Steven Monse is a 23 year old 200cm forward that is playing for Alba Berlin and t ALBA Berlin II. He started his basketball career in 2005 with  Marzahn Basket Baeren (2.Regionalliga). He then played for TuS Lichterfelde II from 2006-2008. He then played for  ALBA Berlin II (Regionalliga) from 2008-2010. He then played for UBC Hannover Tigers (ProA): 6 games: 3.0ppg, 1.3rpg, in Nov.`10 moved to Bayer Giants Leverkusen (ProB, starting five): 16 games: 4.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.3apg. Last season he played for the  Brose Baskets Bamberg (1.Bundesliga): 2 games: 0pts; played also at TSV Troester Breitenguessbach (ProB): 1 game: 3pts, 2reb; in Jan.’12 moved to BBC Febro Eagles Magdeburg (Regionalliga): 11 games: 10.5ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.6%, FT: 52.5%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

You played in the Alba Berlin organization form 2006-2010. Why did you
decide to return after two seasons away?

The reason I returned after two years is not just because it’s nice to
be back in my hometown but also to be able to play with such talented
and ambitious players and coaches.

One seasons ago you were in the Bamberg orgnaization and now back with
Alba Berlin. How do you explain the luck of playing for the top Beko BBL
teams? Is it just good connections or excellent agent work?

I was recently asked that question by my father, too because there was
never a big hype about my person but the teams know that I play with
heart. Basketball world is a big family everybody knows everybody but my
Agency is doing for sure a good job.

So why should Teams like ALBA or Bamberg choose a player like you?

I will always try to do anything to help my team to win. Thats what it
is all about if you ask me. No one wants a player of the loosing team
with great stats. Especially because of my high ambitions, I am always working hard on my
goals.

You are playing with Alba Berlin 2 and practice with the Beko BBL team.
It has never been easy for German players to breakthrough with Alba
Berlin. What are your goals and what keeps you striving to go ahead
despite the tough competition with the top notch roster?

I always try to play the best possible Basketball. To achieve that it’s
necessary to compete with the best in order to become a better player in
the long run even if that means to struggle from time to time in the
beginning.My goals for this season are to be able to help the team and support
them to reach the championship.

Alba Berlin 2 have had a solid season in the Regionaliga. What is your
role in the team and what parts of your game are you improving on most?

Since I am the oldest player on the team I had to take the most
responsibility which gave me the opportunity to improve my offensive game.

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

I think my ability to assist my teammates and create various options for
them to score is something that I’m not getting the most recognition for
but is a big part of my game.

What has been the most important thing that you have learned from Nihad
Djedovic? I am sure you could talk hours about his game?

There’s a lot to say about his game but what really impressed me is his
floater which I started adapting into my own game.

What is the most amazing thing that you have seen Dashaun Wood do in practice?

Dashaun once impressed me in practice with an alley oop dunk he dished himself off the backboard. It’s incredible what he is able to do despite of his size.

Alba Berlin just won the cup. Do you think that they can peak during the
playoffs and win it all?

No doubt about that. I absolutely think that we can make it all the way
and win this thing!

With Joey Ney and Sebastian Fulle, you have two young German teammates
who are also looking to break into the Alba Berlin rotation. What part
of their games do you like most?

Joey and Sebastian definitely have improved their game and always kept
on working hard despite the tough schedule.

How do you combat criticism when people remind you that German talents
have often left Alba Berlin because of a lack of playing time. Many have
fled to Trier. How do you justify to critics and to yourself that you
can make it a second time?

As I already said I still see it as a challenge and a way to improve my
game in the long run and not as something that’s going hold me back in
the future.

Early in your career you played for Tus Lichterfelde. There your
teammates were Germans Oskar Fassler, Philipp Heyden, Oliver Clay or
Andreas Seiferth. How difficult is it seeing how they have developed and
are playing in the Beko BBL now?

I don’t see the difficulty in this. I’m happy for all of them which
doesn’t mean I’m not standing behind my own decision.

Matjei Mamic was your coach who had to retire from active playing on
account of an accident. What could you learn from him early in his
coaching career?

The essence of what he taught me is best said with this quote: “It ain’t
about how hard you hit, it’s about how you can get hit and keep moving
forward.”

From 2008-2010, you played for Alba Berlin 2 and in 2010 won the
Regionaliga championship. You played with a young Nils Giffey who is
playing at Uconn. how much potential does he have? Could he become a top
player in the Beko BBL?

I’m confident that he has the potential to become a very successful
player wherever he’ll go after college. Maybe even NBA!?!

What do you remember the most from Konstantin Klein who is already
getting good minutes in Frankfurt. Was he already a tough defender then?

Konstantin has always been a defense hustler putting a lot of pressure
on his opponents. What I remember most was his ability to carry along
his teammates with his spirit.

In the last three seasons you have played for six teams. Why have you
turned into a basketball nomad?

Sometimes you can’t influence your path and just have to go with the
opportunities that come your way which I did.

In 2010-2011, you played with Josh Young. Did you already know then that
he could make the jump to the beko BBL?

It was crystal clear to me that the beko BBL is where he belongs since
he stuck out from the beginning. I’m very happy for him and hope that
he’s going to make it to the top because he really deserves it!

Last season, you played for Bamberg and Breitengussbach, but ended the
season in the Regionaliga. Why was the Bamberg stay so short?

We had players with injuries and when all were back on the roster, we
have been too many, so I decided instead of sitting behind the bench to
change the team before the transfer deadline and that was for sure the
right decision.

Who has been the toughest player that you ever played against in a game?

I’ve played a lot of tough opponents but from the top of my head I’d
name Predrag Suput as the toughest one so far.

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

56.

What was your most crazy shot that you ever made in a game?

Trying to save the ball I once hit a three point shot backwards. Of
course this was more skill than luck.

Where will Steven Monse be in 5 years?

Hopefully I’ll just be healthy and still able to do what I love the most.

What do you rather eat a curry wurst or a Döner?

Berliner Kebab.

If you could ask Dirk Nowitzki one question what would you ask him?

What his motivation was to stay with Dallas after the first couple
season didn’t go that well for him.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Get low.

Thanks Steven fort he chat.

When looking visionally at the cities Frankfurt and Trier, there is about as much difference as the music of Rihanna and old school rocker Ozzy Osbourne as Frankfurt is the financial capital of Germany with a mini skyline in comparison to New York City, while Trier is a beautiful quaint German town that is filled with alluring nature, the river Mosel, beautiful wine hills and TBB Trier team manager and mascot Aggi who for some basketball fans is just worth a visit. On the court the teams of Henrik Rodl and Muli Katzurin have one very distinct similarity in which both coaches preach Defense as the way to achieving basketball success.  The Fraport Skyliners have had three hard fought defensive battles against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg  and the last season both teams had a defensive battle in the trenches in the Fraport arena with TBB Trier digging themselves free of the Skyliner clutches winning 64-54. In that game TBB Trier was able to keep Frankfurt to 21% shooting from downtown and forced them to cough up the ball 17 times. Jon Leuer and Jimmy Mckinney both had 14 points  a piece and ex NBA player Jermareo Davidson had 10 points, but had less luck with his fade away jumper shooting 4/11 from the field. The Fraport Skyliners have had nice memories winning the battle in Wurzburg twice, but losing the last two defensive battles in Frankfurt against Trier and Wurzburg and now were focused to finally come out of the ditch with their chests held high with an important victory. However if it was just the grind of a long season or more missed assignments, switching or just mental lapses, TBB Trier had not defended the way head coach Henrik Rodl had liked averaging giving up 88 points in the last six games, but against the Fraport Skyliners showed their defensive face beating the Fraport Skyliners 78-70. “We knew that Frankfurt was one of the best defensive teams in the league and we anticipated a defensive battle today. Defense is our identity and we got back to our old ways tonight. We didn´t really change anything stragitally, but we just raised our defensive intensity and just played with a lot more energy than in the first half. We gave a total team effort today”, stressed Ohio native Nate Linhart.

Win or lose the best Skyliner basketball news in the last week was the release of jovial point guard Dawan Robinson from the hospital. The Philadelphia native was held up in the hospital the last two weeks because of  a lung problem, but finally was given the green light to depart the place where hospital food has its own made up name for each patient. If the penetrating scoring point guard will ever be able to step on the court again and give his 110% is unknown, but against TBB Trier the American was on the court again even if it was only on the sideline. He had made known that he will be a sort of right hand for Muli Katurin as an assistant coach. Robinson who at times looks like he can´t wipe that serious smile of his face, but then at the jolt of mascot Dunking Kong stamping up and down on the court, the American flashes a lightening smile that would light up any room even in a steel mill in Allentown.  Robinson gave a solid debut as a helping coach on the sidelines getting excited at times as if Toby the Dragon had given him some of his secret energy dragon potion via DHL from Quackenbruck. Robinson may never had played in the NBA like fellow Philadelphian from 1994-2008 and five seasons for the 76ers, but both have one thing in common, both are on the bench as the ex NBA player is an assistant coach for the NBA team, while Robinson could be an assistant in the making. When one was observing Robinson in the second half and the woes of the Fraport Skyliners, one could see that he wanted to be on the court more than anything, but instead was sitting next to Taylor Brown at the end of the bench. “I was a bit upset that I was so far away from the team. I wanted to be on the court so bad, but it hurt that I couldn´t do anything. In a way, this loss is my fault, because I couldn´t be on the court. Even though I am from Philadelphia, I am not a fan of the 76ers, because I haven´t liked some of the decisions the team has made over the years, but as far as Aaron Mckie, I think he has done  a good job there. He helped me a lot when I played Summer league there. When I was younger, I wanted just to spend more time with my family after my playing days, but now as I am getting older, I like to see players get better and develop. I think coaching is something I would like to do after my playing days are over”, stressed Dawan Robinson.

The Fraport Skyliners came into the game coming off a bitter loss in Bonn and had the chance to secure the season with a win against TBB Trier, but a poor second half gave TBB Trier the lead and they never looked back. The Fraport Skyliners really picked a brutally bad time period to play a lousy second half and now must tremble next weekend and beat the Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg to stay in the Beko BBL. Frankfurt didn´t shoot that bad, but just were unable to find their offensive flow in the second half not getting into a groove and allowing TBB Trier to take the momentum. “TBB Trier played very good team defense in the second half. We allowed too many open looks and they made their free throws. We had problems executing on offense and defense and gave up too many second chance points at the rim”, expressed Fraport Skyliner forward Quantez Robertson. TBB Trier was riding on a five game losing streak and weren´t totally safe to stay in the league, but the team wanted to return back to the Mosel city with a win in their baggage and travel to their last two games in Berlin and Quackenbruck with no more worries. It took TBB Trier a while to find their rhythm, but in the second half, they played excellent basketball and deserved to win the game. “We played well as a team and just did everything right on offense and defense. We made the right passes and shots. I can´t remember anyone turning down shots. We stepped up our defensive intensity in the second half. We denied all entries and just took them out of their comfort zone. I think that this was our best game of the season”, expressed Canadian native Jermaine Bucknor.

4,470 fans wanted to see the game and some fans even remembered who the tall man was wearing glasses as Derrick Allen was back in his old living room taking in the game where he dominated from 2007-2010. Frankfurt was without Dawan Robinson and Devin Gibson and the point guard duties were held by Konstantin Klein and Max Merz. Before the first fan could scoop some tasty buttered popcorn and stuff their face, Quantez Robertson gave the fans the first hurra with a mega slam dunk with  a perfect ally-op pass from his Auburn teammate Laquan Prowell. TBB Trier took the lead 3-2 with an Andreas Seifert lay in and Linhart free throw. The Fraport Skyliners quickly got their offense rolling escaping out on an 8-0 run to lead 10-3. Frankfurt did heavy damage in the paint as Konstantin Klein hit a runner, Robertson a lay up and Peacock twice. TBB Trier seemed asleep on defense just standing around which Frankfurt took advantage of. Klein then scored again on the penetration making it look as easy as his teammate Dawan Robinson as Frankfurt led 13-5. TBB Trier had no groove on offense, but someone hung around as Andreas Seifert kept them in the game. TBB Trier made a little comeback going on a 7-2 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 15-12. Seifert scored inside and made free throws as did Bastian Doreth. With Klein getting two early fouls, Muli Katzurin inserted 19 year old German Max Merz. Prowell hit  a huge three pointer and Ryan Brooks a pull up jumper, but TBB Trier stayed on their heels as Doreth made a running left handed hook shot and Brian Harper hit free throws. Frankfurt only had a 22-18 lead after one quarter. “Frankfurt started very well on offense. TBB Trier had problems getting used to the Frankfurt defense. Andreas Seifert kept TBB Trier in the game”, expressed TV Langen German Sebastian Barth. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 77% from the field and 25% from outside while TBB Trier was hooting 50% from the field and 0% from outside. Frankfurt had the 6-2 rebound edge, but four turnovers while TBB Trier had only one turnover.

The Fraport Skyliners started off very hot getting out on a 9-2 run to extend their lead to 31-20. Johannes Voigtmann started the run with a mid distance jumper and Brooks and Super Tez hit free throws. German Max Merz then scored his first Beko BBL points with a shot from downtown. However as quick as Frankfurt started, they all of a sudden lost rhythm as the  second half of the second quarter was like day and night as TBB Trier made their come back going on a 14-4 run to go into halftime trailing only 35-34. It was Nate Linhart who led TBB Trier in the run adding three buckets, getting assists and grabbing key offensive rebounds. Seifert also made an easy lay in after being served a quick pass on a platter by Linhart. Linhart faked a shot and like back in the 80s in best Larry Bird manner passed the German the ball. Linhart almost seemed embarrassed when being compared to the passing talent of Larry Bird, “Larry Bird was one of my idols. I thought Andreas had the better shot so I passed him the ball. I just try to make team plays that make my teammates happy”, stressed Nate Linhart. Despite being a big reason for the win, the Ohio native didn´t  see anything out of the ordinary of his performance. “I am not a flashy player. This was just a normal day at the office for me”, added Nate Linhart. His teammate Jermaine Bucknor was all smiles when he heard the name Linhart. “He is a great player. He simply does everything on the court. He is best offensive rebounder that I have ever played with. He is always seeking out the ball from the wing. His ability to get the offensive rebound is incredible. He is hard to guard because he is a lefty. I think that he will get more credit that he deserves after this season”, commented Jermaine Bucknor. His opponent Quantez Robertson was also impressed with his play. “He had an all around good game. He got to the rim, got extra offensive rebounds and just did what was needed”, added Quantez Robertson. TBB Trier trailed only 35-34 at halftime. “Frankfurt led up a bit in the second quarter. TBB Trier kept hanging around. They got big offensive rebounds and some floaters. Frankfurt lost their rhythm on offense and weren´t aggressive going to the hoop. Max Merz did a good job. He was a bit nervous at first, but he hit a big three pointer and played solid defense”, stated TV Langen German Sebastian Barth. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 60% from the field and 33% from the three point line while TBB Trier was shooting 46% from the field and 0% from the three point line. Frankfurt ha dthe 13-11 rebound advantage, but eight turnovers while TBB Trier had four turnovers.

The Third quarter was the most exciting of the game and at one point there was no difference on the court of both teams as there were seven lead changes, but TBB Trier was able to pull away in the last minutes of the third quarter. Andreas Seiferth gave TBB Trier the lead back again 36-35 with free throws, but Klein retrieved it back for Frankfurt with an off balance lay in as Frankfurt led 37-36. Frankfurt went on a 5-0 run to extend their lead to 40-36 as the German boys did the damage as Klein made free throws and Voigtmann a jumper. TBB Trier wasn´t fazed as they returned back on a 5-0 run to get the lead back 41-40. Harper who had been quiet up to that stand point scored twice inside. Brooks and Stewart then traded buckets as tBB Trier led 43-42. Frankfurt got the lead back going on a 4-0 run as Brooks kept having the hot hand making a lay in and Max Merz connected on a runner as Frankfurt led 46-43. TBB Trier found a hot streak again at the right juncture ending the third quarter with a 13-5 run. Stewart and Prowell traded baskets as Frankfurt still led 48-45. Athletic forward Vitalis Chikoko made a lay in getting a quick bullet pass from Linhart. Linhart and Bucknor then nailed back to back three pointers as TBB Trier led 54-48. TBB Trier was outhustling Frankfurt getting key offensive rebounds and working for the perfect shots which they hit. TBB Trier seemed to want it more at that point. Bucknor made an off balance shot on the last possession as TBB Trier led 56-51 after three quarters. “TBB Trier played better offense and just played better pick and roll and got the ball inside and stepped up their defense”, added Sebastian Barth.

In the fourth quarter The Fraport Skyliners had to step up, but instead were greeted by a 10-3 TBB Trier run which got them into full gear and helped them gain the momentum and cruise to the win. Ex Gonzaga sniper Mathis Monninghoff and Quantez Robertson traded three point bombs as TBB Trier still led 59-54. Frankfurt was unable to keep pace as TBB Trier continued to score as Buchnor hit a jumper and free throws and normally little used Joshiko Saibou buried a three pointer from the corner as TBB Trier led more comfortably 66-54 and the Fraport arena suddenly got very quiet. “Frankfurt wasn´t taking care of the ball, missed easy lay ups and couldn´t secure offensive rebounds”, added  TV Langen forward Martinis Woody. Zach peacock came back into the game and even though Frankfurt was trying to come back, turnovers was hindering them as well as missed free throws. Danilo Barthel who was back after missing some games due to back problems scored in traffic and Robertson made a free throw, but TBB Trier still led 68-58. Peacock and Bucknor then scored back to back, but Frankfurt still trailed 71-60. Peacock then suffered two turnovers landing on the line on the base line and getting an offensive foul his fifth and having to leave the game. American Barry Stewart punished him and the Skyliners dropping a three pointer extending the TBB Trier lead to 76-62 and deciding the game. Prowell hit a three pointer as TBB Trier only led 76-65, but with time running out Stewart connected on free throws as TBB Trier led 78-65. Frankfurt closed out the game with a 5-0 run with Klein and Tez free throws, but too little too late. “We were playing good team basketball. We all stuck together and kept our composure. We learned from our loss last weekend in Tuebingen and executed better down the stretch”, added Jermaine Bucknor. “They were more aggressive in some spots. We had some miscommunication on defense. They were just tougher than we were. The game is 40 minutes.  You either make plays or you don´t. Our offense was stagnant. Even when a team like Trier is aggressive, you can punish them. We just weren´t able to do that”, said Ryan Brooks. “We kept the lead and did good team management. Coach called good plays and we executed them to perfection”, expressed Nate Linhart. “I think that we were just missing leadership in crunch time”, added Dawan Robinson.

TBB Trier was led by Jermaine Bucknor and Andreas Seiferth  with 14 points a piece. Barry Stewart added 13 points. Nate Linhart chipped in with 12 points and nine rebounds. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Quantez Robertson with 14 points. Ryan Brooks contributed 13 points, five rebounds and three assists. Konstantin Klein produced 11 points. Max Merz got his first Beko BBL field goal and finished with six points. Experienced Skyliner point guard dawan Robinson was thrilled with his performance. “Merz did a great job coming from the bench. He did more than was expected for a 19 year old. He had no turnovers, made shots and did good decisions. It was a great game by him”, added Dawan Robinson. The Fraport Skyliners shot 51% from the field and31% from outside while TBB Trier shot 47% from the field and 36% from outside. TBB Trier won the rebound duel 30-28 and only had eight turnovers while Frankfurt had 14 turnovers. The Fraport Skyliners now have a do or die game next weekend against the Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg. The Fraport Skyliners will need  every player next weekend even a Dawan Robinson on the bench. Young German Mathis Monninghoff is content that the Fraport Skyliners will go into summer vacation with the ticket to the Beko BBL for the 2013-2014 season. “Frankfurt has a great arena and fans. They play great basketball and will be ready and hit their shots against Ludwigsburg. I am sure that they will win the game”, stressed Mathis Monninghoff.

Malik Mueller is an 19 year old 188cm guard that was born in Frankfurt, Germany. He spent  a part of his life in Miami, but grew up in the rhein-main region. He is a guard with enormous potential. Has shot, court vision and personality. He could became a top player very soon. He started his basketball career at TV Langen and played for EOSC Offenbach before moving to  SG Urspringschule/Schelklingen in 2007. He moved up to rdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (ProB) in that same season. In 2010, he took part at the well known Jordan Brand Classic Game and was named MVP. He played at the World Championships U17 in Hamburg (Germany) -10: 8 games: 6.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 46.2%. Last season he played for Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (ProA): 18 games: 5.5ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 52.2%, also a license to play with SG Urspringschule/Schelklingen (2.Regionalliga, starting five): 7 games: 13.4ppg. This past summer, he took part at the European Championships U18 in Lithuania -12: 9 games: 8.3ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 36.5%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 71.4%. He spoke to German Hoops during the regular season with eurobasket.com.

What exactly is your role in the team?

I am a player that brings energy from the bench giving the starting point guard a rest.

Erdgas Ehingen has five Americans. You grew up in Miami, Florida in very young years. Are you able to build up special relationships with the Americans?

The Americans  are all very open and very nice guys. I don´t have a better relationship with one player than with the other. They have a good relationship to all the players on the team.

Your teammate American Virgil Matthews has stated only positive things about you and pushes you in practice. What have you learned from him in the last years.

I have learned very much from him in the last years. He pushes me evry hard in practice and really makes life difficult for me on the court. The most important thing that I have learned from him is to control the tempo something I had no idea how to do before I switched to being  appoint guard.

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

I think a strength that doesn´t always get noticed is my ability to be a leader on the court. I like to keep the team together in hard situations and give tips.

What do you still need to improve in your game?

I can get better in all phases of my game. The most important thing is improving my defense, showing more court vision and presence.

Your teammate Jake Anderson played at Northern Iowa and Iowa State and has had experience in the D-league. He is a super rebounder for his height. Has he explained his rebounding secret to you?

No, but he really has amazed me how well he rebounds for his size and he is a little shorter than me. He fights for every ball at the rim.

Erdgas Ehingen head coach Ralph Junge is known for being able to develop young German players well. What is the most important thing that you have learned from him?

I came to Ehingen as a 13 year old and had mostly played the sport as a hobby before coming here. I learned everything I need to know about the basics of the game. I learned how to understand the game.

You lived for a time in Miami, Florida because you had an American dad. What memories do you have from Miami?

I only have memories from the end of my time there spending lots of time with my relatives and playing basketball.

You grew up in the Frankfurt area. Were you a Frankfurt Skyliner fan?

I went to games, but not every weekend since I had games on the weekends. I did like the team and my favorite player was Jimmy Mckinney.

Who were your NBA idols as a kid?

My number one idol was Michael Jordan. When I was very young, I liked Allan Iverson. I had a big poster of him in my room. Now my favorite player is Dwayne Wade.

How easy was your decision to go to Erdgas Ehingen in 2007?

It wasn´t difficult. I always knew that I wanted to play basketball. In Offenbach, I could only practice three times a week and in Ehingen the gym is always open. I had to make the choice of giving up the city life for the country life, but I was ready to do it because I just wanted to play basketball.

In 2010, you played at the Jordan Brand Classic where all the best basketball talents meet. You were named MVP. How often do you look back on this event?

It was a great experience for me. Back then I thought more about it, but now less because I am looking ahead now to the future and try to meet those goals. The Jordan Brand Classic was a nice thing, but now I need to concentrate on the future.

You met Michael Jordan. What question would you have liked to ask him that you couldn´t then?

I would have liked to have asked him how he was able to come back after winning the first three titles and then winning another three after his baseball experience. It is amazing how he can stay so humble and still had so much passion after having success. Often players that have success then disappear.

How have you seen your own development as a player since the Jordan Brand Classic in 2010?

My development didn´t go so well the season after that as I was a bit preoccupied with the hype and didn´t really know how to deal with it. However I was able to come back and have a good season last season.  I think that I have been able to make the jump from NBBL to the PRO A. I made the transition well from a combo guard to a point guard.

Who were the best players that you have played against in international games so far in your career?

Albert Homs and Guillermo Hernan Gomez from Spain and American Dwayne Otis.

Do you think that your ex teammate Kevin Bright will make the breakthrough in the NCAA with Vanderbilt?

I was positively surprised how well he played in his first NCAA game. I think if he works hard in every practice , then he will make his breakthrough.

Would you like to play in the NCAA?

Yes I do. I am preparing my next steps on what schools I would like to look at. I want to play for a team that always plays against the best schools.

What is your biggest basketball dream?

My basketball dream is like it should be for any person and that is to play in the NBA.

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

I have made 48 of 50.

What was your most crazy shot that you have ever made in a game?

That was a long time ago when I was very young playing in Offenbach. I made a wild three pointer to win the game against Giessen. I wasn´t a very good three point shooter.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Looper with Bruce Wills. I like action movies and this is a very good one.

Thanks Malik for the chat.

 

For many years, Bamberg was a place where the Frankfurt Skyliners went, played 40 minutes and lost and went home again and probably enjoyed the beautiful drive most to the pretty Bavarian city than their woes on the court. Frankfurt finally won in the 2010 playoffs lifting that dreaded Bamberg curse, but talking about jinxes is something nobody likes to talk about, but that terrifying B word keeps creeping up as Bonn has been a place be it the old Hardtberg  gym or the new Telekom dome where they haven´t won in more than 8 years. The last time, Frankfurt was able to exit the court with a victory, Bamberg was still searching for their Beko BBL title, Fraport Skyliner center Johannes Voigtmann was 12 years old, Telekom  Baskets Bonn center Chris Ensminger was already in his 30s and winning Beko BBl rebound titles as if they were growing on a Quaking Aspen in his home state Ohio and Alba Berlin point guard Dashaun Wood was making a name for himself at Wright State. There were some games to be remembered like the OT loss in 2009 where Titus Ivory brought the game into OT where the team then got squashed, two years ago despite a Derrick Rose like performance from Dashaun Wood scoring 20 points, grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out seven assists, the team lost a squeaker 92-89 and perhaps the most bitter loss of all being last season where four months of hard work where the team came from 17^th place back to ninth place and having that golden opportunity to reach the playoffs on the last game day only to lose badly 81-62 as a 19-9 second quarter run by Bonn got them going and carried them to victory. Frankfurt had no remedy how to stop 38 year old Chris Ensminger who made the zone look his own feeding ground and where he played like a real tough man among Kids. It was the last game of Jermareo Davidson as he scored 18 points as well as that of sniper Jimmy Mckinney who contributed 13 points. The Fraport Skyliners returned back to Bonn looking to snap their 10 game losing streak there, but once again came up short losing 81-75 and have been winless in Bonn for the last 99 months. One man that has seen many games between both teams is Telekom Baskets Bonn sport director Andreas Bottcher who can´t explain the dominance either. “We also had a stretch where we lost many games in Frankfurt. I remember Oluoma Nnamaka winning a game on the last play and then us winning game five in Frankfurt in 2008. There were times where Frankfurt wasn´t playing well in the league, but came here and played very hard. I will never forget our win in 2009 in OT after Titus Ivory brought Frankfurt in to OT. One thing that I noticed tonight wasn´t seeing Jimmy mCkinney”, smiled Andreas Bottcher. New England native Jared Jordan has played Frankfurt three times in the Telekom Dome and left the floor three times as winner. The first game was carnival weekend where it is always a tough atmosphere and last season was a win or lose for the playoffs. Our fans really help us. WE really have a very good home court advantage here. Our fans understand the game and they see themselves as part of the team. When we get going, our fans really get going as well”, said Jared Jordan. “I can understand Frankfurt losing here. It is really hard to win in tight games. One or two quick baskets and Bonn is in the game again. The fans are great here. You have to take the wind out of Bonn early to have a chance”, stated Johannes Voigtmann.

The Telekom Baskets Bonn had many important components  for the win like American Jamel Mclean who always banged under the boards and kept going inside scoring and drawing fouls. However the most important player for the Telekom Baskets Bonn was 29 year old 192cm shooting guard Benes Veikalis who led Bonn with 22 points and scored eight points in the last minute to help lead Bonn to the win. Veikalis who is playing his second season in Bonn and last season played  35 games: 13.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT-3(88.5%); EuroChallenge: 9 games: 11.3ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT-3(93.3%). His stats have been down somewhat this season, but when his team needs him to score from downtown then he is a guy that they can always rely on. Teammate Jared Jordan understands that for him to get assists, guys like Veikalis have to hit and that is something he does. “I told you last season in an interview that Veikalis is one of the most underrated players in the league. The last two seasons he has gotten off to slow starts, but he has shown that he is able to bounce back and hit shots. Benas told me after the game that the four point play was the first time in a long time that he had had one again. His shot took the life out of Frankfurt and closed out the game”, stressed Jared Jordan. With Bonn up by one point, Veikalis hit a big three pointer and was fouled by Ryan Brooks extending the Bonn lead to 75-70. Fraport Skyliner American Quantez Robertson wasn´t surprised by the output from Veikalis, because it was the fourth game that he had seen him play. “He made tough and easy shots and got them into rhythm. He is one of those guys that when you leave open, that he will make any sho”, warned Quantez Robertson. Fraport Skyliner head coach Muli Katzurin was very analytical after the game, but saw more luck in the shot of Veikalis then anything else.“Veikalis was in the zone. He never looked at the rim when he shot it. But when you are in the zone then you make shots like that”, explained Muli Katzurin. Veikalis got big eyes when he heard the comment form the Skyliner coach, but took it with humour. “That was an incredible shot and I had a little luck, but I definitely was looking at the rim”, smiled Benas Veikalis.

The Telekom Baskets Bonn came into the game in eight place and needed a win fto stay active in the playoff race since they have even tougher games in the next weeks. Bonn has been playing very strong basketball the last week having won nine of the last 13 games and had to be careful and smart with the constant aggressive come back of the Fraport Skyliners, but in the end had enough energy to come out with the win. “This was a difficult piece of work for us. Frankfurt likes to grind out games and they have been playing very good defense the last weeks. We didn´t play good defense in the first half, but picked it up in the second half with more intensity. We focused on not letting Zack Peacock or Ryan Brooks beat us, but have other guys try to beat us”, stressed Jared Jordan. The Fraport Skyliners have been playing very good basketball the last two months having won seven of their last nine games and had every chance to finally win in Bonn, but just couldn´t make the key plays in the last minute to get over the hump for the victory. “We had injuries, but this was a game that we could of won. At the end, we gave them momentum by getting unneeded fouls and unnecessary turn overs. This gave them the needed confidence and they took advantage of it. We lost this game more by what we didn´t do then what they did”, warned ex LTi Giessen 46er Ryan Brooks.

Both teams had injury woes as the Fraport Skyliners were without captain Marius Nolte, Danilo Barthel and Dawan Robinson. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were without American sharp shooter Robert Vaden and German guard Andrej Mangold. The Fraport Skyliners also sporting fashionable white shirts saying “We will fight for you”. That was definitely something they did for 40 minutes. They took the first lead of the game as Quantez Robertson took the ball from the jump ball and raced to the hoop for the dunk. However Bonn came back right away going on a 6-0 run as Jamel Mclean who played at Xavier with Beko BBL players Stanley Burrell and Kenny Frease right away let his presence be felt going inside on the first two Bonn possessions getting free throws and Veikalis scored from downtown and Wohlfarth-Botterman connected on one free throw. Bonn got into their offensive rhythm quick as Mclean scored inside on a double pump lay up and American Kyle Weems connected on a jumper as the play reminded one on the FC Bayern Munich new offense under Svetislav Pesic where his players fire away as soon as possible not letting the defense adjust on the set play. The only Skyliner who was in a groove was German Johannes Voigtman that came in for American Laquan Prowell who got two quick fouls. He scored twice inside cutting the Bonn lead to 10-6. Bonn continued to have control of the game as Kyle Weems and Wolfarth-Bottermann scored inside as Bonn led 15-9. Voigtmann continued to be in the zone as he made a baby hook, but Weems came back connecting on a tough fade away jumper. Peacock and Jordan then traded buckets, but Bonn still led 20-13. Veikalis scored and last season the only ally-op combination was Jordan to Tony Gaffney, but this season Gaffney is gone and Bonn showed a new connection as Veikalis took a break from sharp shooting and found Weems for the ally-op. Voigtmann  closed out the first quarter with a dunk, but Frankfurt trailed 24-17. “I don´t think that we had that much a problem with the zone since we had seen it against Oldenburg. We just didn´t expect it and we couldn´t get stops”, stressed Ryan Brooks. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were shooting 64% from the field and 33% from outside while the Fraport Sklyiners were shooting 39% from the field and 25% from outside. Bon had the 10-8 rebound edge and one turnover while Frankfurt had no turnovers.

The game remained tight in the second quarter until the Fraport Skyliners took the lead and were able to go into halftime with a sizeable lead. Peacock got Frankfurt started in their comeback with a mid distance jumper. Mclean then caught a Jordan airball and dunking the ball home for the 26-20 Bonn lead. However Frankfurt then took control going on a 14-4 run to take the 34-30 lead. Brooks got the run started with a deep three pointer which was matched by a Jared Jordan fall back shot. It is always difficult to know if Jordan will really shoot it or make that quick kick out pass to the open teammate. Voigtmann and Peacock got three lay ins and Frankfurt had their second lead of the game 31-30. Brooks then nailed another three pointer. After German David Mccray hit free throws, Frankfurt started another run of 11-4 as their offense was in charge with Peacock and Brooks leading the charge. Peacock scored twice as did Brooks. Voigtmann then nailed a jumper as the Fraport Skyliners marched into the locker room at halftime with their heads held high and the 45-36 lead. Frankfurt exploded with 28 points as Peacock and Brooks had 22 points combined. “We got more stops and our aggressive defense created a better offensive flow”, expressed Ryan Brooks. “They got very easy baskets against our zone with their high low play. We didn´t play aggressive enough and let them do what they wanted to”, added Jared Jordan. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 53% from the field and 50% from the three point line while the Telekom Baskets Bonn were shooting 52% from the field and 17% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 16-14 rebound edge. Bonn had six turnovers and Frankfurt two turnovers.

The third quarter remained the lowest scoring in the game as the Telekom Baskets Bonn came back making basketball life very uneasy for the Fraport Skyliners. The Telekom Baskets Bonn jumped out on a 4-0 mini run to cut the lead to 45-40 Jonas Wolfarth-Botterman scored over Prowell and then retrieved a high lob pass from Jordan and slammed home the ally-op pass. With Gaffney gone, Jordan has less ally-op passes, but if he sees the chance then he doesn´t hesitate to throw the ball up for whomever. “I have less ally-ops this season. Gaffney was a freak. There aren´t many that could run the fllor like him or get up like he could.  I thought that I threw it up to high for Jonas, but he made the play”, expressed Jared Jordan. Brooks then nailed a jumper and Bonn then displayed top notch ball movement and waited until the perfect shot which was drained by Jordan as Bonn trailed 47-43. Prowell and Peacock then made free throws as Frankfurt led 51-43. The Telekom Baskets Bonn then made their run going on a 10-0 run to retake the lead 53-51. Mclean hit a high rainbow jumper from the free throw line and nailed free throws. Veikalis hit a three pointer and Mccray connected on free throws for the lead. Wolfarth-Botterman sparked Bonn with two consecutive blocks on Devin Gibson and Quantez Robertson. Peacock then made a dunk, but Veikalis mailed a pull up jumper as Bonn led 56-53 after three quarters. “We missed easy shots and had too many turnovers despite having good looks”, added Ryan Brooks.  The Telekom Baskets Bonn were shooting 50% from the field and 27% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 40% from the field and 36% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 26-25 rebound advantage. Bonn had seven turnovers and Frankfurt only five turnovers.

Both teams came out firing in the fourth quarter hitting their shots at a good rate. Peacock had much intensity leading Frankfurt on a mini 4-0 run scoring on a jumper and on a one hand hook shot as Frankfurt regained the lead 57-56, but would never lead again in the game. Veikalis dropped a three pointer, but Vogtmann hit a jumper knotting the game at 59-59. Jordan hit a three pointer giving Bonn the 62-59 lead and they never looked back. Peacock was on fire hitting two more jumpers as he had eight points in the first three minutes of the fourth quarter, but Frankfurt trailed 64-63. Mclean was key now for Bonn as the club noticed the foul trouble of Frankfurt and took advantage of itdrawing the fifth fouls of Voigtmann and Prowell. Bonn led 67-65 as Quantez Robertson had to play the position four. Mclean got to the free throw line again dropping two free throws for the 69-65 advantage. Young German Konstantin Klein had misfortune missing from outside, but he made up for it with hustle plays like grabbing an offensive rebound from Weems and sneaking inside form the wing and taking the Peacock pass for  a layup as Bonn still led 69-67. Weems then stepped up hitting a seemingly impossible fade away jumper from the corner as Bonn led 71-67. Brooks and Klein then hit free throws as Bonn led only 71-70. Then came the key play in crunch time as Veikalis connected for a three pointer and one for the 75-70 lead with 40 seconds to play. “I lost him for a second. I figured I could foul him, but he made a big shot”, expressed Ryan Brooks. With time running out, Bonn was able to win the game with free throws at the end despite a bucket by Larry Wright and last second three pointer from Quantez Robertson. “We had the chance to make a big step here, but we were unable to use it. This was also a big game for Bonn. We were missing a little luck to win here”, stressed Johannes Voigtmann. “We were fighting hard and we wanted to win, but we had some turnovers and they hit three pointers. That is basketball”, commented Muli Katzurin.

The Telekom Baskets Bonn were led by Benas Veikalis with 22 points. Jamel Mclean added 18 points, six rebounds and three assists. Jared Jordan contributed 12 points and seven assists. Kyle Weems chipped in with 11 points and Jonas Wolfarth-Bottermann had 10 points. The Fraport Sklyiners were led by Zach peacock who had 25 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. “This was the third game in a row where Zach ahs played much. Players are tired at the end of the season, but he had a great game. This wasn´t an easy team, but he had tough opponents. I like how cool he acts on the court and how much confidence he shows in his shots”, stressed Johannes Voigtmann. Ryan Brooks and Johannes Voigtmann chipped in with 16 points a piece. The fight to stay in the league remains tight as the Fraport Skyliners will look for a win next weekend at home against TBB Trier and if they do prevail will book the needed ticket to stay in the league.

Fraport Skyliner forward Danilo Barthel may never forget October 27^th, 2012 as this was the day where is flight to the hoop and nickname white MAN can jump was born as he made an explosive, nasty and posterizing slam dunk over Patrick Ewing jr that had the American not shaken up, but searching for his jock strap on the Fraport arena floor. Ewing Jr played a total of 12 Beko BBL games averaging 11,5ppg and 6,1rpg and in his last two games shinned scoring 18 points against FC Bayern Munich and grabbing a double double against Wurzburg, but then was released. He just didn´t seem to fit into the plans of head coach Michael Koch. Bonn looked for that replacement and thought they had had it with American Marquis Blakely, but after all the internet chat and media, the American landed in Ludwigsburg. The team finally found American Jamel Mclean who hails from Virginia and like Ewing is the same height at 203cm. The biggest difference is that he is four years younger and only in his second professional season. Mclean had some well known company at Xavier playing with Beko BBL players like Stanley Burrell and gum chewer Kenny Frease and NBA players like Derrick Brown and Jordan Crawford. He had his success in the NCAA reaching the Elite 8 and Sweet 16 with Xavier. Last season as a rookie he played for  Stella Artois Leuven Bears (Belgium-D1): 36 games: 9.3ppg, 6.8rpg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 62.8%. This season, he started with  Givova Scafati Basket (Italy-Lega2, starting five), in Oct.’12 moved to Telenet Oostende (Belgium-Ethias League), left in Dec.’12: Eurocup: 6 games: 4.7ppg, 4.8rpg; Belgian Ethias League: 5 games: 7.0ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 52.0%, FT: 42.9%. He came to the Telekom Baskets Bonn in january and currently averaging 10,0ppg, 5,4rpg and 1,0. He also played solid in Eurochallenge action averaging 10,0ppg and 6,6rpg. He is slowly getting used to the Beko BBL style and had a strong game against TBB Trier scoring 16 points and hauling down 10 rebounds. His teammate Andrej mangold sees a distinct difference between Ewing and Mclean. “Both are excellent players, but the biggest difference is that Mclean is more of an inside presence and not so form the perimeter the way Ewing is. Mclean is more of a zone player”, stressed Andrej Magold.

This season Michael Koch was back at the drawing board and was able to construct another very interesting team that will be fighting for the playoffs. As it is every season, there is always the difficulty of keeping talented players that had good seasons and get tempted by the big money. One of these players was Tony Gaffney who went to the ACB in Spain. The combination of Jared Jordan to Tony Gaffney ally-ops were about as usual at least each game as a Konstantin Klein to Johannes Voigtmann give and go play is with the Fraport Skyliners. The team also said farewell to mini microwave Taylor Battle and Simonas Serapinas and little used German Daniel Hain.  The team was able to keep dinosaur Chris Ensminger that is turning 39, but always seems to stay at the age of 28 in body on the court and top playmaker Jared Jordan who will be the key to the success of the team. Benas Veikalas was also kept as well as Germans Andrej Mangold,  Fabian Thulig and Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann. The team picked up four new players with three Americans and one German. The most famous name is Patrick Ewing jr who has NBA experience and is played his first season in Europe and the club hoped that he would be even a bigger presence under the boards than Tony Gaffney was, but that proved to be wrong as he left the team months ago.  Robert Vaden also has NBA experience as well as European experience. He is about as deadly a shooter as they come and will give the team a lot of depth from outside as well as from the mid distance where he hits a majority of his shots. Koch also brought in a rookie with Kyle Weems who is a power forward and played at Missouri State. He lost seven pounds during the summer and is agile enough to play the position three if needed. Finally Koch brought in David Mccray who had played in Ludwigsburg since 2007, but never was able to make the big breakthrough. He now has a new chance and is known as a rugged defender that can score when needed and runs around the court like the brother of Derrick Allen with his hectic play. He also is like an extra assistant coach on the court which can always be beneficial. The strength of the Telekom Baskets Bonn this season will be their quickness. With Jordan you have a passer that can find any teammate at any time. He will be the main force on keeping the offense going. The team also is looking forward to playing defense and have two pit bull dogs with Germans David Mccray and Andrej Mangold. A weakness could be the boards if the project isn´t done properly. Ensminger is turning 39 and one can never know if an injury will occur. The back up center is little used German Wolfarth-Bottermann. He will have to give stability and the team will have to pride team rebounding as a whole. Bonn will have to stay healthy if they want to have a chance of reaching the Beko BBL playoffs this season. “I like how Bonn play this season. They will play well. They have good gaurds and inside players. All in all a good mix of Indians and chiefs. They play disciplined basketball like bringing the ball to Ensminger and like to change the rhythm on defense. I think that Koch has done a good job this year with finding the right quality of players that will mesh together”, said basketball expert Steven Clauss.

In the last Six seasons, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners only have a 6-12 record. It doesn´t matter if Frankfurt played at the old gym or in the new arena, Frankfurt is 0-9 in this time. The last time, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners won in Bonn, New England patriot Tom Brady had not sipped champagne yet as a third Super Bowl winner, Jurgen Klinsmann was still coach of the German national soccer team, Paul Potts was still selling cell phones and singing in front of the mirror and the terrifying Tsunami was only a few days old as Frankfurt won in Bonn on January 1^st 2005 with a 79-67 win as Chris Williams exploded with 27 points and 16 rebounds.In the 2010-2011 season the Skyliners lost a tight 92-89 game shortly before the new year as Nic wise took control in crunch time.The 20 point, eight rebound and seven assist performance didn´t help in the losing cause from Dashaun Wood. Frankfurt got revenge in the return date in the Ballsporthalle as they took apart Bonn 78-60 as Dashaun Wood led all scorers with 20 points and no Bonn player scored in double figures. In their first meeting last season, the Telekom Baskets Bonn won 79-64 as Bonn was leading 41-34 at halftime and had a strong 22-12 third quarter that iced the cake for the win. Simonas Serapinas Led Bonn with 20 points, while the two ex Skyliners Justin Gray contributed 21 points and Jon Leuer 16 points. Frankfurt shot under 40% and were out rebounded badly. In the return game in Bonn, Frankfurt lost 81-62 not reaching the Beko BBL playoffs. The Skyliners had no method of stoping Chris Ensminger that had 24 points. Jermareo Davidosn added 18 points and Jimmy Mckinney had 13 points in his last game as a Skyliner. The Fraport Skyliners won the first game this season in Frankfurt 78-53 displaying the typical Katzurian defense and containing top point guard Jared Jordan to nine points and only two assists. Frankfurt was led by ex Skyliner Dion Dowell who had 17 points and Zach Peacock chipped in with 14 points. The Fraport Skyliners come into the Bonn game resting in 14^th place with a record of 13-17 and two wins more than 17^th placed Ludwigsburg and will play their last road game of the season in Bonn. With a win in Bonn, Frankfurt should be safe to be able to return to the Beko BBL next season. The Telekom Baskets Bonn are looking for a return trip to the playoffs something the yhave done each season under Michael Koch since he took over in 2005 except one time. Currently Bonn ha sthe last playoff spot at eight having a record of 16-14, but have stiff competition from Wurzburg who also have 16 wins and are in ninth place. Bonn is coming off a 80-74 loss in Tuebingen, but have won three of the last four games.

The club did a fantastic job complementing the team with 38 year old 209cm center veteran Chris Ensminger in 2009-2010 and has returned for a fourth season and just keeps going  is as known in the BEKO BBL as jiffy popcorn in the states. He is a BBL statesman that has won two BBL titles with Bamberg in 2005 and 2007, had season double double averages in the BBL with ppg and rpg from 2001-2005. He always gives 100% with relentless hard work under the hoop and one has to look closely for him to sneak a smile during a game. He is a strong center with fantastic rebound-skills, can score from the low-post. He is right handed, but shoots FTs with the left hand. His biggest success was with Bamberg, but he also played in Paderborn and MBC. Before he came to Germany, he played in the NCAA with Valparaiso from 1992-1996. Then he got his first experience as a professional basketball player in Portugal, France and New Zealand. In 2010-2011 for Bonn, he played EuroCup: 5 games: 16.0ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 50.0%, FT: 75.0%; German League: 35 games: 12.8ppg, Reb-2(8.5rpg), 1.1apg, FGP: 54.9%, FT: 74.0%. Ensminger may be 37, but his intelligence may out weigh his talent. “Ensminger plays so hard and is always in the right position on the boards. He won´t out jump anyone, but he is pretty smart”, stressed Quentin Pryor. Former teammate Steve Wright has fond memories of the native from Ohio as they were played together in Paderborn. “Chris is smarter than his opponents and always puts himself in the right position. He is extremely disciplined and is a leader. I don´t think there is really a way to stop him as he is very consistent. He was like a big brother for me and when he gave me advice I listened”, added ex New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig guard Steven Wright. The game of Ensminger also seems to have a special taste as he is always a joy to watch. “His hook shot at the 2010 BEKO BBL Allstar game was very nice. He has an old school game so I wasn´t shocked when I saw it. He seems to have a bag of shots like that”, commented Quentin Pryor. Alex King played two seasons with the veteran that plays like a 28 year old. “He is one of the best centers in the league and can do it all under the hoop, pass, and use both hands. He is just a complete player. Of the court he is a quiet player, but one that you can talk to. I have a lot of respect for him”, expressed Alex King. Last season, he played EuroChallenge: 11 games: 12.0ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 60.6%, FT: 70.6%; German League: 37 games: 14.8ppg, Reb-4(7.3rpg), 1.4apg, FGP: 57.3%, FT: 75.4%

The team also brought back Jared Jordan who is a 28 year old 188cm point guard from Hartford that understands how to run a team. Has great court vision and leadership. He played at Marist from 2003-2007 and finished his last two seasons as the top assist man in the NCAA with 8,5a nd 8,7apg. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round in 2007. He never played in the NBA, but was always very close as he visited training camps with The New York Knicks in 2007 and New Orleans Hornets in 2008. Before coming to Bonn in 2009, he played for top team Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania-LKL) and had a stint in the D-league for Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League): 36 games: 10.9ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-2(9.0apg), 2.0spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 70.3%. In his first season with Bonn, he played EuroCup: 5 games: 6.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.4apg, FGP: 37.9%, 3PT: 10.5%, FT: 80.0%; German League: 37 games: 9.0ppg, 4.2rpg, Assists-4(5.3apg), FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 76.8%. In 2010-2011, he played for VAP Kolossos Rodou (Greece-A1, starting five): 27 games: 6.3ppg, 2.6rpg, Assists-1(5.5apg), FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 23.2%, FT: 56.0%. Last season for Bonn, he played German League: 36 games: 10.7ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-1(8.2apg), 1.0spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 81.4%; EuroChallenge: 12 games: 10.6ppg, 4.6rpg, Assists-1(8.8apg), FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 55.6%. The team also returns Benas Veikalas for a second season as he is a 29 year old 192cm guard from Lituvania. He got experience playing for Metropolitan St. (NCAA2). He then came back to Europe and played for  Nevezis Kedainiai (LKL) and two seasons for BK Prostejov (Czech Rep) before coming to Bonn last season. Last season for Bonn, he played German League: 35 games: 13.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT-3(88.5%); EuroChallenge: 9 games: 11.3ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT-3(93.3%).

The team also returns three Germans. The team also brought back 25 year old 190cm Andrej Magold, who might get his first real chance in Bonn. He has bounced around German yin the last years playing  regionalliga basketball with Hannover and TB Oldenburg and then playing second division ball with FC Bayern Munich from 2007-2009. In 2009-2010, he played for UBC Hannover Tigers (ProA, starting five): 25 games: 8.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 69.1%. last season, he played for the Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (1.Bundesliga): 26 games: 0.5ppg; also a license to play for SC Rasta Vechta (ProB): 2 games: 1.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg. Last season, he played  EuroChallenge: 12 games: 1.8ppg; German League: 37 games: 3.1ppg, 1.3rpg. The team also return Fabian Thulig who is a 23 year old 196cm forward who has been with the club since 2006. He made his debut in the Beko BBL in 2008 at age 18. He has been brought along slowly, but has been developing well. In 2010-2011, he played 26 games Beko BBL games averaging 2.8ppg, 1.5rpg; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 4.5ppg; also played at Dragons Rhoendorf (ProA)15 games: 9.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 78.0%. Last season, he played EuroChallenge: 12 games: 4.4ppg, 1.5rpg; German League: 30 games: 1.2ppg Jonas Wolfarth-Botterman is a 21 year old 207cm center that has been with the club since 2007. In 2010-2011played 4 Beko BBL games averaging 1.5ppg, 1.8rpg; also have a license to play at Dragons Rhoendorf (ProA) playing 29 games: 12.8ppg, 7.9rpg, Blocks-1(2.1bpg), FGP: 54.9%, 3PT-1(50.0%), FT: 44.9%. Last season, he played EuroChallenge: 5 games: 2.0ppg, 1.0rpg; German League: 20

The team also brought in Robert Vaden is a 27 year old 196cm swingman from Indianapolis that is an great offensive player, who can read screens, find an open shot for himself and serve the open teammate. Shoots well from outside and can become deadly from behind the European 3pts arch. Also, even being not so athletic, he’s really strong and knows how to defend, even on taller opponents. He played together with Ewing at Indiana from 2004-2006 before transferring to the Univeristy of Alabama at Birmingham where he played until 2009. In 2009, he was drafted by the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA,2rd(54). In 2009-2010, he started his professional basketball career for Aget Imola (Lega2, starting five): 29 games: 16.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 75.4%. In 2001-2011, he played for the Tulsa 66ers (D-League, starting five): 48 games: 11.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 75.0%, in Apr.’11 moved to Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA), the same day assigned to Tulsa 66ers (D-League, starting five). Last season, he played for BK SPU Bemaco Nitra (Slovakia-Extraliga): EuroChallenge: 6 games: 16.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 75.0%; 18 games: 17.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 84.2% , in Dec.’11 moved to Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), in Jan.’12 joined Tulsa 66ers (D-League, starting five): 36 games: 12.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 44.6%, FT: 78.6%. Kyle Weems is a 23 year old 198cm power forward from Topeka, Kansas that is a Beko BBL rookie. He played at Missouri State from 2007-2012 and in his senior year played 31 games: 15.4ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 78.0%. He played a total of 134 NCAA games. This past summer, he played nBA Summer league for the Warriors and Raptors. 26 year old 188cm guard German guard David Mccray is playing his firsts eason in Bonn. He already made his debut in the BBL as an 18 year old in 2004 with BG Karlsruhe where he played until 2007. He is very athletic that can put the ball in the hoop. He is tough to stop on one on one defense and he is secretly the teams energizer and coach on the court. He can be very efficient on the court as he showed in 2009-2010 as he  scored 13 points in 15 minutes against Bamberg and 11 points in 12 minutes against Ratiopharm Ulm. In 2009-2010, he played 33 games: 5.0ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 65.0%. In 2010-2011, he played 34 games: 5.7ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 64.2%. Last season, he played 32 games: 2.4ppg, 1.2rpg.

Martin Ides is a 33 year old 217cm head coach and has the German and Czech Republic citizenship that is coaching NBC. He played at Davidson(NCAA) from 1998-2002. He then started his professional basketball career for BK GA Nymburk. He then got valuable experience playing in countries like France, Sweden, Spain, Poland and Greece before coming to Germany in 2008 where he played for the Mitteldeutscher BC (Germany-ProA, starting five): 29 games: 8.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 46.7%, FT: 79.2%. He finished his basketball career for NBC playing there from 2009-2012 playing a total of 81 games. NBC is leading the playoff  series against the Duesseldorf Baskets 2-1 and he spoke with German Hoops before game four in Nurnberg.

Congrats on the 76-70 win in game 3 against the Duesseldorf Baskets. It has been an extremly hard fought series. How fortunate can you say is the team leading 2-1 in games?

YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, MILES. VERY TOUGH AND PHYSICAL SERIES. BUT THAT IS THE WAY PLAYOFFS SHOULD BE. WE CAME INTO THE SERIES AS AN UNDERDOG AND WE RESPECT DUSSELDORFS ROSTER QUALITY. ON THE OTHER HAND WE DIDN’T REACH THE PLAYOFFS TO BE HAPPY WITH ONE WIN. WE WANT TO WIN THIS SERIES AND IN ORDER TO DO THAT WE HAD TO WIN A GAME AWAY FROM NURNBERG.

How difficult was the bus ride after the game one loss? You seemed in good spirits after the loss. It seems that the better rebounding in this series has been key for NBC?

WE LOST, BUT I FEEL LIKE LATELY WE HAVE BEEN A TEAM THAT LEARNS FROM ITS MISTAKES. WE CAME BACK FROM BEING DOWN 21 POINTS IN THE 1ST HALF. THE TEAM SHOWED ITS WILL AND DESIRE TO FIGHT AND LAY EVERYTHING ON THE LINE. I THINK IT SHOWED US A WAY FOR THE UPCOMING GAMES. THE REBOUNDING IS HUGE FOR US, BECAUSE DUSSELDORF STRENGTH UNDER THE BASKET IS ABSOLUTELY THE BEST IN THE PRO A. BUT WE ARE PLAYING WITH AMAZING AMOUNT OF HEART AND WE ARE NOT AFRAID TO LAY OUR BODY ON THE LINE AND GET HIT.

NBC was traling 53-50 after three quarters, but poured in 26 points in the fourth quarter. What was key for getting the win in game three?

WE WENT BACK TO OUR GAME PLAN THAT WORKED IN THE FIRST QUARTER, PLAYED TOGETHER, MOVED THE BALL AND IMPROVED OUR SHOT SELECTION.

Zamal Nixon has been contained pretty well in this series. How important has been the emergence of Nikita Khartchenkov in the last two games?

The fact that Zamal is not scoring his usual amount of points does not mean he is contained. He does a great job of using his physical ability to get other guys on our team shots when the defense concentrates on him. Nikita’s outside shooting has been a huge part of our game plan. He does not miss when he is open.

Mr triple double Ahmad Smith had big man stats in game three with 21 points and 10 rebounds. How important has been his help under the boards. The game might have turned out differently without his services in game three?

OUR BIG GUYS ARE DOING A GREAT JOB CONTAINING DUSSELDORFS INSIDE PRESENCE, BUT WE TALKED ABOUT HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO REBOUND WITH 5 PLAYERS ON THE DEFENSIVE GLASS. AHMAD IS THE BEST REBOUNDING GUARD IN THE LEAGUE AND WE MUST  HAVE HIS AND OTHER GUARDS REBOUNDING TO BE SUCCESSFULL IN THIS SERIES.

NBC can wrap up the series in game four Friday at home. Both teams know each other in and out now. What is key in a game like this where it is do or die for Duesseldorf. Is heart and effort the biggest keys?

WE HAVE SHOWED WE HAVE A HUGE HEART, WE PLAY WITH EFFORT AND IF WE PLAY DISCIPLINED I LIKE OUR CHANCES.

How much fun has it been battling head coach Murat Didin? You as a rookie coach have seen all kinds of coaches in the PRO A. Do you sometimes gather tricks form more experienced coaches?

OF COURSE. EVERY GAME IS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR ME. I DON’T THINK I CAN BECOME A GOOD COACH WITHOUT IT.

You are from Ostrava. Did you ever get any tips from Kamil Novak on the court when he visited home back in the day?

I WAS FORTUNATE TO PLAY TOGETHER WITH KAMIL FOR THE CZECH NATIONAL TEAM AT THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP IN FRANCE IN 1999. I WAS A ROOKIE AND TRIED TO LEARN ALL POSSIBLE FROM HIM AND REST OF THE TEAM. IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE PLAYING AGAINST GUYS LIKE SABONIS, KUKOC, NOWITZKI.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

TO BE HONEST I DON’T EVEN REMEMBER THE LAST DVD I SAW. NOT MUCH TIME THESE DAYS.

Thanks Martin for the chat.

 

Jacob Burtschi is a 28 year old 198cm forward from Chickasha, Oklahoma who is playing his first season with the Bremerhaven Eisbaeren. He played as a rookie for Phoenix Hagen in 2010-2011 averaging 14.2ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-3(1.5spg), FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 82.2%. He played at the Air Force from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 35 games averaging 13.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3Pts: 39.0%, FT: 77.3%. He had offers to play in the NBA, but served in the Air Force the last three years and could only play club ball. Some achievements that he got in the NCAA were  All-MWC Honorable Mention -05, MWC Regular Season Runner-Up -06, All-MWC 2nd Team -06, 07, NABC All-NCAA District 13 2nd Team -07, and NIT Final Four -07. Last season he played for  CAI Zaragoza (Spain-ACB, starting five): 9 games: 2.6ppg, 2.4rpg; left in Nov.’11, in Dec.’11 moved to Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-BBL): German League: 22 games: 8.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 87.5%; EuroCup: 2 games: 5.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0spg. He spoke to German Hoops after the 63-53 loss in Wurzburg.

 

 

 

How clear was the humiliating loss against Wurzburg at home earlier in the season in your mind?

 

It wasn´t so much on my mind. We had to leave that experience behind us. Each game starts at 0-0 and doesn´t start from the end of that game.

 

How big was the revenge factor in this game against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg?

 

We had revenge and wanted to get back at them. This is a tough place to play with the atmosphere and their fans.

 

How sad were you that you couldn´t play against your ex teammate Jimmy Mckinney?

 

It sucked. I wanted to give him a hard time on the court. I talked to him a bit before the game. I hope that he continues to have a good recovery.

 

How would win a modeling contest at Xuits in Frankfurt Jimmy Mckinney or you?

 

I would win hands down. Jimmy would come in a distant second. I am way better looking than him. Lol

What was key for losing 63-53 in Wurzburg?

 

We did a good job letting up just 63 points, but we gave up too many offensive rebounds and easy points.

A lot of bodies were hitting the ground in the first quarter. Was the court slippery?

 

Yes the floor seemed a bit slick. We wet our shoes a bit. Sometimes when people walk on the floor not wearing basketball shoes, dust tends to come on the floor resulting in the court being slippery.

 

You are known for diving on the floor. You saved a ball from going out in the first quarter. What NBA player did you always like to watch who was known for diving for balls?

 

I liked watching Shane Battier of the Miami Heat. He isn´t a fancy player, but he dives all over the court.

 

At halftime Wurzburg had the 36-28 lead. I noticed that German Anthony Canty had a tough time bringing the ball up and many players had to help. Did this effect the game of Bremerhaven?

 

Canty did a good job bringing the ball for a guy with little experience. It was tough for him to come into a game where he had to play a lot and then play against that excellent full court press, but he did a great job.

 

Right before halftime, Canty nailed a tough three point buzzer beater. Did you know the ball was going in?

 

When he fell back double clutching, I knew it would hit the glass, but didn´t know that it would go in.

 

You once had a hard battle with Jason Boone inside. Is he more like a steam roller or tank?

 

He is more like a tank. He just moves his body into you and just does what he wants with you. I just tried to hold my own with him.

 

After the Eisbaeren cut the Wurzburg lead to 36-33, they exploded on a 14-2 run. What was key for the run?

 

I thought that we did a good job after they led by 16 to get the lead back down to single digits. They played very good defense and we had defensive break downs leading to that big run.

 

In the fourth quarter Bremerhaven made one more run cutting the Wurzburg lead to 61-53, but Wurzburg clamped down to win. What was key for them closing out game?

 

We just ran out of time. In our last come back, we were more focused on loose balls and rebounds. If we had played more like that earlier in the quarter then we would have better chance to win.

 

Were you surprised that Louisville won the 2013 NCAA tournament?

 

No I wasn´t because I picked them to win. I love how Louisville play defense. I also love Rick Pitino. He is a great coach. I picked then from the start to win it all.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Shooter with Mark Wahlberg.

 

Thanks Jacob for the chat.

 

 

With The Beko BBL regular season winding down teams are battling and jockeying for positions as the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven traveled to Wurzburg for a rare Wednesday evening clash with the Bavarian club fighting for that last playoff place while the Eisbaeren looking for that secure spot in the standings not in danger of reaching position 17. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven still had to settle a sour score from the humiliating 70-55 loss earlier in the season at home to Wurzburg where the Bavarian team had  a great defensive showcase dismantling the Eisbaeren offense to 30% shooting from the field and 18% from the parking lot while holding Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi to one point and playmaker Stanley Burrell to one assist. Bremerhaven was looking for their second win in a row after celebrating  a big win at home against Tuebingen, but once again were able to produce very little offense losing 63-53 falling to 13^th place in the standings. Despite scoring only 53 points, one has too mention that they were without starting point guard Stanley Burrell who wa sill and didn´t make the trip and American Terrell Everett who was injured. Wurzburg controlled the game and despite a few runs by Bremerhaven in their comeback were able to shut the door in the fourth quarter , but couldn´t make any ground on Phoenix Hagen who beat the Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg. “We can´t make any excuses that we lost because Burrell and Everett couldn´t play. You have to do the best that you can with what you have. Wurzburg played very good defense and forced us too many turnovers and we missed many open shots. We ahd too work for every shot. They were simply better than we were tonight”, stressed Eisbaeren Bremerhaven American Keith Waleskowski. The win against Bremerhaven was more than important and a duty as they have tough games coming up against Bamberg and Ulm. “After two loses, we had to find our rhythm again. WE woke up in the third quarter and we finally understood that every game counts now. Burrell didn´t play, but they had good guards and Canty hit some big shots. Our defense held them too 53 points. We knew that if we continued to pressure them that they would get tired”, stated Wurzburg American Frank Robinson.

Despite Easter vacation being over, the game being in midweek and FC Bayern Munich playing Champions league, the s.Oliver arena was sold out as 3,140 person filled the stands. Anthony Canty got Bremerhaven on the board first hitting a three pointer after Jacob Burtschi did  a good job finding him out of the double team. However the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg weren´t impressed as John Mr pit bull Little brought back memories to the 2012 playoff series against Alba Berlin where he suddenly was a vicious scoring threat as he hit two three pointers early in the first quarter giving Wurzburg their first lead 8-7 after German national player Philipp Zwiener had scored inside. Wurzburg was a little sloppy in the first minutes on offense, but slowly found their groove. Philadelphia native Dwayne Anderson scored on a dunk after getting an extra pass from Chris Mcnaughton as Wurzburg led 10-7. Bremerhaven then executed on a perfect fast break as Scott Morrison grabbed the rebound fed Zwiener on the outlet pass and he found Stefon Jackosn for the easy lay up. Morrison ten scored inside giving Bremerhaven the 11-10 lead. However Wurzburg closed out the first quarter with a 7-1 run to lead 17-12. Little hit a jumper, Anderson dunked again and ex Ludwigsburg American Frank Robinson dropped a three pointer. Wurzburg was shooting very well at 47% from the field and 50% from outside while Bremerhaven was struggling shooting 33% from the field and 20% from outside. Wurzburg had the 8-6 rebound edge, but both teams had six turnovers a piece.

The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg kept control of the game in the second quarter despite the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven fighting in their come back effort. Wurzburg got out of the gate fast in the second quarter going on a mini 4-0 run as Jason Boone and Frank Robinson scored inside as they led 21-12. Wurzburg was having problems bringing the ball ahead and many of the guards had to help as Wurzburg as making life very difficult for Canty. “I had never heard of Canty, but he did a pretty good job against our press. I was surprised how confident he was”, said Frank Robinson. “Canty was in a tough situation . Their defense cost us much energy with bringing the ball forward. Sometimes when we did a good job bringing the ball forward, we then had problems in our set offense getting a good shot. He hasn´t seen many minutes this season, but he did a good job handling the ball and hit some big shots. It was a good experience for him and he had a chance to grow up as a player”, stressed Keith Waleskowski. Burtschi then hit a big three pointer as Bremerhaven trailed 21-16. Breemrhaven was defending pretty well, which was keeping them in the game, but at times Wurzburg was able tos core easily as Chris Mcnaughton wa sin his own world down low finding his timing quick and sinking a hook shot and Mike Lenzly who had been very quiet in the game nailed a three pointer as Wurzburg had their biggest lead of the game at 26-16. The Eisbaeren kept scraping away and all of a sudden lept out on a 9-3 run to cut the Wurzburg lead to 29-25. Zwiener and Mcnaughton traded put backs down low and Jackson then connected on a three pointer. Andrew Drevo then hit two free throws. Wurzburg closed out the second quarter strong with a 7-3 run as Lamont Mcintosh nailed a jumper over Drevo. Lenzly scored inside and Alex King executed on a three pointer via the soft touch rainbow. Bremerhaven was very fortunate that Canty hit a buzzer beater double clutch three pointer that found kind help form the back board as Wurzburg led 36-28. Wurzburg was shooting 54% from the field and 42% from the three point line while Bremerhaven was shooting 31% from the field and 33% from the three point line.

The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven came out of the locker room focused going on a 5-0 run to cut the Wurzburg lead to 36-33. Canty scored on a pretty floater and Burtschi connected on a jumper from the corner. Wurzburg then went on a 6-0 run to extend their lead to 42-33 as Frank AIR Robinson made consecutive dunks with one being more spectacular than the other. Dwayne Anderson found Robinson on the first dunk with a perfect ally-op pass and on the second dunk Robinson who hails from  Compton, California took flight it seems in Compton and landed in Long Beach dunking over a helpless Philipp Zwiener. “I told Dwayne Anderson that that was my best game dunk ever. When I attack the rim I don’t plan. This was a perfect chance to wake up the team”, stressed Frank Robinson. The dunk really did spark Wurzburg as they went on a 9-0 run after Morrison scored inside extending their lead to 51-35. Lamont Mcintosh was a menace in this run on offense and defense as he hit two jumpers, but also chased Jackson on the fast break blocking his lay up attempt form behind. Bremerhaven was fortunate to cut down the lead a bit ending the third quarter with a 5-0 run as German Jusuf El Domiaty hit a three pointer and Jackson nailed free throws as Bremerhaven trailed 51-42 after three quarters.

With 10 minutes to play, it didn´t help the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven with coming back letting the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg cruise out on a 9-0 run to extend their lead to 60-42. Dwayne Anderson scored all nine points in the run hitting two three pointers making a perfect impression of his injured teammate Jimmy Mckinney who is usually parked in the corner having those hands  ready for the quick release. Anderson also gave Robinson a rest slamming home a dunk. Bremerhaven had one last gasp going on a 7-0 run to cut the Wurzburg lead to 61-53 with two minutes to play. Zwiener hit a runner and three pointer and Drevo connected on a runner. However Wurzburg clamped down at the end not allowing any more Eisbaeren to score and Robinson and Anderson nailed free throws sealing the 63-53 win. “They made a run, but all teams make runs. We made many stops. Mcintosh played very well in the second half. I have known him for years, but he surprises me in every game. He is our Jason Terry”,

added Frank Robinson. “We went on a run and even though they missed free throws, we couldn´t capitalize on it. When we needed big baskets, we made turnovers or missed shots. That was the story of our night”, added Keith Waleskowski. The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg were led by Dwayne Anderson with 12 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Frank Robinson also chipped in with 12 points. John Little contributed 10 points. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were led by Philipp Zwiener with 12 points and seven rebounds.