Kris Douse is a 27 year old 198cm forward from Toronto, Canada  playing for  EVL-Baskets Limburg (Germany-Regionalliga) this season. He played at Laurinburg (N.C.) Institute while Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robertson played at Laurinburg (N.C.) prep. He started his college career at  Nebraska (NCAA) and then played two seasons at Delaware State. As a senior he played at Point Park (NAIA) playing  27 games: 20.1ppg, 12.6rpg. In 2011-2012 he started his professional basketball career at  Liverpool Mersey Tigers (United Kingdom-BBL, starting five): 18 games: 15.9ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 13.6%, FT: 54.6%; then agreed terms with Keflavik (Iceland-Express League): 6 games: 9.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 44.7%, FT: 69%. Last season he played for Turi Svitavy (Czech Republic-NBL): 2 games: 0pts, left in Oct.’12, in Nov.’12 moved to BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 17 games: 14.1ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3Pts: 10.0%, FT: 50.4%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 96-84 win against Volklingen in the first game of the season.

Congrats on the first win of the season. How did it feel playing your first game for EVL Limburg?

It felt real good to come out and get a win in the first game. We played very hard. We didn´t know if Ron Howard was going to play and found out shortly before game time. His presence really changed the way we played. The game was very fast and I love playing that kind of game.

Volklingen fought hard the whole game, but Limburg was always a tick better. What was key in getting the win?

Our shooters finally got going in the second half. In the first half, we had problems hitting shots. That was the difference in this game.

How fortunate is it to have  a strong guard tandem with Ronald Howard and Justin Stahlbohm?

They are both great players and they are always so aggressive. They keep me active throughout the game and I love running with them.

You do so much on the court, but does their play at times give you the luxury to just sit back and watch?

We have the luxury of having many scorers and our guards handle the pressure so well. I don´t really have to do much, but just happy to have these guys on the team.

This is your second consecutive season in the German Regionaliga. You have played in other countries like England and Iceland. Do you feel your game is a bit overlooked, because you are playing at  a lower level then where you could play?

My focus is to just work hard all the time and maybe sometime in my career a club in  a higher league will appreciate my game. I have learned that good things can happen if you just continue to work hard and stay humble.

Often it is about contacts that puts a player in a league. How important is getting contacts for you today in a day and age where social media is so strong?

I got this Limburg job through networking. The game and networking was a lot different 30 years ago. Now a player has to market himself to get somewhere. Now there are other ways to find open doors and you need to take advantage of it.

Your coach in Liverpool was Tony Garbelotto who is in his second season with Heidelberg. Wasn´t there an opportunity for you to go there and showcase your abilities?

When I was playing for him in England, he felt that I had a lot of potential. But to be honest I still feel that I have much to learn and basketball is still a learning process and I need to gain experience to play at the Pro A level. I need to keep working hard and then I think I could play there someday.

Your erx teammate Myles Hesson is playing in Giessen 30 kilometers away. Will you go watch him play this season

I haven´t been in contact with him for a while, but we were close in Liverpool. I have been following his career closely and actually saw the Germany-England game on TV and am proud of his development. I am very happy for his success. I will travel to Giessen and just show up and say How are you doing Myles.

What is the most amazing thing that you saw Myles Hesson do with Liverpool when you were his teammate?

He could dunk on everybody. That is what he did. He is so athletic and just so hard to stop. He is a big talent.

You played a season at Nebraska(NCAA) with Serbian big man Aleks Maric who played two seasons with top club Panathinaikos Athens. Did you know at that time that he would have such an amazing career?

He was already very good at Nebraska and was an NBA prospect. He was so big  and you couldn´t move him from the paint. I wasn´t surprised at all by his great career.

What things on your game do you still need to work on?

I think that I still need to work on my jump shot. My career since England has really developed in that now I am more versatile then I was there. I have learned that I don´t need to be dynamic at one thing on the court, but to be versatile and do many things well. The more I do this the better I will get.

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

My slashing gets overlooked. I play against bigger guys and I can cause problems in the lane with my speed.

What was your fondest memory with Marcus Neal at Delaware State?

Off the court was being his best man at his wedding in Macedonia. I have known him since 10 years and I have enjoyed watching him grow as a player and into a man. I also have enjoyed seeing his leadership grow from high school all through college.

Marcus Neal just signed with a Beko BBL team. Is his game suited for the top German league?

He can really score the ball. I have much confidence in his game and when he is in the right situation then sky is the limit.

Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA that is in the NBA?

The best player that I played against was Grevis Vazquez. I was playing more the two three then and was able to guard him. His leadership and energy was at a total different level when he was at Maryland.- Everybody knew that he would go to the NBA.

What were the most free throws that you made in a row?

25-30. I can still work on my free throws.

Will the Toronto Raptors ever win anything?

Well I looking forward to the NBA Allstar Day 2015. We need an allstar to carry the team.

Where do you like to be the most in Toronto?

I like to be downtown. I like the Carabana festival which is a Caribbean festival where they close down all the streets and everyone id dancing in the streets.

You played at the same high school with Quantez Robertson. He was two years older than you. What do you remember from his game?

I haven´t seen him play since then, but I can imagine he is the best defender in the German league. He is super athletic and a freak athlete.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Wolverine.

Thanks Kris for the chat.

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

Virgil thanks for talking to German Hoops again. How was your summer. What were some highlights this summer on and off the court?

Well didn’t play a lot of games this summer but i’d probably say playing Hoopfest in Spokane was the basketball highlight. And just hanging with my friends out the water and at the cabin were the highlights off it.

How would a nickname like the 96 hours man suit you? I am talking about you jumping in for the Ehingen basketball season which starts in 96 hours? lol

Haha! Is it that soon? Its crazy didn’t really ever think it would happen. It is good to be back though I love the town and the people here are great.

Today the news flash came that you will return back to play for Ehingen for a fourth season. Why did you wait so long to commit back to Erdgas Ehingen? Did it take until the end of September for you to get the suitable deal from Ehingen?

Well I’m getting older was trying to see if there was more money out there or maybe see another part of the world nothing really came of it and Ehingen called last minute asking me back. It was never a terms thing with Ehingen they’ve always been very up front it was my own decision to try elsewhere.

You have been an important player for Ehingen the last years helping the team move from the Pro B up to the Pro A and keeping the team there. Do you get the feeling that management understands the worth that you have to the club?

Yea I think a lot of what I do doesn’t really show up in stats and maybe even on video. A lot of Pro-A teams rely on just Americans to do everything and maybe have some good Germans and they just play. Ehingen is really big on development, that is why that have so many ex players playing in this league and other leagues, its not the situation for everyone. I think I fit here good and I think the Management and coach know that as well.

The season starts on Sunday. This will be your 8th professional season. How challenging will it be to come in learn the plays and be a factor as quickly as possible for Erdgas Ehingen?

Playing for the same coach for 4 years there’s not that much more there is out there to do. Me and Ralph have a good feel I know what he expects from me. He knows I’m a smart player and picking up the plays won’t be that hard for me

How much will it help that you played IBL this summer and also kept in shape?

Our team only had 2 games and I only played in one. Being here so long though you understand what it takes but nothing can get you in shape like playing does. So i’m in decent shape but basketball shape is a whole other level.

Would you have come back if the head coach wasn´t Ralph Junge?

Ehingen probably wouldn’t want me back if the coach wasn’t Ralph Junge. Ralph has confidence in me. I mean he offered me a job after sitting out a year for that i’m always thankful

The team has three new Americans and a new German with Joey Ney who played with Alba Berlin. How excited are you about starting your fourth season with Erdgas Ehingen and where could the club land at the end of the season?

I’m hoping we can build off of where we were last year making playoffs and hopefully moving up some seeds and winning some games. We lost a lot from last year’s team including MVP candidate AJ Calvin but we brought in some young talent we will get better as the season goes on i’m excited!

Do you see yourself being a mentor for rookie Stacey Wilson who comes from Murray State? Is this a role that excites you with each coming year?

I don’t know if i really mentor the new Americans I think with them I just help them get used to the culture more than anything. Helping out the young Germans though is good its important to me because I want to coach one day and its good to be able to do that a little bit while still being able to play.

You have been playing for the IBL Olympia Reign for years during the summers. How has this experience over the years helped your game besides giving you game experience? Is this a time where you work on specific parts of your game?

Really I play IBL because it is a good group of guys and we enjoy it and have fun. When we are all committed and have time to be there all of the time we are a great team in the IBL but everyone works and does other things so we more so just enjoy hanging out and the competition.

What player in the Pro A are you looking most forward to battling against again?

Man there are so many vets at the position we’ve all battled. Me and Ahmad Smith always have pretty intense games since the days I was in Schwelm, I played Gary Johnson while I was there too. So those are probably the two main ones.

Where will the journey of the Seattle Sea Hawks end this season?

Super Bowl thats not even a question!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Lincoln Lawyer Pretty good movie!

Thanks Virgil for the chat.

This summer the Fraport Skyliners kept more of a lower profile with American signings bringing back a pair of ex Skyliners with glue guy Jacob Burtschi and the million dollar smile and paint worker Lorenzo Gordon while keeping Americans Quantez Robertson and Dawan Robinson. Instead the 2004 Beko BBL champion have set their focus on continued progress and development for their German players. However the 2000 cup champion did have one ace left in their sleeve pocket. In the last years, it usually has been Bamberg manager Wolfgang Heyder that dialed the agent numbers of ex NBA players as he had brought in guys like PJ Tucker and Bostjan Nachbar to spark his roster in the last years. However less than two weeks before the start of the new season, Frankfurt reeled in the missing piece to their team with ex NBA player Andrew Rautins that played five NBA games for the New York Knicks a few years ago. Rautins joined the team at their training camp in Tenerifa. Rautins may seem like a one dimensional type of player in that he could probably nail some ballons at the annual Jamesville ballonfest with his precision shooting, but he can do so much more than that. Rautins is a well rounded player that can make the big plays, has excellent basketball IQ, along with tremendous court vision and his passing skills can sometimes go overlooked. The 26 year old 193cm shooting guard who played for Alicante two years ago and last season in the D-league made his home debut against Belgium team Antwerpen in the last pre season game of the season in the BCM helping the Fraport Skyliners register a 59-59 tie with Port Of Antwerp Giants. After the draw, the Syracuse alumnist was more than impressed with his new organization, but also still was getting used to the time zone. “This is a very special to have this type of practice facility and the crowd was great and I love the atmosphere. The club is very professional and handle everything like a NBA team. We are a very young team and still have much work to do. We have shown flashes of being a very solid team. The most important thing for the team is to cut down on mistakes and for me is too get rid of the jet lag”, smiled ex NBA player Andy Rautins. Rautins finished the game with nine points, seven assists, four rebounds and three steals, but was lacking a bit with his biggest weapon his shooting finishing at 3 for 14 from the field. His new teammate Jacob Burtscho already has built a special bond with him, but isn´t quite sold on his music talent. “I am really happy that Andy is on the team. He is a great player that can shoot and pass and will really help us. We were laughing a lot the first days with movie quotes and that has translated on to the court. Andy really understands the game. I am not so sure he should entertain us at halftime with his guitar. He has says that he is good, but I don’t believe him”, smiled Jacob Burtschi. The most important thing is that his own team respects his game even if his opponent wasn´t flashed right away by his game. “I know his history in that he is a great shooter, but nothing more. I didn´t see anything spectacular from him”, commented Antwerpen 178cm point guard Frank Turner.

After a one week training camp, the Fraport Skyliners returned home to finish their pre season at home against top Belgium team Antwerpen that ended with a 59-59 draw. The first thing that drew the attention of every spectator was the new hair do of top Beko BBL defender Quantez Robertson who had his hair standing up as if it had been in the microwave too long. Robertson usually has his hair braided for games and explained the new transformation. “My inspiration was Marius Nolte. He asked me too play with my hair out and I did. But I will have my old hair back in braids in the opener”, warned Quantez Robertson. Teammate Jacob Burtschi didn´t hesitate long coming up with a perfect comparison for the hair of Tez. “He has that Macey Gray look going”, laughed Jacob Burtschi. “Tez looks  a bit like outcast in 2000”, added Andy Rautins. The nicest thing seen on the court besides the hair of Tez was the presence of Philadelphia native Dawan Robinson who looked fit and healthy wearing neon red shoes. The first few minutes of the first quarter were a bit of feeling each other out as shots weren´t falling and the scoring was down. Jacob Burtschi got Frankfurt on the board first with a three pointer which was equaled by a rocket from downtown from ex Cuxhaven forward Scott Thomas who was the second leading scorer in German Pro A last season. Antwerpen was able to take the 8-4 lead as Frank Turner scored inside and Serbian power forward Marko Spica who played at John Bowler school Central Michigan scored inside. The Fraport Skyliners were getting good looks, but just had misfortune with hitting shots in the first few minutes. New Skyliner Andy Rautins who comes from New York then tied the game at 8-8 with a three pointer in which his release and demeanor looked as graceful as Singing in the rain star Gene Kelly as if he was hailing in a cab on Madison avenue in New York City. Frankfurt slowly got their rhythm on offense as Konstantin Klein connected on a three pointer and Rautins closed out a 10-0 run and 14-8 advantage. Antwerpen stayed on the heels of Frankfurt as Belgium national player Roel Moors scored on his patent penetration that was as good as unstoppable on this night and American Clayton Vette scored inside to cut the Frankfurt lead to 14-12. However Frankfurt closed out the first quarter in style with a 6-0 run to lead 20-12. Klein started the run with a beautifully timed penetration where he waited for the perfect time to score, Tez hit free throws as did Klein.

At the start of the second quarter, the Fraport Skyliners got a bit of a shock as Dawan Robinson suffered a blow to the back and had to leave the game. He first stayed next to the bench to get treatment, but then left for the dressing room. Despite their floor general being off the floor, the Fraport Skyliners were able to get a flow on offense. Rautins scored inside, Johannes Voigtman then was the perfect trailer scoring in the lane getting a perfect feed from Tez for the 24-14 lead. Antwerpen then went on a mini 4-0 run as 215 big man Yannick Driessen who played 41 games in the top league in Europe for  MMT Estudiantes Madrid (Spain-ACB) scored on a dunk and lay in to cut the Frankfurt lead to 24-18. Frankfurt continued to roll on offense going on a 6-0 run to lead 30-18 as new Skyliner Kevin Bright who played a season at Vanderbilt showed his shooting touch connecting from outside, and Tez read an Antwerpen pass perfect got the steal and fed Klein for two easy points. Spica then made two shots to get Antwerpen back to 32-24, but then it was Bright again nailing a three pointer as Frankfurt led 35-24. Tez then made a lay in and Moors who at times felt like he penetrated all night long scored with his left hand. Moors was a pest all night long and Antwerpen assistant coach Brian Lynch who has the distinction of being married to 4 time Grand Slam winner Kim Clijsters knows the worth of the national player. “He is our captain and most experienced player. He did a good job keeping us in the game with his leadership. Every team needs a guy like that to give that experience”, stressed Brian Lynch. “We didn´t have to change the game plan after Robinson left. Klein and Merz did a good job. We have  a young team, but we can´t hang our heads when a guy like him goes down. The next guy has to come in and step up”, warned Jacob Burtschi. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting under  40% as was Antwerpen. The rebounding was even at 19 and Frankfurt had eight turnovers and Antwerpen had nine turnovers.

Dawan Robinson returned back in the third quarter, but watched the rest of the game from the bench. The Fraport Skyliners came into the third quarter seemingly half on the court and half in the dressing room. They allowed Antwerpen to cruise out on a 4-0 run to cut the lead to 37-32. Frankfurt was playing lethargic and that calmness of a Robinson on the court was missing. Moors made free throws and then made a steal which led to a bucket on transition by Frank Turner who led the Dutch league twice in assists. The game remained tight as Frankfurt could never fully break away as Antwerpen remained close. Voigtman scored a pair of buckets as Frankfurt led 41-34. Frankfurt was getting out more on the fast break as Oklahoma native Burtschi made a steal feeding Tez for the simple score as Frankfurt led 43-26. Moors who was dribbling Skyliners silly all night long with his quick ball handling found Maxime De Zeeuw for the dunk. Tez then riffled a pass down low to Voigtman for the easy dunk and Vette scored inside as Frankfurt still led 47-41. Frankfurt closed out the third quarter with efficient and smart basketball going on a 7-2 run to lead 54-43 after 30 minutes. After a few minutes where Rautins missed some shots and made turnovers, his light shone now as he showed how explosive he can be on defense making three consecutive steals which led to a Burtschi and Voigtman baskets and he also scored himself. On the first steal, he missed an easy lay up and second chance which was put home by Burtschi on the third try, but the American wasn´t happy about that sequence of play. “I am sure that type of play has happened before to me. I still don’t have the legs and hope for a better result the next time. You have to get something like that out of your system”, stressed Andy Rautins. That great defensive outburst by Frankfurt was overshadowed a bit by the amazing buzzer beater lay in by Moors which cut the Frankfurt lead to 54-43 after three quarters. Everybody is always talking about the offense of Rautins, but this season his defense will also talk volumes. “I really have worked on my defense the last years. I pride my game on defense and I think a big focal point of my game this season will be my defense and not only my shooting”, warned Andy Rautins.

The fourth quarter was all about the miraculous comeback by Antwerpen and can the Fraport Skyliners hold on to the lead. The Fraport Skyliners started out the fourth quarter with quick fast break basketball as Burtschi scored twice on the fly to lead 58-45, but that was about all the offense that they would muster as they wouldn´t score another field goal in the last six minutes of play. Former Belgium U-20 national player Dennis Donkor got the Antwerpen run going with a pull up jumper. Ex TBB Trier guard Barry Stewart then scored twice as Frankfurt led only 58-51. Frank Turner then used every inch of his 178cm to weasel himself into the zone and somehow  shoveled home a lay in high of the glass in best Tiny Archibald manner. Frankfurt kept missing shots and Antwerpen couldn´t capitalize either missing a few more shots, but they then got the athletic brilliance of Donkor as he went coast to coast for a lay in as Antwerpen trailed only 58-55 with less than two minutes to go. Turner then made a steal and Donkor was in front of the pack getting the pass and easy bucket in transition as Frankfurt led only 58-57. Rautins then missed a jumper and Antwerpen actually regained the lead again after having it early in the first quarter with a Driessen basket 59-58. “A big reason for our comeback was that we found our intensity. We showed that once we come together that we can play. We started to defend and communicate”, commented Frank Turner. With 30 seconds to go Johannes Voigtman drew a foul, but hit only one free throw to tie the game at 59-59. Antwerpen had one last attempt to try to win the game, but ex Giessen 46er Barry Stewart missed an open shot to end the game. Both teams agreed not to play an overtime period. “We got away from our defense principles. We were careless with the ball. We need to play more smart basketball”, warned new Skyliner Andy Rautins. Antwerpen assistant coach Brian Lynch was happy with how his team stayed in the game for the 40 minutes and in the 16-0 run. “We got more aggressive on defense. We were able to get consecutive stops and forced them to tough shots. We forced 22 turnovers and were able to stay in the game with our defense”, said Brian Lynch. “We fell apart at the end, were sloppy and had no communication on defense”, expressed Jacob Burtschi.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Johannes Voigtmann with 16 points. Konstantin Klein contributed 13 points. Antwerpen was led by Frank Turner with 11 points and four assists. The Fraport Skyliners shot a dismal 36% from the field and 25% from the three point line while Antwerpen shot 41% helped by a strong fourth quarter, but were desolate from outside at 7%. Frankfurt won the rebound duel 38-33. Frankfurt had a sloppy 22 turnovers while Antwerpen had 18 turnovers. Antwerpen did what they wanted inside scoring 40 points in the paint showing the little resistance inside by Frankfurt. With the start of the regular season a week away, ex Bremerhaven captian Jacob Burtschi had a short perspective about the last weeks. “Our development has been up and down. We have had steps forward and back. We are a young team, but we need to communicate better, the older guys with the youth”, warned Jacob Burtschi. Antwerpen assistant coach Brian Lynch was impressed by the face of the Fraport Skyliners. “I like this team. They are an aggressive and fast team that likes to play small. That is a fun type of basketball to watch. I like how they play their young players. That is great for German basketball”, stressed Brian Lynch.

Shy Ely is a 26 year old 195cm swing man from Indianapolis, Indiana that will be playing his fifth professional season and first in Germany with the MLP Academics Heidelberg. Last season he tore up the Swiss league playing for  BC Boncourt Red Team (Switzerland-LNA, starting five): 29 games: Score-5(18.3ppg), 4.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT-3(45.9%), FT: 83.2%. He started his basketball career in 2005 for  Evansville (NCAA) where he played until 2009 playing a total of 121 NCAA games. In his senior year he played  31 games: 18.9ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 45.9%, 3Pts: 26.5%, FT: 76.9%. He played his first three years of professional basketball in the D-League for the Iowa Energy winning the title in 2011 and also for the Dakota Wizards. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Hi Shy, thanks for talking to German Hoops. After a very strong season in Switzerland, you will now play in Germany for Heidelberg. You signed very late. Was the job market tough, or were you just weighing your options?

I think it was a combination of a couple of different things. I parted ways with my agent of almost 4 years, and hired a new one just recently. I did have a few other options I was weighing, but I believe I made the right decision to join Heidelberg.

You come to a very ambitious team MLP Academics Heidelberg. What were the main reasons for coming to this club?

I thought this club was the right fit for me. The head coach is good friends with the coach that I was with when we won the D-league championship in 2011. I felt this would be a bigger stage to showcase my talents and take my career to the next level. And of course I want to help this team win.

Heidelberg is one of the bigger tourist attractions in Germany. What do you in general know about Germany?

I don’t know much about Germany. Last Pre-season while I was in Swiss, we came to Bayreuth to play in a friendly tournament. We were there for about 3 days, and it was a good experience. They seem to have very passionate basketball fans in Germany.

You have a very neat name with Shy Ely. What are the most common responses that you get to your name?

People generally like my name. The most common response I get is when people ask me if I’m really a shy person. I am.

How was the transition coming from the D-league to Europe? What was the most difficult transition that you had to make on and off the court?

The transition from the D-league to Europe went fairly smoothly. I never was the go-to scorer while I was in the d-league, even though I could score in bunches. In Swiss, I was that player. Off the court, I think the biggest transition was learning some French, and grocery shopping.

Boncourt lost in the playoffs against Lugano. All in all what positives could you take out of your first season in Europe?

I had a great first experience in Europe. I got the opportunity to show that I could adapt and thrive on the European game. Boncourt did not have the talent of Lugano, but we were very competitive, and took our team to the playoffs when a lot of people thought we couldn’t.

You were the fifth best scorer in the Swiss league and now come to the German Pro A. I can imagine that you will put up big numbers this season. Besides winning, what is the foremost thing that you want to achieve with your game on the court?

I just want to remain healthy and make my teammates better in any way that I can.

What is a strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away?

I would say my physical strength and passing ability.

You had two different coaches at Evansville, but in your last two seasons you had Marty Simmons. How did he prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach Simmons has had the biggest impact on my basketball career. When he came to Evansville he put a lot of responsibility on my shoulders and gave me tons of confidence. He taught me how to be a leader and we remain close to this day.

Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?

Ty Lawson

You were D-league champion in 2011 with the Iowa Energy. How high can one rate winning a title like this considering all the personel changes happening during the course of a season?

The 2011 championship was the high point of my career. It was a crazy season of many ups and downs. I started out playing very well, then I suffered a knee injury, had surgery, and then I worked my way back and helped my team win it all. In the d-league your roster could change week to week. I was blessed to be able to stay with the team the entire season.

What do you remember from playing with Kyle Weaver? He played in Germany also. Does he still have a shot to land with an NBA team in the future?

Kyle Weaver is a tremendous talent and a great guy. He can play and defend multiple positions. I like him best at the point guard because of his size, vision, and ability to shoot the ball. He could easily land on an NBA team.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD I watched was No Country for Old Men. A very good movie.

Thanks Shy for the chat.

Perhaps one of the biggest woes any American basketball player could have while playing in Germany is standing in line at a local Mcdonalds totally famished after a two hour workout and not being able to give an order in English because the attendant doesn´t understand any English or having to wait weeks and weeks for the internet connection in his apartment to finally work. However undesirable experiences like this could always be endured and even cherished if one could trade it just for having a basketball job. It is no secret that the basketball market worldwide has matured and gotten more competitive each year so that there are many solid players hanging around in the States keeping in shape and dreaming of hearing the shouts of Ja Wohl after an amazing shot in a German arena. One of these players was Michael Fakuade who is a 24 year old 201 cm American forward from Chicago that also has the Nigerian citizenship.  Players that get signed early for the upcoming season then can enjoy the rest of the summer, but for guys that get signed late or not at all experience more complex summers and a time of extensive thinking and just pondering about their future. This is the type of summer that Fakuade had and on top of that, he had little enjoyment following the Chicago baseball teams Cubs and White Sox that were hanging out in the standings cellar and moreover was thinking about the fall and the chances of the Chicago Bears in the upcoming NFL season and if he would be living in Europe somewhere and playing ball. As is the case so often, a player left the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen and the next thing the American knew, he was on  a plane to Germany to start his second professional season. Despite the waiting and waiting, Fakuade never lost faith that he would get a basketball job, even though he was a bit surprised that it took so long to get a job. “At first I was a little surprised, but I knew if I just stayed patient and kept a positive attitude that something would come up. I wasn’t losing hope at all. I knew in the back of my mind that something good was going to happen. I just had to be ready when that call happened”, stressed Michael Fakuade.

After playing his college career at N.Illinois (NCAA) and at for  Ill.-Springfield (NCAA2) where he finished his senior year averaging 14.5ppg, RebNCAA2-6(11.0rpg), BlocksNCAA2-2(3.5bpg), he got a job as a rookie last season in the German Pro A league with USC Hannover. He continued his damage under the boards and continued his double double stats with Hannover averaging 15.2ppg, Reb-5(10.6rpg),He also led the Pro B in blocks with 2,8 per game. Despite having double double stats, the club finished only with a record of 9-13 missing the playoffs and the big man was more than disturbed about his rookie season. “I was very disappointed in our season because I really felt that we had good enough team to do a lot better then we did. I felt that we started off the season too slow and didn’t really figure out how to win close games until late in the season. I honestly didn’t feel like I had good year. I felt that I should have done more to help my team win and to get into the playoffs. As far as improving, every aspect of my game needs to improve. There is not one spot in my game I cant improve on”, commented Michael Fakuade. Despite the less than spectacular season out of his perspective, he did remember his Kevin Love type explosion against Dorsten with 21 points and 20 rebounds. “I do believe this was one of my better games in the season. To be honest the game was kind of a blur. I did not really notice that I was even close to those numbers. After the game my teammates where telling that I had 20 points and 20 rebounds. I wasn’t really focused on achieving those stats, I was just happy we won the game and that helped put us in a better position to make the playoffs”, added Michael Fakuade.

Now Fakuade is ready to start a new adventure with the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen in the Pro A and will be more than motivated to show all his doubters what he is able to do on the court and just prove to his new team that acquiring him was the right choice and will be ready to make an impact right away in the Pro A coming from the Pro B despite his late arrival. “I am very thankful and blessed to be able to be playing for ETB Wonhbau baskets Essen. It couldn’t have come at a better time. I am very happy to be getting an opportunity to play at a higher level. Seeing progression anytime is always a good thing. It might be a little difficult picking up new plays and learning my teammates tendencies on the court, but at the end of the day it’s still just basketball. I would say this is one of the most exciting things. Just being able to showcase my skill at higher level gets me excited”, expressed Fakuade. He has only been part of a few practices, but he likes what he has seen of his new team. “I really like the way our team is set up. We are really versatile at each spot and should give every team in the pro A challenge”, commented Fakuade. Fakuade comes to a team where it is so often the case in the German Pro A where there are a few talented Americans a few solid experienced Germans and the rest young Germans. Fakuade who had 5 blocks in a game against John Bowlers ex school Eastern Michigan had his battles in the NCAA 2 with new teammate Anthony Young who played at Ky Wesleyan (NCAA2) and is thrilled to have him as a teammate now. “I am very excited to play with Anthony Young. After playing against him on college and in the pro B, I’m just happy I don’t have to worry about defending him on the opposite end. I like that he is versatile. He can shoot it from the outside as well as post up. He gives our team a lot of different looks”, added Fakuade. It will depend how head coach Igor krizanovic will use both, but with Young and Fakuade being strong rebounders for their size, having two athletic players on the court could create some havoc under the boards. “Rebounding comes second nature to us. We both rebound at a high rate. Since we are so familiar with each others games we should be able to do some pretty exciting things”, said Fakuade. The American/Nigerian might only have been in Essen two days, but already was able to get a good impression of point guard Chris Alexander and German sharp shooters Fabian Franke and Marco Buljevic. “Fabian Franke is athletic and strong with real good size and a knock down shooter. Chris is your prototypical pg. a leader on the court. He is vocal and very fast with the ball. Marco is a very good young talent. I like his size at the guard position like I said all in interview, they are all very versatile which I like”, added Fakuade. Fakuade had to think a moment who would drop more three pointers from the parking lot Franke or Buljevic. “Tough question. Franke probably, just because I have seen him knock down more shots in practice”, added Fakuade. After being Mr double double in his senior year at Ill.-Springfield (NCAA2) and Hannover last season, he knows what it will take to be successful on the floor. “Just being consistent and efficient as much as possible. If I can do those two things the rest will take care of itself”, said Fakuade. With the Pro A season only a few weeks away, Fakuade still has a lot of on court work he needs to do to be 100% ready, but for one thing he already is ready for is NFL Sunday night football. Despite scoring 55 points and giving up 51 points in the first two games, the Chicago Bears who won their only Super bowl title in 1985 where no person could withstand the smile of the refrigerator still need to do some extra video work and clean up their defense, but they are 2-0 to start the season. Fakunde who is a Chicago Bears football fan might not be able to give such early predictions about where the ETB Wohnbau Baskets will end up at the end of the season, but his heart already knows the fate of Da Bears in 2013-2014, “I see them going all the way to the Super Bowl. I’m always rooting for the hometown team”, smiled Michael Fakuade.

Ahmad Smith is a 29 year old 194cm guard from Virginia that is playing his second season for the NBC of the German PRO A. He started the season BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA)12 games: 7.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.7apg, 2FGP: 48.9%, 3FGP: 14.3%, FT: 72.2%, in Jan.’13 moved to Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProA, starting five): 19 games: 9.6ppg, Reb-4(8.5rpg), Assists-2(6.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 35.5%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 77.6% He played at St.Bonaventure(NCAA) from 2002-2006 and in his senior year played 28 games: ScoreA10-8(14.2ppg), RebA10-10(6.2rpg), AssistsA10-9(3.5apg), FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 59.8%. In 2006-2007, he played for Mardyke UCC Demons Cork (Ireland-SuperLeague): 9 games: 18.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 60.8%. In 2007-2008, he played for SVD 49 Dortmund (Regionalliga): 6 games: 30.2ppg. In 2008-2009, he played for : BSV Wulfen (Germany-Regionalliga) 23.5ppg, 10.1rpg, 6.0apg, 3PT: 35.2%. In 2009-2010, he played for Hertener Loewen (Germany-ProB)29 games: 18.2ppg, Reb-2(8.7rpg), Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 69.5%. In 2010-2011, he played for s Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (Germany-ProA): left before the season started, then moved to SVD 49 Dortmund (Germany-Regionalliga): 6 games: 12.8ppg, waived in Nov.’10, in Jan.’11 signed at Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProB, starting five): 15 games: 8.3ppg, 6.8rpg, Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 69.1%. Last season for the Kichheim Knights he played  35 games: 9.9ppg, 6.1rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 62.0% He spoke to German Hoops in preseason about basketball.

Ahmad thanks for talking to German Hoops again. How was your summer and what was your nicest experience back at home?

My summer was great theres not one specific moment that sticks out just spending lots of time with family and friends.

How quickly were you able to digest the five game playoff loss to Duesseldorf?

I still think about how we blew that series and that was my motivation all summer during my workouts.

You are playing your second season with NBC. What were the main reasons for coming back to NBC?

I love the city of Nurnberg and especially our fans which really support the team no matter what. There is big ambitions in NBC for the future and I wanted to be a part of it.

The team kept a good share of last years team and brought in Wayne Bernard and Robert Lewandowski as guys that will be dominating offensive players. How does the team shape so far from the first weeks of practice?

Were still getting to know each other but so far its been great we have a good bunch of guys.

Last season the team lost a tough 5 game series against Duesseldorf. What goals does NBC have? Is the PRO A tile a realistic goal that coach Martin Ides will be trying to get into the minds of the players early?

Championship is the only goal that we have as a team anything less than a championship is a failure.

How important is the pick up of Wayne Bernard. What besides his experience will help NBC be successful this season?

I think Wayne was a great addition to our team not just his experience but he plays the game the right way and he’s been a winner throughout his career.

Last season, NBC was missing more inside presence as you only had Ronald Thompson. Now you have added Robert Lewandowski and Michael Fleischman. Will we see more inside game this season?

We definitely have more depth inside to help Ron out which is a huge plus for us. It will give us a great inside out game that we didn’t have last season.

Could the inside duo of Ronald Thompson and Robert Lewandowski be the top big man duo in the Pro A this season?

If they both continue to work hard I believe they will both have great seasons and that will really benefit the whole team.

You were fourth in rebounding last season and second in assists in the Pro A. Will anything change in your role this season or will you have the same type of role as last season where you really do a bit of everything on the court?

I have an all around game this season I will do anything the team needs for me to do. Winning is the only option this season no one on our team should be worried about their individual stats because we have a lot of offensive power. I’ll do anything the team needs me to do whether thats scoring, passing, rebounding or defense!

German Lukas Weigel comes from MidAmerica Nazarene (NAIA). What has been your impression of him so far?

Lukas is a great guy he’s still trying to adjust to the game in the Pro A. He’s a hard worker and listens so I think he will have a solid season.

Cornelius Adler had a great season last year and had big games in the playoffs. Do you see him making another step this season?

Corny really finished the season strong and carried us in lots of games down the stretch. He will have a great season I would say he is one of the best players in the league and definitely the best German player.

Will Robert Lewandowski survive the season with all the jokes about his alter ego soccer player in Dortmund? Lol

Lol I hope so it was a big deal when he signed here the soccer fans were going crazy lol.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Fruitvale Station.

Thanks Ahmad for the chat.