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. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball this past summer.

Welcome to Germany Joe. You played in Italy last season. What is your first impression of Germany and what has been something that you have learned about Germany that you didn´t know before?

Germany seems like a beautiful place with a lot of nice architecture

You played for three Italian teams last season and a D-league team. How much of a whirlwind season was that for you as a rookie. When looking back how advantageous was having an experience like that as a rookie?
I went through a lot of transition last season and it was tough to overcome, but it has made me a more mentally tough competitor and has made me appreciate what I have here in Germany

BBC Bayreuth head coach Marco Van Den Berg has put together a very interesting squad in a very competitive Beko BBL. BBC Bayreuth will have a very potent front court with Gary Mcghee, Jason Cain and yourself. What will be your role?

Anything to help the team win games, score, rebound, play aggressive defense.

Scouting on your game has said that you are more of a sf than a pf. However you still had very good rebounding stats. Scouting also says you are less a banger and more of a perimeter man. Will you have any surprises ready for the first game concerning your playing style?

I feel that if your not getting better every day than your getting worse, I am always trying to improve in every facet of the game.

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

My athleticism in transition

Gary Mcghee is a very spectacular player. What has been the most amazing thing that you have seen him do on the court so far in pre season?

Dunking on someone

You have an Italian passport. Have you had any thoughts about possibly playing for the Italian national team if you were asked?

No I haven´t
You played at Boston College from 2008-2011. What wa sthe most importnat thing that head coach Al Skinner taught you that has prepared you for a professional basketball season?

Pace myself its a long season

How excited are you about playing against Tyrese Rice this season? What is your fondest memory of him at BC on and off the

court?

Its going to be cool playing against him, my fondest memory is when we beat Duke at home and the fans rushed the court.

Your ex teammate Reggie Jackson from Boston College could apply for the Italian passport. He plays for the Oklahoma Thunder in the NBA. What play on the court still lies in your memory concerning Joe Trapani and Reggie Jackson?

We had a lot of good plays together nothing stands out

Who was the toughest player that you battled against on the court in the NCAA that might be in the NBA or Europe now?

Tyler Hansborough

Who would win in their prime the Dream team or Team USA 2012?

If I had to guess then I would say the Dream team

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Corialanus

Thanks Joe fort he chat.

Seth Doliboa is a 32 year old 203 cm power forward that is playing his third season for Benfica Lisabon in Portugal where he was champion twice. He grew up in Ohio and went to Wright State. In his junior year, he played 28 games averaging 22.3ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.3apg. In his senior year, he played 28 games averaging 15.0ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.0apg. He started his professional basketball career with the Roanoke Dazzle playing in the NBDL league and then in the D-League, playing 47 games averaging 10.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 43%, 3PT: 33%, FT: 78.1%. In 2009-2010, he played in Portugal for Sport Lisboa Benfica playing  26 games and averaging 17.6ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 72.8%. He won the Portugal league championship and was the 2009 Allstar MVP award. In 2010-2011, he played for the  Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 47 games: 10.3ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 74.3%. In 2011-2012, he played for Olin Edirne Basketball (Turkey-TBL): 35 games: 9.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 74.3%. Last season, he played for  Sport Lisboa Benfica (Portugal-LPB): 31 games: 13.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT-2(43.9%), FT: 80.6%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball and about new Skyliner Ted Scott.

You are now your third season away from the Frankfurt Skyliners. Has the time gone quickly and what has been the biggest thrill on and off the court for you?

Wow, third season away already. Time has gone fast. The biggest thrill on the court was winning another championship here in Portugal. The biggest thrill off the court also came last season with the arrival of my son.

You are now 2/2 in Portugal with Benfica Lisabon having won two league titles in 2009 and 2012. How good are the chances of the club getting a third title this season?

It s never easy to win a championship in any country. I don t want to say what the chances are this season, but we definitely plan to defend our title.
You shot very well from outside last season at 43,9% second best in the league. Did you work even harder on your shot last year?

I pride myself in always working as hard as I can on my game. I try not to watch percentages too much or put too much importance on them.

The Fraport Skyliners have picked up your ex teammate Ted Scott. If you could compare him to a player that you played with in Germany who would it be?
I can t think of any player I would compare him to. You will see that the combination of his athleticism and shooting ability is very rare.
He is a natural scorer, but what other qualities does he have that will really help the Skyliners?

Ted is a great guy to have on your team. He always has good spirits and is always ready to make the big play.

What is your fondest memory of him on the court last season helping the team get a victory?

We went to game 5 last season for the finals on the road. It was a very close and intense game all the way through. Ted hit several big jump shots to quiet the crowd. Nothing like a quietting the gym on the road.

What is the most amazing thing that you saw him do in a practice?

Don t let Ted s size fool you. I saw him dunk on several people last year in practice. I don t want to say any names. Marius better be careful.

Both you and Ted Scott come from Ohio. What special Ohio quality does he have that players not from Ohio can have?
I don t know if it s due to Ohio or not, but he has great basketball instincts.

If you have a sprint duel with Dashaun Wood who was your teammate at Wright State from baseline to baseline and you have a some feet on him starting from the free throw line can you still win?

I think I should be allowed to start at half court.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

We watched Apocalypto last night after my son went down because it was on.

Thanks Seth for the chat.

There are so many things to watch during a basketball game like the switching defenses, the various set plays a team possesses, how players play away from the ball, or boxing out underneath the hoop. Then again there are less important things to observe on the court like how often a player might yawn during the course of a game, how silly mascots can be on the sidelines, which cheerleader moves the best or which two players would win that smiling contest. Sometimes that smiling moment arises when two players joust and then make up flashing their whities. In the last years, the Beko BBL has been blessed with smiling basketball champions like a Michael Hakim Jordan, Titus Ivory or Immanuel Mcelroy. All three could have a career after basketball posing for Colgate tooth paste commercials. Another player that has that tender gregarious smile is Canadian Jermaine Bucknor of TBB Trier. Bucknor played his first four professional seasons in France, but in the last two years graced the basketball floors in the Beko BBL with the Deutsche Bank Skyliners and last season with the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg. Last season, he was unable to play against Frankfurt with Wurzburg, but with Trier he got that chance to play against his former team. It is always pleasant to play their ex team and Bucknor was as focused as Peyton Manning will be when he faces against his ex team Indianapolis Colts or Tim Tebow is when he will play against his former team Denver Broncos. “I like seeing my ex players. I think its great seeing them play against and is one of the great sides of sports that binds people. You have a better understanding with some than with others. When I returned back to Ludwigsburg last season, I was happy to see that guys were happy to see me. It shows me that I did a good job there with them and they respected me”, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss. Bucknor was all smiles after the siren sounded being the spark plug from the bench steering 13 points, but gets sad when the Fraport Skyliners lose also. “It was great playing against Frankfurt again. It was great playing against Tez and Marius Nolte again. I really enjoyed my time in Frankfurt. I always want to win, but it hurts when I see other teams beat Frankfurt. My wife and I always cheer for Frankfurt. I am a spark plug and am one of the older guys in Trier so I have to be a leader”, stressed TBB Trier forward Jermaine Bucknor. “It was nice seeing Bucknor. It was a lot different than playing against him in practice. He gave them good minutes off the bench and was aggressive on offense and defense”, added Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robertson.

One player that gave the Fraport Skyliners fits all day long and mismatch problems was 206cm forward Brian Harper who is listed at 83 kilos, but seemed more like he had roamed the desert of Sudan for some weeks without food. Harper reminded one of a slim Malick Badiane, but despite his slender stature, he played like a well nourished beast. A food speciality in Trier in Kappes Reedisch which is a type of German dish Sauerkraut with mashed potatoes and Kassler meat. Harper may have looked like his body needed energy, but it didn´t as he produced 16 points and hauled down 10 rebounds often making Danilo Barthel and Dion Dowell look in their rear view window for their jock strap as his first step was like a lightening bolt.  “I have always been thin and I can eat what I want. I use my strength to my advantage with my length and athletic ability. I played very aggressive today”, stressed Paine(NCAA2) alumnist Brian Harper.  “I kid him all the time about how skinny he is and that he should go to the weight room. He is a great player that is very effective on the court and knows how to use his body to his advantage. Those are the skinniest legs that I have ever seen”, added TBB Trier forward Nate Linhart.  “I knew that he would be aggressive. He is a stretch four player that likes to attack”, commented Fraport Skyliner guard Johnathan Jones.

The Fraport Skyliners played a solid first half battling against the constant pressure and intensity by TBB Trier being behind only 35-34, but fell completely apart in the second half like a beautiful snow sculputure when a mid February day in Chicago reaches 60 degrees. TBB Trier outscored the Fraport Skyliners in the second half  43-25 leading by as many as 23 points. The Fraport Skyliners came out sluggish in the third quarter, while TBB Trier put up the energy lever 3 gears and the Fraport Skyliners simply had no cure against their offensive fire power and defensive brutality. “We let it go in the third quarter. We simply played out of system. They hit tough shots. I don´t think it was so much them, but more us as we got out of our system. We gave up too many offensive rebounds losing many of the 50/50 balls. They showed that they are a very good defensive team. They got us out of rhythm and never let us regain it. This was the first team that I have seen double team as much in the German league”, stressed Skyliner guard Devin Gibson. It was the first home victory of the season for TBB Trier and they displayed something on offense and defense that each team is striving to have each game. “This was a great team effort. We have proven in the early going that a different guy can lead us each game. That will make us very dangerous. Our defense also did  a great job. I think that we are a better defensive team this season. We can cover more ground and be more aggressive because we are so long and quick”, warned Nate Linhart.

Before TBB Trier and the Fraport Skyliners commenced the jump ball there was so much interesting things to observe during the warmups. The Fraport Skyliner German three amigos of Danilo Barthel, Johannes Vogtmann and Konstantin Klein were seen taking in the atmosphere in the Trier arena seats, New Skyliner Ted Scott was seen doing his role as water boy carrying Skyliner supplies into the arena from the team bus. Ted Scott and Larry Wright also seemed a bit miffed at the score board seeing strange basketball names as the arena still had the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig roster up. Basketball expert Steven Clauss had a long chat with TBB Trier head coah Henrik Rodl´s dad Helmut. Vogtmann and Barthel later had a very brief chat with TBB Trier German Mathis Monninghoff and Bucknor had a chat with his ex teammates Skyliner captain Marius Nolte and Quantez Robertson. 3,100 people wanted to see the game as the Fraport Skyliners were without American Devin Gibson and Konstantin Klein while TBB Trier had to play without DRagan Dojcin. The Fraport Skyliners got on the board first as Larry Wright hit his first shot, but that was quickly forgotten as TBB Trier raced out on a 5-0 run as Andreas Seiferth made a nice move past Zach Peacock finishing with his left hand and American Jarrett Howell nailed a three pointer. Peacock tied the scorer with a spot up jumper for the 5-5 tie, but then it was Harper who gave the Fraport Skyliners an introduction to his amazing first step as he blew into the lane making a layup. Barry Stewart then connected on a catch and pop jumper as TBB Trier led 9-6. Skyliner head coach Muli Katzurin then inserted new player Ted Scott who was tops corer in Poland in 2010-2011 avergaing 25 points per game and last season won the league title in Portugal with Benefica Lisabon and ex Skyliner Seth Doliboa. He didn´ t hesitate long nailing his first shot and showing a real shooters stroke tying the game at 9-9. “He was a tough player and talented shooter. You could tell right away that he is a scorer”, stressed Brian Harper. Scott then scored inside for Frankfurt lead 11-9. TBB Trier then went on a 5-0 run as Harper scored again using his lightning speed and Bastian Doreth hit a jumper for the 16-11 lead. Frankfurt rebounded with a Wright three pointer and dunk by Peacock at the buzzer as TBB Trier led slightly 18-16. TBB Trier could have been up by six points if Harper hadn´t missed four free throws. “TBB Trier played very dynamic and found success with the penetration while the Fraport Skyliners went inside and finished from outside”, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss.  TBB Trier was shooting 78% from the field and 67% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 43% from the field and 43% from outside. TBB Trier had the slight rebound edge 7-6, but five turnovers and Frankfurt three turnovers.

The  second quarter remained very tight. Mathis Monninghof started the scoring with a lay in, but Skyliner Zach Peacock went on a 4-0 run to knot the score at 20-20 with two free throws and a reverse layup where he easily went by Vitalis Chicoko and he got no help on the baseline. The Fraport Skyliners then had their shining moment going on a 9-2 run to lead 29-22 as new Skyliner Ted Scott scored eight unanswered points as he proved he can score in bunches as he hit back to back three pointers and a pull up jumper at the free throw line.  Despite this burts of Skyliner energy, it seemed like TBB Trier head coach Henrik Rodl had the right touch all day long inserting the right players at the right time to counter the Skyliner run. He brought in ex Skyliner Jermaine Bucknor that led his team on a 6-0 run as TBB Trier trailed only 29-28. Bucknor made a nifty double pump fingertip role lay in and got to the free throw line twice. Linhart also scored inside with his left hand. Jones then had the hot end in the latter half of the second quarter dropping a bomb from the corner and  scoring inside as Frankfurt led 34-31. However Frankfurt couldn´t hold TBB Trier as they closed out the quarter with a mini 4-0 run as Bucknor hit a mid distance jumper and Harper made a tip in at the buzzer as TBB Trier led 35-34 at halftime. “Both teams were shooting very well. Frankfurt did  agood job limiting TBB Trier to one offensive rebound, but at the same time had too many turnovers with 10. Frankfurt got a needed boost from Scott and were getting points from outside while Trier was inside”, added basketball expert Steven Clauss. TBB Trier was shooting 59% from the field and 33% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 50% from the field and 46% from the three point line. The Fraport Skyliners had the 15-10 rebound advantage, but 10 turnovers while TBB Trier had six turnovers.

The third quarter was the turning point of the game as TBB Trier completely took apart the Fraport Skyliners as TBB Trier head coach Henrik Rodl found the right words, while the Skyliner players weren´t able to take his formula and make dividends on the court. TBB Trier quickly sped out on a 8-0 run leading 43-36. TBB Trier scored four times inside as the Fraport Skyliners were a liability down low. Stewart scored first with no help defense around and then it was Harper twice inside as Dowell couldn´t give any defensive resistance. Seiferth then scored inside. Scott then made his finest hoop of game making a spin move on the wing and finishing with a floater as Frankfurt trailed 43-36. TBB Trier continued to keep up the pressure closing out the third quarter on a 17-6 run to lead more than comfortably 60-42 after three quarters. TBB Trier continued to demonstrate that many could score in bunches. Stewart nailed a catch and pop shot that was more than contested and then scored inside with ease. Bucknor nailed a three pointer and also finished inside.  Stewart seemed to have a great touch as he nailed another contested three pointer and Chicoko scored inside on a second chance. “This was the quarter of Trier as they limited Frankfurt too only eight points. Frankfurt let up six offensive rebounds. The young guns were doing a good job off the bench for TBB Trier. Bucknor was the sparkplug for TBB Trier”, stressed Steven Clauss. “We wanted to come out with more energy and put our foot on the gas. We made the extra pass on offense and on defense had good rotations on post players and closed out their shooters”, added Brian Harper. TBB Trier was shooting 53% from the field and 42% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 40% from the field and 38% from the parking lot. TBB Trier regained the rebound battle 26-21 and had only seven turnovers while Frankfurt had only 15.

It didn´t get any better for the Fraport Skyliners in the fourth quarter as TBB Trier was able to extend their lead to 23 points. The nicest play of the game was also the first score of the fourth quarter as Bastian Doreth fed Vitalis Chicoko for a perfect ally-op dunk. Muli Katzurin then inserted Johannes Voigtmann as he made his Beko BBL debut. He made a beautiful pass form the low post finding Jones for an open three pointer, but Frankfurt still trailed 63-45. Monnighoff then nailed  a three pointer and chicoko scored inside with his left hand as TBB Trier led 69-46. The Fraport Skyliners were fighting, but everything was working for TBB Trier in the second half as all they could do was looking on helplessly. The Fraport Skyliners then made a mini comeback that seemed unnoticed as time was running out Frankfurt cut the TBB Trier lead from 69-46 to 71-56. Scott hit a three pointer, Jones a three pointer, Peacock dunked getting a no look pass from Scott and Wright scored inside. But that was all that the Fraport Skyliners had left in their gas tank as TBB Trier closed out the game with a 7-3 run. Howell who ahd been pretty quiet made a nice studder step moved to his right and made an off balance shot and Seiferth dunked as Harper gave him the perfect no look feed. Barthel closed out the game with a high rainbow shot. “We did a good job containing their three point shooters. Coach had told us that Frankfurt was one of the most dangerous three point shooting teams. We also contained Peacock making every basket difficult”, stressed Nate Linhart. “We played good defense in the first half, but in the second half we couldn´t handle their pressure. If one man got beat, we needed to rotate which we didn´t do”; stressed Johnathan Jones.

TBB Trier was led by Brian Harper with 16 points and ten rebounds. Jermaine Bucknor produced 13 points. Barry Stewart added 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Ted Scott with 20 points. Zach peacock added 14 points and five rebounds. Johnathan Jones contributed 11 points. Despite the loss, Scott had a lot of energy after the game and is ure that he will help the Fraport Skyliners. “I try to get each guy involved. I am the raw raw guy trying o keep all on the same page. I can get vocal during games. Teams can´t really get enough of it. We just have to stay together and bring more energy and bring it for a full game. We will be ready in the next game”, warned Ted Scott.  TBB Trier shot 52% from the field and 39% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners shot only 38% from the field and 36% from outside. The Fraport Skyliners did win the rebound fight 34-32, but still got hammered inside losing the points in the paint battle 42-16 and had 19 turnovers. “We didn´t crash the boards as a team. We did a good job in the first half. WE lost many 50/50 balls. It is important that we capitalize on that since we aren´t that big”, warned Johnathan Jones. The Fraport Skyliners next play the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven October 21^st at 17:00.

Jacob Burtschi is a 28 year old 198cm forward from Chickasha, Oklahoma who is playing his first season with the Bremerhaven Eisbaeren. He played as a rookie for Phoenix Hagen in 2010-2011 averaging 14.2ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-3(1.5spg), FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 82.2%. He played at the Air Force from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 35 games averaging 13.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3Pts: 39.0%, FT: 77.3%. He had offers to play in the NBA, but served in the Air Force the last three years and could only play club ball. Some achievements that he got in the NCAA were  All-MWC Honorable Mention -05, MWC Regular Season Runner-Up -06, All-MWC 2nd Team -06, 07, NABC All-NCAA District 13 2nd Team -07, and NIT Final Four -07. Last season he played for  CAI Zaragoza (Spain-ACB, starting five): 9 games: 2.6ppg, 2.4rpg; left in Nov.’11, in Dec.’11 moved to Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-BBL): German League: 22 games: 8.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 87.5%; EuroCup: 2 games: 5.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0spg. He spoke to German Hoops after the soothing 114-80 win in Giessen.

Congrats on the 114-80 win in Giessen. How tough has the three game losing streak been?

It was tough to sleep at night. We finally played some good basketball against Giessen. We played a lot better tonight, but there are still things that we need to work on on defense.

It was very hard to believe that the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were 0-3 before the win in Giessen. What was different tonight?

It had a lot to do with the way we started this game. We lost the first three games because we were unable to come out with energy. We came out with energy in Giessen instead of waiting five minutes to get started like we did in the first three games.

The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were shooting 71% from the field and from outside at halftime. After 40 minutes it was 72% from the field and 59% from outside. Was that shooting practice tonight?

I would have to say yes. However many guys hit tough shots, but we finally also started knocking down open shots which we didn´t do in the past.

Scott Morrison controlled the first quarter inside. Would you agree that he is a type of player that you can throw the ball anywhere near the rim and he will be able to capitalize on making points?

Yes he can. It is funny,that he broke his nose, because he has a good nose for the ball. He has very good hands and we know that we can make difficult passes and we know that he will come up with it.

What was key in the second quarter for opening up the game and getting a big lead?

We kept pushing the ball and bringing pressure. We also did a good job containing the top scorer of the Beko BBL Ryan Brooks which was high on our to do list in Giessen.

Small Giessen point guard Dijuan Harris gave Bremerhaven problems all night long ending as game top scorer with 23 points. He seems like  a pest. Who does he remind you of?

It is hard to say who he reminds me of, but not a pest. He is more like a jack Russell terror. He is a guy with much energy and never quits. I give my hat off to him for a great game.

You made two nice steals in one quarter and on one coming between a pass and going coast to coast for a dunk. How much did that play remind you of a Tez steal?

Yes that was like Tez. I wish he had been here to see that. If Frankfurt would have been on the court, I would have pointed my finger at him and said that is how it is done.

Stanley Burrell played a solid game, but there were two plays where he showed his one on one talent making two difficult contested fade away jumpers from the corner. I am sure that head coach Doug Spradley doesn´t like to see too much of that from his point guard?

Coach doesn´t like to see too much of that, but Stan can make those plays. Coach lets him take advantage of that, because there are times when he can do that.

When observing Stan ley Burrell, you can see that he likes to talk with his eyes. Is that a way how he motivates the team?

Yes he can motivate like that. Stan is a very outgoing, outspoken guy. He is able to get us going, but that is his job as a point guard. Sometimes he doesn´t need to talk, but just look at him and see the fire in his eyes.

Have you ever had two steals in one quarter where you went coast to coast in the Beko BBL?

I think I did it with Phoenix Hagen.

You said prior to the Giessen game that Bremerhaven still needed to tweak things on defense. Was that done despite giving up 80 points?

We did a good job communicating, rotating and boxing out. We did let up 80 points and still have a lot to tweak on defense.

Do you remember winning games with Hagen or Frankfurt with 8 guys in double figures scoring?

No I don´t. Every one shot well. We almost had nine guys in double figures with Anthony Canty who was close.

Will Jermaine Raffington by beer for the players since he made the 100^th point?

He will have to and we won´t let him forget it.

What advice can you give Fraport Skyliner captain Marius Nolte for playing against Eisbaeren center Scott Robinson?

All I can say for Marius is Alter. That is locker room talk and he knows what I mean.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The Rock with Sean Connery.

Thanks Jacob for the chat.

Jacob Burtschi is a 28 year old 198cm forward from Chickasha, Oklahoma who is playing his first season with the Bremerhaven Eisbaeren. He played as a rookie for Phoenix Hagen in 2010-2011 averaging 14.2ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-3(1.5spg), FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 82.2%. He played at the Air Force from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 35 games averaging 13.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3Pts: 39.0%, FT: 77.3%. He had offers to play in the NBA, but served in the Air Force the last three years and could only play club ball. Some achievements that he got in the NCAA were  All-MWC Honorable Mention -05, MWC Regular Season Runner-Up -06, All-MWC 2nd Team -06, 07, NABC All-NCAA District 13 2nd Team -07, and NIT Final Four -07. Last season he played for  CAI Zaragoza (Spain-ACB, starting five): 9 games: 2.6ppg, 2.4rpg; left in Nov.’11, in Dec.’11 moved to Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-BBL): German League: 22 games: 8.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 87.5%; EuroCup: 2 games: 5.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0spg. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the LTi Giessen 46ers October 13^th.

A tough 88-82 ratiopharm Ulm win in Bremerhaven. Bremerhaven was close again but let up 29 points in the fourth quarter. What wa skey for not being able to buckle down on defense in the fourth quarter?

We gave up too many uncontested shots.

After two less than sub par games by ex NBA player Allan Ray, he lit up Bremerhaven for 31 points. What impressed you most about his game?

The guy hit clutch shots the whole night. He played with a chip on his shoulder.

You are the glue guy for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven and had a great game with 14 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Did Scott Morrison buy you dinner for being so helpful on the boards?

No, but he should. A döner Teller should suffice

After three games in the Beko BBL this season the Eisbaeren are averaging giving up 82 points per game. What still needs to be worked on most on the defensive end?

A lot. Our communication on defense, help rotation, and on ball defense. Teams are shooting well against us. We need to tweak a few things on defense, then get back on track.

The next game is against the LTi Giessen 46ers. They have started 1-2. They have made a lot of changes this season. What is your impression of them this season?

I havent had a chance to see video of them but, I hear they are more of an up and down tempo now, kind of like Hagen is.

Both teams are desperate for a win on Saturday. Giessen is always tough at home. What kind of game can we expect and what will be key for getting the win?

An all out brawl. Both of us need the win. Especially us.

If You had a foot race with Quantez Robertson from one baseline to the next and you started from the free throw line, would you still be able to beat him? lol

Easily. Tez wishes he had jets like me. He learned that last year.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
The other guys
“CHRISTINITH! YOU IDIOT! YOU GET MY WIFE’S NAME RIGHT!”

Thanks Jacob for the chat

Every once in a while, you have that special player that escapes the radar of teams and basketball experts like an Air France jet over the Bermuda triangle. Back in the 2007-2008 Beko BBL season, there was a big strong 198cm center from New York named Jason Boone who made the rapid jump from the Regionaliga team Lok Bernau to Beko BBL team BG Goettingen. Head coach John Patrick noticed his hidden talent and the rest is history as the big man reached three playoffs in four seasons in the university city and won the 2010 Eurochallenge. Not every player can make that rapid jump up three leagues like Boone did. It takes some players longer as this season there is an American playing for the Mitteldeutscher BC who played Regionaliga in 2009 for BG Leitershofen and passed through the PRO B, PRO A and now is in the Beko BBL. He helped Leitershofen move to the PRO B and last season was one of the top players in the PRO A for the Kirchheim Knights where he averaged 17,2ppg and 8,6rpg. Uskoski who hails from Washington and played in the NAIA for Rocky Mountain has arrived in the Beko BBL not producing the numbers he did in the lower leagues, but has been a spark off the bench as he was a force under the boards in the late going in the thrilling 71-68 MBC win on the road against the Fraport Skyliners. Americans Kelly Beidler and Sharaud Curry stole the show scoring a combined 37 points, but Uskowski was solid scoring eight points and grabbing six rebounds. His teammates laud the American in the highest tone. “He is a key player for us. When he gets hot from outside than he can hurt you. He opens up the floor, keeps fighting defends well, goes hard for rebounds and is just a team player”, stressed Virginia Beach native Kelly Beidler. MBC manager Martin Geisler had a sparkle in his eyes when the name Uskoski was mentioned. “Uskowski reached every level and was always the best player . He really has seen it all. He is so thankful that he can play at this level and you notice it by how often he always says thank you. I think that he can play at this level. It is a learning process. He has always palyed in small gyms and he still has to get used to playing in the bigger arenas. He just needs to not show so much respect and turn off the nervousness which he has at times. He didn´t hide from anyone in the lower leagues and why should he now. We should not expect wonders, but he should just play his game. He will always give 100%”, warned Martin Geisler.

The Fraport Skyliners came into the game with a record of 1-1 and wanted to reward their fans with a victory in the Fraport arena. The Fraport Skyliners gave their fans a very exciting game, but the only thing missing at the end was a little luck and possibly a call which might have swung the game around. The Mitteldeutscher BC led for the most part of the game except for a very brief period at the start of the game and in the third quarter  as Larry Wright gave the Fraport Skyliners their only lead with a huge three pointer. MBC head coach Silvano Poropat was relaxed at the end of the game and the only thing missing was a cigar as he was more than pleased by the performance of his team. “Our intensity and rebounding was key for the win today. The Beidler block on Peacock at the end showed just how much we wanted to win this game. I don´t know if Beidler was the best player today, but he was great. He was so important on defense”, stressed Silvano Poropat. The Fraport Sklyiners gave a spirited effort again, but weren´t able to play their game as MBC was able to keep them away for long enough periods to keep the game out of their reach of being able to turn it when they needed to. “The Fraport Skyliners had their chance as MBC almost gave it away. Frankfurt was unable to keep tempo up and when you give up 17 offensive rebounds than it is hard to win. When you play aggressive, then you tend to be further away from the basket which makes it tougher to get the rebounds. Frankfurt started to hit their shots late. Rebounding and turnovers was a factor which enabled MBC to have 9 possessions more which made the difference in a close game. You can never underestimate a team like MBC. They understood that they had to play calm and disciplined even at the end when it was close”, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss.

It was the first home game of the season where everyone in the arena can see familiar faces and getting back into the basketball groove in the living room of the Fraport arena. A rare occurrence before the game saw Muli Katzurin and Silvano Poropat having some chit chat as coached don´t usually take the time to do that before the jump ball. Unlikely MBC top scorer  Steve Wachalski after two games nailing jumper after jumper in warm ups and sprouting of unending self confidence.  Only 4,030 people wanted to see the home opener of the Fraport Skyliners, but the home team sped out quickly to a 4-0 lead as Frankfurt had high intensity on offense as Zach Peacock scored over Djordje Pantelic and Johnathan Jones scored inside on hard penetration. After a Chad Timberlake lay in, Peacock scored over Pantelic again as MBC trailed 6-2. However MBC soon found its rhythm as Providence graduate Sharaud Curry got going nailing three free throws and a shot from the parking lot as MBC led 8-6. Jones was able to tie the score at 8-8 with a pull up jumper, but MBC closed out the first quarter in style going on a 11-5 run to lead 19-13. MBC was able to keep the tempo down and play their style. It should be noted that Steve Wachalski and Kelly Beidler hit two fortunate bank shots. Curry at 178cm hit a huge shot over 203cm Peacock as well. Peacock played a great first quarter scrambling inside for a tip in and dunking moments before the buzzer sound to end the first quarter. “If MBC hadn´t made those two bank shots the score would have been 13-13. Both teams were playing equally, the slow tempo helped MBC and Curry did  a great job with discipline on the playmaking”, said basketball expert Steven Clauss. MBC was shooting 60% from the field and 57% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 43% from the field and 0% from outside. MBC had the 7-4 rebound edge, but four turnovers while Frankfurt only had two turnovers.

In the second quarter, the Mitteldeutscher BC was able to keep control of the game against the Fraport Skyliners. When Curry was in the game the MBC offense was very controlled and there was good shot selection, but when he was on the bench, they had more difficulty getting a good shot on offense. The Fraport Skyliners used this to their advantage going on an 8-1 run to cut the MBC lead to 25-23. Robertson was involved in the first two buckets of the run feeding Danilo Barthel for an easy lay up and then going coast to coast for a basket. Dion Dowell who had difficulty finding his rhythm and getting shots off made a tip in and Barthel hit two more free throws. Runs continued to reign in this quarter as MBC was able to extend their lead a bit with a 5-0 run to lead 30-23. Wachalski made a tough tip in in traffic and Curry hit a bank shot. Frankfurt didn´t lose their cool and closed out the second quarter strong with a 9-4 run to trail only 34-32. Robertson nailed a big three pointer and Peacock continued to give production with a lay in and dunk. Jones finished the scoring with an off balance jumper. “Frankfurt was able to play their game more and play fast and give MBC more pressure. Frankfurt played good defense, but allowed MBC to score too much inside as they were shooting 70% from the two point area”, commented basketball expert Steven Clauss. The Mitteldeutscher BC was shooting 46% from the field and 29% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 48% from the field and 13% from the three point line. MBC had the 16-13 rebound lead and five turnovers while Frankfurt only had three turnovers.

The quarter was tight and was the lowest scoring in the whole game. The Fraport Skyliners were on the door step of the MBC wolves den door, but were unable to fit into the small crack of the door. Beidler started off the scoring in the third quarter with a tip in and Zach peacock followed with another spot up jumper over Pantalic. Frankfurt continued to have problems stopping the mBC penetration as it wasn´t only Curry who could skip into the lane without problems, but also Timberlake who did giving MBC the 38-34 lead. Quantez Robertson who was penetrating as if he was Dashaun Wood went coast to coast for the hoop as Frankfurt trailed 38-34. Whenever Frankfurt was with one foot in the crack of the door, it was MBC that would close the crack as Beidler retrieved a no look pass from Curry for the easy basket as MBC led 40-36. Larry Wright who had been quiet in the first quarter finally got going nailing a three pointer on the fast break, but  Curry did damage again on the penetration as MBC led 42-39. Frankfurt then saw some daylight going on a rapid 6-0 run to lead briefly 45-42. Peacock scored inside and Wright dropped a huge three pointer for the Frankfurt 45-42 lead. Just when one thought that the Fraport Skyliners could take this momentum into the fourth quarter, MBC swung back ending the quarter with a 5-0 run and retaking the lead something that they would never relinquish. MBC has two scorers with Beidler and Curry and it will probably be them that most people will remember at the end of the season, but in the last run it was the two work horses Wachalski and Uskowski that helped the 17 offensive rebound account with battling on the offensive boards and scoring. MBC led after three quarters 49-45. “The Fraport Skyliners came out very dynamic in the third quarter, but let up again in the last minutes. They let MBC back into the game. Frankfurt was simply not consistent enough in keeping the game fast. They continued to let up too many offensive rebounds and both teams were shooting three pointers poorly”, stated basketball expert Steven Clauss. The Mitteldeutscher BC was shooting 45% from the field and 25% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 46% from the field and 25% form the parking lot. MBC had the significant 25-18 rebound edge, but 10 turnovers while Frankfurt had nine turnovers.

One will never say that the Fraport Skyliners didn´t fight, because fight they did in the fourth quarter and they were so close, but would never lead again in the game. After Wachalski opened up the scoring with a three pointer to give MBC the 52-45 lead, it was Frankfurt that didn´t allow them to break away going on their own 6-0 run to cut the MBC lead to 52-51. German guard Konstantin Klein nailed a three pointer and Dion Dowell who had not been a factor all game made a fade away. The stpory of the game was that the Fraport Skyliners never could make a sufficient amount of consecutive stops, because MBC kept hitting big shots to keep the lead. After a Curry three pointer, it was Robertson who made a fade away jumper to cut the MBC lead to 55-53. Frankfurt was close again, but MBC kept their offense consistent going on a 4-0 run to lead 59-53. Uskoski got another offensive rebound and put back and Beidler continued to keep the offensive board his personal stomping ground with a bucket. However Frankfurt continued to match MBC in scoring going on a 5-0 run as Jones scored on the penetration and Klein hit another three pointer as MBC led only 59-58. MBC kept up the pressure as it was Beidler who just continued to punish Frankfurt on the offensive boards scoring twice as Frankfurt trailed 64-59. With less than three minutes to play, crunch time had arrived as Peacock made a dunk and after a missed Tez dunk it was Jones that scored cutting the MBC  lead to 66-63. Curry who had been hot all game saved his best for last as he made a raindrop shot in the lane looking like a Chris Paul in motion as MBC led 68-63. Robertson and Timberlake then exchanged free throws as MBC led 70-66. Then came the turning point of the game. Wachalski was hit with an unsportsmanlike foul. Peacock made two free throws cutting the lead to 70-68. Frankfurt had the ball with 13 seconds and the chance to bring the game into OT or win it with a three pointer. Beidler who had been big on the glass proved to also be big as he blocked Peacock on the last shot giving MBC their first win of the year. “The man of Peacocok got beat so I came over to help my teammates. I thought better to try and block and risk the foul and giving up free throws then letting him score. I always have liked to be aggressive. I have been blocking shots all through my career even though it doesn´t get noticed as much. People look at points and rebounds. Blocking shots is a strong point in my game”, warned Kelly Beidler. “Beidler is the central force in our defense. His long arms make a difference on defense and rebounding. That block was huge for us”, said Sharaud Curry. The Fraport Skyliners were so close, but something was missing from the Artland game. “We didn´t come out with the same intensity as in Artland on offense and defense. We gave up too many second chances and didn´t box out well. They just wanted it more than us”, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Quantez Robertson.  For MBC it was just a relief getting the monkey off their back with that first win. “We didn´t want to start 0-3 since we have big games with Bamberg and Munich coming up. We took tempo out of the game and went inside. We did good job recognizing the mismatches”, said Sharaud Curry. MBC have already shown early in the season that in pressure situations that they are on the same page. “We stayed sound at the end. We played together as a team getting defensive stops and key rebounds”, expressed Kelly Beidler.

The Mitteldeutscher BC was led by Sharud Curry with 20 points and four assists.  Kelly Beidler with 17 points and ten rebounds(8 offensive rebounds). After a performance like that, you could call the American Mr offensive rebound Kelly Beidler. “I haven´t been called that. I just work hard and bring my part to the game. I think that it would be tough having to live up to that nickname every night”, warned Kelly Beidler. Steve Wachalski chipped in with 11 points and Chad Timberlake with 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Zach Peacock with 24 points and nine rebounds. Quantez Robertson chipped in with 12 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot better than the Mitteldeutscher BC shooting 47% from the field and 31% from outside while MBC shot 42% from the field and 23% form outside. MBC won the rebounding duel 37-27 including 17 offensive rebounds and had 11 turnovers while Frankfurt had 12 turnovers. The next opponent for the Fraport Skyliners is TBB Trier who are known for playing defense and they will have to bring  a better offensive performance than against MBC. “Our offense was stagnant at times. We would run the pick and roll and the kick out, but ten at other times we didn´t. As a point guard I need to get the whole team involved and I didn´t. We weren´t consistent enough. We got Peacock involved  a lot, but not enough other players. We need a better balance of inside out”, warned Johnathan Jones. TBB Trier host the Fraport Skyliners October 14^th at 17:00.