Levi Knutson is a 25 year old 191cm shooting guard form Littleton, Colorado that is playing his third professional season and first with BV Chemnitz. He played at Colorado from 2007-2011 playing a total of 133 NCAA games and as a senior played 38 games: 11.7ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 47.4%, FT: 90.4%. In 2011-2012 he started his professional career for Basquet Mallorca (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five): 12 games: 15.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 46.6%, FT: 84.0%, in Dec.’11 signed at CB Lobe Huesca (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five): 22 games: 12.9ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT-3(90.9%). In 2012-2013 he played for Energa Czarni Slupsk (Poland-TBL, starting five): 33 games: 10.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 84.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

You are playing your first season in the German Pro A. How has the adjustment been for you coming from the first division in Poland?

 

It has been good. The German Pro A is a high level that has many good players. The league is competitive from top to bottom. Any team can beat you on any given night.

 

How difficult was it sitting out last season?

 

I had surgery on both ankles and the recovery time took 6-7 months. I tried to catch on to a team at the end of last season, but didn´t get the right opportunity. I am very blessed to be able to play again now.

 

What were the main reasons for coming to Chmenitz?

 

My wife who travels with me and I heard very good things about Germany. WE thought it would be a good chance to play in Germany and further my career.

 

You are the same age as head coach Felix Schreier. What is it like playing for a kid?

 

I don´t think that coach is a kid in terms of basketball knowledge. He gives me the freedom to do what I do well. He has the respect of all the players. WE like to play hard for him and he does a great job keeping us positive at all times.

 

You were shooting around 31% early from downtown. Has it been bad decisions or just easy misses that has kept your shooting percentage down?

 

It has been a combination. I have had to force up some shots at the end of the shot clock that I would normally not take. However I am not worried. My shot feels good and I will continue to stay aggressive on offense.

 

Do you feel any pressure having to be the go to guy for BV Chemnitz?

 

I have no pressure. The situation comes natural to me and is what I have always done. When the defense focuses on me then I get my teammates the ball. We have a lot of guys that can score.

 

You are from Littleton, Colorado and were 11 when the shooting occurred at Columbine high school. How did you experience this time?

 

I was pretty young and really was unable to process it all. I went to school about 30 minutes away.

 

In your senior year at Colorado(NCAA) your role increased. What did you learn in your senior year?

 

We got a new coach, system and style. The system just fit me. We had very talented offensive players and we just played well together. I was fortunate that coach had the trust in me and let me shoot the ball which boosted my self confidence through out the season.

 

How did Colorado head coach Tad Boyle get you prepared for a professional basketball career?

 

Coach Boyle and all the other coaches took a lot of pride in player development. WE would work 30 minutes before practice on individual skills. This gave me more confidence on my ball handling.

 

You had teammates that would later play in the NBA like Xavier Silas, Ander Roberson, Alec Burks and Corey Higgins. From what player did you learn the most?

 

The talent level that Alec Burks had was incredible. I learned the most from Corey Higgins. WE spent four years together and pushed each other in practice each day. I remember he had a great pull up jumper from the midrange.

 

What was your wake up call to the professional ranks?

 

During the summer before my senior year we went to Europe and played professional teams in Poland. This gave me idea that I had the game to play in Europe. Before going to Europe that summer, I hadn´t really thought about the professional ranks in Europe.

 

You played two seasons ago with ex BG Goettingen forward Rocky Trice at Energa Czarni Slupsk. What was the most amazing thing that you saw him do on the court?

 

I remember seeing him catch a half court ally-op pass with his right hand and dunking it home. He is a lefty.

 

Where will the NBA journey of the Denver Nuggets end this season?

 

I think that they will find a way to get into the playoffs. Maybe in 2-3 years they can compete for a title.

 

Who wins a one on one you or Virgil Matthews?

 

I have to take myself.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

A Disney movie with my nieces that recently visited me.

 

Thanks Levi for the chat.

It was a fairly mild winter evening back on December 14, 2013 and ex Fraport Skyliner Jacob Burtschi was in Langen on a free Saturday night supporting his teammates when the Fraport Skyliners Juniors entered the Georg Sehring gym in Langen to do battle against TV Langen in a seemingly one sided contest as head coach Eric Detlef had future German national players Danilo Barthel,and Johannes Voigtmann in the lineup as well as ex NCAA Vanderbilt player Kevin Bright who still had visions of his Kevin the light is bright evening a few weeks earlier against Ludwigsburg where he sunk six three pointers 23 Kilometers north in the Fraport arena. However the one sided event happened, but not for Frankfurt, but TV Langen as one could have bet that pigs would enter the gym at their own power and people would have believed that more than TV Langen actually leaving their living room with a 24 point win. TV Langen crushed the Fraport Skyliners Juniors 93-69 as Martinis Woody shocked Frankfurt with 33 points and made Barthel and Voigtmann feel about 20 cm instead of their powering 208cm and 210cm. Even the presence and support of Oklahoma native Burtschi couldn´t help the Juniors on this night as focus was more the problem than skill. Barthel and Voigtman played combined 46 minutes while the other two Beko BBL players Kevin Bright and Max Merz played 58 minutes combined. The light of bright wasn´t very dim, but off as he shot only 1/7 from the parking lot Add Johannes Richter who also plays BBL as he chipped in for 14 minutes playing time. Both teams only had four players in the lineup as Frankfurt had Tim Oldenburg, Lennart Okeke while TV Langen had Martinis Woody, Maxim Schneider, Benedict Nicolay and Tom Alte that played tonight. Both teams came into the game with a 1-2 record while the Fraport Skyliners seeked revenge for their pathetic display last season while Martinis Woody wanted to have his first big game this season, but it was the Fraport Skyliners that found back to their winning ways and superb team basketball which they showed in the season opener against Weissenhorn disposing of TV Langen 69-49 as it was their best defensive performance of the season and Martinis Woody remained cold and is still trying to find his form. After the win Max Merz and Maxim Schneider remembered what had happened last time when both teams played in Langen as Frankfurt was embarrassed. “Last season in Langen, we had all our players, but weren´t prepared. Langen had a very good day and we lost badly. We didn´t want to leave the gym like that again tonight. We had some bad phases, but all in all it was a very good game for us. We played very good defense from the start and carried it through until the end. We also did a lot better job moving the ball tonight”, stressed Fraport Skyliners Juniors point guard Max Merz. “We were surprised how Frankfurt played, but we played very well against Frankfurt last season in Langen. It was surprising though that we played so well against so many BBL players from Frankfurt”, stressed TV Langen point guard Maxim Schneider. Skyliners Juniors head coach Eric Detlef was pleased how well his team played and also had advice for too over confident teams. “It doesn´t matter in what sport, but if you aren´t ready to give your all, you won´t give anything. TV Langen came into the game last season hot and we went in easy going and we lost. Nobody had a Pro B level on that night. You have to always be ready to give your all mentally. Tonight we played well in the first half, but just didn´t hit any shots. We defended well and made good decisions. I told the guys to keep shooting. In the second half, we defended the pick and role better, hit shots while TV Langen missed easy shots”, explained Eric Detlef.

The Fraport Skyliners were thrilled to have shooter Nikolaj Vukovic back in the lineup after he had had problems with his thumb and missed the first three games of the season. TV Langen was coming of a bitter 72-69 loss in Lich where they had produced 12 turnovers more, but only lost by three points while the Fraport Skyliners had lost in Iserlohn with76-59. Eric Detlef stressed 30 minutes before the start of the game that he was hoping that Frankfurt would find back to their old form when they clobbered Weissenhorn in the opening game 75-50 where their incredible ball movement infected the whole team and tonight he was rewarded with very good team basketball and aggressive defense that TV Langen could not get used to. Frankfurt displayed their annoying pressure defense in the first quarter holding TV Langen to only six points. Frankfurt got off to a 6-0 lead as Tim Oldenburg opened up the scoring with a one handed dunk as he freed himself from Woody, and Merz and Oldenburg followed with free throws. The first quarter was rather sloppy as both teams were hit with untimely turnovers as often the turnovers came through bad decisions. TV Langen came back as they went on a mini 4-0 run as Michigan native Nick Freer hit a mid distance jumper and Filmore Beck made a tip in on the third try. The turnovers kept coming and the points less and less. Tim Oldenburg then made about the easiest put back ever as he was totally free in front of the Langen bucket. Beck then made an off balance jumper to cut the Frankfurt lead to 8-6. Frankfurt closed out the first quarter with a mini 4-0 run as Oldenburg made a jumper and Marius Nolte who played 242 Beko BBL games made free throws. “This was a derby, so I think both teams were a bit excited which led to so many turnovers. Frankfurt defended very well and really doubled Woody well”, stressed injured Fraport Skyliner Junior Jakob Merz. Frankfurt was shooting 29% from the field and 0% from outside while TV Langen was shooting 23% from the field and 0% from outside. Frankfurt had the 14-8 rebound advantage and both teams had eight turnovers.

In the second quarter, the Fraport Skyliners held the lead, but TV Langen slowly found their rhythm and got closer and closer as halftime drew nearer. After 17 year old 207cm power forward Niklas Kiel gave Frankfurt the 13-6 lead sinking one free throw, it was TV Langen that went on a mini 4-0 run as their two imports scored. Woody nailed his first bucket and Freer also scored inside as Frankfurt led 13-10. Then came a very strong phase from young Frankfurt German Lennart Okeke who made two fascinating extra passes to Oldenburg as he finished with a two handed dunk on one of them as Frankfurt led 17-13. Nick Freer kept TV Langen in the game remaining very aggressive on offense nailing a few jumpers cutting the Frankfurt lead to 19-15. After missing some easy open three pointers in the first quarter, Alaska native Kyle Fossman who was playing his first professional game in front of the eyes of his dad nailed a three pointer. Oldenburg dropped a jumper from the corner as Frankfurt led 24-27. TV Langen took advantage of unneeded Frankfurt fouls as Tom Alte got to the free throw line twice cutting the Frankfurt lead to 24-19. Then it Was Max Merz who surprisingly got much playing time against TV Langen as he had to depart early Sunday morning for a 5 hour car ride and 3 pm game with the Fraport Skyliners against Bremerhaven as he nailed a high floater that hit the top of the back board and fell in the cup for the 26-19 Frankfurt advantage. Freer and Richter hit free throws in the last minute, but it was 30 year old TV Langen role player Cedric Quarshie who nailed a three pointer with 5 seconds to play as Frankfurt had the tight 27-24 lead at half time. “It might only have been a three point lead, but Frankfurt was clearly the better team. Frankfurt played very good against the zone while TV Langen got free throws because of dumb Frankfurt mistakes. Okeke played very well. He helps us most on defense putting unending pressure on the guards. He is such an unselfish player and just a team player”, added Jakob Merz. Frankfurt was shooting 36% from the field and 14% from the three point line while TV Langen was shooting 3% from the field and 14% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 22-17 rebound edge and 10 turnovers while TV Langen had 11 turnovers.

In the third quarter, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors broke the game open going on a huge run and deciding the game. After Freer started the second half with a free throw, it was Lennart Okeke who nailed home a three pointer as Frankfurt led 30-25. Woody who was shut down well from Frankfurt scored inside as Schneider fed him nicely as TV Langen trailed 30-27. Kiel and Jan Moritz Overdick then traded buckets as TV Langen clung on the door step of Frankfurt 32-29. However then Frankfurt marched on a 19-3 run to lead 51-34. In the run, Frankfurt continued to hit their shots very consistently and TV Langen couldn´t get anything going on offense. In the Frankfurt run, Kyle Fossman kept melting Alaska icicles in thought with his hot scorching shooting, Marius Nolte was a real force and showed his presence inside as Woody couldn´t contain the Paderborn native as he scored twice as did Max Merz who once showed beautiful tip toeing ability dancing by Quarshie. Before TV Langen really knew what had happed the Fraport Skyliners led 51-34 and the first TV Langen fans were wondering what football surprises were in store in the Saturday night ZDF sports show. TV Langen continued to miss and miss as bricks were on the menu while head coach Kostic also gave his youth extended minutes. “We slept at the start of the third quarter. We just didn´t come to terms with the aggressive pressure defense from Frankfurt. Fossman hit a few jumpers and they were gone”, added Maxim Schneider. “We started to hit more open shots than in the first half and kept defending aggressively and one could see that we wanted to win the game”, stressed Max Merz. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 44% from the field and 31% from the parking lot while TV Langen was shooting 30% from the field and 14% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 32-22 rebound lead and both teams had 13 turnovers a piece.

It is no secret that at any level in basketball, exerting energy and coming back hurt the team trailing. TV Langen couldn´t go on a run in the fourth quarter and easily lost the fourth quarter 18-10. Frankfurt continued where they left off in the third quarter jumping out on a 11-4 run to lead 62-41. Frankfurt kept dropping three pointers at regularity as ex Fraport Skyliners Andrew Rautins did in practice and games as Fossman and Okeke hit from outside. Richter also scored inside and Merz hit free throws. Young German Jan Moritz Overdick who is 17 years old and 207cm showed that he can hit from outside and also did a fine job getting to the free throw line for TV Langen. Frankfurt kept keeping Woody away from the bucket and down the stretch, Richter scored and Marius Nolte took his bread and butter to work as he scored inside twice. Frankfurt closed out the game and kept TV Langen to their lowest point total of the season at 49 points. “I don´t think that we were tired at the end. Frankfurt just took us out of the game early and we couldn´t react. We weren´t motivated enough to come back”, stressed Maxim Schneider. “TV Langen played their youth and we had a lot of experience on the court and it was obvious that we wouldn´t give this game out of our hands”, expressed Max Merz.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Kyle Fossman and Tim Oldenburg with 14 points a piece. Max Merz added 11 points, four rebounds and five assists. TV Langen was led by Nick Freer with 16 points. Martinis Woody continues to be a riddle as he was kept under his season average of 8,0ppg with 7,0ppg. “Teams are doubling him and not letting him get the ball. WE aren´t getting him the ball and penetrating as much as we would like. We have to improve this and get him the ball in good situations. We also have to play more as a team and talk more on defense and just hustle”, warned Maxim Schneider. Frankfurt shot 44% from the field and 33% from outside while TV Langen shot 32% from the field and 17% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebounding duel 39-29 and had 17 turnovers while TV Langen had 18 turnovers. Frankfurt hopes that they can take this current level into the next games and not get back to bad habits against Wurzburg and Iserlohn. “We are a young team and it isn´t easy to be consistent. We want to keep this level, but it is important that we continue to play with heart and just work hard”, explained Max Merz.

 

 

Myles Hesson is a 24 year old 195 cm forward from Birmingham, England was one of the 12 best players in Great Britain in 2013 and was selected for the 2013 national team playing in Slovenia at the Eurochampionships. He currently is playing in the Beko BBL for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven.Last season he played for the Giessen 46ers (ProA) playing 33 games: 16.1ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 78.8%. Two seasons ago he played for Weissenhorn Youngstars (Germany-ProB, starting five): 20 games: 19.7ppg, 10.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, 1.5bpg, 2FGP: 54.4%, 3FGP: 27.4%, FT: 65.6%, in Mar.’13 moved to Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-BBL): 9 games: 4.2ppg, 2.8rpg. He started his professional career in 2009-2010 for  Birmingham Aces (EBL2) averaging 13.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 2FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 33.3%. In 2010-2011, he played for the Essex Pirates Basketball Club (BBL): 11 games: 9.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 68.4%. In 2011-2012 he played for Liverpool Mersey Tigers (BBL, starting five): 27 games: 15.1ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 61.5%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 71-62 win against the Fraport Skyliners.

 

Myles congrats on the 71-62 win against the Fraport Skyliners. The last two games against Phoenix Hagen and the Brose Baskets Bamberg was decided by only 2 points combined. How relieved was the team that the game wasn´t as close at the end as the last two games?

Its not something that any of us were particularly thinking about, but it was good to get a commanding lead in the last few minutes to ease the pressure.

Bremerhaven had the nice 29-24 lead at halftime. What was the secret to keep Frankfurt to only 24 points in the first half? What was the biggest strength on defense in the first 20 minutes?

We really pressured all their guards and made sure their bigs found it difficult to make interior passes. We didn’t let them score much in transition and really slowed them down.

In the third quarter, the Eisaberen Bremerhaven went on a run storming out to a 26 point quarter to lead 55-41. What was key for breaking open the game in the third quarter?

Moses Ehambe came out hot to begin the quarter and we all followed suit, our shots started falling and the crowd got behind us.

The Fraport Skyliners made a come back and came back to cut the Bremerhaven lead to 59-58, but you didn´t get scared and countered with an 8-0 run. Especially on defense the club made big blocks on Konstantin Klein and Aaron Doornekamp. It wasn´t one player but a team effort. What really stood out in crunch time for being able to secure the win?

Our team defense was what won us the game, we all helped each other and came up with big stops down the stretch.

He didn´t lead the team in scoring, but led the team in rebounding with 13 and assists with three. American Devin Searcy was clearly the unsung hero. How lost would the team been without him cleaning up in the back?

Devin is an anchor for us inside challenging shots at the basket and rebounding on both ends of the floor.

What was it like playing against Quantez Robertson for the first time? Is freak athlete the best description for him?

I like the intensity he plays with. Maybe, we didn’t allow him to do much today so I never got to see anything spectacularto have a description for him

What was your overall impression of the Fraport Skyliners? Are they better than their 1-4 record shows? Doornekamp and Williams played combined 46 minutes and went 0/11 combined. This is something that will probably never happen again this season. With better production from Frankfurt, they may have won the game?

I think they have played better in their previous games but today we executed our game plan and were the better team.

You average 18 minutes per game, but played the least minutes this season with 13 against Frankfurt. However you still have very solid stats for your minutes. How happy have you been with your game and development in the first two months back in the Beko BBL?

I am happy to do whatever it is the team needs me to do to win games. I am continuing to work hard so its onwards and upwards for me hopefully.

Bremerhaven is 3-1 and much improved to their 0-7 start last season. The club seems to be on a very good way. Is it more a defined early chemistry or overall talent that has made the team so successful so far?

Yes I believe so. We all get along with each other, there are no ego’s on the team, we just want to win games and will do whatever it takes to do so

What is your favorite place to relax in Bremerhaven? The Fraport Skyliners visited the Bremerhaven zoo before the game. Do you like to hang out in the zoo?

I like to eat at different restaurants around the city. I havent actually been to the zoo yet but I will soon.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I went to the cinemas in Bremen and watched the Equalizer. It was a great movie.

Thanks Myles for the chat.

 

Patrick Richard is a 24 year old 196cm swingman from Carencro, Louisania that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL for the Mitteldeutscher BC. He played four years at  Mc Neese St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 32 games: 18.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 76.9%. In 2012-2013, he started his professional basketball career being drafted by the  Iowa Energy (D-League) and played at Sandringham Sabres (Australia-SEABL-East, starting five): 24 games: 18.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.1apg, 2FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 80.7%. Last season he played in Holland for  Matrixx Magixx Wijchen (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 38 games: Score-4(15.3ppg), 4.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 78.9%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 80-79nail bitter win against Phoenix Hagen

 

Congrats Patrick to the 80-79 win at home against Phoenix Hagen. What was the needed spark in the comeback as the club was down by more than 10 points?

Well coach just told us to keep fighting each possession and that we could continue to use the momentum we ended up getting in the second half!

With five seconds to go, the Mitteldeutscher BC had the ball and you were the go to guy. Was it a play designed for you or what was the club wanting to do on the last play?

Yea the play was designed for me to get the ball and just make a play! I noticed the defender pressed up against me and I just tried to attack the basket! I ended up getting a foul and focused on knocking down the free throws for my team!

You won the game with one second to go with two free throws. How did you feel on the free throw line and when was the last time that you were in that kind of a position to be the hero?

Well I didn’t really have any feelings! Lol I had just missed one free throw and was determined to really make both! And in my career I’ve been in that situation a lot of times!

You really have become a very important scoring leader for MBC. What has been the biggest challenge coming from the Holland league to getting a feel for the Beko BBL level?

Well the biggest challenge has been of course the talent level is much greater in the BBL which I really enjoy playing great players every night! Everything else is just hard work in the off season and a great coach we have and also the players all buying into the TEAM aspect of things!

What was the biggest team strength on the night? It seemed like MBC really had a foot hold on the boards?

I believe it was all about not giving up! We really stepped up the physicality and pressure in the second half! Got some steals and easy lay ups in transition and momentum just carried us to the win!

Oliver Clay was the unsung hero of the night with two points, but 5 blocks. Would MBC have left the floor the winner without his services?

Yea BIG Ollie clay played really big tonight defensively protecting the rim for us! He was one of many major parts to us winning this game!

What has been your impression of Christian Standhardinger? He had incredible stats at Hawaii, but because of being in a lower conference most likely got passed up for the NBA draft. To what NBA player would you compare his game to?

Christian has been really good since joining us at MBC! His game helps us a lot because he has mismatches a lot of games and he uses it well! Not sure of a NBA player to compare him to but I do know he has been a plus for us thus far!

The Mitteldeutscher BC has been the big surprise so far in the Beko BBL at 4-1. What has been the secret to the success and will the team get even better in the next months?

I believe our success is just we stay and play together as a team! Each game it’s been different guys stepping up making big plays and doing the little things! It’s been a total team effort from 1-12! We take each game at a time because every game and team is very different! So just focusing on the next one

The New Orleans Saints have a tough game on Sunday with the 4-2 Detriot Lions. What is your prediction for the game?

Well I really hope the home state Saints can pull a win out! The bye week actually may have been the best thing for them! So I predict a win!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD I’ve seen has been green mile!

Thanks Patrick for the chat.

Thanks for reaching out miles! I appreciate the interview!

 

Mark Dorris is a 28 year old 188cm guard from Cincinnati, Ohio that has played his whole five years of professional basketball in Germany. He started his basketball career with St. Catharine College a ndthen played three years at Marshall (NCAA) playing a total of 91 NCAA games and as a senior played 30 games: 13.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3Pts: 34.3%, FT: 75.9%. In 2009-2010 he started his professional basketball career for the Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-ProA) playing 29 games: 18.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.7apg, Steals-3(2.3spg), FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 77.3%. IN his second season he moved to Phoenix Hagen (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 34 games: 15.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.6apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 24.4%, FT: 72.8%. IN this third season he played for Ludwigsburg and the last two seasons for Phoenix Hagen and last season played 34 games: 12.2ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 37.8%, 3PT: 26.2%, FT: 84.7%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

Hi Mark, at the moment you are sitting home in Ohio waiting to get the call from a professional team. You have played your whole career in Germany. Besides being on the court, what do you miss most about the country Germany now?

1st thanks for taking the time out your day for the interview it’s highly appreciated. I miss the people the German people all ways showed me a lot of love and care and that is priceless. You usually have had jobs at this time in your professional career.

How tough is it sitting back and not having a job? Who is assisting you now most and keeping you positive?

It’s hard because I miss the game I miss to compete at a high level I miss being the GLADIATOR on center court with the crowd going crazy around me. The flip side to the token is I get to be with my family and recently was able to be a part of my nieces birthday that was a first for me. So I thank the creator for letting me be part of that.

You have been a steady and solid performer as a professional since 2009. Has the job market just gotten more and more competitive or have you been very picky with the offers you have received because I cant imagine that you haven´t hat offers?

I believe a little bit of both has played a factor up to this point. I’m at the point in my career where I feel I can play a role and help an established team compete for championships or deep playoff runs. That would be ideal for me. So we will see what direction the market takes me.

You have played three years with Phoenix Hagen. Was there not anyway that you could have returned back to your second home? What were the reasons that you weren´t able to return?

1st I will say I love Phoenix Hagen Love the city the people and Hagen has the greatest fans. Ingo to me is a top 5 coach in the league him and Steve are a 2 man army when almost every other team in the BBL has three plus coaches. So for them to be in the race from 10-7 seeds every year is impressive. I think both parties were moving in different directions and that’s why I didn’t sign back.

A year after reaching the Beko BBL playoffs for the first time, Phoenix Hagen were unable to reach them last season. Many said that a real classic point guard wasn´t gotten in Henry Dugat. Would this not have been the perfect chance for you to take control at the point guard position? After the season Ingo Freyer stated that the team never had a point guard?

I think the opportunity was there and some games I would play the PG but during the week I played mostly 2guard during practice because Henry, Ole, and young Geske would play PG. And to play the PG it’s a rhythm to it that comes from repetition.

You still had a very solid season and had some big games. I remember the big win in Frankfurt where you steered 24 points. What was your season highlight with Phoenix Hagen last season?

We were becoming notorious for knocking off the BIG teams so I always loved those moments. But personally was probably my Game winner on Wurzburg at Home. I Live for those clutch moments of the game.

You can score and you can also dish out assists, but what is a hidden strength in your game now that doesn´t always get noticed right away?

Defense I can really defend the ball full court and make things uncomfortable for other guards. I really take pride in my defense I hate to be scored on more than I love to score.

If you could sell yourself in a few sentences as to why you could help any professional team now what would you say? You have played only in Germany. Would you be ready to play anywhere in the world now or Germany your first priority?

Hmmm… Probably something real simple amongst the lines of (I’m Mark Dorris and will get the Job done!!!). I’m open to play any where in the world. But I will miss the BBL I feel I was one of the fan favorites (Mr.Fantastic) across the BBL and I will miss the league and it’s fans if my career pulls me in another direction.

New Beko BBL team Crailsheim Merlins is looking for anew guard. How appealing would it be for you to play for a new team that moved up to the Beko BBL?

It would be appealing to me I feel I have been around this league a few times and my experience could help a team fresh in the league navigate there way around.

Your ex teammate Larry Gordon has developed as a player each season. I see him as being an BBL MVP candidate this season. How have you grown as a player with his presence on the court?

Honestly it’s him and my brother David Bell their work ethic after any practice to get extra work is what puts them where they are. And it’s contagious to the guys on the team and you can see he gets the results out of his hard work. I’m proud of my brother LG400.

Where do you see Phoenix Hagen ending the season in 2015? They have a new point guard in Zamal Nixon who started in German Pro B in Herten some years ago. He has made the adjustment to the BBL early on

I see them landing any where from 9-7 they brought back key pieces and they got better. Keep your eye out for Keith Ramsey this season he had a great summer. Zamal fits Ingos style of play. Ingo makes the transition easy for you. And he played college ball at HOUSTON that’s CUSA same as my MARSHALL was so were cut from a similar cloth. I see him having a break out year in this system and sticking in the BBL.

How does a normal workout day look like for Mark Dorris in 2014?

I work out at 10am weights run shots. And come back later around 4pm to get to my skill work. I work out with Danny Hoarce who also played in the BBL before so we know the level of work we must put in to stay ready and were ready.

Where will the journey of the Cleveland Cavaliars end this year?

I think they lose in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Chicago Bulls. Naw I take that Back I’m rolling with Lebron my Ohio brother they make it to the finals. But that’s far as my crystal ball will let me go lol.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Last DVD I watched was KILL BILL. That’s my mentality I have going into my season for making me wait lol. Thanks agin for your time Miles much respect.

 

Donovan Morris is a 30 year old 191cm guard from San Bernadino, California that is playing his third full professional season and first with TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademie. He started his basketball career in 2004 at Fresno State playing a total of 57 Beko BBL games. He then moved to Long Beach St. (NCAA) in 2007 and as a senior played 25 games: 14.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 40.5%, 3Pts: 27.2%, FT: 83.6%. In 2009-2010 he started his professional basketball career with Falco KC-Szombathely (Hungary-A Division, starting five; EuroChallenge: 12 games: 11.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.5spg, FGP: 62.7%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 78.4%; left in Dec.’09, in Feb.’10 moved to Giants Noerdlingen (Germany-ProA): 6 games: 13.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 30.0%. However after a solid rookie season, his career stalled between 2010-2013 as he had a try out with the Bakersfield Jam (D-League). H ethen also played for the Santa Barbara Breakers (WCBL, Liepajas Lauvas (Latvia-LBL): 2 games: 1.0ppg, 1.0rpg; Baltic League: 1 game: 2pts, 2reb. And Ladera Heights All-Stars (WCBL). Last season his career got going again as he played for TV 1864 Salzkotten (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 19 games: 26.5ppg, 6.8rpg, 4.4apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 64.4%, 3Pts: 49.1%, FT: 92.6%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Thanks for talking to German Hoops. After a three year period where you briefly played in Latvia and for semi pro teams in the United States, you got your career going again last season playing for TV 1864 Salzkotten (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 19 games: 26.5ppg, 6.8rpg, 4.4apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 64.4%, 3Pts: 49.1%, FT: 92.6%. How important was this season for you restoring your confidence again?

 

It felt good to play a full season again. I showed in Salzkotten that I can still play after missing some years.

 

Does having the name TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademie feel like being in school again at Winchendon?

I really hated Winchendon, because it was really strict. It does feel like that at times, because my teammates are between 17-21 and still in school. Just Dominik Schneider and me are the older guys.

 

What has been your impression of young German Constantin Ebert?

 

He is a really good player and has gotten better from the start of the season until now in certain situations. He plays really hard for his size on defense. I also like his passing abilities and ability to push the ball.

After a solid rookie season in Hungary and Germany in 2009-2010, you seemed to disappear for three years. What happened in this time?

 

I have no idea. If I would have felt that I couldn´t play anymore, I would have stopped and found a job.

 

What memories do you have Rob Ferguson who was your teammate as a rookie in Nordlingen.?

 

He was injured when I came. We still talk today. I still have never seen him play, but I might visit him in Hamburg.

 

You had a great first half as a rookie playing for alco KC-Szombathely (Hungary-A Division) EuroChallenge: 12 games: 11.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.5spg, FGP: 62.7%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 78.4%. Why did you have to leave?

 

A new coach came in. He had a new system and new players. I simply didn´t fit in.

 

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

 

I like to think that my passing is a hidden strength. For a scorer like me, I feel I can find players where people might not expect me to do knowing that I am the scorer that I am.

 

How did Long Beach State head coach Dan Monson get you prepared best for a professional career?

 

What I played in college is long gone now. In college I was a catch and shoot guy and couldn´t dribble. In the last three years, I watched a lot of basketball. My game changed so much in three years. I can do so much more now on the offensive end, but I know that I need to work on my defense.

 

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

 

It was many, but looking at the talent level in the Drew League where I played this summer, I played against guys like Baron Davis, James Harden or Brandon Jennings.

 

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

 

The Lakers are in trouble. They need help even if Kobe is Kobe. Carlos Boozer has to play the way he did with Utah and Jeremy Lyn the way he did in New York.

 

There are so many famous athletes living in Manhatten Beach. How is that whole experience living there?

 

I have my extended family there. It is really a great place to live in. I have all I need there and my family put me in every situation where I can always succeed. The only well known guy that I see is Steve Nash.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Before every game day, I watch a movie that has to do with greatness or team orientated. Today I watched 300.

 

Thanks Donovan for the chat.

 

 

Some professional athletes get so stuck in the hearts of fans that one could never expect there to ever be any animosity, but what happens when that so cherished player departs and comes back to haunt its ex team? Then that love affair can turn as quickly as Paris Hilton can proclaim that she is one of the best dj´s in the world into a hate affair. Boston sportscaster legend Bob Lobel loved to say in his broadcasts “why don´t we get players like that” always then when an ex Boston player came back to haunt his ex Boston team. Some examples around the globe are English player Frank Lampard scoring against his ex team Chelsea with Manchester United. Swede striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic moving across town from Inter Milan to AC Milan and causing terror with goals or Dutch international striker Robin Van Persie scoring with Manchester United against his old team Arsenal with whom he scored 96 times for. Even the Fraport Skyliners have not been shielded from former players spooking them as American Philadelphia native Ryan Brooks demonstrated last season. After a solid season with Frankfurt in 2012-2013, the former Temple player fled up the Rhine river to the Telekom Baskets Bonn and led them twice to victory last season. In the first game on the road in Frankfurt, Brooks led all scorers with 19 points leading his team to a 89-67 victory and in the return game in Bonn, he scolded his ex team leading all scorers again with 24 points as Frankfurt was thrashed 74-54 and lost for the 12 straight time in Bonn. Sometimes three is a charm and the Fraport Skyliners were hoping for some revenge against Ryan Brooks and were motivated to win in their own living room after losing their first two games at home against Phoenix Hagen and ratiopharm Ulm and Frankfurt had three is a charm winning in marvelous fashion 84-71 while Brooks and Bonn didn´t have a magical third win in a row. After having big games against Frankfurt last season, Brooks ended the day with only four points on 2/10 shooting in 26 minutes and one could sense the disappointment from the Philadelphia native, but a trip back to his old working ground to see some of his ex teammates is always nice. “It is always nice to play against Frankfurt. I felt I was too passive and wasn´t aggressive enough. We have to do a better job getting stops and our strength is running and we didn´t do that. The three Germans Klein, Barthel and Voigtman have come a long way. Klaus Perwass does a good job with them and one sees that they are more and more comfortable on the court”, warned ex Giessen 46er Ryan Brooks. Quantez Robertson had had enough of the brilliant Brooks play from last season and was as forceful with his words as his defense during the game. “There was no way that Brooks would beat us a third time in a row. We did a great job limiting his touches and contesting his shots”, smiled Quantez Robertson.

The Fraport Skyliners entered with a 0-3 record and were reeling off a bitter loss in Munich where they played an amazing first half leading by 14 points, but totally losing control in the first few minutes of the third quarter allowing the 2014 Beko BBL champion to march back and match their lead and then take control of the game and win. Frankfurt also lost winnable games against Phoenix Hagen and ratiopharm Ulm and were likely the best 0-3 team ever that the league had seen. However the Fraport Skyliners took control at the start of the game and never looked back dominating for 40 minutes and getting a much needed win. After the game Fraport Skyliner point guard Richard Williams was relieved about the win and credits the Munich game as a game where the club was able to build positively from and got them prepared for the Telekom Baskets Bonn. “This was a very important win for us and good for our moral. Our play in Munich gave us confidence to play well against Bonn. The only difference to the loss in Munich was that today we did a lot better job playing with the lead and our poise was excellent. Our biggest strength was our ability to share the ball and even if a situation got ugly, we had trust in each other which carried through the game”, expressed San Diego native Richard Williams. Fraport Skyliner guard Sean Armand who continues to grow better and better into his role was thrilled about getting his first professional win. “After starting 0-3 it would have been easy to hang our heads, but we kept our heads up and fought hard. The first three games were winnable, but everyone can compete in this league and if you don´t play right then you can lose. We had so much more intensity from the start than in the other games and we shared the ball very well”, warned Sean Armand. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were reeling off a home loss against 8 time Beko BBL champion Alba Berlin and only had 48 hours to recuperate and started the game flat and never really found their rhythm and had to fight out of a hole that seemed to get larger with every ensuing quarter. Bonn had problems with the Frankfurt defense and even after the game was over, ex Dirk Madrich teammate in Vechta Richard Williams was playfully heckling the big man who was trying to find the fitting words for the hard defeat. “We had a bad start and just made many bad decisions. We gave up way to many fast break baskets. We came into the game knowing that Frankfurt can shoot from outside and they punished us. If you are down by 15 points in the BBL then it is very difficult to come back. We continue to have big problems to get the ball inside. We have experienced guys who can perform inside, but we need the ball. The only positive thing today was the good support of the fans”, stressed Bonn center Dirk Madrich.

The Fraport Skyliners had Quantez Robertson again after he had missed the Munich game and started the game as if they had completely erased the surprising 0-3 start by rocking the Telekom Baskets Bonn with a scorching 16-1 run that may even have left the most daunting skeptical Skyliner with a slight smile as everything was working and Bonn head coach Matthias Fischer was wondering why me, why me? Sean Armand started the run sprinting past the slow Bonn transition defense as Klein fed him for the easy layup. Johannes Voigtmann then made a perfect lob pass ally-op to Danilo Barthel for the tap in and 4-0 Frankfurt advantage. Then the Fraport Skyliners totally annihilated Bonn from outside as it went bang, bang, bang, bang four times as Armand hit twice and Konstantin Klein nailed two three pointers in a row. The Fraport Skyliners were as hot as the San Diego sun in July when Richard Williams is training at midday. Frankfurt were playing nothing like a 0-3 team and were equally aggressive on offense and defense. Frankfurt always was pressuring the ball as no Bonn player had any breathing room. Ex St Mary´s standout Richard Mcconnell scored the first Bonn field goal to cut the Frankfurt lead to 17-3. Bonn started to have a bit more luck on offense going on a 6-2 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 19-9 as Florian Koch and Mcconnell scored inside. However that burst of Bonn brilliance was quickly trampled on by Frankfurt that ended the first quarter on a 7-0 run and led 26-9 after one quarter. Williams found American Mike Morrison for the thrashing dunk, Quantez Robertson made a steal fed Koivisto who got the ball back to Tez for the ally-op tip in and Williams nailed a three pointer. “Frankfurt was playing with a high intensity and were hitting their open shots. Armand got the Frankfurt offense going with his shooting and Klein as well. Frankfurt just was doing a great job finding each other”, stressed TV Lich guard Jermale Jones.

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners continued their dominance on offense and the only Bonn player that kept them in the game was Richard Mcconnell. The strong first quarter of Frankfurt heightened their confidence as players got fancy as well making difficult shots as Williams showed tip toeing by two defenders at the free throw line and then finishing over Brooks. However the Telekom Baskets Bonn are a talented team and their 11-4 run which they produced somehow was hidden by the big Frankfurt lead as they still trailed 33-20. In the run from Bonn, they shared the ball well as Dirk Madrich scored on a put back, Angelo Caloiaro made a reverse layup as Eugene Lawrence found him back door, Mcconnell nailed a three pointer, Brooks snuck inside for a layup in traffic and Tadas Klimavicius who has played 78 Euroleague games made a tip in as Frankfurt only led 33-20. However despite this stronger phase from Bonn, it didn´t unrattle the Fraport Skyliners who continued to play steady set play offense and never let Bonn get the lead to under 10 points. Mcconnell kept setting the pace for Bonn as he dropped two three pointers cutting the Frankfurt lead to 39-27. Down the stretch, Frankfurt continued to get solid support from everyone as Robertson scored inside, Williams hit a pull up jumper and Barthel had a strong phase getting three buckets with an offensive rebound and put back running hook shot and lay in on the fast break. Brooks closed out the second quarter making a lightening quick burst into the passing lane like he remembered seeing from ex teammate Quantez Robertson two seasons ago finishing with a two handed dunk, but the Fraport Skyliners still led 49-34 at halftime. “Bonn finally found their rhythm and settled into a groove. However Frankfurt was still in control and making a push. Mcconnell kept Bonn in the game with big shots”, added American from TV Lich Jermale Jones. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 61% from the field and 50% from outside while the Telekom Baskets Bonn were shooting 38% from the field and 27% from outside. Frankfurt was leading the rebound battle 21-16 and had five turnovers while Bonn had six turnovers.

The third quarter hasn´t always been the best quarter for the Fraport Skyliners in the past and in Munich they gave up a 14 lead on a 14-0 Munich run, but Frankfurt had no recurring nightmare of past negativity, but came out with a blistering 14-5 run to extend their lead to 63-39. Frankfurt continued to find many different ways to score on offense. Armand scored seven points in the run with an off balance shot, lay in on the fast break and a three pointer. Barthel also scored as Frankfurt demonstrated again that they love the extra pass as Klein found Voigtmann near the post and he quickly found Barthel cutting insice for the lay in. It isn´t easy always keeping focus as mental lapses do arise especially when you have a big lead as Frankfurt allowed Bonn on a 6-0 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 63-45. In the Bonn run, they got buckets inside from Lawrence and Caloiaro. Frankfurt ended the third quarter with the momentum again going on a 5-2 run to lead 68-47. Aaron Doornekamp hit a jumper and Mikko Koivisto nailed a three pointer. “We saw what had happened in Munich in the third quarter to Frankfurt, but they did a good job holding up against us well continuing to defend well and we just couldn´t execute on offense”, added Bonn German Dirk Madrich. “Even if you get a run, then you might still be down 10 points which still makes the comeback difficult”, warned Richard Mcconnell. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 59% from the field and 47% from the three point line while the Telkom Baskets Bonn were shooting 34% from the field and 20% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 30-23 rebound edge, but 10 turnovers while Bonn had nine turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, the Fraport Skyliners continued to control the game and even a 13-5 Bonn run at the end couldn´t threaten the Frankfurt big lead. Mike Morrison started the fourth quarter with a left handed hook shot where Klimavicius was still looking for his jock strap a half hour after the loss in the parking lot. Bonn fan favorite Benas Veikalas then made his first field goal of the night getting a back door pass from Klimavicius. Veikalas finished with two points which is as difficult to believe as it was Brooks finishing with only four points. Frankfurt continued to get buckets from everyone as Doornekamp made a jumper and Williams made a turn around jumper in traffic. Barthel scored from the free throw line and made a lay in as Frankfurt led 77-56. With time running out, the Telekom Baskets Bonn made one last gasp and run of 14-5 to cut the Frankfurt lead to 82-70. In the run, Bonn started to hit from outside as Regionaliga to BBL player Steve Wachalski nailed two three pointers and Madrich also connected from the parking lot. However that was it for Bonn as Doornekamp closed the door on the opponent on the games last field goal notching a lay in getting a back door feed from Voigtmann ending the game 84-71. “It really doesn´t matter what level you are at be it in the NCAA or the NBA, teams will always have lapses with big leads. We didn´t execute well on some plays, but that is a part of the game. The better teams won´t have lapses like that”, warned Iona alumnist Sean Armand.” Our run at the end was simply too little too late. We tried to show some resistance, but the game was already decided. We had used so much energy coming back. It is hard to come back with sucha a big deficit in the BBL”, said Ryan Brooks.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Sean Armand with 17 points. Danilo Barthel added 14 points. Konstantin Klein had 10 points and shared the lead in rebounds and assists with seven and five. Richard Williams added 10 points. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were led by Richard Mcconnell with 22 points. Angelo Caloiaro and Steve Wachalski chipped in with 10 points a piece. Frankfurt finished the game with the kind of shooting percentages you usually see in the NBA shooting 58% from the field and 44% from the parking lot while the Telekom Baskets Bonn shot 39% from the field and 31% from the parking lot. Frankfurt won the rebounding duel 37-29, but had 14 turnovers while Bonn had 12 turnovers. Not only the lack of hitting shots consistently is on the to do list for Mathias Fischer, but also to get an inside presence alive. “A lack of getting the ball inside has to do with Eugene Lawrence and myself. We have to do a better job, but I think that getting the ball inside doesn´t always have to do with getting our big men the ball. We have some big wings that can get the job done and get to the free throw line as well. We can´t be one dimensional, but be more versatile in our inside play”, warned Richard Mcconnell. After giving up an average of 87 points in the first three games, the Fraport Skyliners seem to be on a good way on the defensive end giving up only 71 points to Bonn. “There are still things that we can improve, but our rotations, clogging the lane and closing out worked well. You could see that we were all on the same page on defense”, warned Sean Armand. The Fraport Skyliners next play in Bremerhaven October 19^th.