Since the arrival of ratiopharm Ulm in the Beko BBL in 2006, the club has always displayed interesting and somewhat potent rosters that were formed thanks to ex head coach Mike Taylor who is coaching Maine in the D-league and often had the appropriate feeling and trusted magic wan that was able to haul in capable players according to the minimum budget that the club possessed. In the Mike Taylor era, he was able to find young lesser known players just starting their basketball career like Dru Joyce, Romeo Travis, Christian Burns, Lee Humphrey, Per Guenther or John Bryant who all were able to produce in the Beko BBL. The influx of strong players coming to Ulm continued after the departure of Mike Taylor as head coach Thorsten Leibenath came on board. Last season, the club had a special player with Isaiah Swann that had special offensive qualities who was a big factor in the success of ratiopharm Ulm. Granted head coach Thorsten Leibenath and the rest of the team also contributed to the team taking the ride to the final, but how often was Swann able to bring that extra spark and needed production in key situations of games helping the team propel the team to needed victories. At least two to three wins were on the account of Swann´s scoring rampage and scoring in bunches that he displayed frequently. Swann left ratiopharm Ulm after last season with money signs dancing in his head as he is making three times as much in Turkey this season. This season, the team got a player in Allan Ray who arrived to replace Swann and show that he can be that ray of light in needed situations this season. Ray is a 28 year old 188cm guard form the Bronx, New York that is a an explosive scoring guard, tremendous leaper, finds the open man, beats foes off the dribble or with a jumper, has range beyond the 3-point arc and is a conscientious defender. Ray played a season for the Boston Celtics playing 47 games: 6.2ppg, 1.5rpg, FGP: 38.6%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 76.4%. In the last years, he has concentrated on his basketball in Europe and has played for top teams in Italy and France and was always dangerous with his scoring abilities. It will be interesting to see this season, how important he will be in crucial situations and how much the club will rely on his scoring qualities in key situations to win ball games. He is still seeking his full scoring touch, but he did explode against the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven this season with 31 points. Ray teammate Dane Watts already had a positive feeling about the ex NBA player before the season commenced. “I remember him playing at Villanova when I was in school. He was a great scorer and player for them. Im sure that he will fit in with our team and bring a lot of high level experience”, added Dane Watts. Head coach Thorsten Leibenath can be thrilled if Ray doesn´t only help the team win with his offense. “I think my defense is a hidden strength in my game.. Coach gives me a lot of confidence. I usually have to defend the others teams best player. I bring intensity and much pressure and just try to wreck the other teams offense”, warned Allan Ray.
Author: Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Josh Parker (Bayer Giants Leverkusen) My Teamamates And Coach Have Given Me A Great Opportunity For Me To Play The Game I Know How
Josh Parker is a 23 year old 183cm point guard from Harvey, Illinois that is playing his rookie season in Germany for PRO B team Bayer Giants Leverkusen. He played at Drake from 2007-2009 and then played for Dayton(NCAA) from 2010-1012. He played a total of 130 NCAA games. Currently he is tearing up the German PRO B. He spoke to German Hoops about his rookie season.
Josh welcome to Germany. On the court you have had no adjusting to do, but how have you adjusted to the German way of life?
Thank you I am so glad to be here! I have been adjusting to the German way of life pretty good. Germany is really Americanized and easy to adjust most of the people here speak English so it has been a smooth transition for me.
The team currently has a record of 3-4. What has been the main reasons for the 3-4 start?
It’s been some ups and downs through the season like every team and with our team we lost some very close games that could have easily went our way that was unfortunate. With a team it always take some time to get familiar with everyone and now I feel like we are getting a pretty good feel for one another and starting to play well together.
Another Normal Day At The Office For DaShaun Wood Leading Alba Berlin Past The Fraport Skyliners 91-65
It has only been 17 months since the Deutsche Bank Skyliners lost a close fifth game to Alb Berlin in the 2011 semi -final playoffs. Back then it was the last game for Dashaun wood in a Skyliner uniform. Many will have fond memories of his season as he tore apart the Beko BBL leading the league in scoring with 19 points and at times tearing apart defenses as if he was taking a stroll in the River walk in Detroit. Instead of remaining in Frankfurt, he took more money and continued offense freedom under Gordon Herbert last season. The season had its up and downs and ended with an unsatisfying four game series playoff loss against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg. Despite this misfortune, the road runner Wood remained in Berlin, but knew things would change and become different under new head coach Sasa Obradovic. Wood found out quickly that he would have to be as prepared for the new strict basketball teacher as James Bond had to be with his confrontations with henchman Jaws. Wood doesn´t have the freedom as he had the last two seasons with a much deeper and talented roster, but the Detroit native clamped down right away in training camp and accepted the1998 World champion with Yugoslavia and his precise rules and buckled down and left his ego in the trash can next to the O2 World arena. His stats have been down this season, but that is more than expected with the talented teammates that he has as well as the overload traffic at the guard position with Heiko Schaffartzik and Vule Avdalovic. The interesting fact is that his scoring has dipped only a bit from last season, but his assists and rebounds are way down. He isn´t averaging 30 plus minutes this season, but has gotten accustomed to his newer reduced role, but can at any time pull out the road runner Wood turbo scoring, rebound and assist machine and make the big shots in key situations. After only a week with his new coach Sasa Obradovic, he explained the harmony between him and his new coach. “We have been on same page since day one. I understood from the start that he was a great player for Alba Berlin and won as a coach. I wanted to learn from him from day one. I think that I have become a better player with him as coach. I think that with me learning more and more in the future that our relationship will get even better”, stressed 2011 Beko BBL MVP Dashaun Wood. Coming into the game, Wood had a 2-0 record against his ex team and was as focused to meet his ex team as was Ray Allen of the Miami Heat recently when he squared off against his ex team the big green machine Boston Celtics. Wood had a solid game against the Fraport Skyliners scoring 15 points, dishing out four assists and grabbing two rebounds and two steals in 25 minutes.
How Much Of An Impact Will Nihad Djedovic Make For Alba Berlin This Season?
There are always those type of players in the Beko BBL that have that killer instinct and just don´t show any fear when they are making an opponent´s defense look like a hapless antelope if it should go left, right or backwards with the ensuing stampede of jaguars approaching on the prarie in Senegal. Recently there was Brian Roberts who played for the Brose Baskets Bamberg and now has made the jump to the NBA New Orleans Hornets that could carry the Freak city team to wins in crucial situations with his scoring in bunches mentality. The Fraport Skyliners recently acquired candy lover Ted Scott that didn’t waste anytime making 20 points in his debut in Trier and having TBB Trier head coach Henrik Rodl remembering his name. Scott has that all business killer instinct that would be extra lethal if he would play along side ex Skyliner Jimmy Mckinney that can devour defenses with the best of them. This season Alba Berlin have a new player with Nihad Djedovic who is one of the most talented players in Europe from the 1990 birth year and hails from Bosnia. He can shoot in transition, off the dribble, off the catch and is absolutely fearless. Showed ability to put the ball on the floor and finish to the hoop or create for others. He already played in the ACB as a 19 year old for Xacobeo BluSens Obradoiro being loaned from FC Barcelona. He played for Acea Virtus Roma (Italy-SerieA) where he scored in double figures both seasons. So far this season, the youngster has shown no timidness being a very important role player in the Sasa Obradovic rotation. In an Alba Berlin roster that has enough scoring power to give a coach like Silvano Poropat jealousy attacks, the young Bosnian has shown that desire for taking responsibility and having that killer instinct in big crucial moments. When watching him on the court, he has that old school look with his uncommon moustache that makes him look more like a Bosnian butcher than a basketball player. On the court, he has been as focused as supermodel Gisele Bundchen recently was for letting her full blown baby bump get into the way of weekend plans with her hubby Tom Brady, singer Katy Perry not showing any ill will backing Barack Obama in a Milwaukee reelection rally or super funny Chris Rock using his unique comedic style making a special message to help persuade undecided white voters to reelect Barack Obama. At times, Djedovic makes some bad decisions, but that is normal for a young player and so far this season seems to have convinced the organization Alba Berlin of his talents on the court and has matured quickly to the grind and playing style of the Beko BBL. 2011 Beko BBL MVP Dashaun Wood has been more than impressed with his new teammate. “I like his game a lot. At every practice I have amazed at what he can do. He can do so much on the offensive and defensive end. He is such a smart player as well. I am always telling him in practice how much I like a certain pass or move from him. He is so young, but has already played at such a high level. So far in my career there hasn´t been a player where I could say that he has amazed me in practice until him. He does things where you really have say wow. He has a very high skill level”, warned Detroit native DaShaun Wood.
Kelly Beidler(MBC) I Am Here To Defend The Best Players And Make Them Work For Their Points
Kelly Beidler is a 24 year old 199cm forward from Virginia Beach, Virginia that will start his third professional season and first in Germany in the Beko BBL for the Mitteldeutscher BC. He played at Mt.St.Mary’s (NCAA) from 2006-2010 playing a total of 119 NCAA games. In his senior year, he played 31 games: 10.7ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 74.1% . In 2010-2011, he was a rookie playing for : IR Reykjavik (Iceland-Express League, starting five): 24 games: Score-4(21.7ppg), Reb-2(12.4rpg), 3.8apg, Steals-5(2.5spg), Blocks-3(2.0bpg), FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 72.9%. Last season, he played for Karhu Kauhajoki (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five): 44 games: Score-4(19.2ppg), Reb-5(9.8rpg), 1.4apg, Steals-1(2.3spg), Blocks-1(1.9bpg), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 70.8%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.
You are playing your first season in the Beko BBL after stops in Iceland and Finland. How do you like the Beko BBL?
I like this league very much. I took a big jump and took advantage of this opportunity. I hope that I am able to show my talent in this league.
The Beko BBL is a tougher league than what you saw in Iceland and Finland. You have had agood start, but what still gives you problems on the court in the Beko BBL?
The level is very high in Germany. You have to play hard every game and have to respect every player. If you strat to slack then you will pay for that.
What is your role on the team?
I have to be active and bring energy. I also focus on defense and try to make the big defensive plays get steals that lead to easy baskets. I also am there to defend the best players and make them work for their points. My offense will come from that.
Who could be the key MBC player this season?
I think that it could be Devon Uskowski. He does a great job spreading the floor. When he is on hitting his three pointer than he spreads the floor and makes it easier for our guards to penetrate.
Your former head coach Milian Brown at Mount saint Marys told you that in order to reach the top, you have had to had lows. What meaningful thing has MBC head coach Silvano Poropat told you?
He has told me that players form strong teams are just like us. They do the same thing that we do. What he means by this is that we have to go into each game believing that we can win. I think that we can upset good teams, because we can play as a team for 40 minutes.
You had eight offensive rebounds against the Fraport Skyliners. Besides your long arms, what is your secret to dominating the offensive boards?
Just being active and never quitting on the play. I always want to make something happen on the glass. I always try to act on the bounce off the rim. I use my athletic ability to my advantage from the three position.
On what things do you still need to work on on your game?
Being patient and letting the game come to me instead of going out to the game.
How much does the play of Sharoud Curry impress you?
He impresses me in every practice. He has complete control of the team. He demands so much from the offense and is a great leader.
You are from Virginia beach, Virgina. Were you a beach bum as a kid?
Yes I was always at the beach and am still today when I am home.
Who were your NBA idols?
Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson and today it is Lebron James.
To what NBA player would you compare your game too?
I would compare my game to Scottie Pippen. He was known for his defense. On offense he could shoot the three and always made things happen. My goal is to play like him.
What was your sweetest memory winning the 2008 NEC tournament?
Just winning that whole season and battling with my teammates to be successful.
When you came to play in Iceland, why did you have concern of not being to play in Europe?
I always have confidence in my basketball abilities, but what I meant was that I came to Europe not knowing anything and didn´t know what to expect
You like to read book about athletes. What books have you liked the most?
I read the book about the Fab 5 from Michigan. I also read a book about head coach Phil Jackson. I like to read books where people haven´t had an easy road and had to work hard to achieve something. What they have done is something I can relate to.
Who wins a one on one you or Devin Uskowski?
I have to say me. I would win with my speed and athletic ability. We have never played though.
What were the most free throws that you made in a row?
23 or 24 in a row.
What was your most crazy shot that went in?
In high school I made a360 lay up to win the game at the buzzer.
What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
I usually sleep on the buss, but it was the Avengers.
Thanks for the chat Kelly.
Face To Face With John Patrick
The former Pac-10 Point Guard and 1992 Stanford University graduate has been 5 times Coach of the Year and won 3 Championships in the last 7 seasons in 4 different leagues. (Japan Super League, 2nd German Bundesliga, BBL, and FIBA Eurochallenge) His low-player-budget BBL teams qualified for European competition in each of the last four seasons. Last season, Würzburg’s inaugural season in the BBL after finishing 2nd in the Pro A (German 2nd league) the previous season, Coach Patrick’s team had the lowest scoring defense in the BBL, and knocked Alba Berlin out of the playoffs, before dropping 3 hardfought games to Thorsten Leibenath’s Ratiofarm Ulm in the Semis. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.
It has been five months since your dismissal from the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg. How difficult has this time been not being a head coach for a team?
It has been a great chance to refresh and hopefully gain a sense of perspective about Coaching and the Basketball Business as a whole.
Was it like a bad dream when you were informed from the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg that you weren´t going to coach another season for the team?
It was unexpected, of course, after such a great season with so much unexpected success. But sometimes success can be as difficult to deal with as failure. (Morgan Wootten used to tell us this at DeMatha.) Maybe the success came too fast for some.
Ted Scott Gets An Extra Dose Of Nerds Candy Energizing The Fraport Skyliners Past Braunschweig 61-59
When coming into the Fraport arena, a real basketball fanatic doesn´t only come to see a smorgasbord of amazing Fraport Skyliner players like hoping to see a Quantez Robertson finally catch a ball at the rim and dunk over two players something that is still missing in his play arsenal, Devin Gibson moving his hands quicker than Edward Scissor hands in the defense or Columbus Ohio sharp shooter Ted Scott getting a pass in the corner and releasing the ball quicker than Bret Favre does a football and dropping a bomb over the double team and then winking to the opposing coach as if it was the most natural thing. However each week, there is always at least one player from the opposing team that gets the basketball heart of the fans thumping as they do their incredible hoop magic on the court. One of these players is soft spoken American Immanuel Mcelroy from Texas who has been coming into the Fraport arena the last nine seasons. He is known as having one of the widest grins in the Beko BBL only matched by retired Michael hakim Jordan. In his first seasons, he showed his sizzling athletic ability with Rhine Energy Cologne where he won his first titles with the cup and league championship in 2006. In the years to follow, he rode into the Fraport arena on his high horse with Alba Berlin always competiting in exciting games and winning the league title in 2008 and cup in 2009. Who could forget the breathtaking 2010 semi finals series where the Deutsche Bank Skyliners prevailed in four games or the 2011 semi finals where Alba Berlin snuck to the final in five games all with Mcelroy on the floor. Despite his 32 years of age, the friendly American still has the capability to have big games on offense and defense. In the 61-59 loss, Mcelroy played 25 minutes registering zero points, but grabbing four rebounds and dishing out and assist and getting a steal. Despite these unspectacular stats, Imac is still a jewel for Phantoms manager Oliver Braun. “He is still one of the best defenders in the league. Not many can hustle around the blocks as well as he does on defense. There aren´t many in this league that have achieved as much as he has. What I like about his game is that when his shots aren´t falling, he will try and concentrate on something else like passing which he did against Trier. He remains a very important player for us”, stressed Oliver Braun. “Imac is so important for us, because he always has to stop the opponents best player. He is so present on the floor and is a very good passer. He is always talking with me and helping my game get better. I have learned so much from him”, added 19 year old Phantoms German guard Dennis Schroeder.
The Fraport Skyliners came into the game in 16th place while the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig were hovering in 15th place. That there was some immense history between these two teams seemed to be only a side note as MUli Katzurin had stressed that the game would start at 0-0 and anything else was irrelevant even if the Fraport Skyliners had won the last nine games in a row in Frankfurt dating back to 2002. Frankfurt last lost to Braunschweig 80 months ago in 2006 and had a 14-1 record since. Guys like captan Nils Mittman had lost many hard battles against Frankfurt since his return back to Braunschweig in 2008 and young German Dennis Schroeder had unpleasant memories to the game in Frankfurt last season as they lost a 81-80 nail bitter in OT where the German almost had won the game by himself. Braunschweig also had lost many close games this season and 2012 Olympian Eric Boateng didn´t see this as a mental problem. “We have lost some close games, but I don´t see it as a mental thing. Each game is different and we always prepare the best we can. We have to find a way to be able to close out games to our advantage”, expressed the ex teammate at Arizona State of NBA player James Harden Eric Boateng. The Fraport Skyliners were able to get their biggest lead to 11 points in the third quarter, but allowed Braunschweig back into the game. “This was not a pretty win. It was a crazy game and got more crazy down the stretch. We will take any win we can. We didn´t execute well in the end and got lax on defense. We should not have Casey Mitchell get hot like that”, stressed 2012 Portugal league champion with Benfica Lisabon Ted Scott. Ex Phantom Leo Niebuhr who is playing for Gotha was in the stands watching his ex team and friend Konstain Klein play and was disappointed of how they played and had a suggestion to Fraport Skyliners head coach Muli Katzurin. “They way the Phantoms palyed at the end, there is no wonder that they lost. There was too much guard play and ego´s involved. Basketball is a team game, but Braunschweig didn´t play as a team. Frankfurt will have to battle hard this season to win games. The young Germans have to play more. The more experience that they get, the more they will help during the season. Klein played great defense, but unfortunately missed some open shots”, said ex Artland Dragon Leo Niehbuhr.
4,400 fans wanted to see the second home win of the season for the Fraport Skyliners. Many had predicted a hard fought defensive battle and that is exactly what was given by both teams. The first two buckets were fade away jumpers from Miah Davis and Zach Peacock. After the trading of baskets, both teams went through a difficult phase where no offense could establish a healthy rhythm as missed shots were about as prevalent as apples falling from a tree through a gusty wind period. “Both teams had problems finding a rhythm and also seemed a bit nervous and not as calm as both coaches would have wanted”, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss. Shots had to fall sooner or later and did as Harding nana hit a three pointer for the 5-2 lead. Peacock then hit a fade away jumper over Eric Boateng and seemed to be on a roll. Braunschweig then scored in bunches as Thaddeus Mcfadden hit a runner in the lane and Miah Davis showed his explosiveness scoring on a penetration and tear drop lay in and 10-4 lead. Muli katzurin then took a timeout and seemed to find the right words and personal changes inserting Dion Dowell. Sometimes leads can evaporate as quickly as the wink of the eye as Dowell showed again as he has so often this season scoring in bunches nailing two three pointers tying the game at 10-10. Schroeder then made two free throws and Devin Gibson made a big bucket at the end getting an offensive rebound and getting a lay in. After one quarter the game was dead locked 12-12. “The game was even. Both teams were fighting hard and not giving the opponent any real option on offense. Both teams were trying to get their shooting established while there was little play down low”, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss.
The second quarter remained a defensive duel as no team was able to get away on a run. The Fraport Skyliners started the second quarter on a quick 5-0 run as Dion Dowell hit his third three pointer of the game and Fraport Skyliner captain Marius Nolte scored on the pick and roll getting a nice feed from Devin Gibson for the 17-12 advantage. However not only Frankfurt was able to produce a run, but the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig escaped on a 8-0 run to take the 20-17 lead. 2010 Eurochallenge winner Robert Kulawick may have a very unorthodox shot, but it can be effective as he nailed a three pointer, Davis then showed his most dangerous side faking left and going right and scoring high off the glass and Kulawick then scored again off the catch and pop. Braunschweig stepped up their defense a bit more causing some turnovers from Nolte and Dowell. There was only one microwave in the NBA with ex Detroit Piston Vinny Johnson, but Ted Scott can heat up like a mini microwave as he hit consecutive shots giving the Fraport Skyliners the 21-20 lead. He showed how dangerous he can be not only from outside, but also penetrating and making the right shot. The swapping of runs continued as now it was time again for Braunschweig to take control as they went on a 7-0 run to lead 27-21. British national player Eric Boateng was giving Frankfurt difficulty and wrecking havoc as he scored inside twice and was a bit too active on the offensive glass. Davis also scored again with a floater. The Fraport Skyliners kept pace as Devin Gibson hit a three pointer where the club stayed patient getting the prefect shot and Quantez Robertson ended the second quarter with a lay in, but Braunschweig still led 29-26. “It was a very exciting first half with both teams remaining very aggressive on defense. Frankfurt had problems giving up offensive rebounds and couldn´t contain Eric Boateng. Both teams were very disciplined on offense with only three turnovers per team”, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss. The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig were shooting 35% from the field and 25% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 35% from the field and 29% form outside. Braunschweig had the 22-19 rebound edge.
The third quarter started out with a bang as Davis made a steal fed Mcfadden who was blocked by Quantez Robertson who gave the ball out on transition to Johnathan Jones who found Zach Peacock for the monster dunk over Eric Boateng. After a free throw by Davis, Gibson tied the score at 30-30 with one of his typical penetration plays that either result in a bucket or trip to the foul line. “It is so hard to keep Gibson out of the middle. He presents so much problems to the opponent´s defense and getting to the free throw line”, stressed Ted Scott. The game remained tight as Super Tez made an easy dunk as Braunschweig were caught napping on an inbounds pass under their own basket with Gibson making the pass. Braunschweig then went on a mini 5-0 run as Boateng dunked being set up by a no look Schroeder pass and Harding Nana hit a three pointer for the 35-32 Phantoms lead. However the turning point of the game came now as the Fraport Skyliners cruised out on a 11-2 run to end the third quarter 43-37 having the momentum. Peacock and Nana exchanged buckets as Braunschweig still led 37-35. However Frankfurt closed out the third quarter with a banging 8-0 run as Scott connected for a three pointer, Dowell got to the line making three free throws and Robertson closed out the quarter with a dunk. “The Phantoms lost their rhythm as they were forcing up too many shots. Frankfurtw as playing with a lot of emotion and had their best quarter letting up only eight points”, stressed Steven Clauss. “The third quarter is where we lost the game. It made it so much harder having to come back in the fourth quarter”, added Phantoms captain Nils Mittmann.
It seemed like the Fraport Skyliners were on there way to deciding the game quickly at the start of the fourth quarter going on a 5-0 run to get their biggest lead of 48-37, but New Yorker Phantoms head coach Kostas Flevakaris still had American Casey Mitchell dangling from his sleeve as he hadn´t done much in the first thirty minutes. Just like at the start of the third quarter, the Fraport Skyliners started out the run with a Super Tez explosion as Jones fed him for a crushing ally-op dunk which then on the next six plays, the teammates of Scott and Mitchell took a back seat and watched their shooting clinic as they nailed six consecutive consecutive three pointers, but Frankfurt still had the 54-48 lead. “Coach got on me on my turnover in the third quarter and I had something to prove. I was just in the flow and was feeling well. I didn´t force anything. Mitchell looks so lax and relaxed on the court, but he is real dangerous with the ball”, stressed Ted Scott. “I didn´t do anything in the first three quarters, but I am more a guy that hits his shots in the second half. I always feel confident hitting shots when we are down. I am not the kind of guy looking to be the leading scorer, but that is just how the game is going and I am just trying to help my team the best way I can”, warned 2010 NCAA final 4 player with west Virginia Casey Mitchell. Braunschweig kept giving the ball to the hot hand of Mitchell as he nailed another three pointer as Braunschweig suddenly only trailed 55-53. Frankfurt showed grit staying calm on offense as Gibson found Robertson cutting into the lane and dishing him the ball for an easy lay up and the 59-53 advantage. In this phase, the Phantoms were forcing many shots, but somehow were still staying in the game. With crunch time arrived, the Phantoms never let up and continued to keep on hand against the door from letting it slam in their faces. The Phantoms gave their last gasp going on a 6-0 run as Nana and Mittmann hit consecutive three pointer as they trailed only 60-59. These buckets were helped with no execution on offense by Frankfurt. The fortunes of the Phantoms seemed to rise with 30 seconds to play as Texas native Dowell lost the ball out of bounds, but he raced back and blocked Mitchell conserving the lead . “ Dowell got us going off the bench. His big shots got our motor going. His block and end was huge. After his turnover, it would have been normal to hang his head, but he went back and got the block”, said Ted Scott. Scott closed out the win with 1,1 seconds to play with a free throw. “This was a tough loss. A couple more plays and possessions and we could of won. It wasn´t just at the end where the game was decided, but many little plays throughout the game where we were unable to be consistent”, warned Eric Boateng. “The third quarter decided this game. Frankfurt got the momentum and despite a hot Mitchell could change the game in the fourth quarter and get the lead back”, added Steven Clauss.
The Fraport Skyliners were led by Ted Scott with 17 points. Dion Dowell had a strong game with 12 points and ten rebounds and Quantez Robertson also steered 12 points and eight rebounds to the victory. Devin Gibson added 10 points, five rebounds and two assists. The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig were led by Casey Mitchell with 14 points. Miah Davis contributed 13 points and Harding Nana 11 points. With this being a defensive battle, it was no surprise that the shooting percentages of both teams would be down. The Fraport Skyliners shot 39% from the field and only 29% from down town while the New Yorker Phantoms shot 34% from the field and 36% from downtown. The Phantoms won the rebounding 38-37 and Frankfurt can still improve on offensive rebounds given up as they allowed 13. Both teams did a decent job not turning the ball over as Frankfurt had nine turnovers and Braunschweig had 11. The big strength remained the consistent defense of Frankfurt that got many big plays from Devin Gibson and Dion Dowell in the fourth quarter. “We can´t take the credit, because it was team defense that helped us make the big plays. Team defense gave us the extra edge to make those plays. Our defense also trusted each other at the end. I made a mistake on the pick and roll, but all the other four guys knew it and just reacted making the stop. We had good stops at the end to help get this win”, stressed Devin Gibson. The Fraport Skyliners next journey to Alba Berlin November 18th for a 17:00 game.
How Prolific Will The New Guard Duo Mentorship Between Dennis Schroeder And Miah Davis Be With The New Yorker Phantoms This Season?
In the basketball business there are always special relationships on the court between teammates that are as interesting to observe as if Brit superstar Robbie Williams new album Take the crown will rise or fall in the hearts of people, if any crazy people actually dressed up as one of the basketball wives from Halloween or if legendary astronaut Buzz Aldran would ever strap on his moon boots again for a trek up to the moon especially when its concerning an older player showing a younger player at the same position the ropes of the game. There always seem to be those exciting situations where there comes a time for the older more experienced player to pass the torch along to the more younger and hungry player looking to make an impact on the court. Current Skyliner Zach peacock was a freshman at Georgia Tech when current NBA player Thaddeus Young of the Philadelphia 76ers was a senior. Peacock could learn valuable things at the forward position from the NBA veteran who had 383 NBA games coming into the current season. 13 years ago a young Pascal roller came to Frankfurt after three years in Freiburg and soon made an impact in the Beko BBL. For Roller being able to make the next step in the top German league had a lot to do with German legend Kai Nurnberger who won the European championships in 1993 and played four years in Frankfurt with the ex Skyliner captain help grooming him into atop German point guard in his career. This season, there is a similar situation in Braunschweig with 20 year old German Dennis Schroeder and 31 year old American Miah Davis who is sprouting of much basketball experience having played in countries like Poland, Cyprus and Belgium. Schroeder was already getting minutes last season under ex head coach Sebastian Machowski and this season is doing the same as new coach Kostas Flevarakis has not been shy from proclaiming that he wants to give the young players a chance. It will be interesting to see how this point guard duo develops and how Dennis Schroeder continues to grow as a point guard under the watchful eye of Miah Davis. At only at the age of 19, Dennis Schroeder is already in the notebooks of NBA scouts. His biggest strength for that market is his quick first step, ball handling and the ability to change speeds and be shifty with the ball keeping the defense off balance. His outside shot is improving as well, his defense is already very strong with his length and getting in the passing lanes, but he often looks out of place against bigger and older players. It is already an experience seeing this talented player play at this age. “Dennis Schroeder is a talented player that is going to be an exceptional player. Certain players need longer to develop especially with point guard and centers where there is a great er risk of making mistakes. He is already playing very well for his age. It doesn´t surprise me that NBA scouts already are showing interest. His quickness and understanding of the game is very valuable. The big question is his discipline. He can be difficult to work with. Frank Menz always says that you need a tight reign on him and need to control him and watch him closely. It is hard to tell in which direction he will go. The metal part is very important. When you see NBA teams with problem players than they aren´t successful. But Dennis is going in the right direction. I like Miah Davis very much. I think he will help Dennis a lot”, warned basketball expert Steven Clauss.
Allan Ray (ratiopharm Ulm) I Try To Wreck The Others Team´s Offense
Allan Ray is a 28 year old 188cm guard from the Bronx that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL for ratiopharm Ulm. He is a an explosive scoring guard, tremendous leaper, finds the open man, beats foes off the dribble or with a jumper, has range beyond the 3-point arc and is a conscientious defender. He played at Villanova with NBA players Kyle Lowery and Randy Foye. He played at Villanova from 2002-2006. He was n´t drafted but got signed by the Boston Celtics (NBA), in Feb.’07 was assigned to Austin Toros (D-League): 2 games: 14.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.0apg, in March ’07 recalled to Boston Celtics (NBA): 47 games: 6.2ppg, 1.5rpg, FGP: 38.6%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 76.4%. In 2007-2008, he came to Europe and played with Lottomatica Virtus Roma (Italy-SerieA, starting five): Italian League: 9 games: 12.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.6apg, 3.3spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 90.2%; Euroleague: 6 games: 6.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.3apg, left team in Jan.’09, later that month moved to Carife Ferrara (Italy-Serie A, starting five): 15 games: 15.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.0apg, Steals-5(2.7spg), FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 84.3%. In 2010-2011, he played with 2010-2011: Fabi Shoes Montegranaro (Italy-SerieA, starting five): 29 games: 10.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 74.3%. Last season he played for Krka Novo Mesto (Slovenia-Telemach League, starting five): Adriatic League: 1 game: 10pts, 1reb; EuroCup: 2 games: 18.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 4.0apg, 1.5spg, later that month moved to Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (France-ProA, starting five): French League: 22 games: 15.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 89.6%; EuroChallenge: 3 games: 14.3ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.0apg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.
After many years in Italy and last season in Slovenia and France how do you like the Beko BBL?
This league is very competitive. You could see it with the oT games at the start of the season. There are good teams and good players.
How does your teammate Lance Jeter help most on the court?
He brings a lot of energy and he knows how to score. He is a big guard and is usually bigger than his opponents. He gives us a spark when we need it.
Anton Gavel Takes Control As The Brose Baskets Bamberg Outgrind The Fraport Skyliners
Some things are easier said than done like if Argentine striker Lionel Messi predicts 10 goals in the next classic FC Barcelona against Real Madrid, New England Patriot Tom Brady saying that he will never lose another Superbowl to the New York Giants and arch nemesis Eli Manning, Lebron James predicting three NBA titles in a row or Paris Hilton never checking into a HIlton hotel again. For the Fraport Skyliners to win in Bamberg seems more like a dream than ever happening in reality as the last time the Skyliners won a regular season game in freak city, NBA superstar Kevin Durant was a tenth grader at the well known Oak Hill academy, Tom Brady only had one Superbowl ring and teen singing sensation Justin Bieber was only nine years old. The last time that the Fraport Skyliners were able to depart the floor in Bamberg as the winner in a regular season game was January 18th, 2004. It was the bests coring game of ex Skyliner Tyrone Ellis who recently announced his retirement dropping 32 points and nailing nine three pointers. Ex NBA player Mario Kasun was also on that team. Ex Skyliner Max Weber was an 18 year old kid on the Bamberg team that made a point and grabbed a rebound against his future team. Coming into the game, The Frankfurt Skyliners had lost the last eight regular season games and after a slow start, no one was really expecting anything from them, but they gave a spirited effort keeping the first half close, but then losing some focus in the third quarter as the Brose Baskets Bamberg was able to take control of the game and win 76-67. It isn´t only the team that opponents have to contend with in trying to crawl out of the Stechert arena with a win, but also the noisy arena and loud fans. Skyliner Quantez Robertson played his tenth game in Bamberg and is still overwhelmed by the difficulty of playing there. “This is one of the hardest places to play at. It is always difficult to hear the point guard calling the plays, but you just have to play through it”, stressed Quantez Robertson. For new Skyliner Ted Scott, it was his first experience in Bamberg that he won´t forget so fast. “This is a very tough place to play in, because the crowd never lets up. It was one of the toughest places that I have played in, because the crowd is so involved. It seemed like they helped with some of the calls. I felt comfortable on the court, but was a little annoyed that I couldn´t find my three point shot as well”, added Fraport Skyliner guard Ted Scott.
