Steven Bennett is a 25 year old 173cm point guard from Los Angeles that is playing his second professional basketball season with the Giessen 46ers. Last season he played for  the Spot Up Medium Baskets Braunschweig. With Braunschweig he played 10 games averaging 22.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 5.1apg, 2.4spg, 2FGP: 57.5%, 3FGP: 34.2%, FT: 76.6% He is one of the few special players that has a tenacity and will to win that is unmatched; it is impossible to judge him based upon height alone because he can compete with anyone in the world. He has proven this in the Maui Invitational division I tournament in 2010, and was recognized as one of the top players (All-Maui Award) from a field of other top US point guards such as Kemba Walker, Kailin Lucas and Brandon Knight. Bennett is known for his great court vision and passing ability, and is able to get in the lane at will and finish against anyone with either left or right hand. Every team bases their defensive strategy around Bennett and is forced to take create his own shot and take his three point shots off the dribble. He is an excellent shooter, but wants to continue to improve his already respectable 40% three point percentage. Steven is known for having excellent leadership skills, and is highly respected by all of his peers and coaches. He played at Citrus JC (JUCO) from 2007-2009 and then played at  Chaminade (NCAA2). Last summer he also found experience playing for the  Rockingham Flames (Australia-SBL) He played three games with 2013 NBA draft pick Dennis Schroeder last season in the Pro B. He spoke to eurobasket after the 74-65 loss in game two against BG Goettingen.

 

 

A tough 74-65 loss in game two against BG Goettingen. Why does Giessen continue to start so bad into games?

 

I feel that at times we lack that sense of urgency. Coach Wucherer has addressed this problem with us. Having this problem may be because we are one of the youngest teams in the league.

 

What led to the 14-1 BG Goettingen start into the game?

 

We lacked toughness and they came out like they wanted it more than us and that hurt us.

 

BG Goettingen impresses with their strong ball movement. How difficult is it to defend that in a playoff game that has meaning?

 

Their ball movement is so good and one of the reasons is that it never stops moving. It just keeps going and going. You can see that they really want to win the title. The good ball movement has a lot to do with the veteran play which really helps their system.

 

What was key in crunch time for BG Goettingen getting the win?

 

We didn´t get stops at the end. I thought that we pressured them well, but also were unlucky that we didn´t get wide rebounds or loose balls.

 

Giessen was outrebounded badly again. How do you want to rebound better in game three?

 

I hope that Myles Hesson will be back. We just have to play tougher as a team on the boards.

 

With Myles Hesson out, did you feel a lot of pressure having to step up?

 

I felt more pressure as did my teammates who had the need to step up. We had to be more aggressive as a team.

 

What was your impression of American Alex Ruoff who looked so calm in any situation where he ahd the ball?

 

You can tell right away that he understands game. He plays with a lot of confidence and that helps his team very much.

 

Giessen also has had problems with Harper Kamp who has scored 37 points and grabbed 18 rebounds in the two game series. Why is he so difficult to defend?

 

He is a very hard worker and probably one of the hardest workers in the German Pro A. His size and motor causes problems for every team in the league.

 

Your teammate Joshiko Saibou has showed so much heart in this series. Is there anyone with a bigger heart than him?

 

It is so big and he has a fire and passion for the game like I have never seen before. He plays his heart out in every game.

 

Giessen now has another do or die game in Goettingen on Friday. What will be key for forcing a game four in Giessen?

 

We have to start better. Once we are in rhythm, then we are ok. When we were in rhythm, we won both second halves against BG Goettingen. We have to be more aggressive as them as a team to be successful in game three.

 

Your ex teammate Dennis Schroeder and the Atlanta Hawks upset Indiana in game one. Where do you see this series going?

 

This could be a wild series. The Pacers confidence has been down as of recent. If Indiana doesn´t watch out, Atlanta just might get by. I see this series going six or seven games.

 

What is your take on your favorite team Los Angeles Clippers against the Golden State Warriors?

 

The clippers have to take it one game at a time. They have to put this game behind them. I see the Clippers advancing in six games.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

30 for 30 Bad Boy Pistons documentary.

 

Thanks Steven for the chat.

Ahmad Smith is a 29 year old 194cm guard from Virginia that is playing his second season for the Rent4Office of the German PRO A. He started the season BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA)12 games: 7.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.7apg, 2FGP: 48.9%, 3FGP: 14.3%, FT: 72.2%, in Jan.’13 moved to Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProA, starting five): 19 games: 9.6ppg, Reb-4(8.5rpg), Assists-2(6.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 35.5%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 77.6% He played at St.Bonaventure(NCAA) from 2002-2006 and in his senior year played 28 games: ScoreA10-8(14.2ppg), RebA10-10(6.2rpg), AssistsA10-9(3.5apg), FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 59.8%. In 2006-2007, he played for Mardyke UCC Demons Cork (Ireland-SuperLeague): 9 games: 18.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 60.8%. In 2007-2008, he played for SVD 49 Dortmund (Regionalliga): 6 games: 30.2ppg. In 2008-2009, he played for : BSV Wulfen (Germany-Regionalliga) 23.5ppg, 10.1rpg, 6.0apg, 3PT: 35.2%. In 2009-2010, he played for Hertener Loewen (Germany-ProB)29 games: 18.2ppg, Reb-2(8.7rpg), Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 69.5%. In 2010-2011, he played for s Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (Germany-ProA): left before the season started, then moved to SVD 49 Dortmund (Germany-Regionalliga): 6 games: 12.8ppg, waived in Nov.’10, in Jan.’11 signed at Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProB, starting five): 15 games: 8.3ppg, 6.8rpg, Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 69.1%. Last season for the Kichheim Knights he played  35 games: 9.9ppg, 6.1rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 62.0% He spoke to eurobasket after the 77-70 win in game one against Crailsheim.

 

Ahmad congrats on the 77-70 win in Crailsheim. Looking back now on the 40 minute game. How perfect was the game plan of head coach Benjamin Travnizek to get this huge win on the road in game one?

I feel well prepared for every game our coach game plans have been stellar during the playoffs.

Nurnberg got off to a fast start and won the first three quarters. What was key for being able to control the game so smoothly in a hostel environment?

We moved the ball well and our shooters got open shots. We were poised and didn’t allow their fans to get in the game.

In the third quarter, Crailsheim made it exciting one more time scoring 28 points, but ran out of time. Did Nurnberg get a bit tired at the end?

No fatigue was not a factor. Craislheim is a good team and will make runs.

How key was it keeping Medlock, Johnson and Polas in check to 25 points combined?

It was a main key for us to play defense at a high level for 40 mins.

You just missed a triple double with 10 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. You were the most effective player on the court. Do you see yourself going more in a scoring direction or creating for your teammates in this series?

I’m just trying to stay aggressive on both ends of the court.

How possible is it that whoever wins the game to game duel Carlos Medlock vs Ahmad Smith will undoubtedly win the series at the end?

It’s Nurnberg vs Craislheim which ever team plays the best will win the series

Was sharing the ball and unselfishness one of the biggest strength for NBC?

Our unselfishness and team defense was the key to the win.

NBC has the home court advantage now. What will be most key to winning game two besides keeping your composure?

Playing defense and competing we know they will come ready to play.

Do the Dallas Mavericks have any chance of getting past the San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs?

No I think the Spurs will win in 5

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Robocop

Thanks Ahmad for the chat.

 

 

 

Myles Hesson is a 23 year old 195 cm forward from Birmingham, England that is one of the 12 best players in Great Britain and was selected for the 2013 national team playing in Slovenia at the Eurochampionships. He currently is playing in the German Pro A this season for the Giessen 46ers. Last season 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%. Last season 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%. This past summer, he was a member of the British national team taking part in preparations for the 2012 Summer Olympics. He also took part at the British 3×3 Mixed and menTeam for World Championships in Greece  in 2012. He spoke to eurobasket after losing game one in Goettingen.

 

Myles a tough 71-56 loss in game one of the semifinals Pro A playoffs against BG Goettingen. You suffered a foot injury in the third quarter and had to be brought to hospital. What exactly happened and how are you?

 

I dislocated my big toe, I am alright just a bit frustrated.

Game two is in 48 hours. Will you be able to play or is your season over?

I am getting an x ray done today to see if anything is broken so I dont know for sure yet.

Giessen trailed 48-24 at halftime. What were the main reasons for being behind by so much and what was giving Giessen the most problems with the BG Goettingen defense?

They came out and played harder and more physical than we did, That was it basically.

Giessen head coach Denis Wucherer stated that Giessen defended a lot beiiter in the second half giving up only 29 points. What adjustments did Giessen seem to make?

I am not sure as I didnt get to watch it but I am sure we stepped up our physicality on both ends of the floor like we talked about in the locker room at half time.

BG Goettingen forward Harper Kamp had 20 points and 10 rebounds. What is most tricky about his game that makes him so hard to control?

He is a very mobile and strong big, We need to do a better job of keeping him off the offensive glass.

If you look at the most important team stats like shooting and turnovers, then both teams were pretty even. Only on the boards did BG Goettingen dominate more. The Giesen guards did a pretty good job helping out, but how can Giessen as a whole give a better presence under the boards in game two?

We need to do a collectively better job boxing out and really going after every loose ball.

How confident are you that Giessen will tie the series 1-1 on Monday night? Giessen did a pretty good job on Goettingen as a team except for controlling Kamp and ex Giessen German Spohr. What will be key in tying the series?

I am confident that we know what to do to beat BG Goettingen in game two, We just need to come out to a good start and execute on both ends.

Do the Dallas mavericks have any chance of getting by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs?

I hope so, I am not a fan of the spurs, so the earlier they get beat the better.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Lone Survivor.

 

Thanks Myles for the chat.

When you are growing up anywhere in Canada and especially in Edmonton, Alberta, the only sport that is released from the mouths of individuals there is ice hockey and even if the person has been drunk or has been in a coma and just woken up, the first word that probably will be said is ice hockey and the second Wayne Gretzky who became a legend with the Edmonton Oilers and the greatest player ever on the face of the earth in the 80s. So even for a big guy like Jermaine Bucknor who is 200cm to get interested in any other sport than ice hockey, there must have been a special reason why he fell in love with the big orange ball than the hard plastic puck. “I actually started playing soccer and played it for seven years. Then I got to tall and played basketball. I never got into playing hockey for some reason. I was living in an area where basketball was being played. I belonged to a few outcasts that played basketball. Now there are more playing basketball”, stressed Jermaine Bucknor. Bucknor who loved to watch Michael Jordan as a kid is currently playing in his eighth professional season after playing at Richmond(NCAA) and played his first four seasons in France and since then mainly in Germany for Frankfurt, Wurzburg and now Trier and a short stay and few months in Argentina. Bucknor is playing his second season in Trier for 1993 NCAA champion Henrik Rodl and each day, if one wanted to find a place with the most Canadians in one spot in Trier, then you would most likely find them at the TBB Trier practice with Bucknor, Warren Ward and Jermaine Anderson. Maybe it is the company of fellow Canadians, or just the tranquility and beautiful scenery of Trier that has kept Bucknor so focused as he is having his best statistical season in Germany at the age of 30 and is shooting the highest percentage ever from down town in his professional career at 45,6%. Bucknor is the type of glue guy that is deadly from outside and gives support under the basket with rebounding. Currently he is the fourth best scorer on the team averaging 9,4ppg, 4,3rpg and 2,0apg. He does a bit of everything on offense and can take some scoring off the shoulders of American Trevon Hughes and German Andreas Seiferth when they aren´t on. He once made 70 free throws at a Skyliner practice and considers his post defense a hidden strength and is a player that probably had an unending smile on his face when he heard that ex Boston Celtic Paul Pierce had become the 18^th NBA player to eclipse 25,000 points. “I have played the position three in the past and now the position four. I like to watch the game of Paul Pierce. He is a big guard with a good post-up game. I like to emulate my game after his”, smiled Jermaine Bucknor. Despite TBB Trier not making the playoffs, Bucknor still has something to smile about after this season and will be motivated to work even harder this off season to keep his good play going next season despite having reached the 30 plateau.

The 11^th place finish of TBB Trier with a record of 15-19 last season may have looked normal since the club has been in the no mans land practically since 2004, but it was rather deceiving because with three games left in the regular season the club was three wins away from the playoffs and three losses away from going down. The last month was a real battle, but the team buckled down and finished strong to breathe another season in the top German basketball league. This season as every season head coach henrik Rodl did a good job keeping a part of the team together and then adding a healthy mix of Germans and international players to help round out his new rotation. He kept Jermaine Bucknor(8,2ppg, 5,8rpg and 2,0apg) who is a 30 year old 200cm forward from Canada that played at Richmond and has good European experience having played in France and for Frankfurt and Wurzburg. His good outside shooting and versatile play inside coupled with his jovial mood and experience will aid the team. Germans Mathis Monninghoff, Andreas Seiferth and Zimbabwean Vitalis Chikoko also return to team. Monninghoff(10,2ppg, 3,4rpg) is a 21 year old 200cm swing man that started his career with Leverkusen and played 52NCAA games for Gonzaga. His shot is his big asset, but he isn´t one dimensional, but smart turns over the ball seldom and plays aggressive defense. Andreas Seiferth(5,3ppg, 3,3rpg) is a 24 year old 209cm center that made the jump to the German national team last summer. He is playing his third season in Trier after learning the trade in the Alba Berlin school. He is a guy that always works hard and has developed a cute hook shot. He is a guy that can still develop and this season will be another test to see if he can make the next step. Chikoko(10,2ppg, 7,0rpg) is a 22 year old 207cm forward that can also play center and has turned into a leading player in Trier this season. He played at BG Goettingen two seasons ago where the league  already took notice as he played 17 games averaging 6.9ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT-2(50.0%), FT: 54.2%. Last season for TBB Trier he played 33 games: 6.2ppg, 2.9rpg, FGP: 60.9%, 3PT-3(50.0%), FT: 61.4%. He has unending athletic ability and can rebound and block shots, but at times his overzealous energy leads to too many fouls.

The club brought in TreVon Huughes(18,2ppg, 4,2rpg, 4,6apg) who is a 26 year old 184 cm point guard from Queens, New York that is playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany. He played at Wisconsin(NCAA) with NBA players like Jon Leuer, Alando Tucker and Marcus Landry. As a professional he has played in countries like Slovenia, Latvia and Lithuvania. He has shown no problems adapting to the skilled Beko BBL and can fill up the stats sheets as a combo guard and will give Rodl smiles with his defense. Jermaine Anderson(9,6ppg, 5,0rpg, 2,8apg) is a 30 year old 188cm point guard from Toronto, Canada that has played in Germany for teams like Bamberg, Tuebingen and Braunschweig. In Europe he has played in countries like Croatia, Poland, Russia and Monetnegro. His three pointer is deadly as he has shown throughout his career like shooting 48% in Greece and Croatia. He will be like an assistant coach on the court for Rodl. Laurynas Samenas(4,4ppg, 2,0rpg) is a 25 year old 192cm guard from Lituvania that is playing his first season out of his native country. Last season he played for  BC Siauliai (LKL) playing 22 games: Score-5(15.0ppg), 2.2rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 78.4%; Baltic League: 17 games: 14.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 50.7%, FT: 79.1%. He is known for his shooting and defense and can give the team energy from the bench. After four seasons and 74 Beko BBL games with Bayreuth, Stefan Schmidt(4,4ppg, 3,2rpg) is searching for a new challenge in Trier. Schmidt is a 24 year old 207cm center that was born in Schwandorf. He had the chance to play behind two ex NBA players with Jared Reiner and Brandon Hunter. Schmidt never was able to make his breakthrough in Bayreuth and in Trier will come from the bench to give Seifert rest. He always works hard and this season will be very important in his development. Warren Ward(4,5ppg, 1,8rpg) is a 23 year old 196cm guard and third Canadian on the roster. He is a rookie coming from the University of Ottawa (CIS) and as a senior played  26 games: 18.8ppg, 8.0rpg, 3.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 81.8%. He doesn´t have an easy task having to replace Nate Linhardt. Ward is very athletic and can jump very high. He grabbed eight rebounds  a game and will help the team in many ways on offense. Andreas Wenzl(3,7ppg, 1,3rpg) is a 20 year old 201cm center that arrives to Trier as a big project. He started his career with ratiopharm Ulm and played at the 2011 and 2012 NBBL Allstar games. In the NBBL he has shown his scoring and rebounding ability, but knee problems have slowed him down. In Trier he will get a chance to get minutes with the Regionaliga team and beko BBL club. Anthony Canty is a 22 year old 183cm guard that is injured. He started his career in 2007 with  BSG Bremerhaven (Oberliga) and in 2009 to Beko BBl team Eisbaeren Bremerhaven where he played  a total of 63 games in four seasons. He is another very big German talent that could shine in Trier. His speed is his biggest asset and isn´t shy to take big shots if no one else wants to. The club brought in Marin Petric that is a 33 year old 190cm guard that has the German/Croatian citizenship. He has Beko BBL experience with Leverkusen and Duesseldorf and last season played for Murat Didin for  Duesseldorf Baskets (Germany-ProA): 39 games: 10.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 67.4%.

Since Rodl has been coach with TBB Trier he hasn´t only made young German player development an institution, but also priding the game of the team on defense. They have belonged to the top defense teams in the Beko BBL, but just weren´t more successful because they often were unable to score more points than what they gave up. As always TBB trier will develop their game through their defense and let the offense work from there. The club lost important players with Americans Nate Linhardt and Barry Stewart, but got good players with Jermaine Anderson and TeVon Hughes. This season TBB Trier has been as usual in no mans land in the middle of the standing never having to worry about fighting in the league or scratching at the playoff spots. Their biggest wins were against Their biggest wins were against ratiopharm Ulm, the Telekom Baskets Bonn and they kept their composure winning the season series against the scrappy SC Rasta Vechta winning both games combined only by five points. At the moment, TBB Trier is in 11^th place playing respectable basketball having won three of their last five games and recently lost a close battle with the Brose Baskets Bamberg in Trier. The Fraport Skyliners are stuck in a six game losing streak in 13^th place as they have been hit hard by the crunch time disease. It seems like the only remedy is a massive success experience to get out of th rut. “We beat Trier there, and now we can´t beat anyone. Trier is tough and coach Henrik Rodl does a great job of preparing his team for each game. I think it will be another defensive battle similar to the Hagen game”, stressed Jacob Burtschi.”WE have to stay tough on the offensive and defensive end for 40 minutes. This will be a defensive battle and just a dog fight”, warned Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners meet TBB Trier on Easter Monday April 21^st.

In the last Six years, The Skyliners have a record of 9-7 against TBB Trier with 5-3 at home and 4-4 on the road. In 2008-2009, TBB Trier played a very energetic and spirited game winning 78-70 despite a monster game by American Derrick Allen who registered 29 points and 10 boards. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners lost the first game of the season in Trier 71-67 as Jimmy Mckinney and Qarraan Calhoun were missing due to injury. It was your typical season opening game as both teams were nervous and missing way too many shots. The game was tied at halftime 26 all. Frankfurt had fire power in the third quarter, but went down in the fourth quarter scoring only nine points as Frankfurt had no nerves in crunch time to win. Derrick Allen had 19 points and eight rebounds and despite TBB Trier was without top scorer Chrs Copeland, the team got needed production form Jamal Shuler, Brian Brown and George Evans to conserve the win. In 2009-2010, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners lost the first game ion Trier 71-67 as Ex Skyliner Derrick Allen contributed 19 points and eight rebounds and Frankfurt won at home 71-69 winning the game with Pascal Roller free throws. Derrick Allen led Frankfurt with 17 points. In 2010-2011, Frankfurt swept the season series. They won at home 72-55 as Pascal Roller led the home team with 17 points. The return date in Trier was an exciting battle as Frankfurt clawed out a 69-61 win as they came from behind going on a 10-0 run in crunch time to prevail. Dashaun Wood led the charge with 18 points and Jimmy Mckinney added 11 points. In their first meeting in 2011-2012, TBB Trier came out with a 64-54 victory as defense played a key role. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Jon Leuer and Jimmy Mckinney with 14 points a piece. In their second meeting that year, the Fraport Skyliners were riding the wave of a very strong second half of the season where they had beat top teams like FC Bayern Munich, ratiopharm Ulm, Bamberg, Artland Dragons and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg and came to Trier with a lot of self confidence winning 72-52 displaying another trademark top defensive performance as ex NBA player Jermareo Davidson steered 19 points to the win and Jimmy Mckinney added 18 points. This was also the game where Eisbaeren Bremerhaven forward Jacob Burtschi was on the floor as much as Boris Becker had dived on the hallowed lawn at Wimbeldon in his career. Last season  TBB Trier swept the season series won at home against Frankfurt  78-59. At halftime everything looked ok as Frankfurt trailed by only one point, but TBB trier exploded in the third quarter winning it 25-8 leading them on to the win. American Brian Harper proved too much for Frankfurt with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Skyliner Ted Scott gave his debut netting 20 points. In the return game in Frankfurt, TBB trier won 78-70 sending the Fraport Skyliners into a do or die game with Ludwigsburg as Jermaine Bucknor and Andreas Seiferth led the way with 14 points a piece. Frankfurt was led by Quantez Robertson with 14 points and Ryan Brooks added 13 points. In their first meeting this season, the FRaport Skyliners came out of Trier with a big 85-75 victory as Andrew Rautins smoked Trier for 30 points. Jacob Burtschi and Danilo Barthel added 15 points  a piece. TBB Trier was led by Trevohn Hughes with 29 points and Vitalis Chikoko added 11 points.

 

 

 

 

 

Myles Hesson is a 23 year old 195 cm forward from Birmingham, England that is one of the 12 best players in Great Britain and was selected for the 2013 national team playing in Slovenia at the Eurochampionships. He currently is playing in the German Pro A this season for the Giessen 46ers. Last season 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%. Last season 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%. This past summer, he was a member of the British national team taking part in preparations for the 2012 Summer Olympics. He also took part at the British 3×3 Mixed and menTeam for World Championships in Greece  in 2012. He spoke to German Hoops after advancing by Science City Jena

 

Myles congrats on the 87-73 win in the do or die game against Science City Jena. How do you feel after this series? How much toll did it take on you for a young man of 23 years?

 

Thanks, I must say I am quite worn out playing the style of basketball that Jena played, I have taken a few hits here and there but I am young so I will be fine with a few days rest. I will be ready for Goettingen in the 2nd round.

Steven Bennett said after the win that Giessen didn´t want to come out in the fourth quarter letting Science City Jena back into the game. What was key for not letting them do that like they did in game one and game three?

Being composed under pressure and attacking them when they trapped us rather than playing conservatively.

How important was the positive influence of head coach Dennis Wucherer? He usually seemed calm, but at times was flipping out in game five. What was the most important quality that the German coach possessed in this series and game five that helped Giessen advance?

Its very important to have a coach that can balance being positive with you but also someone who will get on you when your not playing the best you can. His preparation for the games are what stands out for me the most. We kept the leagues leading scorer to well under his season averages, and this wasnt by luck, it was part of our game plan and it paid off for us.

You averaged 21 points in the five game series and was a very important figure in the team advancing. How important was a Steven Bennett to your game? He said when he is extra aggressive, it allows you to conserve energy and give help in other areas like rebounding and defense?

He is our starting point guard, he runs the show . He balances scoring and assisting really well. When he is extra aggressive it does make it a bit easier for me to do other things for the team, because I can save some energy on offense when I see he is starting to heat up.

You had two beautiful back door passes to Rob Chubb for easy buckets. You really mastered the extra pass in game five. It seemed like team basketball was at its best in game 5 for Giessen?

Yeah team basketball is always the best and most fun way to play, I get just as much enjoyment in making the extra pass to an open teammate as I do if I make the shot. As you can see, the teams that play the best team basketball have made it through to the final four. Those teams who had one or two guys taking all the shots didnt make it into the playoffs

Who was your unsung hero of the five game series for the Giessen 46ers?

TJ without a doubt has been a rock for us all season, He plays hard every game and does all the little things we need in order to win.

The Giessen 46ers next play BG Goettingen. Giessen lost both games. What was key for them winning both games and what does Giessen have to do different this time to get over the hump?

We cant think about the losses we took to them in the regular season, we can only think about what we can do now. I believe if we play our style of basketball for 4 quarters that we can beat them and any team in this league so its down to us to be focused and ready to do so.

How important will this five game series be against Science City Jena for your chances against BG Goettingen. It seems like Giessen has understood how to come away victorious in five hard fought battles against the most aggressive team in Pro A Science City Jena?

Its brought us closer as a team because we have all had moments were the team has relied on us to make big plays so I think we will be ready.

What kind of series will we see between NBC and Crailsheim? Could one witness an upset here?

That is an interesting match up to see, Its the battle of the point guards, Smith and Medlock, we will have to see who can lead there team to the finals. Its hard to call.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Friday

Thanks Myles for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The one guy let his defense speak volumes at Auburn(NCAA) while opponents were ripping out their hair as too who this quick athletic player was with the less common name Quantez while the other guy was making a name for himself at Marshall(NCAA) where as a senior he averaged   13.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3Pts: 34.3%, FT: 75.9% and also displayed defensive skills being named to the C-USA All-Defensive Team. However at the end of the day  Quantez Robertson and Mark Dorris are only your average professional players that are experiencing their dream of playing overseas and in the same country in Germany. Both guys also come from the same city Cincinnati. And after a hard workout during the summer where each guy is meticulously working on their game the way a satisfied Lion is scrapping off the remaining meat from a bone, these guys will still test their skills together on the playgrounds of the city that gave the world the likes of basketball great Oscar Robertson, Baseball hero´s David Justice and Barry Larkin and football great Roger Staubach each night during the summer. Robertson has been in the Beko BBL since 2009 and is playing his fifth professional season with Frankfurt while Mark Dorris is playing his fourth professional season and third with Phoenix Hagen and also played a season with Ludwigsburg. Robertson has really upped his offensive game as of recently being a sort of go to guy with injuries and other guys having off nights while Dorris has always been a scorer as he had 27 points against hi ex team Ludwigsburg and 25 points against Frankfurt. His stringy agile play is so unique that a special fantasy figure should be created that makes it difficult to get a hand on his shots as off balance should be his second nickname after Mr fantastic. These two friends have met in the Beko BBL seven times as Robertson has the edge coming into the game at 5-2. Dorris is 0-2 in Hagen against Super Tez and was hoping for that first win in his away from home living room and was rewarded with a 66-63 crunch time win as Phoenix Hagen snapped their four game losing streak at home against Frankfurt finally winning for the first time against the 2004 Beko BBL champion. Even after another tough crunch time loss which now must be feeling like an eternity for the Fraport Skyliners, Skyliner forward Quantez Robertson had a stern look, but his face found a little life when the name Mark Dorris popped up and the question about the 100 yard dash. “It was too bad that he didn’t play so much, but it is always fun playing against him, because he is such a competitor. He has been taking that step back jumper since we were kids. There is no question that I would beat him at a 100 yard dash. He may have a quicker first step, but I have make up speed”, stressed Quantez Robertson. Dorris was relaxed after the win, but thrilled to have finally beat his friend in Hagen and had a new Cincinnati story prepared. “There is the famous debate of Kobe vs Lebron as to who is better and in Cincinnati there was always the debate of Tez vs Dorris and we just love to compete, but I got the better of him tonight. Tez is faster in a straight line, but I am quicker side to side. Tez is fast, but I am quick”, laughed ex Ludwigsburg guard Mark Dorris. Long after the game ended and as the last players were exiting, Phoenix Hagen Larry Gordon whispered these words as Mark Dorris was listening. “It is great to watch these two guys compete. It is amazing how Tez still has that zip after that long injury. I think the way Tez can dribble up the court so fast, I think he would take Dorris in a 100 yard dash”, stressed California native Larry Gordon.

It really doesn´t matter where Frankfurt has played this season, if it was in Oldenburg, Ludwigsburg, Braunschweig or Frankfurt, they have been caught with the crunch time disease and it seems like they have absolute no remedy for it. It is slowly starting to seem like when a game is drawing to an end and the game is close that the Fraport Skyliners suddenly do everything wrong that there is too much missing shots, making fouls, turnovers, missing 50/50 balls, making the wrong decisions and all combined has become one big mental mess brewing in the heads of the players and coaches. After the loss American Ramon Galloway took a lot of time to reflect and try to analyze why the team can´t win at the end any more. “I think that with all the mistakes done like missing shots or me getting traveling calls twice, that it has to do with us thinking too much instead of just going out and playing the game. We feel a lot of pressure at the end and then we think should we give the lane or make the play. If we make the wrong decision or play, they then go on transition and make an easy basket”, warned Texas native Ramon Galloway. Phoenix Hagen also went through a stretch this season where they had problems winning games near the end. California native David Bell who has the body of baby Shaq and can shoot out the lights whenever he wants had some advice for the Fraport Skyliners. “Frankfurt just needs to be a tic tougher down the stretch and play better defense. They have to stick together. We went through the same thing, but stayed together and got out of it”, stressed Ex Montana(NCAA) guard David Bell. Fraport Skyliner Jacob Burtschi´s phrases and words have gotten less and less in the last month of the losing streak, but even if there is less quantity, his heeding words have quality. “We couldn´t shake the crunch time disease, but we better if we want to end the season well”, added Jacob Burtschi.

Phoenix Hagen entered the game in tenth place with a record of 13-16, but had lost four of their last five games and badly needed a victory to keep their playoff chances alive. The Fraport Skyliners controlled the game for the most part, but Phoenix Hagen stayed on their heels and at the end took the Frankfurt crunch time woes to their advantage. “It feels great getting the first win against Frankfurt in Hagen. Frankfurt did a great job keeping us under 70 points which isn´t easy to do. It wasn´t really an ugly game, but just a very good defensive battle. We did the little things and hustle plays better. Key was that they didn´t hit many three pointers despite shooting much. Our biggest strength was our will to win. This win was so important for our chances to get into the playoffs. We have to win our home games”, warned Phoenix Hagen assistant coach Steven Wriedt. The Fraport Skyliners arrived in the game in 12^th place with a dismal record of 11-18. After a seven game losing streak and then two amazing home wins against FC Bayern Munich and ratiopharm Ulm, the club was locked in another losing streak which stood at five games. Frankfurt never got a healthy rhythm on offense and turned over the ball 19 times which probably will be on the mind of Gordon Herbert this Easter weekend as he prepares for TBB Trier. It is at the point now, that one could start a contest as to which late game loss has been the most bitter. “It has really been very tough that we are unable to close out the third and fourth quarters. We fought, but missed some open shots and 50/50 balls”, stated Ramon Galloway. “It was a tough fight for 40 minutes where it went back and forth, but at the end Phoenix Hagen just made more plays”, added Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi.”We kept Frankfurt out of their comfort zone. We kept Barthel in check who has had some big games recently and had Burtschi in check somewhat. Frankfurt made a run, but it really sucks that they lost so many key pieces in the first half of the season”, added top Beko BBL rebounder Larry Gordon.

The Fraport Skyliners got on the board first when German Danilo Barthel found Ramon Galloway back door for an easy bucket. Maryland native Dino Gregory got the first points for Phoenix Hagen with a hard two handed dunk. Ramon Galloway quickly showed leadership as he wanted the ball and produced dropping a three pointer which was matched by Larry Gordon as the score was 5-5. Gordon was doing what he does best grabbing rebounds at a quick rate and got a put back after an offensive rebound as Phoenix Hagen led 7-5, but it was Galloway once again that was smoking hot from down town nailing a three pointer as Frankfurt led 8-7. Keith Ramsey then got a lay in for the 9-8 Phoenix Hagen advantage. Texas native Henry Dugat then connected as did Los Angeles native Jarred Dubois on a pull up jumper. Both guys continued their offensive shooting fest exchanging three pointers as the first quarter came to an end as the game was dead locked at 14-14. “It really wasn´t a good game of both teams. Frankfurt had problems finding an offensive rhythm and Ramon Galloway kept Frankfurt in the game”, stressed Phoenix Hagen amanger Oliver Herkelmann. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 31% from the field and 30% form outside while Phoenix Hagen was shooting 45% from the field and 67% from outside. Phoenix Hagen had the 11-7 rebound edge, but five turnovers while Frankfurt had two turnovers.

The second quarter remained tight and the Fraport Skyliners soon gained the lead again and would keep it going into the break. Dubois got Frankfurt on the scoreboard with a pull up jumper, but Larry Gordon connected on a three pointer as Phoenix Hagen led again 18-17. Senegal native Aziz Ndiaye then had his best offensive moments as he got a lay in and easy dunk while getting quick feeds from Jacob Burtschi and Dubois as Frankfurt led 22-18. However Phoenix Hagen went on a mini 4-0 run as Bell and Gregory hit shots to tie the game at 22-22. Robertson and Bell then exchanged buckets for the 24-24 score and then it was Burtschi who nailed a three pointer for the 27-24 lead. Frankfurt kept the lead as Dubois made free throws and Tez spun his way coast to coast for an easy lay up and 31-27 Frankfurt lead. Phoenix Hagen head coach Ingo Freyer didn´t shy away from playing his young Germans Niklas Geske and Fabian Bleck who contributed. Bleck scored on a pretty lay in and Geske preformed the perfect pick and role with Ramsey who finished with a dunk as Phoenix Hagen trailed 35-33. “Our German guys did a good job. Not many know, but our German under 22 guys get the most minutes in the Beko BBL after Frankfurt. Our NBBL team was one of the best two years ago. Those guys play for us now and we want them to have BBL minutes”, added Steven Wriedt. Skyliner Ramon Galloway ended the second quarter with a last second tip in as the Fraport Skyliners led 37-33 after 20 minutes. “Both teams we replaying with much energy, but both teams were making easy mistakes and not hitting shots. Dorris hadn´t played much, but he really needed some energy form him”, warned Oliver Herkelmann. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 38% from the field and 29% from the three point line while Phoenix Hagen was shooting 46% from the field and 43% from the three pint line. Phoenix Hagen had the 17-13 rebound edge, but nine turnovers while Frankfurt had eight turnovers.

In the third quarter, The Fraport Skyliners had control until the last minutes where they allowed Phoenix Hagen to take the lead again. The Fraport Skyliners started off the third quarter hot going on a 7-1 run as all Frankfurt points were supplied by Mr Top Gun Jacob Burtschi who hit consecutive three pointers including the four point play as Frankfurt led 44-34 which was their biggest lead of the game, but that didn´t last for long. Mark Mr fantastic Dorris didn´t get too much playing time up to this point, but made his presence felt quickly hitting a three pointer and then making a big steal which led to Gordon free throws. Gordon then completed the Phoenix Hagen 7-0 run with a mid -distance jumper as suddenly Frankfurt led only 44-41. In this run, Frankfurt was making lousy mistakes like Galloway getting his second travel call of the game. Frankfurt then got a burst of energy as Dubois gave a perfect shovel pass to Barthel who rammed home the massive dunk as Frankfurt led 46-41. However Phoenix Hagen continued to do a super job in the half -court offense since Frankfurt took away their fast break play and took advantage of more Frankfurt turnovers going on a 11-3 run to finish the third quarter with the slim 52-49 lead. In the run, Phoenix Hagen did a marvelous job getting to the free throw line and got timely buckets from David Bell who hit twice. Phoenix Hagen was shooting 40% from the field and 36% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 36% from the field and 33% from the parking lot. Frankfurt rebounded better in the third quarter and led the rebound duel 30-27, but had 15 turnovers while Phoenix Hagen only had 10 turnovers.

The fourth quarter looked like a carbon copy of the third quarter where Frankfurt got the lead again gave it up and then lost again in crunch time. Danilo Barthel quickly got Frankfurt the lead back in the first minute of the fourth quarter with a three pointer and free throws. German Konstantin Klein closed out the Frankfurt 8-0 run with a bomb from outside as Frankfurt led 57-52. Mark Dorris then stopped the Frankfurt run by taking on Galloway and making an in your face fade away jumper to cut the Frankfurt lead to 57-54. Both teams were missing shot after shot as it was evident that the game would end low scoring. Phoenix Hagen kept fighting and closing in and went on a 6-0 run to retake the lead 60-59. In this run, Phoenix Hagen got some rare in the paint points from Gregory and Ramsey and a Bell pull up jumper. Robertson missed three shots during the run, but made amends making a tip in off a Burtschi miss as Frankfurt led for the last time 61-60. Gregory then nailed a 20 footer as Phoenix Hagen got the lead back 62-61 and would never look back. With under a minute to go, it was Dubois who elected to go into traffic penetrating, but got stopped which led to Bell free throws and the 64-61 Phoenix Hagen lead. With 30 second left, Burtschi missed a good look. “I should of shot and not faked. I didn´t learn from the Tuebingen loss”, expressed Jacob Burtschi. Bell then made two free throws to close out the bruising Phoenix Hagen 6-0 run as they led 66-61. With six seconds to play, Galloway hit a jumper which ended the game 66-63 for Phoenix Hagen. “Key in crunch time was defense and rebounds”, stressed David Bell. Decision making is always something that can be key at the end and something that hasn´t been on the positive side for Frankfurt. “We got lucky at the end. We threw them a match up zone. I think that Frankfurt could of made better decisions at the end”, added Steven Wriedt. “I thought that we had ok decisions. Burtschi took a tough shot in that if he made it he would have been the hero and if not one would have been aww. I thought he had a good look and Dubois penetrated and was aggressive”, stated Ramon Galloway.

Phoenix Hagen was led by David Bell with 17 points. Larry Gordon added 15 points and nine rebounds and Dino Gregory contributed 13 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Ramon Galloway with 15 points. Jacob Burtschi added 12 points and 11 rebounds while Quantez Robertson had 11 points. Both teams ahd miserable shooting nights as Phoenix Hagen shot 39% from the field and 29% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners shot 33% from the field and 28% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebounding 44-36, but had an unacceptable 19 turnovers while Phoenix Hagen steered 12 turnovers to the win. The Fraport Skyliners now have 96 hours to regroup before the home game against TBB Trier. The club can take one positive thing into the TBB Trier game. We rebounded very well and even when times were tough in the third and fourth quarters, we always stuck with it and didn´t hang our heads”, warned Ramon Galloway