Christopher Jones is a 22 year old 183cm guard from katy, texas. Last season he played his second season for  BG Dorsten (Germany-ProB. As a rookie for Dorsten, he played  22 games: 14.5ppg, 4.8rpg, Assists-1(7.5apg), Steals-3(2.8spg), FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 73.3%. as a rookie he played for  BC Prievidza (Slovakia-Extraliga), left after 1 game, came back in March’11; Slovakian League: 8 games: 15.1ppg, 5.0rpg, 6.0apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 73.2%. He played college ball for : Prairie View A&M (NCAA). He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Chris where are you at the moment and how are you enjoying your summer?
I’m at home in Katy Texas, my summer is going really well. Been playing in summer leagues and pro ams against high level competition
After a long season in Germany, what was the  first thing that you did when you came back home to the States?
I hung out with my twin brother and ate some Mexican food at mission burrito.
What were the main reasons that you didn´t play in the 2011-2012 season? Was it difficult coming back this season and play for BG Dorsten after sitting out a season?
I was supposed to go to China for a showcase, I had been practicing that whole summer with the team I was going with. Then at the last minute it was cancelled in October, mainly because of the NBA lockout. So after, the agent who I was signed with wasn’t helping me like I thought and we parted ways pretty much in the middle of the European season. So I pretty much had to sit out that year. Teams thought I was hurt that year but that wasn’t the case.
BG Dorsten didn´t have such a strong season finishing in 10th place with a record of 9-13. Why wasn´t the team more competitive?
Healthy we were one of the top teams in the league. We just had many injuries and a lot of switching in personnel. So it was hard for us to bounce back, but despite all the bad luck we still were only one game from the playoffs.
You had a solid season playing 22 games: 14.5ppg, 4.8rpg, Assists-1(7.5apg), Steals-3(2.8spg), FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 73.3%. How happy were you with your season?
I was somewhat happy, I knew I would lead in assists before the season. Getting All-defensive team was an honor as well. I just felt like my point average could have been a lot better. I’m really hard on myself as well so I always feel I can do a lot better.
You led the Pro B in assists. Would you call youself a classical point guard from nature?
You know being a great passer can’t be taught. I was just born with it and I pride myself in getting all my teammates involved. I would agree with the classical pg, I feel I’m a pure point guard and that’s hard to find nowadays, because I don’t worry about taking a lot of shots.
To what NBA point guard would you compare your game too and what NBA point guards were your role models as a kid?
I like to compare my game to Chris Paul, that is a name I hear people compare me to, they call me young CP3 out here where I live. Depending on how I’m playing I will hear CP3 or Rondo. Chris Paul is my favorite player in the NBA, but I have always liked Tony Parker as well.
You had some big games against Recklinghausen or Hannover. What game was your season highlight?

Our first derby game at Wulfen was probably my season highlight, because we won and I played great. It was fun experiencing that rivalry. Recklinghausen was as well because I had 15 assists and that was the highest in one game all season in the league.
What is a strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?
I rebound really well for a point guard. I’m usually one of the top leading rebounders on teams I have played on in the past.
If you could give a short description of your game and why any team should grab you for the upcoming season how would you put it?
I make everyone around me better. I’m not selfish and I’m all about the team. Teammates enjoy playing with me, I produce in every category and hate losing. I can rebound, defend any guard, can shoot, and no one can pass like me.
Do you think that you could make the jump to the pro A?
Yes I know I can make the jump to Pro A, I played great against Pro A teams during the preseason. I’m just waiting on one team to give me a chance.
How does a normal Christopher Jones work out day look like during the summer?
Workout in the gym and do some drills with my brothers in the morning. Go and lift weights during the day and hoop at night.
Who would win a one on one in practice you or Gene Hagner?
Gene was the most physical player in practice on our team and best defender, but of course I will say me I am competitive.
What was your nicest memory with Dorian Mcdaniel at Prarie View A & M?
I wouldn’t consider this nice but the most memorable thing was when half our team got stuck on an elevator and our teammate started panicking going crazy lol.
What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
Dark skies.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Andre Calvin is a 201cm forward from Michigan that recently completed his second season with German Pro A team Erdgas Ehingen.  With Ehingen he played  33 games: 16.2ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 75.0%He is a long and athletic forward that possesses good quickness and a leaping ability. Has an excellent jump shot and can score the ball off the dribble or on a post up. Also, he is a solid competitor who can adequately defend and who grabs rebounds at his side of the court. He played at drake(NCAA) and started his professional basketball career in 2007 for  Gussing Knights (Austria-A Bundesliga, starting five): 29 games: 13.8ppg, 6.0rpg, 2FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 75.0%. He then played for Casino Figueira Ginasio (Portugal-LPB, starting five): 11 games: 11.8ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 11.4%, FT: 59.3%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Andre thanks for taking some time to speak to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how have you been enjoying your summer?

Thank you for interviewing me. Right now I am in Charlotte, North Carolina and I have been having a good summer so far.

You just completed your second season for Erdgas Ehingen. How proud were you of the season for a team that has so many youth players, but still were able to make the playoffs.

I am very proud of the season that we had. We had a lot of young guys on our team that stepped up and played a big role for us. I give credit to our leaders Virgil Matthews and Garrett Williamson for our success.

SC Rasta Vechta got past Edgas Ehingen in the playoffs. What were the main reasons for the club not being able to get by the new Beko BBL team?

They had a lot of experience on their team and every mistake we made they made us pay for it. I think it was a learning experience for everyone on our team on what to expect when going to the playoffs. It’s a different game, every possession is important.

You played against SC Rasta Vechta 5 times this season and lost each game. Will this club be competitive in the Beko BBL?

I think they will be able to compete in the Beko BBL, because they’re an unselfish team, they have a good coach, and they have some key players coming back next season.

You had a very strong season averaging 16.2ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 75.0%. How pleased were you with your season?

I was pleased with the season, because I worked really hard last summer. This season was not lucky or a fluke. I put in the work and good things happened from it.

You had a huge increase in your stats compared to your 2011-2012 season in Ehingen. How did you improve your game in the last season?

I asked Coach Junge what are the things that I need to get better at and he told me exactly what I needed to do. And I watch film from last season to see what I was doing well and what I was doing wrong.

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

The ability to be able to step out and shoot the three. That was one of the reasons why I worked so hard at improving my shot because I knew most opponents would underestimate my ability to shoot from long range.

After your strong season last season, you are hoping for some offers from Beko BBL teams. If you could sell yourself in a few sentences how would you make yourself interesting for Beko BBL teams?

I work hard at all times no matter if its in practice or a game. I’m coachable and I don’t come with any baggage. Also from looking at the two seasons that I played at Ehingen I improved as a player and our team improved its record, going to the playoffs.

You have played two seasons under head coach Ralph Junge. He is known as a very competent coach especially for young players, but how has he helped you become a better player?

He has helped me improve my game in a lot of ways. He changed the form on my shot, made my footwork better, and he also gave me confidence in my game. He does a great job at motivating and getting the most out of his players.

Who has been your most difficult opponent player that you have tangled with in the Pro A the last two seasons?

I’d have to say its Javion Harris from Karlsruhe, he was the opponent that stood out to me this year.

How have you witnessed the development of 204cm German Sid Marlon Thies. You see him each day in practice.

He has a lot of upside. With his height, quickness and scoring ability. He’s the type of player that can guard all five positions and hold his own. By far the hardest worker on our team, and a great teammate.

How does a typical Andre Calvin work out day look like in the summer?
I get up at 4 am to do basketball drills, lift, and run. I come back in the afternoon and play pick up.

You played at Drake with guys like Josh Young, Johnathan Cox and Adam Emmenecker who all have played in Germany. What memories do you have of these three teammates?

Josh Young is like a brother to me, we would go to each other’s games in Germany and show each other support. I remember when he first came to Drake as a freshman. I always knew he would be a good basketball player. Johnathan and Adam, were great teammates. Johnathan always encouraged me to add the three point shot to my game.

You had Tom Davis as coach at Drake. What was the most important thing that he gave you on your way to becoming a professional basketball player?

He told me how important it was to be professional, coachable, and to always get better every offseason.

What is something you still want to do this summer something that you haven´t been able to do the last years?

Go back home to Detroit and play in some summerleagues.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Flight

Thanks Andre for the chat.

Brian Harper is a 27 year old 206cm forward that recently completed his first season in Germany in the Beko BBL for TBB Trier. He Played 33 games for TBB Trier averaging 11,0ppg and 4,8rpg and 1,0apg. He started off playing guard at 6’5″ at Paine and grew to 6’10” and never changing positions. Brian’s a smooth shooting wing with explosive athleticism. He has tremendous lateral movement with a wing span of 7’4″. Brian is a talented ball handler. He adds an extra advantage as he utilizes his size to rebound over smaller defenders. He played at Paine(NCAA2) from 2003-2007. He turned professional in 2007 and played for Gimle BBK Bergen (Norway-1Div., starting five): 15 games: Score-3(25.1ppg), 8.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, 2.0bpg, 2FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 21.5%, FT: 66.3%. In 2008-2009, he played for KCC Egis (Korea-KBL, starting five): Korean League: 9 games: 15.1ppg, 5.6rpg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 76.7%; released in Nov.’08, in Feb.’09 moved to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 8 games: 3.5ppg, 1.6rpg; in March ’09 signed at Reno Bighorns (D-League): 5 games: 1.2ppg. In the last three years, he played in Japan for  Toyama Grouses (Japan-BJ League) playing a total of 102 games. Last season, he played 49 games: 16.3ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 28.7%, FT: 61.3%. He spoke to German Hoops during the last season about basketball.

You are playing your first season for TBB Trier. How do you like it so far?

I love it here. I love the city, enjoy the people and the TBB Trier organization. The organization really takes care of all the things off the court which makes it easier to concentrate on basketball

Trier is a beautiful area. What are the biggest geographical differences to Stone mountain, Georgia?

I think it is colder in Trier and there are more hills here. In Atlanta is very flat and also no body of water. In Trier there is the river.

You played three seasons in Japan. What was the biggest transition that you had to do coming to the Beko BBL?

Just the style of basketball. In Japan there is more isolation and more like the NBA and team orientated. But I have to say that I have enjoyed my time in the German league and it has been a good experience for me.

Is defense before offense in Trier a mentality that you could become friends with?

Yes I got used to it early. Coach Rodl stressed at the start of the season. We have many great athletes that can play multiple positions and because of that we can do so much on defense. The more defensive stops that we get the better chance we have to win.

What do you like most about the coaching style of Henrik Rodl?

He is a tremendous coach. I like how he is able to relate to his players and is able to get his point across. He is a players coach. He knows exactly what he needs to get out of his players. I really enjoy playing for him.

What is the secret of the early success of the TBB Trier?

I don´t think that there is really any secret. We just give very much effort and put in a lot of hardwork. Every guy just wants to sacrifice his body to play defense. Coach has a good scheme and all the players abide by it.

You can play the 3 and 4 position. How much fun is it to play with American Nate Linhart? How do you guys compliment each other best on the court?

Linhart is a great player. He has a great knack for playing defense and getting steals and being in the right place. We both can play multiple positions. We both understand what each guy does which gives us so much more room to do things. If one of us makes a mistake then the other guy picks up the slack.

Who has been the unsung TBB Trier player so far?

Jarrett Howell has been our unsung hero. I don´t think he gets the credit that he deserves. He is our floor general and gets everybody going and makes sure that everybody is in the right place.

You have very skinny legs. What were common names that people called you?

I never really heard any names.

Not even chicken legs?

No not that either or at least not to my face.

A hidden strength in your game is your shot blocking. Who was your role model defender?

Scottie Pippen was because of his determination and tenacity to be able to guard all players.

You leave many players behind you when you penetrate with your quick first step. Do you hear trash talking on the court?

Every now and then, because everybody on the court is competitive, but usually not. The Beko BBL is very professional and everybody is very focused on doing their job.

Vitalis Chicoko is a very athletic player. What has been the most amazing thing that you have seen him do?

He is super athletic. He reminds me  a lot of me. He can play many different positions and can do so much. I think the most amazing thing that I have seen him do is just the way he uses his long legs. He has grabbed some rebounds that I never would of thought that he could of reached.

Who was your NBA idol as kid?

Kevin Garnett was always my favorite player. I liked his intensity and how hard he played. I never saw him not play hard.

What was your nicest memory at Paine?

Getting player of the year and reaching the conference final.

Your toughest opponent in the NCAA was Cuxhaven American Monya Pratt. What made it so difficult to play against him?

He was one of those players where you knew that he could play. He was just a very tough player and we had many nice battles against each other in college.

What was your biggest advantage being an American in Japan where you played three years?

That I was taller than everyone else.

What is still missing from your ex teammate Devin Searcy to reach the NBA who played shortly with the 76ers?

Nothing is missing. He is very young and will be in the NBA. It is just a matter of time.

What NCAA story would you like to hear from Henrik Rodl from his time at North Carolina?

I asked him how it felt playing at a stage like that where you were always expected to win.

What were the most free throws that you made in a row without missing?

50.

What was your most crazy shot in your career?

I hit two full court shots once with a swish and the other a bank shot using one hand like a football quarterback.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

End of watch. A great football movie.

Thanks Brian for the chat.

Simon Cummings is a 23 year old 185cm point guard from Port St Lucie, Florida that is looking to start his second professional season. He played at  Florida Tech (NCAA2) from 2008-2012. Lasts eason as a rookie he played in England for the  London Leopards (United Kingdom-EBL D1, starting five): 17 games: 18.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.1apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 75.5%. Last season he almost played in Germany, but then took the offer from London. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Thanks Simon for taking some time to talk to eurobasket.com. Where are you at the moment and how are you enjoying your summer vacation?

Right now I am in Florida enjoying the sunshine that this states has to offer, and also I am going to take a two week vacation to Canada in a week or so

You played as a rookie in England for the London Leopards (United Kingdom-EBL D1). Why was this one of the worst experiences for you?

I wouldn’t say playing for the London leopards was the worst experiences of my life. Iwould say that adjusting to the way the game is played in England and the Fiba rules was a tough transition.

What was it like as an American to live in London? What was the coolist experience that you had there?

It was very different. I would say the people the culture the climate. Even the basketball was different but it was worth it and it was fun. The coolest experience I gain from living in London was the connectivity to Europe I got to travel a little and see Europe which most people don’t get to do

In pre season, you had an offer from German Pro B team SC Rist Wedel. Why didn´t you take that?

Well right after my college season was over. I was approached by Rist Wedel with an offer. This was my first pro contract offer and I didnt know what to expect, and since I had 3 more months of summer to gain exposure I felt like weighing my options was a better fit for me at that time.

You had good stats in England averaging 18.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.1apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 75.5%. How would you compare the style and skill level of that league compared to the NCAA 2 level?

I would say playing NCAA division 2 at the time was more demanding of my time. We had practice 6 days a week plus classes. Playing in England its tough to get gym time so most of the time practice was cut short. I wasnt a big fan of that because in college my gym was available to me whenever I wanted which is why I shot a better % from behind the arch and the FT line in college.

What was it like playing playing for 43 year old player/coach Robert Youngblood?

Playing for Robert Youngblood was a good experience. We both wanted to win and would do anything to win on any given night so playing for a competitor like that is always amazing. It was my first year as a Pro and also his first year as a coach so it was definatly a learn curve for both of us in our young careers.

Youngblood has been playing in England since 1994. Wasn´t he able to make you a bit more comfortable there?

Youngblood did his best to make the situation as home as possible. The most important thing to me was gym availability, and with the way our club was set up this year it wasnt much he could do to get me extra gym time to work on my game.

The Leopards reached the semi finals of the playoffs. How happy were you with the team season and what was missing from winning a title?

Well this year was full of ups and downs. But with our backs against the wall we came together the second part of the season and put together a great run down the stretch wining 8 out of 11 games to win the National trophy finish top four in our league and make it to the final four. We went into overtime to against the best team in the league after controlling the whole game and lost by 5 on some questionable calls. But all in all we put our best foot forward and im proud of the guys.

You played four years at Florida Tech for Billy Mims. What was the most important thing that you learned from him that has gotten you prepared for a professional career?

Playing for Mims was amazing. Ever since day one he drilledt thing I would say I learned from Coach Mims was a professional attitude and work ethic. a professional attitude into me. Once I walked onto campus he made sure I approached every workout and everyone lesson like a professional. Not just basketball, when we went into the community to do volunteer work he made sure that I acted and looked professional. so the most important thing I would say I learned from Coach Mims was a professional attitude and work ethic.

You got an NCAA 2 record making 10 consecutive three pointers against Trinity. Did you know early on that you would have a big day from outside?

The funny things about that day that I hit 10 in a row, me and my assistant coach Ryan Ballard was joking around during shoot around. Ryan said to me “Cinco when are you going to get your self in the record books” I replied to him before the year is over im going break the record for most 3s made in a game at Florida Tech. and that night I broke both records most 3pts made in a row and most made in a game with 12.

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

I would say my passing. People who watched me play know I can shoot/score and they know I have a strong body that can finish through traffic but I think those skills amaze people more than my court vision.

Who is your point guard role model and too what player could you compare your game to?

Growing up I admired Jason Kidd he is the reason I wear number 5 to this day when he played for the New jersey Nets. I would compare my game to Will Bynum. We have the same body frame and the same ability to penetrate and score through contact.

Your nickname is cinco. Why do people call you this? In Spanish it means five.

Well ive been wearing number 5 ever since I started playing basketball and one day in high school sitting in spanish class I wrote all over my book “Agent~Cinco” and the cinco just stuck but the agent fell off just as quick as gilbert arenas did.

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

I played against some good players during my college career like Tony Denison from FSU Jermaine Taylor from UCF and Chandler Parson from UF but the best I would say is Tony Denison because that was my match up, but as far as success in the league till today. I would have to say CP the way he played for the Houston Rockets this season was unbelievable.

Who would win a one on one in practice you or Julius Reid?

This question is probably the funniest of them all because till this day me and Ju Reid go at it on the court! He was my sidekick for 3 years and us playing one on one came up plenty of times. Even though i wont most of the battles I would say its always a tuff match up because he knew my game just as well as I know his.

Would you like to come to Germany to play? What do you know about the league and country?

I would love to come to Germany and play. I have heard great things about the country and its basketball. I know the Beko Basketball Bundesliga is respected all through Europe and the countries ProA and ProB is a great chance to play against so great players.

Do you have any friends playing in Germany now?

I know a couple of people who played in Germany and who is playing in Germany. Im close friends with Dejuan Collins, he started his pro career in Germany. Also I have spoke to Augie johnston a couple of times. My good friend Willie Withfield also played last season in Germany.

If you could sell yourself in a few sentences as to why you would be a good fit for a team how would you describe yourself as a player?

Im a team player first. What ever the team needs done ill do it. If its locking down the opposing teams best guard ill do my best. If its score ill do it, if im asked to set people up and get them open looks ill do it. Im willing to do anything that will help my team win a championship. The last two programs I played at I walked away with the MVP honors and a Championship that the program has NEVER won. In college Florida Tech has never won a conference championship and my senior year  I helped deliver that. At the Essex Leopards a team that won the treble last year has never won the “national trophy” and I help deliver that.

How does a typical Simon Cummings work out day look like in summer?

On a typical day of workouts I would get up get breakfast. Then hit the weight room for about an hours and a half. Then After the weight room I would get up about 500 shots and work on certain moves and floaters to better my game. Then I would grab some lunch and take a 2 hour break. Then go to a local gym for open gym for cardio and game like simulation.

Your favorite athlete is Kobe Bryant. Do you feel that he will return and be the old Kobe Bryant?

I feel like Kobe is battling father time, and saying that father time is undefeated. But taking time off to heal properly I think this can pro-long his career for 2 years and he will still be a scoring threat. But the same Kobe Bryant, I doubt it.

What is your alltime basketball dream that you would like to see come true besides being an NBA player?

My all time goals for hoops is just to be a winner. A lot of players get all the fame and attention while they are playing but if you dont win anything you wont be  remembered.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD I Watched honestly was “kobe doing work” by spike lee.
but the last movie I saw was Fast 6

Thanks Simon for the chat.

Sean Mccaw is a American/Austrain that had  along playing career in Europe and has got into coaching some years ago. The 39 year old played in countries like Austria, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland and the UK. He won a league title in Austria with Arkadia Traiskirchen  in 2000 and was a three time slam dunk contest winner at the Austrian All star contest. He started his coaching career with BBC Bayreuth working with the youth for three seasons. Last season he was an assistant coach for German Pro A team Cuxhaven Bascats. This season he will work in the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweog organization coaching the NBBL, JBBL and pro B teams. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Sean thanks for talking to German Hoops. You signed with the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig some days ago. You had a two year contract with the Cuxhaven Bascats. In the Cuxhaven Bascats press release, it was stated that you wanted out of your contract because you had a better contract offer from Braunschweig?

It isn´t important for me when they write, but I do care about WHAT they write. I did not decide to leave Cuxhaven because I got an offer from Braunschweig. I actually had two other offers. I was sure I would leave Cuxhaven long before any offer came. I won´t go into the reasons why, but I will say that it wasn´t a good fit between me and the club almost from the start.

Cuxhaven was very successful reaching the playoffs. In the past in your short coaching career, you strived to stay in one place as you did in Bayreuth for three seasons. You have a big family so I am sure moving back and fourth isn´t something you want to do. So what were the main reasons for leaving Cuxhaven after only one season?
You are right, I am not the type to move all around the country when I feel comfortable somewhere, especially because of my family, but Cuxhaven was not the right fit for me and my family so I made a choice as a father first, and as a coach second. My family and I actually loved living in Cuxhaven and the fans were great.

It says on the Cuxhaven home page that you left despite getting an offer from Cuxhaven. Why didn´t you take it?

Well actually I had a contract for another season. Things are still not totally resolved between me and the club which is very unfortunate but I will let my lawyer handle those unresolved issues. I am just happy to move on to the next part of my coaching career.

After a season in Cuxhaven, what will you remember most out of this learning experience to help you in the future when dealing with teams?

I have to say it wasn´t all bad for me in Cuxhaven. I met some very nice people and the players we had last season were all really professional and took their job seriously which made things a lot easier. Coaching wise, it was new for me to be an assistant coach and I saw a lot in my role. That alone will for sure help me in my future. The team was much better than most expected so that was also great to experience. On the business side, I will just make sure to choose more wisely, but there are some things a person can never know until you are actually there.

What things were you able to learn on the court from head coach Kristis Plendiskis that you will take to Braunschweig?
Krists and I had a solid working relationship in my opinion and I believe he has a bright future as a coach. There is a lot I can take from this past season but of course we are two totally different coaches so I will stick to my own personal coaching philosophy.

How proud are you off American Scott Thomas that made the jump to the first league in Belgium. Will he be able to make the adjustment there?

Scott did an amazing job this season and I am sure he will be successful in Belgium. Actually I am really proud of all the guys we had this season and I am sure they will all find their way. A few have already signed and I couldn´t be happier for them. It was a joy to work with them.

Monyea Pratt had a very good last two months. Is he a guy that could make the jump to the Beko BBL?

Monyea probably had to adjust the most out of any player we had on our team. In the Pro B he was a go to guy, and with us he came mostly from the bench and his minutes were usually dependent on others, but he really took it well and continued to work hard in practice and play his role in games to the best of his ability although we all knew he should be playing more. At the end, he got his chance and really did well. Because he is so variable as a player, I would say that he is a guy that COULD play in the Beko BBL. It all depends on what a coach is looking for. In my opinion, he would deserve the chance.

How well did German Maurice Plukota develop? In what area did he develop the most?
Maurice did a good job for us. I think he has the skill set to be a decent player someday. He just needs the right setting and maybe an experienced coach to bring the best out in him. He hasn´t been playing basketball for so long but his athleticism is incredible. I think he doesn´t know how much potential he really has. To make the next step, he needs to learn the finer points to the game that have nothing to do with pure athleticism. I think he got better with that as the year went on though.

How excited are you to be working for the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. This seems like a place you will enjoy. I remember seeing you there at games in the last years.
I am incredibly excited to have the chance to work within the New Yorker Phantoms organization. I understand their vision for the future and appreciate their trust in me to do my part to develop their young German talent. Over the years they have put out some incredible talent but now its time for us not only to develop talent but to make sure that these players identify with the club/city and want to be a part of it for many years! That is what I look forward to being a part of.

How strange is it already being part of the organization despite no new head coach yet?
Actually it doesn´t affect my work at all at the moment. I do not know much about what the club has planned about their new head coach, but I am sure Oliver Braun and the rest of the management are doing all they can behind the scenes to bring in the best possible coach. It isn´t always an easy process though.

You will have three duties as NBBL, JBBL and assistant to the Pro B team. How will you prepare for these duties in the next months?
Well with the NBBL it has already started. I am going to coach them in the NBBL Qualification round on the 22nd and 23rd in Hamburg. Although I am getting a late start with the team, I am confident that we will qualify in a tough group. After that my most important thing to do will be to meet with the youth coaches and develop a good working relationship. There is so much for me to learn and I have so many ideas, but without having a good relationship with the people I work with, it would be difficult. Liviu Calin will be a big help to me and I hope to learn a lot from his vast experience as a coach to help me grow as a coach. A day without learning is a wasted day.

You were three seasons with BBC Bayreuth working with the youth. What is your biggest strength as a basketball teacher for the youth?
Because I still have contact with many of my former players in Bayreuth, I would have to say that one of my biggest strengths is the ability to teach and gain respect without the players having the feeling that I don´t understand them. I was like them when I was younger, and I am not so old that I don´t remember what it was like to be young and at times wild. I believe respect is earned on a day to day basis and not just because I have the title of Coach or because I yell at them. I have a different approach, and so far in my career, I have always had good relationships with my players.

How disappointed are you that you most likely won´t be coaching Dennis Schroeder this season?
I am not disappointed at all. Even though I don´t know him, I have followed his career and believe he has an incredible chance because of the talent he has and how hard he worked for it. As a basketball fan, I am excited to see how his career develops. I wish him all the best, even though I won´t have an opportunity to coach him.

Where do you see him landing in the NBA draft?
I look at the draft boards just like everyone else and of course its difficult to for see what place anyone will land. There are too many factors involved in the NBA draft, but because this isn´t the strongest draft, and because of how he impressed the scouts, I have a feeling he will go higher than most draft boards have him listed.

When was the last time you watched your buzzer beater against Bremerhaven?
Come on Miles, that was ages ago, no one is interested in that haha! No seriously, I showed it to my kids a few months ago because the topic came up about the longest shot I ever made. I told them, but they didn´t believe me so I used YouTube as a way to prove myself. The look on their faces was priceless! The only thing I really remember about that game is that we lost.

Will the Spurs be able to dethrone the Heat?

I am not a “Heat Hater”, but a Spurs fan…and that since I was a young kid rocking the David Robinson jersey and trying to play like Sean Elliott on the playground. I think it will go to 7 games with my Spurs winning.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
A movie DVD? Whats that? You think a father of 3 and passionate basketball coach has time for DVD´s unless its a basketball game? Haha…actually I haven´t watched a DVD in a while because I´m too busy watching reality trash online like Love & Hip Hop. Terrible isn´t it?

Thanks Sean for the chat.

In the last few weeks, the big wide smiles of Mr FC Bayern Munich legend Uli Hoeness  who had been as tame as a kitten in interviews and appearance recently  and German national player blond sunny boy Bastian Schweinsteiger had been all over the TV with the only thing missing being the two making a follow up video duet to the comical, but authentic video greeting that FC Bayern Munich soccer player Dante had made following the cup win. But in the waning minutes of game five in Bamberg, the happy and gregarious complexions of both who were in the Stechert arena had taken a severe nose dive into the Bamberg  Regnitz river as Bamberg were leading easily by 16 points and the only one who was flashing that typical winner Bamberg smile was Mr Bamberg Wolfgang Heyder who probably hadn´t enjoyed the last few minutes as much since years despite all the success they have had, but to slam the door so obnoxiously into Germanys most famous sports team in the last quarter must have been like winning the final before the final. Even if Bamberg didn´t get to the series like usual stomping over their opponents as if they were helpless gnats being suffocated by the breathing of Nathan Jawai on a hot summer day in New South Wales, but in the end the Brose Baskets Bamberg are back where they belong in the Beko BBL final for the fourth year in a row.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg really had their hands full with FC Bayern Munich having to go the distance having to win in their own living room. After an embarrassing 98-85 loss in game one at home, they rebounded well winning the next two games to take a 2-1 lead in the series.  However instead of closing out the series in Munich where they were controlling the game and leading 69-63 with 4.14 to play, they totally collapsed in crunch time letting FC Bayern Munich finish out the game on a 17-2 run as Tyrese Rice gave the clutch a new name as he hit two deep big three pointers as they tied the series 2-2. In game five, fans in Bamberg saw a very exciting and tight game in the first half as the game was dead locked at 40-40 at halftime. In the second half, the Brose Baskets Bamberg shifted up a few gears on defense and took a big lead where FC Bayern Munich couldn´t react. Bamberg finally was hitting shots, while FC Bayern Munich was being held to very tough shots and they shot dreadfully from outside at 33,3%. Bamberg won 85-66. Ex NBA player Bostjan Nachbar hit two giant three pointers  ultimately sealing the fate of FC Bayern Munich. After averaging giving up 85 points in the first four games, the Brose Baskets Bamberg finally clamped down and played their typical aggressive defense holding Munich to 26 points in the second half.  Bamberg also did a good job controlling the boards 43-37 and their 23-8 assist rate speaks volumes demonstrating their healthy mix of successful offense and defense.

The last time the EWE Baskets Oldenburg were in the Beko BBL final Chris Kramer  was finishing up his junior year at Purdue, Lebron James friend Dru Joyce was finishing up his second professional season with ratiopharm Ulm placing second again in the assist ranking, Adam Chubb was with Alba Berlin and won his second cup title in a row and Konrad Wysocki and Dominik Bahiense De Mello were with Frankfurt and lost in the quarterfinals to Oldenburg. The only current Oldenburg player that was on the floor now celebrating the 2009 Beko BBL game five win against Bonn was Mr Oldenburg for life and 2004 NBA draft pick Rickey Paulding. Paulding will have that chance again to play in a Beko BBL finals and one thing that the Detroit native will have in the back of his mind is the fact that he departed the floor in the 2009 semi finals flashing a big smile while rookie Bamberg head coach Chris Fleming left with a sullen face as Oldenburg swept Bamberg.  Paulding has a 3-1 record in playoff game 5 series only losing to Alba Berlin in 2011 where current teammate Julius Jenkins was an opponent. Paulding now has a very motivated Jenkins on his team who is in the game shape of his life and playing against his ex team Bamberg.

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg had their second five game series and actually could of wrapped up the series quite rapidly on May 29^th and had a week of recovery time had they not lost game one at home 86-84. Oldenburg had some fortune in game two as German national player Per Guenther went down with an injury playing only two minutes in game two and missing game three and game four. Oldenburg won game two and game three keeping ratiopharm Ulm to 59 points and taking a commanding 2-1 game lead. Ratiopharm Ulm at the brink of summer vacation won  a hard fought game four battle despite an Oldenburg comeback and 29 points from Julius Jenkins to force a game five 81-79. In game five, Oldenburg was more clever in crunch time as Dru Joyce hit big free throws, Rickey Paulding a big three pointer and taking advantage of a  key John Bryant turnover. The key in the series was the big play of Julius Jenkins who could have MVP as his middle name as he has been MVP at the 2008 Beko BBL all star game and playoff finals and 2009 cup final four. Jenkins was Oldenburg top scorer in every game and averaged 21 points in the series. Jenkins clearly out MVPed 2012and 2013 Beko BBL MVP John Bryant who only had five points in game five. Bryant may be big country, but Jenkins was clearly more big than the California native who did average 10 rebounds in the five game series.

With so many top teams this season in the Beko BBL, in the end there was no surprises entering the final as the top two teams Bamberg and Oldenburg will meet for the championship. Before the season, many experts had Oldenburg as a team that could challenge Bamberg for the championship and here they are. Bamberg have a small edge on paper and did win both regular season games, but by only a combined total of 13 points. Oldenburg lost the first meeting at home 75-68. It was a very tight game for 30 minutes, but Bamberg then tightened up the defense in the fourth quarter holding Oldenburg to nine points while shooting  49% from the field and 50% from outside. In Bamberg, the fans saw a high scoring shoot out as Oldenburg lost 94-88. Ex Bamberg forward Jeremiah Massey had a huge game scoring 18 points and hitting some big shots early in the fourth quarter helping Bamberg gain control of the game. The key match up in the finals will be Julius Jenkins against Anton Gavel. Jenkins played like an MVP in the Ulm series and is hot at the moment while Anton Gavel also had a typical strong series against FC Bayern Munich and is often the guy that gets his team going when they are going through tough phases of a game. Oldenburg has  a chance in this series. Bamberg are more vulnerable then ever as teams really have felt that they can beat them this season. Oldenburg might have has two tough five game series in their bones, but they are as focused as ever to win that second club title. This is a series that also will go four or five games. Oldenburg has defended very well this season and will need to keep that balance between the Bamberg snipers and their inside beasts of Ford, Zirbes and Neumann.  Bamberg has to be careful not give away a game at home. Bamberg needs to keep that guard tandem of Joyce/Kramer  wrapped up and close the paint on Adam Chubb. Paulding could also be an extra deciding factor in this series. It has been a while since he tasted title champagne and his big shoots could make a difference as he shot 48% against Ulm and 42,6% from the parking lot in the playoffs so far. The series poses two of the leagues most professional players with Casey Jacobsen and Rickey Paulding. Only a shame that one of them will go home without hardware.  Jenkins may have exploded in the Ulm series showing that Tyrese Rice effect and go to guy mentality, but he wont finish off Bamberg alone in this series. He will need much support, but if Oldenburg will be able to tip toe around the Bamberg pressure defense and play successful structured offense is the question. Bamberg will be too much in a  four/five game series and win with their experience and home court advantage. Bamberg might have lost some routine and more games than usual in the last two seasons, but one thing is for sure, teams still need to be on top of their game for 40 minutes and that is something Oldenburg will have to do consistently in each game to have success.

Gray Mcghee is a 24 year old 208cm center from Anderson, Indiana that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL for BBC Bayreuth. He played at Pittsburgh from 2007-2011 and played with future NBA players like Dejuan Blair and Sam Young. In his senior year, he played 34 games: 6.9ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 56.7%, FT: 48.5%. He played a total of 120 NCAA games. In the summer of 2011, he played at the well known : Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 2 games: 9.0ppg, Reb-5(8.5rpg), 1.0bpg. Last season as a rookie he played KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje (Croatia-A1), only pre-season, then moved to Bandirma Kirmizi (Turkey-TBL: 30 games: 10.5ppg, Reb-4(7.8rpg), FGP: 56.3%, FT: 45.6%. This past summer he played  AirTran Orlando Summer League (Oklahoma City Thunder): 2 games: 2.5ppg, 2.0rpg and NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (Los Angeles Clippers): 5 games: 4.8ppg, 5.0rpg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

You played your first season for BBC Bayreuth. How did you like the Beko BBL?

I liked it very much. It is a very competitive league where you have to come to play each night. It is a very physical league with very good players.

Are there any areas on the court in the Beko BBL where you  had difficulty getting used to?

Not really. I played in Turkey last season and am used to the European style. If anything maybe the fats paced game in the Beko BBL. It wasn´t as fast passed in Turkey last season, but I like to run and get easy baskets.

What is the biggest geographical difference between Anderson, Indiana where you come from and Bayreuth?

Not much. Both are small towns. Bayreuth has maybe 20,000 more people and both places are cold in the winter.

BBC Bayreuth started very strong into the season. Was a reason for that with the early team chemistry?

Yes I think that is true. We came together early in preseason and had a very hard pre season. We play for each other and have no ego players on the team.

What was your role on the team?

The big man in the middle and anchor on defense. I am the guy that rebounds and who gets the ball down low and can produce.

What do you like more a crashing dunk or a monster block?

I like to do both, but I think I like to dunk a little more. I think a dunk is what gets the crowd and bench going the most.

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

My knowledge of the game. I know how to read the game and have a good basketball IQ. Especially out of the double team, I am good at passing the ball to the open man.

On what things do you still need to work on your game?

I need to improve my free throw shooting, touch around the basket and develop my post moves.

You played against German Stefan Schmidt each day in practice. What do you like about his game?

I like his game. He has a nice touch around the basket and is a motor on defense. He rebounds very well and he pushes me to get better each day.

What is the most incredible thing that you saw Joe Trapani do?

He really gives everything each game. He is very athletic and He has done some nice double clutch reverse and windmill dunks.

You are from Indiana. What was your childhood like?

I had a nice childhood in Indiana. I started to play basketball with seven years old. My  dad taught me too play. Since Indiana is known for basketball, it was always an important part of my life.

Do you know where French Lick is? Have you ever been there?

I have never been there and I am not really sure where it is Indiana, but I know that Larry Bird is from there.

Who were your NBA idols as a kid?

My favorite player was Shaq. I watched him with Orlando and the Lakers. I liked how dominant he was and how he could dunk whenever he wanted to.

You played at Pittsburgh that had great teams. Why wasn´t the team able to get further in the NCAA tournament in your time there?

We had many tough close loses. In my freshman year we lost to Michigan State, then lost on a buzzer beater against Villanova from Scottie Reynolds and my senior year lost a tough game against Butler in the second round. I thought that we had a chance to win it all my senior year.

What was the most incredible thing that you saw Sam Young do on the court?

He was a great player. He was so athletic and could jump out of the gym. We really relied on his scoring and leadership.

How did Pittsburgh head coach Jamie Dixon prepare you for a professional basketball career?

He helped me find my nitche in my game which would be defense and rebounding. He taught me how to love to play defense. He told me that if you work hard and play defense that there will always be an opportunity to play somewhere.

What was your wake up call in Turkey to the professional ranks?

Turkey was a very good rookie experience for me. We didn´t have a very good team and were very young. We struggled to win, but I kept working hard and this experience helped me grow as a player and person.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Jason Cain?

We play one on one each day and we push each other, but I have to say myself. I would never go against myself.

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

22.

What was your most crazy shot that you have made in your career?

I made a buzzer beater three pointer in college to win a game.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Flight with Denzel Washington.

Thanks Gary for the chat.

Josh  Parker is a 23 year old 183cm point guard from Harvey, Illinois that recently was a rookie for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen and helped the team win the Pro B title. With Leverkusen he 33 games: Score-1(28.5ppg), 4.5rpg, Assists-2(7.1apg), 2.2spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 80.3%He played at Drake from 2007-2009 and then played for Dayton(NCAA) from 2010-1012. He played a total of 130 NCAA games. Currently he is tearing up the German PRO B. He scored in double figures 33 times scoring over 20 points 26 times, 30 points or more 15 times and 40 points or more four times including a 48 point explosion against Dresden. He cleaned out the Eurobasket awards as well getting Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Player of the Year -13, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Guard of the Year -13, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Import Player of the Year -13, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B 1st Team -13, and Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga Pro B All-Imports Team -13. Many teams were aware of his stellar play in the pro B including the Mitteldeutscher BC who signed him for the 2013-2014 Beko BBL season. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Josh thanks for talking to Eurobasket.com Where are you currently and how have you been enjoying your summer vacation so far?

No problem thanks for the interview. I am currently home in Chicago. My summer vacation had been great just been enjoying my time with my family.

After a  very successful season in Germany what was the first thing you did when you got back to Chicago? For some reason many basketball players go home craving a yummy Burrito.

The first thing I did when I arrived back in Chicago was get a pizza from Beggars Pizza it is my favorite pizza place here so I had to get it!

You were the best player in the Pro B, perhaps the best player the league has ever seen. Did it feel at times like you were a man playing with kids at a play ground in terms of the skill level?

No, not at all the competition level was very good and the Pro B really had some very skilled guys with a lot of talent. So I just was blessed to play the way that I did.

The Bayer Giants Leverkusen started the season slow at 3-4, but then got going. What was the deciding factor that got the team going?

Starting off the way we did was tough and no one would have thought that we would be Pro B champs not even me after the start we had, but we as a team stuck together, fought and worked hard every day and believed which led us to have the run that we had.

You led an underdog type of team to the Pro B title. Where did you get your leadership qualities from?

I would have to say my father. Just watching him on a day to day basis and him teaching me the ways of life as a man have really helped me translate those same qualities to the basketball court.

On many nights it was you and American Jack Eggleston that paved the way for the Leverkusen game. How important was he to the success of Leverkusen. He was in the shadow of your overwhelming success and play.

Jack was a huge part of our success if it was not for him I don’t know where we would be. He played hard on both ends the whole season and always came with a will to win that rubbed off on us. He gets overlooked a lot but he was like the glue to our team that kept everything together, whatever we needed a rebound or a clutch bucket he was there. Glad I had the chance to play with him.

Besides winning the Pro B title, what was your fondest memory of this season in terms of your individual play? You scored 40 points plus four times including a 48 point explosion against Dresden.

I would have to say the Licher Baeren game right before Christmas break it was a huge game for us that really helped us to start coming together as a team!

What will you always remember from your last meeting with head coach Achim Kuczmann? You came to Leverkusen with a lot of talent, but I am sure the German head coach had some part in your dominating play.

It was tough saying goodbye to coach Achim. He definitely was a huge part of the success I had in my first year and words can’t even express how much I appreciate him. He trusted in my ability and let me play the game the way I knew how. Not only on the basketball court but off the court as well he was always there for me. He is just a classy guy and a great coach! Glad I had the chance to play for him.

I never had any doubt that after such a big season that you would land at a higher level. The off season is still young, did you jump at that first good offer from MBC or what were the main reasons for taking the MBC offer?

MBC is a great club that followed me the whole season and really showed a lot of interest in me. I liked the style of play and also the opportunity to come in and make an impact right away. Just felt like they are a really great fit for me.

What do you know about the small town Weissenfels? It is very small, but the club did win a international tournament, only three German teams have ever won an international title and legend Wendell Alexis ended his career there?

I know a little bit about the town did some research on it. They have a good tradition there and I know they love their basketball there in Weissenfels so I’m excited to be a part of the family.

Head coach Silvano Poropat has you planned in as a combo guard. You obviously won`t be as dominant as in the Pro B, but will it be a bit difficult having  a new role and not always scoring 40 points?

I’m just looking forward to the opportunity and being able to play and compete at this next level. I’m willing to do whatever it takes for our team and anything Coach Poropat needs of me. Just going to focus on getting better everyday.

One Beko BBL club mentioned that athletic ability was lacking a bit and was one of the reasons why they didn´t look at you further. Does criticism like that make you work even harder this summer? On what things will you work on most?

Of course it pushes you more just being a competitor but right now I’m just focused on getting better each and everyday and looking forward to getting to work with MBC. Being a complete player has been a focus this summer.

How does a typical Josh Parker work out day this summer look like?

A typical Josh Parker workout day consist of skill training in the morning and then weight training and playing in the evenings.

What is something that you will treat yourself to this summer? Something that you have been wanting to do but have never done before?

I have been wanting to treat myself to a little vacation somewhere. I want to go to a NBA Finals game I never been before.

Do you think that Derrick Rose will ever be the old Derrick Rose when he steps back into the NBA jungle?

Yes I believe he will be the old Derrick Rose! I know his competitive drive and believe in his ability he will be ready!

How did the Germany experience make you a better and stronger person on and off the court?

My German experience has really made me a better and stronger person on and off the court learning a new culture, experiencing a new way of life, and to overcome adversity.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Taken 2

Thanks Josh for the chat.