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 before the next game against the Bayer Giants Leverkusen

 

 

Thanks Myles for talking to German Hoops again. A tough 100-90 loss against Crailsheim in double OT. Was this one of the more entertaining, exciting and tough games that you have played since coming to Germany last season.

 

It was a pretty intense game which I feel we let slip away from us. The fans and the competitiveness of both teams made for a great game.

How much did this loss hurt? I mean playing 50 minutes of basketball and then losing is never easy. What was the difference at the end for Crailsheim getting the win?

Loosing is never easy but as long as you can learn from it I always try to remain positive so I wont let it get me down.

Despite the loss was there any positive things that the Giessen 46ers could take from the game that will help in the next game against the Bayer Giants Leverkusen?

Definitely, after we review the game as a team im sure we will all find something positive to take from it, personally and as a collective.

How proud have you been of the development of German Thierno Agne who has really stepped up his game since December becoming more of a factor in the Giessen game?

Thierno is a smart basketball player and our best shooter. He is a great team-mate so its good to see him developing as a player as we all are.

How do you guys help each other to get better in practice most?

We make practices really competitive which helps us get better because no one wants to loose. We are all young guys with promising futures ahead of us and we realize the importance of pushing each other every day so we can all improve.

You had another solid game with 24 points and nine rebounds, but had three turnovers. After a tough loss like that, do your turnovers remain in your mind for days or are you able to block it out quick?

I try not to dwell on my mistakes too much because I will be scared to make plays in games to come which wont be good. You cant learn if you dont make mistakes, I just try not to make the same one more than once.

The next game is against the Bayer Giants Leverkusen who you beat 79-57 to start the season. What memories do you have form that win?

It was our first game of the season at home and was a good team win.

The Bayer Giants Leverkusen have lost four of their last five games, but are always good for a surprise. What kind of game can we await and what will be key for getting the victory?

They play a lot of zone so as long as we disrupt their defense and play inside out I am confident we can find ways to score and leave with a win.

What was your take on the 2014 NBA allstar slam dunk contest? Many were disappointed about it? Are the dunking ideas running our or no new Vince Carters coming up on the horizon?

I think the professional dunkers, like team flight brothers on youtube have spoiled us with whats possible if that is all you concentrate on doing. The format was a bit weird this year too but nonetheless there were a few good dunks. Damian Lillard surprised me with a few of his but I had my money on Wall winning.

Lamar Odom has signed with a Spanish team. He is most likely done in the NBA. Do you think that he can adapt quickly to the European style?

I am sure he will be able to, he’s been a professional in the NBA for so many years so he knows basketball. it will be good seeing how he does.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Star Trek.

 

Thanks Myles for the chat.

 

Radenko Pilcevic is a 27 year old 18 cm point guard from Serbia playing his first season for  Radnicki Kragujevac (KLS).  He started his professional basketball career in 2004-2005 with KK Zeleznicar Cacak (1B). In 2005-2006, he played for Ribnica. In 2006-2007, he played for KK Crnokosa Kosjeric. In 2007-2008, he played for Proleter Naftagas Zrenjanin (B League, starting five), in April ’08 moved to KK Borac Cacak (A League): Superleague: 13 games: 8.3ppg, 1rpg, 1.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 52%, 3PT: 35%, FT: 93%, He moved from Masinac to Borac in April, no stats for A league. In 2008-2009, he played for KK Borac Cacak (A League): 31 games: 10.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 31.9%, FT: 85.1%. He played for the Mitteldeutscher BC from 2009-2011. In the 2011-2012 season, he played for the Giessen 46ers. Last season he played for  Feni Indistrija Kavadarci (FYR Macedonia-Prva Liga): 8 games: 6.5ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 19.0%, FT: 94.7%. He spoke to German Hoops after the Eurocup loss in Berlin.

 

 

 

You were back in Berlin for a Eurocup game against Alba Berlin. What memories did you have from games with MBC and Giessen in the O2 arena?

 

I have great memories from playing in the O2 arena even if I never won  a game there. It was always a lot of fun to play in that big arena. I have better memories from beating Berlin in Weissenfels where I made the game winning free throws.

 

 

A tough 92-83 loss to 8 time Beko BBL champion in Eurocup play. Alba Berlin had control of game, but Radnicki cut lead to 67-65, but Alba Berlin then went on a 19-6 run to seal the win. What were the reasons for Alba Berlin getting the win?

 

I think that Alba Berlin had the deeper rotation which helped them as well as their physical play. They had early points in the fast break which opened up the game for them. When that happens you then have a small chance to win in Berlin.

 

 

What was the difference in the game giving Alba Berlin the win? Was the rebounding one of the key differences?

 

I don´t think that rebounding was the difference, but that we started off very slowly. They had a nice lead at halftime and we never really were able to recover even if he got back to two points in the fourth quarter.

 

You started the season for KK Crnokosa Kosjeric (KLS): 13 games: 18.1ppg, 1.9rpg, 4.9apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 56.3%, 3FGP: 43.0%, FT: 75.3%, in Dec.’13 moved to Radnicki Kragujevac (KLS). What were the main reasons for this?

 

Going to Radnicki was a very good opportunity for me. With Radnicki I have the chance to play in the Adriatic league as well which is a step above the Serbian league and Eurocup.

 

 

Do you see yourself as lucky or just good work of your agent for landing with Euroleague team Radnicki? How did this transaction come about?

 

I believe I got this job with Radnicki because of my good play with Crnokosa Kosjeric . I was one of the top players in the Serbian league, had good stats and had good result in the cup play

 

 

How difficult has been the adjustment of going from 30 minutes to 11 minutes with Radnicki?

 

Of course it is a very tough adjustment not playing as much anymore and I am still trying to get used to it,  but I believe if I continue to work hard that I will get more minutes for Radnicki in the future.

 

How beneficial has it been watching the master Marko Marinovic who is averaging 6,3apg. What has been the most important thing that you have learned from him?

 

Marko has taught me to play calm. He is calm in every situation and I try to take that into my game.

 

 

You were playing for the Mitteldeutscher BC when he was playing for Alba Berlin. What do you remember rom the two games were you faced off against him? I believe you beat Alba Berlin at home.

 

I never played against him with MBC because I was injured

 

 

 

 

How strange is it playing on a team with no Americans? How often do you hear English on a normal training day at Radnicki? Do you miss it?

I very rarely hear English. We had an American DJ Seeley, but he left to play in Germany. We all have Serbian guys so we talk Serbian. That is good and easier for us all. The only English we hear is normal basketball talk like point guard or baseline.

 

 

 

You were for a short time the teammate of DJ Seeley who now plays in Germany with medi bayreuth. What was your impression of him and will he help the German team stay in the league?

 

I feel that he will be able to help Bayreuth. He is a good player that is smart and can play. He reminds me a lot of Reggie Redding from Alba Berlin. Redding isn´t a point guard, but both can play the positions 1-3. Seeley is smaller, but has the style of play of Redding.

 

 

Head coach Miroslav Nikolic is  a known coaching face in the Balkins. How have you and him gelled and what have you learned from him in the short time?

He is very experienced and has won so much in his career. He was an assistant under Zeljko Obradovic winning the European championships with Yugoslavia in 1997 and even won medals as a youth coach. He always gives freedom to his players. He always tells me show me what you can do which gives me more self confidence. I don´t feel any pressure playing for him.

 

 

Recently Radnicki beat Khimik 86-68 and you played against two ex BBL players Jamal Shuler and Romeo Travis. Did they remember you from the BBL days or did you guys not say hello before the game?

 

Yes I talked to Jamal Shuler and he remembered me. It is always nice to see guys that I played against in Germany having success in other countries. It is always a nice memory to see guys I played against in Germany.

 

 

You recently played twice against Strassburg and Lou Campbell. What do you remember most from his game from the BBL. Did his game get better with age?

 

I think that his game has matured and gotten better with age. He had a very good game against us in Strassburg scoring 11 points in the third quarter.

 

 

Have you stayed in touch with ex teammate Giorgi Gamqrelidze? He has been tearing up the Georgia league the last two seasons averaging 8,0apg currently.

 

I haven´t talked much with him, but we had a very good relationship playing for MBC. I have more contact with Wayne Bernard and Anatoly Kashirov. My best basketball time in my career was with MBC. Each player was great

 

 

What was your nicest memory with Michael hakim Jordan.

Jordan was a funny dude all the time. I learned to be a leader from him. Many guys think bad of him or think that he has something against them, but he doesn´t. He has nothing personal against anyone, but just wants to be a leader and acts like a leader.

 

 

 

Ron Ross is moonlighting as a singer that had much success in Croatia. Did you already witness his musical talent in Weissenfels?

 

Yes I already saw that with MBC. He was always making music on his labtop on the bus

 

 

 

Could you ever imagine playing in Germany again?

 

I would love to come back to Germany and play. I like that style of basketball. I loved it with MBC. The fans were great and they love their basketball.

 

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Wolf of Wallstreet.

 

Thanks Radenko 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 big 99-72 win against Baunach.

Jermel congrats on the 99-72 win against Baunach. Looking back on the bitter loss against Dresden last week, what things did the team improve on as a team against Baunach?

Thank you Miles well one of the things that we do a much better job at home is getting stops. We played all around exceptional defense on their key guys.  Stabler and Knight that combine for 34 points per game on a nightly bases which we held to 19.

TV Langen had the comfortable 45-32 lead at halftime. Were the 32 points from the view of head coach Thomas Glasauer TV Langen defense that the team knows how to play?

I’m sure Coach Thomas was pleased with our consistent defense. Knowing his strive to be better mindset I’m sure he wished we played better and that’s the type of attitude that drives me and the rest of the team.

In the third quarter TV Langen exploded for 32 points. What adjustments did TV Langen make on both ends of the court to really dominate the game?

Baunach decided to turn up the defense a lot in the third quarter and when we responded to this fresh aggressiveness and physicality it deemed to be more unfortunate for them

Baunach really didn´t shoot so bad and the rebounding was even. TV Langen won by many points and Had six turnovers less. Where do you think was the biggest difference in the end for getting this win?

I think the game changer in all of this would be our ability to share the ball so well. When you have 19 assists and our whole team is getting involved were surely difficult to beat.

You had another solid game with 25 points and eight rebounds. How pleased were you with your game? You got more shots and hit at a high percentage.

Im not as pleased with my performance as I should be I just felt like I could have contributed more on the glass. Baunach didn’t do a good job taking me out of my comfort zones and the game just continued smoothly for me.

Usually when you and Martins Woody combine for many points, it isn´t always a guarantee that you will win. How proud are you of the team as there were many guys that scored in double figures?

Well I have a lot trust in my teammates and on any given night when we play as a team I’m sure the results will always be similar

What was your impression of young German Johannes Thiemann who is a big talent and also plays for Bamberg? Do you see him as making a splash at a higher level?

I thought Johannes was solid very fundamentally sound and he has an array of post moves. A guy at his age and talent I can only expect great things from him in the future.

Did the solid game of German Maxim Schneider who had seven points, six assists, one steal, one block and no turnovers go unnoticed? How valuable was he for TV Langen?

Maxim’s performance most certainly didn’t go unnoticed he’s our floor general he knows where everyone wants and needs the ball. He also has great poise and understands the game very well.

I heard the NBA slam dunk contest was a bore. John Wall won, but the contest wasn´t spectacular. How much does that as air Canada disappoint you since you are a very good dunker.

I think the rule adjustments made it quite boring to watch and I wasn’t impressed with the NBA’s lack of innovative ideas. It could have been much better with the talent that was present.

Are the NBA dunkers running out of ideas or are the quality of dunkers eroding away? Are there no new Vince Carters on the horizon?

I don’t believe they are running out of ideas I just believe most of the dunks that haven’t been performed yet can’t be done by anyone in the league

What was the last DVD Movie that you saw?

Oldboy starring Josh Brolin and Samuel L. Jackson

 

Thanks Jermel for the chat.

Michael Jenkins is a 27 year old 192 cm guard from Kinston, North Carolina that currently is playing for  Pallacanestro Cantu (Italy-SerieA. He played at Winthrop(NCAA) from 2004-2008. He didn´t play as much his first two seasons, but got increased playing time in his junior and senior years. As a junior, he averaged 14.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PTConf-1(41.5%), FT: 70.2% in 34 games. In his senior year, he played 34 games and averaged 13.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PTConf-6(36.8%), FT: 71.3%: and finished his career as the 10th leading scorer in Winthrop history with 1,253 points. With Winthrop, he was the Big South Conf. Regular Season Champion in 2005, 2006 and 2007 and won the Big South Conf Tournament from 2005-2008. He was named to the Big South Conf. All-Tournament Team in 2007 and 2008. In his first professional season 2008-2009, he was drafted by the Albany Patrons of the CBA and in November 2008 signed with the Albany Patroons playing 3 games and averaging 6.7ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 47.4%,  but left during the season and moved to BC Buducnost Podgorica (Bosnia-1A) . In the 2009-2010 season he came to Germany and played for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen.  In the 2010-2011 season he played for Belgacom Liege Basket (Belgium-D1) playing EuroCup Qualifying Round: 2 games: 11.0ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 12.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 84.6%; Belgian League: 13 games: 12.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-1(2.8spg), FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 78.3%. In the 2011-2012 he played for Optima Gent (Belgium-D1) playing  29 games: 13.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 75.6%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for Centrale del Latte Brescia (Italy-Lega2): 38 games: 17.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 79.6%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup game against ratiopharm Ulm today

 

 

 

Michael thanks for talking to German Hooops. It has been four seasons since you last played for a German team Walter Tigers Tuebingen. Is there anything in particular that you miss about the German league and lifestyle?

 

Wow 4 years time definitely does fly man. The things I miss the most about the German league is how entertaining it was. I really used to enjoy how professional it felt having the preseason photo shoots and having the lights cut off during the pregame introductions with videos. As far as the lifestyle, I really miss drinking Apfelschorle. Everytime I get a chance to step foot in Germany I must have one (haha).

After two seasons in Belgium, you have continued to move yourself up in Europe going to the Italian Lega 2 last season and this season playing for Pallacanestro Cantu (Italy-SerieA). How happy have you been with your development as a professional basketball player? I remember with our interviews during your Germany year that you always had that extra special self confidence that had me thinking that you would continue to go places.

 

I’m very happy with my development as a professional. I would’ve been to this level a lot sooner but my first year in Belgium I had to have season ending surgery on my shooting arm. That ended up setting my career back tremendously. The season I had in Tubingen really put me on the radar of a lot of clubs. I’m still not satisfied and where I want to be so i’m going to continue to keep working hard.

You and Cantu are high up in the standings this season. Do you think that anything will change up there with some team coming from behind and where will Cantu be at the end of the season?

 

I feel like the top 5 teams will be the top 5 teams all season. Maybe spots will change here and there, but for the most part stay the same. I feel we will finish just as we are at the moment a top 3 team.

What exactly is your role on the team and how much fun is it playing at the two spot with explosive player point guard Joe Ragland?

 

I honestly do not know my role exactly, but personally I feel it is to provide just an all around spark to the team and be aggressive no matter what. Both offensively and defensively. Playing with Joe is very exciting. We both played for the same college coach, (me when he was at Winthrop and him at Wichita State) so we clicked on the court immediately.

Your coming off a huge game in Eurocup play against Nantere with 29 points where you connected on six three pointers the most this season with your six threes against Oostende. Your confidence level must be high. Do you usually know early on in your first few shots where your shooting night will end on a positive or not positive note?

I never lose confidence in my scoring ability, it’s just more of a matter of if it’s smart or beneficial to the team to force when i’m not in a rhythm, and majority of the time it’s never beneficial at this level. Most of the time I can tell what kind of shooting night I will have, however, I’m the type of player that can start the game 1 for 5 and finish the game shooting over 50%.

 

You see amazing rivalries in the NCAA, in Italy or Spain, but how intense was the Ulm-Tubingen games when you played in Germany? Is their a particular game that you remember or play?

 

That Ulm-Tubingen rivalry was very intense. I will never forget beating them at home for the first game, and then losing to them the last game of the season on a buzzer beater by Robin Benzing. We had that game won and he saved the day for them.

What do you remember most from the 106-97 shoot out loss to ratiopharm Ulm? Edgar Sosa had the hot hand with seven three pointers?

Just how poor defensively we played, but also just how well they shot the ball. Especially in the first half. Edgar Sosa was absolutely unconscious that game. He played an extremely great game scoring wise and had a team high for assists.

Cantu needs a road win in Ulm. What kind of game can we expect and what will be key to coming out of Ulm with a victory?

You can expect a very intense game. You have 2 teams that need to win to advance to the top 16. To come out of Ulm with a win we must defend better, play smarter, and just be prepared to fight both physically and mentally.

 

You have played together with many great point guards in your career, and where would you stack up Bane Ratkovica with all the point guards that you have played with?

 

Bane was definitely one the best point guards I’ve had the luxury of sharing the backcourt with during my career so far. His passing ability and vision was definitely high level in my opinion.

Romeo Travis is playing a solid season for Khimik-OPZ Yuzny (Ukraine-Superleague). What do miss most from him on and off the court? I guess that buzzer beater against Bamberg will always be in your mind?

 

Yea Romeo is playing well for Khimik-OPZ Yuzny. I talk to him often. Rome was just an overall great person to be around on and off the court. You always knew he was going to bring it on the court and be a great friend off the court. Yea that play against Bamberg will never be forgotten (haha).

Were you disappointed how poor the NBA slam dunk contest was? Are the players running out of dunk ideas or are their too little new Vince Carters coming up on the horizon?

 

Yea I was pretty irritated by it. I wasn’t fond of the East vs. West theme, but even with that they should’ve had the 3 members of the East team have a dunk off to determine the overall champion. No, I feel there are still dunks that haven’t been seen before in the NBA dunk contest.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

I actually haven’t watched a DVD in a very long time.

 

Thanks Mike for the chat.

 

The BCM basketball court of the Fraport Skyliners at their training facility where the Beko BBL team practices and Pro B team juniors play their games is a small, tight gym like atmosphere that might have reminded a Dru Joyce of the EWE Baskets Oldenburg of the type of places he played in together with NBA superstar Lebron James at St Mary´s high school where they won three state titles, but in comparison to the Fraport arena is more like an exciting, high flying Deandre Jordan that can get any arena in the NBA pumped with his eye popping dunks while the Fraport Arena is more like a huge, strong and impressive like Kevin Love that can dominate anyone just like the Skyliners can on any given day in their own living room. Let us rewind back to more than a year ago on January sixth, where the German Pro  B club Bayer Giants Leverkusen came into the BCM in Frankfurt with top Pro B player at that time Josh Parker, but were crushed badly 107-67 by the Fraport Skyliners juniors. It was one of the less satisfactory games from the Chicago native as he was way below his average and just couldn´t get anything going with his shooting and tried to find his teammates to help his team. “. Frankfurt did a great job defending me and doubling teaming me and not allowing me to get into a rhythm. My shots weren´t falling so I had to try to get my team going by setting them up. . Coaches have told me no matter what is happening to always keep playing hard. I try to play good defense and get my teammates involved when my scoring isn´t on. It is important to keep pushing my teammates, because if I get down then they get down. This was a good game for me to see that despite everything I stayed aggressive. I continue to go against different defenses which will make me better”, warned Josh Parker. Parker has had no problems getting adjusted to the Beko BBL this season as he scored in double figures 13 times including 19 points in a massive 30 point victory against Frankfurt last December in Weissenfels. However 13 months later, Parker didn´t return back to Frankfurt and he wasn´t in the BCM anymore, and not in the bigger Fraport arena either and was unable to show that motivation for revenge and seeking that first win in Frankfurt as Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was of proving doubters wrong that he had what it took to win a major championship the Super Bowl and was only the second African American to do it. After the 66-64 MBC win in Frankfurt, MBC head coach Silvano Poropat gave his reasons why Parker stayed in Weissenfels. “Everything is ok with Josh Parker. We have one player more for the international spots and always one guy has to sit out. We have a lot of competition at the guard spot. All guys always deserve to play. However today it was a tactical decision why Parker didn´t play. Parker has done  a very good job this season for us. He will be back and I won´t forget him, don´t worry”, stressed head coach Silvano Poropat. After the nail bitter win, manager Martin Geisler also was able to back up the words of his coach. “We are happy that we have the luxury of having an extra international player for the stretch run. Each player has to show results in practice and games. We felt that with this rotation, that we would have the biggest advantage against Frankfurt. Parker works very hard in practice and will be back soon”, added Martin Geissler. American Angelo Caloiaro had to be diplomatic concerning the Josh Parker situation. “Parker is a key part of the team. We have to concentrate on things on the court. In an ideal world, it would be great if all could play, but it sucks that it don´t work that way”, expressed San Jose native Angelo Caloiaro.

One guy who would have had an even more spectacular title had the Fraport Skyliners won would have been rookie Aziz Ndiaye who put on a dunking clinic in the first half as the Fraport Skyliners were getting easy buckets as they were destroying the 2004 Fiba Europe cup winner on the pick and role. The 25 year old 213cm center that played at Washington(NCAA) had a very very respectable game with 13 points and six rebounds in 15 minutes. He had four dunks and on the eve of the 2014 NBA Allstar game and dunk contest, it seemed like the big man was trying to present a very late entry from for the contest in New Orleans. The Senegal native was very humble after the bitter loss, putting his teammates in the spotlight for his stellar dunks that energized the Fraport arena. “Dunking is all about finishing and setting good screens. I was able to get open and my teammates put me in  a good situation to finish. In the second half, they changed their defense and it was harder to do the pick and role”, described Aziz Ndiaye. Jacob Burtschi who is still injured and begins to practice with the team again next week, hopes to return to action March 23^rd at home against ratiopharm Ulm was able to give a big grin about the dunking talent of his big teammate. “He gets to the rim fast and is a ferocious finisher. Aziz always makes sure that he gets his two points. That is just his style”, smilied Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi. Two time Beko BBL Allstar slam dunk contest finalist Quantez Robertson knows something about flying and dunking knows that if he is in the middle and Ndiaye gets the ball, then he better fly out of the way quick. “He is the master of the power dunks and you better get out of the way or you might become a poster dunk”, smiled Ohio native Quantez Robertson. “Aziz played well. He always gives us rebounds and blocks. He got going dunking over people. He doesn´t get much time, but he does the most he can with minutes he gets”, added Ramon Galloway.

The Mitteldeutscher BC came into the game with only a 2-3 record in 2014, but came off a huge 76-70 win at home against Phoenix Hagen and once again showed that they have the nerves in crunch time not only in their own living room, but also foreign living rooms. The self confidence of the team continues to rise more and more as they try to solidify themselves in the middle of the standings. The Mitteldeutscher BC trailed for most of the game, but adjusted their defense in the second half and came up big at the end as the Fraport Skyliners lost another close game again as they did last weekend in Oldenburg. “This is how our team is this season in that we never give up even when times seem tough. The guys seem to find a way to win. The self confidence also grows with each close win like last weekend against Phoenix Hagen. We came up with big plays at the end. I told them to do jump switch waiting a bit until they penetrate. We really did a good job of this on the last few plays. Key for the win was improving our pick and role defense in the second half. We closed up the zone. In the first half, it felt like Ndiaye had 20 dunks”, smilied ex Ludwigsburg head coach Silvano Poropat. “Key at the end was defense. The highlight of the game was the defense by Hatten and Meiers at the end. We continue to believe in ourselves. We work hard each week in practice and when it comes game time, we always believe that we can win no matter who it is. We have a two game winning streak and it feels good”, added Angelo Caloiaro. The Fraport Skyliners continue to be winless in 2014 coming into the game with a four game losing streak and still have a walking wounded list that is as long a Paris Hilton receipt at Chanel. The Fraport Skyliners continue to play well despite their limited roster, but are starting to get a nasty habit of losing close games. “This game was back and forth. A big mistake was that we let some guys hit shots early that usually wouldn´t make shots. We were unable to make the adjustment from the non shooters being shooters in this game. These guys fueled the other guys. We were in this game form the start to the end, but we also know that we can lose to anyone. We were unable to do the little things at the end like screens”, warned Missouri native Dane Watts.

4830 fans showed up for only the second home game of the season and their were some familiar faces in the crowd like Fraport Skyliners captain Marius Nolte friend Steven Esterkamp and former Skyliner Zach peacock who had five days off. This season he is playing for Boulogne (France-ProB) averaging 20,1ppg and 7,9rpg and has a good chance of helping moving his team to the France PRO A. Peacock was all smiles and happy to see a familiar surrounding again and would have jumped at the chance of helping Frankfurt “It is great to be back. I loved playing here. It is great to see how Danilo Barthel has developed. I would have loved to have gone on the floor, if they had had my #35”, smiled  Miami native Zach Peacock. The Fraport Skyliners got on the board first as German Johannes Voigtmann connected on a mid distance jumper, but American Michael Cufee scored inside. Quantez Robertson may be the energizer, but if there is one guy who could compete for the nickname on offense than it is German Konstantin Klein. If the Frankfurt offense is stalling, then give him the ball. He is always aggressive and his self confidence is already half the rent for success for him. He hit  a high rainbow and then scored inside with a left handed lay in as the Fraport Skyliner led 7-2. Djorde Pantelic then connected on free throws, but Voigtmann scored inside. The Mitteldeutscher BC was making a mini comeback as Caloiaro hit a three pointer and he then fed Pantelic a nifty back door pass for the quick bucket as MBC had their first lead 10-9. However that was as close as MBC would get as Frankfurt closed out the first half with a lightening 13-4 run to lead 23-14. In this run, Frankfurt scored three buckets in a row as Barthel scored inside gathering a shovel pass from Ramon Galloway, Voigtmann scored on the fast break and Galloway then made a fierce spin move around Pantelic who didn´t know what had just happened as Frankfurt led 15-11. MBC guard from Croatia Hrvoje Kovacevic scored on an off balance shot as MBC cut the Frankfurt lead to 15-13. Frankfurt then closed out the first quarter with an 8-1 run as they took apart the MBC pick and role defense. Ndiaye scored two dunks and a sweet hook shot over Martins Meiers. Klein also scored inside as Frankfuer could do what they wanted to inside. “Meiers missed some defensive assignments not doing what we wanted him to do. Ndiaye took advantage of it”, stressed MBC manager Martin Geissler. The Fraport Sklyiners were shooting 65% from the field and didn´t attempt  athree pointer while the Mitteldeutscher BC was shooting 43% from the field and 17% from outside. Frankfurt had the 10-4 rebound edge and no turnovers while MBC had two turnovers.

In the second quarter, the Fraport Skyliners would keep the lead and lead by as much as 10 points, but the Mitteldeutscher BC continued to be scrappy and not letting Frankfurt run away with the game. New Skyliner Dane Watts started the scoring with a runner and Ndiaye kept up his dunking rampage, but they couldn´t make any ground as ex Phoenix Hagen guard Malte Schwarz who makes three pointers for a living connected on two as MBC trailed only 27-20. Frankfurt continued to make use of the pick and role and playing superb fast break basketball as Ndiaye finished it off with a thunderous dunk as Klein and Robertson looked like the Harlem Globetrotters with their quick touch passing. Galloway also scored inside on the penetration, but Frankfurt still couldn´t run away from the Wolves as little used utility guard Daniel Hain who got known by defending Skyliner legend Pascal Roller during the 2009 playoffs hit two unexpected three pointers as he was left as open as a camel in a barren desert and an antelope grazing on a field in Sudan as suddenly Frankfurt led by only 32-26. Serb big man Pantelic then put more salt into the fire with the third consecutive MBC three pointer as MBC trailed 32-29. Watts then hit a turn around jumper as Frankfurt led 34-29. American Michael Cufee who might be the most aggressive 195cm guard in the Beko BBl crashed the boards got the offensive rebound and somehow made the put back in severe clogged traffic down low. Voigtmann finished off the scoring with  a lay in as the Fraport Skyliners led 36-31 at the break. “Our zone worked as Frankfurt couldn´t hit shots. Daniel Hain made some big shots. He was the surprise effect in the second quarter. I am happy for his good play and how he stole Klein the ball”, added Martin Geissler. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 53% from the field and 0% from the three point line while the Mitteldeutscher BC was shooting 46% from the field and 40% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 17-13 rebound edge and one turnover while MBC had six turnovers.

The third quarter was very tight as the Mitteldeutscher BC upped their game stepping up their defense and just fighting, fighting and fighting. American Marcus Hatten who is playing in his eighth country in Europe started off the third quarter with  a lay in cutting the Frankfurt lead to 36-33. Voigtmann then got a slam dunk as Robertson continued not to get shots, but found his teammates. Caloiaro then dropped another three pointer a shis shooting looks as easy as an Italian pizza maker swirling a pizza as MBC trailed only 38-36. Frankfurt then went on a mini 4-0 run to increase their lead to 42-36 as Voigtmann dropped another mid distance jumper which is his bread and butter the same way the three was for Pascal Roller and Bartlel finished a fast break with a dunk. Hatten then made two free throws as Frankfurt led 42-38. The game was very exciting and one could observe the many injured Skyliners with Andrew Rautins, Jacob Burtschi, Jarred Dubois, Marius Nolte and Stefan Ilzhoefer as their seats looked like a special movie theater as they were watching the game as closely as a doctor is examining his patient. “The only thing missing was popcorn”, smilied Jacob Burtschi. Texas native Ramon Galloway then hit the first Frankfurt three pointer of the game extending the Frankfurt lead to 45-38. MBC kept fighting as Hatten scored on the fast break and Pantelic buried an open three pointer as Frankfurt led 47-43. Watts then made  a huge hustle play tipping in a rebound as Frankfurt led 49-43. However Caloiaro broke the Frankfurt back at the end of the third quarter with consecutive three pointers. Klein made free throws as Frankfurt led 51-49 after 30 minutes. “We took away the pick and role from Frankfurt. We were stepping up too much and there was no help side earlier. The zone helped as we didn´t give up easy baskets anymore”, expressed Angelo Caloiaro. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 50% from the field and 17% from the parking lot while the Mitteldeutscher BC was hooting 43% from the field and 43% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 26-20 rebound advantage and five turnovers while MBC had 10 turnovers.

The fourth quarter continued to be very exciting as neither team could go on a run and seal the victory early, but instead it would be a fight to the finish. Caloiaro started the fourth quarter with a free throw and Michael Cufee who also is a basketball globetrotter playing in his eighth country in Germany as he sealed a three pointer and 53-51 MBC lead. Ndiaye made up for two missed free throws and an air ball with a lay in in traffic as the scored was tied at 53-53. Robertson then set up German Max Merz on the fast break for his first bucket and Cufee hit free throws as the score was still deadlocked. Klein then hit a big three pointer for the 58-55 lead, but MBC jumped back with Cufee free throws and a massive bomb from Kovacevic that was covered well in the corner, but somehow hit over Klein for the 60-58 lead. Frankfurt took the lead with a Voigtmann baby hook shot and Robertson late in the fourth quarter made his first hoop of the night on only his second shot as Frankfurt led 63-61. “I didn´t shoot so much. I passed up many shots mainly because I saw guys that were in better position. I created for guys and got easy buckets on the fast break”, commented Quantez Robertson. MBC then went on a mini 4-0 run to lead 65-63 capitalizing on Galloway and Voigtmann misses as Kovacevic hit a15 footer and Hatten made a lay in. Voigtmann then mad eonly one free throw cutting the MBC lead to 65-64. Caloiaro then missed a jumper and Frankfurt had 18 seconds to go for the win. It was obvious that Frankfurt would go inside to draw the foul, but instead of drawing the foul, Klein and Galloway were denied and MBC came out with the victory. The reason for the last two defensive stops was the MBC M&M combination of Marcus Hatten And Martins Meiers. They may not have M&M chocolate to hand out after a big play, but instead have the capability to stifle an opponent´s offensive play under pressure which Frankfurt unwantedly had to experience. “Our defensive stops at the end were key for the win. Hatten made  a big steal and Meiers with two huge blocks. We played straight up at the end and didn´t want to commit. We got no stupid fouls and played solid defense. I was proud of Martins Meiers at the end. I wouldn´t say that he messed up in the first half on defense, but we all did as a team. He always works hard and when that happens good things happen as he came up big for us on the defensive end”, added Angelo Caloiaro. “Coach had told us all to go to the rim. I had the open shot, but I kept hearing go to the rim in my head and that is what I did. This was a learning experience and I just have to continue to find ways of helping the team win”, stressed Ramon Galloway. The Mitteldeutscher BC was led by Angelo Caloiaro with 13 points. Michael Cufee chipped in with 12 points and Djorde Pantelic had 11 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Johannes Voigtmann with 15 points. Aziz Ndiaye had 13 points and Konstantin Klein had 12 points. Frankfurt finished with 47% from the field and a miserable 17% from outside while the Mitteldeutscher BC shot 42% from the field and 41% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebounding battle 37-30. The best Frankfurt stat on the night were their eight turnovers and overwhelmingly 42-18 points in the paint advantage.

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 Fraport Skyliners

 

A big 76-70 win against Phoenix Hagen last weekend in Weissenfels. I was a bit sad not to see your name in the box score. MBC has the luxury of having enough international players to fill the roster. Was there any specific reason why you didn´t play? Did you have a talk with head coach Silvano Poropat?

Yeah it’s a tough situation especially being a competitor and wanting to be out there with your team. It was just coach’s decision to sit me the last game because of our situation with the extra international player so no specific reason that was it!

It hasn´t been often that you have had to sit during a game as a professional. Were you able to pick up on things during the game as a spectator that you might not necessarily have seen during the hectic of a game when you are on the floor?

Yeah it was a different experience for me, but of course you see different things out on the court that you don’t see while playing. Like things you feel like you could do or help the team in certain situations.

The Mitteldeutscher BC had a big 16 point lead after three quarters, but Phoenix Hagen did make it exciting in the fourth coming back. Did MBC get tired in the last quarter?

Hagen is a team that is known for making good runs and they kept fighting back. The game was at a very high intensity, and they made a big run, but it was good to see the way we responded to get the win.

If Phoenix Hagen had shot their usual high percentage from outside, would this game have been different? How pleased were to keeping highs coring Phoenix Hagen to 70 points? What was the biggest strength on defense? Keeping the perimeter quiet for the Phoenix Hagen shooters?

It was our goal to limit them from getting good looks from the perimeter, we knew that they are a good three point shooting team and we just wanted to limit them from getting easy shots. And I feel like for the most part we did! It was good to see the type of defense we played against them we just have to continue to work at it!

Phoenix Hagen point guard Henry Dugat is coming more and more into his own. He scored 18 points in the loss. What did you like most about his game?

I like his game. I like the way he gets in the lane and attacks the basket he really kept them in the game. He is a good player.

Djordje Pantelic had a monster game with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Was this the first time that he really was able to release the BEAST in him under the boards?

Djordje really played well last game! He has been a force in the paint for us all year on the offensive end and especially on the defensive end! He has been a key part to our success and is really been showing it these last games.

The next game is against the Fraport Skyliners who MBC brushed aside easily by 30 points. What do you remember most from that game? Was that the best performance of the season for MBC?

I just remember how hard we had to play on the defensive end against them they are a good scoring team that has many players that can impact the game! I just feel this second time around we have to work even harder!

The Fraport Skyliners have injuries to Jacob Burtschi, Marius Nolte, Jarred Dubois and Konstantin Klein. This is obviously a team you can´t underestimate as they almost won in Oldenburg with many injured players. What kind of game can we await and what will be key in winning?

I feel like it’s going to be exciting and hard fought game. Fraport is a good team that is going to play you hard no matter who they have on the court we know that they are going to be ready and so are we.

Have you been watching the Winter Olympics? What events do you like most?

Yes I have watched them a little bit. I really like the snowboarding competitions!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Law Abiding Citizen

 

Thanks Josh for the chat.