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 German Hoops Before game three against Crailsheim.

A tough 82-88 loss in game two. How well have you digested this loss?

I try not to get too high or low during the playoffs because of the short turn around in games. So it’s on to the next one.

How bitter was losing this game at home? With a win, you could be up 2-0 and go back to Crailsheim to seal the series.

We always take pride in winning in front of our home crowd especially in the playoffs.

In the fourth quarter, the game was tied 57-57 and Crailsheim took the lead and would never trail again. The game stayed tight, but Rent4office just could regain the lead. What was key at the end for Crailsheim winning on the road?

We didn’t make key plays and they did. Our defense wasn’t good enough in the fourth quarter.

You shot better as a team from outside and had 18 team assists. Does this give the team added self confidence going into Crailsheim to get a second straight win on the road?

We feel we had a chance to win not playing our best basketball. This gives us confidence going into  game three

X and o´s become  second nature and effort and heart and what else will determine game three?

Minimizing mistakes and knowing your strengths and weaknesses and what got you to this point.

BG Goettingen lead 2-0. Do you see any chance of Giessen forcing a game four?

Goettingen hasn’t lost at home all season so it will be tough. But anything is possible.

There are five 1-1 series in the NBA playoffs. Which series has surprised you the most?

The two 8 seeds winning on the road surprised me.

Why did the New York Knicks have a poor season? Would a guy like Carmelo Anthony be good seeing a change of scenery?

They had some key injuries early and fell too deep in the standings. Yeah I feel Carmelo should leave if he wants to win a championship soon.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Meet the Fockers.

Thanks Ahmad for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.