The Christmas time is a time in general to spend around the family, be thankful for everything and eat a hearty meal and see what Santa put into the stocking. In the United States a Shaq might devour a few turkeys with yummy gravy and stuffing while enjoying his flick Kazam for entertainment, in Canada a Osvaldo Jeanty might enjoy some plum pudding, in Poland a Marcin Gortat might have to explain to his NBA teammates that a day of fasting is rewarded on Christmas with herring fillets, in Russia a Andrei Kirilenko can enjoy holy supper which consists of 12 dishes one to honor each of the 12 apostles, in Spain a Ricky Rubio might be sleepless in Barcelona as a Christmas eve dinner can last to 6am with some turkey with truffles. The NBA isn´t the only place in professional basketball where the schedule runs through the holiday season. Many leagues in Europe have a break for Americans to go home, but not in the Beko BBL. In the Beko BBL, teams play on the 23^rd, 26^th and 27^th. The Fraport Skyliners returned home after a tough loss in Tuebingen and had to practice on the 24^th and 25^th of December in preparation for BBC Bayreuth and had to possibly heat up a TV dinner instead of home cooking from mom. “I wanted to go home to Berlin and be home with my family, but the schedule didn´t allow it which was very tough”, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Konstantin Klein. The only positive thing for the players might have been the practices between Christmas  which where they could have digested the yummy food. The Fraport Skyliners came into the game against BBC Bayreuth having to be as motivated as a super overweight  Santa Claus who can´t get down the chimney, but wants and needs to to deliver those special presents to the kids and finally got back to their old ways of defending like an aggressive pitbull beating BBC Bayreuth 76-59. EX Bayer Giants Leverkusen forward Beckham Wyrick was unable to play due to a shoulder injury and remembers how difficult it is being away from the family on Christmas. “Most teams in Europe have breaks around Christmas. I am lucky that I have a German family, but I would rather be at home in the States. I remember when I was single being alone at Christmas and it was tough. It is tough for young guys out of college, but I believe it is easier in general now with all skype”, stressed Beckham Wyrick. Devin Gibson was home alone in Frankfurt for the first time, but at least could celebrate a victory. “It was tough for me being away from home for the first time. When I was in college, I was near my house so it wasn´t so hard. But it was tough seeing my family open presents and eating nice food over skype”, commented Devin Gibson.

The Fraport Skyliners came into the game riding a four game losing streak and being stuck in the cellar in 18^th place like a small toddler who gets stuck in a tree and can´t go down. The Fraport Skyliners had given up an average 97 points in the last two loses against Phoenix Hagen and the Walter Tigers Tuebingen which was about as uncharachteristic as Rajon Rondo being without an assist in a game. The Fraport Skyliners understood that they had to find back to their old ways of defending hard and gave BBC Bayreuth fits all day long in their 76-59 victory at home in front of 3,370 fans.  The team also knew how important the win was for getting out of the cellar. “This was a big win and big confidence booster. This win stopped the bleeding. The key in the game was keeping up the defensive momentum all throughout the game. We executed our defense and did a good job limiting their second attempts”, stressed Ohio native Ted Scott. After a quick start winning their four games, BBC Bayreuth have slipped down the ladder and are hanging to the bottom with a long way back to the top after they lost their sixth game in a row and have a 2-8 record since the fast start. Many will laud the aggressive Frankfurt defense, but it wasn´t like BBC Bayreuth didn´t have their chances. “Our biggest problem in the last games has been that we have had more than enough open looks, but we just haven´t hit them. Our backs are to the wall and the schedule isn´t getting any easier either in the future. The Fraport Skyliners deserved to win and played very hard. They did what they had to do to get the win”, stressed Beckham Wyrick.

The game also featured the seemingly role reversal of Ted Scott and Danilo Barthel and the debut of new Skyliner Dwan Robinson. On the stat sheet, it was obvious to see that the two top scorers for the Fraport Skyliners were Ted Scott and Danilo Barthel with 15 points each, but in a way the young German from Heidelberg did what Scott is known for and played sniper in the third quarter scoring 11 points and scoring in bunches something that Scott can do in his sleep. Barthel showed real sniper scoring qualities really stepping it up and keeping that offensive momentum going for the Fraport Skyliners hitting big three pointers and getting dirty work production inside. Scott spoke in high regard of his teammate about his performance. “When Danilo plays like that, he makes us so strong. Even if he is so young, I still think that he is one of our best players. I tip my hat off to Danilo, he played great”, said Fraport Skyliner guard Ted Scott. His new teammate Dwan Robinson had only seen him in a few practices was amazed by his play. “Danilo has the talent to be a great player. I am very proud of how he played”, added Dwan Robinson.  30 year old Dwan Robinson gave his debut for the Fraport Skyliners. He had had played in Italy the last years winning the 2009 cup with Kyle Hines and had a special twinkle in his eyes after the win finishing with nine points in 13 minutes. Robinson showed a knack for getting to the free throw line, hitting shots and playing defense. “I am still finding my flow, but I feel good. I love to play defense and want to show the club that I can do that. Defense wins titles. I am not really here to score, because the team has many scorers already”, added Dwan Robinson. Devin Gibson was a menace on defense getting four steals, but was happy for the help from Robinson. “Dwan is a great player. He knows how to play defense and has a high basketball IQ”, expressed Fraport Skyliners guard Devin Gibson.

The Fraport Skyliners started the game getting into an offensive rhythm quickly as the motto was give Zach the mad baller Peacock the ball and let him play as he hit his first three shots as the home team led 6-3. Offense and defense quickly got the same page as two Skyliner steals led to fast break points and dunks from Quantez Robertson and Danilo Barthel as BBC Bayreuth trailed 10-5. “We showed early that we were on the same page on defense. Everyone was helping early which got us going”, stressed Dwan Robinson. BBC Bayreuth cut the lead to 10-8 with a big Simon Schmitz three pointer. However the Fraport Skyliners closed out the first quarter with a blistering 9-2 run to lead 19-10. After Danilo Barthel made two free throws, he watched and took notes for his sniper notebook as Ted Scott scored in bunches with two jumpers. Quantez Robertson added on to the run testing his 28% three point shooting drowning a shot from downtown. The Fraport Skyliners led comfortably after one quarter 19-10. “The Fraport Skyliners had a good offensive rhythm early and played aggressive defense leading to fast break points. Frankfurt did a good job forcing Bayreuth to tough shots and getting the shot clock down”, added EWE Baskets Oldenburg guard Dominik Bahiense De Mello. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 53% from the field and 25% from outside while BBC Bayreuth was shooting 33% from the field and 25% from outside. BBC Bayreuth had the nine to six rebound edge, but nine turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners had only three turnovers.

In the second quarter, the Fraport Skyliners were able to keep their healthy lead while continuing to defend very fiercely not letting BBC Bayreuth find their desired rhythm. In the first two minutes it was the Joe Trapani and Dwan Robinson show as they both contributed two buckets each. Trapani who played at Boston College together with FC Bayern Munich point guard Tyrese Rice had to pick up a lot of the load down low as Jason Cain and Gary Mcghee were contained well for the game. Trapani started the second quarter with second chance put back. Robinson then led Frankfurt on a 5-0 run with a three pointer and off balance shot in the lane. Trapani then showed his shooting touch connecting from the top of the key, but BBC Bayreuth still trailed 24-15. After Schmitz free throws, then came a very potent few minutes by the Fraport Skyliners as they forced five BBC Bayreuth turnovers in a row and were rewarded by a Ted Scott three pointer, free throws and the 29-17 lead. Frankfurt had some untimely turnovers which led to a Bryan Bailey coast to coast run and lay in and Simon Schmitz free throws for the 29-21 Frankfurt advantage. Quantez Robertson continued to be hot from the parking lot nailing another three pointer as Frankfurt led 32-21. Ex Fraport Skyliner guard Dominik Bahiense De Mello and Skyliner legend Pascal Roller were enjoying the strong Skyliner play watching the game from the seats. Trapani and Peacock exchanged buckets in the last minute as the Fraport Skyliners led at halftime 34-23. “There were phases were Frankfurt wasn´t concentrated leading to turnovers. They should have been leading by 20 points. Frankfurt was doing a great job denying Cain and Mcghee in the low post”, added ex Fraport Skyliner Dominik Bahiense De Mello. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 43% from the field and 50% from the three point line while BBC Bayreuth was shooting 31% from the field and 20% from the three point line. BBC Bayreuth led the rebound duel 21-14, but had a whopping 16 turnovers while Frankfurt had 10 turnovers.

In the third quarter came the Danilo Barthel show as he helped conserve the comfortable lead. Joe Trapani started the third quarter with free throws as BBC Bayreuth trailed 34-25. Barthel then scored inside and Kevin Hamilton made a sweet lay in while spinning to the basket. Devi n Gibson then scored on another typical BBC Bayreuth turnover on a coast to coast jaunt, while Danilo Barthel scored inside and nailed a three pointer with a sweet rainbow arc to his shot. Gibson then added a fade away and another mid distance jumper with one second on the shot clock as the Fraport Skyliners had coasted on a 11-2 run to extend their lead to 47-29. After Cain scored a rare inside shot from him on that day, it was Barthel again who was feeling in the zone dropping another three pointer which even would have had ex teammate Jimmy Mckinney chuckling in thought. The Fraport Skyliners kept playing with immense self- confidence as Quantez Robertson not only was feeling it from downtown Cincinnati, but was driving BBC Bayreuth defenders wild with his ball handling as he scored once hard with the penetration and finishing with his left hand and then with his right hand as the Fraport Skyliners led 54-35. BBC Bayreuth finished the third quarter with a 4-1 run as Gary Mcghee made an offensive rebound and put back and Bryan Bailey made free throws as the Fraport Skyliners led 55-39 after three quarters. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 51% from the field and 55% from the parking lot while BBC Bayreuth was shooting 35% from the field and 21% from the parking lot. BBC Bayreuth had the 29-19 rebound edge, but 25 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners had 15 turnovers.

The fourth quarter started with a curious play by the Fraport Skyliners as Quantez Robertson penetrated and  was met with heavy BBC Bayreuth traffic and seemed like to have put up an air ball which was caught for an ally-op tip in by Dion Dowell who wasn´t much of a factor up to that point. After Mcghee free throws, it was Super Tez Robertson again who was penetrating and scoring as if that was his best quality in his game and not his defense as the Fraport Skyliners still led 59-41. Trapani then got a pass in the low post from Bailey and right away like a lightening strike slid past Peacock scoring as BBC Bayreuth still trailed 59-44. Robinson then scored four points in a row from the free throw line as Frankfurt led 63-44. Gary Mcghee then fouled out and Marco Van Den Berg  countered by bringing in German Stefan Schmidt for the first time and he brought some fresh wind into the game leading BBC Bayreuth on a 7-0 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 63-51. Schmidt scored inside then drew a foul making free throws and Simon Schmitz added two free throws and Kevin Hamilton added a free throw. However that was as close as BBC Bayreuth would get as they went on a 13-2 run to lead 76-53 and put a lid on the BBC Bayreuth come back. Frankfurt went back to Zach Peacock giving him the ball and letting him draw fouls. He got to the free throw line three times as well as Ted Scott and Devin Gibson  as 10 of the 13 points were made from the foul line. Scott contributed a three pointer in the run. “BBC Bayreuth had cut the lead to 13 points so we slowed down the game. In the past teams had sped up the game which didn´t help us. We gave the ball inside to Zach Peacock and didn´t give up easy baskets”, stressed Devin Gibson. Despite the game already decided, BBC Bayreuth closed out the game with a 6-0 run to lose 76-59. Stefan Schmidt  scored inside again and Simon Schmitz hit a three pointer. “Frankfurt continued to play good defense forcing us too tough shots and limiting lay ups. We didn´t rebound so well down the stretch and lost many loose balls”, added Gary Mcghee. As the buzzer sounded, BBC Bayruth went to their fans to thank them for their support, but the club has to get on the winning track fast. “We have to get that winning mentality back fast. We seem to have this type of stigma after we lose. We have to believe that we are a better team than what we are showing”, stressed BBC Bayreuth guard Kevin Hamilton.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Ted Scott and Danilo Barthel with 15 points a piece. Quantez Robertson added 14 points and Zach Peacock produced 13 points and eight rebounds. BBC Bayreuth was led by Joe Trapani with 16 points and ten rebounds. Simon Schmitz added 12 points. The Fraport Skyliners did a sound job in the shooting department shooting 46% from the field and 41% from outside. Even though the Fraport Skyliners had problems on the boards losing the battle 35-31, it was another strong defense performance holding BBC Bayreuth to 59 points. Even though they couldn´t contain Joe Trapani, they held Cain and Mcghee to nine points combined in 42 minutes. “Coach told us that we had to contain them and we did a good job on them. We couldn´t quite contain Trapani, but it was one of those days where he played well, but it could have been worse”, stated Ted Scott. “Frankfurt did a good job denying Cain and me on the initial ball screen forcing us to turnovers. When we did get the ball inside, they did a good job double teaming us. We didn´t execute enough”, stressed Gary Mcghee.  “I had no concern about Mcghee, because Zach is an animal down low, but we knew that we had to limit Cain at what he does best and we did that”, warned Dwan Robinson. However the biggest strength in this win was the trust factor that the team regained again on defense. “It wasn´t so much to do with the x and o´s today. We had that trust factor on offense and defense. We know that we messed up some of our rotations, but we kept fighting back and trusted each other for helping and being there when one was missed. We had the determination today needed to win”, stressed Devin Gibson. Ted Scott helped elaborate the Devin Gibson trust factor as the key to success. “We had the trust factor knowing that one or another player was there to help. That made it so much better. It was so much better than in Tuebingen. In Tuebingen we were often late on help, but against BBC Bayreuth we were on top of it which was key to winning”, added Ted Scott. The Fraport Skyliners look to extend their winning streak to two games with a win against FC Bayern Munich on December 29^th.

Keeping a successful trend alive in professional is always as present as FC Bayern Munich soccer team winning, winning and winning much in their illustrious history, the way Americans Jared Jordan and Tony Gaffney hooked up last season almost in every game with an eye popping ally-op, NBA center Kevin Love getting double doubles seemingly as if he were blindfolded sometimes or the way recording artist Rihanna has been able to be one of the hottest recording artists since 2005 selling worldwide 85 million albums. Beko BBL club BBC Bayreuth also had a successful trend going the last two seasons having brought in top centers that have played in the NBA with Americans Jared Reiner and Brandon Thomas. Reiner who was no unknown face to the Beko BBl had played with Bamberg and Bremerhaven came to the Bavarian city of Bayreuth in the 2010-2011 season was very consistent as he had that knack of creating havoc in the zone and grabbing rebounds and was third in the league that season with 7,8rpg. Last season BBC Bayreuth hauled in 203cm physical bull like Brandon Hunter who had had the honor of strapping on the green and white of the Boston Celtics for two seasons. Last season the Cincinnati native averaged 9,6ppg and 5,9rpg and had a solid season also and often brought fear to center opponents with his sneer like expression similar to the scene from Fast Times At Rindgemont  where Forest Whitaker character Charles Jefferson tears apart the football opponent after thinking they had trashed his car. Three is a charm for BBC Bayreuth as this season, they got another potent center and even if he has never played in the NBA, he has made an impression so far this season and is keeping up that reputation of top centers alive in Bayreuth. He is a workhorse on offense and defense and understands his role. “I am the big man in the zone and anchor on defense. I am the guy that rebounds and gets the ball down low that can produce”, stressed Gary Mcghee. Even if he didn´t play in the NBA like Reiner or Hunter, he has one advantage over them in that he is athletic and more spectacular. I like to dunk and block shots, but like to dunk more, because this gets the crowd and bench going more”, added Gray Mcghee. He also has a hidden talent that has been helping the team. “My knowledge of the game, reading it and IQ is my hidden talent. I also am able to pass the ball to the open man out of the post”, warned Gary Mcghee. If the American that played at Pitt and in Turkey last season can lead the team to a better position in the standings than Reiner or Hunter did is unknown, but one thing is for sure, there will always be a lot of energy on the court when he is present and give an added noise level to an already bedlam atmosphere in the Bayreuth arena.

The last time BBC Bayreuth won the BEKO BBL title was in 1989 a few months before German tennis legends Boris Becker and Steffi Graf won Wimbledon  together, Sebastian Vettel was only two years old and late Boston Celtic Reggie Lewis was slowly making a name for himself in the NBA. Back then the team was called Steiner Bayreuth and had German basketball legends like Michael Koch, Hansi Gnad and Calvin Oldham and success was as common in 88 and 89 for the club as winning was für Rhein Energie Colonge was from 2004-2006. After being  regulated in 1999 due to financial reasons, the team had to start at scratch in the Regionaliga and fought its way back up to the PRO A and finally landed back in the BEKO BBL in 2010

In 2010-2011, BBC Bayreuth were saved at the end of the season as MBC lost on the last game day and the Bavarian team finished with a record of 9-25 and a 16^th place finish. The team started off with two losses against The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig and the Giessen 46ers before winning a big game at home against 2010 Eurochallenge champion BG Goettingen. However instead of continuing the winning streak, the club suffered a five game losing streak before recovering and going on a two game winning streak beating Phoenix Hagen and TBB Trier on the road. The team then finished the season with a record of 6-18. “I think their guards were a big part of their success. But they had injuries as well that season. Gibson was a solid point, and Ginyard was a great player as well. Harris came in and was a solid back up. I think the guards but then you had Reiner in the middle as well and he gave them a guy on the block that could score”, added John Bynum. It didn´t help the team either that they lost five games by five or less points. “If they had won at least three of those games, they would have had their ticket to the Beko BBL sooner for next season. They had all the pieces, but couldn´t seem to put it together better. Their strength was that they had high quality players at each position. Our biggest problem when we played them was not being able to keep Danny Gibson in front of us on the press”, warned ex Phoenix Hagen player Quentin Pryor. It also was surprising that the club wasn´t able to have more success even with strong experienced players like Jared Reiner and Koko Archibong on the roster. “I just think it has just been one of those seasons for them. It was their first year in the league but still on paper if you were to look at that team, they were a good team. I dont know what it was but they beat us twice so I cant really say nothing negative about them. I think their weakness is just playing consistent for 40 minutes, they played well at times and have let ups and at this level,  you cant have too many let ups but like I said, they didnt have a let up against us either time”, warned John Bynum. “I think chemistry had been their weakness”, said Quentin Pryor. If the team hadn´t had a big 86-79 win against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners at home at the end of the season and finished winning four of the last five games near the end of the season, they probably would be back to traveling to less exciting cities like Kirchheim and Cuxhaven

Despite their poor record in their first season back in the Beko BBL, the organization was in high spirits last season and maintained head coach Andreas Wagner for a second season. However Andreas Wagner has had a steady rise as head coach and was coaching for the second time in the BEKO BBL. Wagner also has had a secret formula of how to help basketball clubs reach the next level as he brought FC Bayern Munich from the Regionaliga to the second Bundesliga in 2004, led the Nordlingen Giants from the PRO to the BEKO BBL in 2008 and had another trick up his sleeve bringing BBC Bayreuth from the PRO A into the BEKO BBL in 2010. Of course, the question was could he keep BBC Bayreuth in the BEKO BBL in 2011? The club made a pretty big house cleaning as seven players left. The team held forward and shot block ace Ibekwe Ekene and young Germans Simon Schmitz and Stefan Schmidt. The club brought in experienced point guard Kevin Hamilton who had led the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig into the playoffs twice in a row and is one of best defenders in the Beko BBL. Mr everything on the court Beckham Wyrick was added who won titles with Bamberg. The team brought also brought in ex NBA player Brandon Hunter for the dirty work under the boards, banger Maksym Shtein to give stability from the bench, versatile forward Tyler Smith, sharp shooter Osvaldo Jenaty who can give shooting clinics in any Beko BBL arena, Beko BBL rookie Corey Stokes who was Mr efficient and German Tom Spoler. Wagner´s motto was that he rather wanted a strong starting five then solid 12 man rotation. But if you look at the roster and record, one could see that the team has stability from top to bottom.

After a slow start last season where the club lost the first four games of the season, the team surprisingly let go of Andreas Wagner and brought in experienced Dutch coach Marco van Den Berg who coached in Holland from 1996-2011 winning two titles there. The team also brought back point guard Danny Gibson and since then the team has gone on a 5-2 record with big wins against EnBW Ludwigsburg and the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Van Den Berg had changed the team philosophy and brought success to the team quickly. Despite the Kevin Durant rumors and injury to Kevin Hamilton, BBC Bayreuth had brought a refreshing game to the Beko BBL in the first two months. “Bayreuth was a good team. I believe that people had underestimated them. Defensively they did their home work on their opponents and had detailed game plans”, warned Josh Young who saw BBC Bayreuth let up only 53 points in Tuebingen. In the first games BBC Bayreuth let up an average 83 points, but since Van Den Berg took over, the team had only let up an average 68 points per game in those six games. The team can score if needed and scored over 80 points twice and even if they were keeping teams to under 70 points, defense is still an area where the team could improve. “Their outside shooting was their biggest strength. Gibson really got their offense going. He provided instant offense and is great in transition. He is the floor general that has been important for their success. If they had a weakness then their pick and roll defense and transition. The few points that we got, we got on transition. But it is hard to pinpoint it in one game since we looked so bad and made them look so good”, added Josh Young. BBC Bayreuth probably could have had a better season ending place in the standings of they hadn´t lost eight of their last nine games.  In 2010-2011, The Frankfurt Skyliners split the game series winning in Frankfurt 83-75 as Dashaun Wood had 26 points, four rebounds and seven assists and in the return game had problems with the noise level in Bayreuth losing 86-79 despite 29 points from Dashaun Wood.

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 Skylinersenetr the game in a must win situation riding a four game winning streak while BBC Bayreuth is riding a five game winning streak. Both teams will be more than focused and want a special post Christmas present with a win. “We have to defend well again. Defense is our calling card and and defense generates our offense”, warned Johnathan Jones. “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. 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 orad 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.

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%.

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