Max Merz is a 19 year old 183cm guard that was born in Regensburg. He started his basketball career at MTV Kronberg. He has been playing for the Fraport Skyliners juniors since 2011. Last season in the PRO B, he played  10 games: 6.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 31.0%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 53.8%, also had a license for Eintracht Frankfurt (2.Regionalliga) and plays NBBL where he led the team into the playoffs and leads the team in scoring. He has been a member of the U-16 and U-17 German national teams. He took part at the European Championships U16 in Bar (Montenegro) -10: 8 games: 2.9ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.1apg, 1.4spg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball recently.

The Fraport Skyliners  are on a good way to reach the playoffs. How realistic do you see the chances?

I see it as very realistic. If we keep playing the way we have in last weeks, then we could.

How difficult is it to play sometimes with Konstantin Klein, Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann and sometimes not?

There aren´t really any problems. When they are with us, they help us very much. With them on the court, we are one of the best teams in the PRO B. When we don´t have them, then we really see the differences. When  we don´t have them, we just try to make the best of it. We are happy when they are playing and just make the best of the situation when they aren´t with us.

How does your role change when they aren´t there?

When they are there, I am the 6-7 man off the bench and when they aren´t there, I am with Falko on the guard position. I have more responsibility and can score more.

How happy are you with your development in the PRO B?

I am happy with it and it is moving along good.

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

I can work on many things like being more calm on the court on offense, reading the game better, shooting off the dribble and on defense.

Konstantin Klein once said he thinks that someday you could be a solid Beko BBL player. Is that your dream?

I think it is the dream of any player. But I am not thinking about that now, just trying to establish myself in the PRO B. If I make it one day then I would be very happy.

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

My defense gets overlooked. One doesn´t read about it in the stats.

I like your eye for your teammates. Who is your favorite passer in NBA?

Rajon Rondo is the best passer.

What is the most important thing that you have learned from Eric Detlev?

I worked a lot with him last summer. He helped me a lot on defense especially how to defend well against bigger players as well as reading the play on the pick and role.

What is the most important thing that Konstantin Klein has given you?

Just to practice, practice practice and believe in your goal.

Who was the best player that you played against in the NBBL 2013 Allstar game?

The MVP Kenneth Ogbe. He was very versatile that bring the ball or score. David Taylor also was tough.

Who were your basketball idols as a kid?

I liked Ben Wallace because of his good defense and Kobe Bryant.

You played a season in the states at Rabun Gap high school. That sounds like a mix of temple and designer store. Did you ever ask where the name came from?

It is the name of the small town in Georgia in the hills named after by Indians.

What did you learn in the states that amazed you?

I found that the people are very friendly there different than in Germany. They are always trying to help you.

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

46.

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

I made a hook shot over two players from the three point line.

Who wins a one on one you or Konstantin Klein.

He still wins, but I would win maybe twice in 10 tries.

What do you like most about your teammate NikolaJ Vukovic?

I know him since many years. He is a very good friend of mine. I can´t even list all the good things about him.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Jungle.

Thanks Max for the chat.

Miro Todic is a 28 year old 205cm forward from Serbia that just joined  Khimik-OPZ Yuzny (Ukraine-Superleague) after playing for  LeGamberi Foods Forli (Italy-Lega2) where he averaged 15,8ppg and 9,9rpg. He started his basketball career at Radnik Bijeljina. In 2003-2004 he played for  Krka Novo Mesto (Slovenia-1A), then joined Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia). H ethen played three seasons for the Deutsche Bank Sklyiners from 2004-2007 reaching the Beko BBL final in 2005. He then played for  AO Kolossos Rodou (Greece-A1) from 2007-2009. In 2009-2010 he played for  Gymnastikos Olympia Larissas (Greece-A1): 12 games: 4.9ppg, 2.5rpg; in Feb.’10 moved to Sundsvall Dragons (Sweden-Basketligan, starting five): 8 games: 15.1ppg, 8.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 45.7%, FT: 61.3%. In 2010-2011, he played for Achilleas Kaimakliou (Cyprus-Division A): 2 games: 0pts, 3.0rpg, in Nov.’10 moved to Ilysiakos Athens (Greece-A1): 24 games: 6.4ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 21.6%, FT: 54.9%. Last season he played for  Ilysiakos Athens (Greece-A1, starting five): 11 games: 10.6ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 55.9%; left in Jan.’12, later that month moved to Politekhnika-Halychyna (Ukraine-Superleague, starting five): 17 games: 13.2ppg, 7.4rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 67.6%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurochallenge game against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg.

Tonight a big Eurochallenge game in Oldenburg. How excited are to be in Germany again?

I am very excited. I miss Germany very much. I love Germany. This is a big game tonight and I hope that we can do well.

How do you see your chances against Oldenburg?

They are a real good team with very good Americans and Germans. They are very strong at all positions. I remember playing against Adam Chubb and Ronald Burrell. They also have very good guards with Julius Jenkins and Rickey Paulding and the kid Chris Kramer is a very good player. Each player always gives the maximum and we will have to be ready.

What will be the first thing that you will ask Dominik Bahiense De Mello when you see him on the court tonight?

I already spoke to him at morning shoot around. The first thing we did was smile at each other. It was so nice seeing him again. We talked about our days in Frankfurt. We were so young then. My time in Frankfurt was one of my best years. It was so much fun playing with the Skyliners.

What do you remember from Malick Badiane kicking the chair in Oldenburg in 2005?

I remember that a little, but don´t really remember what happened. It didn´t surprise me that he did that. When things aren´t going well, then players tend to get emotional. These kind of outbursts can always happen in sport. Malick was a very good guy.

How will you beat the unbeaten EWE Baskets Oldenburg in the Eurochallenge tonight?

We have to stop their Americans and transition game. They have good shooters and inside presence. We will have to give a full team effort to win.

What is your role in the team?

They brought me in, because they want to secure the third position in the league and go as far as possible in Eurochallenge. They want to have a deeper rotation than before.

Why did you leave Italy a week ago?

I had problems with getting the payments, so I searched the market and got offers in Italy division one and from Yunzy and they gave me an offer I couldn´t pass up.

How has your game developed since Frankfurt?

I was a kid in Frankfurt in the years 18-21. I got a lot of experience playing many years in Greece. I got stronger physically as a player and has helped my game on offense and defense.

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

I am a versatile player. The coach can use me in so many different situations like spreading the defense or letting me work in the post. It always depends how they guard me how I will be used.

How did Nino Garris get you to laugh?

Just seeing his face and reaction always got me to laugh. It was so much going to practice when I was a Skyliner.

Have you ever seen a better shooter than Jimmy Mckinney?

Jimmy was a rookie when I played with him and has developed since then. But I have seen many great shooters in Greece and Italy over the years.

How lucky have you been to have had Mike Kalavros as coach so many years?

It has been very important for my career having him. He has taught me so much. He really has helped change my game over the years.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Vitaly Kovalenko?

Well I have only been here one week so we haven´t played yet.

What do you miss most from Germany?

I miss all the food, people and life. Germany is so organized and it is the best country that I have lived in.

How often did Murat Didin eat Kebap each day?

I don´t know since I didn´t see him eat it, but maybe a lot. I just have good memories of coach. He was a good coach. Frankfurt was one of the best times for me.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

American Gangstar. I have seen it 5 times.

Thanks Miro for the chat.

Jason Boucher is a 32 year old 180cm guard from Menominee, Michigan that is playing his seventh professional basketball season in Germany and second with the Desden Titans in the Pro B. He started his basketball career in 1998 for  Grand Valley State (NCAA2) where he played until 2002. He played a total of 106 NCAA 2 games and as a senior played  28 games: 8.6ppg, 2.8rpg, 5.3apg, 2.4spg, FG: 40.4%, 3Pts: 39.8%, FT: 81.9%. He came to Germany in 2004-2005 and played for  TB Weiden (Germany-Regionalliga). From 2005-2007, he played in the minor leagues in the States for Grand Rapids Flight (IBL), Michigan Mayhem (CBA), Battle Creek Knights (IBL) and  Albany Patroons (CBA). In 2007-2008, he returned back to Germany to play for the Coocoon Baskets Weiden. From 2008-2010, he played for Heimerer Schulen Basket Landsberg (Germany-Regionalliga) where he tore up the league averaging 28,0ppg in those two seasons. In 2010-2011, he played for the  BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProB) playing 17 games averaging 15.6ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 60.7%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 84.5%. He spoke to German Hoops after the

How is the team approaching the playdowns?

We are approaching every game in the playdowns as its win or go home (down). We still practicing and working hard everyday in practice. Its not what we had hoped for this season as we wanted to be in the playoffs but we are gonna do our best to win these playdown games and stay in the Pro b.

You had a solid season with Gotha two seasons ago and this season as well. Are you hoping for Pro A offers this summer at age 32?

Yeah that would be nice as every competitive player wants to move up leagues. I know I’m not getting any younger, but I feel good and know I can play at that the Pro A level. If that opportunity comes then great if not I will play with what ever team wants me!

Are you a bit disappointed that after many good seasons that you haven´t got the call to the Pro A?

Dissapointed a little bit yeah, but I know its a business and teams are a little hesitant to take an older player over a young talent out of college. But my resume I think speaks volumes and would love to get the chance if the opportunity comes!

You tore up the German Regionaliga from 2007-2010. How difficult was it making that next step to the Pro B?

For me I approach ever season the same and play the game with passion. It wasnt difficult at all, I have prepared myself for any league. I have played in top leagues in the states(besides the NBA) and I can adapt my game to where ever im playing.

Guys like Josh Young and Jason Boone made the jump from Pro B and Regionaliga. Has to do more with talent, luck or connections?

Well I mean of course you have to be talented and know the game of basketball to play in higher leagues but with that being said I think it has a lot to do with connections and being in the right place at the right time.

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

I am a very smart basketball player and know the game inside and out. Like I said before I can adapt to any situation my team needs me too. If they need me to score I can score, if they want me to control the game and be a playmaker I can do that also. I have always been told I am too small to make it or to play at the levels I have played at. My hard work and determination has shown differently

How easy has it been working with coach Thomas Krzywinski who is near the same age as you?

Coach and I have had a pretty good relationship since I have been here in Dresden. He knows the game pretty well and puts in countless amount of hours to get us ready and prepared. He is considered a young coach at his age but to me it doesnt matter the age of the coach, its his team and we all have to respect that.

You tore up the Regionaliga with Landsberg. What are your fondest memories with that team?

My years in Landsberg were great, a lot of great memories there too many to mention them all. Our team was really close on and off the court and just the friendships and bonds I made with those guys is something I will never forget!

Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA 2 with Grand valley that might be in the NBA now?

The best player I played against in college? hmm its been a while 10-12yrs ago haha. I really cant pick one out at the moment but I have played against a lot of NBA guys in other leagues.

Why do so many good players come from Michigan?

That’s  a good question, there are a lot of good players from everywhere in the states. I am not sure why Michigan produces a lot of good players, maybe its because there is not a lot of things to do in Michigan so all we do is play sports, haha

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Bjoern Blossey?

I actually have never played Bjorn one on one, but I think he and I both know the answer to that  SYF Bjorn

Andrew Jones has had a solid season. Isn´t he on eof those players that could also reach the Pro A?

Drew has had a really solid season for us. He is one of those players in my mind that should get a chance to show what he can do in a higher league. Him and I have had to switch our games up a little bit this season for the better of the team and I think we did a good job of working together this season. Not only is he a good player, but he is an even better teammate and person!

What do you like most about Dresden? It is seen as a big city in Germany, but seldom have I seen such a small city center.

To me Dresden is a huge city 500,000 people I think and I come from a town of 10,000 haha. I really like people here and there is a lot to do and see here. Our fans are great as well, they stick by us no matter how the season is going and those are true fans!

Lebron or Kobe?

LEBRON JAMES, best player on the planet hands down in my opinion.

Who would win a slam dunk contest Lebron or Blake Griffin?

No props or anything I would have to say Lebron, I know all u guys been seeing those dunks in warm up lately from him, haha

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Chris Herron story, Espn 30 for 30, great story and a must watch.

Thanks Jason for the chat.

In the last game of the regular season of the PRO B south, the Dresden Titans visited the Fraport Skyliners as it was a more or less a meaningless game for both as the Saxony team already had a birth in the play downs while the Frankfurt club had already secured a date in the playoffs and the Titans were able to be only the second team in the league together with Weissenhorn to sweep the season series with a solid 88-80 victory. After a very tight first half, the Dresden Titans gave the green light to Andrew Jones who accepted and after netting eight points in the first halft totally crushed the Fraport Skyliners like ripe Grape fruit pouring in 30 points in the second half to stifle the Fraport Skyliners as they had absolutely no cure of how to stop the 29 American that was scoring from everywhere as if he had been put in a microwave. “We finally played some defense which hasn´t always been the case this season. The game was back and fourth in the first half and we had way too many turnovers. In the second half it was the Andrew Jones show who carried us and we did a good job getting him shots”, stressed Dresden Titans captain Jason Boucher. The Fraport Skyliners were without out their three German license players Konstantin Klein, Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann and Larry Wright who is with the Beko BBL team Skyliners until the end of the season, but despite being very undermanned, the club gave a very spirited effort never giving up. “I thought that despite missing many players, we played very well for the guys we had. I saw some good things on offense, but we lost the game on defense. We had problems with our one on one and help defense. I think that if we could of made more stops on defesne at the end, then the game could of gone down to the wire”, expressed American Taylor Brown.

Ex ratiopharm Ulm forward Alexander Heide who palyed four Beko BBL games in the 2007-2008 season hit a fade away jumper, but Nikolai Vukovic got going eraly testing his 48% three point shooting with a bomb and 3-2 frankfurt lead. Dresden Titans center Jared Bensen also got into groove fast making a turn around jumper and testing his 43% shooting form the parking lot as Frankfurt trailed 7-3. After a Falko Thelig free throw, Bensen took advantage of little help defense scoring inside as Dresden led 9-4. However the Fraport Skyliners juniors were on their game early as Vukovic hit his second three pointer of the game and Jan Novak iced two free throws dead locking the game at 9-9. However Dresden then jumped out on a lightening 8-0 run to lead 17-10 as young 19 year old German Daniel Pollrich and American Andrew Jones nailed three pointers and Patrick Ruelke scored inside. After a Tim Oldenburg and Falko Thelig free throws, Brown scored again inside cutting the Dresden lead to 17-15. Dresden closed out the first quarter with a mini 4-0 run as they continued to take advantage of the Frankfurt weak inside defense and Thomas Lienhard and Robert Zobel scored. Dresden led 21-15 after one quarter. “Both teams were still getting a feel for each other and we did a better job adapting to them than they did to us”, stressed Dresden guard Jason Boucher. Dresden was shooting very hot 75% from the two point range and 60% from outside while Frankfurt was shooting poorly at 13% from the two point range and 29% from outside. Dresden had the 11-5 rebound edge, but seven turnovers while Frankfurt had two turnovers only.

The game remained tight in the second quarter as no team led by more than six points. Taylor Brown got Frankfurt on the board first with a fade away jumper, but Jones responded with an easy lay in after he glided into the zone like a mal nourished golden bear from Miles(NCAA). German Benedikt Nikolay then dropped a much needed three pointer to cut the Dresden lead to 23-20. Boucher and Max Merz then traded three pointers and Brown scored again inside as Dresden led only 26-25. After a Ruelke jumper, it was Brown that hit a jumper after getting a fancy behind the back pass from Max Merz as Frankfurt trailed 28-27. After Boucher nailed a three pointer, the FRaport Skyliners stormed back as Max Merz found the hole and penetrated with his usual quickness finishing with a finger tip roll and Vukovic tied the game with another three point bomb 33-33. Boucher then made a steam and scored while Novak scored and Brown made a free throw and Frankfurt led 36-35. Dresden then escaped out on a 5-0 run as Ruelke and Jones scored, but Brown closed out the scoring in the second quarter as the Dresden Titans led 40-38. “We had a hard time on the boards as they rebounded better. Brown was very aggressive and they were always crashing the boards”, added Jason Boucher. Frankfurt was shooting 50% from the two point range and 31% from the three point line, while Dresden was shooting 63% from the two point range 63% and 38% from the three point line. Frankfurt rebounded a lot better as it was 16-16 on the boards and Dresden had eight turnovers and Frankfurt only four turnovers.

The third quarter stayed tight until the end where the Dresden Titans could break away. Jones started the third quarter with scoring a pull up jumper, but Brown also was on his game as he scored being set up nicely by German Falko Thelig as Frankfurt trailed 43-41. After Heide made free throws, it was Brown again who this time scored shortly before the shot clock sounded as Dresden still led 45-43. The scoring makeup of the third quarter seemed more like a Jones-Brown show as both guys were keeping their respective teams close. After Jones made a steal and went coast to coast scoring where he really looked like a man weaving in and out of kids, it was Brown again keeping his part making a dunk as Dresden led 48-46, but then it was Jones again hitting a jumper as nobody could keep him in check. Next it wasn´t Brown again, but  ales likely player in German Lennant Okeke who is an NBBL player for Eintracht Frankfurt was left open in the corner and drooped a beautiful three pointer in best Jimmy Mckinney manner as Dresden led 50-49, but the next time down it was Jones again nailing a three pointer as Frankfurt trailed 53-49. After an Oldenburg lay in and Brown free throw where Frankfurt trailed 53-52, the game turned as Andrew Jones where there was once a baseball player under the same name that could turn games around with his hot hitting, the basketball player took Dresden on a back crushing 9-1 run scoring all points scoring a three pointer and three lay ins as Frankfurt trailed62-53. Jason Boucher closed out the third quarter with a bitter three pointer at the buzzer as the Dresden Titans led 67-55. “We gave Andrew Jones the green light and he was hot. Sometimes its him and sometimes its me. If he is feeling it then I run the point and sometimes when I am feeling it he runs the point. We did a good job getting him the ball”, added Jason Boucher. The Dresden Titans were shooting 63% from the two point range and 44% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 50% from the two point range and 36% from the parking lot. Frankfurt was leading the rebound duel 23-21 and both teams coughed up the ball  12 times.

The Fraport Skyliners open up the fourth quarter with a quick 5-0 run to cut the Dresden lead to 67-60 as Oldenburg made a lay in and Merz connected on a three pointer. “Merz played very aggressive and played very hard. When he plays hard, he gives his team a chance. He has a bright future”, warned Jason Boucher. The Fraport Skyliners continued to fight, but they just couldn´t get over the hump to cut the Dresden lead under six points. After an Oldenburg layup, it was Jones again that dropped a three pointer for the 72-63 Dresden lead. Oldenburg then cut the Dresden lead to 71-66 with a massive dunk, but Boucher scored inside and Novak hit a jumper as Frankfurt trailed 74-68. Jared Bensen who had been quiet for some time scored inside and Brown answered again inside as Frankfurt trailed 76-70. Jones and Heide then hit free throws something Frankfurt had difficulty doing consistently as Dresden led 81-73. Frankfurt made one last gasp as Novak hit a three pointer cutting the Dresden lead to 83-76. However with time running out, Jones made the last six points for Dresden from the free throw line helping seal the win. “I have to give Frankfurt credit, because they played hard for 40 minutes. It was a weird feeling tonight, because it seems like this season there were too many games where we forgot how to win. We played too much this season not too lose instead of playing to win. Tonight we did a better job playing to win”, stressed Jason Boucher.

The Dresden Titans were led by Andrew Jones with 38 points. Jason Boucher produced 15 points and five assists. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Taylor Brown with 28 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Tim Oldenburg added 11 points and Nikola Vukovic contributed 10 points.  Max Merz hahd nine points and six assists, Jan Novak nine points and Falko Thelig eight points and nine assists.  Dresden shot 53% from the field and 37% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners shot 46% from the field and 35% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound duel 31-30 and 18 turnovers while Dresden had 19 turnovers. It was Jones that decided the game in the second half for the Dresden Titans. “I was in the zone in the second half. I had been frustrated with my turnovers early, so I got more aggressive attacking the basket”, added Andrew Jones. “Jones got going and we let him get a groove. It seemed like there was no shot that he couldn´t make. He was very good at breaking down our one on one defense. He was simply deadly tonight”, added Taylor Brown. Brown seemed in the shadow of Jones, but had a strong game and had to produce more. “I have to protect the paint more when the Germans aren´t playing. I keep the fort down and get much needed points. All I have to do is get open, because I know that my teammates will find me”, warned Taylor Brown.

Ilian Evtimov is a 29 year old 201 cm forward playing his third season in France for Chalon. He has the French-Bulgarian citzenships and played at North Carolina State from 2001-2006. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 10.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FG: 45.3%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT. After a short stint with Estudiantes Madrid in 2006, he played at VidiVici Bologna in the 2006-2007 season. He played FIBA EuroCup playing 15 games averaging 6.3ppg, 2.4rpg, 2FGP: 65.4%, 3FGP: 47.1%, FT: 72.2%; and playing15 games in the Italian league averaging 3.1ppg, 2.1rpg. In 2007-2008, he moved to The Deutsche Bank Skyliners playing 10 ULEB Cup games averaging 14.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 85%; and in the German League playing 44 games averaging 13.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 86.2%. In 2008-2009, he continued playing in Frankfurt playing 10 EuroChallenge:  games averaging 8.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 70.0%; and in the German League playing 34 games averaging 8.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 74.6%. In 2009-2010, he played for BC Levski Sophia (Bulgaria-NBL): 1 game: 6pts, 5reb, 2ast, 3steals; Balkan League: 1 game: 3pts, 1reb, 1ast, 2steals; in Oct.’09 moved to Proteas EKA AEL Limassol (Cyprus-Division EuroChallenge: 13 games: 10.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 45.6%, FT: 83.3%: FT-2(90.9%). In 2010-2011, he played for Chalon playing  33 games: 11.6ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 84.2%. Last season for Chalon he played French League: 35 games: 9.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT-1(94.7%); EuroCup Qualifications: 2 games: 9.0ppg, 1.5rpg; EuroChallenge: 16 games: 10.0ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 35.7%, 3PT: 46.0%, FT-1(95.2% He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

You missed a month on account of an injury. How tough was this period for you?

It was difficult because we all came back after Christmas with a lot of energy for a fresh start in 2013, but then I got injured after a few days in practice. It was very frustrating for me, but these things happen.

When you look back at your career, you have had luck not having injury problems.

Yes that is correct. I missed a season at North Carolina State, but other than that I have been fortunate. In my 2.5 years at Chalon before this injury, I missed only one game.

What is always the most difficult thing for  a player during an injury?

Watching your team on the court and seeing things happen on the court and physically not being able to help them.

Was Chalon able to compensate your loss during your injury?

I think that they did a good job. We lost to Gravelines by 30 points and lost in the cup to a PRO B team, but since then have won three games in a row.

After winning the double last season, Chalon is strong again and are near the top of the standings. What makes them so strong this season?

I think that we have experience and have many returning players and that we have a good chemistry. We like playing on the court together. It is still a building process.

Talk a little about the players that Chalon have added and made you stronger.

We have Sheldon Williams who played at Duke and was in the NBA. I have known him for many years. He is a great guy on and off the court. We also added marcus DEnmon who is very athletic and Kevin Houston who is a point guard with PRO A experience. I played against him two seasons ago. All three guys are great and there is no negativity at all.

How important and difficult was it to keep Blake Schilb?

It was difficult keeping him. He was the PRO A MVP last season and was in demand before and during the season. His contract ends after this season and I am sure there will be even more demand for him.

How much fun is it playing with Sheldon Williams?

It is always fun with him. Recently his old school Duke beat mine North Carolina State and he came into the locker room with a Duke shirt and teased me. I then reminded him that we beat them a month ago. We like teasing each other about basketball and the good old days.

How did you play against Duke and Sheldon Williams with North Carolina State back in the day?

I remember beating them at home when they were ranked number one in the nation. All our fans ran on the court. It was a very special moment in my career. We lost too them in a ACC semi final where we were leading for most of the game. He and JJ Redick had great games. I believe we won only once in six games.

What has been the most amazing thing that you have seen Sheldon Williams do on the court?

He is an incredible player. His moves are most amazing. He just likes to go through the defense and somehow gets off a shot in traffic and it goes in. Along the way everyone else falls down, because he is so strong.

How much potential does a Marcus Denmon have?

He was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs. He is a two guard and we are trying to help him become a one. He is an unbelievable shooter and is still young and very gifted. He was injured for three months which has hurt.

Did it surprise you that a guy of Denmon´s skill played at Jimmy Mckinneys school Missouri?

No it doesn´t. I asked Him about Jimmy, but he never played with him, but had heard of him as he came the year Jimmy went pro.

You are playing another solid season. Has anything changed with your role?

Nothing has really changed. My role is still to shoot three pointers, be smart and make room for Williams and Schilb.

You are shooting over 40% from downtown for the second consecutive season. What is your secret to the Evti swish being so consistent?

Just much practice and having confidence. I am more confident than ever with my shot.

What has improved most with your game since you have come to Chalon?

I think that I have become a better shooter. I read the defense better which lets me get my shot off better. I alos am a better defender.

You played nine games in the Euroleague. What was your fondest memory of the Euroleague?

My nicest memory was beating Siena at home in overtime. We lost many close games and were so close to qualifying. The margin of error is very small in the Euroleague.

Who was the toughest guy you played against in the Euroleague?

Deon Thompson from Alba Berlin. It was hard adjusting our defense to his game. I know him since many years since we have played against each other each summer for the last 5-7 years. It was really hard to stop him.

How surprised are you that your friend Greg Jenkins is playing in the third league in France?

Wow I was not aware of that. I have not spoken to him since last season. Players sometimes go through hard times. Sometimes it is hard to get a job as there are many players and less jobs. Some players have less luck and before they know it end up in lower leagues.

Are you still making drawings?

Not as much as before, but every now and then I draw with my son.

With what ex Skyliners do you have the most contact to?

Derrick Allen and Koko Archibong.

Video´s of little boys making incredible shots have been popping up. When will your son be in a basketball video?

I saw that video of that two year old boy making incredible shots. My son saw that video and was jumping up and down and grabbed the ball. My son not as talented yet, but he is younger and practicing.

Who will win Oscar as best film?

I have no idea. I have been watching a great show Revenge.

When will you return to Frankfurt?

I don´t know, but maybe in the summer. I want to show my wife where I lived for two years.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Revenge.

Thanks Evti for the chat.

If one were to make a top 4 greatest players to ever grace the Skyliner jersey combined with the best single season ever in the 14 year club history of the Frankfurt Skyliners, it wouldn´t be difficult to name Skyliner legend and killer smile guard Pascal Roller, Mr slick moves in the paint Chris Williams who had the overall game to take over games at anytime, Mr ballerina Derrick Allen who played three seasons and carried the team in good and bad times and last but not least Mr road runner Dashaun Wood who dominated the Beko BBL in the 2010-2011 season often having to score for the team to win, but also setting up his players and giving standard Monta Ellis stats a new name. After sitting out the 2009-2010 season due to injury, the then Deutsche Bank Skyliners took a massive gamble choosing him, but the quick wit and feeling of Kamil Novak and head coach Gordon Herbert paid off as Wood came back from injury and for many critics had the best individual season of any player ever in the Beko BBL and he almost led the team into the Beko BBL final losing in a hard fought five games series to his future team Alba Berlin. Since departing Frankfurt in the summer of 2011, the Detroit native has been earning his dough on the river Spree with 8 time Beko BBL champion Alba Berlin. He is still looking for that first title in Germany and since leaving Frankfurt has a 3-0 record against his old team winning and he came back to his old stomping ground where he knew every inch of the Fraport arena paint area like his own home entertainment basement in Detroit. Wood who has a more reduced role now with Alba Berlin on account of the more than fortified roster returned back as was as focused to get that fourth straight win against his ex team as teammate Heiko Schaffartzik always is playing against one of his six ex teams in the Beko BBL or Bonn center Chris Ensminger is playing against ex team Bamberg that is always a challenge to see where you stand against the dynasty. However Wood lost for the first time against his ex team 65-62 as he had a big game scoring 24 points which brought back sweet memories to his dominant play two seasons ago which continued to help him being one of the best players that ever wore the Skyliners jersey. “No disrespect to others guys on that Frankfurt team, but Wood was the team. I don’t think I’ve seen a guy´s scoring average go up every game as the season goes on. The good thing about was his team won, he wasn’t doing it on a last place team. I remember his speed the most. He was the fastest guy that I ever guarded. Considering the season he had he has to be in the top 2 in the history of that organization. Even though he was dominant he was able to do score in the flow of the offense. He is on a more talented team with Alba Berlin but still is just as dangerous because he has more weapons around him”, stressed ex Phoenix Hagen guard Quentin Pryor who plays in Austria now for  ECE Bulls Kapfenberg. Ex teammate Quantez Robertson didn´t have long to think about the worth of Wood when they were teammates. “Wood is a great player. I don´t know if he is the greatest ever, but he is definitely up there”, stated Quantez Robertson. After the loss, Wood wasn´t happy with the outcome, but understood that his stellar play two seasons ago was attributed to his employer as well. “I don´t know if I am one of the four best players that ever wore a jersey, because so many great players have played here. I think I was blessed here because the support was so great which put me in a position to be a good player. That is why there have been so many great players in Frankfurt. I have to give a lot of credit to the organization”, stressed Dashaun Wood.

The Fraport Skyliners entered the game riding a two game winning streak and were bursting with self confidence, but they also knew that playing against 8 time Beko BBL champion would be no cake walk. The Fraport Skyliners were very intelligent form the start in that they never let Alba Berlin get away with a big lead and played very aggressive defense for 40 minutes and as so often saved their best for last as they made a furious comeback in the fourth quarter getting even with Alba Berlin and then just going with the momentum of the crowd and slamming the door on their opponent with authority. “We made a run in the fourth and just got stops. We also were able to get out on transition. Tez hit big shots and I finally started hitting shots which I couldn´t in the first half. We showed today that we continue to fight no matter what. We enjoy each other on and off the court and that showed on the court today”, stressed ex LTi Giessen 46er Ryan Brooks. The Fraport Skyliners had been played solid defense all game long, but in the fourth quarter put up even more energy in that department. “We stepped up our defensive pressure and really took Wood out of the game after he had a big first half. We made the needed halftime adjustment on defense and after Tez and Brooks made big shots, our confidence rose and everyone just stepped it up when we needed it”, stated Skyliner guard Larry Wright. For Alba Berlin, traveling has been something that has been frequently on their agenda with the Euroleague schedule still in full swing. After suffering a three game losing streak in December in the Beko BBL, the team has been fairly solid posting a 5-2 record coming into the game and winning a big 71-60 game in Bonn last weekend. However their Euroleague schedule of having played in Moscow 48 hours ago didn´t help their preparation as they had to step on the court against a feisty Skyliner team. Alba Berlin assistant coach Maurcio Parra was almost speechless moments after the loss, but was unhappy that his team once again let a game get away. “This is one of the dumbest losses ever. We have been tired for three months and having played in Moscow on Friday was no excuse for losing this game. We also were weakened not having Heiko Schaffartzik. We were up by eight points a few times, but always let them come back. We can´t be happy losing an important game like this for the playoff positioning”, stated Mauricio Parra.

When one is talking about Quantez Robertson, one usually defines him with top notch defense, athletic flights to the hoop and steals which lead to transition buckets. However offense has never really been a focal part of his game until this season. Coming into the game, Super Tez had scored in double figures 17 times and has been a real scoring option this season along with his great defense. He may only be shooting 27% from downtown, but he has had a knack this season for hitting big shots when most needed. Robertson finished as top Fraport Skyliner scorer with 16 points and as always filled out the stat sheet like a Lebron James hauling down 11 rebounds as top rebounder and top assist man with five assists, had four steals and one block. Robertson didn´t really see any improvement on offense this season, but moreover has gotten more chances to showcase what he can do when he gets the ball. “I feel that I have always been able to score. I think that the difference now is that I am shooting more and my confidence grows when my teammates try to find me. I just try to help my team as much as I can and when I get open looks, then I shoot”, expressed Quantez Robertson. Je Kel Foster played against Roberston the last years with Oldenburg and Munich and knows what the Cincinnati native is capable of doing. “I am not really here to judge another player if he has improve don offense, but Tez has always been a good player especially with his athletic ability”, stressed Je Kel Foster.

With eight time Beko BBL champion Alba Berlin in the house and the return of ex Skyliner Dashaun Wood, it seemed like it was a perfect setting for a sellout, but instead only 4,760 fans wanted to witness the game. As the Fraport Skyliners were being introduced, one could observe Dashaun Wood pacing around the floor already in deep thought about what he would do and he didn´t waste anytime as he already started getting hot in the first quarter, but not before the Fraport Skyliners displayed quickly that they were boss in their own living room as they went out on a furious 4-0 lead as Quantez Robertson scored in the first four seconds grabbing  a loose ball off the jump ball and racing to the hoop for an easy layup. Zach Peacock then got free getting a dunk. Alba Berlin seemed like they were still in Moscow being in awe of the beautiful Kremlin as they had no offensive rhythm missing their first four shots. Wood who hails from Detroit showed his best version of being Alba Berlin´s version of the microwave something Vinnie Johnson was with the Detroit Pistons in the 80s as he got Alba Berlin on the board with a three pointer. Serb Nihad Djedovic scored on a jumper from the corner and then it was Wood again hitting a runner high off the glass for the 7-4 Alba Berlin advantage. Frankfurt then tied the game with a Dawan Robinson free throw and lay up as he once again showed his quick first step. Alba Berlin then took three lead changes only to let the Fraport Skyliners knot the game again. Alba Berlin pounded the ball inside as Yasin Idbihi and Zach Morley scored, but Peacock did his own Miami style microwave show as he scored twice to tie the score at 11-11. Wood then scored again for the 13-11 lead. Deon Thompson hit a free throw as Alba Berlin led 14-11 after one quarter. “Frankfurt was missing easy shots. They were defending well and trying to make Alba Berlin tired since they had recently played in Moscow. Frankfurt was pressuring Alba Berlin very well”, stressed Skyliners youth director Harald Stein. Both teams weren´t shooting well, but Alab Berlin had the 16-9 rebound edge.

Dashaun Wood kept up his offensive pressure hitting another three pointer for the 17-13 Alba Berlin lead. Alba Berlin kept up the offensive pressure in a low scoring game that was dominated by defense as ex North Carolina Tar Heel Thompson scored and American Zach Morely connected for a jumper as Alba Berlin led 22-15. Frankfurt did a good job not letting their head hang, but slammed a 8-0 right back at them taking the 23-22 lead and bringing some new life into the Fraport arena. Robinson kept being aggressive scoring inside and getting to the free throw line and Ryan Brooks scored on the transition. However just as the Fraport Skyliners seemed t be getting the momentum, it was Wood who led his team on a 5-0 run connecting for another three pointer and then finding Thompson for an easy hoop from the wing as Alba Berlin led 27-23. “Wood runs that team and is the definition of a point guard. He just knows when to distribute or when to score at the right times. We were just lucky that he didn´t let loose in the second half as Robinson and Gibson did a good job containing him”, added Zach Peacock. Thompson then hit a pretty left handed hook over Danilo Barthel for the 29-24 lead. However the Fraport Skyliners closed out the second quarter in spectacular fashion as Robertson nailed a three pointer and Brooks slammed home a mega dunk over Foster as both teams went into halftime with the game dead locked at 29-29. “Frankfurt did a good job on Ali Traore being aggressive and helping. He seemed helpless at times. Wood was the deciding factor. If they wouldn´t have had his production then they would have been behind. Frankfurt had some one on one plays, but Robinson was an important factor for then staying in the game”, said Harald Stein. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 31% from the field and 20% from the three point line while Alba Berlin was shooting 35% from the field and 25% from the three point line. Alba Berlin had the narrow 23-21 rebound lead and both teams had six turnovers.

In the third quarter, Alba Berlin always kept their nose in front, but the Fraport Skyliners hung out on their back door porch never being shut out until the end of the third quarter where Alba Berlin were able to distance themselves somewhat. Je Kel Foster who had been pale in the first half missing three shots pulled a Wood in the third quarter scoring eight points with two three pointers  and a step back jumper while the Fraport Skyliners countered with Robertson and Peacock lay ins, but still trailed Alba Berlin 37-34. Nihad Djedovic also got going a bit showing his powerful basketball instincts getting an offensive rebound and put back and hitting a step back jumper as Alba Berlin led 44-38. American Devin Gibson who had a slow first half came on stronger in the third quarter and he got Tez an easy bucket and hit a rare three pointer testing his 16,7% three point percentage as Frankfurt trailed 44-41. Thompson then hit a pretty fade away jumper as his foot work and touch around the zone is as elegant as Wendel Alexis back in the day. Gibson made a heads up play with a tip in as Frankfurt trailed only 47-43. Frankfurt continued to play calm offense looking for the best shot and Brooks nailed a three pointer, but Wood returned with a lay in as Alba Berlin led 51-45. Wood and Brooks then exchanged free throws as Alba Berlin had the 53-47 lead after three quarters. “We didn´t go away and stayed with Berlin. We continued to help on defense and we rebounded well”, added Skyliner guard Devin Gibson. Alba Berlin was shooting 45% from the field and 36% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 36% from the field and 20% from outside. The rebounds were deadlocked at 30-30 and Frankfurt only had seven turnovers while Alba Berlin had nine turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, everything came together for the Fraport Skyliners as they sped out on a 12-4 run to take the 59-57 lead. Alba Berlin got on the board first as Foster found French national player Ali Traore for the thunderous dunk and 55-47 Alba Berlin lead. However the Fraport Skyliners then went to work as silent Laquan Prowell finally got to work on offense nailing a three pointer and Brooks scored with two seconds left on the shot clock as Frankfurt trailed 55-52. However Wood hit a big jumper giving Alba Berlin the 57-52 advantage. Brooks then showed his crunch time magic hitting consecutive buckets with a fade away jumper and clutch bomb from Hochst train station as the game was tied at 57-57 and the crowd was getting louder. Alba Berlin started getting careless turning over the ball as Robertson got an easy bucket on a coast to coast run as Frankfurt led 59-57. Wood and Robinson then traded turnovers and Idbihi then tied the score with a tip in and 59-59. Robinson then struck with a massive three pointer, but Wood was able to silence the crowd again with a three pointer as the game was even at 62-62. Robertson then got the game winning three pointer for the 65-62 score. Alba Berlin had a few more chances in the last minute, but Thompson coughed up the ball a few times securing the win for the Fraport Skyliners. “We got the win at the end being more aggressive then them. We made them make the move and not let them dictate how we should play”, expressed Skyliner forward Zach Peacock. “We could of won the game at the end, but we just lost our mind. They made their open shots and played good offense. We lost the ball on our last important possessions”, stated Alba Berlin center Ali Traore. “Our turn overs and missed shots got them and the crowd momentum and Frankfurt just took it and ran with it”, warned Dashaun Wood.

The Fraport Skyliners Had four players in double figures and were led by Quantez Robertson with 16 points. Ryan Brooks added 15 points and five rebounds. Zach Peacock had 14 points and nine boards and Dawan Robinson chipped in with 12 points and four assists. Alba Berlin was led by Dashaun Wood with 24 points, five rebounds and three assists and Je Kel Foster contributed 12 points. It was a poor shooting day for both teams, but Frankfurt was still able to win the game despite shooting under 40%. Frankfurt did a superb job winning the rebound battle after a slow start 38-36 and only coughed up the ball 11 times and had 12 fast break points. A big strength was their post up defense. “Team defense was a big focus today. We had to play good one on one defense to get our team defense. We did a great job in the post whenever their man spun on the baseline, we had help and trapped them well”, stressed Zach Peacock. “I didn´t have to deal only with peacock, but it seemed like I saw many guys on me when I had the ball. Frankfurt crowded the paint, were low and always had their hands on the ball. It was tough inside today”, explained Ali Traore. “Our biggest strength today was getting stops and rebounds”, added Ryan Brooks. Despite only scoring 65 points, the Fraport Skyliners showed less I, but only us basketball. “Our offense was a little static in the first half, but in the second half, we were selfless team and no player played for themselves, but it was all about getting the next player involved. It was a total team effort”, warned Zach Peacock. The Fraport Skyliners will look for their fourth win in a row next weekend in Ulm.