Ahmad Smith is a 29 year old 194cm guard from Virginia that is playing his second season for the NBC 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 the game

Congrats on the 97-86 win against Kirchheim. How good did it feel not only beating a team next to you in the standings, but getting revenge after losing on the road earlier in the season?

It’s always good to get a win late in the season going into the playoffs. We didn’t play well in the first game so we wanted to show we were the better team.

Kirchheim had a huge fourth quarter scoring 33 points, but it wasn´t enough. Was the fourth quarter the main sour point in the 40 minute effort by NBC?

We got comfortable with the big lead and let up and stop executing on both ends.

You had a stellar performance with 12 points, 16 assists and nine rebounds. Did you have any idea late in the game that you were so close to a triple double?

I had no clue.

Was this more an easier 16 assist game in that you found many open guys or did you have to work hard for some of the assists?

My teammates were making shots they made it an easy game for me.

What was your impression of German Michael Baumer? He made the jump from the Regionaliga to the Pro A this season and gives Kirchheim solid minutes. You also started in the German Regionaliga and fought your way up to the German Pro A.

He’s a young talented player I think he has a bright future.

The next game is against Magdeburg who beat NBC earlier in the season 89-75? German Kevin Wysocki led all scorers with 23 minutes, but he now is helping pro B team Leitershoefen in the playdowns. This is a must win for NBC as Magdeburg is in 14th place and you need every win now for jockeying for the playoff spots. What will be key in getting the win?

Their a better team than what their record indicates and we have to be ready to compete every possession on defense

Who are your early 2014 NCAA tournament favorites and sleepers?

Wichita St Arizona my sleeper is UCONN

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Wolf Of Wallstreet.

Thanks Ahmad for the chat.

Adam Waleskowski is a 31 year old 203cm power forward that was born in Cape Girardeau in the United States that also has the German citizenship that is playing his first season for Ludwigsburg. He played at Florida St. (NCAA) from 2001-2005. He played at Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (Germany-2.Bundesliga) from 2005-2007, but in the second half of the 2006-2007 season moved to Etendard de Brest (France-ProB, starting five): 18 games: 14.2ppg, Reb-3(8.3), 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 75.0%. In 2007, he recieved the German Citizenship and played for Besancon Basket Comte Doubs (France-ProB, starting five): 26 games: 14.0ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 70.6%. In 2008-2009, he played for JSF Nanterre (France-ProB), French League: 7 games: 7.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 59.5%, FT: 37.5%; left in Nov.’08, in Jan.’09 moved to Achilleas Kaimakliou (Cyprus-Division A, starting five): 11pts, 17reb, 1ast, 1steal, in April ’09 signed at Besancon Basket Comte Doubs (France-ProA): 4 games: 4.8ppg. In 2009-2010 he played for Achilleas Kaimakliou (Cyprus-Division A). In 2010-2011, he played for  BG Goettingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga): EuroCup: 8 games: 3.6ppg, 2.1rpg, left in Feb. ’11; German League: 20 games: 8.1ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 76.7% In 2011-2012, he played for Pizza Express Apollon (Cyprus-Division A): 7 games: 6.4ppg, left in Dec.’11, in Mar.’12 moved to Astrum Levice (Czech Rep.-NBL): 9 games: 10.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.6%, FT: 76.5%; played also at Onyx Levice (Slovakia-Extraliga): 4 games: 4.3ppg.Last season he played for  Sigal Prishtina (Kosovo-SuperLeague, starting five), in Jan.’13 signed at Duesseldorf Baskets (Germany-ProA): 24 games: 13.3ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 68.8% He spoke to German Hoops after the amazing 77-76 win against the Fraport Skyliners

Congrats to the amazing 77-76 win against the Fraport Skyliners. You played at Florida State and in many countries, but have you ever been a part of a game like that?

The first round against Fraport we had a similar game where we got down and had to fight our way back in. But, it has been a while since I have been in such a crazy game with such a crazy ending.

What did you feel like when the siren sounded? How long did it take you to understand not only what the team had done, but that you had won the game?

When the game ended I had a sense of relief. Fraport fought really hard and I think a lot of our fans thought the game was lost. We kept playing until the final buzzer and escaped by the smallest possible margin.

It seemed like there were so many stories in this game. If you could compare this to a movie that you have seen in your lifetime to what would it compare most to?

That’s a tough question, because movies usually have a genre like comedy, thriller, drama, sci-fi, etc. This game was a combination of every genre thrown in a blender with the lid off. It was just and emotional roller coaster.

The Fraport Skyliners were up eight with a few minutes to go. It seemed like that they had had control of the game. How confident were you and the team that you guys could make a miraculous comeback at the end?

We made a conscious effort to keep pushing the ball quickly up the court to try and draw a foul or get a quick basket. We knew that if we kept attacking them on offense and either making them work on defense or put them on the free throw line we could still have an opportunity to come back and win.

The action of the game was the technical foul to Quantez Robertson pushing Coby Karl to the ground. Skyliner players that were in the huddle were certain there was flopping. How did you see the play? It seemed like an invisible Shaq had turned up on the court and by the way Karl fell back it could have only been a big guy like Shaq making a player fall back so hard. Lol

It was a really crazy stretch of events. I didn’t get a good look at what happened live because I was trying to huddle our guys up to get the strategy down. Next thing I saw was Coby on the ground. It was a tough decision for the referees to make. I’m just glad that I wasn’t in their position.

Do you think this was the turning point of the game. Did this play occupy the minds of the Fraport Skyliners which enabled Ludwigsburg to get a special type of momentum?

It was definitely a turning point. But I don’t think it was just the referees handing us the game. Coby did miss one of the two free throws after Galloway made his two. We were down three points with 8 or so seconds left when they put Coby back on the free throw line. So, they were definitely in the driver seat, but after that I think it was the hand of God. LOL

Explain your last second shot tying the game. Frankfurt had practiced FT rebounding all week, but couldn´t secure the last rebound. Was this harder work for you than it really looked like?

After Coby made the first free throw I was still in the mind set of making the second and fouling the inbound as quick as possible. Coby said he was going to miss the free throw. I lined up like a defense end and pushed my way in as much as possible without fouling. Shawn and I crossed as the ball came off the rim and Voigtmann was the first person to tip the ball, but luckily it hit off the backboard and I was able to grab it with my left hand. I knew the clock was running out so I tried to put it up on the glass as fast as possible and when I did Voigtmann hit my left elbow. It was a mix of hard work and luck that I was able to get the ball and finish it with the foul.

You had a great game with 24 points and 11 rebounds. If you look back on your career, where would you rank this game in all your games?

This is definitely one of my top performances. If felt great to finish it off in such a fashion that would make a memory of a lifetime.

Do you tip your hat to the Fraport Skyliners on how a team with so many injured players and Pro B players can turn up such a great performance like that? What German player are you most impressed by?

Of course, for a team that has struggle through so many injuries and inexperience, they played as strong as any team in this league. I was impressed at how well Klein and Merz handled the ball against our pressure and Barthel is a very talented young German player with huge potential.

What are your 2014 NCAA tournament favorites and sleepers?

Syracuse has been strong all season and I am hoping my Seminoles can creep in the dance and stir it up.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Zero Dark Thirty.

 

Thanks Adam for the chat.

 

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 62-61 win against Hanau.

Congrats on the 62-61 win in Hanau. How good did it feel beating on eof the top Pro B teams in their living room?

 

Appreciate it Miles it felt great they had a nice crowd and the game atmosphere was perfect. It was only right we beat up on them a little bit.

It was a pretty low scoring game. TV Langen had given up 58 points twice during the regular season. Was giving up 61 points a tribute to being how prepared now for the upcoming playoffs on the defensive end?

Coach Thomas did a great job of preparing us. We knew what they were doing most of the game we just needed to capitalize on the offensive end when we got the stops we wanted.

TV Langen was up 36-28, but Hanau roared out to 25 points in the third quarter. What was key for Hanau getting a better rhythm on offense?

They took more advantage of their size and was getting the ball to their bigs around the rim I was in foul trouble between this stretch of time so Thomas kept me on the bench

TV Langen was down 61-56 with 3.33 minutes to play and Hanau never scored again and TV Langen closed out the game with a 6-0 run. How proud were you of the team to really stick out crunch time and take it at Hanau on the defensive end?

I was extremely proud that we kept our heads and didn’t lose sight of the opportunity to win the game it was rough but we got through it.

You scored the last two buckets of the game. After a timeout you won the game with 11 seconds to play. Describe that last play? Was it designed for you or was it just the guy that had the best option?

Well the play was actually designed for Woody to make something happen and that he did he told me prior to the play that I would be open if I cut to the rim and sure enough that’s what happened and I got the easy dunk to end it.

When I say 9-7 for Martins Woody, do you know what I mean? Well this stat stands for how many games each guy led the team in scoring. How ready are you guys for the post season? Is there still enough energy in your gas tanks?

Well I guess I’m catching up if your keeping count I never noticed and I think we will be just fine we have a lot of momentum going into the playoffs. I’m sure fatigue will not play a role

TV Langen enters the playoffs with a four game winning streak and will play Oldenburg. Is there any area where the team will really focus on in preparation for this team?

We haven’t discussed about them as yet and I haven’t watched film on them either but we will handle them like anyone else we play

How pleased have you been with your rookie season in the German Pro B? If you had to give yourself a grade what would you give yourself?

I’m feel like my grade would probably a C pretty average nothing special I feel like I could have contributed much more in certain areas and I’ve failed to do so. So yeah I’m not pleased

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Blood and Bone.

 

Thanks Jermel for the chat.

 

Virgil Matthews is a 30 year old 188cm guard from Federal Way, Washington that is playing in Germany in the PRO A for Erdgas Ehingen now in his fourth season. He played at Montana (NCAA) and in his senior year played  31 games: 10.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.7spg, FG: 49.8%, 3PT: 48.4%, FT: 76.1%. In 2006-2007, he turned professional and came to Germany and played for KICKZ Muenchen Basket (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 29 games: 18.0ppg, 6.1rpg, 5.2apg, 2.6spg, 2FGP: 57.3%, 3FGP: 31.8%, FT: 66.5%. In 2007-2008, he played for Tacoma Jazz (IBL). In 2008-2009, he returned back to Germany and played for Schwelmer Baskets (Germany-Regionalliga). In 2009-2010, he played for Olympia Reign (IBL, starting five): 21 games: 23.1ppg, 7.2rpg and for Seattle Aviators (NABL).In 2010-2011, he played his first season for Erdgas Ehingen playing 32 games: 11.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 71.3%. In 2011-2012 for Ehingen, he played  28 games: 11.4ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-3(1.9spg), FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 77.1%. Last season for Ehingen you played  Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (Germany-ProA, starting five): 33 games: 11.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.5apg, Steals-4(2.1spg), FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 70.5%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Giessen 46ers.

 

Virgil thanks for talking to eurobasket.com again. Congrats on sweeping Science City Jena this season and winning the last game 85-82. How good does it feel sweeping this team that belongs to the top three teams?

Thanks! It feels good to win more so because of our place in the standings we are just trying to get as high as we can so we just try to win every game.

Out of the last seven games, Erdgas Ehingen have won three of seven games by only a combined total of seven points. How important is this ability to win close games at this juncture of the season where the playoffs are coming closer?

I think playing in close games and winning them are important most games in playoffs and late in the season will be close so its good to get those wins. The more you experience the situation the easier it becomes the more confidence you get.

So far Erdgas Ehingen is 0-3 against BG Goettingen and Crailsheim. You still have a chance to upset BG Goettingen. When you look at these two teams, what do you feel is missing in the game of Erdgas Ehingen to get you to that level?

We actually lost to both of them twice already. I don’t really know what it is we played Goettingen tough just couldn’t get over the hump, and both Crailsheim games were not good don’t know whats missing but we don’t see those teams in the near future so we don’t worry about that.

How has Ehingen current top scorer and combo guard Carlton Guyton and yourself made each other better throughout the season? You guys are often on the floor at the same time and seem to feed off each other very well.

I think we do feed off of each other we both are point guards so we do a good job of controlling the team. He probably makes me better more than I do him. Guarding him every day in practice is tough he is probably the toughest 1on1 guard in the league so it just lets me work on defense. For as much as we are on the court together we are mostly going head to head in practice.

With the season winding down, you are currently averaging 10,3ppg, 4,4rpg and 4,8apg. You continue to be a major force in steals. With the stretch run in full swing how happy have you been with your game? You are near 40% from outside and I am sure you want to get that back up in that range.

I’ve been ok with my game I haven’t been shooting the percentage I want from 3 or from the field but I’m actually feeling better about it coming down the stretch, but that 40% from 3 is a good goal to have.

The next game is against the Giessen 46ers who you lost to 82-75 in Giessen earlier this season. Ehingen lost the rebounding battle badly. What else do you remember from the loss?

They got out early on us we weren’t ready for their intensity on the boards that was a big deal. But I mean this game means a lot for both teams and if we want to be a real contender and a playoff team these are the games you have to win especially at home.

Lebron James recently scored 61 points. Do you think any of the other top players in the NBA will break Kobe Bryants 81 points in the future?

I don’t think 81 will be happening soon 81 is a lot of points when you think about it, its crazy!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 Watched a classic, Snatch with Brad Pitt.

 

Thanks Virgil for the chat.

 

 

Brian Harper is a 28 year old 206cm forward that is playing his first season for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. Last season he played for  TBB Trier (Germany-BBL, starting five): 33 games: 11.0ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 60.3%. 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 Braunschweig.

 

 

The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven sustained a tough loss in Bonn. It was the fourth close loss of the season. Does one ever contemplate where the team may be resting in the standings had you won those four games, or do you try not to dwell on it?

 

It’s always hard losing a close game like the one in Bonn. Like you said we’ve had a few close ones this season where we have only lost by a few points but we don’t have time to dwell on that. What’s important at this point in the season is that we learn from those situations and allow them to help us down the stretch.

Describe the last play of the game where Derrick Allen missed the last shot. Was the play designed for D.A or had their possibly had been an even better option on the floor?

 

We executed the last play exactly how we wanted and got a great look. Coach Oldham drew up a play and Derrick had a good look. When the game comes down to the wire like this one did all you can ask for is the kind of quality shot and were confident that the next one will drop.

What was your impression of new point guard Eugene Lawrence? Does he give the team a new added threat that Jared Jordan didn´t have?

Eugene Lawrence is a good point guard and I think he is really going to do well in Bonn. It’s never easy comparing two players both are talented and everyone knows how unique and valuable Jared Jordan is to any team. I’m sure both will be successful during the remainder of the season.

A loss is a loss, but is there any positive thing that the team can take out of this game to build on the next game?

Yeah I think it’s always important to try to learn from each game. With that said we wanted to win the game and I felt like we played well enough to do so. At this point in the season every game is crucial and even though there is no such thing as a moral victory there’s still a lot we can take from a game like this one.

 

The next game is against the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. Bremerhaven suffered one of those close defeats 77-73 on the road. Do you have some of the 32 points from Isaiah Swann in your mind?

We are looking forward to the game against Braunschweig this weekend. We expect another close game and are confident that if we come out and execute our game plan we will give ourselves a great chance at winning. When it comes to a guy that can score like Swann we just have to come out and try to make him work for everything he gets and stay locked in on him the entire game.

 

Every win now in the down stretch is huge. You will face Braunschweig at home. What kind of game can we await and what will be key in getting the win?

 

When it gets to March every game is big and this weekend is no exception. We are expecting a fight and know that it’s going to take us coming out ready to play in order to get the win.

Lebron James recently hit for 61 points. Do you think that he will ever break the 81 points of Kobe Bryant?

 

If anybody in the League can its Lebron, KD, or Melo. I wouldn’t put it past any of those three guys.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Gravity.

 

Thanks Brian for the chat.