The last time the EWE Baskets Oldenburg sipped and enjoyed the taste of sweet champagne winning their first and only Beko BBl title, FC Bayern Munich hulk John Bryant was a house hold name at Santa Clara registering 18 and 14 stats in his senior year, Fraport Skyliner Lorenzo Gordon was active in his first tour of duty in the Beko BBL and it wasn´t always easy to see who could smile wider him or his cousin Jimmy Mckinney and Chris Fleming had just completed his rookie campaign in Bamberg with no titles and was at the start of building that four peat. Oldenburg did have some severe lady luck and basketball god looking over their shoulder beating the Telekom Baskets Bonn in a series that seemed almost lost in 2009. However basketball can be a weird sport at times and in the end all that matters is how the ball rolls. It took Predrag Krunic two years to build a champion after coming on board in 2007 for the departed Don Beck. In those two years, Krunic was able to bring continuity into the club rapidly by holding important players and practicing that great mix of American and Baltic basketball. After the title followed three less than satisfactory seasons where Oldenburg got worse each season. They were the best team in the 2009-2010 season finishing the regular season in first place, but couldn´t achieve anything in the playoffs losing unexpectedly to the future new Oldenburg head coach Sebastian Machowski and the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. In 2010-2011, they finished in fifth place after the regular season, but lost early again in the playoffs and in 2012 didn´t even reach the playoffs. It seemed like the air in the Oldenburg balloon had left as quickly as do German national players under Joachim Low who don´t perform well and never return. It seemed like that last team under Krunic had been put together wrong, as team chemistry was never built and the fire in the thunderbird had been doused by a north sea rain fall that had fallen upon the city. After two season under Sebastian Machowski, it seems like Oldenburg CEO Herman Schuller has done everything correct. The success came a lot quicker than most might have thought as the team reached the Beko BBL final in the first season of the Sebastian Machowski era being swept by Bamberg, but in three hard fought games where a few possessions here and there could have given Oldenburg a win or two and then who knows what could of happened. One never wants to get too confident, but the team performance by Oldenburg two seasons was no fluke. Even if Machowski couldn’t follow Krunic in his second season and win the title as they bowed out against FC Bayern Munich, the club has a competitive roster each season and can annoy any team in the league. The Beko BBL gets more competitive each season, but why can´t Oldenburg get revenge this season in the playoffs against FC Bayern Munich? Machowski has done something that usually gives winning teams the edge in the playoffs by a majority of its players and keeping the team chemistry intact. Bamberg did it for years and the formula for titles kept giving additional hardware for Chris Fleming. Oldenburg have the talent on paper, experience and heart to win it all this season, but of course could use a little luck from other teams in the playoffs as VC Bayern Munich and Alba Berlin are still at another level, but the strangest things have happened in the world of basketball. Alba Berlin or FC Bayern Munich don’t have two players with the Beko BBL experience and heart that Oldenburg has with Detroit native Ricky Paulding and Julius Jenkins. Paulding may have the biggest basketball heart in the league and Jenkins the work ethic that many players strive to have. It will be interesting to see how the season develops for the club if they be will be able pull out some wins against Bamberg, Alba Berlin and FC Munich. So far they are 1-2 against these three teams as they bear Bamberg already. If many things do come together and the club is still playing basketball in June then anything is possible and they could possibly be the first team ever to win titles in two different buildings standing side by side.
Author: Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Fraport Skyliners Organization Send Three Players To 2015 NBBL Allstar Game
That the Fraport Skyliners organization have strived for excellence in their youth movement has not been a secret as their program continues to make strides forward year by year and they have been rewarded with sending three players to the 2015 NBBL Allstar game in Ulm which showcase the top youth players in Germany.. The club has shown in the past that they have been very capable of developing young players as the Skyliner German big three of Danilo Barthel, Johannes Voigtmann and Konstantin Klein continue to go their way in the German basketball world, as Danilo Barthel played NBA Summer league, Johannes Voigtmann made the jump to the German national team and Konstantin Klein made it to the German A-2 national team. The next bunch of talented young players have already been found with Niklas Kiel (207-F-97), Armin Musovic (192-PG-96) and Lennart Okeke (191-G-96) who have been invited to take part at the 2015 NBBL Allstar game in Ulm.
Niklas Kiel (207-F-97) is a 17 year old 207cm power forward that started his basketball career with the Paderborn Baskets U16 team in 2011. He played for BBG Herford (Regionalliga) the last two seasons and last season played 17 games averaging 7.3ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 60.9%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 65.8%. Last season he had massive stats of 15,0ppg and 13.0rpg in the NBBL and was named rookie of the year This season he made the jump to the Fraport Skyliners wanting to take the next step and is playing for their farm team Fraport Skyliners Pro B team and NBBL for Eintracht Frankfurt. Kiel is a player that has an unorthodx line drive shot and can dominate inside with his quick foot work and overpowering body. So far this season in the German pro B, Kiel is averaging 7,5ppg, 6,0rpg and 1,3apg.He has scored in double figures four times with two double doubles. His best game was against Saarlouis with 13 points and 10 rebounds. In the NBBL, Kiel is averaging 16,0ppg, 10,3rpg and 2,0 apg.He has had two double doubles and his best game was a 21 point 12 rebound effort against TBB Trier junior team. Last summer he played at the European Championships U18 Division B in Sofia (Bulgaria) -14 (Gold): 9 games: 7.3ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 46.4%, FT: 58.3%.
Lennart Okeke (191-G-96) is a 18 year old 191cm guard that started his basketball career in 2011 with Eintracht Frankfurt (2.Regionalliga). He played his first Pro B game for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors at the end of the 2012-2013 season at age 16. Last season he officially joined the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt II (ProB) playing 9 games averaging 2.3ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.2apg, played also at Eintracht Frankfurt U19 team (NBBL). This season he is playing For the Fraport Skyliners Pro B team and NBBL team Eintracht Frankfurt. So far this season the German has played nine Pro B games averaging 4,3ppg and 1,8rpg. His best game was a nine point effort against the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau. In the NBBL the German has played all six games that were wins avergaing 9,7ppg, 2,3rpg and 1,7apg.He has scored in double figures four times including a 16 point game against TBB Trier Junior team-
Armin Musovic (192-PG-96) is a 18 year old 192cm point guard that is currently playing for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors in the Pro B and also plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in the NBBL. He started his basketball career in 2009 for TS Griesheim. He joined Eintracht Frankfurt in 2010 and joined the Fraport Skyliners Pro B team in 2012 already playing three games as a 16 year old. Last season he played for Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany-2.Regionaliga) and played also for Eintracht Frankfurt U19 team (NBBL) and for Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt II (ProB) playing 8 games and averaging 1.5ppg. This season he is also giving double duty for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors and the NBBL team. The German explains his two roles. “In the NBBL I am the captain and leader. I always try to keep the team together in stress situations. As the point guard I always try to see what our offense needs at that specific time in the game. Sometimes I dont have to score as our big men do it. My role isn’t so much different in the Pro B. As the point guard I have to be the leader and am the organizer and coach. I don’t have to be as vocal as we Have Marius Nolte and Tim Oldenburg who have that duty, but Marius often tells me to be more vocal. But there is always a certain respect that you need to have for Marius”, stressed Armin Musovic (192-PG-96). In the Pro B Musovic is averaging 5,1ppg, 1,6rpg and 2,4apg. He scored in double figures twice and his best scoring game was a 12 point effort against Schwelm. In the NBBL he is averaging 13,9ppg, 5,6apg and 3,6rpg.
Maurice Acker(Bakken Bears) The Fraport Skyliners Are A Better Team With Justin Cobbs
Maurice Acker is a 27 year old 176cm point guard that was born in Kansas City, Kansas, but grew up in Hazelcrest, Illinois and is playing his first season for the Bakken Bears (Denmark-Ligaen). He started his basketball career in 2005 at Ball St and then moved on to Marquette (NCAA) where he played from 2007-2010 and as a senior played 34 games: 8.7ppg, 1.8rpg, 3.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 49.5%, FT: 72.7%. Concluded the season season ranked second in the nation and first in the BIG EAST in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.1). Led the BIG EAST in 3-point field goal percentage (.495). He started his basketball career in 2011 with Bucaneros de La Guaira (Venezuela-LPB): (Elimination Round) 15 games: 8.2ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.6apg, 1.6spg, 2PT: 40.0%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 92.0%. In 2011 he also played for Quebec Kebs (Canada-PBL): 18 games: 8.5ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 80.0%. In the 2011-2012 season he moved to Magixx KidsRights Nijmegen (Holland-Eredivisie) playing 31 games: 14.0ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-3(4.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 79.3%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for Trefl Sopot (Poland-TBL, starting five): 4 games: 10.5ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.8apg, then signed at BK 04 AC LB Spisska Nova Ves (Slovakia-Extraliga, starting five): 37 games: Score-1(23.9ppg), 2.5rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 84.4%. Last season he played for Denain ASC Voltaire (France-ProB, starting five): 42 games: Score-4(17.0ppg), 2.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 88.8%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 94-61 loss to the Fraport Skyliners.
Thanks Maurice for talking to German Hoops. A tough 94-61 loss against the Fraport Skyliners. How much stronger did this team appear than in the first meeting?
They were a better team with all of their players back and with the new addition Cobbs.
The Fraport Skyliners had the 53-33 lead at halftime. What were the main reasons for the Bakken Bears not being able to keep the game tighter after 20 minutes?
The Skyliners shot extremely we’ll in the first half. I think it was like 70% they shot from the field. And our end we shot terrible from the field.
What adjustments did the Bakken Bears want to make in the third quarter that didn´t really seem to work as the Fraport Skyliners were able to extend their lead?
We wanted to force them to take bad shots and pressure them more, but they did a good job at staying solid in the 2nd half.
How much did you feel the deeper bench of the Fraport Skyliners tonight? Guys like Mike Morrison and Justin Cobbs hadn´t played in the first game?
Their bench players out played ours. Morrison and Cobbs helped the Skyliners a lot in this game they played good.
You did a super job finding your teammates with seven assists, but had an unlucky shooting night at 1/10. Was this a combination of good Cobbs defense and easy missed shots or did one of these dominate your poor shooting night?
I was able to get the shots that I wanted it was nothing special Cobbs did I just couldn’t find my shot but I got good looks.
The Bakken Bears recently released American Semaj IngeHow much was his play missed on this night?
We could of useded Semaj big time especially defensively.
The four Frankfurt big men Johannes Voigtmann, Danilo Barthel, Johannes Richter and Mike Morrison shot combined 18/25 from the field. Was their play one of the main reasons why the Bakken Bears were unable to get over the hump and have a better chance to win?
Yes the bigs had a great game against us. They shot the ball extremely we’ll and they were able to finish inside.
Next week the Fraport Skyliners have a do or die game against Boras in Sweden. Boras had a shoot out at Okapi Aalstar and lost 119-118. Frankfurt lost to Boras 72-70 in Frankfurt. Who do you see advancing and why?
It’s going to be interesting to see who advance because they both are good teams. But we will see soon.
Thanks Maurice for the chat.
Garrett Stutz(CEZ Basketball Nymburk) I Am Not Here To Survive But To Get Better Every Chance I Get
Garrett Stutz is a 24 year old 212 cm center playing his third professional season and first with CEZ Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL). He played at Wichita St. (NCAA) from 2008-2012 and as a senior played 32 games: 13.3ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 57.2%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 82.1%. He then took part in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) playing 3 games averaging14.7ppg, Reb-4(11.0rpg), FGP-3(63.3%), 1.3bpg. He then played NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (Minnesota Timberwolves): 2 games: 2.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0apg. In the 2012-2013 season as a rookie he played for Anyang KGC (Korea-KBL), in Jan.’13 signed at Maine Red Claws (D-League): 17 games: 5.5ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 61.9%. Last season he played for Energa Czarni Slupsk (Poland-TBL, starting five): 35 games: 12.6ppg, 7.1rpg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 83.7%. He spoke to German Hoops recently when he was in Germany playing Eurocup against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg.
Garrett welcome to Germany. Your brother Logan has played in Germany the last few years. How often did you come and visit him?
I havent had a chance to visit him yet. This is my first time in Germany.
Last season you played for Energa Czarni Slupsk (Poland-TBL) playing 35 games: 12.6ppg, 7.1rpg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 83.7%. Now your playing for top Czech Republic team CEZ Basketball Nymburk. In just your second season you have made it to a top European club. How happy have you been with your development making the next level in Europe?
I am content with where I am at in my career. It’s a long process. I just keep trying to improve every day.
How tough have the first few months been for you mentally and physically? You play in three leagues?
It is a lot of games. That’s been the biggest adjustment all the travel that comes with playing 3-4 times a week.
CEZ Basketball Nymburk is 3-5 in the more competitive VTB league. How has this style of play helped your game which is more difficult than in the Czech league?
There are some great teams and players in VTB. I have been more of a match up guy, getting more minutes vs big centers. There is an adjustment period that happens when you play against teams from different countries and different styles of basketball.
CEZ Basketball Nymburk is holding their own in the Eurocup in group C with a record of 4-2. What will be key to advancing?
Everybody needs to stay healthy and protect our home court then try to steal games on the road.
You are playing on a team filled with amazing talent. Is it a usual occurrence to have a wow experience each day in practice? What guys really have amazed you most?
We have a lot of talented players and practices have been really competitive. Im not sure one guy stands out amongst the group.
Your putting up very solid stats in the Czech league, but getting less minutes in the VTB and Eurocup competition. How happy have you been with your play and on what area of your game are you working on most?
If coach plays me 2 minutes or 20 minutes I am going to play as hard as I can and help the team anyway that I can. I am really trying to improve pick and rolls both offensively and defensively.
What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed?
I can play on the perimeter and open up the paint for the guards to drive or other players to post up.
How important has it been for you working with veteran Czech big men Rancik Radoslav and Petr Benda? How have they helped you with your game?
There’s a lot of experience between both those guys. They have been trying to help me with positioning on both ends and asserting myself into the offense more.
You started your professional basketball career with Anyang KGC (Korea-KBL). What was your wake up call to being a professional player in Korea?
It was the first time really experiencing culture shock. First time overseas I didn’t really know what to expect. Off the court it was hard at first to get adjusted but got better as time went on. Its hard to say basketball because I was injured during my time there. I was never 100% when I played for KGC.
You finished your rookie season with the Maine Red Claws (D-League): 17 games: 5.5ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 50.0%, How much of a delight was it playing for Mike Taylor and do you see him being an NBA coach down the road?
I really enjoyed playing for Coach T and wouldn’t hesitate to play for him again. We still keep in touch now. Hes a very likable guy and has a bright future
You played at Wichita State from 2008-2012. How did Gregg Marshall prepare you best for a professional basketball career?
Not to survive but to get better every chance you get. He really prepared me to be mentally tough and to be able to get through anything that was thrown at me. He helps you get this mindset that no practice or game is too hard or to tough.
Who was the best player that you battled against in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?
Kawhi Leonard or Kemba Walker
In an interview with Logan Stutz I asked him who wins in a one on one you or him and he said We don´t go too hard. If we took it seriously then it would get ugly. I win some and he wins some. How have those battles been since that interview in the summer of 2013 and 2014?
We still train together in the summers when we are both in Kansas City. He’s starting to develop and expand his game. We are both great competitors that’s why it’s hard to play against one another.
Is there a curse growing on the Kansas City Royales? How did you recover from the 2014 World Series loss?
Still haven’t recovered. There’s no curse we will win it next year.
What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
Pirate Radio.
Thanks Garret for the chat.
Louis Campbell (Strasbourg IG) I Don’t Have Many Fond Memories Playing In Bamberg Except Against My Ex teammate Anton Gavel
Louis Campbell is a 35 year old 190cm point guard from Rahway, New Jersey that is playing his 13th professional season and third with Strasbourg IG. He played at Buffalo(NCAA) from 1998-2002. IN 2002 he started his professional basketball career with Paderborn where he played until 2004. He then played two seasons with Giessen. He then played for Toyota Alvark (Japan-Superleague) from 2006-2009. IN 2009-2010 he came back to Germany and played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga) playing 43 games: 13.0ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-2(5.7apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 81.6%. In 2010-2011 he played for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): EuroCup: 6 games: 9.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 25.9%, FT: 78.6%; German League: 40 games: 9.8ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 82.1%. IN 2011-2012 he played for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga) playing 34 games: 9.6ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 31.5%, FT: 81.0%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup game in Bamberg
Welcome back to Germany Lou. When you were playing in Germany, you played many seasons in the Stechert arena in Bamberg with Giessen, Bremerhaven, Oldenburg and Tuebingen. What is your fondest memory from this beautiful arena?
Not much. Bamberg was always a very tough place to play at. My nicest memories was always playing against my ex teammate Anton Gavel who was my teammate at Giessen. We always had fun battles.
Maurice Acker(Bakken Bears) Just Because We Can’t Advance Doesn’t Mean We Are Not Going To Play To Win Against Frankfurt
Maurice Acker is a 27 year old 176cm point guard that was born in Kansas City, Kansas, but grew up in Hazelcrest, Illinois and is playing his first season for the Bakken Bears (Denmark-Ligaen). He started his basketball career in 2005 at Ball St and then moved on to Marquette (NCAA) where he played from 2007-2010 and as a senior played 34 games: 8.7ppg, 1.8rpg, 3.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 49.5%, FT: 72.7%. Concluded the season season ranked second in the nation and first in the BIG EAST in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.1). Led the BIG EAST in 3-point field goal percentage (.495). He started his basketball career in 2011 with Bucaneros de La Guaira (Venezuela-LPB): (Elimination Round) 15 games: 8.2ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.6apg, 1.6spg, 2PT: 40.0%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 92.0%. In 2011 he also played for Quebec Kebs (Canada-PBL): 18 games: 8.5ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 80.0%. In the 2011-2012 season he moved to Magixx KidsRights Nijmegen (Holland-Eredivisie) playing 31 games: 14.0ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-3(4.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 79.3%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for Trefl Sopot (Poland-TBL, starting five): 4 games: 10.5ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.8apg, then signed at BK 04 AC LB Spisska Nova Ves (Slovakia-Extraliga, starting five): 37 games: Score-1(23.9ppg), 2.5rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 84.4%. Last season he played for Denain ASC Voltaire (France-ProB, starting five): 42 games: Score-4(17.0ppg), 2.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 88.8%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurochallenge game against the Fraport Skyliners.
Maurice thanks for talking to German Hoops. The Bakken Bears had a league free weekend. Did the team use this time for extra preparation for the next Eurochallenge game against the Fraport Skyliners?
Yes we were able to get a lot of time to practice and focus and what we needs to get better at. Practice has been very competitive after the loss to Boras so it needs to translate over to the games.
The Bakken Bears are 0-4 in Eurochallenge play. The club has lost by an average of 11 points per game. What have been the main reasons for not being able to get over the hump and win some games?
The main reason I would say is our 4th quarter execution hasn’t been good. The first 3 games we were winning going into the 4th. Our intensity as a team just drops and we get out rebounded and forget our defensive principals which cause the 4th quarter collapse.
The Bakken Bears lost last week 90-70 to Boras. When looking at the stats there wasn’t much difference eventhough you got outrebounded 52-45 and Christian Maraker had a huge game with 22 points and 20 boards. Was there anything positive that the team could take into the next game against the Fraport Skyliners?
Boras just outplayed us!! Whenever you have one player goes off for 22 points and 20 rebounds then it’s a very slim chance you will win that game. Our intensity level lacked from the beginning of the game so we dug a hole that we couldn’t get ourselves out of.
You had your best game so far in the Eurochallenge with 25 points against Boras and have scored in double figures in each game. How happy have you been with your Eurochallenge performance so far?
I’ve been playing okay!! but I feel as though I can definitely play better to help my team win!
The next game is against the Fraport Skyliners. The Bakken Bears cant advance, but the Fraport Skyliners have another must win situation and will be very focused to win the game. Will the Bakken Bears be able to match that focus despite having nothing to play for except for pride?
Just because we can’t advance doesn’t mean we are not going to play to win! It’s a home game and we want to protect our home court no matter what. The key will be to out rebound our opponent and play extremely hard until the final buzzer goes off.
You will have to play against rookie Justin Cobbs from California(NCAA). How much are you looking forward to playing against him and how important will it be keeping him out of his comfort zone?
He’s young but he’s good so I’m looking forward to matching up against him. It will be real important to our team to make it difficult for him. It will be a big win for us! We can’t take this team for granted because they have many injured players because they already proved that they can beat us. So we just need to play hard and aggressive for 40 minutes and see how it plays out at the end.
What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
Pursuit of happiness
Thanks Maurice for the chat.
The MLP Academics Heidelberg Get Sucked Up In the Giessen Yorman Polas Tornado 74-53
It may only have been a year ago that the Giessen 46ers and MLP Academics Heidelberg last met in the Osthalle in Giessen, but as is so often in the business of basketball in Germany, players come and go each season as rapidly as the daily gossip stories about Kim Kardashian. At the end of last November, the MLP Academics rolled into the Ost Halle in Giessen with a lot of confidence coming off their huge 107-69 victory against the Cuxhaven Bascats and they had no mercy for the ex Beko BBL team Giessen has they halted their four game winning streak with a bitter 66-60 win. If one looks back to that game, one observes that there were only a total of three players on the floor for both teams with TJ Dileo and Benjamin Lischka of the Giessen 46ers and Nico Adamczak was the only player that had strapped on the Heidelberg jersey that were on the floor again in Giessen a year later. Giessen came into this game with Heidelberg with a 4-2 record at home and having won the last two road games in Paderborn and Nurnberg while the guest was playing spirited basketball the last weeks having won four of the last six games including big wins against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg and Science City Jena. For the two Giessen players DiLeo and Lischka there was definitely the revenge factor and pride issue, but as soon the game started their thoughts were only on the 40 minutes ahead and after a slow first four-five minutes, the Giessen 46ers found their rhythm, had a huge game from the tornado force Yorman Polas and the unsung hero was Besnek Bekteshi with his defense and the team got stronger in the second half powering past the MLP Academics Heidleberg 74-53. “The revenge factor was there, but I didn’t think about it. It is a new year and new players. They had won four of their last six games and we knew that we had to be ready and were. We showed real Giessen basketball tonight. We played tough defense forcing them to turnovers and got out on transition. Our big men did a great job running the floor and on offense played good pick and roll, made the extra pass and made shots”, stressed Philadelphia native TJ Dileo. The MLP Academics are a very talented and strong team, but they continued to stay in their annoying rut of having long dry spells on offense like last weekend against Nurnberg and were outscored 21-6 in the third quarter that sealed their fate. “We have had situations this season where we had long stretches of offense where we cant get anything going and that was the case again tonight in Giessen. I don´t know if it is lack of spacing, bad execution of sharing the ball, but we have to correct it. When this happens, we tend to fall into one on one situations. If we can fix this then we are a playoff team”, stressed Indiana native and Heidelberg forward John Eggleston.
Armin Musovic(Fraport Skyliners Juniors/Eintracht Frankfurt) I Like To Go At My Pace And Always Have To Prove Myself And Just Take My Development Step By Step
Armin Musovic is an 18 year old 192cm point guard that is currently playing for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors in the Pro B and also plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in the NBBL. He started his basketball career in 2009 for TS Griesheim. He joined Eintracht Frankfurt in 2010 and joined the Frapoer Skyliners Pro B team in 2012 already playing three games as a 16 year old. Last season he played for Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany-2.Regionaliga) and played also for Eintracht Frankfurt U19 team (NBBL) and for Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt II (ProB) playing 8 games and averaging 1.5ppg. He spoke to German Hoops following the 88-36 victory against the Junior Baskets Rhein Neckar in NBBL play.
Armin thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the huge 88-36 win against the Junior Baskets Rhein Neckar in NBBL play. What were the main reasons for winning by 52 points?
Defense was the key for us. Our big men did a great job down low rebounding and getting easy points. They combined for 27 rebounds and played great.
How difficult is it in general to keep focused when you are leading by 30-35 points. Eintracht Frankfurt had a lull in the third quarter, but finished the game strong in the fourth quarter.
I think that we have much experience and guys that also play in the Pro B. We try to be leaders and always show the young guys that you have to be focused to be successful. There are always phases where you might lose some concentration, but our coaching staff does a great job helping us stay focused. They prepare us well for games and even when we play well they bring us down and that we have to take each opponent seriously and always be aggressive on the court on every possession.
It looked like Eintracht Frankfurt were men playing with boys. Did it also seem like that from your stand point?
It may have seemed like that, but we never think that it will be easy. We feel that any team can annoy us on any given day. We go in with the mentality of always being focused for every team and fight for every ball.
Niklas Kiel and Armin Trtovac dominated combining for 34 points and 27 rebounds. Are they the next generation of Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann?
I don’t want to laud them too much, but with Kiel he is a player that has been around and has experience at the NBBL level and has played Pro B. I think that Armin Trtovac can go a far way, but one should not put pressure on him, but just continue to develop at his pace. He is good under the basket and demonstrated that he can shoot the mid distance jumper.
Eintracht Frankfurt is 7-0 in the NBBL. Are you a favorite to win it all?
I don’t want to sound too confident, but I feel that we are a candidate to reach the NBBL Final 4. This is our goal. We have many guys that have been together for many years and with the addition of Kiel, Trtovac and Akodo nice pieces to this team. We have reached the playoffs the last years and are burning for more.
What has been your impression of new player Jules Akodo who also plays Pro B?
I think that he is allrounder that can do a bit of everything. He is a point guard and I am happy that he is here. With the injuries to the Merz brothers, he gives me a breather. We also play together on the court which is a plus. He can get hot at any time and is generally a good team player.
It seems that the first thing that stands out when one sees Anthony Williams is his outside shot. What else can he do well on the court?
I have played a long time with Tony. He is a worker, hustler energizer for us. He is an important player for us coming from the bench that plays his role well and always gives much pressure on defense.
You are finishing high school and also juggle Pro B and NBBL. Has it been a tough adjustment for you?
It is tough, but you have to be organized. I am used to it since I have been doing it for years. I have training each day, but somehow I get everything organized. If I do have some sress, then I can miss a practice every now and then.
You have got extended minutes in the Pro B. Has that been a big adjustment for you?
It has been ok. I always knew that I could play at the Pro B level. I always have to prove myself and bring my A game. With more experience I always get more confidence. I am always aggressive and I feel that I am doing a good job at that level even against the Americans.
Explain your roles in the NBBL and Pro B?
In the NBBL I am the captain and leader. I always try to keep the team together in stress situations. As the point guard I always try to see what our offense needs at that specific time in the game. Today I didn’t have to score as our big men were doing that. My role isn’t so much different in the Pro B. As the point guard I have to be the leader and am the organizer and coach. I don’t have to be as vocal as we Have Marius Nolte and Tim Oldenburg who have that duty, but Marius often tells me to be more vocal. But there is always a certain respect that you need to have for Marius.
What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn’t get noticed right away?
I think organizing the game. I think that this aspect of my game has improved much in the last two years. We run plays, but there is a concept behind it and I am always looking for mismatches.
On what things do you still need to improve on the court?
I can limit turnovers and be even more comfortable in my playmaking as well bringing more pressure on defense. I could also work on my body and athleticism.
Every player always looks to get to the highest level. What is your goal as a basketball player?
My goal is to reach the Beko BBL. I played my first pro B game at age 16 and want to continue to develop. I think that there are too many players in general that move to fast to big teams. I like to go at my pace and always have to prove myself and just take my development step by step and always strive to get better.
What do you want to do now after you finish high school?
I want to take a year off and concentrate on basketball and then study at University.
Is going the college route to the United States not an option for you?
No it isn’t. I don’t like that kind of style of run and gun. I like the organized style in Europe.
Who wins a one on one in practice you or Max Merz?
I beat him once. He is tough to play as he is a great defender and also has to defend BBL players. He beats me now, but I think that I could beat him in 1-2 years as soon as my body fills out.
What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
Interstellar. It was a great movie.
Thanks Armin for the chat.
Derrick Allen Doesn’t Slow Down With Age Bringing The Combination Of Bolt And Baryshnikov To The Braunschweig Game
Much has happened in the past five years since the 10,7 time that Derrick Allen achieved on a Frankfurt track as he came one possession from winning his first BBL league title with Frankfurt being denied in Bamberg, playing two seasons for top German team Alba Berlin where he got to know the perks of head coach Luka Pavicevic and why Gordon Herbert is his twin in work ethic and played with the road runner equivalent in basketball point guard Dashaun Wood and then left Germany for the first time in eight years moving over the boarder to Belgium to present his slick ballerina moves and returned back to Germany last season to Bremerhaven where he played for the Eisbaeren which in English is a polar bear something that he would never see back home in Alabama, but could visit in the zoo there. This season Allen who can be called a German basketball country trotter as he also played with BG Karlsruhe and Leverkusen at the start of his career is playing in Braunschweig. Allen was 29 years old when he posted the time of 10,7 seconds in the 100 meter category in preseason and back then I was joking that the Alabama native could be a dark horse Usain Bolt opponent in the 2012 London Olympics. He probably has lost a few tenth of a second on a 100 meter sprint, but when the 203cm forward is off to the races in transition then he can still get up the floor with the best of them even now in 2014. Just how Frankfurt Skyliner legend Pascal Roller perfected the fast break three pointer or Boston Celtic legend Kevin Mchale the fade away jumper, Derrick Allen has perfected his dancing in the zone that resembles a ballerina going work that has made numerous defenders get as dizzy as patrons getting onto the Drop of fear ride at Wonderland Park in Texas. He may not out dance the world famous ballerina dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov, but on the basketball court in Germany it has done damage since 10 years. Allen has used his ballerina moves to near perfection and it is something he learned through the years, that one could almost warrant a patent for the Derrick Allen ballerina move in 2009. “All the post moves that I use, I got from watching different big men, while I was growing up. I think, I used them so much is because most of the post guys I go against are 10-20 kilo’s heavier than me. So I got to use my quickness, and fakes too keep the defenders off balance, but I hope I will be able to use those moves more this season”, stressed Allen. The 29 year old American had his lowest scoring season last season, but is still a pest to defend on the court and seems to be getting better by age. “His game is so unorthodox and he just out works his opponent on every play wheather it’s a loose ball, rebound or steal. He is always first to the ball”, said ex Macabbi Tel Aviv guard Ricky Hickman. However it isn’t his sprinting in the open court or his ballerina dancing that has kept him active at the age of 34, but his unbelievable relentless work ethic that has kept him on the court and not on the couch on the weekends watching NBA basketball in the States. He didn’t start to work hard when he started getting older, but has been doing it since the start as his dedication and focus to the game of basketball is immaculate as he is the real definition of a professional. Because of his hard work, his stats haven’t suffered with age, but continued to stay consistent which has enabled him to get interest from clubs each off season. Last season with Bremerhaven, he played 34 games: 11.1ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 48.5%, FT: 69.5%. This season with Braunschweig he comes from the bench backing up American Tim Abromaitis and is averaging 8,0ppg and 3,2rpg and as always has a superb percentage from the field at 55,6%. After being in the top 10 in scoring for many years in the Beko BBL and even being the league scoring champion in 2007 with Leverkusen, Allen doesn’t have to put up 16 and 8 stats each weekend. His experience, work ethic and advice that he can give the kids is more than worth his pay check. It will be interesting to see how much longer he will play, because from the fitness level, he could probably play until he was 50, but after a certain point family becomes the first priority for a player with age.
Justin Cobbs (Fraport Skyliners) Has The Look Of Thompson And Style OF Wood But Is His Own General
The NCAA life can be very exciting, hectic and experience nourishing where at times a player can feel like a traveling salesman as you are in different cities each weekend playing the game you love while juggling classes somewhere in between. Since finishing his three year college career at California(NCAA) last spring, the last six months have been a real basketball adventure for Los Angeles native Justin Cobbs as traveling continued for him. He is a 23 year old 191cm guard that is a professional rookie as he has bounced around the States at NBA workouts over the summer, played NBA Summer League in Orlando with the Memphis Grizzlie, practiced with Laboral Kutxa Vitoria (Spain-Liga Endesa, was on the training camp roster of the Charlotte Hornets and already got a taste of early winter in Latvia getting experience with VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL) as having snow on Christmas day in Los Angeles is rare as you can go surfing on off Venice beach. His journey continued to Germany where he is currently playing with the Fraport Skyliners helping out their injury plague that has hit their point guard rotation of Richard Williams, Konstantin Klein and Max Merz.
