Imagine being at the most exciting children´s birthday parties in 2014 where kids were at a Boston Red Sox-New York Yankees game and getting to go into the dressing room after the game and getting a jersey from Derek Jeter, being at a Justin Bieber concert and having a contest to predict how many girls will pass out or abstaining from celebrity glitz, which can be as exciting going on a river boat excursion down a river with many little surprises along the way, it seems like going home and having that special experience would be enough. However even at amazing birthday parties there is almost always a constellation prize for kids when the party is over with the traditional grab bag or party favor. This going home present is a way to say thanks for coming and by the way here is a gift for you. Gifts range from tiny toys, candy and pencils. That was back in the day while today there seem to be more sopfisticated gifts like personalized Kids birthday lollipops, mini classic gum ball machines, personalized kids crayon set or the kids personalized birthday notebooks. But before I get to the 2014-2015 Fraport Skyliners season, could one imagine how German national player and Fraport Skyliner forward Danilo Barthel would react if he got a spider tee shirt or mug or even more horrifying for him his own spider aquarium for his personal enjoyment at home. Ever since his spider phobia was reveled, one had better never mention the hairy 8 legged beast. So what does all this grab bag talk have to do with this years team? Well last seasons team had been constructed in a way that it was hard to make a real defined prediction what that team will be able to achieve and was sort of like getting a grab bag served at a kids party and not knowing what is inside it. Guessing how many wins the Fraport Skyliners would achieve last season was no more difficult than predicting who would be the US top scorer in any game at the 2014 World Championships in Spain, exactly how long New England Patriot Tom Brady will play as he seems ready to seek the record for oldest active NFL quarterback or what could be the next new internet and self advertisement after the ALS ice bucket challenge. Before the start of the 2013-2014 Beko BBL season, I stated that having the notion of not knowing what this club was capable to achieve made the season so interesting and exciting in the Beko BBL.

This notion of the 2013-2014 season being interesting and exciting definitely held its own as it was grab a bag season. With all the untimely injuries to guys like ex NBA player Andrew Rautins, Jacob Burtschi, and Quantez Robertson missing combined a total of 43 Beko BBL games, Dawan Robinson leaving after a few weeks into the season and head coach Gordon Herbert having to go with two inexperienced rookies with Jarred Dubois and Ramon Galloway at the guard position or the team´s phobia of losing close games in the second half of the season to start 2014 losing 13 of 15 games, but somehow beating top teams FC Bayern Munich and ratiopharm Ulm showed what kind of talent this team had. In these 13 loses, they lost last possession games in Oldenburg, at home against MBC, lost by a point in Ludwigsburg, lost by a point at home against the Walter Tigers Tuebingen and by a point in Braunschweig. Five loses by a combined seven points probably left head coach Gordon Herbert a few sleepless nights. However the club ended the season in 11^th place and if one would have won 4 of the 5 games that they lost in crunch time, they would have slipped into the playoffs. The Fraport Skyliners organization could have been very pleased with their season ending despite the unlucky circumstances that they had. After 40 minutes the only thing that counts is the win and not the what could have been.

The question this season will be, will it be a Grab Bag season reloaded 2.0 or will there be a DJK basketball playoff insurance? What exactly the DJK basketball playoff insurance means I will get to later, but let me examine how the club roster stands this season. For German soccer fans the injury to Marco Reus was a huge shock on the eve of the team leaving to go to Brazil for the World Cup, while a few weeks later the departure of Jacob Burtschi citing personal and injury reasons was for many Skyliner fans just as much of a jolt. Burtschi still is on the roster and there is always a dim hope that he may return. If he doesn´t return, Jacob Burtschi will go down as having been the ultimate team player in their history. Dane Watts is another curious issue as to why they didn´t keep him. Perhaps the club was unsure about his physical future after missing a whole year and then having the concussion in Ludwigsburg, but in the end Top Spanish club Sevilla believed in his abilities and signed the Missouri native. The club also said farewell to Jarred Dubois, Ramon Galloway and Aziz NDiaye. For a while there was hope that Andrew Rautins may return, but he chose the bucks in Italy. The club kept a healthy core of players starting with Quantez Robertson who now is the oldest player on the team and longest on the team going into his sixth season. One could say that he is the heart and soul of the team and the new identity figure taking over after Pascal Roller and Marius Nolte. Last season Tez Robertson played 21 games averaging 9.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 75.6%. It was his second best scoring season in his professional career. His three point shooting still remains his sore spot, while he still belongs to the top defenders in the Beko BBL and at age 29 in his prime. The club also held the German big three of Danilo Barthel going into his fourth season, Johannes Voigtmann and Konstantin Klein both going into their third seasons. This is where my DJK example comes in place. DJK stands in German for Deutschen Jugendkraft Sportverband or translated as German Youth Power Sports Association. In a way DJK could also stand for a basketball health insurance company as they are usually abbreviated in those terms like DKV, but if one closely observes the three letters one would see that it could also stand for Danilo, Johannes and Konstantin. All three of them have improved their stats each season and continue to develop as Danilo Barthel got his first taste of the NBA playing Summer League in Orlando and Las Vegas for the Miami Heat while Johannes Voigtmann played two 2014 European qualifying games for Germany averaging 8,5ppg and 7,0rpg. The Fraport Skyliners keep going the German way and will continue to need support from their German players. Stefan Illzhoefer and Kevin Bright remain projects and have had the injury bug last season and this season. Currently they are out and they continue to ooze with basketball potential. The club brought in five imports to round out the roster. The most important signing was Richard Williams who they secured early in late May. He has had a cinderella like fairy tale story having gone form the Pro B Hannover via Vechta to the Beko BBL. In Frankfurt he wants to make the next step and will get very much responsibility and his daily practice duels will also help guard mate Konstantin Klein improve his game. Their second signing was Aaron Doornekamp who is the Jacob Burtschi replacement. The Canadian national player already played against NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki in a international game in 2006 in Nurnberg as a college player from Carleton. He has three years experience in Italy having played 83 games for Pepsi JuveCaserta (Italy-SerieA). Last season he played for the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig (Germany-BBL) playing 34 games: 8.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 78.0%. In pre season, the Canadian might have been the most consistent player and seems to be Herbert´s favorite player. The club brought in a Andrew Rautins replacement with rookie Sean Armand. The scouting report is impressive as the Brooklyn native is a pure scorer and having a shooting out the lights contest with Rautins would be very desirable. Armand shot over 40% from outside each season at Iona including a potent 46,2% in his second season. He also improved his scoring each season and as a senior averaged 17.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 4.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 78.9%. He also had afine pre season and his passing skills seem tob e his hidden strength. Mike Morrison who hails from St Pertersburg, Florida is starting his third season having played at Goerge Mason and last season played for Joensuun Kataja Basket (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 55 games: 14.0ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.5apg, Blocks-1(1.6bpg), FGP: 60.2%, FT: 57.7%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 13.3ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.5apg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 49.3%, FT: 53.8%. He and Voigtman compliment each other well as he plays more near the rim inside while the German has the mid range game. The last signing from Frankfurt was Finish national player Mikko Koivisto. Koivisto is an interesting player who played NCAA at NC-Greensboro (NCAA) and was teammates with future Euroleague champions Kyle Hines and Ricky HIckman. He has played his whole professional career in Finland and Frankfurt will be second station outside Finland after a brief stay with Royal Hali Gaziantep (Turkey-TBL): 12 games: 4.7ppg, 1.3rpg, 3PT: 47.1%, FT: 75.0%; EuroChallenge: 5 games: 6.2ppg. He recently played at the 2014 World championships in Spain and might have one or the other stories about Kyrie Irving or James Harden who he played against. His shooting stroke and ability will be a fine addition to Armand on the wing.

So what will be in store for the 2014-2015 Fraport Skyliners? Will it be another grab bag season or will there be a DJK basketball playoff insurance this season? Gordon Herbert is a diehard basketball aficionado that stands for focusing on grooming the tactical measures on the court with his players. In the last three seasons, the Fraport Skyliners had difficulty scoring averaging under 70 points a game until last season scoring a bit better averaging 73 points a game and survived many games simply by letting up fewer points and just buckling down and defending for 40 minutes as if it was their last game ever. Relying on top defense surely will be a goal for Gordon Herbert this season as one doesn´t meet more bull dog like defenders than Quantez Robertson and Konstantin Klein. By putting San Diego native Richard Williams into the mix, Frankfurt could have the best defensive duo with Williams and Robertson in the league. Williams and Robertson with their lightening quick hands will definitely profit from each other and add some NBA Showtime to the Beko BBL as ally-ops could be as common from them two as the road runner scoot to the hoop from Dashaun Wood each game during his time with Frankfurt. The guard trio of Willimas, Klein and Merz could be the best defensive guard trio in the Beko BBL and will wear down teams. Making big plays and getting out on the break will be another popular option this season having big guys like Danilo Barthel and Mike Morrsion liking to get out on the break. I see this team being more talented than last season and there also is more experience. Last season one had four rookies with Galloway, Dubois, N Diaye and Bright while this season the club has brought in only one rookie with Armand. Williams, Doornekamp, Morrison and Koivisto have combined 14 years of professional experience. Morrison and Koivisto have combined 21 games of international club games under their belts. This experience will be a big plus and these five guys definitely have more fire power than what came in last season. So what will the club have to do to finally reach the playoffs again? Playing consistent strong defense like I mentioned already will be vital as the consistent play of the DJK German big three. There will be a lot of burden on the shoulders of Danilo Barthel, Johannes Voigtman and Konstantin Klein to perform at a high level each game and be consistent. However these three Germans are great competitors and have shown a positive curve upwards each season and are ready to continue to make the next step. They continue to be the future of the club and with extended Eurochallenge games this season will help their play as well. They should be ripe to lead the team to the Beko BBL playoffs. “For Frankfurt to reach the playoffs depends how the team finds itself. Frankfurt has a very good coach with Gordon Herbert and with Danilo, Johannes and Konstantin three very good players that are still young, but have experience. The Eurochallenge will help the three Germans and the team keep their rhythm and regain it in bad phases. If they do reach the playoffs then they will be a big reason for getting there as well as their teammates, coaching staff and office”, warned German Jannik Freese. Another big factor for the club reaching the playoffs is the rookie performance of Sean Armand. He doesn´t have to put up 30 point games like Andrew Rautins did, but if he can develop into a consistent and reliable scorer then their chances will be good to be one of the best 8 teams in May. Armand will be the X-factor for me between making the playoffs or not. And not to forget the Fraport Skyliners have their secret weapon in Gordon Herbert. He has had a good track record when having strong rosters winning it all in 2004, reaching the final in 2010, and semi final in 2011. Last season was a season to forget, but he still had the know how and feeling to lead the team to a 11^th place despite having so little to work with. One should never underestimate a Gordon Herbert in that he is known for getting the best out of his players and this season he has nice talent again to work some magic. If the club can for once stay injury free than the playoffs are more of a reality than reach. Last season it was a grab bag scenario not knowing what could happen, but this season it looks more like the team could go in a positive direction than in a negative. 10 years ago, the club had the Bermuda triangle with Pascal Roller, Chris Williams and Tyrone Ellis that won the title in 2004 and reached the final in 2005 and in 2014 the club has the DJK triangle. Danilo, Johannes and Konstantin may not be ripe to win the title now, but they are on a good way to bringing success and playoffs to the Fraport Skyliners that have been yearning for May basketball again since 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even if looking forward is more benefiical than always looking back and being glued into the past, Skyliner fans often look back to the 2003-2005 seasons where the team had their most success and won the Beko BBL title with head coach Gordon Herbert and a year later reached the final with Murat Didin. One of the pivotal players in that success was slick and slinky like Chris Williams who weaved in and around defenders in the zone as if he was gumby in disguise trying to elude the blockheads. It has been almost 10 years since the Alabama native was practicing in the BCM gym for many one of the best training facilities in Europe. In his last season in the Beko BBL, Williams played against his ex Virginia(NCAA) teammate Adam Hall who then played for BS|Energy Braunschweig. Both guys played together as teammates in the very tough ACC conference where Williams was in the top in scoring and rebounding each season while Adam Hall who like Williams were about the same height had to live a bit in his shadow. Since that season, both guys have played all over the world with Williams playing for 11 clubs the last being Foolad Mahan Esfahan (Iran-Superleague) in 2013, while Hall has been with 13 teams and has made a name of himself in the Belgium league, in five of the last six seasons with one year playing in Finland. It has been 12 years since they left Virgina having been teammates for four years and 10 years since they battled in the Beko BBL and for Hall hearing the name Williams just got him away from the post game questions for a bit and got him reminiscing about the good old days with his friend from Birmingham. Even after the tough94-68 test game loss in Frankfurt, Adam Hall´s eyes lit up when he heard the name Chris Williams and the words „Chris is my man“ sprouted out of his mouth. „I have great memories with Chris Williams. I remember in college, I was playing the 2/3 and he was playing the 3/4. We both played in Germany in the 2004-2005 season and I was still a 2/3 and Frankfurt had moved him to the four. He was one of the top players in the ACC that had future NBA players like Elton Brand, Steve Francis and Shane Battier. The fact that Chris didn´t get drafted is still shocking today. He dominated the German league then and to see how the skill level is now in Germany, you have to give him a lot of credit to how he was able to dominate then against the bigger players“, stressed Basic Fit Brussel forward Adam Hall.

For 40 minutes on Suday, American Adam Hall didn´t have Chris Williams on his mind, but was trying to help his team Basic Fit Brussel get by the Fraport Skyliners in their last pre season game. It wasn´t the Fraport Skyliners dictating the game in the first two minutes, but it was the Danilo Barthel show as the 207cm German hit two threes, gobbled down rebounds and forced turnovers which Bruessel had on their first three possessions. Frankfurt found their rhythm quickly and American rookie Sean Armand who had a tough game Monday against Leuven got off to a good start making a left handed lay up and German Konstantin Klein made a pretty floater as Frankfurt led 10-3. The Fraport Skyliners continued to pour it on on offense as they were displaying contribution from many different players. Johannes Voigtmann scored inside, Canadian Aaron Doornekamp dropped a three pointer and athletic big man spark plug Mike Morrison scored on his bread and butter twice on the put back and dunk as Brussel was trailing quickly 21-9. The Frankfurt offense was functioning like clock work and just made a lot of fun to observe as ball movement with team work and finding the open man and making shots seemed as easy as a first grader getting a red star placed on its forehead for good school work. Doornekamp who looks like he has a twin brother in Danilo Barthel when the back of their heads from behind are seen hit a three pointer while Quantez Robertson made a steal and scored and then connected on a last second three pointer as the Fraport Skyliners dominating display of fire power ended the first quarter with the commanding 32-14 lead. „Frankfurt was talking a lot on defense and forcing them to bad shots. Barthel got them on fast start and their chemistry was really down. I liked Tez the most in the first quarter“, added TV Langen forward Martins Woody.

The Fraport Skyliners were unable to hold their dominating form from the first quarter as Brussels broke away and went on a 15-2 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 34-29. American Jason Wasburn who played at Utah(NCAA) got Brussel going with a pull up jumper, American Donald Sims who played at Appalachian St. (NCAA) got steaming as Frankfurt had no remedy how to slow him down as he scored four buckets showing his inside out game very ripe for a point guard as he scored inside twice and nailed two three pointers. The Fraport Skyliners were able to get their lead up again as they finally scored buckets again. Morrison scored inside as pass efficient Aaron Doornekamp mad e the quick pass. Barthel then nailed a high rianbow three pointer and on the next set, Klein found the 2014 NBA Summer Legaue player for the back door bucket as Frankfurt led comfortbaly again47-34 thanks to an 8-2 run. Robertson took both teams into half time with an aggressive penetration to the hoop finishing with his left hand as Frankfurt led 49-35. „Frankfurt lost concentration in the first five minutes getting sloppy turn overs and Brussel picked up the intensity. The Belgium team also did a good job switching up their defense confusing Frankfurt. Frankfurt did get intensity back in the last three minutes“, stressed Martins Woody.

In the third quarter, The Fraport Skyliners kept the lead, but allowed another Brussels run at the end as inconsistent was their middle name. Sims kept being a thorn in the side of Frankfurt as he could score almost at any time and always then when his team didn´t have anyone else who could provide spark. He hit another two three pointers as Frankfurt led only 53-44. However even with their inconsistency, Frankfurt had more weapons on the day and broke out with a 12-3 run to extend their lead to 65-49. Armand found his range hitting a three pointer and jumper, Johannes Voigtman scored twice getting a feed from Barthel all alone in the lane for the two handed dunk and then dropped a rare three pointer and Klein used his speed going coast to coast for the easy bucket. Armand still wasn´t happy after the win of his own game, but was content. „I had a meeting with coach today and he told me I am a scorer that can shoot and penetrate, but at times pass to much. I shot better than last game and I can continue to build on this and my defense“, said Sean Armand. Basketball is a game of runs and the game can change so fast which Brussel showed shaving off eight points of the Frankfurt lead going on a 8-2 run to trail only 67-57 after three quarters. Aleksandar Lichodzijewski started the run with a lay in and Travis Mckie who played at Wake Forest (NCAA) nailed a three pointer over Armand and then hit three free throws to end the third quarter. „The Skyliners picked up their intensity, but ir dropped down at the end. The biggest problem of Frankfurt was their inconsistency as they were up and down. Frankfurt had a 16 point lead and then let them cut it down to 10 points. They were unable to build on their lead. You can let teams come back like that“, warned Martins Woody.

In the fourth quarter, the Fraport Skyliners went back to their offensive basketball and easily won the fourth quarter 27-11 and game as they were able to prep one last time before the home opener on Friday. The ball movement was working again as well as the extra pass as Klein and Robertson hit three pointers as Frankfurt extended their lead to 75-61. Voigtman was still hungry for scoring as he scored consecutive buckets as Brussel trailed 80-63. Sean Armand continued to improve his stat sheet hitting two three pointers and Super Tez continued to be his aggressive self scoring inside getting steals and getting to the free throw line. All in all it was a good ending to the pre season for Frankfurt as they stayed undefeated. „In the first half our offense dictated our defense while in the second half our defense led to our offense and we started playing better. Our biggest strength was our communication in the second half“, stressed Sean Armand. „This was the toughest game that we had this pre season. Both teams had their runs, but the diffference was that Frankfurt extended their lead in the fourth quarter. Frankfurt was so aggressive from start to end on defense. The starters were aggressive then came the subs that were aggressive and it kept going back and forth. They will wear down many teams. We took this as a good experience and will try to learn from it“, stated Adam Hall.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Johannes Voigtmann with 20 points. Quantez Robertson added 17 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals. Sean Armand contributed 15 points and Mike Morrison, Aaron Doornekamp and Danilo Barthel chipped in with 11 points a piece. Basic Fit Brussel were led by Donald Sims with 25 points and Alexsandar Lichodzijewski added 15 points. It was a very successful pres eason fort he Fraport Skyliners, but the team shouldn´t rate it too high and just remain on the ground. „It is nice that we were undefeated, but we can still learn from wins. We can´t get ahead of ourselves and just take each game at a time. We are ready to play on Friday“, warned Sean Armand. Basic Fit Brussel already played Phoenix Hagen twice in the pre season and Adam Hall knows how Frankfurt will win. „Phoenix Hagen doesn´t have the prototypical team. Frankfurt can match them and have the size advantage. Frankfurt can hurt them inside and I would imagine that is what they will do“, warned Adam Hall.

 

 

Terry Thomas is a 193cm forward from Canada that is a professional rookie and playing his first season in Germany with Pro A team Hamburg Towers. He started his basketball career in 2010 with : St.Francis Xavier (CIS) where he played until 20103. He ten moved on tot he University of Ottawa (CIS) an das a senior played 19 games: Score-4(21.4ppg), 5.9rpg, 2.0apg, Steals-3(2.4spg), FGP: 59.2%, 3PT: 43.1%, FT: 70.6%. He spoke to German Hoops recently before the start of the season.

 

 

Terry thanks for talking to German Hoops. You will be playing your rookie season in Germany with the Hamburg Towers. How was your first offseason market test? You had a strong last season with Ottawa(CIS). Did you get many offers?

 

I’ve gotten a few but my agent and I felt this would be the best choice for my rookie season playing for the Hamburg Towers.

What were the main reasons for coming tot he Hamburg Towers? What sold you on this new organization where you will be part of history?When did you find out that Pascal Roller and Marvin Willoughby played with NBA superstar Dirk Nowitzki and are German basketball legend themselves?

I really liked the coach and my agent has a good relationship with him so is was a easy choice also hearing about the famous Pascal and Marvin was a choice I couldn’t turn down

You have been in Hamburg now almost two monthes. How have you got adjusted to the German way of life and what do you like most about Hamburg?

Hamburg is a beautiful city and I have been just working out and touring around the city with some of the players i’m loving my time here i’ve been slowly learning a bit of German too.

What has been your early impression oft he Hamburg Towers? The team has a young and ambitious head coach and will play with many German players and young imports.

Its been a great experience for me since I have been here and our team looks very strong and playing well together. Our head coach Hamed is very hands on and a great teacher so i’m learning a lot everyday i’m feeling really good about the season.

Winning the Mcdonalds Cup may not stack up to winning an Atlantic division or OUA title, but how important wa sit winning this title so early in the preseason for this new organization?

Its always good to win but the main focus was working together and learning and playing as a unit for tougher teams and staying mentally ready

You were a scorer in school and will have a side kick with American Will Barnes who also can put the ball in the hole. What will be your role on the team besides making high flying athletic flights tot he basket?

Will Barnes is a great leader and player and I can play around other players and also my main focus will be defense as I take a lot of pride in that.

 

What has been your early impression of Andres Murillo who played at Biola and hast he American/German citzenship? How will he help the team most?

Andres is a very strong player and has good post moves and just like me we are both learning a lot and changing our games to better the team and he’s been teaching me some German from time to time

You played two full seasons for St.Francis Xavier (CIS) and then due to a violation of team policy saw you sit out the exhibition schedule and academic issues led to the season, and eventually your career at St-FX to come to an abrupt end only seven games into the schedule.How difficult was it coming to terms with the whole situation? What did you learn from this experience?

Losing basketball to some mistakes clearly showed me that I was making some bad choices in my life and I needed to turn my life around in order to play the sport I loved

You then played your senior year at the University of Ottawa (CIS) playing 19 games: Score-4(21.4ppg), 5.9rpg, 2.0apg, Steals-3(2.4spg), FGP: 59.2%, 3PT: 43.1%, FT: 70.6%. You had no problems filling the left shoes of Warren Ward. How important was your head coach James Derouin for helping you take the next step as a college player after ahving to sit out most of your third year at St Francis? How did he make you into a professional basketball player?

Mr.Derouin was a huge help by giving me a second chance with basketball and he was a great role model showing me the tools I needed to be successful and just being very positive showed me that with hard work it always pays off.

You helped Ottawa to the national championship game against Carleton. What will you always remember from this game besides Tyson Hinz exploding for 30 points?

I will always remember how hard my team worked to get there from the start of the season and how hard the loss was afterwards.

In your senior season you played with Caleb Agada. How did you guys make each other better in practice and where do you see his career going?

Caleb and I always went head to head and he was a very strong and hard working player honestly I see his career going very far with is work ethic.

It seems like Canada has made huge strides in world absketball in the last 10 years? How important has Vince Carter been for Canadian basketball and especially the athletic players like yourself?

Vince Carter has been an idol for a lot of athletic players like myself and gave us a lot of hope to have great careers like his.

Thanks Terry for the chat.

 

Sometimes luck as a basketball player can drastically change to the better like a severe downpour in Miami, Florida which clears up turning back to beautiful sunshine and more extended beach time, or on the Voice in the United States where Jackie Lee won her battle and Briana Cuoco the sister of Big Bang Theory actress Kaley Cuoco was already booking her flight home, but in a rapid instant got stolen from country star Blake Shelton meaning that her nine lives on the show continued as she joied the team of the Oklahoma native or the amazing 11 walk on wins last season of the 2007 World Series champion Boston Red Sox who most likely had some fans heading to the parking lot in the ninth innings of games, just to be shattered of not staying on to the see the heroics hearing the call on WEEI radio. On could say that Frankie Sullivan has had a moment like this early in his rookie season. After a stellar four year career at Auburn, he was given a try-out by German team Fraport Skyliners, but didn´t pass the test. Any disappointment like this isn´t easy for a player, but he didn´t need to be sad long as he got a new job offer from Kouvot Kouvola (Finland-Korisliiga) in Finland. It might be culture shock for the American from Alabama going from a 600,000 city like Frankfurt to Kouvola that had only 87,000 inhabitants. He most likely even had more things happening at the 25,000 student university at Auburn than his new basketball home, but a job is a job and he was just happy to keep his basketball dream alive. “I’m was really blessed to have this Job. Didn’t want to go home at all. The basketball market is so tough and there are many jobless players at the moment”, stressed Frankie Sullivan.

Sullivan came to the Fraport Skyliners during training camp in August 2013 and didn´t have an easy task of having to take over the point guard duties as American Dawan Robinson was still on the sidelines getting ready for his return in mid September where he was able to take part in contact practices which would have been risky earlier for him coming back to soon. Sullivan didn´t get too much chance to display his basketball smorgasbord, but in an exhibition game against the Giessen 46ers, he chipped in with 10 points and at times showed his overall fine guard play helping out at all parts of the court. The American got a chance to play with other young German players like Stefan Ilzhoefer, Konstantin Klein, Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann and despite coming from Auburn where teammates weren´t older than 22 years already saw a healthy self confidence and experience factor that isn´t always seen with young players. “The team was really good to be young and the older guys really helped out a lot. Most of them had been playing professional for a few years now. They didn’t seem young to me”, smiled Frankie Sullivan. Despite his first steps into the professional water with the Fraport Skyliners, the club decided to go in another direction as it didn´t have to do so much with his skill level, but moreover that the Style of Sullivan didn´t fit into the concept of Gordon Herbert. “It always hurts when you get cut. I talked to the coach and he told me why I got cut. I respect the coach there and he really is a great man. I’m just thankful for the opportunity to have had a try-out for them. It really was a blessing to me. I think that they did what was best for the team. Want to thank them for the experience and great first time overseas”, commented Frankie Sullivan. The American might have had the splendid coaching staff of the Fraport Skyliners giving him encouraging words of wisdom, but there was a fourth type mentor form Philadelphia that had no problem giving advice during a time out. Sullivan feels very fortunate to have had a guy like Dawan Robinson giving him tips during his short stay in Frankfurt. “He was one of the players that really made me feel at home. The best tip/advice that he gave me was to always be a professional. Come to work on time and be ready to work when you get there. I learned the most off the court from him. Things like talks about the business side of being a pro. How not to take anything personal its all about business. He is a great guy and still checks on me from time to time”, added Frankie Sullivan.

Before coming to Frankfurt and playing at Auburn, he already made a name for himself averaging  26.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 3.6 assists as a senior for R.C. Hatch High School under coach Homer Davis in earning Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 2A Player of the Year honors in 2008. It was the Bobcats’ third straight state title in finishing 28-1 and their fifth in six years. He finished 6-year varsity career with more than 4,000 points, scored a Class 2A state tournament scoring record 51 points in the Alabama Class 2A title game, including 34 in the second half as R.C. Hatch defeated Barbour County 81-69. One could say that he was already a legend in high school, but when it came to making comparisons to St Marys success in Ohio and Lebron James, he remained stern and showed respect when it is needed. “St Marys and Lebron James´s team was unreal. We were well known in the state for basketball. Basketball in my town wasn’t just a game it was the way life”, warned Frankie Sullivan. He then moved to Auburn where he played from 2008-2013 playing a total of 134 NCAA games. What is interesting to note that despite showing his ability and success on the court, he was also a star in the class room coming to Auburn as a member of the honor society and graduated on December 12, 2011, with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He was the first Tiger to graduate in three and a half years since Marquis Daniels, now of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, earned his degree in 2003. As a senior he played 32 games averaging 14.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 27.7%, FT: 79.0%. Despite having his best stats as an Auburn Tiger, it was an up and down season for him as he started off the season averaging 17,9ppg, but then had a nasty slump only to finish at 14,5ppg and a loss against Texas A & M in his last game in the NCAA. Despite that ending, he wont leave Auburn forgotten as he was ranked first in Auburn history in games played (134), first in 3-point attempts (713), fourth in steals (190), fourth in 3-pointers made (228), fourth in free throws made (334), sixth in free throws attempted (431) and ninth in field goals attempted (1,268). One of the joys for the Alabama native was coming to Frankfurt to play together with ex Auburn teammate Quantez Robertson and one could see that Tez already had a special aura at Auburn. “Tez is one of the reasons why I even attended Auburn. I look up to him. One of if not the hardest workers I know in the game of basketball”, added Frankie Sullivan. He played with Robertson during the 2008-2009 season as he was a senior and Sullivan was a freshman and remembers one of those typical Tez hustle plays on the court. “The most amazing thing I ever seen him do was the game saving blocked shot against Florida in the SEC tournament my freshman year. The man blocked a three point shot for us to win the game. It was fun times”, said Frankie Sullivan. The shot of Quantez Robertson was never his strong suit, but it has improved in the Beko BBL in the last few years and Sullivan agrees. “His shot really has got better over the years all from hard work. He really is a Freak athlete”, warned Frankie Sullivan. Robertson has gotten the freak athlete name from many players, but getting to the NBA just on defense work is possible, but more like having to find a tiger in a long corn field in Alabama. “It doesn’t surprise me because the NBA is hard to get into. However I do think that he could play in the NBA and be a great defensive stopper for a lot of teams. The only thing that I think would be the problem is a scout talking about him not being able to score at his height. The crazy thing is he can score the basketball when he is aggressive. I really think if a team would pick him up they would be getting a steal”, warned Frankie Sullivan.

Sullivan started a new basketball life in Finland after departing Frankfurt playing for Kouvot Kouvola and came to a team that has had players like John Allen, David Bell, Wayne Bernard, Lamarr Greer and AJ Moye playing for them in the past. Despite the slow start by the team at 0-9 and the club struggling through the season with a record of 6-22 the experience had been great. “I loved it. The coach really knows the game. He taught me how to really utilize my talent to be successful. You can always get better at everything. I think once we just get that first win thing will get rolling for us”, stressed Frankie Sullivan. Even if the Finland-Korisliiga is weaker than the Beko BBL, it is never easy coming late to a team and having to be integrated into the team. Finland is also a great league for young and upcoming players to make a name for themselves and then move on to higher leagues as a Ricky Hickman did playing for Macabbi tel Aviv. Sullivan has had no problems having to adjust to the new league as he is averaged 19.4ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 45.3%, 3FGP: 32.6%, FT: 71.7%, He has scored in double figures in all nine games including two 30 point games and a 32 point effort. “First it’s God leading the way for me. Without him I wouldn’t even have been here. My coach is always showed me film, talking to me about making the team better, and I just love the game. My teammates made it easy for me by trusting in me. I’m a firm believer in if you put the hard work in everything else will take care of itself”, added Frankie Sullivan. He played on a team with three other Americans and the rest all Finish players. As a rookie, he took the reigns into his own hands and took responsibility as he was the leading scorer and at the top of other statistics on the team. In a way scoring is something that the American has always known to do, so why not as rookie in Finland. “Scoring the ball has always been something I have had pretty good success in. I wouldn’t say that I am the go to guy, but if that is the role I have to play I don’t mind. I just want to win. I just want to play a role in wining. When you win everyone looks good”, warned Frankie Sullivan. One thing was for sure that when it started getting uncomfortably cold in Finland, Sullivan was hanging out in the Sauna, but he still needed practice, because even if he was able to practice at the Titus Terme sauna at the Fraport Skyliners practice facility, he still needed to find his form in a Finish sauna. “ I tried the other day I might have stayed in there 5 minutes”, smiled Frankie Sullivan. His rookie journey didn´t end in Finland, but brought him back to Germany to Crailsheim where he is balled in the Pro A. It was a little surprising to see him leave a team where he was one of the top performers. “I had great stats but the team wasn’t winning. I’m guessing the team wanted change”, stressed Sullivan. Sullivan joined a team that had a 18-5 record and the second best team in the German Pro A behind 010 Eurochallenge winner BG Goettingen. The American was glad to be playing for a winning team and for a coach that believed in his play. “It has been a great experience to be on such a talented team. My role was to come in the game and bring energy to the team. Coach Young had been very helpful to me in the first few weeks. He believed in in my strengths on the court and allowed me to play my game”, stressed Sullivan. After starting in Frankfurt via Kouvot, he came to Crailsheim a city with only 32,000 people living there and the smallest from each city he has played in his rookie season. However the third was to be the charm as the club was able to move up to the Beko BBL thanks to the support from the American. In 21 games he averaged 9.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.0apg, Steals-4(1.8spg), FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 72.9%. He helped the team get by Gotha and especially against NBC came up big in game three and four supplying 21 and 17 points to get to the final. Crailsheim lost the Pro A final to BG Goettingen, but as the finalist automatically moved up to the Beko BBL. It might have been a long first rookie season for the Alabama native, but to finish it off by aiding Crailsheim reach the Beko BBL made the taste of the Crailsheim specialty Horaff pastry at the victory dinner so much sweeter. Unfortunately Crailsheim didn´t keep Frankie Sullivan, but with his experience as a rookie last season, he would be a great addition to any team even so late now in the preseason.

After a very successful, but also interesting training camp in Austria where the club was confronted with some adventurous experiences like having to stay at an area hotel at the airport which in comparison to the giant Frankfurt city airport is like a town airport instead of staying somewhere in the captivating nature outside of Vienna or the moment when there were too many players on the elevator resulting in the machine standing still. In the game of ice hockey, one can be penalized for too many men on the ice, while in an elevator you get punished with getting a claustrophobic feeling which for Danilo Barthel would still be more bearable then getting surprised with sudden falling spiders from the ceiling. The club won every exhibition game in Austria by more than 15 points and looked very sharp as Gordon Herbert already had his stamp of team basketball inked on his team as no one player stood out, but each guy produced and often the team had 4-5 players in double figures. The Fraport Skyliners finally returned home to their training facility BCM and presented themselves for the first time for the home crowd against Belgium team Leuven. It was the chance for newcomers Richard Williams, Sean Armand, Mikka Koivisto, Mike Morrison and Aaron Dournekamp to display their basketball talent and they didn´t disappoint as they came back after a weak first half where they gave up 45 points to turning up the intensity in the second half and letting up only 25 points and prevailing 78-70. Rookie Sean Armand was thrilled to finally breathe the same air as the fans in Frankfurt. „It was a great feeling playing in this gym. The fans were really excited and one has to apprciate their support. Not all teams have this type of facility and kind of fans“, stressed Iona alumnist Sean Armand. For Aaron Doornekamp, the competition was a healthy change for the team. „It was a great atmosphere and it was good playing against a team Like Leuven that was tougher to play than the teams in Austria. However we were sloppy and can´t have that happen again“, added Aaron Doornekamp. 45 minutes after the game, Quantez Robertson was ending his evening with a quick post game bite at Mcdonalds and also the last time that he would have his afro hair look. Just like last season at the first home test game that Frankfurt won, he had the afro look. Against Leuven it was present again and the luck is on his side as the team is 2-0 when Robertson has that Lion look. „Johannes Voigtmann told me to keep the lion look, but on Sunday I will look normal again“, smiled Quantez Robertson.

The BCM training facility was packed, but fans didn´t see starting point guard import Richard Williams who had a groin injury, but should be ready for the home opener against Phoenix Hagen October 3rd. The Fraport Skyliners started with the big German 3 of Konstantin Klein, Johannes Voigtmann, Danilo Barthel, Quantez Robertson and Sean Armand. However the Belgium team got on the board first as 208cm forward Stehpanie Moris who looked like a mix out of Marius Nolte and Maksym Shtein displayed his soft touch burying a three pointer. However the Fraport Skyliners found their rhythm right away as Johannes Voigtman scored twice as he was served perfectly with passes from Klein and Armand for the 4-3 advantage. Leuven retook the lead as Frankfurt didn´t defend Moris closely as he dropped another three pointer, but Klein tied the score with a lay in. 26 year old 191cm point guard Jason Westrol who played at Bently(NCAA2) scored inside, but Robertson cut the Leuven lead to 10-9 with a three pointer. Westrol got going scoring two more buckets as Leuven led 14-9. New Skyliner Mikko Koivisto who played at the 2014 World championships in Spain with Finland and played against NBA stars like James Harden and Derrick Rose recently hit his first jumper cutting the Leuven lead to 15-14. Howver then it was Morris again nailing his third three pointer of the game as Leuven led 17-15. „Moris is a pick and pop player. When he screens then we know he will pop. He got going and got confidence that helped us“, stated Elias Lasisi. Oliver Troisfontaines then connected on a three pointer as Leuven led 20-15. In the last minute, Frankfurt closed out the first quarter with a 5-0 run as Doornekamp hit a pull up jumper and Klein as always used his aggressive defense to his advantage forcing a steal and going coast to coast. After 10 minutes the game was deadlocked at 20-20.

In the second quarter the game stayed even for the first five minutes before Leuven went on a run in the last five minutes to go into halftime with the lead. A positive aspect to the more weaker first half for the Fraport Skyliners was the stepping up of certain players in certain moments as young German Johannes Richter was one of these players as he connected on two consecutive three pointers as Frankfurt still led 26-23. However Jaromir Boachic from the Czech Republic brought back some old school elements with a left handed hook shot and then scored inside as Leuven regained the lead 27-26. Voigtmann would give Frankfurt the lead one more time with a lay in 28-27, but Leuven then went on their run closing out the second quarter with a 18-8 run to lead 45-37. As it was Moris in the first quarter making nine points, now it was time for Belgium Yannick Desiron to take the reigns into his own hands as he made 10 of the 18 points in the Leuvin run. He scored the first 7 points in the run as Leuvin led 34-28. Frankfurt was having immense problems on the defensive side especially keeping their shooters covered. The only highlight for Frankfurt in this run was the Mike Morrison dunk that was actually a Danilo Barthel airball that was perfectly in the air for the athletic big man to stuff home. Desiron hit another three pointer as Leuven led 42-34. „Desiron got us going. After he hit that first shot, he got confidence and continued making shots which carried us“, stressed Elias Lasisi. Leuven kept the momentum and led 45-37 at halftime. „I think that Frankfurt had to much adrenaline which got to them in the first half“, said ex SC Rasta Vechta point guard Richard Williams. „We really played very good defense in the first half“, added Elias Lasisi.

During the halftime, Gordon Herbert had a very intense talk with his team behind closed doors and it seemed to do wonders as it was like night and day as the Fraport Skyliners won the third quarter 28-7. „Coach Herbert told us to stop playing individual and play harder with more effort“, stressed Sean Armand. The Fraport Skyliners came out rejuvenated and quickly poured on a 10-0 run to lead 47-45. Frankfurt got input from many players as Robertson hit free throws, Doornekamp a pull up jumper, Barthel a tip in dunk and three pointer and Klein a lay up with hard penetration. Herbert had rattled the lineup keeping Armand out and inserting Doornekamp. The Canadian didn´t feel that his entrance was a big reason for the turnaround as this was something that was bound to happen. „It is easy to come out after a horrible first half. We had to get better and we had more energy. We can´t afford to have a first half like that again or we could be down 20 points“, warned Aaron Doornekamp. The Fraport Skyliners were clicking as a unit as they kept their turnovers down which was a problem in the second quarter and forced their opponent to more turnovers with more intensity on defense. Voigtmann got to the free throw line twice and made a reverse lay up and Doornekmap nailed a three pointer. With so much offense clicking the self confidence rises as even a Max Merz attempted a tough fade away jumper from the corner that saw nothing but net as Leuven trailed 58-49. Frankfurt also was doing a better job getting their transition game in action as Merz found Voigtmann running the floor for two easy points. Barthel poured down a three pointer as the Fraport Skyliners led 64-52 after 30 minutes. „Energy and effort brings execution. Defense was the key in the third and we played as a team and not individually“, commented Sean Armand.

It took Beko BBl rookie Sean Armand 32 minutes before he got his first bucket hitting a three pointer. All in all it was a disappointing debut for him at home as he shot 1/9 with two rebounds one assist and two turnovers. One could see on his expression that he was more than not content with his performance, but as a shooter one can´t always expect Andrew Rautins shooting performances. „It was just one of those days where nothing was falling. When that happens I try to get my passing game involved and play good defense and get that win“, stressed Sean Armand. „It was one of those days. Everyone has them. You have to remember Armand is a rookie and it is a learning process“, stated Richard Williams. New Skyliner American Mike Morrison who had been quiet got some energy into the game with a tip in and then thunderous dunk as he drove through the lane as the Leuven defense just watched as Frankfurt led 71-57. Barthel got his shooting going making a three pointer as Frankfurt led 74-59. The game pretty much ended here for Frankfurt as with 4 minutes to go, Leuven closed out the game strong going on a 11-4 run. Jason Westrol got the offense going with a fade away jumper. Leuven changed their game plan a bit and got to the free throw line more as Lasisi and Tumba got there as did Westrol. This was perhaps a strategy they should of followed earlier. „We ran out of time at the end. We could of come back as they let go. But all in all, Frankfurt played with more intensity in the second half and we had problems completing our plays“, stressed Elias Lasisi. „We were sloppy at the end. We need to end games better“, warned Aaron Doornekamp.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Danilo Barthel with 17 points and nine rebounds. Johannes Voigtmann added 12 points and six rebounds. Aaron Doornekamp had a solid game scoring 10 points, hauling down six rebounds and dishing out three assists. Leuven was led by Jason Westrol with 19 points, six assists and four rebounds. Stephanie Moris had 12 points while Yannick Desirl added 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 45% from the field and 33% from outside while Leuvin shot 48% from the field and 33% from the parking lot. Frankfurt won the rebound duel 36-29 and had only 12 turnovers while Leuvin had 15 turnovers. An interesting tidbid that one could dwell on was how much more fasterwould the team be if Richard Williams had been in the game? „That is tough to judge because we have a different look with him as he can always change the the rhythm. We would have been even quicker. I think teams in general will have problems with us. We have Williams and Klein that bring nonstop pressure as does Max Merz. There aren´t many teams that have three guards like that“, warned Aaron Doornekamp. As the team is less than two weeks away from opening day there are good things, but also bad things in the game that need to be erased. „I like how we came back in the second half. It was either fold or accept the challenge and we played well. We need to work on bringing energy form the start, better execution as like always defense can be better“, warned Sean Armand. The Fraport Skyliners wrap up their pres season on September 28th with a game against Bruessels.

Patrick Simon is a 203cm forward from Ephrata, Washington that is starting his professional basketball career in Germany with Erdgas Ehingen. He started his basketball career in 2010 with Washington St. (NCAA) where he played until 2012. He then moved to Seattle Pacific (NCAA2) and as a senior played 29 games: 16.0ppg, 5.0rpg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: NCAA2-1(50.0%), FT: 81.6%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball this past summer before he came to Germany.

 

 

Thanks for talking to German Hoops Patrick. Where are you at the moment and how have you been enjoying your summer?

Right now I’m in my hometown of Ephrata, WA after moving my things back home from Seattle before I leave for Germany in the next couple weeks. My summer has been going well spending time with friends and family.

You have signed a contract with German pro A team Erdgas Ehingen for the upcoming season. How excited are you starting your professional basketball career in Germany?

I am very excited to start my professional career in Germany. Professional basketball has always my ultimate goal so I am happy that I will be able to start that adventure this coming year.

How was the summer transfer market as a rookie. Did you have many offers from Europe and what sold you most on coming to the Ehingen program?

I had one other offer and a couple other teams showing interest before I signed with Erdgas Ehingen. The process was very new to me but I feel confident that I found a good place. I was sold on Ehingen because they have a very professional reputation and are known for developing young players like myself.

You will be coming to Ehingen just as the Ralph Junge era ended. He has moved to another Pro A team Nurnberg as head coach. He has been responsible for developing countless German players in Ehingen in the last 10 years. You will play for Michael Spoecker who is a young coach and coached the U-19 team of Ehingen. Have you spoken to him and what has been your overall impression?

I have been able to speak with Michael over the phone and see that he is a good guy with good philosophies. I am excited to play for him.

You are only 21 one, but had a very interesting college career playing at Washington State and the last two seasons for Seattle Pacific (NCAA2). What was high school life for you having been the youngest player ever chosen by a Washington state school in ninth grade to commit to Washington State? You had a very good high school career, but do you think not having been known as a phenom might have brought your early development in a different direction?

Committing to WSU as a freshman in high school definitely put a spotlight on my basketball career. After having a successful high school career, the transition to college was much different. I was not fully prepared for the physicality and speed of the game at the next level. I developed a great deal early on in college but still had a lot of room to grow.

Head coach Tony Bennett had recruited you to Washington state, but left for Virginia before you arrived in 2010. New head coach was Ken Bone. You averaged 3,2ppg and 2,7pg your first two seasons. Ken Bone had stated you would play more your junior season. Why weren´t you able to play more of a role under Ken Bone?

I didn’t feel that I fit into the system that well at WSU, my role had become too limited for my playing style and I didn’t see myself being successful moving forward into my junior and senior year. I was also playing behind Abe Lodwick and Brock Motum, who are both now playing professionally.

You then found a home at Seattle Pacific (NCAA2). After not getting a real chance at Washington State, did you feel a lot of pressure at Seattle Pacific (NCAA2) I mean you knew that the NBA was out of reach, but were you thinking about still being able to possibly play in Europe when your college career was over?

I was able to go to SPU with a lot of confidence knowing that I would play a big role on the team right away and got back into a winning program. I approached the experience at first with the wait-and-see mentality to see how well I would do and how much I would like it. After two good seasons at SPU, I knew for sure that I wanted to continue my playing career.

You were the best three point shooter last season in the NCAA2 shooting 50%. Who has been your role model shooter at the power forward position that you kind of looked up to?

The two players close to my position that I have always looked up to have been Adam Morrison and Dirk Nowitzki. Adam Morrison was a great scorer with an unorthodox game and Dirk is a great shooter and scorer for being a 7-footer.

You can obviously hit form outside, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

I believe that a hidden strength of mine other than shooting and scoring is my passing ability.

You hit San Francisco State last season with 10/12 three pointers and ran out of ideas of celebrations after hitting a three pointer. why didn´t you call up Klay Thompson? I am sure he could of given you some advice? Lol

I usually keep a solid 5 or 6 celebrations in my arsenal, and I was amazed when I could not come up with any more.

How has head coach Ryan Looney prepared you best for a professional basketball career. What was the most important thing that you have learned from him?

I have learned a lot from Coach Looney over the last two years. From him I have learned the importance of fine-tuning my game. We ran a very structured offense at SPU, which made it important to know what moves and shots would work in certain situations.

What memories do you have of Abe Lodwick at Washington State? He has had two solid seasons as a professional in Europe and is looking to make the next step in Belgium this season?

Abe was somewhat of a mentor to me during my time at WSU. Playing the same position, I basically learned the ropes from him. He has a heck of a work ethic and will continue to have good seasons in Europe.

Klay Thompson can light it up with the best of them. What was the most incredible thing you saw him do in a practice or game that you will never forget?

It’s hard to narrow it down to one practice or game where Klay lit it up on the court. But one play that I will always remember was my freshman year when we played Baylor in the Diamondhead classic in Hawaii. It was a close game, he had an iso with the ball in the middle of the court, he pulled up and hit about a 27 foot three, which extended our lead with only a couple minutes left in the game.

How does a normal work out day look like for Patrick Simon in the summer?

On a normal workout day in the summer, I like either get in a good hour and a half to two-hour workout or two one hour workouts. I like to lift weights earlier in the day and play open gym or shoot during the afternoon or evening.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Lone Survivor.

 

Thnaks Patrick for the chat.