Will Reinke is a 24 year old 208cm center from Lawton, Oklahoma that signed with German Pro A team  BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA) for the 2014-2015 season. Last season he played for  CS Energia Rovinari Targu Jiu (Romania-Liga Nationala): 6 games: 6.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.5spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 48.4%, FT: 83.3%. He started his basketball career in 2009 for  Stephen F. Austin (NCAA): 29 games: 4.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.0bpg. He then transferred to Oklah.Christian (NCAA2) playing his last three years there and as a senior played 26 games: 19.0ppg, 9.6rpg, 2.5bpg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 74.3%. He spoke to German Hoops before game three against Science City Jena.

Will thanks for talking to German Hoops Is the number 24 your second favorite number this season after 34? In game one you scored 24 points in 24 minutes and had a ranking of 24.

Hey Miles, 24 has been a good number for me the first 2 games of the series. But the best number would be 3 wins so we will be focused on Friday to go for the sweep against Jena

You saved your best for the playoffs in game one with your best scoring game of the season. How much more added self confidence can a player get in the playoffs?

Playoffs gives players a renewed energy. It’s a long season and when the playoffs finally get here, it’s not only confidence that gets a boost, it’s energy for sure.

Congrats on the huge 75-65 win. Gotha leads the best of five series 2-0. Could one say that that massive second half comeback in game one kind of crossed over into game two as Gotha was focused from the start?

The 2nd half of game 1 definitely carried over to the start of game 2. We had one of our best starts of the season and made it difficult for Jena early. Making a big comeback like we did can change momentum for the series, especially because we did it on the road.

With the score deadlocked at 63-63, Gotha stayed together and finished the game on a 20-10 run. Was German Albert Kuppe worthy of getting a round of drinks that night for his stellar play down the stretch?

Haha Albert was definitely worthy of a round! When Al is on like he was then we really try to get him the ball. He makes the defense adjust and give less help which opens up the paint for us to get inside.

Gotha has held Science City Jena to 64 points in the last three games. Could one say that you have their number on defense, or is that surprise effect always possible from them on the offensive end?

I think that our defense is what we pride ourselves on. We haven’t been perfect in the series, but we have had great stretches of defense. We believe we can hold any team below their average if we play our kind of D.

Besides another solid defensive effort, what was the biggest strength of Gotha during the 40 minutes in the game two win?

The biggest strength in game 2 was our depth. We had 5 guys in double figures and everybody was shooting the ball with confidence when they had a shot, and creating for other guys when they didn’t.

Gotha is 4-0 vs Science City Jena this season. The Jena season is on the line and will fight until the end. Gotha is in the drivers seat. Besides containing American David Hicks better what will be key for getting the series sweep?

Containing Hicks will be a big point of emphasis for us, but as always against Jena keeping the turnovers down is huge. They thrive off getting steals and easy baskets off those TO’s.

You have scored in double figures 20 times this season and made the transition from Romania well to Germany. What has been the biggest hurdle on the court that you still have needed to adjust the most too in the German Pro A?

The biggest hurdle I’ve had to adjust to is probably being hesitant sometimes on the court. Coach Ensminger and Esterkamp have really helped me with making decisions and not being hesitant in certain situations.

Head coach Chris Ensminger continues to do a great job with the team. What has impressed you most about his defensive schemes this season?

Coach has a great philosophy defensively. We are prepared not only for every players tendencies, but we are ready for any situation on defense and know what we need to do to make it a tough situation for the offense.

What were the biggest surprises for you at the 2015 NCAA tournament?

The biggest surprise for me was Kentucky losing. I thought they were WAY to good to lose to anybody. But it’s March Madness anything can happen.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was “Old School”. A Classic!!! Gotta love Frank the Tank.

Thanks Will for the chat.

Even if his first two seasons in Poland and Italy didn´t earn him any hardware, the 12 and 11^th place finishes in the standings were nothing to brag about or even want to store in his memory bank, but the third season for American Sean Mosely has been one to forget. Mosley is a 25 year old 192cm swing man that is a very good scorer, with great 1-vs-1 skills and shooting range from outside the arch. He was never a top scorer at Maryland(NCAA) simply because there was a lot of great talent there with Landon Millburne and future NBA players like Grevis Vazquez and Alex Len. IN his first two seasons in Poland and Italy he was fifth and third in league scoring and this season he is playing for doormat team Crailsheim Merlins and isn´t in the top ten scoring in the BBL, but top scorer for his team once again displaying that he can compete at any level and any country. “ I have been playing basketball for many years and played at a great university so coming to the BBL wasn’t a problem. I feel comfortable from the first game I played”, stressed Sean Mosely. The American is also second in rebounds and assists on the team and does so much more that isn´t visable. “I like doing the little things that don’t show up on the stat sheet as well”, expressed Sean Mosely. Having the right attitude also has helped Mosely be successful with his play wherever he has played. “Gary Williams always told us to believe in yourself. He pushed us in practice to compete each day and that’s the mind set I had since I left college”, warned Sean Mosely. The Crailsheim Merlins came to Frankfurt at the start of 2015 carrying a dismal 2-13, but since then have a 4-8 record and are giving teams like Tuebingen a run for the money for that last ticket to stay in the league. Big back to back victories against the Mitteldeutscher BC and medi Bayreuth have helped their self confidence. “Lack of experience hasn’t been the reason, teams are just having more guys coming off the bench. We usually play 6 or 7 guys. I think it comes down to who wants it more. We gave up a lot points but now we are doing a much better job on the defense end of the court. Teams may score but we give our all”, warned Sean Mosely. Mosely will surely never forget FC Bayern Munich who scored a combined total of 213 points in the two meetings or the many close loses like to Braunschweig or to Bonn by not more than a combined score of six points, but what he probably will always remember and tell his grandchildren one day on Christmas eve in front of the fire was the famous trip to Hagen that was halted by snow and a snow covered high way where the team jogged back to the nearest exit to hop onto mini vans and Jannik Freese boasting his newest winter time shades. “Jannik always thought he was the coolest guy on our team. I always asked him why are you cool? Me and him had a good bond”, added Sean Mosely. One thing is for sure the Crailsheim Merlins are playing a lot better basketball now and will fight until the finish to stay in the league with Sean Mosely infecting his teammates with his always believe attitude.

If one looks back at the last 20 years of the Crailsheim Merlins basketball history, it has been a journey of changing the level of leagues similar to how Afghani-German Achmadschah Zazai has been changing teams the last 10 years. In the late 90s, the club made a rapid surge moving up from lower leagues like the Landes Liga to the Oberliga and to the Regionaliga in 1998. They reached the second Bundesliga in 2001 where they played until 2008 where they went down to the newly established Pro B, but stayed there only two years as they moved back up to the new established Pro A in 2009. After some years in the middle of the standings, they then finished at position six in 2013 and last season moved up to the Beko BBL thanks to a second place finish. In the German Pro A final, the ylost to BG Goettingen, but automatically moved up to the Beko BBL and were able to pass all ramifications to start in the highest German league. However their start into their first beko BBL season has been tough as before Christmas had arrived had already dismissed American head coach Willie Young and Americans Jared Newson and Justin Tubbs. They went into the season with the lowest budget in the league and were able to hold 4 players from the team from last season and mostly added players to the team from lower leagues. The club held Americans Steve Johnson and Joston Crow who were important parts to the club last season as well as German role players Jonathan Moore and Andreas Kronhardt. The club added interesting pieces to this seasons puzzle with scoring point guard Garrett Sim, swing man and explosive scorer Sean Mosley, center project Chris Otule and Germans Jannik Freese and Joshiko Saibu who have been big surprises showing that when given minutes can be solid players at the Beko BBL level. The team recently signed scoring guard Chad Timberlake who has BBL experience. Crailsheim is a team that likes to play fast and aggressive basketball, but this season teams haven´t been impressed by their hungriness as most teams have been able to devour them like helps chicks lost from their mothers.

When looking closer at the Crailsheim roster, it is led by Sean Mosley who is a 25 year old 192cm guard from Baltimore that is playing his third professional season. He is a very good scorer, with great 1-vs-1 skills and shooting range from outside the arch. Can become a star player at European league level. Last season in his second season he made a name for La Fortezza Recanati (Italy-Lega Due Silver) playing 28 games: Score-3(19.9ppg), 6.3rpg, 2.4apg, Steals-3(1.8spg), FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 80.6%. As a rookie he played for Kotwica Kolobrzeg (Poland-TBL) playing 32 games: Score-5(15.5ppg), 6.3rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-5(1.6spg), FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 71.7%. He started his basketball career at Maryland (NCAA) where he played a total of 132 NCAA games and as a senior played 32 games: 10.2ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 83.5%. Garrett Sim is a 24 year old 185cm point guard from Portland, Oregon playing his third professional season. Played the point in his last collegiate season, but he can play the SG position too without any problem. Has great scoring skills and a very good outside shooting range, with quick release and a clean shooting mechanic. A smart player, has a great basketball IQ and personality. He had a solid rookie season with Science City Jena, but really had his break out season last season playing 33 games: Score-1(20.8ppg), 2.4rpg, Assists-5(5.7apg), Steals-5(1.7spg), FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 40.1%, FT: 89.5%. He started his basketball career in 2008 with Oregon and played a total of 133 NCAA games and as a senior played 31 games: 12.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 85.9%.

Chris Otule is a 25 year old 211cm center that was born in Houston, Texas and is playing his rookie season for the Crailsheim Merlins this season. Injuries like breaking his foot twice or tearing his ACL slowed his development as a college player and playing with a prosthetic left eye wasn´t easy either, but the American was able to withstand all hurdles. Only one part of his body has been 100% it seems. “My heart has been 100% since I have always been breathing”, stressed Chris Otule. Despite having a prosthetic left eye it hasn´t driven him back and God has kept him marching forward like a warrior. “My prosthetic left eye never gives me issues because I was born with one so it’s all I know. If I was born with two and lost one that’d be different. I’ve kept faith in God and I’m a big believer. It’s helped me stay sane and get through. God gets all the credit”, added Chris Otule. As a senior at Marquette (NCAA) he played 30 games averaging 5.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 60.2%, FT: 54.8%. Head coach Buzz Williams at Marquette was a driving force in helping Otule get by all obstacles to reach the Beko BBL. “He always told me to take advantage of every day, never let a day pass you by where you felt like you didn’t do something to get closer to your goals  Other influences are Brad Autry and Jerry Wainwright”, expressed Chris Otule. This season with Crailsheim, the American has been losing a lot while getting a touch for the Beko BBL while averaging 6,8ppg and 4,4rpg in 16,5 minutes per game. He has scored in double figures three times including a 13 point effort against the Artland Dragons. His defense is also a big part of his game and he has registered two blocks against Goettingen, TBB Trier and Artland. As a rookie he is just trying to learn the ropes especially under the basket where German veteran Jannik Freese had won the starting job after being a journey and back up player his whole career. No matter how many more games Crailsheim win this season or how many buckets and rebounds Otule grabs, he will always be an inspiration for what he has achieved with all his hardships. For kids who suffer eye ailments, Otule always has time for and too listen to what they have gone through. “All the stories have a huge impact in my life  that’s one of the reasons I play  to prove to people that no matter your “limitations” and I put quotes cause that word shouldn’t exist, you can do whatever you want in life”, added Chris Otule.

Chad Timberlake is a 31 year old 194cm point guard from Brooklyn, New York playing his ninth professional season. He is a very talented point guard with good physical size (6’4″,208 lbs.) and toughness, he can play the shooting guard position, if that is what is needed for the team. Chad is the floor general with excellent court vision and he is a natural team leader. Last season he played for Falco-Szova KC-Szombathely (Hungary-A Division) playing 30 games: 14.9ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 62.6%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 63.0%. He has gathered experience playing three years in Hungary as well as in the Czech Republic and Israel. He played at Fairleigh Dickinson (NCAA) from 2002-2006 and as a senior played 29 games: 15.2ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.1apg, 1.4spg, FG: 49.3%, 3PT: 40%, FT: 65%. Joshiko Saibu is a 25 year old 188cm point guard playing his third season in the Beko BBL. He started his basketball career in 2008 for ALBA Berlin II (Regionalliga). In the 2010-2011 season he played for Alba Berlin and their Pro B team playing 2 Beko BBL games and 2 Eurocup games. He played for TBB Trier from 2011-2013 and last season for the LTi Giessen 46ers (ProA) playing 38 games: 13.0ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 67.2%. He loves to penetrate and is a hard nosed defender at all times. Josten Crow is a 27 year old 193cm swing man from Spring, Texas playing his third professional season and third for Crailsheim. Last season for Crailsheim he played 39 games: 8.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 76.8%. He played at Sam Houston St. (NCAA) playing a total of 115 NCAA games and as a senior played 31 games: 12.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 70.0%. Crow is a guy that does a little of everything very well, but nothing perfect. The club got Walter Lemon and Andriy Agafnov during the season. Lemon is a 22 year old 190cm guard from Chicago that is playing his rookie season after starting the season with Egis Kormend (Hungary-A Division, starting five): EuroChallenge: 6 games: 13.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 38.3%, 3FGP: 22.2%, FT: 58.8%; A Division: 12 games: 18.6ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.5apg, 2.7spg, 2FGP: 59.1%, 3FGP: 35.1%, FT: 49.3%. He played at Bradley(NCAA) from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 32 games: 18.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.9apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 74.6%. Andriy Agafnov is a 28 year old 208cm forward from the Ukraine playing his first season in Germany. He played seven years with Khimik-OPZ Yuzny (Superleague), two with Budivelnyk Kyiv (Superleague) and the last three with BC Odessa (Superleague) and this season played 12 games: 13.7ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 58.4%, FT: 65.7%,

Steve Johnson is a 36 year old 198cm forward American playing his 14^th professional season and third with Crailsheim. He is a multi-talented athlete who can play a multitude of positions. Has an NBA body that can defend almost any player on the court. Can overpower opponents 1 on 1 scoring outside or inside. Gives 100% all the time and can carry a team with scoring and defensive abilities. Great at utilizing his strength on offensive and defensive boards. He played at Iowa State from 1996-2000. Since being a professional he has played in Spain for seven years and three years in Iceland and one season in Argentina. Last season for Crailsheim he played 35 games: 13.1ppg, 7.2rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 65.4%, FT: 61.9%. He won three titles in Spain. Jonathan Moore is a 32 year old 203cm forward playing his 10^th professional season and third with Crailsheim. He has Beko BBL experience with TBB Trier and Bremerhaven. He started his basketball career at East Carolina(NCAA) and then played two seasons at NC Central(NCAA2).Since turning professional he has had experience playing in the D-League, in Iceland and Sweden and for German teams Bayreuth and BG Karlsruhe. Last season for Crailsheim he played 38 games: 13.3ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 77.3%.He is a very athletic player that can hit the jump shot or take his man off the dribble. Andreas Kronhardt is a 25 year old 205cm center playing his second season for Crailsheim and last season played 36 games: 5.8ppg, 5.5rpg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 54.9%. He started his basketball career with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen in 2008 and played 6 Beko BBL games and stayed until 2010. Then he played for teams like Vechta, Leitershofen and Schwelm. He is a mobile big man that can dance in the paint. Max Rockmann is a 26 year old 198cm forward that started his basketball career in 2003 with Marzahn Basket Baeren (2. Regionalliga). He then played three seasons for TUS Lichterfelde Berlin. He got experience in the States with UMKC (NCAA) playing 34 NCAA games. He then came back to Germany and played for Phoenix Hagen playing 20 Beko BBL games and played for Cuxhaven and Kirchheim where last season he played 28 games: 11.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 82.2%. Young Germans Philipp Heilrath, Julian Gais and Alassante Dioubate round out the roster. Frankfurt and cRailsheim meet tonight and for both teams it is a huge game as Frankfurt come into the game with a two game winning streak and continue to battle for the last playoff places and Crailsheim try to dig themselves out from the cellar. Frankfurt won the first contest of the season 88-71 as Danilo Barthel led Frankfurt with 21 points, Justin Cobbs had 17 and Johannes Voigtmann 16 points and 12 boards. Crailsheim was led by Chris Otule and Jonathan Moore with 12 points a piece. “We won´t take Crailsheim on the easy shoulder. They have fought hard recently and we respect it. We have enough power on the team to be able to beat them”, warned Johannes Voigtmann.

It really doesn´t matter which Fraport Skyliner one choses, but one could easily dream up a scenario how they would have entertained themselves on Easter Sunday looking for those chocolate easter eggs like a Sean Armand playing a special game where he stands blindfolded in the corner and has to hit as many shots in order to be rewarded with that caramel treat, Justin Cobbs sitting in front of 10 Los Angeles Dodgers MLB caps and getting only three chances to chose under which head attire three gourmet easter eggs are hiding, Danilo Barthel having the chance to grab into five mail boxes and having one chance to find the candy peeps or that nasty spider or Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi calling up his buddy Dunking Kong and having a egg juggling contest and the winner who can keep juggling longest gets a basket of Lindt chocolate bunnies. How exactly the Fraport Skyliners celebrated Easter is unknown, but 24 hours later they were back at work in the Fraport arena against standings and playoff potential team MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. The Fraport Skyliners came into the contest well rested having last played 10 days ago where they defeated the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven 88-79 and having won six of their last nine games and had been on the resort Spanish island of Mallorca for five days getting that last needed energy for the stretch run of the season. Ludwigsburg on the other hand had played two games in the last nine days beating the best team in the BBL with the Brose Baskets Bamberg 83-73, but four days earlier lost to the worst team in the league Crailsheim 89-81 and have had difficulty defending giving up an average 86 points in the last four games. With the playoff picture remaining as exciting for both teams like it is observing how a roster fluctuates with the 2008 BBL cup finalist, both teams arrived in the game with their two aces ex NBA player DJ Kennedy and future NBA player Justin Cobbs looking to battle for the next important win, but both were kept well under wraps as they couldn´t reach their combined 51 points from the first meeting and combined only for 15 points while Canadian national player Aaron Doornekamp stole the show hammering home 28 Easter egg points. “For the most part we did a good job as a team being able to keep the distance for the most part of the game. Our defense was huge tonight and Aaron Doornekamp did everything shooting, rebounding well and getting loose balls. Justin Cobbs is also human. We all stepped up as a team. We aren´t a one man team. Dunking Kong would win a juggling contest, because I would eat all the chocolate”, smiled ex Bremerhaven forward Jacob Burtschi. One can´t criticize the Ludwigsburg come back effort and fighting spirit, but they just didn´t have a consistent offensive game. “Inconsistency cost us the game tonight. We had good spurts where we were moving the ball well, hitting shots and getting offensive rebounds and then spurts where we weren´t on the same page. Teams tend to key in on the top players. That is professional basketball. We did a good job on Cobbs, but Doornekamp and Robertson stepped it up for them which was big”, warned ex Florida State forward Adam Waleskowski. The fans saw an entertaining first quarter as there were nine lead changes, but the Fraport Skyliners closed out the first quarter strong with a 10-2 run to lead 20-13. Ex NBA player Jon Brockman who played 150 NBA games for the Kings and Bucks got going early as Ludwigsburg were banging the ball inside and he scored twice, but Frankfurt recaptured the lead twice with Burtschi and Doornekamp three point bombs. Both teams were playing with a high intensity and Frankfurt did a good job keeping Kennedy out of the Ludwigsburg offense. The lead changes now continued to change hands quickly as Finnish national player Shawn Huff connected on a trey, Justin Cobbs spun around Kerron Johnson for a basket, 2010 Eurochallenge winner John Little made a floater, Doornekamp hit free throws and Michael Stockton hit a floater for the 11-10 Ludwigsburg advantage. Frankfurt then stopped the game of lead changes and closed out the first quarter with a 10-2 run to lead 20-13. In the run, the club got a massive three pointer from Brooklyn, New York native Sean Armand and a dunk from German national player Johannes Voigtmann. German Konstantin Klein hit four free throws in a row. “Both teams started off sloppy, but played with high intensity as you could feel that the game had much importance. Ludwigsburg were doing good trap defense, but Frankfurt still got their share of points”, stressed Licher Basket Baehren guard Jermale Jones. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 42% from the field and 50% from outside while the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg shot 36% from the field and 33% from outside. Ludwigsburg had the 9-8 rebound edge, but seven turnovers while Frankfurt had five turnovers. In the second quarter the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg went on an early run to get back close to Frankfurt, but the 2000 cup winner thrilled the home crowd getting a big lead again in the last minutes to have the comfortable 47-36 lead at the break. Ludwigsburg came out in the second quarter with a bang going on a 8-3 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 23-21. Adam Waleskowski started the run with a quick lay in and Armand hit a huge three pointer over Kennedy. Ludwigsburg then got three buckets in a row from their inside game as Flomo made a second chance attempt good with a tip in, Waleskowski made like a guard and stole the ball at center court and went coast to coast for the lay in, Little then made a steal and fed ex Telekom Baskets Bonn American Patrick Flomo for the one hand dunk. Armand then hit another three pointer which was matched by Huff with a trey as Frankfurt still led 26-25. Then came a phase where Alabama native and ex Belmont(NCAA) guard Kerron Johnson got aggressive getting to the free throw line and hitting a jumper, but Frankfuurt kept the lead with the continued strong offensive play of Doornekamp who made a three pointer and lay in coming out of nowhere grabbing the offensive rebound and full ending the hustle play as Frankfurt led 32-29. Frankfurt then got points from Quantez Robertosn who snuck inside getting the dime from big man Voigtmann and then he made a hook shot for the 36-31 advantage. Kennedy then made his first field goal as he connected from outside as Ludwigsburg trailed 36-34. Frankfurt then closed out the second quarter with a 11-2 run as Doornekamp was a one man wrecking crew and continued his one man show as he made nine of the 11 points in the run. Despite missing consecutive free throws, Doornekmap quickly shock that negativity away and dropped a three pointer, jumper, lay in and free throws. On the last lay in, the Canadian was served on a platter a beautiful behind the back bounce pass from Voigtmann. “I was well prepared on that play as Ludwigsburg trapped. I thought I had a good chance to try the pass and it worked. I have the chance to try this kind of pass in practice, but it doesn´t happen so often”, commented Johannes Voigtmann. “Doornekamp was a big factor in the second quarter hitting big shots and always being in the right place. Sean Armand also hit big shots. Frankfurt showed that they could play as a team even when a Cobbs wasn´t having his best game. The team picked up the pieces”, stated Lich guard Jermale Jones. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 54% from the field and 64% from the three point line while the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg were shooting 42% from the field and 38% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 18-14 rebound edge, but 11 turnovers while Ludwigsburg had 10 turnovers. The Fraport Skyliners kept the comfortable lead in the third quarter as they were able to score on a consistent rate and kept Ludwigsburg at bay. Ludwigsburg came out with a spirited attitude in the third quarter and scored on their first possession as Kennedy slipped around Voigtmann for the lay in and they stopped Frankfurt on their first two possessions. However Frankfurt found a way to make tough shots over out stretched hands as Armand and Doornekamp hit three pointers as Frankfurt led 53-40. Ludwigsburg stayed in the game getting buckets inside from Little and Brockman getting fed by Stockton. Doornekamp kept his hot shooting going dropping another three pointer for the 56-44 advantage. Little and Robertson then traded buckets as Frankfurt still led 58-46. After Johnson and Cobbs traded free throws, it was German Tim Koch who made a tip in off the Kennedy miss as Ludwigsburg trailed 59-49. Voigtmann then hit a mid distance rainbow over Brockmann from the corner and Doornekmap made a free throw as Frankfurt led 62-49 after 30 minutes. “Doornekmap continued to hit shots and we did a good job keeping the lead”, addedJacob Burtschi. “Doornekamp did a good job stepping up for the hurt Burtschi which kept their lead up”, added Adam Waleskowski. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 50% from the field and 56% from the parking lot while the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg were shooting 35% from the field and 23% from the parking lot. Ludwigsburg had the 28-26 rebound edge and had 12 turnovers while Frankfurt had 14 turnovers. In the fourth quarter the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg would make one last run, but the Fraport Skyliners were able to hold on to the lead and win their second game in a row. Cincinnati native Quantez Robertson had the hot hand in the first few minutes connecting on two three pointers and a jumper giving Frankfurt the 70-55 advantage. Ludwigsburg got quality buckets from Stockton who snuck inside in traffic and fished himself an offensive rebound and made the put back and Johnson hit a tough lay in. Ludwigsburg then made their last run going on a 12-3 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 73-67 with 2.15 to play. In the run Ludwigsburg capitalized on weak Frankfurt decisions as they produced some air balls and Ludwigsburg played their most consistent offense making shots and getting to the free throw line. Ludwigsburg got timely production from Stockton who split the defense and scored inside, Flomo scored inside, Johnson found Kennedy for the fast dunk and Little made a step back shot. “Ludwigsburg made shots and us milking the clock instead of scoring hurt us”, stressed Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi. “We made some shots and picked up our full court press and forced them to tough shots”, added ex Duesseldorf forward Adam Waleskowski. However the Fraport Skyliners kept their nerves at the end closing out the game with a 6-1 run as Doornekamp and Cobbs sealed the win with free throws. In the last seconds Robertson made an ally-op lay in off the feed from Cobbs. “We got nervous at the end and made some bad decisions, but we were able to luckily pull out the win”, warned Johannes Voigtmann. “Robertson made big shots in the fourth quarter. You have to give team a lot of credit. They made shots when they needed to”, added Adam Waleskowski. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Aaron Doornekamp with 28 points. Quantez Robertson chipped in with 17 points and Sean Armand with 12 points. The MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg were led by Jon Brockman and John Little with 11 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners shot 46% from the field and 48% from outside while the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg shotv34% from the field and 21% from outside. Ludwigsburg won the rebounding duel 43-32 and had 15 turnovers while Frankfurt had 17 turnovers. The Fraport Skyliners next play in 48 hours in Crailsheim. “We won´t take Crailsheim on the easy shoulder. They have fought hard recently and we respect it. We have enough power on the team to be able to beat them”, warned Johannes Voigtmann.

Yannick Anzuluni is a 27 year old 205cm forward from Ottawa, Canada that also has the Congo citizenship. He is playing his fifth professional season and second in Germany and first with Rostock Seawolves (Germany-ProB). He played at Houghton(NAIA) from 2006-2010. He played his first two seasons as a professional with Quebec Kebs (Canada-PBL). In the 2012-2013 season he played for the Solarto Eagles Magdeburg (Germany-Regionalliga)21 games: 17.5ppg, 11.0rpg, 4.2apg, 3.0spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 50.2%, 3Pts: 27.4%, FT: 80.2%. Last season he played for Pyrinto Tampere (Finland-Korisliiga): 1 game: 15pts, 5reb, 1ast, 5steals; Baltic League: 20 games: 8.0ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 63.2%, played mostly at Pyrinto Tampere II (Finland-1st Division): 28 games: Score-1(24.4ppg), Reb-3(13.9rpg), Assists-5(3.4apg), Steals-1(2.6spg), FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 80.9%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball before game three against Hanau.

Yannick congrats to the amazing 75-70 do or die win in Hanau. Do do or die games get more fun through experience and success?

Yes, it definitely does, those types of games become so intense for players and nerve wrecking for the fans which makes it that much more fun to play.

How mad was the team after the game one loss at home against Hanau? Was it difficult waiting a whole week for game two?

We were a little mad for losing an important game like that at home and waiting a whole week to play again really increased our fire.

You lost game one 78-74 in crunch time. What lessons did the club learn from that first game?

We learned that to beat this team we will need to play extremely physical and were going to have to do all the dirty work like boxing out and getting on the floor for loose balls. In game two the ending was exciting and close again.

Describe the last minute where Rostock ended the game on a 4-0 run.

We finished the game like our life depended on it, we kept our poise and wanted it a little more than they did. How key was American Jarrell Crayton in the last 30 seconds.

One would have thought that you would make the points, but it was Crayton. How important is it always having that surprise effect?

Rell was great for us late in the game, he made some big plays down the stretch which led us to the win. That’s the type of team we are, we have a lot of good players and on any given nights someone has the ability to step up and make big plays.

You had another huge game and team basketball is always key, but how much do you love the moment of being the go to guy and having all this responsibility in every game?

I love it very much, being that go to guy and having all that responsibility is great for someone with my competitive spirit but the fact that it also lessen the pressure for my teammates is good for us.

You had your second game in a row with 22 points, but had 5 turnovers. Without 3-4 turnovers Rostock surely would have won by more. Against Frankfurt you also had five and four turnovers in separate games. How much has this stat annoyed you and what kind of Yannick Anzuluni will we see in game three?

I had much less turnovers in the first game and we lost so I don’t think any of those turnovers were decisive plays that would of made us won by more points but I still hate having them, but I play a lot of minutes and relied on to make a lot of plays so as long as I have more assists and steals than turnovers I feel like I made up for the lost possessions, I will play like I have been all season long, hard with a lot of energy and passion and with a big smile on my face.

How excited are you for another do or die game? Rostock easily beat Frankfurt in game three, but will we see another tight game in game three?

The first two game came down to the last minute so I assume that the next one won’t be any different but I’m very excited for it, a high pressure do or die game in front of our home crowd, couldn’t ask for a better game.

Will rebounding and doing the little things be key for moving on to the next round?

Matching their physicality, rebounding and doing all the little dirty work will be the things that will put us on top.

Duke vs Wisconsin. What is your final prediction and if Wisconsin can pull it out, where will it rack up as biggest Final 4 wins in the history of the NCAA tournament?

I think Duke will win it all but if Wisconsin pull yet another upset it with definitely be one of the most surprising NCAA champions in recent memory.

How did you enjoy your first Easter in Germany?

Was there anything special you experienced here that you had never seen elsewhere? I really enjoy the Easter Market, we don’t have anything like this back home so its pretty cool.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Annie.

Thanks Yannick for the chat.

With April first and fools behind us and New England Patriot fans still overcoming the smart April Fools joke from Tom Brady who´s hospital photo went around the social media world where he supposedly had been put there by a cross over from the Michael Jordan tangling up his feet so badly, it now was time to concentrate again on basketball in Germany. It is April and with the days getting longer, more sunlight bringing more happy faces and the weather slowly getting warmer, it also brings the second season of the German Pro A as playoff fever started. Last season the Giessen 46ers won both regular season games against Science City Jena, but had to withstand a very exciting and nail biting five game series as fans saw a one point game, four point game and overtime contest. This season the Giessen 46ers meet the MLP Academics Heidelberg and also won both season games with ease holding their opponent to an average of 58 games in both games. Giessen came into the series having closed out the season up and down with a 5-5 record and shone during the season on defense which is their staple having given up 70 points or less 14 times. The MLP Academics Heidelberg on the other hand came into the playoffs having ended the season with a four game winning streak after having lost seven games in a row. The big strength of Heidelberg is their offense as they have scored 80 points or more 16 times, but once again were stifled by the pesky nonstop Giessen disturbance defense over 40 minutes as they were unable to score the way they know how losing 77-64 in game one. On offense Giessen was there solid self having five guys scoring in double figures led by 33 year old 213cm big man Bjoern Schoo who played a total of 36 BBL games with Koln and Hagen with 18 points on 8/8 shooting from the field who still has much energy left in his gas tank even after 13 teams. The big men hit big shots in the fourth quarter and made blocks helping Giessen slow down the Heidelberg comeback which was hampered by their slow start in the first quarter being down 20-4. “The first quarter was the turning point as it gave us the foundation for the win. We lost every other quarter, but we held on for the win. Schoo had a good game something we have been waiting a long time for. We need a lot of support from our big men in the playoffs. Benni Lischka also played well”, explained 28 year old Giessen guard Achmadschah Zazai. “We weren´t ready to play tonight. We need to do a better job starting the game and knowing the importance of this kind of game. Giessen was ready for us”, stressed Georgia and Heidelberg forward Kelvin Martin. “Lischka and I played well together and found our rhythm. I had a good night and hit all my shots. Usually the guy that has a good night gets the ball”, added Bjoern Schoo. “Heidelberg center Wavery Austin who chipped in with six points and five boards returned to the bench long after he had dressed and was reconstructing the game in his mind and annoyed how the veteran Schoo had torn apart his team. “I didn´t get matched up as much with him in the zone, but we gave him too many open shots and we didn´t do a good job on the picks. I missed some easy lay ups. We need to play better as a team in game two”, added ex Oregon(NCAA) center Waverly Austin.

The Giessen 46ers stormed out in the first quarter as if they had already had their dose of extra Easter energy having received early chocolate Easter bunnies as their intensity was high and the MLP Academics Heidelberg seemed like they were still trying to get out of bed. Giessen stormed out to a quick 10-0 lead as ex Temple(NCAA) guard Tj DiLeo hit a three pointer and pull up jumper on the fast break while Bjoern Schoo made a catch and pop jumper and Texas native Cameron Wells connected on a three pointer. Heidelberg took a timeout as Giessen had found their flow on offense quickly as their ball movement and shot selection had their opponent one two steps behind and the Giessen unselfishness was extraordinary. Heidelberg had problems getting way down on the shot clock on offense and it didn´t get better after the time out as Giessen continued to be in the zone as they extended their lead to 16-0 as Schoo was aggressive on the offense glass making a tip in, ex Crailsheim forward Benjamin Lischka hitting a step back jumper and DiLeo using his amazing quick foot work finding day light and sneaking to the hole and scoring with his left hand. Heidelberg finally got on the board as Oregon native Brad Tinsley made free throws to cut the Giessen lead to 16-3. Wells then blocked John Eggleston and found Zazai on the fast break with a dippsy doodle move as strong defense led to better offense. Zazai and North Carolina native Andre Marhold hit free throws as did Kelvin Martin. Heidelberg were unable to make a field goal in the first quarter as the Giessen 46ers led 20-4. “We had intensity from the first minute. We put them under pressure from the start and were able to keep the lead until the end, “ stressed Achmadschah Zazai. The Giesen 46ers were shooting 67% from the field and 100% from outside while the MLP Academics Heidelberg were shooting 0% from the field and 0% from outside. Giessen had the 11-9 rebound edge and both teams had three turnovers a piece.

In the second quarter the Giessen 46ers continued to be on fire keeping their big lead and going into halftime with the huge 42-27 advantage. The MLP Academics Heidelberg finally made their first field goal of the game as ex Duesseldorf guard Nico Adamczak buried a three pointer, but Giessen quickly out matched that start by getting back to back three pointers from American Eric Palm extending the Giessen lead to 26-7. Giessen continued to score at a consistent rate on offense as Lischka scored on the pick and role after getting fed from Wells for the 28-9 lead. Heidelberg slowly started to find their rhythm on offense going as ex TV Langen guard Kai Barth hit a pull up jumper, John Eggleston scored inside on the back door pass from Barth and Austin made a put back as Giessen still led 32-15. With five minutes remaining both team scored 10 points a piece as Giessen held their big lead and Heidelberg continued to exert much energy without being able to make any ground. Giessen got solid offensive support from Cuban Yorman Polas who nailed a three pointer, Schoo made a lay in after getting a quick pass from Aaron Hawley and the ex Drake forward then tested his 40% three point shooting percentage hitting a trey. The MLP Academics Heidelberg got solid offensive support from Eggleston getting a put back, ex BG Goettingen point guard who played 242 games for them hit a floater and Martin connected inside after spinning free. The Giessen 46ers were shooting 58% from the field and 83% from the three point line while the MLP Academics Heidelberg were shooting 28% from the field and 22% from the three point line. Giessen had the 19-16 rebound edge, but six turnovers while Heidelberg had six turnovers.

The Giessen 46ers continued to keep the massive lead in the third quarter despite the MLP Academics Heidelberg continuing to fight back, but that evil first quarter continued to haunt them lowering their energy. The Giessen 46ers jumped out on a lightening 7-0 run to extend their lead to 49-27. Cameron Wells started the run being very annoying being a mismatch, but hitting clearly over the bigger Jonathan Malou, DiLeo flew by Eggleston on the fast break finishing with the one hand lay up and Schoo scored inside. Heidelberg countered against this outburst keeping their cool and coming back with a powerful 14-6 run to cut the Giessen lead to 55-41. In the Heidelberg run, it was American Kelvin Martin who got going making three buckets. Heidelberg top scorer Brad Tinsely hit two three pointers and Eggleston made a floater. Giessen continued to score at ease even breaking out the trick basket as Zazai made a beautiful no look back door pass to DiLeo who scored on the lay in. Palm also hit a three pointer and Lischka a runner. Heidelberg got valuable production from 32 year old German Nils Menck with a lay in and Tinsley scored a lay in cutting the Giessen lead to 62-48 with 10 minutes remaining. “Coach told us at halftime that our offense wasn´t our best and that we should key in on defense. We defended better on the pick and roll and helped better”, added Kelvin Martin. “We knew the first five minutes were vital for the outcome of the game and we were able to pull away again and keep our lead”, added Achmadschah Zazai. The Giessen 46ers were shooting 55% from the field and 55% from the parking lot while the MLP Academics Heidelberg were shooting 36% from the field and 24% from the parking lot. Both teams had 25 rebounds a piece and Giessen seven turnovers and Heidelberg eight turnovers.

In the fourth quarter the MLP Academics Heidelberg made one last push and cut the Giessen lead to 10 points, but then ran out of gas. Both teams jumped out on mini 4-0 runs as John Eggleston made back to back lay ins and Lischka made a lay in waiting for Eggleston to get in the air and Wells made a pull up jumper. Heidelberg then went on another mini 4-0 run to cut the Giessen lead to 66-56. Tinsley found Martin cutting in the lane for the quick bucket and Menck made an old school move basket making a finger tip roll in and almost having a laugh attack running back on defense as he thoroughly enjoyed that moment. However that was as close as Heidelberg would get in their comeback as Giessen broke the back of Heidelberg going on a 10-2 run to extend their lead 76-58 with a few minutes to play. Schoo really let out his beast scoring on a floater and mid distance shot while making a monster block on Menck. Wells also scored and Zazai put the nail on the coffin with a big three pointer. Heidelberg closed out the game with a 6-1 run, but a little too late. Austin who had had much misfortune missing easy shots earlier hit a step back shot and tip in while Adamczak hit a jumper. “Heidelberg continued to fight back, but the phase finally came where they simply had no more power to come back. We kept scoring and closed the door on them. There is always a point when you are up by 20 where you might lose some focus, but all in all we controlled the game on defense. Teams will have problems beating us three times in a series”, stressed Achmadschah Zazai. “We fought as best we could in the first five minutes, but we lost energy after having too comeback the whole game and couldn´t get over the hump. Giessen did a great job disrupting our offense and taking us out of our plays”, stressed Kelvin Martin. The Giessen 46ers were led by Bjoern Schoo with 18 points. TJ DiLeo and Eric Palm added 11 points a piece and Cameron Wells had 10 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while Benjamin Lischka had 10 points and eight rebounds. The MLP Academics Heidelberg were led by John Eggleston and Brad Tinsley with 15 points a piece while Kelvin Martin had 13 points. Giessen shot 50% from the field and 44% from outside while the MLP Academics Heidelberg shot 37% from the field and 18% from outside. Giessen won the rebound battle 37-36, but had 12 turnovers while Heidelberg had 10 turnovers.

John Eggleston is a 27 year old 203cm power forward from Noblesville, Indiana that is playing his fourth year as a professional and first for the MLP Academics Heidelberg. He played at  Pennsylvania (NCAA) from 2007-2011. He played a total of 125 NCAA games. In his senior year he played 28 games: 13.2ppg, 8.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 73.5%. As a rookie or Leverkusen he played  23 games: 14.0ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 71.2%. Two seasons ago for Leverkusen he played 33 games: 15.3ppg, Reb-2(11.1rpg), 3.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 74.7%. Last season in the German Pro A for Leverkusen he played 20 games: 16.3ppg, Reb-3(9.0rpg), 3.9apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 80.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game one against the Giessen 46ers

John thanks for talking to German Hoops. Heidelberg posted a big 97-76 victory against Kirchheim in the last regular season game. How important was it closing out the regular season and how perfect was the combination between good offense and defense in this game?

It was very important for us to close out the season on a positive note. We wanted to hold on to 6th place and keep the momentum we had going from the three previous games. After a slow start, our offense and defense both ran smoothly.

Heidelberg ended the season on a four game winning streak after having lost six in a row. What was key in the turnaround for the club to be able to end the season on a nice winning streak?

I think the key was just everybody staying positive and playing together. We knew we were capable of playing better, and we have showed it the last few weeks.

In the losing streak Heidelberg gave up 85 points or more in five of the six loses and in the four game winning streak averaged giving up 71 points in that span. What did the team change and do better on the defensive end?

We improved our effort and intensity over the last several games. Guys are demonstrating the level of focus necessary to be successful in the playoffs.

Heidelberg ended the season in sixth place with a record of 17-13. What is your summary of the regular season. Was the season goal reached and what was the regular season high?

The regular season was full of ups and downs for us. To follow a six game winning streak with a seven game losing streak was definitely tough. Making the playoffs was our original goal, and now that we’ve accomplished that, we’re looking forward to taking the next step.

Kelvin Martin and Waverly Austin fought until the end for the team rebound crown which Martin barely won. The club wouldn´t have made the playoffs without them. How big were these guys for the success of the team and are MVP and rookie of the year thoughts credible for these two guys?

Both Kelvin and Waverly are very valuable players for our team. I think Kelvin has a very strong case for MVP this season. With his offensive skill, rebounding ability, and lock down defending, he is one of the best all around players in the Pro A. Waverly has been a force in the middle for us all year, leading us in blocked shots and playing a big role in our offense.

You averaged 9,0ppg, 5,4ppg and 2,4apg. You closed out the season strong averaging 21ppg in the last three games. You had a different role this season as there wasn´t as much of a need for you to score much with all of the scoring support on the team.

This season was definitely an adjustment for me, but I’m just happy that we have been able to have success as a team. Although the numbers don’t show my contribution as much as last year, I’ve tried to help us win in any way I can.

Heidelberg meets the Giessen 46ers in a best of five series. Giessen swept the season series. What kind of series can we await?

I think it will be a hard fought series. The game in Heidelberg was a good preview in my opinion.

Heidelberg averaged only 58ppg in this series. What will be key on the offensive end for you to be successful?

Giessen is a very good defensive team. We will have to work for every basket we get in the series. On the other end, we need to make them work just as hard for their baskets.

Giessen has a very strong and deep roster. Do you fear that Heidelberg simply could have a match up problem in this series?

No I don’t think we have a match up problem. Obviously I’m biased, but I we have shown this season that we can compete with any team in the league.

The match up of the series could be the two athletic forwards Kelvin Martin against Yorman Polas who led Giessen in scoring in both games. How vital will it be containing Polas and having control of the boards?

Polas is a very athletic player, and we must be aware of where he is on the court at all times. He showed in our game in Giessen how disruptive he can be on both ends.

Who will reach the NCAA final and win it?

No sense in getting cute with the pick here: Kentucky is going to win it all.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was In Bruges.

Thanks John for the chat.

Cory Cooperwood is a 27 year old 200cm forward from Kensett, Arkansas that is playing his first season in Germany for the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau. He played at Wright State and as a senior played Wright St. (NCAA) playing 32 games: 9.3ppg, 6.1rpg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 71.2%. He got brief basketball experience in Finland and in the American IBL playing for Dayton before moving to Australia in 2012. In his first season in Australia he played for the Sandringham Sabres (Australia-ABA, starting five): 27 games: 18.7ppg, 9.6rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 25.9%, FT: 63.0%. He played the last two seasons for the Stirling Senators (Australia-SBL) and last season played 24 games averaging 18.1ppg, 7.6rpg, 5.3apg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.4%. He spoke to German Hoops before game two against Rostock.

Cory thanks for talking to German Hoops A big 78-74 win against the Rostock Sea Wolves. Was one of the deciding factors in the last minute that Hanau just had the stronger nerves?

We came together as a team and made big plays to win against a very good Rostock team. We just believe in each other’s ability to make big plays when they matter.

Christian Von Fintel hit a big three pointer aided by your assist and you sealed the win with free throws. Was the fact that your assist and not a bucket or rebound helped secure the win uncharachteristic?

I will do anything for the team. I had faith in my teammate to make the shot when it mattered the most.

You led the team with Cardell Mcfarland with five assists a piece. How much pride do you take in finding your teammates?

I feel like that’s one of my strengths as a basketball player. I take pride in helping my teammates be the best players they can be. From finding the open shooter, setting good screens or help side defense on drive penetration. These are parts of the basketball game that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet, but I take pride in them.

Would Hanau have won the game without the services of Josef Eichler?

I don’t think we would have won the game if Josef did not play the way he did. He made 4 three pointers as well as a huge offensive rebound at the free throw line to make Rostock foul again to eventually give us a four point lead.

Top Pro B player Canadian Yannick Anzuluni was a pest as always scoring 22 points, grabbing six rebounds and dishing out six assists. Is he one of the more complete players that you have seen this season?

Yes he is. He can pretty much do it all. He size at the 3 position make him a match up problem almost every night that he plays. He does a really good job of finding the open man.

Hanau can close out the series in Hanau this weekend and reach the semi finals. What will be key in getting the win at home?

Playing hard, playing smart and playing together

The team won eight of their last nine games coming into the playoffs. What has been the biggest strength of head coach Steven Clauss that has made this huge turn around?

Coach Steven gives his players the freedom to play. He doesn’t hold any of us back on the basketball court. Which is the type of coach I love to play for.

The Bochum series was a tough one. What did the club learn from this season that helped them prepare for the tough opponent with Rostock?

I think the key factor has been the team knowing more about each other. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses which is key for any team trying to win a championship.

You have had a very solid season with Hanau averaging 14,6ppg, 6,9rpg and 1,8apg. Why do you think the adjustment period for you been so easy?

I think coming into the season five games and a preseason behind, forced me to learn about the league and the team at a fast rate. I didn’t have time to slowly adjust to everything. Which is okay because I adapted well to the situation.

Was your 24 points in 31 minutes in the do or die win against Bochum your best game this season?

I think it was because it was the deciding game and I came out really focused and played really well.

If Hanau wins the Pro B will the team treat the big man trio of Josef Eichler, Joleik Schaffarath and Tobias Jahn? Is there are a more solid core of big men in the Pro B?

Yes they should. In my opinion, I think we have the best core of big men in the league. All three guys do a good job playing there role on the team. All three guys also bring something different to the table.

Who will reach the 2015 NCAA final and win it?

DUKE!!!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

FURY Brad Pitt is a great actor.

Thanks Cory for the chat.

Braydon Hobbs is a 24 year old 196cm point guard that is playing his third professional season and first in Germany with rent4office Nuernberg (Germany-ProA). He started his basketball career in 2008 with : Bellarmine (NCAA2) playing a total of 133 games. He turned professional in 2012 and played for Caceres Basket (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five): 35 games: 7.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.9apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 87.9%. Last season he played for Alba Fehervar (Hungary-A Division, starting five): Eurocup: 10 games: 11.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 52.3%; Hungarian League: 32 games: 9.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-2(2.3spg), FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 72.7%. He also palyed two summers professionally in Australia. He spoke to German Hoops before game one against the ETB Wohnbau baskets.

Braydon congrats on the 22-8 finish and second place in the German Pro A. After the first few weeks of practice in last August would you have thought that Nurnberg could end the season very near the top?

After the first couple weeks in Germany, I had a feeling we were going to be pretty solid this year. I knew our goal was to be near the top as well. We have a talented basketball team and I could tell that we were going to be pretty good.

The club had a respectable record of 9-6 at the end of 2014, but then came the turning point as the team went on a 9 game winning streak. Was it something magical that Ralph Jung said or a new years resolution of the team to play even better?

I don’t think much has changed from 2014 to 2015. We have had injuries all year long and I think it took some time to gel. After the new year, things started clicking for us and we understood how we needed to play to win basketball games.

The club also has defended better in 2015 having kept teams to 70 points or less six times. Did the club make adjustment or did the trust just continue to grow?

I think we have emphasized defense a lot more in the second part of the season. We knew our weak spot was defense, so we started working harder and harder on defense. It has paid off so far. We have to just keep working on it and become more cohesive on that end of the floor.

How much credit does head coach Ralph Junge get for this success? He has been a guy in the past that has been known for shaping young players, but in Nurnberg has proven to be able to coach veterans.

Coach has done a great job this year with our team. He has managed to get a great group of guys together that play smart basketball. He has gotten us to gel together and we are getting better and better, as a team, because of what he is doing. He deserves a lot of credit because it is not always easy coming to a new team with new players and being successful.

How happy have you been with your play? You are averaging the most assists as a professional per game and have similar stats to what you did at Bellarmine (NCAA2). Is your role this season what you envisioned wanting to have again?

I’m definitely happy with how I have played this year. There is always room for improvement of course, but I think I’ve played solid. I envisioned being the point guard and making everyone around me better. I’m here to lead the team and I believe we have been successful with me doing that.

You are averaging 1,9 steals per game and in the last five games 2,5. What is your biggest strength on the defensive end?

I think my biggest strength is just anticipating what is going to happen. Reading the game is what I try to do. I’m definitely not the fastest guy, so I have to anticipate what I think is going to happen. Getting steals, away from the ball is a result of that.

How enjoyable has it been playing in a back court with the high energy player Josh Young? You guys compliment each other well.

It’s been extremely enjoyable playing with Josh. We have definitely complimented one another well. We both play smart basketball so we can make the team around us better. He can knock down a shot from anywhere on the court so that makes my job a lot easier haha.

Nurnberg open the playoff series against the ETB Wohnbau Baskets. You swept the season series, but the games were tight. Can we expect a tight series?

I think fans can definitely expect a tight series. Every team in this league can beat another team so anything can happen when it comes playoff time. Both teams are talented so anything can happen.

Chris Alexander makes that team go. Will it be half the rent if Nurnberg can be able to control his game? What else will be key to getting by this team?

Chris Alexander is definitely their motor. He makes them an extremely dangerous team. We will try to control him the best we can and play team defense. I think our defense is the key to the series. It’s been the key for us all year long so it’s not going to change now.

Who will reach the 2015 NCAA final and win it all?

I believe Kentucky and Duke will make the finals. I think Kentucky will win it all with a 40-0 record on the year. Anything can happen in March though lol.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD movie I watched was American Sniper.

Thanks Braydon for the chat.