Cedric Brooks is a 35 year old 185cm guard from Aillen, Texas that has played 11 professional seasons and is currently in Germany practicing with Pro A team Kirchheim. Last season he played with the West Texas Whirlwinds (ABA) averaging 30,0ppg. He started his basketball career with Pittsburg St. (NCAA2) and as a senior played 28 games: 20.8ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.9apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 43.4%, 3Pts: 30.0%, FT: 82.4%. He started his professional basketball career in 2003 playing in the WBA and Mexico before coming to Europe in 2005. He played briefly in France and Hungry, but mainly in Germany with two seasons with Nordlingen, one with FC Bayern Munich and 4 seasons with the Kirchheim Knights. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Cedric, welcome back to Germany. You last played in Germany in the 2012-2013 season for Kirchheim and then disappeared for a few years. Why did your career end then?

My last season in Kircheim I was a little injured. I had jumpers knee(tendinitis), not very many people knew this. I was the leader of the team so I tried to fight through my pain but I saw that only made things worse for me. So I just decided to go back home to rehab my knee to get healthy. I trained with some NBA D league trainers and coaches, and I also played in the ABA to stay in shape. I thought about coming back to Europe but I just had a newborn daughter in May so I wanted to be with my family for a little while. Now I am healthy and ready to play.

Now your in Germany again and practicing with Kirchheim. What is it like being back in Germany and experiencing the whole culture and basketball?

It is great to be back in Germany, it has not changed much at all. It’s more business than pleasure now though because I have a lot to prove now that I am back considering that my last season in Kircheim was a joke. That wasn’t the real Cedric Brooks

What did you miss most about the country/culture and it´s basketball?

I missed my friends and fans, they showed me a lot of love here. I also missed the competitiveness on the basketball court. I just missed everything about Germany, except the cold weather.

You last played for the West Texas Whirlwinds (ABA) averaging 30ppg. How would you describe the shape that your in now at age 35?

To be honest, I am probably in the best shape of my career right now. Mentally and physically stronger. I am smarter than I was 3 years ago with the same athleticism. The ABA is a run and gun league, I was able to get my feet back under me and gain my confidence back. You have to be in shape to play in the ABA. Averaging 30 points is hard no matter which league you play in. This time away from Europe has helped me rest my legs and that’s all I needed.

I guess having to run over the court chasing Richard Williams who is one of the fastest players in the German pro A will keep you truthful about your shape. Have you demonstrated in practice that you can still keep up with guys 10 years younger than you?

Haha. Yes, practicing with Richie keeps me in shape but it’s not anything that I am not used to. Richie is a great point guard but we play different positions. I am a combo guard that plays the shooting guard as well as the point guard. I trained with guards just as quick back home so the real challenge is going to be the man looking at me when I look in the mirror. I hope that I am not sounding arrogant but I have demonstrated that I am more than capable of holding my own

What do you have to do different now at the age of 35 that you didn´t have to do at age 27 in regards to your habits on and off the court?

At this age the only difference for me is that I am more disciplined and more professional. My diet hasn’t changed much. I have learned that I must go to the weight room and stretch more.

What besides your experience do you feel is your biggest asset on the court now at age 35?

Other than my experience, my basketball IQ is a big asset as well as my quickness and athleticism. My leadership skills play a huge role. My drive to win is also a factor. I just want to win, I am a sore loser so I will do anything to help my team get that W.

What really stands out in your game is your scoring consistency and mentality, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

What doesn’t get noticed right away is probably my passing ability. I have always been a scorer but I feel just as good putting my teammates in a position to score as well. My unselfishness I would say. I love being a team player because I’m the end I need my team just as much as they need me.

You never won a professional title. Is this your biggest goal as a player now to be able to be in a position to taste champagne?

Well, I actually won a title when I played in Hungary and won the MVP award also. I have never won a title in Germany but we did have the opportunity to move up to the BBL in Kirchheim but decided to stay in Pro A. In all, I want to be in a position to get back to the German championship game and bring home the title.

Please describe in a few sentences as to why you could help any professional team now?

I could help any team with my ALL AROUND game, my leadership, and my will to win. I am a professional and I know what it takes to get the job done.

When you played your first season with Kirchheim a young German named Tim Koch was on the team. How impressed have you been with the improvement of his three pointer since then?

Tim has always been able to shoot, now that he has gotten older he has taken his game to the next level. I am very impressed with his shooting ability at this point.

What memories do you have of Ahmad Smith? Did you ever play with a guard that could fill up the stats sheet as well as him?

No, I have never played with a player like Ahmad. A 6’5 point guard is a teams dream and an opponents nightmare. The best memory I have with Ahmad is the year that we went to the championship against MBC. They won by 1 point but we both had the opportunity to move our teams up to the BBL.

You played 4 years with the Kirchheim Knights. Would you say that these were the most joyful years in your professional career?

Playing in Kircheim was my most joyful time in my career. They treat you like family there and make sure that you are comfortable, which makes it easier for the players to just worry about playing to the best of their ability.

You were 29 when you came to Kirchheim. How did head coach Branislav Ignjatovic help you make that next step into your 30´s as you continued to have strong seasons?

Frenkie helped me in many ways on and off of the court. He was more than just a coach to me. He gave me all of the tools I needed to be a successful player. If I had the chance to play for him again I would take it for sure.

You had many strong seasons in the German Pro A and led the league in scoring in 2006-2007 with Nordlingen averaging 24ppg. Were you surprised that you didn´t make the jump to the BBL the year after? You had the stats to at least get a shot.

After leading the league in scoring two years in a row I figured that I could easily make the jump to the BBL. I had some offers to come try out during the summer time but I thought I proved myself enough to get a contract offer. I got an offer from France that no BBL team would have offered me because I was coming up from the 2nd league so I took the France offer.

How thankful are you for Germany and the Nordlingen organization for giving you a chance in 2005 considering you had been playing the minor leagues in the States and Mexico before getting your big break?

I am very thankful for Germany and Noerdlingen for giving me the opportunity. I will never forget them. I also have to thank Coach Mike Taylor because he played a big part of me coming to Germany.

When you look back to your season with FC Bayern Munich who won a one on one in practice you or Andrej Mangold?

Haha. Me and Dre did not play one on one but I have never lost a one on one game in my career.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Do you believe that he will ever be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan when all is said and done?

Lebron is an absolute phenom. There will never be a player like Michael Jordan, he will be mentioned in the same breath with Jordan but nobody will be close. Lebron will make his own history.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was Creed.

 

Thanks Cedric for the chat.

 

 

 

The last two months were very special for the Fraport Skyliners as they built a club record 13 game winning streak as hearing anything negative about the team play was about as far away as it is for Fraport Skyliner point guard Jordan Theodore not wishing for some more pairs of sneakers for Christmas. The 2004 Beko BBL winner Fraport Skyliners beat up on the Brose Baskets Bamberg and FC Bayern Munich in their living room and made it as uncomfortable there for them as it is for Ricky Easterling on the parking lot in any basketball arena. Basketball life for the Fraport Skyliners was just good as they were playing amazing unselfish team basketball, had an uncanny ability of getting stronger in the fourth quarter acquiring a special energy that no their team possessed and head coach Gordon Herbert was the front runner for coach of the year. With their winning streak going on, they could keep tabs how the Golden State Warriors were doing in their quest to keep winning and not losing, but then 10 days ago their winning streak was finally snapped as big powerhouse Alba Berlin came into their living room, but got all cozy around the fire, while the Fraport Skyliners were forced into a cold corner feeling very lonely and without any answers for the guard tandem of Cherry and Taylor. Frankfurt was unable to bounce back on the road in Ulm and start a new winning streak as they were without Jordan Theodore who had a hamstring injury and lost again while on the same night the Golden State Warriors also lost their first game of the season ending their 24 game winning streak. However the Fraport Skyliners still have the last laugh and while Steph Curry and co were already dreaming of a perfect 84-0 season, Frankfurt technically still have a winning streak as they now arrive in stage 2 of the international Europe cup with a perfect 6-0 record and were looking for their 7^th win in a row as they met up with 10 time Swedish champion Sodertalje who also had their 10 game winning streak stopped in the the Basketligan and like Frankfurt were riding a two game losing streak and had been heavily embarrassed last weekend by Uppsala 90-49. Both teams were looking to start a new winning streak and it was as expected the Fraport Skyliners that upped their perfect Europe Cup record to 7-0 with a decisive crushing 95-64 victory. Frankfurt had an unstoppable offense where they totally wore down Sodertalje inside dominating the points in the paint 50-24 and at times the game looked like a practice game and John Little best friend and Skyliners good luck charm Jason Boone was more than impressed as well who had an off night visiting from Ludwigsburg. “It is never easy to stay focused and hungry when you lead by so much, but it was good to see that Frankfurt did. Frankfurt didn´t play their best, but whenever Sodertalje tried to make a run, Frankfurt answered right away and never allowed them back into the game. The way they have been playing their success has also trickled down to this competition. I know how bad John Little wants to win and he will keep the team motivated to keep the Europe Cup winning streak going as long as possible”, stressed 2010 Eurochallenge winner Jason Boone. For Swedish team Sodertalje, they gave a great fight, but had no chance inside as Frankfurt took advantage of their weak spot as they had no answer how to minimize Frankfurt easy baskets inside. “We knew it would be tough without our big man Adam Ramstedt and top scorer Toni Bizaca, but that is no excuse for losing. We were physically dominated for 40 minutes. We fought hard, but that just isn´t good enough when you play against a good team like Frankfurt”, stressed 2015 Danish champion with Horsens Skyler Bowlin. Top scorer of the game Johannes Voigtmann didn´t really want to talk winning streak, but knows that whatever it takes to make coach Gordon Herbert happy is best. “We played good defense, tempo and fast break basketball which led to easy baskets often. We took advantage of the physical advantage and had good ball movement. We basically did what we needed to do and it fell easy to us. We don´t try to think about the winning streak that much even if we have stressed that we want to win the cup. We just go game by game and know if we win it is better since coach is in a better mood then”, smiled Fraport Skyliners center Johannes Voigtmann.

In front of a scarce crowd of 500 people, the Fraport Skyliners had to come to terms without starting point guard Jordan Theodore who had a hamstring injury and Tomas Dimsa and Max Merz who had ankle problems. Berlin native Konstantin Klein got the Frankfurt motion offense going fast with a back door lay in. However in basketball things can go so quickly as the 10 time Swedish champion rattled off a quick 6-0 run as ex FC Barcelona 2 player Niklas Spires who played with Orlando Magic player Mario Hezona showed his 210cm touch from outside and all time rebound leader at Kennesaw State Aaron Anderson made a tip in and free throw. Nothing seems to ever really to faze the Fraport Skyliners as without barely having lost a sweat, they then went to work going on a infectious 15-0 run to take the 17-6 lead. In the run, the 2004 Beko BBL champion dominated inside as Voigtmann made a turn-around jumper, Canadian national player Aaron Doornekamp a steal and lay in, Heidelberg native Danilo Barthel scored inside and Quantez Robertson made a hard two handed dunk. Then it was Barthel again scoring in bunches as he connected on a ally-oop dunk from Klein and then dropped a three pointer which caught Sodertajle reeling for some air as they had to experience the explosive attack of Frankfurt. At the early juncture in the game, every guy was contributing as now it was time for ex Wurzburg guard John Little to nail a three pointer and then do a big man´s job sneaking inside and tapping in a Mike Morrsion miss as Frankfurt led 22-9. Then Sodertalje ended the first quarter with an important 8-3 run to trail 25-12 after ten minutes. In the run it was Latvian guard Davis Lejasmeiers who connected on back to back three pointers and Arizona native Aaron Anderson made a tap in. “Frankfurt clearly showed that they had the advantage inside. They couldn´t match up to the Frankfurt physicality either. Sodertalje could only score from outside something that they wouldn´t be able to hold for 40 minutes”, warned 2010 Eurochallenge winner Jason Boone. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 63% from the field and 40% from outside while Sodertalje were shooting 36% from the field and 38% from outside. Frankfurt had the comfortable 14-2 rebound edge, but four turnovers while Sodertalje had three turnovers.

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners were able to keep their 10 point lead as Sodertalje was still able to keep up with them on offense mainly due to Skyler Bowlin who had the hot hand, but couldn´t get closer because they couldn´t get consistent stops or solve the inside height problem that Frankfurt was giving them. The Fraport Skyliners jumped out on a 6-2 run extending their lead to 31-19 as fat on the game plan menu was to bang the ball inside as Voigtmann scored on the nifty feed from Little, Barthel was found by Doornekamp for the simple bucket and then it was Voigtman again with a lay in. Even if the Sodertalje Kings could start a run, it never lasted long. The Swedish team went on a 5-0 run as Bowlin connected on a trey and ex Davidson(NCAA) forward Chris Czerapowicz made a pretty runner in traffic cutting the Frankfurt lead to 31-24. Now both teams were going on mini runs, but Sodertalje couldn´t gain any ground. Frankfurt went on a 6-0 run as Voigtmann was the beneficiary in all three possessions making free throws, a 15 footer and lay in getting fed from Robertson as Frankfurt led 37-24. Sodertalje at this point had one main go to guy and that was Bowlin who´s vision of the bucket was getting bigger and bigger with each new basket as he carried his team on a 5-0 run hitting a pull up jumper and trey cutting the Frankfurt advantage to 37-26. Frankfurt continued to be able to rely on the German twin towers of Barthel and Voigtmann scored again and the German big man scored 14 of his 22 points in the second frame as Frankfurt led 43-3. Then Bowlin nailed another three pointer and Voigtmann made a tip in as Frankfurt still led 45-33. Then it was time for some Super Tez support as he nailed a trey and Lejasmeiers closed out the first half scoring with a quick lay in as Frankfurt led 48-35. Jason Boone didn´t have a notebook present to take notes about Johannes Voigtmann, but maybe he can store the vital scouting report in his brain, but the Lidwigsburg big man was more than impressed with the German and even made a bold statement about his opinion of where he ranks in the Beko BBL: “Sodertalje had no pick and roll and were taking desperation shots. It looked like it would be a 25 point win for Frankfurt. I played with Maxi Kleber in Wurzburg and he belongs with Voigtmann to the best in their age group. In my opinion Voigtmann is the best player in the league right now. He is so complete and will dominate at this level for years. He is so complete and can simply do everything. IF he wanted to he could of scored 40 tonight without breaking much of a sweat. I am looking forward to the game against Frankfurt on December 27^th. Maybe Voigtmann will have ate too much Christmas dinner”, smiled Jason Boone. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 61% from the field and 31% from the three point line while the Sodertalje Kings were shooting 43% from the field and 38% from the three point line. Frankfurt continued to dominate the boards 23-9, but had seven turnovers while Sodertalje had six turnovers.

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners broke the game wide open moving their 10 point lead to a 20 point lead and just owning the paint area on both ends of the court. Sodertalje could still keep the Frankfurt lead to around 10 points in the first few minutes before the 2000 Beko BBL cup winner broke away for good. After Bowlin continued his hot shooting nailing a pull up jumper, then it was Voigtmann making free throws and Voigtmann finding Doornekamp back door for an easy lay up as Frankfurt led 52-38. Now it was time for Davis Lejasmeiers to show his total quality who shot 47% from the parking lot in Euro cup play last season showed his pin point shooting ability making a trey and unbelievable athleticism splitting the defense and scoring with an easy lay in and then getting into the lane with a burst of speed and finishing with a one hand dunk cutting the Frankfurt lead to 57-45. Frankfurt then closed out the third quarter with a back breaking 15-6 run to lead 72-51 after 30 minutes. Frankfurt scored three buckets in a row as Robertson and Barthel connected on shots from down town and the German also scored inside. Mike Morrison also showed support with two buckets inside and Doornekamp also got a bucket in the paint. Sodertalje´s offense was sputtering as finesse was playing a role as only Czerapowicz scored from outside and Anderson made a tip in. “We were missing some players and Frankfurt wore us down. Their big guys kept going hard to the basket and that was hard to stop”, added Skyler Bowlin. “I don´t think that they were tired, but we controlled the tempo. We were up by 13 and knew that they could get back in if they hit shots. Key was that we controlled the tempo”, added ex Seton Hall guard Jordan Theodore. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 65% from the field and 47% from the parking lot while the Sodertalje Kings were shooting 42% from the field and 39$ from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 29-14 rebound edge, but nine turnovers while Sodertalje had eight turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, the Sodertalje Kings got more tired, while the Fraport Skyliners continued to execute their offense and extend their lead to 31 points and win the game with ease. The Sodertalje Kings got on the board first with an Anderson bucket as Bolin fed him with a lob pass. Frankfurt answered with a Doornekamp three pointer as Frankfurt led 75-53. The Fraport Skyliners then went on a 12-4 run to extend their lead to 87-59 as now making predictions if the team would reach 100 points could be made. In the run, Frankfurt was fortified by the stellar play of Mike Morrison who got 9 points as he made it comfortable in the paint area scoring three times and getting three easy baskets and Robertson also scored as the Frankurt cutting game continued to work to perfection as Sodertalje had no answer how to stop it. After Czerapowicz nailed a three pointer, the Fraport Skyliners closed out the game in style with a strong 8-2 run. In the run, Little and Robertson drilled home three pointers and Bartle scored on a reverse lay up as Morrison gave him another extra pass for the routine bucket. “We did a good job executing on offense. We have to credit coach for breaking down film and having us prepared well. We were ready for them. Our big guys made all the right plays. Our defense was superb as our big guys defended the paint well and our guard got out on the wings. Klein and Tez are both capable of playing point guard on offense and defense. We have so many guys that can play multiple positions and they both came in and played their role”, stressed Jordan Theodore. “Frankfurt were very dominant, but what impressed me most was how unselfish they were”, added Skyler Bowlin. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Johannes Voigtmann with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists. Danilo barthela dded 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Quantez Robertson contributed 14 points and five rebounds. Aaron Doornekamp chipped in with 12 points, six rebounds and six assists. John Little and Mike Morrison gave support with 11 points a piece. The Sodertalje Kings were led by Skyler Bowlin with 18 points and five assists. Davis Lejasmeiers had 15 points and Chris Czerapowicz added 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 59, 7% from the field and 41,7% from outside while the Sodertalje Kings were shooting 40,3% from the field and 33,3% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound battle 43-21, but had 10 turnovers while Sodertalje had nine turnovers.

SkylerBowlin is a 26 year old 190cm guard from Paragould, Arkansas playing his fifth professional season and first with the Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan). H eplayed the last three seasons with Horsens IC (Denmark-Ligaen) winning the league title and cup and last season played 39 games averaging 16.0ppg, 3.0rpg, Assists-2(6.3apg), Steals-2(2.4spg), FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 45.5%, FT: 83.2%. As a rookie he played for BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-Pro A) playing 28 games: 12.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.3apg, Steals-2(2.0spg), FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 80.5% and then played with Ringwood Hawks (Australia-ABA): 18 games: 18.3ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.7apg, 2.8spg, 2FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 80.5%. He started his basketball career with Missouri So. (NCAA2) in 2007 until 2011 playing atotal of 118 games and as a senior played 31 games: 18.1ppg, 3.2rpg, 5.7apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 82.7%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Europe Cup game against the Fraport Skyliners.

 

 

Skyler thanks for talking toGerman Hoops After playing 2 seasons in Denmark for Horsens IC, your now playing your first season for the Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan). As a American are you able to notice distinct differences in the two languages?

No problem, Miles. I can actually hear a big difference in Swedish and Danish. While in Denmark, I was able to pick up quite a bit of Danish so when I came to Sweden I realized the dialects are very different. I can pick up on a few Swedish words though.

You are playing your first season with the Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan). Is the skill level similar to what you saw in Denmark or is the Swedish league stronger?

From what I have seen so far, the Swedish league as a whole is better than the Danish league. The top 2 or 3 teams in Denmark would do well in the Swedish league, but the depth of the Swedish league is better than the Danish league for sure.

Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan) started the season strong with a 10-0 record and like the Fraport Skyliners are used to winning as of late as they have a 13 game winning streak. What has been your biggest winning streak in any kind of organized basketball for you?

I think it was around 17 or 18 in high school. Last year in Denmark it was around 15 also I believe.

The defense has been so potent early on as it is giving up an average of 65 points per game and except for giving up 80 points against LF Basket why has it been so consistent?

Our defense has been the key to our success. Each game we are very well prepared by our coaches and have a great game plan ready for each team.

On offense the team averages 82 points in the Swedish league and have 5 players averaging double figures in scoring. How big has the team unselfishness been and how do you explain it being there so early?

Our team is extremely unselfish. Our offense is not geared around one person so each night it could be any of our guys that carry us on the offensive end. We just have a great group of guys on this team. We all get along great on and off the court and I think it shows while we are playing.

In the Fiba Europe Cup the team is averaging only 24 rebounds per game. Has the inside game been somewhat been exploited by the opponents?

Our rebounding has been a bit of a problem at times, but its something that we are all working on. Our bigs have done a great job fighting each game, but rebounding has to be by all 5 guys on the court so I think that is something we all have to focus on in the next round.

The Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan) lost the first two games in Europecup, but qualified to the next group with a 3-4 record. How thankful are you that the team was able to advance?

Advancing was obviously a huge accomplishment for us and for Swedish basketball. We know that we are a team that can compete with anyone if we are all locked in and doing our jobs. We beat each team in our group and showed to the European basketball world that we are a serious team.

Now in the next group you face tough teams from Turkey, Germany and Poland and Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan) are the underdogs. Do you think you will have an advantage as nobody is expecting that much from you?

I believe that from now on, each team we play wont underestimate us. Each game is extremely important so I think every team will be focused in and not overlooking us.

The next game is against the Fraport Skyliners who are the hottest basketball team in Germany now? They have amazing team chemistry, play stellar defense and won their Fiba Europe group 6-0. What will be key to stealing the first game in Germany?

From what I have seen they are a well balanced team that has a lot of weapons. On our end we just have to lock in defensively and really control the tempo of the game.

How raw is player Chris Czerapowicz? He has improved his play from his rookie season with the Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan). What do you like most about his game and how does he help the team most?

I wouldnt consider Chris a raw player at all. He is extremely skilled in my opinion. Chris is a big time shooter and scorer and can beat the defense inside or outside. We know we can count on him to get us a bucket if we need it.

Nicholas Spires is playing his first season with the Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan) after playing many years in the FC Barcelona organization. Just how talented is this kid. What does he do very well at age 21 and how much potential does he have?

Nick is a big time talent. He can do a lot of things out on court. He has great hands, he can step out and shoot, and he moves very well. He is definitely a guy that I am happy to be playing with. He is gaining confidence with every game still and is going to be scary to go against by the end of season.

You were always in the top 5 in scoring in Denmark the last three seasons, but this season you have more guys that can score. Has it been a tough adjustment for you not being the number one scoring option?

I wouldnt say its been a tough adjustment. If anything it makes my job easier having other guys around me that can score and create. We play a different style of ball here in Sodertalje so it took me a bit to adjust to that, but I am very comfortable with everything now and am still learning new things from coach every day.

You are a point guard that can fill up the stat sheet, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

I Think my ability to run a team and get other guys going is maybe something that may not get noticed unless youre around us quite a bit.

You take a lot of pride in your defense as you made MIAA All-Defensive Team -08, 09, 10, 11. Are you kind of the defensive energizer on this team this season?

I definitely take a lot of pride in my defense. I was taught growing up that if you cant play defense then you cant play at all so I have always tried to play hard on the defensive end.

In your third season in Denmark you won the double with Horsens. What made this team so special and was the team chemistry that had grown from the second season a big reason for the success?

We did have quite a few guys returning, but even the new guys that came to the team last season just fit perfectly into what we did. We all knew our roles and we all had one goal which was to win a championship.

Did Americans Keane Thomann and Eric Vigansky become like brothers to you over the last two seasons?

Keane and I were college teammates for 3 years as well so he and I have been close for a lot of years now. Erick is a guy that I consider a good friend not too. We spent a lot of time together and hes a guy I learned a lot from.

As a rookie you played in Germany for BG Leitershofen. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Germany where you knew that you were very far away from Arkansas?

I think my first real wake up call on court was playing against Bayern Munich in a couple pre season games. I was fresh out of college and had no clue what to expect. It was definitely an eye opening experience.

What memories do you have of being teammates with German Jan Lipke with BG Leitershofen? Was his dangerous penetrating something that you won´t forget?

I have some great memories with Jan. He and I were roommates for a bit so we got to become pretty close. We still keep in contact today. Jan could score in bunches so it was fun seeing him get on a roll scoring the ball.

You played at Missouri So. (NCAA2) from 2007-2011. You put up consistent stats all 4 years. When did you exactly know that you could have a professional basketball career after school?

I didn´t actually think about playing professionally until right before my senior season. Coming from a Division 2 school is not easy to make it over here so I was definitely excited when I was contacted by teams to come and play professionally.

When you were a senior, Jordan Talbert who is a rookie now in Germany was a freshman at Missouri So. What memories do you have off him and did you see his potential already then?

I have never seen a basketball player develop like Jordan has. His freshman year he was just a role player who picked up loose balls and played defense. Now he can do it all. I couldnt be more proud of him and what he has accomplished.

When you were a senior Jeff Boschee was a rookie as an assistant coach and now is in his first full season as a head coach. Was there anything you remember from that season that could could take with you as you commenced on your professional career?

Coach Boschee taught me a lot when he was my coach. He played professionally in Greece and Iceland so we talked quite a bit about what it was like playing over here.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Do you think that he will ever be mentioned in the same light as a Michael Jordan when all is said and done?

Lebron is an incredibly gifted player and whether people like him or not he has to be given the respect and props he deserves. I do think he will go down as one of the best to ever play the game once his career is over.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Beasts of No Nation.

 

Thanks Skyler for the chat.

 

Deandre Landsdowne is a 26 year old 187cm guard from Albuquerque, Mexico playing his first season in Germany with Herten. He played college ball at Fort Lewis (NCAA2) and then played with Pioneros de Delicias (Mexico-Chihuahua Vive) before continuing career in Germany. He spoke to German Hoops after the big 99-87 win against the EN Baskets Schwelm where he poured in 46 points.

 

 

Deandre thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the 99-87 win against the EN Baskets Schwelm. How strange was it playing them back to back during the season? Did you ever have a back to back game series against a college team at Fort Lewis?

Honestly it wasn’t all that strange. We had a tough loss last weekend, and it was a great opportunity to get revenge. In college I can remember one time. For the league tournament we played the teams we beat in the quarterfinals and finals, we played them again in the first two rounds of the national tournament. I think those are the hardest games, because you have to really find wrinkles in your play to find what works and doesn’t, as well as adding new things to your system that they haven’t already seen.

After the 92-74 loss last weekend against the EN Baskets Schwelm was team defense a big focus last week in practice as they registered a strong 26 team assists?

Our team knows that our offense really ignites our defense, and our defense creates our fast, high pace offense. We really focus on the small things that we did bad last weekend to make sure we didn’t make small mistakes this week.

You had an amazing game high 46 points in the OT win. You scored 10 of the teams first 12 points. Did you know at that time that you would be on your way of having a very high scoring game?

I got off to a good start, just like last week, but I look at what the defense gives me. Some games you have to score, some games you have to play a defensive roll, it changes week to week. But my team is always looking for me to be aggressive and they never doubt my decision making, and that is what makes it great to play with these guys.

The EN Baskets Schwelm led through most of the first half until Herten got the lead back in the last few minutes and led 36-35 at half. What adjustments did Herten make in the last minutes to regain control?

We just focused on playing our game. Coach preaches to our team to have a certain amount of possessions per game, to win the rebounding count and to play offensively and defensively as a unit, and so we really focused on those things.

Herten led as much as 10 points in the third, but let Schwelm back into the game in the fourth. Did Herten let the game slip away in the second half letting the game progress into overtime?

No I don’t think we let it slip away. They are a good team, and well coached. That also is the game of basketball, “ the game of runs”. When you have two teams playing well, making plays, and giving it all, you will have great sections for each teams.

What did head coach Majdi Shaladi tell the team to do in the OT period which you won 16-4? You had 9 points and had two assists. It seems like he could of said “Ok Deandre go to work and get us the win”?

Hahahahaha no, he just pushed the team to continue fighting and to just stay positive. Coach is a coach who knows when he really needs to talk a lot and when to let his team play because he can see that certain things are working. Coach forced the fact that we should run, run, run. He also did a really great job on calling timeouts when needed, and made some minor/major adjustments defensively that helped us.

This was your second 40 point game this season. Do you believe that it could be possible in your game to get this type of confidence more often and not only if your scoring in bunches?

I would never score 40 without a great supporting cast. I have shooters in Curth, Martin, Dennis and Nolte who allow me to play one on one a lot without help, as well as great bigs in Griffen, Neumann and Meiser who set me great screens anywhere on the court and find me when I cut. I am confident in my offensive game and I think it will come every game if I stick to coaches system and not force anything. But winning is important to me, as well as to have positive team success. I need all my teammates to contribute every Saturday for that to be possible, no matter who has to do a majority of the scoring.

What did you enjoy most about your own game on the floor tonight? Where does this single performance rank in all-time best games in your young career?

What I enjoyed most is that I stayed aggressive, and I looked for my teammates late in the game. I think we pulled away when we really attacked the rim and found our big men. Like I said before, none of my baskets were performed without a teammate doing something that made my score easy. Also it’s always great to play in front of a great crowd.

Do you believe that your leadership skills took another step with your all around play and taking command in overtime?

I believe I have always been a leader throughout my career in some ways. This game I saw that I needed to take a certain role for the team to be successful. But we all look at Brandon Griffen as our team leader. I am a leader, but I also am still learning from our veteran and coach to become a better leader, point guard, and all around player.

You are shooting over 50% from outside 7/13 in the last four games after starting shooting 4/17 from outside in the first 8 games. Hast it been better shot selection or extra hours that has helped you improve outside shooting percentage?

As I said before, I have confidence in my all around offensive game. I can drive to the basket, play off the ball, and shoot outside. I play what the defense gives me. I started the year penetrating more, and now teams take that away more, so my outside shot has a better look. I get great screens from my teammates to penetrate or get open shots, and the best of all, my teammates believe that any shot i take is a good shot.

Herten is up and down and has a 6-6 record now and defense is still the biggest building block. What does the team need to improve most on to finally consistently cut down the points?

We really look at being aggressive and active defensively. With our team when were active and defensively rebounding we can really be a hard team to play against.

How important has the game of German Jeffery Martin been in the first half? He has been the most consistent German performer for Herten.

I love playing with a guy like Jeffery. Every week he’s wanting to learn how to better his game. He’s giving 100% in practice, asking questions, and never missing a chance to get in the gym and weight room. He has been a huge asset to the team, especially being a youth player playing 30+ min, with the numbers he brings to the team is phenomenal. It’s a true honor to watch him grow as a player this season!

Golden State Warrior Steph Curry had only one better scoring game than you had this season with 53 points against New Orleans. Do you see him scoring 70 plus points this season the way he is going now?

He is one great player, with one great team! I believe that some players, in the right system, with the right teammates can flourish! But you can’t take away anything Curry has done this season and will do the rest of his career.

What is your most cherished Christmas memory from back home?

Man,that is a tough one. Me being adopted, I would say every Christmas. Knowing how blessed I am to have the great family that I do, and how much they have done for me is a true blessing. I would’ve never been the person, or athlete I am today without my mom and dad, Betty and John, taking me in and always believing in the person I could be.

What was the last movie that you saw?

One of my favorites, and a classic: The Count of Monte Cristo.

 

Thanks Deandre for the chat.

 

The car ride from Lich to Frankfurt may be 57km and when driven at a comfortable pace can be reached in 45 minutes, but after your team loses 80-37, that so called short route could feel like an eternity as if your lost somewhere in the countryside and have no navigation system to get saved. For Fraport Skyliners Juniors head coach Eric Detlev seeing his club get whipped as fiercely as when hard rain comes down on your wind shield probably wasn´t an easy sight, but he had a totally crippled line up as most of his veteran players were in a training camp with the beko BBL team or out and he had an average roster age of 17 years where the most experienced were ex Wurzburg guard shooting specialist Lukas Beuschlein and ex TV Langen guard Jona Hoffman and an array of kids that are still teenagers and also from the JBBL program like Isaah Negron. Kids were playing against full grown men like Daniel Dorr or Viktor Klassen. All in all it was a huge learning experience and it was the first game of the season and everyone was thrown into cold water so you couldn´t really expect any wonders. The lone bright spot was 17 year old 195cm forward Konstantin Schubert who had his break out game with 12 points and 10 rebounds. With 10 weeks gone by, both teams had time to develop and get better and the Fraport Skyliners had no last second training camp, but most players were on board to help get revenge against the Licher Basket Baeren. Except for five minutes in the third quarter where Frankfurt had to figure out the 1-3-1 zone of Lich, they had total control of the game which was sparked by the 36 points of Travis Thompson who nailed 10 three pointers seeing something way bigger than the ocean space and powering the Fraport Skyliners Juniors to a crushing 95-57 win. ”I had many open looks and that had to do with moving without the ball and finding me off the pick and roll. I try not to think too much during a game, because I tend to overthink. I didn´t try to force shots, but just play with the flow. This was a unique game, but I don´t remember ever taking 20 shots in a game. I got my rhythm which got my self confidence going which was helpful”, stated Alaska native Travis Thompson. Thompson teammate Gara Zeeb had some humor after the win stating that contested shots were hardly on his menu during the game. “We figured out quickly how to play against their zone/man defense, Thompson hit shots and everyone played their role. Every team tries to take Thompson out of the game and we had very good ball movement and we know he can shit shots even if it felt like most of his shots were open looks”, smiled Fraport Skyliner Gara Zeeb. The Licher Baskets Baeren knew that this would be a totally different contest then their easy 80-37 victory in Lich and that is exactly what they got as they got off the wrong side of the bed and had to play catch up basketball all night long and failed. “We went into the game with no energy and effort and Frankfurt got control of the rebound and we were no challenge for them. When we played man to man they hit shots, and when we went to zone they hit shots and when they missed they got the rebounds. After Thompson hit his first couple of shots, he got confidence and then you think you can hit anything and he played a good game”, stressed Lich forward Elijah Allen.

The Licher Basket Baeren couldn´t connect on their first three possessions as they coughed up the ball twice while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors took an early 5-0 lead as 2014 NBBL rookie of the year Niklas Kiel scored inside and ex Bremerhaven guard Garai Zeeb nailed a three pointer. Lich finally got on the board on their fourth possession as 29 year old 204cm work horse Marian Schick scored inside and made a free throw to cut the Frankfurt lead to 5-3. Frankfurt then rolled out on a 10-0 run to extend their lead to 15-3. In the run the Travis Thompson fireworks commenced as he hit twice, ex Bamberg center Johannes Richter made a two handed dunk and Kiel made free throws. Frankfurt was playing a sound inside out game, were establishing a high shooting percentage and inside game while Lich had no rhythm yet. After Spaniard Nil Angelats who played 6 Endesa games for Manresa made a step back shot, Frankfurt started another gigantic run of 17-3 to extend their lead to 32-9 after one quarter. In the next big run, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were sparked by three more trey´s by Travis Thompson, a lay in by Richter and two buckets by German Tim Oldenburg. “Frankfurt´s good play had to be credited to the coaching as the team was well prepared. Frankfurt defended well and took everything away from them, had more weapons and their offense was working well”, expressed Fraport Skyliner guard Jordan Theodore. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 63% from the field and 67% from outside while the Licher Basket Baeren were shooting 12% from the field and 17% from outside. Frankfurt had the 17-6 rebound edge and both teams had three turnovers a piece.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors weren´t as explosive as in the first quarter, but on account of their big lead were still scoring on a consistent rate and could go into halftime with the very comfortable 52-23 lead as they were still defending with passion instead of just going through the motions. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had another potent start going on a 8-3 run to extend their lead to 40-12. In the run, they stayed clear of the parking lot, but did heavy damage inside as ex Ludwigsburg wing player Stefan Ilzhoefer found some room flying in from the corner and finishing with a hard two handed dunk which had Fraport Skyliner players Mike Morrison and Jordan Theodore flying up form their seats in joy, Thompson scored his only field goal away from the down town area making a lay up, Ilzhoefer hit a jumper and Richter scored over Angelats taking advantage of the mis match while Lich got a lay in and free throw from Ohio native Lamar Mallory. Despite hitting almost everything, Lich continued to play zone while they had a little more luck on offense making some shots, but not on a consistent rate. Lich then went on a rare run which resulted in 6 unanswered points as Angelats made a pull up jumper and Mallory scored in bunches inside and with a mid distance as Frankfurt still led 40-18. Frankfurt closed out the second quarter with a 12-5 run as Kiel and Oldenburg made free throws, Konstantin Schubert caught an Oldenburg air ball and made the lay in and Thompson added on to three point shooting festival nailing two more shots while Lich got needed production from Angelats from outside and Schick from inside. “One could see that Thompson can stroke the ball and Ilzhoefer gave the team energy at the start with the dunk. Lich had to play zone, because they can´t defend Frankfurt man to man”, added New York native Jordan Theodore. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 53% from the field and 57% from the three point line while the Licher Basket Baeren were shooting 24% from the field and 25% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 28-15 rebound advantage and both teams had seven turnovers a piece.

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had a little lull, but they regrouped, made adjustments and were able to regain their big lead in the last five minutes. The Licher Basket Baeren had their best moment of the contest going on a 10-2 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 54-33. In the run Lich was led by ex Leipzig forward Marian Schick that got some damage going inside making free throws and two buckets. Allen and Jan Moritz Overdick from Hofheim also contributed in the scoring department. Basketball is routinely known as a game of runs and what Lich could do so could Frankfurt as they found their rhythm again closing out the third quarter with a tough 14-5 run to extend their lead to 68-38. The run was started by a Konstantin Schubert trey, Richter offensive rebound and hook shot put back and Thompson free throw after Lich head coach Joan Rallo Fernandez had got hit with a technical foul. Lich got some points from Angelats and Mallory, but Frankfurt just continued to hit Lich with their so many offensive weapons as Thompson nailed three pointers eight and nine and Zeeb and Oldenburg also chipped in with baskets inside as Frankfurt led 70-39 after 30 minutes. “Coach wanted us to come out competiting and playing with energy. They just started to miss shots and we hit some at the start. It was nothing special really but we did change our zone stopping the middle penetration, but we couldn´t help on wing or backside. Frankfurt did a good job attacking the zone after our adjustment”, stressed Elijah Allen. “We came out flat in the third taking a break and not controlling the tempo. We came back and there was a time when after giving up points, we were unable to get stops. However we were able to stop their run and make our own showing our progression”, added Fraport Skyliner Junior guard Travis Thompson. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 47% from the field and 48% from the parking lot while the Licher Basket Baeren were shooting 30% from the field and 18% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the overwhelming 40-23 rebound lead and both teams had 11 turnovers a piece.

In the fourth quarter, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors withheld their potent offense and extended their lead to as much as 38 points as seeing what Travis Thompson would do and how many points he would end the game with seemed most interesting. Nil Angelats got some scoring early making a big defensive play getting in the passing lane and stealing a pass intended for Thompson and going coast to coast for the easy bucket and then nailing a trey. Frankfurt kept getting easy buckets and that immaculate ball movement was like a Swiss clock as Tim Oldenburg scored in bunches getting fed perfectly from Richter and Zeeb for easy baskets as Frankfurt led 83-48. With time winding down, Thompson was still in single digits with his three pointers made, but after a Schick offensive rebound and put back, Thompson finally made that tenth three pointer extending the Frankfurt lead to 88-52. In the last minute Richter got two more easy baskets inside as that was a sore spot for Lich all day as they just couldn´t match up or contain the Frankfurt inside game. 17 year old German Maximilian Mayer got the last Lich points of the game with a fade away shot. “Defense was our biggest strength today. When we play defense, it gives us an outlet to push the ball and our defense creates our offense”, warned Travis Thompson. “The lesson we learned is that when we are down we have to stay positive. We will regroup in practice and be ready for our next opponent”, stressed Ohio native Elijath Allen. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Travis Thompson with 36 points. Johannes Richter added 18 points and eight rebounds and Tim Oldenburg chipped in with 17 points. The Licher Basket Baeren were led by Nil Angelats and Marian Schick with 18 points a piece and Lamar Mallory had 13 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 49% from the field and 40% from outside while the Licher Basket Baeren shot 31% from the field and 15% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound battle 51-34 and each team had 14 turnovers a piece.

Lamar Mallory is a 198cm forward from Dayton, Ohio playing his first season in Germany with the Licher Basket Baeren (Germany-ProB). Last season he started his professional career with the Albury Wodonga Bandits (Australia-SEABL, starting five): 5 games: 17.8ppg, 10.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 56.5%, FT: 57.9%. He played at Glenville St. (NCAA2) and as a senior played 25 games: 18.6ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: NCAA2-2(68.1%). He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors.

Lamar thanks for talking to German Hoops. You sat out last game. Are you ok? Will you play this weekend against Frankfurt?

Yes I am ok. I had a small leg injury but I am back 100 percent now and will play this Sunday.

Lich is a better team than their record shows isn´t it? It has four wins only, but were close with Wurzburg, Leipzig and Weissenhorn.

I believe we can play much better than we are playing. We have been competitive in almost every game but just haven’t finished like we should.

Besides rebounding is defense the biggest building block as the team gives up 78 points per game. What needs to improve in this area?

We play a different style of basketball than anyone else in the league. We just have to trust our coach and bring energy and effort every night we play.

The team has been up and down as of late. Do you see it being able to win a few more games before the Christmas break to get higher in the standings?

I think we have a good chance of winning our next two games.

The next game is against Frankfurt that have inside presence. What will be key in getting the win?

Just focusing on intensity and effort. If we focus on that we will come away with the win

How much of a joy has it been playing with Elijah Allen? What is the biggest asset that he gives the team on the court?

It has been great playing with Elijah. I think the biggest asset is he can do a little bit of everything on the court.

How important has Nil Angelats been for the success of the team? The Spaniard is still young and has played 2 Endesa games, but mostly in the fifth league EBA in Spain. He has never had as high an assist rate as with Lich.

Nil has been great. He has a high basketball IQ and it’s a lot of fun having him as our point guard.

A guy I saw play last season a bit was German Jan Moritz Overdick. How much potential does he have in your eyes?

Moritz is a great kid. He has gotten better every single week. I see him turning into a really solid player if he keeps working hard.

You are playing you’re your first season in Germany with the Licher Basket Baehren. Stat wise you are the leading scorer and doing a very good job. Your first real professional experience was with Albury Wodonga Bandits (Australia-SEABL) playing 5 games: 17.8ppg, 10.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 56.5%, FT: 57.9%. How was the adjustment coming from Australian to German basketball?

I think the speed of the game is a lot faster. Players also are not as big and a lot younger it seems. I am thankful for another opportunity to show what I can do on the court.

You are an undersized big man. Has the surprise effect been big in your career? Teams seeing you for the first time and not believing what you can actually do with your height at that position?

I’m not really sure. I dont consider myself a big man. I just go out their and play. Doesn’t matter the position I play to me really. I just want to play hard on defense and offense to win games!

You are a very strong rebounder. Is it just about the normal blabla that its timing and anticipation or have you studied a lot of film of great rebounders to help your game?

I use my athletic ability for rebounds most of the time. Each game I set a goal and work my hardest to achieve it.

How important has Joan Rallo Fernandez been for your game. How has his Spanish influence helped your game develop further?

Joan has helped me a lot. He is a good coach and a good person. His play style is different than what I´m used to. Every day I try to learn as much as I can and try to adapt to the things he wants. He has taught me a lot of things tactically that I did not know and I am thankful for it.

You played at Glenville State(NCAA2). How did head coach Stephen Dye help prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career?

I dont know where my career would be without Stephen Dye. He helped develop me into the player and person I am today.

Did you ever hear about the Marian Schick airplane story? He made it into Germany´s most read newspaper Bild citing a crack in the window during the flight. Would you feel safe on a plane with him? Check the link http://www.bild.de/news/leserreporter/boeing-787/fensterscheibe-bekommt-risse-im-boeing-dreamliner-28090158.bild.html

Haha no I have not heard about this but I will make sure to ask him.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Jordan Mccloud in your senior year?

I would win for sure

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 the best player on the planet but Michael will be the best player to ever touch a basketball.

What is your fondest childhood memory during Thanksgiving? Is their a specific food or football game in past years that stands out?

I dont have a specific memory really. I just enjoy spending time with my family whenever I get a chance to.

What was the last movie that you saw?

007 Spectre.

 

Thanks Lamar for the chat.

 

Even if the two players are long gone and with the fast paced basketball seasons coming and going with so many games a season it may seem as long ago as the last time American singer Mariah Carey hit the number one spot on the Billboard charts as one can remember Jimmy Mckinney firing home three pointers over his buddy Rickey Paulding or Alex King having his break out game in Giessen and always bringing that energy on both sides of the court when these two fine players were playing for the Frankfurt Skyliners as they won´t be forgotten in Frankfurt. It probably also warrants a proud smile from Fraport Skyliner coach Gordon Herbert each time he can read something positive about an ex player. A little more than three years ago, it was Alex King who set an amazing Eurocup record with the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg hitting seven three pointers in a row against Azovmash Mariupol powering them to the win breaking the previous record of 6/6 that was held by an array of skilled players with Henry Domercant, Tutku Acik, Martin Colussi and Jobey Thomas. King left Frankfurt in 2008 and despite not always having an easy time in his 6 years there having to come to terms with the moods of head coach Murat Didin and his uncomfortable dog house, he did help the team win their only Beko BBL league title in 2004 and helped reach a final in 2005. He left in 2008 and moved on to the Telekom Baskets Bonn where he had more of a role under Michael Koch kept developing before moving on to Wurzburg where he became a full-fledged German national player playing at the Euro 2013 in Slovenia and then made the next jump in his career and development at age 28 going to top Euroleague team Alba Berlin winning two more cups, becoming team captain and being able to mingle with the in society of Berlin on the red carpet at movie premiers. Especially the three pointer has been a part of King´s game that has improved immensely in the last 3-4 years and who knows his high rainbow shot that he delivers may have even inspired current Fraport Skyliner Johannes Voigtmann as it has been his bread and butter for some time now and as of recently has been as accurate as a clock can be and every time he releases that work of art, it looks like a controlled kite floating in the air before calmly falling into the bucket. However King isn´t the only ex Frankfurt Skyliner leaving his mark on German basketball, but also another guy that was known as JRoc by his friends.

It is sometimes easier to understand why an older player has more difficulty with fining a new team during the summer due to age, but with the transfer market seemingly getting more and more competitive each season even young bucks have had more problems getting a team prolonging their summer vacation staying at home and working out religiously to stay in shape and not have to set their alarm clocks in Europe to watch NBA games online, but actually visit games live. Former Skyliner Jimmy Mckinney is one of those players that had to stay longer in the States the last two seasons grinding it out in the gyms giving it that little extra push when the muscles are yelping no more no more and getting to catch some extra more games of his beloved St Louis Cardinals as he wasn´t signed during the summer, but late into the season. Even at the age of 32, Jimmy Mckinney still has that slick and suave swagger when he struts down the corridor as if it was 2008 and on the court he isn´t slowing down either. After playing his last season with the s.Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (Germany-BBL) in 2013-2014 where he had his lowest scoring average in three years at 7,8ppg, it seemed like at almost 31, he may be coming to the end of the line. However Mckinney knew he still had game within his 192cm and worked hard in the summer of 2014 and was happy to get a job late in December 2014 as likeable player´s coach Igor Perovic of the Walter Tigers Tuebingen came calling. Mckinney arrived to a team near the end of the standings and played totally rejuevanated playing 20 games averaging 12.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 87.5%. After having shot only 40% from outside twice before in the Beko BBL, he now had had his highest average from downtown as a professional. Had the season ended on March 28 against Phoenix Hagen he would have scored in double figures in 15 of 16 games and been the most consistent scoring wise ever in his career in a short span like that. He probably wanted to forget the last 4 games as he put a dent into his already strong three point percentage by going 2/13 from the three point line. However his 29 points in 31 minutes against BG Goettingen where he knocked down 8 three pointers showed that the St Louis native may be getting older in age, but could still have big shooting games. So last summer he was hard at work again working on his game skills and keeping fit not to be left behind on the court by the young bucks should a team come calling. It wasn´t as late as last year, but this time it was Germany calling again as the name Mckinney does have a good reputation there as the Telekom Baskets Bonn wanted his services even if it was only a short term contract. With Bonn in the Beko BBL he hasn´t been as consistent as with Tuebingen in scoring in double figures, but has had great shot selection and is shooting 41,4% from the parking lot while averaging 9,6ppg, 2,1rpg and 1,0apg. However where the American has really taken control of is in Eurocup play where he shot a ridiculous 52,9% from outside and averaged 11,0ppg and 1,7rpg.

When Gordon Herbert turned on his computer yesterday morning, he must of had another opportunity to get his cheek dimples to get a early morning workout as he read about the newest eye opening feat by an ex Frankfurt Skyliner. Mckinney´s amazing three point shooting average was helped by his Steph Curry like shooting on Wednesday as he tied a Eurocup record making 9 three pointers tying Ruben Douglas who set the record with a 9-for-12 effort for Pamesa Valencia against Khimki Moscow Region in December 2007 and Marko Popovic attempted 14 shots in making 9 for Unics Kazan in November 2009. Ex Skyliners teammate Jimmie Hunt heard of the stellar performance in the Czech Republic where he is playing for BK Geosan Kolin, but it was something that he knew Mckinney was capable of. “I am very proud of Jimmy, but also I’m not surprised. He is a very good shooter. Very focused, and he works really hard. He is the type of shooter that you can assume spent plenty of time in the gym”, stressed ex Franklin Pierce (NCAA2) guard Jimmie Hunt. Another ex teammate Ilian Evtimov who has called Chalon(France Pro A) home since 2010 also has joined the professional basketball 30 plus group and knows what are the perfect comparisons are when one isn´t a young buck anymore and remembers what hardships Mckinney went through when he was playing in Frankfurt. “I think Jimmy is a bottle of wine, the older he gets the better he gets. I am not surprised by his performance. He may make 10 next year! The reason why Jimmy is a great player is because, he has work ethic. Even when the odds went against him, and he’s was hurt, torn pectoral muscle, broken wrist, he fought back to get back in the game. Today his perseverance is winning! Score on the board speaks for itself”, stressed ex Frankfurt Skyliner Ilian Evtimov. Mckinney helped bring the game into OT, but unfortunately the team lost to Dolomiti Energia Trento 98-96 and didn´t advance to the next group despite his potent 29 points. Even if the scouting report will always show Mckinney to be a dangerous shooter who can beat you on any night from downtown, his ex teammates clear up the notion one more time that he isn´t one dimensional. “Jimmy is way more than a one dimensional player. His ball handing is pretty strong and over looked. He is athletic and has a great pull up mid range jump shot if you take away the three. He is an all- around player”, added Jimmie Hunt. “In my eyes Jimmy is definitely not one dimensional, he can drive and has a pull up! Also, he is also a very smart player”, warned Ilian Evtimov. Recently Mckinney was rewarded with a contract until the end of the season as he will continue to be a very important offensive weapon for Bonn and their chances to reach the playoffs this season. Even if Mckinney is 32 years old, he is still boss on the parking lot´s in Europe as his hot shooting is remaining as slick and suave as his swagger down the street.

 

 

 

Diante Watkins is a 25 year old 174cm point guard that was going to be playing his fourth professional season and first with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen, but an injury in pre season derailed his path. He started his basketball career in 2009 with Daley CC (JUCO): 28 games: 26.5ppg, 5.8apg, 2.7rpg, 2.0spg, FGP: 44%, 3Pts: 38%, FT: 86%. He then played two seasons with Robert Morris (NAIA) and as a senior played 27 games: 24.4ppg, 7.4apg, 3.0rpg, 2.1spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3Pts: 38.9%, FT: 82.7%. In 2013-2014 he started his professional basketball career with SC Rist Wedel where he played 30 games averaging 16.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 86.9%. He improved his play last season with SC Rist Wedel playing 32 games: Score-2(21.3ppg), 3.8rpg, Assists-1(6.8apg), Steals-2(3.2spg), FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 87.4%. He cleaned up the Eurobasket awards winning Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Honorable Mention -14, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Player of the Year -15, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Guard of the Year -15, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Import Player of the Year -15, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B 1st Team -15, and Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga Pro B All-Imports Team -15. He spoke to German Hoops and talked about the last few months about surgery and what is next.

 

 

 

 

Diante thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and have you got all your X-mas presents yet?
I’m home in Chicago at the moment, and no I haven’t got all the gifts, my little sister has a lot on the list some are hard to find haha.

You suffered a bad injury in pre-season and had to leave the Bayer Giants Leverkusen and go home and get surgery. Are you 100% fit again?
Yes I’m 100% again it’s been 4 months since surgery I’ve just been working out getting ready for the next opportunity!

How tough was this time mentally for you? You were gearing up to play at a higher level in the German Pro A and then an injury ended all of that.
It was tough mentally for me, seeing guys play and I was rehabbing at home knowing I was supposed to be there competing with some good competition! It was my first injury where I ever had to have surgery so it challenged me a lot.

Did you ever have a phase in the last three months where you thought that you might not be able to come back or were you always positive that you would be able to come back 100%
I never had doubts about me coming back and being the player I know I can be, it wasn’t a major injury. I was more worried about the teams second guessing my ability! I knew what I had to do now it’s time to show it again!

Was there a special person besides someone in your family that really helped you get through this period?
No one specifically, just my closest friends helped me through knowing how much I wanted to play! One guy stood out one of my best friends Robert came over and checked on me every day! And of course my trainer haha he helped me get through rehab!

Does it feel any different now when you step on the court after having had surgery and rehab or do you feel like you did when you last played before the injury?
When I first stepped on the court I wasn’t attacking as much because of the injury but now I’m comfortable and feeling exactly how I did before the injury when I was in Wedel. I’m attacking and using my speed again!

In your come back now what have you been focusing most on? Was it difficult getting your condition back?
That’s been my main focus is my conditioning! I’ve been running and getting in the pool, just doing a lot of cardio! Of course I’ve been working on my ball handling, quickness and my shot has gotten better!

Do you fear that skill wise something may change once you play professional again? How tough is your self confidence right now?
No I don’t fear it, I’ve only been out of playing pro for a few months haha. my self confidence is pretty high right now I’m feeling good. Confidence to me always come from the hard work you put in, and I have been working pretty hard.

How does a normal work out day look like now in December after your rehab and surgery?
Eat breakfast. Then I usually go running 2-3 miles in the morning, than get in the pool for about an hour, do some laps and other exercises! Eat lunch, take a few hours off and than go to my old school for weight lifting and than basketball drills.

You want to get back with a team, but that is always more difficult in mid-season. Is Germany your main focus at the moment?
I’m open to all countries but yes Germany is my main focus because I played my last two years there I believe they know me there!

Would you be willing to take a step back after working so hard for two seasons to finally reach the Pro A and help a Pro B team who may be in need?
At the moment I’m not that interested in Pro B because I want to play at a higher level. If something in Pro A doesn’t show up than I’ll consider it!

It has been a tough season for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. Do you ever think about what could have been if you hadn´t been injured and you had been with the team and if it would have been successful with you?
I think about it all the time, I look up the scores because I have friends playing in pro A that I check on! I do believe if I was there we could’ve won some more games, not taking nothing away from the guys that are there I am sure there a good group of guys but I think we would’ve had more success if I was in Leverkusen, I think every player feels they could help a team win, if not you shouldn’t play the game.

Explain in a few sentences as to why you could help any professional team right now?
I think I bring leadership to a team, especially by example! I am a winner, I play hard, I’m considered small but I play big and my stats show that, I don’t back down! I’m just one of those guys that gets it DONE!

Is Steph Curry the real deal? Do you see him making 60 or 70 points in a game soon?
He is the REAL DEAL! I’m a huge Lebron James and Chris Paul fan but Steph Curry is the best player on the planet right now! It’s possible he can score 60 or 70 but a lot this season he doesn’t play in the 4th quarter! Haha

What is your fondest Christmas childhood memory?
One Christmas me and my big brother was so excited I think the Sega Dreamcast was coming out but we didn’t think we were going to get it and my mom always let us open one gift at midnight, we ripped 2 boxes open, the Dreamcast was there and we played the game until the morning! Haha

What was the last movie that you saw?
I watched Creed it was a really great movie!

 

Thanks Diante for the chat.