Nick Washburn is a 24 year old 208cm center from Mahomet, Illinois playing his third professional season and first with FC Porto. He played at Hillsdale (NCAA2) from 2009-2013 and as a senior played 26 games averaging 13.3ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.1apg, 2.1bpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 68.9%. He started his professional basketball career in 2013 with Penas Huesca (Spain-LEB Gold): 29 games: 5.5ppg, 3.7rpg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 69.4%. Last season he played with : Amics Castello (Spain-LEB Silver) playing 40 games: Score-4(15.6ppg), 8.0rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 69.4%. Last season he was a Spanish LEB Silver Play-Off Champion. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Nick thanks for talking to German Hoops It has been a while since you were in cooler spots in November in Michigan or Illinois since in the last three years you have lived in Spain and now Portugal. Have you become a warm weather person over time? Lol

I definitely am enjoying the warmer winters but part of me will always love seeing snow.

What is it like playing for this great organization FC Porto? Do you feel the tradition each day when you step on the court wearing it´s jersey?

The residents of Porto have a lot of pride in their city and culture, which carries over to their sports teams as well. I’m grateful for the chance to honor the traditions Porto has worked hard to establish. It’s a privilege to play for an organization with such a rich history.

Your playing your first season for FC Porto that is currently has a 5-1 record. The club has only lost to Benfica so far. Do you see this team has possibly being the biggest opponent that the team will face?

I believe Benfica will be one of our tougher opponents when it comes to league play. They have a lot of talented individuals on their roster. That being said, I think that every week will bring new challenges, as every team will strive to play at their best against us.

FC Porto is giving up only 60 points in the LPB league. Was having defense as a team staple something that head coach Moncho Lopez stressed from day one?

Defense is an aspect that Moncho has greatly emphasized since I arrived. It is something we continually work on and are always striving to improve. Along with other goals, allowing the fewest points in the league is at the top of our list.

How exciting has it been playing Europe Cup? You are able to travel through Europe. You will play in Germany, Holland and Slovenia. Is there a place that you are most looking forward to?

Playing in this FIBA EuroCup has been a really exciting experience so far. It is always fun to travel and compete to see how you match up with teams from other countries. I am looking forward to both road trips to Germany and to Holland.

FC Porto play the Fraport Skyliners in Germany. What do you know about the country Germany and its basketball there? Do you have some friends playing in Germany currently?

I don’t know much about the basketball in Germany other than the BBL league is one that is one of the best leagues in the world. I have some friends, along with my current teammate Brad Tinsley, who have played in Germany and enjoyed their time there.

The Fraport Skyliners have a 2-0 record in Fiba Europe Cup action but grinded out two ugly wins and easily could of lost. They also are a very good defensive team. Do you see an ugly defensive game on the horizon?

It very well could be a defensive-minded game. They play good defense but also have guys that can put up big numbers so it will be a challenge for us as we see if we can go on the road and steal a game from them.

Currently in the LPB league you are averaging 9,7ppg and 7,7rpg. What kind of transition has it been coming from the Spanish leagues Gold and Silver to Portugal? Where would you rate the Portugal league in skill and style to what you saw in Spain?

It has been an easy transition playing for Moncho and his style because it is very similar to coaches that I have played for in the past. Competitively, the LPB league is similar to LEB Gold but the style of basketball that is played is very different.

What exactly is your role on the team? You are averaging the second most minutes on the team. How much are you needed as a consistent scorer on this team?

I think that roles vary with different match ups and advantages depending on the opposing team. My role is mainly focused on defense and getting rebounds, and if I feel like I have an offensive advantage I can exploit then I try to score. At the end of the day, I feel confident in my teammates so I’m not going to force bad shots and feel pressured to score because I know someone else will get a good look if I don’t have one.

You’re a big man that can score and rebound but what do you believe is a strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the floor?

I believe a strength at my position is my ability to run the floor and try to get easy points on fast breaks.

How important has experienced big man Alberto Fontet been for you as a mentor who has played many years in the Endesa league in Spain

It’s really the first time in my career that I’ve had to go against someone Albert’s height every day at practice. He has the ability to constantly challenge my shots and defensive game because he moves very well offensively. I feel like I have gotten better by going against him day in and day out.

You and the other Americans can tell NCAA stories while Spaniard Alberto Fontet could tell stories form his many years playing in the top Spanish league and FC Barcelona. What kind of a character has he been for you on and off the court? Is he more the quiet or will he share some basketball stories?

Albert is a great teammate. He is often joking and always has a great attitude. He and I have talked briefly about the great players he has played with, but I haven’t sat down much and talked to him about his past success and stories. I will have to do that in the future.

Last season you played for Amics Castello winning the Spanish LEB Silver Play-Offs over Guadalajara in 5 games. You scored in double figures in 5 games. Was that the best basketball that you ever played in such a short time?

I’m not sure if it was the best basketball I have played, but I can tell you for sure that it was the most fun. Being with that group of guys and battling against a great team in Guadalajara was very exciting. Winning the tournament after game 5 on our home court is a memory I will never forget.

What did you learn from yourself as a player and person in your second season in Spain? You were the only American and really stepped up and took responsibility averaging 15,6ppg and 8,0rpg

After my first year in Spain, I knew I really had to show people the kind of player I am. I found myself as a leader on the team and tried to play that role that on and off the court. I believe my team and coach really confided in me and gave me the platform to succeed at the level I did. I’d say that I learned how to play with double teams and just post-season experience overall was big for me.

As a rookie you played for Penas Huesca (Spain-LEB Gold). What was your wake up call to be a rookie in Spain where you knew that you were very far away from home?

I’d say my first wake up call was when we played our first couple of games. The atmosphere was intense and I quickly found out that I had a lot to learn and needed to adjust to the European style of play quickly.

You played for Hillsdale in the NCAA 2. You never won the GLIAC tournament. What do you think was missing from having had more success there?

We had some opportunities to win the tournament but we could never really close the deal. In my earlier years when we made our run at the championship, I would say we lacked experience. We were a team full of sophomores and a couple seniors that carried us. In my later years at Hillsdale, we had trouble with injuries that some guys couldn’t really bounce back from. When it’s all said and done, there really aren’t any excuses. We had a great team filled with guys capable of winning it all, but we couldn’t seem to pull out a victory against Findlay in the championship games.

You played an exhibition game against the big mighty Michigan State where you held your own. What do you remember in that game and the players you battled against?

I remember just being excited and nervous to play on such a big stage. Even though it was an exhibition game, it was fun to square up with such a great team and coaching staff at Michigan State. The final score wasn’t as close as we wanted it to be, but I remember leaving with a positive mindset about how we fought and made them earn the win.

Was this one of the first moments where you thought about having a professional career one day?

Even as a young kid, I had the thought of being a professional basketball player in the back of my mind. Basketball is something I love to do so I thought if the opportunity presented itself, I would be crazy not to live out my dreams.

How did John Tharp prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach Tharp helped me tremendously on the basketball court and always encouraged me to play professionally. However, I think the way that he helped me the most was by being a father figure throughout my four years at Hillsdale. He inspired and guided me to be the man I am today and we still keep in touch.

Who won a one on one in practice in your senior year at Hillsdale you or Jason Pretzer?

Haha, I would have to say me, for sure.

You have been living a few months in Porto now. What so far has become your favorite spot in the city just to relax and think about basketball and life?

I really enjoy going down by the Douro River, which runs right through the city. It is filled with really nice views and great places to eat. My fiancé and I go down there to have dinner, talk and relax.

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

I think the fact that he is so often compared to Michael Jordan proves that he is. To me, he is the greatest player in the game today and unguardable one-on-one. I find his game to be much different than Michael’s, but ultimately I try not to compare and simply enjoy watching greatness.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Vacation (with Ed Helms). It was pretty funny!

Thanks Nick for the chat.

Morris Curry is a 28 year old 181cm guard from Gainsville, Georgia that is playing his sixth professional season and first with Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-ProA). Currently he is averaging 10,0ppg, 2,3rpg and 4,0apg in the France Pro A and in Eurocup is averaging 12,0ppg, 3,0rpg and 4,0apg. He started his basketball career in 2005 with Providence (NCAA) playing a total of 119 NCAA games and as a senior played 31 games averaging 15.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 87.5%. He started his professional basketball career in 2010 with AZS Koszalin (Poland-PLK): 3 games: 5.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 2.3apg, left in Oct.’10, in Jan.’11 moved to AEK Athens (Greece-A1): 7 games: 2.7ppg, 1.0apg. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Allianz Swans Gmunden (Austria-A Bundesliga, starting five): 41 games: 18.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 5.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 77.0%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (Germany-BBL) released in Jan.’13: 16 games: 6.9ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 44.2%, 3FGP: 27.1%, FT: 80.6%, in Feb.’13 moved to LTi Giessen 46ers (Germany-BBL) playing 14 games: 10.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 76.2%. In the 2013-2014 season he played for KTP Basket Kotka (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 47 games: 16.5ppg, 4.0rpg, Assists-1(6.1apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 42.5%, FT: 88.2%; EuroChallenge: 10 games: Score-1(20.1ppg), 4.3rpg, Assists-2(6.7apg), 1.7spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 88.1%. Last season he played for Lukoil Academic Sofia (Bulgaria-NBL): 11 games: 11.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 5.4apg, 2FGP: 34.1%, 3FGP: 53.8%, FT: 78.6%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 12.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 5.7apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 26.8%, 3FGP: 38.7%, FT: 93.3%, in Jan.’15 moved to Champagne Chalons-Reims Basket (France-ProA) playing 16 games: 9.6ppg, 1.8rpg, 3.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 91.3%.He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup game against ratiopharm Ulm

Morris thanks for talking to German Hoops. You have played in many cities in your short career so gar like Weisenfels, Giessen, Gmunden, Chalons-reims or Sofia to name just a few and now its Nancy. Do you get used quicker to cities now than say 3-4 years ago when you started your career simply because you have seen so much in the last years?

Yes it’s definitely easier to adjust now than when first out of college, I actually enjoy the different experiences that Europe has to offer.

You are playing your sixth professional season for Sluc Nancy Basket Pro. Do you feel like basketball time has flown by in this time or how can you describe your semi basketball globetrotter life?

Yes, I can’t believe it’s already my 6th season as a pro. The years go by fast so every year you have to take advantage of the opportunity and make the most of it.

In 3 of 5 seasons you have played for more than one team during the season which can be good and bad. How have you been able to grow as a player having your basketball vita go in this way?

I think it helped me mature faster and handle different situations better that we sometimes face in Europe.

The season with Sluc Nancy Basket Pro has been tough so far as the team has combined a 1-9 record, 1-6 in the France Pro A and 1-3 in Eurocup. Why has the team started off so slow?

When I got here the team was 0-6 or something like that. It’s a new team and we are still trying to figure things out, but we have won a couple in a row and we are getting better so we’ll see. Just have to stay positive and keep working hard

The club really has very talented players and a fine mix of young and old. Is the chemistry still lagging behind a bit?

It’s not always easy when you have old players and young players. Old ones think the young ones don’t know how to play the right way and young ones think old ones are too slow. So I am caught in the middle trying to bring both groups together.

The club seems to have a limited roster as well as you play with a 8 man rotation so far in the France pro A. Is depth missing?

I think we have good talent, but it’s more about chemistry and we had to figure this out before we could do anything and the last couple of weeks it has been getting better.

The club can put up points with 83 per game in the France pro A, but is giving up 90 points on defense. Is the effort to defend lacking at the moment?

It’s not a lack of effort, everybody just has to be on the same page and have each others back. Our defense looked good against Limoges the past weekend so we just have to build from that.

You have shown a good figure in both competitions. After playing Eurochallenge you now are playing Eurocup. Do you sense the skill to be better than the France Pro A or about the same?

I think it’s about the same. The French league may be a bit faster and athletic. EuroCup you see a lot of different styles of basketball.

What is it like sharing the back court with veteran Derek Raivio? How do you guys compliment each other best?

Derek has been hurt so I have not played with him but I’m sure we could compliment each other if we ever played together.

You’re a flashy point guard that can score and dish but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

I think my leadership is underrated because I’m not the loudest guy in the room.

You have seen many leagues, but now at 28 do you believe that you can make it to another level in the next few years with the experience you will get this season?

That is always the goal to try to improve and keep getting better and everything else will work itself out.

After having a tough 2012-2013 season where you were released by MBC and then had to play for a bankrupt team Giessen you then moved to KTP Basket Kotka (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 47 games: 16.5ppg, 4.0rpg, Assists-1(6.1apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 42.5%, FT: 88.2%; EuroChallenge: 10 games: Score-1(20.1ppg), 4.3rpg, Assists-2(6.7apg), 1.7spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 88.1%. How important was it having this strong season for your mental health?

It was good because I just needed to play and be in a situation where I had to do a lot so I could continue to develop. For me it was difficult early because I can score and pass so sometimes coaches would only ask me to do one and mentally it was challenging at times. That season at KTP helped me manage to do both efficiently while still running the team and winning games.

Did the amazing fan atmosphere in Giessen at least help you forget that season for 40 minutes when you played in the Giessen Osthalle?

Haha Giessen fans are unbelievable! They support the team no matter what and they never boo their own team, definitely some of the best fans in the BBL

In the 2011-2012 season you played for Allianz Swans Gmunden playing 41 games: 18.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 5.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 77.0%. You won the cup and league MVP as well as Super cup MVP. Did it at times feel like you were a man playing with boys that season?

Haha I had a really good group of guys and coaches that season, we had a lot of fun and really enjoyed playing with each other.

As a rookie you played briefly for AZS Koszalin (Poland-PLK) before moving to Greece. What was your rookie wake up call where you knew that you were very far away from Providence and home in Gainesville?

That first experience when you go to the grocery store.

You played at Providence under Tim Welsh and Keno Davis. How did these two guys prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career?

They showed me how to work hard and control the things that you can.

What memories do you have of Jeff Xavier at Providence? Is there a particular game that you remember with him where he just was unstoppable?

Jeff Xavier is a nice guy and a good teammate but I don’t recall any games where he was unstoppable.

When you look back at the Big East all rookie team that had guys like Sam Young and Jeff Adrien what one duel against any one of these two guys or others still stands in your mind?

On senior night we beat Sam Young and Pittsburg who was number 1 in the nation at the time, probably helped that he was in foul trouble.

Who was your toughest opponent on the court that you battled that is in the NBA now?

Probably Kemba Walker, his first step was crazy. And Luke Harangody, it seemed like he made every shot in college.

Does Alando Tucker ever break out some NBA stories or does he entertain you in other ways?

He brings out stories from time to time about playing in Phoenix with guys like Shaq, Steve Nash and Grant Hill. And he’s legit the best basketball rapper that I have heard.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Derek Raivio??

He’s been hurt so we haven’t payed against each other

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

I am not a big Lebron guy but he’s definitely in that class with the greats.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Imitation Game.

Thanks Morris for the chat.

Brandon Shingles is a 28 year old 190cm guard from Albany, Georgia playing his third season in Germany and first with the Uni-Riesen Leipzig (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career at Morehead St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 32 games: 4.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.8apg, 1.5spg. In 2010 he started his professional basketball career at Aschersleben Tigers BC (Germany-2.Regionalliga) playing 15 games: 14.5ppg. He led the team to the Regionaliga 2 title. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Guildford Heat (United Kingdom-BBL) playing 6 games: 7.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 57.1%, FT: 31.3%; left in Nov.’11, then moved to BBC Febro Eagles Magdeburg (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 7 games: 16.1ppg, 7.1 rpg, 3.9apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 61.8%, FT: 63.0%. He then played for KB Drita Gjilan (Kosovo-SuperLeague) and two years ago for GBP Badajoz (Spain-EBA) playing 15 games: 15.5ppg, 8.3rpg, 3.6apg, 2.3spg, 2FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 6.3%, FT: 57.3%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 76-69 win against the Dresden Titans.

Brandon congrats on the 76-69 win against the Dresden Titans. Leipzig has a 5 game winning streak. How good is basketball life for you now?

Thanks Miles. Basketball for me is really good now. I’m very proud of our team effort these past weeks but we still have a lot of work to do.

Was the big Sachsen derby all what is was hyped for? What college rivarlies do you remember from your college career?

It was a big win for our team beating them since we were 0-8 I think all-time against them. So happy we could break that streak. In college we had some big rivalries against Murray State and EKU and Austin Peay. I miss those days.

The Uni Riesen Leipzig won 3 of the 4 quarters. How many minutes did the team play the kind of good basketball that Tuna Isler wants from the team?

Overall I think coach was very pleased about our defense in this game. We worked really hard on it all week.

You hit six big free throws of the last seven points. Were you feeling extra pressure just due to the importance and history of the game?

To be honest I’ve had no pressure at all. I knew what my team expected of me and delievered .

How vital was the home court and basketball IQ in the last two minutes for Leipzig getting the win?

Most of our victories came down to the wire so far. I know this sounds bad but we play our best basketball when our back is against the wall.

This was the second least number of points that Leipzig gave up with 61 points against Speyer being the first. Leipzig had seven possession more in terms of having eight turnovers less. Was the defensive effort in key situations the biggest strength on the day?

The coaching staff did a good job of preaching defense all week. We all knew that was going to be a huge factor against a good Dresden team .

One doesn´t want to put a damper on the great win but you, Julian Scott, Sascha Leutloff and Sascha Ahnsel combined for 71 of the 76 points. Could too much reliability on a few players have a negative effect when one of the guys has an off night?

I feel we have a good team chemistry. If one of us has an off night I fell that any of our teammates can carry some of the load as well.

After two loses the Uni Riesen Leipzig have a 5 game winning streak. What keeps improving with this team in this current winning streak?

I think we become to gel better as a team. And showing the we can close games at the end.

The trust with American Julian Scott continues to grow with every win. How much can your growing bond off the court spark this duo further on the court?

What I like about our friendship is that we can talk about other things other than basketball because sometimes you need to take your minds away from the game.

How good is your friendship with Julian Scott on NFL Sunday? Which teams do you support and how big is the competition in this sport for the both of you?

Sundays are mostly relax days for us. He likes the Dallas Cowboys and my team is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We really don’t talk much football because my team isn’t very good so I stay out of the conversation lol.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Shutter Island.

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

In the German basketball world, there have been many special guys to play the game and still are where one could plaster a special name to their name as Rickey Paulding deservingly is known as Mr Oldenburg as he has been in the north German city since 2007 and helped the club win the Beko BBL league title in 2009 and cup in 2015 and most likely will finish his career there, then there was Mr rebound Chris Ensminger who played 16 professional seasons and 14 in Germany and was known for being a physical player that backed down to nobody and owned the paint as he led the Beko BBL in rebounding from 2001-2005 and from 2008-2011 from the ripe age of 35-38 was the second leading rebounder in the league as his body didn´t age or Bernd Kruel like Ensminger must be eating the right food and doing some magic on the side as he is Mr longevity as he is playing his 23^rd season and came into the league in 1993 when Dennis Schroeder was born. Kruel can´t seem to stop wanting to play and turns 40 next year while Ricky Easterling has built a name for himself as mr Regionaliga. The 31 year old 188cm guard from Baltimore, Maryland has been playing in Germany his whole career and his ninth with Saarlouis. He played six seasons of Regionaliga where he tore up the league like there was no tomorrow averaging 28ppg, 32ppg, 23ppg, 34ppg, 29ppg and 26ppg. He finally moved up to the Pro B last season and prompt led the league in scoring averaging 22.9ppg), 4.5rpg, Assists-4(5.3apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 86.1%. Last season, he had his second best scoring game with 36 points in a loss in Frankfurt. This season Saarlouis is struggling with a 1-5 record and Easterling is averaging 22,7ppg, 4,orpg and 3,7apg and as always just annoying every opponent with his lethal mid distance shot that just can´t be stopped. Back home he is called pretty Ricky and one could also call his game that as he is a scoring machine and returned back to battle in the BCM in Frankfurt and didn´t disappoint anyone netting 31 points and leading a furious come back attempt with authority in the fourth quarter as Saarlouis outscored the Fraport Skyliners 28-7 to win 94-87. “We were searching for our rhythm in the first half as Frankfurt shot well and put us in a hole. We fought back in the second half and in the past played well for 37 minutes and then had a blackout, but not today. This was a big moral win for us. I like the netting here. It makes the rim look big and I just feel comfortable shooting in this gym”, stressed Baltimore native Ricky Easterling. His teammate Brennan Mcelroy was all smiles after the win and gave a lot o credit to Easterling. “There should be a patent on his mid distance shot. That shot is automatic and he loves the nets here. This win was an early birthday present for him”, added ex Indianapolis(NCAA2) forward Brennan Mcelroy. The Fraport Skyliners led for 38 minutes and then lost the game in a manner that will surely keep Eric Detlev thinking very long about this game. “This was the most preventable loss of my career. I can´t really pinpoint how we lost this. The game felt won at half time and after that we were too sure that we would win. We didn´t play concentrated for 40 minutes the way we should. We didn´t play concentrated the last 10 minutes and our transition defense was pathetic. We gave up too many turnovers in the fourth. Once they got some easy points they got rolling. Easterling´s mid distance shot is one of best I have ever seen. He has weaknesses, but we let him use too much of his strength tonight. To score 31 points against us is very good, but it felt like 40 points”, added ex Bamberg forward Johannes Richter.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors got rolling early as they cruised out on a quick 7-2 lead as 2014 NBBL rookie of the year Niklas Kiel drilled home a trey and Alaska native Travis Thompson who was only playing his second game dropped a three pointer. Saarlouis got some instant offense from ex Heidelberg guard Danny Rodriguez who scored back to back buckets as Saarlouis trailed only 7-6. Both teams had their offenses going as it was going back and forth as Richter and Mcelroy traded baskets and then it was ex Bremerhaven guard Garai Zeeb that scored with a nifty lay in via the cross over and Easterling dumped home his favorite baby and most lethal shot the mid distance, but Frankfurt still led 12-11. Then came five lead changes as Easterling connected on a step back shot, Thompson nailed his second three, Vilius Sermokas who averaged 20ppg in the second Regionaliga last season with Baskets 98 Volklingen hit a trey, 10 year Saarlouis veteran Mukarem Mujkanovic made a tip in off his own miss and Zeeb made a pull up jumper as Frankfurt led 18-17. Frankfurt then stepped up their defense and closed out the first quarter with a 9-1 run to lead 27-18 after 10 minutes. In the run they got massive support inside as Richter scored, Tim Oldenburg scored and Marius Nolte scored. Richter also dropped a three pointer for insurance. Frankfurt did a good job banging the ball inside and just taking advantage of their height and physicality and both teams were shooting very well except for Saarlouis who was at 20% from outside. Frankfurt was shooting 55% from the field and 80% from outside while Saarlouis was shooting 42% from the field. Frankfurt had the 12-9 rebound edge and two turnovers while Saarlouis had three turnovers.

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors instant offense and massive shooting clinic continued as they led as much as by 21 points and went into half time leading 56-42. The Fraport Skyliners went out on a 6-2 run to lead 33-20 as they continued to make the paint their own living room as Zeeb hit a tear drop, Richter made an offensive rebound and put back and Nolte scored inside as Richter fed him nicely after faking a three pointer. Saarlouis then went to a zone momentarily stifling the Frankfurt offense and going on a mini 4-0 run as Mujkanovic made a pull up jumper and Easterling a tough under hand lay up as they trailed Frankfurt 33-24. However Frankfurt quickly adjusted and went back to their offensive consistency going on a potent 15-3 run to lead 48-27. It was Zeeb and Thompson with the instant offense as the German scored the first 5 points of the run with a runner and then countered with a trey of the fast break. Thompson then closed out the massive run with two three pointers and a jumper. Thompson finished with 18 points and had mixed feelings about his performance, but the bitter loss was still eating at him so close after the siren sounded. “I struggled in the second half, but this is only my second game since April so I am still getting off the rust and hope I had perform better down the stretch”, warned Travis Thompson. This run didn´t rattle Saarlouis in any way as they clawed their way back into the game going into halftime with a 15-8 run to trail only 56-42. Easterling was big in the run as he scored three times with his mid distance shot and German Kelvin Okundaye who played for teams like Heidelberg and Speyer scored a lay in and three pointer. Zeeb closed out the second quarter with a three pointer. “Frankfurt was doing a good job rebounding, hitting open shots and making second chances. I think that Fossman and Thompson are the same player as both can shoot and play aggressive defense”, stressed Fraport Skyliners guard Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 57% from the field and 80% from the three point line while Saarlouis was shooting 51% from the field and 25% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 24-14 rebound edge and both teams had 8 turnovers a piece.

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners were able to lead by as much as 21 points, but couldn´t totally run away with the contest as Saarlouis continued to tread water and find their way back to the ship. The Fraport Skyliners came into the third quarter prepared as they commenced going on a fast 9-2 run to extend their league to 65-44 as they continued to play beautiful inside out basketball as German Michael Fuss dropped a three pointer, but they stuck to their biggest strength getting buckets inside as Kiel made a tip in, Thompson found Richter for the two hand dunk and the German then scored inside easily over Mujkanovic. Basketball remains a game of runs and it never disappoints as Saarlouis found some instant offense going on a 12-4 run to cut the Frankfurt advantage to 69-56. In the run, Frankfurt coughed up the ball and missed easy shots allowing the opponent to share the scoring as Easterling scored, Mujkanovic played old school making a hook shot, Sermokas finished off the fast break with a lay in, Mcelroy hit a one hand hook shot and Rodriguez made a steal and went coast to coast for the easy bucket and then released a pull up jumper that saw nothing but net. Frankfurt quickly put a damper in this run getting consecutive three pointers from Richter and Zeeb as they led 75-58. Frankfurt kept the comfortable lead continuing to rebound very well and getting added production from Zeeb with a trey and a Thompson lay in while Saarlouis got needed offense from Rodriguez and Mcelroy and Frankfurt still led 80-66. “We got a bit lazy. They made good defensive adjustments and we didn´t slow down and take good shots and didn´t read their plays well”, added Travis Thompson. “Easterling gave a little speech at half time telling us to take man up, get tough and show pride in our defense. We picked up our defense and switch up zone and man defense and did a good job switching guard to guard and big to big”, stressed Illinois native Brennan Mcelroy. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 54% from the field and 71% from the parking lot while Saarlouis was shooting 60% from the field and 22% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 32-18 rebound edge and both teams had 13 turnovers a piece.

In the fourth quarter Saarlouis had 10 minutes left and used every second making a memorable comeback, buckling down on defense allowing only seven points while taking a chapter from the first half offense of Frankfurt and scoring 28 points. Saarlouis went on a 12-3 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 82-79. In the run Saarlouis got production from many players like 32 year old German Ronny Weihmann who had been signed only a few days ago and last played in the Regionaliga with Kaiserslautern and also had two years of experience in the States with Emmanuel (GA) (NAIA) hit a big three after not playing in the first 30 minutes, Easterling made two clutch mid distance shots and Okundaye scored inside off a Mcelroy steal. Saarlouis had the momentum were in the game again and threatening while the Frankfurt offense was nonexistent as the once potent inside game was also nonexistent and the club couldn´t consistently hit free throws. Weihmann stepped up again hitting a big three to cut the Frankfurt lead to 84-82. After one Kiel free throw, it was the Easterling and Mcelroy show as Mr Regionaliga Easterling beat Zeeb again with a mid distance shot and then he stepped in the passing lane between Richter and Kiel making the steal and finding Mcelroy for the bucket and 86-85 lead which they would never relinquish again in the game. Mcelroy had 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists, but it was his four steals and one at the end that made the difference. “Mcelroy had a defensive role in college, but has more things to do here. In college he did the little things well and here he continues to do so, but in many more areas. He is such a smart player and it is a joy to play with him”, added Ricky Easterling. Frankfurt seemed shocked and just played hectic and the coolness of the first half had been blown away as they coughed up the ball for a 21^st time as Sermokas made the lay in for the 88-85 advantage. Saarlouis closed out the game hitting their free throws. “Frankfurt executed well on pick and roll in the first, but we made adjustments in the second half. We have had problems closing out games this season and it was team effort, but those Weihmann shots were big in the fourth. Every player played their role and took care of business”, stressed Ricky Easterling. “We got too comfortable in the second half and didn´t shoot well. Easterling had a good game and really hurt us”, added Travis Thompson. “They had 21 turnovers and most were forced. We did a great job communicating on defense and getting in the passing lanes”, added Brennan Mcelroy. Saarlouis was led by Ricky Easterling with 31 points. Muharem Mujkanovic had 16 points, Brennan Mcelroy had 13 and Danny Rodriguez had 11 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Johannes Richter with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Garai Zeeb had 20 points and eight assists. Travis Thompson had 18 points and Niklas Kiel had 11 points. Saarlouis shot 58% from the field and 29% from outside while Frankfurt shot 45% from the field and 50% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound battle 45-30, but had 21 turnovers while Saarlouis had 16 turnovers.

Quentin Pryor is a 32 year old 193cm shooting guard/small forward from Eupora, Mississippi that is an experienced professional basketball player that wants to find his way back to Europe with a team. The last team he played for was the GasTerra Flames Groningen (Holland-Eredivisie) playing 41 games averaging 8.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 66.1%; EuroChallenge: 3 games: 8.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.0spg. In the 2012-2013 season he played for the ECE Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 38 games: 10.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 75.4%. He started his college basketball career at Jackson State, before finishing at Morehead State from 2005-2007. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging11.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3Pts: 36.8%, FT: 71.7%. In 2007, he started his professional basketball career in Germany with FC Schalke 04 playing 29 games and averaging 15.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-1(2.5spg), FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 75.2%. He played for Phoenix Hagen from 2008-2011 and in the 2008-2009 season, he played 30 games averaging 14.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 75.2. In 2009-2010 he played 33 games: 8.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 72.9%. In 2010-2011, he played 33 games averaging 11,3ppg, 3,5rpg, 2,2apg and 1,5spg. In the 2011-2012 season he played for WBC Raiffeisen Wels (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 31 games: 14.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.7apg, Steals-4(1.9spg), FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.7%. Quentin topped off his last professional season in Holland winning the league title and cup with GasTerra Flames Groningen (Holland-Eredivisie). He is hungry to return back to Europe especially Germany where he played with team Phoenix Hagen years ago. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball

Quentin thanks for talking to German Hoops Where are you at the moment and how was your Halloween this year with your kids?

Thanks Miles. I am Louisville, KY grinding every day. Halloween was great for me. It was the first time I got to go trick or treating with my family (My son is 8). Its been a long time coming.

Where are you at the moment and how have you been keeping busy the last year being out of basketball?

I’ve gotten involved in coaching at the high school level and also I am playing in men’s leagues around the area.

You last played for GasTerra Flames Groningen (Holland-Eredivisie) 41 games: 8.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 66.1%; EuroChallenge: 3 games: 8.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.0spg. You won the Dutch title. I guess that could have been a perfect way to end career and retire, but that wasn´t your intention. Were you surprised you weren´t signed by a professional team in 2014?

That was never my intention to be done at that time. I was a little shocked that I didn’t have much interest but that comes with the territory. I actually had signed with a team in Cyprus in September of 2014. I played one preseason game and had a pretty solid game with 11, 5, and 6. A week later I was released without any reason.

Your agent didn´t find a team and then the 2014-2015 season started without you? How difficult was that season not playing for a team?

I had never been released or told I wasn’t wanted so it was difficult for me. Especially how everything happened there. Its something that I hope no one ever has to experience. But it happened for a reason and its all apart of God’s plan.

How did you stay in shape last year? Did you have a normal routine?

I would hit the treadmill and lift weights 3 times a week.

Did you play any semi pro ball or play pick up games to keep that basketball feeling physically and mentally?

I participated in practice and played open gym at the school I coached at to keep me sharp.

You are 32 years old now. How fit are you? What do you believe is your best basketball attribute at your age?

I am in great shape. My weight is right were I want it as well. My best attribute is the same as it has always been. I’m still going fill up a stat sheet. Points, rebounds, assist, and steals. I always want to have an impact on the game.

Do you think that you can give a team something different now at age 32 that you couldn´t at age 25 besides experience?

My jump shot has developed with time and my leadership. Coaching let me see the game from a different view and I see why a lot of coaches are the way they are now. I’ve always had a great knowledge of the game but it has sharpened even more.

If you could sell yourself in a few sentences as to why you could help any team now how would you do it?

A proven winner that does whatever it takes to win every night. Whether its scoring 20 or locking up on D

How badly would you like to play in Germany? Would you be willing to play Pro A or Pro B?

I would love to get back to Germany. My family loved it there and my son grew up there basically. But I would be willing to go anywhere to prove myself. If playing in the Pro A or B is what I have to do, then so be it.

When looking back on your career would you liked to have stayed longer with Phoenix Hagen had you had had the chance?

I certainly would have loved to stay there. I spent half of my career there and made lifelong friends there. It was a 2nd home for us.

Quantez Robertson is still going strong with the Fraport Skyliners in his seventh season. Where did he rank up with the toughest guys that you went head to head on the floor?

He gets a lot of respect from me. He competes every single night and never takes a play off. I love to play against guys like that because it makes you want to perform that much more.

Where does a David Bell rank in the best shooters that you have ever played with?

Dave is in the top 2. He put on some shows in Hagen. Him and Thomas Dreesen. It is unreal at how easy they make it seem.

Your ex teammate Michael Hakim Jordan is an assistant at Colgate university. Could you imagine getting into coaching one day?

I am in coaching now at the high school level. College is my ultimate goal though. Mike has a sharp mind for the game as well so it didn’t surprise me at all.

Who said this famous quote from a great documentary “We are the doormat of the league”? How many times have you seen the movie Phoenix in der Asche?

That was Mike at half time of the Frankfurt game. It was a true statement. No one respected us. I have only seen it one time. Still waiting on the DVD we were supposed to receive!!!

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

I am a big Jordan fan. There will never be another MJ. LBJ is the cream of the crop for his generation but he has some dudes beating on the door.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Woodlawn. It was a great film and really opened my eyes about faith and sports.

Thanks Quentin for the chat.

Brennan Mcelroy is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Decatur, Illinois playing his first professional season with TV 1872 Saarlouis (Germany-ProB. He played at Indianapolis (NCAA2) from 2010-2015 and as a senior played 19 games averaging 10.5ppg, 8.5rpg, 2.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 73.9%, 3PT: 8.3%, FT: 62.7%. He spoke to German Hoopsbefore the game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors.

Brennan thanks for talking to German Hoops A tough 83-76 loss against the Uni Riesen Leipzig. The opponent closed out the game with a 8-0 run. How tough and why did Saarlouis fall in crunch time?

It was and is very tough. We played a good 35 minutes but that isn’t enough. We just weren’t able to hang on to the lead and that’s something we need to improve on.

Were you able to grab anything positive form the loss besides winning the rebound battle and dishing out a team 20 assists?

Hopefully we can keep winning the rebounding battle and sharing the ball, other than that we did some good things but the loss overlooks those things.

Saarlouis is now 1-5 and in their second season having come from a level down the Regionaliga. It will be hard to win games on a consistent level when the team gives up more points than what it makes. What do you believe are the biggest factors on the defensive end that need to be fixed?

There is always room for improvement. We need to take pride on defense and guard individually. Of course breakdowns will happen and that is when we need to trust our teammates to be there to help.

The three Americans of Ricky Easterling, Frank Snow and you average together more than half of the teams points. Is that German player that averages double figures missing on offense?

Its not that we need 1 top scorer, we as a team need to score more. Or if you look at it the other way, we need to not allow the other team to score as much and our offense will come.

Despite the 1-5 start, how positive are you that Saarlouis will be able to turn around their season and get on a winning streak?

I am still positive. We should be 4-2 right now. We let 2 slip at home and one on the road. We had the lead in all of these games. So we know we can play with the teams in this league but we just cant crack under pressure or hang our heads.

How has it been as a rookie playing with Ricky Easterling. How has his leadership and basketball knowledge helped you in the first two months?

Rick is not only a great teammate but a great friend. He has helped me on and off the court. He has been playing basketball for a long time and knows a lot about the game and how to adjust to what the opponent is doing. Off the court he has helped me get adjusted. As you know he has been here for 8 years and learned to speak German. I am very graateful for his help getting around town, meeting new friends, helping me at the store, and all that he has helped me with.

Does Saarlouis have to depend on Ricky Easterling for success? If he scores only 15 points then that is 10 less than what he usually makes. Does the team feel pressure to have to step it up on those occasions?

Rick is our go to guy. We know this and every team knows it as well. He is a great scorer but we can not only rely on him to win the games. We as a team need to be help accountable to score and defend. When teams are keyed in on him that gives the other 4 on the court more room to create for themselves.

Easterling lives off his unstoppable mid distance off balance game. Have you ever seen a player more dangerous than him in your career when he gets in the lane?

He is one of the best mid range shooters I have played with. I was fortunate enough in college to also play with some great shooters, but he is definitely up there at the top of the list.

What has been the most amazing shot he has made so far in a game or practice this season?

Its amazing when he misses. I am not used to seeing it. One shot I can remember is in a game he shot a running hook falling out of bounce and I remember thinking when he shot it “what was that” and sure enough it went in.

You are averaging 12,2ppg and 8,4rpg after five games. How happy have you been with your rookie performance so far?

I am happy I have stayed healthy and for the opportunity. I know I can do better and need to do so. I don´t worry about my offensive numbers and never have. I do take pride in stopping my man from scoring and being a selfish rebounder.

What exactly is your role on the team? What more does coach want from you besides scoring, rebounding and being a presence inside?

I do the “dirty work” I will dive for any ball, take a charge, guard any player on the court or do whatever we need me to do to be successful. I think coach knows that.

What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

I think it’s the dirty work I talked about above. Everyone likes the scorers and so do I, without them basketball wouldn’t be basketball. But I take pride in my defense and would much rather stop my man from scoring than scoring myself.

How has the adjustment been for you coming from the NCAA2 from Indianapolis to the German Pro B? What has been the most difficult thing to get used to and where would you stack the Pro B in comparison with the NCAA2?

The rules are obviously different. Goaltending is one rule that is different but I like it. The 24 second clock is the hardest to get used to. I was on a very good college team and I know we could of kept up.

You were averaging 79,2% from the two point range and pretty much make all your shots. Easterling obviously takes many shots, but are you content with your shot selection or could you be taking more shots?

I hate missing, and shots around the basketball are the easiest. I have been working on my perimeter shot and will be taking more shots.

You played at Indianapolis and reached the NCAA 2 Sweet 16 in 2015. What will always be your most vivid memory of this run?

The friendships. I made some of my best friends on the team. I still talk to them 3-4 times a week. We had so much fun on that run. Practices were hard but winning made it all worth it.

You were known for growing your hair so you could take that hair and make it into a wig for a cancer patient. Other fans from schools didn´t catch on and made fun of you, but later apologized. What did you learn from this experience that made it long lasting?

I will donate it when I get back to America. I didn’t do it for the attention but I know I’m going to miss the hair when it is gone. I’ve gotten used to it.

How did Stan Gouard prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career?

I can not thank coach G enough for all he did for me in my career at UINDY. He was a great coach and still is. He was a professional basketball player himself and I think that experience has helped him become the great coach he is.

How important was teammate Joe Lawson last season for your game with the battles in practice? He plays in the German Pro A this season for Gotha.

Joe is a great player and I hope he has a great season. We had some battles in practice and it made us better players.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Joe Lawson?

We would go back and fourth. He would have his days and I would have mine. I am looking forward to playing him again.

Where will the journey of the Chicago Bulls go this season? Will they make noise in the playoffs?

I hope not! I am a huge LeBron James fan and I hope the Cavs will win it all. Bulls are always a tough match up for the Cavs and I hope they can get passed them in the playoffs.

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

I hope so. I was to young to watch and understand basketball when MJ was playing. I know he was great, but so is LeBron James.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I am not a huge movie watcher. I am stuck watching a lot of Netflix. Just finished breaking bad and currently watching house of cards and the blacklist.

Thanks Brennan for the chat.