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

 

Travis congrats on the 65-42 win against Eintracht Stahnsdorf. Did you have a special motivation playing against your ex team?

Thank you Miles. I really did not have any extra motivation. It’s was good to see my old teammates from Stahnsdorf but I was more focused on making sure we won and did not lose two games in a row. Stahnsdorf is a good team and we knew would have to put forth a lot of energy and effort in order to beat them.

The game was pretty much decided in the second and third quarter where Wolfenbuetel gave up a combined 15 points. What adjustments did the team make?

We wanted to maintain out aggressiveness on offense and defense. In previous games we have let teams come back and our goal last game was to make sure that played hard and aggressive for the entire game.

It was the best defensive effort of the season and after giving 90 points up last week in a loss and 75 points the week before, do you believe that there can be more consistency found on the defensive end in the next games?

I do believe so, our coach stresses defense and the depth that our team has can allow us to be a very sound defensive team.

Is consistent scoring something the team can improve more as it averages only 73 points while giving up an average of 70 points?

Yes, there is always room for improvement. The team has yet to reach its full potential. I think more important than anything is defense, making teams uncomfortable and getting stop. The team has a lot of guys that score so the offensive side will take care of itself.

The club is led in scoring one and two from Beko BBL license player Robin Amaize and Sid Marlon Theis. Can it be negative if the club becomes too dependent on them for scoring production especially then when they aren´t available for service?

Robin and Sid are great players and when they aren’t playing they are definitely missed, but a lot of other guys on the team are capable of producing consistently on offense as well.

You were injured for a while. Has it been a tough adjustment coming off the injury and getting back into rhythm?

Yes, coming off an injury is always a little difficult, but Coach Ralph and the physical therapist did a great job of pacing my recovery which made it easier for me to find my rhythm quicker.

Can we expect more scoring production from American Demetruis Ward down the stretch? It isn´t usual that an American or Americans aren´t leading their teams in scoring.

Demetrius is a good player and very capable scorer so I am sure that his production will increase as the season goes on, but I think the best thing about the Wolfenbüttel team is that they don’t really worry about who is scoring. The only concern is getting the best possible shot.

Last season you led Stahnsdof in scoring and was the go to guy. Did you have a different role this season with Wolfenbuetel?

Yes my role for Wolfenbüttel was different. They needed me to be more of point guard, control the tempo of the offensive and get easy shots for guys. In Stahnsdorf the team needed me to be more of a shooting guard and be an aggressive scorer and so that’s what I did. I am comfortable in either role.

Your shooting only 22% from outside. You have been picking your spots and only have attempted nine shots. Are you working more on your shot after practice or has it got more to do with getting better shot selection?

I always work on shooting after and before practice. I haven’t really taking many threes in the games because the team needed me to be more of a penetrator and to put pressure on the defense.

Besides your three pointer is there some other part of your game that your concentrating on on improving to help your team be better?

I have been concentrating a lot on ball handling and my strength. Also I have been watching a lot of film to see how I can be a better all around player and make my teammates better.

When you see Germans like Robin Amaize or Sid Marlon Theis getting their Beko BBL minutes, do you ever think about what is missing from your game to get to a level like that?

I often do. Luckily I have had two great coaches since I have been in Germany who both have experience coaching at the BBL level. They both have given me advice about things I need to add and areas I need to improve upon to get to that level.

What was your impression of young German Niklas Bilski? You worked with him in practice each day. Did you give the 17 year old tips when you guys are battling in practice?

Niklas is a talented young prospect and a good guy. He has very good instincts as a basketball player and he has a lot of potential to be an elite team leader at the point guard position. I do give him some tips but for the most part all he needs is more game experience his instincts are good enough to where he will figure out ways to be effective.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Demetrius Ward?

We have actually never played one on one but that would be a good game.

Travis you are moving from Wolfenbuetel to Wurzburg. What were the main reasons for moving in mid season from a successful team?

It is tough to leave Wolfenbuetel. I enjoyed my time there and it is a great city, team, coach and organization. I started developing chemistry and friendships on the team but I only signed to play there until December.

How excited are to be going to an all German team? It is rare these days to find a team that has no import. Will it feel strange being the only import?

I am very excited about the opportunity to play with Würzburg. They are a very talented team and a great club to be a part of. I believe that my skills will help add a positive boost to the team, and I don’t think being the only American will be strange. Last season in Stanhsdorf I was the only American for a couple of months so I have experienced that before and it was not a problem.

Wurzburg has some very talented Germans. What kind of role do you see yourself having? Will you be a scorer or a type of energizer from the bench?

One of my goals is to always bring energy to my team on both sides of the ball. I believe I will have to be more of scorer here. I will play more shooting guard instead of point guard here. There will be a small adjustment as I find my niche in the offense and figure out exactly where I can be effective and help the team.

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

Lebron with out a doubt deserves to be mentioned among the greats of the game he has done a lot in his career and still has more years ahead to add to his list of achievements.

What is your most nicest Christmas memory from home in South Carolina?

My mom usually hosts Christmas breakfast at our house on Christmas Day for all of my aunts uncles and their kids. We all just come together eat and enjoy each other’s company. Those breakfasts are by far my best memories.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was “Gone Girl” crazy movie.

Thanks Travis for the chat.

For nature lovers the African Blackwood is a is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to seasonally dry regions of Africa from Senegal east to Eritrea and south to the Transvaal in South Africa. The tree is an important timber species in its native areas; it is used in the manufacture of musical instruments^[1] and fine furniture. Even in Germany one can find the magical Blackwood, but not in a forest or in a Botanical garden, but moreover in a wide range of basketball gym´s and smaller arena´s in Germany. The blackwood is a combination of two fine experienced player with 30 year old 203cm center form Tampa, Florida Jeremy Black and 33 year old 200cm power forward Marcus Smallwood from Illinois. Combined both have played 18 seasons and don’t seem to be slowing down with age. They may not be the tallest players, but what they can´t make up with height they make up with anticipation, quick moves, and experience to grab almost 20 rebounds combined per game. Smallwood has played most of his career in Germany for teams like Kaiserslautern, Cuxhaven, Kirchheim, MBC; Vechta or Speyer as well as gaining further basketball knowledge in countries like Finland, Sweden, Poland or Kosovo. He has averaged double double stats five times in his career and grabbing rebounds is as normal and easy to him as it is for Saarlouis guard Ricky Easterling nailing mid distance shots. Black has mostly played in Germany with teams like Jena and is playing his fifth season for BG Karlsruhe. He has been in the top 5 in rebounding in the Pro A each season and in his career in Germany has averaged 13,5ppg and 8,2rpg. They are without a doubt the top 4-5 duo in the Pro B and for each team a real challenge and battle to try to contain game in and game out. They met the German duo of Johannes Richter and Niklas Kiel who average 20 years of age while the BG Karlsruhe American du average 31,5 years of age. It was the raw youth that met the annoying experience and the Fraport Skyliners came together as team and fought of BG Karlsruhe and Blackwood 77-70. For Frankfurt it was a huge turnaround after their dismal showing in Wurzburg last weekend. “We made a 100 degree turn today. Our intensity was unstoppable today. We played the way Wurzburg did last weekend against us only we didn´t score as well. We controlled their big men somewhat. Our intensity was very important and we also made it uncomfortable for Rouven Roessler as he doesn´t like to be defended hard. Smallwood and Black are good players and when you don´t box out, they are very dangerous. We knew that if we wanted to somewhat control them that we had to play together as a team and did”, explained Fraport Skyliner Junior Tim Oldenburg. BG Karlsruhe came into the game as the favorite, but never could dominate the game the way they wanted to as the Fraport Skyliners kept them under their 82 points scored per game average. “Frankfurt came in with the height advantage, but we weren´t aggressive enough. We were looking more for the calls and I had some bad turnovers early that hurt us. We fought hard at the end, but just couldn´t make shots. The secret to Blackwood is that despite being undersized, we run the floor well, are physical and rebound well. We have good chemistry and read the ball well”, warned Tampa, Florida native Jeremy Black. “I am really proud of the team. We didn´t bring the needed energy in Wurzburg, but today we wanted to give it our all and we did”, stressed Alaska Native Travis Thompson.

BG Karlsruhe came out on fire taking a quick 6-0 lead as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors still seemed as if they were doing their Christmas shopping in the mall as they were hit inside with three consecutive buckets. Blackwood struck right away as 33 year old Illinois native Marcus Smallwood made an offensive rebound and put back and later scored again and 20 year old German Marcel Davis made a lay in. However sometimes something hits a basketball club so suddenly like a lightening bolt does as they got out of their funk going on an unexpected 9-0 run to get the lead 11-8. Frankfurt finally got their offense going as they scored in many different ways as Paderborn native Niklas Kiel dropped a trey from the corner, ex Bamberg center Johannes Richter converted on a lay in and ex Bremerhaven guard Garai Zeeb played his usual calm game sneaking inside for a bucket and then found Richter for a lay in. After a Black lay in, it was Zeeb finding Richter with a lob pass for the easy lay in as Frankfurt led 14-10. Zeeb closed out the first quarter being unstoppable as he scored three consecutive baskets as the lane was his living room as he always made the right decision. American Hayden Lescault from Folsam, California came in the game and got the BG Karlsruhe offense going again with two assists finding Smallwood and German Adrian Lind for buckets, but the Fraport Skyliners Juniors led 20-14 after one quarter. “We got our defense going after the early Karlsruhe run and attacked the rim and hit our shots. Richter and Kiel did a good job on their big men”, stressed Fraport Skyliners Juniors forward Konstantin Schubert. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 53% from the field and 17% from outside while BG Karlsruhe was shooting 47% from the field and 0% from outside. Frankfurt had the 10-8 rebound edge and three turnovers while BG Karlsruhe had five turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were able to increase their lead to 11 points, but basketball is a game of runs and BG Karlsruhe made a furious comeback in the last five minutes to dead lock the game at 36-36 at halftime. Both teams traded 5-0 runs to start the second quarter as Johannes Richter hit a mid-distance shot getting fed from Thompson and the American then nailed a shot and made the free throw giving Frankfurt the 24-14 advantage. BG Karlsruhe then got production from Smallwood who scored inside after getting the perfect pass from Lescault and ex Giessen 46er Rouven Roessler nailed a high rainbow three pointer cutting the Frankfurt lead to 25-19. Frankfurt kept up the offensive pressure getting a big trey from Lenny Okeke and Zeeb once again found Richter inside with the hook shot as Frankfurt led 30-20. However BG Karlsruhe now made their second quarter push going on a nasty 14-4 run to tie the score at 34-34. After having little success in the first quarter from the Parking lot, BG Karlsruhe turned it on from downtown nailing four three pointers as Simon Schmitz brother Aaron scored as did ex Gotha German Dmitrij Kreis, Adrian Lind and Hayden Lescault. Frankfurt got a bit sloppy on offense not having good shot selection, coughing up the ball more and giving up too many offensive rebounds. After Black and Kreis made one free throw, Richter made a massive dunk at the buzzer as both teams went into the dressing room with the game tied at 36-36. “We had problems on the boards as they got many more chances and made their open shots. They also hit better from outside. Garai Zeeb had a very good first half taking on the role of Max Merz well and leading the team”, added Konstantin Schubert. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 50% from the field and 20% from the three point line while BG Karlsruhe was shooting 50% from the field and 45% from the three point line. BG Karlsruhe had the 19-14 rebound edge, but eight turnovers while Frankfurt had only five turnovers.

In the third quarter, the game became more defensive as both teams scored less and the beginning was back and forth until BG Karlsruhe could maintain a lead and keep it until the end of the third quarter. In the third quarter Rouven Roessler started to get going making three baskets early including a step back, but Richter got an offensive rebound and put back to tie the game at 38-38. Zeeb then used his agility and quickness scoring inside for the Frankfurt 42-40 lead. However then led by Roessler, BG Karlsruhe jumped out on a 10-2 run to extend their lead to 48-42. The run was commenced by the hot shooting of Roessler who can score in so many ways and especially make contested shots made two off balance shots that probably made Frankfurt Juniors head coach Eric Detlev wonder how a guy at 35 can still make those shots. Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert got to the game at halftime and probably remembered the young Roessler back in the 2003-2005 seasons when he battled the then Opel Skyliners. Also in the run, Davis nailed a three pointer and Smallwood a free throw. Despite BG Karlsruhe having the lead, Frankfurt stayed at their heels notching two three pointers from Thompson and Okeke and trailed only 49-48 after 30 minutes. “We have struggled in the past in the third and fourth quarter not having the needed energy and wanted to make a stand. We knew that if we could keep it close we would be in it at the end and we were able to achieve that in the third”, added Fraport Skyliners Juniors guard Travis Thompson. “Frankfurt did a good job limiting our play inside so we had to rely on our outside shooting and moving the ball”, added ex Science City Jena center Jeremy Black. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 45% from the field and 24% from the parking lot while BG Karlsruhe was shooting 44% from the field and 43% from the parking lot. BG Karlsruhe had the 33-20 rebound lead, but 12 turnovers while Frankfurt had seven turnovers.

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners broke away attaining a nine point lead, but as is so often the case in basketball, BG Karlsruhe made a comeback, but fell short. The Fraport Skyliners got going fast going on a 9-2 run as Kiel nailed a jumper and Thompson scored inside getting by Lind easily as Kreis was too late on the help and Marius Nolte stayed tough inside battling for the offensive rebound and getting a put back while Okeke snuck inside for a lay in and Frankfurt led 57-51. After a Lind bucket, Richter grabbed an offensive rebound and swung a quick pass to Nolte beside him who made the hard lay in as Frankfurt extended their lead to 59-43. After a Roessler step back jumper, it was Okeke Burying another three pointer as he was playing with a lot of self confidence as Frankfurt led 62-56. Then came a peculiar situation as German Adrian Lind was handed a technical foul as BG Karlsruhe head coach Nenad Josipovic was so furious that he sent the youngster to the locker room for an early shower. This seemed to power Frankfurt as they continued to keep up the offensive consistency going on a 7-2 run to extend their lead to 69-58 as it seemed like the game was decided. In the run, Frankfurt was aided by a bucket from Nolte who worked hard to find space get the ball and put it home and Thompson nailed a timely trey. BG Karlsruhe knew it was now or never and made an important 7-1run with three minutes remaining to suddenly be back in the game trailing only 70-65. BG Karlsruhe scored off two Frankfurt turnovers as Smallwood once again did his bread and butter getting an offensive rebound and making a put back and Roessler hit a big three pointer. With a 1.30 to play teams exchanged free throws as Kiel and Richter scored and for BG Karlsruhe it was Kreis and Lescault that made free throws cutting the Frankfurt lead to 74-70. With 50 seconds remaining, BG Karlsruhe had three chances, but their offensive rebounds weren´t rewarded with points. Zeeb closed out the game with three free throws. “We got people the ball who we wanted to have take the shots, but at the end of the day, they didn´t fall for us. The ball just didn´t bounce our way. This happens in this sport. We will be back at practice Monday looking to get better”, stressed Jeremy Black. “Our inexperience showed a bit at the guard spots during their comeback at the end. BG Karlsruhe did a press and we didn´t come to terms with it. Garai Zeeb played a great game though. He was given a lot of responsibility early this season and still needs time to get used to it. They got offensive rebounds at the end and we were a bit tired, but we were a bit lucky at the end, played with good intensity and made our free throws”, added Fraport Skyliner forward Tim Oldenburg.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Johannes Richter with 16 points. Garai Zeeb had 14 points and nine assists. Travis Thompson contributed 12 points and Lenny Okeke and Niklas Kiel chipped in with 11 points a piece. BG Karlsruhe was led by Rouven Roessler with 15 points and eight rebounds. Marcus Smallwood added 14 points and 13 rebounds and Hayden Lescault had 12 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 25% from outside while BG Karlsruhe shot 38% from the field and 29% from outside. BG Karlsruhe won the rebound duel 47-31, but had 17 turnovers while Frankfurt had 12 turnovers. “The biggest strength tonight was our energy and defense. If we can play with this intensity in every game then we will be in every game, because our good defense leads to our good offense”, warned Travis Thompson.

 

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalbergia_melanoxylon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marcus Smallwood is a 33 year old 198cm forward that is playing his tenth professional season and first with BG Karlsruhe. He played for the BIS Baskets Speyer the last two seasons and last season played BIS Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB) played 22 games averaging 17.8ppg, Reb-1(12.8rpg), 1.5apg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 25.6%, FT: 59.2%. He is from Elgin, Illinois and played at Northern Illinois from 2000-2004. He came to Europe for his rookie season and played for Ostromecko Astoria Bydgoszcz (Poland-EBL): 4 games: 9.5ppg, 9.0rpg: was released in and later that month signed at Pyrbasket Tampere (Finland-Sparliiga): 6 games: 13.5ppg, 10.8rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 59%, and also played shortly at Solna Vikings (Sweden-Basketligan): 3 games: 8.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.0bpg. The next season, he played in Finland for Forssan Koripojat (Finland-1st Division, starting five): 26 games: 19.7ppg, Reb-2(11.1rpg), 1.3apg, 1.0spg, Blocks-1(1.4bpg), 2FGP-3(64.1%), 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 56.2%. 2006: Elgin Racers (IBL). He had a very strong season in Finland, but surprisingly in the next few years played only briefly in the IBL for the Elgin Racers. He played for Kaiserslautern from 2008-2010. In the 2010-2011 season he played for Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-ProA) playing 9 games: 12.6ppg, 10.9rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 51.6%, FT: 52.8%; in Dec.’10 moved to VfL Kirchheim Knights (Germany-Pro A) playing 20 games: 15.7ppg, Reb-1(10.8rpg), Blocks-2(2.1bpg), FGP: 60.3%, FT: 47.8%. In 2011-2012 he played for  Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (Germany-ProA) playing 10 games: 6.5ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 60.4%, FT: 31.8%; left in Nov.’11, in Dec.’11 moved to Sigal Prishtina (Kosova-SuperLeague), later that month signed at SC Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProB) playing 19 games: 12.1ppg, Reb-4(10.5rpg), FGP: 53.7%, FT: 51.4%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for the VfL Kirchheim Knights (Germany-ProA) playing 29 games: 11.1ppg, 7.9rpg, Blocks-5(1.1bpg), FGP: 57.4%, FT: 67.7%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors.

 

 

 

 

Marcus thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are playing your first season with BG Karlsruhe. What do you enjoy most about the game now at 33 that may not have been the case at age 25?

I’m just more grateful and appreciative now because I was always in Pro A, but now I find myself in Pro B trying to work my way back up and it makes you realize how hard you have to work because everyone at this level is hungry for a chance to play higher. So it really keeps you a hungry and competitive player.

BG Karlsruhe is in first place with a record of 9-1. How satisfying has the season been so far for you and did you expect the team be so successful as you saw the team develop through pre-season?

To be honest I wasn’t sure what to expect from the beginning since it’s been so long that I have had a real preseason. But coach Josipovic is a guy who requires you can practice at a high intensity level..and so far the results from that have been showing in our great start so far. But it’s still a long way to go and we know we still have a lot of work to do to reach our goals.

The club is averaging 82 points per game and giving up 69 points a game. Despite the success what areas of the game does the team still need some tweaking to do?

I think the challenge for any team that has a great start is to not get comfortable and continue to practice and work harder than any other team in the league on a daily basis. So if we do that then I think everything else works itself out.

Rouven Roessler, Jeremy Black and your self average half of the teams points. Do you feel that there wont be the risk of being too overly dependent on you guys?

Rouven and Jeremy in my eyes are BBL level players and cornerstones of Karlsruhe basketball. So I think it’s a requirement that both of them are central in what we do and then we just build off of that. But other guys on our team do a great job of being ready when there is an opportunity for them to do more in games.

How key has the inside defensive presence been for the success on the defensive end for the team?

So far it’s been a big key but we have a great communicator in Jeremy but also a hard worker in Adrian Lind so its’ easy to keep a great inside presence so far

You and Jeremy Black average combined 18 rebounds per game. How much fun has it been playing with the Florida native this season?

Jeremy is a workhorse and great on/off court leader and if I would of played with him earlier in my career I can’t imagine the level of success we could have had in the Pro A. But he challenges me to get better in practice which has carried over into games, so for that I’m really grateful so far.

You guys aren´t the tallest, but make up in other areas for the success. How important is pure experience that both of you bring to the court?

It speaks volumes because I’m more of a leader by example and can be too intense at times, but Jeremy does a great job of communicating with our younger players in practice which has led to them being more productive in our games so far. But it’s also great to have someone who brings that “workhorse” mentality to every game.

Both of you are superb rebounders. At your age how can you guys still improve from each other?

By just competing against each other every day. Even though our team is in the Pro B. I play every day against a Pro A/BBL caliber player. So just having that allows me and I hope him to continue to improve every day.

For many years you played against Rouven Roessler at least twice a season. How happy are you now that he is on your team and not vice versa?

He’s a really talented guy when he chooses to really turn on the switch in practice or games. So to have a guy like that on your team gives you confidence to know that in pressure situations he’s ready for that challenge

Roessler is similar to you and Black in that he doesn´t seem to get any worse with age, but stays so consistent. Do you three have the same habits when it comes to knowing what is good for you over the age of 30?

Well I can’t speak on their routines but both are High Level Players so I think just having that characteristic allows them to keep bodies and a shape that is well under their actual ages.

How have you seen the development of Hayden Lescault? Is he a guy that could move up levels in Germany in the next years should he decide to remain here?

From day one he has done nothing but been a hard worker and someone that continues to improve every week. I have no doubt that for as long as he chooses to stay in Germany and stays healthy he can play at a higher level. His level of awareness and confidence in his skill set at his age is really an amazing thing to see in practice everyday.

The next game is against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. What memories do you have of the bitter 75-73 loss last season with the BIS Baskets Speyer?

One of those what if losses that if we would have had it then maybe we make the playoffs. But in the long run it really helped improve our team to play well in the play downs and stay in the league.

The key to this game will be the inside game with the experience of you and Black against the youth of Johannes Richter and Niklas Kiel. Are you looking forward to containing their inside out game?

With a full squad and playing on their home court they will be in my opinion our toughest game so far. But for sure it will be enjoyable to step up to that challenge because we know that it will be a battle!

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

Individually I think he’s the better player but there is no greater winner then Michael Jordan(6-0 in the Finals). But both are top 5 of all time so you can’t go wrong with either one of them

What was the last movie that you saw?

The new 007 movie Spectre.

 

Thanks Marcus for the chat

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

 

Hayden thanks for talking toGerman Hoops. Congrats on the huge 71-68 win against the Dresden Titans. Is BG Karlsruhe becoming more and more a crunch time team since its experience having done it against Weissenhorn and Wurzburg?

Absolutely. While we would obviously prefer to win games by a larger margin, all of these close games we have been in are really helping us get battle tested. Now when the game is on the line with 2 minutes left, we have the confidence to stay under control and pull out wins because we have done it time and time again.

How key was teammate Rouven Roessler for securing the win as he scored the last 7 BG Karlsruhe points in notching the win?

There is never a moment too big for Rouven, he has so much experience and has played the game for so many years that he knows how to finish games. He can tell when our team needs someone to step up and take a big shot and he will knock it down. So he has been big for us down the stretch of close games.

BG Karlsruhe is currently battling Ehingen for the top spot in the German Pro B south. You lost the first game 76-67. Even though you should always concentrate on the next opponent is the team already thinking for some revenge in the back of their minds for the return game?

Not at all. All year long we have been preaching just concentrating on the next game. Being at the top of the league means that there is a big target on our back and we will get every teams best shot. So whoever the next opponent is, we put all our focus into that game because we know that’s what it’ll take to win.

What is the secret to the success of the team so far? How key is the experience of Rouven Roessler, Marcus Smallwood and Jeremy Black?

Their experience is huge for us, whether on the court or in the locker room. When you have three guys with that much experience it really helps the team. I would say the secret to our teams success so far would just be how well rounded our team is. We have a dominant presence inside with Black, Smallwood, and Lind. To go along with that, we have great shooters and ball handlers and when you have multiple threats on the court, it’s very hard to guard. We also take pride in our defense and try to win the game on that end of the floor.

BG Karlsruhe averages 82 points a game and give up 69 points. Despite the current good play what parts of the team game can still be tweaked?

I don’t think we have played our best basketball yet. It’s a long season and the goal is to keep improving every day at every aspect of our game. While holding our opponents to 69 points a game is good, I think we can improve on that.

Would you agree that BG Karlsruhe have the best 4-5 men in the league with Smallwood and Black who almost average 20 rebounds per game combined?

Definitely. They are two guys who have never ending motors and they go after every rebound and try to contest every shot. I haven’t seen a better 4-5 combo in this league than them.

You are playing your rookie season in Germany coming from the NCAA 2 with Point Loma (NCAA2). What has been the biggest adjustment coming from the NCAA2?

The biggest adjustment for me would be the pace of play. On my college team we would use most of the shot clock, which was 35 seconds, every possession. But now this game is more up tempo and pushing the ball in transition. I like this pace a lot more.

How would you describe your game? You are a versatile player that seems to be able to do a bit of everything. What is your role for BG Karlsruhe that has many offensive options?

I think versatile is actually the perfect word. I try to sharpen all aspect of my game so that I can’t be put in a single category. Whether it be ball handling, shooting, passing, or attacking the basket, I like to take pride in being a well rounded player. We start most games trying to establish an early inside presence with Black and Smallwood. So when I check in, I would say my roll is to increase the pace of the game a little bit and be a spark for the offense.

How important has Rouven Roessler been for you? How has he helped you get adapted to the German game best?

Going against Rouven in practice on a daily basis has helped me a lot. Just seeing some of the things he does on the court that have brought him so much success in his career has helped my game expand. He also trusts in me a lot during games, often calling plays for me or telling me to keep shooting. I think that’s helped my confidence in games and has led to better play.

What part of his game has impressed you most that he can still do so well at age 35?

The way that he can score in a variety of ways is very impressive. He’ll knock down a three, take you off the dribble to the basket, or post you up. Having all of those options makes him a match up nightmare for the other team even at 35.

Where does Marcus Smallwood rank in best 198cm rebounders that you have played with in your career? He has had had double double stats in Germany in 5 seasons.

Marcus is one of the guys that is nearly impossible to box out. He’s strong and quick and is always working on getting in the right position to grab a board. He definitely ranks right up there at the top.

You won the NCAA2 title in 2014 with Point Loma (NCAA2). When you look back at this run what was the biggest hurdle that the team needed to overcome to get the title?

The biggest hurdle for that team, as much as I hate to admit it, was beating one of our rivals Azusa Pacific in the post season. They had beaten us by 1 point at home and then in overtime at their place in the regular season. So when we played them in the post season and ended up beating them by about 15, our team knew we were playing at a high level and could make a run to the championship.

You have expressed that your dad was a big part of you becoming the player that you are now, but besides his help how did Bill Carr help groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach Carr helped with my preparation and dedication. He demanded that when you step on his basketball court, you better have your shoes tied, jersey tucked in, and have a good sweat going by the time practice started. This resulted in myself and a couple other guys on the team showing up 20 minutes early, then 30 minutes, eventually it became an hour early. That helped get me extremely dedicated to the game.

What kind of advice does your dad give you as you are a professional. How much of an influence is he now for you?

My Dad watches all of our games at home the following day. He gives me advice and pointers here and there, but at this point he’s told me that he is more of a fan and he’s just happy that I’m over here doing what I love.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Sam Okhotin?

I have to take myself in that one, but if it was a three point contest that might be a different story. The guy can really shoot it.

It has been more than 5 years ago, but do you ever look back at the crazy 69-66 triple OT win against Center where you played a vital role?

That might be my favorite basketball game that I ever played in. You just don’t forget nights like that.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Do you think that one day he will be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

I think he will. He’s an amazing player and there is really nothing that he can’t do. I hope to see him and the Cavs in a finals rematch against Step Curry and the Warriors.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The Martian with Matt Damon. Good movie.

 

Thanks Hayden for the chat.

Kyle Hines is a 29 year old 198cm power forward from Sicklerville, New Jersey that is playing his third season with CSKA Moscow. He is a powerful player who loves to attack the basket. Has a good 1-vs-1 game and likes to go inside. He is undersized to play the power forward, but his great wingspan (7-1) allows him to guard taller players and to intimidate. He’s also a great leaper and reads the opponent’s game well He played at NC-Greensboro (NCAA) from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 31 games: 19.2ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.8spg, 3.1bpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3Pts: 12.5%, FT: 62.8%. He was invited to play at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 17.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.3apg, 2.3spg, 3.3bpg, FGP: 78.6%, FT: 72.7%. He then had predraft workouts with Sacramento Kings and the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA). He then went to Europe to Italy and played with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 34 games: 16.9ppg, Reb-4(8.6rpg), 3.0spg, Blocks-2(1.8bpg), FGP-2(66.0%), FT: 58.5%. In 2009, he took part in the Orlando Pro Summer League (Oklahoma City Thunder). In 2009-2010, he stayed in Italy with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 40 games: 18.5ppg, 8.1rpg, Steals-2(3.5spg), Blocks-4(1.6bpg), FGP-3(64.0%), 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 57.8%. He played NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (New Orleans Hornets) in the summer of 2010.In 2010-2011 he played for the Brose Baskets Bamberg (Germany-1.Bundesliga): Euroleague: 10 games: 12.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 64.3%, FT: 46.7%; German League: 46 games: 10.4ppg, 4.6rpg, Blocks-3(1.2bpg), FGP-3(61.1%), 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 52.4%. He won the double with Bamberg. He played for Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-A1) from 2011-2013 winning two Euroleague titles. Last season for CSKA Moscow he played 39 games: 6.7ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 64.8%, FT: 60.6%; Euroleague: 30 games: 6.8ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 62.2%, FT: 68.2%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 100-88 Euroleague win against the Brose Baskets Bamberg.

 

 

Kyle congrats on the huge 100-88 win in Bamberg. What was it like returning back to the Stechert arena?

 

 

It was incredible to be back and getting that very warm reception. Just seeing and feeling the atmosphere again was nice. The whole experience coming back will be memorable for me. Just being there and getting that recognition brought back the feeling why the fans and Freak City are so special.

 

 

The first half was back and forth. Why couldn´t a team get away from the other?

 

Both teams were still feeling each other out and making adjustments. The game was very physical, but Bamberg is a really tough team that play tough defense and are always hard to beat at home. Bamberg was executing very well early and running their systems well.

 

 

 

 

The turning point came in the third quarter where ex San Antonio Spur Nando De Colo nailed three three pointers breaking the game totally open. Most talk about his shooting, but what do you feel doesn´t get appreciated enough of his play on the court?

 

He is a great driver and scorer, but his play making ability and the ability to make plays out of nothing doesn´t get appreciated enough. He may not be the fastest, but he is able to get to the right spots and create where many wouldn´t be able to.

 

 

CSKA Moscow scored 100 points and 32 points more than what Bamberg give up in the Euroleague this season. How did you crack their defense so well?

 

We know that we have a very talented offensive team. When we get the ball moving and do good spacing then we can score a lot of points. We had many guys step up. Corey Higgins had one of his best games and Nikita Kurbanov made some big shots.

 

 

When you came up in Italy from 2008-2010 you battled against Italian Nicolas Melli who then played for Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia (Lega2). He led Bamberg with 16 points tonight. What has impressed you most about his development?

 

I have played against him many times. In my eight seasons as a professional, I probably played against him in six seasons at one time or another. He has developed well and really matured from last season with Milan. It all has to do with the opportunity and he is getting that more with Bamberg and able to show that he can be a scorer.

 

 

What was your impression of young German Daniel Theis? He played NBA Summer League in 2014. Does he have the athleticism for the NBA?

 

Theis is a good top line player. He showed the capability to hit the three against us. He is a very tough minded player and athletic. You never know what can happen with the NBA. He has the physical tools and there is always the possibility for him to play at a higher level.

 

Brad Wanamaker had 12 points and nine assists, but was unable to lead his team to the win, but belongs to the top 3 best point guards in the Beko BBL. Do you see him making the jump to a top Euroleague team in the next years?

 

I think that he could. I watched him growing up and we come from the same area. He has the tools to play at the highest level. He has proven it so far this season as he is having a great season in the Euroleague. He shows on the court that he isn´t afraid and is always aggressive. He plays with a lot of confidence and knows that he can play at the highest level.

 

What were the major changes that you observed being back in your old stomping ground?

 

I think that the Stechert arena may have got louder and more fanatic than in the past. One thing that hasn´t changed is the atmosphere which is great. It doesn´t matter who Bamberg plays, but the fans come out in great numbers and give support. The fan support shows how great the basketball tradition is there.

 

What kind of conversation did you have with your ex coach Andrea Trinchieri when you greeted him?

 

We have a good relationship. We saw each other the last years even if he wasn´t my coach. I played against him when he was at Cantu and Unics Kazan. I see him every summer at the NBA Summer League as well. I have a lot of respect for him, because he showed me what it took to play at a high level. He prepared me to make the next step to the Euroleague. He made me watch video of Euroleague and players like a Mike Batiste. He gave me the confidence that I could play at a high level.

 

 

 

How would you describe the Brose Baskets Bamberg organization in 2015? How has it changed since Chris Fleming left?

 

Everything has changed and with a new coaching staff and management everyone has tried to put their blueprint down, but they had success right away winning the title last season and reached the Euroleague top 16. You can´t forget that the foundation was laid down by Chris Fleming, Wolfgang Heyder and Brendan Rooney. That Bamberg was able to qualify so early with 3-4 games remaining in the Euroleague speaks for the organization and they have a bright future. Their Euroleague success also speaks for German basketball and how it has progressed in the last years. With FC Bayern Munich on the verge of qualifying, Germany will have two teams in the Top 16 something that nobody would have thought would have been capable of 4-5 years ago.

 

 

 

Did it surprise you that your old coach at Veroli Andrea Trinchieri won a title in his first season?

 

Not really. It is never easy to come in, but the foundation was already there. He came in rebuilt a little and for them to win the title on the first try is a big deal. It is always very important to win in Bamberg.

 

 

How do you believe has Trinchieri developed as a coach since you had him as a coach in the 2008-2009 season?

 

He has always been a great coach and had success wherever he has been. He is so passionate about basketball and cares so much. His personality fits to the basketball tradition of the organization.

 

 

 

What do you remember being your favorite spot in Bamberg to relax when you were playing there?

 

I would take walks up and down the river and walk up to the rose garden at the church. You would have a great view of the city and it was so peaceful. I felt like a tourist walking around.

 

 

What do you appreciate most about living in Moscow a third year now?

 

Just knowing that I am in a place that has such a historical presence. It is everywhere. I know that I live in a place that many people read about in books or save up their money just to visit, but I am able to see it on a daily basis.

 

Thanks Kyle for the chat.

 

 

 

 

Kyle Hines is a 29 year old 198cm power forward from Sicklerville, New Jersey that is playing his third season with CSKA Moscow. He is a powerful player who loves to attack the basket. Has a good 1-vs-1 game and likes to go inside. He is undersized to play the power forward, but his great wingspan (7-1) allows him to guard taller players and to intimidate. He’s also a great leaper and reads the opponent’s game well He played at NC-Greensboro (NCAA) from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 31 games: 19.2ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.8spg, 3.1bpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3Pts: 12.5%, FT: 62.8%. He was invited to play at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 17.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.3apg, 2.3spg, 3.3bpg, FGP: 78.6%, FT: 72.7%. He then had predraft workouts with Sacramento Kings and the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA). He then went to Europe to Italy and played with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 34 games: 16.9ppg, Reb-4(8.6rpg), 3.0spg, Blocks-2(1.8bpg), FGP-2(66.0%), FT: 58.5%. In 2009, he took part in the Orlando Pro Summer League (Oklahoma City Thunder). In 2009-2010, he stayed in Italy with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 40 games: 18.5ppg, 8.1rpg, Steals-2(3.5spg), Blocks-4(1.6bpg), FGP-3(64.0%), 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 57.8%. He played NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (New Orleans Hornets) in the summer of 2010.In 2010-2011 he played for the Brose Baskets Bamberg (Germany-1.Bundesliga): Euroleague: 10 games: 12.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 64.3%, FT: 46.7%; German League: 46 games: 10.4ppg, 4.6rpg, Blocks-3(1.2bpg), FGP-3(61.1%), 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 52.4%. He won the double with Bamberg. He played for Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-A1) from 2011-2013 winning two Euroleague titles. Last season for CSKA Moscow he played 39 games: 6.7ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 64.8%, FT: 60.6%; Euroleague: 30 games: 6.8ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 62.2%, FT: 68.2%. He spoke to German Hoops in Bamberg on the eve before the Euroleague game against his ex team Brose Baskets Bamberg.

 

 

Kyle thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are back in Germany and will play Euroleague against your ex team Brose Baskets Bamberg. With what kind of feelings are you going into this game?

 

This is a big game for both teams and for us getting a win on the road is always big. This will definitely be a good test for us against my old team. I am looking forward to coming back to Bamberg and seeing the fans and friends there.

 

 

When you go back into the Stechert arena for the first time what is the first thing that you will do? There are so players left from your season. Even Wolfgang Heyder has left.

 

It is like day and night now. The whole organization is different now. Because of that it will be like any other kind of game. The only thing that won´t be different is seeing the fans. I am sure that I will see many familiar faces. I am not sure what kind of welcome I will get. Bamberg are known for being the most fanatic and respected fans.

 

 

 

After two strong and successful seasons in Italy you made the next step to Bamberg and continued to play and develop further there reached got you into the door with Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-A1). How thankful are you still today for having had this chance to play in Bamberg?

 

I am very grateful for having had the chance to play with the Brose Baskets Bamberg. Bamberg set the foundation for my professional basketball career. I had come from two years in Italy and had a different mentality and was all about stats and knew nothing about winning. When I came to Bamberg I learned how to become a professional and how to win. Guys like Casey Jacobsen, Predrag Suput and John Goldsberry taught me what it took to become a champion

 

 

You have won many titles as a professional, but where do you place the 2 titles that you won with Bamberg? They obviously can´t rank with a Euroleague title, but they must be very special for you?

 

Those two titles with Bamberg definitely rank up with my best titles. Obviously every title explains a different story, but both were special because they had won both the year before and now repeated and it is never easy to do that. I can remember being down in the finals and guys like Reyshawn Terry and John Goldsberry hit big shots. I remember as if it was yesterday.

 

 

 

 

You performed very well with the Brose Baskets, but how important were the fans too you? Have you ever spelled your name Karl Heinz by mistake?

 

Ha ha ha, no that hasn´t happened yet, but my wife who is German makes fun of me all the time about this spelling of my name. The Bamberg fans are so important because they make the team what it is. They help motivate the players in a special way and make the city special which has a great basketball foundation.

 

 

 

That season you played with so many amazing players including a Casey Jacobsen. Would you agree with me that he ranks in the top 3 of the most professional players that you have played with in your career?

 

He is in my top 3. I learned how to lead on the court and how to be a professional off the court.

 

Did you ever have a feeling and even converse with Brian Roberts about the NBA when you were teammates? How sure were you that he would reach the NBA?

 

I always thought that Brian Roberts was one of the most talented offensive guards that has played in Europe in the last years. He has amazing natural instincts and I always thought that with the right situation he could play in the NBA. He has proven in the last years that he can stay in the NBA. He is a very reliable player and just does what he is supposed to do on the court. He always works hard on the court and has stuck in the NBA.

 

 

What memories do you have of being the teammate of Tibor Pleiss. What one ability do you feel was his ticket to the NBA?

 

Just his overall skill set. He can do so much on the court. He showed that he had potential to get better in the last years. It didn´t surprise me that he reached the NBA. Everyone expected that he would, but it was just a matter of when. I feel once he finds his rhythm and understanding, then he will have a long NBA career.

 

 

 

He was sent to the Idaho Stampede a few days ago to get playing time. Do you feel that he has the game to become a full time NBA player down the road?

 

Tibor definitely has game. In the NBA it isn´t always about skill and talent which many players have, but about the situation. Once he gets the opportunity he should be a good NBA player.

 

 

After two years in Italy, you came to Bamberg making the next step. What do you feel was the biggest asset that your game got that year that helped you make the next step to Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-A1)?

 

I think that the Chris Fleming coaching staff had a lot to do with it. They gave me a lot of confidence and I understood that I could play at a high level. They also taught me what type of preparation I need to have when I am on a high level team. The coaching staff has shown that they are capable of teaching as many players have succeeded after leaving the Bamberg organization.

 

You and Chris Fleming are New Jersey guys and obviously understood each other well. How did he make you a better person off the court?

 

He had a very distinct way of getting his point across and challenging you. He also knew how to motivate you and had the ability to show that he cares for a players well being on and off the court. He also challenged us intellectually giving us books and making us become a better person.

 

 

You last won the Euroleague in 2013 and the last two seasons with CSKA Moscow you reached the final 4 and last season just the semi-finals. How big is the desire to win this competition again for you?

 

My desire is very big. After not winning the Euroleague the last two seasons, my desire has grown more and more. I want to get back to getting that Euroleague winning feeling. I have the ultimate thirst to win that third Euroleague title.

 

Was winning the VTB league back to back at least a small condolence for not winning the Euroleague?

 

If you don´t win a Euroleague with CSKA Moscow, it is considered a lost season, but winning the VTB the last two season was a good feeling, because under the circumstances how we won. Both seasons had dents and we had different diversity to overcome and winning these two titles proved that we can still win and be dominate if we want to be.

 

 

 

Currently CSKA Moscow is 8-1 in the VTB league and 6-1 in the Euroleague. Is this the strongest team that you have been on since arriving in 2013?

 

I think that each team has been different the last three years. One of our knocks the last years has been that our roles weren´t defined. However this season we understand our roles. We are on the right page now and there is still much room to grow.

 

 

 

 

The club has kept most guys but have brought in guys like Corey Higgins and Joel Freeland. Do you feel that the team chemistry has been a big factor for the success?

 

Our team chemistry is one of our biggest positives this season. We kept a lot of guys from last season and they know what to expect. The new guys have followed lead well. The new players are willing to follow it which is very important.

 

 

You have played with many great players, but honestly is there a better 1-2 guard combination in Europe with Milos Teodosic and Nado De Colo?

 

There are many great guards in Europe, but they are my teammates and I have to be biased. There isn´t a better 1-2 combo in Europe. They are scoring guards that compliment each other so well and do so many things well.

 

 

 

You play 19 minutes in VTB and 26 minutes in Euroleague and average 9,3ppg and 5,1rpg and 7,0ppg and 4,0rpg. Has anything changed with your role in comparison to your first two seasons?

 

My role has changed a bit this season with the injuries. I am averaging more minutes than the last two seasons. In the past CSKA Moscow had a bigger front line, but this season the club has gone more with the trend of small ball. I am forced to play more now, but I want to play.

 

 

 

You are 29 years old now. Are you in your prime now? Besides winning titles what do you still want to reach as a player on the court?

 

I just want to continue to work hard each day and be the best player that I possibly can. I want to accomplish our team goals and help team win titles.

 

You played two seasons with UNC –Greensboro against Davidson and Steph Curry. You played them 5 times and lost each game. Was there a particular game that stood out that you won´t forget what Curry was capable of doing?

 

I remember the game my senior year at home. We were up by 20 at halftime and thought that we had control. Steph Curry took control and scored something like 25 points in the second half and finished with 41 points. I knew then that he was the real deal. What people see him do now, I was seeing 7-8 years ago.

 

 

 

Does it surprise you that he is the heir to Lebron James as the greatest player now?

 

Not really. At the moment he is looking unstoppable. He is in conversations now with greats like Kobe and Lebron. Those guys have been consistent over a very long period of time. He is at peak now and if he can continue to put up consistent numbers then he will go down as one of the all-time greats.

 

 

 

 

 

The Fraport Skyliners have a 13 game winning streak at moment and are the hottest team in the Beko BBL. What memories do you have of freak athlete Quantez Robertson and what was your biggest win streak?

 

I think 29-30 games last season with CSKA. Games at Frankfurt were always fun. I remember Quantez Robertson as being freakish athletic and a guy that could score.

 

 

 

 

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

 

This is difficult, because I am a huge Michael Jordan fan. I grew up watching Jordan. Both were different players, but had a big impact on the game. The NBA will never see a player like Lebron again. He can do it all. When all is said and done, Lebron will be top 5 all-time.

 

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

Ted 2 on the flight to Germany. It wasn´t as good as the first one. They tried too hard to make Ted 2 good.

 

Thanks Kyle for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the last years the Fraport Skyliners have had some little side notes in the basketball news in Germany like whenever they beat one of the top teams in their living room in the spectacular Fraport arena, or a Jacob Burtschi registering an amazing 36 points against his ex team the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven on 10 three pointers where he wasn´t shooting into an ocean, but was in the ocean and shooting with such ease as if he was in the water just letting the ball fall in. However at the moment the club is the talk of the league as their 12 game winning streak has slowly grown over the last month with their impressive wins in the German league and Fiba Europe Cup and people are finally taking notice. Their current stellar play coupled with the league registering this great feat brings back memories to 2010 and 2011 when the team was like this winning, winning and winning as they reached the final and semi-finals and to no coincidence the head coach both times was Gordon Herbert. However the only difference now to then was that now they have built a club record 12 wins in a row and want to keep building on it. The club Is playing with such an enormous self confidence that one would think that they have a patent on this feeling as it has so far in no way had a negative effect on the players. The team is so focused and so calm after wins and one feels that they aren´t cocky, but have a healthy self confidence that doesn´t hinder them on the court or mentally. Sometimes when a team is perfect in a group competition, they might lose focus or slack off, but the Fraport Skyliners are as far from that feeling as Leo Messi is ever is to not being nominated to the Argentine national team as the club has that amazing desire that has no obstacles in the way as they are together going down a one way street. “We feel that we still have so much to prove especially me. I played my first three seasons in Europe for losing teams and now to be winning so much, this is everything for me. I am always excited to play every game as I have never had a run like this. We are always happy and it is an unbelievable feeling. We want to show people in every game that we have the best coaches, players, offense and defense. We just want to show that we are the best team”, warned Jordan Theodore. After another win last weekend this time against Braunschweig, the Fraport Skyliners traveled to Portugal to play their last group game in Europe Cup play against FC Porto and wanted to close out the group with a 6-0 record. FC Porto remembered their 89-81 loss in Germany and were until now the first team in international play to be a thorn against the Frankfurt defense. The club didn´t let the comfortable outside temperatures of 18c get in their heads as being a vacation trip, but they knew it was business as usual and after a scoring onslaught and temporary hibernation in the second half escaped FC Porto 67-58 winning their club record 13^th game in a row and finishing their Europe Cup group with a prefect 6-0 record. “It was a tough game tonight. We came out really aggressive in the first quarter. We jumped out to an early lead. Then we got comfortable. Had a lot of bad turnovers that let them back in the game. We went down 2 points in the 4th quarter and then that’s when we knew it was time to turn it up. We kept them scoreless for the last 4 minutes of the game. We trusted our defense and came out with the tough win on the road”, stressed Fraport Skyliners guard Jordan Theodore.

The Fraport Skyliners came out in Porto revving up their offense at an instant going out on a 14-2 run and serving up an incredible ball movement that had FC Porto trying to find ways to combat it, but just saw bucket after bucket being scored. One of the big catalysts early was Canadian national player Aaron Doornekamp who figured in the first seven points finding Florida native Mike Morrison twice for easy buckets inside and then nailing a trey as Frankfurt led 7-0. The scoring onslaught continued as Frankfurt was so focused and one could sense early that they wanted to go undefeated in the group. Morrison continued to eat up the paint registering two massive dunks as he got feeds from ex Seton hall guard Jordan Theodore and German national player Johannes Voigtmann and Doornekamp also made a big throw downs. FC Porto could get nothing going on offense as Frankfurt was playing a very aggressive defense not allowing for much spacing and every shot seemed contested. On the offensive end Frankfurt continued to execute with ease as Morrison made another dunk as Voigtmann made a touchdown pass intercepted by Quantez Robertson at the free thow line and he fed the big man for the bucket. Voigtmann nailed his bread and butter 20 footer that hangs in the air like a kite at times. 2010 Eurochallenge winner with BG Goettingen John Little made free throws and ex Bamberg center Johannes Richter made a reverse layup. FC Porto made only two field goals in the first 10 minutes with a Nick Washburn jumper who hails from Mahomet, Illinois and Miguel Queiroz turn around shot. After 10 minutes the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 69% from the field and 33% from outside while FC Porto was shooting 12% from the field and 0% from outside. Frankfurt had the 9-6 rebound edge, but three turnovers while FC Porto had two turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners continued to have a big lead, but let up a bit in the last three minutes as FC Porto was able to come back and go into halftime down only by six points. FC Porto actually got off to a pretty good start getting confidence as they executed on some plays as ex Vanderbilt(NCAA) guard Brad Tinsley connected on a three pointer after being hidden in the first quarter, ex Zaragoza center Alberto Fonet used a mismatch against Doornekamp nailing an old school hook shot and ex Lafayette(NCAA) guard Seth Hinrichs who played some position four there also used a mismatch and scored inside and Jose Silva spun inside beautifully for the lay in as Frankfurt led only 28-17. Frankfurt´s offense continued to move and they continued to like to get the ball inside and find the cutters as the club got production from guards Konstantin Klein and Jordan Theodore and Johannes Voigtmann made a big two hand dunk as he was fed by Doornekamp as Frankfurt led 30-17. Frankfurt now got sloppy letting FC Porto close out the second quarter on a 13-6 run to trail only 36-30 at the break. FC Porto did a good job getting the ball inside, getting extra possessions via extra offensive rebounds, but couldn´t hit free throws well as Miguel Queiroz missed four free throws. The club got another bucket from Washburn as he made a tough turn around shot that was contested, Ferran Venturá hit a pull up jumper and new FC Porto shooting star Pedro Bastos nailed a three pointer. Tinsley closed out the second quarter with free throws. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 52% from the field and 14% from the three point line while FC Porto was hooting 28% from the field and 13% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 16-14 rebound advantage, but seven turnovers while FC Porto had five turnovers.

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners started to go into a slow brutal hibernation, but FC Porto couldn´t capitalize the way they wanted to as they couldn´t execute on a consistent level on offense. In the first few minutes, the Fraport Skyliners couldn´t muster much on offense and the only player that could contribute some offense was Jordan Theodore who got in the lane twice and finished with lay ins as his knack of changing speeds had FC Porto guessing wrong. Theodore then made a quick inbounds pass which Robertson put home and Frankfurt was up 42-32. Voigtmann got back to back baskets as he finished off transition with an alley-oop dunk fed perfectly by Little and then made a crushing dunk as Morrison found the big man. FC Porto tried to stay at bay as Washburn made a three point bank shot and Spanish/American Arnette Hallman nailed a three pointer off a broken play, but Frankfurt led 48-38. After Klein free throws, FC Porto closed out the third quarter with a much needed 8-2 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 52-46. In the run the always dangerous and shifty Bastos hit a three pointer, Queiroz snuck inside with a reverse lay up and Klein fouled Bastos with 0,4 seconds to play behind the three point line and he nailed all three free throws. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 51% from the field and 10% from the parking lot while FC Porto was shooting 28% from the field and 21% from the parking lot. Frankfurt continued to have the rebound edge at 24-22, but had 14 turnovers while FC Porto had 12 turnovers.

Basketball is a game of runs and in the fourth quarter FC Porto had their last game hurrah taking the momentum of the 8-2 run at the end of the third quarter and going on a 7-0 run to start the fourth quarter and taking their first lead of the game at 53-52. In the run FC Porto stepped up their defense as all of a sudden the Fraport Skyliners had less room to wheel and deal on offense and made terrible turnovers. Guys like Little and Voigtmann coughed up the ball and Hallman picked off two passes and before the 2004 Beko BBL champion knew what hit them, they had been stopped on their first six possessions. On offense FC Porto got giant production from Silva who made a lay in in traffic and a three pointer to get his team the lead. Hallman then made a free throw for the 54-52 lead. However Frankfurt then abruptly woke up and closed out the game with a 15-4 run with many garbage free throws, but as usual in the last weeks in crunch time got the needed execution done and stops. FC Porto didn´t make the best decisions on offense as Frankfurt wobbled on to victory. Doornekamp was instrumental making two shots for the 60-56 lead. Little then made a free throw and Theodore the last six to seal the ugly win. FC Porto gave it´s all, but the game ended a few minutes earlier for them as they just didn´t seem to have that extra energy which Frankfurt continues to have in crunch time.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Jordan Theodore with 20 points. Johannes Voigtmann chipped in with 12 points and seven rebounds. Aaron Dornekamp and Mike Morrison had 10 points a piece. FC Porto was led by Pedro Bastos with 11 points. Jose Da Silva added nine points and Arnette Hallman and Miguel Queiroz ahd eights points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners shot 49% from the field and 9% from outside while FC Porto shot 28% from the field and 17% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound duel 30-28, but had an unacceptable 21 turnovers while FC Porto had 15 turnovers. “The one thing we take from this game is never give up. They went up two points and we could’ve folded but we didn’t. We regrouped and turned up the defense. Things will happen in a game where you might turn the ball over and you might not shoot well but the one thing we can control is our defense! We pride ourselves on being a really great defensive team and we showed that down the stretch”, warned Jordan Theodore.