Experiencing a buzzer beater isn´t always a normal occurrence for a team, but for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors and the Noma Iserlohn Kangaroos witnessing that special feeling of combining excitement, hope and success in a matter of seconds has happened to both clubs this season. It was a little more than three months ago, where Canadian Kyle Fossman who was born in Canada only because there was no hospital in his part of Alaska so his family had to drive four hours to see their offspring born hit his biggest shot of his young professional career nailing a buzzer beater in a triple OT victory against the Rhondorf Dragons 77-75. Winning in dramatic fashion has happened twice in the last month for Iserlohn players as young 20 year old 188cm point guard Niklas Geske who is a double license player with Phoenix Hagen dropped a pretty buzzer beater from center court in BBL play in Bayreuth for the win and last week it was a German duo who did it twice in a matter of minutes as 23 year old 198cm small forward Thomas Reuter who has played six Beko BBL games for Phoenix Hagen hit a three pointer in Schwelm to send the game to overtime and then the hero was 24 year old 186cm German guard Yannik Opitz dropping a in your face three point bomb after getting the perfect feed from Brit Orlan Jackman for the spectacular road win. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were looking for revenge after losing the third game of the season in Iserlohn 76-59 where they had a brick marathon shooting 1/13 from outside and this game against Iserlohn had implications of a buzzer beater as it was tight until the end and the hero of the Kangaroos could have been German Thomas Reuter again as last week he nailed a buzzer beater in Schwelm to bring the game into overtime, but in Frankfurt his shot fell short as the Fraport Skyliners hung on to a huge 67-64 victory against the best Pro B team of the south division. Frankfurt was playing catch up for the most part of the game and at the end made the little things better getting to the free throw line, getting steals and getting the game winning bucket from German Johannes Richter. “We played together today and there wasn´t a player that tried to stand out more than the other. We moved the ball well and played well against the zone and press staying composed. I think that we could of even handled a buzzer beater well today”, smiled guard Jules Akodo. The Noma Iserlohn Kangaroos came into the game having won 12 of their last 13 games having limited the opponent to 70 points or less in 12 games and did it again in Frankfurt, but couldn´t muster more points as they were held way under their 93 point average of the last three games. Iserlohn head coach Mattias Grothe had a long talk with his team as Frankfurt had already excited to the dressing room as this was a bitter loss and a game they controlled for a majority of the time, but let slip away. “Frankfurt outplayed us, outhustled us and outrebounded us. We had so many turnovers. We didn´t play Iserlohn basketball”, stressed Orlan Jackmon.

The Beko BBL team Fraport Skyliners had their practice prior to the start of the Pro B game in preparation against Alba Berlin and many were on hand to support the kids with Mikko Koivisto, Mike Morrison, Kevin Bright, Aaron Doornekamp and Jacob Burtschi who is back in a Skyliners jersey for a third time. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors started off in a fury as if they had on ant eater costume scaring away the Kangaroos as they stormed out on a 7-0 run as 18 year old Armin Musovic nailed a floater and step back three pointer with one second on the shot clock and Canadian Kyle Fossman found 17 year old Niklas Kiel cutting inside for the easy bucket. However the Noma Iserlohn Kangaroos didn´t fall asleep anymore as they got aggressive and were led by Jackman who connected on a finger tip role lay in and made a steal and went coast to coast. Ohio native Matt Kavanaugh and Ruben Dahmen score inside cutting the Frankfurt lead to 9-8. Iserlohn kept pouring it on on offense adding on to their 15-2 run with another bucket from Dahmen from outside, 18 year Jonas Grof who played one BBL game this season with Phoenix Hagen scored as did Kavanaugh as Iserlohn had broken away leading 15-9. Frankfurt came back going on a 6-0 run to deadlock the game at 15-15 as 34 year old Marius Nolte made an offensive rebound and put back, Kiel connected on free throws and Stefan Ilzhoefer made a lay in. Iserlohn got production from Jackman down the stretch with an off balance jumper and Yannick Opitz dropped a three pointer. Frankfurt stayed on their heels as Jules Akodo made a pull up jumper and Nolte scored inside, but Iserlohn led 21-20 after one quarter. “Frankfurt started out very well, but Iserlohn came back and hit their opens shots and were very physical”, stressed Fraport Skyliner forward Jacob Burtschi. The Noma Iserlohn Kangaroos were shooting 56% from the field and 33% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 67% from the field and 33% from outside. Frankfurt had the 7-3 rebound edge, but four turnovers while Iserlohn had two turnovers.

Both teams began to defend more aggressive in the second quarter as the Fraport Skyliners held Iserlohn to 13 points. Great Britain guard Jules Akodo took over in the first few minutes scoring three consecutive buckets to give Frankfurt the 29-25 advantage. The biggest strength of Akodo is most likely his penetrating, but all in all, the kid has a very versatile game and can score in a variety of ways which he did in the first few minutes. He started the Akodo show with a three pointer then nailed a pull up jumper and then let good defense translate into easy points with a steal and coast to coast run. Even if the baby twin towers Richter and Kiel didn´t score in this phase their presence inside led to good spacing and Frankfurt getting open shots which Akodo took advantage of. However Iserlohn continued to make shots on offense and kept up with Frankfurt as Kavanaugh was almost unstoppable inside as he scored cutting the Frankfurt lead to 29-28. Musovic then did what he does best nailing a pull up jumper, but 23 year Olaf Rostek who has been with Iserlohn since 2007 and looks like a cross between Seth Rogan and ogre from Revenge of the Nerds nailed his second shot of the second quarter tying the game at 31-31. Frankfurt kept on the pressure in the last minute getting a timely three pointer from Ilzhoefer and Kiel hit free throws as Frankfurt led 36-34 at halftime. “It took Frankfurt some time to get adjusted to the Iserlohn zone. They were very physical inside. Akodo hit big buckets and on defense they let Iserlohn work hard for baskets as anything they got was hard earned”, added ex Phoenix Hagen forward Jacob Burtschi. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 54% from the field and 50% from the three point line while Iserlohn was shooting 46% from the field and 21% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 17-8 rebound advantage, but 11 turnovers while Iserlohn had seven turnovers.

In the third quarter it was the Noma Iserlohn Kangaroos that had the upper hand again coming back regaining the advantage and leading by 11 points after 30 minutes. They upped their defensive intensity with switching up of their defense keeping Frankfurt totally off guard which led to numerous turnovers and extra possessions for the guests. Iserlohn came out on a 8-2 run to retake the lead 42-38. In the run it was ex Dayton(NCAA) center Matt Kavanaugh who played together with ex NBA player Chris Wright that did the most damage scoring three buckets. He scored twice inside as his quick foot work was too much to handle for the Frankfurt baby twin towers Richter and Kiel. He also connected on a mid distance jumper while Jackman scored on an off balance running hook shot. Frankfurt then went on a mini 4-0 run as the two 17 and 18 years olds Kiel and Akodo scored inside to tie the game at 42-42. However that small burst of offensive power was suddenly turned off as Iserlohn struck back annoying Frankfurt ending the third quarter with a 13-2 run to lead comfortable 55-44 after three quarters. In the run Iserlohn played great team basketball spreading out the scoring and playing even more aggressive defense which led to more Frankfurt turnovers as they couldn´t take care of the basketball the way head coach Eric Detlev wanted his team to. 18 year old German 205cm Marcel Kessen started the run with a dunk after getting a nifty over the shoulder pass from Jackman. Jackman then hit a three pointer. Iserlohn got additional production from Opitz and Kesson from the free throw line and lay in´s from Reuter and Grof. “We played great team defense and amazing things happen when that happens”, stressed Orlan Jackman. “We came out sloppy and just were too relaxed. They played with more intensity and forced us to many turnovers”, added Jules Akodo. The Noma Iserlohn Kangaroos were shooting 48% from the field and 21% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 50% from the field and 38% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 26-15 rebound edge, but 20 turnovers while Iserlohn had 10 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, it was the Fraport Skyliners Juniors that buckled down on defense holding Iserlohn to only eight points, while the guests didn´t have that same intensity anymore letting up 20 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors didn´t waste anytime getting to work on their comeback going on a 10-0 run to cut the Iserlohn lead to only 55-54. Fossman didn´t have much fortune shooting on the night going 3/10 from the field, but he hit some big shots in the run making a runner and three pointer. The baby twin towers also got to work as Richter made a mid distance shot and Kiel scored inside after getting a quick feed from Richter. Richter and Kiel combined for 30 of the 67 Frankfurt points and even if they have harmony on the court, they don´t have much time being able to practice it. “It is great playing with Johannes, but it could be better. We never train together and only get better together from game to game. I love playing together with him. We would probably be even better together if we practiced more together”, added Paderborn native Niklas Kiel. “Those two big guys had good games. They did a good job rebounding and on second chance opportunites”, stressed Orlan Jackman. “They did a great job attacking boards and getting rebounds. Kiel is so athletic and hard to guard the perimeter while Richter gets guys in great position to score with his passing”, added Jules Akodo. Iserlohn put a small dent into the Frankfurt run with a 4-0 mini run as Rosteck and Jackmon hit free throws to extend the Iserlohn lead to 59-54. However the Fraport Skyliners Juniors never gave up, but continued to chip away and fight as Fossman hit a shot which was matched by a Kristopf Schwatz floater as Iserlohn led 61-56. Kiel then made big free throws and American Andrew Bock from Rialto, California finished a beautiful spin move with a lay in as Frankfurt trailed 63-60 in crunch time. After one free throw from Bock, it was Kiel that nailed two big free throws as Frankfurt trailed 64-63. Dahmen then missed an easy lay up and Richter came back making a hook shot which gave Frankfurt the 65-64 lead. After a Kavanaugh miss, it was Kiel who made a free throw for the 66-64 lead. “I was excited having so many free throw chances at the end. I like having that feeling in that important moment”, added Niklas Kiel. Schwarz then missed a shot and Richter made one free throw for the 67-64 lead. Iserlohn had one more chance for Thomas Reuter to be the hero and send the game into overtime, but he missed. “We played poor defense at the start in that 10-0 Frankfurt run. Iserlohn basketball is great defense, but when we play bad defense all goes wrong”, warned Orlan Jackman. “We have been down before as a team and know what it takes to get back into a game. We kept our head up and took it one step at a time. We stuck together, played as a team and got stops”, warned Jules Akodo.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Niklas Kiel with 18 points. Johannes Richter had 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists while Jules Akodo had 11 points. The Noma Iserlohn Kangaroos were led by Matt Kavanaugh with 18 points while Orlan Jackman added 14 points. Frankfurt shot 46% from the field and 36% from outside while Iserlohn shot 42% from the field and 17% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebounding duel 36-23, but had 22 turnovers while Iserlohn had 19 turnovers. If the Fraport Skyliner Juniors baby twin towers Johannes Richter and Niklas Kiel will one day mature into twin towers like their predecessors Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtman is unknown but the German duo is definitely on a good way. “It is an honor to be called that and Barthel and Voigtman show us how its don

Jermale Jones is a 28 year old 186cm guard from Birmingham, Alabama that is playing his third season for German pro B club TV Lich. He started his basketball career in 2005 for  Lawson State CC (JUCO) where he played until 2007. He then played two more years at Tuskegee (NCAA2). In 2011-2012 he came to Germany and played for SSV Lokomotive Bernau (Germany-ProB) playing 18 games: 17.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 79.2%. Last season for Lich he played 24 games averaging 18.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 76.2%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against TV Langen.

 

 

Jermale thanks for talking to German Hoops. Lich has been very up and down as of late having lost 6 of the last 8 games, but are still in range of making the playoffs. On what things does the team have to work on most to get wins again?

 

Yes this season has been a rocky road for us but as a team if we continue believing in each other sticking to our game plan and playing with a lot of intensity like we have been playing in the last 3 games we will find ourselves winning some more games.

 

 

The next game is against TV Langen which has huge playoff implications. What memories do you have of the narrow 72-69 win at home?

 

We started the game with a lot of energy and played solid defense. We capitalized when Langen turned the ball over.

 

 

Do you remember how Lich defended in that game? Lich forced TV Langen to 24 turnovers. How vital will it being aggressive for 40 minutes?

Yes we defended Langen very well. It worked out for us playing pressure defense the whole game to disrupt Langens offense and that lead to turnovers.

 

TV Langen is a different team having lost sniper Filmore Beck, but added experienced point guard Anish Sharda and Kevin Luyeye. Is TV Langen a stronger team now?

 

Without Filmore they are a totally different team. With them adding Sharda to their roster should help them because that guy has a lot of experience and has what it takes to help his team win games. He’s a leader. And all I know about Luyeye is his aggressiveness and he is an energy guy from what I seen when he was playing for Speyer.

 

Lich did a good job containing Martinis Woody in the win letting him get 12 points and six assists. Overall German Pro B teams have been doing a good job on the American this season. He has been very hot in the last five games. Is it half the rent to the win if Lich does another good job against him?

If we contain Woody and do as our game plan says we should come out victorious.

 

TV Lich recently got New Zealand guard Jarrod Kenny. How important has his addition been to the guard rotation and what do you like most about his game?

His addition to our team has been what we needed all season a True Point guard. The thing I like most about his game is he gets everyone involved and looks for his self last.

You recently nailed seven three pointers against Speyer. When was the last time that you made so may three´s in a game?

If I can remember correctly my first season in Lich I hit seven 3 pointers against Leverkusen in 2012-2013 season.

 

How strange was it making 21 points against Wurzburg and then in the next game 1 point on 0/10 shooting. Did this bring back memories to games in college where you played the same team back to back or did that never occur?

It’s difficult playing against a team two times in a row because after the first game the scouting is different and their game plan completely changes so you won’t have the same success you had the first game.

 

You and Martinis Woody watch many games of the Fraport Skyliners. If you and him were to play some Fraport Skyliner trivia who would know more about the players?

I think I would know more about the players.

What is your current take on the backlash against the New England Patriots about being cheaters a few days after winning their fourth Super Bowl?

I really didn’t get a chance to listen at all the talks about them cheating. I really wanted the Seahawks to win so Marshawn Lynch could win the MVP.

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Taken 3.

 

Thanks Jermale for the chat.

 

 

 

Halil Kancevic is a 23 year old 203cm forward from Staten Island, New York that is playing his rookie season for Union Olimpija Ljubljana. He started his basketball career at Hofstra(NCAA) and then played his last three years of college at St.Joseph’s (NCAA) playing a total of 96 NCAA games and as a senior played 34 games averaging 10.8ppg, 8.8rpg, 4.4apg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 36%, FT: 58.1%. At the end of last season he helped Virtus Roma (Italy-SerieA) playing 11 games averaging 5.1ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 64.0%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 75.0%. Last summer he played NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (Denver Nuggets) playing 4 games averaging 3.8ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 75%, 3PT: 50%, FT: 50%. Currently in Eurocup play he is averaging 10,9ppg, 5,3rpg and 1,6apg. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup game against the Brose Baskets Bamberg.

 

 

 

Thanks Halil for talking to German Hoops. You are preparing for the Eurocup game against the Brose Baskets Bamberg. Is this your second time in Germany? What ´do you know about the country and its basketball?

 

This will be my second time playing in Germany. I am only a rookie, but I have heard good things about basketball in Germany. Basketball is growing here and it is becoming one of the top leagues in Europe.

 

 

Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Telemach League) have a 1-3 record in Eurocup play and the Brose Baskets Bamberg have a record of 2-2. You lost the first meeting against Bamberg 71-65. How bitter was this loss. You outrebounded Bamberg and had seven turnovers less and Bamberg nailed only one three pointer more.

 

Every game is different. Bamberg is a very good team and stats don´t always tell the whole story. We let Bamberg get the lead early and then we had to fight back. We can´t let that happen tonight again otherwise it will be hard to come back.

 

 

With the current standings in Eurocup and having lost the first game, what kind of game can we await and could it be low scoring again?

 

That is hard to say as it is never easy to predict how the second game against that team will go. Seeing a team for a second time, you then get a better idea of the players and what the team wants to do. We will want to stop at what Bamberg does best.

 

 

Will it be reaching half the rent controlling Brad Wanamaker who is the catalyst that gets Bamberg going?

 

Wanamaker is a big part in what they do that brings them success. But we can´t forget that they have many other great pieces like Ryan Thompson, Trevor Mbakwe or Josh Duncan. They also recently got a new player with Dawan Robinson who is a very good player. We have to keep our eyes open for every guy on that team.

 

 

 

Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Telemach League) lost both games to FC Bayern Munich. Are they one of the favorites to win the Eurocup?

 

FC Bayern Munich is a good sound team. They showed in both games against us that they have a good idea of what they want to do on the court. I don´t know if they are the favorite as there are still many teams that I haven´t seen yet. However from what I saw them do against us, I wouldn´t be surprised if they were at the top at the end. The quality of Eurocup teams and players has risen from last season.

 

 

You are playing your first season for Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Telemach League). After playing NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (Denver Nuggets) you decided to come to play in Slovenia. In an article you stated you could of made more money in other places? Is that in countries in Asia where there is an abundance of money, but the level of play is lower?

 

I had no interest from teams in Asia, but from Israel and Turkey. I chose to play for Union Olimpija Ljubljana mainly because I had the chance to play Eurocup.

 

 

How has the adjustment period been for you getting used to basketball and the country Slovenia? Your dad Hido served there in the Montenegro military.

 

Basketball is basketball and the level here is different than in the States. The toughest thing that I have had to get used to is the foul call. I haven´t really gotten used to it yet. I have found that it has been easier for me to play Eurocup than Adriatic league play. I have been here six months now and I think that I have done a decent job adjusting to the level and style of play in Europe.

 

 

You are a complete player at the forward position, but can also play the center position and do many things well. What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away?

 

 

I would say my passing. We have a very good point guard on the team with Marko Marinovic who does all the creating. I don´t have the ball as much to create as I did in college, but I just do what coach wants me to do.

 

 

 

You started your basketball career at Hofstra, but decided to transfer to St Joseph. What were the main reasons for going. Taking a ´step like that is huge since you lose a year and one has to be content of making the right choice?

 

My coach at Hofstra left after my freshman year to coach at Fordham. I wanted to follow him from Hofstra to there, but Hofstra restricted me from doing that. I chose ST Joseph because it was closest to New York and it was the best fit for me.

 

 

You played three years at St Joseph for Phil Martelli. How did he get you prepared best for a professional basketball career?

 

I had many people around me over the years that helped me with basketball, but coach Martelli helped me most preparing for life. He taught me to be a professional in how I represent myself. He taught me how to interact best with people and just show respect and never to burn any bridges along the way.

 

 

 

You won the Atlantic Ten tournament and was the MVP in 2014. When you look back at this experience, how much did you grow as a player in your last months as a college player?

 

I grew tremendously as a player at the end, because I just didn´t want to hold back. I showed what I could do on the court in a big time setting. I didn´t worry about making mistakes, but just had confidence and believed in myself. I never doubted myself and just played the game and knew everything would be good.

 

 

What was the most amazing thing that you saw Langston Galloway do in a game or practice in your three years at ST Joseph?

 

I played with him for three years in games and practiced with him for four years including the year where I transferred and had to sit out. I remember that he hit 10 three pointers in a game against Fordham. He is a fantastic shooter and that is just what he does and knows how to do. After a while nothing amazed me anymore because I knew what to expect.

 

 

After a great ending to a college career a player might like to relax a bit before getting ready to train in the summer looking for that next job, but you played 11 games for Virtus Roma (Italy-SerieA). You seemed to have no trouble going overseas right away to get your first taste of being a professional and then in a classic city like Rome.

 

I finished the regular season and we reached the semi´s in the playoffs in my two and a half month stay. The whole experience was great as I got a good taste of what high level basketball was in Europe. I saw many ex NBA players and guys playing in the NBA now as well as high quality teams like a Siena who played Euroleague. We had some older guys on the team that helped me giving me advice and showing me the ropes.

 

 

How important was it having Bobby Jones on the team who has seen it all and has much experience on and off the court?

 

Jones was a good guy. He was drafted by the NBA, played some years there and then went on to have a good career in Europe. He taught me how to act as a professional and told me about the mistakes he made and how he got through it.

 

 

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

 

The Morris brothers Markieff and Marcus when they played at Kansas(NCAA). I had to play them in my first NCAA game and I remember being very excited. The atmosphere was amazing in Kansas and I did ok getting a double double.

 

 

What was your favorite spot in Rome to chill out?

 

That is difficult as Rome is such a beautiful city. I liked being at the Spanish steps and visiting the Vatican. I liked to chill out at Campo Di Fiore enjoying the many cafes.

 

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Casino.

 

 

Thanks Halil for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reggie Willhite is a 193cm guard from Elk Grove, California that is playing his first season in Germany for the Finke Baskets in Paderborn. He played at Yale(NCAA) from 2008-2012 playing a total of 97NCAA games and as a senior played 28 games averaging 12.2ppg, 6.1rpg, 4.0apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 28.3%, FT: 67.0%. Before coming to Germany, he had minimal professional experience having played with Reno(D-League) and with Jolly Jadranska Banka Sibenik (Croatia-A1). Currently for the Finke Baskets he is averaging 10,5ppg, 6,1rpg and 2,2apg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

Reggie thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are playing your first season with the Finke Baskets. What has been your impression of Germany on and off the court?

Germany has been a tremendous place for me to play my first full professional season. There is an abundance of talent within the ProA division as well as in the higher and lower levels. It has been a great place for me to gauge my own abilities and really see the areas I need to improve upon in order to continue to progress with the game of basketball. Off of the court, Paderborn has been great so far. It is a smaller town but the community is very nice and welcoming. It is also in a great location for travel with places such as Amsterdam, Brussels, Dusseldorf, and Cologne close by.

Even though this is your third professional season, you didn´t play for Reno(D-League) and only one game for Jolly(Croatia) last season. Does this feel like your rookie season?

In some ways it does feel like my rookie season. Although I continued to train and practice throughout those seasons, there is a certain element of the basketball atmosphere I obviously missed out on while not participating in professional games. That being said, when playing alongside veteran players I still see myself as an equal. Even though I did not play during those seasons, I still worked myself to the bone day in and day out.

After not playing the last two seasons did you ever lose hope that your professional career may never really get off the ground?

That is definitely a thought that began to linger in the back of my mind for a while. Though, instead of bringing me down, it only pushed me to work harder and harder everyday so that the thought would never become a reality.

How comfortable have you been with your game this season? You have scored in double figures nine times and are averaging double figure stats. On what part of your game do you still want to improve on?

Despite the small successes that I have experienced this season, I am still motivated to greatly improve. I would like to see my percentages from the outside rise during the second half of the season. That has been an area of focus during my training and it is only a matter of time before the hard work begins to pay off. I also believe that my assist numbers could be higher.

The Finke Baskets have lost quite a bit as of recent. What have been the main reasons for the loses the last weeks?

As a team we have struggled to play consistently on the defensive end. There are games in which we play to perfection as a team and there are games in which we unravel at times. Fortunately, it is an issue that we are aware of and are making strides to fix. We have proven to ourselves the level that we can play at when we perform defensively; now it is simply a consistency issue.

The German Pro A seems to be getting more and more competitive each season. Can the Finke Baskets become a playoff team over time?

I definitely think that the Baskets can become a playoff team and this year may be the year that it happens. As a team we have yet to play our best basketball and I believe that we will have a much better run during the second half of the season.

How challenging and enjoyable has it been playing with TY Nurse in the back court? How do you guys make each other better on the court?

Ty is a very talented player. He is definitely one of the best spot up shooters I have seen. With my ability to penetrate, we compliment each other very well on the court. We go head to head every day in practice and because we often prefer to play physically on defense, we tend to make each other work pretty hard and continue to get better.

Your an excellent combo guard who can shift between the point guard and shooting guard spot. With the ability to really slash to the basket, opponents must devise their defenses to counteract this threat. Looks to draw a lot of contact and still get to the rim to finish with highlight reel dunks or pass off. Has excellent vision and lays perfect passes down for team mates. When lining up at the point spot he is capable to run an offense efficiently and directs other players well. An extremely vocal leader when he plays. Plays great position defense. A great work ethic he demands the same of all his teammates. Will be an excellent addition to a team this season. A very scrappy competitor he keeps his intensity at a high level right till the end of the game. He has been consistently improving his 3pt range and will stroke the deep ball with confidence and has to be guarded out there. But what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

People often notice my aggressiveness and abilities as an on ball defender. A hidden strength of mine would be how well I play in a team defensive setting. Being vocal is key to playing team defense and I would say that I am just as vocal on the defensive end as I am running the point position on the offensive end. I also time players well from the weak side allowing me to block shots in the middle. I believe I am currently leading my team in blocked shots for the first half of the season.

It took German Frederik Henningsen 8 years to reach the German pro A last season with Paderborn. He has improved his scoring average from last season this season. How have you see his development and what do you like about his game most?

Because I never saw him play before this year, I can not say much about Fredi’s improvement from last year to this year. This season as a player I believe he has many weapons on the offensive end. People tend to focus on his ability to shoot the three at a high percentage but underestimate his ability to drive and finish. He is a big guard who is also strong and can finish through contact in the middle.

You were briefly with Jolly Jadranska Banka Sibenik (Croatia-A1) last season. Why didn´t this situation work out and what memories did you have from American Ronald Ross?

The situation with Jolly last season was based in logistics. Failed attempts to acquire my Croatian citizenship (my mother was born in Croatia) and various other miscommunications led to unfortunate circumstances for the season. Ron on the other hand, was definitely a positive aspect of the whole experience. Not only is Ron a very talented player, he is also a great teammate and genuine individual. I learned a lot from Ron on the court and off the court as he took me under his wing during my stay in Croatia.

You were with the Reno Bighorns (D-League) in pre season as a rookie, but didn´t play anywhere else. How difficult was this rookie season? How did you survive this season of professional inactivity?

Continuing to stay confident in myself and my abilities was what kept me going. I was able to do so through my support structure and the people I have around me in my life. It was definitely a difficult time for me but I have never been one to shy away from a task simply because it was difficult.

You played at Yale(NCAA) form 2008-2012. You improved your scoring, rebounding and assists each season. How was this Ivy league experience for you on and off the court?

The Ivy league experience was one of the most enjoyable and influential times of my life both on and off the court. I was in great hands under Coach Jones and learned many things while in the locker room with him both about basketball and about life. There is such an overabundance of resources and outlets away from the basketball court at Yale University that I feel it is impossible to leave without having felt like there were experiences that were left undiscovered. Regardless, I was able to learn from and engage in a great deal of extracurriculars that still have positive impacts on me to this day.

You were Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year, the first Yale player to win that award. What NBA player was always your role model as a defender?

I wouldn’t say that I had one specific player that was my defensive role model growing up; I just really enjoyed watching 90’s NBA basketball because of how much more physical the game was on both ends of the floor.

Before your senior year at Yale you trained with Duke legends Christian Laettnner and Grant Hill. What did you learn most from these two legends?

The biggest principle I took from my sessions with Christian and Grant was definitely the importance of confidence as a basketball player. It is always important to remember that if you do not believe in yourself, no one else will.

What memories do you have from playing against Harvard and Jeremy Lin. Did you know then that he would make the NBA?

Despite the fact that he played for Harvard, it was actually very cool playing against Jeremy Lin. I had not seen a player have such an effect on his home crowd in person before. It was as though the fans in the gym were not Harvard fans at all but strictly Jeremy Lin fans. At the time I did not know what the future of Lin’s basketball career would hold. I did know that he had a pretty devout work ethic. When combined with a bit of talent, a strong work ethic can go a long way.

How did James Jones prepare you best for a professional basketball career at Yale?

Coach Jones preaches mental toughness. He is of the mindset that even if you are not the most talented team, you can still win if you are the most hard working and mentally tough team. I took that sentiment to heart. Part of my abilities as a defender come from exerting my will onto the opponent. Being more mentally tough than the man you are guarding can prove to be very effective over the course of a basketball game.

You have been in Germany now four months. What have you learned to appreciate most about the country?

Definitely the language. I could speak some German before coming to the country but my speaking ability has drastically improved since I have been here. The German language is often times regarded as a harsh language but once you develop an ear for it, I think it can be quite eloquent.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I just watched the controversial movie ‘The Interview’ with James Franco and Seth Rogan.

 

Thanks Reggie for the chat.

 

Sean Mosley is a 25 year old 192cm swing man from Baltimore, Maryland that is playing his third professional season and first in Germany with the Crailsheim Merlins (Germany-BBL). He started his basketball career at Maryland(NCAA) in 2008 playing a total of 132NCAA games and as a senior played 32 games: 10.2ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 83.5%. In the 2012-2013 season he turned professional and played for Kotwica Kolobrzeg (Poland-TBL) playing 32 games: Score-5(15.5ppg), 6.3rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-5(1.6spg), FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 71.7%. Last season he played for La Fortezza Recanati (Italy-Lega Due Silver) playing 28 games: Score-3(19.9ppg), 6.3rpg, 2.4apg, Steals-3(1.8spg), FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 80.6%. He spoke to German Hoops a few weeks ago about basketball.

 

 

 

 

The German basketball community and league didn´t take this Crailsheim experience positively not reaching the game in Hagen on time. The club left at 9:45 for a 18:30game not knowing what could happen on the high way or how the weather would be. Do you think that the public was fair or has the Crailsheim organization not been treated properly?

 

 I don’t get into things like this but we did our best to get there. Unfortunately we couldn’t make it. 

 

Did Jannik Freese win the most stylish award for wearing his sunglasses during the trek on the highway back to the exit?

 

Hahaha Jannik always thought he was the coolest guy on our team. I always asked him why are you cool? Me and him had a good bond. 

 

 

A week later to the road trip to Frankfurt the club left a day early. It was snowing once again. Do you think that whenever it snows in the future you will have memories to the Hagen road trip?

 

 Not at all because that was a rare situation trying to get to Hagen. We played things on the safe by leaving the night before the game. 

 

You are playing your first season in Germany for the Crailsheim Merlins. What were your main reasons for coming to Germany? Did your friend Dino Gregory give you advice about coming to Germany?

 

I knew Germany was a respected league and I wanted to show my talent on a much higher level this year. No we just talked about some different foods I should try while I’m here. 

 

Since coming to the Merlins the team has a record of 2-11. How difficult has it been losing so much and not been able to get on a winning streak?

 

 It’s always hard when your losing game after game, but we will get over the hump soon an get on a winning streak. We are so close each game. 

 

What have been the main reasons for the club losing so many games. What besides a lack of experience has been the reasons?

 Lack of experience hasn’t been the reason, teams are just having more guys coming off the bench. We usually play 6 or 7 guys. I think it comes down to who wants it more. 

 

Defense has been a big problem as the club have let up 80 plus points in 13 games. Are you happy with the effort and is it more just a lack of technical aspects than it is effort?

 

We gave up a lot points but now we are doing a much better job on the defense end of the court. Teams may score but we give our all. 

 

 

How important was it acquiring veteran Chad Timberlake. Could he be the missing link to further success?

 

 Once he gets back in a good rhythm I think we will start winning more games. He is key to our success for sure. But each guy on our team is also important  

 

 

 

You are a great scorer and was fifth best scorer in Poland and third best in Italy last season. You have scored in double figures in nine of ten games. You must feel very comfortable at the Beko BBL level, but what is an aspect that still needs getting used to?

 

 I have been playing basketball for many years and played at a great university so coming to the BBL wasn’t a problem. I feel comfortable from the first game I played 

 

 

What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

 

 Doing the little things that don’t show up on the stat sheet. 

 

 

As a rookie you played for Kotwica Kolobrzeg (Poland-TBL). What was your wakeup call to be a professional player in Poland?

 

 Driving to all my away games. Hahaha in college we flew to every away game. 

 

 

Last season you played for La Fortezza Recanati (Italy-Lega Due Silver) and was third in the league in scoring. How do you think you were able to further develop your game last season in Italy best?

 

 I went in with the mindset that this is the year I should put together the best season so I can show my full potential. 

 

You played four years at Maryland in the top league ACC. If you had to pick a player mentor early in your Maryland career that showed you the ropes who was that?

 

 Greivis Vasquez and Landon Milbourne

 

How did Gary Williams help you prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He always told us to believe in yourself. He pushed us in practice to compete each day and that’s the mind set I had since I left college. 

 

 

 

What was the most amazing thing that you saw Greivis Vazquez do on the floor during your time at Maryland?

 

 His senior year he showed me he was a great college player. He led us game after game and he had a lot of great moments, like beating Duke at home. 

 

Thanks Sean for the chat.