Andrew Bock is a 23 year old 185cm point guard from Rialto, California that is playing his rookies eason in Germany for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. He started his basketball career at Creighton in 2009. He then transferred to Pacific (NCAA) and as a senior played 29 games averaging 11.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 87.9%. he spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

 

Andrew thanks for talking to German Hoops. It took you quite a while to find a team as a professional. How difficult was it sitting at homes the last six months not knowing what your basketball future had in store. How did you get through this time and who was your biggest supporter?

 

It was a difficult time for me as I have been used to always playing. The biggest support came from my family. My college teammates kept me positive telling me to keep working and telling me I would get my chance.

 

 

In your first game as a Fraport Skyliner Junior you helped defeat Speyer 75-73 scoring seven points in 10 minutes. How did you see the style of play in comparison to NCAA play that you had experienced for four years?

 

I am getting in better rhythm and in the flow of the Pro B level. Two major differences that I have encountered is the first step which leads often to a traveling call and there are more big men in the Pro B that play that inside out game. The NCAA also is a bit faster.

 

 

How excited are you to play in the future more with Jules Akodo. How do you see you guys complimenting each others play on the court?

 

Jules is my roommate and we really are getting a good feel for each other on and off the court. We are always talking how we can help the team win. I think the team is starting to gel. It isn´t always easy as we don´t practice all always together as some practice with the BBL team.

 

 

What do you like most about the game of Jules Akodo?

 

He is so versatile. He can shoot the three and is a slasher. He is so young that I feel that he has a bright future.

 

 

Head coach Eric Detlev has lauded you as a point guard who can do many things. What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away on the floor?

 

A hidden strength in my game is staying calm. No matter if we are up 10 points or down 10 points, I keep a level head. I just try to lead the team and not get high or low.

 

 

 

Which teammate has impressed you the most so far from what you have seen on the court?

 

Niklas Kiel has impressed me the most. I often tell him that he doesn´t know how good he is. He is one of the high ceilings here and he can do it all. He is only 17 years old and once he gets more experience, he will get even better.

 

 

 

You are also at games of the Fraport Skyliners. When you watch that level of play and players and guys like rookies Sean Armand and Justin Cobbs guys that played at the same level like you in the NCAA on what things does it make you tend to feel the need to work on the most?

 

Its all about opportunites. Armand and Cobbs are very good players. I feel like one needs to prove each game how good you are no matter at what level you are. I am learning how to lead a team, be aggressive and physical.

 

 

You are from Rialto, California, what NBA player was your role model growing up and to what player could you compare your style to?

 

Tony Parker was always one of my favorite players. I always liked how he controlled a game and attacking when needed. I like to attack in the lane, create for my teammates and hit the three. I like to get up and down the floor.

 

 

 

As a freshman you played at Creighton. What were the main reasons for moving on to Pacific?

 

Creighton is in Nebraska and I just wanted to be nearer to my family. With Pacific being in California my parents could come out to games more.

What was your fondest memory of big man Gregory Echenique who also played in Germany last season with Ludwigsburg?

 

He was a great guy. I met him early on when he came from Rutgers. He can score and rebound and he actually wanted me to remain at Creighton.

 

 

 

You hardly played in your first two seasons at Pacific. What did you learn the most in this time about basketball on and off the court?

 

This was the point where I grew the most as a player. I have learned the most in this time. I had always been used to playing and now I had to sit more as I played behind Lorenzo Mccloud. I picked his brain and learned from him waiting for my chance. I kept working so when I did get my chance I would be able to showcase my talent.

 

 

In your senior year you finally got playing time and averaged 11.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 87.9%. What was your fondest NCAA memory that season?

 

Beating BYU at home as it was a huge upset.

 

 

How did head coach Ron Verlin prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

He told me that no matter the situation, do your part which you can control. He told me also always get better, help your team and play fearless and try not to think too much.

 

 

 

Last season you were teammates with young German David Taylor. How much potential does he have and how much more can he grow at the NCAA level?

 

He is very talented and is getting that feel for the NCAA. H eis very fast and this year is learning to control his speed. He is very humble and he also has a big future.

 

 

Alex Acker played in this gym 9 years ago in an exhibition game against Frankfurt. When you hear that name what does it remind you of? Have you met him at home?

 

 

I have met him. He is one of the best players to have come from Rialto. It is funny where basketball will take you. Sean Marshall who is playing in Europe and Marvelle Harris from Fresno State are also great players to come from Rialto.

 

 

 

Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?

 

 

Mike Moser.

 

 

 

What has been your impression of Skyliner Jacob Burtschi in the few days that you have seen him?

 

He has a very high basketball IQ. He is a very good shooter and will help the team.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Medea goes to jail.

 

Thanks Andrew for the chat.

 

 

 

Darryl Webb is a 27 year old 198cm forward from Elkridge, Maryland that is playing his fourth professional season and recently moved to the German Beko BBL team Mitteldeutscher BC. He started the season with BBC Monthey (Switzerland-LNA) playing 18 games: 15.8ppg, 11.2rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3FGP: 25.8%, FT: 62.5%. He started his basketball career in 2007 with Indiana, PA (NCAA2) and as a senior played 32 games: 17.4ppg, 10.1rpg, 1.6apg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 49.6%, 3Pts: 29.1%, 72.6%. IN 2011 he started his professional basketball career with the Crailsheim Merlins (Germany-ProA): 35 games: 15.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 58.7%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 66.4%. In the 2012-2013 season he played with Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie) playing 39 games: 14.3ppg, Reb-1(10.2rpg), 1.3spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 76.3%. Last season he played for the Hitachi Sunrockers Tokyo (Japan-NBL): 26 games: 13.2ppg, 9.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 60.8%. He spoke to German Hoops before giving his MBC debut with MBC against ratiopharm Ulm.

 

 

Darryl thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. How strange is it going to a team MBC that beat you with Crailsheim in 2012 in the Pro A playoffs to move back to the Beko BBL?

What I remember most from that series is me getting really sick on the way to MBC and I ended up not playing in a game we could have one. I’m just excited to get the opportunity to play in a well respected league and show I’m able to compete in this league despite my height.

The club is currently in 14th place with a record of 8-12 that is looking to find its rhythm again. The team also has had some changes bringing in Americans Mark Dorris and Beckham Wyrick. Do you see the team making a turn around in the last three months?

I think the team is just taking it one game at a time and trying to get better every day also doing whatever it takes to stay in the BBL.

You have practiced with the team for some days now. With Pantalic and Standhardinger at the four and five, how potent will the rebound work be now with you giving support on the offensive glass?

I think even before me coming here those guys were great when it came to rebounding. So now I’m just here to try to add to that.

 

You have come in to replace American rookie Ryan Nichols. You are a guy that can produce double double stats. Is this something that head coach Silvano Porpart is expecting form you or what exactly is your role?

Coach talked to me and told me he wants me to be an inside presence, rebound, and just be active on defense.

In a week you will play your ex team the Crailsheim Merlins. How excited are you to play against them again and are you surprised that they have only won three games this season?

To me it’s just another game that the team wants to win, as for them winning 3 games, I am sure it’s tough coming into the top league you don’t have all the pieces and guys haven’t played together as long as other teams have.

Mark Mr fantastic Dorris lives for his mid distance jumper. What has been the most amazing thing that you have seen him do?

So far with Mark I think with him being so small him being able to dunk surprised me.

You recently played for BBC Monthey (Switzerland-LNA) producing very solid stats with playing 18 games: 15.8ppg, 11.2rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3FGP: 25.8%, FT: 62.5%-Why wasn´t this a fit for you until the end of the season?

I just wanted to try something new and get into a league that was higher up.

How much fun was it playing with ex Ohio State center Terrence Dials who surely made room for you to do your thing in the paint?

It was great playing with him he took up a lot of space and made it hard for teams to double and help.

After playing in Germany and Holland, you played for Hitachi Sunrockers Tokyo (Japan-NBL) two seasons ago. What kind of experience was that and what experience will you never forget about your time there?

Being in Japan the culture there was different, but they did have the places I liked such as Costco, outback, and Fridays so my time there wasn’t too bad.

You won the Dutch cup in 2013 with Landstede. What made this title experience so special?

We actually lost by 5 in the Dutch cup a game we should have won.

Your teammate at Landstede was Zach Novak who was a three year captain at Michigan(NCAA) and had a great rookie season. Did you ever suspect during that season that he would hang up his sneakers for good?

Yea I figured he would, he had already had a plan and just wanted to try out playing for one season

 

In our last interview three years ago you stated that I have to work on more things like pulling up off the dribble, getting to the basket quicker, and kicking it out quicker when the double team comes. On what aspect have you improved your game most since 2012?

Passing it out of the post quicker, getting to the basket quicker are things I’ve improved on, off the dribble not so much.

Now that you are back in Germany, what food did you miss the most?

The 99 cent cookies I always bought from the grocery store.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Home Alone 2.

 

Thanks Darryl for the chat.

 

DJ Kennedy is a 24 year old 198cm forward from Pittsburgh that is playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with the MHP RIESEN Ludwigsburg. He started the season with Krasny Oktyabr Volgograd (Russia-VTB): VTB United League: 4 games: 19.3ppg, 6.0rpg, 3.3apg; Eurocup: 3 games: 16.3ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.7spg. He started his basketball career in 2007 with St.John’s (NCAA) where he played a total of 129 games until 2011 and as a senior played 32 games averaging 10.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.0apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 77.8%. In 2011, he started his professional basketball career with the Erie Bay Hawks (D-League) playing 47 games: 15.6ppg, 7.4rpg, 4.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 82.5%, in Apr.’12 signed at Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA): 2 games: 6.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg. In the 2012-2013 season he played for Erie Bay Hawks (D-League, starting five): 35 games: 18.8ppg, 8.3rpg, 5.5apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 83.8%, in Mar.’13 signed at Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League, starting five): 20 games: 14.3ppg, 7.1rpg, 4.8apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 81.8%. Last season he came to Europe and played for three teams with BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral (France-ProA): Eurocup: 4 games: 11.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.3apg; French ProA: 4 games: 9.5ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.0spg, left in Dec.’13, in Jan.’14 moved to Krasny Oktyabr Volgograd (Russia-VTB), later that month agreed terms with Hapoel Holon (Israel-Winner League, starting five): 19 games: 12.1ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 72.6%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DJ Thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are currently playing your fourth professional season and already playing for your 11th team. Do you sometimes feel like a basketball globetrotter because you are traveling the world?

 

 

 

Globetrotter? Not at all. It’s been nine teams and I appreciate all nine, because I learned from each one. 

 

You are playing your first season for the MHP RIESEN Ludwigsburg (Germany-BBL) after starting the season with Krasny Oktyabr Volgograd (Russia-VTB) where you had very powerful stats. Did the weather get too cold in Russia or why did you leave the team?

 

The weather wasn’t a factor for me I’m from Pittsburgh so that wasn’t a big deal for me. I just think with the hiring of a new coach and the president wanting to go in another direction.  So it was best that we came two a mutual agreement for both sides to move on.

 

You have seemed to have had no problem adjusting to the Beko BBL as you are leading the league in scoring with 21,4ppg, 6,2rpg and 3,0apg. What has been your secret to adjusting so well to the high level of play?

 

Constantly just trying to get better every chance I can and being able to stay consistent & ready from Russia to Germany.

 

 

It has been an up and down ride so far as the team lost its first four games with three being very close and since then have won five of the last six. What have been the main reasons for the team winning more as of late?

 

I really feel our success lately has been because we have a better feel for one another now and we all are on the same page as a collective group and it shows.

 

 

There is seldom a team in Germany that has so much NBA air on a team as Ludwigsburg has yourself, John Brockman, Koby Carl and Mike Stockton. What has it been like having so much NBA around on a daily basis?

 
This is a Great group of guys very competitive, humble, unselfish and works hard every day!…we are all learning from each other and it’s great to be apart of this group.

 

You have played for so many coaches in your young career, but what have you been able to learn form John Patrick in your first few months?

 

Coach Patrick has been great for me, lot of my success so far has a lot to do with him. We have a great connection. He is very hands on as far as fundamentals & defense and stresses the little things that makes a big difference. I have a lot of respect for him.
 

You have scored 20 plus points seven times including a 31 point effort against Tuebingen. Which team in the BBL was the toughest team you played so far where you had to earn your points most?

 

I haven’t played against all of the teams in the BBL yet. But so far the teams that I’ve played all have been tough. This is a very physical league and competitive.

 

 

You are a swingman that can do it all on the floor, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

 

My ability to be physical. I think people think that I am not a fan of physical play, but I welcome it. This is one of the reasons I came to Germany. This is a very physical league and I love it. The physical play takes my play to another level.  
 

 

As a rookie you played two games for the Clevland Cavaliars and in your second season you had very good stats in the D-League with Erie and Rio Grande. Were you very disappointed that you didn´t get a call up and what did you learn from your second season about the NBA?

 

Disappointed – of course it would have been nice to get a call up when I was having a good season but I can only focus on what I can control. I learned its all about timing & opportunity so I must be ready when your number is called.

 

 

What do you remember from your 28 point, 13 rebound, 10 assists game against Tulsa in the D-League where your teammate was current ratiopharm Ulm center Tim Ohlbrecht?

 

I remember how much talent was on our team. At that time with so many good players we won 18 straight games had fun playing with that team and staff.

 

You had very much experience in the D-League. Is there really anything positive that you can take from the D-League if one can´t dazzle the team scouts with individual play?
I really believe it’s about the right situation,timing, and making the best out of that opportunity. That is what I took from it.

 

 

 

What kind of experience was it playing with Dirk Nowitzki in training camp? What was something you learned that you didn´t know before you actually were able to play with him and get to know him in camp?

 

 
Dirk was great. There’s a reason why Drk has had so much success and will be a hall of famer he is one the hardest working players I’ve seen, just to see a guy who been in the league for so many years constantly working like its 1st year taught me a lot and motivated me even more.

 

 

 

In your third season you reached Europe and played in France, Russia and Israel. What was your wake up call to being a professional in Europe where you knew that you weren´t in the States anymore?

 

 

At first it was tough, just being so many miles away from home and having to adjust to a whole new culture and lifestyle. I have a lot of respect for every player that goes through it. Its something that you have to be willing to adapt to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You had some pretty good talent at ST Johns when you were there, but why do you feel was the team never able to make more noise in a NCAA tournament?

 

I really believe a lot of it was due to how young we were. We came in with 9 freshman not sure if anyone could of had immediate success in that era of the big east which was the toughest conference in the NCAA! We didn’t have immediate success but it made us better & it showed our senior year when we finally had success and showed the world. We really had a chance to go far that year – if I hadn’t the injury in the big east tournament. But still think we had one great run.

 

 

 

Who was your toughest battle on the floor in the NCAA who is playing in the NBA now?

 

 

It’s really hard to point out one person the big east had so many great players that’s still playing guys like Jimmy Butler, Wesley Matthews, Lance Stephenson ,Kemba Walker just to name a few

 

 

 

What have you been able to appreciate the most about Germany on and off the court?

 
The people in Germany are great. fans shows a lot of support and stick with you through the ups and downs.

 

 

Who wins a one on one on practice you or Shawn Huff?
 

Huff would let me win I’m sure lol

 

 

 

Thanks DJ for the chat.
 

 

It has been more than 10 years ago that the then Opel Skyliners won their first and only Beko BBL title against the always menacing Freak City team who were then called GHP Bamberg. Since then guys like Pascal Roller has become boss at the Hamburg Towers, Alex King has been made into a solid Euroleague player, Bernd kruel at age 39 is still playing helping build something sweet with the RheinStars Cologne, sharp shooter Tyrone Ellis is an assistant coach for D-League team Grand Rapids Drive while guys like Ibrahim Diarra and Mario Kasun have retired with the latter having basketball filled stories from his golden days with the Orlando Magic and FC Barcelona from 2004-2008. On the Bamberg side most guys have retired with only Steffen Hamann still playing in the German Pro A with Baunach. Even if I thought Chris Ensminger would play until he was 50 and have his snare and facial expressions in the paint forever be plastered somewhere as a memory, he has gone into coaching with Gotha while his ex teammate Gerd Kullame has done the same. Kullame is a 44 year old Estonian that has been coach with Tartu Rock since January 2012 and as a player played at the 1993 European championships where Germany surprised everyone winning the gold and won 5 Estonian and one Dutch and Belgium titles. However one title remained absent from his collection as he played two seasons in Germany with Bamberg and was on the floor on June 13^th 2004 where Frankfurt won game five 84-78. Even if he hit the most three pointers in the game with three that won´t even be a consolation as he had been so close to winning the illustrious BBL title. Kullame had never been back to the Fraport arena to play a game or coach since 2004 and he was back again as head coach of Tartu Rock and had a double motivation to get a win as his team was 1-2 in Eurochallenge play and desperately needed a win and also wanted to erase that last loss against head coach Gordon Herbert and do it better this time with him barking the commands from the sidelines. It seemed like there could be a chance for Kullamae to get revenge as the game was close for 30 minutes, but a massive 35 point Frankfurt fourth quarter ripped apart Tartu Rock as the head coach once again had to exit the arena as the loser. “I wasn´t thinking about the last time I was here as this game tonight was most important. Frankfurt came out in the fourth quarter and basically hit every shot. Congratulations to Frankfurt”, stressed Tartu Rock head coach Gerd Kullamae. If you would have asked a Skyliner after the third quarter if it would be more possible to see pigs fly or them score 35 points they probably would have elected the first. “I would have called you bluff. The game was even for about 25 minutes. We upped our defensive intensity in the fourth. We just moved the ball better and hit shots”, stressed Fraport Skyliner forward Jacob Burtschi.

The Fraport Skyliners entered the game with a 2-1 Eurochallenge record while Tartu Rock came in with a 1-2 record and had a type of must win situation. The Fraport Skyliners took control early quickly as it was one half of the twin towers Johannes Voigtmann who supplied all points in the 9-2 start. He scored inside twice, hit free throws and even hit a three pointer for good measure something he had done 48 hours earlier against 8 time Beko BBL champion Alba Berlin. However Tartu Rock stormed back going on a 7-0 run to tie the game at 9-9. Joosep Toome who has won three Estonian league titles nailed a three pointer and two time Beko BBL cup winner with Cologne Janar Talts scored inside and connected on free throws. Frankfurt presented Tartu Rock with their versatile bench as they kept up the pressure despite having given up a big run by going out on a 8-3 run to take the 17-12 lead. Quantez Robertson connected on a lay up and Berlin native Konstantin Klein dropped back to back three pointers as he improved his astronomical 80% three point percentage in Eurochallenge play. “Since I came back from injury it seems like my three pointer is the only thing that works. My feet were dead, but my shot still works, but I did get some open looks”, smiled Konstantin Klein. Gerd Dorbek who won four Estonian league titles reacted with a three pointer and Frankfurt then closed out the first quarter with brilliant fast break basketball as Quantez Robertson forced a turnover and Florida native Mike Morrison led the fast break charge dishing the ball to Klein for the easy lay in. “Frankfurt did a great job getting Johannes Voigtmann involved early. Frankfurt moved the ball well, but then did some costly errors letting Tartu Rock back into the game. Klein hit some timely shots at the end. You could see that he was playing with confidence”, added Fraport Skyliner Junior Jules Akodo. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 47% from the field and 75% from outside while Tartu Rock was shooting 38% from the field and 17% from outside. Tartu Rock at the 9-6 rebound edge, but five turnovers while Frankfurt had two turnovers.

In the second quarter the game remained tight as the Fraport Skyliners could never break away as Tartu Rock remained on their door step until half time. Tartu Rock started off the second quarter with a 6-2 run to tie the game at 21-21. Morrison got an offensive rebound and made the put back. Tanel Sokk then led Tartu Rock back with his aggressive play hitting a jumper and also finding Timo Eichfuss who won five Estonian league titles with a no look pass. Lithuanian Augustas Peciukevicius connected on jumper from the corner just as the shot clock went off. Frankfurt took the lead twice with a Sean Armand lay in and Justin Cobbs jumper, but Tartu Rock tied the game twice with a Marek Doronin lay in who is playing his 15^th season with Tartu Rock having won 12 titles in Estonia and Peciukevicius scored on a lay in. Frankfurt then showed some new flash of offense going on a 6-0 run to lead 31-25. Frankfurt kept making the paint area their home as Voigtman and Cobbs scored and Canadian Aaron Doornekamp made a left handed lay in. Each time where it seemed like Frankfurt might break away, the Estonian team had an answer as big man Joosep Toome who likes to step outside nailed a three pointer to cut the Frankfurt lead to 31-28. Doornekmap kept up his offensive flow hitting a fade away jumper, but Janar Talts matched him with a fade away from the corner ala Kevin Mchale style as Frankfurt still led 33-30. Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi and Janar Talts then exchanged three pointers as Frankfurt led 36-33. After the Talts three pointer, Tartu Rock got the ball back and finished a pretty mini ally op as one point guard Augustas Peciukevicius found the other point guard 30 year old Tanel Sokk who was the 2012 Estonian final MVP at the buzzer. The Fraport Skyliners led 36-35 after twenty minutes. “Frankfurt could have had a better lead, but they let Tartu Rock come back with second chance points and offensive rebounds. Doornekamp made some big shots that helped”, stressed Jules Akodo. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 58% from the field and 80% from the three point line while Tartu Rock was shooting 50% from the field and 27% from the three point line. Tartu Rock had the narrow 13-12 rebound edge and both teams had coughed up the ball seven times each.

Tartu Rock had the edge in the third quarter as they took the lead and the Fraport Skyliners had to play pick up basketball. Both teams traded runs at the start of the third quarter as Tartu Rock took the lead with a 4-0 run, but Frankfurt ripped it back with a 6-0 run. Tartu Rock got points inside from Sokk with a floater and a hard penetration drive from Talts. Frankfurt countered with three buckets in a row from Voigtmann who got going again as he displayed his versatility of his inside and mid range game as Frankfurt led 42-39. Tartu Rock was always on the prowl to try to break open the game and achieved it a little bit going on a 11-2 run to lead 50-44. In the run Tartu Rock gave Frankfurt their version of three point buckets as Dorbek, Talts and Sokk hammered home bombs. Frankfurt kept fighting and chipping away at the Tartu Rock lead as Armand and Cobbs made free throws. Morrison then showed enormous anticipation and instincts catching an Armand air ball and making the put back cutting the Tartu Rock lead to 52-49. After Toome free throws, it was Burtschi nailing a three pointer as Frankfurt trailed 54-52. Kurbas then made free throws, Cobbs made a lay in and Morrison ended the thrid quarter with a lay in as Quantez Robertson was the recipient of the quick pass as Frankfurt gained the lead again 57-56. “Tartu Rock was hitting shots and we weren´t executing as well as we had to come back the whole quarter”, stressed Jacob Burtschi. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 52% from the field and 56% from the parking lot while Tartu Rock was shooting 49% from the field and 37% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 21-20 rebound edge and eight turnovers while Tartu Rock had nine turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, the Fraport Skyliners started from scratch forgot the first three quarters and just exploded scoring 35 points and making a close game at the end into a rout. Frankfurt started off the fourth quarter with a 19-4 run to lead 76-61 which pretty much sealed the win for the 2004 BBL champion. Frankfurt had had high shooting percentages throughout the game, but now they just began seeing the court as an ocean where missing wasn´t an option. Frankfurt got going scoring from close range as after Cobbs made free throws, Frankfurt might have showed their best executed play of the evening as two good shots were past up for the best shot as Klein found Morrison for the two handed dunk. Cobbs and Voigtmann followed with pull up jumpers as Frankfurt led 65-57. Even if Tartu Rock continued to battle back getting buckets inside from Toome and Peciukevicius, Frankfurt just rolled over that with three consecutive three pointers from Klein, Burtschi and Robertson to lead 74-61. Frankfurt also did a good job getting to the free throw line as Cobbs and Voigtmann connected for the 78-66 advantage. Robertson then found his range again from outside nailing a three pointer, Voigtmann followed with a pretty hook shot and Cobbs then decided the game for good with a bomb form downtown as Frankfurt led 87-69. Voigtmann then found some serious daylight as no one was in the lane and he made a thunderous dunk and Cobbs followed with a pull up jumper as Frankfurt led 91-69. Tartu Rock closed out the game with a mini 4-0 run as Sokk and Eichbaum scored inside. “We executed very well, hit our open shots and made our free throws. We did a better job rebounding and played good defense while they missed some open shots”, stressed Quantez Robertson. “We risked some things trying to change on defense to change the rhythm, but they made their shots which was the difference. Frankfurt was more aggressive on defense and we didn´t make good options and had crucial turnovers”, stated Janar Talts. “We rebounded better, played faster, hit shots early which helped our confidence”, stressed Konstantin Klein.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Johannes Voigtmann with 26 points and four rebounds. He hit 10/12 shots, but despite his highest point total in his career it wasn´t his finest performance from the eyes of his teammates. “Joe made his shots and free throws. Offensively it might have been his best, but I think he has had better games, but it was one of his better games”, stressed Konstantin Klein. “Joe has had many good games. He was outstanding. It wasn´t his greatest, but it was up there”, warned Jacob Burtschi. “This was one of many good games that he has had. He played big in the paint and knew how to knock down the mid distance jumper. He got it going early and kept it up”, added Johannes Voigtmann. Justin Cobbs added 20 points and four assists while Konstantin Klein chipped in with 11 points, four rebounds and four assists. Tartu Rock was led by Janar Talts with 19 points. Tanel Sokk and Gert Dorbek added 13 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners shot 58% from the field and 64% from outside while Tartu Rock shot 46% from the field and 31% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebounding duel 27-25 and had nine turnovers while Tartu Rock had 14 turnovers. Frankfurt is in the driver´s seat with a 3-1 record with two games to go while Tartu Rock have a 1-3 record and uphill climb. “We have two more games and need a miracle”, warned Janar Talts. “We are sitting nice now, but still have two more tough road games. We need to win on the road”, warned Jacob Burtschi.

Janar Talts is a 31 year old 205 cm forward from Estonia that is playing his sixth season for Tartu Ulikool/Rock (Estonia-KML). He played in Germany at a young age for RheinEnergie Koln (Germany-1.Bundesliga) from 2004-2007 winning two Beko BBL cups. He also gained experience playing in Italy for Cimberio Varese (Italy-SerieA) from 2011-2013. Last season he played for Tartu Ulikool/Rock (Estonia-KML) EuroChallenge: 15 games: 9.8ppg, Reb-5(7.0rpg), 1.7apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 70.4%; Baltic League: 18 games: 9.9ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 72.7%; Estonian League: 31 games: 10.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP-1(66.9%), 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 63.5%. He spoke to German Hoops before todays Eurochallenge game against the Fraport Skyliners.

 

 

 

 

Janar thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. How often have you been back to Germany since leaving Cologne in 2007?

 

I haven´t been back so often. I think just one time. We played Eurochallenge against Artland some years ago.

 

You played three seasons in Germany for Rhein Energie Cologne. What did you learn to appreciate the most about the country of Germany?

 

Everything is very nice in Germany. The people are precise and the living quality is very good. The people were very kind to me and I liked living in Germany.

 

 

Tartu Rock 1-2 has a very important game in Eurochallenge play against the Fraport Skyliners who are 2-1. What does the team want to do better this time than in the first loss?

 

We have to play well to win, because Frankfurt play very well at home. We will change some things, but we have to play better than the first game in our place.

 

 

 

What can we expect from this game? Will this be a hard fought game that might not be pretty to watch as defense could be the main focus?

 

I hope that it will be low scoring again. It will surely be a hard fought game and I hope that we can enjoy a win.

 

 

Your head coach Gert Kullamae lost in Frankfurt more than 10 years in the Beko BBL final with Bamberg. Do you think he will have a lot of revenge to win today?

 

 

I know that was a very tough loss for Gert and Bamberg and they were sad, but we don´t talk about that. I don´t think that he will have that on his mind. He wants to win the Eurochallenge game the most.

 

 

Currently Tartu Rock is first in the KML standings with a record of 20-5. Could this be the year that Tartu brings the title back home again after last winning it in 2010?

 

I hope we will win again, but at the moment we aren´t as concentrated on the Estonian league, but are focused on the Eurochallenge.

 

 

 

You belong to the top scorers on the team and are the leading rebounder on the club. How important is your role of being a mentor for the younger players?

 

We have quite a few older players on the team. We all know each other from playing together here and on the national team. I don´t have to be a big role model. Every player knows what they have to do.

 

 

 

You won three Estonian league titles in 2003, 2008 and 2010. Which title was the sweetest for you?

 

 

The first one is always the sweetest.

 

 

You played two seasons for Cimberio Varese (Italy-SerieA). What were the most important basketball experience that you got in your two years there?

 

I had a nice time in Italy. It was a different style of basketball to what I was used to. The game in Italy is more fast and technical. At the start it was difficult getting used to the style, but after some time I got used to it.

 

 

 

You won three titles with Cologne with two cups and the league in 2006. How well do you still have the Alexander Nadjfeji shot in your mind?

 

I remember that shot well. It was in Bamberg, but we also had one against Alba Berlin which Immanuel Mcelroy hit. The Nadjfeji shot was very special. He wasn´t out best shooter than, but he just stepped up and made the shot. That win was fantastic in Bamberg

 

 

 

Which title in Cologne was the sweetest for you?

 

The 2006 league title was the sweetest. The cups are special, but winning that league title was the best. We won the last game at home and it was a big party.

 

You played with Sasa Obradovic and had him as a head coach. Has it surprised you how well he has developed as a head coach? He continues to win titles after winning early in his career with Cologne and now has won two cups with Alba Berlin and this season could win the league as well?

 

It doesn´t surprise me at all. Already as a player he was very precise in what he did and knew exactly what it took to get the job done. As a coach he was tough, but knew what it took to win games. He gets better as a coach as he keeps winning titles.

 

 

 

What was your fondest memory with Sasa Obradovic? He didn´t smile much on the court, but how did you get him to smile?

 

Sasa had his moments. When he is chilled he smiles. Before practice and games, he was very concentrated. When it was time to work he was very focused. He smiled after wins and is a good guy off the court.

 

 

 

You played with so many great players in your three years like Marcin Gortat, a young Tibor Pleiss, the energetic Michael Jordan or ex NBA player Devin Green. With what player did you have the most intensified relationship that helped you on and off the court?

 

I had the best relationship with Marcin Gortat off the court. We lived in same house for three years and were roommates on the road. He was a big prospect in Europe and it was no surprise that he went to the NBA. I saw him develop so much in those years. He worked so hard and deserved to be where he is. He is a role model for all young players as with hard work anything is possible.

 

 

Alexander Nadjfeji is 39 and your Tartu Rock teammate Valmo Kriisa is 40. How much longer are these two player still going to play?

 

I am not sure about Sasa since I haven´t seen him in a while, but it depends how he feels. I remember that he was the smartest four man that I ever played with. I think that Valmo can play a couple more years. He hasn´t had much injury problems so its possible that he may play some more years.

 

 

 

 

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Joosep Toome?

 

 

It depends. Probably me. I hope me.

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Wild Card.

 

Thanks Janar for the chat.