Brandon Johnson is a 28 year old 183cm guard from Houston, Texas currently playing with the Cuxhaven Bascats of the German Pro A league. He started his basketball career at San Diego(NCAA) in 2005 and played there until 2010 playing a total of 134 NCAA games and as a senior played 29 games averaging 14.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 35.4%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 77.9%. He turned professional in 2010 and played for the Dakota Wizards (D-League) playing 24 games: 6.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 82.2%. Two seasons ago he played for Hoops Club (Lebanon-Division A) playing 5 games: 17.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 6.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 32.6%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 64.5%. Currently in the German Pro A he is tearing up the league averaging 21,6ppg, 4,5rpg and 5,6apg and is shooting 44% from outside. He spoke to German Hoops shortly after arriving in Cuxhaven in January 2015 and recently again combining his early experiences with Cuxhaven and now after 13 games where he has led the team to an impressive 8-5 record.

Brandon thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and what do you know about the city Cuxhaven?

I am currently in the Haven hostel new hotel that they have recently built in Cuxhaven.I didn’t have much knowledge about Cuxhaven but now I have been here a couple weeks I truly love the city. The people are very supportive of the team and they have die hard love there. Bascat fans have truly showed me so much love since I’ve been here so it made the transition of leaving home a little bit easier

How blessed do you feel to get a second chance to play in Europe after your stint in Romania ended in pre season in 2012?

Words couldn’t describe how blessed I feel to get another chance to rebuild my professional career as a ball player. The journey that I have been through for the last 3-4 years was tough but all glory to God for giving me the strength and keeping my faith high to continue to stay focused believing that there’s still hope of playing pro ball even after prison. I actually never got a chance to play ball in Romania I signed with the team actually I had signed with a couple of teams but during my situation I was able to leave the country

Did you consult your ex teammate Chris Manresa about Cuxhaven where he spent a few months last season before being waived? Waht were the main reasons for coming to Cuxhaven?

I actually had no idea Chris played here aka c smooth until I reached Cuxhaven and one of the fans came up to me saying his mom reached out letting her know Chris and I had played college ball together. My main reason coming here was an opportunity to show case my talents in one of the top markets and obviously to try and help the Bascats win and stay in the league. I felt like they had a great group of guys just need a couple more pieces to the puzzle.

When you arrived in Cuxhaven the team was 2-14 and since then with you on board 8-5. Could one say that you were the savior the team dearly was looking for?

The team surely would have moved down without you being on the team I don’t think I was the savor. You believe on every team there’s pieces and that’s all I was I brought some unique characteristics to the team. I’ve been a captain or team leader on every team I’ve played on. With that being said I think that was missing. We have a lot of talented players on this team. I didn’t know the last coach but Coach Morris has been a huge reason why we have had success. He wears many hats for our team but great motivator and brings the most out of his players,

What changed with the team since your arrival? Was the club just missing that special spark plug? It seems like the whole team got on the same page since your arrival.

I think in those end of games moments are coming down to we believing in ourselves and playing with more confidence knowing we can win every game Cuxhaven had some close wins, but what is really amazing is that the team won four tight games by a combined point total of only seven points.

I remember Cuxhaven giving away the game in Giessen. How was the team able to become a better crunch time team with you on board?

I think I just added a sense of time management to the team understanding clock in possession in those clutch times and really coach Morris given me the ability to go out and use my individual ability to make the shot or create one

You are tearing up the league averaging 21,6ppg, 4,5rpg and 5,6apg and are shooting 44% from outside. You had absolute no problems adjusting. What has been your secret to being able to be a top player in the league in such a short time?

Thank you, but glory to God for all that I have accomplished in this short time I was here. I think my secret to having success is my struggle to get back to this point. Going through that adversity maybe it gave me just a little more passion to go all out and try to be the best every night

You played last season for Hoops Club (Lebanon-Division A) playing 5 games: 17.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 6.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 32.6%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 64.5%. What kind of experience was that for you? I am sure you have some stories to tell about that stay?

Lebanon was actually great especially immediately out of prison it really challenged me mentally and physically. I don’t think the Middle East gets as much credit as they should. You have to have unique talents to play In that league because you have to be able to do everything as a player rebound pass score defend so it was good to see where I was as a ball player. I don’t think I had to many crazy experiences wasn’t there that long to really get a feel in that sense of the city but I did love downtown Beirut

You will be sharing the guard duties with experienced American Aaron Cook. How excited are you with this new challenge as you will be playing with experienced and solid Americans?

I’m super excited heard a lot of good things about Aaron one of the best shooters in Germany with my game as a creator I think we will play well off each other. I’m truly just thankful to get the opportunity to play the game I love again with everything behind me moving forward with my life Change is good for me

With some years of professional ball under your belt how do you see that your game has developed since your days at San Diego?

I think the main thing that has developed since college is my maturity as a point guard and leader. Controlling the games and just understanding how to motivate, finding players, running offense, knowing I can get mine anytime just way more poised and confident running a team. I think the plus of going through everything I went through far as my case I truly feel like it’s made me stronger mentally and I’m even more passionate about the game of basketball

After a stellar college career at San Diego where you were the only men’s basketball player in West Coast Conference history to leave as school’s all-time leader in both scoring and assists, you played as a rookie in the D-League and then kind of bounced around for years even playing in a lower league the ABA. Why weren´t you able to move on after that D-League season? Was it like it often is for players, not getting the right opportunity and not getting that once of luck that other players may have had?

My situation is completely different I never been told I wasn’t good enough for the NBA or that I wasn’t ready. Going towards the end of the season in the NBA D league I was picked up by the FBI which snow balled into me losing my agent and my NBA opportunities in the moment. It was understandable of the charges that was against me. So they had to take a step back from a business standpoint. I actually was given plenty of opportunities overseas and NBA teams but with my stipulations during the time of my case I wasn’t able to leave the country and the NBA decided that I won’t be able to do anything until my case was resolved. So ABA teams Abl was kind of how I stayed grounded in my love for the game but God kept my faith high I just kept telling myself one day it will all be over.

You talk about the FBI, your case and prison. Some years ago you were sentenced to a six month prison sentence on account of a game-fixing scheme while you were at San Diego(NCAA). On account of the case, you couldn´t play professionally and lost contracts to teams in countries like China, Romania, Poland, Finland, two in Germany and Venezuela. How difficult was this time and how did it make you stronger as a player and person?

I think when I thought more so like a child I only saw how it effected my life from a material stand point but the closer I grew to God I could see what he had done for me from a more mature standpoint. Some of the things that was important to me shouldn’t have been a priority in my life so the case itself impacted my career but it also gave me a different insight on life outside of basketball. But being out that long without playing ball just really made me appreciate it more So when I came back to the game of basketball I embraced my struggle, the people that gave up on me, people who turned me down, said it was over revenge is in my heart. I am on a mission ultimately my faith in God though he has shown me that I am here for a reason

What memories do you have from your NBA Summer League experience in Las Vegas with the Phoenix Suns? What will you never forget from those few weeks?

Aw man summer league was amazing I won’t forget anything just the knowing of how far I had come from a life standpoint I couldn’t imagine even going to college to play basketball I wasn’t highly recruited I wasn’t talented as a young player so to just to be blessed to be in the company and the conversation of the NBA was a blessing. You would have to truly understand my story to understand how I feel about everything that God blessed me with and the doors he has open I never thought I’ll be here so I’m thankful for everything

As a rookie you played for the Dakota Wizards (D-League) playing 24 games: 6.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 82.2%. What was your wake up call to your rookie season where you knew ok I am in the D-League now, but still so far away from the NBA?

I actually started off averaging very solid talked to a couple of teams then I was injured had to rehab for 2 months so when I came back I only was cleared for 5-10 min from the doctor to get my body back in shape and find my rhythm then my case had taken place. I have never doubted myself or ability to play in the NBA I think my Achilles injury had taken more time to recover but I was one of the top Players in the country and I had completed against the best so I know I was ready just was a matter or work and maturity

Your teammate then Darren Cooper was in the same boat like you in that he had fewer minutes than other basketball players and bounced around leagues the last few years and now is out of basketball. How true is that the D-League really does concentrate on the top players that could have a chance to play in the NBA while the other guys there are there just to fill some minutes and the roster?

I truly can’t say because I’ve never was turned down or bounced around because of basketball reasons far as not good enough or talent. I think there’s politics in every sport certain coaches have their guys I always believed though that basketball in professionals is more than just talent it’s about getting lucky finding at least one coach that believes in you or maybe finding the right place that will highlight or cater to your specific gifts

Who kept you positive most from 2011-2013 where you didn´t have a stable basketball job? Were you close to hanging up your sneakers and how often did you think “I can still find a job”?

3 letters GOD. God has gotten me through every struggle I have been through in my life from my childhood to adult hood I’ve never been a quitter because my faith in God has always been high he has proven no matter what he has the final decision. Finding a job was never a problem it was the stipulations I had from my case that kept me from being able to leave the country to go play. I did have moments when I thought about not playing because of my family I needed to provide but I worked plenty of regular jobs while still working out. I was able to graduate college with two degrees so I wasn’t too worried I just used it to prepare me for the day I won’t be able to play ball so I started building my life outside of ball

You had your best scoring year as a junior for San Diego in the 2007-2008 season. What memories do you have of your 28 point outburst against Kentucky and playing against future NBA player Jodie Meeks who actually averaged half of what you did that season, but broke out his next season to average 23ppg and has been in the NBA since 6 years?

The Kentucky game was one of the top highlights of my career in college was kind of the country introduction to Brandon Johnson and USD Toreros I had a great group of guys that year gyno pomare who is now playing in Japan, Rob Jones, Trumaine Johnson , Dejuan Jackson seeing what that win did to those guys and the school knowing during that era I was the leader of something great words couldn’t describe the feeling from long nights in the gym long practices all the hard work to see it pay off on one of the most historical places to play was truly amazing

You suffered an achilles tendon tear in the 2008-2009 season. How important was it for your development as a player getting that fifth year of eligibility

It was my number 1 priority getting back healthy so I could get back on the court and help my team get back to being contenders in the conference. Didn’t go how I planned due to my second surgery right before the season started bone spurs in my foot so it took more time on returning to full strength. Was so frustrating not being able to be the same player I was in 07-08 but adversity builds character I had to just keep pushing through it.

How did head coach Bill Grier prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Bill Grier was an amazing coach getting the most out of his players he had and giving them the right amount of confidence to go perform. He always preached leadership took me time to understand it because I was young not understanding the amount of power I had as a role model to the younger guys. Just helped me grow in so many areas as a person and basketball player taught me what team truly means and what really matters after the game of basketball

What do you remember of the San Diego-San Diegio State duels against point guard  Richard Williams who has built a solid professional career in Germany?

It was always a great atmosphere between usd and San Diego state Richie I think he’s one of the fastest players I’ve played against I respect his competitiveness approach to the game. I believe it was more of team battles than a 1 on 1 my game was more of the go to guy on my college team and he had a lot of guys that could put the ball in the hole so his role was different that’s why I say it was literally team battles when we met up

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

Jeremy Pargo from Gonzaga and he’s actually been back and forth NBA and overseas but I think we have the same build far as body structures strong aggressive guards who can create and score but with a relentless tenacity to help our teams win

Where will the journey of the Houston Rockets end this season?

I think the Rockets will go deep into the playoffs and James Harden is playing like an MVP candidate, but we need to get better at the point guard position but overall I think we have a solid foundation of players that can get the job done

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Think like a man 2 is such a funny movie with an amazing cast one with my favorite actor and comedian Kevin Hart.

Thanks Brandon 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 Leipzig.

Diante thanks for talking to German Hoops SC Rist Wedel has the 1-0 lead against Leipzig. You celebrated a big 76-63 win. How motivated is the team to ending the series this weekend in Leipzig and not wanting a do or die game like you did against Schwelm?

Everything is going good, we are really motivated right now because we have a chance to end the series and get some extra rest instead of playing a tough game 3. This late in the season the fresher we can stay is the best so we are definitely going into this game 2 with a must win mentality.

It seems like some key facts is that SC Rist Wedel match up very well against Leipzig and have a deeper roster. It seems like You were given a tougher first round opponent with Schwelm for a good warmup and now you have had an easier time with Leipzig?

I think Leipzig is tougher than Schwelm, because they play more physical, they just aren’t that deep so we have a chance to tire them out! Schwelm was a good opponent as well.

SC Rist Wedel have stepped up their defense in the first four playoff games giving up an average of only 68 points per game. What has been the secret on the defensive end that has allowed the team to defend so well?

We are really taking pride in the defense, we understand this late in the season, it’s not going to be the offense that’s going to win the game. With the coach, and the group of guys we have we are just accepting the challenge as a team & working as a unit!

Did the Schwelm Johnson duo pose greater problems for SC Rist Wedel than what you expected as a team?

Johnson posed a lot of problems for us because we didn’t expect him to shoot so well from the field. We have a great scouting report on him, but throughout the series he made some really tough, contested shots!

You poured in 30 points in a do or die game against Schwelm. How many of these do or die games have you had in your career and have you always came out as the victor?

I played so bad in Schwelm I just wanted to help the team in a do or die. I think that was my 3rd do or die game in my pro career! I’m 2-1 right now, I lost in the semis last season to Oldenburg!

How valuable has the pickup of Brandon Spearman been? What has been his most asset that he has given to the club?

It’s been huge for our team, he gives us a huge lift at the wing position that we were missing on both defense and offense! I think his energy and his activity on the floor had been the best asset for us!

German Christop Roquette has been the second most consistent scorer on the team after you and American Denzell Erves has had a solid first season in the German Pro averaging 11,2ppg and 7,3rpg. How much fun has it been playing with these somewhat undersized guys?

It’s been a lot of fun because they are somewhat undersized but they bring two totally different things to the team! Roq is just so tough and his leadership is huge! He plays physical and just his passion to win is almost unmatched I love playing with him. Denzel is good too he runs the floor maybe faster than me and it’s a lot of fun to throw alley opps to him as well as seeing him out run guys down the floor after he gets rebounds is cool!

How well has young 19 year old German Rene Kindzeka developed this season? He has played mostly for SC Rist Wedel, but also played for Pro A team Hamburg Towers.

He has gotten better, his jump shot, his defense, you can see the growth in him from last season! Once he really learns how to use his athleticism he has a chance to be a really good player. I love playing with Rene he gives it his all every time he is on the court!

You have improved your stats form last season in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Was it just having that first season under your belt in the Pro B the reason why you have improved more or your hard work in the gym last summer?

I think it was just given the opportunity to run the team! Last season we had a lot of good players with Lee Jeka & Davey Hopkins so we all shared minutes. This season it’s pretty much my show, my minutes have gone up so my stats have gotten better this season and I think with my hard work in the summer is one of the reasons of course!

You have scored in double figures in 25 of 26 games and 20 points or more 18 times. Your worst game of the season was 2 points against Stahnsdorf where you shot 1/8. Is this a game that you have already forgotten or do you tend to go back often to this game in your thoughts about what you could have done better?

Of course that game comes up in my head, that was my worst game of my pro career! I always ask myself what I can do better, even after I have a good game!

How do you explain your huge increase to assists over last season. Your scoring more this season than last season and dishing out three assists more. Has head coach Michael Claxton just given you more trust this season?

Yea I think coach has trusted me with my decisions, and it’s showing, but the guys are making the shots so they are the reason my assist are up haha.

You have had many great games this season but where do you rate your 25 point 16 assist effort against Leipzig in the regular season?

I think that was maybe my best game of the season as far as picking my spots when to score and when to get my teammates involved!

Who will reach the 2015 NCAA final and win it?

I think it will be Kentucky vs Michigan State. I have Kentucky winning it all like most people haha

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Paid In Full was my last DVD I watched.

Thanks Diante for the chat.

BJ Cutter is a 27 year old 182cm guard from Elizabethton, Tennessee that just completed his second professional season with German regionaliga team EVL Limburg. He started his basketball career in 2007 with Georgia Perimeter College (JUCO) where he played two seasons. He then moved to Jacksonville St. (NCAA) where he played 30 games: 6.2ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 36.6%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 71.0%. He spoke to German Hoops after the season ending 86-81 win against Kaiserslautern.

BJ thanks for talking to German Hoops. A big 86-81 win against Kaiserslautern. What were the main reasons for the loss?

Our defense helped to the win. If we would of stayed with a zone then we would of lost this game. We upped our intensity as man to man helped us get the win.

Limburg started the season with a 5-6 record and then at the start of December played their best basketball of the season winning seven of eight games. What was the turning point in the play of the team that got the team on this winning streak?

We started to gel together around that time, because we started to hang out together off the court. This made us come closer together which helped us trust each other on the court. We made each other better on the court.

Then came a four game losing streak near the end which kind of put a bad cloud on a seemingly strong second half of the season. Did fatigue set in at the end?

We had some fatigue, but some of the players also have regular jobs and we didn´t always have a full rotation at games. We often had to stay with a zone in order to minimize fouls.

The club only let up under 70 points five times this season. Why was the team never able to find that sound consistency on the defensive end?

As a team we gambled very much on defense and when it didn´t pay off the opponent had open shots or mismatches that they took advantage of.

EVL Limburg ended the season in fifth place. How would you summarize the season. Was the team able to fulfill expectations and reach their goals?

We didn´t have real goals, but somehow wanted to finish in the top 5. We made each other better throughout the season. I came late to the team last season and there was just one go to guy. This season we played team basketball and it was successful.

How much fun was it fighting for the team scoring title with Paul Dick? How did the games of you too develop throughout the season?

We had our ups and downs, but I really appreciated having Paul on the team. We made each other better and when we were on the court together no one could stop us. I had my problems at the start of the season and Paul was carrying the team. Paul always told me that I would get used to the speed of the Regionaliga. He did a great job keeping my confidence up.

How happy were you with your own personal season? What were the highs and lows for you as a team and in your individual play?

The team low was the loss against Mainz. At the time of that loss we had our three game winning streak snapped and then came a four game losing streak. Our team high was the win against Karlsruhe where we were down 25 at halftime and won by six points. I had some good and bad games. I am a defensive guy and am always trying to stop my guy. I had more highs than lows.

You scored 40 points against Schwenningen. Was that the most points that you had ever scored since college? What will you never forget from this game?

I had some other high scoring games like 36 against Heidelberg or 34 tonight against Kasierslautern. Whatever the team is lacking is what I try to give the team. I always want to win.

Lets see how good your memory is. In what game did you get seven steals? TBB Trier 2

That was a good defensive game for me. I wasn´t shooting well that game. I told Paul at halftime that I will take care of defense and you bring home win. We did this the whole season. When I was hot then he took the defensive role and vice versa. We didn´t get along at the start of the season as we both had that mentality of being the best, but as the season went along we became great friends and that carried over to the court bringing success.

Who was the teams unsung hero this season and what young gun developed the best?

Kwame Duku was my unsung hero. No matter if he has zero he is the most unselfish player around. He is a great scorer, but so unselfish. I get mad at him when he is open and doesn´t shoot. Norman Klima developed the most. He could barely walk at the start.

How often did you feel the 114 kilo´s of Kwame Duku in practice. What did you like most about his game?

I often felt his presence in the zone. He is the captain of the team and very wise and wide. He sets the best picks. He always bodied me in practice and coach Danny never called a foul in practice, but just said “get your weight up”. I was mad at him at practice, but laughed at home. We were roommates.

Who was the toughest player that you dueled against on the court this season?

Vladimir Raymonvil of Mainz and Desmond Johnson of Crailsheim.

Where will your journey go now? Is reaching the next level achievable?

Reaching the level is always the next plan. As a player you always want to progress. I don´t know where I will play, but I will take the best situation for me

What is your nicest story that you can share about the Stahllbom family?

We always laughed at Danny´s crap jokes. We seem to have a different sense of humor. Family Stahllbom were always loyal and dependable.

What are your 2015 NCAA Final 4 picks?

Duke, Kentucky, Wisconsin and Florida. Duke will win it all

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Fifty Shades of grey.

Thanks BJ for the chat.

In the last weeks do or die games have been as frequent on the menu of the Fraport Skyliners as it has been witnessing many new exciting upsets in the 2015 March Madness. Following the Fraport Skyliners hasn´t been an easy task for those with weak nerves as the Fraport Skyliners made one of their biggest come backs in franchise history after being down by 19 points at half time in a do or die game against Enisey Krasnoyarsk, but somehow staying focused and powering home 60 points in the second half to get an invitation to play at the 2015 Eurochallenge final four and a chance to register the clubs third club title. Six days ago, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors of the Pro B had to face off against top team Rostock Sea Wolves in a deciding game three in the playoffs in hostile territory after winning a nail bitter at home in game two, but saw their season come to an end with a 102-81 defeat. On Sunday it was time for the Fraport Skyliners Junior team Eintracht Frankfurt to show what they were made of in a do or die game as they battled against Team Basket Munchen Nord after winning game one in a nail bitter at home 72-63 as Jules Akodo powered the team while in game two the Bavarian club sought revenge and got it buckling down in a do or die game and prevailing 74-67 as they had the break out game of 16 year old Oscar Leon Da Silva who had a monster game of 15 points, 15 boards, 10 assists, three blocks and an efficiency rate of 41. Eintracht Frankfurt was weakened without the services of 17 year old 2014 NBBL rookie of the year Niklas Kiel who couldn´t play due to injury again as he missed the whole series, but Eintracht Frankfurt didn´t need him as the club was badly outrebounded 42-28 in game two stuck together down low winning the rebound battle this time 49-30 and Jules Akodo had his best scoring game in Germany powering home 32 points. Akodo had bad memories of the do or die loss in Rostock and wasn´t prepared to lose again. “I have been in do or die games before and each time it is the same as I just try to be aggressive, lead the team and do what I do best score. I had a lot of motivation after the loss in Rostock and didn´t want to lose at home. Plus I wanted to give my injured teammates a chance to still play in the next playoff round”, stressed British U-18 national player Jules Akodo. For Team Basket Munchen Nord, they had a lot of energy and focus after forcing the do or die game and stuck close to Eintracht Frankfurt in the first half, but caved in in the second half as they got away from their offense after fatigue set in and were unable to control Akodo who hammered home 23 points. “Eintracht Frankfurt made many tough shots and we let down on defense in the second half. I give them a lot of credit as they played very well. I have been in a few do or die games in England, but I didn´t play a major role like I did now and there was more pressure now. This was my last junior game and a tough loss to take. I felt we did a good job in the series, but they got the best of us and were a hard team to play”, stressed Tema Basket Munchen Nord guard Liam Carpenter. With the Fraport Skyliners departing for a 5 day training camp in Mallorca, Spain there were few prominent basketball players watching the exciting NBBL game except for two Fraport Skyliners Juniors with Alaska native Kyle Fossman and California native Andrew Bock. Both teams started off with 5-0 runs which was started by Eintracht Frankfurt who got going right away as Akodo tested his 45% three point shooting percentage and hit a trey and 18 year old 195cm German Jamin Knothe connected on a step back jumper. Team Basket Munchen Nord struck back with 16 year old German Oscar Leon Da Silver who made a jumper and versatile 18 year old 205cm power forward Pakistani Salman Manzur drilled home a three pointer tying the game at 5-5. The game remained very close as no one could break away as there would be five lead changes in the first quarter. After 17 year old 201cm German Armin Trtovac made one free throw for the lead, it was Da Silver again getting the lead back 7-6 with a pretty spin move as he just got the shot off with the shot clock buzzer sounding. Akodo got Eintracht Frankfurt the lead back as he got aggressive inside with the penetration lay in and 8-7 lead. Team Basket Munchen Nord grabbed the lead back with a Carpenter three pointer and Trtovac tied the score with a lay in at 10-10. Trtovac then scored another bucket inside off the pick and role with Akodo and Manzur hit a runner to even the game at 12-12. Eintracht Frankfurt closed out the first quarter with a 5-2 run to lead 17-14. In the run it was 19 year old 194cm point guard Armin Musovic finding his range early with a three pointer and Akodo hit a runner. 18 year old 192cm guard Chris Wurmseher closed out the first quarter with a buzzer beater runner in traffic. “Both teams were very defensive orientated and played very aggressive. There was much contact and it seemed like the ref´s weren´t calling much contact”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Junior Andrew Bock. Eintracht Frankfurt was shooting 39% from the field and 33% from outside while Team Basket Munchen Nord was shooting 43% from the field and 50% from outside. Eintracht Frankfurt had the 12-8 rebound edge and one turnover while Team Basket Munchen Nord had two turnovers. The second quarter remained very tight as there were four lead changes, but Eintracht Frankfurt kept their noses ahead going in with the 32-28 lead at the break. Team Basket Munchen Nord came out going on a 4-0 run to steal back the lead 18-17. 18 year old 191cm guard Justin Hedley connected on two free throws and then they caught Eintracht Frankfurt off balance as they snuck in a full court press and Manzur made a steal and dished to Hedley for the easy bucket. However then it was Akodo who got an offensive rebound in the lane and made the put back for the 19-18 advantage. Then it was Da Silva who showed enormous shooting grace hitting a three pointer as Eintracht Frankfurt trailed 21-19. Eintracht Frankfurt then escaped on a 8-0 run to regain the lead 26-21. In the run it was Trtovac who was served off a platter from Akodo finishing with a massive two handed dunk. Then it was 18 year old Can Akbayir who hit a floater and little used American 18 year old Anthony Williams hit a three pointer. Eintracht Frankfurt was doing a super job with their inside out game and getting their big men involved as Akodo was exhibiting perfect playmaker qualities always making the right decision either finishing himself or setting up his teammates. Team Basket Munchen Nord didn´t let this run effect their comeback as they did a good job getting to the free throw line as Hedley and Carpenter connected to cut the Eintracht Frankfurt lead to 26-24. Then both teams traded baskets as 19 year old role player David Scheffels hit a three pointer and little used 17 year old diminutive 178cm guard Pinda Bongo made a jumper from the corner as Team Basket Munchen Nord trailed 29-26. 18 year old 201cm center Oliver Russ then hit a jumper, but it was Akbayir who has had the hot hand the last weeks in NBBL and Pro B that dropped a three pointer for the 32-28 lead. “Akodo was getting into the lane, hitting big shots and the team was moving the ball well. They also did a good job compensating the loss of Niklas Kiel with the other big men. I like the play of Da Silver. He is very athletic and once he develops more should become a good player”, added Andrew Bock. Eintracht Frankfurt was shooting 38% from the field and 33% from the three point line while Team Basket Munchen Nord was shooting 36% from the field and 43% from the three point line. Eintracht Frankfurt had the 23-16 rebound edge and both teams had five turnovers a piece. Eintracht Frankfurt slowly took control of the game in the third quarter as Jules Akodo really started to get going connecting for 13 points and got solid play from role players Akbayir and David Scheffels who closed out the third quarter with the last six points. Jules Akodo got Eintracht Frankfurt going making a steal and going coast to coast for the bucket and 34-28 lead. However Team Basket Munchen Nord didn´t let their opponent get away yet as they closed the gap again to 34-32 with a mini 4-0 run as Carpenter made a pretty pull up jumper in the lane and Hedley found Manzur inside for the easy basket. Eintracht Frankfurt then took control going on a 20-8 run to extend their lead to 54-42. Akodo nailed two three pointers in this run as well as a jumper showing his calmness as he picked his space and found nothing but net. Akodo scored 11 points in the run, but had some support from Akbayir nailing a three pointer and Scheffles who made a steal and went coast to coast for the two hand dunk and also contributed a bomb from outside. “We were aggressive in the first half and coach told us to keep being aggressive. We became even more aggressive. I didn´t plan to score so much and it just happened. I am always aggressive and just wanted to get my team more comfortable with a bigger lead. Scheffels and Akbayir helped as well with big shots”, added Jules Akodo. “Akodo hit some long three´s and we had a tough time defending him. He did a good job breaking down the defense”, added Liam Carpenter. Eintracht Frankfurt was shooting 41% from the field and 45% from the parking lot while Team Basket Munchen Nord was shooting 34% from the field and 36% from the parking lot. Eintracht Frankfurt had the huge 37-23 rebound edge, but eight turnovers while Team Basket Munchen Nord had seven turnovers. In the fourth quarter fatigue and Jules Akodo decided the game for Team Basket Munchen Nord as Eintracht Frankfurt continued to control the game and move on to the Quarterfinals against Ulm. Mansur got Team Basket Munchen Nord going with a deep three pointer from beyond the top of the key as they trailed 54-45. However the flowing Eintracht Frankfurt offense from the third quarter carried over into the fourth quarter as they went on a 5-0 run to extend their lead to 59-45 as Akbayir connected on a three pointer and Akodo made a step back jumper. Team Basket Munchen Nord never gave up and used their last bit of energy going on a 8-2 run to cut the Eintracht Frankfurt lead to 61-53. In the run the Bavarian team got two runner´s from Carpenter and Mansour and a timely three pointer from Bongo. However Eintracht Frankfurt then put the nail on the coffin with a 6-0 run to extend their lead 67-53 and sealing their ticket to the next round. In the run it was Akodo who hit free throws and continued to have his aggressive desire to reach the cup scoring as did Knothe inside. After Mansur free throws, it was Scheffels that closed out the game with a lay in. “We played good defense down the stretch and our rotations were quick. We shut down the paint and the bigs helped each other. Everybody rebounded instead of just the bigs in game two”, added Jules Akodo. “We were down by 10 and forced too many shots and got away from our offense. We got tired and relied too much on 1-1 play and our shots weren´t falling”, expressed Liam Carpenter. Eintracht Frankfurt was led by Jules Akodo with 32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. David Scheffels added 11 points and seven rebounds. Team Basket Munchen Nord were led by Salman Manzur with 14 points. Liam Carpenter added 13 points and Oscar Da Silver 12 points and 10 rebounds. Eintracht Frankfurt shot 41% from the field and 38% from outside while Team Basket Munchen Nord shot 34% from the field and 35% from outside. Eintracht Frankfurt won the rebound duel 49-30, but had 12 rebounds and their opponent nine turnovers. “Ulm is a very tough team to match up against. They are pretty tall and have solid guards. It should be a great series Against Eintracht Frankfurt”, commented Liam Carpenter.

Paul Dick is a 23 year old 193cm guard from Ireland that recently completed his second professional season and first in Germany with EVL Limburg. As a rookie he played for Belfast Star (Premier League) playing 16 games: 17.1ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 72.3%. He started his basketball career fort he Queens Belfast junior team. He then played 2 seasons for Franklin Pierce (NCAA2). He spoke to German Hoops after the 86-81 win against Kaiserslautern.

Paul thanks for talking to German Hoops. A big 86-81 win tonight against Kaiserslautern. What were the main reasons for the win?

The key today for the win was sharing the ball. In the last game we had too much fun and didn´t concentrate the way that we should of. It was a shame that not everyone played tonight, but a win is a win and we secured fifth place in the standings.

Limburg started the season with a 5-6 record and then at the start of December played their best basketball of the season winning seven of eight games. What was the turning point in the play of the team that got the team on this winning streak?

When you get six new guys on a roster of nine then it takes a while to find a flow and start getting wins. It was a learning curve that we went through that took time.

Then came a four game losing streak near the end which kind of put a bad cloud on a seemingly strong second half of the season. Did fatigue set in at the end?

That is really hard to answer. We had some very tough close loses. We beat some of the better teams and lost to some of the worse teams. We had problems achieving consistency this season.

EVL Limburg ended the season in fifth place. How would you summarize the season. Was the team able to fulfill expectations and reach their goals?

I think that we didn´t know our goal at the start of the season. It took a while but we found ourselves and came together. When we started the season at 3-3 and all our losses were by one point, we started to realize that we could be a good team. We didn´t live up to our potential, but did the best that we could. We did enough this season, but came up short.

The club only let up under 70 points five times this season. Why was the team never able to find that sound consistency on the defensive end?

We played a fast pace game with a short rotation cost us on the defensive end

How much fun was it fighting for the team scoring title with BJ Miller? How did the games of you too develop throughout the season?

We were very competitive at the beginning of the season in practice. We started to hang out more and then we started to play team basketball. We turned out to be very good friends.

How happy were you with your own personal season? What were the highs and lows for you as a team and in your individual play?

The team low was our loss against Heidelberg. Our team high was our win tonight against Kaiserslautern as it was the best finish ever for the club in the Regionaliga. My high was the 16 assists against Schwenningen and team low was my 10 points and five assists against Elchingen where My mom and sister came to watch and at halftime I had 10 points and five assists and at the end of the game my stats were still 10 and 5.

You scored in double figures in every game and had 30 or more three times. You had 16 points and 16 assists against Schwenningen. How much did the 16 assists mean to you?

That game meant a lot to me because I am seen to score in this league. However I take enjoyment in creating for others. An assist is an important as a basket for me.

Who was the teams unsung hero this season and what young gun developed the best?

The unsung hero award for me was a toss-up between Mantas Bernativicious and Kwame Duku. The numbers that they produced didn´t reflect their role. I think that the intangibles that they bring to the floor would let them both play at a higher level. I like how both are unselfish and read the game. The best kid to develop was German Norman Klima. He progressed a lot and will play more of a role next season.

How often did you feel the 114 kilo´s of Kwame Duku in practice. What did you like most about his game?

I learned early. One of Kaiserslautern´s players took a bang tonight. Bumping into him happened every practice. I had to prefect the floater and wide euro step around him early. We called him the beast. He is the only guy I knew that said “Its time to feed the beast”. Give me the ball and get out of the way.

Who was the toughest player that you dueled against on the court this season?

The toughest player that I played against Was Franjo Bubalo of Karlsruhe. I saw a lot of similarities that I have. I liked his versatility in his game.

Where will your journey go now? Is reaching the next level achievable?

I am trying to move up. I would like to play at a higher level and compete for minutes in each practice. It doesn´t matter where I will play. I really liked Germany, but I will play anywhere.

What is your nicest story that you can share about the Stahllbom family?

The family all laugh at Danny´s crap jokes. We know they are bad, but we still laughed.

What are your 2015 NCAA Final 4 picks?

Duke, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Louisville. I think Wisconsin will win it all.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Kill the Irshman.

Thanks Paul for the chat.