Marching the long way down the hall way from the Fraport Skyliners dressing room to the VIP room on some nights can be endless after a loss where the tragic hero can be dreaming about sneaking out of the city on hand of the Frankfurt Skyline pictured on the wall in the catacombs and the lights of the airport when turned on glitter as if your really somewhere on the runway or can be the shortest trek after a win when the rich buffet is already dancing in the mind of the player. There is typically three ways how one can observe a Skyliner during his walk down the hall of fame or shame after a game. You have the American who is loud and joking with his other American teammates, the big German three of Danilo Bathel, Johannes Voigtmann and Konstantin Klein who are silent and focused and in thought but give a gentle hello, or American Justin Cobbs who has that innocent swagger that suggests that he is in his own healthy basketball world possibly going over every play of the game knowing exactly what happened in the short 30 second walk to the entrance of the VIP room. In a way the demeanor and the way Cobbs struts down to the eating parlor reminds me a bit of how ex Fraport Skyliner and 2011 Beko BBL MVP Dashaun Wood went always somewhere in thought about what he had just achieved on the court. The Detroit native Wood who plays this season in Turkey for Tofas Bursa may have had his best game as a professional last weekend with 33 points in a win against Galatasaray, but even if he had similar performances like that in the Beko BBL four seasons ago, he didn´t accomplish it against the quality of ex NBA player Carlos Arroyo who only produced 12 points and made Wood feel on top of Turkish basketball for a weekend. Wood may be in his seventh season while Cobbs is a rookie, but in the few weeks that new Skyliner has been on board, he has had that commanding presence on the team led by head coach Gordon Herbert and has been a big reason for the team success which Wood once had in Frankfurt displaying back in the 2010-2011 season. Herbert once again has proven that he has that eye and correct feeling for grabbing that special player with Wood and Cobbs.

Granted the Fraport Skyliners had started their seven game winning streak at home with a win against the Walter Tigers Tuebingen without Cobbs as the club played without a real point guard as Quantez Robertson took that duty and shone against a weak Tuebingen team that couldn´t get anything going on that day. However as Cobbs came on board, he led the club to six wins in a row and brought a new breath of fresh air into a team that had been haunted with an overflow of injuries that had Gordon Herbert having possibly extra sleepless nights thinking about how to go into games without so many key players. Except for his first game where he had seemingly just jumped off the plane but still produced eight points in a big win in Leipzig against the Mitteldeutscher BC, he has been very solid scoring in double figures in each Beko BBL game against Braunschweig, Oldenburg and Alba Berlin improving his scoring in each game. He was also the pivotal guiding force in the Skyliners advancement to the last 16 in Eurochallenge play as he led the team to a huge 80-58 must win victory against Okapi Aalstar with 20 points in his home debut. The club needed that win very badly and he shone as brightly as the sun on Venice beach does in July. He was also key in big road wins at Baaken and Boras which sealed the advancement to the next round. Cobbs is a guy like Wood that can score in bunches and become explosive whenever he decides to turn on that Cobbs switch. He looks so controlled out on the floor most of the time and is a master of changing speeds. He gives Frankfurt so much stability something they didn´t have previously this season. Even though his stats may suggest that he is a scoring point guard, he actually is a pass first guard even if its hard to believe. When that night comes when his shot is cold, then one will see his passing qualities come to light. He recently had his first loss in a Skyliner uniform in Berlin, but Alba Berlin is 14-0 for a reason so far. Cobbs had 19 points, but had his problems in crunch time and also had to play against the best defender in the league with Clifford Hammonds. A loss like this can prove even more valuable when he is put in a situation like this again when it really counts in April when teams are fighting for the last playoff spots. Cobbs can see the Alba loss and Hammonds in your face play as a learning experience and surely something he thought about on the four hour train ride back to Frankfurt on Sunday night. Despite Cobbs being a rookie, he has gobbled up valuable experience in the first few months in Spain with Laboral Kutxa Vitoria, being the last cut of the Charlotte Hornets and getting a taste of early winter in Lativa with VEF Riga. The biggest Christmas gift for Gordon Herbert will be if he gets the green light from manager Gunnar Wobke to keep him until the end of the season as his short term contract is until the startof January 2015 and a decision will most likely fall after the game on January 4^th against the Crailsheim Merlins. The Fraport Skyliners are taking the right course down the basketball cobbslestone path to further success and keeping Cobbs until the end of the season is vital.

 

The biggest problem of the Fraport Skyliners in the first few months before Justin Cobbs came on board was the typical basketball problem that teams get early in a season with roles and chemistry still somewhere between the BCM training facility and Fraport arena floating in the NIdda river. Frankfurt started 1-5 and were still figuring out their defense as they were letting up too many points, but then again defended great on the road in Bremerhaven and Bayreuth averaging giving up only 69 points, but could muster on average only 60 points on offense. They had some big home wins against Bonn and Trier, but as time went on slowly started to lose key players like Mikko Koivisto, Konstantin Klein and Mike Morrison to injuries as they lost in Bamberg. San Diego native Richard Williams would follow in the game against Tuebingen, but at least the team had Koivisto back. Now with the walking wounded list getting shorter and shorter, the club has been getting guys back and winning games. The complete Skyliner guard rotation is still out with Richard Williams, Konstantin Klein and Max Merz. Klein who has been rehabbing in his home town Berlin is due back in January, while the future of Williams has been kept quiet by the team and Merz wont return this season as he will depart on a college semester abroad.

A big success of the team has been their defense as they have averaged giving up 67 points per game in the last four games before the 85-79 loss in Berlin. Defense has been a staple of the Frankfurt game in the last years dating back to Muli Katzurin. The Frankfurt offense also seems to be finding its groove and niche as it has averaged 85 points in the last three games while only averaging 68 points in the 6 Beko BBL games before that. When looking at the individual performances by the players one can say that Sean Armand has been kind of the unsung hero as he has been in the shadow a bit with the arrival of Cobbs. Armand is the top scorer averaging 14,2ppg, 2,7rpg and 2,8apg. He has scored in double figures eight times with his best scoring game of 27 points against Phoenix Hagen. He has shown early on as a rookie that he is a disciplined player that likes to score, but can very easily make the extra pass. He is pretty solid from outside at 36%, but that and his 2,7to rate will be two things on his new year resolution list. He and Cobbs could challenge for the top guard duo in the league should they heighten their game even more in the second half of the season. Quantez Robertson is easily the teams MVP at the moment. Even though Tez has joked since years that he loves to play point guard, his strength is more on defense getting in the passing lane and making spectacular plays on the fast break which will have kids marveling about the next day in class and trying to emulate on the play ground. Tez recently got that wish to play point guard before Cobbs came on board and did a great job as non point guard. Currently he is averaging 11,8ppg, 4,2rpg, 2,8apg and 1,8spg. Tez remains the heart and soul of the team and keeps the team together.

Johannes Voigtmann has been very solid averaging 10,1ppg, 5,1rpg, 2,3apg and is shooting 61% from the field. These three statistical categories are up from last season and he is a force in the Eurochallnge averaging 13,5ppg, 7,5rpf and 2,2apg. He held his own against the very experienced centers like Christoph Maraker and John Tofi. The German was rewarded with a trip to the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game in Ulm. Danilo Barthel came into this season playing NBA Summer League in Orlando and Las Vegas and a 2013-2014 most improved Beko BBL award in his pocket and with high expectations and so far is searching for his top form. He is averaging 9,8ppg, 4,7rpg and 1,6apg in the Beko BBL, but one sees it time in and time out again that he is trying to hard and putting too much pressure on himself. His best game was a 22 point effort against Braunschweig. His biggest strength is from outside in the early going as he is shooting 46,2% and is doing an excellent job here with his shot selection as he is shooting 12/26. He is playing a major role in Eurochallenge play as he is playing consistent averaging 11,5ppg, 5,3rpg and 1,2apg and is shooting 41% from downtown. Barthel has super star qualities and will go his way this season and will heighten his game as the team chemistry meshes more. The Heidelberg native was also rewarded with a ticket to the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game. Konstantin Klein played seven games before his injury averaging 9,1ppg, 2,9rpg , 3,0apg and 1,1spg and is shooting 39,1% from outside. Klein was playing his solid game that everyone is used to. It will be interesting to see how he comes back from his two months off. The big question mark remains Richard Williams. He is one of those rare players that has moved up levels from the German Pro B to the Beko BBL and sparkled everywhere he has played. Last season after not being able to save SC Rasta Vechta, but still having a very strong individual season, he was picked up by the Fraport Skyliners. Williams is a guy that is more a scoring point guard, but depending on the system can also show his playmaking skills. His defense is his big weapon and with Quantez Robertson form a very potent duo that could make the fast break their middle name. So far Williams hasn´t brought the type of stats that he is used to averaging 8,2ppg, 2,0rpg, 3,0apg and 1,4spg and those stats got diminished even more on account of the team going 2-7 when he had the reigns. His stats aren´t great, but not horrible either. His strong 48% from outside seems to have gone unnoticed as well. One can´t forget that Williams also wasn´t fit either so the club hasn´t seen a 100% fit player either. The problem is that the Williams health status is under wraps by the team. If the team will keep three guards is unknown, but Gordon Herbert has already communicated that he is leaning towards Cobbs and Klein at the position one.

Mikko Koivisto has belonged to the walking wounded and played seven games averaging 9,3ppg and 1,3rpg and is shooting a skyrocketing 48,6% from outside. He has scored in double figures four times and gave the team a huge push of the bench in the win at home against The Walter Tigers Tuebingen connecting on three consecutive three pointers. The Finish native plays with a lot of heart and energy and is a team player. So far Herbert has always had luck with his Finish players Juka Matinen and Kimmo Muurinen who he brought to Frankfurt and Koivisto will heighten his game as the season moves on. Mike Morrison also has been injured and played nine Beko BBL games averaging 7.9ppg and 3,3rpg. He is back again and his biggest strength so far without a doubt is his cleaning up and paint dominance averaging 77% in the two point area. He was brought to Frankfurt for that quality as well as his defense, but so far the St Petersburg, Florida native has shown only glimpses of his shot blocking art as that is something that he still needs to jack up. The biggest disappointment on the team has been Aaron Doornekamp. The 29 year old 201cm forward from Canada that played as a 19 year old against Dirk Nowitzki in an international game against Germany and has rich experience having balled three years in Italy is still looking to find his true form. In the Beko BBL he is averaging 5,5ppg, 4,1rpg and 1,6apg and is shooting 27% from outside,. His best game was against the Mitteldeutscher BC scoring 14 points and he also scored 12 against Tuebingen and 10 against Oldenburg, but other than that he hasn´t been scoring the way he could. He has put up the goose egg three times this season. He is one of those guys that definitely has a lot of potential to fill up the stat sheet and he has shown unbelievable passing skills, but his consistency just hasn´t been there. Sometimes he makes mistakes on the court where one can only scratch your head, but then again other times makes amazing plays. In Eurochallenge play he is averaging 7,7ppg, 4,7rpg and 1,8apg. His 52% shooting from outside has been key for the team. He is a guy the team needs badly to contribute more in the second half. The biggest surprise has been German Johannes Richter. He had his break out game in the Eurochallenge against the Baaken Bears scoring 15 points and grabbing six rebounds. He is a big man that can do a lot of damage near the rim, but also can unravel the mid distance and three pointer. In Eurochallenge play he is averaging 14 minutes and 6,5ppg and 2,3rpg. In the Beko BBL he is averaging 9,6 minutes 2,9ppg and 2,1apg. He had his break out game against his ex team Brose Baskets Bamberg with 10 points and seven rebounds. Herbert surely didn´t expect this huge development by Richter so quickly, but now sees himself having to find minutes for him because he deserves it and also having a very important insurance player when a Barthel or Voigtman get in foul trouble.

The Fraport Skyliners will continue to play Eurochallenge in the last round of 16 in January 2015 and have a group with Russian team Avtodor, Dutch team Den Bosch and Latvian team Tartu Rock. Just like in their opening round with Baaken, Boras and Okapi Aalstar, the Fraport Skyliners have had luck in that this is a group where they can definitely have good chances to advance. However before 2015 rolls around, the Fraport Skyliners have two very big games coming up with BG Goettingen and the MLP Riesen Ludwigsburg. The Fraport Skyliners will see two teams that have overachieved and underachieved. BG Goettingen has been the big surprise team as many saw them as a team fighting to stay in the league, but instead are flirting with the playoff area while Ludwigsburg have a playoff type roster, but are near the end of the standings. In a span of 96 hours, Fraport Skyliner Justin Cobbs will see some NBA atmosphere again something that he last saw in Charlotte as he will battle 1999 NCAA champion with UCONN and ex Chicago Bull Kahlid El Amin and three days later the likes of Coby Karl, Michael Stockton and DJ Kennedy. Just how well Frankfurt survive these two games may depend how well they digested the Christmas days meal´s and in a week time, one will see if the Fraport Skyliners continue to roll down a comfortable Cobbslestone path or could BG Goettingen and Ludwigsburg present a road block?

Cory Cooperwood is a 26 year old 200cm forward from Kensett, Arkansas that is playing his first season in Germany for the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau. He played at Wright State and as a senior played 32 games: 9.3ppg, 6.1rpg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 71.2%. He got brief basketball experience in Finland and in the American IBL playing for Dayton before moving to Australia in 2012. In his first season in Australia he played for the Sandringham Sabres (Australia-ABA, starting five): 27 games: 18.7ppg, 9.6rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 25.9%, FT: 63.0%. He played the last two seasons for the Stirling Senators (Australia-SBL) and last season played 24 games averaging 18.1ppg, 7.6rpg, 5.3apg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.4%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

 

Thanks Cory for talking to German Hoops. You recently signed with the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau. What has been your first impression of Germany?

 

I really like the basketball atmosphere in Germany. I also like the fact that everybody is behind our team despite the slow start. The fans have stayed with the team even when it was losing. They still kept coming to games and haven´t been the kind of fans that start coming once the losses come. Their support has really made me play harder.

 

Hoe tough has it been for you coming to a new team late in the season? How has the adjustment been for you?

 

It can be tough at times, but it has been ok for me. You have to figure out the strength and weaknesses of players. You have to take a crash course and learn as much and as quickly as possible in practice.

 

Has there been one player that has helped you the most adjust in Hanau?

 

Cardell Mcfarland helped me the most. He has given me his input how it is for an import player coming in. German Christian Von Fintel also helped me when I came in with the plays and I understood the offensive concept.

 

You are a strong scoring forward that knows how to rebound. What exactly is your role on the team?

 

My role is too always bring intensity, be a low post presence, play good defense and be a floor leader.

 

You played in Australia the last three years. What kind of a basketball experience was that for you?

 

It was a great experience. It helped me see a different kind of basketball perspective. The basketball philosophe is different everywhere and the time there really helped with my basketball IQ. My time there will help me as a player in Germany.

 

When I give you the numbers46/23in 2013 and 39/21 in 2014 do you have a clue what they mean?

 

Hmmm not really.

 

Well those are the combined points and rebound average between you and Jordan Wild the last two seasons with the Senators.

 

Ah ha yes I remember those stats. We dominated the league in Australia. We both play with a lot of intensity and we fed off each other those two years. He was a great player and was my basketball brother.

 

How much of a joy was it playing with him in Australia. I believe you knew him already before meeting in Australia?

 

Yes I played with him already in 2011 with the program Athletes in Action. We both had a big responsibility to help the younger players on the team. We helped the young kids with what we had learned on the court in college. We clicked together and our ideas bounced off each other. We had good chemistry.

 

Jordan Wild once told me that you both fought for who had more rebounds and assists. He said he had more rebounds and you had more assists. Was that accurate?

 

Yes he is right about that. But in our offensive system then I played more down low and while I was banging with two players, he always got a running start to get the rebounds. He was a great rebounder. I like to also show my passing abilities. When I see a guy that is better positioned then I try to get him the ball.

 

Who was your NBA role model as a kid?

 

I am a high energy player and those were the type of players that I looked up to. My favorite player is Kevin Garnett, but I also looked up to Dennis Rodman and Bill Laimbeer. I like doing the dirty work and not being flashy.

 

You played two seasons at Wright State. What could you learn from ex Beko BBL player Vaughn Duggins?

 

I came in my junior year to Wright State and Vaughn was a guy that always played hard and with intensity. He had such a passion for the game and just taught me so much like to screen or to pick and pop. He was a great teammate.

 

What do you remember from your battles with current Phoenix Hagen American Todd Brown who was your teammate at Wright State for two years.

 

Brown was about the same height and size as me. He was one of the most athletic guys that I ever played with. He is a very explosive player and was a great teammate, but we had two different roles at Wright State.

 

Dashaun Wood and other guys like Vaughn Duggins and Todd Brown marveled about how great a coach Bill Donlon was. How did he prepare you for a professional basketball career best?

 

Donlon is the most dedicated hard working coach that I know. He is very passionate and was strong on principles. He taught me to work harder. He was a great motivator and a very defensive minded coach. I like to talk and yell a lot on the court and I have that from him.

 

I have heard that Dashaun Wood is a legend at Wright State. Is that accurate?

 

That is Dashaun Wood folklore. That is correct. Dashaun Wood is a legend at Wright State. When you came onto campus you knew right away who he was. He helped Wright State win their first Horizon conference title. Every player looks up to him that goes to Wright State.

 

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

 

I haven´t been following the NBA so much since I have been focusing on my career, but they will make the playoffs.

 

Who wins a one on one you or Jonathan Mesghna?

 

Me of course.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The Equalizer with Denzel Washington.

 

Thanks Cory for the chat.

 

 

Brandon Triche is a 23 year old 193cm guard from Jamesville, New York that is playing his second professional season and first with Virtus Acea Roma (Italy-Serie A). He started his basketball career at Syracuse in 2009 and played there until 2013 playing a total of 146 NCAA games and as asenior he played 39 games: 13.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 74.4%. Last season as a rookie he played for : Aquila Basket Trento (Italy-DNA Gold) playing 41 games: 17.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 76.6%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 80-66 loss against the EWE Baskets in Eurocup play.

 

Brandon thanks for talking to German Hoops. Was this your first time in Germany? What has been your overall impression of Germany?

 

My first impression is that it is cold. Rome isn´t as cold as this. My impression of Germany is nice. This was my second time here. We played in pre season at Artland. I like how Germany is built. There are a lot more houses here. I would liked to have seen more and explored, but we fly home in the morning. I am sure there are some players playing in Germany that I know. I remember Chris Kramer from his Purdue days. I always liked watching him play. He played on some great teams at Purdue. He played solid tonight always pushing the ball.

 

 

 

 

A tough 80-66 loss in Oldenburg tonight. You guys didn´t start well and had to play catch up basketball all night long. What were the main reasons for the loss? I guess three point shooting and rebounds sums it up?

 

 

 

Yes that pretty much sums it up. Oldenburg was a pretty big team and when they get the offensive rebounds and we get turnovers then it is pretty hard to win. We are a smaller team and always have to play hard on every night. Oldenburg basically outplayed us.

 

 

Virtus Acea lost two of the last three games in Eurocup play. I guess this wasn´t how you wanted to end the first group leg. On what things does the team need to improve on to get off to a good start in the next round of Eurocup?

 

 

 

We won the group with a record of 7-3 so overall we played well. Because we are a smaller team we have to always play above the means and give that extra effort. If we slack off and relax then that won´t go to our favor. We lost a couple game by 20 plus points which we aren´t used to. We can´t afford that to happen in the next round as the competition gets better.

 

 

 

 

What player impressed you more from Oldenburg Julius Jenkins or Rickey Paulding?

 

 

 

 

I remember playing against Julius Jenkins in pre season at Artland. It is pretty much a toss up. Both are veterans and are great players. Both can shoot from outside and get to the hoop. I think though that I would take Rickey Paulding simply that he adds that extra dimension in that he can post up. Both are at the same position, but Paulding is taller.

 

 

 

 

Your playing your first season for Virtus Acea. What exactly is your role on the team?

 

 

 

 

My role as the point guard is to control the tempo on offense and on defense play hard, pressure the ball, get tips and disrupt their offense. My big goal as a player in my second year is to be consistent in every game.

 

 

 

 

AS a rookie you played for Aquila Basket Trento (Italy-DNA Gold) last season playing 41 games averaging 17.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 76.6%. What did you learn as a rookie that has helped you now in your second season?

 

 

 

 

 

I think just getting used to the fact that I was away from home. It took some time for me to get adjusted as a rookie in Trento. I played at home at Syracuse so it was my real first time being away from home and then I was in a different country. There wasn´t much to do in Trento as well. Now I still feel like a rookie because I am playing at a higher level and am on a different team.

 

 

 

 

 

Bobby James is the veteran on the squad and has seen it all even in the NBA. What advice has he given to you that has helped you develop further with your new team?

 

 

 

 

With him its not so much advice but more what he does on the court. He is a guy that is always playing hard. He doesn´t have to be vocal, but just leads by example. The way he plays is contagious and everyone see it. The way he plays is the way I want to always play. I appreciate him even more off the court because he is a great guy.

 

Last season there were only two Americans on the squad with Trento with you and Barry Elder. Elder was a rookie in Germany with Giessen in 2005. He had played six seasons in Italy and definitely knew the ropes. How important was it having him on the squad not getting totally lost with a new culture?

 

 

 

 

Barry Elder was the only other American on the team with Trento. There wasn´t much English spoken in Trento and the other Italian guys spoke English, but not much so it was something that I had to get used to. I always went to him for advice usually how to do the small things off the court. He was always there for me and took care of me.

 

 

 

 

You’re a guy that can fill up the stat sheet but what is a hidden strength that doesn´t get noticed right away in your game?

 

 

 

I think my athletic ability and the ability to jump gets overlooked. I am a guy that can get above the rim.

 

 

 

You played at Syracuse from 2009-2013 and when you were a freshman Andy Rautins was a senior. Was he the best pure shooter that you had ever seen up to that standpoint in your career?

 

 

 

 

We went to the same high school. He was the same year as my older brother and played on the same team. I have seen him play since 2002. He was awesome at Syracuse. Just the way he got his shot off was amazing. I remember on ESPN they had this clock that compared how fast he got his shot off to Ray Allen. He was such an efficient player and his ball handling and passing were underrated. I always appreciated his hard work and leadership qualities.

 

 

You played at Syracuse with current Cleveland Cavalier Dion Waiters. He didn´t have wow stats as a senior, but was a first round pick. What in his game has made him more than a solid NBA player?

 

 

 

 

He was so good that he left after his second year at Syracuse. He played behind me and was a player that was aggressive, patient and so efficient. I think the main thing that has brought him so far has been his attitude of the game. He believes that no one is better than him and he has this big drive to always get better and not to slow down. That is one of the main reasons why he has been able to help the Cleveland Cavaliers.

 

 

 

 

 

What memories do you have from your NCAA Final Four run in 2013? How often do you think about that last game?

 

 

 

 

I have many memories of this and this was one of the most exciting time of my life. There was so much going on at that time and no one believed that we could get that far. We lost 10 games that season and lost five of our last six games going into the NCAA tournament. We lost in the fInal 4 to Michigan. It is funny how life works sometimes. At the end of the game, I got by a defender and got in the lane and their player Jordan Morgan took a charge which propelled them to reach the final. Morgan is my teammate now in Rome.

 

 

 

 

You played for legendary college coach Jim Boeheim at Syracuse. How did he prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

 

He mentally made me strong. He always got under your skin. He always got on me and wanted to make me stronger so I could get past adverse situations on the court. He was testing you and always wanted to see how tough you were. I didn´t understand his philosophy my first few years, but as a junior it went click which got me into the zone. His mentality got me ready for my rookie season in Italy.

 

 

 

 

You played the last two seasons in the NBA Summer League with Charlotte and New York. There are so many good guards around in the world and just too little NBA teams. What do you think is still missing for you to reach the highest level?

 

 

 

 

I feel it has to do with getting the right opportunity to be able to showcase your abilities. The most important thing is that you have to pick the right team and system that cater to you in NBA Summer League. It is always changing as players get traded or drafted. There tend to be some spots where you don´t get many minutes which doesn´t help you get noticed. You see some guys where you think that he wasn´t better than you, but he simply had the better opportunity and made the best of it. I don´t think about it and just continue to work hard, get better and find that good situation for me.

 

 

 

 

What is your favorite hang out spot in Rome?

 

 

 

I like to shop so for me to be hanging out in Rome is to be walking around and seeing historical places. When you are driving around you can´t see as much as when you are walking. Shopping and walking is hanging out for me.

 

 

What is your whole take on the Jordan vs Kobe debate?

 

 

 

I think it is hard to compare two guys that are from different generations. Jordan did it first and then comes a guy like Bryant that emulated it. Jordan just had more impact not only on the court, but off as well. Just take his shoes which had such an impact off the court. I take Jordan because he was more athletic and made more spectacular plays. Kobe had that attitude of I´d rather be the hero than the villain. Jordan was the more dominant player.

 

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

 

 

The last DVD movie that I saw was the Equalizer with Denzel Washington.

 

 

 

 

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

Bobby Jones is a 30 year old 201cm forward from Compton, California that is playing his ninth professional season and third with Virtus Acea Roma. He started his basketball career at Washington(NCAA) in 2002 where he played until 2006 playing a total of 127 NCAA games and reached two NCAA Sweet 16´s. IN 2006 he was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA,2rd(37) and as a rookie played for the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), in Nov.’06 assigned to Fort Worth Flyers (D-League Eastern Div): 3 games: 13.7ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 69.2% , then joined back Philadelphia 76ers (NBA): 44 games: 2.5ppg, 1.3rpg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 11.1%, FT: 56.1%. IN the 2007-2008 season he played for the Denver Nuggets (NBA), waived in Jan.’08, later that month signed 10 days contract with Memphis Grizzlies (NBA), in Feb.’08 assigned to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 5 games: 12.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 80.0%, later that month moved to Houston Rockets (NBA), left in March’08, then signed a 10-day contract with Miami Heat (NBA), in April ’08 signed a 10-day contract at San Antonio Spurs (NBA), then agreed terms with Denver Nuggets (NBA): 47 games: 3.8ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 78.4%. IN the 2008-2009 season he played for the Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League) 48 games: 16.3ppg, 7.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 79.4%. In 2009-2010 he came to Europe and has been in Italy since and that first season played for Banca Tercas Teramo (Italy-SerieA): EuroCup: 8 games: 12.0ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 37.0%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 72.2%; Italian League: 29 games: 11.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.8spg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 78.8%. In the 2010-2011 season he played for Fabi Shoes Montegranaro (Italy-SerieA): 20 games: 7.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.0spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 74.5%, in March’11 moved to MarcoPoloShop.it Forli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 9 games: 17.2ppg, 9.0rpg, 3.0spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 79.5%. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 41 games: 14.4ppg, Reb-3(7.9rpg), 1.6apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 70.9%. This past summer he played for Titanes del Licey (Dominican Rep.-LNB) 20 games: Score-4(18.0ppg), 6.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP-2(53%), 3PT-4(40%). He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup game against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg.

 

 

 

 

Bobby thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. Is this your first time to Germany and what dealings have you had with the country in basketball terms?

 

 

 

I haven´t had too much basketball dealings in Germany. I remember last season we played against Bonn and Berlin. I know some guys that are playing here like my ex teammate Trevor Mbakwe who is playing for Bamberg.

 

 

 

 

You played Eurocup your first season in Italy with Banca Tercas Teramo and then didn´t play international club play for three years until last year. What do you like most about playing these games?

 

 

 

 

We actually qualified my first year, but we didn’t advance. I like playing international because it makes the season go faster, have more games and can travel.

 

 

 

 

You are playing your third season with Virtus Roma. Has Rome become like a second home to you? It obviously is difficult to compare Rome to Compton, California.

 

 

 

Both places have their perks. I am playing my third year in Rome and it isn´t to normal for a player to play longer than two seasons in one country. I am all about being comfortable and I don´t like moving from country to country each season. I have friends on and off the court in Rome so staying has been good. I also have made a documentary about international players. I am hoping for a spring or summer 2015 release. The whole promotion is easier with me being in Rome. If I had left then it would have been more difficult promoting this. The name of the documentary is Basketball Jones: Overseas Journey. I am hoping for it to get picked up by some film festivals.

 

 

 

Virtus Roma is only in 12^th place in the Italian league at 4-6 and has been struggling in Eurocup play. What have been the main reasons for the slow start?

 

 

 

 

 

There were four or five games that we could of won, but didn´t. The same goes for Eurocup where we could of lost some more. We have had breaks in Eurocup play, but not in the Italian league. In Eurocup if you don’t win games early you don´t advance, but in the Italian league we still have six months to correct our game.

 

 

 

 

 

Oldenburg gave Virtus Roma a good run for the money as you won in a nail bitter 83-81. What do you remember most from that game besides the timely three pointers from Rok Stipcevic.

 

 

 

 

We already played Oldenburg in the pre season in Artland. Oldenburg is a good team that play good at home. We gave them confidence to hang around in our arena earlier this season. We easily could of lost that game. Stipcevic hit some crucial buckets. We know that Oldenburg need to win, but we want to win in Oldenburg, keep the momentum and finish strong.

 

 

 

 

 

Rebounding was a big factor and should pose vital tonight as well. What else will be key to getting to the next round?

 

 

 

 

We have been letting teams score too much in the Italian league. Key will be defense. It is never easy to win on the road. We can´t allow to turnover the ball and let Oldenburg run and get easy buckets. We will have to play defense and rebound well to get out with a win.

 

You played with American Jordan Taylor for two seasons in Rome. He has played NBA Summer League the last three seasons. What do you think is missing for him to get that chance in the worlds best league?

 

 

 

 

Jordan plays in Israel now and we still keep in touch. It has to do with timing. He is a big and smart point guard. He could be in the NBA now. Key is to stay patient and wait for that next opportunity. It may come now or in the future. In the meantime you have to continue to work on your game to always get better wheather your playing in Europe or in the NBA.

 

 

 

 

 

You’re a guy that can score but also be a force on the boards but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn’t get noticed right away?

 

 

 

 

I am a team player that leads by example and not being as vocal. I´m intangible and do those things that you don´t see on the stat sheet. I am a dirty worker and do all the things that need to be done and don´t get promoted.

 

 

 

 

 

What did you learn from the 2010-2011 season where you started with top Italian team Fabi Shoes Montegranaro (Italy-SerieA) playing 20 games: 7.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.0spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 74.5%, and then moving to MarcoPoloShop.it Forli (Italy-Lega2) replacing Lorenzo Gordon and finishing strong playing 9 games: 17.2ppg, 9.0rpg, 3.0spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 79.5%. You obviously had no adjustment problems moving so late in the season.

 

That season changed my whole outlook on overseas basketball. That was the first time other than in the NBA where I had been cut. I was very disappointed and ready to go home. However the GM of my new team who had worked with my agent before getting that job convinced me to stay. The team was about to go down and I was told that if I went home then that would be remembered and it would be harder to find a team. I didn´t want to leave Italy on a bad note. I remained and in the last nine games for to MarcoPoloShop.it Forli we went 8-1. The GM of that team later went to my current team Acea Virtus Roma. I helped him at MarcoPoloShop.it Forli and he remembered that and brought me to Rome. Now we help each other out.

 

 

 

 

After playing at Washington(NCAA) you were drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves and played as a rookie for the Philadelphia 76ers. What was your wake up call to the NBA?

 

 

 

 

My wakeup call was just seeing how long an NBA season is. I learned that you may not play for two months, but you have to be always be ready and stay in shape. Guys may get hurt and then you can get your chance to play. I learned very much from veterans in the NBA. I still use those methods today in Europe. Now I am the veteran in Europe. I am very blessed to have played two seasons in the NBA where some guys don´t even stay two days. I have many memories from these two years and am writing a book about my NBA time.

 

 

 

 

 

With the Phildalepha 76ers you played with American Rodney Carney who was also a rookie. How fierce was the day to day competition and what could you learn from each other on and off the court?

 

 

 

 

I hadn´t known him until my rookie year. We were fighting for playing time with veterans like Kyle Korver and Willie Green. We spent a lot of time together that year since we were in the same boat. We leaned on each others shoulder for advice a lot. We remained competitive on the court and helped make each other get better.

 

 

 

 

Your NBA career continued in the 2007-2008 season where you were a part of 5 teams. How stressful was this season and did you learn here that basketball is a business foremost?

 

 

 

 

Yes I definitely learned that the NBA is a business that season. I bounced around a lot that season. My stay early with Memphis actually helped me stay the season in the NBA. I had my best game in the NBA with the Grizzlies against the Seattle Supersonics in early January 2008 scoring 20 points, getting 13 rebounds and getting seven assists. This performance helped me get three more ten day contracts. This time got me happy and depressed. Happy each time a team wanted me, but depressed when I sat in the office of a GM telling me I had to go. This season was very hard and took a lot out of me.

 

 

 

 

You finished that season with the Denver Nuggets (NBA) playing 47 games: 3.8ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 78.4%. Despite moving around so much how memorable was the Denver experience playing with greats like Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony and Marcus Camby?

 

 

 

That Denver Nuggets team was crazy. Iverson, Anthony and Camby were like rock stars. No offense to them, but they had their own ego´s. I just sat back at times and was like “wow” and I wouldn´t trade it in for anything. I didn´t want to appear like a fan with these guys, but I was a fan of Iverson as a kid and now he is my teammate. I tried not to be a fan, but it was hard. I enjoyed this time and was very blessed.

 

 

You reached two NCAA Sweet 16 runs in 2005 and 2006 that had some great players. What was missing from these teams to have gone further?

 

 

 

 

The first NCAA tournament run 2005 we lost to Louisville. They went on to lose to Illinois who then lost to North Carolina. We were a young team that year and was missing experience. The following year we lost to the number one seed Uconn who then lost to George Mason that went to the fInal 4 and lost to Florida who won it all. I think that we should of beat Uconn that year, because they weren´t really better than us. We lost in OT after being up five points with 30 seconds to play. We got tired and fouled out which cost us the game. After we were out, I couldn´t watch the rest of the tournament because I was so disappointed.

 

 

 

 

How did Washingon(NCAA) head coach Lorenzo Romar prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

 

 

 

He just kept it honest and wasn´t easy on us. I went to Washington mainly because of him. He got the job a little bit before I arrived and we were both still learning our surroundings. I asked him if I work off my butt will I play and he said yes. My mentality has always been to work off my butt. We had many guys with that same approach at Washington and that made the four years there awesome.

 

 

 

 

You played with many fine players there probably not finer than Brandon Roy and Nate Robinson. What was the most amazing thing you remember from these great players exhibiting on the court?

 

 

I had already played with amazing talent before I came to Washington having played with Tyson Chandler for three years in high school. Those two guys were without a doubt the biggest names that I played with there. But when we were there, we just wanted to play hard, win games and be on ESPN Sports Center. They took the game of basketball to another level. It wasn´t really anything special for me as I tried to do the same. I still see them during the summer and we do guy stuff and play pick up basketball to get away from our ladies.

 

 

 

 

 

Now that your living three years in Rome, what is your favorite spot in town just to hang out?

 

 

 

 

My places to hang out change from year to year. I always want to find new places, because I don´t want to lose interest. There are many great hidden places. My new favorite hang out in Rome now is the Perfect Bun. They serve brunch there and have American dishes. They have a New York theme there and sometimes have a DJ playing music. They also have the airport arrivals on the wall. It reminds me a lot of home. Historic places where I like to visit in Rome are Campo Di Fiori and Trasteveri. These are squares where many people are sitting around.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

I see the Lakers in the Lottery hopefully. They still have Kobe and he still remains the attraction there. It usually takes the Lakers 1-2 years of getting a new image. I haven´t been a fan of the Lakers since college as now I am a fan of basketball. As a kid my favorite Laker was Eddie Jones.

 

 

Kobe Bryant recently surpassed Michael Jordan in alltime scoring. What is your take on this Kobe vs Michael?

 

 

 

 

 

They are similar, but still different at the same time. Kobe had great players around him with Shaq and Gasol while winning titles as Did Michael Jordan. The difference was that I think that Jordan made his teammates better whereas Kobe was just there. I don´t really like to compare guys from different time periods and they weren´t in their prime when they played against each other. Kobe can score better than Jordan, but Jordan was the better player.

 

 

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

 

 

 

 

The last movie I saw was Magic in the clouds with Woody Allen. I was an ok movie. It was something different and hat I had never seen before.

 

 

Thanks Bobby for the chat.

 

 

James Miller is a 35 year old 182cm point guard from North Carolina that is playing his 14^th professional season and third with Boras. He started his basketball career with : N.Carolina A&T (NCAA). He has played mostly in three countries in Europe in Belgium, France and Holland, but also played in Sweden, the States and Venezuela. He has been a scorer wherever he has played and led the Swedish league the last two seasons. Last season for Boras he played 47 games: Score-1(23.7ppg), 4.2rpg, Assists-4(4.8apg), 1.0spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 87.1%,. He spoke to German Hoops before the do or die Eurochallenge game against the Fraport Skyliners.

 

 

James thanks for talking to German Hoops. Last week a bitter 119-118 loss in OT in Belgium against Okapi Aalstar. When you arrived back into the arena that night did you have a feeling that you might have a huge night like on that special day in December 2000?

The loss last week in Belgium was tough to swallow. I felt like we deserved to win that game, but that’s how the ball bounces sometime. I did not have any special feeling before the game. I knew that there was a possibility that we could advance with a win, so I wanted to do everything I could to help our team get the win!

 

Were you surprised that Boras allowed this to get to such a shootout considering you had held Bakken and Frankfurt to 70 points the previous two games and won?

Well we wanted to make it tough for them, but I knew from playing against Okapi Aalstar for several years in Belgium that they are a really good team at home and are capable of putting up a lot of points. We are a difficult team to beat when we can get stops, and unfortunately we didn’t get enough stops last week.

How challenging was it battling ex Georgetown guard Jason Clark. You had his number in the scoring department with 34 points to his 31 points, but he got the win. Even after scoring 34 points would you rather erase that for the win at the end?

Jason Clark is a good player. He has good size and athletically ability. His long arms allows him to finish around the basket over bigger players and he used his strengths well against us. As for the 34 points from me, I would definitely trade that for the win any day!

34 points and eight assists is a pretty amazing stat sheet line. When you look back through the las oints from me, I would definitely trade that for the win any day!

Yes, 34 points and 8 assists is good night’s work, lol! I have been fortunate enough to have some games of this magnitude over the past few years. I was able to reach the 30+ points and 5+ assists mark on a few occasions last season, and we were able to win those games. That is a good feeling.

 

This upcoming Tuesday is a do or die game at home against the Fraport Skyliners to see who will advance to the next round. How much are you looking forward to this game?

I am really excited about the upcoming game on Tuesday! This is what professional sports is all about. 2 good teams with good players dueling it out for the final ticket to the round of last 16! As competitors this is what you look forward to!

Obviously it always takes a team effort to win, but could this be another one of those games where its Miller time?

I hope and plan to play well, but if were are going to advance it will be due to a big team effort from Boras Basket! We have some good players and I expect my teammates to play some good basketball on Tuesday!

Boras won the first game in Frankfurt in spectacular fashion with a Adama Darboe buzzer beater. What besides the last play do you still remember from this game?

Last game had a dramatic finish to say the least, I specifically remember the effort from both teams that game! Neither team wanted to lose, and I expect the same type of fight in our next match up.

Does the fact that Frankfurt played with only a seven man rotation in that game including three league players scare you because this time they will have three injured players back with Sean Armand, Mike Morrison and Mikko Koivisto as well as new point guard Justin Cobbs that was the last cut of the 2014-2015 Charlotte Hornets?

I think that key players returning for Frankfurt will make the task of winning a bit tougher, but I understand how teams can sometimes get inspiration from missing important pieces. I think that some players really stepped up for Frankfurt last game in the absence of those guys that you mentioned. We (Boras) have to make sure that we are playing our best basketball no matter who is on the floor. If we can do that then I think we have a good chance to win!

How much are you looking forward to dueling against Justin Cobbs? This will be the matchup of the game? How much individual preparation will go into meeting this challenge?

I don’t know a lot about Justin Cobbs, but from what I have heard and seen he is a quality player! It is always fun to play against other good players because I think it brings out the best of each player’s game. I will prepare for this game the same way that I prepare for every game. I expect it to be a real challenge. I am looking forward to it.

 

Both teams need to advance. What kind of game can we await and what will be key to getting the win?

Considering what’s at stake, I expect this game to be a real battle! Two teams giving everything they have to advance. I am excited for our home crowd because it should be a very entertaining match!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Fury starring Brad Pitt

 

Thanks James for the chat.

Adama Darboe is a 28 year old 190cm guard that is a versatile guard with strong build, can play some time at the small forward too, and is a good rebounder for his size. The Danish player is playing his first season for Boras Basket. He started his basketball career for Horsholm Basket (Basketliga) in 2002 and played there until 2006. He then played for U.M.F. Grindavik (Iceland-Express League) from 2006-2008. He then played for Huelva Baloncesto (Spain-LEB Bronze) in the 2008-2009 season. He then returned to Horsholm 79ers (Basketligaen) for a season before playing three seasons for Svendborg Rabbits (Ligaen). Last season he played for KFUM Jamtland Basket (Sweden-Basketligan) playing 39 games averaging 14.9ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 86.0%. He spoke to German Hoops before the do or die Eurochallenge game against the Fraport Skyliners.

 

 

Adama thanks for talking to German Hoops. Last week a bitter 119-118 loss in OT in Belgium against Okapi Aalstar. How long did it take time to get over that tough loss?

 

I think that the team pulled a decent game together against Aalst, and we definitely had the chances to win the game. They hit a REALLY tough shot to send the game to overtime, and unfortunately they got the upper hand in OT.

Were you surprised that Boras allowed this to get to such a shootout considering you had held Bakken and Frankfurt to 70 points the previous two games and won? Why did defense take a back seat on this day?

 

I dont know if I will call it a shootout, but of course a very high scoring game. Both teams got great offensive players, so it just turned out to be one of those games, where both teams hit some very tough shots.

 

How key was your teammate James Miller with 34 points and eight assists? Everyone knows what kind of a player he has been in his career, but where would Boras be this season without him?

 

JJ is a high quality player with a great career behind him all the way from college. He was playing a GREAT game in Aalst and he really showed down there, that he got some special skills. He is definitely a big part of our team, and he makes the team better. He is a professional in any aspect on and off the court. Great person and great teammate, and I am learning from him every day. He is going to be one of those players, that I will remember the rest of my life and I am lucky to the this old man can get buckets on me every practice.!

This upcoming Tuesday is a do or die game at home against the Fraport Skyliners to see who will advance to the next round. How much are you looking forward to this game?

 

Oh man, this game is going to be fun. Its the kind of game that you really want to play and be a part of. Its always a lot of fun, when big things is on the line and I am sure its going to be a dogfight.

Boras won the first game in Frankfurt in spectacular fashion with your buzzer beater. What besides the last play do you still remember from this game?

I remember that we won the game of course, and that the game could have gone both ways. The Fraport Skyliners is a great team and is well coached. They have two high quality guys on each position, so it was definitely a tough one in Germany. They played very tough and are just a very good basketball team.

 

What do you remember from energizer Quantez Robertson of the Fraport Skyliners. Where does he rank up in best defenders that you have played against, because he was all over the court.

 

He is a very good defender and leader. He is definitely an important player for the team with his all around style of playing. Great player who works hard and does the small things. I will rank him in the top as a defensive player.

Does the fact that Frankfurt played with only a seven man rotation in that game including three league players scare you because this time they will have three injured players back with Sean Armand, Mike Morrison and Mikko Koivisto as well as new point guard Justin Cobbs that was the last cut of the 2014-2015 Charlotte Hornets?

There is not a thing about the Fraport Skyliners that scares me, but I have great respect for the team. They are a great basketballt eam´with a great coach. They will be a little bit deeper in their rotation now, but so will we. They will come with all they got of course, but so will we. They are a good team with or without their new players.

 

You have been pretty quiet in Eurochallenge in the scoring department. Do you think the Swedish fans will see the rocket man get hot on Tuesday?

Haha yeah a little bit, but that is what happens. I am just happy that we are in a spot, where we can determine our own destiny in terms of going through to the next round. I hope that I will have a great game, but I just hope that we will win and and put Borås Basket and Swedish basketball on the European map.

 

It was a defensive battle in Frankfurt and Boras cant allow to defend the way they did in Belgium against Okapi Aalstar. Will we see the type of game that we saw in Frankfurt?

 

I think that it will be a dogfight. Nothing less. Both teams know what the stakes are and will try and do everything to get the win.

Many will think that the whole load will be on the shoulders of James Miller, but how vital will Christoph Maraker be. Recently he had a 22 point 20 rebound effort

Pressure will be on the whole team. I think we got some strong players who really can perform at any given moment and get hot. JJ is important, that is for sure. Christian Maraker is one of the best bigmen I ever played with and I am sure that he will have a great game. But our focus is on doing our things right and then I am sure good and big things will happen.

 

Both teams need to advance. What will be key to getting the win?

 

Focus for 40 minutes will be the biggest key for us. Its going to take concentration for 40min from our side.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The last movie was actually a series. “Sons of Anarcy”.

 

Thanks Adama for the chat.