With Christmas only three days away in Germany, players on both squads of Frankfurt and Ulm might have had some X-mas thoughts on their minds like Per Guenther wondering what FC Bayern Munich big man John Bryant will send his favorite little buddy, Aziz Ndiaye wondering if he will see snow again after seeing it for the first time when he was a Washington Huskie, if Adam Hess can sing the famous Christmas song Oh Tannenbaum in German or Jacob Burtschi possibly wondering if his new growing beard will look appealing during the holiday season if he isn´t moonlighting as a Santa Claus. These are all thoughts that could be dancing in the minds of the players, but before any Christmas thoughts get served up in the minds of Andrew Rautins and Matt Howard, they will still have some basketball memories brewing in their brains. It is always exciting when two players who dueled in the NCAA meet again for the first time as professionals especially after a big NCAA tournament game sent one guy home and the other was still alive. The last time Rautins and Howard met face to face was on March 25th, 2010 as number 5 Butler with Howard upset number one Syracuse 64-59. Rautins was a senior and played his last college game and had teammates like current NBA player Wesley Johnson and former Boston Celtic Kris Joseph who now plays with ex Skyliner Illian Evtimov with Chalon in France. Howard had current Atlanta Hawk Shelven Mack and current Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward on his team. Rautins won the stat duel scoring 15 points and dropping four three pointers while Howard finished with nine points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block and most importantly the win. 33 months after this big tournament game, both players met again in a routine beko BBL game with the only similarity to that NCAA tournament game was the loud and feisty atmosphere that was present in the Ulm arena. Both guys play different positions and even if it was more than three and half years ago since that NCAA loss, Andrew Rautins got sweet revenge on Matt Howard even if it took him 55 minutes to do it as the Fraport Skyliners won a thriller in Ulm 108-102. “I always feel some kind of disappointment when I see Butler players and remember that loss, but Matt Howard is a great player and hard worker, but this game was about today and not about what happened in college. We gave a great team effort and I am proud of my teammates”, stressed Fraport Skyliner American Andrew Rautins. No matter if Jacob Burtschi plays 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes or 46 minutes in this thriller win, he always has the same appealing and heartwarming smile after the game and he was also thrilled that his friend got revenge on Matt Howard. “We players all love what we did in college and Rautins had a great career in the NCAA and he was fired up to play Howard. He left that NCAA loss behind him and came up big here helping get this huge win”, stressed Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi. “I felt really good for Andy. Howard has a big heart and I am sure it was probably a lot of fun for him to get revenge like this”, stated Los Angeles native Jared Dubois.
Author: Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Larry Gordon (Phoenix Hagen) Bamberg Do Look A Little Out Of Sync At Times But It’s Always Tough To Play In Bamberg
Larry Gordon is a 26 year old 196cm forward that is playing his second season in the German Beko BBL for Phoenix Hagen. Last season for Phoenix Hagen he helped the team reach the playoffs playing 37 games: 12.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 83.2%He played at Cal Poly Pomona (NCAA2) from 2005 to 2009 playing a total of 116 NcAA2 games. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 15.7ppg, 10.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.7apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 75.7%. He was a CCAA Player of the Year and NCAA D2 Finalist in 2009. In 2009-2010, he came to Europe as a rookie and played for Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 36 games: 14.0ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 75.8%. He played for ECE Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-A Bundesliga) the last two seasons and in his last season played 38 games: 14.7ppg, Reb-3(8.4rpg), 1.8apg, FGP-3(65.2%), 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 77.1%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against
Thanks Larry for talking to German Hoops again. A tough 95-78 loss last weekend to the Walter Tigers Tuebingen at home. What was the most important lesson that Phoenix Hagen learned after the game? Possibly that a game isn´t over until the siren sounds at 40 minutes?
You can underestimate any team in this league no matter what their current situation is. This is too strong for that.
After watching film of that game, how can one explain giving up 38 points in the last quarter. Was Tuebingen just hitting everything, or was Phoenix Hagen for once exhausted or did point guard Bane Ratkovica really perform godly like basketball deeds on the court?
We played horrible and they executed and played great in the last quarter.
Richie Williams(SC Rasta Vechta) Alba Berlin Is Defensively One Of The Best In The League So We’ll Have To Be Tough And Aggressive On Offense
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 Alba Berlin
Thanks Richie for talking to German Hoops again. A tough 93-79 loss last weekend in Munich. Were you just a bit in awe stepping onto the floor in the Audi Dome? What kind of experience was it playing there against the mighty FC Bayern Munich?
I wasn’t in awe but I had a good experience playing in the Audi hall. It’s big and gets really loud. Reminded me of my college days playing in sold out arenas.
SC Rasta Vechta kept the game very close for three quarters, but FC Bayern Munich broke free in the fourth quarter. Do you think that FC Bayern Munich underestimated you a bit in the early going and the teams style of play?
I believe they underestimated us. We had a game plan that we executed well for 32-33 minutes but then we got away from it.
FC Bayern Munich broke away in the fourth quarter. Was it the lack of experience or did SC Rasta Vechta get a bit tired?
We played 32-33 minutes of smart basketball. You can’t do that against teams like Munich. They capitalize on every opportunity they get.
Despite being without John Bryant, FC Bayern Munich hauled in 41 rebounds. Was this one of the areas that killed SC Rasta Vechta the most? The team rebounding of FC Bayern Munich was on.
They killed us on the offensive boards and second chance points.
How proud were you off your teammate American Dylan Talley who was top scorer with 21 points? He is one of those spark plugs that can really help a basketball club and it showed again that SC Rasta Vechta can always bring many different guys that will produce.
Dylan is our best shooter and he needs to believe that too. I’m glad he had that kind of game and I hope he can carry that confidence into this weekend.
FC Bayern Munich head coach Svetislav Pesic really rotates his players well with no one getting 30 plus minutes. Malcolm Delaney played only 12 minutes, but you saw many different players. What FC Bayern Munich player impressed you the most?
Like you said he constantly rotates guys so it keeps you on your toes because you’re always guarding someone new. I was impressed by Bryce Taylor, very good player.
How were you happy with your own game with 10 points and four assists in 32 minutes. How comfortable were you playing at this Euroleague level?
I wasn’t happy at all. I’m better than that but that’s credit to Munich. They did a good job of denying me the ball and when I did get it they clogged up the lane.
From one top team to the next this weekend where 8 time Beko BBL champion Alba Berlin visit Vechta. What kind of game can we await?
An intense game. ALBA is defensively one of the best in the league so we’ll have to be tough and aggressive on offensive.
You will be batting against Clifford Hammonds. Clemson isn´t really the NCAA basketball powerhouse, but what do you remember from his game back during your college years? How excited are you to be playing against him?
I don’t know anything about him from college but as I player I heard he’s strong and athletic. It will be another tough test for me
What is something that you really really want for Christmas this year?
To go home and see my family
What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
Limitless.
Thanks Richie for the chat
Josh Parker (Mitteldeutscher BC) I Am In A State Where I’m Both Confident In My Team And Myself
Josh Parker is a 23 year old 183cm point guard from Harvey, Illinois that recently was a rookie for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen and helped the team win the Pro B title. With Leverkusen he 33 games: Score-1(28.5ppg), 4.5rpg, Assists-2(7.1apg), 2.2spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 80.3%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 scored in double figures 33 times scoring over 20 points 26 times, 30 points or more 15 times and 40 points or more four times including a 48 point explosion against Dresden. He cleaned out the Eurobasket awards as well getting Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Player of the Year -13, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Guard of the Year -13, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Import Player of the Year -13, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B 1st Team -13, and Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga Pro B All-Imports Team -13. Many teams were aware of his stellar play in the pro B including the Mitteldeutscher BC who signed him for the 2013-2014 Beko BBL season. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven
Hi Josh thanks for talking to German Hoops again. Congrats on the 88-82 win against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg on the road. This was your first two game winning streak as a Beko BBL player. How good does it feel seeing many happy faces after wins the last two weeks?
It really feels great to be able to put a couple of wins together and see the way the team has continued to fight and stay together it’s a great feeling but we know we have more work to do!
This was a real battle at the end, but MBC had the better nerves. What was key for getting the win against Oldenburg in crunch time?
Oldenburg is a great team and well coached. We just played hard and competed! It was a great game just glad we stayed together in the end.
Thank God Its Friday Time For Till Joscha Joenke (ratiopharm Ulm) In Da House In Ulm this Weekend
Who could forget how shortly before the end of the 2010-2011 Beko BBL season as ratiopharm Ulm head coach Mike Taylor was rudely dismissed from his duties. The Pennsylvania native who coached the club from 2003-2011 and was responsible for so much in shaping the team in a new direction and putting the team on to the correct path where they are now as a top 5 BBL team was let down by the organization and never got the chance to work in the new arena and ripe the fruits of the success that he had built up. The list goes on and on on how he shaped top German national players Per Guether and Robin Benzing and bringing them to the next level, finding an overweight John Bryant and keeping ratiopharm Ulm in the Beko BBL after getting them there in 2006 and keeping them there when other teams like BG Karlsruhe, Paderborn or Jena only had short stays in the top German league. ratiopharm Ulm continued to make strides the last two seasons as they reached the Beko BBL final in 2012 ending the regular season in second place playing a great playoffs getting to the final, but then coming down to reality being swept by the Brose Baskets Bamberg and having to accept that there was a distinct level difference between both teams. Last season, they didn´t have any sophomore blues under head coach Torsten Leibenath reaching the playoffs again finishing the season in third place and getting to the 2013 Beko BBL cup final, but losing a spirited game to eight time Beko BBL champion Alba Berlin. The club also moved into a new state of the art arena and have played Eurocup the last two seasons and welcomed top Europeam teams and players to the small German city Ulm. With the Beko BBL getting more competitive each season, what can ratiopharm Ulm accomplish this season and what can the fans look forward to each weekend besides the usual things as seeing competitive games, an amazing arena atmosphere and top players. However this season one could possibly if one is creative shout these initials T.G.I.F T.F.T.J.J.I.D.H.I.U.T.W. This could be a very difficult riddle to solve what the initials stand for so the solution is Thank God Its Friday Time For Till Joscha Joenke In Da House In Ulm this weekend. Ratiopharm Ulm has another very talented roster with exciting players to watch like NCAA finalist Matt Howard, scorer Cameron Long, exciting Dominican Republic guard Edgar Sosa, NBA draft pick and big man Trent Plaisted or German national player Per Guenther who is always worth the admission to watch. However like in Frankfurt where it took two years for German Danilo Barthel to develop into a future superstar, Til Joscha Joenke is slowly on his way to becoming a very good young German player. Joenke is a 21 year old 190cm guard that started his career with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen and is playing his second season in Ulm having a double license to also play for Pro B team Weissenhorn. Last season for Weissenhorn he played 28 games averaging 18.0ppg, 6.6rpg, 4.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.4%. This season he is tearing up the Pro B averaging 24,6ppg, 3,9rpg and 4,1apg. The U-20 national player already played 13 Beko BBL games and five Eurocup games last season and credit also goes to his head coach Thorsten Leibenath showing trust in the kid and giving him experience. Last season he stepped up like a veteran in the playoff series against Oldenburg when Per Guether was injured.This season, ratiopharm Ulm is packed with much talent at each position, but he is clenching his teeth together and fighting for playing time and is averaging 4,0ppg and 1,0apf. He has had some solid games scoring eight points the last weeks against Tuebingen and Vechta. He is a very exciting young German guard to watch that plays with that high self confidence in the mold of a Konstantin Klein. Last season his teammate Myles Hesson was able to watch him play each day who sees him being able to become a sort of second type of Per Guether. “I think that he can. He plays with so much heart. He plays every possession as if it is his last and never gives up. That resonates for the whole team. He has an incredible eye for the ball and always goes to the basket for the rebound”, warned Myles Hesson. He is definitely a guy to watch this season how much more he continues to develop and what better mentor to have than a Per Guether. One doesn´t always have to be excited to watch the experienced and more well known players, but also look forward to watching a young kid who is trying to make the jump from the playground to the men´s club.
Logan Stutz(LF Basket) I need to keep a high energy level of play that my team can feed off of
Logan Stutz is a 25 year old 205cm forward from Kanas City that recently finished his second season as a professional and first with the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen (Germany-ProA): 28 games: Score-1(20.1ppg), Reb-5(8.1rpg), 1.2apg, FGP: 64.0%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 74.0%. He moves his basketball talent this season to LF Basket (Sweden-Basketligan). He started his basketball career at Washburn (NCAA2). In 2011-2012, he was a rookie and played for BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-ProA, starting five): 11 games: 16.1ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 68.1%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 76.8%, left in Dec.’11, in Jan.’12 moved to WBC Raiffeisen Wels (Austria-A Bundesliga): 16 games: 4.2ppg, 2.3rpg. He spoke to German Hoops about his first season in Sweden.
Logan thanks for talking to German Hoops again. It is the middle of November and you are near the artic circle in Lulea. Do you feel like an eskimo at the moment?
Thanks for the talk Miles its always good to hear from friends back in Germany. Up here in Lulea its cold and we have had a few snows, and I walk around in my team parka, so yea I guess this is the closest I will be to feeling like an eskimo.
Is it a big culture shock as well as weather shock going from Essen, Germany, to Lulea, Sweden this season as your playing for LF Basket?
I really enjoy both the culture and the weather up here. I think the culture up here is easier for and Americans to get used to then most places. English TV, football on Sundays, stores are open late ect. The weather is cold but its a beautiful country. The darkness is the biggest culture shock. The sun sets around 2pm and its only going to get darker for a few more months.
You are playing your third professional season in Sweden. How do you like the club and league so far?
The club up here is great. Its a very professional atmosphere. We just got a new arena that is the best arena in Sweden to play in. The league is crazy right now, very fast and many good teams.
You were the leading scorer in the German Pro A and have solid stats so far through the first two months. Is the Swedish first division about even to the German Pro A?
Both leagues have their positives and negatives, but Sweden is a step up for sure. There is a lot of experience and great players in this league that the Pro A just didn’t have. There are players from 4 different countries National teams in the league. The Pro A is a very good young league but cant compete with the experience of Swedens top league.
What are the biggest differences in style and competition between Sweden and German pro A?
In Sweden it is a faster paced game, and it seems that everyone on the court is a shooter. In the Pro A it was more structure and half court play.
LF Basket are off to a slow start at 7-10, but you are still very confident that the team will be very good this season. What do you know that no one else knows?
We have got off to a slow start, but as a team we have accepted our situation and it has only made us more hungry to win. We will continue the season strongly and finish near the top, that is what I know.
You are averaging 24 minutes per game and five other players are playing more than you are. What exactly is your role this season and how is it different than in Essen?
My role on this team is slightly different then in Germany. Of course I need to score and rebound, but more importantly I need to keep a high energy level of play that my team can feed off of. That might mean big rebounds, dives on the floor, and just trying to get involved in everything in a positive way.
I guess after one game, you seem bought on new Player Keith Mcleod who joined the team with 174 NBA game experience. Will he be the key to further success on the team?
Keith is a great guy and a great basketball player. His experience and talent will be a big part of this team. Its not every day you get to play with NBA experience and I know he will use it to help out.
How much fun and challenging is it banging with Danilo Sibalic each day in practice? He is your height and age. How do you help each other on the court?
Danilo is a funny guy. Our game differs a lot, he is a great shooter and plays more outside, I play more mid range and under the basket. But we learn from each other and our differences and it will make us both better players.
The club has 7 Swedish players on the roster. When you compare the style and play of German players and Swedish players, what differences have you noticed in the way they play?
This is a great question, and a tough question. Both are great players and both countries are on the rise in the basketball world. The Swedish guys get out and run and gun more than the Germans, But the Germans are strong when it came to attacking the rim. Both have their great qualities.
What has been your impression of Christopher Ryan who is a young Swedish national player who leads the club in scoring. How important will he be down the road for the success of the team?
Crille is great player. He can get to the rim faster than anyone I know. His first and second step have got to be the fastest in Sweden and many other places too. His speed will keep defenses busy and help us all late in the season.
Your shooting 54,5% from the three point line. Are the Swedish rims softer than the German ones? You seem to be picking your spots when and when not to shoot.
HAHAHA, the rims arent softer I have just been working on my outside game. I have been taking threes when my man backs off and I will continue to do so. I will continue to shoot more as my confidence increases.
What has been the most amazing thing you have seen Tim Whitworth do? He is known as a deadly shooter who came out of Drexel and shot out the lights in leagues like Austria and Holland
Tim is another example of a great experienced player in this league. I am glad he is on our team. Tim fractured his leg and was told to sit out 5-6 weeks. But he chose to come back and play a game 2 weeks later. He led the team in minutes that game and was diving on the floor, and really helped us win. It was by far the most amazing thing I have seen him do.
Is your teammate Brandon Barton as work out hungry and in the gym as much as his dad ex Frankfurt Skyliner coach Charles Barton?
Brandon and I just worked out together the other day. He is definitly motivated in the weight room and on the court. But I dont know if there is another human out there that works out like his dad at his age.
When you look back at your season in Essen what is your fondest memory from your season in Germany?
Many good things happened in Essen in my time there, but the one thing that sticks out to me is when Aaron Cook hit the game winner in our last home game. There is no better way to end then that.
Who is going to be the first to visit whom? You or your brother who is playing in Poland this season?
I am planning on making a trip to Poland over Christmas. It will be nice to visit the little brother. (who is much bigger then me lol)
Have you been getting to know the life in the sauna? How long can you hold out in that hot box?
I love the sauna, I cant do it to long but its nice,
Is the season over for the St Louis Rams or will they be able to pull out a miraculous second half of the season?
I dont care to much about St. Louis , but if you didnt hear my home town Chiefs are 9-0!!!!!
What was the last DVD that you saw?
I stick with the animations like always, Monsters University
Thanks Miles!
Thanks Logan for the chat.
Martinis Woody(TV Langen) I Am Just A Big Man Down Low
Martinis Woody is a 31 year old 201cm forward from South Carolina that is playing his fifth professional season and second with TV Langen. He played at Benedict(NCAA2) and turned professional in 2009 and played for NOMA Iserlohn Kangaroos (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 12 games: 20.8ppg, 11.8rpg, 2.2bpg, 1.6spg, 1.5apg, FGP: 60.9%, FT: 64.9%. In 2010-2011 he played for CRE Eagles Itzehoe (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 21 games: 18.5ppg. In 2011-2012 he played for SSV Lokomotive Bernau (Germany-ProB) playing 27 games: 16.3ppg, Reb-3(10.6rpg), 1.4apg, 1.3spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 58.4%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 72.6%. Lasts eason he played for TV 1862 Langen (Germany-ProB): 27 games: 14.2ppg, 9.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 55.6%, FT: 69.7%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.
Congrats on the good looking 93-69 win against the Fraport Skyliners. TV Langen played with only a seven man rotation. What was key for the win?
It doesn´t matter who you bring or how many players you have, but all that matters is how willing the team is play team basketball. If you are able to share the ball and play team basketball and can add 15-20 assists than you can beat anyone.
What was key for the hot run in the first quarter for TV Langen?
We knew that we had to start off well against Frankfurt and be able to carry that momentum into the second quarter and let it go until the end of the game
The Fraport Skyliners got better into the game in the second quarter and got some big three pointers by Kevin bright. Did TV Langen lose some intensity in the second frame?
We were rushing our offense more. We gave up easy lay ups and let them get easy shots.
The third quarter was the lowest scoring in the game and TV Langen did a great job not letting Frankfurt get the lead. What was key for that?
Our defense really stepped up in the third quarter. When you get stops then you win games easier.
Were the seven points by Sebastian Barth in the fourth quarter key for getting that win against the Fraport Skyliners juniors?
Yes it was. Getting that technical foul so often can help or hurt you. In our case it helped us get the bigger lead and get us in better position of getting the win.
One could say the biggest strength was the 62% shooting from the field, but I think there was another strength that outweighed the shooting.
We played team basketball for 40 minutes.
What was your impression of Kevin Bright? He had a big game in Frankfurt, but tonight you held him in single figures.
Bright is a great three point shooter. He killed us in the first game. We knew that if we could take him out of his comfort zone it would better our chances to win and we did a good job containing him.
What do you like most about playing with Canadian Jermel Kennedy? You two guys could be called the double double twins.
He is so athletic and I love playing with him. He always brings energy on every play. His big dunks and energy feeds off on his teammates to play better.
In Canada Jermel Kennedy is called Air Canada. What are you called?
I am just a big man down low. People call me Woody and if I get a ball down low and if you don´t double team me it will be an easy bucket for me.
What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?
My rebounding is a hidden strength as is my shooting. It is not about size. I like going against bigger guys and I just run them down. I never give a bigger guy a second chance. People don´t really know that I can shoot the three pointer.
As a rookie you played in the Regionaliga and this is your fourth year in the Pro B. You have always had strong stats. Are you disappointed that you haven´t moved up a level?
I think a lot of it has to do with my age. I am 31 years old and I started very late as a professional player. I think that if I am given the chance to play at a higher level that I will be able to be successful with scoring, rebounding and passing. I think I showed what I could do against the Skyliner BBL players.
What did you learn for your rookie season at Iserlohn where you ahd to leave early on account of disciplinary reasons?
No matter if you are right or wrong, you have to take it in, deal with it and be quiet. At the end of the day no matter what the coach has the last word.
What was your nicest memory with your ex Bernau teammate Jermel Jones?
I played against him in college. He brings a lot of energy and it was very fun to play with him. He reminds me a lot of Jermel Kennedy.
Last season your teammate was Malick Cooke. Who would win a one on one game?
Of course I would.
What was the most important thing that you learned from Bendict head coach Fred Watson?
He taught me to be humble. I should never bring outside problems on to the court. I should focus on basketball and take my anger out on the court.
Who were the best players that you played against in the NCAA2?
Brian Harper, Kenny Jones who plays in Mexico now and Monya Pratt.
What do you like most about Christmas in Germany?
I like the Christmas markets.
What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
Once a documentary about Vlade Divac.
Thanks Martinis for the chat.
Martinis Woody Tears Apart The Fraport Skyliners Juniors Leading TV Langen To The 93-69 Victory
With less than two weeks to Christmas, there are so many things a Beko BBL team can do on an off weekend after a hard afternoon of practice like getting a dose of the famous Frankfurt Christmas market, strolling down the Zeil shooping zone in downtown Frankfurt getting those last Christmas gifts and hoping not to be stepped on by the hordes of other shoppers or taking a quick drive down the A-3 highway to Wurzburg to watch ex Skyliner Jimmy Mckinney drop some three pointers against the Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg. The Fraport Skyliners had already done their weekend work early destroying the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig 72 hours earlier and despite all the Christmas options drove down the A-5 highway to the small town of Langen to watch the kids of the Fraport Skyliners juniors try to break their three game losing streak. Marius Nolte was his usual self clapping to every big Skyliner play, Quantez Robertson was getting down funky to the music in the gym by Danzel, “Put your hands up in the air”, coaches Gordon Herbert and Klaus Perwass huddled together possibly discussing the amazing intensity that 16 year Jacob Merz brings on every play, Jacob Burtschi had a winter hat on and looked cozy warm in the slightly cool gym and the Senegalnator Aziz Ndiaye looked very dapper in a red sweater and seemed as if he had just come from a catalogue shooting. Americans, Andrew Rautins, Ramon Galloway, Jared Dubois and Germans Konstantin Klein and Stefan Illzhoefer were also present, but besides all this massive support, it somehow wasn´t able to help the Fraport Skyliners juniors as they were crushed 93-69. Injured Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robertson who is scheduled back in January and is looking better and better with his physical state had a big greeting for South Carolina native and top scorer of the game Martinis Woody, but was a bit disappointed by the performance of the Fraport Skyliners farm team. “Our Beko BBl players on the court weren´t aggressive enough. TV Langen made tough shots, but we also let them get easy buckets. I really liked Jacob Merz. He is so fast, plays great defense and gets to the rim. He kind of reminded me of myself in that he was all over the court”, smiled Quantez Robertson. TV Langen had a slim rotation, but that didn´t hinder them from getting revenge of the 85-68 loss in the first encounter in the BCM playing with intensity for the whole 40 minutes and never allowing Frankfurt to go on any big runs to get back into the game. Jermel Kennedy who was wrapped around a Canadian flag and had big eyes when mentioning that he met Andrew Rautins briefly after the game was thrilled about the performance of his team. “We only had seven guys and we rallied together and we knew that we had to get it done. Our defense tonight was good for longer periods than other games and we were better with less guys on defense than in games where we had more”, added Canadian Jermel Kennedy. “TV Langen gave a good complete team effort tonight”, stressed ex SC Rasta Vechta American David Pruett.
TV Langen was without Filmore Beck, Nico Barth and veteran Emeka Erege while the Fraport Skyliners were very well staffed with Beko BBL players Johannes Voigtmann, Danilo Barthel and Kevin Bright. Kevin Bright got Frankfurt on the board first with a runner which was matched by a jumper by ex Skyliner Benedict Nikolay. Frankfurt started with a rage as their offense was flowing and their display of ball movement was remarkable as Johannes Voigtmann followed with a dunk after getting nice extra pass from Danilo Barthel, and then the Heidelberg native connected on a high rainbow as Frankfurt led 7-2. However as is so often the case in basketball a team will suddenly go on a massive run where the opponent has no remedy for. TV Langen then went to work as American Martinis Woody scored consecutive baskets as he would be a thorn in the side of Frankfurt all night long. Voigtmann and Nicolay then traded buckets as the score was deadlocked 9-9. TV Langen had found their rhythm and had calmed down on offense and were starting to hit shots better. Frankfurt stayed with TV Langen briefly as Julian Bolke and Danilo Barthel traded buckets as the score was tied 11-11. However TV Langen closed out the first quarter with a dominating 14-2 run to lead 26-13. Woody and Kennedy hurt Frankfurt badly with their energetic play and upped the intensity more with their athletic play. Woody hit a three pointer, scored inside and Sebastian Barth scored inside. Maxime Schneider then scored coast to coast as the Frankfurt defense was too lax giving up the easiest baskets. Kennedy then crushed home back to back dunks including an ally-op dunk pass from Sebastian Barth that was the highlight play of the night. “Sebastian Barth is a really good passer and very smart player. He made the perfect pass. No other player would have made that pass that well”, added Jermel Kennedy. Barth and Oldenburg traded baskets as the first quarter ended. The story of the first quarter was the leadership and play of Woody and Kennedy who would hurt Frankfurt all night long. “Woody and Kennedy compliment each other very well. Woody pushes you to run and tire you out while Kennedy is big and exciting and uses his athletic ability well to help him score whenever he wants”, stressed American David Pruett.
In the second quarter, the Fraport Skyliners were able to chip at the TV Langen lead and got back into the game. Frankfurt did a good job getting more work done in the paint as Voigtmann scored as did Tim Oldenburg with a dunk. After Woody scored inside, it was Max Merz who hit a three pointer to cut the TV Langen lead to 30-20. After a Voigtmann lay in, it was Woody that showed again that his outside shooting is underestimated nailing a three pointer while Tim Oldenburg hit a jumper as TV Langen led 33-24. Frankfurt was doing a better job getting back into the game and were more aggressive on the offensive boards. Frankfurt then went on a mini 4-0 run as Danilo Barthel hit a tough shot while falling back while the ball took a while before it decided to fall through and Max Merz made a steal and Oldenburg finished with a dunk as TV Langen led 33-28. Woody and Kennedy then hit free throws which was met by a Kevin Bright three pointer as Frankfurt trailed 36-31. After Kennedy free throws it was Bright again with a three pointer as Frankfurt continued to fight back trailing 38-33. Johannes Richter then made a fine play inside scooping up an offensive rebound and dunking while Woody hit a step back jumper. Voigtmann and Barth traded baskets in the last minutes as TV Langen marched into halftime with the 44-37 lead. “Frankfurt found their rhythm and got back into the game. Kevin Bright hit some three pointers at the end”, stressed Jermel Kennedy. TV Langen was shooting 63% from the field and 38% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 50% from the field and 25% from outside. Both teams had 14 rebounds a piece and six rebounds a piece.
In the third quarter, the Fraport Skyliners juniors continued their comeback and cut down the lead to four points after three quarters. The Fraport Skyliners came out of the locker room focused rushing out on a 6-0 run to cut the TV Langen lead to 44-43. 17 year old Lennart Okeke hit a step back jumper, KevinBrright hit free throws and Voigtmann made a pull up jumper. Woody then scored two buckets in a row including punishing Frankfurt getting the put back after the third chance. Frankfurt showed immense nerves and continued to stay with TV Langen as Max Merz put up the perfect pass to Voigtmann for the ally op dunk. Kennedy then made a back door pass to Woody for the easy lay up as TV Langen led 52-47. Nikolaj Vukovic who hit many big shots last season hit from down town cutting the TV Langen lead to 52-50. However everytime Frankfurt was threatening, TV Langen would hush their comeback with a big shot as Maxim Schneider showed his overall quickness going coast to coast as he had little defense to beat scoring on a lay up. Oldenburg then got a shovel pass from Max Merz as Frankfurt trailed 56-52. Schneider then found Kennedy for the dunk and Sebastian Barth drilled home a jumper. Max Merz used the last seconds on the clock with a lay in as Frankfurt trailed 60-56 after 30 minutes. “This was the slowest quarter of the game. We had a bit less intensity and let Frankfurt stay with us. We rebounded well especially our guards”, added Jermel Kennedy.
In the fourth quarter TV Langen was able to distance themselves from Frankfurt getting a comfortable ten point lead and then was able to seal the win as Sebastian Barth drew a technical foul and foul hitting four free throws and then nailing a three pointer totally breaking the back of Frankfurt. Frankfurt has the kids, but the first bucket was a kiddy kid combination of the two youngest Fraport Skyliner juniors 17 year old Lennart Okeke who found 16 year old Jacob Merz for the nifty lay in. Schneider then tested his 28% three point shooting with a bomb form the parking lot, but Max Merz then hit a perfect test book floater that Tony Parker couldn´t have done better as Frankfurt trailed only 63-60. However TV Langen then made their move going on a 10-3 run to break away and they would never look back. This run was fueled by a Bolke and Barth jumpers and Woody lay in. Voigtmann then had the opportunity to make a crushing mind blowing dunk to be remembered for weeks, but instead took the careful route dunking it softly through. Then came the real game breaker as Barth hit four free throws and drilled a three pointer home as TV Langen led 80-63. Frankfurt had nothing left as TV Langen ended the game with a 13-6 run. Kennedy and Woody hit consecutive shots while Oldenburg helped his stat line with a lay in and Woody scored his 32nd and 33rd points and Merz and Nikolay hit the last field goals of the game. “I felt that we had the game under control in the fourth quarter. The Barth free throws were important and then I told the team to get a good shot and Sebastian Barth three pointer sealed the win. They seemed to give up after that. Woody was a force in the paint the whole game”, stressed Jermel Kennedy. TV Langen was led by Martinis Woody with 33 points and ten rebounds. Sebastian Barth poured in 23 points and 10 assists. Jermel Kennedy chipped in with 16 points and benedict Nikolay added 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Johannes Voigtmann with 19 points. Tim Oldenburg had 14 points and Kevin Bright 11 points. The story of the game was the 62% field goal percentage of TV Langen and Frankfurt shot only 17% from outside. TV Langen won the rebound duel 33-28. TV Langen moves to a record of 5-7 while the Fraport Skyliners fall to 4-8.
Richie Williams(SC Rasta Vechta) I Expect Us To Stay True To Our Identity Against FC Bayern Munich Which Is To Get Up And Down On Offense And Play Scrappy Defense
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 FC Bayern Munich.
Thanks Richie for talking to German Hoops again. A tough 92-84 loss against ratiopharm Ulm last weekend. This was a game where SC Rasta Vechta was in. What was key at the end for them getting the win?
We did a great job for 3 quarters with controlling their movement on offense but down the stretch they really killed us with their ball movement and pick and rolls.
You had a spectacular game with 22 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. Have you been a guy your whole career that has been able to fill up the stat sheet or did it come more over time?
I’ve always been able to fill up the stat sheet. I take pride in being an all around player and making plays to win.
Do you think that you will get a triple double this season in the Beko BBL?
I believe I will get a triple double but right now I’m focused on winning games and getting things rolling. If I get a triple double in the process then ill take it.
You won the point guard duel against German national player Per Guenther. Do you take extra time in preparation scouting the next opponents point guard? If yes on what things do you keep an eye out most for?
I prepared for Per the same way I prepare for anyone else. Extra film and looking for tendencies. Per is a very good and crafty player so I couldn’t just take away any one thing and think I could stop him. I just wanted to keep him under pressure and make him work for everything.
Despite the 3-9 record, I feel that SC Rasta Vechta is a lot better team than its record shows. Is this a fact that keeps the team focused, because you know that sooner or later you can get the tight wins?
We’re definitely better than our record shows. Our games prove it. We need to translate these close losses into wins. Knowing that we’re in every game is a positive thing but its frustrating to keep losing these close battles.
Could Brandon Bowmann be that missing link that the team needs to get more wins this season? What has been your impression of him?
I like him a lot. He’s versatile on both ends of the floor and he creates match up problems with his height and athleticism. Once he gets in the flow of our offense i believe he will be a nightmare for teams
The next game is against FC Bayern Munich that have plowed their way through the Beko BBL so far. How excited are you to be playing against the most famous gGerman team?
It will be a fun and interesting game. They have a tough roster and currently the #1 team in our league. It will be a great test for the team
This is a team that has won most of its games easily. What kind of game can we await as you have nothing to lose.
I expect us to stay true to our identity which is to get up and down on offense and play scrappy defense.
How excited are you to be playing against American Malcolm Delaney? He has won many titles in Europe in his first two season in Europe. He is especially effective at drawing fouls whenever he wants to.
Malcolm is a good player. Ill have my hands full trying to slow him down but it will be a good test for me. Ill have to keep him in front of me and not reach so much
What do you like most about the Christmas time in Germany?
The Christmas Markets and Glühwein
How did you follow the comeback of Kobe Bryant? He had nine points, eight rebounds, four steals and eight turnovers in a loss to Toronto. Will he be able to turn this team around?
It’s Kobe, you can never count him out. It’s one game and it’s only a matter of time before he’s back in his groove
What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
Fruitvale Station.
Thanks Richie for the chat.
Larry Gordon (Phoenix Hagen) We Go Into Every Game With The Same Mindset And Tuebingen Is A Must Win
Larry Gordon is a 26 year old 196cm forward that is playing his second season in the German Beko BBL for Phoenix Hagen. Last season for Phoenix Hagen he helped the team reach the playoffs playing 37 games: 12.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 83.2%He played at Cal Poly Pomona (NCAA2) from 2005 to 2009 playing a total of 116 NcAA2 games. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 15.7ppg, 10.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.7apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 75.7%. He was a CCAA Player of the Year and NCAA D2 Finalist in 2009. In 2009-2010, he came to Europe as a rookie and played for Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 36 games: 14.0ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 75.8%. He played for ECE Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-A Bundesliga) the last two seasons and in his last season played 38 games: 14.7ppg, Reb-3(8.4rpg), 1.8apg, FGP-3(65.2%), 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 77.1%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Walter Tigers Tuebingen.
Larry thanks for talking to German Hoops again. Congrats on the 98-78 win against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. How good did it feel to get a win against one of the top teams in the league?
It felt good to get this Win after a disappointing loss last week against Frankfurt, it’s always a good feeling to Win against a Top team
You didn’t have a good shooting night and finished with nine points, but was the top assist man with four. How much pride do you take in having the ability to create for others?
It’s always been in my game but people only notice when it shows up on the stat sheet, I create a lot good looks for my teammates and that’s what makes me an effective combo guard in this league.
