Karl Moore is a 203cm forward born in 1987 and is playing his second professional season with Telstar Hesperange (Luxembourg-N2). Last season as a rookie season for TV 1872 Saarlouis (Germany-ProB) he played 28 games averaging 16.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.7%, FT: 73.5%. He scored in double figures in 25 of 28 games including three double doubles. He scored 20 points or more eight times. His best scoring games was 28 points against Hanau and 27 points against BG Karlsruhe. He played college ball at Schoolcraft Community College (JUCO), Rio Grande(NAIA), and Culver Stockton (NAIA). He spoke to German Hoops about basketball and his next experience in Luxemburg.

Karl thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are playing your second professional season in Luxemburg for Telstar Hesperange (Luxembourg-N2). You aren´t too far away from Saarlouis, but are in a different country. Is the fact that your in Luxemburg and not Germany noticeable?

Thank you once again for writing another article about me Miles. It’s always a pleasure expressing myself on the largest website in Europe. I am aware that thousands of people will read this article. I don’t expect for it to motivate each individual that may read this, but I do hope that it will inspire a group of people who may know about the grind and the long road that it takes for hidden talent to be successful in this market. Back to the question that you asked, as we know Germany is a much bigger country then Luxembourg. When comparing the two countries the game of basketball in Germany is respected more over Luxembourg. One of the best things about being noticed in Luxembourg is by word of mouth. Everyone talks to everyone here because the country is not all that big. That can be an advantage on getting recognized for any player here that is dominating in their conference.

You signed very late in the summer and are playing second division in Luxemburg. Besides winning games what is your main goal of accomplishing for your personal game this season?

To continue to outwork my opponents so that I can be granted an opportunity to play in a top league somewhere. Even if it’s a workout or try out. When I get at that level of competition, I will be sure to change the mindset of those who care more about a player background rather than their work ethic. I believe that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

You are tearing up the league averaging 37 points, but the team is struggling with a record of 2-5. Can one enjoy personal great games despite the team losing?

No, it is difficult for me at the time to enjoy seeing how much hard work that I put in over the summer is paying off this season. Nothing is fun at all when you lose close games. My family and friends back at home see my stats and become happy to see how well that I am playing at the top of my game right now. But they don’t see the other side. Not the side when you win a game and everyone is excited, cheering you on, and making sure that you are taken good care of. But the side when you hit a losing streak and things around you start to slowly fall apart and nobody really wants to speak to you after the game.

What have been the main reasons for the club´s bad start at 2-5?

Our team only practice three times a week for an hour and half. The majority of the players can only show up to practice once a week because of school and the jobs that they work. Not having a full team during weekly practice don’t improve our team chemistry. None of our Luxembourg players are getting paid to play so for most of them they have to focus on bettering their future off the court.

How vital is it in this league to have a second strong import player?

It is very vital to have a second American to relieve pressure from off the other American. Luxembourg like to try and find very good American because they are able to pay much more then what an American will make playing in Germany (pro b).

How have you been meshing with American Robert Carpenter? Can you guys rise your game as a duo?

Robert and I connect well on and off the court. I love the fact that he loves to praise God as much as I do. We both understand the situation that we are currently in. We are fully aware that this is a dog eat dog business and sometimes politics get the best out of it. We talk about basketball all the time. Sometimes we talk about random basketball players playing across seas in top leagues and getting paid triple the amount that we are making and are only averaging eight points or less a game. We sit and wonder was it a division one college that got those type of players making that type of money, was it really hard work, or was it who that person knew. We can most definitely turn it up another notch in rising our game as a duo because of the most important goal that we have in common. Which is to move this team from division two to division one.

You are averaging 37 points per game. Does it feel like you are a man among boys on the court?

I am averaging 37 points per game because of the mentality that I now have. Which is much stronger then the way that I thought last season while playing in Germany. I am getting no younger. I can´t afford to take no more small offers after this job, I am fed up with seeing my family back at home struggle, and I am tired of going back home working summer jobs to earn some extra cash. Regardless of what league that I play in, I am going to treat any opponent as if they are taking food off my family plate. I have family that’s depending on me. I told myself before I found out that there was an opening position in Luxembourg that my second year as a professional player was going to be my break out year. Last season, I averaged 16 points and 6 rebounds in 21 minutes, due to the fact that the team had three Americans. At the pro b level, only two Americans is allowed to be on the court at one time. Regardless of how people may look at the competition here in Luxembourg. I am averaging 37 points so far because I am playing almost 40 minutes a game. The only thing that stopped me from averaging more points in Germany (pro b) was the lack of minutes. Don’t just take my word for it. Soon people who have been following my career will see that my God given talent can dominate when I am playing on any level.

What is the main difference between this league and the German Pro B where you played last season?

The German players are much better then Luxembourg players but there is no difference with the Americans. German Pro B also update their stats on eurobasket every game. Out here we are seven games into the season and nothing has been updated on eurobasket. The only proof for now that I have is if I take a picture of the score board or upload game film to my facebook page.

When you dominate and play so well does one tend to only to utilize one´s strength´s or does this also give you an opportunity to work on other parts of your game?

Every game I find myself working on something new because of the scouting report on me. Everyone knows that I am a left handed crafty player. Not to sound cocky but I am stating facts, until this day, I haven’t run into a player that can stop me from going left. I find myself working on going strong to the right at times to make the game much easier, since everyone knows that I like to go left. I am used to being double teamed because of my ability to take anyone to the rim or shoot over an opponent when being guarded one on one. Luxembourg is the first place where I have to get used to being tripled teamed. During the times they send three players at me, I try to work on my court vision by trying to figure out where my teammates are open at on the floor when I am surrounded by three players inside of the three point line.

Do you help some of the younger Luxemburg players on their game? You may only be in your second season, but I am sure the players listen to what you say?

Yes, I help as much as possible. They all are a good group of young players. I find myself talking a lot more on the court during games more than I do in practice. Because of the respect that I showed them, they show it in return. Whenever I have something to say I have their undivided attention.

You scored 54 points in your first game. Did it scare you a little that you were able to score so much in your debut?

Yes, it did scare me. It wasn’t like it was an easy 54 points. I was being guarded by an almost seven foot experienced player who enjoys blocking shots. I didn’t know that I had 54 points until the game was over. I then began to think about how I could easily had 60+ points if I would have made this shot or didn’t miss that shot. At the same time, I knew that I was going to have a good start over here. A great prophet (Amere May) had spoken a word from God into my life. He had said that two sponsors going to want to sponsor me and that I will be walking into a six figure contract. I believe that God word don’t return to Him void so until that day approaches, I will continue to work hard on and off the court.

With what kind of mind set do you go into every game knowing that you can score many points. Do you get hungrier with every game to score even more?

I go into every game with the mindset of how can I make my teammates better. I know that I will be double teamed which will leave someone open on the floor. I believe that I will soon beat my own scoring record of 54 points. I never put up these type of numbers constantly the way that I am now. First game I had first 54pts, second game 26pts, third game 37pts, fourth game 31pts, fifth game 33pts, and sixth game 38pts.

You recently had an offer from a German pro B team, but their offer was too little. How badly do you want to return to Germany to show what you have?

Yes, it was my agent (Sevag Keucheyan) decision on not accepting the offer. Germany is a great place but I would like to play in a top league somewhere else to explore the world being that there are a lot of countries across the world.

Your ex team Saarlouis is struggling but as always your ex teammate Ricky Easterling is doing his thing and nobody still hasn´t figured out how to contain his deadly mid range shot. How much do you miss playing with him?

I miss playing with Ricky a lot. We was like the Germany pro b version Westbrook and Durant. One of the best things about staying an hour away from Saarlouis is that I go work out with Ricky. Me and Robert work out with him every Monday and Wednesday morning. We shoot in the gym for an hour and a half then go lift weights afterwards.

How did you celebrate Halloween in Luxemburg? What was your fondest Halloween memory as a kid?

I hung out with two friends in K-Town. My fondest Halloween memory as a kid was when I went treat-or-treating for the first time with a couple of friends. I had two big garbage bags filled with candy. Growing up, I wasn’t allowed to go trick-or-treating. My mother made it a priority to go to church on that night.

Steph Curry recently dropped 53 points. Do you see him breaking 70 or 80 points in the future?

One of the best things that I like about Steph Curry is that he acknowledged God a lot on national television. Seeing the way that he praise God and play reminds me of the bible scripture “in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths” (proverbs 3:6)

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie that I saw was the perfect guy.

Thanks Karl.

Gerald Robinson is a 26 year old 189cm guard from Nashville, Tennessee playing his fourth professional season and first with JSF Nanterre (France-ProA). He started his basketball career in 2007 with Tennessee St. (NCAA) where he played two years and played 62 NCAA games. He then moved to Georgia (NCAA) playing a total of 65 NCAA games and as a senior played 32 games: 14.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 79.7%. He Started his professional basketball career in 2012 with Stella Artois Leuven Bears (Belgium-Ethias League, starting five): 28 games: 14.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 77.5%. In the 2013-2014 season he played with Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Israel-Winner League): 28 games: 12.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 76.8%; Balkan League: 14 games: 13.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.6apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 46.4%, FT: 84.1%. Last season he played with VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL, starting five): VTB United League: 25 games: Score-3(17.8ppg), 3.8rpg, 5.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 85.7%; Latvian LBL: 17 games: Score-1(17.2ppg), 3.3rpg, Assists-5(4.2apg), Steals-1(1.8spg), FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 88.2%; Eurocup: 10 games: 16.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.3apg, Steals-4(2.0spg), FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 69.6%; Euroleague: 1 game: 14pts, 2reb, 1ast, 1steal. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup clash against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg in Vechta.

Gerald thanks for talking to German Hoops. You will be facing off against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg on wednesday in Vechta. Will this be your first visit to Germany? What do you know about the country Germany and its basketball?

I don’t know much about German basketball, but one of my good friends Alex Renfroe who I grew up with plays in Munich. I have been to places like Duesseldorf and Cologne when I was playing in Belgium

You are playing your fourth professional season and first with JSF Nanterre (France-ProA). This is your fourth country after Belgium, Israel and Latvia. Does living the nomadic basketball life still go hand in hand with your youth?

Yes it does. I am a versatile guy and have no other variables at the moment from keeping me from moving around.

You are playing your first season with JSF Nanterre (France-ProA) and currently the team is 3-2 having won the first two, but currently have suffered a three game losing streak. What hasn´t the team been doing right anymore during the last three games?

We haven´t playing our brand of basketball that we know how. We haven´t been shooting well and just not clicking and being efficient. We continue to defend well, but we have to bring our offense to another notch if we want to win on a consistent rate.

In Eurocup play JSF Nanterre (France-ProA) has a 2-1 record. There are still some guys there from last seasons Eurochallenge win with Mykal Riley and TJ Campbell. How hungry are these guys as well as the team to make the next step and be successful in Eurocup play?

Everyone from the top to the bottom of the organization is hungry to win. The organization has won many titles and are excited and motivated to add another one. Our goal is to compete to win.

You have played with many talented guards in your career, but how trilling has it been playing with 175cm guard TJ Campbell this season. How much better does the creativity of both make the team?

We compliment each other well. We both have different styles, but we both like to get up and down the court and help each other out. It is really nice to play with a player like TJ who can create.

Last season you played for VEF Riga (Latvia) VTB United League: 25 games: Score-3(17.8ppg), 3.8rpg, 5.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 85.7%; Latvian LBL: 17 games: Score-1(17.2ppg), 3.3rpg, Assists-5(4.2apg), Steals-1(1.8spg), FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 88.2%; Eurocup: 10 games: 16.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.3apg, Steals-4(2.0spg), FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 69.6%;. It was your best season as a professional. Do you feel pressure this season to put up numbers or does the deeper Nanterre team give you some breathing room?

I don´t think about it. I go out perform to the best of my ability and hope will add wins to the win column.

You put up big numbers in the VTB league last season as well as the Eurocup. How do you feel were you able to improve your game last season best?

Last season it was the first time in my career that I was the go to guy and a guy where the defense focused on me. I think that being consistent is what I improved most. I don´t go out to play one great game and then five bad games. I want to always be consistent.

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

I can´t think of one off the top of my head.

In your second professional season you played for Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Israel-Winner League). You had solid stats but won no hardware playing for head coach Sharon Drucker. Many Americans like Israel. What was your fondest memory from your year there?

I enjoyed the whole experience on and off the court. Off the court the weather was always nice. There is so much history there that I could go and see many sites. On the court we played in two competitions so I played many games and was able to learn a lot as the coach gave me time to gain experience.

As a rookie you played for Stella Artois Leuven Bears (Belgium-Ethias League) playing 28 games: 14.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 77.5%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in europe where you knew you were far from home?

I didn´t have a wake up call. I never got homesick. We had 5 Americans on the team and three were rookies. With being so close to Holland, Germany and France, I could visit many places and be in a new country after a one hour drive. In the states it can take up to three hours to go from city to city. Being able to be in other places so quickly made the transition easier for me.

You played your first two college years with Tennessee St. (NCAA) and in your second season played 30 games: 17.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.9apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3Pts: 27.8%, FT: 77.2%. What were the main reasons for moving on to Georgia for your last two seasons?

I had many good offers from high major schools coming from high school, but chose Tennessee State. I did well in those two years against top major teams and decided that I wanted to challenge myself more so I went to Georgia. I was also still close to home.

Georgia had some good players, but didn´t make any noise at March Madness. When you look back at those two seasons what do you think was missing for more success?

The reason is March Madness as anything can happen in this time. We had great players like Trey Thompkins who plays for Real Madrid or Travis Leslie who plays for medi Bayreuth. We lost to a good Washington team.

How did Mark Fox prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career at Georgia?

I learned so much from Mark Fox. He taught me not to choose a day to be great, but you need to compete every day and even on the days where your feeling bad. He helped me to become a man on and off the court.

You played a season with current Detroit Pistons guard Kentavicious Pope-Caldwell. Were you sure then he would be a future NBA player or a player that would go overseas?

I always knew that he would go to the NBA. He is a very talented kid. His energy and motivation to work hard stood out. He has the frame and skill to be a good defender and scorer. The NBA game fits his style.

What memories do you have of Marcus Thornton who is starting his professional career this season with Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Italy-Serie A)?

He is like my little brother. I am close to all guys I have played with. He isn´t undersized, but a physical four man. Once he understands the European game, I think that he will have long career there.

Who was the best player that you battled against in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?

 

I can´t choose one as I played against so many.

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

I don´t want to be a prisoner of the moment. I didn´t watch Michael Jordan when he was doing greatness.

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

Usual Suspects.

Thanks Gerald for the chat.

Halloween may be three nights old and usually the theme lingers on in the States for days after with broken pumpkins or egg remains rotting away on window targets of poor residents who never knew what hit their house, but in Germany Halloween isn´t as popular or domineering as in Cincinnati where Fraport Skyliners seven year veteran Quantez Robertson hails from like in any other city there are numerous traditions dating back as far as to the late 1880s when these pranks started there with boys taking to the streets and doing mischief like removing signs and knocking over outhouses, and building bonfires or thugs stealing pushcarts and running wagons into the canal where the Central Parkway is located today. In the 1920s, communities began supplying a treat of candy and doughnuts as an alternative to pranks and vandalism. Trick-or-treating did attract the youngest, but older kids continued making mischief. When one observes Quantez Robertson off the court, he is a low key guy that watches a lot, but can joke around like any other 30 year old, but when he is on the court he is definitely a player that creates mischief not only in Halloween terms but also in terms of his defense as he has been one of the top defenders in the Beko BBL since entering the league in 2009 and has never averaged less than 1,3spg as a professional. This season new point guard Jordan Theodore has stolen his show a bit as he currently is averaging 1,8spg while Robertson is 1,0spg. Possibly Robertson could even raise his steal average if he would be outfitted each game with a special costume to totally scare his opponents and bring them to cough up the ball more, but at the moment Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert doesn´t need to rely on these Halloween tactics as he can be very pleased with the defense of Frankfurt as it is helping them win games the most at the moment as well as his roster getting totally healthy again. In their current 4 game winning streak the team has given up an average of only 65 games as their keen and accurate scouting report of their opponent is becoming more and more despised, but is a big reason for their key to success. Halloween or no Halloween, the Fraport Skyliners were back at work again in Fiba Europe Cup looking for their fifth win in a row and were dressed in their normal uniform costumes and no Halloween theme anywhere to be seen as they met Slovenian team KK Novo Mesto and once again had to grind out a difficult win as last week Leiden gave them immense problems and this week they grinded out a tough 67-65 win as their offense was as desolate in the first half as Siberia, but in the second half it was Quantez Robertson and Jordan Theodore that supplied the fire power helping Frankfurt get back on track. After the game it didn´t take Robertson long to describe what mask could of scared away Novo Mesto early. “They weren´t afraid of us all game long. I think if we would have had five Leatherface masks from the Texas Chain Saw movie then that would of scared them away”, smiled Cincinnati native Quantez Robertson. Novo Mesto fell to 1-1 and played their hearts out and just came up a bit short at the end. “We knew that Frankfurt was a good team. We opened game up well defending well and Frankfurt didn´t hit shots. We wanted to continue to play like this in the second half, but Frankfurt found their rhythm and made shots. When you are down 10, it is tough to come back even if we had a chance at the end”, stressed Serb Dusan Katnic. The staple of Frankfurt´s success remains their defense, but their offense remains a problem. “We had problems executing in the first half and missing shots. We had problems getting through contact on the penetration. In the second half we found our rhythm and everybody got involved”, added Quantez Robertson.

The Fraport Skyliners got on the board first as German national player Johannes Voigtmann who scored 14 points in 19 minutes in Hagen in his return back after an injury hit his first shot with a catch and pop. However Novo Mesto took the lead on a wild Mirko Mulaic desperation shot as the shot clock was down at two seconds and Katnic followed with free throws as Frankfurt trailed 5-2. Frankfurt couldn´t get much going on offense and when they did it was more one on one plays as Quantez Robertson found some daylight and made a two handed dunk to cut the lead to 5-4. Serb Stefan Sinovec and Johannes Voigtmann then traded buckets and Luka Lapornik made a lay in as Novo Mesto led 9-6. Novo Mesto continued to hold the lead as they simply were more under control and executing better as 26 year old Igor Tratnik who played for three teams in Iceland showed his 207cm range from outside drilling home a trey as Frankfurt trailed 11-8. Frankfurt stayed strong even if their offense was sputtering but cut the Novo Mesto lead to 13-10 as Jordan Theodore found Mike Morrison for the easy lay in and still trailed 13-10. Novo Mesto ended the first quarter carrying the momentum as Sinovec made a steal and went coast to coast for the lay in and then it was Mulalic again who dropped a prayer that somehow went in closing out the first quarter as Novo Mesto led 18-11. “We played ok defense but had no rhythm on offense and missed open looks”, stressed Florida native Mike Morrison. Novo Mesto was shooting 60% form the field and 100% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 40% from the field and 0% from outside. Novo Mesto had the 6-5 rebound edge and five turnovers as Frankfurt had six turnovers.

In the second quarter, The Fraport Skyliners were able to cut the Novo Mesto lead to two points, but Novo Mesto was able to close out the second quarter on a 9-4 run and lead 30-23 at halftime as the Frankfurt offense continued to be in a nasty winter sleep that even had problems of melting with small glimpses of heat in their offense. However the Fraport Skyliners actually had a solid start into the second quarter going on a 8-3 run to trail Novo Mesto only 21-19. 21 year old Max Merz who was in Australia for the first six months of 2015 got the 2004 Beko BBL champion on the board first with a magnificent floater. Both teams attacked the paint with success as Morrison scored inside and Robertson scored with a nifty left handed lay in while Slovenian talent Ziga Dimec who led the Telemach league the last two seasons in field goal percentage scored. However the Fraport Skyliners were unable to hold that offensive power as Novo Mesto went on their run to go into halftime with the seven point lead. Frankfurt began to miss shot after shot and were coughing up the ball too many times which Novo Mesto used to their advantage to keep their lead. It was 29 year old 211cm work horse Jure Lalic who supplied seven of the nine Novo Mesto points doing damage inside and scoring at ease. Frankfurt got production from Robertson and Doornekamp. “We still couldn´t get going. They packed the lane well and forced us too tough shots”, expressed Mike Morrison. Novo Mesto was shooting35% from the field and 25% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 35% from the field and 0% from the three point line. Both teams had 17 rebounds a piece and Frankfurt had nine turnovers and Novo Mesto had six turnovers.

It is very hard to hold a team like the Fraport Skyliners offense less for 40 minutes and in the third quarter, the club finally broke out of their offensive funk going on a 14-3 run to recapture the lead back at 37-32. In the run the main figures were Americans Quantez Robertson and Jordan Theodore who combined for nine of the 14 Frankfurt unanswered points. Robertson nailed the teams first three pointer of the game after it had been 0/7. Theodore started finding more space and picking his spots better as he hit a mid distance shot and trey. Canadian national player Aaron Doornekamp also made a running hook shot in the run. The Refs were calling the game close and both teams had suffered their fifth team foul with five minutes remaining in the third quarter. Lalic, Matej Rojc and Sinnovec hit free throws and for Frankfurt it was Barthel. Doornekamp and Katnic traded three pointers as suddenly Frankfurt led only 42-40. Frankfurt had problems at the free throw line as Morrison and Doornekamp hit only one a piece allowing Novo Mesto to get closer again as Katnic continued to be hot from downtown nailing a trey cutting the Frankfurt lead to 44-43. However in the last two minutes, Frankfurt buckled down on defense getting big shots and extended their lead to 50-43 as 2010 Eurochallenge winner John Little connected on a one hand floater and free throws and Morrison was successful twice from the free throw line. “Coach Herbert told us at halftime that we had to execute better and play more together. We stepped up our defensive pressure which got us going getting on fast break and getting to the free throw line”, stressed Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 37% from the field and 17% from the parking lot while Novo Mesto was shooting 32% from the field and 29% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 29-23 rebound edge and both teams had 11 turnovers a piece.

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners kept the lead, but never fully escaped from Novo Mesto as they had one last shot on the final play for the win, but were unable to connect. Tratnik got Novo Mesto on the board first with a three pointer, but the Frankfurt offense was in better shape now in the second half and they were having more luck now as Quantez Robertson nailed a step back jumper against man to man coverage with two seconds on the shot clock and silver medalist at the 2015 University games Konstantin Klein hit a three point bank shot that wasn´t his intention after observing his look after hitting the shot, but at that point Frankfurt took any offense they could get success off of and were leading 55-47. Novo Mesto continued to fight staying in the game as Lapornik hit a pull up jumper cutting the Frankfurt lead to 55-51. Frankfurt then drifted away on a 7-1 run to have their biggest lead of the game at 62-52. Theodre had found his range nailing two off balance mid distance shots and Robertson hit another three pointer. After Lalic free throws, it was Theodore who scored with authority making a tough reverse lay up as Frankfurt led 64-54 and the first fans were leaving as there seemed like nothing could rattle Frankfurt from taking home the win, but Novo Mesto had different ideas. They closed out the game with a 11-3 run almost catching Frankfurt with their pants down and going home with a bitter 67-65 loss. Frankfurt went back to old habits again of the first quarter not being able to execute on offense and not taking care of the ball in crunch time. Novo Mesto got to the free throw line as Ivanov and Lapornik made free throws to cut the Frankfurt lead to 66-60. After another Frankfurt miss, it was Ivanov that made a key lay in cutting the Frankfurt lead to 66-62. Still with under a minute to play, much still had to go right for the Slovenian team to prevail, but they continued to do everything right and hit shots. Morrison could of sealed the win with two free throws, but made only one as Frankfurt led 66-62. With 20 seconds to play it was Sinovec hitting a clutch three pointer to cut the Frankfurt lead to 67-65. Frankfurt coughed up the ball with 3,2 seconds to play under their own basket and the ball fell into the hands of sharp shooter Dusan Katnic, but he quickly was double teamed and heaved up an air ball ending the game. “We defended very well at the end. However we needed to have been closer earlier instead of being able to win with three seconds. We need to play like the first half in each game in order to advance”, stressed Dusan Katnic. “It looked like Barthel was fouled at the end. Luckily Jordan Theodore and I were on their shooter and we put our hands up. The most positive thing was getting the win. We have much to work on. We have to get a better flow on offense. We can be a much better team”, stated John Little. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Quantez Robertson with 17 points while Jordan Theodore had 13 points. Novo Mesto was led by Jure Lalic and Dusan Katnic with 13 points a piece. Frankfurt shot 40% from the field and 21% from outside while Novo Mesto shot 36% from the field and 31% from outside, Frankfurt won the rebound battle 34-29 and had 15 turnovers while Novo Mesto had 14 turnovers.

Lakeem Jackson is a 24 year old 196cm forward from Charlotte, North Carolina that will play his third professional season and first in Germany with German Pro A team RheinStars. He played his first two professional seasons with BK Iskra Svit (Slovakia-SBL). He started his basketball career in 2009 with South Carolina(NCAA) where he played a total of 120 NCAA games and as a senior played 32 games averaging 7.5ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 33.9%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 74-68 win against the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen.

Lakeem thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the 74-68 win against Essen at home. You had been in the Lanxess arena before seeing the German national team battle France. What kind of a feeling is it lacing it up in this huge arena

A Great feeling! Just being able to have fans and supporters come out and fill up a venue like the Lanxess Arena was a great experience.

After two loses in a row how much urgency did you feel was present within the team to get this win?

Obviously after two wins, as a team you have to go back and see what went wrong. But we act silly learned something new about ourselves as a team in those two losses and it helped us get back on track.

It was another very tight game where Cologne came up big at the end as the winner. Is the team still getting used to winning these type of games or do you feel that it is slowly becoming a Positive habit?

Not really sure. Each game that we’ve won starts and ends with us a whole. Once we learn how to finish games the way we want, we will not be in those situations

Essen stayed very feisty in the fourth never allowing you to fully get away. They cut it down to two points with a minute to play. What was giving the team the biggest difficulty at that point not to be in a more comfortable setting score wise?

It was partly our fault. We went a couple minutes where we couldn’t make a shot, then they got s couple and 1 shots.

In the last minute free throws and a technical foul and Aaron Jones bucket sealed the win. One never really talks about it but honestly how vital is it to never forget to get in some extra time after practice working on free throws?

Definitely something all players should do. Building muscle memory and getting extra reps in is a must

Do you feel a little lucky with getting the win because the team shot only 52% from the free throw line?

I think it just means we did a lot of other things well.

I know I have stressed this over and over about how needed the scoring input is from the four Americans, but tonight German Tim Van Der Velde stepped up and scored 10 points. Do you sense that the young Germans are becoming more comfortable from game to game with their roles and scoring punch ability?

Yes each player on the team knows what they bring to the team and they all have confidence in themselves to go out and play hard for the team every night.

How more valuable is German Jonathan Malu becoming who supplied big man versatility with seven points, seven boards and two assists?

Let’s just say I wouldn’t want to be going up against him in an opposite jersey. He’s a guy that comes off the bench and gives us a spark on the boards and offensively as well.

Before the two loses you had a three game winning streak where you won each game by a close margin. What did the team get away from in that two game losing streak?

Just mental mistakes. Every game we lost, it was nothing the opponents did, we did it to ourselves. But I think we are making the right steps as a team.

You led the team in rebounds, but had an off shooting night scoring only four points. Will you do extra film of this game and watch what you did on the floor or just go back to the gym and work hard on your game and get up extra shots?

Honestly I’ll just get back in the gym and work on my games. Whenever I perform like that, I try to forget it and focus on the next game

How did you experience your first Halloween in Germany? What will always remain your Halloween highlight as a kid?

Halloween was cool. Everyone in the city of Cologne was dressed up and I saw some funny costumes. My highlight from Halloween that I’ll never forget would probably be going house to house getting candy with my friends

What was the last movie that you saw?

The gift.

Thanks Lakeem for the chat.

Alex Foster is a 23 year old 203cm forward that grew up in Portland, Oregon and also has the German citizenship and is playing his professional rookie season in Germany with the RheinStars(Germany-ProA). He played at Emory (NCAA3) from 2011-2015 playing a total of 108 NCAA3 games and as a senior played 20.1ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 39.9%, FT: 79.8%. He was able to improve his scoring and rebounding average each season. He spoke to German Hoops after the RheinStars 74-68 win against the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen.

Alex thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the 74-68 win against Essen at home. You had been in the Lanxess arena before seeing the German national team battle France. What kind of a feeling is it lacing it up in this huge arena?

Its definitely a special feeling. I think our organization does a good job converting the giant arena into a space that fits us well. It’s the perfect venue to get people interested in basketball again in Cologne. I’m really looking forward to playing there again.

After two loses in a row how much urgency did you feel was present within the team to get this win?

There was no panicking, but we all agreed that we could be and needed to be better in order to win. Even after yesterday’s win, we still feel like we can get better. I know we’re going to get there and I’m glad we were able to bounce back from those two losses.

It was another very tight game where Cologne came up big at the end as the winner. Is the team still getting used to winning these type of games or do you feel that it is slowly becoming a positive habit?

We have confidence in making winning plays at the end of the game, but we definitely don’t want to make a habit of keeping the game so close. In all of our wins, we should have sealed up the win earlier. Good teams don’t let their opponent back in the game after they’re ahead. We’re still working towards that.

Essen stayed very feisty in the fourth never allowing you to fully get away. They cut it down to two points with a minute to play. What was giving the team the biggest difficulty at that point not to be in a more comfortable setting score wise?

I think we stopped executing our offense well and starting trying to make plays on our own. The game got pretty sloppy in the fourth and they were able to take advantage of that. We need to be more detailed throughout the stretch.

In the last minute free throws, a technical foul and Aaron Jones bucket sealed the win. One never really talks about it but honestly how vital is it to never forget to get in some extra time after practice working on free throws?

Coach Woltmann has us shoot a lot of free throws during practice, so he definitely understands how important it is. Lots of games are won or lost at the free throw line, so its an aspect of the game that deserves extra attention.

Do you feel a little lucky with getting the win because the team shot only 52% from the free throw line?

We earned the win, but we also left some points on the table by shooting poorly from the line. I think it goes back to being more detailed. Making free throws puts teams away and we didn’t do that last night.

I know I have stressed this over and over about how needed the scoring input is from the four Americans, but tonight German Tim Van Der Velde stepped up and scored 10 points. Do you sense that the young Germans are becoming more comfortable from game to game with their roles and scoring punch ability?

Tim was huge for us last night. He’s played a starting role in past seasons so I wasn’t surprised that he stepped up when we needed him. Leon Baeck and Lenny Steffen have also been contributing off the bench. We also had two of our youngest players, Leon Okapara and Antonio Pilipovic, make plays. They’re all good players and I think their confidence will continue to grow as the season continues.

How more valuable is German Jonathan Malu becoming who supplied big man versatility with seven points, seven boards and two assists?

Jonny has been playing great and really helps our team. He’s super strong and nightmare for me in practice, so I imagine opposing bigs aren’t very excited when he checks in.

Before the two loses you had a three game winning streak where you won each game by a close margin. What did the team get away from in that two game losing streak?

Those losses exposed our weaknesses as a team that we need to improve. I really hate losing, but also think that it can make you better if you learn from it.

You had a solid offensive game, but I am sure your still not happy with your overall shooting percentage, but you had three steals. Personally how much can a good defensive performance outweigh an average offense game for you?

I want to be a complete player and that means being good on both ends of the floor. I won’t make every shot, but there’s no excuse for playing bad defense. Plus no matter how many points you score, you won’t help your team win if you give them back up on defense.

How did you experience your first Halloween in Germany? What will always remain your Halloween highlight as a kid?

I was excited to see that Germany has embraced Halloween, because its one of my favorite holidays. My best Halloween memory was when I dressed up as Luke Skywalker and ran into Darth Vader while trick-or-treating. We had a full-on lightsaber battle and it was awesome.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Me Earl and the Dying Girl.

Thanks Alex for the chat.

When you watch Limburg Baskets head coach Danny Stallbohm on the sidelines during a hard fought game he is usually very focused on each play like a lovable wild boar is on its next prey on a barren field not far away from the Tilemann school in Limburg, but at times he can also be very verbal and in an aroused state when his team isn´t playing the way he should. His son Justin is a 22 year old 182cm point guard that started his career with the Eintracht Frankfurt u-18 team in 2009 and is playing his fifth season with Limburg. He is a high energy guard that stays on his man like an agitated pit bull who hasn´t had enough dinner and likes to shoot long bombs from the parking lot. When looking at both guys and keeping in mind that it was October 31^st Halloween and also the 30^th anniversary of the cult American movie Back to the Future, one could of taken a moment from thinking about basketball and their next fierce opponent the 6-0 Conlog Baskets Koblenz and wondered how amazing father and son could of looked like in the perfect Halloween costume. Wrap coach Danny into a white like drape and put on a wig and he could be the perfect double for Doc Brown who was portrayed by legendary actor Christopher Lloyd while encircle son Justin with the classic faded 1985 Levi jeans, button down shirt, jean jacket, a two-tone puffer vest and a pair of John Mayer-endorsed Nike Bruins and he would be the perfect Marty Mcfly character. Of course Justin would also have to get the typical haircut parted in the middle. Maybe the father and son duo being outfitted like 1985 as Doc Brown and Marty Mcfly could of scared and irritated their opponent Conlog Baskets Limburg, but instead the father and son duo as the cult Back To The Future characters didn´t arrive in the time machine flying Delorean, but were dressed like they always were and were ready for battle. However Koblenz came ready to play and the Stallbohm father and son act of Danny and Justin didn´t have their Back to the future disguises of Doc Brown and Marty Mcfly to scare away Conlog Koblenz as the guests trounced the Baskets Limburg 118-81. “We didn´t play good defense, but overall if we play like this against the other teams we will do well. Koblenz had a lot of experience and should win. We were only down 12 points at half and we missed easy shots in the first half. In the second half our defense fell apart and they capitalized on our misses and got more into transition. They also killed us inside. Koblenz is on a mission to move up, but I think that they will get some problems from other teams. We have to focus on the other teams”, added Baskets Limburg head coach Danny Stallbohm. “We gave it our all, but we need to play better as a team. We got killed inside. Our guards have to help out more. We played too much 1-1 in the second half which hurt us. They scored too many fast break baskets. We were the smaller team and should of ran more instead of vice versa. I missed seeing the costumes here, but Halloween isn´t as big here as carnival. Those Back to the future costumes would have been funny though”, stressed Justin Stallbohm. Conlog Koblenz had a few rough first minutes, but then coasted to victory easily. “We were a bit shell shocked at the start as we weren´t used to their press and trap. But after that we settled and played good basketball. We have been together since August 1 and trust the process and each other. The coach gives me confidence and leadership and the team roles with me. I will do anything for them and vice versa”, warned American Harry Boyce who last season played for Al Ittisalat (Egypt-Superleague).

Fraport Skyliners assistant coach Eric Detlev was at the game scouting a big German prospect and the Baskets Limburg raced out to the quick 4-0 lead as the atmosphere was humming in the Limburg gym as 50 Koblenz fans had added to the loud yelling already present as Lithuanian Deividas Baika who played for Nordlingen last season scored two quick buckets inside. However Conlog Koblenz somehow weren´t amazed by the guests and took the lead scoring three unanswered baskets as ex Elchlingen forward Milan Kolovrat and Latvian and ex APS Filippos Veroias (Greece-A2)Martins Abele scored as the guests showed their big man presence early. Conlog Koblenz would never look back as they slowly would build their lead. Both teams were playing a fast style which surprisingly fit Conlog Koblenz more than the smaller team Baskets Limburg. Conlog Koblenz continued to do heavy damage inside as they ended the first quarter on a 10-4 run to lead 22-14. Ex SOBA Dragons Rhoendorf forward Dominique Tholey and Norman Klein got easy buckets inside. 195cm guard from Missouri City, Texas and Georgia St. (NCAA) Joshua Micheaux closed out the scoring for the Baskets Limburg with a power lay in.

In the second quarter Conlog Limburg continued to remain in control as they went on a 6-0 run to lead big 30-18 as Milan Kolovrat and Harry Boyce put pressure inside and were rewarded with easy buckets. Conlog Koblent continued to supply enormous pressure inside as they knew that was the sore spot of the Baskets Limburg as their big men Abele and Kolovrat did what they wanted got rebounds and made put backs at regularity. Here and there the Baskets Limburg would have some fine moments on offense where the ball was popping around and a Justin Stallbohm finished off with a three cutting the Conlog Koblenz lead to 39-28, but overall their biggest problem was defensive consistency and keeping the opponents bigs out of the paint. Even when Conlog didn´t score they were getting to the free throw line and being consistent while the Baskets Limburg had their difficulty sinking free throws on this Halloween night. Conlog Koblenz also was defending very well and doing a good job getting into the passing lanes of the Baskets Limburg which almost always led to steals and easy fast break baskets. Justin Stallbohm closed out the second quarter with a big buzzer beater three pointer cutting the Conlog Koblenz lead to 47-35 which was respectable considering the huge roster and experience advantage that Conlog Koblenz had to work with.

Even the most staunch Limburg supporter must of known deep down that with more minutes played the more tired the team would get which would give the risk of caving in and that is exactly what happened as fatigue started to already appear in the third quarter as Conlog Koblenz broke the game wide open outscoring the Baskets Limburg 32-14 to lead 79-49 after three quarters. Conlog Koblenz jumped on Limburg going on a 8-2 run to quickly extend their lead to 55-39 as Tholey did more damage inside with a lay in and dunk, Kolovrat scored on the third try as there was zero resistance inside from Limburg and Boyce made a lay in. 27 year old German Konstantin Schneider also got into the scoring mode scoring back to back buckets on the fast break as it seemed like that was where all the Conlog production was coming from. Boyce made a pretty running one hand dunk which was followed by a Tholey dunk as the Baskets Limburg were hit with a 19-6 run and were trailing 66-41. In the last four minutes the Baskets Limburg stayed with Conlog Koblenz, but just couldn´t gain any sufficient ground as they were behind 79-51 after 30 minutes as the game was more than decided. Conlog Koblenz continued to dominate inside doing what they wanted to as Kolovrat was a one man wrecking crew getting two buckets and big 15 year old German talent Isaac Bonga scored inside. Ex Eintracht Frankfurt guard Justin Stallbohm closed out the third quarter with freethrows.”We pushed the ball more in the third quarter. We didn´t play as fast in the first half. We upped our defensive intensity which helped our transition game”, stressed Harry Boyce. “We ran out of gas in the third. We just don´t have a deep bench”, added Danny Stallbohm.

In the fourth quarter the Baskets Limburg finally got some offense going scoring 32 points, but that still wasn´t good enough to help any in a comeback as Conlog Koblenz powered home 37 points as now it was just the moment for the players to add the finer tuning to their stats. Conlog Koblenz continued to hit the Baskets Limburg in the two spots where it bled the most and that was on transition and banging the ball inside whenever they could. A bright spot for the Baskets Limburg was ex VfB 1900 Giessen Pointers guard Henry Volkert who played 31 Pro B games for the BSW Sixers (ProB) as he scored 9 points in a span of three minutes. Defense had been put on the back burner by both teams in the second half and with the game decided one could witness more one on one play and some pretty dunks were also seen. Justin Stallbohm ended the game with what he does best which is shooting nailing a three pointer for good measure as the Baskets Limburg fell to 3-4 and were able to go home relived as despite it being Halloween, their 35 point loss wasn´t scary enough for any fans to leave the gym early as everyone stayed until the end. Conlog Koblenz had six players in double figures led by Milan Kolovrat with 23 points. Dominique Tholey and Harry Boyce added 18 points a piece and Martins Abele contributed 15 points. The Baskets Limburg were led by Joshua Micheaux with 19 points, six rebounds and six assists. Deividas Baika had 18 points while Henry Volkert and Justin Stallbohm chipped in with 17 points a piece. Conlog Koblenz finished the game shooting 54% from the field and 27% from outside while the Baskets Limburg shot 41% from the field and 25% from outside. Conlog Koblenz dominated the boards 54-28 and had 19 turnovers while the Baskets Limburg had 16 turnovers.

Ever since Phoenix Hagen entered the Beko BBL in 2009, head coach Ingo Freyer has had as an exciting regular season as summer off season putting together the best possible roster despite having as tight a budget as the trousers on FC Bayern Munich head coach Pep Gaurdiola on the sidelines. Of course it is as exciting challenge for Freyer to pick that perfect missing piece to the puzzle who will steer the playmaking at the point guard position as it is predicting how many goals a Robert Lewondowski will make in the next match for FC Bayern Munich football club. Freyer has had a pretty good feel for hauling in the right point guard over the last years as he reeled in Mr fantastic Mark Dorris from Pro A team Cuxhaven and he was able to become a vital fixture in the success of the team especially in their playoff season 2012-2013. He biggest coup was Davin White who brought much experience to Hagen after having already played 7 professional seasons, but had never played at as high a level as the BBL as he had torn apart the leagues in Mexico once averaging 28ppg and he didn´t disappoint in the BBL as he led the league in scoring and prompt was rewarded with a contract with La Bruixa d’Or Manresa (Spain-Liga Endesa) and this season will play with Iberostar Tenerife CB Canarias (Spain-Liga Endesa). Phoenix Hagen has also been a place for guards who came from lower leagues and were able to perform at a solid standard in the BBL and then remain at a high level as Henry Dugat moved on to France to Le Havre and Zamal Nixon is balling in the first Greek division this season. So who will be the next point guard to keep the reputation of the Phoenix Hagen point guard standing tall? Freyer decided on Brandon Jefferson who is a 23 year old 175cm guard from Flower Mound, Texas playing his second professional season after being a rookie last season with KTP Basket Kotka (Finland-Korisliiga) 48 games: Score-4(18.5ppg), 4.0rpg, 2.4apg, Steals-2(2.2spg), FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 88.0%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 13.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 37.5%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 88.5%. What really stood out in Finland was his consistency as he scored in double figures in 46 of 48 games. “My whole life, my coaches and parents have spoke to me about consistency. Always take that very seriously and want to bring my A game every time I step on the court. Can still develop it more though. Still have a long way to go though”, stressed Brandon Jefferson played at Metro State(NCAA2) and who looks up to Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas. So far through four games the diminutive guard is averaging 10,5ppg, 2,8rpg and 4,0apg which is very solid considering he came from the weaker Finish league, but his assist rate is as high as it has ever been in his career matching last season in the Eurochallenge. The American has a good head on his shoulders and like any professional knows there is room for improvement, but is on the right way to keep that Phoenix Hagen point guard legacy at a high standard. “To be honest, I’m not very pleased at all. Knowing what I’m capable of doing. I’m not going to make a big deal out of these first four games though. Need to move forward and go back to having fun out there on the court. Be myself. Don’t go into games thinking I need to get my assist up. Just do what the defense gives me. The more experience I gain, the better off I’ll be and my comfort level will be higher. The big men are bigger here in the BBL, but it’s nothing that I haven’t seen before. The biggest adjustment is really is inside my head. The mental focus on the game. Really developing the mental part of my game moving forward”, warned Brandon Jefferson. Phoenix Hagen have some very talented players and guys that can score, but a thin bench and it will be interesting to see how Jefferson can develop through the season with Phoenix Hagen as he balances scoring and playmaking with as many wins as possible.

Last season Phoenix Hagen finished in 13^th place in the Beko BBL. They were unable to beat any of the big three with Bamberg, Munich or Berlin, but had nice win against teams like Ulm, Ludwigsburg, Bonn and Artland. There biggest problem continues to be keeping their opponent from scoring many points as they relinquished 80 points or more 21 times and lost most shoot outs, but won a memorable one with 105-104 in Frankfurt in the opener. They did defend better near the end of the season as they kept teams to under 80 points in six straight games, but lost five of the six as for some strange reason they couldn´t get any offense going. Their offense as always was lethal, but then again unable to find a healthy balance with their defense when they were on the same page in a game.

They lost key offense players Larry Gordon and Todd Brown and defensive minded big men Dino Gregory and Keith Ramsey. They kept only one import player David Bell who should he continue to play in Hagen until he retired should have his number retired, because he has without doubt been the identity figure of the club for years and their most consistent offensive players. Other than that Ingo Freyer kept their young Germans with Niklas Geske, Moritz Krume and Jonas Grof with the hopes that they will develop further and aguy like Geske with more trust from the coach have his break out season. Freyer once again brought in interesting players with Adam Hess who returns for a second tour of duty as well as young and talented Americans Brandon Jefferson, DJ Covington and JJ Mann as well as Canadian Owen Klassen. He also brought back BBL veteran Ivan Elliot and basketball globetrotter Tommy Lee Smith. This season the club will continue to play their aggressive out of control defense and hope to force their opponent too as much turnovers as possible. After the first four games Phoenix Hagen is 2-2 and have beaten teams that they should of with Giessen and MBC, but lost to teams like FC Bayern Munich and ratiopharm Ulm. They are averaging 80 points per game and giving up 86 per game. “We have a lot of potential. It’s still really early and we are working day in and day out to improve. Don’t really like how people say “higher teams” and that it’s okay if we lose to them. If you look at the box score or the games, we were in both of those games we lost. We had bad stretches in the third quarter in both games which cost us. That’s the slim margin of error that we can’t have against those teams. A lot of people look at this league and say there are the top 4 teams and everyone else in the league have the same talent level. I look at every game as an opportunity to get better and show how good Phoenix Hagen is. In my mind, when we lose to those so called “higher level” teams, it’s the same hurt that I would have if we lost to the other teams”, warned Brandon Jefferson. Defense also continues to be a lingering theme of improvement and the etam knows that as it has averaged giving up 90 points in a three game margin. “That definitely needs to come down and the biggest improvement we need to make is keeping the ball in front of us. One on one is critical. Take the challenge and keep your man in front of you”, added Brandon Jefferson.

Phoenix Hagen kept baby Shaq David Bell who is a 34 year old 187cm guard from Oakland, California playing his 13^th professional season and fifth with Phoenix Hagen. He played at Montana(NCAA) and in countries like Switzerland, France and Holland. He has been top 5 in scoring in the BBL every season and last season played 28 games: Score-2(17.7ppg), 3.7rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2(1.7spg), FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 86.5%. His leadership and scoring is his biggest strength. The club also held on to Germans Niklas Geske, Moritz Krume and Jonas Grof. Geske is a 21 year old 188cm guard playing his third season with Phoenix Hagen and played 52 BBL games in his first two seasons and last season played 33 games: 4.8ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.6apg. His speed, athleticism and game intelligence is what should help in his break through. Krume is a 21 year old 202cm forward that is playing his third season with the club and played 31 BBL games in the last two seasons. His inside out game is his biggest strength. Grof is a 19 year old 201cm guard that is playing his second season there and also for farm team Iserlohn and last season played 6 BBL games: 3.3ppg, 1.0rpg.

The club brought back Adam Hess who is a 34 year old 201cm forward from Michigan that got the German citizenship in 2012. He is playing his 12^th professional season and eighth in Germany playing four years with Artland and two with ratiopharm Ulm after also playing in the Czech Republic(3 titles with Nymburk), France and Spain. Last season for Ulm he played 36 games: 2.2ppg, 1.2rpg; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 9.7ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 30.0%, 3PT: 55.6%, FT: 77.8%. He has been hurting opponents his whole career with his basketball IQ and three point shooting. The club also added Ivan Elliot who is a 28 year old 203cm forward from San Francisco that played at UCSB (NCAA) and has BBL experience with MBC, Wurzburg and Ludwigsburg. He played also in Latvia and Italy. Last season he played for Fileni BPA Jesi (Italy-A2 Gold) playing 28 games: 14.4ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 87.9%. He can hurt you from all over the court and never underestimate his defense. The club also added JJ Mann who is a 24 year old 198cm swing man from Smyrna,Georgia playing his second professional season. As a rookie he played for Redwell Gunners Oberwart (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 38 games: 13.4ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.2apg, Steals-1(2.0spg), FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 82.1%. He played at Belmont(NCAA) from 2010-2014 reaching the NIT Elite 8 and is a player that can shoot out the lights, but also play at the shooting guard position.

The club also brought in 24 year old 208cm forward Owen Klassen from Kingston, Ontario, Canada who played at Acadia(CIS) in college and now is playing his second professional season and as a rookie played for KK MZT Skopje Aerodrom (FYR Macedonia-Prva Liga): 8 games: 6.6ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 76.7%, FT: 70.0%; Adriatic League: 18 games: 5.3ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 50.0%. He can play both big man positions and can make the mid range on a consistent rate. DJ Covington is a 24 year old 203cm forward from Virgina Beach playing his second professional season. As a rookie he played for Basic-Fit Brussels (Belgium-Scooore League): 8 games: 4.8ppg, 3.9rpg, Alaska Aces (Philippines-PBA): 4 games: 22.0ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.0apg, 1.3bpg, and AE Nea Kifisia Dimoulas Athens (Greece-A1): 5 games: 1.2ppg, 1.6rpg. His quickness is perfect for the transition hagen game and he can get physical inside. The team also added Tommy Lee Smith who is a 34 year old 207cm forward from Phoenix, Arizona playing his 10^th professional season and third in Germany after playing with the Artland Dragons from 2005-2007. He played at Arizona St. (NCAA) from 1999-2003 and as a senior played 32 games: 11.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.7apg, BlockPac-10-1(2.2bpg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 57.4%: Finished his career with 1,123 points, 20th on the Sun Devil career scoring list and second leading shot blocker with 167. He was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 2004, but never played in the NBA, but was close with the Milwauke Bucks. He has had experience playing in Croatia, Dominican Republic, China, Syria and Qatar as well as playing in the D-league. He is still a solid player at 34, but biggest strength is his experience and character that will help the young guys.

The Frankfurt Skyliners swept the season series in 2009-2010 with Phoenix Hagen stomping all over them in Hagen 93-64 as Derrick Allen led all scorers with 22 points, Aubrey Resse chipped in with 18 points and Grayson Moyer had one of his best games as a Skyliner with 15 points and five assists. In the return game in Frankfurt, Phoenix Hagen lost 89-76. Skyliner captain Pascal Roller led Frankfurt with 18 points and five assists and Derrick Allen produced 17 points. Last season, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners outrebounded Phoenix Hagen 66-49 in both games. In 2010-2011, the Skyliners also won the season series with a 90-85 win as Jermaine Bucknor led the team with 19 points and six rebounds and 92-53 romp at home getting 24 points and eight rebounds from Roger Powell and only six points and seven assists from Dashaun Wood. In the first game in the 2011-2012 season, the Fraport Skyliners romped Phoenix Hagen 83-65 as fans saw the last Beko BBL game of Jon Leuer who erupted for 27 points and Jimmy Mckinney had 21 points. In the return game, the Fraport Skyliners stomped all over Phoenix Hagen 92-47. Five players scored in double figures as the team was led by Devin Gibson with 16 points. In the 2012-2013 season the Fraport Skyliners lost the first game against Phoenix Hagen in their own living room in embarrassing fashion 107-102 as they their opponent gave them a display of how to play run and gun basketball. Phoenix Hagen shot an amazing 51% from the field and 60% from the three point line. In the return game in Hagen, the Fraport Skyliners had their nerves under control in crunch time slipping by Phoenix Hagen on the road 81-78 as Frankfurt was led by Dawan Robinson with 25 points and ex Giessen players Ryan Brooks chipped in with 14 points and Laquan Prowell with 13 points. In the first game of the 2013-2014 season, the Fraport Skyliners squeezed out a 82-79 win at home as Aziz Ndiaye had his best game of the season with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Frankfurt had consistent production from many as Jarred Dubois had 15 points, Andrew Rautins chipped in with 13 points and Germans Danilo Barthel and Konstantin Klein had 12 points a piece. Frankfurt had no remedy for Mark Dorris who poured in 24 points for Phoenix Hagen. David Bell had 17 points and Larry Gordon had 16 points. In the return game in Hagen, Frankfurt once again had their crunch time blues losing 66-63. Phoenix Hagen was led by David Bell with 17 points while Larry Gordon had 15 points while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Ramon Galloway with 15 points and Jacob Burtschi with 12 points. Last season the clubs split the season series as Phoenix Hagen won on the road in a shoot out 105-104 as David Bell poured in 25 points and Zamal Nixon had 22 while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Sean Armand with 27 points and Mike Morrison with 23 points. Frankfurt won in Hagen 79-70 as Johannes Voigtman scored 26 points and had 11 boards while Sean Armand contributed 14 points while Phoenix Hagen was led by Larry Gordon with 18 points and Keith Ramsey with 14 points.

Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert won´t publically talk about it, but his team could easily be 5-0 now instead of 3-2 after losing against Oldenburg and Wurzburg on the last possession. Instead the team continued to work hard and have been rewarded the past two games beating Tuebingen and BG Goettingen, teams they need to beat to be a playoff team this season. IN the last two wins, the team buckled down more on defense averaging giving up only 67 points per game. They will have to do the same against Phoenix Hagen who might only be averaging 80 points on offense, but can explode at any time for 90 plus points. Phoenix Hagen have lost three of the last four games and need to get on the winning road again. If Frankfurt can continue to defend the way they do as if they had had gotten a glimpse of the play book as their scouting continues to be a big reason for their success, then they will win. Phoenix Hagen isn´t as deep offensively as in other years and need to rely more on their imports where some are still getting a feel for the style of the BBL with Owen Klassen and JJ Mann. Frankfurt have Germans Konstantin Klein and Danilo Barthel back from injuries and are deeper than ever. Jordan Theodore had his real break out game in the BBL and hungrier than ever. The Fraport Skyliners need this win to have a three game winning streak into the big games at home against FC Bayern Munich and Bamberg. On a very good day Phoenix Hagen have good chances to win, but not against the current accurate scouting of Gordon Herbert and Klaus Perwas.

Shawn James is a 32 year old 208cm center from Brooklyn, New York playing his eighth professional season and first for Bilbao Basket (Spain-Liga Endesa). He started his basketball career in 2004 with Northeastern and moved to Duquesne (NCAA) and as a senior played 28 games averaged 12.6ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.1apg, BlocksNCAA-5(4.0bpg), FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 75.0%: Set career blocked shot record at Northeastern in only 29 games, finishing with 332 blocks in 55 games over two years. In 2008 he started his professional basketball career with Bnei Eshet Tours Hasharon (Premier League) where he played until 2011. He then played the next three years with top European team Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League) winning the 2014 Euroleague. He was the top blocker in the Israel league in five of six years and played 68 Euroleague games. Last season he played for EA7 Emporio Armani Milano (Italy-Serie A): 22 games: 3.7ppg, 3.4rpg; Euroleague: 18 games: 3.4ppg, 3.2rpg. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup game against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg

Shawn thanks for talking to German Hoops You been all over Europe, but what does it feel like when you visit Germany on one of your journeys?

Germany is one of my favorite places to play. I really like the country because it is so Americanized compared to other places in Europe. I have played in Bamberg, Munich, Berlin and Bonn.

Do you ever get a chance to actually explore the cities when you are in Germany?

 

Playing Euroleague we would get here a day before and have time, but with Eurocup we have less time. We play Sunday, travel Monday, get in late and have a practice and the next day we play the game.

When you think of Germany what comes to mind when one asks you about its basketball?

What I really like about the German basketball is the set up of the arena´s. You see very nice arena´s with the top teams, but I was impressed in Oldenburg. When I stepped on the court in the practice tonight, I was surprised how nice it was being very state of the art. I wouldn´t have expected seeing that with a mid of the pack team.

What memories do you have playing against German teams over the past?

I play a lot of games. I don´t have any vivid memories of one particular team.

You have won your share of titles and what goals do you still have at the age of 32?

For me now it is all about going out and competing. Last season with Milan was one of my toughest seasons in my professional career. Not being able to play as much really was tough and this season I want to be able to get back to the level that I am accustomed to. I am very blessed to still be playing at this age and I credit it to always being focused and putting in the work.

Bilbao is playing Eurocup and in the Endesa league in Spain. With the roster so far is there more possible besides making the playoffs?

I feel that we can. The coaching staff at Bilbao is stressing giving 100%. We aren´t close to be the team that we want to yet, but we are on a good way. We won´t blow away any of the top teams, but to be successful we need to pay attention to the fine details that the coaching staff give us and just execute.

Will the team be strong enough with its three Americans and other imports and Spaniards to make a run in the Endesa league?

I think that we are deep enough to make a run with this roster. The two most important factors is how well we play and can we stay healthy. I feel that if we stay healthy and gel that we can do very good things.

Often when players get older their skill level diminishes and they tend to go to weaker leagues, but you are still consistent at the top. What is your secret to still being a very strong player at your age?

I think the most important thing now at this stage of my career is too have the will to compete. As I get older I will come across guys that can run and jump higher and it is harder to keep up. No matter how good you still are or how old, you always have to compete.

After having a more limited role with Milan last season do you see yourself having a bigger role with Bilbao this season?

I absolutely see myself having a bigger role. I didn´t have a limited role with Milan, but moreover it was nonexistent. It was such a tough situation there and one I had never had before in my career. It really didn´t matter how hard I worked on and off the court, I wasn´t going to play.

You are a very athletic player who can play above the rim all game long. Blocked shots and rebounds are the best of his game, but you also added some more scoring skills, court vision and a solid inside presence at top European level. What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed?

This year my coach is trying to get me out of my shell. This season on offense I want to get away from being only on the rim, but hit shots like I did early in my career. This is what I did on smaller teams and was successful. When I was on big teams like Maccabi Tel Aviv I always had one role, but now I want to play free

You played with Maccabi Tel Aviv from 2011-2014. How close was this for you playing with a NBA type team?

 

Maccabi was family for me and still is today. It was like a brotherhood and I still talk daily with some of the guys. When you play for Maccabi you are not only accustomed to winning, but also expected to win every game. I took that mind set with me and I call it Maccabi pride.

What still remains your most vivid memory winning the 2014 Euroleague against Real Madrid?

The whole experience was amazing. Being in the Final 4 and winning the two games will always be with me. We were down a lot, but guys stepped up and made plays and just all came together. If we would have played against Barca, Real Madrid or CSKA in a series we wouldn´t have won, because they would have overpowered us. But we played for all the marbles in one game and took it.

Did you and Devin Smith have one last talk before the Euroleague final 2014 against Real Madrid remembering the loss a few years earlier or did you just know together that it was time to take care of business?

Beating Real Madrid was a collective team effort. We had lost too them a few times including in the 2013-2014 season and we felt that they thought that they had the lucky draw with CSKA. We played the underdog role to our favor.

How vital was the guard duo of Tyrese Rice and Ricky Hickmann that season for the success?

It was amazing. We had 2 dogs. The opponent couldn´t do much against those dogs. They were so important for our success and came ready to play each game.

You have seen Sylven Landesberg develop the last 5 years. Why isn´t he in the NBA?

(Shawn laughs) He is like a little brother for me. To be honest he has all talent and potential in the world, but once you leave college and come to Europe and are out of the NBA circle, it is hard to get back into it. You can´t say that Maccabi is a bad place for him to be at. He is making great money abroad and he doesn´t have the chase to go back over and play NBA Summer league and go to a vet camp with no guaranteed contract. After being in Europe 5-6 years you just don´t have the drive to go back which I can understand.

You played your first three professional seasons with Bnei Hasharon (Israel-Premier League) What was your wake up call to Europe where you knew that you were far away from Brooklyn New York?

 

My wake up call as a rookie was coming from the States and being in the Middle East. It hit me remembering what I saw on the news at home and then coming over and seeing that Israel was nothing like that. I quickly learned that Israel was a great place to live in.

You found a home in Israel your first six years? What kept you there so long?

Israel will always be like a second or third home for me. So many people became family. If I could I would go back. It wouldn´t be because of the basketball, but the friendships I have there. I had three wonderful years there and that was the reason why I stayed three more with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

How important was Ousmane Cisse your rookie season for getting you used to life and basketball overseas?

 

How do you know him?

I don´t, but in order to prepare a good interview I need to research your career and I figured an older guy like him was beneficial to you there as a rookie.

He was one of the most athletic guys that I ever played with. We had many of the same characheristics on the court. He was a defensive guy like me and we bonded right away. He showed me the ropes as a rookie and on top of that he is a very good guy.

You played two seasons at Northeastern, but then left for Duquesne. Were the annoying Boston sports fans too much for you?

Boston is a very important place for me because it is where I met my wife. I am a New York guy and I have to be honest I don’t care for the city, but I enjoyed the university Northeastern. The Boston sports fans were annoying though. When I was there it was the year that the Boston Red Sox finally broke the curse and won the World Series and beat my New York Yankees. I didn´t enjoy that, but I survived.

How present was the soul of Reggie Lewis your two years at Northeastern?

To be honest it wasn´t. Every one knew there what he had done and how he died, but you didn´t feel it on campus. There really wasn´t much memory for him and I really don´t know why.

What was your fondest memory of future NBA player J J Barea?

He was such a competitor and left it on the floor each day. It didn´t matter if it was a big game or an unimportant shooting game in practice, he just hated to lose. We had great times. At one point I was leading the nation in blocks and he in assists. That said it all for the type of team we had.

Do you believe not playing for a more well-known NCAA team hurt your NBA chances?

I would say no. Back then I was so blind to the NBA talk. I always doubted my NBA dream and potential. I started to play very late at age 18 and when I was 21, I was predicted to be a top 15 guy in the NBA draft. My knock was that I needed to put on weight. After my second season at Northeastern, I followed my coach to Duquesne (NCAA) and sat out my third year to work on my body. I wanted to come more of a complete player there. If I would have stayed at Northeastern and gone into the draft then with JJ Barea, I would have made the NBA

Who has been your most special teammate since you turned professional?

That is very hard to answer. I think it would have to be the 2014 Maccabi Tel Aviv team that won the Euroleague. Devin Smith, Joe Ingles, Tyrese Rice, Ricky Hickman and Sylven Landesberg and I have a group chat each day. We ask what is happening in Utah, Moscow or in Turkey. These are my special guys because they are like family.

You played against German national player and current NBA player Tibor Pleiss. Can he stick in the NBA?

I played against Tibor when he played for FC Barcelona and Laboral in Spain. I also had a chance to get to know him as we did some things for NBA live. He is a very talented player and just needs the chance. All guys in the NBA deserve to be there. He isn´t a slow big, but a center that has so many tools. He is agile and has a nice soft touch. I think that he can do well with the Utah Jazz. They have a young front court and many guys that have played in Europe which will help make the transition easier.

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

I am a big Lebron fans as well as a big Jordan fan. I remember I had great memories of Jordan as a kid, but now as an adult I don’t pay as much attention to basketball like then. Jordan shaped my childhood and was like a super hero for me. Jordan won three titles in a row and then took a year and a half off and then won three straight titles while winning scoring titles and being defensive player of the year. I don´t think that you will see another player like Jordan ever again. However there is not a more complete player like Lebron. He does what he wants on the court and is successful. However we are living in the age of the media. Lebron gets picked a part while Jordan wasn´t picked apart in his prime because the media age then wasn´t like today. Lebron has to be flawless now as he is always under the microscope while Jordan wasn´t back then.

What was the last movie that you saw?

It is the 30^th anniversary of Back to the future. I am watching Back to the future the first movie and will watch the second half after this interview.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.