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.

Michael Thompson is a 23 year old 177cm point guard from Chicago, Illinois that is playing his first season in France for  ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (France-ProA, and hiss econd season as a professional. He played at Northwestern from 2007-2011. In his senior year, he played : 34 games: 16.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 82.5%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been HS: Chicago Public League All-Academic Team -07, All-Big Ten Honorable Mention -10, All-Big Ten 3rd Team -11, Big Ten All-Tournament Team -11, and NIT Elite Eight -11. Last season he played for the Fraport Skyliners playing EuroCup: 6 games: 7.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 34.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 83.3%; German League: 27 games: 8.5ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 76.1%. This past summer he played  NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (New Orleans Hornets): 4 games: 4.0ppg, 1.3apgHe took some time to talk to German Hoops about his current season in France.

Your playing your first season in France for Asvel Villurbane. How do you like it there?

I really am enjoying my time here in France. It was really an easy transition coming to France from Germany. I have to give a lot of credit to my teammates in Frankfurt and coaching staff that got me prepared to play here.

You play in Lyon now. It is an old city. Is the biggest difference to Frankfurt not having skyscrapers?

Yes that is the biggest difference, but there also is no mall here where I live. But I still live close enough that I can walk to practice just like I did in France. Lyon is a nice city and second biggest in France.

Was there a chance last summer that you would of remained with the Fraport Skyliners?

There was some talk in early summer with my agent and Fraport Skyliners, but they didn´t know how their budget was going to be so I waited a bit, but as the summer progressed I decided to sign with the team in France.

How were you able to improve as a rookie with the Fraport Skyliners?

I got a lot better as a rookie with Frankfurt. I played with very good players and had a good coaching staff where I could learn a lot from. Justin Gray also helped me a lot who is playing in France now as well. I was always asking him questions and I really learned a lot from him.

What was the most spectacular thing that you saw Quantez Robertson do last season?

I just recently watched the highlight film against ratiopharm Ulm from last season. I remember that Tez was under the basket and the opponent had the ball at center court and he chased him down and stripped the ball from him. You could see just how fast and athletic he was on that play.

Who was your best opponent last season in the Beko BBL?

Bobby Brown was the toughest guy that I played against. He is a great player. He was always tough to guard and you always had to be watching him.

How would you make Jermareo Davidson laugh?

If you go up to him and do his rhymes and raps then he would smile.

What do you miss most from Frankfurt?

I miss living in the mall. It really was a luxury to be able to shop and eat whenever I wanted to and just having it in walking distance.

You played for the New Orleans Hornets Summer league team in 2012. What is your fondest memory of this time?

Just being able to experience it all. It was great playing with and against great NBA players. It was also great to see how NBA player act on and off the court.

What was your impression of Anthony Davis? Do you think that he can become an impact big man like Blake Griffin of Kevin Love in the future?

Yes I think that he can. I didn´t have the opportunity to play with him, because he was already preparing for the Olympics with the Dream team 2012.

You haven´t needed any time to adjust in the French Pro A. How have you been able to make the transition so smooth?

The Fraport Skyliners prepared me well, but also the style of play is very athletic and reminds me of playing during the summer in pick up games. It is very much up and down the style in France.

What is the biggest strength within the team?

We are very versatile as the players can do many different things. We also make the opponent work hard for their shots.

There are only two Americans on the team with you and Tim Abromatis. How are you adjusting to the French way of life?

The transition really has been easy as everyone speaks English. Me and Tim Abromatis are very close and we played against each other in college. I am also learning French now.

What has been the most spectacular thing that you have seen Amara Sy do?

He can do so much, shoot the three, pass or penetrate. He also makes many crazy fade away jumpers that I sometimes have to say wow how did he make that shot with a guy in his face.

Asvel  Villurbane had a spectacular victory in the first game of the season beating 2012 France champion Chalon. What will you remember most from his game?

Schilb is a great player. I remember him playing at Loyola here in Chicago. He can do it all, scoring, rebounding and finding the open man. He really knows how to stuff the stat sheet.

Have you found a favorite French food yet?

I haven´t found a favorite French food yet. It is still the same like in Germany. I go eat at Vaipiano which has great pasta.

How will the Chicago Bulls do this season?

They had a good start and have many good veterans back and I am awaiting the return of Derrick Rose.

Were you surprised how well the New York Knicks started?

I am not surprised with their start. Everyone knew that they can play offense, but they are showing that they play defense this season.

Can we see you in Frankfurt sometime this season?

I want to return and will. We usually have games on Friday´s and have the weekend off. I want to come back and watch Tez and support the guys.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

In Time with Justin Timberlake.

Thanks Juice for the chat.

Derrick Parker is playing his first season for TSV Troester Breitenguessbach (Germany-Pro B). He is a 198cm forward from Louisiana that played at LSU-Shreveport (NAIA) from 2008-2012. In his senior year he played 35 games: 19.2ppg, 11.5rpg, 3.1bpg, FGP: 49.5%, FT: 63.9%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 71-49 loss.

A tough 71-49 loss to the Fraport Skyliners juniors. What was the main reason for the loss?

They played well for 40 minutes and we did for 30 minutes and we just couldn´t come back.

How did if feel blocking a Taylor Brown dunk?

It is part of the game. I have had blocks like that before.

You came late to TSV Troester Breitengussbach. How difficult was the player market for you?

It was a tough time waiting. My agent just told me to stay ready and then I got this offer in January.

Do you think coming from NAIA that professional teams shy away from giving those players a fair chance?

Yes I think it is that way, but it is understandable. There are many talented players in division one and teams look for them first.

You had 19,2ppg and 11,5rpg as a senior. Do you think that 25ppg and 14rpg would have made getting a job easier?

Yes of course. Better stats always help you more.

You are from Louisiana and now play in Breitengussbach. What are the biggest geographical differences?

The area is similar to home. My town in the States is German made. The weather is a lot colder here. It is 75 degrees now at home.

How happy are you with your current stats in the PRO B of 12,4ppg and ,7rpg?

I am not happy, because I know that I can give more. It is a work in progress. I just came to the team recently and still need to come together with them.

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

I need to work on everything. Shooting, dribbling and post moves.

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

My leadership abilities.

When you see the Brose Baskets Bamberg play, do you dream of being on the court?

Yes I do, but I still need to improve my game  a lot to be able to play at that level.

You were on the court with Casey Jacobson once. What kind of experience was that for you?

It was great, but I don´t think he knew who I was. He is a great player that plays with real poise and he is a real professional. I like his calmness on the court.

You play with German talent Daniel Schmidt. What is your impression of him?

He is a very talented player. I played with him once before and he was the reason we won the game.

How does Ivan Pavic make you laugh?

He is an old school dude. He is a smooth guy. He is a leader and will talk to you about things when you need advice.

What was the most important thing that Chad Mcdowell taught you?

He taught me too have passion for the game and and always compete and go as hard as I can in every game.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I hope I am still playing professional ball.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Friday.

Thanks Derrick for the chat.

For A Lebron James or Kobe Bryant, scoring 30 plus points in an NBA games is a normal routine and is really as simple for these Americans as it is for Phoenix Hagen 200cm forward American Dino Gregory to swat away at least one ball during a Beko BBL game as he has done most times this season, Telekom Baskets Bonn classic point guard Jared Jordan finding Tony Gaffney last season  each game for an ally-op dunk or Walter Tigers Tuebingen big man Ohio native Kenny Frease chewing gum during each game and possibly annoying some opponents and getting them off track with his unorthodox method of using his teeth to get all 100% of the gum. Phoenix Hagen also has something quite unusual to brag about this season besides their almost always potent and annoying run and gun power house offense, that they also have currently four players that have scored 30 plus points in the Beko BBL at some time in their career. American point guard Davin White who has gone from mini Dashaun Wood to a player that is putting up similar Wood type scoring stats from his 2011 MVP season finally eclipsed the 30 point mark last weekend in a crushing win against ratiopharm Ulm where he netted home 33 points as no player could keep him in check. This season, he came close already once in a loss to FC Bayern Munich scoring 29 points. Scoring has been nothing new for White as he has been a scorer all his life once averaging 28ppg in Mexico. Another guy that can shoot out the lights on a regular basis is American David Bell is a guy that can assault any game and already two seasons ago showed his scoring touch in a Phoenix Hagen uniform finishing third in the league scoring. He has a very compact body and could pass for baby Shaq, but he is all business on the court as this season he scored 31 points against the Telekom Baskets Bonn dropping six three pointers. This season, he has been very close to 30 points scoring 29 against FC Bayern Munich and 28 points against Giessen and Bremerhaven. Adam Hess is no stranger to the Beko BBL as he played three seasons for the Artland Dragons. He may not score as much in the past, but still has that scoring touch. In his first season in the Beko BBL in 2005-2006, he lite up BG Karlsruhe for 33 points. The last Hagen player that has scored 30 plus points is Mark Mr fantastic Dorris who is a very spectacular player and could probably make some side money making a weekly dunk contets with his friend Quantez Robertson. Dorris is a type of player like Wood also that can score 30 plus points and on the next night when his team needs his playmaking dish out 10 assists. He already came close this season to the 30 point mark canning 29 against the Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg and had good memories of that team scoring 35 back in his first season with Phoenix Hagen in 2010-2011. With so much scoring power with Phoenix Hagen, the Fraport Skyliners had to be very focused defensively not only keeping these four scorers in check, but just giving an all around top defensive performance against the aspiring playoff team. “Phoenix Hagen is the quickest team in the league. They have one of the best point guards in the league, great shooters and athletic guys like Larry Gordon and Dino Gregory who makes opponents crazy. I don´t think its so important that they have guys that have scored 30 points before in a game, but the most important thing is that they can use all that potential on any given night to their advantage. When they are hot, they can beat any team in the league”, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss. Phoenix Hagen had five players in double figures, but no player could eclipse the 30 point mark as the Fraport Skyliners never let Phoenix Hagen play their game hanging on in crunch time for the convincing 81-78 win.

After the convincing win against the Walter Tigers Tuebingen last weekend where the Fraport Skyliners snapped their five game losing streak, they came back to work and wanted to win on the road again after losing four games in a row and had to meet the leagues best offense with Phoenix Hagen. After their very disappointing 107-102 loss in Frankfurt against Phoenix Hagen where they let themselves get run into the ground with the opponents run and gun game, they came prepared and this time didn´t let themselves get involved with a fast paced game. The Fraport Skyliners won their second game in a row and played nothing like a 17^th placed team being the eight placed team Phoenix Hagen. “We did a good job controlling the tempo tonight. Robinson did  agreat job controlling the tempo. We rebounded very well, played good transition defense and just had the will to win the game at the end”, commented Fraport Skyliner captain Marius Nolte. For Phoenix Hagen, they continue to be a very up and down team. Two weeks ago they get crushed by 30 points in Tuebingen, but last week return home and beat top team ratiopharm Ulm. Against the Fraport Skyliners, Phoenix Hagen was unable to play their game as Frankfurt did their notes on how to stop a run and gun system by their opponent. “The Fraport Skyliners had a very good game plan and they never let us get into our offensive rhythm. Frankfurt forced us to take shots that we normally don´t want to take. They forced us to take bad shots and that showed with our poor shooting percentage”, stressed Phoenix Hagen assistant coach Steven Wriedt. For ex Giessen 46er Ryan Brooks after losing so much in Giessen getting another win put an extra smile on his face as well as stopping the biggest strength of Hagen. “This was a very important win for me and Laquan Prowell. This was our first back to back wins this season and we really enjoyed it with the team. We did a great job stopping their transition. We watched a lot of video last week and we were advised to sprint back as soon as we scored, because Davin White is always ready to push the ball and it was to our advantage if he saw four blue jerseys back already instead of only one”, warned Ryan Brooks.

Dawan Robinson had been out for eight months because of an injury and after his slow start with the team, some were getting critical of his play, but in the last two weeks, he hast upped his game 108 degrees scoring 21 points against Tuebingen and  a game high 25 points against Phoenix Hagen. Robinson is slowly getting fitter each week and it is showing in his play as he is a penetration monster. He is slowly becoming unstoppable as he can do as pleases forcing himself into the lane and almost always finishing with a layup or drawing a smart foul. “Robinson got to the rim a lot. We wanted him to run the line and get contested by Dino Gregory, but our help wasn´t always there. He really showed that he is a good guard”, stressed Oakland, California native David Bell. Robinson wasn´t oblivious to the criticism and was as motivated as ever to show the basketball world that there are other strong guards besides a Davin White. “I really like the challenge when playing against big time players. I really get sick of hearing how good they are. I try to step up and show that I can play with guys like that. Not only on offense, but also on defense. I take pride in my defense. I remember when I was growing up, I didn´t have a good shot and people kept telling me to let him shoot. When the feet are planted is when I have the chance to go around guys. I always try to get the defense off guard, play mind games and change the pace of the game”, stressed Dawan Robinson. Robinson is getting more and more respect of his teammates. “He has been reading the defense very well in the last two games. He is very smart finds the open man or when he has space penetrates and finshes strong to the hole”, added Fraport Skyliner guard Ryan Brooks.

An interesting note for all basketball players concerning hard work and dedication is what makes top players go was the sighting of Davin White as the first player on the court in warm ups 1.45 minutes before game time. Fraport Skyliners young players Johannes Voigtmann and Konstantin Klein were seen in the stands have a long conversation with Phoenix Hagen point guard Ole Wendt. When the game finally did begin, 3,145 people were in the stands and might have been a bit surprised to see Beko BBL top scorer Davin White on the bench. Bernd Kruel sat out the game due to injury and Fraport Skyliner centers Marius Nolte and Johannes Voigtmann didn´t play on account of the quick play of Phoenix Hagen. It was important that the Fraport Skyliners wouldn´t let Phoenix Hagen get off to a quick start as they took control of the pace early going on a quick 8-2 lead as they got hot fast getting two three pointers from Quantez Robertson and Dawan Robinson. Frankfurt then scored on the fast break as Tez found Robinson for quick points. Robertson continues to have that offensive spirit and zeal as he penetrated hard to the hole finishing with his left hand. Prowell then tested his 50% three point accuracy nailing from the parking lot as Frankfurt led 13-6 Frankfurt quickly showed Phoenix Hagen who was master in their living room not letting them play run and gun and along the way hitting their shots early. However one can never get to comfortable, because if Phoenix Hagen catches you off guard then they can quickly get  back into the game going on a 6-0 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 13-12. Bell started the run with a tough jumper over Klein, Bell then set up Dino Gregory for a thunderous dunk and White made a difficult floater over Danilo Barthel. Ex Artland Dragon Adam Hess then made a free throw to tie the socre at 13-13. However this lightening run didn´t discourage Frankfurt as they ended the first quarter strong with their own flash of brilliance going on a 10-2 run to lead 23-15 after one quarter. Frankfurt was finding many ways to score as Robinson hit free throws, Zack peacock snuck inside from the baseline with a reverse lay up and Robinson struck from downtown. Hess finished the first quarter scoring with a three pointer. “Frankfurt hurt us with four three pointers. We couldn´t stop them and we missed some easy shots”, said Phoenix Hagen assistant coach Steven Wriedt. “The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 40% from the two point area and 80% from outside while Phoenix Hagen was shooting 67% from the two point area and 0% from outside. Frankfurt had the 8-6 rebounding edge and both teams had five turnovers a piece.

The Fraport Skyliners held the lead in the second quarter and led by as much as 12 points before Phoenix Hagen was able to come back and get back into the game and trail by only three points at the intermission. Davin White scored on a fast break as Phoenix Hagen showed really how lethal and fats their transition works. However Frankfurt kept hurting Phoenix Hagen inside as Devin Gibson set up Barthel inside for an easy bucket and Robinson scored on one of typical I´ll mow you down if you get in my way penetration and Robertson also scored with his left hand and Prowell connected on a running hook shot as the Fraport Skyliners had the 31-20 advantage. Barthel then smashed home one of his two monster dunks of the night as Quantez Robertson found him inside giving him a bullet pass. Frankfurt then got a taste of what Dino Gregory can do on the defensive end as he got a pair of blocks including denying Tez. Devin Gibson may have been held scoreless the last two games, but his energy on defense remained high as he got a steal which led to a Peacock bucket and 34-24 Skyliner lead. David Bell who is like baby Shaq in a guards body is afraid of nothing and challenged Peacock and hit a huge three pointer over him which was answered by a quick pass from Peacock inside to Prowell for a fast lay in as Frankfurt led 36-29. After a pull up jumper by White, Peacock and Robinson followed with free throws as Frankfurt seemed to be heading into halftime with the comfortable 40-31 lead. However Phoenix Hagen didn´t have their feathers ruffled as they started one last spurt catching Frankfurt off guard squirming into the break with a annoying 6-0 run to trail 40-37. Mark Mr fantastic Dorris hit a fade away jumper that looks as beautiful as the sunset in his home town Cincinnati, Gordon scored inside, and White stole the ball from Robinson and mid court and went coast to coast for the lay up. “We finally had our rhythm on offense, wore them down a bit and had the better conditioning”, stressed Steven Wriedt. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 48% from the field and 40% from the three point line while Phoenix Hagen was shooting 50% from the field and 13% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 19-14 rebound edge, but 10 turnovers while Phoenix Hagen had six turnovers.

The third quarter remained the tightest of the game as their were five lead changes and Phoenix Hagen had the slim lead after three quarters. Larry Gordon who last season played in Austria for Furstenfeld and played 59 minutes in a triple overtime game against ex Phoenix Hagen American Quentin Pryor still had much energy helping on the offensive end with a floater over Barthel and nailing a three pointer. For Frankfurt Ryan Brooks was slowly getting warm after playing only 3.32 in the first half after getting hit with two fouls. “I was shooting consistent in the second half and my pull up jumper is my biggest strength”, added Ryan Brooks. Mark Dorris had been rather quiet in the first half, but he also got going as he scored a lay up and then showed his dunk qualities dunking form the wing after cutting in getting a pretty no look feed from Davin White as Phoenix Hagen led 53-49. Frankfurt then went on an 8-0 run to retake the lead 57-53. Frankfurt took advantage of the Dino Gregory foul trouble scoring easily inside three times from Brooks, Robinson and Prowell. Frankfurt got a bit clumsy coughing up the ball twice to 24 second shot clock violations, but the score of the game came as Danilo Barthel dunked over Abe Lodwick with the sheer brute showing in his face that looked like there will be even harder ones coming in the future. Barthel has dunked so much this season that it is hard to keep up with them. “It has been many dunks, but I still like the one against Bonn. I really don´t remember the dunk over Lodwick. I will have to check the video”, smiled Danilo Barthel. “He really sparked Frankfurt. He gave them momentum and did a good job”, stressed David Bell. Robinson was very focused with his forceful penetration, but was aware of the damage of Bartel. “He is very athletic and has a bright future. He really is a white man that can jump. If he can play with even more confidence then he won´t be in Germany that much longer. He can be an euroleague player”, warned Dawan Robinson. Wriedt remembers Barthel from years ago. “I remember him when he was 16 or 17 when we played them in the PRO A against Heidelberg. He is quick and athletic for his size. When he adds a consistent outside shot then he can be a national player”, added Steven Wriedt. The Fraport Skyliners then left sharp shooter Adam Hess open twice and he burned them with consecutive three pointers as Frankfurt trailed 62-61 after three quarters. “I thought that we tried to slow down the game a bit too much. We didn´t take advantage of getting easy buckets in the third quarter”, expressed Dawan Robinson. Phoenix Hagen was shooting 62% from the two point area and 36% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 63% from the two point area and 35% from the parking lot. Phoenix Hagen had the rebound edge 22-21 and only nine turnovers while Frankfurt had 12 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, the Fraport Skyliners would take the lead and let Phoenix Hagen tie the game twice, but never let them lead again. Robinson started the fourth quarter with a lay in which was met by a Bell jumper over Peacock to tie the game at 64-64. Brooks then got to the free throw line twice hitting only twice and hitting a jumper over Bell as Frankfurt led 68-64. However Phoenix Hagen never gave up going on a mini 4-0 run to dead lock the game at 68-68 as White hit a floater with one second left on the shot clock and Gordon scored inside. Frankfurt continued to hit with consistency as it seemed like they might have decided the game going on a 7-0 run to lead 75-68. Brooks made an off balance jumper, Prowell dropped a three pointer and Barthel muscled down an offensive rebound and put back. Phoenix Hagen continued to fight going on a 5-0 run as Bell got to the free throw line and Gordon nailed a three pointer as Phoenix Hagen trailed 75-73 with two minutes to go. Then came maybe the two most emotional buckets which just kept everybody in awe as both teams just didn´t want to lose. Robinson who had had his own penetration clinic scored his most beautiful basket of the evening weaving inside and finishing with a finger tip role as Frankfurt led 77-73, but Davin White struck back with a crunch time three pointer where he was as cool as  Larry Bird back in the day at that moment where it mattered most as Frankfurt led only 77-76. The last minute remained exciting as Robinson hit free throws and Bell finished with  alay up high off the glass as Frankfurt still led 79-78. With time running out Brooks blocked Bell which led to Robinson scoring on the penetration one last time. Phoenix Hagen then had the chance to send the game into overtime, but White missed from outside giving the Fraport Skyliners the win. “Frankfurt executed very well at the end. We weren´t able to make our shots. They forced White to take a tough shot. We live with him taking tough shots”, added David Bell. “This was a big win for us. We as the 17^th place team beating the 8^th place team brought us back into the league. Our fans really supported us tonight. We really worked hard tonight, nothing was easy for us”, stressed Fraport Skyliner head coach Muli Katzurin. “Barthel made a big offensive rebound. Gregory fouling out didn´t help us and Robinson was always penetrating which hurt us as well”, stressed Steven Wriedt.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Dawan Robinson with 25 points. Ryan Brooks added 14 points and Laquan Prowell chipped in with 13 points. Danilo Barthel produced 11 points, while Quantez Robertson contributed 10 points. Phoenix Hagen was led by Davin White and Adam Hess who both hit for 16 points each. Larry Gordin added 14 points and six rebounds and David Bell chipped in with 11 points and Mark Dorris produced 10 points. The Fraport Sklyiners shot 52% from the field and also won the rebounding duel 32-28. The new players Brooks and Prowell continue to get integrated better as well as finding their rhythm while Dawan Robinson is getting fitter. Frankfurt showed another solid team effort for 40 minutes and continue to show that they are a much better team than what their place in standings shows. “Our biggest strength tonight was our rebounding, staying together and team defense”, stressed Dawan Robinson. The Fraport Skyliners will have to continue to up their game as the next three games are against Berlin, Ulm and Bamberg. Thier confidence is high as their game is slowly getting into shape.

Mike Smith is a 25 year old 198cm forward from Vandalia, Missouri that wa sunder contract with the Iowa Energy, but injured himself in training camp. Last season as a rookie he played the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven playing  34 games: 8.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 85.4%. He played at E. Tennessee from 2007-2011. In his senior year, he played 35 games: 17.9ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 78.9%. In the summer 2011, he took part at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 10.0ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, 1.0bpg. He was a A-Sun Tournament Winner -09, 10, and All-A-Sun Player of the Year -11. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Mike thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. After a solid rookie season in Germany, you have had a lot of misfortune this season. How tough has this season been for you?

It has been extremely tough, anytime you put so much effort and hard work into the game and end up with an injury really stinks. But I have had a good supporting cast through this whole process to make thinks a little easier.

You broke your hand in the second week of training camp with the Iowa Energy. How was that training camp going for you before you broke your hand?

Training camp was going really well for me, I was playing at a very high level. Shooting the ball probably the best I have ever while continuing to rebound and do all of the little things.

How was the rehab? Was that your first real serious injury in your young career?

Rehab went really well, I worked with a months. How did you stay focused during rehab?hand specialist for 7 weeks to get my hand back to 100%. This has been my first real serious injury in my career

How tough was this time for you the last

It has been extremely tough, but I know things happen for a reason and something good will come out of this situation. I have had a lot of support during this time and keeping my faith in God has been a huge help! It was easy to keep my focus during rehab because I knew this was something I had to take serious to get back to the game I love.

The Iowa Energy have really been struggling at 7-25. Would you have thought in training camp that they would be struggling so much?

I would have not thought they would be struggling, we had a good group of guys in there with the same mind set to win games. It was a surprise to me to see them struggle this much.

How would you have seen your chances of getting playing time for them had you been fit? They have many talented players there?

I felt I would of been a great fit for this program and definitely helped them in all aspects of the game.

After a solid rookie season with Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 34 games: 8.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 85.4%, you didn´t return? Was there any talks with Doug Spradley as to what the status was for you to return?

Yes I spoke with Doug several time about my return to Bremerhaven. Things just didn’t work out for me.

Would you like to have returned back to Germany? Was the job market so tough last summer that you decided to try the D-league?

Yea I would have loved to return to Germany, great basketball, amazing fans, and a beautiful country!

You scored in double figures 17 times for a team that had good scorers. How happy were you with your rookie season?

It was a solid rookie season for myself, I felt that I could have done a lot more. The beginning of the season started slow playing behind former All-Star Torrell Martin, but when that chance came for me to play I had to make the most out of it and I thought I did well.

What was your best game? I remember you scoring 19 points against the Brose Baskets Bamberg.

Yea I had a couple nice games, 20 points against Braunschweig, 19 against Oldenburg, then 19 on Bamburg.

Who was the best player that you played against last season in the Beko BBL?

Bobby Brown

Terrell Everett is back with Bremerhaven. He is a very versatile player. What was the most important thing that you could learn from him?

The most important thing I learned from Terrell would be to play hard every second, no possessions off.

You are fit now and would like to be added to a team for the stretch run. Why could you help any team in the Beko BBL now?

I see myself as a big guard at 6’6″ that is very versatile, Can shoot very well, take you off the dribble, post up, rebound and defend. I would definitely be an asset to any team right now.

What have you missed from Germany and what would you like to see in Germany soon again?

Thing I have missed most about Germany would be the fans, I love playing in those types of environments that the BBL has to offer every game!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Lawless.

Thanks Mike for the chat