Keith Waleskowski is a 32 year old 204cm forward that recently announced his retirement. He played in Germany in his last season for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven playing 34 games averaging 6,7ppg and 3,9rpg while averaging 15,6 minutes per game. He played at Dayton from 2000-2004. In hiss enior year, he played 32 games: 13.2ppg, 9.7rpg, 1.9apg. He turned professional in 2004 playing for Farho Gijon (Spain-LEB1): 34 games: 14.7ppg, Reb-3(9.8rpg), 1.0spg, 2FGP: 56.1%, 3FGP: 35.8%. He would play four more years in Spain for teams like Polaris World Murcia ,  Etosa Alicante  and  Caja Rural Melilla. He then played in Italy from 2009-2012 for  Fileni Bpa Jesi  and for Tezenis Verona (Italy-Lega2) his last two years. He spoke to German Hoops about his ex teammate Jacob Burtschi.

Marius Nolte is the captain of Fraport Skyliners, but how important will the captain experience of Burtschi be which he had with Bremerhaven helping the Fraport Skyliners?

Jake’s experience as a leader will be very beneficial for the Fraport Skyliners. He won’t officially be wearing the captain’s “C” but will be a leader on the court and in the locker room. It is always good for a team to have multiple leaders and players that know when to lead by example, and when to be more vocal. Jake has that ability to differentiate and get the most out of his teammates that are also willing to put forth the team effort.

Last season Burtschi was captain of the Eisbaeren. How did you see the effort of Burtschi leading a team that obviously had internal problems?

Obviously there were many things that went on within our team that lead to our up and down results, but if the whole team was able to get on the same page, and work for the same team goals, I think the results would have been better. Jake did his best to motivate when it was needed, nurture, teach, work, relax, and making it a worthwhile experience for everyone that was open to it. He never put himself or his own personal accolades above the team, in fact he did quite the opposite. He would rather get a win than better stats than everyone else in a loss. I’m n ot saying Jake was the perfect leader, but I thought he did a pretty good job and just wish that everyone else followed along.

What is your fondest memory of him on the court with Bremerhaven and what will you never forget about his personality?

My fondest memory is just how hard he played and how much he hustled. Most players like that lose a little bit of that edge after college because the coaches aren’t pushing them as hard. Jake constantly did the little things that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. I remember almost every time he came to the bench during a time out, he was sucking wind pretty bad because of how hard he worked.

Where would you rate his smile and laugh with the all time greats in that category?

He could light up a room that is for sure. His smile and laugh were infectious and made the daily grind a little bit easier.

With the Fraport Skyliners he will share a position with young German Danilo Barthel. Last season BBL saw his crashing dunks and he proved that white men can jump. What role with Jake play in movie white men can jump?

Jake actually missed numerous dunks this year, so if the director wants to keep his job he should not cast Jake in that movie. Or he could cast him as the sideshow friend that just talks trash and acts like a fool the whole movie and gets laughs out of everyone. He is more like Jackie Moon(played by Will Ferrell) in Semi-pro.

What is a hidden strength in game of Jacob Burtschi?

I don’t think he is hiding anything. What you see is what you get. Kid can shoot the lights out, and everything else he is going to work harder than his opponent to get. He earns every last bit of what he gets on the court.

If you played a sports competition against him with title Oklahoma vs Ohio who would win and how would you beat him at various sports disciplines?

Ohio would win, hands down. I would beat him at everything because I am crafty and have all the vet moves and I reek of so much awesomeness. Jake is the king of suckitude when it comes to various sports disciplines while I am multi-talented.

Why is he the perfect top gun type of basketball player for any team. He was in air force and would be perfect air force top gun pilot

It’s funny you say that because if you slap a pair of aviators on him he looks exactly like Iceman. I think he even tried to call himself that for awhile, but we didn’t give him that much credit because he is afraid of flying.

It seems like the Fraport Skyliners might have difficulty having players to be able to decide a game individually. Please explain why Burtschi is a consistent scorer and could be the go to guy for Frankfurt?

Jake is the type of player that lets the game come to him. He doesn’t force anything when it isn’t there. When he is open, he shoots and at a high percentage. But he can also drive and plays well in transition. And he is the type of player and person to try and get everyone involved, raising the level of the team performance. Like I have said before, for Jake it isnt all about personal stats, it is more about team results and he realizes that he can’t do it all himself and having everyone do their part is better.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Rookie of the year.

Thanks Keith for the chat.

What do you get in basketball terms with the numbers 57, 55, 56, two trenches without dirt, guns, smoke, blood, tears, but 10 players exhausted from constant battle? Well you get a description of the last three games between the Fraport Skyliners and s.Oliver baskets Wurzburg that had resembled battles in the trenches so fierce that at times it was too difficult to even imagine what players were going through with the intense competitiveness, brute, fatigue and never die attitude in those three games. In the last three meetings between Frankfurt and Wurzburg a total of only 338 points were scored, Frankfurt averaged only 57 points in the three games, Wurzburg averaged only 55 points and between the two clubs both teams averaged only 56 points. In these three basketball battles, the Fraport Skyliners came out on top with a 2-1 record. Guys who were on the court in all three games were Jason Boone, John Little, Quantez Roberstson and Danilo Barthel. After each game, one could almost experience the pain of the players as it looked like they had been to war, but in the most ferocious basketball terms as body and mind had been blown away by intense basketball battle. Two players who had been on the court in the 2011-2012 season in Wurzburg where Frankfurt won round one of the battle of Wurzburg 56-51 were Jacob Burtschi and Ricky Harris who had been playing in Bremerhaven and Italy last season. It is slowly becoming tradition when you get these two teams on the court, there will be little offense and full throttle defense and in the fourth game since the start of the trench battles, The Fraport Skyliners and s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg put the trench battles on the back burner getting a bit distanced from defense and giving the fans some full throttle offense as the Fraport Skyliners came back to defeat the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg 89-78. Tony Gaffney friend Ricky Harris played in the first battle of Wurzburg in the 2011-2012 season and had an explanation for the more firepower tonight. “I remember that Justin Gray buzzer beater in Frankfurt and watched the game in Wurzburg last season. I think that both teams still defend, but are better offensively. Both teams have more offensive weapons and it is just a matter of different teams and different players”, stated Ricky Harris. Jacob Burtschi also took part in the first battle of Wurzburg and agrees with Harris. “There are different teams and different players, but also the defense is still good, but today many guys hit tough shots against good defense that weren´t falling in previous games”, added Jacob Burtschi.

The total 50 points of Andy Rautins and Dawan Robinson might have stole the show of Tweety Carter after 40 minutes, but in the first half it was Carter that was giving the Fraport Skyliners fits as he hit the home team with 20 points. He was one of the main reasons why the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg were having a 47-40 lead at the break. It really doesn´t matter where the 26 year old diminutive 180cm guard from Louisiana has played, he has always known how to put the ball in the net. “Tweety has been great and can score very well. He can play numerous positions, has a great character and is a good guy. He also can find his teammates. I think that if he keeps working he could be the best point guard in the league”, stressed teammate Ricky Harris. Two seasons ago in Israel for Bnei Eshet Tours Hasharon (Israel-Premier League) he was third in scoring with 20,7ppg and led the league with 7,1apg. Despite these stats, he is often seen more as a scoring point guard, but that doesn´t hurt him. “I have had that title my whole career. Coach Schroeder tells me to be aggressive and I am a scorer. I have been doing it in high school and college, but I understand that it has to be different with Wurzburg in that I need to find my teammates and I want to”, stressed Carter. In the first half one could see his amazing scoring qualities, confidence and desire to take responsibility as he was hitting three pointers at a similar rate like Andi Rautins does. “He did a great job knocking down big shots and he has the tools to be one of the best in the BBL. You have to give credit to Dawan Robinson who closed him down in the second half”, added Jacob Burtschi. Fraport Skyliner Andi Rautins exchanged numbers after the game and already knew what he was capable since his battles with Syracuse against Baylor. “He can really light it up. I think this is a good league for him”, commented ex NBA player Andi Rautins. The real name of Carter is Demond, but he was given the nickname tweety  by his grandmother due to the sound of his crying as a baby. He used to the name. “When I started to cry, my grandmother put on the cartoon Tweety, and I would stop to cry. When I was crying it sounded like a bird. The only time I was called by my real name Demond was when I was in trouble”, smilied Tweety Carter His teammate Jamal Boykin has known him since childhood and has the utmost respect for the American. “I know him since seventh grade when we played in a camp. He scored 74 points in  a high school game and really knows how to score. He gets his team in flow and is an unselfish player. He can get you many points quick. I didn´t even know his name was Demond, I only knew him as tweety”, joked Jamal Boykin.

The Fraport Skyliners were coming off a huge win in Bremerhaven, but also had to digest the absence of Quantez Robertson who will miss up to three months on account of a knee injury. The Fraport Skyliners closed out the week with a huge 89-78 win against the s.Oliver Baskets and are on  a two game winning streak heading into the tough game against FC Bayern Munich. The win was the R&R show of Andi Rautins and Dawan Robinson who combined for 50 of the 89 Frankfurt points and looked like a basketball version of the dynamic duo with Robinson being the leader as Bat Man and his side kick the boy wonder as Rautins who traded in the usual slick comments with big shots from all over the court. “It was great to have Dawan Robinson back. He just gives us so much experience on the court. I think we all played well as a team”, stressed Andy Rautins. For Dawan Robinson, he had a lot to prove after his suspension, but he was happy with the team win, play of Rautins and relationship with head coach Gordon Herbert. “We made important defensive stops. Carter killed us in the first half and we just wanted to focus on their two offensive weapons Carter and Mckinney. Rautins is one of the best shooters that I have played with along with Jimmy Baron. He takes so much pressure off me and the offense. A great thing is that he can also pass the ball. It is just a great joy to play with him. It felt good to play again. I have cleared up the differences that I had with coach. He did the right thing suspending me for the Bremerhaven game. Our focus now is too keep looking forward to getting more wins and just progressing”, warned Philadelphia native Dawan Robinson. For the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg, it was their fourth loss in a row and they are at the bottom of the Beko BBL standings. The pressure keeps mounting for the team that has  a talented team, but just can´t seem to finish out games to their advantage. “We won each quarter except the fourth quarter where we gave up 31 points. We can´t let that happen. We continue to lose games at the end. Coach always gets us ready for games, but he can´t play for us. We have to find a way to win games and not let the opponent capitalize on our mistakes”, warned ex Baylor player Tweety Carter. Wurzburg guard Ricky Harris who wasn´t 100% didn´t have much left after the win except giving credit to the Fraport Skyliners. “It was a hard fought game, but Frankfurt just wanted it more”, stressed Ricky Harris.

4,080 fans turned out for the Frankfurt-Wurzburg derby.The Fraport Skyliners started without Dawan Robinson going with Konstantin Klein, Andy Rautins, Jacob Burtschi, Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann. It was no secret that any game without defensive specialist Quantez Robertson won´t be easy, but Gordon Herbert made good adjustments as the team were able to make positive use of them getting out to a 9-3 lead. Danilo Barthel got Frankfurt on the board first with a hard lay in over Frankfurt native Ruben Spoden, but before Frankfurt could recover it was Tweety Carter who made his presence felt dropping  a three pointer for the Wurzburg 3-2 lead. Frankfurt then made two beautiful offensive plays as Rautins showed his good eye seeing Johannes Vogtmann as open as a prairie in Iowa in the lane as the big man stuffed home the ball. Then it was time for Danilo Barthel to show his dunk ability as it was Vogtmann that found the Heidelberg native. Rautins then closed out the run with his first three pointer. Frankfurt was showing a lot of offensive zeal dazzling the home crowd with the extra pass and stimulating dunks. The acrobatic play and ball movement seemed to shock the Wurzburg defense. However Wurzburg slowly found a rhythm on offense closing out the first quarter with a pounding 16 -4 run as all of a sudden the perfect Frankfurt offense had disingerated. 2010 Eurochallenge winner John Little started off the run with a lay in which was followed by a Jimmy Mckinney three pointer. Robinson then was inserted into the game, but didn´t do any damage yet. Rautins hit a floater, but American Jamal Boykin hit consecutive baskets with a tip in and mid distance jumper. Carter hit another three pointer as Wurzburg led after one quarter 19-13. “We had some defensive breakdowns in the first few minutes where they moved the ball well and did a good job with the extra pass. We then got our offense going and made adjustments on defense”, stressed Tweety Carter. “We did a good job moving the ball at the start. They came back knocking down tough shots”, added Jacob Burtschi. The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg were shooting 44% from the field and 33% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 40% from the field and 17% from outside. Wurzburg had the 10-8 rebound edge and two turnovers while Wurzburg had three turnovers.

The second quarter was very exciting as it was the quarter of runs and lead changes. The Fraport Skyliners quickly started off the second quarter with a bang going on a 6-0 run to knot the game at 19-19. Vogtmann and Rautins did a fine job drawing fouls and hitting free throws. Robinson then did what he does best  penetrating to the hole and getting as easy bucket. Robinson does it as good as any player in the Beko BBL. St Louis native Mckinney then nailed a three pointer, which was countered by a pretty Barthel hook shot, but ex Bucknell center Chris Mcnaughton who had been quiet scored inside as Wurzburg led 24-21. Mcnaughton then got a technical foul with a small scuffle with Jacob Burtschi which changed the momentum a bit then and led to a big 8-0 run for Frankfurt and 29-24 lead. The Burtschi free throws were led by Barthel and Rautins three pointers. Wurzburg must of thought what Frankfurt can do so can we as they went on a 6-0 run to regain the lead 30-29. Bonne and Mckinney hit free throws and Carter scored. Then it was time for a Frankfurt run of 5-0 as they regained the lead 34-30 as Rautins nailed another three pointer and Robinson free throws. Then it was a Wurzburg run of 8-0 to regain the lead 38-34 as Carter and Mckinney dropped three pointers. In the last minutes, Wurzburg was able to keep the lead as Carter remained hot hitting a mid distance jumper and ridiculous bomb over Burtschi. Boykin scored inside as well Robinson closed out the second quarter netting home a reverse layup in traffic at the buzzer as Wurzburg led 47-40. “We did a good job getting stops when we needed to and hitting shots when we needed too. We did a better job rebounding the ball than in the first quarter”, added Tweety Carter. Wurzburg knocked down tough shots which killed us. Mckinney also hit big shots. We missed some rotations where they capitalized on”, stressed Jacob Burtschi, The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg were shooting 47% from the field and 44% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 48% from the field and 33% from the three point line. Wurzburg had the rebound edge 19-12 and only four turnovers while Frankfurt had seven turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners got off to a good start in the third quarter as Andi Rautins knocked down another three pointer as he was left open in the corner, but the quarter belonged to Wurzburg. Frankfurt then was hit with a 6-0 Wurzburg run as they extended their lead to 53-43. John Little connected on a floater and Mcnaughton scored consecutive baskets in the paint. On the first bucket, it was Carter who showed his game intelligence as he penetrated, but saw that he couldn´t get to the hole and made a quick decision finding Mcnaughton for the easy score. Rautins then showed his passing qualities once again finding Senegal center Aziz N’Diaye twice for easy scores, but ex ratiopharm Ulm forward Sebastian Betz kept the Skyliners at bay with a big three pointer as Wurzburg led 56-47. Carter who was kept quiet in the second quarter nailed a shot from the parking lot as Wurzburg led 59-47. It seemed like Wurzburg was in control and could make a run, but it was Robinson who made some big plays to keep the Wurzburg lead never at more than 10 points. Robinson made a steal and went coast to coast and then he set up Danilo Barthel with a ferocious ally-op dunk as Frankfurt trailed 61-54. Both teams then scored twice a piece as Boykin connected from down town and N’Diaye snatched an offensive board and made a put back. Mckinney then showed some of his penetration skills with a lay in and as was the case at the end of the second quarter, it was Robinson again that made a last second bucket with a lay in as Frankfurt trailed 66-58. “We were more aggressive, rebounded  well and got stops”, said Tweety Carter. “We had ups and downs in the third quarter, but we never let Wurzburg run away with the game. They did a good job getting offensive boards”, added Jacob Burtschi. The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg were shooting 52% from the field and 48% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 45% from the field and 28% from the parking lot. Wurzburg had the 29-18 rebound advantage, but 10 turnovers while Frankfurt had eight turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners started off the fourth quarter with a strong 7-0 run to cut the Wurzburg lead to 66-65. Robinson started the surge with one of his usual unstoppable penetration drives. Barthel then made a pair of free throws. Rautins then hit a tough three pointer from the corner and was fouled. He was unable to make the and one, but Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi made a typical heads up play by him saving the ball and throwing the ball off a Wurzburg player which changed the momentum of the game. “I think was the deciding point of the game which gave Frankfurt the momentum in coming back and winning the game”, added Ricky Harris. Wurzburg golden role player Sebastain Betz then hit a huge three pointer keeping the 68-65 lead for Wurzburg. On the next offensive set, it was Jacob Burtschi that found his range tying the game at 68-68 with a three pointer. Both teams were playing their heart out as neither team was going to let the other escape on a run. German Maurice Stuckey then hit a sensational three pointer, but the 71-68 Wurzburg lead didn´t hold long as Andi “give me the ball in need” Rautins hit a in your face three pointer as Betz was too late as the game was dead locked at 71-71. Robinson then scored inside as he was doing what he wanted in his play ground as Frankfurt led 73-71 and would never trail again. Rautins then made free throws for the 75-71 Frankfurt lead. Little put a little scare in the Frankfurt lead with a shot from down town as Wurzburg trailed only 75-74. The game remained exciting as Wurzburg weren´t going to lay down and surrender. Frankfurt then scored on a weird play as Rautins made a shot that hit perfectly off the back board that Barthel caught for the dunk. Mcnaughton answered with a turn around shot as Frankfurt led  77-76. With a few minutes to go, both teams had five turnovers and it was interesting to see two would have the better nerves at the free throw line down the stretch. After Little hit one free throw and cut the Frankfurt lead to 80-78, Skyliner head coach Herbert called a time out. It wasn´t hard to figure out that either Rautins or Robinson would get the call. It was Robinson finding daylight and getting the easy lay in and free throw as Frankfurt led 83-78 sealing the win. “Robinson is so quick and uses his body well for separation. He felt bad that he couldn´t play in Bremerhaven and he helped us win. He is a special player”, commented Jacob Burtschi. Burtschi then closed out the game with four free throws. “I honestly didn´t think their defense was better in the fourth quarter. It was the same scrappy style. The only difference was that they got stops and capitalized on our mistakes”, stressed Tweety Carter.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Andy Rautins with 28 points, five rebounds and five assists. Dawan Robinson added 22 points. Danilo Barthel contributed 16 points and Jacob Burtschi Mustered 10 points and nine rebounds. The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg were led by Tweety Carter with 24 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jimmy Mckinney added 13 points while Jamal Boykin chipped in with 13 points and six rebounds. Frankfurt shot 49% from the field and 36% from outside while Wurzburg shot 44% from the field and 41% from outside. Wurzburg won the rebound duel 35-32. Frankfurt did  a great job dominating the zone with 38-22 points in the paint. Wurzburg is 0-4 and the last thing that they can do is panic. “  We always feel pressure as a team to win during a losing streak, but we can´t hnag our heads now. We need to concentrate on the next game. We know that the fans stand behind us and give us the energy”, warned Tweety Carter. Despite the two game winning streak, the Fraport Skyliners are still not at the top level they can be and still need time. “We still have to get Andy Rautins and Aziz N’Diaye integrated, but we are coming together. The extra pass is there, but we are only at 80% and can get better on offense and defense”, warned Jacob Burtschi.

Japhet Mcneil is a 28 year old 183 cm guard from Brooklyn, New York. He played at East Carolina from 2003 -2006. He then transferred to Bridgeport(NCAA2) for his senior year in 2006-2007. At Bridgeport, he played 31 games averaging 16.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.9apg, 4.0spg, FT: 67.3%, FGP: 38.3%, 3PT: 34.6%. In 2008-2009, he played his rookie season in Germany in the PRO A for USC Heidelberg playing 30 games and averaging 14.8ppg, 3.1rpg, Assists-1(7.9apg), Steals-1(3.5spg), FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 24.1%, FT: 63.3%. In 2009-2010, he played in Finland for Kori-Konkarit Loimaa (Finland-1st Division, starting five): 5 games: 9.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.8apg, 3.4spg, FGP: 35.0%, 3PT: 19.0%, FT: 50.0%. In 2010-2011 he played for  BG Karlsruhe (Germany-ProA): 3 games: 4.0ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.7apg. In 2011-2012 he got experience playing for the  Connecticut TopBallerz (ABA). Last season he played for the BSW Sixers (Germany-ProB): 14 games: 4.5ppg, 1.6rpg, 4.1apg, 1.5spg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Q: Japhet thanks for talking to German Hoops again. Where are you at the moment and what are you doing?

A: At the moment I’m in Germany. I m fortunate enough to be able to make myself more available for the market. I take the pro active approach and put together a training regiment that way when my number is called I’m ready.

Q: How tough has it been just sitting around waiting for a team to show interest? How have you been keeping positive?

A: Well technically I’m not just sitting around, there were deals that for me at this age and stage of my game that wouldn’t be beneficial for me or my family. Its almost equivalent to playing for bubble gum! but on the contrary I’m not expensive by no means this is my career in which I take very serious. I look at it as more time to get stronger, faster, less time for injury, etc. thats the kind of approach you must have. The glass is never half empty always half full.

Q:You haven´t played a full season since your rookie season in Heidelberg. How frustrating is it always getting signed in the middle of a season where you arrive to a team where you have to learn everything quickly?

A: Im glad you made that point Miles. Its actually very frustrating because I feel that guys that teams are giving opportunities to haven’t remotely had a season like I had with leading pro (a) in assist and steals while avg 15 pts. Guys that do that are getting big looks and I get over looked for whatever reason. Its not the easiest thing to do when you sign late in the season but somehow I manage through the highs and lows. Teams should understand the situation rather than writing players off immediately.

Q: You are still young and in your prime as a basketball player. Why do you think it has been so tough getting signed the last years?

A: I dont think its my game or anything I think its about timing and also your representation, thats key. Within the past years of professionalism I’ve had all types of guys saying what they can do or what they did, when its all said and done I have to do it on my own which is fine but no one man is a island. Players should worry about playing and thats that.

Q:Which basketball people have been keeping you positive now where your looking for a team?

A: I have a great support system, thats something players must build to stay relevant. My parents, my lady plays a huge role and off course friends and family. I frequently talk to other players that goes through the same grind daily but honestly i don’t need the yes men, I’m tunneled visioned and I know my ultimate goals and abilities.

Q: Last season you played in the German Pro B for the BSW Sixersand came late to the team. It wasn´t the best situations for you despite making the playoffs? Why was your stay there a tough one

A: It was difficult in a sense because I knew and the team knew I could help the team with more playing time. The situation was splitting time with 3 Americans and I was the third that signed late to give depth in the back court so you can imagine. I remained positive and professional as always and tried to do my job the best way I know how to. I felt I did my job, we went to the semi finals stayed in the league upset some good teams to be where we were at. When I arrived the team was facing difficult times. I tip my hat off to my teammates and the fans of the Sixers.

Q:How tough was it playing behind Jeremie Simmons. He seemed to get all the playing time and you couldn´t really show what your made of except off the bench.

A: I really don’t want to publicly throw anyone under the bus so I won’t but it wasn’t playing behind Jeremie that I found difficult, because really j Simms is a guard natural born scorer so he was ecstatic when I arrived, productivity, pace, intensity was at its peak when we were on the floor. On the flip side that will take away from our other American well respected Nate Gertwig, he was our bruiser our front court was in need of a player like him in a lot of situations. That scenario was difficult to deal with. I must add with all that I led the team in assist and steals and amongst the league leaders.

Q:Was Josh Parker the best player that you played against in Germany since you have been a player?

A: (deep sigh) I’m by far not a hater. Its not hard to be good when your already a good guard and your playing 40 mins per game, your able to take any shot and your organization is looking for you to make all the plays. When your not looking over your shoulder to see if your going to get subbed out you feel like superman on the court. So no Josh is not the best player I’ve matched up with in Germany. Id go with Robin Benzing, Chase Griffin, Brandon Jenkins, Johannes Lischka, Dennis Shroeder I’m sure there is more but off the top those the ones I can remember.

Q: What did you learn out of your situation with the BSW Sixers? Is there anything that you could of done differently or would have changed if you could have done it differently?

A: Honestly there wasn’t much to learn. It was a stepping stone in my career, I m thankful for the opportunity that was given to me. I met some amazing fans and got 2 more people that I can call friends in Jeremie Simmons and Nate Gertwig. We tried to challenge each other daily off and on the court.

Q:What has always baffled me was after your great rookie season at Heidelberg where you led the league in assists, you weren´t able to heighten your career. Was it just many bad situations and wrong decisions that you made?

A: Assist and steals miles. We cant forget that category!! Its not about decisions because I feel I never got a fair shot ever since Heidelberg. Again, I think its timing. Hopefully I get another opportunity to show my ability at a high level. I am a firm believer in GOD and he places people through obstacles for reasons, I am one of his toughest soldiers so he will test my patience and what I’m willing to do to get there. I know once I do get there I wont look back. Especially on the ones that ignored me and doubted me. I have something is storage for them

Q: You and Jibril Hodges were amazing with USC Heidelberg. How much do you miss those days? It is a shame that you guys never played on the same team again.

A: Yea it hasn’t been the same in Heidelberg since we left with that kind of back court, I use to miss those days now they are just memories, good ones. When we get together (jb and I) we talk about our future and try to look at our next positive move. We know what that duo can do. We have a slogan for that. We will say ” she want that old thing back” but thats with all my back court mates, they love me I put the basketball right in their shooting pocket, just rise up and make shots.

Q: You are still an assist man, but how has your game matured with age? If you could describe your game and why you could help any team now how would you describe it?

A: Yes indeed I am still an assist man. Ive learned how to channel my emotions, i ve learned the mental aspect of the game. I ve learned to make the simple pass instead of the home run. I really spent time working on my shooting, I get so eager to show what I worked on in the off season that I over think trying to show that particular ability and I end up not playing the game the way I know how to play it. With me its just mental and confidence. In the past you might see that in my game but not anymore!! My good friend Erving Walker ( italy/poland) told me they going to either love you or hate you.

B. My game helps a team in many ways. I can make plays, i m able to defend the opposing teams best guard. I m fearless in big situations. Smart heady point guard. If you want me to score i’m able, get my guys touches i’m able. Also, I’m very professional I take that very serious. Off the court I carry myself in a well manor you never hear about any incidents with Japhet Mcneil. Both on and off the court I represent my team, my family, myself and the fans.

Q:How does a work out day look like for you now in Mainz? What things do you do to keep in shape and what basketball drills do you do?

A: Due to lack of resources I train like rocky! literally. I do hill runs, there is a huge futbol open field that I do full throttle wind sprints and slides on. I have 2 basketballs so some days I may just run a few miles while doing dribble moves. There is a volley ball court with sand, its for the kids in the neighborhood but I get a great workout there as well, doing sprints, slides and agility work in the sand. I try to utilize my resources to the best of my ability. When it rains outside I get on the elliptical machine that I’m fortunate to have in the house for 45 mins – 1 hour

Q:What is wrong with the New York Giants? Will they be able to turn their sorry season around?

A: LOL I m going to stand up for the G-men for NYC sakes. They dug themselves a hole and they will manage. They were once champs so sometimes you shoot yourself in the foot #noplaxico #Idontevenlikethegiants

Q:What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

A: honestly I dont even watch dvd’s anymore I don’t mean to dry snitch but the gov is shut down anyway, but i go to movie4k.to and watch all the new movies.

Miles thanks for your time buddy its always a pleasure, hopefully we get to chop it up again this year under different circumstances. tchuess!! My supporters and fans follow me on Instagram @phetty10

Usually having family ties in professional sports is something that is about rare as not seeing a Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom headline in the media these days or someone daring to rip the current play of the Denver Broncos. Not seeing one of these headlines in the media does happen as does seeing  some kind of family affiliated with a professional sports team. Possibly the most famous family is the manning family with ex great Archie as dad and sons Peyton and Eli that share three Superbowl rings among each other, or the Hasselbeck family with Don the papa who was a star tight end for the New England Patriots and sons Matt and Tim who were quarterbacks and to throw in some good humor, the Hansen brothers Jack, Jeff and Steve, the fictional wacky brother trio from the hilarious Paul Newman hockey movie Slap Shot. Back in the 2008-2009 BBL season, one had a family bunch on the Frankfurt Skyliners with ST Louis natives Jimmy Mckinney who was playing his third professional season and newcomer Lorenzo Gordon who was the cousin of Mckinney. Both guys were important components to that seasons playoff team losing to eventual first time BBL winner EWE Baskets Oldenburg in the quarterfinals as Lorenzo Gordon averaged 12.8ppg, 7.0rpg, FGP: 60.9%, FT: 52.5% while his cousin Mckinney had a season to forget as injuries plagued him as he was out for a few months. On thing these guys could do besides play basketball was sport those golden St Louis smiles as Gordon looked like the classical sunny boy, while Mckinney had that wide smile that was mezmorizing in its own sense. After Gordon departed in 2009 and played in other countries like Turkey and Russia, who would have thought that Gordon might return back to Germany and to the Frankfurt Skyliners. As the announcement was made that Gordon was returning, it excited many Skyliner fans and the anticipation of a reunion on October 13^th in Frankfurt was appetizing as one could have seen the cousins go head to head for the first time ever in a Beko BBL game, but the stay and try-out of Gordon was cut short after a week as the Fraport Skyliners gave him his walking papers as fitness seemed an issue and he returned back to the States. With no reunion to happen, as usual the fans will be able to witness a Jimmy Mckinney in an opponents jersey and if he is on and hot with his shooting then maybe even that slick and suave smile after the game if Wurzburg are able to escape his ex living room with a victory in Sunday

After the  Rise of the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg rookie campaign in 2011-2012 where the club reached the playoffs and kicked out Alba Berlin of the playoffs under the guidance of 2010 Eurochallenge winner John Patrick giving them an unwanted early summer vacation, the team came back last season with new head coach Marcel Schroeder with a solid roster and playoff ambitions, but were disappointed on the last game day missing the playoffs and ending on the 17^th place with a record of 17-17. Wurzburg was the best defensive team in the league allowing only 2395 points practicing that unorthodox aggressive whirlwind defensive brought to life by ex head coach John Patrick. However even if they were able to get fast break points through their strong defense, they weren´t consistent enough in the set offense averaging only 71,5 points per game which was 17^th in the whole league. Despite having some guys that could score, it simply wasn´t versatile enough to score consistently. One or the other shooter was missing from the roster as giving Jimmy mCkinney to save the day each game from outside was a little too much to ask for. The club also seemed to have ben effected by the injury bug a bit as the team had to fight roster changes all season long and never could find a rhythm all season long. The team celebrated some big wins against FC Bayern Munich and Alba Berlin, but then again also lost games that they should have won against teams like Trier, Mitteldeutscher BC and Bayreuth.

The club lost some key players like Dwayne Anderson and Alex King and supporting players like Mike Lenzly and Frank Robinson, but the good news is that they returned seven players with sharp shooter Jimmy Mckinney, the ex BG Goettingen trio of Jason Boone, Ben Jacobson and John Little, center Chris Mcnaughton and young Germans Maurice Stuckey and Maximillian Kleber. The club added a new supporting castoff  Rickey Harris who returns back to Wurzburg after a season in Italy. He was added to help give Mckinney a companion at the three point line. Tweety Carter will run the point and Lamont Mack and Jamal Boykin will try to have fans forget the departure of Dwayne Anderson as they will mix up the wing and inside position. The club also added  apair of Germans with ultimate role player Sebastian Betz and Ruben Spoden. This season the club will continue to practice their trade mark of hard, annoying aggressive defense that is to spark their offense and lead to easy points. How the club does in the set offense will be interesting how quickly the team gels and if for once they can go a longer stretch without irksome  nagging injuries disrupting the building of the team chemistry. The ex BG Goettingen trio and Jimmy Mckinney will lead the team and it will be interesting to see if Carter, Mack and Boykin can fulfill expectations. With such a competitive league and all the outside factors, Wurzburg is a team that could slip into the Beko BBL playoffs or stagger around in no mans land in the standings.

The Fraport Skyliners have fond memories from the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg winning both games in the Wurzburg rookie season. The Fraport Skyliners squeaked out a 80-78 win at home as American Justin Gray won the game with a buzzer beater. Justin Gray led the Skyliners with 18 points while NBA player Jon Leuer chipped in with 17 points. Chris Kramer had 16 points while Ivan Elliot and Ricky Harris contributed 13 points each. In the return game in Wurzburg in early January, the fans witnessed a gruesome hard fought battle in the trenches as no team wanted to give the other teams any gifts as Frankfurt prevailed 56-51. Frankfurt was led by Quantez Robertson with 12 points, Devin Gibson added 11 points and Jermario Davidson produced 10 points. The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg were led by Ben Jacobson with 15 points. Last season both teams split the season series 1-1 as both games combined were decided by not more than seven points. Last season the Fraport Skyliners lost round two of the battle of the trenches after winning round one in Wurzburg last season at home last December 59-55. Frankfurt only mustered 21 points in the first half, but had a strong fourth quarter scoring 21 points. The club was sparked by Zach Peacock with 18 points and Quantez Robertson added 12 points, nine rebounds and five steals to the win. Wurzburg was led by Dwayne Anderson with 11 points and Jason Boone had 10 points.  In the return game in Wurzburg, The Fraport Skyliners squeaked out a 60-57 win as defense and loud fans dominated the game. Frankfurt was led by Zach peacock with 18 points and Quantez Robertson added 12 points. The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg were led by John Little with 15 points, Dwayne Anderson had 11 points and Jason Boone steered 10 point.

The Fraport Skyliners return home with a huge win under their belts in Bremerhaven showing much, courage, fight and heart winning without starting point guard dawan Robinson and losing the services of Quantez Robertson early. Last season they lost in Frankfurt against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg and have revenge on their minds. The Fraport Skyliners will need to stay calm and just exhibit the type of offensive game they showed in Bremerhaven to foil the always annoying aggressive defense of Wurzburg. With Robertson out for three months, the team will need to have viable support from other players to come out with a win. Wurzburg have started on a losing note and come into Frankfurt with an unpleasing 0-3 record. Two games were very close that they could of won losing by four points to MBC and losing a 81-80 heartbreaker against Ulm, but their untypical lax defense where they have averaged letting up 84 points per game is uncharachteristic. Of course the season is still young and players and system are still getting a feel for each other, but defense is surely a topic that Marcel Schroeder will feature in the days before the game. Sometimes things can be so easy to analyse  when you look back at the last game success. “We will have to defend well, rotate well, rebound and move the ball well. Just play the way we did in the last 25 minutes in Bremerhaven”, stressed Jacob Burtschi.

The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg are led by ex Missouri(NCAA) player Jimmy Mckinney who is a 30 year old 192cm shooting guard that is playing his second season with Wurzburg. Last season he played  22 games: 11.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 39.0%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 82.4%; EuroCup: 6 games: 11.0ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 35.3%. He was hit once again with  a nasty injury that sidelined him. He will be their number one shooting option again. Jason Boone returns back to Wurzburg for a third season and is a 28 year old 200cm center and last season played 34 games: 10.1ppg, 5.0rpg, FGP-2(68.9%), FT: 51.3%; EuroCup: 6 games: 6.8ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 63.0%, FT: 70.0%. He played at New York U. (NCAA3) and is one oft he rare players making the jump from Regionaliga Lok bernau tot he Beko BBL Goettingen in 2007. He is like a tank parked in the zone and plays with heart and hits most everything he touches into the basket. John Little also is back for a third year tour of duty and is a 29 year old 182cm point guard that is known firsthand for his pitbull defense. He got  naame playing with Goettingen and won the Eurochallenge in 2001. Last season for Wurzburg he played 25 games: 6.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 71.9%; EuroCup: 5 games: 7.6ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 50.0%. Who could forget how he stole the show from point guard Dashaun Wood during the 2012 playoffs where he played like an MVP against Alba Berlin. The last member of the ex Goettingen three amigos is Ben Jacobson who is also back for  athird season in Wurzburg and is a 30 year old 190cm point guard that played with John Little at N.Iowa(NCAA). It wasn´t his bets of seasons as he also fought against injuries playing 13 games: 6.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 25.0%, 3PT: 19.6%, FT: 68.0%; EuroCup: 6 games: 5.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 21.4%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 45.5%,. It will be interesting to see how well he comes back after his tough shoulder injury.

German Chris Mcnaughton is also back in Wurzburg for a second season. He is a 30 year old 211cm center that likes to play with his abck to the basket. He has the American citizenship and has ahd experience playing in the NCAA at Bucknell and played many years in Spain winning the Spanish LEB Silver with Faymasa Paaalencia in 2009. He also played with Goettingen, Oldenburg and Bremerhaven. Last season for Wurzburg he played 24 games: 6.0ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 54.0%, FT: 63.8%; EuroCup: 2 games: 1.0ppg, 1.5rpg. The captain is a versatile player that as always will be the perfect example of a team player. Maurice Stuckey returns for a second season. He is a 23 year old 190cm point guard that started his basketball career with  BG Leitershofen . He played two years in the Ehingen system and played in the Bamberg organization. Last season for Wurzburg he played 34 games: 3.9ppg, 1.1rpg; EuroCup: 6 games: 4.8ppg. Who could forget his 19 point effort against Phoenix Hagen last season. His biggest strength is his quickness which he incorporated perfectly on both ends  of the floor on defense and penetration. Maximillian Kleber is a 21 year old 107cm power forward that missed the entire last season and has only played 26 Beko BBl games for Wurzburg two seasons ago. He is a huge German talent where everyone is looking for him to break out. He is a very versatile big mna that can shoot form the mid distance and from outside.

The club added 26 year old 180cm point guard Tweeny Carter who hails from New Orleans and is playing his fourth professional and first in Germany. He played at Baylor reaching the Elite 8 in 2010. He has vast basketball experience already in Europe having played in Latvia, Israel and Croatia. Last season he played for  KK Cibona VIP Zagreb (Croatia-A1); EuroCup: 5 games: 4.2ppg; Czech Rep. NBL: 29 games: 12.0ppg, left in Nov.’12: Adriatic League: 8 games: 8.5ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.4apg, 2FGP: 37.9%, 3FGP: 42.9%, FT: 76.9%; Eurocup: 3 games: 3.0ppg, 2.3apg, in Dec.’12 moved to CEZ Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL, starting five): VTB League: 10 games: 8.7ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 62.1%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 75.0%, 2.9rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 74.3%, 1.6rpg, 2.2apg. He once scored 74 points in  a high school game where the opponent only scored 71 points. He is a scoring point guard that has leadership skills. Lamont Mack is a 26 year old 201cm forward from Chicago that is playing his fifth and first professional season in Germany. He played at Charlotte(NCAA) and has European basketball experience in Greece and Bulgaria where he won the cup in 2012 with Lukoil Academik Sofia. Last season he played for  Victoria Libertas Pesaro (Italy-SerieA): 30 games: 10.1ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT: 75.6%. Schroeder got a very solid forward with Mack in that he can do the dirty work inside as well as hit the three pointer. Jamal Boykin is a 26 year old 203cm forward from Los Angeles that is playing his fourth professional season. He played two years at basketball powerhouse Duke playing 29 NCAA games and then transferred to California playing a total of 93 NCAA games. Germany will be his fifth country as a professional after playing in Turkey, Cyprus, Japan and last season played for : GasTerra Flames Groningen (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 41 games: 12.7ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT-3(45.3%), FT: 84.5%. Ricky Harris is  a 26 year old 187cm guard from Baltimore that is playing his fourth professional season. He played at Massachusetts (NCAA) together with NBA player Tony Gaffney and turned professional in 2010. He played in countries like Lithuvania and the Ukraine and last season played for Biancoblu Basket Bologna (Italy-Lega2): 28 games: 13.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 40.2%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 77.3%. Hiss coring output will be vital for the success of Wurzburg this season. The team added Sebastian Betz who is a 28 year old 198cm forward that had  a long career in Ulm from 2007-2013. He played in the Bamberg organization as a youngster and last season for Ulm played : 23 games: 4.1ppg, 2.3rpg; EuroCup: 13 games: 3.6ppg, 2.0rpg. His game starts on defense where he has  a huge heart and never lets down his aggressive guard and can hit big three pointers off the bench. His 192 Beko BBL games will help Wurzburg in key situations when he is inserted from the bench. Ruben Spoden is a 24 year old 202 cm forward from Frankfurt that started his basketball career with Eintracht Frankfurt. He then played for TV Langen and Erdgas Ehingen. He played the last three season with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen, but never played more than 55 Beko BBL games. He is a very versatile power forwatd that doesn´t shy to shoot from the mid distance or from outside. He is ready to make the next step in Wurzburg and showed in pre season that he can play getting solid minutes, but the question is will he get minutes during the regular season?