Myles Hesson is a 23 year old 195 cm forward from Birmingham, England that is one of the 12 best players in Great Britain and was selected for the 2013 national team playing in Slovenia at the Eurochampionships. He currently is playing in the German Pro A this season for the Giessen 46ers. Last season he played for  Weissenhorn Youngstars (Germany-ProB, starting five): 20 games: 19.7ppg, 10.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, 1.5bpg, 2FGP: 54.4%, 3FGP: 27.4%, FT: 65.6%, in Mar.’13 moved to Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-BBL): 9 games: 4.2ppg, 2.8rpg. He started his professional career in 2009-2010 for  Birmingham Aces (EBL2) averaging 13.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 2FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 33.3%. In 2010-2011, he played for the Essex Pirates Basketball Club (BBL): 11 games: 9.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 68.4%. Last season he played for Liverpool Mersey Tigers (BBL, starting five): 27 games: 15.1ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 61.5%. This past summer, he was a member of the British national team taking part in preparations for the 2012 Summer Olympics. He also took part at the British 3×3 Mixed and menTeam for World Championships in Greece  in 2012. He spoke to German Hoops after the 84-82 win against BG Karlsruhe.

Myles thanks for talking to German Hoops again. Congrats on the 84-82 win against BG Karlsruhe. It was the second win in a row for the Giessen 46ers. What was key for getting the win?

I didnt get to watch the game because I was in the locker room getting treatment for my shoulder but from what I have been told we came out really hot in the second quarter and maintained the lead for the 2nd half.

How proud are you of the team that they were able to squeeze out the win with only seven players despite you hardly being able to play?

Very proud, it just shows what kind of team we are, no matter what happens we keep on fighting. On any day anyone of us could be the main contributor but you can see from our stats that it is a real team effort in all our games.

How is the state of your shoulder? When do you believe that you can play again?

I wont know until I have a scan tommorow, so right now Im hoping for the shortest recovery time possible. I dont want to miss anymore games.

How proud are you of Steven Bennett. He had a 22 point effort against NBC recently, but may have had his break out game with 27 points against BG Karlsruhe. How has he been adjusting to the Pro A coming from the Pro B?

Im very proud of Steve’o as well, he took control and helped to lead our team to victory. I think he has made a smooth adjustment, but Im sure if you ask him he will tell you that there is always room for improvement. We work hard every day trying to get better.

Giessen is currently in 4th place with a record of 11-4. How happy have you been with the first half of the season with the play of the team? What things do the team need to improve on in the next months?

We lost a few games that I believe we had control of but gave it away one way or another down the stretch. But its a learning experience for us all as we are such a young team so Im happy with what we have done so far but expect more from us this half of the season. We need to stay focused when we have a small lead in the 4th and learn to close out games better.

Giessen beat Crailsheim and Jena, but lost to BG Goettingen this season. Is Giessen a team capable of ending the Pro A season in first place?

My main aim is to win every game we play and having played all the teams already, I think we can do that. Were not too far behind them in the table so I think it could be possible.

Denis Wucherer is having his rookie season as a head coach in German basketball. What is the most important thing that you have learned from him so far this season?

I cant really take one thing as being the most important because he has really been helping me to fine tune my game, showing me the little things I need to do in order to get better and more effective.

You are averaging 15,9ppg, 7,1rpg and 1,4apg in the Pro A. How happy have you been with your season so far? What do you still need to improve on? Possibly getting your 2,6to rate down?

I have had a few good games so far this season but also a few bad ones. I know I cant be perfect every game so my main aim is to just be consistent throughout and make less mistakes. I feel as a player I need to improve everything because nothing I do is perfect. Yes I definitely need to take care of the ball better 2.6 TO’s is too high.

The next game is against BG Goettingen. How big is the revenge factor after the 88-81 loss? You scored 26 points in the loss. What will be key in getting the win?

I hope I will be healthy by then. We let the lead slip in the 4th against them last time so I hope we are all healthy and can get a revenge win at home. Defense is always the main key to us winning games, if we play our style of basketball and dictate the pace of the game we should win.

Your ex teammates Germans per Guenter and Daniel Theiss are playing for team national at the 2014 Beko BBL Allstar game. Do you see team national having any chance of winning?

You never know with a game like this, Im not sure how competitive it is going to be but Im sure it will be a fun game to watch and I wish them the best of luck.

Over the break, you were five days home. What was the most memorable non family thing that you did?

I went to go watch my best friends play against each other the day before I left, it was good to see them all playing 1st league basketball.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The Wolf On Wall Street

Thanks Myles for the chat.

Jamie Stewart is a 22 year old 6´5 guard from Detroit. He started his basketball career at  Henry Ford CC (JUCO) in 2009. He then played two years at Montana State(NCAA). As a senior he played 10 games: 10.4ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 67.6%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

Jamie thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and what are your new years resolutions for 2014?

 

My New Years resolution is simple; just to become a better person, better then I was last year. After that, everything else will fall into place.

The first half of the 2013-2104 professional basketball season is over and your still without a team. How tough has it been not being on a team and just sitting at home seeing your ex teammates balling in college or somewhere on the professional level?

It’s been real tough! Luckily I have a great support system around me, to get through the tough times. Its one of the toughest things I ever had to deal with! Being without something you love the most, and knowing that you have so much to offer a team (from a basketball standpoint) but adversity builds character. I have a lot of friends playing professional ball right now and I’m living my dream vicariously through them for now. Knowing that my time will come.

How tough has the search been for you? Have you had any offers at all, or just not thought that they were good situations for you?

The search has been very difficult for me, personally. It’s like I’m being blackballed, marginalized or something (laughing lol). When you look at my CV it brings up red flags. But it’s been so tough because of what happened the last two seasons at MSU, which I only have myself to blame. I’ve had numerous coaches and GMs tell me that is why they can’t offer me a contract because I played in only 23 games in two years, which I feel, I contributed decently in that time, especially under certain circumstances. Also, I had some of the best agencies tell me that, they couldn’t represent me for basically the same reasons. So it’s very tough and disheartening being told no, over and over again. But I’m a competitor and a fighter, so I’m going to keep fighting.

There are quite a few leagues in the States. The lower ones don´t pay well, but wouldn´t this route be a good start for you just to get your foot through the door and being able to get your first experience as a professional?

I’ve had a lot of ABA, PBL and other minor league teams contact me throughout the year that I passed on, because it wasn’t worth not finishing my degree. I actually had an offer this summer to play in South America, but I felt it wasn’t the best situation for me and my career and so I enrolled back in school at Montana State. I just finished up the semester with one of my highest GPA’s of my collegiate career, so I’m very proud of that accomplishment.

However Europe is a place where the pay is better and you can get a glimpse of other cultures as well. Do you have any friends playing in Europe and if you do what stories have they told you about their situations?

I have a lot of friends and former teammates playing in Europe right now, so I get mixed reviews from different people, all the time. I hear it’s great – then I hear it’s bad, I hear a lot of different things, but the only way to find out, is for myself! Certain things and places work and doesn’t work for different people. I’m from Detroit though, and we feel, if we can make it there, we can make it anywhere! Just give me a basketball, I’ll be fine.

How have you been staying in shape this season? How does a normal workout day look like for you? What do you do on the court and in the gym to stay in best shape?

I changed my diet and I eat a lot healthier now. I train with our strength and conditioning coach – Coach Ramirez everyday here at the University. A normal workout day for me is; getting up early, eating a big breakfast and drinking a lot of water before I weigh in (laughing lol) – first we start with stretching and warm up drills (hurdles, jump roping, progressions) next we hit the court for speed and agility work (ladders, sprints, cone drills) after that, back to the weight room for my plyometrics routine then I lift and do whatever is on my workout card for the day. After that, I drink a protein shake and we hit the court again for conditioning. This usually takes about two hours. Then I go get food, come back about 2hrs later and do ball handling drills and shooting. So this takes about 5hrs out of my day combined then it’s rest, eat, sleep and get ready to go back at it tomorrow.

After having a standout high school career at Clarenceville where you were A McDonald’s All-America nominee who was Class B All-State selection as a junior and senior, winning conference MVP honors each season, you finished your career as Clarenceville’s all-time scoring leader averaged 18 points and six rebounds a game as a sophomore, 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals as a junior, 28.0 points, 11.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.3 steals a game as a senior. Were you disappointed that you started your college career at a Juco school at Henry Ford?

I was disappointed in a sense that, I wasn’t able to go D1 right after high school. I struggled with academics my freshmen and sophomore year of high school because injuries and surgeries kept me out of class for a lot of the school year. So making up assignments, not being in class lectures and such was hard to juggle. And I ended up not passing the NCAA Clearinghouse, which is the reason I ended up in JUCO. But JUCO was a great experience for me! I don’t regret it at all. I had some fun times, with some of the best people I’ve ever met. We won a lot and was a Top 5 program in the country those two years. So I’ll say it was quite successful.

You were a two-year standout at Henry Ford, earning NJCAA All-America and all-region honors each season averaged 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists a game as a sophomore, 15.3 points, 5.3 rebounds a game as a freshman. How important was this experience taking a step back and being able to show that you have the talent for the next level?

I don’t think it was ever a question about my talent level. Everyone knew I was extremely talented, rankings don’t mean much to me, but I was rated the #1 shooting guard in that 09 class in Michigan on some sites, but it was other facts that they weren’t so sure about. I was being recruited by some high major programs, but mostly mid majors but I didn’t pass the Clearinghouse a few times and it just didn’t work out. But if it did work out then I’d probably would have chosen to go to UCF (University of Central Florida) out of high school.

You played two seasons at Montana State, but had to leave twice before the end of the season. The first time it was due to academics and the second time there was no reason stated. Are you a tough character to deal with? How were you able to deal with these experiences?

 

That’s the exact reason! Like I said, I had numerous teams tell me that, that was the reason why. Otherwise, I’d be finishing my rookie season right now. But things happen, people make poor choices and those are the mistakes and choices that we have to deal with forever. I just hope that a team accept me for what I can do on the court. What I can bring to a team and not base my career on what happened in the past. I’m just waiting on a team to present me with that opportunity. I take it to heart that I’m not signed right now. In my mind, I feel that teams think that I’m not good enough to take a low risk on. So I work extremely hard everyday, because of the way I’m wired, and if someone tell me that I’m not good enough or says no, then I’m going to work so hard where they can’t deny me no longer. Honestly, I am tough to deal with. With my IQ of the game, the way I over analyze situations, and my demeanor sometimes land me in the Doghouse. I’m very expressive and opinionated and if I feel something isn’t working, not going to help us win games and etc. Then I am going to express my feelings. Sometimes I wish I could just shut up, but it happens subconsciously, about time I realize the situation then it’s too late. I demand a lot of myself and teammates, especially if I see something good within them, so I maybe push them to the limit. I aspire to be a coach one day, so I guess that’s the coach inside of me. Luckily in the past I had great coaching. Coaches that overshadowed my personality, and understood me as a player and a person. I believe that players/coach relationship is always key. But I learned to tone my game down a lot. I learned that everyone has different personalities and I have to learn to adjust to them. I’m learning as I go forward, learning different experiences, I’m nowhere near perfect.

You are a very good ball handler, but what other strength do you have in your game on the court?

As far as strengths go, I would say, attacking and finishing at the basket, scoring, good rebounder for the guard position, drawing fouls, mid range shot, pick n roll and just being put in isolation situations. Because I feel one on one for the most part, I’m going to get the better of my opponent.

 

What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

Is that I make my teammates better. I put them in positions where it make their jobs easier. That I’m a all around player, it’s not just about scoring for me anymore as it was in high school. Now I like to assist, rebound, defend the opposing teams best perimeter players. I want fans, coaches and myself to say I did a little bit of everything on the floor tonight. A ideal stat line for me, would be something along the lines of: 16pts, 8rebs, 6ast, 2stls and a blk and a win of course.

 

How important was teammate Christian Moon who was also your teammate at Henry Ford? What were you able to learn from him on the court?

Moon was great! On the court we complimented each other because he spread the floor while I attack and it opens up the lane because defenders had to stay tight on him because of his shooting ability and range. Then If defenders doubled or sagged off then I could kick it to him and I knew the shot was good. But more importantly – more important than on the court. He helped me be a better person off the court! We were roommates and been together for 4 years so I saw how he went about everyday life and I learned life long lessons from him. He was humble, charismatic, never too high or never too low, quiet and let his actions speak. I saw how he interacted with people and he was well liked. He’s a great dude.

 

If you could sell your self as a basketball player to any team now as to why you would help them right away, how would you describe yourself as a player and person?

If I could sell myself as a basketball player right now, the one word I would use to describe myself is: Hungry!! I’m starving to get back on the court and compete! Willing to go through extreme measures to get that opportunity and prove myself once more! The two things I have the most and is worth more than any skill set! Is heart and toughness! Other than my good size at the shooting guard/point guard spot, scoring ability, jumping ability, ball handling, attacking ability, and passing ability. I have the heart and desire to compete and be the best player that I can potentially be, because I know I’m not there just yet. I’m taking mental notes of any and everyone who told me no. I have something to prove!

 

What basketball dreams do you have as a basketball player?

I think, obviously every basketball player has dreams of playing in the NBA. But that is so far-fetched for me right now. I want to play at the highest level that I can possibly play and provide for my family. If I never get that opportunity to play professionally and D1 was the highest level that I could play then, I would have to call it a career and start other endeavors.

 

Who would win a one on one in practice you or Christian Moon?

Lol. I would destroy him. He’s too little. The score would look something like 11 to 4.

 

Who was the best player that you had to defend in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?

I don’t even know. That’s a tough one. I had to guard so many great players over the years, in real games and pick up games that it’s hard for me to even remember. I will tell you one thing though; if they got the better of me that day then it made me work on my game endlessly the next day!

 

Will the Detroit Lions ever become a winning team in your lifetime?

Lol that’s funny man. I don’t know. I think they have all of the right pieces and should have made a run these last few years, I guess it’s just a matter of putting it all together. I’m a Patriots/Tom Brady fan though.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last movie I watched was Training Day. I watch that almost every night. Denzel and Martin Lawerence are my favorite actors.

 

Thanks Jamie for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richie Williams is a 26 year old 178cm guard that is playing his second season with SC Rasta Vechta. He is a very fast guard that can play either one or two. Great at pushing the break. Can score by shooting the three or using his explosiveness to beat his man. Gets to the basket and scores in traffic. A specialist in steals that uses his quickness to intimidate on defense. Great ball control. Gets the whole team involved when playing the point but can takeover a game at any time. He started his basketball career at  San Diego St. (NCAA) in 2005 where he played until 2009. In his senior year he played  36 games: 7.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3Pts: 37.5%, FT: 64.2%. In 2009-2010, he started his professional basketball career for The San Diego Surf (ABA), in Jan.’10 moved to FSU Selfoss (Iceland-Express League, starting five): 8 games: 27.5ppg, 8.1rpg, 3.4apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 72.7%. In 2011-2012, he played for  UBC Hannover Tigers (Germany-ProB, starting five): 33 games: 18.3ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-4(5.7apg), Steals-2(3.2spg), FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 75.8%. Last season for SC Rasta Vechta he played  SC Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProA): 38 games: 15.6ppg, 5.2rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), Steals-1(2.5spg), FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 79.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg.

 

Thanks Richie for talking to German Hoops again. A big 89-70 vcitory last weekend against the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. How important was this win after the bitter loss in Frankfurt? It seems like the club really stuck together and forgot the loss in Frankfurt quickly.

 

The win against Bremerhaven was very important because we want to refrain from being one of the bottom 2 teams. Coming off of Christmas break we want to give ourselves a clean slate and play with no agenda.

 

SC Rasta Vechta did a great job on the boards with 40 rebounds. How vital was controlling the boards in this win?

Rebounding is what we do best so with that being our best asset, we have to bring it every game.

You have to step up against the best point guards each week. What was your impression of Bremerhaven point guard Darius Adams who had 14 points and eight assists. How would you rate him against other point guards you have played this season?

He’s very quick and can score in a variety of ways. I shared the responsibility with Flavio Stückemann so we can wear him down. He helps the team most when he’s scoring so I wanted to turn him into a passer and make someone else score.

The bottom of the standings is so exciting as there are many teams that have three and four victories. After a big win against Bremerhaven, the self confidence soars, but how mentally sharp is the team at the moment concerning the momentary standings place?

We’re aware of the standings but we approach every game with the same level of importance. We have to take it one game at a game so we can be completely focused and not looking ahead.

The next game is against the s.olIver Baskets Wurzburg. This is another cellar type match up. What kind of game can we await?

Granted their position, Würzburg is a pretty good defense team. They’re in a must win position just like we are so I’m expecting an intense game.

 

What has been your impression of German point guard Flavio Stuckemann that is getting much self confidence from head coach Pat Elzie. He hit some big shots in Frankfurt and played 20 minutes against Bremerhaven.

Flavio is our captain and he’s our team leader. It doesn’t matter what he’s done all game, he makes big plays when we need him to.

 

How do you see the NFL playoff games this weekend New England Patriots-Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos-San Diego Chargers?

I don’t care about anyone but the hometown team. I’m rocking with the Chargers taking the Super Bowl. I want them to play the Colts.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Silver Linings Playbook.

 

Thanks Richie for the chat.

Going from the glitzy, high paced, New York all over again sprayed on the beach Los Angeles to the tranquil, country side and relaxed Bamberg in Germany could pose a serious culture shock for people, but if your German national player Elias Harris who is from Speyer Germany, making that jump isn´t all that difficult to digest. Not long ago, Harris was sharing the same locker room with future NBA legend Kobe Bryant, possibly trying his best to coax Chris Kaman to return back to the German national team, finding out secretes from Pau Gasol as to why the Spanish basketball federation are so successful at grooming young Spanish talent, or getting valuable passing skills and ball handling tips from future NBA legend Steve Nash. As it is so often the case in the fast flowing NBA, players are there one day and gone the next day which was the case of Elias Harris. He played two games playing against Golden State and New Orleans and playing only a total of 12 minutes. The Los Angeles Lakers wanted to go in another direction and waived the ex Gonzaga Forward. Instead of sitting around and waiting for an offer, he decided to sign with the Brose Baskets Bamberg and has continued his professional career in Germany. Harris is a guy that is a natural born power forward and he is a very strong kid with physical power who loves (of course) the Physical game. His ability shooting gives him another advantage on the court as he can play also at the small forward positions in case needed. He is great in the paint as his strong body and his very good positioning helps him to dashed down quite a big number of boards considering his post. Harris joins a very strong Bamberg roster and will help the team right away and in their quest to defend their title. In his first game with Bamberg, he helped the Brose Baskets Bamberg defeat Phoenix Hagen 104-93 in which Bamberg gave Phoenix Hagen a lesson in shoot out basketball as Harris had 25 points in his first professional game in Germany. Phoenix Hagen forward Larry Gordon got a first impression of the German. “He was alright, strong, really physical and skilled, but I think that his game is more suited for Europe”, stressed Larry Gordon. The Fraport Skyliners were able to get their first impression of Harris as he had his first meeting against the Fraport Skyliners and also remembered a scrawny black haired kid form New York who´s father Leo was the best player in Canada before the emergence of Steve Nash as Andrew Rautins poured in 24 points in a 87-65 loss his freshman year to Syracuse kicking out Gonzaga And Harris who also scored 24 points out of the 2010 NCAA tournament. Harris and Rautins didn´t meet for the first time as professionals as Rautins was idle on account of a lower body injury and the Brose Baskets Bamberg whipped the Fraport Skyliners 73-43 as their nasty stick was in the form of aggressive defense. Newcomer Harris played only his third Beko BBL game, but no matter who you talked to, everyone´s eyes glowed when mentioning the play of the Speyer native. “Harris brings a new dimension to our game. He brings physicality and good defense.He showed his high low game against Hagen and showed his perimeter skills against Wurzburg. His biggest strength is his versatility as he can guard the positions three to five. He was guarding Dino Gregory of Hagen. I feel that he can play in the NBA, but he will be more of a role player as NBA teams have 3-4 guys that just score. He will have more of an offensive role with us”” stressed Bamberg scout Brendan Rooney. Harris finished the game with 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and two blocks in 24 minutes and showed that he can dominate the game with his overall game. Fraport Skyliner American Jarred Dubois remembered Harris form the NCAA. “Harris is always attacking and uses his athleticism well. He has a great face up game and shoots very well. I always thought his game was a bit underrated, but he just does it all”, added Jarred Dubois. “Harris is a good player and a reason why he was in the NBA. It is great for the BEKO BBL that he is playing here”, commented Fraport Skyliner forward Danilo Barthel. Ex NBA player Casey Jacobsen who played 287 NBA games is more than confident that Harris will be back in the NBA. ”He is good enough to play in the NBA. He just has to decide if he wants to be a star in Europe or be a role player in the NBA. But he is born and raised in Germany, maybe he will stay in Europe, but as of now I am very happy that he is on our team”, smiled Casey Jacobsen. Harris didn´t get any last encouraging words from NBA super star Kobe Bryant, but from Pau Gasol and Steve Nash. “They just gave me encouraging words and told me to stay focused and that there are many different roads to Rome”, added Elias Harris.

The Fraport Skyliners entered the game in seventh place having a record of 9-6 and still had quiet aspirations of possibly reaching the cup knock out games, but in order to that they had to at least beat Bamberg or Alba Berlin and get help from other Beko BBL teams. They entered the Stechert arena in Bamberg as the walking wounded as they were crippled with injuries about as bad as it has ever been in their 15 year history. The walking wounded list for the Fraport Skyliners kept growing the last week like a bar room tab that Norm Peterson kept alive at the Cheers bar in Boston. Long time injured Skyliners Marius Nolte and Quantez Robertson were joined by Americans Andrew Rautins and Ramon Galloway who had lower body injuries and Oklahoma native. Galloway then did suit up and play. Jacob Burtschi was also missing in action as he has back problems and will be out at least three weeks. The Fraport Skyliners played a solid first half being down only by eight points, but completely feel apart in the second half being outscored 40-18 as the Brose Baskets Bamberg turned up their defense, started hitting more shots and played their usual strong second half. “We had a bad start in the first quarter, but were able to cut it back to 6-7 points at first half. We fell apart in the second half and just didn´t play together as a team. We had too many turnovers which led to many fast break points for Bamberg”, expressed Heidelberg native Danilo Barthel. The Brose Baskets Bamberg came into the game in second place behind the mighty FC Bayern Munich with a record of 12-3 and since they were eliminated in Euroleague play can fully concentrate on Cup and league championship. They were coming off a big 61-49 win against Bavaria rival Wurzburg and continued their dominating defense against the Fraport Skyliners. One sign of a champion is when that player still isn´t happy with a team performance despite creaming a team by 30 points. There is a reason why ex Stanford guard Casey Jacobsen has won 8 German titles for the Brose Baskets Bamberg. “We have only had one game the last weeks, so we have had much time to prepare for each opponent and work on our weaknesses. We are still a work in progress and Harris and Fischer are new to the team and there is still a lot of work to do. We have more time now to work on our weaknesses and I think the win today against Frankfurt was a good step in the right direction”, stated ex Memphis Grizzlies Casey Jacobsen. Despite easily beating  the Fraport Skyliners, it wasn´t a cake walk for us. “This wasn´t as stroll in the park on a Sunday. We didn´t underestimate Frankfurt and respected them from the start. Frankfurt fought very hard, but our defense came through in the second half and we hit more shots”, warned ex Gonzaga player Elias Harris.

The Fraport Skyliners started the game with four Germans and American Jarred Dubois and couldn´t have been at a bigger disadvantage in experience towards the Brose Baskets Bamberg as at times Bamberg had more than 100 games Euroleague experience while the Fraport Skyliners had zero Euroleague games on the floor , but they had to come to terms with what they had on the floor. In the first few minutes, the score was 0-0 as one could have thought there was a soccer arena game going on with only the nets missing. Maik Zirbes got Bamberg on the board first with a jumper and Danilo Barthel tied the game with a lay in after getting fed perfectly from Johannes Voigtmann. However it doesn´t usually take the Brose Baskets Bamberg long to get rolling at home as they went on a 10-0 run to lead 12-2. On this run, American Zach Wright used his aggressive penetration creating open looks for the Bamberg shooters. Jacobsen nailed a three pointer, Rhode Island native Rakim Sanders scored inside and Anton Gavel punished Frankfurt with his line drive three pointer after getting  a second chance after Bamberg scooped up an offensive rebound. Bamberg kept up the offensive pressure as Wright scored twice inside. Frankfurt got some buckets from Voigtmann and Barthel to cut the Bamberg lead to 16-6. Harris contributed a three pointer and Fraport Skyliner Konstantin Klein finished the first quarter dropping a three pointer as the Brose Baskets Bamberg led 21-11. “Bamberg was playing with more energy and hit many three pointers. Frankfurt fought very hard and did a good job on help defense. Maik Zirbes did a good job on the boards”, stressed Baunach American Antonio Stabler. The Brose Baskets Bamberg were shooting 47% from the field and 43% while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 36% from the field and 100% from outside. Bamberg led the rebound duel 9-7, while Frankfurt had eight turnovers and Bamberg five turnovers.

In the second quarter, the Fraport Skyliners continued to fight and claw themselves closer to Bamberg and a pair of Aziz Ndiaye dunks at the end of the second quarter brought the team a lot of energy and were only eight points back at the intermission. Ex Los Angeles Laker Elias Harris started off the second quarter with a soft post up jumper over Danilo Barthel. Ramon Galloway then got a crisp bounce pass from Klein and scored on a lay in on the baseline. Ex Real Madrid center D or Fischer then made a pick and pop as Bamberg led 25-14. Aziz Ndiaye who missed a dunk at the start of the second quarter made amends by muscling in an offensive rebound as  the Fraport Skyliners showed nonstop grit as they finally got the ball in the hole possibly the best work on the offensive boards of the season on that play. Team work, effort and heart was bringing the Fraport Skyliners back into the game. Ramon Galloway then closed off an 8-4 Frankfurt run as they trailed only 25-19 as Bamberg head coach Chris Fleming called a time out. The New Jersey native found the right words as the six time Beko BBL champion went on a 8-2 run to lead 33-21. Ex Giessen guard Anton Gavel stormed out of the timeout and dropped a three point bomb. Voigtmann responded with his bread and butter the mid distance jumper. Ex TBB Trier center Maik Zirbes then made a quick dunk. Ndiaye then missed two free thows while ex Boston College guard Rakim Sanders had a little too much NBA showtime in his blood as he flew over three Skyliners from the baseline, but missed a thunderous dunk. Jacobsen then hit another three as Bamberg led 33-21. The Fraport Skyliners finished the second quarter with a 4-0 Ndiaye run with one dunk prettier than the other. “My two dunks were just two plays. I am happy that I could finish the dunks and that time it was good, because it changed the momentum at that time”, stressed Aziz Ndiaye. The Brose Baskets Bamberg led 33-25 at halftime. A big factor in the first half was the wheeling and dealing of Austin, Texas native Zach Wright who was penetrating all day long and always being aggressive something that Frankfurt couldn´t come to terms with. “I had had knee problems stating back to last summer and with the Bosnian national team. I have been feeling better as of late and been able to play the way I know how. Coach told me to always be aggressive and not be in between. Attacking is my game”, stressed Zach Wright. “Frankfurt did a good job coming back. Frankfurt played at their tempo and Bamberg kept hitting shots. I liked how Bamberg was playing with confidence and much heart”, stressed American Antonio Stabler. The Brose Baskets Bamberg were shooting 46% from the field and 38% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 40% from the field and 25% from the three point line. Bamberg had the 16-15 rebound edge and 10 turnovers while Frankfurt had 12 turnovers.

In the third quarter came the turning point of the basketball game as the Brose Baskets were able to jump on the Fraport Skyliners quickly and they would never let the opponent come back again and get under 10 points. The Brose Baskets Bamberg had no mercy for the 2004 Beko BBL champion slapping a 17-2 run. Casey Jacobsen started the run with a catch and pop jumper which was matched by a Voigtmann mid distance jumper as Frankfurt has massive luck getting a loose ball back and making the shot. That was about as much luck as Frankfurt would have as Bamberg would score 15 unanswered points to lead 50-28. As if it was the easiest thing in the world, Bamberg turned their offense up a few gears as Gavel nailed a three pointer, Wright connected on a floater and then Bamberg got two straight steals from Wright and Harris that led to coast to coast dunks. Gavel then hit another three pointer and Fischer snuck inside dunking as Harris slid the quick pass through. In this run, Frankfurt was suffering turnover after turnover and Bamberg was punishing them like a cat does a mouse when it has gotten to close. Frankfurt then experienced a bright spot as they closed out the third quarter with a 11-7 run as Bamberg led 57-39 after three quarters. In this run, Klein got hot nailing three three pointers in a row. Bamberg got easy buckets inside from Fischer and Sanders. Sanders closed out the third quarter with a three pointer. “Bamberg hit open shots and we slept on defense especially on switches”; stressed Heidelberg native Danilo Barthel. “I am new here and didn´t know that Bamberg usually have strong second halves. We had too many turnovers in the first half and eliminated them in the third quarter. Our ball movement was very good and we hit our free throws”, stressed Elias Harris. “We didn´t hit any shots and made many turnovers and didn´t rebound well which resulted in many easy Bamberg baskets”, stressed Jarred Dubois. The Brose Baskets Bamberg were shooting 52% from the field and 43% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 41% from the field and 44% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 22-20 rebound edge, but 19 turnovers while Bamberg had 11 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter the Brose Baskets Bamberg never let their guard down and just completely buried the Fraport Skyliners not even needing any of that excess New York snow as they won the quarter 15-4 as the class difference between both teams rose from kinder garden-college from the start to Kindergarden-Master degree. It really didn´t matter what Frankfurt did on the offense end, the outcome usually was a turnover or led to a very forced shot. Perhaps the best play of the quarter was a Barthel block of Sanders to start of the fourth quarter. After a Fischer lay in, it was Harris that took a page out of the Aziz Ndiaye´s book by dunking twice in a row as Bamberg led 64-41. Frankfurt got one field goal in the fourth quarter which was a Voigtmann tip in. Bamberg got added production from Zirbes with a lay in and a Jacobsen three pointer and Harris runner. After Harris blocked little used Skyliner Pro B license player Johannes Richter, Karsten Tadda and Galloway ended the game exchanging free throws. “Bamberg is very deep and a team that plays tough defense and runs their plays well. One could see that they are a veteran team and it was tough playing against guys that came in and out and had the same quality”, warned Jarred Dubois. “Frankfurt had a lot of injuries, but we played well and did a good job pushing the ball, executing and playing together and getting easy shots”, said Zach Wright.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg were led by Elias Harris with 13 points. Casey Jacobsen and Anton Gavel each chipped in with 12 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Konstantin Klein who scored 14 points. Johannes Voigtmann had nine points and eight rebounds. Bamberg shot 49% from the field and 36% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners shot a dismal 31% from the field and 33% from the three point line. Both teams registered 31 rebounds, but Frankfurt had an unacceptable 26 turnovers while Bamberg had 15 turnovers. If a team like Tuebingen or Bayreuth gave up 43 points, they would disclaim a national holiday in each city, but even after allowing only 43 points the sign of a real champion is that one is never satisfied and wants to always improve as Jacobsen explained once again. “We have had good moments on defense, but we still haven´t found our potential yet. Frankfurt was without some players and probably wouldn´t have allowed only 43 points if they had played. Our defensive strategies can be complicated so it will take some time for Harris and Fischer to learn. We continue to need time to grow”, added Casey Jacobsen. Fraport Skyliner Johannes Voigtmann was able to pin point the Bamberg finer defensive points. “Bamberg did a great job not letting us get in our offense and got into the passing lanes. I think that we got tired in the second half. One always has to be fully concentrated, because they are so good at one on one and pick and role defense. They found many mis matches and were able to get easy points”, added Johannes Voigtmann. Frankfurt might have only scored 43 points, but the saying that TBB Trier is the only basketball institution for developing young Germans is wrong as People are becoming more aware of what is happening in Frankfurt. “We prepared very well for Andrew Rautins and saw much film and what we saw with the Germans was good. The Germans compliment his game and they are good role players. These players are getting the chance to play and show what they can do and are developing. Young players from wherever need time and patience and opportunities to make mistakes. A player only gets better succeeding and failing on the court. Young Germans need to Play here, in Frankfurt or Berlin and just have the chance to compete against the best”, stressed Casey Jacobsen. “It was hard following what the Germans have been up to when I was at Gonzaga, but from what I saw is that Danilo Barthel has made a big jump from what I remember in his Heidelberg days and Konstantin Klein also has developed well”, warned Elias Harris.

Jay Threat is a 24 year old 180cm point guard from Richmond, Virginia that is playing his second professional season and first in germany with the MLP Academics Heidelberg. He started his basketball career with George Mason and then transefered to Delaware State where he played from 2009-2012 an din his senior year played 26 games: 8.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 6.0apg, Steals-1(3.0spg), FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 26.4%, FT: 82.1%. He played a total of 89 NCAA games. Last season as a rookie he played for Ungmennafelagio Snaefell (Iceland-Dominos League): 28 games: 18.5ppg, 5.3rpg, Assists-1(8.9apg), 1.9spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 77.8%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against BG Goettingen

 

Jay thanks for talking to German Hoops again. How did you come into 2014? Did you celebrate in Germany or were you back home in Virginia? What did you like most about seeing the new year in Germany?

 

Happy New Years Miles. I spent New Years out here in Germany. I really enjoyed it seeing the fireworks and people out here, I had a good time.

What basketball new year resolutions do you have for 2014? The first half of the season has gone very well for you and the club.

I want to improve everything in my game this year and finish the season in first place. Those are my goals for the rest of the season.

The MLP Academics Heidelberg finished 2013 with a 1-2 record. What were the main problems in the last two loses that the team will hope to correct right away in the second half of the season?

The main problems were us not taking those games serious and that falls on us senior players. We have to come ready to play each game.

How happy have you been with your game? You are averaging 16,0ppg and 7,1 apg and 3,6rpg. Your shooting 43% from outside, have 1,7spg,but 2,3 turnovers per game. Has your turnovers been your only bad point in your own game?

My numbers are ok but I hold myself to a higher standard than that so I’m not at all satisfied with them. When you have the ball 85% of the time your going have a few T.O.s but I will def improve that this year.

It seems like you have been very focused on setting up your teammates more than scoring as of recently. Do you just take what the defense gives you and if your shooting is off concentrate on getting your teammates involved more?

We’ve had a number of injuries the last month of the season which forced me to play a little different. I didn’t want to force tooo much while I was injured so I relied on my teammates a lot more. Now that I’m about 80% I will get back to playing how I was at the start the year. But I always take what the defensive gives me.

Where would the team be without Michael Jost?. The German has been very consistent and is shooting over 40% from outside. Has he been a type of unsung hero so far?

Micheal Jost is a huge part of our team. He play is a big part of our success.

You guys start 2014 with BG Goettingen who beat Heidelberg 85-71 on their court. What memories do you have from this game? They seemed to control the game from the get go and never looked back.

Goettingten was the only team that flat out beat us this year. They controlled the game from the start. But I’m ready to play them again, should be a better game.

The starting five scored 80 of the 85 points. Especially guys like Harper Kamp and Jeremy Dunbar did what they wanted to. What will be key in getting the win?

The key to beating them is to control those starters and just play our game like we know how. I want to beat EVERYBODY not just a certain team.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD I watched was Home Alone.

 

Thanks Jay for the chat.

 

Michael Fakuade is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Chicago, Illinois that also has the NIgerian citizenship and is playing his second professional basketball season with the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen. He just completed his rookie season for UBC Hannover playing 15 games: 15.2ppg, Reb-5(10.6rpg), 1.1apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-1(2.8bpg), FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 67.6%. he started his basketball career in 2007 for  N.Illinois (NCAA) where he played until 2010 playing 54 NCAA games. He then changed to play for  Ill.-Springfield (NCAA2). He played a total of 45 NCAA 2 games and as a senior played  24 games: 14.5ppg, RebNCAA2-6(11.0rpg), BlocksNCAA2-2(3.5bpg), FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 3-6, FT: 56.7%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against Erdgas Ehingen.

Michael thanks for talking to German Hoops again. Last season you played in Hannover and now you play in Essen and witnessed the coming of the new year. What makes celebrating New Years in Germany so special?

 Actually I was not here for new years. I just made my way back to Essen. It was a different experience, but I am still happy to bring in the New Year.

With 2014 here, what basketball New Year resolutions do you have?

My basketball new year resolution is to make the playoffs

The EBTB Wohnbau Baskets finished the first half of the season in 11th place with a record of 6-9. You probably aren´t very happy with that record. What things does the club need to improve more on to get more wins in the second half of the season?

 The first half of the seasons was kind of tough. Not because our play was poor, but because we lost so many close games by only a few points. I believe that we will really start to turn things around. Our biggest thing is we need to work on is finishing games. We play teams very hard until the end, but never seem to finish.

You are averaging 10,0ppg and 8,0 rpg in 21 minutes. How happy have you been with your play? You are averaging 2,2bpg, but only 61% from the free throw line.

To be honest I’m not really happy with my play because I always want to do more. There are a lot of things I can improve on in my game. As far as my shooting from the free throw line, I was in a little bit of slump. I know that will change with more repetition.

How important has Christoph Hackenesch been in the first half of the season? He is averaging 7,5rpg and has really helped the team out under the boards? Where would the team have been without his services?

 Christoph is a big part of our team. He brings so much energy to the floor. Every time he is out there I know he will find a way to impact the game.

The next game is against Ehingen. How advantageous is it that you last played them December 21ist. How vivid are certain plays of this game still in your mind?

Ehingen is very good and well coached team. I think we have to come out with a similar game plan, but key in on a few players a little more. There are some plays we wish we could have back, but we can’t worry about the past we have to just move on.

ETB Essen lost the first meeting against Ehingen with 72-66 on your own home court. What will be key in getting the win? The little things to win weren´t done in this game. Especially Stacey Wilson hurt Essen badly with 24 points and five three pointers. Will slowing him down be half the rent to the win?

The key to winning this is game is to contain all their guards not just Wilson. Their penetration hurts us a lot in previous games. If we can do that and outrebound them we should have a good chance of winning.

How disappointing has been the re injury to Derrick Rose? It must be very frustrating and will he ever come back again or just be an injury prone player the rest of his career?

 Watching Derrick Rose go down is very tough. Just because of how much he means to the game. He is one of the better players in the game today. I believe that he will come back to his old self. He has a lot of determination and he is too young to write him off and say he is injury prone.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw

 The Butler

Thanks Michael for the chat.

Michael Fakuade is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Chicago, Illinois that also has the NIgerian citizenship and is playing his second professional basketball season with the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen. He just completed his rookie season for UBC Hannover playing 15 games: 15.2ppg, Reb-5(10.6rpg), 1.1apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-1(2.8bpg), FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 67.6%. he started his basketball career in 2007 for  N.Illinois (NCAA) where he played until 2010 playing 54 NCAA games. He then changed to play for  Ill.-Springfield (NCAA2). He played a total of 45 NCAA 2 games and as a senior played  24 games: 14.5ppg, RebNCAA2-6(11.0rpg), BlocksNCAA2-2(3.5bpg), FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 3-6, FT: 56.7%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against Erdgas Ehingen.

 

 

Michael thanks for talking to German Hoops again. Last season you played in Hannover and now you play in Essen and witnessed the coming of the new year. What makes celebrating New Years in Germany so special?

 Actually I was not here for new years. I just made my way back to Essen. It was a different experience, but I am still happy to bring in the New Year.

With 2014 here, what basketball New Year resolutions do you have?

My basketball new year resolution is to make the playoffs

The EBTB Wohnbau Baskets finished the first half of the season in 11th place with a record of 6-9. You probably aren´t very happy with that record. What things does the club need to improve more on to get more wins in the second half of the season?

 The first half of the seasons was kind of tough. Not because our play was poor, but because we lost so many close games by only a few points. I believe that we will really start to turn things around. Our biggest thing is we need to work on is finishing games. We play teams very hard until the end, but never seem to finish.

You are averaging 10,0ppg and 8,0 rpg in 21 minutes. How happy have you been with your play? You are averaging 2,2bpg, but only 61% from the free throw line.

To be honest I’m not really happy with my play because I always want to do more. There are a lot of things I can improve on in my game. As far as my shooting from the free throw line, I was in a little bit of slump. I know that will change with more repetition.

How important has Christoph Hackenesch been in the first half of the season? He is averaging 7,5rpg and has really helped the team out under the boards? Where would the team have been without his services?

 Christoph is a big part of our team. He brings so much energy to the floor. Every time he is out there I know he will find a way to impact the game.

The next game is against Ehingen. How advantageous is it that you last played them December 21ist. How vivid are certain plays of this game still in your mind?

Ehingen is very good and well coached team. I think we have to come out with a similar game plan, but key in on a few players a little more. There are some plays we wish we could have back, but we can’t worry about the past we have to just move on.

ETB Essen lost the first meeting against Ehingen with 72-66 on your own home court. What will be key in getting the win? The little things to win weren´t done in this game. Especially Stacey Wilson hurt Essen badly with 24 points and five three pointers. Will slowing him down be half the rent to the win?

The key to winning this is game is to contain all their guards not just Wilson. Their penetration hurts us a lot in previous games. If we can do that and outrebound them we should have a good chance of winning.

How disappointing has been the re injury to Derrick Rose? It must be very frustrating and will he ever come back again or just be an injury prone player the rest of his career?

 Watching Derrick Rose go down is very tough. Just because of how much he means to the game. He is one of the better players in the game today. I believe that he will come back to his old self. He has a lot of determination and he is too young to write him off and say he is injury prone.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw

 The Butler

 

Thanks Michael fort he chat.