Author: Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Basketball journalist and play by play commentator

Which Point Guard Will Propel BG Goettingen To Success Again Like Last Season?

One thing that you can´t discredit BG Goettingen head coach Johan Roijakkers from having is enormous balls or in kinder terms giant guts for how he decided to put together the most important piece of his team with the point guard position. Its no secret the success of a team usually has to do with how well the point guard leads and guides the team coupled with a healthy team chemistry that is formed by the head coach and carried on by the complete team. Last season Roijakkers came up with the interesting, surprising, but right choice in hauling in former NBA player Khalid El Amin who played 50 NBA games for the Chicago Bulls and won the NCAA title with UConn. Alba Berlin swing man Nils Giffey and El Amin could go back to the Uconn campus in Storrs with their three NCAA rings and probably get a hero´s welcome. What makes the welcome of El Amin to the German Beko BBL so interesting and amazing is the risk that BG Goettingen took on the 35 year old 200 pound American. Not did El Amin look out of shape, but he didn´t play at all last season on account of an injury in a Turkish cup game and had many critics questioning the mind of BG Goettinge head coach Johann Roijakkers for making such an unpredictable and bold move. Of course, El Amin has had a stellar track record in Europe as BG Goettingen is his 12th team, but his numbers and titles don´t lie. He has played most of his career in Turkey and the Ukraine and even played two seasons for Besiktas Istanbul (Turkey-D1) where Allen Iverson played. His stats have always been immaculate as he has been at the top of scoring and assists for whatever league he played in. He won titles in Croatia and in Turkey and Ukraine the cup where he was MVP in two titles victories. Even if his appearance and one year off are questionable, his play in the Beko BBL was excellent as he played 32 games averaging 14.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 90.1%. With a little more luck and bounces here and there, the team would have reached the playoffs, but finished in 10th place. BG Goettingen would have liked to have kept the American this season, but with a limited team budget and many heads to feed, El Amin moved to Sigal Prishtina (Kosovo-SuperLeague). This season Roijakkers had more pressure to form a potent team as he lost key players like El Amin, Raymar Morgan and Alex Rouff, but instead of going a more safe route and bringing in a younger, equally talented point guard, he must have had that itch and special feeling in his stomach to do the more unconventional and risky again like last season by bringing in an older point guard in Ricky Minard who had two pluses over El Amin in that he is two years younger and actually played last season even if it wasn´t much for SPO Rouen Basket (France-ProA) playing 5 games: 4.4ppg, 1.4rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg. Minard is a 33 year old 196cm guard that can do it all filling up the stats sheet the way Monta Ellis does in the NBA scoring on the penetration, shooting from outside and finding his teammates. This is the first season for the American in Germany after having played in countries like Italy, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and France. He was drafted in 2004 by the Sacramento Kings (NBA,2rd(48) after a stellar college career at Morehead St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 29 games: ScoreOVC-1(21.8ppg), RebOVC-4(7.3rpg), AssistsOVC-4(5.1apg), 2.1spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 77.6%: Finished career at Morehead State as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,381 points. Also finished 11th in rebounding (725) and second in assists (417). He felt most comfortable in Italy playing parts of 8 seasons there. His biggest titles was the 2011 Eurocup with Unics Kazan (Russia-PBL) and winning the league and cup in 2014 with Budivelnyk Kyiv (Ukraine-Superleague). However after two games he hasn´t lived up to expectations averaging only 5,0ppg, 2,5rpg and 2,0apg and the club now got a shock that the American is indefinitely injured. Now the question will be how well does BG Goettingen survive without Minard and if they compensate the loss by other means. The momentary solution was called Chris Jones who is a 24 year old quick 178cm guard that is a rookie that started with Yesilgiresun Belediye (Turkey-BSL), but never played a game. He played the last two years with Louisville (NCAA) and as a senior played 26 games: 13.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.6apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 40.3%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 73.0%. He had 15 points in his BBL debut in the loss to Bamberg. But he is already gone and headed to Paris. So who will be the new American point guard an old or another younger player? There are some well known players on the market just cut from NBA teams, but will they be in any way to finance? The club has had a rough start at 1-3 and now must do serious soul searching and hope the risk and question mark feeling doesn´t back fire.

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Greg Logins(BV Chemnitz) I Want To Bring My Toughness Rebounding Another Voice And Energy To The Team To Help

Deandre Lansdowne(Herten) I Have Always Liked To Challenge My Game And Knowledge Of The Game To Better Myself As A Player

Deandre Lansdowne is a 26 year old 187cm guard from Albuquerque, Mexico playing his first season in Germany with Herten. He played college ball at Fort Lewis (NCAA2) and then played with Pioneros de Delicias (Mexico-Chihuahua Vive) before continuing career in Germany. He spoke to German Hoops recently as Herten was stuck in their losing streak.

Deandre thanks for talking to German Hoops. A tough 83-65 loss against Bochum last weekend. Was the only positive thing from this game the 10 turnovers that the team suffered. The score was bad enough, but if you had had 20 turnovers the team would probably have lost by 30 points.

Yes the game was a tough loss! Turnovers a very key part of the game, and can change a game in either direction! But we continue to find the good out of losses and continue working forward.

Herten came into the season with high expectations, but started at 0-3. How is the current mood in the team? 0-3 isn´t great, but it isn´t 0-7. Knowing the fact that its still early give the team hope?

Every team has high expectations, and I still believe it’s too early to decide, and It’s all about your team peaking at the right time in the season. I like that the team isn’t satisfied with our losses and we believe that we still can be a contender, just takes time. being said, it can take time because there is a lot of new pieces on this team.

Fans are getting a little uneasy even if it is still early, but from your stand point, what have been the main problems that the team has been performing the way it has?

Haha what do you expect from fans, that’s just how fans are. They’re happy when you’re winning, dissatisfied when your loosing. But we’re all still slightly working on getting the feel for each other and getting a feel for coaches system. Some teams already have a unique identity, and we’re still trying to find ours, and once we do, I think that will be the team they believed us to be.

Herten is scoring 64 points per game while giving up 84 points. If these two were reversed Herten would probably be 3-0. The team should be able to score more than it has so far. How confident are you that scoring will improve?

Yes, I think that it will increase, like I said we’re still getting used to our offense and finding it’ strengths per player and where everybody. is most comfortable and effective. But we also need to defensively get better and stop teams from averaging 84 points per game. If we get more comfortable and better on offense as well as defensively, we should be just fine!

You are a rookie and have been one of the few bright spots in the first three games averaging 19,0ppg, 4.7rpg and 2,0apg. How tough is it enjoying your own good play when the team is losing?

I’ve never been a player to think individual play is more important then team success. I am here to do whatever the team needs me to do game to game depending on our individual match-ups. And for individual success you can only say thank you tongue teammates because they got you the ball in spots you can succeed or set you great screens.

After playing in the NCAA and in Mexico you are in Germany in the Pro B. You have had no need to get adjusted. Why do you feel have you been able to adjust so well to the style of the Pro B so quickly?

I feel I have always been a player who can play in any type of system or style of play and be fine! I can play in a more slow, controlled, smart league as we have here in Germany. Or I can play in a very fast, high scoring league like in Mexico! I have always liked to challenge my game and knowledge of the game to better myself as a player.

You scored 40 points in your first game against the Artland Dragons in a 89-63 loss. Despite hitting just about everything from the two point area, you were 0/3 from outside and had five turnovers. You then had three points in the next game. Was that your wake up call to be a professional in Germany how your play can go up and down from one game to the other?

Yes the 5 TOs really bugged me, being a PG that is way too many in a game. 0/3 was just how some games go, shot didn’t fall. My coach, team and myself know my outside shooting is fine, and teams will believe they can should go under screens, but I think I proved them wrong in Bochum. I believe that is just basketball, some games go your way and some don’t go your way. Maybe because of foul trouble, or shots don’t go in, whatever it maybe, you move on to the next game and week to get better as a team and player.

It has been a while, but do you remember your 35 point game against New Mexico Highlands in college? Do you ever look back at this game for inspiration?

You know I really don’t look back to my college games much anymore. I think my game is much more rounded, and I’m playing a different position as well. Also as my competition is a bit better and bigger now. Haha

You are only a rookie, but also 26. Do you see yourself taking on even more of a leadership role now in tough times?

I have always looked at myself as a leader. I’m one of the older guys on this team so I really feel my leadership is much more needed! As a PG also you need to have that leadership mentality since you control so much in the game, you need your team to look for you in adversity.

Your teammate Eric KIbi has been going a tough stretch shooting only 17,6 from the field. How have you been helping him get his confidence up?

The #1 always is to tell him he is a great player and never sell him short of that! I just always keep him moving forward, next shot/play. He works so hard outside of team practice that it is only a short time till we see the player he can be. He’s a great teammate and is always a positive person, so seeing him in a slump has been slightly hard on me.

How confident are you that as soon as Eric Kibi gets going that the team will start to have success?

I think Kibi is the biggest part missing right now, and we’re just trying to get him in the offense in spots he’s most confident. We see him starting to get a groove, we all feed off of that! But championship teams are teams that when one of your best players struggle, someone else should be able to step into that spot or another player steps their game up a bit more.

How confident are you that the team will respond this weekend against Izehoe? A reaction has to come. What will be key to getting the first team win of the season?

I think we have responded well this week, we grabbed the positives from Bochum, recognized some weaknesses and we’re fixing them. Most important we need to just come out hungry and with a chip on our shoulder, leave it all on the floor! A few keys for us in playing inside -> outside, rebounding, being aggressive on the defensive end without fouling and lastly controlling the game.

Derrick Rose is injured again. Is there a curse on him? Will he ever be able to play through a whole season healthy? It’s a sad story.

I really wish he could stay healthy and show us what he is capable of doing! But we’ve seen it before in some stars, just can’t escape injury, it’s just part of the game!

What has you started to appreciate most in Germany after two months living here?

I’m a big fan of eating, so I would say I love all the food and meals that I have had here. As well as some of the people I am surrounded by, very respectful, down to earth people! next month I am visiting Berlin, Netherlands and Belgium so I am very excited to see more of the area and bordering countries.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I’m a big movie guy, especially in my downtime. Most recent was Mission impossible 5 I think it was!

Thanks Deandre for the chat.

Brandon Jefferson(Phoenix Hagen) I Look At Every Game As An Opportunity To Get Better And Show How Good Phoenix Hagen Is

Brandon Jefferson is a 23 year old 175cm point guard from Flower Mound, Texas that is playing second professional season and first in Germany with Phoenix Hagen and currently averaging 10,5ppg, 2,8rpg and 4,0apg. Last season as a rookie he played for KTP Basket Kotka (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 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%. He started his basketball career in 2010 for Metro State(NCAA2) where he played a total of 129 NCAA games. In college he was able to improve his scoring and rebounding average each season. As a senior he played 34 games averaging 21.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.4apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 45.3%, FT: 92.3%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 86-83 victory against the Giesen 46ers.

Thanks Brandon for talking to German Hoops A big 86-83 win against the Giessen 46ers. Would you have won this game without the services of David Bell?

DB is our captain and a great player. He had a great game and really led us the whole way. It was a must win in our eyes and he took it to them. Ivan Elliot also made some big plays in the end for us!

Giessen closed out the game with a 14-6 run, but lost 86-83. Did Phoenix Hagen lose some focus at the end which allowed Giessen to get very close again?

They were a team trying to win the game. We were playing not to lose. We had a 18 point lead going into the fourth and we had some mental lapses and they got back into the game. We stopped being aggressive and they got us back on our heals.

Phoenix Hagen had 50 rebounds and 23 assists in the game. Does the fact that the team can share the ball well get underestimated?

We are a very unselfish team and whoever has it going, we look feed that person.

Talk a little about David Bell. He was outstanding and has been doing this for years for Phoenix Hagen. He hit 6 three´s and had 9 assists. Does he seem to amaze you every new day in some form on and off the court?

DB is someone I look up to and ask for advice on and off the court. He has taken me under his wing and taught me a lot already in this very young season. What he does on the court doesn’t amaze me because he’s a great player. He works hard behind the scenes, so what he does doesn’t amaze me at all. I see the work he puts in and it transpires to the game.

Tommy Lee Smith came recently and has been a spark off the bench. How valuable is just having his character shine through each day on the court and off?

Tommy has been great! He brings experience to our team and really helps break down things. He has a high basketball IQ.

At the moment Phoenix Hagen is 2-2 and have lost to higher teams and beat the teams in their talent range. How much potential does Phoenix Hagen have?

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.

Phoenix Hagen has averaged giving up 90 points in the last three games. Where do you see the biggest area that needs improvement?

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.

You are averaging 10,5ppg and 4,0apg which is solid. How pleased have you been with your play in the first four games?

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.

You averaged only 2,4apg last season in Finland and 4,0apg in the BBL. Do you see yourself being able to heighten your assist average through time and when you gain more experience in the BBL?

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.

What has been the biggest adjustment for you coming from the Finish league? Is the size factor in the lane a big factor?

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.

You got to take 19 free throws in the first two games and only two in the last two games. Also your scoring is down a bit from the first two games. Is balancing your scoring and playmaking each game a huge challenge?

Teams have done a good job, but it’s really all on me. Have to stay in tune each play and not take plays off. That’s the mental part of the game that I need to improve on.

The next game is against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg where you will battle experienced Dru Joyce who played high school basketball with Lebron James. Do you spend time scouting the opponents point guard? How vigorous is your own pre game scouting?

Have seen the movie “More Than A Game” with Dru Joyce and I know he’s a great player. Going to approach this game like all the other games so far.

Derrick Rose is injured again. Is there a curse on him? Do you ever see him playing a full NBA season?

People forget how great of a player D Rose is. He will return healthy and have a outstanding year.

What German food have you enjoyed the most or is the local Hagen Mcdonalds still your favorite place to get food?

Vapianos is my favorite place to eat here in Hagen!

What was the last movie that you saw?

“Beasts Of No Nation” Great movie with Idris Elba.

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

Brandon Johnson (Crailsheim Merlins) We Want To Cut Down Our Points But Sometimes It’s The Gift And Curse Playing Fast Like We Do

Brandon Johnson is a 29 year old 183cm guard from Houston, Texas that is playing his first season with the team Crailsheim Merlins and is averaging 4,8ppg and 3,8apg . He started his basketball career at San Diego(NCAA) in 2005 and played there until 2010 playing a total of 134 NCAA games and as a senior played 29 games averaging 14.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 35.4%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 77.9%. He turned professional in 2010 and played for the Dakota Wizards (D-League) playing 24 games: 6.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 82.2%. Two seasons ago he played for Hoops Club (Lebanon-Division A) playing 5 games: 17.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 6.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 32.6%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 64.5%. Last season he finally made his big breakthrough in Europe with the t Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-ProA) coming in the second half of the season and saving their year and played 12 games averaging 21.9ppg, 4.8rpg, 5.6apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 44.6%, FT: 70.3%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 99-90 victory against ratiopharm Ulm.

Congrats Brandon on the big 99-90 win against ratiopharm Ulm. The second win of the season against a playoff team. What was key at the end for getting the win?

I think our guys do a great job of sticking together at the end, believing in the system and stepping up making free throws at the end of the game.

The starting five played very well in this game. Does the consistency of the starting five have to continue to be there for this team to be successful?

I think on any team you need the starting five to be consistent but to win games the bench has to also. Early in the game the starting 5 did a really good job of getting a lead and the substitutions came in and didn’t bring the same energy so overall for our team to be successful we need everyone to be consistent on what they bring to the Team.

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BASKETBALL AID International Tour 2016

Great opportunity for a USA D1 basketball program to play in promotional tour in Germany in summer 2016

The question will be: “Who will be the first US-College in this unique project”? The BASKETBALL AID International Tour offers a very interesting opportunity to a US-College basketball team in the summer of 2016. Playing games all over Germany against BBL and Pro A/B Professional teams, be the international ambassador for their sports program and university curriculum, and contribute actively to German-American friendship. One main focus as well is to support the children´s cancer charity organization „BASKETBALL AID e.V.“ BASKETBALL AID was established in 2005 in Berlin and started operating in 2009. It is a German Non-profit organization that has been supporting multiple projects benefiting kids with cancer and the scientific research concerning the disease. By hosting funding events and events in the context of basketball the organization contributes to the development of the sport as well.

A number of very well known basketball ambassadors are supporting this fine cause that benefits professional and college teams. In the past years, basketball mastermind and consultant Hans Beth has been busy with several sport projects. Long time ago as a student, he organized a big basketball game for wheelchair users. A German All Star Team played against an US All Star Team at the famous Johannes Gutenberg University at Mainz in front of a huge crowd. He also managed a big international tournament under the flag of the German-American friendship. Just two successful examples from the past.

The actual concept of BASKETBALL AID International Summer tour is explanatory, as it is there to benefit the players, teams and sick cancer kids. The 2016 project is aimed to bring American colleges to Europe to get young players experience playing against professional teams as well as getting a feel for the European culture. It is also focusing greatly on raising money for kids with cancer as well as having camps and getting kids more involved with basketball. Off the court the project is concerned with having cultural events to raise further awareness of BASKETBALL AID and the cause behind it. Chairman of the BASKETBALL AID International Tour Hans Beth has been able to get many well known German professional teams on board like BBL teams Fraport Skyliners, Telekom Baskets Bonn, Walter Tigers Tuebingen, Crailsheim Merlins and Giessen 46ers as well as Pro A teams MLP Academics Heidelberg, Gladiators Trier, Hebeisen White Wings and Dragons Rhöndorf. Beth also has brought on basketball ambassadors like 1993 NCAA champion Henrik Rodel, Fraport Skyliners legend Pascal Roller, well known Ex-pro player Rick Stafford and German national team coach Chris Fleming. With less than a year to go before the BASKETBALL AID International Summer Tour commences, there is still a lot of organizing and preparing to be done, but one thing is for sure: This project will be there too benefit many sides as well as keeping the German-American friendship intact and growing.

Talks with already interested colleges will be intensified the next couple of weeks and it will be interesting to see, which university will be the selected by the International Tour Committee to be part of this unique project in 2016.
Selected Testimonials

Chris Fleming, Head Coach German Basketball National Team / Assistent Coach Denver Nuggets

“For me as head coach of the national team, it is very important to bring basketball to the public’s attention as much as possible. For that matter, the BASKETBALL AID Tour 2016 is a very good opportunity and I am happy to support it. It would be an excellent event to see an American college team play here in Germany against professional teams and raise money for a good cause at the same time.”

 

Henrik Roedl, Assistant Coach German Basketball National Team /Ex-Player for the North Carolina Tar Heels/ NCAA Champion 1993

“I have played at the University of North Carolina myself from 1989 til 1993 and know exactly, how big the passion for basketball is at american colleges. Therefore, I support the BASKETBALL AID International Tour 2016 because I think it is a unique chance to show German fans the fascination basketball produces at universities. Furthermore, there is an even greater reason for this tour in the support of a good cause, which is why this tour deserves our support.”

 

Pascal Roller, Ex-Player German Basketball National Team and FRAPORT SKLINERS
“As a former professional player, I know how important it is for young players to present themselves in a professional framework such as the BASKETBALL AID Tour 2016. However, benefit even more will the children and facilities that receive donations from the BASKETBALL AID charity. Therefore, I hope the tour will be a success in 2016 – both for the players and the children that will benefit from the raised money by BASKETBALL AID.”

Former professional basketball player Rick Stafford (Seawolves / Brose Baskets Bamberg) has granted his support as well: „The goals of this tour are excellent and deserve our support.“

Bernd Kater, Board Member BASKETBALL AID e.V.

„The goals within the constitution of BASKETBALL AID e.V. are the support for disadvantaged children and the development of the sport basketball in Germany. We are always looking for projects that fit both aspects. The BASKETBALL AID International Tour 2016 is a perfect example! We and in the name of the supported children want to warmly thank Hans Beth and all supporters of the tour.“

 

“Our project truly represents German-American friendship as both nationalities work closely together to organize and promote the tour. It reflects the great synergies between sport and social responsibilty „ mentioned Hans Beth Chairman of BASKETBALL AID International Tour

„This is a great Opportunity for a Top D1 program to play against BBL & Pro-A teams while receiving great media exposure for their team/program/SCHOOL. This can promote your program and your curriculum in Europe/Germany and bring international students and athletes to your college“ said Thomas Schaarschmidt, Director PR/Media of BASKETBALL AID International Tour

Eric Kibi Is Hungry And Ready For The Next Opportunity

Eric Kibi is a 25 year old 198cm forward from Ontario, Canada that recently played for the the Hertener Loewen Basketball (Germany-ProB). Last season he completed his second season in Germany and first with Basketball Club Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 20,5ppg and 15,0rpg. He started his basketball career in 2008 with Jacksonville College (NJCAA) where he played until 2010. He then played a season with UALR (NCAA) playing 29 games: 4.4ppg, 4.2rpg. He finished his college career in 2012 with Abil.Christian (NCAA2) playing 20 games: 8.2ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 60.0%. In 2012 he started his professional basketball career with Abil.Christian (NCAA2) playing 20 games: 8.2ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 60.0% He then played with Ottawa SkyHawks (NBL Canada): 29 games: 4.4ppg, 4.7rpg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Eric thanks for talking to German Hoops. You came with such big hopes to Herten and showing the Pro B what you got. How disappointed are you that your stay in Herten ended after only 3 games?

It is very disappointing a little drastic after 3 games but it’s part of the business.

How surprised were you with the release, after having a great pre-season where you put up some big stats of 20 points and 10 rebounds against Pro A team Finke Baskets and being such a dominant player at Rendsburg last season?

I don’t take it personal but it’s more about what have you done for me lately. I was surprised because I thought I had shown enough to earn more time to adjust. Nevertheless I respect my head coach because he was always honest and fought to keep me there but I lost a lot of respect for other people in that organization or associated with them because of things that have nothing to do with basketball. Regardless I still wish them the best.

Do you feel like you have been put a bit as an escape goat on account of the 0-3 record?

A little bit but I appreciate the opportunity regardless.

The team was only averaging 64 points and giving up 83 points. You were averaging only 4,7ppg. How responsible do you feel about the sputtering offense?

I didn’t perform how I wanted but I don’t think one person can be blamed. I feel like I just got cold at the wrong time.

You averaged only 4,7ppg, but 8,0rpg. If you were averaging 15,0ppg do you feel that you would still be on the team?

Most likely yes, but everything happens for a reason. I feel like eventually I would of got it going, it was just an adjustment thing.

Lets talk about your shooting. You shot only 17,6% from the field and 0% from outside not attempting a shot. In the past you shot 47% at Pinneberg and 48% at Rendsburg and now 17%. It has to be more than just shots aren´t falling?

Yeah I think I’ve proven in the past and even in the pre season that I can score, but these past 3 games felt like a nightmare it was frustrating to not perform to my capabilities, I have no excuses I just didn’t perform.

Did your first game 1/12 shooting against the Artland Dragons get in your head?

Not really, it’s basketball these things happen. I was back in the gym that next day trying to get better.

Have you looked at film? Maybe its on mechanics?

Yeah I looked, it was some technical things that I could improve on as a player.

Are you longer in the gym? How are you correcting the problem?

I watched film as much as possible to find the problem and then try to apply the corrections in practices and extra sessions.

You are such a talented player and deserve to play in the Pro B. What is the next step for Eric Kibi? What do you feel that you could give any professional team now? Would you be willing to play for a Regionaliga team?

The 3 bad scoring games doesn’t erase the kind of player I am and what I’m capable of doing. I’m going to stay in Germany for a few weeks and keep working out trying to wait for a new team. I would love To stay in the Pro B but I’m also willing to play in the ReG1 if that’s what I have to do, willing to try another country as well.

What did you learn in your short stay in Herten?

I learned a lot about myself as a person because my character was tested a lot especially off the court. For me this was probably the lowest of lows in my career but I was able to still be an everyday guy and not let negative things affect my character and my faith.

Derrick Rose is injured again. Is there a curse on him? Do you ever see him playing a full NBA season again?

I think he will eventually he’s too good of a player not too.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I watched a movie called million dollar arm.

Thanks Eric and all the best in the future.

Jordan Theodore Unleashes Beko BBL Showtime Powering The Fraport Skyliners Past Tuebingen 92-64

The best news that the Fraport Skyliners got in the week leading up to the game against the Walter Tigers Tuebingen was that German national player Johannes Voigtmann would not have to get operated on his knee, but the exact time period when the big man could be in uniform was not available or known. However that good news which really wasn´t any news since the Fraport Skyliners still had a walking wounded list as long as the sudden expectations put on the shoulders of Steffen Effenberg the once German national soccer player who has been brought in to Paderborn to save their sinking sink as the Frankfurt team had to go against a strong and healthy Tuebingen team with a slim rotation. Not only did head coach Gordon Herbert have to fight against his million of inner thoughts asking him “Why me” about the ongoing injury bug, but also the question why the basketball god had to scold and torture the team two times in a row losing on the last possession in Oldenburg and last weekend at home against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg. The game was robbed in Oldenburg through a bad call while the loss against Wurzburg came on a last second air ball from John Little who was as open on the wing as Steph Curry is when he is awaiting the ball and next splash to surface. The Fraport Skyliners could easily be 3-0 going into the game instead of 1-2, but basketball isn´t always fair as Gordon Herbert has experienced the last years. Bad luck can happen one time or maybe even two times in a row, but a third time? The Fraport Skyliners met the Walter Tigers Tuebingen in their second home game of the season carrying a 4-1 record against them in the last five games and didn´t let the Tigers cage them and have them for supper, but left the floor after 40 minutes with a top team effort letting Tuebingen crawl back on to the bus somewhat embarrassed with a 92-64 victory. The Fraport Skyliners got support from everyone from Quantez Robertson steering all his 14 points in the first half, stellar play from Aaron Doornekamp and John Little with 16 points a piece, the first BBL points of Niklas Kiel and a three from 17 year old Gari Zeeb in garbage time and leader Jordan Theodore unleashing some pretty Beko BBL showtime in the fourth quarter courtesy of the athletic presence of Lituanian Tomas Dimsa and balancing his scoring and playmaking perfectly. “This was a great team win. Each player contributed in some way. We played with high energy, shared the ball and played good defense. We took two tough loses in a row by a combined score of 4 points and we learned that to be successful we have to play good defense for 40 minutes. We all pulled together tonight and had no real lulls on offense”, stressed New York native Jordan Theodore. Shortly after the siren sounded the first word that Tuebingen head coach Igor Perovic uttered in the catacombs of the Fraport arena after looking at the stat sheet was 64, the amount of points his team scored, but he also knew that the Frankfurt win was well deserved. “Frankfurt played excellent and played with more power. They executed well on offense and hardly missed. We had problems to create and Frankfurt was more physical, better organized and supplied more pressure”, added Tuebingen head coach Igor Perovic. “We had a good week of practice and got better on defense giving up only 64 points. When we play good defense and hit shots then we always have good chances to win”, warned Florida native Mike Morrison. “This was not a good game for us. Credit Frankfurt because they are a great team. They took us out of our offense and forced us to too many turnovers which limited our shots and we didn´t get enough transition points”, said Sugar land Texas, native Jesse Sanders.

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Jeremy Black(BG Karlsruhe) We Still Haven´t Played Our Best Basketball Yet

Jeremy Black is a 29 year old 203cm forward from Tampa, Florida that is playing his fifth season for BG Karlsruhe. He played at Tampa (NCAA2) from 2004-2008 and in his senior year played 30 games: 18.7ppg, 11.0rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1bpg, 1.5spg, FG: 49.3%, 3Pts: 30.8%, FT: 72.1%. He turned professional in 2008 and since then has always played in Germany except last season. He has only played for four teams with Science City Jena and last season with AB Contern (Luxembourg-Total League) 4 games: 12.8ppg, 10.3rpg, 1.8apg, in Nov.’14 moved to BCKE Wallabies (Switzerland-LNB). He spoke to German Hoops after the 74-59 win against the Giants Nordlingen.

Jeremy thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the 74-59 win against the Giants Nordlingen. The team is 4-0 now. Does one thinking more about the potential of how far one can take that undefeated record with each new win?

Thanks. We focused on the next opponent and of course we would love to extend our winning streak.

It was a tale of two halves. Nordlingen was the better team in the first half leading 39-32 at the half, but BG Karlsruhe buckled down on defense giving up only 20 points in the second half. Was adjustments did the team make?

We pride ourselves on defense and in the first half we didn’t play defense like were capable of! We played with more energy and got really aggressive in our defense schemes in the second half!

How vital was it for BG Karlsruhe taking advantage of the height and winning the rebound battle?

Limiting our opponents to one shot is our goal for every game.

You have been a professional for 8 seasons now and is it still exciting to go up against a player like a Jordan Talbert that you have never played against before?

I love the game; I’m excited just to be on the court still playing.

You had 17 points and 13 rebounds and before the game was averaging 19ppg and 10,3rpg and 2,7apg. After six years in the German pro A, you now are playing your first season in the Pro B. Do you have high expectations at almost 30 years of age on yourself of having to put up even bigger stats because you are playing in a lower league?

I have high expectations for our team but not me personally! I feel like I have a lot of experience and my stats are a reflection of team ball. The league is an adjustment but I feel like we have a team where on any given night someone else can step up and lead the team.

Are you in your best basketball age? Despite averaging double double stats what do you feel can you still improve on your game at almost age 30?

I do feel like I’m in my prime but I’m averaging way too many turnovers! Taking care of the ball and raising my free throw percentage is areas where I feel I can improve.

Your teammate Marcus Smallwood was for many years a top rebound monster in the Pro A. How content are you that in time you guys could be the most lethal 4-5 punch in the Pro B?

Marcus is a great rebounder! We both pride ourselves on rebounding well for the team. Over time I feel like we can, with our experience, dominate the Pro B in the paint!

BG Karlsruhe is 4-0 now and very talented. How much better can this team still get?

We still haven’t played our best basketball yet. The season is very young and we have still a lot of room for improvement.

Can the team average more than 90 points or is it more likely to be able to give up less than the current 71 points per game?

Giving up less than 71 points a game for sure! Our Defense creates our offense. Averaging 90 points a game is also possible but not important as long as we play defense like we can.

This is your fifth season with German Rouven Roessler. What do you continue to appreciate about his game with each new season?

He’s our leader. Its been a lot of ups and downs throughout the years but what I appreciate the most about Rouven is his experience! He is a great at knowing what the team needs! He can play multiple positions and can play inside and out!

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Do you feel that he will ever be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan?

Lebron is the Michael Jordan of this generation. He may not have the rings that MJ has but he will be remembered as one the greatest to play the game! The east as always is not as strong as the west but I can see lebron back in the finals next season against the spurs or clippers.

Derrick Rose is injured again. Is there a curse on him? Will he ever be able to play a full NBA season again?

I really feel bad for him because he’s a really great player! I don’t think its a curse more so bad luck in my opinion! I think eventually he’ll complete a full season.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Southpaw.

Thanks Jeremy for the chat.

Ken Horton (medi Bayreuth) I’m Definitely Not Satisfied And I Want To Win More

Ken Horton is a 25 year old 199cm forward from Ossining, New York that is playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with medi Bayreuth which will be his sixth team. Last season he tore up the league in Finland playing for Joensuun Kataja Basket (Finland-Korisliiga) winning the league title and playing 55 games: 16.2ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 86.8%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 17.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 76.3%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 87.5%. He started his basketball career with Cent.Conn.St. (NCAA) in 2007 and as a senior played 28 games averaging 19.0ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.7apg, 2.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 80.2%. He started his professional basketball career in 2012 with SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProB): 16 games: 12.5ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 62.5%, 3FGP: 25.8%, FT: 75.9%, in Mar.’13 moved to Forex Time Apollon (Cyprus-Division A): 2 games: 12.0ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.5spg. IN the 2013-2014 season he played for teams Huracanes de Tampico (Mexico-LNBP)playing 16 games: and averaging 17.1ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 59.1%, 3FGP: 24.1%, FT: 87.0% and Ballarat Miners (Australia-SEABL) playingb 18 games averaging 19.6ppg, 11.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.8spg, Blocks-2(9.7bpg), FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 39.9%. He spoke to German Hoops after the teams first season win against the Mitteldeutscher BC

Ken congrats on the 82-77 victory against MBC. This was a game of the two door mats of the league. Did you know before the game started that it would be such an ugly game?

Thank you. I wouldn’t say “Door Mats” of the league. We both got off to rough starts yes, but its still early in the season. Yesterday I think we did exactly what we wanted to do in the game and that is win. Ugly or not as long as we won I’m happy.

You said in the pre-game interview that medi Bayreuth would be ready and you were. How relieved are you that the team finally got their first win of the season?

I’m very happy that we got our first win but I’m definitely not satisfied. I want to win more.

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