Brian Harper is a 27 year old 206cm forward that is commencing his first season in Germany in the Beko BBL for TBB Trier. He started off playing guard at 6’5″ at Paine and grew to 6’10” and never changing positions. Brian’s a smooth shooting wing with explosive athleticism. He has tremendous lateral movement with a wing span of 7’4″. Brian is a talented ball handler. He adds an extra advantage as he utilizes his size to rebound over smaller defenders. He played at Paine(NCAA2) from 2003-2007. He turned professional in 2007 and played for Gimle BBK Bergen (Norway-1Div., starting five): 15 games: Score-3(25.1ppg), 8.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, 2.0bpg, 2FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 21.5%, FT: 66.3%. In 2008-2009, he played for KCC Egis (Korea-KBL, starting five): Korean League: 9 games: 15.1ppg, 5.6rpg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 76.7%; released in Nov.’08, in Feb.’09 moved to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 8 games: 3.5ppg, 1.6rpg; in March ’09 signed at Reno Bighorns (D-League): 5 games: 1.2ppg. In the last three years, he played in Japan for  Toyama Grouses (Japan-BJ League) playing a total of 102 games. Last season, he played 49 games: 16.3ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 28.7%, FT: 61.3%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against Alba Berlin.

 

Congrats on the huge 78-74 win against the Artland Dragons. Bremerhaven was down by seven points after three quarters, but kept their nerves and won on the road which is never easy to do. What adjustments did the Eisbaeren make to get the win?

 

We just came out focused on playing 40 minutes. We knew that if we wanted to go on the road and beat a team as good as Artland we would have to be prepared to stay locked in the entire game.

How proud were you team rebounding? Was this one of the keys that you won the game at the end? Being able to consistently rebound for 40 minutes is important in the second half of the season?

Yeah you love looking at the stats at the end of the night and seeing that your team dominated the boards. We always put an emphasis on out rebounding the other team no matter who it is. We know that if can go out and control the boards then we will give ourselves a great chance at winning.

Devin Searcy had a very strong game with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Bremerhaven has many weapons, but at times he seems to be forgotten with all the talent you have. How valuable has he been this season for the club?

Devin Searcy has been huge for us all season! His ability to score, defend and rebound at a high rate has been one of the big reasons we have been able to win games. It’s hard to ignore or forget about a guy that has played as well as Devin has all season.

Bremerhaven is playing very very spirited basketball at the moment having won four of the last five games. Does the team understand that the playoffs are still within reach?

Yeah we’re aware that the playoffs are still in reach, but we try not to look to far ahead. We are just taking it a game at a time. Every night we go out locked in on the game that has to be played that night, and we let the rest take care of its self.

What has been the main reasons for the team sharing the ball so well? The club showed again that there are many players willing to take the load on their shoulders.

I think that we have got to the point as a team where we really understand each other’s strengths, and that’s helped us build good team chemistry. When we play well together like we have been we are a tough team to beat.

What do you remember most from the thrilling and amazing 85-79 road win in Berlin earlier in the season? Alba Berlin is a much better team now. What will be key in getting the win?

I remember it being a very physical game, and us having to fight for every stop and basket. Like you said Berlin is playing better basketball now and is even stronger then they were earlier in the season. We know that if we want to win we have to come out and match Berlin’s physicality. It’s one of those games were you just have to strap up your shoes and get it done.

Were there any surprises for you in the 2014 NCAA draw? Who are your favorites and sleepers?

I have Louisville and Arizona as my favorites. My sleepers are Baylor and New Mexico !

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

American Hustle.

 

Thanks Brian for the chat.

 

In the Hollywood film, Edge of Darkness, Thomas Craven played by Lethal Weapon´s Martin Riggs aka Mel Gibson is a Boston detective, investigating the death of his activist daughter and quickly realizes that her murder is an intriguing puzzle that is filled with conspiracy and corruption and in the end he has the duty of cleaning up the mess of a corporate cover up and find out who actually killed his beautiful daughter. This was a DVD movie that Fraport Skyliner big man Johannes Voigtmann saw his rookie season in the Beko BBL and in a way seeing the Eisenach native in control of a big overfilled shopping cart full of healthy German tasty food at Toom market, the only thing missing was that Mel Gibson rain jacket to cover his Fraport Skyliners training uniform. But when having closer inspection of the 21 year old 210cm center, he has that perfect baby face that just doesn´t seem right for the unexpected elbows that are always flying around in the zone from centers fighting for position and battling for that rebound that could tarnish it. Voigtmann also doesn´t have the resemblance of a very young Mel Gibson from Mad Max at age 23, but moreover looks more like a young Arnold Schwarzenegger from pre Terminator days to his early success in 1969 as a 22 year old in Hercules in New York and winning Mr Olympia competition in 1970 with a competition weight of 235 pounds. Voigtmann is a basketball player and not an actor, but the young basketball hulk definitely knows who the Austrian legend is even if that genre of movies isn´t really his cup of tea. “I don´t like action movies so much, but of course I know his famous line “I´ll be back”. I have watched some of his classic movies though”, expressed Johannes Voigtmann. Voigtmann who weighs 104 kilos may never have a chance of winning a body building competition, but why should he. He is in Frankfurt to develop his basketball game further which he has been doing since arriving in 2012. He may be wearing that baby face for many years to come, but has that basketball body of a man already and his basketball skills are becoming more and more memorable in Frankfurt with each passing game. Voigtmann doesn´t need Schwarzenegger type action films when he is making his own basketball action on the court.

Sometimes one doesn´t have to already be trying to make shots in diapers or playing with the big kids when you can hardly reach their knees and still be successful at a sport if you have talent. Famous athletes like Dider Drogba didn’t sign a professional contract until he was 21, or German legend Miro Klose was playing in the German fifth league with FC Homburg as a 20 year old and two years later was the leading scorer at the 2002 World Cup in Japan. Other professional athletes started to play their future sport that would earn them their living rather late like boxer like George Foreman who was 17 when he tried on some big boxing gloves for the first time and basketball great like Hakeem Olajuwon didn´t start until he was 15 years old. Now if that isn´t a good omen for Skyliner Johannes Voigtmann who as a kid played handball until switching over to basketball at age 15. The German started to play handball as a kid since his dad played, but has to thank his grandmother for getting him into basketball. She received an invitation to a basketball camp in Jena since she headed a school in Eisenach and Voigtmann and his brother went and were asked if they would like to play basketball. After that everything went very quick as both brothers headed to Jena to a basketball boarding school. The Michael Schumacher fan started his basketball career in 2009 for TuS Jena II (2.Regionalliga) where he played 17 games averaging 4,5ppg. At the same time he also played for their NBBL team playing 13 games and averaged 9,2ppg. The early basketball career of Voigtmann really went rapidly as he was developing and could hardly get a breath as a year later he was playing for Science City Jena in the German PRO A. He only played four games in his first season, but over the summer had valuable international experience playing at the European Championships U20 in Bilbao (Spain) playing nine games and averaging 1,9ppg and 1,9rpg. In his second season in Jena , he got more minutes in 2011-2012 as he played 28 games averaging 4,1ppg and 3,1rpg as a 19 year old with only four years of basketball experience. A big reason why the German was able to develop his game so quick in Jena was head coach Georg Eichler who already had the Beko BBL in the future for the youngster. “Coach Eichler did very much individual training with me and was interested in leading me to reaching the Beko BBL. He gave me a lot of confidence and gave me minutes that really helped me”, stressed Johannes Voigtmann. A few basketball birds in the scene started chirping away and Frankfurt management got an ear full of what Voigtmann was capable of doing on the court and soon he was on his way to Frankfurt. Before coming to Frankfurt he gained more important experience playing at the European Championships U20 in Slovenia where he played 6 games averaging 10.3ppg, 5.8rpg, FGP: 64.1%, FT: 63.2%

In the summer of 2012, the Fraport Skyliners signed Johannes Voigtmann to a long term contract as the club made clear that German youth was a big part of the future as they were going to base their nucleus around Danilo Barthel, Johannes Voigtmann and Konstantin Klein. Voigtmann was handed a double license so he could craft his game in the Beko BBL as well as in the Pro B. With Muli Katzurin, the German had a very tough head coach, but was still able to work himself into the rotation as he played 26 games averaging 3,0ppg and 2,1rpg in nine minutes per game. Sometimes having a tough coach helps a young player to know how hard one must work to get better. You can´t sit around the zone picking daisies, but always have to be thinking and showing your opponent that you are two steps ahead of him and that is something that Voigtmann learned from Katzurin. “Katzurin always taught me to be aggressive. We played a very aggressive defense something I wasn´t used to before, but I got used to it”, added Johannes Voigtmann. In the first half of last season there weren´t many highlights for the big man as he had limited minutes except for an eight point five rebound game against ratiopharm Ulm where he played 19 minutes and a six point and six rebound game against Wurzburg where he played 25 minutes. Playing back to back times against two time Beko BBL MVP John Bryant and 2010 Eurochallenge winner with BG Goettingen Jason Boone was a thrill and he had his notebook with him to take notes on their games. “I would like to be able to have everything in control like Byrant. He always knows exactly what he has to do. I think that is one of the reasons why he was MVP. Boone lives from his athletic play and strength. I would like to be able and move as well as him”, warned Johannes Voigtmann. Ex Fraport Skyliner Johnathon Jones who now plays for HKK Siroki Primorka (Bosnia-Division I) also remembers the Ulm win in Frankfurt as his fondest memory with Voigtmann on the court. “ I remember how Joe did a great job against John Bryant in the win at home against #1 Ulm“, stressed Johnathon Jones. His rookie season in the Beko BBl wasn´t easy as he never knew exactly how many minutes he would get. In the stretch run for example he played seven minutes against Bamberg or two minutes against Oldenburg. Then again there were other games near the end where he played more minutes and could fill up the stat sheet better like his 12 points and four rebounds in 22 minutes against Braunschweig or his 16 points and six rebounds against Bonn in 26 minutes or his 12 points in 18 minutes against Giessen. At times it is never easy for a German player to gain the respect of an American teammate, but despite only being in Frankfurt four months last season before moving to Bosnia, Michigan native Johnathon Jones really saw the whole package of Voigtmann and left the team with a big impression of the German. “His game reminded me a lot of Spencer Hawes. He has a good touch and can shoot the three and his foot work is excellent. I think he is a great role model, he plays the game the right way. I’ve seen him in practice and he works hard. The young Germans can really look up to him. I think his time will come and we will see him in the national team, he has a high skill set for his size”, warned Johnathon Jones. Voigtman finished the Pro B season playing 16 game averaging 12.3ppg, 8.8rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 65.6%. He was able to further work on his game while learning from Marius Nolte and Zack Peacock. All in all it was a solid rookie season and the German was satisfied with his season. “There are always highs and lows. I was very happy to be able to get the confidence of the coach and be able to play so many minutes. I just tried to give my best and use my chance. There was a lot of physical stress, but I knew what to expect coming in. I also had this in Jena so I kind of got used to it. I did feel the stress at night when I went to bed”, added Johannes Voigtmann.

At times in his Frankfurt rookie season, Voigtmann looked and moved heavy on the court, but he worked hard over the summer to get his fitness level better losing 14 kilos and currently adds 104 kilo´s to the scale and also got added valuable experience playing at the 2013 University games and was able to match himself each day against three time Beko BBL champion Philipp Neumann who moved from Bamberg to Oldenburg recently. “He is already very far with his game for his age. He found a role quick in Bamberg and has played Euroleague. He is always aggressive and it is a challenge to play against him. I would like to become more agile like him”, commented Johannes Voigtmann. Playing one on one against Neumann hasn´t happened, but with time and experience in the Beko BBL, the self confidence of Voigtmann will surely grow against Neumann. “We haven´t played so much one on one, but I think he would beat me 6-4 or 7-3 if we played 10 times”, added Johannes Voigtmann. The fortunes of Voigtmann grew this season as the club continued to justify their desire to keep developing Germans as the playing time hasn´t only increased for Voigtmann, but he has become a starter together with Barthel and Klein. Frankfurt continues to be a figurehead for German playing time and development that Henrik Rodl has preached in Trier for years. Gordon Herbert has been vital this season for the big jump of Voigtmann in his development in that Herbert has given trust in him and the other starters and just let them play their game and thus their self confidence has risen. Currently he is averaging 8,0ppg, 5,3rpg and a very stellar 1,7apg in 22 minutes per game. When looking at his game, he really has improved in many areas of the game like his post play where he is scoring on a more consistent level, his footwork has improved as he doesn´t shy away from helping a Tez on the fast break and his understanding of the game continues to improve with experience. “Joe has made a big step this season. His development is very impressive. I didn´t expect his mid range jumper to be so good and he brings the needed physicality. I think it will only be a matter of time before he gets an invitation to the German national team”, stressed ex Skyliner Max Weber. His passing together with Danilo Barthel continues to be a delight to watch as they are possibly the best passing four-five man duo in the league. But its not only the passing that makes one want to come to the arena, but they compliment each other so well on the court and who knows maybe one will see them wearing an additional uniform in the future with an eagle on the jersey. “Joe and Danilo understand each other very well on and off the court. You notice that they are important for each other and that they profit from each other”, expressed Fraport Skyliner guard Stefan Ilzhoefer. Centers usually never have to really focus on passing, but if a big man can pass the ball with authority than why not? “He is a player with the basketball understanding of a point guard. I see a mix of Steve Nash and Tim Duncan in Joe”, stressed teammate Stefan Ilzhoefer. This season the German has scored in double figures nine times including a 10 point, 11 rebound performance in the famous three OT win in Ulm and a 18 point, five rebound and five assist game against the Artland Dragons. “Joe has grown with the team, is fitter, has improved his individual game and most important is that he functions with the team. He is a big role model for me. His professionalism and calmness that he brings on the court is impressive. You notice with his game that it keeps improving and going up and I see no end in sight. Frankfurt offers him the opportunity and perfect conditions to become a big player. If he keeps working hard than I am certain he will become a big player, because he brings the requirements with him”, warned Fraport Skyliner guard Stefan Ilzhoefer. Voigtmann is definitely on a very good way and it will be interesting to see how he plays in the six weeks of the season especially in March and April as the Frankfurt schedule will be double filled with make up games. Voigtmann might meet Philipp Neumann again this summer in the German national team or in the playoffs against Oldenburg, but one thing is for sure that the mix of Boris Becker and Oliver Kahn will still have one thing to settle as the two handed running slam dunk from Voigtmann in the face of Neumann in Oldenburg surely will be on his mind for a while.

Jermel Kennedy  is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Toronto Canada that is playing his first season in the German Pro B with TV Langen. He started his basketball career in 2008 with  Iowa Central Community College (NJCAA) playing 26 games: 4.3ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP:47.3%, FT: 57.1%. In 2009-2010, he played for Volunteer State Community College (NJCAA) playing  27 games: 11.7ppg, 8.2rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 26.0%, FT: 83.0%. He finished his college basketball career at Lander in 2012 playing two seasons there and as a senior played  27 games: 11.0ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 66.1%, FT: 70.5%. Last summer he was drafted by Moncton Miracles (NBL Canada,1rd(6)). He spoke to German Hoops after the game one loss to Oldenburg.

A tough 78-73 loss in game one in Oldenburg. Was the preparation for this game tougher than normal Pro B south teams simply because you had never played against them?

I wouldn’t say the preparation was tougher they did things that a lot of teams do just a much higher level

TV Langen had the slim 36-32 advantage at halftime. What problems or mistakes pretty much disallowed TV Langen for having the bigger lead?

We had poor execution and their length was a big disadvantage for us as they caused a lot if turnovers

TV Langen had a seven point lead early in the fourth quarter and then it went back and fourth. TV Langen led 70-65, but then let Oldenburg go on a 11-0 run to lead 76-70 which iced the cake for them. What was the cause for the collapse at the end?

We had a couple mental breakdowns late in the game that led to empty possessions and turnovers which they capitalized on

TV Langen shot the ball very good, but were the 22 turnovers one of the main factors for the loss?

That was our biggest problem something that doesn’t normally happen to us. To much lost possessions down the stretch that we need to fix this week.

Sebastian Barth led the team in points, rebounds and assists. Was this his best game of the season?

It was one of his better games as he was very aggressive offensively which we definitely needed yesterday

You only had four points, but five steals. Were you content with your defensive effort and does a more consistent offensive effort in game two give you hope that TV Langen will get the win at home?

I had an overall bad game and I’m not content with my performance at all but it’s playoff time and things like this can happen. This will be an important week for me and the team and I will be prepared to play better and ensure a winning effort

Mike Taylor and Kevin Smit combined for almost half of the points. Is TV Langen better warned now for game two about what adjustments that they will have to do?

We know what this two are capable of I’m sure that we will take them a little more serious come Saturday

Is this a game that TV Langen will be able to recuperate from mentally? The next game is a do or die game with no TV Langen players wanting an early summer vacation.

We understand the value of this game and we will take the necessary steps to keep this series alive

Will you do some extra work this week in preparation for game two? Does your game focus take a different preparation in the post season?

I will make a couple practice adjustments nothing to out of the norm

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Saw II.

Thanks Jermel for the chat.

Kellen Williams is a 30 year old 194cm forward from Seattle, Washington that is playing his sixth professional season and third with  RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf (Germany-ProB). He played at  E.Washington (NCAA) form 2005-2008 playing a total of 87 NCAA games. In 2008, he came to Germany and played for  BC Energie Zwickau (Germany-Regionalliga) until 2010. He then played two seasons for Eintracht Stahnsdorf. Last season he returned to  BC Energie Zwickau (Germany-Regionalliga, starting five): 16 games: 21.6ppg, 15.4rpg, 2.4apg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball after the 60-57 win against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors.

 

 

 

Congrats on the 60-57 win in game one against  the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. Were you sure that the last second shot by Richard Thomas would go in after he released it?

 

Well I have seen him hit winning shots before and I wasn´t sure if it would go in. It was definitely very exciting to win the game like that.

 

 

In 2011-2012, you had 15 and 10 stats with Eintracht Stahnsdorf. Didn´t you get better offers, because you returned back to the Regionaliga?

 

My agent was shopping me around to teams and then it was too late to get signed by Pro B teams, so I decided to ask my old coach at Zwickau and I played there last season. I wanted to stay in Germany.

 

Are you disappointed that you haven´t been able to play at a higher level?

 

I am content at the Pro B level even though I wouldn´t mind playing at a higher level. But I am 30 now and I want to play four more years. I am winding my career down.

 

What is it like working with experienced head coach Peter Guenschel who was a long time assistant at Bonn?

 

He is a perfectionist and is hard on us. He really pushes us, but it helps us. I have learned a lot from him like keeping me aware of what I do best as well as my offensive rebounding and being a leader.

 

You are an undersized forward. What is a hidden strength in your game?

 

Being quick on the ball and my rebounding which I do well for my size. I think it is something that you can´t be taught.

 

How did Mike Burns at East Washington prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

He wanted me to expand my range and had me shoot the three pointer. He knew that I could play at the next level and he made sure that I stayed extra after practice and shoot the three.

 

 

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

 

I played against Lebron James in AAU and was teammates with Marvin Williams. In the NCAA I played against the 2008 national championship team Kansas that had Mario Chalmers, Darrell Arthur and Brandon Rush.

 

You were teammates with Detroit Piston Rodney Stuckey at East Washington. How sure were you that he would be a #1 NBA Draft Pick?

 

We all came in even, but as the season went on, one could see that he would blossom and turn into something good. I had the same feeling with Aaron Brooks who was my high school teammate.

 

What was the most amazing thing you remember Rodney Stuckey doing on the court?

 

He put up 40 against Northern Arizona just hitting three pointers and driving all game long.

 

What goal do you still have as a player?

 

I still want to help a team move up the next level.

 

Who wins a one on one you or Richard Thomas?

 

I think it would be very even. He is more  a perimeter player and I am more a post player.

 

How tough is it having no NBA basketball in Seattle?

 

It is tough, because you have nothing to look forward to when I come home. If I want to see NBA basketball then I have to travel south to Portland.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

300. It was  a great movie.

 

Thanks Kellen for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

After ending 2013 with a five game losing streak and being crushed shortly before Christmas 93-69 in Langen with the German twin tower duo of Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann and the playoffs at that stand point as far away as Uli Hoeness visiting his wiener factory in Nurnberg for some time, the Fraport Skyliners  Juniors jumped out of the gates in 2014 in a very focused manner going on a eight game winning streak mostly without a healthy core of their regular Beko BBL license players and slipping into the playoffs. However their amazing winning streak was halted on the last game day in Lich a week ago as the team traveled to the small rural Hessen town a jump down the country road from Giessen with only a six man rotation and looked as helpless as a tattered abandoned cow who had been put on a blindfold from annoying carnival visitors looking for a joke. In the last season game, Frankfurt brutally was beaten 77-39 as Beko BBL head coach Gordon Herbert who has been hit hard this season with injuries needed Max Merz, Jan Novack and Nikolai Vuckovic in Ludwigsburg. The Juniors only had two regular contributers with Canadian Bryson Johnson and German Tim Oldenburg and the remaining four being bench and NBBL players. Despite this last regular season hardship, the players in that game surely got a valuable learning experience and with the 2014 Pro B playoffs to commence, the Juniors were back in their BCM living room with the usual roster that they have had in that eight game winning streak and were as focused to start the playoffs against Eintracht Stahnsdorf as cute humming birds battling for the sweetest tune on the first warm pre spring day and as NBA legend Phil Jackson is to starting new sweet history with the New York Knicks. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were informed shortly before the game that starting point guard Max Merz would not play, but be rested for the Beko BBL game on Sunday against FC Bayern Munich. Despite Merz missing, the roster was fuller than the six in Lich. “I was happy to have a full team again. But too look back at that game in Lich, there was a reason for only having six players. Injuries and having our Regio team playing at the same time didn´t allow us to have more players. I was a little disappointed by the criticism we got for the six players we played. When the BBL team have a game at the same time and they have injuries than it is only natural that they have the double license players. The success we had in the second half of the season was with a reduced number of the BBL players. Danilo Barthel played one game and Konstantin Klein three games”, stressed Fraport Skyliners juniors head coach Eric Detlef.  Despite having a more full roster, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors suffered a bitter loss at home losing on a buzzer beater by American Richard Thomas, but that didn´t shed Canadian Bryson Johnson from having a twitch of humor in his voice after the loss. “It was great seeing some familiar faces on the court and having more than one sub”, smiled Nova Scotia native Bryson Johnson.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors entered the game with a very stellar 8-1 record in 2014 and were the team to beat in the Pro B South as their success was made with overall team play, some luck and just vast improvement within the young roster while not depending very much on many of the Beko BBL license player. Eintracht Stahnsdorf had a season of two faces as they finished the season with a 12-10 record and after having a 10-3 record in the first half of the season, they finished very poor losing seven of their last games on account of injuries and not getting added needed production from young Germans who didn´t have the needed experience in crunch time situations. Game one was a defensive battle where Eitracht Stahnsdorf picked up their game in the second half and were the better team, but the Fraport Skyliners Juniors made a run at the end, but weren´t rewarded as New York native Richard Thomas won the game with a buzzer beater. “This was a very tough game that displayed good defense which resulted in low scoring. Both coaches were scheming against the other teams offense, but made the defensive stops at the end and came out with the win”, added Richard Thomas. “We found out late that Max Merz would not play and it is always difficult making an adjustment like that. We played good defense in the first half. We made the best out of this situation and all played hard, but we will have to execute and rebound better in game two. I held the ball a bit too long at times on the pick and the role and take full responsibility”, explained Bryson Johnson.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors got out of the gate quicker taking the 4-1 lead as defense had a big fat x on the menu of both teams. Jan Novak got Frankfurt on the board first with a left handed lay in which was followed by a mid distance jumper by Johannes Richter for the 4-0 lead. Stahnsdorf than got on the board AS German Robin Jorch was found inside by Richard Thomas. Nikolaj Vukovic then connected on a three pointer as Frankfurt had the comfortable 7-3 advantage after a few minutes. Then came a long ineffective period for both teams as Frankfurt was held scoreless for six minutes, while Stahnsdorf chipped at the lead making only free throws. Frankfurt also had some fortune that Stahnsdorf forward Kellen Williams missed a few easy put backs after securing some offensive boards. Vukovic closed out the first quarter with a runner in traffic and connected as the clock sound with Frankfurt leading 9-7. “It was a very defensive orientated game as both teams were playing good defense. Stahnsdorf missed some easy shots and I felt Frankfurt held the ball a bit to long at times”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Konstantin Klein. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 31% from the filed and 17% from outside while Eintracht Stahnsdorf was shooting 8% from the field and 0% from outside. Both teams had 11 rebounds. Frankfurt had three turnovers and Eintracht Stahnsdorf two turnovers.

The second quarter remained very tight where fans saw four lead changes and Frankfurt having the 23-20 lead at the break. Canadian Bryson Johnson gave Frankfurt the 12-9 lead dropping a big three pointer.  Ex Beko BBL player Tim Modersiski who played a combined 15 Beko BBL games for Oldenburg and Tubingen snuck inside for a back door lay up as Kellen Williams found him all alone. After David Scheffels made two free throws for the 14-11 lead, Eintracht Stahnsdorf retaliated going on a mini 4-0 run to take their first lead of the game 15-14. It was the two Americans Richard Thomas and Kellen Williams supplying the bucket treatment. Thomas and Vukovic than traded some baskets as Frankfurt held on to the lead 19-17. German Thomas Schoeps then hit a catch and pop jumper  to tie the game at 19-19. Johnson and Thomas then exchanged free throws. Johnson made an off balance jumper as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had the narrow 23-20 lead at halftime. “It continued to be a very low scoring game, but both sides were playing hard. The key after 20 minutes was that no one was giving up easy baskets”, stressed Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 30% from the field and 27% from the three point line while Eintracht Stahnsdorf were shooting 26% from the field and 0% from the three point line.Eintracht Stahnsdorf had the 20-19 rebound edge and only two turnovers while Frankfurt had five turnovers.

In the third quarter. Both teams found their rhythm better in offense as the shots started falling on a more regular basis in the first few minutes. Eintrach Stahnsdorf got  two pick d pop shots from Robin Jorch and an easy coast to coast bucket from Kellen Williams who functioned as a guard coming into  a passing lane and picking off an errand pass from Jacob Merz intended for Jan Novak. Frankfurt got a three pointer from Johnson as a Eintracht Stahnsdorf 10-3 run gave them the 30-26 lead. Eintracht Stahnsdorf came out of half time as the team with the more intensity and were more aggressive under the boards while Frankfurt had to work double hard for each shot. Frankfurt then got a flash of quick brilliance going on a 4-0 run  to retake the lead 32-30 as Tim Oldenburg and Jan Novak contributed with buckets. The last few minutes remained hard fought as Eintracht Stahnsdorf retook the lead again going on a 6-0 lead to lead 36-32 as Williams scored inside, Thomas made free throws and Thomas Schoeps grabbed an offensive rebound and made the put back. Williams then scored a lay in and made  a free throw making nine points in the third quarter. Frankfurt ended the third quarter strong with a 5-0 run to cut the Eintracht Stahnsdorf lead to 39-37 as role player German Jasmin Knothe broke the zone defense with a three pointer from the corner and Scheffels made a free throw. “We came out a little flat in the third quarter. We gave up a pair of Jorch pick and pop shots. Our biggest problem was our communication in should we hedge or ice on the screen. You can´t have mental lapses in the playoffs, because you can´t dig a hole and expect to come out. That bit us in the butt”, added Bryson Johnson. “Kellen Williams came up big. He always plays 110% on the court. He is a real fighter and just kept pushing. He is one of the most mental strong guys that I have ever played with. We also defended their pick and role better and got in the passing lanes”, added Richard Thomas. Eintracht Stahnsdorf was shooting 34% from the field and 13% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 31% from the field and 28% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 28-27 rebound edge, but 10 turnovers while Eintracht Stahnsdorf had five turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, Eintracht Stahnsdorf seemed to shift up a gear and led by as much as six points, but one of the strong points of the Fraport Skyliners Juniors this season has been their fighting mentality and never die attitude as they would come back and let the game be decided with a last possession. The Fraport Skyliners also were a bit flat to start the fourth quarter as they allowed Eintracht Stahnsdorf to go on  a mini 4-0 run making a mistake on offense allowing Thomas a steal and coast to coast run and lay in and Williams made an offensive rebound and put back as Frankfurt trailed 43-37. However somehow the Fraport Skyliners quickly found some momentum going on a spirited 8-2 run to tie the score at 45-45. German Johannes Richter made a timely extra pass which Novak put home and Bryson Johnson electrified the BCM gym with consecutive three pointers.  “That was a great comeback, but we also have so much confidence in each other that we can make the plays. We know that if we make the right play that we will make the shots. That makes it all more comfortable in situations at the end”, added Bryson Johnson. But basketball is a game and runs and Eintracht Stahnsodrf countered with their own 6-0 run to lead 51-45. German Thomas Schoeps who played a season in the States at Odessa(JUCO) with Kevin Schaffartzik continued to dazzle hitting consecutive off balance jumpers and Tim Modersitzki made a tough lay in while falling down. “Schoeps has been a scorer and playmaker for us all season long. I saw the fire in his eyes. He made some tough mid distance jumpers and  a big reason we won the game”, added Richard Thomas. However Frankfurt kept fighting despite another Schoeps off balance jumper as Frankfurt trailed 53-47. However Frankfurt still had some energy in their gas tanks going on a 6-0 run to knot the game at 53-53. Vukovic made free throws, Jacob Merz made a spectacular shot coming in from the base line at  a tough angle with two seconds left on the shot clock and Oldenburg got a solid lob pass from Richter for the easy lay in. Dimitrij Hasenkampf then made a mid distance shot and Thomas made a lay in where he waited until he found daylight as Frankfurt trailed 57-54. Frankfurt struggled making free throws and had they connected better wouldn´t have been in this position now. Frankfurt then got some fortune as Johnson and Richter made free throws to tie the game at 57-57. With 2,8 second to play, Eintracht Stahnsdorf had one last play and let Richard Thomas do his magic. He once scored 48 points against Wolfenbuettel and has hit game winning shots in his career and did it again getting a good look and making nothing but net. “I had a good feeling that it was going in. I had two game winners in college and two this season.  We had two options to go to me or Kellen Williams. He was covered pretty good, so they got me the ball. I got the ball made  a few dribbles to my left and had a good look”, stressed Richard Thomas. “Thomas is a good player and that was a tough shot. The best would have been to have kept the ball out of his hands. We on some close games this season. Tonight karma kicked in”, stressed Bryson Johnson. Eintracht Stahnsdorf was led by Richard Thomas with 14 points. Kellen Williams added 14 points and 15 rebounds. Thomas Schoeps added 12 points and Robin Jorch 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Bryson Johnson with 18 points while Nikolaj Vukovic had 16 points. Frankfurt shot 36% from the field and 30% form outside while Eintracht Stahnsdorf shot 41% from the field and 15% from outside. Eintracht Stahnsdorf won the rebound battle 35-33 and turnover game 8-12. “I expect another hard fought defensive game, but I hope with more points scored, but it might come down to a last possession again”, warned Richard Thomas. “We have to execute better and rebound better in game two”, warned Bryson Johnson.

 

 

David Pruett is a 24 year old 190 cm guard from Gainsville, Georgia that is on  atry out basis with German Beko BBL team SC Rasta Vechta. He started his basketball career in 2008 with Armstrong Atlantic (NCAA2) where he palyed until 2010. He played the last three seasons for  Lander (NCAA2) and as a senior played  26 games: 16.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 38.4%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 83.5%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been PeachBelt Tournament Semifinals -09, and PeachBelt All-Academic Team -12. He spoke to German Hoops before the start of the Pro B playoffs against Oldenburg.

 

Congrats on the narrow 62-61 win against Hanau. How good does it feel beating one of the top teams in the German Pro B. Does this win give the club the needed self confidence to get past the first hurdle Oldenburg?

Beating Hanau was definitely a huge win for us. There was a good bit of emotion behind the game because many of the Langen players played for Hanau’s head coach, Coach Shaw, the season before. It was the perfect game to win heading into the playoffs.

Jermel Kennedy won the game with a shot. Describe the last play and does it really matter who gets the ball in a situation like that when you have a Woody or Kennedy?

First we got a huge stop on defense, forcing Hanau to turn the ball over. A timeout was called and Coach Glasauer drew up a good play. Simple pick and roll with Sebastian and Woody also told Jermel to cut to the rim. Woody rolled to the short corner and received a pass from Sebastian. Once Woody had the ball, Hanau’s defensive rotation was a second to slow as Jermel quickly cut the rim, received a great pass from Woody and slammed it home. Great team play to win the game.

I guess if the game is on the line and you give the ball to Kennedy or Woody, nothing can go wrong. How proud are you to be able to be teammates with these two exceptional players?

Well Jermel Kennedy and I have been teammates now for three seasons. He is great teammate and friend. Very lucky to be playing with him here in Germany. Chances of that happening are slim. Woody is a true post player with a lot of experience. He passes the ball very well. Its been fun playing with him on the court.

In your short time in Germany has the name Voeller popped up in any discussions? Did any teammates fill you in who the famous father is of Hanau forward Marco Voeller? What was your impression of the German player?

Voeller is a famous soccer player if I’m not mistaken. They didn’t feel me in until after the game. But as for Marco, I like his game. Very solid post player with good offensive IQ that can shoot the ball well. He had a good game against us.

Congrats David on reaching the German Pro B playoffs. When someone had told you when you had arrived in December that TV Langen would be going to the playoffs back in December what would you have thought.

Thanks Miles. Well Coach Glasauer and TV Langen brought me in as a midseason acquisition to help make a playoff push. So of course if someone told me that Langen would make the playoffs, I would have agreed with them. Second half of the season this team has come together and finished the season strong.

Since the huge win at home against the Fraport Skyliners in December, TV Langen is 8-3. What have been the main reasons for the spirited and successful play of TV Langen?

Taking care of our home games is one. Ever since I have been here in Langen we haven’t lost at home. Then improving our team defensive. It seems every week we make strides in that area of the game.

How well have you adjusted to your limited minutes? It seems like you are always effective in the time that you are on the court?

As you know Miles, in Pro B only two imports can be on the court at once. So, I have never gotten to play with Jermel and Woody at same time. But getting signed with this team in Mid-Season I understood I would have a more limited role due to the Pro B Import rule. I believe having limited minutes has helped improve my game. Understanding when to take the right shot or make the right play. Not forcing it as much. The minutes I’m on the court, I do my job. Coach wants me to be an offensive threat and play good defense. I’m a shooter, so I come into the game, make some threes and help the team hold or get a lead.

It is obvious that Kennedy and Woody share the MVP honors for the regular season but if you had to pick the unsung hero who would it be?

Sebastian Barth, he is vet and has a high IQ for the game of basketball. He makes excellent passes making others look good. He sacrifies a good shot for himself to get someone a even better shot.

Oldenburg is the first opponent of TV Langen. They have some very young and talented Germans and Americans. What kind of playoff series can we await?

Both teams are very efficient and high scoring. This playoff series will include some high level offensive out puts. Definitely can see few of the games having a high score.

Tv Langen doesn´t have the home court advantage, so TV Langen will have to win in the north. What will be key to winning this series?

Turnovers are going to play a huge role. If we can take care of the basketball and force them to turnover the ball more we should win. We also have to be patient on the offensive end making sure we get the shots we want.

Who are your early NCAA tournament favorites?

 Florida Gators look very strong. Can never count out Syracuse or Kansas.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 Iron Man 3

Thanks David for the chat.

 

 

Josh Parker is a 23 year old 183cm point guard from Harvey, Illinois that is playing his rookie season in Germany for PRO B team Bayer Giants Leverkusen. He played at Drake from 2007-2009 and then played for Dayton(NCAA) from 2010-1012. He played a total of 130 NCAA games. Currently he is tearing up the German PRO B. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg.

 

Josh congrats on the big 72-70 win Vechta. MBC had some very close wins this season against Wurzburg, Braunschweig and Vechta, but where would you categorize the importance of this win so late in the season?

It was a big win for us. I felt like we really took another step in the right direction as a team. Every win this late in the season is important to everyone now and I was just happy about the way we came out and played.

SC Rasta Vechta was up by as much as 13 points, but MBC never gave up. What was key in crunch time for the Mitteldeutscher BC getting the win?

We just kept fighting and didn’t stop on the defensive end and we got key stops and we got some key plays down the stretch that helped us.

You know what kind of a great atmosphere there is in Weissenfels, but describe the incredible atmosphere in Vechta. Were the conditions somewhat NCAA like? Describe what it felt like playing on the floor there?

I really enjoyed playing there. It felt a lot like an NCAA game. Our fans and theirs were intense the whole game. It was a lot of fun playing in that type of atmosphere.

How good does it feel playing three games in a row? How difficult was that span where you had to sit out some games and watch? Was there someone that really supported you most to get through this time?

It feels great to be back out there with my team! It was difficult just being a competitor knowing that you could help the team in different ways but I was just glad I could still be there and support them regardless of the situation.

SC Rasta Vechta is a lot better than their 5-20 record and in many ways are a scrappy team like MBC. How confident are you that this team will save themselves and remain in the Beko BBL?

They are definitely better than their record. They play hard and they have some good players that can make plays. I feel like they will fight until the end and they have the ability to do so.

The next game is against the 2009 Beko BBL champion EWE Baskets Oldenburg. What memories do you have of the massive 88-82 win in Oldenburg?

I remember it being a hard fought game from both teams. It was a physical game and very competitive.

Julius Jenkens had a big game with 22 points. Obviously they have many weapons, but what is most difficult in keeping him in check? He runs around the blocks very well and can get open so easily.

He is a good player. We just have to know where he is at all times and not let him get easy baskets.

Who are your early 2014 NCAA tournament favorites? What sleepers do you have?

I have to say my Dayton Flyers are really making some noise this year and I feel like they can make a run in the tourney.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The Hurricane.

Thanks Josh for the chat