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 82.4%. He started his basketball career in 2010 with Penn St. (NCAA) where he played 16 NCAA games. He then transferred to Iona(NCAA) and played there from 2012-2014 playing a total of 64 NCAA games and as a senior played Iona (NCAA) played 32 games averaging 13.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 40%, FT: 79.0%. Currently he is averaging 14,5ppg, 3,7rpg and 2,3apg for Essen. He spoke to German Hoops after the win against Baunach.

 

 

Tre thanks for talking to German Hoops. How did you spend your first holiday season in Germany? Was it what you expected or did it turn out a lot different?

I went to the United States for four days and was able to see my family and friends. I was not in Germany for Christmas but I was here for New Years and it was a lot of fun.

What new years resolutions have you made for Tre Bowman the professional basketball player and person?

As a player, I want to improve my overall game and become the best player I can be every day. And as a person, I want to be fluent in Spanish by the end of the year.

The ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen suffered a tough 83-68 loss in Jena. Would you say that the team ran out of gas in the fourth quarter allowing 29 points?

I don’t think we ran out of gas but we made crucial errors in the fourth quarter that led them into a run and eventually put us in a position that was hard to come back from.

How much was your goose egg in your memories from the 70-55 loss to Science City Jena earlier in the season? Despite the loss were you a little happy that you had a better game?

I was a little happy that I played better being that the first game we played against them was the worst game of my season. I came out wanting revenge but came out on the wrong side of the stick.

Was that offensive duo of Americans Immanuel Mcelroy and Wayne Bernard just too much down the stretch where they combined for 19 of their 28 points?

Yes. They played very well but us losing the game was because of our own mistakes.

What was your impression of 35 year old Immanuel Mcelroy who once belonged to the top 5 players in the Beko BBL. How impressive is his game still at the ripe age of 35?

He is a very good player. You can tell he has a lot of experience by how relaxed and aggressive he is in the game.

When you watch a guy like Mcelroy, can one pick something up from his game that will remain with you even 24 hours after the loss?

Yes I always like to learn from other players.

When analyzing the game can one say that even if you shoot over 50% from the field and downtown you can still lose when a team has 12 extra possessions?

Yes if you allow a team that many extra possessions that can end in a loss.

The ETB Wohnbau Baskets had given up 63 points on average in the last two games. What did the club get away from against Science City Jena on the defensive end that let them score 83 points?

In the first half we did a really good job on the defensive side by allowing them under 40 points but in the second we lost track of our game plan. With a good team like Jena you have to focus all 40 minutes of the game to get the win.

The ETB Wohnbau Baskets have a 7-12 record which isn´t great, but only two wins away from the playoff places. Does this club have the hunger to want to reach the playoffs?

Yes we are very focused and driven to put together a big run of wins that will qualify us to get to the playoffs.

We have talked about this in the past and I will ask you again. Is there a second and third consistent scorer missing as you are the only guy scoring in double figures?

No. I believe we have the personnel to beat any team and I have faith in my guys that we will continue to improve.

You continue to be one of the only bright spots on the team averaging 16,5ppg. What do you feel has been positive with your game and what do you still want to improve?

I think playing in this offense and with great point guards like Gary and John they have really put me in a great position where I’m comfortable scoring the ball. But one thing I would like to improve is my overall percentages.

The Cleveland Cavaliers fired David Blatt today. How crazy is that? Do you feel that it was a hasty decision by the club?

Yes  I was surprised. I thought he was a good coach for the team but the chemistry between the coach and Lebron was off.

On Sunday it´s Brady vs Manning. Who is going to the Superbowl?

I am a Tom Brady fan so I think they will win.

Have you seen the new Star Wars movie? How does it compare to the other movies in the series?

No I do not follow the Star War movies.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Revenant.

 

Thanks Tre for the chat.

 

If you were to ask head coach Gordon Herbert if Philipp Scrubb was the long lost brother of Aaron Doornekamp from another mother, the Canadian may give a chuckle and quietly say maybe, but when you look at both players close up making that reference be a reality might be difficult, but one thing is for sure the head coach definitely knew what he was doing as the 23 year old 190cm guard who is 10 cm shorter than Doornekamp as had a whirlwind of a rookie season starting with AEK Athens (Greece-A1) playing Eurocup: 6 games: 4,0ppg and in the Greece A1 league 5 games: 4.2ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.0apg. He didn´t get playing time and was swiped up by the Fraport Skyliners with a two week try-out contract where he has totally exceeded all expectations as he has been golden at 3 levels in the Beko BBL scoring 12 points in 23 minutes in a win against Crailsheim, 13 points in 25 minutes in a win against Polish club Rosa Radom and had 17 points, nine rebounds and four assists in a 78-56 victory for the farm team Fraport Skyliners. With so many gyms seen this league, the Canadian who already at a young age has collected so many awards that he could fill up an Igloo in Canada like winning a gold medal at the Marchand cup and bronze at the Fiba Americas cup last summer both with Aaron Doornekamp still hadn´t made his debut in the BCM and that still had to wait as he as well as Johannes Richter didn´t play and were being rested for the big cup game against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Instead Fraport Skyliners Juniors head coach Eric Detlev had another ace up his sleeve with Beko BBL license player Tomas Dimsa who played his first pro B game and didn´t disappoint as he turned a very even game with five minutes to go in the fourth into a lopsided win where anyone who hadn´t seen the game would have thought that Frankfurt had dominated. Dimsa scored 13 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter pacing the Fraport Skyliners to a big 94-74 win over the TG Wurzburg Baskets Academy ending the game with a forceful 24-4 run. After the game, the Lithuanian who played with BG Zalgiris last season and is the only Skyliner with Eurolleague experience as he has 24 games under his belt was happy with the win, but very reserved in his emotions as it seemed like just another day at the office for the 22 year old 195cm guard/forward. “We didn´t play well for the first 25 minutes and coach then took a time out. We changed the tempo, defended better and outscored the opponent at the end”, stated Tomas Dimsa. TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademy came into the match with a 7-8 record and eighth in the standings and playing good basketball having won three of their last four games, but were unable to close out the game as they fell prisoner to one of the oldest basketball sayings, “basketball is a game of runs.” Ex Mercer(NCAA) guard Travis Smith who is playing his second season in Germany after stops in Stahnsdorf and Wolfenbuettel was disappointed with the loss, but not their energy. “Frankfurt executed very well on offense, but we didn´t on defense. Frankfurt also shot very well as a team. We had the energy, but they outmatched us”, stressed TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademy guard Travis Smith.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors came out blazing going on a 5-0 run to commence the game and lead 10-4 quickly after three minutes. In the quick 5-0 run, the Fraport Skyliners were sparked by a three pointer from Max Merz and a Travis Thompson lay in on the fast break as Merz fed him as the guard play was electrifying early. However it wasn´t Travis Smith that got Wurzburg going early, but new pro B shooting star Felix Hoffman who averaged 2,6ppg and 1,5rpg game with Gotha last season in the Pro A as he scored in bunches in the lane to cut the Frankfurt advantage to 5-4. However for Frankfurt the guard play continued to reign as Max Merz scored in bunches with a reverse lay up on the coast to coast drive and a lay in getting set up by Dimsa. The difference in the game at that point was that the Frankfurt offense was rolling and the load was on many shoulders and not only on one as Felix Hoffman was getting the production and taking most shots, but Wurzburg was trailing. Wurzburg then got a mini 5-0 run as German U-20 national player Constantin Ebert nailed a trey and Hoffman executed with a floater over Merz to cut the Frankfurt lead to 10-9. However Frankfurt´s offense continued to be in rhythm as they closed out the first quarter with a 15-5 run to lead 25-14. In the run Frankfurt was aided by ex Ludwigsburg guard Stefan Ilzhoefer who hit a three, Thompson a pull up jumper, and Niklas Kiel the 2014 NBBL rookie of the year getting 6 points with free throws, a mid distance shot and lay in. Frankfurt stepped up their defense forcing Wurzburg to more turnovers and only had a bright spot from Smith hitting a trey as he scored his first field goal. “We had good ball movement and played as a team. Ilzhoefer, Merz and Kiel carried us. We also defended very strong”, added Fraport Skyliners center Johannes Richter. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 64% from the field and 50% from outside while TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademie were shooting 38% from the field and 40% from outside. Frankfurt had the slim 8-7 rebound edge and four turnovers while Wurzburg had six turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors kept their good lead in the second quarter thanks to Tomas Dimsa erasing a Wurzburg run with his own three point shooting production, but halfway through the second quarter, TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademie fought back taking the slim 41-40 lead at halftime. Wurzburg jumped on Frankfurt at the start going on a fast 8-0 to cut the Frankfurt lead to 25-22. Hoffman and Ebert dropped three pointers and Smith hit free throws. Dimsa then stepped up hitting consecutive trey´s to give Frankfurt the 31-22 advantage. However the game of runs continued as TG Wurzburg went to zone which totally stifled Frankfurt and went on a 10-0 run to take the 32-31 lead. In the run Wurzburg got efficient production from Ebert who beat the Frankfurt 1-1 penetration defense something that they knew the German did extremely well, but couldn´t defend it, Smith scored in the paint, young German Mayika Linecker Lungongo made an offensive rebound and put back and 25 year old German Sebastian Lenke scored inside as the lane was being taken apart. Tim Oldenburg then tied the score at 32-32 with a free throw, but was quickly erased by an Ebert lay in. Dimsa and Ebert then traded three pointers as Wurzburg led 37-35. Kiel then made the prettiest play of the night finding Tim Oldenburg with the alley-op pass from between the three point line and center court. When you practice with a guy like Johannes Voigtmann each day, one tends to learn from the best as he is the best passing big man in the Beko BBL this season. However then came another nifty play where Sebastian Lenke was standing high waiting to hand off to Ebert, but faked and Frankfurt went with it thinking it would go to Ebert, but instead he was off to the races with the clear route to the rim with the lay in. Ilzhoefer closed out the first half with a buzzer beater mid distance shot as Frankfurt trailed 41-40. “Wurzburg went to zone which made it difficult for us. We fell asleep on defense and didn´t box out well. On offense we had no rhythm and threw the ball away too much”, stressed Johannes Richter. TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademie were shooting 52% from the field and 50% from the three point line and the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 60% from the field and 38% from the three point line. Wurzburg had the 15-13 rebound edge and eight turnovers while Frankfurt had nine turnovers.

The third quarter was back and forth as there were 9 lead changes and at the end of 30 minutes, it was the Fraport Skyliners Juniors with the tight 60-58 lead. In the first few minutes there were already six lead changes. Travis Smith started to get hot scoring inside and riffling home a three pointer. After Marius Nolte who played with Paderborn from 2001-2009 made free throws for the 49-48 Frankfurt lead, it was Smith again nailing a trey for the 51-49 lead. Merz demonstrated in the first quarter with scoring in bunches and did it again now hitting two pull up jumpers from almost the same spot as Frankfurt led 53-51. Both teams were playing with a high intensity and good flow and neither team was in any mood to play a game of runs and having to play catch up basketball. Then it was 20 year old Joanic Gruttner Bacoul scoring inside and making the and one free throw for the 54-53 Wurzburg advantage. Eric Detlev always has needed energy and punch coming from the bench and got exactly that from Lennart Okeke as he dropped a three pointer as Frankfurt led 56-54. Ebert then made free throws to tie the game at 56-56. Then Thompson and Smith traded baskets, but Niklas Kiel free throws gave Frankfurt the 60-58 lead after 30 minutes. “It was a tight quarter where everybody knew what they had to do”, added Tomas Dimsa. “There was a good tempo in the game and that is how we play our game. I feel that if we had kept this up, we would of won”, stressed Travis Smith. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 49% from the field and 35% from the parking lot while TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademie were shooting 50% from the field and 50% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 24-23 rebound edge and 10 turnovers while Wurzburg had 12 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, it looked like the game would be tight until the end, but at the 70-70 mark, it was Tomas Dimsa that supplied the hot hand and rallied his team to victory. Dimsa didn´t waste any time getting hot in the fourth quarter as he got off with an old school hook shot where he supplied some fakes and then executed and then nailed a three pointer as Frankfurt led 65-60. Then it was time for Felix Hoffman to score in bunches again scoring twice. On the second bucket, he was aided by a touchdown pass from Tim Leonhardt as he retrieved the rebound, but Frankfurt still led 65-64.Thompson and Leonhardt then traded three pointers, but Frankfurt led 68-67. After a Dimsa coast to coast off balance lay in and Hoffman three pointer, the game was deadlocked at 70-70 and instead of the game continuing on like this, the turning point came with a basketball run. Frankfurt raced out on a 15-0 run closing the door quickly on TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademie as if they wanted to leave the BCM even quicker to get home to watch RTL show DSDS. The run was dominated by three three pointers with two from Dimsa and one from Thompson as well as Nolte and Ilzhoefer free throws. Even after Maxi kleber of FC Bayern Munich brother Ferdinand Kleber scored inside to cut the Frankurt lead to 85-72, they showed no mercy closing out the game with a tough 9-2 run. The three point game continued to be Frankfurt´s best friend as Garai Zeeb, Thompson and Okeke hit from downtown sending TG Wurzburg home battered. “I had missed so many games this season and didn´t have much game experience that I just wanted to play. My team found me open shots and I made them”, added Tomas Dimsa. “We didn´t execute at the end and Frankfurt took it to another level. We knew that Dimsa could shoot and help stretch the defense. His shooting gave Frankfurt the momentum. You can´t give a home team like that momentum. Our energy level and willingness was there, but just not our execution. If we want to make the playoffs we will have to execute on offense and defense”, warned Travis Smith. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Tomas Dimsa with 24 points. Travis Thompson supplied 18 pooints and Max Merz and Stefan Ilzhoefer had 11 points a piece. TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademie were led by Felix Hoffman with 18 points. Travis Smith had 17 points and Constantin Ebert had 15 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 51% from the field and 42% from outside while TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademir shot 51% from the field and 53% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound duel 31-29 and had 11 turnovers while Wurzburg had 16 turnovers.

Eric Kibi is a 25 year old 198cm forward from Ontario, Canada that recently played for the the Hertener Loewen Basketball (Germany-ProB) playing 3 games: 4.7ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, left in Oct.’15, moved briefly to Luxemburg and now is playing for KK Strsljen Gusinje (Montenegro-Erste Liga) Last season he completed his second season in Germany and first with Basketball Club Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 20,5ppg and 15,0rpg. He started his basketball career in 2008 with Jacksonville College (NJCAA) where he played until 2010. He then played a season with UALR (NCAA) playing 29 games: 4.4ppg, 4.2rpg. He finished his college career in 2012 with Abil.Christian (NCAA2) playing 20 games: 8.2ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 60.0%. In 2012 he started his professional basketball career with Abil.Christian (NCAA2) playing 20 games: 8.2ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 60.0% He then played with Ottawa SkyHawks (NBL Canada): 29 games: 4.4ppg, 4.7rpg. The American spoke to German Hoops about basketball and his new experience in Montenegro.

 

Eric, you have been in Germany, Luxemburg and now are playing in Montenegro. Where did you spend the holiday season and how did you experience it?

Hey Miles thanks for the interviews once again, This time around I didn’t get to go home, my girlfriend lives in Dusseldorf so I spent the holidays there with her. It was a good experience to experience Christmas and New Years in Germany I had a good time.

What new year resolution does Eric Kibi the basketball player and person have?

As a person just want to keep becoming the best man I can be to make my family proud and as a basketball player I just want to keep improving and learning as much as I can about the game to become the best basketball player I can be so I can play at the highest level I can get to.

You are playing your fourth professional season and in your third country so far this season. Do you feel like a basketball nomad this season?

I Definitely do, but I truly feel that everything happens for a reason and God already had this planned before my season even started. I take it as a blessing.

What has been the toughest thing in Europe that you have had to adjust you when seeing so many new teams?

There hasn’t really been one thing that I can point to, I’m pretty good at adjusting to every different situation.

After your disappointing few months in Herten have you been able to totally block it out or so some of your bad shooting nights still linger in your mind?

As an athlete you have to have a short term memory and I definitely have that. If anything it motivated me to push harder and get back to a similar level to show my true self.

What do you believe did you learn from the Herten experience that right away helped you in Luxembourg?

Nothing specific, in Herten I believe I put so much pressure on myself and forgot to just have fun and play basketball.

In Luxemburg you averaged 22,2ppg and 16,1rpg. How good did it feel to be able to dominate again and just know that you hadn´t lost it?

It felt good because there is quality Americans on each team but overall Luxembourg wasn’t really a strong level so it was more an opportunity to work on the things I struggled with in Herten.

Were you very sad that you didn´t stay longer than three months which was the duration of your short term contract? Would there have been the chance to stay longer?`

Not really, this is a business you can’t get attached to places that you play at, it’s not a vacation things can change at any time. I was there to do a job and then move on to a stronger level. I am sure there would have been a chance to stay longer but with how some situations played out there I thought it was best to move to a higher level. I’m thankful for the opportunity there and wish them nothing but the best.

Now you have signed with KK Strsljen Gusinje (Montenegro-Erste Liga). With what kind of expectations are going into this new adventure?

I’m expecting a strong league, from everything I’ve been told by experts the Montenegro first League falls right in between ProB and lower Pro A level so I’m happy to get back to this level and ready to put the work in and help them get some wins. Balkan basketball is also much different, there’s so much quality basketball in the area with countries like Serbia,Hungary, Romania then you also got Croatia and Greece not too too far as well so it’s a good opportunity.

You arrived in Montenegro today. What is your first impression of the country? Have you scoped out a Mcdonalds yet? –

My first thought was I didn’t have the right jacket for this kind of weather, this cold here is on another level. I don’t plan on leaving my apartment too much. I haven’t seen a McDonald’s anywhere, not really a McDonald’s guy but I’m sure I’ll find a favorite dish.

You are coming to a struggling team. The team is averaging only 60ppg. Do you think that you could supply that scoring punch that the team desperately needs?

I definitely think I can do that once I adapt to my teammates and coaches system but the thing I can bring right away that the team is lacking is rebounding so that will be the first thing and then the scoring will come. Ultimately though the goal is to win some games and get this thing back on the right track.

The club lacks total production form the import players. Do you see yourself taking on a leadership role in this capacity?

Yeah I’m more a leader by actions so I plan on doing that. As far as the imports, there have been some changes that I think will definitely help. The owners here are great(A to Z group) they are willing to do anything to bring wins to the organization, so now it’s up to us new imports to produce results.

How do you believe are you maturing as a player this season having had so many experiences in different countries and seeing different styles that you wouldn´t have seen playing in only one place?

I believe I’m coming along well, my shooting numbers have improved throughout the year. The different styles are just really helping me adjust my game to every situation and become more versatile.

The Cleveland Cavaliers fired David Blatt today. How crazy is that? Do you feel that it was a hasty decision by the club?

I’m actually not that surprised, David Blatt seemed like he was in way over his head and didn’t really have the full respect from the players. I think the players will respond better to Tyronn Lue.

On Sunday it´s Brady vs Manning. Who is going to the Superbowl?

I’m not really worried about that game, both of those quarterbacks are boring. I’ve always been more a Cam Newton guy, I think the Cardinals vs Panthers game is going to be awesome.

Have you seen the new Star Wars movie? How does it compare to the other movies in the series?

haha I’m going to be completely honest I’ve never even seen a Star Wars movie, not m style of movies.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was Donnie Brasco with Al Pacino, that’s a classic right there.

Thanks Eric for the chat.

 

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 about basketball before the game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors.

 

 

Travis thanks for talking to German Hoops. This was your second time spending the holiday season in Germany. What have you enjoyed most about the holiday season in Germany that you never saw in Johns Island, South Carolina?

The best thing about the holiday season here are the Christmas Markets. We don’t have anything like them back home.

What new years resolutions have you made for Travis Smith the professional basketball player and person?

As a basketball player, my resolution is to be a more consistent and reliable teammate every day in practice and every game.

TG Wurzburg Baskets Academy suffered a brutal 87-68 loss against Lich last weekend. The club was outscored in every quarter except for the third. Was this just one of those days at the office where nothing really went right?

Lich is a solid well coached team, and they played a very good game. We didn’t play to our potential that night and I didn’t do enough to put my team in the position to win. It was a disappointing performance that we have to learn from and make sure doesn’t happen again.

When looking back at film and the stats, what lesson did the team learn from the game that you won´t make in the next game against Frankfurt?

We have to play together and play to our strengths. We are a very difficult to beat when we do those two things.

You scored 3 points and did also twice this season with Wolfenbuettel against Izehoe and Oldenburg. In a game like against Lich can you feel early that it might just not be your day shooting from the floor?

Yes, those were all very frustrating games for me personally, especially Oldenburg and Lich because my team lost. I have watched all of those games and learned from them realizing the importance of my production for my team’s success.

When your shot isn´t falling, one usually tries to help out in other ways. Did you feel that you were able to help in other areas?

After watching film, not as much as needed to. I can still help in other ways and make the game easier for my teammates even when I’m not shooting as well as usual.

Welcome to Wurzburg. You have joined a very young team filled with many very talented young Germans. What has been your early impression of the club?

The club is very professional and it is great that I can work out and learn from the BBL team. I’m very grateful and am happy to be here.

Has there been any adjustment period for you since coming over from Wolfenbuettel? What is always the most difficult thing when having to join a new team?

The transition of switching teams was a little bit more difficult than I anticipated, but I’m beginning to get comfortable with everything. The most difficult thing is trying to build chemistry with my new teammates and figure out how I can bring a positive addition to a team that already has guys with established roles.

Your scoring average is up a bit while your assists down a bit. Do you have a slightly different role than with Wolfenbuettel?

My role is different here than in Wolfenbüttel. I was needed to be more of an organizer and point guard whereas here in Würzburg my role is more of a scorer and shooting guard.

There are some older Germans on board with Christoph Henneberger and Christian Hoffmann, but as the lone American do you see yourself being a leader and also having the young Germans look up to you?

The team already has set leaders and captains that have been in place since the preseason and I respect that. I voice my opinion but mainly I have been trying to learn how they do things here and figure out how my skills fit in to the team best.

You have worked some weeks now with Constantin Ebert who is seen as a huge talent. How much potential does he have and what do you appreciate most about his game?

Constantin is a very good player and teammate. He is very fast and quick with the ball in his hand and on defense. I believe he has great potential and I enjoy playing with him and competing with him in practice.

The next game is against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors who lost the first game in Wurzburg 92-64. Frankfurt has the size, but Wurzburg is a very good rebounding team and is scrappy.What will be key to getting the win?

The key to this game will be playing to our strengths as a team. Like you said controlling the boards and being scrappy. We will have to stick to get together and play the game our way.

Have you been able to practice with beko BBL team s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg? When you see the guard talent on this team, does the competition success that you have in practice a little satisfaction that you could compete at this level?

I have practiced with the BBL team here some and have really learned a lot. They have a good team and great coaches. There are differences between that level and the level that I’m playing at now but I enjoy it and look forward to the chance to play on that level someday.

How impressed have you been with Dru Joyce? Did you have the courage to ask him something about Lebron yet?

No we haven’t really talked about LeBron much, but Dru has helped me with things on and off the court as a pro. I’m glad I’ve had a chance to be around him and learn from him.

With Kobe Bryant on his farewell tour, what Kobe highlight will you never forget in his long professional career?

I would probably say the playoff series when the Lakers played against Portland back when Kobe was number 8. I really enjoyed watching that and seeing how Kobe controlled the game. I was a fan before that series but after watching that he became one of my favorite players.

Have you seen the new Star Wars? If yes how do you compare it to the rest of the series?

No haven’t had a chance to watch it yet.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Creed, great movie I’m a big Rocky fan.

Thanks Travis for the chat.

 

Justin Hamilton is a 25 year old 213cm center that was born in Newport Beach, California and grew up in Alpine, Utah. He is currently playing in Europe for Valencia Basket (Spain-Liga Endesa). He started his basketball career in 2008 with LSU(NCAA) and as a senior played 32 games averaging 12.7ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 76.6%, IN the summer of 2012 he was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA,2rd(45). He started his professional basketball career in 2012 with KK Cibona VIP Zagreb (Croatia-A1, starting five): Eurocup: 5 games: 7.8ppg, 3.4rpg, 2FGP: 56.0%, FT: 91.7%; Adriatic League: 16 games: 8.1ppg, 5.6rpg, 2FGP: 62.8%, FT: 63.6%, in Jan.’13 moved to VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL): 5 games: 21.8ppg, 9.6rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 61.6%, FT: 86.4%; VTB League: 4 games: 9.3ppg, 5.8rpg. In the 2013-2014 season he played for the Miami Heat (NBA): 7 games: 3.7ppg, 1.0rpg, also played at Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 39 games: 19.2ppg, 9.3rpg, 1.5apg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 80.1%. Last season he played for the Miami Heat (NBA): 24 games: 2.8ppg, 2.0rpg, in Mar.’15 signed at Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA): 17 games: 9.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 82.5%. He spoke to German Hoops recently before the Euro cup game against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg.

 

 

Justin, thanks for talking to German Hoops. After playing your rookie season in Croatia and Latvia, you spent your first Christmas and New Year in Spain. What was it like spending the holiday season in this European country?

 

I had a great Christmas and had my brother in town. It was great spending time with my family. But we had games around Christmas and New Year so it felt like the regular season for me.

 

 

What New Year resolutions have you set for yourself as Justin Hamilton the professional basketball player and the person?

 

I don´t necessarily make New Year resolutions, but moreover set goals in the summer. I just want to keep my goals I set and have a real good year with Valencia.

 

 

How much fun has it been playing for Valencia this season who are 15-0 in the Endesa league and 7-0 in the Eurocup? What is the secret to the success of the team in both competitions?

 

It has been a really good season for us so far. The secret to our success is that we have got a long very well from day one and are all very competitive. We have worked very well together from day one which is very rare in professional sports. We also have very good team chemistry.

 

You are preparing for Eurocup action against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. You were once in Germany this season playing ratiopharm Ulm. What do you know in general about German basketball and it´s country?

 

I don´t know too much about Germany. I actually played against Ulm my rookie season with Cibona as well. I know that there are very good teams and players in the league

 

You were 0-2 against German players Dennis Schroeder and Dirk Nowitzki. Where does a Nowitzki rank with opponents that you will have challenged in the NBA?

I unfortunately didn´t play against Dirk. I was ruled out for the game as I had a minor injury. It was too bad that I couldn´t play, but maybe there will be a chance in the future. I played a few times against Dennis Schroeder. He is very a good player and very very fast. He is always getting better.

 

 

How enjoyable has it been playing together with ex Minnesota Timberwolf Bogdan Dubljevic. What set´s your games apart? You rarely start games together.

 

It has been very enjoyable playing together with him. We usually split quarters. It is very tough for teams to guard us and having us sub in and out and having two quality guys coming. We challenge ourselves very well in practice.

 

 

You can score, rebound and are a powerful shooter from outside. At this stage of your career, what is the most important thing that you want to improve most?

 

I want to improve my consistency most- I am shooting the ball very well now and want to continue that. Teams tend to find a way to take my shot away so now it is important to find the open shots and knock them down.

 

You can do many things well on the court, but what do you feel is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

I think running the court is something that doesn´t always get noticed as much. I am pretty fast overall and just try to outrun guys and take advantage of what they give me. When I am playing against slower guys, I try to use my speed to beat them and when I am matched up against smaller guys use my strength to beat them.

 

 

Last season you split time with the Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves playing a total of 41 NBA games. What did you really cherish about your first full season in the NBA and what didn´t you like so much?

 

I enjoyed getting the opportunity to play in the NBA and get as many minutes as possible. The worst part last season was getting injured with the Miami Heat and missing valuable minutes. I enjoyed playing with the Miami Heat and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

 

What was the most challenging thing about competiting with Chris Anderson on a daily basis and what did you learn from his game?

 

Chris Anderson is a relentless motor. He is one of those guys that just keeps going and going despite getting older. I really enjoyed competiting against him in practice on a daily basis.

 

You really got to see minutes with the Minnesota Timberwolves scoring in double figures 8 times. Wouldn´t this have been the biggest motivation to return to the NBA. Why did you decide to come back to Europe?

 

That is just how it goes sometimes. I had interest here and there. It always depends who signs where especially concerning the high market guys. I wanted to be in a situation where I could keep playing. I felt that Valencia was the best situation for me.

 

You were teammates with Ricky Rubio. What do you remember the most incredible pass him doing in a game or practice?

 

There were so many incredible passes that he made when I was there. Just playing with him was so easy. I remember the first game that I played with him. He made some passes that most other guys can´t make. I was sad when he was out with an ankle injury.

 

 

I watched many Summer League games of you with the Miami Heat in 2014 and since I cover the Fraport Skyliners.

 

Ah yes I remember oh I can´t remember his name.

 

Let me help you Danilo Barthel.

 

Yes.

 

 

You come across many players, but what memories do you have of German forward Danilo Barthel?

 

I remember Danilo having a very good shot and being very athletic for his size. He impressed the Miami Heat very much. He showed up and turned heads at the NBA Summer League.

 

 

What kind of relationship did you have with him? Do you remember any conversations with him about basketball in general?

 

I didn´t have much conversations with Danilo. In the Summer League you get thrown together for a couple of weeks and it´s hard building relationships. I remember him telling me where he was from and where he played. He was a very good guy. He was very competitive and spirited.

 

 

What was your wake up call to be a rookie in Europe in the 2013-2014 season where you knew that you were far away from Utah?

 

I didn´t have a wake up call in the sense of being far away from home as my family is Croatian, but it had to do more with the basketball part. It was a big adjustment mentally as the European way was a lot different than what I saw in the States like having two practices a day.

 

 

You played at LSU for head coach Trent Johnson. How did he groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

Johnson was an old school type of coach. He tells it how it is and makes you work. He had coached many big guys that had gone to the NBA and kind of steered me on that path. He always told me to work on my game and do the little things.

 

 

Have you heard any classic Jack Sikma stories or does Luke hold back from telling any?

 

Luke tells a few here and there. Actually Jack was here at Christmas time. It was good to see him. They are a great family.

 

 

Have you seen the new Star Wars movie? What was your impression and how did you like it compared to the earlier ones?

 

I did see it and I thought it was a good movie. I thought they did a good job going on from the first movies to this one. I am excited to see where they will take it to.

 

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

Agent 47 Hit man.

 

Thanks Justin for the chat.