Air is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, gaseous mixture, mainly nitrogen (approximately 78 percent) and oxygen (approximately 21 percent) with lesser amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, neon, helium, and other gases. If basketball players ever think about this is most likely not the case when they are on the floor battling opponents and being highly concentrated in the offensive set and how to shut down the other team on defense. Most players use this giant void of nothingness that we breath as a place to roam over the court with or with out the ball while other players use this mixture with varying amounts of moisture and particulate matter, enveloping the earth; the atmosphere flying to the basket with the ground way beneath them. There have been many players over the years that have had that distinction of using the air on flight to the basket with the most famous example being Michael Jordan who had the atmosphere named in his shoe air jordan´s, but the NBA legend could fly to the hole from the free throw line as if it was as easy as walking down the street to the nearest bank to see how much his account as risen. Another fine example has been Vince Carter who was given one of many nicknames like Air Canada which seems to have stuck the most because of his amazing hang time when soaring through the atmosphere for that next slam dunk. Even if Vince Carter will forever have the distinction of being the main AIR recipient the nickname has crossed over to other players playing currently in Germany like Canadian Terry Thomas who has brought the Hamburg arena at the Insel park into a frenzy after a crushing dunk or Ryan Brooks who likes that airtime when cruising to the bucket for the dunk. Brooks is a 26 year old 193 cm guard from Narbeth, Pennsylvania playing his fifth season and except for a season in Finland for Namika Lahti (Finland-Korisliiga), he has stayed faithful to the German Beko BBL having played one and half seasons with Giessen a half a season with the Fraport Skyliners and currently is playing his second season for the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Brooks has always been a guy who has been in the dunk highlights as he already showed his air Brooks ability at Temple(NCAA) and through his professional basketball career. Who could forget the Quantez Robertson to Ryan Brooks combination in Frankfurt that often tore the roof of the Fraport arena or his spectacular dunks at the 2014 Beko BBL Allstar game in Bonn when he came out wearing a flight captain´s uniform . “Ryan is one of the most athletic shooting guards that I have ever played with. His explosive jumping ability from both feet is extraordinary. That is why he is called Air Brooks”, stressed Andrej Magold. However it isn´t only his athleticism that has given Brooks a name, but his amazing intensity that he brings to the court on every play. He isn´t known for his three point shooting, but he has improved it over the years as his mid distance jumper remains his bread and butter. On a team that has possibly the best point guard duo in the BBL that is only known and respected in Bonn with Eugene Lawrence and Richard Mcconnell and many scorers, the role of Brooks is different. “He brings energy form the bench and makes our game more versatile on offense”, stressed Bonn teammate Andrej Mangold. The scoring of Brooks has been down this season compared to the last few seasons in Giessen and Frankfurt, but he has improved in other areas and been that much more valuable to the team. “Ryan has become more versatile and his jump shot is more consistent”, warned Andrej Mangold. Currently Bonn is in fourth place with a record of 15-9 and sitting on the doorstep of the big three of Berlin, Bamberg and Munich. Just having the presence of Brooks on the court is always important and he is an important part of the success. “I am not sure where we would have been without him, but I am sure we would have had 1-2 less wins. Especially in the win against BG Goettingen he was very important. His one on one ball defesne is a hidden strength in his game as he defended El Amin at the end”, added Andrej Mangold. If Bonn can make a run in the BBL playoffs is very much possible as the presence of Brooks in the atmosphere will always be crucial wheather he is flying through the air or running through the air leading Bonn to the next victory.

The Beko BBL playoffs has been a usual occurrence for the Telekom Baskets like it is for Boston Red Sox David Ortiz racking in 30 home runs and 100 RBI´s each season as in the last 18 years the club missed the promised land in May only twice in 2005 and 2011. Since the unsatisfactory season in 2010-2011 where the team finished in 13^th place, the club has reached the Beko BBL playoffs the last three seasons. After two seventh place finishes, head coach Michael Koch left and the team hauled in Matthias Fischer who had won titles in Austria and in 2012-2013 experienced a bitter season in Giessen where there were financial woes and he had to play with an almost all German roster in the second half of the season. However that didn´t shy Bonn from getting the coach and Fischer did a magnificent job last season leading the team to a fifth place finish and a tough 5 game series loss to the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. The biggest victories was sweeping Oldenburg in the regular season and beating ratiopharm Ulm. The club showed a lot of moral and fighting spirit coming back twice to tie the playoff series with Oldenburg and had they won game three in Oldenburg which they lost in OT 72-71 then they would have been on to the next round the semi finals, but in basketball it isn´t over until the fat lady sings.

With the Beko BBL getting stronger and stronger each season, making predictions is difficult where a Beko BBL team will end up at the end of the season, but when looking at the current roster of the Telekom Baskets Bonn one has to utter the famous Arsenio Hall words “something that makes you go hmmmmmmmmmmmmm” as to if Bonn can make the jump to the top 4 teams this season. That were my words in October and now on March fifth, 2015, the Telekom Baskets Bonn are sitting in fourth place behind Bamberg, Berlin and Munich. Bonn did a great job keeping that team chemistry from last season very much intact by keeping seven players. The two most important players that they kept were sharp shooter and Bonn fan favorite Benas Veikalas who can smile with the best of them and has been in the Telekom city since 2011 and last season the 31 year old played Eurocup: 10 games: 15.6ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT-3(96.4%); German League: 39 games: 13.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 84.2% and scorer and Mr energy Ryan Brooks. Brooks who has played for Giessen, Frankfurt and in Finland and last season for Bonn played Eurocup: 10 games: 9.9ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 73.1%; German League: 39 games: 14.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 84.0%. The team also held American Eugene Lawrence who knows the team philosophy and will take his strong playoff play into this season. The team also held 31 year old role player Steve Wachalski who gives the team energy from the bench and can hit the big shot and play when needed in chaos situations played six straight years in the German Regionaliga and two in the Pro B before getting a chance in the Beko BBL in 2010 with Bayreuth. Last season the German played Eurocup: 10 games: 3.7ppg; German League: 38 games: 3.8ppg, 1.7rpg. The club also held young 22 year old German Floran Koch and experienced 27 year old veteran Andrej Mangold who has been with the club since 2011 and is a superb back up point guard and the teams best defender that will give the opponents fits even long after the game is over when he is trying to enjoy his meal at Mcdonalds and can´t because he is involved with his thoughts on the plays that the German broke up. Last season Mangold played Eurocup: 9 games: 1.2ppg, 1.3rpg; German League: 39 games: 4.1ppg, 1.9rpg.

The club brought in very sold new players with Angelo Caloiaro who was the most efficient player in the Beko BBL last season. After a strong senior year at USF and solid rookie season in the Bulgarian league, the 25 year old San Jose native tore up the Beko BBL with MBC playing 34 games: 14.3ppg, Reb-3(6.8rpg), 2.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 58.4%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 76.6%. The team also brought in point guard Richard Mcconnell who is just oozing with break out potential in the Beko BBl, 32 year old big man Tadas Klimavicius who has much experience with six seasons at B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas and 78 Euroleague games and big man Tony Wroblicky who is a project coming from the NCAA from American (NCAA), but showed right away in his first game that he can adjust to the Beko BBL scoring 12 points and grabbing 6 rebounds in 13 minutes. The American is 22 years old and improved his scoring at American each season and as a senior played 32 games: 12.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, 1.9bpg, FGP: 58.6%, FT: 72.5%. The team also brought in basketball European traveler Dirk Madrich who with Bonn will be playing for his 11^th professional team having had international experience in France with Strasbourg IG (France-ProA) in 2006-2007 playing ULEB Cup: 13 games: 4.1ppg, 2.8rpg; French League: 31 games: 4.5ppg, 2.7rpg. He had his second spring with Vechta last season at age 30 belonging to the top German players in the Beko BBL and played 34 games averaging 11.6ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 70.4% Last but not least the team also hauled in Valentin Blass who made the jump from the Bonn Regionaliga team.

So what has been the secret to the success of Bonn this season? The mix from last season keeping some of that chemistry intact plus the correct new pieces of the puzzle this season have made the Bonn season a success so far as they have a 15-8 record at the moment. The club rebounded nicely after losing three of their first four games then winning five or their next six games getting a healthy balance and needed confidence. After losing to Munich and Hagen, the club since then have a 9-2 record. Their biggest strength is that they have owned crunch time winning for games by a combined score of 10 points only beating feisty Crailsheim twice by three points, MBC in OT 99-96 and BG Goettingen 66-65. Their offense is another big strength as they have scored 80 plus points in 15 games this season. They also have defended better in the last four games having held the opponent to an average of only 69 points per game. Bonn has four players scoring in double figures with Klimavicius, Caloiaro, Brooks and Veikalas. They have found two solid veteran role players in Dirk Madrich and Steve Wachalski who are 31 and 32 and can still play. The Fraport Skyliners return back to Bonn where they will be rested as they had no Eurochallenge game and take a seven game winning streak to Bonn. As they currently rest in seventh place with a record of 13-11. After having the overtime bug in four of five games, Frankfurt was able to take a breather from testing their nerves easily disposing of MBC 93-76 last weekend. Jacob Burtschi continues to be perfect since returning to Frankfurt filling in for injured Danilo Barthel giving the team the needed energy on the court and with his shooting while Justin Cobbs continues to lead the team as he has scored in double figures in 20 straight games. Johannes Voigtmann had his best scoring game as a professional with 27 against MBC as he is playing great at the moment and Aaron Doornekamp is slowly finding his groove. Frankfurt won the first game this season in Frankfurt 84-71 as Sean Armand had 17 points and Danilo Barthel contributed 14 points. Bonn was led by Richard Mcconnell with 22 points. History speaks against Frankfurt as It doesn´t matter if Frankfurt played at the old gym or in the new arena in Bonn they have lost 12 games in a row there. The last time, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners won in Bonn, New England patriot Tom Brady had not sipped champagne yet as a third Super Bowl winner, Jurgen Klinsmann was still coach of the German national soccer team, Paul Potts was still selling cell phones and singing in front of the mirror and the terrifying Tsunami was only a few days old as Frankfurt won in Bonn on January 1^st 2005 with a 79-67 win as Chris Williams exploded with 27 points and 16 rebounds. Frankfurt does have a 7 game winning streak and the only player that has lost the most in Bonn is Quantez Robertson who might forget of the curse for one day. This should be an interesting battle of two teams that could be the sleepers in the playoffs. The Telekom Baskets Bonn host the Fraport Skyliners March seventh.

 

Source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/air

Brandon Spearman is a 23 year old 190cm guard playing his rookie season in Germany for SC Rist Wedel. He started his basketball career in 2010 for Dayton(NCAA) where he played 36 NCAA games. He then moved to Indian Hills CC (JUCO) and finished his last two seasons at Hawaii (NCAA) and as a senior played 26 games averaging 11.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 52.8%. Currently the American has one game left in the regular season before the playoffs start and is averaging 16,8ppg, 5,3rpg and 1,4apg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball shortly after signing in Wedel in January.

Brandon welcome to Germany. You have had a whirlwind time the last years going from Chicago to Dayton to Iowa to Hawaii and now to Germany. Is traveling in your blood?   I’ve been traveling basically all my life for basketball so I guess you can say I’m pretty used to tying up my shoes and getting out of the house You are a rookie and was signed very late into the current season. How tough have the last 4-5 months been for you? How were you able to stay grounded in this time and continue to focus on basketball and not give up?   Ever since I graduated I’ve been working on my game. I’ve had overseas teams contact me at the end of the summer but I turned those teams down. My mind was set on the D league. So I got elected in the 2014 D league draft. I had D League tryouts before and teams contacted me saying that they were going to pick me up if I’m still available In the draft. So I didn’t get drafted and I was disappointed it hurt my confidents a little. But I continued to workout. So months went by I got a call from an agency in Spain and they wanted me come workout with them before teams here in Europe make changes in December. I ended up signing with a different agency that’s here in Germany, so I was still going hard working out Getting ready for that call. I’ve been through a lot these last 4-5 months it was a very long process for me but as you can see everything worked out perfect.. And I’m grateful. To be here in Wedel You have signed with German Pro B team SC Rist Wedel. What were the main reasons for starting your professional career there?     I have no really reason, like you said I’m very late in signing with a team. I feel that I had to sign some where this season and put up some stats. I couldn’t see myself sitting out this year   You are playing for American head coach Michael Claxton. How thrilled are you to be able to play for an American coach as a rookie? How is your early relationship with him so far?   Me and coach see eye to eye on everything. We both share the same goals we well love to accomplish this second part of the season. And I’m very lucky that coach is American but either way American or not everything would of been fine You will be the third import player playing with high scoring point guard and top assist man Diante Wadkins and rebound machine Denzell Erves. What do you see being your role on the team? Well I’m coming in late in the season and the team is 4th in the division right now but still rising up in the rankings. Adding me I feel we are a championship caliber team. On this team I can bring my all around game to the team. Starting or coming off the bench I look at myself as the instant scorer off the bench. This should be fun. You are an allrounder that does many things well on the court, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away?   A hidden talent that doesn’t get noticed I would like to say, my leadership picking my teammates up when their confidence is low. As a freshman you played for Dayton(NCAA), but despite not getting many minutes played all 36 games. What memories do you have of American Josh Parker that was MVP of the German Pro B in the 2012-2013 season and moved up to the top German league Beko BBL and now is playing in Turkey.   JP is a close friend of mine growing up. Glad to hear he’s doing good now in Turkey What were the main reasons going to Indian Hills CC (JUCO) for your second year? Going from an NCAA school to Community college isn´t that common? Going to JC I wanted to have more college options and I did. Also I didn’t want to sit out a whole year. But Hawaii was there since day 1 when I left Dayton and there were other schools but Hawaii won me over. You finished your college career in paradise for the University of Hawaii. Guys like Tony Maroney, Trevor Ruffin and Douglas Kurtz also went from Indian Hills to the university of Hawaii. It seems like the university of Hawaii is a school that gives players a chance not always coming from the top schools or a guy like Christian Standhardinger.     The two years at Hawaii were great for me, I’ve grow as a student a man and as a basketball player. I still don’t think I hit my peek yet. The best is yet to come. I’m sure I’ll see Christian soon in the BBL where I should be. But I understood my options were limited and I’m happy to be a part of Wedel   You played two seasons with German Christian Standhardinger. He had a great senior season. Were you surprised that he didn´t get more noticed by the NBA or is the conference just not strong enough?   The best west conference is a tough conference and it’s on the uprising. But Chris had a good year I think he’s a good player and NBA could be calling in a few years if it’s there You scored in double figures in 19 games as a senior at the University of Hawaii. What was your most memorable game in your last season?   Every game I played it like it was like my last so I can’t say I had a memorable game. Every game in my last season was special. And I’ll never forget those times spent in Hawaii Hawaii head coach Gib Arnold said of you He does a little bit of everything well and I feel confident with him in a lot of different situations. If there are more kids like him in Chicago we’ll spend our whole recruiting budget there. How did he prepare you best for a professional basketball career? Coach was very disciplined on and off the court. I just listened and stay away from the things that wasn’t related to basketball. Stayed focused on the things that really matter. That’s what kept me going. Coach Gib was a great coach. You played a season with Chris Wright at Dayton)NCAA). After some stints in the NBA, the American is balling in Poland now. Do you see him returning back to the NBA in the future? Yeah C.Wright is special player and I definitely see him going back to the NBA someday. After living two years in Hawaii, besides the obvious what do you miss most? The people, the fans in Hawaii was very special to me they treated me like family when I was there. And that’s something that will last forever. Those people, the island everything there is so special You are an avid hiker. Does Wedel and its surroundings have some rough terrain for you to continue your hobby? Lol no no I think them days is behind me. I did enough hiking in Hawaii Who was the toughest player that you played against in the NCAA that is in the NBA now? I would have to say between Anthony Bennett, and Andrew Goudelock those two guys can play Will the Chicago Bulls reach the NBA final this season? Yes the Chicago bulls will reach the finals. Mark my word! What was the last DVD movie that you saw?     The Godfather pt 1,2,3   Thanks Brandon for the chat.

 

Malcolm Delaney is a 25 year old 191cm point guard from Baltimore, Maryland that is playing his fourth professional season and first with Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia-VTB). He started his basketball career with Virginia Tech (NCAA) in 2007 and played a total of 136 NCAA games and as a senior played 34 games: 18.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT: 85.0%. In 2011-2012 he started his professional basketball career with ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA, starting five): EuroCup Qualifications: 2 games: 7.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.5apg, 2.0spg; EuroChallenge: 16 games: 14.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 45.5%, FT: 84.7%; French League: 35 games: 15.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 86.0%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for Budivelnyk Kyiv (Ukraine-Superleague, starting five): 52 games: 14.7ppg, 4.5rpg, 4.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 77.9%; EuroCup: 16 games: 16.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 85.1%. Last season he played for FC Bayern Muenchen (Germany-BBL, starting five): Euroleague: 24 games: 13.9ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 84.7%; German League: 46 games: 12.0ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 87.7%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Brose Baskets Bamberg.

 

 

 

 

Malcolm thanks for talking to German Hoops and welcome back to Germany. What is it like to be back in Bamberg? Last season you have good memories of the two FC Bayern Munich wins.

 

We played once in Bamberg last season and pulled out a tough win. FC Bayern Munich was hyped team to win it all last season in preseason, but Bamberg was still the team to beat. It was nice beating Bamberg twice. It is nice being back in Germany. I was actually Munich last week. I had a few days off and was chilling there.

 

 

You will battle against top Beko BBL point guard Brad Wanamaker. How excited are you to play him and what do you know about his game?

 

I know Brad´s game. We have played together in the same circle since high school. I think we played against each other one or two seasons ago. I believe that Brad is probably the best point guard in the Beko BBL this season. I think that he made a great choice to play in Bamberg and showcase his skills. It will be fun to be playing against him again.

 

 

Bamberg has a new team and hardly any guys from last season. Bamberg has adapted well to the new coach. What kind of series can we await and what will be key to getting the win?

 

Bamberg has a very good coach and system. I think key for us getting past Bamberg is to take them out of what they do best. We can play with any team on the offense end so key will be to play good defense and get out on transition will be what will separate us from Bamberg.

 

 

You won a professional title in each of your three seasons as a professional in France, Ukraine and Germany. Will you keep the streak alive this season in VTB and Eurocup still being played?

 

I hope so. I feel that the VTB league is the toughest in Europe now. There are many great teams in the VTB and it will come down to the wire. I feel we have a very good chance to win the Eurocup as we have a great team and have firepower. If we stay healthy I think that we can win it all. I definitely want to keep the streak alive.

 

 

 

How do you explain this knack of winning titles? Going into each season how good of a feeling did you always have that that team had something special?

 

I only had that feeling last season with FC Bayern Munich. As a rookie I played for Chalon and they weren´t even a top 5 team budget wise and had just won the cup. I thought that it would be a good situation for me because they were returning most guys and I was new at the point guard position. We reached the Eurochallenge final that year and won the cup. The Ukraine team wasn´t a top team either, but I felt comfortable going in as I was told that it was a good team to play for. We reached the Eurocup final 4. The main reason I went to play there was because I would be able play my game. FC Bayern Munich built a great team and there I was also able to play my style.

 

 

 

 

You have been the point guard and man in charge wherever you have played in Europe. Is your role any different this season than say last season with FC Bayern Munich?

 

My role doesn´t change so much simply because I am the point guard. We have so much firepower this season with Lokomotive Kuban that I don´t need to score as much as in the past, but my leadership is very important this season. My role is to score less, but to put everything in place and get my teammates to do what they do best on the court. With Munich I always had the ball in my hands, but this season I have a different caliber of players so I don´t always need to have the ball in my hands.

 

 

How has your experience been with Lokomotiv Kuban? This season you are blessed with some ex NBA players with Derrick Brown and Anthony Randolph. How do you see yourself developing further this season?

 

Just being able to play with this talent will help me develop further. The travel hasn´t been easy in the VTB league, but that is part of the job. I think this season my leadership will help me show that I am able to play with high caliber players and keep them together and get the job done.

 

 

You have had solid stats each season as a professional. What is your secret to having no problem adapting to a new system?

 

I am a versatile player. When I came out of college I was a scorer. I could play point guard, but nobody gave me a chance. When I was in France and Ukraine I had to score the ball and couldn´t display my point guard ability as much. Munich gave the chance to play point guard and I proved that I could play point guard as well as score. This season in Russia I enjoy seeing other players be successful as I don´t need to score as much. This gives me the opportunity to work on other areas like rebounding and defense. I am an unselfish player and have no problem making sacrifices in order to win games.

Last season you won the Beko BBL title with FC Bayern Munich. Wasn´t their any chance of coming back for a second season?

 

I had the possibility to return to Munich, but I wanted to play in the NBA. I had the chance to play for the Houston Rockets, but Munich didn´t let me out of the contract. During the summer I wanted to weigh my options and try for the NBA. Munich offered me an extension, but I turned it down. I loved Munich and had no complaints about playing there. For me to have stayed I needed to feel comfortable, but other teams wanted me more. Munich tried to sell me that they are the best club and brand, but that didn´t mean much to me. At the end of the day this wasn´t helping my future and giving me the security I needed. When I got home during the summer I didn´t talk to Munich. I got great offers from many teams like Olympiakos Piraus and then came the offer of Lokomotiv Kuban. Munich didn´t come hard at me with an offer, but Kuban did showing the most interest and security I need with a two year deal and NBA out.

 

 

 

Last season there was interest from the NBA during the season with FC Bayern Munich. You didn´t play NBA Summer League and moved to Russia. Has your NBA dream been put on hold?

 

Lebron held up the whole NBA. No team was making moves until he signed. I had to either wait and pass up big deals or take a good deal in Europe. I decided to take guaranteed money and get that security. I could of waited with the NBA, but I didn´t want to take that chance.

 

 

Last season you were named league MVP and Marko Pesic named you one of the top guards in Europe. Obviously you and your team were key in winning the title, but if you had to single out that unsung hero form last seasons team who would you name?

 

Bryce Taylor was our unsung hero last season. He had a great season and was a real leader. Its no surprise that he is captain. I connected the most with him, but to be honest at the end of the season I was connected with every player. Bryce and I had this special bond on the court. I always knew where he would be.

 

 

 

What kind of experience was it playing for Svetislav Pesic. Did you see him smile on a day to day basis?

 

Pesic is a great coach and helped me a lot. He is probably the best coach that I have ever played for. He is a very demanding coach and we always had hard practices and rarely had days off, but he made you better as a player. I think I was able to develop so well because we practiced so much. At times the wear and tear took a toll on the body and on the season. He is a great x& o coach and did everything for the win. If you weren´t mentally tough then it was tough playing for him. He prepared me to play against anybody. I remember him smiling a few times after the wins in the semi finals and in the finals. He is all business. I really respect him. He took control and showed that he was boss and never let the players dictate anything.

 

 

In your second season you played with Budivelnyk Kyiv (Ukraine-Superleague) winning the title there. How special was this win considering the talent you had? Was this your most challenging title to win?

 

For sure this was the most challenging title that I ever won. I still have no idea how we reached the Eurocup final 4. I think that we had some luck as St Petersberg were clearly the better team. The team only had two import players and Leo Lyons and I connected. We also had good role players that did their jobs. Mariupol was the favored to win the title, but we beat them in seven games.

 

 

Aa a rookie you played for ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA). You played with talented American Blake SChilb. How surprised are you that he isn´t playing for a top Euroleague team?

 

I am actually surprised that Blake Schilb isn´t in the NBA. He is the best player that I ever played with before this season. He could single handedly take over a game at any time. I remember that so many teams wanted him, but Chalon didn´t let him out of the contract. He is a very family orientated guy. He is playing in Paris now where they are trying to build something. I believe that he can play anywhere in Europe or NBA.

 

 

 

Illian Evtimov told me a few years ago that he never saw a guy like you that could draw a foul on command in the lane. Is this something that you born with or did that come with experience?

 

I think that having this ability to draw fouls grew with me from high school on. When I was young I was always the best player on the team and had the best defender on me. That got me to trying to draw fouls against the best defender. My brother once told me that the easiest way to get 20 points in a game is to get 8-10 free throws. Even if you have a bad shooting day, you can reach 20 points. Getting to the free throw line also helped my free throw shooting as I have always been a good free throw shooter.

 

 

Ilian Evtimov is a French/Bulgarian that played at North Carolina State and is Americanized. Did his movie knowledge ever come into a discussion during your rookie season?

 

Illian is a smart guy and always referenced movies. He is a cool guy. When I was a sophomore in high school, I went on an unofficial visit to North Carolina State where he played at. I knew about him when I came to Chalon. We connected right away. He is a great shooter.

 

You played at Virginia Tech from 2007-2011. How did head coach Seth Greenberg get you prepared best for a professional basketball career?

 

He is a good guy that recruited me. He was honest with me and told me from the start that I would play a lot. Jamont Gordon who plays in Turkey now left when I came in. I didn´t start the first 10 games, but from then on I was handed the ball. He trusted me more and more as I got better. So often college coaches lie to get a player to come to school and then they don´t play. He gave me the freedom to play and that is the reason why I am where I am now.

 

 

You played three seasons at Virginia Tech with Dorenzo Hudson. What memories do you have of him on the court?

 

He was hurt my senior year and we really missed him. We were very close and always had a bond. We stuck together on and off the court. He had a very good junior season. The best memory that I have with him was when we beat the then number one school Wake Forest. For Dorenzo it was a big win since he is from North Carolina.

 

 

Baltimore native Jimmy Dorsey fled his hometown for a college career in Canada and now is playing in the German third division with BG Karlsruhe. What kind of advice do you have for a guy that always hears great things about your success, but has never met you?

 

My motivation has always been seeing other guys succeed. Seeing guys succeed has always motivated me to grind and be in the gym to get better. Whenever I played against a guy who was more known or was making more money, it was my motivation to play well against him. I always want to be the best. No matter where you play if it is in a low division you always have to take advantage of the chance to play because you might never play again or that next job might be the best ever.

 

Do you see John Wall being the best point guard in the NBA in the future?

 

That is a tough question. The point guard position is the toughest. He has some good point guards ahead of him with Irving, Westbrook, Curry and Lillard, but Wall is a special player. He is definitely the most developed. He went from the fastest to the best assist guy. He has a great chance with his size, skill level and athleticism to be a top five point guard for a long time. He has done a great job with the Wizzards in that they were bad once, but he has carried them to be a good team.

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The interview which I saw on the flight from Moscow to Frankfurt today. It was pretty funny.

 

Thanks Malcolm for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For guys like 18 year old Brit Jules Akodo who has had a whirlwind last couple of months after coming from the Union Olimpija Ljubljana junior team to Frankfurt where he has played NBBL and Pro B and last weekend was top scorer in two games against Urspring and BG Karlsruhe or Canadian Kyle Fossman who also can´t complain from an abundance of experience as a rookie having found action in the Beko BBL and Eurochallenge play came into the game against the Saarlouis Royals on a mission because with a victory they would be rewarded with a playoff berth while for Rickey Easterling of Saarlouis who poured in 42 points in the BCM in the 2009-2010 season against Eintracht Frankfurt and Filmore Beck came in very motivated and had nothing to play for except for pride since his club was sitting in last place and possibly headed back to the Regionaliga a place he had played six straight seasons if they don´t perform in the play downs soon. For Easterling who is a 31 year old 189cm point guard has been a legend in the German Regionaliga for years having dropped 56 points against Hanau, 48 points against Schweningen or 47 points against Mainz, but this season also proved that despite having moved up a level, the Baltimore native still has the knack of scoring. In the Regionaliga he may have averaged a ridiculous 29ppg in seven years including 30 points plus three times, but now in the Pro B he has been very solid averaging 21,4ppg, 4,7rpg and 5,3apg. Currently he is the fourth top scorer in the Pro B and has scored in double figures 19 times including twenty points or more 14 times and 30 plus points twice. Even if he isn´t quite as dominating in the Regionaliga where at times he was like a man playing with boys, he has proven over and over that he belongs to the top players in the German Pro B. With only a few games remaining in his season, he entered the BCM gym in Frankfurt motivated to end the season on a good note and with his exceptional play display why he could have his own nickname as “Mr Regionaliga” and with his slick looks also be approved with the other nickname “pretty Rickey”. However despite scoring 36 points, it wasn´t enough as Marius Nolte pulled an Easterling scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter including seven straight points to start the fourth quarter stopping the momentum of Saarlouis and demonstrated that he can score in bunches the way Easterling can powering the Fraport Skyliners Juniors into the playoffs with a 90-80 victory. “Marius Nolte was the reason why we won this game. He did what was necessary to win the game by fighting hard and scoring baskets. Nolte was the difference and if he hadn´t brought it it would have been difficult to win this game. We didn´t defend well enough and played their game and let Easterling do what he wanted to. The important thing is that we won and reached the playoffs”, stressed Fraport Skyliners Juniors head coach Eric Detlev. Easterling played out his heart and was happy to be back in the BCM and his face lit up when told the German national coach Chris Fleming was in attendance. “The BCM is such a nice facility that just makes you want to perform well. It is nice when guys from a higher level come out and watch us play. I felt comfortable from the start and we knew that this was a big game. We wanted to steal one on the road, but couldn´t get the job done in the fourth quarter”, added Baltimore native Ricky Easterling. It is always nice when one of the bench players and role players comes up big when the team needed a boost. “Nolte saved our butts tonight. He led the team and showed great leadership when I had four fouls. We defended better in the fourth quarter and got some stops on Easterling”, stated Fraport Skyliners center Johannes Richter.

The Fraport Skyliners came into the game with a two game losing streak and wanted to get back on track to their old strength defense after having given up an average 103 points in the last two games while the Saarlouis Royals were looking for their third straight win after victories against Speyer and Lich. 26 year old Mukarem Mujkanovic got going early giving Saarlouis the 4-2 lead with two lay ins. However the Fraport Skyliners Juniors found their rhythm quickly on offense getting a three pointer from Kevin Bright and Johannes Richter hook shot for the 7-4 lead. Even if Easterling was on the floor, it was Mujkanovic that continued to get on the board as he nailed a three pointer to tie the game at 7-7. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors also got infected by the three point bug connecting on three consecutive shots as Andrew Bock, Richter and Bright scored giving Frankfurt the 16-7 advantage. Frankfurt kept the lead getting a pull up jumper from Kyle Fossman and a put back from Niklas Kiel for the 20-10 lead. Frankfurt demonstrated a nice flow in their game with their inside out game as Richter dominated from all over the court nailing a jumper and Bock hit a three pointer for the 25-14 lead. Easterling started to get going showing his knack of being able to hit any mid distance jumper no matter how much traffic there was making two shots and cutting the Frankfurt lead to 25-18. California native Bock hit a few more jumpers giving the Fraport Skyliners Juniors the 32-22 lead after one quarter. “There wasn´t much defense in the first quarter as both teams shot very well as it was a fireworks show”, stressed Fraport Skyliners forward Jacob Burtschi. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 52% from the field and 45% from outside while Saarlouis was shooting 64% from the field and 50% from outside. Frankfurt led the rebound duel 11-7 and had one turnover while Saarlouis had three turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners continued to have the lead, but were never ever fully able to run away with the game as they let the Saarlouis Royals remain within striking distance. Easterling started off the second quarter with free throws and soon after hit another one of his bread and butter shots the mid distance cutting the Frankfurt lead to 34-26. However the Fraport Skyliners Juniors just had more offensive weapons that came through as Nolte got an offensive rebound and put back and Canadian Kyle Fossman dropped a pull up jumper keeping Saarlouis at bay leading 41-28. Whenever Saarlouis attempted to make a push as Detroit native Karl Moore snuck inside for the easy bucket to cut the Frankfurt lead to 41-35, Frankfurt was able to pull away again as they had enough means on offense as Richter hit his bread and butter the mid distance jumper and Bock connected on a three pointer as Frankfurt led 46-35. Saarlouis kept fighting back and went on a 9-4 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 50-44. In the run Easterling scored in bunches with a lay in and floater and 21 year old German Waldemar Nap scored inside. Frankfurt closed out the second quarter with Bright free throws and a Richter lay in to lead 54-44. “The Frankfurt big men Niklas Kiel and Johannes Richter were doing a good job. Easterling was giving Frankfurt problems. The bad decision making and turnovers kept Frankfurt from having a bigger lead”, added ex Phoenix Hagen forward Jacob Burtschi. Frankfurt was well organized and did a good job with their inside out game”, added German national coach Chris Fleming. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 47% from the field and 40% from the three point line while Saarlouis was shooting 63% from the field and 25% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the commanding 24-14 rebound edge and had two turnovers while Saarlouis had seven turnovers.

In the third quarter the Saarlouis Royals made their run and were able to cut the Frankfurt lead to only two points after 30 minutes. Both teams started to hit less shots as both tried to get a better handle on defensive assignments. The Fraport Skyliners started off the third quarter with a 5-0 run to lead 61-46 as it was the baby twin towers of Richter and Kiel that made baskets as the first deadly step of Kiel led to an easy lay in. However then it was the turn of Saarlouis to finally get something going on offense as they broke out on a 14-2 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 63-60. Saarlouis got a lot or production from various guys including consecutive buckets from American Bloochy Valbrun who played at Staten Island(NCAA3) cutting the Frankfurt lead to 61-52. It was obvious in a big run like that that Easterling couldn´t be idle and he connected on two mid distance jumpers that Frankfurt continued not being able to figure out how to stop. Kiel then finally got Frankfurt on the board again scoring inside, but Easterling countered with a pull up jumper cutting the Frankfurt lead to 65-62. Nolte then made a heads up play getting a defensive rebound and firing a quick outlet pass to German Jamin Knothe for the easy break away lay up. A costly Frankfurt error at the end set up three free throws for Valbrun as Frankfurt led only 67-65 after three quarters. “We changed up our defense a little and just fought harder. On offense we took good care of the ball, executed and played as a team”, stressed Ricky Easterling. “Saarlouis played a box and one, but I feel that we just didn´t execute the way we knew how. We also got less offensive rebounds in that quarter”, added Johannes Richter. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 40% from the field and 32% from the parking lot while Saarlouis was shooting 57% from the field and 14% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 37-26 rebound edge and eight turnovers while Saarlouis had 11 turnovers.

If one would of picked the likely player to get Saarlouis the big lead one would have picked Ricky Easterling and on the side of Frankfurt the baby twin towers or Kyle Fossman, but Marius Nolte? The 34 year old German that played 242 Beko BBL games and saw his share of brutal play inside has been the perfect role player from the bench giving the baby twin towers a rest, scoring here and there and getting rebounds, but in the fourth quarter the Paderborn native showed that Frankfurt had their own Easterling even if it was in the body of a 206cm center. After Michael Klein tied the game at 67-67 with a turnaround shot, it was Nolte getting busy scoring three consecutive buckets and giving Frankfurt the 73-67 lead. On all three buckets Nolte owned the paint area as he showed why he still loves to play the game giving his team 110%, intensity and heart. Fossman then set up Kiel for the two handed dunk ending a 9-0 run giving Franfurt the 76-67 lead. Easterling answered with a turn around shot as Frankfurt led 76-69. Nolte kept the momentum on the side of Frankfurt with a free throw and offensive rebound and put back for the 79-69 lead. Saarlouis still wouldn´t lay down and die as they fought until the end. Easterling scored inside cutting the Frankfurt lead to 79-72. Frankfurt continued to do a good job drawing fouls as Nolte hit two free throws for the 81-72 lead. Easterling and ex TBB Trier guard Alexander Goolsby hit timely three pointers to keep knocking at the Frankfurt back door trailing 83-78. However Richter ultimately slammed the door in the face of Saarlouis as he scored six consecutive points with a three pointer and reverse lay up. “We fell apart in the first five minutes. We had turnovers and gave up too many offensive rebounds to let them get the lead back to 10 points. Then we just ran out of time. When you play on the road you need to take advantage of everything and we didn´t do that in the fourth quarter”, stressed Ricky Easterling. “We reached our season goal and now the season really starts. Our biggest strength tonight was offensive rebounds”, stressed Johannes Richter. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Johannes Richter with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Marius Nolte added 21 points and 10 rebounds. Niklas Kiel added 14 points and 12 rebounds while Andrew Bock contributed 13 points. The Saarlouis Royals were led by Ricky Easterling with 36 points. Bloochy Valbrun and Muharem mujkanovic had 10 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners shot 41% from the field and 30% from outside while Saarlouis shot 51% from the field and 27% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebounding duel 53-33 and had 12 turnovers while Saarlouis had 16 turnovers.

 

 

Patrick Richard is a 25 year old 196cm swingman from Carencro, Louisania that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL for the Mitteldeutscher BC. He played four years at  Mc Neese St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 32 games: 18.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 76.9%. In 2012-2013, he started his professional basketball career being drafted by the  Iowa Energy (D-League) and played at Sandringham Sabres (Australia-SEABL-East, starting five): 24 games: 18.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.1apg, 2FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 80.7%. Last season he played in Holland for  Matrixx Magixx Wijchen (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 38 games: Score-4(15.3ppg), 4.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 78.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Fraport Skyliners March ist.

 

 

Pat thanks for talking to German Hoops. How are you feeling today? You scared basketball Germany getting injured in Oldenburg. How long are you expected to be out?

Hi miles! I’m in some pain of course but blessed that all results came back in the good area for me! And I’m not sure about being out for anytime or how long! Day to day situation with me!

A tough 79-72 loss in Oldenburg. It seems as the consistent inside out game of Oldenburg was too much for MBC as they controlled the boards and shot 50% from outside.

Yea it was a tough loss! I believe we controlled the game a lot of the night but they hit shots when they needed to and we didn’t!

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg have a deep and talented roster. Do you see them having any chance of betaing a Berlin, Munich or Bamberg in a five game playoff series?

I believe in the playoffs anyone can get hot and do things against teams!

After a two game winning streak MBC has suffered a two game losing streak. Why has the team stayed so inconsistent after that 7-2 start?

We have been inconsistent! Losing a lot of those games by a close margin may have messed with the team morale! But we continue to work hard every week!

The Mitteldeutscher BC also have lost four close games with four or less points. With your experience is winning close games something you can learn only with experience as a club?

I believe you learn in games you win and also games you lose! Those close game losses may come with lack of experience playing with each other!

The club always stated that the season goal is to stay in the league, but currently the team is only two wins a way from a playoff spot. Is a late season run possible?

The goal for the club is to stay in the BBL! We take one game at a time that’s the goal just to go each week focused on the next opponent! Anything is possible though!

The club has brought in three Americans with Beckham Wyrick, Mark Dorris and Darry Webb. Is this the right mix and what has been your impression of all three players?

I like all three Guys! Each bring different things to the team. D Webb is a presence inside despite his height! Becks is a smart player than can stretch the floor with his shooting and is a good defender! And mark Dorris is a player that had experience and is very athletic! Plays hard on both ends!

After scoring in double figures in his first eight games, German Christian Standhardinger has only done it twice in his next 13 games. Is Standhardinger a different player now?

I’m not sure the difference with Christain! Teams do scout and it gets tougher throughout the season! The BBL is a tough league as well so adjustments have to be made weekly!

The next game is against the Fraport Skyliners who have a six game winning streak. They are coming off a tiring three day trip to Russia. What kind of game can we expect?

I don’t predict games but I know we will prepare for them and go for it all against them!

How can MBC compensate your loss in Frankfurt? Is this the right opportunity for Standhardinger to have a monster game?

I think as a team we just all have to come together! Everyone has to be ready and prepared mentally! If I can’t play I trust in every one of my teammates!

What has been the most amazing thing you have seen Mark Dorris do in practice? Have you ever seen a player like him that can score the impossible shot in traffic?

I’ve played with someone like him. A little similar! He just knows how to score and surprisingly very athletic!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The five heartbeats last DVD! Thanks miles

 

Thanks Patrick for the chat.

 

Antonio Graves is a 29 year old 191cm guard from Mansfield, Ohio that is playing his eighth professional season and second with the Artland Dragons. He played at Pittsburgh(NCAA) from 2003-2007 playing a total of 130 NCAA games and as a senior played 37 games averaging 9.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 66.3%. He started his professional basketball career in 2007 for the Pittsburgh Xplosion (CBA): 13 games: 19.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 44.9%, FT: 77.3%, in Dec.’07 moved to Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez (France-ProA): French League: 18 games: Score-2(20.4ppg), 2.2rpg, 2.8apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 82.8%; ULEB Cup: 3 games: 10.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg. In the 2008-2009 season he played for Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul (Turkey-TBL) Eurocup Qualifications: 4 games: 12.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.5apg, 1.3spg; EuroChallenge: 9 games: 15.3ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg; Turkish League: 32 games: 15.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 67.9%. In the 2009-2010 season he played for KK Cibona VIP Zagreb (Croatia-A1) Adriatic League: 9 games: 8.6ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 94.4%; Euroleague: 4 games: 4.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.0apg, in Jan.’10 moved to Hapoel Holon (Israel-Premier League) 13 games: 10.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 72.3%. In the 2001-2011 season he played for KK Cibona VIP Zagreb (Croatia-A1) Adriatic League: 9 games: 8.6ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 94.4%; Euroleague: 4 games: 4.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.0apg, in Jan.’10 moved to Hapoel Holon (Israel-Premier League) 13 games: 10.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 72.3%. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Canton Charge (D-League, starting five), left in Mar.’12: 27 games: 8.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 75.9%. In the 2012-2013 seaosn he played for Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Italy-Lega2) 40 games: 15.8ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 75.4%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Walter Tigers Tuebingen.

 

 

 

 

Antonio thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are in Tuebingen now preparing for the game against the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. What do you remember most from last season in Tuebingen your 18 points or the 104-64 loss?

 

I remembered the loss most. It was near the end of the season as we were still trying to move up in the playoff places. We lost pretty bad in Tuebingen and it was a game that we forgot quickly.

 

 

Losing by 40 points isn´t so typical. Was that one of your worst loses in your professional career?

 

It was definitely one of the worst loses in my career. I actually thought that we lost by 20, but it was hard to believe that it was 40 points.

 

The Artland Dragons are currently in 10^th place with a record of 11-12. At the start of December the team started a six game losing streak and since then have a record of 3-3. Why is such a strong roster so inconsistent?

 

That is a great question. That is a question that has been hanging over us and we are trying to figure out what the solution is. We still have many games left to make a turn around. I think that the league is stronger this season, but that isn´t an excuse that we should have. We have underachieved, but we are confident that we can turn it around. We had a nice playoff run last year, but want to do better than last year. Anything is possible. We know that we have the potential and we hope that we can find it in the stretch run.

 

 

What has the team been able to improve on the defense end since the six game losing streak where the club gave up 80 plus points five times and in the last six games only one time?

 

It has taken us longer to get our defensive concept down because we play a certain kind of defensive scheme. We like to take teams out of what they do best and take that pick and role away. Playing this way is unconventional and getting that trust with each other has taken longer. We have practiced it in the Eurocup play and the coaching staff has done a great job with us and having us understand it better

 

 

Do you see the team making a run in the last two months to reach the playoffs?

 

I am confident that we will make a run. Nobody wants to match up against us in the playoffs. We are a scary team and we know it and so do our opponents.

 

 

You are playing your second season with the Artland Dragons and returned eight players. Which returning player do you feel has improved the most this season?

 

I don´t know. It really has been hard to understand why we have been underachieving because each guy works so hard during practice. Our intensity is there and we try to be the best that we can. I can´t choose one player that has made the most strides because each guy has.

 

 

You have improve your stats in the Beko BBL and Eurocup this season. Despite a team with many scorers has your role changed?

 

I think that my role is the same. I understand our offense more and what my coaches expect from me. I also am doing a better job of picking my spots and finding my teammates. I think the improvement has come because of another year of experience. I know my situation now and coming to a team is always an adjustment.

 

 

You have played with many great point guards in your career, but where does David Holston rank in your alltime best point guard teammates?

 

He is up there with the best. He is a match up nightmare. I played against him in Turkey where he scored a lot and now he is my teammate and he is more selfless than I thought. He is an amazing player and guy. It is great being his teammate for a second season.

 

 

You are 29 years old. What have you been able to learn most from young head coach Tyron Mccoy?

 

 

I have learned a lot from him. He has a high basketball IQ. He played at a high level and wants us to play at that level as well. I have learned to be a better player on offense and defense and not just to go out on the court and use my athletic ability, but to be able to take the game two steps ahead and also know when too slow it down.

 

 

Two years ago you helped Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Italy-Lega2) win the title with only two Americans. What was the secret of the success?

 

I played with an amazing group of guys. I have to also give a lot of credit to our coach who had a great feel for his players and knew what each guy needed and we accepted our roles and understood what to do. I was watching an NBA game the other night between the Cavs and Warriors and Steve Kerr said it best in that a team is only as good as their role players. Our role players were like stars. Having these kind of role players made it so much more easier for Michael Hicks and I.

 

 

In the 2010-2011 season you played with Banvit Basketbol Kulubu (Turkey-TBL). What memories do you have of Keith Simmons who started his professional basketball career in Germany with Frankfurt?

 

Keith Simmons was an awesome guy. He was a hard worker, great defensive player and a high character guy. He was a guy that fit his role. He came to Turkey after playing in Germany where he had a totally different role and then had to play excellent defense, shut down the oppoents best player and hit shots. He fit the puzzle to the team. He accepted a different role with Banvit and that is why he has had such a long career there.

 

In the 2009-2010 season you split with Cibona and then finished with Hapoel Holon (Israel-Premier League). What memories do you have of American Titus Ivory who suffered a stroke some years ago?

 

Titus Ivory was a great guy. He was one of the veterans that welcomed me with open arms. I never saw him get down once or have a bad day no matter what the situation was. He helped me get adjusted in Israel. I am sorry to hear that about his stroke. A big problem is that it is hard keeping up with players, because you moving around so often from team to team. I am so thankful that I am playing for the Artland Dragons and this is the first time since college that I have played for the same team for two seasons. It isn´t easy always having to make an adjustment moving from team to team.

 

 

As a rookie you played for Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez (France-ProA) which was your first station in Europe. What was your wake up call to being a professional in Europe that season?

 

I never thought that I would play professional basketball after Pittsburgh(NCAA). I simply had no offers from anybody. I still had some credits to finish at Pittsburgh, so I remained and played semi pro ball with the Pittsburgh Xplosion (CBA). It didn´t help my confidence at the start that I hardly played, but then I got a chance there and played well. Then came a call from France from Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez (France-ProA) and I finished the season strong. My dream finally started being a professional basketball player even if I thought I would never make it.

 

 

You reached two NCAA Sweet 16 games in 2004 and 2007. Which one was the sweetest?

 

The 2007 run was the sweetest. It was my senior year, I was one of coach Dixon´s first recruits and I was able to play against UCLA and it was a big deal. We were a great bunch of guys and it was the best time for me at Pittsburgh. I loved every moment and it was at the height of my success there.

 

You played with many future NBA players like Sam Young or Aaron Gray or great players like Gilbert Brown or Jermaine Dixon. Who was your best teammate at Pittsburgh?

All those guys were great. Gilbert Brown and Jermaine Dixon were great guys, but were younger. I would have to choose between Aaron Gray and Sam Young. Aaron and I were roommates there and are still friends today. Sam Young and I always worked out then as well as last summer. Both guys inspired me so much. Both guys also helped me through the rough times. If I had to choose I would pick Aaron because we came in together in 2003 and it was special.

 

Who was the toughest player that you battled against in the NCAA that went to the NBA?

 

I tell my teammates all the time why I love defending is because of all the great players I have played against in my career. I will never forget playing against Ben Gordon when I was a freshman. We were something like third in the country playing against #1 UCONN. I played against him in Madison Square Garden in New York in the Big East tournament. It was a special moment and I really looked up to him.

 

How much is sky is the limit for Isiah Hartenstein? Does he have the game to reach the top level in Europe of even NBA?

 

It is scary that he hasn´t stopped growing yet despite being so tall already. I can´t believe it. He competes against us in practice and is still a kid. I think that he has NBA potential. His dad keeps him in the gym all the time.

 

Your brother is named Miles as am I. How many other Miles´s have you got to know in your life?

 

Just you two.

 

Why do so many good basketball players come from the state of Ohio?

That is hard to understand since Ohio is typically a football state. I think that a lot of it has to do that we have a very good AAU program. I played against Lebron a few times when I was a kid. That is when I saw how high the level is in Ohio. Ohio is a good spot for sports.

 

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The Imitation game, but the best movie that I saw in the last month was Whiplash.

 

Thanks Antonio for the chat.