When looking at the Phoenix Hagen roster there are numerous names that ring a bell and go click in your mind especially on the offensive end before other players who fulfill the typical role, but are just as important as the scorers, because they help carry the team in many ways. For years Phoenix Hagen head coach Ingo Fryer has crafted and molded teams each season that are very dominant on offense and can score 100 plus points on any night as easily as a 10 year old boy can come up with a music rapper that has resemblance to ex Charlote Bobcat Jermareo Davidson, the Boston Celtics were able to go on an eight game winning streak without their playmaking genius Rajon Rondo or as the ease and grace in which St Louis native Jimmy Mckinney can sit parked behind the three point line in the corner and sink three pointers as if he was playing basketball battle ship. It is no different this season in Hagen that the offense is firing away at all cylinders and scoring over 90 points on a regular basis. On most days the offense is carried and led by Davin White who has shown this season that his high scoring in the last few months in the 2011-2012 season was no fluke. He may have made a name in Mexico and be like a mini Dashaun Wood with his scoring ability, but if he continues at this rate will not need anymore mini Wood comparisons, as his name Davin White be fully accepted as he has shown on a consistent level this season that he belongs to the top players in the Beko BBL as he can also set up his teammates and get 7-8 assists in a game. Another player in the offensive attack is David Bell who looks like a mini copy of a baby Shaq in a guards body, but can fire away all night long and get you down quickly and could possibly even hit from Oakland across the bay to San Franscico. Adam Hess may not score as much and on a consistent rate as three or four years ago, but the Vaughn Duggins look alike can still heat it up on any night and just be carried by the offense by the others. Then there is Larry Gordon who is a 196cm forward, but can guard guards has shown that after three solid seasons in lower leagues in Holland and Austria that he can dominate in the Beko BBL. Gordon may see himself more as a streaky shooter than pure shooter, but has been one of the best three point shooters this season. But it is his rebounding that really stands out as he is a relentless worker on the offensive boards and keeps many plays alive. One should also put Mark Mr fantastic Dorris into the mix as he is a guard that can score 30 one night and dish out 10 plus assists the next night. With the offense flowing as smoothly on most nights like a Budweiser brewery, one tends to forget defensive specialists especially in a team that was giving up 92 points in the last six games. When you hear the word Maryland basketball, the name Len Bias pops up quicker than Dino Gregory who hails from charm city Baltimore, but the American had a solid senior year and last season played for  Sundsvall Dragons (Sweden) playing 40 games: 13.2ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.0apg, Blocks-1(1.5bpg), FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 73.0%. He had good offensive stats in a lower league and led the league in blocks. He has shown that his blocking skills haven´t been a fluke as he leads the Beko BBL in blocks. The American has shown that he is as important for his defensive skills as the offensive forces on the team and teams take notice. “Teams watch film they know we have a beast down there to defend the rim. Every game we watch how guards change their approach when driving to the basket against Dino. He has been real important to us, because his ability to block shots is huge for us. It makes opposing guards and big man think twice about how to score inside the paint. His role is huge, he guards the paint very well. Our game against Bremerhaven he had 7 blocks, with one he caught it in mid air. It was Crazy“, stressed teammate Larry Gordon. With everyone talking about the offense, Gregory has no problem just doing his magic under the basket defending the opponent. “ I take  a lot pride in being the anchor of our defense or the guy who protects the rim. My teammates do an excellent job pressuring their guys to take tough lay ups and im there to clean it up with a block or alter their shot even more. I love being the rim protector”, warned Dino Gregory. Gregory also understands that it isn´t just him, but it is good team work that makes a team excel on the defensive end. “My teammates really appreciate my defense just like I appreciate there’s. I allow them to pressure guys more and not worry if their guy sometimes beats them to the basket. They allow me to go for block shots and not worry about my man having an easy lane to the basket. I can guard multiple positions and that makes it easier for my teammates. I think what makes me a good shot blocker is my jumping ability and I have good timing. But people dont understand it not just me sitting in the lane blocking shots its a total team effort when guys like Mark Dorris and Davin White are pressuring their guys, the person they are guarding are so worried about getting there shot off against them they dont even notice me and boom a block shot leading to a fast break”, added Dino Gregory. He remembers having eight or nine blocks in high school and recently swatted away seven Bremerhaven shots. “When I had 7 blocks in that game that was a great experience as our defense was clicking and everybody was rotating well. I go for a block somebody rotated to box my man out. Our defense was a total team effort and I just did my part”, commented Dino Gregory. He may come from Baltimore that is known as charm city, but when he is under the boards, he is anything but charming, but a real defensive beast that won´t get any high marks in delighting any opponents with his play.

Last season, Phoenix Hagen were forced to do a sort of house cleaning simply because guys like Jacob Burtschi, Mark Dorris and Quentin Pryor were to expensive to hold. With costs on making more seating capacity possible in their old arena Ischeland arena, the team had hug expenses which didn´t help for the player budget for last season. It also isn´t easy when players see Hagen as a town where they can make a name for themselves and then get better offers from other teams the next season. Eight players left the club including scoring guard David Bell as well as young German talents Andreas Buchert and Malte Schwarz. Important was that the team was able to hold three important players with experienced German Bernd Kruel, versatile inside out player Zygimantas Jonusas and inside beast Edward Seward. The club knew that money was scarce, so they had a lot of home work to do that summer in getting the best possible players for the cheapest price. The team returned two ex Beko BBL players with Brandon Brooks who got his feet wet with the Eisbaeren playing a solid rookie season under Doug Spradley learning the ropes from starting point guard Louis Campbell and Marc Carter who had played in Duesseldorf and on any night can light up scoreboards in the Beko BBL with the best of them. The team also brought in Tristian Blackwood who made a name for himself in Holland, second year man Jordan Hasquet who is there to help under the boards and veteran Jason Crowe who was playing his 13^th professional season and Germany was the 11^th country where he had played. Crowe left the team earlier in the season. The team then picked up Davin White who brings experience to the point guard position at 30 years old and 186cm. The team had ex Tuebingen player Patrick Sparks earlier, but released him as he couldn´t find his rhythm White who played preseason for the Phoenix Suns years ago had shown in his first 7 games that he can play point guard averaging 16,4ppg and 5,4apg. He had shown that he can score in the weaker Mexican league where he averaged 28,0ppg recently for Mineros de Cananea (Mexico-CIBACOPA):

Last  season wasn´t been pretty for Phoenix Hagen as they show glimpses of brilliance, but then again played horrible basketball finishing the season in 15^th place with a record of 11-23. They had a 3-7 record as the two teams met for the first time in December and defense continued to be a problem as they allowed an average of 93 points in the first ten games. It seems to be the norm for years for Phoenix Hagen, that the team is content just to outscore their opponents with defense being out on the back burner. Hagen seemed to have a major focus on the offensive end and not so much on the defensive end. “There isn´t much help side and their pick and role defense isn´t great either. If their quick shots don´t fall, it can lead to easy fast break points for the opponent. Due to their athleticism, they should be able to get more steals”, warned Tiger guard Josh Young last season. Ingo Freyer prides offense and that is something that works most of the time for the team. “They were an extremely dangerous offensive team. They had so many weapons. They were great in transition and very good on one on one. Their biggest strength was their three point shooting, offensive rebounding and speeding up the game. You had to watch Carter and Jonusas very much”, warned Josh Young. Since the loss to Frankfurt in December, nothing had really gone right as the team had a good span around Christmas winning three in a row including against the always tough s.Oliver baskets Wurzburg, but since then have a 2-12 record until their return visit to Frankfurt which they lost. They ended the season with a strong 3-0 record including their biggest win of the season beating the LTi Giessen 46ers at home on the last game day to stay in the beko BBL. Their other biggest win was against Alba Berlin which they have beaten twice in a row at home in the last two seasons.

AS is so often the case, Phoenix Hagen made a house cleaning as 11 players went and eight new players came. The team had more budget this season than last and did the best that they could despite the circumstances. The biggest heartache was losing Zgyimantas Jonusas who smelt the euro´s in Italy going to Juve Caserta. The club was able to hold German dinosaur Bernd Kruel that is palying his 16^th season there and scoring point guard David White that can also pull a Dashaun Wood when the shooting isn´t on and focus on the playmaking. Oliver Herkelmann brought in a mix of experience, young guns from the NCAA and two familiar faces to round out a competitive roster. Two smart moves was bringing back David Bell for a second tour of duty as he can shoot out the lights in any arena and fan favourite Mark Dorris who had an unspectacular season in Ludwigsburg and comes back with a lot of ambition and his fantastic play. Another big signing was versatile Adam Hess who recently got the German citizenship. Hess is a team player that will need to help the team in scoring. Larry Gordon was brought in to give scoring nd rebounding aid. The American had a strong season in Austria and is ready to make the next step. Two risky transactions were bringing in Abe Lodwick and Dino Gregory, but both have proved that they can play in the Beko BBL. Lodwick has been consistent and preforms his role well from the bench while Gregory has shown his defensive eagerness and talent in the early going. Young German Ole Wendt was also hauled in and promised to receive minutes to help further his development. The strength of Phoenix Hagen as always will be their offense. They are a team that loves to score and also practice that run and gun game. Weakness are their defense as when they can´t score a lot of points then they have problems to score. They have given up 80 or more points in six of the first ten games. A weakness also could be their rebounding as they have no dominant big man. After 10 games, their rebounding has been more than solid as they have averaged 36 rebounds per game, but 196cm forward Larry Gordon is their top rebounder. They need help from eact player on the boards in each game.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners swept the season series in 2009-2010 with Phoenix Hagen stomping all over them in Hagen 93-64 as Derrick Allen led all scorers with 22 points, Aubrey Resse chipped in with 18 points and Grayson Moyer had one of his best games as a Skyliner with 15 points and five assists. In the return game in Frankfurt, Phoenix Hagen lost 89-76. Skyliner captain Pascal Roller led Frankfurt with 18 points and five assists and Derrick Allen produced 17 points. Last season, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners outrebounded Phoenix Hagen 66-49 in both games. Last season, the Skyliners also won the season series with a 90-85 win as Jermaine Bucknor led the team with 19 points and six rebounds and 92-53 romp at home getting 24 points and eight rebounds from Roger Powell and only six points and seven assists from Dashaun Wood. In the first game this season, the Fraport Skyliners romped Phoenix Hagen 83-65 as fans saw the last Beko BBL game of Jon Leuer who erupted for 27 points and Jimmy Mckinney had 21 points. In the return game, the Fraport Skyliners stomped all over Phoenix Hagen 92-47. Five players scored in double figures as the team was led by Devin Gibson with 16 points. The Fraport Skyliners lost the first game against Phoenix Hagen in their own living room in embarrassing fashion 107-102 as they their opponent gave them a display of how to play run and gun basketball. Phoenix Hagen shot an amazing 51% from the field and 60% from the three point line. Currently Hagen is resting on a playoff seat in eighth place with a record of 11-11 and are coming off a huge home win against 2012 Beko BBL finalist ratiopharm Ulm. They continue to play with a lot self confidence and are always hard to beat at home as Alba Berlin has seen twice in last two seasons. The Fraport Skyliners are coming off a huge home win against Tuebingen snapping their five game losing streak. They will travel to Hagen this time knowing what not to do wrong this time. “We have to take Hagen out of their rhythm. In Frankfurt they found their rhythm fast and we can´t let them do that again. When they get going then it is hard to stop them if your playing defense or not”, warned Devin Gibson. “The key for Frankfurt will be the transition game. Frankfurt will have to get back fast each time they miss a shot and focus on them in the first seconds after they get possession”, stressed Vaughn Duggins.

Phoenix Hagen is led by 30 year old 186cm point guard Davin White who is playing his second season in Hagen. The Phoenix, Arizona native played at  Chandler-Gilbert Community College (NJCAA) before transferring to Cal.St.-Northridge (NCAA) in 2003 and playing there until 2005. In his senior year he played 31 games: 12.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.3apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 43.4%, 3FGP: 38%. He played in the ABA and D-league briefly and also gained European experience in Serbia, but he has gotten most of his experience in Mexico. There he made a name for himself with his scoring. Last season he played for Halcones UV Xalapa (Mexico-LNBP, starting five): 39 games: 12.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 71.3%, in Mar.’12 moved to Phoenix Hagen (Germany-BBL, starting five): 11 games: 17.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 5.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 44.7%, FT: 75.4%. David Bell is a 31 year old 186cm guard from Oakland, California that is playing his second season for Phoenix Hagen. He is a A 1/2 guard who simply assaults any game he plays. He is an outstanding 3 pt. shooter, can penetrate and dish with the best. Offensively can carry a team, also is a top defender. He played at Montana(NCAA) and in his senior year played Montana (NCAA) 30 games: 17.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 83.6%. He started his professional basketball career in 2003 and played in Switzerland, Finland and France before spending the last years in the D-league. In 2010-2011, he played for  Phoenix Hagen (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 31 games: Score-3(16.5ppg), 2.2rpg, 3.5apg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 78.1%. Last season he played for  GasTerra Flames Groningen (Holland-Eredivisie): EuroCup: 6 games: 15.0ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 40.5%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 88.2%; Dutch League: 36 games: 13.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT-3(84.3%).

Larry Gordon is a 25 year old 196cm forward that is playing his first season for Phoenix Hagen. He played at Cal Poly Pomona (NCAA2) from 2005-2009. He turned professional in 2009 and played for  Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 36 games: 14.0ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 75.8%. He played for  ECE Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-A Bundesliga) the last two seasons and last season played  38 games: 14.7ppg, Reb-3(8.4rpg), 1.8apg, FGP-3(65.2%), 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 77.1%. Gordon is the leading rebounder on the team despite his only 196cm frame and he fits well into the style of Ingo Freyer. “I think it fits perfectly, I love the concept coach is teaching us. I love the fast break and to score easy buckets off of it. That kind of pace to the game is great and it makes us more of a threat. My rebounding ability is perfect for this team, we have a lot of talented rebounders and Im just going to add on to that with my strong rebounding”, stressed Larry Gordon. RE bounding has always been a strength in his game. “I cant really explain it, its just something that is embedded into my game. Its a lot of heart and relentless effort to get the rebound that makes me so good at it. When the ball goes up you will always see me near the rim no matter what. That is just what I do”, added Larry Gordon. Abe Lodwick is a 24 year old 201cm swingman from Bend, Oregon that withstood a try out with Phoenix Hagen and has solidified a position on the roster. He played at Washington State from 2007-2012 including with Euroleague player Taylor Rochestie. In hiss enior year, he played  Washington St. (NCAA): 21 games: 5.2ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 23.5%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 66.7%. It isn´t only his offense that he wants people to remember this season in the Beko BBL. “My defense is something I take a lot of pride in. It bothers me when my man scores and I think it is invaluable to have players who lock up on defense. I know Phoenix Hagen likes to run and shoot, so I am hoping my defense will stand-out at times and help us”, stressed Abe Lodwick.

Adam Hess started his third tour of duty for the Artland Dragons last, but this season moved to Phoenix Hagen. The trend the last years has always shown that Hess can´t stay away for more than two years from Artland as He played the first time with the Dragons in 2006 and the second time in 2008 and the third in 2011-2012. Hess is a 31 year old 201cm forward from Michigan. He is a quick forward with not so great athletic skills, but very effective at the scoring department. He’s a tough player, however, and knows how to battle inside for a rebound and he defends well and has a great attitude. He played at William & Mary and also has gained experience playing in Italy, Czech Republic, France and Spain. In the Czech republic he won the league title twice with Nymburk and the Czech Rep. League All-Star Game -05 (3-Points Shootount Winner) in 2006. In 20092010, he played for C.B. Tarragona 2016 (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five): 34 games: 14.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 88.1%. He had much success in the Czech Republic winning the league title in 2005 and 2006 and showing his shooting ability winning the 2005 Allstar game three point shooting contest. Last season for the Artland Dragons he played EuroCup Qualifications: 2 games: 3.0ppg, 1.5rpg; EuroChallenge: 11 games: 10.2ppg, 2.9rpg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 51.3%, FT: 84.6%; German League: 39 games: 6.2ppg, 1.9rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 86.5%. 36 year old 210 cm center Bernd Kruel has played most of his career in Hagen starting with Brandt in 1993, but leaving in January 2004 as the team folded. He got rewarded by winning a BBL title with the Opel Skyliners. After playing some years in Frankfurt and Bonn, he came back to Hagen in 2008-2009 helping the team get back into the BEKO BBL. He may not be the youngest anymore, but he will bang with anyone and can still play at a very high level. In 2009-2010 he played 32 games averaging 7.4ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 8.3%, FT: 69.0%.His quickness, leaping ability, shot selection and rebounding are his main strength. He is a good athlete, can shoot, can dribble and plays inside and outside. He played in the BEKO BBL Allstar game in 2000, reached the BEKO BBL Cup final in 2002 and 2004 and was a BEKO BBL finalist in 2005 and 2008 with The Telekom Baskets Bonn. Last season, he played 33 games: 6.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 75.6%.

Dino Gregory is a 23 year old 200cm forward from Baltimore, Maryland that is playing hiss econd professional season. He played at Maryland(NCAA) from 2007-2011 playing a total of 107 NCAA games. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 9.1ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 76.4%. Last season he was a rookie playing for Sundsvall Dragons (Sweden-Basketligan, starting five): 40 games: 13.2ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.0apg, Blocks-1(1.5bpg), FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 73.0%. . Mark Dorris is a 27 year old 188 cm guard that returned back to Hagen after playing last season for EnBW Ludwigsburg.. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and visited Princeton high school. He then attended St. Catharine College for a year before transfering to Marshall where he played from 2005-2008. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 13.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3Pts: 34.3%, FT: 75.9%.For Cuxhaven, he played 29 games: 18.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.7apg, Steals-3(2.3spg), FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 77.3%. In 2010-2011 for Phoenix Hagen, he was invited to the Beko BBL Allstar game and for Hagen played 34 games: 15.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.6apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 24.4%, FT: 72.8%. Last season for Ludwigsburg he played 33 games: 9.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.9apg, Steals-4(1.4spg), FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 84.5%. The team also brought in 20 year old 190cm point guard Ole Wendt that was born in Kiel, Germany. He started his basketball career in 2007 for  Itzehoe Eagles (Regionalliga). He then played for Paderborn Baskets II (Germany-2.Regionalliga) and Benslips Baskets Salzkotten. He played for the  Webmoebel Baskets Paderborn (ProA) the last two seasons and last season played 32 games: 6.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.8apg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 24.5%, FT: 69.0%. He recently played at the European Championships U20 in Slovenia -12: 6 games: 2.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.3apg. The team also brought bulk under the basket with Bjorn SChoo who is a 31 year old 213cm center that is playing his first season with Phoenix Hagen. He has a lot of experience having played in the NCAA for Northern St. (NCAA2), Greece, France and Hagen is his seventh station in Germany. He played for USC Heidelberg (ProA) the last two years and last season played  25 games: 8.8ppg, 6.2rpg, FGP: 55.8%, FT: 81.8%

 

 

 

It is never easy coming to a new team and then playing on the road for three straight games and just having to wait and wait and wait to getting that first taste of the Fraport arena. For Americans Ryan Brooks and Laquan Prowell having to wait 12 days before playing their first home game in front of the energetic home crowd  must have been as difficult as school grades being delayed and straight A students not being able to brag for a while, Rajon Rondo tearing his ACL and having to miss the rest of the season and recuperate and having to have to wait until next season to play again and typical D-league players who have to wait for their call up never knowing when the NBA limelight will shine into their faces like a floodlight giving off glittering dollar signs. Many fans enter the Fraport arena to see the next amazing dunk battle on the court between Quantez Robertson and Danilo “white men can jump” Barthel, seeing if a Sebastian Jung or Alex Meier are sitting courtside to help support the home team or if a Kamil Novak made the trip back to Frankfurt to help cheer on the Skyliners. Of course there were many fans also that wanted to see the two ex LTi Giessen 46ers Ryan Brooks and Tez buddy from Auburn Laquan Prowell and watch them strut their basketball tricks. Both guys were on the floor highly motivated and gave the fans a show as always as they combined for 25 points, but Quantez Robertson/Reggie Redding duel was really what many were waiting for and cleaning the drool from their mouthes, but Air Tez left the floor with the satisfying 92-78 win. Redding had fond memories from last season as he stepped on the floor in the Fraport arena having his best point game of the season netting 24 points and help lead Tuebingen to the late season win after the playoff train had already been derailed. Just observing basketball duels on the court is always a delectable basketball delight, because no matter how delicious the serving is, the munchies will always last you until breakfast and the next game. “This is a great duel. I really like Reggie Redding. He is the sparkplug and heart and soul of the team. When Redding is on then so are the Tigers, but when he isn´t then the Tigers aren´t either. It is interesting to see how both player play and use their advantages like Redding with his physical play and Robertson with his athletic play. It is always wise to get Redding in foul trouble. I always like to look at how the players use their strength and how the coaches figure out ways to help them. It is always interesting to see how Tez plays against bigger players. One saw that he had problems against the bigger Robin Benzing in Munich”, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss. Fraport Skyliner American Taylor Brown watched the Tez-Redding duel from the first row behind the Skyliners bench and was amazed at their play. “They were both banging down low and were very physical. Redding didn´t have his best shooting day, but that was because of the defense of Tez. If Frankfurt could of limited the passing of Redding, then they would of led at halftime. Redding is a good passer and not selfish at all and knows how to make the right passes”, stressed Taylor Brown. Robertson was as soft spoken as always and saw as just another day at the office guarding Redding. “Redding is always a challenge to guard. He is one of the best wings in the league. I just tried to contain him and not give him any open looks”, expressed Quantez Robertson. “Robertson played very well, making the big plays and grabbing rebounds and getting steals”, added Reggie Redding. Devin Gibson might be the second best defender on the Fraport Skyliners and has to concentrate on his man, but even he was able to catch glimpses of this Cincinnati-Philadelphia battle. “It is always fun to watch Tez play defense. He always has to defend the other teams best player. He is the best defender that I have ever played with. I have never seen an opponent have his way with him”, added Quantez Robertson.

Dawan Robinson was playing his ninth Beko BBL game for the Fraport Skyliners and has been up and down so far. He had good scoring games with 16 in Giessen, 12 points in Munich and 14 points in Bayreuth, but then again weaker games like 0 points against the Artland Dragons. He may not have a high assist rate, but he is able to find his teammates if he has to. His biggest strength is his penetration which just exploded against the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. Robinson finished with 21 points on 7/9 shooting and just killed the Schwaben team with his quick penetration. Robinson hails from Philadelphia and has that sweet Philly touch in his game. However according to the 30 year old, there was nothing sweet Philly about his potent driving to the basket. “There was nothing sweet about my penetration, but it was hard and ruthless and as hard as nails”, smilied Dawan Robinson. Robinson was as aggressive as ever in the set play finding the holes and not losing any time getting to the hole as well as getting quickly out on the fast break and getting easy buckets. “This is the best that I have seen him play. He seemed to attack more than ever and I think that he finally has his stamina after his injury. He is quick, but very smart how to use his body”, expressed Fraport Skyliner guard Devin Gibson. Robertson quickly got on the fast break and often found Robinson down court for the easy lay up. “He didn´t do much in the first half, but going in the second half. He got to basket and used the pick and role well and got wide open on the fast break. Having a big body and getting to the free throw line was also important”, stressed Quantez Robertson.

The Fraport Skyliners desperately needed a win and were looking to snap their five game losing streak and instead of starting slowly came in very focused and a high intensity showing the Walter Tigers Tuebingen quickly that they had come to play. It was high noon for the Fraport Skyliners and they understood how important the game was and just played top team basketball. “Coach Katzurin was pissed at us after the Braunschwieg loss. Last Thursday, we didn´t even practice, but just watched video of that game. We came into this game with a sense of urgency and we just knew how important this game was. We played with a lot of energy and just came out with passion and desire”, explained Dawan Robinson. For the Walter Tigers Tuebingen, they have never been this close to the playoffs at position nine so late in the season and were looking to get a tighter grip on the playoff picture. The Walter Tigers Tuebingen played a solid first half, but in the second half seemed to be a bit surprised at the stronger and improved play of the Fraport Skyliners and just couldn´t match their intensity and just couldn´t play consistent defense to derail their the offense of Frankfurt. “Points came easily for both teams in the first half. We took the whole situation to comfortable and they came out at us in the second half. We had many turnovers and just couldn´t get over the hump. We had stupid turnovers at crucial times and just made uncharacteristic mistakes on defense”, warned Dashaun Wood buddy Vaughn Duggins.

The Walter Tigers came out on a mission in the first quarter leading 6-0 before the Beko BBL mascot had even introduced itself to Fraport Skyliner mascot Dunking Kong. Tuebingen started to attack Frankfurt inside early as Duggins and Notre Dame alumnist Tyrone Nash scored inside. This quick force of offense didn´t hinder Frankfurt from getting points fast as ex LTi Giessen 46er Ryan Brooks who was making his debut in a Skyliner uniform in Frankfurt nailed a three pointer and then scored inside driving past Vaughn Duggins as Frankfurt trailed 6-5. The game was high paced as both teams were in an offensive furry. The Fraport Skyliners got some buckets from Robinson and Peacock, but Tuebingen kept the lead, mainly because they also scored at leisure. Duggins scored on a runner and big man Kenny Frease who can chew a stick of gum with the best baseball players scored on the fast break as Tuebingen led 14-11. After Cameron Wells found Redding for a back door reverse lay up and 16-13 Tigers lead, Frankfurt took a 5-0 run to lead 18-16 for the first time getting a big boost from the German kids Johannes Voigtman making a mid distance jumper and Danilo Barthel hitting from down town. Wells and Barthel then exchanged free throws as Frankfurt led 20-18. Tuebingen had one last possession and Houston native Wells hit a three pointer with one second on the shot clock as the Frankfurt trailed 21-20 after one quarter. “Frankfurt played at a good tempo. Frankfurt had a good flow on offense and taking good shots. Frankfurt had problems securing that first rebound which hurt them”, expressed Fraport Skyliner junior Taylor Brown. The Walter Tigers Tuebingen was shooting 64% from the two point range and 33% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 50% from the two point range and 40% from outside. Both teams secured seven rebounds and Tuebingen had three turnovers and Frankfurt two turnovers.

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen kept up their fats tempo offense going on a 5-0 run as Oklahoma native Josh Young was the recipient of making all five points and giving Tuebingen the 26-20 lead. A 6-0 Tuebingen run was followed by a 5-0 Frankfurt run as the Skyliners understood to keep their offense in rhythm and not let it sputter for minutes and let the opponent go on a high lead something that had happened in the past. Barthel hit his second three pointer of the game and Peacock took his money shot the mid distance jumper cutting the Tuebingen lead to 26-25. Once Peacock gets going nothing can really stop him except for maybe some let loose alligators from the Everglades, but even then the Miami native could probably shoot over them. Peacock made a step back jumper and tied the game at 29-29 with free throws. Nash then made a tip in off a Duggins miss and Super Tez scored with a hard penetration drive with his left hand to dead lock game at 31-31. Tuebingen kept attacking the Frankfurt bucket and making the Skyliners penetration defense look harmless as Frease and Redding scored for the 35-31 lead. “We had problems with their drive and dish. We were unable to stop penetration earlier”, added Dawan Robinson. Laquan Prowell then scored on a lay in as the Fraport Skyliners did a super job freeing themselves from a full court Tiger press. Redding then found Duggins for a back door cut and Robertson closed out the scoring with a lay in as the Walter Tigers Tuebingen led only 39-37 at halftime. “Frankfurt was giving up too many easy baskets inside. On offense Frankfurt made some bad decisions, but they continued to fight as they showed they knew how big this game was”, stressed Fraport Skyliner junior Benedikt Nicolay. The Walter Tigers Tuebingen were shooting 48% from the field and 33% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 45% from the field and 33% from the three point line. Tuebingen had the 18-12 rebound edge, but six turnovers while Frankfurt only had three turnovers.

The third quarter remained a very tight game until the last few minutes where the Fraport Skyliners were able to regain the lead again. After Peacock scored inside after getting a slick pass from Barthel, the Walter Tigers Tuebingen escaped out on a 4-0 run to lead 44-39. Young scored inside getting past Ryan Brooks and Frease made a baby hook shot. Frankfurt got free throws from Brooks and Robertson, but Tuebingen was still very aggressive inside as Duggins gave Frease a no look pass and then scored himself past Barthel as Frankfurt trailed 49-43. When your behind and in need of scoring, then you call on a Peacock who could be called Mr scoring in bunches. He scored three times showing just how explosive he can be tying the game at 49-49. Frankfurt had a great offensive rhythm and were finding open shots. They were looking for Peacock and if they had been a bit more aggressive on defense would have been leading. “Skyliners fed of the energy of Peacock”, added Taylor Brown.  Tuebingen then took two leads as Redding scored inside getting the perfect bounce pass form Nash and Duggins scored high of the glass, but Frankfurt tied the score twice as Tez scored and Robinson scored as the game was knotted at 53-53. However Frankfurt closed out the third quarter strong getting buckets from Robinson, Prowell and Brooks and stepping up their defesne forcing some Tiger turnovers. Ohle closed out the scoring with a lay in as Frankfurt led 62-59. “Zack Peacock already got involved in the second quarter, but really got going in the third quarter. He got comfortable and we fed off his energy”, stated Dawan Robinson. “We didn´t come out as strong as we needed to. We just didn´t attack enough at both ends of the court”, stressed Reggie Redding. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 54% from the two point area and 36% from the parking lot while the Walter Tigers Tuebingen were shooting 63% from the field and 25% from the parking lot. Tuebingen had the 25-16 rebound advantage, but 11 turnovers while Frankfurt had only three turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners kept their high intensity in the fourth quarter as they kept their lead and never looked back. Despite Devin Gibson turning the ball over at the start and being punished by a Wells lay up, the Fraport Skyliners went on a 6-0 run to lead comfortably 68-61. Little used captain Marius Nolte exerted some extra team energy with a bucket inside, Robinson hit free throws and Prowell took advantage of the mismatch against the smaller Wells and shot a hook shot over him. Lischka and Redding answered cutting the Frankfurt lead to 68-65, but Frankfurt never let up on offense continuing to attack inside weakening the Tigers. Robinson scored inside as Frankfurt led 71-65. Tuebingen once again scored on the Drive and dish as they had so often as Redding found Ohle inside for a difficult with contact lay up cutting the Frankfurt lead to 71-67. “We actually focused on the Drive and dish in this game. Their help was so good that we did more drive and dish and were able to finish well”, added Vaughn Duggins. “Our rotations was a problem on their drive and dish”, stressed Dawan Robinson. Frankfurt continued to attack on offense and defense getting steals that led to fast break points from Robinson and Brooks as Frankfurt led 77-67. Tuebingen had big problems against the Frankfurt penetration as they could do what they wanted and were attacking with passion. “Our penetration opened it up on the pick and role. We were able to find each other due to our aggressive play”, said Dawan Robinson. However Tuebingen wasn´t down and out yet as German Johannes Lischka reeled his team back with a lightening 5-0 run dropping a three pointer and finishing on the fast break cutting the Frankfurt lead to 77-72. However Frankfurt continued to be too strong  for Tuebingen as they continued to score any which way as Tez stole the ball from Nash´s hands under his bucket or the smaller Brooks hitting over FRease as Frankfurt led 81-74 with time running out. After Duggins free throws, the Fraport Skyliners sealed the victory with back to back steals from Brooks and Robinson leading to transition buckets from Robinson and Brooks. “Frankfurt made big steals in the last minutes leading to easy transition baskets. Brooks had the icing on the cake with a big shot. They played great team basketball at the end”, stressed Taylor Brown. “We were able to cut it down to five points, but then they were up again. Then we had two big turnovers. It was tough having to come back then”, commented Reggie Redding.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Dawan Robinson with 21 points. Zach Peacock added 20 points and five rebounds. Ryan Brooks contributed 19 points, five rebounds and four assists. Quantez Robertson added 12 points and Danilo Barthel 10 points. The Walter Tigers Tuebingen were led by Vaughn Duggins with 15 points. Kenny Frease added 13 points. Reggie Redding produced 11 points, six rebounds and five assists. Tyrone Nash has 10 points, six rebounds and three assists. The Fraport Skyliners had a much needed win with an offense that had sputtered much this season, but finally broke out of its funk managing 92 points. When you shoot 55% from the field and 42% from outside and defend well, then you will win on many nights. Frankfurt lost the rebound battle 30-22 and had problems with the constant inside pounding of their drive and dish, but took good care of the ball coughing it up only seven times. Frankfurt simply had so many positives on this night. “Our biggest strength was our cohesiveness. We just stayed together today”, stressed Dawan Robinson. Tigers Vaughn Duggins saw anything but a team close to the bottom of the standings. “Frankfurt was a totally different team to what we saw before Christmas in Tuebingen. The addition of Prowell and Brooks have helped. They were feeling their way around in the first games, but are here now. Danilo Barthel was very strong one more player that we had to worry about and Robinson had a big second half”, added Vaughn Duggins.

Steven Bennett is a 24 year old 173cm point guard from Los Angeles that is playing his first season for the Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig (Germany-ProB). He is one of the few special players that has a tenacity and will to win that is unmatched; it is impossible to judge him based upon height alone because he can compete with anyone in the world. He has proven this in the Maui Invitational division I tournament in 2010, and was recognized as one of the top players (All-Maui Award) from a field of other top US point guards such as Kemba Walker, Kailin Lucas and Brandon Knight. Bennett is known for his great court vision and passing ability, and is able to get in the lane at will and finish against anyone with either left or right hand. Every team bases their defensive strategy around Bennett and is forced to take create his own shot and take his three point shots off the dribble. He is an excellent shooter, but wants to continue to improve his already respectable 40% three point percentage. Steven is known for having excellent leadership skills, and is highly respected by all of his peers and coaches. He played at Citrus JC (JUCO) from 2007-2009 and then played at  Chaminade (NCAA2) He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

You finished school in 2011 at  Chaminade (NCAA2), but didn´t play professional until 2012. Did you sit out a year?

No I didn´t. I was done with basketball in 2011, but I wanted to get my degree so I finished school getting my degree in communications.

You started your professional career this year for Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD Agios Dometios (Cyprus-Division A): 4 games: 5.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg. Why did you leave early?

It was a difficult situation in Cyprus. I had problems adjusting to the coaching staff. The team was losing and I felt that I wasn´t getting a fair chance. WE had four Americans on the team and they all left early.

Now you are playing for the German PRO B team Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig. You are tearing up the league averaging 24,0ppg. Is the PRO B too easy a league for you?

I am just getting a chance to take shots here. I came here knowing that thy needed me to do everything with scoring, getting rebounds, assists and being a leader. My whole life I have been a player where I have done what the team needs me to do. If I have great guys around me then I pass them the ball, but in Braunschweig they have a young team and need me to score here.

How would you compare the PRO B with NCAA 2?

The NCAA 2 is more athletic while the PRO B relies more people using their team as a whole even if the players might not have as much talent. The NCAA 2 really isn´t any less good than NCAA 1. Many guys in NCAA 2 are there because of some situation like grades. There are many talented players in NCAA 2.

I watched you closely in practice how intense you were following the words of head coach Liviv Calin. What is the most important thing that you have learned from him in the short time?

Right from the start, he made me feel very comfortable. He gives me a lot of freedom. He knows I have dreams and still want to go places. But he also knows that I am before the team before anything else.

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

I think my ability to make other players around me better. For example helping our four man play better pick and role defense.

What is the most common thing that you hear about your size?

“Do you really play basketball”? I have always heard that, but as soon as they see me play they are amazed at my jumping ability and quickness.

You are a small point guard. What NBA player is your role model?

I watch all point guards. I like the IQ of Chris Paul who plays for my favorite team Los Angeles Clippers. I also like Mike Conley who is a left hander like me, Rajon Rondo for his passing and Nate Robinson make sure he impacts the game somehow.

What is your relationship to the young German kids on the Braunschweig team?

It was a bit twisted in Cyprus as we had no good relationship, but here in Braunschweig I have  agood relationship with all of them. The German kids right away became my friends and that made me very comfortable.

You played at the Maui Invitational division I tournament in 2010, and was recognized as one of the top players (All-Maui Award) from a field of other top US point guards such as Kemba Walker, Kailin Lucas and Brandon Knight. How was this experience for you?

This was the greatest basketball experience for me so far. One of the reasons why I went to Chaminade (NCAA2) was to be able to see how good I could be and keep up with these great players. After that tournament, I realized that I was as good as them.

Who was the toughest opponent at the Maui Invitational?

Kalin Lucas who played at Michigan State. That school likes setting screens and it was difficult chasing him around screens all night long.

When you practice in the Volkswagon arena you must dream a lot about where you could be?

Yes I dream much. I practice with The Phantoms and It is a great learning experience and I strive to play in a league like the Beko BBL one day.

What is your impression of Dennis Schroeder? Is he NBA material?

He could go to the NBA. He has a very tough mentality and is so quick. He has a great IQ for a young guard. We go at it in practice. We pressure each other in the pick and role.

Kobe or Lebron?

I have to pick Lebron. He just makes everyone better on the court. He just makes sure no matter how talented the players are that they are an asset no matter what. Kobe is a great scorer, but Lebron is an all round great player.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The FAB 4.

Thanks Steven for the chat.

Chicago Cub fans wish for a World Series win since 105 years, just about every little basketball crazied kid pretends to be Michael Jordan on the court, ex Dawson Creek star James Van Der Beek finally came out of the closet reveling that he dreams of being on the cover of People Magazine cover for the Sexiest man alive issue and 2013 Jungle camp winner Joey Heindle striving to be one of the few DSDS candidates to have a successful singing career. It is no secret that Walter Tiger Tuebingen have die hard fans and also have dreams of making the Beko BBL playoffs for the first time since arriving in the Beko BBL in 2004. It is no secret that the club has a limited budget and is more of a stepping stone for players showing their skill and then going to better teams with higher budgets. A tiger is regarded as a guardian that drives away evil spirit and a sacred creature that brings good luck – the symbol of courage and absolute power. There is no doubt that Tiger mascot Walter has the right attitude at games as do the players and this attitude determines your altitude and more than anything else, I believe, is a vitally important ingredient in seeing your dreams come to fruition. Of course many things have to come together concerning the other teams and how they play, but all teams are in the same boat. Currently there are seven teams that are as close to the playoffs as Quantez Robertson is to winning the Fraport Skyliner team rebound title as a small forward and as the Cincinnati native is like a middle big Jeff Gibbs on the boards. In the last years the Walter Tigers Tuebingen have had some late season runs, but then faltered in the last weeks not reaching the playoffs. The club has a pretty nice schedule until the end and so far no serious injury problems and could just sneak into the playoffs this season if many factors work in their favor including having six of their last 10 games in their own pink living room the Paul Horn arena. The Walter Tigers Tuebingen are always capable of making surprises or even being able to beat teams totally silencing their strength as they did with Phoenix Hagen last weekend taking their part of a high scoring tiger machine and scoring over 90 points while keeping them to under 70 points. Despite all this potential, the dream of the Beko BBL playoffs will seem to continue to be a dream that could be realized in a few years if certain components are met by the front office. “Tuebingen is a very young team and had some personal changes this season as they got  Cameron Wells who hasn´t been the dominant point guard. They are  atypical young team with potential. Igor Perovic and Robert Wintermantel have done a super job getting the right players the last years. They could defend a bit more. If they have good offense then they pick up their defense, but if their offense isn´t working then they have problems picking up their defense. They probably will not reach the playoffs this season, but if they can continue to find a way to keep the team together than they could be a playoff team in 1-2 years”, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss. Currently the Walter Tigers Tuebingen are in ninth place and are as close to the playoffs as never before. They have been known for late season runs and running out of gas, but possibly this season the Tigers will be fortified with an extra helping of pigs to help keep their energy until the end.

Last season, The Walter Tigers Tuebingen might use a motto that German basketball player Christian Standhardinger might be using after a few miscues in the NCAA and always coming back to try his luck in the NCAA with “If you don´t succeed at first then try try again” in hopes of reaching the Beko BBL playoffs. However if a strong starting five in 2010-2011 with Bane Ratkovica, Johannes Herber, Chris Oliver, Dane Watts and Anatoly Kashirov wasn´t potent enough for May basketball, how does the team see making an impact last season in the even stronger Beko BBL and a new starting five? Guys like Dane Watts had a very strong season whereas other starters solid seasons, but were still able to double their market value and get better financial contracts with other teams. Some teams play for titles, while other teams play for the playoffs and in the last years , The Walter Tigers Tuebingen seem to be a team that brings in younger talented players guaranteeing them playing time so they can develop further and then go to more attractive and more lucrative teams. “You can expect a group of guys that play with a lot of passion and play extremely hard. We will defend well and can score with anybody in the Bundesliga”, warned Vaughn Duggins last season. In 2010-2011, Tuebingen already had established Beko BBL players like Dane Watts and Chris Oliver, but last season the team has their youngest team ever having six guys that were only 23 years old. With Beko BBL babies Vaughn Duggins, Tyrone Nash and Adnan Hodzic coming from the NCAA and Americans Reggie Redding and Josh Young coming off their rookie years in 2010-2011 and born in 1988, Igor Perovic speculated that these guys would have to perform right away getting their feet wet quickly. Perovic had much experience with thirty something players Lou Campbell and Velomir Radiovic and Nicolai Simon who has title experience with Alba Berlin, but still many young bucks that were inserted into a nasty shark infested basketball pool each weekend. “. I think if you have a good chemistry of players then it is a good thing. Experience is key in close games early in the season but once your out on the court all that age goes out the window in most cases. It is risky but if you got good chemistry it will help in a lot of ways. I think the team will play hard and will surprise a lot of teams. Young teams are usually hungry and they may struggle at times but just like most young teams we may not know which team may show up. But they will be a team that competes just like the rest of the BBL”, warned BV Chemnitz guard John Bynum last season. Still having so much youth can also be a positive thing. “I think their strength will be them playing hard, I didnt really get a chance to see them in preseason but on paper they have some solid individual players. I really dont know about weaknesses but I’m sure that will show up as the season goes along”, added John Bynum. “We just need to continue to get better as a whole. Our ceiling with how good we can be is so high because we are so young. If we get better every day we will be fine during the season”, added Walter Tigers Tuebingen guard Vaughn Duggins. The glue for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen was Lou Campbell and teams will learn quickly that keeping the American in check will make basketball life on the court very difficult for the Tigers. “I think that Campbell was the key but we had to see what the newcomers would bring to the table as well. To put so much pressure on one guy meaning Campbell isnt fair but I think they got some young guys who can make a difference as well”, stressed John Bynum last season. One Skyliner that was motivated to play against so many NCAA rookies was fellow rookie Michael Thompson. “I was great to be on the court with those three great players with Duggins, Nash and Hodzic. All three had great careers in the NCAA. I played against Nash. You always have to keep an eye on him. He can do it all, shoot the three, play with his back to the basket and play aggressive defense”, warned Michael Thompson.

The speculating really played dividends for head coach Igor Perovic despite starting with a six game losing streak, the team finished at the end of the 2011-2012 season with a record of 15-19 and in 12^th place. Much like the Fraport Skyliners, the Walter Tigers Tuebingen didn´t have any luck with their draw at the start getting opponents like Bamberg, FC Bayern Munich, Artland, Alba Berlin and ratiopharm Ulm. However they finally got their first win in Bremerhaven and from then on slowly got going getting out of the Beko BBL cellar. After an unneeded loss at home against BBC Bayreuth followed a three game winning streak as they beat Phoenix Hagen and potential playoff teams  Braunschweig and Bonn displaying that they are  a talented team that can play with anyone. In February followed the highlight of the season where they went on a four game winning streak beating FC Bayern Munich and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg at home. It wasn´t quite enough for the Beko BBL playoffs, but the team showed a lot of grit and fighting power and already had many people speculating over the summer what would be possible in 2012-2013 with so many players staying on board and team chemistry staying intact.

Usually the job of a team is to try to keep key players over the summer, but the Walter Tigers Tuebingen did something very untraditional, but something that earns a lot of respect, but giving their four Americans contract extensions during last summer. Guys like Vaughn Duggins who had a solid rookie season often shining with his scoring, power forward Tyrone Nash that at times seems invisible, but at the same time so present under the basket, top 5 Beko BBL player Reggie Redding that could make the break to a top European team if his stats improve even more this season and solid Josh Young that made the jump from PRO B to the Beko BBL with flying colors and more often than not had guys searching for their jock straps on the baseline. The team also kept likeable German Ruben Spoden. Of course the high quality of living in Tuebingen may be a reason for players staying, but another reason is simply that everyone understands each other and like to be around each other including big brother type head coach Igor Perovic. Perovic still had the duty of getting some good pieces to fit the missing parts. A valuable acquisition was German Johannes Lischka who has developed into a fine Beko BBL player that can shoot, penetrate and play nasty under the court, but still hasn´t reached his full potential yet. The club also got two big men with American Kenny Frease who had a strong career at Xavier and can be the vocal leader on the court and bang on the boards and German Robert Ohle who is supposed to bring stability from the bench. Perovic has been very fortunate last season to get rookies that made an impact, but this season pulled a blank with Douglas Davis who was unable to fill the expectations. Perovic recently brought in a second year professional with Cameron Wells who has shown more progress than a Davis after playing a strong season in Holland. The biggest strength of the Tigers is that they kept  a core of players and there is a healthy team chemistry already intact. The team also is more of a presence inside this season with Frease and Ohle which will make the team more flexible on both ends of the court. Weaknesses could be their youth and thin bench. If the team sustains one or two injuries then they will be reeling for some kind of help that just wont be there. The Walter Tigers Tuebingen have been playing very good basketball in the last weeks winning two of the last three games. They trounced the LTi Giessen 46ers 107-71, beat Phoenix Hagen at their own game 99-69 and showing when they do defend that they can easily beat an offensive machine. They lost a bitter 71-69 game in Berlin. The Fraport Skyliners continue to sink farther and farther into the basketball cellar having lost five games in a row. The offense continues to be lukewarm and just not ready to be hot. The biggest strength of the Fraport Skyliners is their defense and possibly that could finally spark the offense? “We have to as always start on defense and then execute on offense. We need to get some easy buckets from our bigs and just compete”, warned Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners know that its more than do or die Sunday against Tuebingen. “We can´t talk anymore now, but we just have to win. It is a duty to win. We have to defend and play fast break basketball like in the last quarter in BRaunschweig and just all play with heart”, warned Johannes Voigtmann.

Since the 2005-2005 season, the Frankfurt Skyliners have a record of 10-4. After losing the season series in 2005-2006, the Frankfurt Skyliners had some glorious years winning seven games in a row. In the 2007-2008 season, Frankfurt won both games as Derrick Allen totally dominated both games scoring 27 and 21 points. Even in the third game in a row the next season, Allen was top scorer with 22 points. Who could forget the 25 point effort of Keith Simmons in 2009 in a 72-59 victory. Two seasons ago, the Frankfurt Skyliners swept the season  series as 2011 Beko BBL MVP Dashaun Wood had 34 and 22 points to lead all scorers. In the first meeting of the season last year, the Tigers lost to the Fraport Skyliners 73-66 in a game that was on the line in crunch time and a game they could of won. Duggins brought the Tigers to 66-69 with 1.13 to play, but a Jon Leuer bucket and Justin Gray free throws sealed the win for Frankfurt. In the return game in Frankfurt, Tuebingen got revenge winning 96-89 as Reggie Redding led all scorers with 25 points. In the first meeting this season, The Walter Tigers Tuebingen played an alla round solid game defeating Frankfurt 87-75 and had six players in double figures as Kenny Frease had 18 points, Vaughn Duggins chipped in with 17 points and Reggie Redding and Tyrone Nash contributed 12 points each. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Zach Peacock with 18 points and Ted Scott with 13 points. Tiger Josh Young knows what Frankfurt is capable of and how to stop Devin Gibson. “ Frankfurt is a solid team every year. I don’t think their record really tells how good of a team they are. Devin is a solid PG. He does a great job of getting to the rim and finishing. We will have to limit that as much as possible”, warned Josh Young.

 

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen are led by The team also brought in Reggie Redding who is playing his third professional season despite being only 24 years old. Redding is a 196cm guard from Philadelphia and possesses a great feel for the game, moves well without the ball, offers size and the ability to score from the guard position. He played at Villanova (NCAA) with ex BG Goettingen forward Dwayne Anderson and in his senior year played 23 games: 7.3ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 63.8%. he reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2008.  As a rookie he played for InterCollege Etha Engomis (Cyprus-Division A) winning the league and cup title and played 16 games: 9.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 73.9%; EuroChallenge: 8 games: 7.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 62.5%. Last season for Tuebingen he played 34 games: 13.2ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.3apg, Steals-3(1.4spg), FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 69.0%. For his strong season in the Beko BBL, he received Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga 2nd Team -12, Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Imports Team -12, and Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Newcomers Team -12. Vaughn Duggins is playing his second season in the Beko BBL rookie and is a 25 year old 187cm guard from Pendelton, Indiana. He played at Wright State from 2006-2011 including his freshman season with 2011 Beko BBL MVP Dashaun Wood as has fond memories of the Alba Berlin guard on the court and their one on one battles. “Every once in a while at practice I’d be walking by Dashaun and he would stop me and tell me exactly how he was going to score on his opponent that next possession and sure enough he would go out there and do that exact thing and look at me and laugh while running down the court. Thats easy! Dashaun beat me 9 out of 10 times on one on one.  I was a young puppy out of high school and he was the horizon league player of the year. I don’t remember him having any weaknesses other than he was smaller than me so I could post him up”, stressed Vaughn Duggins. In his senior year, the American played 33 games: 18.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 82.2%. Beko BBL teams will have to be aware of the dangerous game of the American. He is a scorer, but also has hidden attributes. “My jumping ability isn´t always noticed. I’ve surprised a lot people when I get up to block a shot or dunk”, warned Vaughn Duggins. Last season as a rookie, he played  34 games: 13.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 77.8%Another. Tyrone Nash is a 23 year old 203cm forward from Queens, New York. He played together with FC Bayern Munich guard Ben Hansbrough at Notre Dame and in his senior year played Notre Dame 34 games: 9.5ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 68.9%. Last season with the Tigers he played 34 games: 9.1ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 56.6%. Josh Young is playing his second season with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen made the jump from the PRO B to the Beko BBL. Young is a 24 year old 185cm guard from Shawnee, Oklahoma. He played at Drake from 2006-2010 including two years with ex Skyliner Adam Emmenecker. In his senior year, he played 32 games: 14.4ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 73.0%. In 2010-2011 he came to Germany and played for Bayer Giants Leverkusen (Germany-ProB) tearing up the league playing  11 games averaging 26.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.0apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 45.3%, FT: 79.0%. Last season for the Tigers he played 34 games: 10.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 76.0%.

25 year old 203cm power forward Johannes Lischka is playing his first season with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. He can hurt you with his three pointer and has a very dangerous penetration into the lane where he can finish in many different ways He started his professional basketball career with TV Lich in 2004 and played for the Giessen 46ers from 2007-2010 while also playing for TV Lich. In 2008-2009 for TV Lich he led the PRO A in scoring with 23,7ppg, 8,8rpg, 2,2apg and 1,8spg. He was bitterly disappointed in 2009 not being invited to the Euro Championships in Poland. The next calamity happened in the second game of the season, as he injured his hand in Frankfurt missing seven games. In 2009-2010, he played games: 5.4ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 56.1%. In three seasons for Giessen, he played 86 games. He was a member of the German A-2 national team in 2009 and then played at the University Games in Belgrade (Serbia) -09: 7 games: 10.6ppg, Reb-5(10.4rpg), 2.0spg, FGP: 41.0%, FT: 77.4%. He played for EnBW Ludwigsburg from 2010-2012. Last season he played  34 games: 8.5ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 66.2%. Kenny Frease is playing his first season for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen and is a Beko BBL rookie. He is 23 years ole and 213cm and hails from Massillion, Ohio. He played at Xavier from 2008-2012 playing  atotal of 137 NCAA games and reaching the NCAA Sweet 16 three times. In his senior year, he played  36 games: 10.2ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 51.4%, FT: 56.9%.Frease knows exactly what he has to do as a rookie. “I want to come in and be as much of a force as I can be down low. Rebound and score when its needed. Defensively, I could see myself becoming a vocal leader because I am in the back of the play and can see most of the court, so that is something I will have to focus on as we go through our preseason. Something that comes naturally to me and is one of the most fun parts of the game is being able to pass the ball out of the post. Finding open shooters and cutters from the post is something that is difficult to stop for a defense”, stressed Kenny Frease.

Cameron Wells is a 24 year old 185cm guard from Houston, Texas that is playing his second professional season. He played at Citadel(NCAA) from 2007-2011 playing a total of 137 NCAA games. In his senior year he played 32 games: 17.2ppg, 5.1rpg, 4.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 24.7%, FT: 82.7%. Last season as a rookie he played for Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 36 games: 14.0ppg, 3.9rpg, Assists-4(3.6apg), Steals-1(2.4spg), FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 78.1%. Last summer he played NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (Milwaukee Bucks): 4 games: 4.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.3apg. The team also signed 24 year old 209cm center Robert Ohle who started his basketball career in Paderborn playing together with Fraport Skyliners captain Marius Nolte. He already got Beko BBL experience from 2007-2010 playing a total of 35 beko BBL games and already played a Beko BBL game as a 19 year old. In 2010-2011, he played a year in the PRO A to sharpen his skills and get more playing time for the Saar-Pfalz Braves playing 26 games: 8.4ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 48.3%, FT: 64.6%. He played at the European Championships U20 Division B in Targu Mures (Romania) -08:(Champion): 6 games: 5.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.0bpg, 2FGP: 73.7%, FT: 77.8%. Last season with Giessen he played 34 games: 4.1ppg, 2.3rpg. Rueben Spoeden is a 23 year old 202cm forward from Frankfurt that is playing his third season in Tuebingen. He started his basketball career with Eintracht Frankfurt an dthen played for TV Langen where his teammate was Robin Benzing. He also has a license for Ergas Ehingen. Last season he with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen he played  8 games: 1.3ppg; also played at ErdgaEhingen/Urspringschule (ProB): 28 games: 7.4ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 21.7%, FT: 60.7%. German American Akeem Vargas rounds out the roster. He is a 21 year old 190 cm guard that started his basketball career with the SG Urspringschule junior team in 2005. In 2009-2010, he got experience in the States playing for Iowa Lakes CC (JUCO): 31 games: 5.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.0%, FT: 94.0%. In 2010-2011with Tuebingen, he got into 12 games: 0.4ppg; and also had also a license to play for Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (2. Bundesliga Pro B)playing 27 games: 8.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 77.6%. Last season he played 29 games: 2.4ppg, 1.5rpg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aubrey Conerly is a 29 year old 180cm point guard from Chicago that is currently playing for the ifm Baskets Konstanz (Germany-ProB). He played at Jacksonville(NCAA) form 2003-2006 and in his senior year played  27 games: 13.3ppg, 3.1rpg, 6.0apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 40.2%, 3FGP: 36.4%, FT: 83.8%. He turned professional in 2006  and came to Europe in 2007 playing five seasons in Finland. He played for teams like  Forssan Koripojat (Finland-1st Division) 25 games: 15.5ppg, 4.5rpg, Assists-1(5.9apg), 2.0spg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 43.1%, FT: 69.4%, Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-1st Division) 23 games: 18.4ppg, 5.0rpg, Assists-5(3.5apg), 2.4spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 85.6,  Porvoon Tarmo (Finland-1st Division)  26 games: 19.9ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-3(3.3apg), Steals-4(2.3spg), FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT-3(89.5%) and in 2010-2011 for Porvoon Tarmo (Finland-Korisliiga)  26 games: 15.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-5(1.8spg), FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 83.8%, and  Saynatsalon Riento. He started this season for  SG Schwelmer Baskets (Germany-ProB): 11 games: 4.0ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.6apg. He spoke to German Hoops after the 96-76 loss against the Fraport Skyliners juniors.

A tough 96-76 loss for ifm Konstanz against the Fraport Skyliners. What were the main reasons for the loss?

They made their shots and we didn´t. They shot 56% form the field and we didn´t.

Was another reason that you didn´t have your two big men?

Well we knew coming in that we would be undersized without Robinson Louisme and Milos Nikolic, but not hitting our shots was more of a reason for not winning.

In the second quarter Oumar Sylla made 8 points in a row helping keep Konstanz in the game. How important has he been this season for the team?

He is one of our most experienced guys that we have. He played NCAA basketball and he has a very good knowledge of the game. It can be tough sometimes because he is always changing around positions because of the injuries that we don´t know where he always is on the court, but he is clearly one of our best shooters on the team. It is hard to prepare when your two post players are missing.

How much fun is it in general palying against former NCAA players in the PRO B like Larry Wright?

It is always fun playing against those guys. It is always nice to see Americans doing well and furthering their careers.

At the end of the third quarter your teammate young German Sandro Heberlein made a buzzer beater. Did you think that it would go in when he released it?

To be honest I didn´t, but I was happy that it went in.

You started the season with PRO B team Schwelm and played only four games and had to leave. Why didn´t you have a longer stay there?

We were doing very well and they wanted to make a decision budget wise  and didn´t want to keep three import players and Lars Wendt was coming back from injury. They wanted to keep me an dliked my play, but they were going in another direction and didn´t see me having much playing time.

Now you are a central figure for imf Baskets Konstanz. Is head coach Marko Radulovic a big part of this?

At the beginning, I didn´t really have to do much as it was my job to get Robinson Louisme the ball inside and I didn´t need to shoot much. Now with him out for the season, I find myself needing to score more and being an offensive leader.

You recently played against PRO B top scorer Josh Parker. How challenging wa sit playing against the Chicago native?

He is a very good player and challenging to play against. He plays each possession hard.

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

I can´t really answer that as I try to improve each week. I came from playing 13 minutes to 30 minutes a game. I was a role player with Schwelm and now a player the opponent needs to control. It doesn´t matter if I get overlooked, but I just try to improve in all areas of the game.

You played at Jacksonville(NCAA) an din your senior year had Cliff Warren as headcoah. What could you learn form him?

Just bring energy and effort at all times. He is a really good coach and one of the best coaching college ball. It was a great experience to play for him. Since he became coach there 10-15 guys have come to Europe to play.

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

I played against the 2006 NCAA champion Florida Gators that had guys like Al Horford, Corey Brewer, and Tauren Green.

You played five seasons in Finland. What was your most crazy experience there?

A moose running across the expressway. I remember driving with a teammate that had never seen a moose before. He had only seen deers. Then as I was telling him the story a moose ran across the road.

When you are looking at the Bodensee in Konstanz, does it remind you of home and Lake Michigan?

Yes a little bit. It has been a while since I was in Chicago since I haven´t lived there in 8 years. Konstanz is very homely, but has nice scenery and a nice downtown.

Would you rather jump in lake Michigan or the Bodensee on a hot day?

I would rather jump in the Bodensee. There is too much sea weed in Lake Michigan.

When I say L.L in Finland what comes to mind?

I don´t know.

L:L stands for Latrice Little.

Oh ok. He is a good friend of mine. I remember our coach calling him by the wrong name. The way he said his name it reminded me of a weight machine.

How long can you last in a sauna?

Now I am good at about 10 minutes, but at first I couldn´t last 30 seconds. I had never been in one before before I came to Finland.

The Boston Celtics have a 6 game winning streak without Rajon Rondo. How crazy is that?

Well it isn´t so crazy. This winning streak shows how important Rondo really is. People often don´t think how team really is doing when a player like Rondo isn´t there. The success of the Celtics without Rondo shows the leadership that he brings. It shows that even when he isn´t there, his teammates know what to do. He is like a parent in that even when they aren´t there and the kid is doing well, then it speaks highly of the parent.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Here comes the boom with Kevin James.

Thanks Aubrey for the chat.

Besides enjoying the amazing, captivating and loud atmosphere in the Franken arena in Bayreuth,  some fans might have been looking forward to seeing Gary Mcghee slamming home a put back and making comparisons to Jermareo Davidson and the similarity of their hair styles, observing the hustle of American Joe Trapani with the looks of actor Chris O´ Donnel as both visited Boston College to get their education, watching the perfect grace of Kevin Hamilton slipping his teammates crisp passes for points or  trying to predict how many dunks a Jason Cain will have. However one match up that might get less interest, but no doubt is of big interest is the guard play of two young and upcoming Germans Simon Schmitz and Konstantin Klein. Schmitz has continued to develop nicely with BBC Bayreuth and the big trust and extended minutes from head coach Marco Van Den Berg surely has helped his self confidence. Schmitz who has a young brother Aaron that plays in the PRO B for the Dragons Rhondorf is averaging 18,3 minutes per game and 6,2ppg, 1,2rpg and 1,1apg. He has scored in double figures six times including a season high 15 points in a huge 90-65 home win against Alba Berlin. If you had asked Konstantin Klein of the Fraport Skyliners before the season what his chances were of getting playing time for the team, he would of said, hoping to get some minutes, but nobody ever expected that he would be averaging 14 minutes per game and logged 34 minutes in Oldenburg. His best game was a 10 point performance in a loss in Berlin. Klein plays a tough defense that really annoys offensive minded players and has a penetrating self confidence seldom seen for his age and he just keeps battling and firing up shots even if the first few don´t fall. „He always gives 100% and tries to bring a lot of intensity into the game with his defense. I played against him last summer with the A2 and I knew what he can do. It shows that when young German players get confidence form the coach that they can make a step forward. I am a bit surprised by his rise, but I am happy for him”, stressed Simon Schmitz. BBC Bayreuth lost the first encounter in Frankfurt 76-59 and Schmitz played very solid with 12 points in 21 minutes while Klein had 0 points in 12 minutes and was looking for revenge as he finished with six points in 11.45 minutes helping BBC Bayreuth get past the Fraport Skyliners 75-69 as Konstantin Klein played little with 5.45 minutes netting two points and one steal. “This was an interesting duel where one has to say the advantage goes to Klein on defense. I have liked the development of Klein this season. He is a player that has those typical German virtues that always gives everything on the court. He is like a Duracell battery that never gets tired and plays with heart and defends like a tiger. It is always nice to watch these duels and then put a resume at the end to see who was better. It is important to keep a perspective as to what guys have  a chance to become a national player in the future”, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss. After the loss Skyliner German big man Johannes Voigtmann reflected on this German guard duel. “Both have similar games and both are good shooters, but Schmitz has more experience. Klein has shown this season that he has confidence to hit big shots something that Schmitz is doing on a consistent rate. That is something that Klein should strive to be able to do in the future”, stressed Johannes Voigtmann.

A week ago it was a Robin Benzing and Steffan Hamann that sealed the fate of the Fraport Skyliners with their play and this week it was Beckham Wyrick who is your typical strong role player that does so much on the court, but most likely could get even more recognition for their fine play. Wyrick finished the game with 14 points and six rebounds shooting 67% from the field and one could give him a new nickname changing his Becks to Mr big shot not meaning that he things the world of himself, but that he makes the important shots. For Wyrick who has played in Leverkusen, Bamberg and Munich it seemed like just another typical day at the basketball office for him. “I have always been a role player in my career, but I have more of a role on offense with BBC Bayreuth. I just work hard in practice taking shots which gives me the confidence to make them in games”, warned Cincinnati native Beckham Wyrick. Wyrick hit big shots all throughout the game, but not more important than in the fourth quarter where he nailed two always then when Frankfurt was a few points behind. Wyrick has earned the respect of his opponents since years. “Wyrick has so much self confidence in his shot. He does all the small things on the court and hustles to the rebound. He is a player that every team wants to have”, stressed Johannes Voigtmann. After the win, Wyrick was giving an interview for local Bayreuth TV and next to him was BBC Bayreuth head coach Marco Van Den Berg who was waiting his turn. One could see the sparkle in the eyes of the dutch man head coach when mentioning Wyrick. “He has a great character. Whenever you need to win, Wyrick does it with character and not talent. He hit big shots and neutralized Quantez Robertson from being effective from winning the 50/50 balls”, expressed BBC Bayreuth head coach Marco Van Den Berg,

When your way down in the bottom of the standings like the Fraport Skyliners are then the only thing that counts is winning. Even when the team is playing well, it is no excuse for losing. The Fraport Skyliners left Bayreuth with their fourth loss in a row and thanks to a win from the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig, the 2004 Beko BBL champion slipped to 17^th place in the standings. With head coach Muli Katzurin back from a week in Israel and both ex LTi Giessen 46er Americans Laquan Prowell and Ryan Brooks integrated more into the team, they were unable to successfully make a comeback in crunch time despite fighting until the end, but falling short. “BBC Bayreuth capitalized on our mistakes. We were in a hole quick and were unable to come back. We had problems getting into our offense and didn´t shoot well. Whenever we made mistakes, they took advantage of it and scored on offense”, added ex Eisbaeren Bremerhaven forward Zach Peacock. BBC Bayreuth were trying to recover off a bitter loss in Ludwigsburg and quickly got going and set the pace of the game and kept a cool head in crunch time making the right plays and hitting the big shots winning their fourth game in a row at home. “We knew that it would be a tough game and that it would be a fight. Frankfurt had outhustled us in Frankfurt. We just wanted to bounce back and we had much energy this time. We got off to a quick start and we fed off the atmosphere and our fans. We hit big shots, caused turnovers and played good defesne forcing them to tough shots which gave us the win”, commented ex Artland Dragon Bryan Bailey.

BBC Bayreuth got off to a quick start leading 4-0 as ex Alba Berlin guard Nicolai Simon scored with a jumper and a lay up. BBC Bayreuth didn´t waste anytime getting a rhythm and getting their set offense running taking quick shots and getting the crowd going. The Fraport Skyliners didn´t waste much time matching their intensity early as the two ex Giessen players Ryan Brooks  scored inside and Laquan Prowell stuffed home an ally-op pass from Robertson as the game was tied at 4-4. BBC Bayreuth kept their intensity cooking going on a 6-0 run to lead 11-4. Simon scored his seventh consecutive point, Wyrick hit a fade away jumper and Kevin Hamilton scored on the fast break due to a Simon steal. BBC Bayreuth kept the lead, but the Fraport Skyliners stayed on the heels of BBC Bayreuth as Prowell and Brooks continued to hit cutting the BBC Bayreuth lead to 14-10. Wyrick then hit a jumper over the outstretched hand of Tez as Frankfurt trailed 17-10. Joe Trapani who had had  a strong game in the loss in Frankfurt with 16 points and 10 rebounds had two big blocks in the first quarter to help in the BBC Bayreuth charge. The Fraport Skyliners kept their best for last closing out the first quarter with a 8-2 run to trail only 19-18. Devin Gibson made his best play of the game spinning into the zone and closing with a no look pass to Danilo Barthel who made a hard dunk. Robertson then made a steal and went coast to coast for an easy bucket and then went baseline making a perfect pass in traffic to the cutting Marius Nolte who made an easy basket. “The game was even at this point. BBC Bayreuth had a good start, but Frankfurt was able to break their rhythm and get into the game. No team had an advantage after 10 minutes”, explained basketball expert Steven Clauss.

The second quarter continued to be very even, but BBC Bayreuth had the better start in the second frame going on a 4-0 run to lead 24-18. Jason Cain stayed awake catching a Peter Zeis airball and making the lay in with one second on the shot clock and ex Braunschwieg guard Kevin Hamilton connected on a three pointer. The Fraport Skyliners continued not to let BBC Bayreuth get away staying in the game with a Peacock dunk and Dawan Robinson lay in to cut the BBC Bayreuth lead to 27-23. Hamilton known for his classic first pass play found Trapani inside with a no look pass for an easy bucket as BBC Bayreuth led 31-25. The Fraport Skyliners then scored nine unanswered points in a row taking their first lead of the game 34-31. Frankfurt took advantage of BBC Bayreuth mistakes and getting some easy buckets on transition. Brooks started the run with a pull up jumper, Robinson scored on the fast break, Prowell nailed a three pointer and Robinson scored again in traffic in the lane. That was the last run of the quarter as BBC Bayreuth went into halftime with a 9-2 run to lead 40-36. Bailey hit a free throw, Hamilton scored inside and Bailey hit a three pointer. “Bayreuth wasn´t doing anything special, but had the lead because of the many offensive turnovers that they had got. Frankfurt was only shooting 13% from outside and had too many turnovers which helped bBC Bayreuth have the lead”, added Steven Clauss. BBC Bayreuth was shooting 44% from the field and 33% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 52% from the field and 13% from the three point line. BBC Bayreuth had the 15-11 rebound edge and seven turnovers and Frankfurt had nine turnovers.

In the third quarter, BBC Bayreuth held the lead as the Fraport Skyliners were playing catch up and using much energy. Joe Trapani started the third quarter with a three point over Prowell. Robinson then scored on the penetration which he does effectively, but Nicolai Simon answered with a penetration lay up as no help defense was anywhere to be seen as Frankfurt trailed 45-39. BBC Bayreuth continued to get too many offensive rebounds and second chances as Frankfurt was simply too soft on the boards. After a Trapani lay in, Prowell and Robinson got to the foul line cutting the BBC Bayreuth lead to 49-44. BBC Bayreuth had a special knack on this night always when Frankfurt got closer to hit big shots as Bailey scooped up an offensive rebound and getting a put back for the 51-44 lead. Prowell and Mcghee then traded baskets as BBC Bayreuth still led 53-46. After a Wyrick jumper, Brooks dropped a three pointer as Frankfurt trailed only 55-50. Simon Schmitz then hit a typical BBC Bayreuth big shot on this night over Gibson leading 58-50. Frankfurt then shortly before the end of the third quarter cruised out on a 5-0 run to trail only 58-55. Robertson spun to the hoop changing the ball from his left to right hand for the easy bucket and Brooks snuck inside. Bailey closed out the third quarter with free throws as BBC Bayreuth led 60-55. “The offensive rebounds were giving BBC Bayreuth the lead. They were getting many extra shots and the Frankfurt defense wasn´t stable enough”, stressed Steven Clauss.

Kevin Hamilton hit a big three pointer for the 63-57 lead in the fourth quarter. The Fraport Skyliners continued to battle back as Zach Peacock who had suffered three quick fouls in the first half started to slowly get heated up as he made a nifty reverse lay up as Frankfurt trailed only 63-61. BBC Bayreuth did let the Skyliner comeback rattle their game as as they broke out on an 8-2 run to lead 71-63. Wyrick and Schmitz hit big shots and it seemed like that had sealed the win for BBC Bayreuth, but the Fraport Skyliners had one last gasp of energy going on a 6-0 run to cut the BBC Bayreuth lead to 71-69 with on eminute to go. Peacock started the mini run with a step back jumper, Prowell then scored inside and Robinson also scored inside. With time running out it was Beckham Wyrick once again that had the hot hand burying a jumper from the corner over Robertson for the 73-69 lead. “I made a pump fake on Tez, had open look and made the shot. Tez is a great defender. He went for the block which gave me the open shot”, stressed Beckham Wyrick. “I was too far in playing help. They made a quick swing out and I had to close it out. Coach had told us in practice to stay on ground, but I jumped. He made a good move and hit the shot. Wyrick is a tough player that always works hard on offense and defense. You always need to match his intensity”, warned Quantez Robertson. Bailey closed out the game with free throws. “The best team won today. The Fraport Skyliners were unable to stop BBC Bayreuth from getting offensive rebounds and had too many turnovers”, added Steven Clauss.

BBC Bayreuth was led by Bryan Bailey with 15 points. Beckham Wyrick added 14 points and grabbed six rebounds. Kevin Hamilton contributed 11 points, five rebounds and five assists. Joe Trapani produced 10 points and five rebounds. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Ryan Brooks with 15 points. Dawan Robinson added 14 points. Laquan Prowell contributed 13 points and Zach Peacock 11 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot solid form the field at 49%, but were miserable from the parking lot with 15% while BBC Bayreuth shot 41% from the field and 38% from the parking lot. It was one of the worst rebounding efforts of the season as BBC Bayreuth won the rebound duel 39-23. The Fraport Skyliners only have four days before a do or die game in Braunschweig and not much time to prepare. “We rebounded very bad in many phases of the game. We defended well and I thought that we took good shots and were able to execute and got on the fast break”, stressed Johannes Voigtman. Despite playing better offense in the last two games with the new Americans Prowell and Brooks, it is no secret that the teams till has to score more points to win tight ball games. The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig host the Fraport Skyliners on Feburary 13^th.

One of the worst things that can happen to a professional athlete is not playing the game they love on account of an injury which is similar as if star chef Jamie Oliver getting a taste  bud infection not being able to taste his own luscious tasty food creations, or well known pilot Chesley Sullenberger who safely landed  US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River getting a sudden peculiar attack of flying sickness and not being able to fly or German Sebastian Vettel getting a nasty car sickness not allowing him to drive anymore Formula one at high speeds. One basketball player that went through basketball hell in the last two seasons has been American Kevin Hamilton of BBC Bayreuth. Hamilton who is a New York native and was the  9th most efficient player in the 2009/10 German BBL season and led his Phantoms to the play-off semifinals and also finished his 1st BBL season 3rd in assist (5,5 apg.) and 2nd in steals (2,0) started his career at Holy Cross and as a professional never had any serious injuries until last season. Hamilton played every summer in Puerto Rico doing double duty and in his two seasons in Braunschweig played 78 Beko BBL games was limited to four games last season first coming back in April and this season missed the first 11 games after getting injured again. Hamilton started his comeback slowly with one point and one assist in a loss to ratiopharm Ulm in December and five turnovers in a loss in his  second game to TBB Trier. However he has slowly finding his groove again and in the last five games is averaging six assists a game and has scored in double figures twice with 13 points against the Brose Baskets Bamberg and 12 points against Phoenix Hagen. BBC Bayreuth also has won five of the last six games with Hamilton back as the playmaker. One guy that never doubted that Hamilton would come back is ex teammate Keith Simmons who played with him at Holy Cross. “Anytime I see any player come back from an injury I’m happy but being that Kevin is a fond friend and former team mate I was very happy to see him healthy again. It has to be pretty tough to come back after such a long time. You have to work extremely hard to get back to the level you were playing at and improve. Kevin was very good at Holy Cross, he could fill up the stat sheet with points, assists rebounds and steals. I’ve been checking up on some of his latest games and it seems like he’s getting back to doing the same things in Bayreuth. He was always a competitor, I know because we would always go at it in practice. We pushed each other hard for three years so I knew, even though he had some tough injuries, he would come back and play well again”, stressed Keith Simmons. “It was very hard for him to be at every practice and game and sit and not be able to help the team. I am really happy that he is back again, because I can learn so much from him concerning the game view. I know also when I am on the court that when I have enough room to shoot that I will always get the ball at the right moment. I am profiting form his play also. He has been averaging six assists in the last six games and I have been averaging 10 points a game”, stressed BBC Bayreith guard Simon Schmitz.

BBC Bayreuth finished in 13^th place with a record of 12-22 last season. Despite Marco Van Den Berg bringing early success, not every player was able to fully identify with his philosophy of hard defense and a structured offense and thus it wasn´t hard cleaning out the roster removing seven players. The team kept a small core of players with Germans Stefan Schmidt and Simon Schmitz guys that the club have believed in and want to continue to develop as best as possible. Germans Tom Spoler and Peter Zeis also were held. The team also held point guard Kevin Hamilton who has those strong leadership qualities, but had a lot of misfortune last year with injuries being only able to play four games. He started this season injured, but since has returned. The story of the year is the return of fan favorite in the making Beckham Wyrick. He recently was signed, but then through special campaigns where money was raised was held until the end of the season. A week later it was announced thanks to a new sponsor coming on board that the American from Cincinnati will remain in Bayreuth until 2014. BBC Bayreuth added seven new players to help build a strong roster that could compete for the Beko BBL playoffs. Van den Berg had a good idea what players he wanted and got the team built already in June. The team added experienced guard Bryan Bailey that adds spark to the guard rotation and will be a tough combo with Hamilton. Nate Rhonert is an American that will give added strength to the guard position and is a talented shooter. The team also hauled in German Nicolai Simon who is a developing combo guard that has had very good games already this season. Arvydas Siksnius also was brought in to help at the guard/forward position.  Under the boards the team brought in Gary Mcghee that had a strong rookie season in Turkey and Beko BBL veteran Jason Cain that can step out and fire away, dominate in the post and compete as best dunker against Gary Mcghee. Joe Trapani also was acquired as he is a player that also has a fine inside out game and adds stability to the rotation. The strength of BBC Bayreuth is there deepness at each position. Also an advantage Is that the club was put together early which got the team chemistry going early and to the good start. The only negative in the team could be how well the team plays together over time and if injuries plays a role.

The Fraport Skyliners have split the season series the last two seasons. In 2010-2011, they won at home 83-75 getting 26 points from Dashaun Wood, but losing on the road 86-79 despite 29 points form Wood. Last season, they lost at home 79-71 despite 27 points form Tim Ohlbrecht, but won in Bayreuth 90-57 getting 22 points from Jimmy Mckinney. In their first meeting this season, the Fraport Skyliners won 76-59 as they were led by Ted Scott and Danilo Barthel with 15 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners are currently in 17^th place and riding a three game losing streak and are desperately looking for a win in Bayreuth. With two new players and a very solid performance for 30 minutes in Munich, the team is riding into Bayreuth with a lot of self confidence. “If we can play like the way we did in Munich, then we will have very good chances to win”, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Konstantin Klein. BBC Bayreuth is currently in 13^th place with a record of 9-12. After a six game losing streak in December the team has been very up and down in the last six games positing a 3-3 record. They are reeling off a very bitter 70-69 loss in Ludwigsburg. No matter how the club is playing, one thing is always for sure, they will be supported until the end from their sixth man the fans as the Bayreuth arena is always very uncomfortable to play in for opponents. “Frankfurt can´t get down on themselves and need to be hardnosed. They have to be physical on offense and defense and limit Bryan Bailey”, stressed Walter Tigers Tuebingen guard Vaughn Duggins.

BBC Bayreuth is led by Bryan Bailey who a 32 year old 185cm guard who comes from New York and played in Quackenbruck from 2004-2007 and from 2010-2012. He is a team leader both on and off the court. He Possesses a diverse game, with an ability to stroke the long-range jumper, penetrate to the rim or distribute the ball and is solid on the defensive end of the floor as well. He is a fierce competitive drive rubs off on his teammates. Bailey played at Bucknell and has gained experience having played in Holland and Poland. He reached the playoffs three times with Artland form 2004-2007 and the cup final in 2007. In 2010-2011, the American played 41 games for Artland averaging 11.5ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 77.2%. Last season for BBC Bayreuth he played EuroChallenge: 7 games: 4.7ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.3apg; German League: 27 games: 6.8ppg, 1.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 18.9%, FT: 77.0%. Joe Trapani is a 24 year old 203cm forward from Madison, Connecticut that is playing his first season for Beko BBL team BBC Bayreuth. He started his NCAA career at Vermont (NCAA) in 2006 an dplayed 26 games: 11.4ppg, 4.4rpg, FGP: 44.0%, 3Pts: 40.0%, FT: 68.4%. He then completed his NCAA career at Boston College playing there form 2008-2011. In his senior year he played 34 games: 14.8ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 70.7%. In 2011, he turned professional playing at the e Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 14.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg. He then came to Europe to play for  Novipiu Casale Monferrato (Italy-SerieA, starting five): 3 games: 5.3ppg, 1.7rpg, left in Oct.’11, in Nov.’11 try-out at Scavolini Siviglia Pesaro (Italy-SerieA, starting five), then moved to MarcoPoloShop.it Forli (Italy-Lega2): 12 games: 9.4ppg, 5.1rpg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 21.7%, FT: 78.0%; in Mar.’12 signed at Maine Red Claws (D-League): 6 games: 3.2ppg, 3.7rpg.

Jason Cain is a 27 year old 208cm power forward from Philadelphia  who is playing for his third Beko BBL team with BBC Bayreuth. He played for the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig from 2007-2011 reaching the playoffs twice. He played 142 games for Braunschweig and averaged 10.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 57.2%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 78.2. Last season he played for  Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 32 games: 9.3ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 72.9%. Before coming to Germany, he played at Virginia. Gray Mcghee is a 24 year old 208cm center from Anderson, Indiana that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL for BBC Bayreuth. He played at Pittsburgh from 2007-2011 and played with future NBA players like Dejuan Blair and Sam Young. In his senior year, he played 34 games: 6.9ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 56.7%, FT: 48.5%. He played a total of 120 NCAA games. In the summer of 2011, he played at the well known : Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 2 games: 9.0ppg, Reb-5(8.5rpg), 1.0bpg. Last season as a rookie he played KK Zagreb Croatia Osiguranje (Croatia-A1), only pre-season, then moved to Bandirma Kirmizi (Turkey-TBL: 30 games: 10.5ppg, Reb-4(7.8rpg), FGP: 56.3%, FT: 45.6%. This past summer he played  AirTran Orlando Summer League (Oklahoma City Thunder): 2 games: 2.5ppg, 2.0rpg and NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas (Los Angeles Clippers): 5 games: 4.8ppg, 5.0rpg. Nicolai Simon is a 24 year old 191 cm guard that is playing his first season in Bayreuth. He started his basketball career in 2002 with 2002-2003: TuS Urspring (Regionalliga). He then played withErdgas Ehingen until 2006. IN 2006-2007, he was able to play 33 games for Alba Berlin despite being on a team with a deep roster. In 2007-2008, he injured himself playing only five games. In 2008-2009 he went back to Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (ProB): 28 games: 8.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 5.2apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 85.7%. In 2009, he played at the World University games in Belgrad averaging 4,1ppg, 3,6rpg and 1,4apg. He also played for the  Paderborn Baskets (1.Bundesliga): 31 games: 5.5ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 79.4%. He played for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen form 2010-2012. Last season he played Last season for Tuebingen, he played 29 games: 5.4ppg, 1.2rpg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT-1(52.0%), FT: 74.4%.

Beckham Wyrick is a 28 year old 198cm forward from Cincinnati, Ohio that has played in Germany since he was a rookie in 2006. Heis playing his second season for BBC Bayreuth. He played for NC-Wilmington (NCAA) from 2002-2006 together with Bamberg floor general John Goldsberry. Wyrick played for Bayer Giants Leverkusen from 2006-2008. He then had a successful stay with the Brose Baskets Bamberg from 2008-2010 winning a Beko BBL title and cup. In 2010-2011, he played for FC Bayern Muenchen (Germany-ProA) helping the team move to the Beko BBL and played 25 games: 8.8ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 68.4%. Last season for BBC Bayreuth he played 31 games: 6.3ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 38.4%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 62.2%. Peter Zeis is a 23 year old 196cm swingman that is playing his second season for BBC Bayreuth. Last season he got into four Beko BBL games.He started his career in 2005 with TSV Troester II Breitengussbach and played there until 2011. Nate Rohnert is a 25 year old 197cm guard from Colorado that is embarking on his third professional basketball season and first in Germany. He played at Denver (NCAA) from 2006-2010 playing  a total of 100 NCAA games and in his senior year played 32 games: 14.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 74.4%. He turned professional in 2010 and played for  Tartu Ulikool/Rock (Estonia-KML): only pre-season, in Feb.’11 moved to Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-DBL, starting five): 11 games: 15.8ppg, 8.3rpg, 5.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 70.0%. Last season, he played for  Denain ASC Voltaire (France-ProB, starting five): 34 games: 12.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 76.8%.

Simon  Schmitz is a 22 year old 188cm point guard that is playing his third season with BBC Bayreuth and  began his basketball career in 2005 with SG Bad Duerkheim/Speyer junior team. In 2008-2009, he played for BIS Baskets Speyer (ProB, starting five) where he played together with German national player Elias Harris. He played German League: 20 games: 14.1ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 79.1%; also TV Bad Bergzabern (2.Regionalliga): 8 games: 14.5ppg. In 2009-2010, he played for Science City Jena (ProA): 29 games: 10.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 80.2%, in Mar.’10 also played at Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (1.Bundesliga). He played at the European Championships U20 in Croatia -10: 9 games: 10.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 80.0%. Last season, the German played  29 games: 3.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.1apg.  23 year old 206cm center Stefan Schmidt  was born in Schwandorf and is playing his fourth season with BBC Bayreuth. He started his basketball career with Franken Hexer (2.Regionalliga) in 2006. In 2007-2008, he played for SELLBYTEL Baskets Nuernberg (ProA, starting five): 20 games: 3.2ppg, 2.7rpg, FGP: 39.5%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 66.7%. In 2008-2009, he played for Franken Hexer (ProB, starting five): 29 games: 9.4ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 75.0%. Last season he had to fight injuries and played 17 games: 3.6ppg, 1.8rpg. Kevin Hamilton from New York is a 28 year old 193cm guard that is playing his second season in Bayreuth. He played at Holy Cross with ex Skyliner Keith Simmons from 2002-2006. He played in Poland the last few years and in the summers in Puerto Rico. He played under coach Sebastian Machowski in Poland and was made into  a point guard even though he had been a shooting guard most of his career. He scored 17,9ppg in his last season at Holy Cross and in 2008-2009 he led the Polish league in assists. What makes him so dangerous is his scoring and his potential and ability to score are limitless. “In college, I averaged almost 18 points per game. I have been a shooting guard for most of my career. Three seasons ago, I had to play point guard in Poland. I always thought that I was a good passer. I think passing has come naturally to me. I have enjoyed playing point guard”, stressed Kevin Hamilton. The best thing that teams can do is to keep the ball out of Hamiltons hands, but that is about as impossible as doing the same to Lebron James. “We tried to keep the ball out of his hands. We didn´t want him to make plays. He is a true point guard. He is a great passer and makes things happen for them. When he gets going, it is hard to stop the team”, warned ex Braunschweig guard Steven Wright. In 2009-2010 Hamilton played 39 games: 10.1ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-3(5.4apg), Steals-2(1.9spg), FGP: 63.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 77.6%. He is one of those rare players that has triple double potential. In his last season for Braunschweig, he played 39 games: 9.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.3apg, Steals-1(1.9spg), FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 67.0%. Last season for BBC Bayreuth he played only 4 games: 8.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.0apg, 1.3spg. Last summer, he played for Indios de Mayaguez (Puerto Rico-BSN) playing  23 games: 7.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.6apg, Steals-4(1.6spg), FGP: 40.2%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 61.5%. . Arvydas Siksnius is a 25 year old 196cm forward from Lithuania that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL for BBC Bayreuth. He mostly played in his home country, but had a year of experience in the States playing for Weatherford JC (JUCO). Last season he played for Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (LKL): DNP, moved to BC Siauliai (LKL): Lithuanian League: 31 games: 7.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 25.6%, FT: 75.9%; Baltic League: 22 games: 9.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 65.2%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 77.8%; VTB League: 2 games: 8.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 75.0%.