Orlan Jackman is a 27 year old 201cm forward that started the season with CAB Madeira (Portugal-LPB) playing 6 games and averaging 11.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3FGP: 42.9%, FT: 47.6%, in Dec.’15 moved to Worcester Wolves (BBL). Last season he played with the NOMA Iserlohn Kangaroos (Germany-ProB)playing 28 games averaging 16.0ppg, 8.4rpg, 2.7apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 73.1% He started his basketball career at Seminole State (JUCO).He then played two years at Oklahoma City University (NAIA): 27 games: 13.4ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 69.6%. In 2012 he started his professional basketball career with the London Lions (BBL) playing 30 games: 16.0ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 60.8%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Today it´s Christmas. Have you got all your Christmas gifts for 2015?

I wish I got all my gifts! My gf gave be mine early but that’s it.

When it comes to the Christmas season are you totally able to stay away from giving that basketball gift or is there always something that you give that is basketball related?

All the people I give gifts to don’t really like basketball apart from when I’m playing so that’s not a problem

It was a long summer for you in that it took you a little longer than usual to get signed. Did you get a bit nervous as the summer wore on and you still hadn´t been signed?

Nah, I didn’t get nervous because I had confidence in my ability to play for the fans of basketball

Last season for the NOMA Iserlohn Kangaroos (Germany-ProB) you were one of the top players in that league playing 28 games: 16.0ppg, 8.4rpg, 2.7apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 73.1%. Why wasn´t there more interest from teams in Germany? You should have deserved a chance from a Pro A team or at least stayed in Pro B moving to an ambitious team looking to move up?

I wanted to play in Pro A or the BBL, I still do but I took what I had and now I’m here & I have a job to do so I’ve have to win as much as possible so I can get a championship!

You finally got signed by CAB Madeira (Portugal-LPB). With what kind of expectations did you to that team? Was it difficult focusing at first on basketball considering the island is like paradise?

I had high expectations but it wasn’t like I thought it would be. The island is extremely nice and it is a distraction but I was hired as a professional so I had to focus and that’s what I did.

When you got there, you won the first game against Electricio FC, but then lost the next 5 games. Was it a total shock after that first win that the team didn´t win anymore games?

Losing always sucks. When you’re a competitor, all you want do is win! So losing is always hard to take

Would you classify the Portugal LPB league somewhere in between German Pro A and Pro B or different?

That’s just where I will put it. I would of put it in the Pro B category but they’ve got Euro Cup teams so they have to be better.

You held your own averaging 11,0ppg, 4,2rpg and 1,5spg in 6 games. What were the main reasons that you had to go so early?

It was a mutual decision.

What lesson did you learn in Portugal that will help you in the future should you come across adversary within an organization?

All you can do is perform on the court! Everything else is out of your hands but don’t give them any reason to complain!

It didn´t take you long to land a new job and you are back in your home country the UK joining the Worcester Wolves. How happy are you to be back playing in the BBL?

I’m so happy about playing back in the BBL! Playing in front of family and friends is a blessing!

You have stepped in having no problems adjusting and led the team to a big 108-92 win against Surrey where you netted 27 points. Is this the perfect situation for you?

The perfect situation will be playing in the best league in the world!

The team is in third place and the race is tight at the top of the standings. Is winning the league title something that you have felt is in the thoughts of your teammates?

Yes! We want to win and that’s what I’ve brought in to do.

The team is stacked with many experienced guys especially Spaniard Javier Mugica and Pavol Lonsonsky. How vital will these guys be in your development as the season progresses?

Guys with experience always have valuable information to pass on, I’m always trying to learn as that’ll make me become the best player that I can be!

They have many scoring options, but do you see yourself possibly being the defensive stopper as you have quickly demonstrated your worth at the defensive end?

Defense wins games! I’m trying to help my team win games as much as possible! If that means stopping the other teams best player then that’s what I’m going to try and do.

You played two seasons in Germany. What do you miss most from the country and it´s basketball?

My teammates and the family community in Iserlohn.

If Matthias Grothe knocked on your door in Worcester wearing a Santa Claus costume and had a sack of gifts what do you think he would give to you as a special present?

Some ball handling drills and a poker table so we can play like when we were in Iserlohn.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Paid In Full.

 

Thanks Orlan for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brandon Lockhart is a 25 year old 185cm guard from St Louis, Missouri that is playing hiss econd professional season and first with German team Giants Nordlingen. AS a rookie he played for BK Levicki Patrioti (Slovakia-Extraliga) playing 34 games: Score-5(16.7ppg), 3.8rpg, Assists-5(4.3apg), Steals-1(3.0spg), FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 28.5%, FT: 78.9%. He played at Drury (NCAA2) from 2009-2013 and as a senior played 35 games averaging 12.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 6.1apg, 2.9spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 48.3%, FT: 77.1%. He spoke to german hoops after the 73-69 win against the Licher Basket Baeren.

 

Congrats Brandon on the 73-69 win in Lich. How important was it setting the tone right from the start scoring 25 points in the first quarter. Was there already a small mental advantage early for Nordlingen on the Lich home court?

Getting off to a good start was really important because Lich is a very good offensive team and can cause problems for teams if they come out hitting shots. A good start allowed us to gain confidence and keep their crowd out of it for most of the beginning.

The game was very tight in the fourth quarter. Lich forward Elijah Allen kept Lich in the game. What made it so hard to stop him tonight?

When a really good player sees a couple shots go in, they become really tough to stop because they play with supreme confidence then. We allowed Elijah to see 1 or 2 shots go in and then it seemed like every thing he shot in the 2nd half found the net. He is a talented player that gained confidence as the game went on, so all we could try and do is make each shot he took challenging and live with the result.

Nordlingen kept Lich scoreless for three minutes in the fourth down the stretch while you scored 8 points to secure the win. What was key in the last minutes to seal the win on offense and defense?

Our defense down the stretch was definitely key. We got off to a really good start on defense that allowed us to build a big lead and then allowed them to hit a bunch of 3s in the 2nd half to make the game interesting. Finding our defensive again in the final minutes of the fourth quarter was the key to the victory more so than our offense.

Janek Schmidkunz shot 9/18 in the last two big wins against Team Ehingen and Lich. How much has he matured on the court with his game since the loss in Frankfurt?

Janek has been a key player for us all year even when he is not hitting shots because we know he is going to give us everything he has each game. He is one of our captains and has taken on more of a vocal leadership role for us as the season has progressed. He has been really important to the success we have been experiencing as of late.

Schmidkunz has scored in double figures in every game this season. Where would the team be now without his timely shooting?

We would not be the team we are because when he makes shots, the game becomes easier for everyone around him. Other players are able to find easier openings because teams are focused on not letting him beat them.

Nordlingen goes into the Christmas break with a 4 game winning streak. Has the more consistent defense been the most impressive thing in this winning streak?

I think so because we have had some games that we did not produce our best offensive numbers. So being able to play good defense and not let games get away from us when have rough offensive nights has been the key to this winning streak.

Nordlingen goes into the Christmas break with a record of 7-5. What is your team summary after 12 games?

That there is still a lot of room for improvement. We may have a record above .500 but there are still a bunch of things that we can clean up on both sides of the ball. We know what these areas are and will be looking to correct them as the season continues.

How proud are you of the team that they have turned the season around despite losing captain Fabian Brutting after the third game?

Really proud because when you lose a player and leader the likes of Fabian, it can really hurt your season if the team doesn’t rally together. Not one individual can provide what Fabian brings to the team, it takes a group effort which I believe we have done and is something we all should be proud of.

At the beginning of the season Nordlingen had problems in crunch time losing to Frankfurt, Leipzig and Elchingen, but now have won close games in the last weeks against Weissenhorn and now Lich. Is there more trust within each other in tight times on the court?

I think those games that we lost early in the season really prepared us for the close games we have had and the possible ones in the future. We were able to learn from some of the mistakes we made during those games and not allow them to happen again. Trust within each other has always been there. I just believe that we now know what to do when the game gets closer towards the end.

Your averaging 15,6ppg, 2,9rpg and 4,3apg. How happy have you been with your play? You have scored in double figures in every game. Is there anything too complain about?

I’m happy but not satisfied because there are definitely things to complain about. There is always room for improvement in the game of basketball. I know for sure that I need to cut down on unforced turnovers after the break. I’m sure I have allowed my man to beat me 1v1 a few times too many which hurts our team defense. But I’m just going to go out there each game and be the best I can be on that night and give everything I have for my teammates and coaches.

In what other areas can you focus on in your game in the second half of the season? Your averaging 1,9spg. Do you measure your defense on your success from last season in Slovakia where you led the league with 3,0spg. Can you still get even more aggressive on defense while staying out of foul trouble?

I do not really measure my defense on stats such as steals. It’s more about the things that do not show up on the stat sheet such as stopping your man 1v1, being in good help position, and helping finish defensive possessions with a rebound. Things like that are much more important I feel than steal stats. There may be more chances for me to be aggressive for more steals here and there but those will come from having good defensive fundamentals. I take care of those and the steal stats will come.

What are your team and individual goals in the second half of the season?

My goals are in line with the goals of the team which are to get better each day so we can continue to make a push at a playoff spot.

What was your fondest childhood memory of Christmas?

Baking Christmas treats with the family for Santa (Mom & Dad) to eat while my brother and I were sleeping. It’s something we always would do as a family and is something that I will always cherish!

What was the last movie that you saw?

How The Grinch Stole Christmas.

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

 

Janek Schmidkunz is a 24 year old 183cm point guard that is playing his first season for the Giants Nordlingen He started his basketball career with Central Hoops Berlin (Regionalliga) in 2008. He then also got further experience at ALBA Berlin II (Regionalliga). He then went to the states and played at Amer.Internat. (NCAA2) from 2010-2014 playing a total of 86 NCAA games and as a senior played 26 games: 10.9ppg, 2.1rpg, FGP: 38.5%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 61.5%. Last season he played for the MLP Academics Heidelberg (ProA) playing 21 games averaging 1.4ppg He spoke to German Hoops after the 73-69 win against the Licher Basket Baeren.

 

Congrats Janek on the 73-69 win in Lich. How important was it setting the tone right from the start scoring 25 points in the first quarter

. Thanks. I think that we have profited all year long from setting the tone early on and putting ourselves in a good position to win those games. So yes, it was extremely important, but as the game showed we struggled again with keeping the distance and not letting the opponent back in the game. We can be more relentless and finish games off earlier. But then, we won this game and that’s what mattered.

Was there already a small mental advantage early for Nordlingen on the Lich home court?

Yes and no. I think we have played extremely well in our last 6 to 7 games and we are confident that we can win games as long as we play our style. Lich on the other hand, had a game which they needed to win to not fall behind in the standings. We knew we had to come out strong and not allow them to gain confidence early on. That we did well.

The game was very tight in the fourth quarter. Lich forward Elijah Allen kept Lich in the game. What made it so hard to stop him tonight?

We lost our rhythm after the first quarter and took the foot off the gas. Lich sensed that and once they saw a chance to get back in the game, their confidence level increased. A player like Allen used that confidence and really played big for them. He is a physical strong player that when hot can hit tough shots and really hurt you, because it forces you to guard him on the perimeter and the post.

Nordlingen kept Lich scoreless for three minutes in the fourth down the stretch while Brandon Lockhart scored 8 points to secure the win. What was key in the last minutes to seal the win on offense and defense?

Well simple, stop them on defense and put points on the board. We stopped them every time when they had a chance to take the lead and used the momentum to score ourselves. Brandon did great attacking the rim out of high pick and rolls which they didn’t really have an answer for.

You have shot 9/18 in the last two big wins against Team Ehingen and Lich. How much have you matured on the court since the loss in Frankfurt?

I think I matured as much as I expected to mature throughout a season. Losses and bad performances can help you if you figure out what you have to do better. I also think that my confidence in my abilities has gotten bigger and I adjusted what needed to be adjusted.

You have scored in double figures in every game this season. How good does it feel to be the leading scorer as a German before the two talented Americans Talbert and Lockhart?

To be honest, it feels much better to look back on winning 6 out of the last 7 games knowing that I played my part in the team’s success. Who ends up scoring the most points doesn’t really affect the way we feel about it. I think what makes me more happy is the fact that I have been able to be consistent with my contribution.

Nordlingen goes into the Christmas break with a 4 game winning streak. Has the more consistent defense been the most impressive thing in this winning streak?

After early losses, we as a team made a commitment to the defensive end. It wasn’t necessarily the defending part we struggled with, but more the rebounding aspect. We just didn’t put enough stops together due to our lack of defensive rebounding. The improvement on that part has made us a much better defensive team.

Nordlingen goes into the Christmas break with a record of 7-5. What is your team summary after 12 games?

Got to correct you, it’s actually 8-5. I think our summary is that there is no team that we cannot compete with. We are also aware that you have to earn every single win in this league. If we keep approaching games the way we have of late, we are going be where we want to be at the end of the year. We still have a long way to go.

How proud are you of the team that they have turned the season around despite losing captain Fabian Brutting after the third game?

Extremely proud, we were in a really rough situation after losing Fabi. He gives you so much on and off the court and plays basketball the right way. We play a small rotation and losing a key player is extremely hard to compensate. Players stepped up and adding Leo Vrkas increased our rotation again. Fabi has been with us and we can’t wait to have him back out there.

At the beginning of the season Nordlingen had problems in crunch time losing to Frankfurt, Leipzig and Elchingen, but now have won close games in the last weeks against Weissenhorn and now Lich. Is there more trust within each other in tight times on the court?

I think for one, we learned from those losses and wanted to make sure that they don’t happen again. Then, saying that is one part, the other is doing it. I think the trust plays a huge part and even more important, we stick together on the court. I had the feeling that early on in the year that chemistry wasn’t as advanced as it has been lately.

How happy have you been with your play? You have scored in double figures in every game. Is there anything too complain about?

Sure, there is always something that I can and must do better. Last game, I fouled out when the team needed me. I was glad we won, but I was somewhat disappointed about leaving my team hanging. If we can continue to pull together wins, the complaining will be not as much though regardless of the amount of points I score.

In what other areas can you focus on in your game in the second half of the season?

I want to make sure that I play my part in leading the team. We started something, where I have the feeling all of us want to be part of this team and give it their all. Improving my leadership is something I want to focus on.

What are your team and individual goals in the second half of the season?

Our goal as a team is still to play in the playoffs. Individually, do what the team needs me to do to reach that goal. I really don’t need to set myself any specific goals other than to continue to improve and contribute to our success.

What was your fondest childhood memory of Christmas?

There have been many. The most important is probably the quality time I got to spend with the family. I started to cherish those moments even more once I started to live further away from home.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I believe it was St. Vincent starring Bill Murray and Melissa McCarthy.

Thanks Janek for the chat.

 

32 months or 2 years and eight months may seem like an eternity for a person living life in a jail cell, but this period of time in basketball terms can also be seen as a very long time as each season is filled with many normal events, exciting times or very special moments so not having experienced the famous basketball Hessen derby between the Fraport Skyliners and the five time BBL champion Giessen 46ers in this time has been an event that has been dearly missed. Having to move down to the German Pro A in 2013 was for many hard core Giessen fans a tragedy and horror experience like it may be for the most staunch George Clooney fans having to refrain from watching the comical Nespresso commercials, but in reality it was really a positive act in disguise as the team got a new identity as it was led back to the Beko BBL from new head coach Denis Wucherer. They have built on their strong team chemistry over this time and may be in a position now that they never would have been had they remained in the league tip toeing near the end of the standings season after season. The last time that these two club´s faced off against each other it was a spring evening in April 2013 where the Fraport Skyliners annihilated the Giessen 46ers 95-57 as Giessen had a completely ripped roster as they played with 8 Germans and a few imports as the club money woes had increased and two players with Ryan Brooks and Laquan Prowell had fled to Frankfurt in mid -season. Current players on the roster now that played then were Quantez Robertson, Johannes Voigtmann, Konstantin Klein and Max Merz breathed his first BBL minutes. The ex Giessen players that had made the trek down to Frankfurt and another ex player with Zach Peacock combined for 59 points to do in their ex team and give a last present before the team moved down. It was a long wait, but both teams finally met again as the sixth placed Fraport Skyliners who had a record of 8-4 and came off a very convincing win in Europe Cup action keeping their 7 game winning streak alive creaming Swedish team Sodertalje Kings 95-64 where their offense was clicking again like a fine tuned Formula One car met the 10^th placed Giessen 46ers who had a 5-7 record and were reeling off a 87-61 blowout loss against FC Bayern Munich. Before an almost full house 0f 4,940 patrons, the Fraport Skyliners played an all-around very strong defensive game, but their potent offense from their last Europe Cup win against Swedish team Sodertalje where they smacked the opponent for 95 points was somewhere in between hiding in Copenhagen, Denmark as it just wasn´t there, but was just good enough to win 66-55. “If we hadn´t played defense so well, we wouldn´t have won. Our good rebounding was key as well as many second chances. We didn´t shoot well, but compensated it for our good defense. Giessen switched a lot taking us out of our offense which led us to more 1-1 play. We had way too many turnovers, but our rebounding and hustle plays led us to the win”, stressed German national player Johannes Voigtmann who finished with 7 points and eight boards. The Giessen 46ers gave it a big fight and like Frankurt defended very well, but just had no consistency on offense and couldn´t hit timely shots down the stretch. “Rebounding was the key as they outrebounded us by 20 meaning they got 10 shots more and won by 11. It was an ugly game. We defended very well, but it was one of those games where shots weren´t falling for neither team”, added ex Rent4Office guard Braydon Hobbs. Going into the game Ingelwood, New Jersey native Jordan Theodore was doubtful because of a hamstring injury, but then all of a sudden he was on the court. Theodore being on the court and playing wasn´t by free choice, but because he had to. “My rehab is going well, but I wasn´t supposed to play, but the team needed me. Konstantin Klein was sick so I had to play. I couldn´t really do anything on offense. I hadn´t practiced since the Berlin game and was exhausted. I think that rebounding was the key. Giessen defended well and got us out of our sets. We got stops when we needed to and we have to stick to what we do well and that is move the ball. Giessen didn´t let us do that. I am just happy that we got the win”, stressed ex Seton hall guard Jordan Theodore.

The game quickly turned into a hard fought game where the intensity was very high for both teams. Aggressive defense was on the menu of both clubs right from the start as a lackadaisical stroll through the garden it was not, but a game where both teams had to work very hard for getting good shots. The Fraport Skyliners got on the scoreboard first as Frankfurt showcased their controlled offense as Voigtmann operated out of the post whipping the ball to Illinois native John Little who penetrated in from the wing and hit the floater. Giessen countered with Nigeria native Suleiman Braimoh connecting with an open jumper. Both teams were trying to get in rhythm on offense and Frankfurt did first going on a 6-2 run to lead 9-4. In the run, it was Cincinnati native Quantez Robertson who became a father for the second time last week found his shooting touch early dropping a step back trey over Cameron Wells, Voigtmann jammed home a put back off the Aaron Doornekamp miss and Robertson made a lay in while Hobbs hit a runner. Giessen then stopped the Frankfurt run with their own 5-0 run to dead lock the game at 9-9 as Hobbs kept them in the game with timely shooting hitting a three and ex Rice(NCAA) forward Braimoh made a lay in on transition. Despite Frankfurt having a few lapses on defense, they were able to close out the first quarter with a 10-2 run to lead 19-11 as they had the overall better offense that had many more options to work from than what Giessen got from the Frankfurt defense. In the Frankfurt run, they got scoring production from 5 guys as sharing the ball and executing reappeared back on the menu after having some ups and downs in the first 6 minutes. Robertson started the run with a hard two handed dunk as Voigtmann found him back door, The German big man than sunk a three pointer, young German Stefan Ilzhoefer who had been battling injuries for two years found much playing time due to the absence of Klein nailed a tough off balance bank shot and Theodore saved the best for last for Beko BBL showtime leading the charge on the fast break and making the perfect behind the back pass to the trailer Mike Morrison as he made a nasty two handed dunk to send the Fraport arena into a frenzy. “Frankfurt played unselfish on offense as they don´t care who scores. They did a good job waiting until the end of the shot clock and had good ball movement”, added ex TV Langen center Martinis Woody. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 47% from the field and 25% from outside while Giessen was shooting 33% from the field and 17% from outside. Frankfurt had the 11-7 rebound edge and three turnovers while Giessen had 5 turnovers.

In the second quarter, The Fraport Skyliners played their best basketball as they had their biggest lead of 15 points as their offense was clicking and their defense was driving Giessen crazy as they couldn´t find any rhythm whatsoever. The Fraport Skyliners jumped on Giessen quickly with a 6-0 run started by Jordan Theodore who got the team some energy with fast break points and a free throw. Doornekamp then netted a trey off the fast break as Frankfurt extended their lead to 25-11. Frankfurt was playing nonstop defense just seemingly being all over the court, anticipating Giessen´s every next move as if they had seen their play book, getting in the passing lanes, making deflections and just making offensive life for Giessen very difficult. Then came some instant offense as both teams traded three pointers as Robertson, ex Bamberg guard Karsten Tadda, Heidelberg native Danilo Barthel, Braimoh and Doornekamp all sunk three pointers and Frankfurt still had the very comfortable advantage at 34-19. Frankfurt got a bit sloppy at the end losing concentration and letting the Giessen 46ers crawl into halftime with a 5-2run to trail 36-24. Braimoh converted on the screen and roll with Hobbs and then blocked Morrison inside giving his team the needed energy at that juncture. Morrison made a tip in off a Theodore miss and ex Kirchheim Knight Benjamin Lischka nailed free throws. “Giessen was all over the place on offense because Frankfurt was very aggressive smacking at the ball. Giessen panicked and didn´t let the game come to them. Frankfurt lost focus at the end as some starters had foul problems. Robertson really stepped up at the point guard position and did what a captain should”, added South Carolina native Martinis Woody. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 40% from the field and 40% from the three point line while the Giessen 46ers were shooting 33% from the field and 25% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 23-16 rebound edge and seven turnovers while Giessen had 11 turnovers.

In the third quarter, what could have become a 20 point lead for the Fraport Skyliners turned into only a seven point lead as they allowed the Giessen 46ers back into the game. Giessen came into the third quarter more aggressive going on a 7-2 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 38-31. In the run, Giessen got production from three different players as Braimoh nailed a three pointer, Cuban Yorman Polas a turn-around jumper and ex Citadel(NCAA) guard Cameron Wells a step back jumper. For the first time in the game the Giessen offense was flowing as it was more stable and patient instead of hectic. Gordon Herbert took a time out and Frankfurt reappeared back on the court and answered with a 6-0 run to extend their lead to 44-31. In the run, Frankfurt got buckets from Robertson who drove and muscled home two points, Barthel hit free throws and Voigtmann nailed his bread and butter 20 footer. However Frankfurt was unable to keep their consistency as a combination of the annoying aggressive Giessen defense and bad decisions of Frankfurt helped propel Giessen on an unexpected 12-3 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 47-43 as the Giessen fan corner got louder and louder. In the run, Giessen let good defense spark their offense as Ohio native Hobbs executed on two three pointers, Tadda used the advantage of the Frankfurt fifth team foul at the 3,33 minute mark with free throws and ex Bamberg center Gabriel Olaseni played pick and roll with Tadda making the lay in. However Frankfurt didn´t allow Giessen to get any further as they found some offense in the last few minutes to lead 53-46 after 30 minutes. Theodore and Little connected on free throws and Theodore hit a runner at the end. “The start of the third was good for us as we hit our first three shots which was something new in this game. This opened up the floor for us and things offensively became more easy for us. We trapped better on the ball and Frankfurt didn´t make shots that the normally would”, stressed Giessen 46er guard Braydon Hobbs. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 38% from the field and 39% from the parking lot while the Giessen 46ers were shooting 42% from the field and 32% from the parking lot. Frankfurt led the rebound duel 32-21 and had 12 turnovers while Giessen had 14 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, the Fraport Skyliners were able to extend to their lead as the Giessen 46ers had their chances, but couldn´t find consistency with their shooting. The Fraport Skyliners sealed the win in the first few minutes taking advantage of the Giessen brick fest going on a 8-0 run to extend their lead to 61-46 as the club got back to back three pointers from Theodore and Barthel and Morrison made a two handed dunk. Despite Frankfurt reaching the 5 team foul limit at 4.45, Giessen couldn´t take advantage of this early quarter luxury either. Giessen did go on a 5-0 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 61-51 as Wells made free throws and Polas dropped a three pointer. However then both teams just missed shot after shot as Giessen got their chances, but just couldn´t execute for points. Frankfurt then got real sloppy as they got a 5 second violation, but Tadda then coughed up the ball missing another opportunity. Frankfurt continued to be without points as Giessen was able to add on to their 5-0 run from earlier and go on a 4-1 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 62-55 as Hobbs made free throws and Tadda a pull up jumper. However Giessen couldn´t make crucial shots now and ex Auburn star Quantez Robertson sealed the win on the ugly game with 4 free throws. “Sometimes the ball falls and sometimes it doesn´t and that was the case for Giessen. Tez sealed the win for us with free throws. We wanted it more”, stressed Jordan Theodore. “Shots weren´t falling for us that normally do. We didn´t execute the way we should have and also got some dumb fouls at the end”, added Braydon Hobbs. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Quantez Robertson with 20 points. Jordan Theodore added 11 points and Danilo Barthel contributed 10 points. The Giessen 46ers were led by Yorman Polas and Braydon Hobbs with 13 points a piece and Suleiman Brahimoh added 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 37% from the field and 36% from outside while the Giessen 46ers shot 34% from the field and 26% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound battle 47-27, but had an unacceptable 20 turnovers while Giessen had 17 turnovers.

Jordan Talbert is a 24 year old 198cm forward from Little Rock, Arkansas that is playing his second professional season with the Giants Nordlingen. He came to Germany as a rookie last season and played with the Giants TSV 1861 Noerdlingen (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 26 games: 21.6ppg, 9.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, Blocks-4(1.5bpg), FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 28.9%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college career at Missouri SO(NCAA2) from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 31 games averaging 11.7ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 70.1%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 73-69 win against the Licher Basket Baeren.

 

 

 

Congrats Jordan on the 73-69 win in Lich. How important was it setting the tone right from the start scoring 25 points in the first quarter. Was there already a small mental advantage early for Nordlingen on the Lich home court?

Yes its always important to have a good start to the game especially away games. I don’t think there was a mental advantage. We just were fortunate to have Janek out there making shots and take their fans out of the game early.

The game was very tight in the fourth quarter. Lich forward Elijah Allen kept Lich in the game. What made it so hard to stop him tonight?

He really had his shot going against us. When a scorer feels good and is making shots they’re really tough to stop. We did a good job of weathering the storm and still maintained control of the game.

Nordlingen kept Lich scoreless for three minutes in the fourth down the stretch while Brandon Lockhart scored 8 points to secure the win. What was key in the last minutes to seal the win on offense and defense?

On offense Brandon did a great job of putting pressure on their defense by attacking the basket and getting to the free throw line. On defense we really wanted to allow Elijah only tough shots and focus on getting defensive rebounds.

Janek Schmidkunz shot 9/18 in the last two big wins against Team Ehingen and Lich. How much has he matured on the court with his game since the loss in Frankfurt?

He has continued to play huge for us and carry us offensively most games. I think he has the ultimate confidence in his shot and we have the ultimate confidence in him to make them for us.

Schmidkunz has scored in double figures in every game this season. Where would the team be now without his timely shooting?

We would definitely be struggling if it weren’t for him, but that can be said about majority of our players. We all have a specific role and we wouldn’t be successful as a team if we didn’t come and perform our role.

Nordlingen goes into the Christmas break with a 4 game winning streak. Has the more consistent defense been the most impressive thing in this winning streak?

I think our defense has definitely improved. Chris and Leo have given us great effort on the defensive end during our run. Hopefully we can keep this up into the year 2016.

 

Nordlingen goes into the Christmas break with a record of 7-5. What is your team summary after 12 games?

We’re actually 8-5 and we’re pleased right now with our standing. After starting the season 2-4, giving a couple games away in the finals minutes, we came together as a team and set a goal of going into the break with this record. Accomplishing our goal of winning 6 out of 7 has been a great boast to our confidence.

How proud are you of the team that they have turned the season around despite losing captain Fabian Brutting after the third game?

Losing Fabi was definitely a huge blow. He’s such a vital part to our team we had to adjust and do it quickly. Bringing Leo has definitely helped, he’s done a great job with his shooting and defense which is a reason why we adjusted so well.

At the beginning of the season Nordlingen had problems in crunch time losing to Frankfurt, Leipzig and Elchingen, but now have won close games in the last weeks against Weissenhorn and now Lich. Is there more trust within each other in tight times on the court?

Yea after losing those games the way we did. I think we’ve become more focused on the details and more of a cohesive unit since then. Our chemistry continues to improve which has shown over the past games.

Your averaging 16 points and 12 rebounds. How happy have you been with your play? Those are good stats, but on a team that has scorers with Brandon Lockhart and Janek Schmidkunz do you believe that increasing your stats will be possible?

Personally I’ve been up and down with the judgement of my play. Increasing my stats is definitely possible but it’s surely not my main focus. Winning is the number 1 goal and whatever it takes is what I’m willing to do. I just want to continue going out and putting a great effort and let the stats speak for themselves.

In what other areas can you focus on in your game in the second half of the season?

I want/have to continue to rebound the ball in order for us to win. My shooting needs to improve and I believe that will happen in second half too. Of course I have to play defense at a high level also.

What are your team and individual goals in the second half of the season?

Team goals for us is to just get some good momentum coming into the playoffs and get the best position possible. Individuals goals for myself is to just keep doing what I’m doing to help the team. Make sure I maintain my effort and intensity and not worry about anything else.

What is your fondest memory of Skyler Bowlin on the court at Missouri So? He made the MIAA all defensive team all 4 seasons. He said he has seen you go from a role player to a complete player. How did he help you as a freshman?

I was able to spend 2 seasons with Sky and I learned so many things from him during that time. During my redshirt freshman year I remember that I would always come into the locker room to take a nap in between classes. During that time he would be in the locker room too drenched in sweat from a workout he just did by himself. While I was sleeping he was always working. And to see his improvement just from his junior to senior season I already knew why. He was a leader in every way possible and that definitely motivated me to work on my craft the much harder.

What was your fondest childhood memory of Christmas?

There are so many, its hard just to pick one. Anytime I think of Christmas I just think of all the family time spent together. Not just with my family but with my close friends families also. Those moments you never forget.

 

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

Crazy, Stupid, Love. Awesome movie.

 

Thanks Jordan for the chat.

 

 

 

 

One can never truly predict how a basketball game will turn out, but one can always dream what can happen, but the Fraport Skyliners Juniors and position one team Ehingen supplied an exciting ending in their first contest on the road as the home team looked like the sure winner as German journey man Tobias Jahn scored with three seconds remaining and it seemed like Frankfurt would go home thinking about the last seconds of the 76-75 loss in their 3 hour drive, but instead there was a basketball god in the schwaben land tipping his wan in the direction of head coach Eric Detlev and company as German Christopher Wolf was hit with a foul on 2014 NBBL rookie of the year Niklas Kiel with one second remaining. Kiel stepped up to the free throw line and with full concentration as if he had been in the league for 10 years sunk both shots giving Frankfurt the big 77-76 win on the road. Last weekend Travis Thompson had one of those nights where he didn´t see the ocean, but space when looking at the rim as he sunk 36 points and 10 three pointers helping the Fraport Skyliners Juniors to a huge 95-57 victory. Now back to the dreaming. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors and Team Ehingen Urspring were playing the last game of 2015 and a perfect pre Christmas basketball offering for the fans would have been a combination of another tight last second win coupled with another red hot shooting evening from Alaska native Travis Thompson. One can always dream, but in reality the fans in the BCM saw a pre-Christmas offensive showdown as defense took a back seat and the players of both teams were regularly handing out Christmas gifts in terms of beautiful shots and plays, but in crunch time Ehingen was the smarter team, executed better and had more energy as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had to play with a depleted roster as only eight players played. “If the home team gives up 96 points then one shouldn´t be surprised about losing. It was a wide open game with a lot of energy from both teams, but neither played consequent defense throughout the game. We made too many easy mistakes on defense and didn´t have discipline. We had a thin roster, but we still could of won”, warned Fraport Skyliners Juniors head coach Eric Detlev. For Team Ehingen who came into the game in first place and a 9-2 record had a tough battle and could never shake the Fraport Skyliners Juniors who stayed with the deeper team throughout the game. “The first game against Frankfurt was a heartbreaking loss with the Niklas Kiel free throws at the end and we wanted to come back and play with a lot of energy. Frankfurt is a very well coached team and played a very good first half. The third quarter went back and forth, but we had that little extra in the fourth and things just went our way”, stressed Team Ehingen forward Daniel Berger. Frankfurt didn´t play well for 37 minutes, but came into the fourth quarter not being able to handle Team Ehingen the way they wanted. “We played well for 30 minutes. We gave up 30 points in the fourth. That can´t happen. We didn´t defend well and get enough stops”, added Fraport Skyliners forward Stefan Ilzhoefer.

Team Ehingen jumped all over the Fraport Skyliners Juniors right off the bat taking a quick 8-2 lead. Their offense was clicking as Oregon native Daniel Berger connected on a pull up jumper, ex Hanau forward Tobias Jahn scored inside getting the quick feed from Maximilian Eisele and the 2014 NBBL finalist then nailed a three pointer. Frankfurt had problems adjusting to the Ehingen zone, but then found a hang of it as last weeks hero Mr 10 three point sniper Travis Thompson connected on a trey and ex Bamberg center Johannes Richter made a hook shot cutting the Team Ehingen lead to 8-7. Frankfurt had completed a 5-0 run, but would continue to execute in fine fashion going on a 7-3 run to get their first lead of the game at 14-11. After a Jahn three pointer, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to play great inside out basketball as the two bigs Richter and Oldenburg harmonized well both scoring and Ilzhoefer dropped a three pointer. However basketball wouldn´t be basketball if there weren´t runs as Team Ehingen slapped Frankfurt in the face with a 7-0 run to gather the lead back at 18-14. In the run, Team Ehingen got support from Eisele and 208cm forward Noah Aghgas with buckets inside and 37 year old Radivoj Tomasevic who played 25 Beko BBL games with Tuebingen dropped a three pointer. The game was even now as Richter made a lay in and ex TV Langen forward Kevin Luyeye made a tip in at the buzzer as Team Ehingen led 20-18. “We had a good rhythm on offense with good ball movement and were hitting open shots. Richter and Oldenburg had good high low play”, stressed Fraport Skyliners Juniors forward Niklas Kiel. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 67% from the field and 40% from outside while Team Ehingen were shooting 50% from the field and 43% from outside. Team Ehingen had the 8-4 rebound edge and both teams had three turnovers a piece.

In the second quarter, the game remained wide open as no team led by more as six points, but the Fraport Skyliners Juniors did lead 47-45 at halftime. Fraport Skyliners Junior Lenny Okeke got the first smiles of the second quarter hitting a big bank shot from outside where one had to wonder if he had planned it that way as Frankfurt led 21-20. Then came the lightening strike from ex Bayreuth guard Radivoj Tomasevic who nailed two consecutive three pointers to give Team Ehingen the 26-21 lead. Despite getting that three point explosion from Team Ehingen, it didn´t startle Frankfurt as they returned with a 12-2 run to give Frankfurt the 31-28 advantage as Richter dropped a three pointer and Ilzhoefer gave his team some serious instant energy scoring in bunches with a jumper, lay in and bomb from downtown. Jahn gave Team Ehingen some instant energy with two buckets while Thompson made a floater and Daniel Berger made an off balance shot tying the game at 34-34. Runs kept going back and forth as Frankfurt extended their lead to 42-36 with a 8-2 run as Tim Oldenburg also showed his knack for being able to score in bunches with a put back and runner and Thompson fought to get open and drilled home a trey. Frankfurt kept the lead as Team Ehingen were unable to get the lead back. Frankfurt got important production from Thompson and Garai Zeeb with buckets while Team Ehingen got another clutch three pointer from Eisele and floater from Devon Moore. “We did a good job staying with Ehingen despite having a thinner roster. We just know the plays well and are always able to fill the cracks with players coming and out. Our pick and roll defense was horrible. They got too many easy baskets”, added Paderborn native Niklas Kiel. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 59% from the field and 46% from the three point line while Team Ehingen shot 57% from the field and 46% from the three point line. Both teams had 14 rebounds and Frankfurt had five turnovers and Team Ehingen had six turnovers.

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors held on to the lead despite Team Ehingen tying the game twice. It seemed like there were minutes where no team missed as each team would come down the floor execute to perfection as defense was off the menu and offense was the main entrée. Oldenburg got going early in the third quarter making back to back buckets with his bread and butter the mid distance jumper and a hook shot. Jahn made an offensive rebound and put back and Daniel Berger made a jumper, but Frankfurt still led 51-49. Ilzhoefer then made a runner as the ball circled around the rim for a few seconds before tricking into the net. However Team Ehingen went on a mini 4-0 run as Devon Moore who played at James Madison(NCAA) made free throws and Daniel Berger made a jumper to tie the game at 53-53. Richter then made a hard one handed dunk and Jahn a step back jumper as the game was tied again at 55-55. Frankfurt then upped their intensity a bit going on a 10-4 run to lead 65-59. In the run Frankfurt dominated with their big men play as Richter hit a trey and scored inside while there was no stopping Oldenburg as he made an athletic bucket flying in from the wing and Thompson connected on a runner. However Frankfurt was unable to hold the momentum as Team Ehingen closed out the third quarter with a crushing 7-1 run to lead 66-65 after 30 minutes. In the run it was Aghas who led the charge and carried the energy until the end making a violent two handed stuff while Daniel Berger and Tomasevic made free throws while Frankfurt hurried their offense a bit too much taking difficult shots which allowed the opponent to force the lead back. “We continued not too defend well and that Aghas dunk gave them energy to close out the quarter with the lead”, added ex Ludwigsburg forward Stefan Ilzhoefer. “We pushed the ball more at the end and Aghas propelled us with energy. When we made shots, the game went easier for us”, stressed ex Utah State(NCAA) forward Daniel Berger. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 55% from the field and 39% from the parking lot while team Ehingen was shooting 53% from the field and 38% from the parking lot. Team Ehingen had the 23-22 rebound edge, but had seven turnovers while Frankfurt had six turnovers.

Both teams continued to battle as if it was there last game ever as there were 8 lead changes, but it was Daniel Berger in crunch time that took matters into his own hands making big energy buckets where Frankfurt had no answer for on offense anymore. German Konstantin Schubert who had had some misfortune in the first half with an air ball, but started off the third quarter with a lay in inside and free throw. Travis Thompson added on to the lead using his quickness and scoring inside as Frankfurt led 70-66. Then it was Team Ehingen guard Zaire Thompson who played 8 games for Fordham(NCAA) last season hitting a mid distance shot. Then Team Ehingen was hit with their fourth team foul at the 8.28 minute mark. Then both teams traded 8 lead changes as Jahn made a free throw, Schubert retrieved the lead back for Frankfurt with a hard penetration and basket, then it was Tomasevic with free throws and the team Ehingen lead at 74-73 until it was Oldenburg who made a mid distance shot from 20 feet giving Frankfurt the 75-74 lead back. After one Richter free throw, it was Daniel Berger who gave Team Ehingen the lead back at 77-76. Then it was Garai Zeeb nailing free throws as Frankfurt led 78-77 until Tomasevic hit his fourth and last trey of the night giving Team Ehingen the 80-78 lead. Richter tied the game at 80-80 with an offensive rebound and put back and Tomasevic made a left handed lay in for the 82-80 advantage. Thompson tied the game at 82-82 with free throws. Then came the turning point of the game as Team Ehingen went on a 6-0 run to lead 88-82 and never looked back. The run was supported by a Moore pull up jumper and Daniel Berger free throws and a runner in traffic. Team Ehingen maintained a good rhythm on offense and worked at getting good shots while on defense increased the depth of their help side defense forcing the Frankfurt team to tough shots that resulted in misses. However Frankfurt still had energy as Thompson nailed a three pointer and Richter made a three point bank shot to cut the Team Ehingen lead to 90-88. However then came the key possession of the game with 40 seconds to go, Tomasevic made the perfect veteran play letting the shot clock go down, but waiting until he had the perfect option and found that with Daniel Berger with the back door cut feeding him for the easy bucket and 92-88 lead. This was the winning basket and Berger finished with 23 points after a slow start. “I got into early foul problems in the first half. I wanted to be more aggressive in the second half. I made buckets and got to the free throw line. It felt good”, added Daniel Berger. After Thompson made free throws to cut the Team Ehingen lead to 92-90, the guests closed out the game with free throws from Daniel Berger and Tomasevic. “Maybe Frankfurt was a bit tired. Zeeb played very much and we took advantage of our strength and played physical. We penetrated and hit shots in the last four minutes. It comes down to who makes the plays at the end and we did that”, stressed Daniel Berger. “It was tough at the end with our short rotation. We gave it our all. They were very physical and got key offensive rebounds and Berger had a good finish”, added Stefan Ilzhoefer. “Our experience helped at the end and we kept them off the three point line”, added ex TV Langen forward Tobias Jahn. Team Ehingen were led by Daniel Berger with 23 points. Radivoi Tomasevic added 20 points and Tobias Jahn had 18 points and Devon Moore added 11 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Johannes Richter with 23 points, 11 rebounds and four dimes. Travis Thompson contributed 22 points. Tim Oldenburg added 18 points and Stefan Ilzhoefer 13 points. Team Ehingen shot 54% from the field and 38% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners shot 54% from the field and 38% from outside. Both teams had 29 rebounds. Frankfurt had 10 turnovers and team Ehingen eight turnovers.

Daniel Berger is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Medford, Oregon playing his rookie season with Team Ehingen Urspring (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career with Chemeketa community college an dthen moved to Utah State(NCAA) where he played 59 NCAA games from 2011-2014. As a senior he played with BYU-Hawaii (NCAA2) playing 20 games: 14.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 48.4%, FT: 79.2%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors.

 

Danny thanks for talking to German Hoops A tough 84-72 loss against Nordlingen last weekend. Did the weak start pretty much build the foundation for the loss?

Yeah they threw a good first punch and we never really overcame it. We started with little energy and they were making shots and we were not. Have to give them credit they played a great game.

Ehingen had some runs as is usual in the game of basketball, but was playing pick up basketball the whole day and did exerting too much extra energy do the team in?

We had to play from behind the entire game and they did a good job of keeping the lead and staying aggressive.

Nordlingen is led by the trio of Talbert and Lockhart and German Schmidkunz. Was there not a way to make better adjustments as the game progressed trying to get these guys better under control?

We tried to make a few adjustments but ultimately had a difficult time stopping the guards from penetrating and creating for their teammates. They are good players and we evidently did not do a good enough job to stop them from doing what they wanted.

After starting the season winning eight of the first nine games, it now has lost two of it´s last three games. What have been the main reasons for this change in the play of the team?

Its a long season and every team I have played on has had its ups and downs. Its just a matter of limiting the times when your struggling and staying together. We have struggled shooting the ball in the games we have lost, and that is where you have to rely on defense to stay in the game and in the 2 games that hasnt been where it should be.

The team is a good defensive team giving up 70 points on average and scoring 77 points. On what areas does the team still need to work on to go another big winning streak?

I think we need to work on playing faster. When we get out and run in transition we are hard to stop because it helps our defense out. If we get into a game full of half court possessions we tend to struggle a bit. Also rebounding is somewhere we are improving and need to continue.

You are leading the club in scoring as a rookie. How have you come to terms with that?

I just try to be aggressive when possible. As a team we average a lot of assists and get everyone involved so I know my teammates look for me when the opportunity is there. As I try to play to my strengths I get scoring opportunities throughout the game.

Is this something that you like being? At Utah State you were more of a role player and last season you were a scorer at BYU-Hawaii (NCAA2).

Its not something I need to be. Scoring is good for the team and if thats what I need to do to win then I will try. I think every player likes to score points, but there is so much more that goes in to the game that is not measured on a stat sheet, but at the end of the day the team who outscores the other team wins the game.

How vital has German veteran Tobias Jahn been who plays your position and also spent some years in the States playing at Cal Poly Pomona is helping you get adjusted on and off the court?

Toby has been unbelievably helpful to me on and off the court. He picked me up at the airport when I arrived and ever since then we have been great friends. I usually wake up to a funny picture or video that he texts me which I enjoy. Especially being so far from home he has made the transition easier.

Currently you are shooting 31,0% from outside. Last season at BYU-Hawaii (NCAA2) you shot 48,4% from downtown. Is improving your outside shooting something that you are working on at the moment?

Yeah I have been in a bit of a slump from 3. I shoot everyday but I need to take more game speed shots. I’m not going to put to much thought into it because I know I am a good shooter. I have been in slumps before so I am confident Ill pull through it.

You can score and snatch rebounds, but what would you say is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

I would say my ability to pass the ball. I’m usually taller than my defender so I can see the court better. Even though I may not get the direct assist, I think I can make the right play most of the time. Also I can handle the ball in transition and find my teammates on the run.

You have adjusted well to the German Pro B, but what has or is still taking some time to get used to on the court that you weren´t used to in the NCAA 2?

Just the little difference are still strange. The main thing is putting the ball on the floor as soon as penetrate. I haven´t had hardly any traveling violations, but I still think about it a lot. The shot clock/ 8 second violation as well as the wide key and 3 point line has taken some adjusting as well.

What kind of experience has it been playing for Ehingen? It belongs to the best German basketball schools. Despite being a rookie at age 25 do you see yourself giving much advice to the younger Germans on the team?

I really enjoy being around the younger players on the team. I feel like I can relate to them and give them advice because I have played on multiple levels. The biggest thing is competing in practice every day which helps them elevate their games.

How has it been working with young Croatian Marko Sarac of Croatia who has been with the program for some time. How much potential does he have?

Marko is a guy who is always happy to see you. He is a great athlete with a lot of skill. He has a lot of potential and over time will learn more about the mental part of the game.

German point guard Zaire Thompson won titles with the youth program with Ehingen and last season wanted to go the NCAA route, but didn´t make it at Fordham playing only 8 games and has returned. Now he is fighting to get minutes with an ambitious team of young players. As a guy who has NCAA experience have you been helping his confidence of getting his foot back in the door in the Pro B?

I really like playing with Zaire. He plays fast and is very unselfish. I admire how much he works along with coming to basketball practice. He has very little free time, but still comes with a good attitude. He can play and just needs to take advantage of whenever he is on the court. My job is to try and help him stay positive and confident.

How different has it been playing for German head coach Domenik Reinboth? How has he been different to what you learned under Stew Murrill, Tim Duryea and Ken Wagner?

Every coach does things differently. I have played for multiple coaches and have learned to do things their way. All I can worry about is whatever way a coach tells me to do it I need to do it hard with maximum effort. Domenik has been good, and lets us play to our strengths. I admire how much work he puts in as well. I know he wants to win and is trying to do whatever he thinks is right to do so.

You played two seasons with American Jarred Shaw at Utah State. What was your fondest memory with the current D-league player at Santa Cruz?

Jarred and I got along great. I have a picture with Jared the year I sat out with my heart situation. In the picture I am walking next to him, he is in uniform and I am in street clothes. He has a number 12 patch on his jersey which was my number. He shared some thoughts with me about the picture. What he said is my fondest memory of Jared.

How vital was Pablo Coro of Chille last season in BYU-Hawaii winning the Pac West tournament?

Pablo was extremely vital to our success last season. His ability to shoot the ball as well as create offensively made it easier on all of us. Plus he was a great guy to be around and was very welcoming as i transferred in.

Who won a one on one last season you or Luke Ashton?

I did

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

I have played against a lot of very good players. Playing pick up games with Paul George and Jabari Parker was tremendous competition. Rodney Hood was a tough cover, but honestly my teammate at Utah State Spencer Butterfield who plays in Lithuania now helped me elevate my game to another level. Guarding him every day made me a lot better, and for sure taught me how to box out a rebounding guard.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Do you ever see him being mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

Lebron is a guy who has no limits. Nothing he does will surprise me. Michael is on a pedestal to me because he is an ultimate champion in my eyes.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I watched was Star Wars episode 3. I actually watched all 6 of them in preparation for the new one coming out.

 

Thanks Dan for the chat.