Theorn Laudermill is a 25 year old 200cm center from Riverside that is playing his first season with the Dragons Rhondorf. He started his basketball career at Shoreline Community College and then finished his college career at Cal.St.-San Bernardino(NCAA2) from 2009-2012 playing a total of 53 NCAA games. Last season as a rookie he played for SpVgg Rattelsdorf Independents (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 22 games: 17.8ppg, 11.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, 1.5bpg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

Theron thanks for talking to German Hoops. How blessed are you to be back in Germany?

 

I am very blessed and I really enjoy Rhondorf. I like the team and coach very much. Rhondorf is peaceful which is very different to California. It is a pleasure to be back after taking a year off to get my degree.

 

You played in the well-known Drew league last summer. What kind of experience was that for you?

 

Playing in this league is a lot of fun. There are very many good players from California and after a while you get used to playing against them. I played against Craig smith, Kevin Durant,, James Harden, Dorrell Wright, Nick Young or Gilbert Arenas. Those names speak for themselves.

 

You played your rookie season in Rattelsdorf in 2012-2013, but last season you went back home. What did you do?

 

I had some offers, but nothing really came out of them. I went home to get my degree.

 

Your playing your first season in the German Pro B for Rhondorf. How was the adjustment coming from the Regionaliga?

 

There wasn´t really a big adjustment. The biggest change is that in Pro B, they make more shots and capitalize more off mistakes than in the Regionaliga.

 

How much fun has it been playing with Savo Milovic? He played with NBA player Marcin Gortat when he was 17 with Cologne.

 

Yes he told me that about Gortat. He is my neighbor on and off the court. He is a great veteran. When I am out of my head, he calms me down on the court. He knows my goals and he has seen it all. He blesses me with knowledge all the time.

 

Did you know his shot in Karlsruhe would go in as he released it?

 

Yes. He is a great player. He may not be flashy, but is just solid. He isn´t really a point guard. He has played it here, because he had to. He is more of a shooter.

 

You are a 200cm center that likes getting rebounds. Who has been your role model from the NBA?

I like Zach Randolph the most, but also guys like Kevin Love and Carmelo Anthony. I like guys that can rebound and shoot.

 

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

 

I think that my ball handling is. I can take the ball up the floor if I have to. People think that the way I move that I am slow, but this is an advantage for me, because I can get around people using my body.

 

How did head coach Jeff Oliver at Cal State Bernadino prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

The practices were very intense and he demanded a lot from us. I was more of a Euro four in college. I am a five, but under him I wasn´t restricted to that, but he just let me play and be more free.

 

When you played for Rattelsdorf, did you go watch Brose Baskets Bamberg games?

 

I actually saw only one game when I was there. I was focusing more on my game and what I had to do to be successful for Rattelsdorf. Now I follow them more since my friend Carlon Brown plays for them.

 

What dreams do you still have as a professional?

 

My ultimate goal is to play BBL in Germany. I would like to stay in Germany, because I feel comfortable here. I am open to leaving to further my career, but I wouldn´t mind staying here.

 

Who was the toughest opponent that you had to encounter in the Drew league?

 

Craig Smith was very tough. He was a big beast against me.

 

Where will the journey of the Los Angeles Lakers end this season in the NBA?

 

It would be a miracle if Kobe could pull something out after his injury, but I see them rebuilding.

 

Who wins a one on one you or Fabian Thuelig?

 

Of course I have to go with me, but he is a good player-

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Rush Hour 2.

 

Thanks Theron for the chat.

 

 

 

The walking wounded list of the Fraport Skyliners in the last weeks has been growing without pleasure the way a Christmas wish list does for a toddler for its parents. It took the Fraport Skyliners a while to find a new guard to help in the scoring and playmaking department, but it seems like the 2004 BBL champion found a gem with23 year old Los Angeles native Justin Cobbs who is already joining his fourth professional team in his fourth month as a rookie having played with Tibor Pleisss ex team Laboral Kutxa Vitoria (Spain-Liga Endesa), the Charlotte Hornets (NBA), released in Oct.’14 and recently VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL). After a year at Minnesota(NCAA) where he played for ex Kentucky skipper Tubby Smith where he didn’t like the slow pace of the game moved to California(NCAA) where he finished his stellar career averaging 15.6ppg, 2.9rpg, 5.8apg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 81.7% as a senior. Ex Boston Celtic Leon Powe who also played at California years earlier described Cobbs as his favorite point guard there the last years and Cobbs credited his leadership skills to current NBA player Mexican Jorge Gutierrez stayed in the hearts of California fans with his game winning shot at Oregon and his amazing and exciting step back buzzer beater against then current number one team Arizona. It be still be a while before the Fraport Skyliners will be able to have both Richard Williams and Konstantin Klein back in the lineup so for the time being the club will have the formidable duo of Sean Armand and himself in the back court. At California many saw Cobbs and current NBA player Allen Crabbe the best back court duo in the Pac 10 as they tore up other teams defense the way Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson do in the NBA now. If Armand will be as lethal as Crabbe was with Tubbs will be seen in the next weeks, but both guys can collect buckets the way Ronaldo does goals and have a great eye for their teammates. After helping the Fraport Skyliners win their second game in a row and first on the road against 2004 Fiba cup winner Mitteldeutscher BC in Leipzig with a eight point effort, the American was focused to help his team achieve a must win in his first home and international game against Aalstar and after only four days in Germany celebrated his second win in a row over Okapi Aalstar 80-58. At halftime, the American had only six points, but really took control in the second half and poured in 14 points in totally taking apart Aalstar. The play of Cobbs reminded one of a former Skyliner who won the Beko BBL MVP in 2011 and looked like a road runner when darting to the basket. After the game former Skyliner Marius Nolte was able to compare Cobbs to two Skyliners in look and play. “Cobbs helped us a lot tonight bringing us forward. He reminded me a lot in appearance to Michael Thompson and with his play on the court to Dashaun Wood the way he was able to take command when he wanted to. However one has to be careful not to speculate too much after only one game”, added Paderborn native Marius Nolte. After the win, Cobbs was confident and soft spoken with the reporters and it was just another day at the office for the general. “I have been here only a short while, but I am just trying to help the team win. I feel very welcome here and just want to keep it going. I wanted to be aggressive and I was hitting shots. Coach told me to just go on the floor and play my game. I wasn’t thinking, but just playing and having fun”, smiled Justin Cobbs. His teammate Sean Armand was impressed and also a little happy that some of that scoring load doesn’t lean fully on his shoulder. “He fits in well and was under control and that is when good things happen. He is a very confident player, sees the flow and has a very high IQ. It all looks so easy because he makes the right plays”, stressed Sean Armand. “Cobbs was the general for Frankfurt. He is a good player that knows when to find his teammates and when its his turn to score. It looked like he had been there for a while”, added ex Georgetown(NCAA) guard Justin Clark. “A reason why it looks so easy is because Cobbs is great at changing the pace. At times he can rock you to sleep and then he can explode. He controlled the whole game with his play”, added Fraport Skyliner Mike Morrison.

The Fraport Skyliners came into the game riding a huge two game winning streak having won at home against the Walter Tigers Tuebingen and on the road in Leipzig and were facing a must win in Eurochallenge play as they had a 1-2 record and had played superb defense in this stretch holding their opponents to an average of 62 points only. Against Belgium team Okapi Aalstar, the Fraport Skyliners came out very focused and despite a quick run by them were able to find their game and were down only by four points by halftime and thanks to an offensive explosion in the third quarter outscoring their opponent 27-6 and were able to coast to victory in the fourth quarter as they never let up. Injured Mike Morrison was so pumped and happy that he was doing his own dancing to the arena music and had the most utmost respect for his teammates. “I am so proud of the way the team played tonight. It was an exciting game and we got great support from the fans. After losing so badly in Belgium, We played very strong with a great defensive effort and had our offense going”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Mike Morrison. Okapi Aalstar had started the Belgium season 7-0 and were rolling in Eurochallenge play with a 3-0 record, but had fallen into a rut as of recent losing their last two games in the Belgium league as their scoring average had been shrunk from 96 to 76 points and their defense was more than suspect as they had averaged giving up 89 points in the last two games. The club found their rhythm early, but then were unable to match the intensity of Frankfurt and just shot very poorly and had defended very poorly as the aggressiveness was left somewhere between Aalst and Frankfurt. “Frankfurt played an overall better game than we did. The Frankfurt 27-6 third quarter was key for them winning. We played no defense and had no communication”, added Okapi Aalstar guard Jason Clark.

2,440 fans showed up in the Fraport arena for an untypical Tuesday night game, but witnessed Okapi Aalstar take the early lead 13-7. American Taylor Braun who played at North Dakota State and played NBA Summer League with the Phoenix Suns last summer got going early scoring a lay up and dropping a three pointer while rejuvenated Canadian Aaron Doornekamp who had a huge game against MBC with 16 points got aggressive scoring twice. Okapi Aalstar continued to be aggressive and reached the free throw line as American Tyren Johnson and Braun hit free throws. Johnson also found American/Samoan John Tofi who played at the University of Texas at El Paso for the dunk as the Frankfurt rotation seemed to have sunk in the light snow that was falling outside the arena. However Frankfurt slowly was finding their rhythm on offense and paralyzed Okapi Aalstar with a vicious 9-0 run to take the 16-13 lead. Brooklyn native Sean Armand hit a three pointer and lay in while Quantez Robertson snuck inside for a bucket and Danilo Barthel hit free throws. New Skyliner Justin Cobbs then hit his first bucket scoring inside and Johannes Richter connected for a left handed hook shot. Cobbs has little problems getting inside and scoring easily even if he may not be as quick as Dashaun Wood. “Cobbs is a bigger version of Dashaun Wood”, stressed 2004 Beko BBL winner with Frankfurt head coach Gordon Herbert. The Fraport Skyliners led 22-18 after one quarter. “I thought that we had a decent first quarter despite the slow start. We were aggressive on offense and were hitting shots”, added Fraport Skyliner Mikko Koivisto. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 50% from the field and 30% from outside While Okapi Aalstar was shooting 35% from the field and 14% from outside. Both teams had nine rebounds a piece, but Frankfurt had no turnovers while Okapi Aalstar had two turnovers.

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners were able to hold their lead, but let up a bit in the latter minutes as Okapi Aalstar fought back and regained the lead going into halftime as there was no stopping American Tyren Johnson who scored nine of the last 11 Okapi Aalstar points. The Fraport Skyliners got on the board first as German Johannes Richter scored on a hook shot as they led 24-18. Lodwick then connected on a three pointer and Robertson scored inside making an acrobatic reverse lay up as Frankfurt still led 26-21. After Arizona native Lee Cummard and Johannes Voigtmann traded free throws, it was Tyren Johnson that made the most peculiar bucket of the night as he crashed the boards and tried to tip a high rebound that seemed out of his reach and somehow tipped it into the bucket that took a rainbow dip. This basket was just the beginning of his domination in the last few minutes. Cobbs then hit a pull up jumper as Frankfurt led 30-25. Thanks to the high intensity of Johnson, he sparked Okapi Aalstar on a crushing second quarter ending 13-4 run as the Belgium squad led 38-34. 19 Year old Belgium Vincent Kesteloot contributed with two buckets, but it was Johnson who did the real damage as he nailed a three pointer, fade away jumper and connected for four free throws. He also showed unrelentless energy on defense blocking Johannes Voigtmann. “Our offense broke down and Tyren Johnson got hot at the end as we couldn´t control his aggressiveness”, stated Miko Koivisto. Okapi Aalstar was shooting 41% from the field and 30% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 43% from the field and 14% from the three point line. Okapi Aalstar had the 19-16 rebound edge and both teams had four turnovers a piece.

The Fraport Skyliners took off in the third quarter right from the start and Okapi Aalstar would lead one last time early, but a crushing 27-6 third quarter would seal the fate for Okapi Aalstar head coach Brad Dean whjo won a BBL cup in 1996 with Ulm and his team. The Fraport Skyliners took to heart what head coach Gordon Herbert told them in the half time and stormed out on a 6-0 run to retake the lead 40-38. The three buckets that Frankfurt produced in this run was the perfect example of how team basketball is played as hustle, intelligence and effort were on the menu. Barthel got Frankfurt on the board first as Voigtman penetrated, but dished the ball to him for two quick points showing game intelligence with the extra pass. Voigtman then made a running dunk as Aaron Doornekamp tapped the ball to the big man at center court showing hustle as he was off to the races and Doornekamp showed massive effort getting the offensive rebound and put back. Okapi Aalstar would get the lead back one last time as Johnson made a mid distance shot for the 42-41 lead. The Fraport Skyliners then displayed an early new years fire work display closing out the third quarter with a lightening 20-2 run to lead comfortably 61-44 after 30 minutes. The run was powered by Justin Cobbs who took command scoring 14 points while Danilo Barthel added two three pointers. Cobbs nailed two three pointers, scored inside, made a steal and went coast to coast for the one hand dunked, hit a floater and made free throws. “We dominated the third quarter with defensive intensity which led to transition and easy baskets. Once we had the momentum, it was hard to stop us”, added Mike Morrison. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 46% from the field and 33% from the parking lot while Okapi Aalstar was shooting 34% from the field and 20% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the slight 28-27 rebound advantage and still had four turnovers while Okapi Aalstar had suffered seven turnovers in the quarter totaling 11.

In the fourth quarter despite Okapi Aalstar cutting the Frankfurt lead down to 11 points couldn´t establish some defensive intensity as it had been lacking all game long as the Fraport Skyliners finished the game strong. Okapi Aalstar made one last run right to the begin of the fourth quarter going on a 10-4 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 65-54. Despite playing superb defense, one will never completely halt an offensive talented team like Okapi Aalstar. Braun showed his explosiveness getting the Belgium team on the board early with a steal and dunk and then connected on a three pointer. Johnson then scored on a lay in and Oregon native and ex Washington State forward Abe Lodwick hit a three pointer. The Fraport Skyliners then put a dent into the Okapi Aalstar run going on their own run of 7-0 to extend their lead to 72-54 which closed the door on the Belgium team. Frankfurt did a superb job letting other guys get involved as Justin Cobb stayed in the backround as German national player Johannes Voigtmann did something for his scoring account hitting two jumpers and making free throws. Frankfurt now also did a good job not getting sloppy , but why should they have, because they had been doing a great job of taking care of the ball the whole game. Frankfurt did a good job also with time sharing. Barthel hit another three pointer as he really had found his range in this game as Frankfurt led 75-56. Herbert then did a nice deed at the end inserting Pro B players Kyle Fossman and Tim Oldenburg from their farm team. Oldenburg grabbed two rebounds in garbage time while Fossman nailed a three pointer in the corner ending the game. “We knew that the game wasn’t over after three quarters. They are a strong scoring team and went on a run at the start, but we stayed focused and composed and controlled the game until the end”, added Mike Morrison. “That last run took a lot of energy out of us. It isn’t easy coming back when you have used so much energy”, stressed Jason Clark. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Justin Cobbs with 20 points. Danilo Barthel contributed 16 points while Sean Armand and Johannes Voigtmann chipped in with 11 points a piece. Okapi Aalstar were led by Tyren Johnson with 15 points while Taylor Braun added 14 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 47% from the field and 36% from outside while Okapi Aalstar shot 32% from the field and 21% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound duel 38-36. Frankfurt did a super job with only seven turnovers while Okapi Aalstar coughed up the ball 13 times.

 

 

Jason Clark is a 24 year old 188cm guard from Arlington, Virginia that is playing his third professional and second season with Okapi Aalstar (Belgium-Scooore League). He started his basketball career in 2008 with Georgetown(NCAA) playing a total of 130 NCAA games and as a senior played 33 games: 14.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 75.0%. IN 2012 he started his professional career for Generali Okapi Aalstar (Belgium-Ethias League): 9 games: 15.1ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 69.7%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 15.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.8apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 86.2%. Last season he played for Belgacom Spirou Charleroi (Belgium-Ethias League): 11 games: 8.2ppg, 2.7rpg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 65.6%. He started the season for BG Goettingen and recently came back to his old team on a short term contract for Rotnei Clarke who is injured. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball before the Eurochallenge game against the Fraport Skyliners.

 

 

 

Jason thanks for talking to German Hoops. After starting the season with BG Goettingen you are back in Germany with Aalstar playing the Fraport Skyliners in Eurochallenge play. How good is it being back in Germany?

 

It is great to be back in Germany. I really enjoyed my short time with BG Goettingen. This is actually the first time that I have been in Frankfurt.

 

After starting the season with BG Goettingen you left in October and went back to Generali Okapi Aalstar where you played in the 2012-2013 season. Besides knowing the club why was the transition to the court so easy again?

 

I think that the main reasons why the adjustment has been so easy has been the style of play and the coach that I am used to. I was very comfortable here my first season and am familiar with head coach Brad Dean and his vision. Nothing has changed from my rookie season and it has just been easy adjusting.

 

Aalstar is 7-2 in the Belgium league and 3-0 in Eurochallenge play. What has been the secret to the success of the team thus far?

 

The secret has been our ability to be able to play our game. We are a team that likes to get out and run. We have very athletic players, shooters and scorers. When we play together as a team then we are very hard to beat.

 

 

Aalstar has many scoring options and you are scoring a lot and averaging four assists on the team. What exactly is your role on the team?

 

I have a few roles, but my primary role is to play defense. In order to get out on transition, we need to play good defense. I also am responsible for scoring and getting my teammates involved. I am that energy bug coming from the bench.

 

Talking about defense, how much do you remember of Quantez Robertson´s defense in the win at home some weeks ago?

 

I actually have his offense in my memory.

 

 

You are a player that knows how to fill up the stat sheet, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

 

A hidden strength in my game is my defense. People don’t really know it and seem to get caught up with my offense abilities. I have very long arms and can get into passing lanes easily.

 

How impressed have you been with American rookie shooting guard Taylor Braun who can also fill out the stat sheet. He is third in team rebounding, second in assists and third in scoring.

I have been very impressed with Taylor. I had heard very good things about him and when I got here I knew why. He can do it all and he is already as a rookie a very good player. He can flat out score the ball. I really like how he attacks the rim and he really plays above the rim. His mind is so good and he already sees plays before they happen. He will have a very good career in Europe or the States.

 

 

Last season you played for Belgacom Spirou Charleroi (Belgium-Ethias League). Your stats were down a bit from your rookie season. What kind of experience was your year there?

Last season was tough for me coming back from a long injury. I was just blessed to get back on the court after rehabbing a whole year. My stats weren’t that great, but I just wanted to get my feet wet again. It seemed like Last Season was a set back, but it was a great step.

 

 

How much were you able to learn from Demond Mallet? What was your most fond Shaq story?

 

 

Demond is a veteran and I learned so much from him especially about the business side. He taught me that as an American, you have to pay attention to yourself and your body. Often teams try to rush you back from an injury before you are 100%. He taught me that you have to come back when you are ready. On the court he was a scorer. He was MVP, won titles and did it all. I was a big fan of him. He didn’t tell so many Shaq stories.

 

 

You played at Georgetown from 2008-2012 and played with some impressive future NBA players like Dajuan Summmers, Greg Monroe, Henry Sims or Otto Porter. Why wasn´t Georgetown able to do more noise in the NCAA tournament?

That is a good question. I don’t really know and it is hard to point out a reason. We had all the pieces and talent, but just couldn´t get over the hump. We had some tough games and some teams that got hot. However Georgetown will always have good players and success.

 

 

You also played with guard Markel Starks who is a rookie this season in Italy with FMC Ferentino (Italy-A2). He had some great seasons at Georgetown. How much potential does he have and could the NBA be in his future?

 

I think that he has NBA potential. I have seen this kid grow up since he was a kid as we come from the same area. He has continued to progress as a player and improved each time that I saw him. He is a player that can lead and knows the game so well which is important when you are a point guard.

 

 

What was the most important aspect of basketball that were able to learn from John Thompson the third at Georgetown that has prepared you best to strive at the professional level?

 

The most important thing that I learned from him was that you must be a professional with everything on and off the court. When you are young, you don’t always want to listen, but just play, but he was able to get the message to me. He taught us to be great people. That was important for me going overseas to be prepared for diversity and up and downs.

 

You played briefly with American Khalid El-Amin with BG Goettingen. Do you remember him leading UCONN to the NCAA title in 1999? What kind of conversations do you remember having with him in Germany?

 

I remember watching him at UCONN winning the NCAA title. When I heard he was playing with BG Goettingen my first reaction was “Is he still playing”? He has had a great career in Europe. It was a great experience for me playing behind him in Goettingen and just learning how he can take over a game and I hope I could take some of his competitiveness with me. Learning from him is vital because everyone wants to reach the next level and get to the Euroleague or NBA.

 

 

If you have Lee Cummard, Thomas Dreeson and Tyren Johnson parked in the corner, who hits the most three pointers if each had 20?

 

Thomas Dreeson without a doubt. He may be the best shooter I ever saw. He could hit an open shot blindfolded.

 

 

Where will the journey of the Washington Wizards end this season?

 

If they continue to play the way that they did last summer then I see them making the next step. They wont be playing for a NBA title, but I could see them making a huge run in the playoffs.

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The new Hunger Games and I wasn’t impressed. I also saw Lone Survivor with Mark Wahlberg that I liked more.

 

Thanks Jason for the chat.

 

 

Abe Lodwick is a 26 year old 201cm forward that is playing his third professional season and first with Okapi Aalstar (Belgium-Scooore League). Last season he played for the Redwell Gunners Oberwart (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 29 games: 11.6ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 83.8% In 2012-2013 as a rookie he played for Phoenix Hagen having the typical role come from the bench and give energy and helped the team reach the playoffs for the first time in their history. He played 36 games: 6.3ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 68.9%. He scored in double figures five times and had 20 points against Bremerhaven. He played at Washington State from 2007-2012 playing a total of 105 NCAA games. In his senior year, he played 21 games: 5.2ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 23.5%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 66.7%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurochallenge game against the Fraport Skyliners in Frankfurt.

 

 

The Aalstar 10 game winning streak came to an end last weekend against Ostende. Was this the longest winning streak that you have had as a professional?

Yes.

Aalstar lost 97-81 to Ostedne. When looking at the results remind a bit of your rookie season with Phoenix Hagen. If Aalstar doesn’t score 80 plus points it seems like you will have problems to win?

We scored over 80 against Oostende but still lost. We need to be better defensively and offensively to get where we want to be.

What has been the biggest concern on defense and how is the team correcting to fix the problem?

No major concerns right now just little changes game by game depending on who we play. Rebounding and taking care of the ball is always important.

Despite the loss you played your most minutes this season and scored the most points with 17. Was this your Belgium league break out game and are you starting to find a feel for the style?

I felt a good rhythm offensively. Each game is different but I am feeling more and more comfortable for sure.

Aalstar is 3-0 in Eurochallenge play. The first two games were a blowout, but against pesky Bakken it wasn´t so easy. What gave Aalstar the most problems against the Danish top team?

They kept us on our heels. We need to come out and assert ourselves from the start of the game.

Aalstar meets the Fraport Skyliners who are 1-2 that have a must win situation. What kind of game can we await and will Frankfurt be better prepared then their 35 point defeat in your living room?

I’m sure Frankfurt will be ready to go in our game and so will our team. It will be a good game and we are looking forward to it.

The Fraport Skyliners have been hit hard with injuries. From your experience in basketball, what is always the biggest fear when a team is playing against a wounded team that often come out and play like a wounded animal?

A lot of times when a team has many injuries they will have other players step up and play more free and with nothing to lose. This can be dangerous for sure.

You have played against many great players in the NCAA and in Europe the last years. Quantez Robertson has had to play point guard the last weeks depite being a small forward. Where does he rack up with the alltime great defenders that you have played against?

Really hard to say since we play different positions we don’t guard each other very often on the court. I’ve played against some really good defenders over the years but he does a good job making himself and his teammates better.

Your ex teammate in the NCAA Klay Thompson keeps making a name for himself. Where do you see him at the end of this coming season? Is he already in the top 10 best players or when do you see him getting there?

Klay has proven the sky is the limit for him. He has improved each year and it’s good to see him get rewarded for his hard work. He’s a great player, I think he’s one of the top players in the NBA for sure.

Thanks Abe for the chat.

 

 

Will Barnes is a 26 year old 185cm point guard from Tuscaloosa, Alabama that is playing his second professional season and first with the Hamburg Towers. He started his basketball career in 2006 for Tennessee Tech (NCAA) where he played a total of 98 NCAA games. In 2012-2013 he played at  Lee (NAIA) playing 34 games: 20.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 77.7%. Last season as a rookie he played for the Finke Baskets playing 29 games: Score-3(18.8ppg), 3.5rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 64.3%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 75.8%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against Ehingen.

 

 

Will thanks for talking to German Hoops. How did you celebrate Thanksgiving on German soil yesterday?

 

Hello Miles! Nice to speak with you again.Well this was my second Thanksgiving in Germany. But I just cooked a nice meal at home and skyped my family last night to simulate being back home! Nothing like family love.

 

What was your favorite Thanksgiving memory as a kid that you still cherish thinking about today as an adult.

 

Growing up, I cherished my family members that have since passed away. Thinking back only, more than anything I would like to see my late family members again.

 

After a quick 3-0 start into the season the Hamburg Towers have lost four of the last five games. Why has the team fallen into a bit of a rut as of late?

We let up on the defensive end. Simple as that. When we play 40 minutes of hard defensive basketball, we win. Lately, the injury bug has plagued our team but that happens to every team eventually. We just have to continue to focus one game at a time and realize that it is a LONG season.

 

The club let up 99 points against Nurnberg some weeks ago, but in the last two games had the points back down averaging giving up 73 points a game. Is the club back in the right frame of mind defensively going into the game against Ehingen?

 

Yes, I feel we are getting back there. We can’t get too comfortable whenever things go well offensively. That’s our biggest problem.

 

Ehingen is in last place with a record of 2-9. Is the biggest obstacle not underestimating them? For Hamburg to become a playoff team, they must win these type of games.

 

I know that we won’t underestimate them, but coming in to this game with the right focus is more important than anything.

 

What will be key to beating Ehingen? If one could say beat them by playing Hamburg Towers basketball how would you describe that?

 

Hamburg Towers basketball consists of hard nosed, defensive basketball with great team, offensive play.

Your leading your team in scoring, but are averaging 2,0apg. Is getting your team involved one of your main focus in your own game?

Yes, I’ve just had a difficult time adjusting and moving the ball and well as I am used to. I just have to continue to watch film and make the right reads in games.

Robert Ferguson stated that the whole team is trying to help Bazou Kone stay focused as his to rate is very high at 3,7. You as a point guard how are you helping him with his game?

I try to keep Bazou focused on what he can control. If he’s dialed in 100%, not too many point guards are better.

Who could eat more turkeys Michael Wenzl or Benjamin Fumey?

I feel like Big Mike would take the cake on this one!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Columbiana

Thanks Will for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lorenzo Williams is a 30 year old 191cm point guard that will be playing his second season in the BEKO BBL with Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. He was born in Arkansas, but grew up in Texas. He played at Rice University from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 29 games averaging 9.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 5.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3Pts: 34.6%, FT: 71.4%. He was drafted by the Anaheim Arsenal in 2007, but decided to come to Europe and played in Germany for BC Groer Recycling Weissenhorn, but left during the season, in March 2008 and moved to Skanska Pezinok (Slovakia-Extraliga). In 2008-2009, he played in Slovakia for AB Cosmetics Pezinok playing 28 games: Score-2(20.8ppg), 3.2rpg, Assists-2(5.8apg), 1.8spg, 2FGP: 62.3%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 83.9%. In the 2009-2010 season, he came to Germany and played for the Giessen 46ers playing  25 games: 11.4ppg, 1.6rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 58.7%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 67.2%. In the 2010-2011 season he played for Zalakeramia-ZTE KK (Hungary-A Division, starting five): 19 games: 15.6ppg, 3.3rpg, Assists-1(7.3apg), 2.5spg, FGP: 65.2%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 70.4%, in Feb.’11 moved to Khimik-OPZ Yuzny (Ukraine-Superleague, starting five): 15 games: 9.1ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 24.3%, FT: 87.5%. He then played two seasons for  Atomeromu SE Paks (Hungary-A Division). Last season he played for BK Ventspils (Latvia-LBL) winning the league championship playing 24 games: 11.6ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 82.4%; EuroChallenge: 11 games: 10.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.4apg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 22.6%, FT: 73.0%; Baltic League: 16 games: 9.8ppg, 3.4rpg, Assists-4(4.4apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 72.7% He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Thanks Zo for taking some time to talk to German Hoops. Today is thanksgiving. How will you be spending it in Germany? Will you celebrate with the other Americans or take in a peaceful Thanksgiving with your family?

Nice to hear from you again. I will actually do both. We have a team dinner and then I’ll head home to spend the rest of the evening with my wife, son and mother-in-law.

 

If I am not mistaken the last time you celebrated a Thanksgiving stateside was 2006 your senior year at Rice. Since then you have been playing overseas. What is your fondest memories of Thanksgiving as a kid in Arkansas?

 

My family moved to Texas when I was young but we would often go back to Arkansas for thanksgiving. The thing I miss most about that was spending time with my cousins. They live in a small town which was great because we all became really close to each other.

 

 

It has been a while since you played in the Beko BBL before this season as you played with Giessen in the 2009-2010 season. Since then you played three seasons in Hungary and one in Latvia. How has the league changed in the last 4-5 years?

 

I feel like the league is growing with talent and popularity each season. There are a few clubs that play in the BBL that didn’t back in 2010 which shows how competitive basketball is here. Hopefully Giessen can make their way back to the BBL.

 

 

The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven seemed to have found themselves early winning three of their first four games, but since then have a record of 1-5. What have been the main reasons of the team getting off the winning street?

 

We haven’t been executing offensively and defensively the way we were early on. We have been working really hard to correct our mistakes and hopefully it will carry over into the next game.

 

 

The club lost some very bitter games with one point to Bamberg and on a buzzer beater to ratiopharm Ulm. Is that just basketball and can happen to any team or are you still a team that is still learning to become a crunch time team and making the right decisions On what things are you happy that the team is doing well now on the court and on what things does it still need to improve on?

 

I’m happy with our effort on the court and I like how we play hard every night. If we want to win more games in this league we have to play a little bit smarter and no turn the ball over so much.

 

You are having a very solid season currently averaging 12,4ppg, 3,4rpg and 5,6apg. You have always had high assist rates. Out of all the leagues in Europe that you have played in the Beko BBL is the best. How happy have you been with your play thus far and do you feel that you can still up your game as the season goes on?

I feel that I can play much better than I have been for the most part. I have played well in some games and not as well in others. Being consistent is the most important thing for my team and I feel that I can do that.

 

How much easier does a Moses Ehambe make your game when he is dropping three pointers on a consistent rate? How impressed have you been with his play in the first two months?

Any point guard can tell you that a shooter makes our job a lot easier. And Moses Ehambe is one of the best shooters in the league. He has done a great job of being vocal and leading on and off the court.

 

Last weekend you lost on a buzzer beater to ratiopharm Ulm. When you played for Giessen, German national player Per Guenther was an up and coming player in the league. How has his game improved in the last 4 years when you were away?

His game has matured a lot. He has always been a good scorer and now he sees the floor very well and understands when to go and when to pass.

 

I presume Nick Schneiders is the tallest guy that you have played with and the history and titles of captain Sven Schultze speak for him. Do you pay close attention in practice when your penetrating and the big man is lurking somewhere and is leadership something you can pick up from your captain?

 

You always have to be alert when Nick is in the game. His size definitely changes a lot shots in the paint. Sven has a lot of experience in different leagues around Europe so he can offer great advice. I think we have learned a lot from each other.

 

 

The next game is against the Artland Dragons on the road who are 7-3. What memories do you have playing with Giessen there and what will be key to getting the win?

I remember them having a great fan base. It’s always fun going on the road. Especially paying vs a Eurocup team. We have to be sure to communicate and execute our game plan if we want win the game.

 

 

Your ex Giessen teammate David Teague is playing in the D-league with FT Wayne. At 31 one of the older guys in a league that is dominated by the youth. Do you see him being a good mentor to the kids like Glen Rice?

David was one of the hardest working guys that I played with. Everything he has achieved has been because he is the hardest working player on his team. His experiences in European basketball will be a big help for those players trying to advance their game.

 

 

What do you like most about the city Bremerhaven and have you found a favorite place to hang out when you have a few free hours?

It’s a nice city close to the water which is something that my wife and I enjoy. Everything is easy to get to. When we have free time, Bremen and Hamburg are not too far away so we can go there to enjoy a day off.

 

 

Who do you think can eat more turkey Devin Searcy or Jake O Brien?

 

That’s a close call but I would have to say Devin. But Jake isn’t too far behind.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I haven’t watched a DVD movie in a while but I watch the TV series How To Get Away With Murder

 

Thanks Zo for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marcus Ware is a 23 year old 203cm forward playing his first professional season with the BIS Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB) He started his basketball career in 2009 with Monmouth (NCAA) until 2013 where he played a total of 85 NCAA games. Last season he moved to Niagara (NCAA) playing 31 games and averaging 8.3ppg, 5.9rpg, FGP: 45.1%, FT: 66.4%. This past summer he played for the Rochester RazorSharks (PBL). He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Marcus thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. What ahs been your first impression of Germany?

My first impression of Germany has been a good one I love the people,culture and hospitality of everyone here. Change of scenery is always good.

You signed very late with the BIS Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB). How thankful are you of having found a job so late in the season?

I am very thankful for signing with Bis basket it was the perfect situation for me coming out of college and I look forward to being a key part in the program’s success.

Was the BIS Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB) the only job you had or did you have other offers? What sold you on coming to Speyer?

I had other offers in different countries but I was told starting my career in Germany would be my best move the leagues here are respected and I can make a name for myself early.

The team is currently 2-7, but have gotten help with two rugged inside players with yourself and Marcus Smallwood. How certain are you that the team will rebound and start winning games?

I’m certain that our team will rebound this season we had some key injuries in the beginning of the season but with the addition of me and Marcus Smallwood we add a lot of toughness and versatility on the court. The intensity of practice has been great.

 

What is your role on the team? What does head coach Carl Mbassa want to see from you on the court?

I am a team player and my role is basically to get my teammates involved rebound be a force on offense and defense. Coach Carl wants me to be in attack mode at all times.

 

You had two solid games including 17 points in the win against Schwelm. How comfortable do you feel in the German Pro B?

I feel very comfortable early on but still know I can play better and plan on doing so. Getting adjusted to the European game is becoming easier every day.

 

How important is it having Marcus Smallwood on the floor for you? He is a veteran. I am sure that he will take you under his wing and help you develop?

Having Marcus on the floor is definitely a huge help he’s a big strong guy and can rebound and score so it takes some tension off myself inside and we both work well together.

 

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

I can shoot the ball and dribble well . I think people see my size and believe I can really bang Inside but I’m able to play on the perimeter at any time.

 

You played four years at Monmouth and then went to Niagra last season. What were the main reasons for making that move?

After my fourth year at Monmouth I had a post grad year and was able to transfer anywhere . Having a former teammate of mine at Monmouth coach at Niagara was a big factor in my transfer.

 

As a senior you had Chris Casey as a head coach at Niagra. What was the most important thing that he gave you that prepared you best for a professional basketball career?

 

Coach Casey was a great coach and the most important thing he told me was to remain coachable at any level despite my success I feel like that is big here in Europe

 

You had many memorable games last season and scored in double figures 13 times. What game will you remember most from your NIagra senior year?

The game I will remember the most is our senior night we played Quinnipiac I had a great game but we lost on a buzzer beater and it was actually one of my local friends Umar Shannon who made the shot. It made sports center

 

 

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

I would say Harrison Barnes and 7,1 Alex Lin from Maryland

 

Who won a one on one in practice last season you or Joe Thomas?

I won a one on one but joe was a great defender.

 

Where will the journey of the Brooklyn Nets end this season?

 

 

I don’t pay too much attention to Brooklyn I’m a Knicks fan so they will finish below us. Carmelo will bring us farther.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Life with Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence.

 

Thanks Marcus for the chat.