This season in German basketball there have been many things that went accordingly to plan and what many probably predicted like with the Crailsheim Merlins moving back to the second division, Ludwigsburg monster Jon Brockman winning the rebound trophy with the best per game average, the s.Oliver baskets Wurzburg returning back to the BBL, Fraport Skyliner Johannes Voigtmann following in the footsteps of teammate Danilo Barthel and winning the league´s most improved player award as the Skyliner coaching staff continues to believe in their youth and Braunschwieg forward Derrick Allen still not slowing down as the 34 year old can still ballerina to points and rebounds inside. However on November 19^th on a cold night around 21:15, the Fraport Skyliners had just experienced a bitter 72-70 buzzer beater loss in the Eurochallenge to Swedish team Boras in a foreign gym in Russelsheim only 23 kilometers away from their real living room Fraport arena and were 1-2 in the international competition and had a bleak 2-7 record in the Beko BBL and were living in the league cellar with little support as the club was undergoing a nasty injury bug as they had a walked wounded list as long as the weekly grocery list of Shaq. You never know exactly how head coach Gordon Herbert is feeling since his back problems is no secret, but one thing is for sure just how painful this period was was impossible to read on his face as he hides it as perfectly as Rajon Rondo tries his jump shot, but can´t when he has to attempt it. If anyone had predicted then on November 19^th that the Fraport Skyliners would reach the Eurochallenge final four and finish the BBL season in sixth place and reach the playoffs, one would have declared that person for mentally insane and given that perplexed look. However the team got many guys back healthy, turned the season around thanks to the break out rookie season of Justin Cobbs and Johannes Voigtmann who became a house hold name in Europe thanks to his consistent and potent play on the court especially in the Eurochallenge. With the Fraport Skyliners accomplishing so much this season despite having low odds five months ago, now it´s time for me to make the boldest of predictions and possibly most insane of the Fraport Skyliners somehow clawing, fighting and pushing themselves by FC Bayern Munich. The Fraport Skyliners played superb in three of the eight quarters this season against Germany´s most famous team and won one game and led at halftime of the other game in Munich by double digits before caving in in the third quarter. I am probably the only one to make this prediction, but someone has to do it even if the chances on paper for the Fraport Skyliners to get to the semi-finals is about as probable as Frankfurt Skyliner Mike Morrison ever being allowed to take a three pointer. The Fraport Skyliners finished the regular season in sixth place with a record of 20-14. After that horrendous start, they regrouped and had a 18-7 record. Had they started better, they may have been able to have competed with the Telekom Baskets Bonn for fourth place. They finished off the BBL season strong winning six of their last seven games despite losing both games at the Eurochallenge Final 4 in Turkey. Their biggest staple is their defense where they allowed 70 points or less 10 times. As stated so often this season, the turning point of the season came in November as the club had to react to the injury of starting point guard Richard Williams by bringing in rookie Justin Cobbs who had started the season with VEF Riga in Latvia, but didn´t find a rhythm and was scooped up by Frankfurt. Cobbs came and the rest is history as he led the team to a 17-6 record in the BBL and 10-2 record in the Eurochallenge which equates to a 27-8 record. Cobbs(14,1ppg, 2,6rpg, 4,5apg) brought a high basketball IQ with him and used his cleverness and calmness in crunch time situations more often than not to help the team to victory most importantly against Enisey Krasnoyarsk where he led a second half charge from 19 down to win 85-80 and get to the Eurochallenge Final 4. The club also got solid production form others like rookie Sean Armand(13,1ppg, 3,0rpg, 2,4apg). He proved to be a scoring threat in so many games scoring in double figures in 23 BBL games and 11 Eurochallenge games. His 22 points against FC Bayern Munich helped lead the charge to the win in the fourth quarter and his 31 points against Avtodor and 23 points against Enisey Krasnoyarsk despite being loses showed that he can score with the best of them at an international level. Third year man Johannes Voigtmann(12,5ppg, 6,0rpg, 2,5apg) had his break out year. When do you ever see a center be so high in assists as he was third on the team? In the Eurochallenge he cleaned up the Eurobasket awards as he was the top center in the competition averaging 16,0ppg, 7,2rpg and 1,8apg. He scored in double figures in 13 of 15 games and had five double doubles. His 26 points against Enisey Krasnoyarsk sealed the ticket to the Eurochallenge Final 4. Quantez Robertson(11,0ppg, 4,4rpg, 3,2apg) is playing his sixth professional season with Frankfurt and will be playing his third playoffs after reaching a final and semi early in his career. He was so often an extra point guard this season, best defender on the team and just does so much that isn´t seen on the stat sheet. Danilo Barthel(9,0ppg, 5,2rpg, 1,6apg) was having a productive season until he got injured in mid January which cost him two months to sit out. He was a solid performer in the Eurochallenge as well scoring in double figures in seven of nine games He was the teams best three point shooter at 42%. His return has been stalled a bit by more limited minutes as he is still finding his way back into a more developed rotation. The rotation is further aided by three strong role players in Jacob Burtschi(7,8ppg, 3,6rpg, 1,8apg) who came for the injured Barthel as is the ultimate warrior on the court that does everything from bringing leadership, Boris Becker diving qualities or nailing 10 three pointers in a game, Aaron Doornekamp(A6,8ppg, 4,1rpg, 1m5apg) has had an up and down season, but took on much responsibility the last few months bringing more support in the scoring department, but also being a force down low and Mike Morrison(7,1ppg, 3,3rpg) who is the bruiser down low and half his points this season are on dunks. He is an important presence in the paint especially on defense and is the perfect back up to Voigtmann. The club also has big man Johannes Richter that owned the Baaken Bears taking away their much beloved honey in both games leading the team to a big 74-64 win at home as he had 15 points. The team also brought back Max Merz who is taking a semester in Australia, but has a vacation break Kevin Bright, Mikko Koivisto and Stefan Ilzhoefer. FC Bayern Munich finished the season in third place as they had a record of 26-8 as they weren´t as dominating as last season as this season they had bitter and hard to believe loses against TBB Trier and BG Goettingen where they only mustered 59 points. They had a disappointing 2-8 record in the Euroleague and unsatisfying 5-3 record in Eurocup. Despite not having that dominant American point guard like in recent years with Tyrese Rice or Malcom Delaney their offense was their biggest strength as they scored 80 or more points 26 times and had NBA 100 plus type scores nine times including mastering 124 points against Phoenix Hagen.. They are also a strong defensive team when they want to be as they allowed 70 points or less 11 times, but then again allowing the Telekom Baskets Bonn get 107 points or BG Goettingen 95 points. FC Bayern Munich without a doubt have the deepest roster in the league and one would want almost each guy on your team as most would be starters on any other team in the league. The star of the team is John Bryant(13,5ppg, 7,9rpg) who played three seasons with ratiopharm Ulm and is the best center in the league as he is so difficult to stop, but the most valuable player on the team is Serb Nihad Djedovic(15,0ppg, 3,5rpg, 2,6apg) who is a high energy player that is so versatile that just does all on the court scoring in double figures in 19 of 24 games. After missing two months, he came back strong in April as if he had never been away. Head coach Svetislav Pesic has had his luck with picking the right Serb´s as Dusko Savanovic(11,6ppg, 4,6rpg, 2,1apg) was the hidden MVP as he is also a very mobile and versatile big man who is unselfish and belonged to the team´s best performers in the Euroleague. The guy with the biggest heart Bryce Taylor(9,5ppg, 3,1rpg, 1,3apg) was the team best three point shooter and as captain his team play was never missing. He came back slow from injury, but started going in February. Some just come and pay admission to see Anon Gavel(8,4ppg, 2,1rpg, 4,0apg) launch his line drive shots led the team in assists and can always haunt you with his bombs from outside. With Bryant taking a rest an opponent gets hit with the next bruiser with Vladimir Stimac(8,1ppg, 5,4rpg). There is nothing fancy about his game, but he gets the job done as Bonn witnessed as he poured in 19 points. The Serb connection continues with 2014 NBA draft pick of the Philadelphia 76ers with point guard Vasilije Misic87,6ppg, 2,1rpg, 3,7apg) who is like an energizer bunny and is just a pest to deal with from the bench. Just when you thought that that was the roster, you still have six Germans on the team. Heiko Schaffartzik(6,9ppg, 1,6rpg, 3,4apg) started only seven games, but was the teams second best three point shooter at 41% and can scare anyone with his focused look on the court at all times. Robin Benzing(6,5ppg, 2,2rpg, 1,3apg) is playing his fourth season in Munich, but his scoring stats have fallen the last three seasons. His scoring average obviously will suffer on a team like Munich, but he is always good for some unexpected big plays. Jan Jagla(5,3ppg, 2,8rpg)still going strong at 33 and is always effective in the minutes that he gets. Paul Zipser(4,9ppg, 2,4rpg) is a guy that needs to fight for his minutes, but showed what he can do scoring 20 against Tuebingen and 13 against Valencia in the Eurocup. Yassin Idbihi(3,5ppg, 2,0rpg) can always give support from the bench with points and rebounds, but this season is more a cheerleader. Most of the German basketball population will go with a 3-0 or 3-1 FC Bayern Munich win against the Fraport Skyliners so why am I doing the daring crazy 3-2 for the Fraport Skyliners? Well I love the underdog and just believe that the Fraport Skyliners have the ability to beat FC Bayern Munich even if it seems more unrealistic than anything in a five game series where the bench is the x factor. The question is how often can the Fraport Skyliners play consistent and strong for 40 minutes or near to it in a five game series against this Bavarian powerhouse? So far in the two games this season they showed up for only 30 minutes. They played a fierce first half in Munich early in the season leading 48-34 at halftime, but collapsed in the second half giving up a 14-0 run to start the third quarter losing 80-73 and in the return game stunk up the Fraport arena in the first 30 minutes being down 63-48 where there seemed to be no hope, but made a massive comeback in the fourth scoring 28 points and winning 76-73. FC Bayern Munich lead in almost every vital team statistical category this season scoring points 89-77, rebounds 38-34, field goal percentage 48-45, and turnovers 14-10, only with three point shooting does Franfurt have the edge 36%-35%. FC Bayern Munich also have the overwhelming bench edge. From the perspective of the Fraport Skyliners, in a series like this one can´t preach too much the statistical edge that the opponent has, but concentrate on the mental side and motivation something head coach Gordon Herbert can do. There is so much x and o´s in the game of basketball, but at the end of the day effort is a huge factor as Frankfurt showed in the fourth quarter of their last win. The other big factor will be playing up to their other strength of team basketball. They didn´t always show it this season, but principally Frankfurt is a team that focuses on team something that head coach Gordon Herbert has preached all season long. Sharing the ball making the extra pass on offense and on defense helping, helping and helping until the paint area looks worn out, clogging the lane and just trusting Quantez Robertson on the court with his leadership. FC Bayern Munich obviously has the experience factor and with Frankfurt the youth of Cobbs and Armand might just not be ready to make heroic after heroic feat as the first seems to have reached his limit as a rookie as his consistency has been lacking in the last weeks as fatigue and scouting from the opponent have caught up with him. The leadership and on court play of Aaron Doornekamp and Jacob Burtschi will be key for the younger players as they play their first BBL playoffs and will be as motivated as a Tez is every game. Of course FC Bayern Munich will remember their disaster from their last game in Frankfurt. The Fraport Skyliners need to steal game one in order to make this a long series. It is no secret that the Fraport Skyliners are an annoying team that won´t be a desired opponent for many teams and despite Gordon Herbert saying recently, he hasn´t seen the team develop since a late March training camp in Mallorca, it is May now, it’s playoff time and the season really starts now. Reaching the Eurochallenge final 4 may have been a big achievement this season, but the Fraport Skyliners won´t go out without a big fight against FC Bayern Munich and also need some unexpected help from their opponent not always playing up to their standards. This prediction may feel absurd for all, but Gordon Herbert has built a special squad this season and one thing is for sure, if there are any Skyliner fans that catch Gordon Herbert after game five in Munich approaching the team bus at the end having missed the game because of having lost track of time in a local Brauhaus, at least they won´t be disappointed at first glance of the Canadian, because win or lose with his usual expressionless look one can still dream at that moment that the most unlikely still did happen until the bitter truth is most probably revealed.

Kai King is a 29 year old 182cm point guard from Rialto, California that just completed the season with Marler BC (Germany-Oberliga). He started his basketball career in 2005 with the Venice basketball league and played a few seasons with the Riverside Rainmakers (ABA). He then went to Africa in 2011 and played two seasons with Six Stars (Eqatorial Guinea-D1). In the 2012-2013 season he played for Six Stars (Eqatorial Guinea-D1)15.5ppg, 5.0rpg, 5.0apg, 1.0spg, then moved to ART Duesseldorf (Germany-2.Regionalliga) 10 games: 20.0ppg, 6.0rpg, 7.0apg. IN the 2013-2014 season he played for the Bobcats Basketball Club (Mexico-Oaxaca, starting five): 25.0ppg, 6.0rpg, 7.0apg. He recently spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Kai thanks for talking to German Hoops. The first thing I notice is your name which is a German name, but you are American. How did you get this name?

My mother gave me the name, but actually she chose the name for its Asian meaning and not its German one. Kai is not only a popular name in Germany, but it is also popular in Asia, Finland, it also has roots in Greece, Basque country in Spain, Cornish, Estonian Scottish, to name a few there are lots of different origins for my name not only in Germany.

You are playing currently in Germany for Oberliga team Marlor BC that has aspirations of moving up to the German Regionaliga. How did it come about that you landed here? You played for RT Duesseldorf (Germany-2.Regionalliga) two seasons ago.

I was on the arts team, but had issues and had to return home.  Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to lace it up like I had originally hoped. I landed the Oberliga job because the team in Kosovo was not doing what they had initially specified.  I was playing for BKP Kastrioti but things didn’t work out as I had planned, so I came to Germany to play in the Oberliga after things fell through in Kosovo.

The team is currently in second place. How good are the chances of the club moving up to the German Regionaliga 2?

Our chances are very high, we have an opportunity to truly make some noise and move up into the Regionalliga 2 ranks. We just have to finish this second half of the season.  Injuries to key players have slowed us down a bit, but we are all now healthy.  We have a new addition to the team Chris Randolph ( D2 Washington Adventist ), he should help our team out a great deal with his defense, leadership and scoring. If we can continue to be healthy, keep our eyes on the prize and stay focused then I think Regionalliga 2 will be an obtainable task.

How do you handle your ego on a daily basis when you have to play in the Oberliga and can´t display your talent at a higher level?

Its a opportunity, a blessing.  No matter what league it is, what country it is.  I am blessed to get an opportunity to put my shoes on, put my jersey on and play the game that I love. Yes I think I have the talents to play on a higher level, I have the confidence in myself and the aspirations to play. If God wants it to happen it will.  Right now I am enjoying Marler.  I am enjoying being around my teammates and seeing the sights and sounds that Germany has to offer. My ego is fine, and I know that this opportunity can easily be taken from me at any time. I am happy and will continue to process no matter what country I am in.

Your teammate is American Dennis Mims who has played in Italy and for top Turkish team Besiktas Istanbul. Why does a 34 year old still need to play basketball for a sixth division German team? I can imagine it can´t be for any other reason than just total love of the game?

If you love something you’ll do your best no matter what.  I will continue loving it and enjoying it. Dennis, Chris and myself aren’t the same age, but we have a drive and passion for this game. Yes he is 34 but he is still athletic, still driven and motivated and despite him being long in the tooth he still can lace it up with anyone.  Age is not a problem. Its truly a blessing to play with a player of his stature and caliber. I learn something new from him each time I play with him and each time I sit down to talk with him. He has a love for the game, a passion for basketball, and he is also here furthering his education.  I look to him for a number of things.  He is a mentor on and off the court and I am thankful for guys like that whom can help out guys like myself.

You are a scoring point guard, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

My toughness, I think its something that is unnoticed especially coming from California. The misconception is that guys from Cali are soft, that we wear sandals all day, that we surf, that we ride skateboards.  That our play on the court is just like the weather nice, manageable, easy going. That is a huge misconception, there is a dog in me.  Ill mix it up with anyone, I’ll run through a wall, I’ll get dirty and do whatever is necessary of course. As long if its in the confines of the rules. I am tough, yes I am from Cali, yes we have nice weather, yes there is a Hollywood sign and movies stars all around. However I am tough.   Ill guard a center, Ill guard a power forward, Ill do whatever I have to win.

You are 29 year old and in your prime. What goals do you still have as a basketball player?

I want to continue playing ball.  I want to continue helping teams win, continue helping players develop and grow as players and also as people. My team requires that we give back to the community, so on certain days, we will coach the kids and help them develop as players and as people. I want to continue climbing through the ranks and showing people that I can indeed play, but I also want to help others and motivate them through this game of basketball. I have many goals and aspirations on and off the court, this game has brought me a lot of things and I am grateful for it. 

Marl is about 30 kilometers away from Recklinghausen who have a Pro B team. Do you ever catch any of their games. How confident are you that you could keep up with these guys or even players in higher leagues in Germany?

Yes of course, I saw them play last week.  I have also seen the ETB Essen team play and also the Hertern Lions and they are all great players in their own right. I am just confident in myself and the abilities that God has given me. I can keep up with them.  I just need a chance, an opportunity to show them that I can indeed meet the challenge. Mexico was wonderful.  Mexico was a beautiful country and the people are passionate about their sports. The problem is that unless you are in America, Europe, Australia, China.  Then you will always have contract issues and disputes.  Problems with management arise because they are not Fiba certified leagues. I was 

Last season you played for Bobcats Basketball Club (Mexico-Oaxaca) What kind of experience was that for you? Besides having the contract issues how was your stay there on and off the court?

I was excited to get another opportunity to play in a Fiba sanctioned league where I do not have to worry about the league going under.  Mexico was great, the weather was like California, the basketball and the fans were an absolute pleasure.  However the uncertainty and inconsistencies of the league was what presented issues for me and my family. If those issues were okay then yes I would have loved staying there.

Two years ago you played for ART Duesseldorf (Germany-2.Regionalliga) playing 10 games averaging 20.0ppg, 6.0rpg, 7.0apg. After having a strong season in the German Regionaliga 2 did you expect some offers from Regionaliga or PRO B teams?

 

I wasn’t there the whole time.  I got a few games under my belt but had to leave for personal reasons. For the time I was in effect there.  It was great playing in Europe.  Playing for a pro team, playing against guys who in their own right have talents and can hold their own was great. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to stay there the entire time and had to go back to the United States. Hopefully a full season in Oberliga will garner some attention from other teams next season. However I am focused on Marler BC.  I am focused on helping them accomplish reaching Regional 2. If we do what we have to do on the court then it will be wonderful.  I like the coach, the players. We have a family here.  Thats what we preach before games, Marler BC, were family here.  Cliche I know but I’m comfortable where I am and leaving would not sit well with me one bit.

How much fun was it playing for head coach Robert Shepherd who like you was a point guard as a player and played at Arkansas(NCAA). What could you pick up from him on and off the court?

It was an absolute pleasure, I enjoyed every minute that was given to me. And even though it was short lived, playing for him was an absolute dream. What he sees, how he approaches the game, what he thinks and how he prepared us as a team spoke volumes. It was evident to me the very first day I was there when I spoke with him. He is definitely a first rate coach and a first rate individual. It was an absolute pleasure being there and I learned a number of things from him. How to be a pro, how to prepare myself both on and off the court. How to keep things in the proper perspective and mind frame.  As players we can get caught up in the wrong things. Feel that we should be treated a certain way and that often plays on our minds in decisions we make and decisions we don’t. He just showed me that this is a unique opportunity, that its a blessing and that in any moment it can be taken away. I owe him for that, I speak with him regularly and we remain friends to this day. I learned a lot from him and he is a great guy.

You played two seasons for Six Stars (Eqatorial Guinea-D1). What kind of experience was this? Sometimes players will stay many years in one country. Was this not an option for you since you would have been able to keep playing and be paid without having to worry about finding a new team?

Its a unique experience, people back home were a bit apprehensive towards the idea of me going to play basketball in Africa. I wont lie, even I was a little reticent on going myself. But I had a talk with my family and friends and also the man above and decided that this was a good thing for me. And that no matter what I wouldn’t be given a situation I couldn’t handle. Sure enough it was all love when I arrived, the people welcomed me with open arms. The league was very tough and competitive, having both great players from the African countries, Senegal, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Gabon, The Congo to name a few. There were also people there from the United States and also from Spain.  Since Equatorial Guinea was once a colony of Spain. It was a unique experience, unfortunately I was unable to return because the team had financial issues and couldn’t keep the Six Stars team going. I would have loved to play there.  Love to have seen my friends that I met in my time there, but unfortunately money issues with the team didn’t allow me that opportunity again.

You had a workout at the Bakersfield Jam Free Agent (NBA Camp Tryout): 10ppg, 5rpg, 4apg, 2spg, FGP: 45%, 3Pts: 38%, FT: 80%. This was the perfect stage for you to showcase your abilities. Did you ever get any interest from D-league teams?

Yes I actually did, but I always has dreams and aspirations to play abroad.  I did fairly well at the tryout and was told that I could play in the D League if I focused and devoted myself to the process of being a D League Pro. That was all I needed to hear.  Hearing that fueled my fire, and gave me the confidence that I needed to play overseas. It was from that tryout that I realized that I could play with just about anybody in the world. That D League tryout changed my life in many ways and it was the starting point.  The spring board that has gotten me where I am today. I am thankful that I drove four hours from my home, no sleep, getting right out of work to make the trip. If I hadn’t done that, who knows where I would be. I certainly wouldn’t have been playing basketball thats for sure.

You were a Venice Basketball Pro Am League Champion in 07, 08, 09, 10, 11. Which title was your sweetest?

Each one of them is sweet, each one is unique and different.  Its just a honor to play with guys that you grew up with. Also with guys in the area that you emulated and idolized. It was great going out there, and I had fun each and every time I went out there. So its really hard to narrow it down to just one title.  Each was sweet, each was unique, each was significant and important in their own way.

Could you ever imagine making a living in Europe after your playing days or will you go home again?

Absolutely, during the break here, I was able to travel to Italy. Yes you read it right Italy!  I was able to visit Venice, Rome and a nice beach city known as Porto San Giorgio. It was amazing to see Venice and the Gondolas.  To see all the beautiful churches and architecture in the city. Then to travel to Rome and see the Coliseum, the Vatican, and all of the many beautiful sights and sounds of Roma. To eat the pizza, to taste the Gelato, man it was an amazing trip. So when you ask this question, could I make a living in Europe I say. Absolutely!

What have you learned to appreciate the most in Germany since you have been here?

I appreciate the game of basketball, I appreciate friendship and family, because, when you are out here by yourself. You build bonds with people that may last for the rest of your life. I have learned to appreciate where basketball has taken me and I’ve learned that family and friends make it all the more while

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD I saw was Despicable me 2.

Thanks Kai for the chat.

It really doesn´t matter where Ludwigsburg head coach John Patrick has been, if it was in Japan with Toyota Alvark, with BG Goettingen or the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg, he was always able to build winning teams and with the case of BG Goettingen make successful teams out of low budgets and sending unknown rookie players on to bigger and better teams after letting them develop in Goettingen. The only thing missing from the Resume of the American is getting that golden opportunity one day to coach a top team in Germany. Patrick is now in his second full season with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg and most likely has had the best budget to work with the last two seasons as he has brought that special NBA flair to the small southern German town with guys like John Stockton son Michael, versatile Coby Karl, 2015 top BBL scorer DJ Kennedy or the bearded beast 2015 BBL top rebounder Jon Brockman. Especially in the last few years, Patrick has had his experience with annoying top teams here and there as with the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg kicked out an arrogant Alba Berlin in 2012 to reach the semi-finals where ex Beko BBL MVP Dashaun Wood was given a clinic by ex Northern Iowa bull dog John Little as he played the offensive series of his life or last season as Patrick took a solid team against Germany´s most famous team FC Bayern Munich who surely had their best team ever and fought and clawed, but lost in four games. Even if they lost by a total combined point total of 83 points, this experience made FC Bayern Munich stronger as they had a few more unappetizing wars with Oldenburg needing five games to advance to the final and four games to win the 2014 BBL title against Alba Berlin. The opportunity to continue to annoy top teams and even or upset continues this season as Ludwigsburg have a best of five series against 6 time Beko BBL champion Brose Baskets Bamberg that promises to be a hard fought series as both teams split the season series as games were decided by only 16 points. Win or lose, one thing is for certain, John Patrick will surely get the best advice on trying out new Italian dishes as Bamberg head coach Andrea Trinchieri could be a premium cuisine tour guide for the American if he wished for it.

After toiling around in no mans land in the BBL standings the last years, it wasn´t until the arrival of the fireman John Patrick in January 2013 where he saved the team from moving down and then prompt in his first full season finally led the club back to the playoffs with an eighth place finish and did again this season. The club went into the season with a fine roster, but underachieved in the first few months and finally put it together shortly before the new year starting a winning streak and winning six of seven games. With a month to go in the season, they were involved in an intense fight with 4-5 other teams to catch that last playoff spot and did finishing with class winning three of their last four including games against direct competitors Braunschweig and BG Goettingen on the last game day. Their biggest wins of the season were against Bamberg, Alba Berlin and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. The team packed with scoring power and top league scorer DJ Kennedy weren´t always able to convince all with their talent with consistent scoring power as they scored 80 or more points 16 times. They had some very good phases defending, but weren´t always able to be consistent as they relinquished 80 points or more 16 times. They had some top defensive showing keeping Alba Berlin to 55 points and MBC to 53 points. The club is led by American DJ Kennedy(18,0ppg, 6,1rpg, 3,0apg) who came in December, but needed no time to adjust as he scored in double figures in 18 of 23 games and scored 20 or more points 11 times. His versatility as a swing man is priceless as he was second in team rebounding and second in assists. American Kerron Johnson(14,4ppg, 2,7rpg, 3,9apg) also made a good adjustment coming from the lower league Australia NBL and took up much of the scoring bulk before Kennedy came on board, but also shone with his versatility. The BBL knew already on the first game day that he had game as he scored 38 points in 37 minutes against Bonn. Ex NBA player Jon Brockman(12,2ppg, 9,6rpg, 1,4apg) who played a total of 150 NBA games for the Bucks and Kings was an unstoppable beast in the paint registering 12 double double and in the last game where it counted most left a lasting memory for BG Goettingen as he powered his team into the playoffs with 22 points and 15 boards. Shawn Huff(10,8ppg, 3,8rpg) might be known as being a Finish defensive specialist, but his offense has always been exceptional. He was the teams best three point shooter and had his highest three point percentage as a professional this season He scored in double figures 20 times including a 23 point effort against BG Goettingen. Michael Stockton(9,0ppg, 2,6rpg, 2,6apg) is playing his second season with Ludwigsburg and his stats may be down from last season, but he remains a very controlled point guard that got really hot in the last two games netting 26 points against Artland and 21 points against BG Goettingen. Veteran Adam Waleskowski(7,3ppg, 3,4rpg, 1,4apg) is playing his 10^th professional season and second with Ludwigsburg and brings that strong inside out game each night. He scored in double figures 13 times including a potent 11 point 14 rebound game against ratiopharm Ulm. John Little(6,9ppg, 2,5rpg, 1,3apg) has played in only three places in Germany Goettingen, Wurzburg and Ludwigsburg and John Patrick was always his coach. Little has belonged to the top defensive guards in the league for years and is always a pest with his quick hands, but is also a solid offensive player He scored in double figures 10 times including a 15 point game against Crailsheim. Patrick Flomo(3,6ppg, 2,7rpg) may be 34, but can still bring energy from the bench and make the highlight reel with an ally-op dunk. Ex Bucknell(NCAA) center Chris Mcnaughton(2,0ppg, 1,0rpg) has been a journeyman in Germany and averaging only five minutes per game, but could be a starter for some other BBL teams. A qualified big man like this on the bench is a big plus should there be foul trouble at the big positions. Patrick also has Germans TIm Koch and Travis Warech to choose from from the bench if needed.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg finished the season with a record of 29-5 thanks to a win in Berlin on the last game day giving the team their fourth regular season title in the last five years. They had a 9-9 Eurocup season reaching the quarterfinal, but losing to Russian team Lokomotiv after losing by two points at home had all chances of advancing, but lost by 18 on the road. They lost in the final of the 2015 Beko BBL cup in Oldenburg 72-70 and now have only one more chance to win hardware this season if they can win nine games in the playoffs. Bamberg had a 16 game winning streak during the season which was halted by a loss against Ludwigsburg and then ended the season with a seven game winning streak. The team may be the deepest and most talented in the league and scored much whenever they wanted to amassing 80 points or more 23 times. Bamberg also belonged to the top defensive teams giving up 70 points or less 17 times. They had a span of six games where they averaged giving up only 58 points as they held TBB Trier to 44 points, and 57 points to scoring machine Phoenix Hagen and Braunschweig. The club has seven players that scored in double figures which shows how well they can share the ball and unselfishness is accepted. The club is led by American Ryan Thompson(13,8ppg, 2,6rpg, 2,4apg) who has had a great season after coming from the Belgium league has belonged to the most dangerous three point shooters on the team. He has scored in double figures 21 times including a 35 point explosion against ratiopharm Ulm. Brad Wanamaker(12,9ppg, 3,7rpg, 4,6apg) from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh(NCAA) is the teams MVP and has been the motor that has made the team so successful. He scored in double figures 23 times and was instrumental in the two wins against Alba Berlin scoring 21 points and 16 points. Ex Xavier player Josh Duncan(12,7ppg, 5,5rpg, 1,8apg) was troubled by injury this season playing only 18 games, but returned in April and will be key in the playoff run with his athletic inside out play. He had big games against FC Bayern Munich and Oldenburg with 22 and 21 points. EXMinnesota(NCAA) forward Trevor Mbakwe(10,5ppg, 7,0rpg, 1,0apg) who had 10 and 10 stats as a rookie with Virtus Roma has been a high flyer in the BBL and has been a regular on the highlight films this season as he is a beast on the offensive glass. He has scored in double figures 19 times including a 25 point 10 rebound game against Phoenix Hagen. Dawan Robinson(10,5ppg, 1,6rpg, 2,2apg) came in January and has been a vital spark from the bench giving his vast experience of 9 professional seasons as his physical stature gives him much advantage getting buckets inside while his outside shooting has been spot on at 48%. Latvian Janis Strelnieks(10,2ppg, 2,3rpg, 2,7apg) is the full package at the point guard position as he excels in pick and role and changing the tempo and has scored in double figures 20 times including a 31 point outburst against FC Bayern Munich. High energy player German Daniel Theis(10,2ppg, 5,2rpg, 1,3apg) who can play inside out with the best of them had a good start to the season then a lull in the middle and has finished strong scoring in double figures in the last five games including a 20 point game against ratiopharm Ulm. Ex NBA player Darius Miller(9,6ppg, 2,1rpg, 2,2apg)who played with the New Orleans Pelicans the last two years playing 97 games came very late to the team, but has been a reliable asset from the bench shooting 46% from outside. Ex Gonzaga(NCAA) player Elias Harris(7,0ppg, 3,2rpg) who played two NBA games with the Los Angeles Lakers forms the best power forward duo with Theis in the league. He has scored in double figures 9 times and has suffered a bit with the deep rotation, but he is always a dangerous player that can change a game. German Kartsen Tadda(3,5ppg, 2,1rpg, 1,1apg) has won the most of anyone on the team with 7 titles with Bamberg and is a real team player that is always capable of making a big play. Croatian Dalibor Bagaric(1,3ppg, 1,2rpg) who played three seasons with the Chicago Bulls is a 217cm 130 kilo center who doesn´t play much, but when he does no one really want to bump into inside. He adds to the vast depth on the team.

When inspecting the head to head team stats, the Brose Baskets Bamberg lead most categories including points scored per game, field goal percentage, three point field goal percentage, assists and turnovers while Ludwigsburg rebound a bit better. The teams split the season series winning in their respective arenas. Both games were close during the regular season as Bamberg averaged 69 points scoring and gave up 71 points. In the 65-59 victory for Bamberg, Ludwigsburg easily won the rebound battle 37-27 as Jon Brockman had a strong game scoring 21 points and grabbing 14 boards, but the team shot miserable from outside at 3/14. In the return game, Ludwigsburg won 83-73, but this time Bamberg controlled the boards 28-25, but had 18 turnovers ten more than Ludwigsburg. Bamberg also controlled Jon Brockman better as he was held to 13 points and seven rebounds while Ludwigsburg had Brad Wanamaker under control limiting him to seven points. This could become a long series if Ludwigsburg can steal game one in Bamberg, but that is easier said than done, but if not then it could end quickly. The two main players to contain for both teams are Brad Wanamaker who gets Bamberg going and Jon Brockman who infects his team with his energy and never ending banging. DJ Kennedy has never lost to Bamberg as he played only once against them this season, but then again he hasn´t yet been witness to how Bamberg always steps it up a notch in the post season. However in the end, Ludwigsburg will come undone to three components of defense, experience and depth which Bamberg all have more of. Not to forget, Bamberg also has a very good mix of old and young while the Ludwigsburg bench has less younger legs which could become a factor in a long series.

Preston Wynne is a 28 year old 184cm guard from Wellpinit, Washington that is a rookie playing for the Baskets Akad.Weser-Ems/Oldenburger TB (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career at Spokane Community College. He then finished his college career at Vanguard (NAIA) and as a senior played 36 games averaging 20.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.9spg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: NAIA1-1(90.7%). He spoke to German Hoops after winning the 2015 Pro B title over SC Rist Wedel.

Congrats Preston on winning the 2015 German Pro B title. How satisfying and great is it ending the season with some hardware in your hands?

It feels great, especially with the group of guys we did it with makes it all the better.

Oldenburg really came out from the start and played excellent basketball in Wedel having a very comfortable lead 45-27 at halftime. With the many fans that made the trip, how much did this game feel like a home game and how were you able to blend out the Wedel fans?

It was hard to block out the Wedel fans, they made their presence known. Our fans came through big time for us, they were cheering and chanting before the game even started, and did not stop until long after.

Oldenburg never let SC Rist Wedel get under double digits in the fourth quarter except for the last seconds where the Wedel Americans Diante Watkins and Brandon Spearman got some big plays and buckets, but ran out of time to do any further damage. What was key in the fourth quarter to preserve the win and title?

We just kept our composure throughout the game and especially the fourth quarter. Wedel would make little runs here and there, as soon as I would get on our guys a little bit they would come up with a big time play, whether it be on the offense or defensive side.

This was obviously a team win, but how vital was the big play of Luka Buntic who gave much support hitting four three pointers and chipping in with 14 points?

Luka has been huge for us all season with his abilities on spreading the floor, he makes it hard for the other teams four man to over help because of his three shooting capabilities. He came up at the perfect moments in the final game, I expected nothing less from a player like him.

SC Rist Wedel guard Diante Watkins left everything on the court hitting for 28 points and getting eight steals. Do you see him making the next step and playing at a higher level next season after two seasons in the German Pro B?

Yeah I’m sure there is a team out there that would love to have his heart and skill set on their team.

How special was it having ex head coach Mladen Drijencic cheering on the squad in the Oldenburg fan block in Wedel? How important was he to the success of the team this season?

I honestly didn’t even see him until after the game, it made me so happy to see the joy and jubilation on his face knowing he was a major part of our success. He was a major part of the success of our team more than he probably even knows.

It is never easy to defend a title, but Oldenburg did that this season. What made this team so special? You were the only American on the team filled with many talented young German players?

The thing that made this team special in my opinion was the fact that they would hardly ever talk about last season and trying to repeat as champs, I can’t recall even one time I heard it. that just shows the level of focus they had on the season in front of them not behind them. To me that showed a great level of maturity in such a young team. I personally think it was the perfect amount for this level, that way a lot of the younger German players will get the game experience that would be missed on a team with a lot of foreign players.

You finished your rookie season averaging 17,1ppg, 4,4rpg and 3,3apg. How would you summarize your rookie season and what is the next step for you as a player?

My first year here was a success. I came to this team to help the younger German players develop not to average outrageous numbers. Every practice I could see the younger players getting a little better, some of the stuff I would tell them in practice they would utilize. For me seeing the growth of our team while winning the championship trumps any individual accolades. The next step for me is just to keep playing, hopefully in Germany.

What is your prediction in the Cleveland-Chicago NBA series? Will Rose or Lebron move on?

I’m thinking the Cavs are going to pull this one off.

When you return back to Washington what will be the first eating place that you will visit after a long season in Germany?

I think i’m going to get a double cheese burger, some Cajun fries with a large peach sprite from Five Guys as soon as I land.

Thanks Preston for the chat.

The do or die games within the Fraport Skyliners organization continue to grow, but in the past the Beko BBL team had problems winning the big games as they were unable to win the Eurochallenge title where do or die was on the menu and their farm team Fraport Skyliners Juniors ended their season in Rostock as they went down fighting, but ran out of gas in the second half as deepness was missing in their roster. Beko BBL team Fraport Skyliners may have some do or die situations in the upcoming playoffs to pull revenge from their gloomy Eurochallenge weekend in Turkey, but as of now the young kids of Eintracht Frankfurt have displayed nerves and heart in big games as they had won their last two playoff games in do or die fashion first disposing of Team Basket Munchen Nord in game three 69-56 as Jules Akodo sparked the team with 32 points and last weekend the young guns of head coach Sebastian Gleim did it again going into an extremely hostile environment in Ulm and were powered by 2014 NBBL rookie of the year Niklas Kiel who manufactured 18 points and hauled down 16 rebounds as the Frankfurt club were victorious 71-65. In game one, Eintracht Frankfurt encountered an aggressive defense by ratiopharm Akademie Ulm that they had never encountered before this season losing 54-42 as they were clobbered down low 52-37, missed an unacceptable 15 free throws and were 2/21 from downtown helping in the loss. In game two, they rebounded winning 71-65 keeping their nerves under control and doing a better job in all three categories of outside shooting going 9!21, dominating the boards 61-36 and hitting 14/23 free throws for 60%. Having won their last two do or die games, Eintracht Frankfurt was searching for their third do or die win in a row and kept their nerves making a huge come back in the third quarter regaining the lead and withstanding a last run by ratiopharm Akademie Ulm in the fourth quarter to earn a ticket to the NBBL Top 4 in Hagen winning 58-55. Besides Niklas Kiel showing his beast mode inside with 13 points and 20 rebounds, the other hero was Brit Jules Akodo who came into the game shooting 6/32 from the field in the first two games and had a cold first half where nothing was falling, but in the third quarter got the team going finally hitting shots and getting four quick assists inside to his big men. “This was the biggest win of the season. It was tough being down at halftime, but we grinded it out in the second half. He played solid defense today and also the whole series, but not good offense. Today we put it all together. I know that I didn´t play good in the first two games, but everyone kept believing in me and told me to keep playing my game”, added Eintracht Frankfiurt point guard Jules Akodo. After the loss a dejected Carlos Cerdan was letting the last 40 minutes pass through his head as he was the last Ulm player sitting on the bench knew that his team had every chance to win, but just came up a bit short at the end. “We feel really bad now, because we wanted to win this game so bad and move on to Hagen. Frankfurt just played good basketball. They played good defense the whole series and played well enough to win today”, added Spaniard Carlos Cerdan.

There were many notable persons in attendance in the BCM like Eintracht Frankfurt president Peter Fischer and an array of Fraport Skyliners like Danilo Barthel, Jacob Burtschi, Johannes Richer, Mikko Koivisto, Marius Nolte, Stefan Ilzhoefer and Max Merz who was back from Australia and who will help the team in the playoffs against FC Bayern Munich. The first few minutes were back and forth until ratiopharm Akademie Ulm was able to take control of the game and end the first quarter with a 9-0 run to lead 17-8. 2014 NBBL rookie of the year Niklas Kiel got Eintracht Frankfurt on the board first with a lay in, but Ulm counter attacked as German/Austrian David Kramer hit a step back three pointer in front of his own bench almost falling into the lap of a teammate. Kiel then gave Eintracht Frankfurt the lead back with a step back jumper 4-3, but Cerdan erased that swiftly with a jumper and free throw and 6-4 advantage. The game developed into a defense battle from the get go as both teams were forcing the other to tough shots as the field goal percentages took a dip early. After Ulm guard Michale Dorsch scored in traffic to give Ulm the 8-5 advantage, Frankfurt clawed their way back as Kiel made a free throw and 18 year old shooting guard Lennart Okeke opted for the hard penetration sneaking in from the baseline for the 8-8 score. Ratiopharm Akademie Ulm then ended the first quarter with a late spurt going on a 9-0 run to lead 17-8. 16 year old Christoph Phillipps started off the run with a quick finger tip roll lay in, 17 year old 206cm forwad Bernhard Benke who only took three shots in game two made a trey and free throw and Kramer put up a prayer that found the back board and fell through the rim. “I enjoy watching the NBBL. These are the players that one may see in the BBL in 3-4 years. Frankfurt played a sloppy first quarter while Ulm did a good job against the pressure. Frankfurt did a good job rebounding, but couldn´t throw it the ocean”, stressed Fraport Skyliner forward Jacob Burtschi. Ratiopharm Akademie Ulm was shooting 38% from the field and 38% from outside while Eintracht Frankfurt was shooting 23% from the field and 0% from outside. Frankfurt had the 14-9 rebound edge. But five turnovers while Ulm had three turnovers.

In the second quarter ratiopharm Akademie Ulm was able to keep the lead until Eintracht Frankfurt closed out the second quarter with a timely 6-0 run to trail only 34-30 at the break. Eintracht Frankfurt got out on a lightening start going on a mini 4-0 run as the big men Kiel made a lay in and 17 year old 201cm Armin Trtovac made a bay hook after being fed perfectly via no look from Jules Akodo cutting the Ulm lead to 17-12. However whenever Eintracht Frankfurt seemed to be getting going Ulm always had an answer and made their own run of 5-0 as Benke scored inside and Kramer dropped a three pointer from the corner as Ulm led 22-12. The second quarter continued to be a game of runs as Eintracht Frankfurt responded with a 5-0 run to cut the Ulm lead to 22-17. In the run it was 18 year old 203cm forward Ivan Mihaljevic who battled inside finding the perfect position grabbing an offensive rebound and making the put back while Akodo made the play of the game dunking hard over Ulm forward Marvin Omuvwie and made the free throw as Eintracht Frankfurt trailed 22-17. “Marvin bumped me a bit which didn´t allow me to follow through as well. That was my second best dunk ever. My best was in Slovenia”, stressed Jules Akodo. Ratiopharm Akademie Ulm continued to be consistent on offense going on the next run of 7-0 to extend their lead to 29-17. In the run it was 18 year old 210cm center Daniel Woltering making a dunk as Kiel lost control of a loose ball and then made a lay in after getting fed from Cerdan. Phillipps then closed out a fast break with a lay in and free throw. Frankfurt made up some ground making free throws from Kiel and Musovic, but Woltering continued to do damage as he made a baby hook shot and then connected on a three pointer as Ulm led 34-34. With a minute to play in the second quarter, it was Lennart Okeke who finally started to hit shots nailing back to back three pointers to keep Eintracht Frankfurt in the game as they trailed only 34-30. “Ulm controlled the pace, did a good job on 50-50 balls and hit shots. Frankfurt continued to be cold shooting, but got a big confidence booster with the three pointers from Okeke”, stated Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi. Ratiopharm Akademie Ulm was shooting 38% from the field and 29% from the three point line while Eintracht Frankfurt was shooting 36% from the field and 18% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 26-19 rebound edge, but seven turnovers while Ulm had five turnovers.

The third quarter saw the Awakening of Jules Akodo who led a 19-4 run to get the big 49-38 lead after three quarters. It had been a tough 10 quarters for Jules Akodo in the first two and a half games, but a slump can only last so long and the Brit finally got going on the offensive end being involved in seven of the eight field goals in the third quarter. Akodo started off the third quarter testing his season 45% three point shooting percentage and hitting and then used his other strength the penetration and finding Trtovac back to back with the no look pass. Kramer made a little dent in the Frankfurt comeback with a step back three, but Akodo was in his own element as he had so much energy and intensity that one just had the feeling that his romp on the court would continue and it did. Akodo gave Eintracht Frankfurt the lead back 39-37 with a coast to coast sprint and lay in. He continued to be aggressive on offense as he made a floater from a tough angle finding nothing but net and then set up Trtovac for the third time in the quarter as Eintracht Frankfurt extended their lead to 44-38. Akodo continued to find his teammates now dishing a no look pass to Mihaljevic and 18 year old 190cm shooting guard Can Akbayir added salt into the wound by hitting a jumper as Eintracht Frankfurt totally turned around the game and went into the fourth quarter with the massive momentum leading 49-38. “I was too passive in the first half and just came out more aggressive in the third quarter. I was looking to create more for my teammates and looking for my shot”, stressed Jules Akodo. “Frankfurt played zone and their defense fueled their offense which got going. We couldn´t stop Akodo who always found his big men. Frankfurt made a good comeback”, stressed Carlos Cerdan. Eintracht Frankfurt was shooting 44% from the field and 25% from the parking lot while ratiopharm Akademie Ulm was shooting 30% from the field and 30% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 38-25 rebound edge, but 11 turnovers while Ulm had 10 turnovers.

The fourth quarter had two tales as David Kramer got Ulm back in the game and then Eintracht Frankfurt grinded out the win with hardnosed defense. Kramer was the only real offensive threat the whole game for Ulm and he came out on a mission in the fourth quarter as he was a one man wrecking crew taking ratiopharm Akademie Ulm on his own 9-0 run nailing consecutive three pointers and then connecting on three free throws cutting the Frankfurt lead to 49-47. Eintracht Frankfurt stepped up their defense forcing Ulm to tough shots and clogging the lane against the penetration while on offense they continued to bang the ball inside with success as Kiel found Trtovac for a lay in and the big man then got an offensive rebound and put back for the 53-47 lead. The game remained close as Eintracht Frankfurt continued to miss easy free throws as Trtovac and Musovic missed three and Joschka Ferner who didn´t hit his first field goal of the game until late in the fourth made a few free throws tying the game at 54-54. However despite the game being close, Eintracht Frankfurt had control of the game as their defense was at its best getting stops while getting to the free throw line. Akodo made the last three free throws of the game to seal the win despite Frankfurt being called for a technical, Ulm was unable to capitalize as Ferner missed the free throw and with three seconds left Kramer pull up a prayer that found only air as Eintracht Frankfurt was headed to the NBBL Top 4 in Hagen. “We were composed at the end, got stops, gave up no second chances on the boards and just executed down the stretch”, stressed Jules Akodo. “We went to zone at the end trying to stop their one on one play. Anybody could of won at the end. That is how basketball is”, added Carlos Cerdan. Eintracht Frankfurt was led by Armin Trtovac with 17 points and nine rebounds. Niklas Kiel added 13 points, 20 rebounds and four assists. Jules Akodo chipped in with 12 points. Ratiopharm Akademie Ulm were led by David Kramer with 21 points. Eintracht Frankfurt finished the game shooting 36% from the field and 18% from outside while ratiopharm Akademie Ulm shot 30% from the field and 29% from outside. Eintracht Frankfurt won the rebound duel 52-39, but had 15 turnovers while Ulm had 13 turnovers. Despite the tough loss in Frankfurt, ratiopharm Akdamie Ulm can look back at a great season. “We have a young team and will lose some guys with Ferner and Woltering, but we will keep going and come back next season”, warned Carlos Cerdan. Eintrach Frankfurt now have two weeks to prepare for the NBBL Top 4 and are ready to battle. “We are going into the Top 4 knowing we are a good defensive team. We know that we can stop anyone”, warned Jules Akodo.

Diante Watkins is a 24 year old 174cm point guard that is playing his third professional season and second with SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career in 2009 with Daley CC (JUCO): 28 games: 26.5ppg, 5.8apg, 2.7rpg, 2.0spg, FGP: 44%, 3Pts: 38%, FT: 86%. He then played two seasons with Robert Morris (NAIA) and as a senior played 27 games: 24.4ppg, 7.4apg, 3.0rpg, 2.1spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3Pts: 38.9%, FT: 82.7%. Last season for SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB) he played 30 games: 16.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 86.9%. He spoke to German Hoops after the tough 79-71 loss against Oldenburg.

Diante a tough 79-71 loss in the final of the 2015 German Pro B final against Oldenburg. SC Rist Wedel was so focused and wanted to win this so bad. Is this one of the toughest loses in your college and professional career?

This was definitely the toughest loss of my career, I had some tough ones in college but this is by far the top of the list!

Oldenburg took command early and led 45-27. Was it a matter of not being able to match their intensity or why was it so difficult in the first 20 minutes to slow them down more on your own home court?

We just didn’t match it on defense, we came out flat, it seemed early on that we let the atmosphere take us off focus!

In the last quarter, SC Rist Wedel just couldn´t get over the hump as the whole come back trail was taking up more and more energy. You and Brandon Spearman made some big plays and buckets in the last minute, but time elapsed. Do you wonder what would have happened if you would have had two minutes more on the clock?

We kept fighting but it seemed every time we was making our run they made a huge shot to kill our momentum, I never played against a team that always have an answer like them, they sucked the energy out of you every time you fought back!

What was key in the fourth quarter that allowed Oldenburg to win their second Pro B title in a row?

They just were s better team! We fought and we fought but they just won the game

The toughest stat of the evening and most difficult to digest is the 31 turnovers of Oldenburg. They had 14 turnovers more than SC Rist Wedel did, but still won. Is this something that you will remember for a while?

I will think about this game the entire summer and try to improve my game, the toughest defeat of my career it makes me hungrier!

You left it all out on the court with 28 points and eight steals. Even 60 points and a loss would not have made you happier. What is always the most difficult to digest after a loss especially when you played so well?

I think just knowing you left it all on the court and came up short is the hardest thing to digest, I keep telling myself “I should’ve done more”

When you look back at the SC Rist Wedel season what are you most proud about being able to have been a part of the 2015 finalist? You battled BBL player Dominik Lockhart and he had 10 turnovers. How confident are you that you have the ability to play at the Pro A level or even the Beko BBL?

I think the group of guys I played with had so much heart and fight! We always had each other back! I will remember the guys the most, I love them we had a good season! I like Lockhart, he’s a really good defender and competitor, one of the best at this level. I am very confident in my ability to play at the ProA and the BBL level I just need the opportunity to show it

You were the top point guard in the German Pro B. There has been speculation that the Hamburg Towers will sign you. How excited are you about this possibility and are you ready for the challenge?

A lot of people been asking me in Wedel will I play for them! We will see what happens, I love it here in Wedel / Hamburg area the people are great, but I’m more than ready for the challenge to play at a higher level!

What is your prediction of the Bulls-Cavs series? Will Lebron or Rose make it to the next round?

It’s hard to say the prediction but I think the Bulls will pull it off, I’m from Chicago so I will say it now! Chicago is winning the NBA title.

Thanks Diante for the chat.

Eric Palm is a 27 year old 185cm guard form Illinois that is playing his second season in Germany and first with the Giessen 46ers. He started his basketball career at McKendree (NAIA) in 2005 where he played until 2009 and as a senior played 35 games: 20.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 41.6%, 3Pts: 38.3%, FT: 85.2%. He started his professional basketball career in 2010 with Thor AK (Iceland-D1) where he played until 2012 and in the 2011-2012 season played 11 games: 26.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.7apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 25.9%, FT: 84.5%. In 2012-2013 he played for IR Reykjavik (Iceland-Dominos League) playing 22 games: Score-3(26.5ppg), 4.3rpg, 3.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT-1(93.9%).Last season he played for BV Chemnitz 99 (Germany-ProA) playing 30 games: 15.8ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 84.1%. He spoke to German Hoops before game two against the s.Oliver Baskets Wuurzburg.

Eric congrats on the big 77-76 win in Wurzburg. How different does this win feel than a normal win in a best of five series since a win doesn´t mean much when its only by one point in a two game series.

This win was something special for us considering the circumstances at hand. We felt like we let one slip from us in Giessen this year, then they really put a smacking on us in Wurzburg. So for us to go in and get a hard fought W in Wurzburg, where no other team has won all season, meant a lot to us as a team, especially in the Finale series!

Still how good does this win feel? What did the team learn from the first loss in Wurzburg 75-54 that was translated into this win today?

When we lost in Wurzburg it was a slap in the face for us. It seemed to have woken us up a bit and showed us we had a lot of work to do. Any given night in the Pro A was a tough battle, that night they had it all clicking and they exposed us.

It was a very close game throughout and went back and forth in the fourth quarter as there were seven lead changes. TJ DiLeo said recently the team has learned not to panic anymore. Was this the case again that helped propel the Giessen 46ers to the win?

I think TJ is right when he says that. We have such a deep team this year that we can put our trust into many players, starters or bench. Any given night we have different guys step up and do some more than usual, so when things are going back and forth like they have been in the playoffs, we dont panic much because we have a lot of people who step up in big moments.

Describe the last seconds as Cameron Wells won the game with a jumper and Giessen forced German Ruben Spoden to a miss which decided the game?

I actually was on the strong side wing when Cam hit the 2 pointer to go up 1. He is our toughest guard to guard in an isolation situation and at that moment I saw Fenn switch on to Cam through a ball screen. At that moment I was quite shocked to see, but when he has the ball on a Yo-Yo he is an elite guard on the offensive end and proved why with his last shot.When Cam contested the shot on Spoden at the end, seeing the shot not go in and the refs didnt call anything, a rush of relief came through my mind. We lost a heart breaking game at home to them, with a last second 3 pointer for OT. This ending just basically gave us a sense of relief knowing how physical the game was for 40 minutes.

After scoring only four points against Nurnberg in game three in 14 minutes, you returned against Wurzburg scoring 14 points and hitting 4/4 three pointers in 24 minutes. Did you still have your 7 point effort in memory from the last loss in Wurzburg? Did the team rhythm help you get going in game one?

To be honest, I didn´t even remember the 4 points in Nurnberg the last game we played. I try to keep my eyes forward and try and help in any way possible for our games. This game I just happened to get to my spots and get clean looks when I was set up. My teammates know where we are on the court, and if I can get my body set around that line it is where I can be at my best. I know there will be games I don´t make everything, I just try and be ready to do whatever is necessary on the court to help us win.

How deceiving can stats be? Giessen shot 59% from outside, won the rebounding duel and had three less turnovers and won only by one point. How scary is that? Does that almost mean Giessen will have to play even better on Sunday at home to win the Pro A title?

That is hard to believe when looking at it on paper. However, you have to put in perspective how good Wurzburg really is, they aren´t 34-4 on the season for no reason. When you look at the amount of turnovers each team had and they capitalize on a lot of them in transition, plus having Medlock, Betz, and Spoden shooting so well at the end of the game. It will always be close with Wurzburg when that is all happening. Sunday it will have to be a game played well by both teams in order to win, it will be a war zone out there.

How excited are you about game two on Sunday? Giessen has won the last 10 games at home dating back to December 2014 losing to Wurzburg. How content are you that Giessen won´t lose again against Wurzburg at home? What will be key in getting the win?

We are excited at the possibility to raise the trophy in front of our home crowd in Giessen on Sunday. It is really hard to win in Giessen behind the huge support we get in Osthalle, but Wurzburg was the best team this year for a reason, it will be tough to win but it is our game to lose. We just have to keep doing what we have been doing that has made us successful all year, playing hard nosed defense and not allowing Wurzburg to be comfortable all night.

Have you been surprised that the Chicago Bulls have had problems with the Memphis Grizzlies? If they get by how do you see their chances against the Cleveland Cavaliers?

I wasnt too shocked when the Bulls were struggling with the Milwaukee Bucks first round. I told a lot of my teammates that they may struggle because Milwaukee has so much length and height on their team, plus that young fearless attack attitude they have gives them an edge. However I also said their lack of experience will bite them in the end, hence the 58 point blowout loss at home to the Bulls to close the series. I think the Chicago Bulls have a good chance vs Cavs especially with Love (Out) and JR Smith (suspended 2 games).Bulls in 6

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Get Hard.

Thanks Eric for the chat.

Diante Watkins is a 24 year old 174cm point guard that is playing his third professional season and second with SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career in 2009 with Daley CC (JUCO): 28 games: 26.5ppg, 5.8apg, 2.7rpg, 2.0spg, FGP: 44%, 3Pts: 38%, FT: 86%. He then played two seasons with Robert Morris (NAIA) and as a senior played 27 games: 24.4ppg, 7.4apg, 3.0rpg, 2.1spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3Pts: 38.9%, FT: 82.7%. Last season for SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB) he played 30 games: 16.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 86.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before game two against Oldenburg.

Diante sometimes a loss can be so negative, but in a two game series losing by three in game one 61-58 and going back home, all you need to do is win by four. How confident is the team that you can pull it out?

Yea we are really confident, we wanted to win on the road but we are in a position to win the championship on our home floor but we understand it’s going to be a hard fought game!

What is your overall impression of a two game series that is decided by points made? Do you favor this or the other standard of best of three?

I would rather have a traditional 3 game series because I feel like if the teams split the games it’s no real champion, it should be a 3rd game to decide!

Oldenburg started off with a 12-3 run to start off the fourth quarter which pretty much decided the game. Did that run disturb your energy in the comeback as conserving energy is harder to do?

That run hit us but we continued to fight but we couldn’t fully recover from it, we missed a lot of opportunities!

SC Rist Wedel gave up 80 and 68 points in the first two games and 61 points in the third game. How pleased were you with the defensive effort. Is that where you want to keep Oldenburg in general in the point range for the last game this weekend?

We were very satisfied with our defensive effort especially on their home floor! We feel we can do even better so that’s our focus, more stops to transition into our offense going!

Will we see another defensive orientated game and what will be key to getting the pro B title at home?

Defense is the key as well as staying composed! We scored 58points in Oldenburg our offense didn’t show up we have to execute better and trust each other as a team! If we can do these things I’m confident in our chances

How key will be rebounding and three point shooting one area where Oldenburg was better than SC Rist Wedel?

Rebounding is huge for us because it starts our fast break & 3 point is also huge because they are packing the paint and daring us to shoot if we can make our threes it’ll open up more for us!

You and Preston Wynne had a fine battle in the first playoff game in the scoring department. Will it be limiting one or the other half the rent to winning the Pro B title?

I think containing us are huge on both teams scouting. But I think whichever team plays the best team basketball will win the title!

Will you go through your normal pre game rituals for this Saturday or do you think you might get fired up a different way to give that extra needed energy to have success?

I think I will go through the normal ritual, eat lunch and listen to my Chicago music lol, King Louie, lil Herb & squadmoney is my pre game ritual they will get me more than ready for my biggest game of my life so far!

You left early from a sports bar missing the FC Bayern Munich choke against Borussia Dortmund. Do you ever remember leaving a sporting game early in the States that you later regretted simply because you missed an exciting end?

I can’t remember one but I’m very disappointed I missed the end of the game, I’ve grown to like soccer a lot

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I watched poetic justice an old movie with Tupac and Janet Jackson.

Thanks Diante for the chat.

Preston Wynne is a 28 year old 184cm guard from Wellpinit, Washington that is a rookie playing for the Baskets Akad.Weser-Ems/Oldenburger TB (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career at Spokane Community College. He then finished his college career at Vanguard (NAIA) and as a senior played 36 games averaging 20.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.9spg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: NAIA1-1(90.7%). He spoke to German Hoops before game two against SC Rist Wedel

Preston thanks for talking to German Hoops. What is your overall impression of the two game final series format? How is this type of series mentally different than having to prepare for a best of three series?

Ive never played in a tournament format like this one before. So when I heard we had a two game championship I was a little baffled. The preparation is the same we really haven’t changed to much on that part. We are going to go out there and try to make up for our sub-par performance in game one.

Oldenburg won the first game 61-58. How key was the 12-3 run to start the fourth quarter which pretty much sealed the win for you?

The run we made in the start of the fourth was a big key to our win, we knew they were a tough team and we going to fight until the end. So we knew we’d need a big gap to be able to close it out.

Oldenburg has won the last two games against SC Rist Wedel. How much of an advantage is that for Oldenburg going into the last game?

I think for some of the younger players it will be a nice confident booster. As for me, I know Wedel is a very dangerous team and we can’t let our guard down just because we’ve won the last two against them. They are going to be wanting revenge.

SC Rist Wedel won the game in Wedel 80-68. In the last two games Oldenburg has kept SC Rist Wedel to only 65 points average. Will we see a defensive game like game one on the weekend?

I think we will. We are two very scrappy defensive teams that compete very hard.

You and Diante Watkins battled in the scoring department in game one. How vital will it be for the success of Oldenburg to slow down the American?

Its very important to slow him as much as possible. He in my opinion is the most complete guard at this level. He knows how to get his team going as well as himself. If we can slow him down it will be a huge boost for us. The battle between him and our best defender Dominik Lockhart is a fun one to watch.

Oldenburg won the rebound duel and shot better from outside. If the team can lead in these two categories, will Oldenburg be 2015 Pro B champion?

If we can win in those categories I think Oldenburg will be the champions. If we don’t its going to be a long night

You were NAIA champion last season. How much will having had that experience help you and the team on Saturday in the quest of winning your second and the teams second straight title?

It will help tremendously. It all comes down to who wants it more, the team that fights the hardest usually comes out on top and we are some fighters.

Will the Atlanta Hawks pull out the series against the Brooklyn Nets despite having lost the last two games?

I love rooting for the underdogs but if i was a betting man i’d say Atlanta will pull it out.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

An old western 1973 movie “My Name is Nobody”

Thanks Preston for the chat.

Eric Kibi is a 24 year old 198cm forward from Ontario, Canada that just 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%. Last season he played with Ottawa SkyHawks (NBL Canada): 29 games: 4.4ppg, 4.7rpg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Eric thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. Rendsburg lost recently to a strong Aschersleben team, 77-73 . What were the main reasons for the loss besides getting through crunch time?

Aschersleben is one of the top teams in the league and we were able to have the lead for most of the game. At the end of the game we just maybe weren’t able to execute down the stretch. We had three chances to take the lead in the last minute so it’s very frustrating to lose a game like that on the road that we had won up until the last two minutes.

Rendsburg finished the season losing three of the last four games by a combined score of 14 points. It seemed to be a season of close wins and loses. Why wasn´t the team able to keep a better balance with their crunch time nerves?

It always come down to execution at the end of the games and obviously we weren’t able to execute down the stretch of these tight games whether it’s getting a bucket we needed, getting a stop or adjusting our strategy to the opponents style. This is something we have to improve on if want to finish to end our losing streak in our last two games.

On the season Rendsburg finished in eight place with a record of 9-14. What is your summary of the season?

The season was up and down, of course I wish we could of finished higher but I think with the team we had a mid-table finish and staying in the league was a realistic goal that we were able to accomplish.

What were the team highs and lows this season?

Highs I would say was beating a very good Stade team at home and our first season win in which we beat Cottbus on a buzzer beater I hit after starting the season 0-3. As far as lows I would say would be losing to Gottingen on the road as well as Aschersleben in games where we were leading most of the game and lost the game in the last minutes.

You played for BG Halstenbek/Pinneberg (Germany-Regionalliga) two seasons ago. How has your game progressed form then to today?

I would say that my confidence has improved as well as my ball handling and shooting. I’m more comfortable with my game this time around. I also feel like I can affect the game in multiple ways and guard any position on the court.

This season you greatly improved your stats from two seasons ago in the German Regionaliga averaging 20,5ppg and 15,1 rpg. How happy are you with your season?

I am happy with my season but still not satisfied I still think there were a few things I could have done better to help our team win a few more games. Overall I feel like each season you have continue to improve and progress to keep getting jobs so I’m happy this is a step in the right direction for me personally.

How much easier did Peter Marcic make your game become with his play? How much potential does the young 19 year old have?

It made the game much easier, Peters basketball IQ is through the roof so it’s easy to play with him. He’s also a great shooter so teams can’t just always double down on me. As far as the youngster he has good potential he had a good season for us he has a bright future.

You placed double double stats in 20 of 21 games. Have you always been a consistent player?

That was one of my goals coming into this season actually so I am happy. I’ve always been a double double guy but this is the most consistent I have been probably since I was in junior college. Rebounding is all about heart so for me I feel like no one can out work me doesn’t matter what level or league I’m playing at.

Was your 28 point 26 rebound game your best effort of the season?

Yes that was definitely my best game of the season I’ve never had that many rebounds before but that game seemed like everything was clicking.

What is the next step for Eric Kibi? I am sure you want to move up a level?

Of course I want to play at the highest level possible that my skills will take me so we will see what happens for next season. I feel that with my play I put myself in a situation to have some good options to choose from for next season. Summer is always an interesting and stressful time to see where you end up the next season.

Would you like to stay in Germany? Could you imagine balling at the German Pro B level?

I would love to stay in Germany but then again you never know where this orange ball will take you. As a competitor you always welcome new challenges so where that ball takes me I’ll be there. I could definitely see myself playing in the Pro B I played well against Wedel and Itzehoe in the preseason so I would welcome the new challenge.

Who will win the NBA championship?

Of course being from Canada I’m going to go ahead and say my raptors will win but if not a Cleveland VS Golden State final would be exciting to watch from there I have no clue who wins.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I’m currently watching a show called Banshee.

Thanks Eric for the chat.