The 2008-2009 Beko BBl season was very unforgettable for the Paderborn Baskets as the team reached the playoffs almost kicking out Alba Berlin in the playoffs, Chris Ensminger made a miraculous comeback after he left Bamberg and no Beko BBl teams really wanted him except for Doug Spradley, Nino Garris returned home after three  seasons in Frankfurt, Nathan Peavy was developing into a top power forward in the league, the team had to cope with the detah of American Lavelle Felton in the off season and a very small side note to these happenings were that current Fraport Skyliner captain Marius Nolte and Walter Tiger Tuebingen center Robert Ohle were teammates. They played together from the 2007-2009 seasons in Paderborn as Ohle was an inspiring U-20 national player and the two only played together in nine games, but Nolte was always able to witness his development and help him fine tune his game in practice. In the last years they played against each other not often, but Nolte usually getting the better end with wins. Ohle has started some games this season with Tuebingen, but came from the bench in the 87-75 win against the Fraport Skyliners as American Kenny Frease got hot early and never got cold. It is always a treat when the two Germans go head to head As Ohle won the game, but Nolte had six points, while Ohle had five points and six rebounds and the two have a big similarity in their game. “Ohle was a U-20 player and came late to the game. Like many young players, he wasn´t happy with his limited minutes in Paderborn and switched teams playing in Kaiserslautern and Giessen before coming to Tuebingen. He has more of a chance to play in Tuebingen. He is a physical big man that can rebound. He doesn´t really have the one on one skills, but he makes up for that playing with much energy and heart just like Marius Nolte. Nolte is quicker, but Ohle more big in the zone”, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss. After the big win, Walter Tigers Tuebingen manager Robert Wintermantel strolled across the court enjoying the sweetness of victory and had big eyes when confronted with the name Robert Ohle. “He needs to improve on offense, but he is a very good defender and it is a plus having a player of his defensive skills coming from the bench.. He will get better on offense. Not many teams have a 209cm 120 kilo guy. We are happy to have him”, stressed Robert Wintermantal.

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen came into the game coming off a very bitter loss against 8 time Beko BBl champion Alba Belrin after making a big 15-0 run with 3.19 to play and come back from 14 points down to lead 77-76 with 13 second to play, but then see German national player Heiko Schaffartzik end the game with a game winning bucket. The Walter TIgers Tuebingen came into the game with a lot of focus and motivation and were able to up their game in the second quarter to completely plow over the Fraport Skyliners for the win. “I was afraid that we were too tired after the Alba Berlin game that cost a lot of energy. We were very motivated after that loss and did a better job to make our free throws. We increased our intensity in the second half and hit more shots. Kenny Frease gave Frankfurt a lot of problems. Every guy helped today which helped us get this win”, added Robert Wintermantel. “In the first half, the Skyliners got all the 50/50 balls. Otherwise we could have been up 10 points. We rebounded better in the second half. After we got the ten point lead in the second half, it seemed like they threw in the towel. They played hard defense with their trap ball screen, but as soon as we started to hit our shots, they got in a panic mode”, commented ex teammate of Dashaun Wood at Wright State Vaughn Duggins. The Fraport Skyliners were coming off a huge 107-102 loss at home against Phoenix Hagen were their defense had been as hidden as a chameleon in the grass and were riding a three game losing streak coming into the Tiger jungle in Tuebingen. Just like against Phoenix Hagen, the Fraport Skyliners allowed the opponent score too many points and they were able to increase their intensity on offense in the second half. “We made a few mistakes on offense and defense in the first half and I though that we clicked as a team. However in the  second half, we let them get on a run and they just did enough to get us out of our game. We were never able to recover and when we made a push, they made a big play of shot to keep the lead”, added Fraport Skyliners guard Devin Gibson.

The top player of the game was American Kenny Frease who is a Beko BBL rookie and played at Xavier with NBA player Jordan Crawford. Frease has played very well the last weeks and seems to now have got used to the style of the Beko BBL. At first glance, the American from Ohio looks like the brother of ratopharm Ulm center John Bryant as they bot are wide and have curly hair, with Frease being a bit more blonde. Frease also had a habit of chewing gum like an expert as he gave the definition of chewing with his mouth open a new meaning. He finished the game with 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks and was very humble about his own performance. “I don´t know if this was my best game, but I felt very good out there. I have to give my teammates a lot of credit for putting me in good position to score. I am just happy that we got the win”, explained Kenny Frease. The American also showed that he isn´t a one dimensional big guy, but a guy who has a craft of many tools. “Frease has a tool box in the low post. If he gets the ball there in the one on one then there will be a very good chance that he wills core or draw the foul. Many big guys don´t know when the double team comes or the cutter is there, but he sees these things very well. He is very good at passing out of the low post and finding the open man. I have seen many guys chew gum the way he has like a Michael Jordan or FC Bayern Munich head coach Svetislav Pesic, but Frease chews gum at a pace that even cows on the pasture would be envious off”, joked basketball expert Steven Clauss. “Frease and Bryant are similar. Frease may be a bit more mobile. To be honest, I didn´t notice him chewing game”, said Fraport Skyliner guard Devin Gibson.

With one day before Christmas, the mild temperatures outside made it feel more like the beginning of April then the time of year where snow and cold air rule . The Fraport Skyliners let the warm temperature fuel their offensive engine as they jumped out quick on the Walter Tigers Tuebingen leading 7-2. American Zack Peacock hit a jumper over Kenny Frease while Ted Scott returned from his injury showing that he was as sharp as could be nailing two jumpers with his quick cowboy and holster release. Duggins then scored a lay up and end one to cut the Frankfurt lead to 7-5. The Fraport Skyliners continued to play at a higher level of intensity as they went on a mini 4-0 run as their defense sparked their offense as Devin Gibson made a perfect ally op pass to Danilo Barthel, Quantez Robertson then made a steal and fed Peacock for the dunk on the fast break and the 11-5 Skyliner advantage. Then it was time for Tuebingen to go on a 6-0 run to knot the game at 11-11. Frease and Reggie reading got to the free throw line and Tyrone Nash scored inside after a nice extra pass from Frease. Frankfurt then led 17-13 as Marius Nolte scored insde as Devin Gibson found the cutting German and then scored with a pull up jumper. Duggins then scored as the Fraport Skyliners held the 17-16 lead after one quarter. “It was a very tight game. Frankfurt was shooting well from the field, but not form outside while the Tigers hadn´t found their rhythm yet”, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 47% from the field and 17% from outside while the Walter Tigers Tuebingen were shooting 33% from the field and 0% from outside. Tuebingen had the 10-6 rebound edge, but seven turnovers while Frankfurt had only four turnovers.

The second quarter remained very tight as the Fraport Skyliners had the lead early, but the Walter Tigers Tuebingen took the lead and could hold it until near the end, but Frankfurt continued to keep the game close as no team was able to break away. Fraport Skyliner Dion Dowell was extremely strong in the first few minutes nailing a three pointer and then drawing a foul behind the three point line as Frankfurt led 23-21. The Walter Tigers Tuebingen the erupted for a timely 7-0 run to lead 28-23. Josh Young and Cameron wells scored on hard penetration runs to the basket and Robert Ohle hit free throws. Frankfurt stayed on the heels of Tuebingen getting two huge three pointers from Dowell and Konstantin Klein to cut the Tuebingen lead to 30-29. “Frankfurt was spreading the floor with their three point shooting while Tuebingen was going inside. Both teams were still finding their offensive game”, added Steven Clauss. Tuebingen got a great effort form the bench and getting timely production like form German Johannes Lischka who scored on the penetration to give Tuebingen the 33-29 lead. Quantez Robertson then showed his explosiveness scoring twice in a row inside to tie the game at 33-33. After a Peacock jumper over Frease, Frease showed that he can score in bunches as well as he dunked and totally took apart the mismatch against Dowells coring with ease inside as Frankfurt trailed 38-35. Tuebingen held the lead until the last minute at 43-38, but then were met with a lightening 5-0 Frankfurt run as Ted Scott nailed a three pointer and Robertson made a steal and went coast to coast for the 43-43 tie. Then came a big play in which American Ted Scott got an unsportsmanlike conduct tearing Josh Young down from behind as he was on a breakaway. “I think that was the turning point of the game. The intention of Scott was good, but just a bit hard. I think that he should have been disqualified, but Josh said that Ted didn´t mean to do it. The fans were on Ted at every play and I think that effected him mentally, “ added Vaughn Duggins. “I don´t think that was the turning point of the game. We were playing well at that time. It was the second half where they made stops and we couldn´t get plays executed on offense that was key”, stated Fraport Skyliner guard Johnathan Jones. The score was knotted 44-44 at the intermission. “Frankfurt was shooting well, but having problems controlling Frease and the offensive rebounds. Tuebingen was playing their typical game with having six guys being able to score somewhere between 10-20 points”, commented Steven Clauss.  The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 52% from the field and 45% from the three point line while Tuebingen was shooting 52% from the field and 25% from the three point line. Tuebingen had the 17-12 rebound edge and 11 turnovers and Frankfurt only six turnovers.

The game stayed close in the first few minutes before the Walter Tigers Tuebingen were able to go on a run and would never look back. Reggie Redding scored consecutive buckets in the first two Tiger possessions as they led 48-44. However the Fraport Skyliners stayed strong withstanding the Tuebingen pressure on defense and going on a 6-0 run to lead 50-48. Peacock connected twice on the fast break and Scott hit free throws. However the Tigers responded going on a 13-2 run to open up the game and lead 61-52. Frease led the charge getting to the free throw line, dunking over Barthel and setting up Tyrone Nash for an easy bucket making the perfect pass out of the double team. Tuebingen was able to keep the lead as they got key baskets from Frease and Lischka while Frankfurt got support with a Dion Dowell three pointer and Peacock layup. The Walter Tigers Tuebingen had found their groove on offense and defense while the Fraport Skyliners were looking for it somewhere in the tiger jungle. “Tuebingen won the third quarter 24-13 and deserved to lead at that time. Tuebingen was playing very intelligent and were hurting Frankfurt with their switching defenses. Frankfurt had big problems trying to score against the Tuebingen zone defense”, stressed Steven Clauss. The Walter Tigers Tuebingen were shooting 55% from the field and 14% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 45% from the field and 40% from the parking lot. Tuebingen had the 25-23 rebound led and both teams had 12 turnovers as Frankfurt had six that quarter and Tuebingen none.

In the fourth quarter the question was how ell could the Walter Tigers Tuebingen conserve their lead and did the Fraport Skyliners have enough energy to stage a late rally. Tuebingen conserved their energy and Frankfurt was unable to make a push on offense or up their defense in the last quarter. Despite a three pointer form Super Tez, it was still a very difficult to contain Frease as he scored twice inside as no matter who was put to guard him no body could stop him even the young German Johannes Voigtmann.  Frease continued to be in his own world as he made a hook shot getting the ball and quickly turning for the hoop. Scott then made a three pointer cutting the Tuebingen lead to 76-64. However the Walter Tigers Tuebingen then decided the game with a quick sweep of three pointers showing what they can do in little time going on a quick 9-0 run to lead 85-66 as Duggins connected for two three pointers and Lischka for one. American Johnathan Jones who didn´t play in the first half, but played 14 minutes in the second half and hit two shots at the end looked down after the game and seemed to understand that his days could be numbered in Frankfurt as he has a short term contract until January. “I understand that it is a business and at the end of the day the team will do what is best for the team”, stressed Johnathan Jones. The Fraport Skyliners lost their fourth game in a row and reside in 18^th place now. “ Tuebingen was able to do what they wanted to on offense getting much support as six guys scored in double figures. Frankfurt had no real plan how to stop them on defense and never found their rhythm on offense. You never really felt a sif they were in control of game at halftime”, stressed Steven Clauss. “Our defense wasn´t as good in the first half as Peacock and Scott hit shots, but in the second half we became more aggressive, got steals and got easy points”, added Vaughn Duggins.

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen were led by Kenny Frease with 18 points. Vaughn Duggins added 17 points. Reggie Redding and Tyrone Nash contributed 12 points a piece and Josh Young and Johannes Lischka produced 10 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Zach Peacock with 18 points. Ted Scott added 13 points and Dion Dowell 12 points. It is almost like a mystery that Frankfurt shot well at 48% form the field and 45% from downtown, but had immense problems against the Tuebingen zone. “I think that we had problems recognizing their zone since it was disguised, but after a while we were able to run our plays against it”, stressed Johnathan Jones. “We didn´t do a good job against their zone. I take  responsibility”, said Devin Gibson. The Fraport Skyliners let up 87 points which compared to the Phoenix Hagen game is an improvement, but far form their average 60 points that they let up at home prior to the Hagen game. “WE are known as a defensive team and still aren´t doing what we should do. We were getting Scott back into the routine and the new guy comfortable and didn´t focus too much on defense”, explained Johnathan Jones. Frankfurt did do a good job getting 14 fast break points. The Fraport Skyliners welcome BBC Bayreuth on December 26^th.

Konstantin Klein is a 21 year old 185cm guard from Berlin that will be playing is first season for the Fraport Skyliners. He started his basketball career with ALBA Berlin II (Regionalliga) where he played until 2011. Last season he played for BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (ProB, starting five): 28 games: 9.9ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 73.2%. Awards and achievements in his career have been German U18 National Team -09, Nike Euroleague Junior Tournament (Unofficial European Clubs Junior Championships) -09, European Championships U18 in Metz (France) -09: 6 games: 0.7ppg, 1.7rpg, German Regionalliga (North Group) Champion -10German U20 National Team -11, European Championships U20 in Bilbao (Spain) -11: 9 games: 3.6ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.0apg, German 2.Bundesliga Pro B (Group South) Regular Season Champion -12, and German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Champion -12. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

You are playing your first season for the Fraport Skyliners. How do you feel playing for them?

I feel very comfortable in Frankfurt. Everything is functioning well. The arena is great as are the fans. Our team manager Sid does such a great job making everything so much easier for us. I am just very happy to play here.

You seem to have gotten used to the Beko BBL. What problems do you still have on the court?

I can improve in all aspects of my game. My shooting percentage has to be better. In the PRO B, it is a lot easier to get open shots. I just want to continue to work on my weak spots.

Did you think before the season that you would get so many minutes so early?

That is a funny question, because I was talking with the assistant coach Michael Meeks of Wurzburg and we had trained together last summer in Berlin and he had predicted I would be averaging 15 minutes this season. I was a bit surprised when he told me this in Berlin last summer, because he didn´t really know me and had hardly seen me play. I thanked him for his confidence, but it has all been hard work to get where I am.

A characteristic that I like from you is your will to take responsibility in certain situations. Where do you have this from?

I think I got some of it from my youth coach Henrik Rodl who taught me to play with leadership and have a fighting mentality always. My dad is also responsible for this as he always told me not to hide on the court. You should never be afraid on the court. That is a big mistake.

What is the most important thing that you have learned from head coach Muli Katzurin?

He has taught me how to play defense. I have learned to get around the blocks and be in the right place. He has given me much self confidence and always stresses to take the shot when I am open.

Devin Gibson and Johnathan Jones are still very young. Is an experienced point guard missing in the lineup?

I think that in some situations that is the case. But they are tough players and are always willing to learn. They are still young and can always develop more which is to their advantage. I also think it helps when you have an ex point guard with assistant coach Klaus Perwass that always gives tips.

Why do the Fraport Skyliners continue to have problems on offense. What needs to be improved?

I think that we need to get into a good offense over a good defense. We showed this against Ulm, but not against Wurzburg. We need to defend hard which gives us more self confidence for our offense.

The spirit of the Fraport Skyliners is their defense. How much effort do you need on defense to be successful?

I strongly think that every player can be  a good defender. You don´t have to be the most athletic player, but you just have to be at the right place and be smart.

What defender is your role model?

On defense and offense it is Anton Gavel. Heis an off guard like, strong but not big like me and is a good defender. He always plays a controlled offense and takes good shots. I want to be like him.

You probably see something amazing each practice from Quantez Robertson. What has been the most amazing thing that you have seen him do on the court?

I think Tez has that NBA athletic ability. It seems like his head is on the rim at times. I see him do so many amazing things that I couldn´t name one. Sometimes I really wonder where he gets this athletic ability from.

Do you study other guards on your own time or do you just focus on them in team video?

I focus on them in team video. I try to see what their strength is and take that away in the game.

What is your impression of Max Merz. Can he become a Beko BBL player?

I think that he has the potential to be a Beko BBL player. If he keeps working hard, improves his shot and decision then he could. He is three years younger than me and so much potential.

Could Tim Oldenburg take part in a slam dunk contest?

I think that he is more of a game dunker and not the kind of guy that will make those spectacular dunks.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Devin Gibson?

I think that he can beat me now, but I told him that in two or three years I will beat him.

What do you miss most form Gotha?

I miss my good friend Leo Niehbur.

What is your favorite food in Frankfurt?

I have found a Mexican place where I like to eat Burritos.

What play would you like to do on the court that you haven´t done yet?

I want to dunk over someone.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The Breaking Bad series.

Thanks Konstantin for the chat.

Filmore Beck is a 21 year old 189cm guard that is playing his first season fort eh White Wings Hanau in the PRO B. He started has basketball career for the  Eintracht Frankfurt cadet team. In 2009-2010, he moved to the  Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt II (ProB, starting five): 22 games: 13.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 76.9%, also a license to play for Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt (1.Bundesliga): 1 game: 0pts. In 2010-2011, he continued to play for the : Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt II (ProB): German League: 1 game: 0pts, 1ast; 13 games: 8.4ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 23.9%, FT: 72.2%, also Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt (1.Bundesliga), injured in Dec.’10. He spoke to German Hoops before the Hessen derby against his ex team Fraport Skyliners PRO B team.

You are playing your first season with the White Wings Hanau. How comfortable do you feel with your new team?

I feel very comfortable in Hanau. They are a well organized club that care for their players. We all understand each other well on the team. It is just a lot of fun playing on this team.

Many had the White Wings Hanau as one of the favorites to win the PRO B South, but at the moment the team has a record of 6-5 and are in fifth place. Why hasn´t the team taken off?

We are the absolute favorite with our player potential, but in the past we had a lot of injury misfortune which isn´t an excuse. I think it is more a mental thing. Some guys are missing the self confidence in certain situations. We are working on this and hope to soon to show it on the court.

How happy are you with your own game now? You are averaging seven points in 14 minutes?

I see myself as a scorer and seven points is little, but totally ok in 14 minutes per game. It is a pity that I don´t get the confidence from the coach that I was hoping for. My team can´t support me the way I want the way I could with my skills. The coach must have his reasons.

How has team captain Anish Sharda helped you this season with your playing time situation?

At the moment he keeps telling me not to worry about my limited playing time and that I should continue to keep practicing hard. It is great to get acknowledgement from a guy like him that I am doing everything right.

Who could forget the exciting 72-70 Hanau win in Frankfurt. Will this game be as exciting?

The game in Frankfurt was the type of game that basketball players live for. Two strong teams that didn´t give each other gifts and fought until the final siren. If both teams go into the game in Hanau with this intensity and effort then I think that it can be a close game again.

What will be key to getting the win against the Fraport Skyliners juniors?

The team that shows more effort and heart will win.

How difficult was it last season sitting out on account of your injury? Who helped you the most in this time mentally?

That was the worst that could happen in my basketball career and at the start, I really didn´t know how to handle it if I should stop playing or not. Luckily there was one person that believed in me and always will do and who always keeps motivating me and that is my mom. My friends also supported me and I am very thankful for that.

What is your nicest memory with Benedikt Nicolay on the court?

The first time we beat Frankfurt this season!

What was the most important thing that you could learn from Jimmy Mckinney on the court?

The most important thing that I learned from jroc was patience. He had difficult times with coaches and playing time, but despite that he always gave everything in practice and showed all that he is better until he got the confidence from the coach

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Think like a man with Chris Brown and Kevin Hart.

Thanks Filmore for the chat

John Fields is a 24 year old 205cm forward from North Carolina that started the season with the LTi Giessen 46ers, but recently moved to Levharti Chomutov (Czech Republic-NBL). He started his basketball career with  E.Carolina (NCAA) in 2006 and played there until 2008. He then played for : NC-Wilmington (NCAA) from 2008-2010. He then moved one more time in the NCAA and played his senior year for Tennessee (NCAA) playing  34 games: 2.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 58.7%, FT: 46.4%. Last season as a rookie he played for  Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five): 39 games: 11.4ppg, Reb-1(12.2rpg), Blocks-2(1.8bpg), FGP-1(62.5%), FT: 45.2%. He talked to German Hoops about his stay in Giessen and new team in the Czech republic.

Thanks John for taking some time to talk to eurobasket.com. For some players just finding a team is difficult, but even after leaving Giessen, you were already playing your first game for Levharti Chomutov a week later. How thankful are you for finding a new job so quickly?

Im very thankful that my agent could find me a good situation like this and Chomutov for believing in my talents and the coach Eisner Tomas for recognizing my skills that I could bring to the court.

Did you feel some pressure coming into your new job with Levharti Chomutov feeling the need to produce after getting little minutes for the LTi Giessen 46ers?

At first. You always feel pressure to do your best when you just come to a team but after a few practices with the team I knew that I was going to be put in great situations to succeed on the floor and to show what I can do best.

How difficult is it coming into a new situation during the course of the season? After playing with so many Americans in Giessen, there are only two other Americans with your new team. How helpful was Showron Glover in getting you accustomed to on and off court matters?

Yeah its difficult coming into a new situation during the course of a season but the players and coaches in Chomutov have been great they have supported me since day one and help me learn the offense and defense we play and getting my use to the town and area I live in. Showron has been great on court we make a nice pick and roll combo and we are great in the open floor for alley ops and off the court he has been great too just getting me used to the city

You have already played seven games for your new team and is averaging 18,6ppg and 9,6 rpg. Are you surprised that you have made such a rapid transition?

Yeah Im surpised on how fast I picked up the offense and how much the team trust me down low to get a basket for them. Coach Eisner Tomas has designed great plays for me to get one on one chances in the post. And when they do double we have good spacing and shooters on the floor to knock down the open shot.

You seem not to have had any problems with the Czech league. Is the level very much lower than the Beko BBL or is there not so much difference?

Naw its just that the styles a different in Czech league its more up and down play and the BBL is more half court driven.

You had a wake up call to the Czech league with a 116-52 loss to CEZ Nymburk that are the Bamberg of the Czech league. You held your own with 25 points and nine rebounds. Losing is never nice like that, but how important was your own game in showing that you can play against the best team?

Yeah it was important to show that I could play with the leagues best.

What are your goals for your self and Levharti Chomutov this season? Currently the team is in eight place. Are the playoffs and an allstar berth things that could happen for the team and you?

My goals for this season is to win as many games as possible for Chomutov and to make the playoffs and advance deep. If an allstar brith happens that would be great too.

You came to the LTi Giessen 46ers last summer, but left in November. Did you ever think when you arrived that you would have such a short stay there?

Naw I felt like I could have helped the team a lot more than I did. But things happen for a reason and I wish them nothing but good luck on their season.

LTI Giessen 46ers had some talented players, but why weren´t you able to break more into the rotation?

Yeah it was a deep talented roster and I wish I could have been in the rotation more to help out the team but it was not meant to be Giessen is a great city with great fans and I enjoyed my time there.

Do you believe that you got a fair chance? There was a lot of competition at your position. You had double double stats in Finland last season which was a fine recommendation for coming to the Beko BBL?

Yeah I believe I got a fair chance it was just that The coaches and the Gm did not think my style of play fit the team. But when one door closes another one opens so no hard feelings.

You are known as a shot blocker. Do you believe that your defensive abilities were possibly overlooked? Having that good defensive stopper can always help a team.

Yeah I felt like I could have been a rim protector with Giessen and helped a lot on defense with my time on the court there.

It hasn´t been an easy season for the LTi Giessen 46ers. Players like Jimmy Baxter and yourself coming and going and in 18th place. Do you think that they will come out of their funk?

Yeah I believe they will come out of that funk they have some good players like Ryan Brooks and Lequan Prowell they should be fine.

What could you learn from Elvir Ovcina on the court that will help your game develop further?

I learned lot from his passing skills. Elvir is a good passer out of the post. So I learned from him to be patient in the post with your moves and passes and its paying off for me here in Czech.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Biker Boyz.

Thanks John for the chat.

Logan Stutz is a 24 year old 205cm forward from Kanas City, Missouri and playing his first season for the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen (Germany-ProA). He started his basketball career at Washburn (NCAA2). Last season he was a rookie and played for  BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-ProA, starting five): 11 games: 16.1ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 68.1%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 76.8%, left in Dec.’11, in Jan.’12 moved to WBC Raiffeisen Wels (Austria-A Bundesliga): 16 games: 4.2ppg, 2.3rpg. He spoke to German Hoops after his monster game of 44points and 17 rebounds against Leipzig.

Congrats on the the 89-83 win against Leipzig. Of course it was a team win, but honestly would Essen have won without your monster game of 44 points and 17 boards.

It was a team win that we needed. My shots were going in that night and the team did a great job supporting me and getting me the ball. Many other guys stepped up big too at big times in the game. I am confident that if I didn’t have my 44 then we still would have won because other guys would have stepped up for sure.

Was this the most points that you have ever scored in college or in the pros?

The most points I scored in college was 38 points and last year was my first year in the Europe and my game high was 28, so 44 is a new record.

Could you say that you were in the zone? When did you know in the course of the game that you might have a very good individual game?

I was in the zone. I felt it from the start of the game. I felt it in shoot around and told my point guard too. Before the game I pray for a lot of things to go right and for some reason the number 50 keep coming up in my mind during my prayer. So after my prayer I just felt that was sign to go try to put up 50 tonight, and after I banked in my first 3 pointer at the start of the game I just smiled and new the Lord was with me and after that it was game on.

Leipzig kept in very close in the fourth quarter. You then scored three buckets in a row which helped get Essen away for Leipzig and the win. When a game is going well, does one as a player slowly seem invincible? You mad the big shots when the team needed it.

I knew the game was getting close and I knew that every point mattered. I knew that defense and rebounds mattered too. I don’t know if I felt invincible, I just kept thinking we have to win this game. I like hitting the big shots too. We practice hard all week and prepare for these chances and feels good to capitalize on the opportunity. and win the game

You scored half of the teams points against Leipzig which is mind boggling. Will you treat team to a team meal or might your teammates hook you up after that impressive performance?

We had a good time after the game, we went to a restaurant that sponsors the team and celebrated our win there, and ate there so I didn’t have to buy the guys any food or drinks hahaha, but I do owe them for sure, I couldn’t have done it with out them

After a stellar game like that does it make it easier to foget your five turnovers?

It makes it a little easier to forget them, but they still happened and I need to control that part of my game better. There’s always that needs improvement and I need to limit my turnovers next game.

You are listed a power forward, but are playing center. How well have you made the transition?

Yea, I am power forward, but do have to play center. Offensively it is no big problem because there are my opportunities for me to face up and play my outside game, or post up if I have a mismatch. Defensively is a struggle at times, guarding a center is more of a challenge for me then guarding a power forward but since the beginning of the year I have improved my defense with the help of my coaches.

How is it playing with American Joey Henley? You guys seem to harmonize nicely at the big positions.

I like playing with Joey. I think we both contribute a lot on the court. We both have different styles of play that work well for ourselves and to help each other out. We both work hard and I know teams have their hands full when we are both on the court scoring, rebounding, and playing hard. We definitely have fun

You are having a monster season in the PRO A. You already played well last season with BG Leitershofen. Are you surprised how well the transition has been this season?

I am a little surprised but not too much. I worked so hard in the summer and really got better, I felt it and knew it. My agent and I knew I was going to have a good year, so we decided that I had some unfinished business in the pro A and that would be the best place for me to play and show people what I can do this year.

If you keep up this play, I am sure that Beko BBL teams might be calling you. Do you have the game for the Beko BBL?

I would love to have the chance to play in the BBL. I know I can bring a lot of positive energy to any team in the BBL. I feel confident that my skills and hard work can help out any team looking for power forward. I hope to have the chance to prove myself to a club at that level, and I know if someone takes a chance on me they wont regret it.

Last season you played for Wels in Austria in the second half of the season. What was the most amazing thing that you saw American Quentin Pryor do on the court?

Quentin Pryor is a great player and did many things well. I have seen him hit big shots in a 5 over time game, I have seen him catch alley hoops, and lock up some great scorers, but the best thing I have seen him do was in practice. I will admit it, it was my second or third practice and he drove base line, took off, and dunked on me hahaha he got me. I know you remember that Q

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

I think my strength that doesn’t get noticed so much would be my shooting. I and shooting well from 2 point range, but my outside shot has really improved and will help take my game to the next level.

Who has been your toughest player that you have played against in the PRO A so far?

I think the toughest guy I have played in the pro A was actually last year in my first game of the season. We played Crailshiem, and Buck destroyed me. I knew then I had to play better quick if I wanted to stay in this business. So in a weird way I can thank him too for making me realize I had to step my game up.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was Wreck-It-Ralph I love my Disney Animated movies.

Thanks Logan for the chat.