Author: Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Basketball journalist and play by play commentator

Derrick Allen (Belgacom Spirou) Frankfurt Has A Special Place In My Heart

Derrick Allen is a 32 year old 203cm forward that grew up in Gadsen Alabama that is playing his first season in Belgium for Belgacom Spirou. He is a rugged inside player who attacks the glass, will provide help on the boards, is a solid defender in the post, a competitor and hard worker  that can score facing the basket and has shooting range to the foul line. He started his career at Southern Union State from 1998-2000. He then transferred to Mississippi and played there from 2000-2003. He then started his professional basketball career in Iceland playing for Keflavikur ripping up the FIBA Europe Cup playing  8 games and averaging 26.6ppg, 9.4rpg, 2.5apg, 1.8spg and playing 22 games in the Iceland league averaging 23,4ppg, 10.5rpg. He won the Icelandic league and cup title in his rookie season. In 2004, he ventured to Germany and has played there ever since with two years in Karlsruhe, one year in Leverkusen and played for the Deutsche Bank Skyliners from 2007-2010. In 2006-2007, he led Leverksuen into the playoffs and led the BBL in scoring playing 38 games and averaging 16.5ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 50.6%, 3FGP: 32.3%, FT: 72.2%. In 2007-2008, he was second best scorer in the BBL for Frankfurt playing 43 games and averaging 18.1ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 75.6%; and playing 10 ULEB Cup games finishing as the third best scorer averaging 19.9ppg, 7.9rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 54%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 72.9%. In 2010-2011 for Alba Berlin, he played EuroCup: 11 games: 13.0ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 57.6%, FT: 80.6%; Euroleague Qualifying Round: 5 games: 15.0ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 64.7%, FT: 56.3%; German Bundesliga: 49 games: 13.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP-3(61.0%), FT: 78.7%. Last season for Alba Berlin, he played  Euroleague Qualifying Round: 2 games: 15.5ppg, 6.0rpg; EuroCup: 12 games: 10.0ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 47.3%, FT: 70.8%; German League: 37 games: 9.1ppg, 4.6rpg, FGP: 54.2%, FT: 73.6% He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

You are playing your first season in Belgium for Belgacom Spirou. Was it strange leaving the Beko BBL after 8 years?

Yes it was tough leaving the Beko BBL. I thought it was ok to go. I had a good opportunity in Belgium. Spirou has wanted me the last years and now it finally worked out. I will miss Germany.

You had a double double in your first game with 15 points and 10 rebounds. This league seems to be compatible with your game.

Yes I think it is. The league is competitive, but it the level suits my game. Many guys that have played in the Beko BBL like Demond Mallet, Chris Copeland or Caleb Green have played here and been successful.

(more…)

James Washington(I Don´t Think I Could Show All I Can Do Last Season In Germany)

James Washington is a 24 year old 182cm guard from St Louis Missouri. He played at W.Illinois (NCAA) from 2006-2008 and then transfered to Middle Tenn.St. (NCAA). In his senior year he played 32 games: 14.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 86.4%. Last season he started his professional basketball career for TBB Trier (Germany-BBL) 23 games: 5.7ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 38.8%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 80.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

James where you currently at and how has your day been going?

I am currently in the states at my hometown St. Louis, Missouri. And my day has been going alright, I cant complain too much.

December is around the corner and you are still unsigned. Are you surprised that you still don´t have a team at this point?

Yes, you can say I am surprised. But I mean that is the way it goes sometimes. I look at it as just a small bump in the road you know. A call will come soon though and I’ll be more then ready.

Last season, you came late into the season to German Beko BBL team TBB Trier, so you know first hand from last season how difficult it is to find a team. Does the market seem to be even tougher to crack this season?

Well last season was difficult because of the NBA lockout and NBA guys were signing overseas to play. And of course me being a rookie and only having College stats didn’t make it any easier. But this year its pretty tough too I guess. But my name was off the market overseas for a while because I had signed a contract to play in NBA D League this season at first.

How tough is it mentally to cope with being unsigned when many of your friends are playing overseas at this time?

When it comes to being mentally tough that is usually me. But I cant even lie, every day when I talk to my bros playing overseas it bothers me a little bit. Especially when they tell me about some of the players and competition their playing against night in and night out. Then knowing my skills set, and my athletic ability makes it even worse. But hey, it be like that sometimes. like I said earlier, teams will call soon and I will be ready.

You had a solid season at TBB Trier last season playing 23 games: 5.7ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 38.8%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 80.0%. Wasn´t there any chance that head coach Henrik Rodl would keep you?

Thanks a lot. Yea I had an okay season I would say. Wish I could have played better though and helped my team get some more wins. I dont think I got to show all what I can do. And yes there was. Coach Rodl is a good coach and even better person off the floor. I had signed a 2 year player/team option contract with TBB Trier. I think its best we just leave it at that.

How were you able to further develop your game as a rookie in the German Beko BBL?

Being able to practice against Dru Joyce everyday really helped me. Dru is a really good PG is now considered a veteran overseas and he helped me out with my transition from college to a rookie. My boy John Bynum helped me also. But my entire team were great teammates and coach Thomas Pach and Henrik Rodl helped me get better with individual workouts too.

Would you like to come back and play in Germany? Would you even step down a level to the PRO A if a team came knocking?

Funny you asked that because my bro Talor Battle and I were just talking about Germany on Skype yesterday. I would not mine going back to Germany at all. Germany was a great experience overall and the fans really support basketball even though soccer is the main sport there. Yes I would step down and play at a lower level. Especially now since the season has already started and I feel like I need to show what I really can do on the floor while winning at the same time.

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

I would say a hidden strength would be my point guards skills and ability to run a team. It usually gets unnoticed because I shoot the ball so well and like last season playing next to Dru Joyce, the shooting guard was basically my only job.

If you can describe yourself in a few sentences how would you describe your game and how you can help any team now?

I am a point guard that can score and shoot the ball pretty well. I can run a team, and I have the heart and will to try to win every game I play. I can help a team by simply doing just that and also being a leader/coach on the floor.

Who won a one on one in practice last season you or Dru Joyce and how would you beat him?

HaHa this is a funny question to me. But Dru and I would go back in forth at it in practice during 1 on 1. When he sees this he will try to disagree because he is so competitive too. But I won the most games 1 on 1 with us.

How does a normal James Washington work out day look like now as you keep in shape?

Ummmm, A normal day for James Washington I have no idea what it goes like for the most part because that is my Grandfather haha. But for James Washington lll thats easy. I workout at 5 30 in the morning in the weight room, come home take my niece to school, get something to eat and relax for a little bit. Maybe talk on skype to my bros Talor Battle, Dru Joyce, LaRon Dendy, Dwight Buycks, and Mike Smith. Head back to gym for court workout with trainer, come home take a nap or play 2K13. Pick my niece up from school then go back to gym and play pick up ball. Late night Im chilling spending time with the family and watching NBA or college games on TV. And of course eat some dinner.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Last DVD movie I watched was Step Brothers on my laptop. Seen it like 10 times now, but its hella funny to me.

Thanks James for the chat.

Zach Peacock Was In The Mad Ballers Zone Leading The Fraport Skyliners Past First Ranked ratiopharm Ulm 78-62

In every basketball game there are so many exciting and detailed things that one can observe like how a team reacts to the words of their head coach after a timeout, if the dance team is dancing insych during a timeout, the certain delicate procedures at the foul line of players concentrating, who has the better advantage of the mismatches, which team has better time management during time outs or how a mascot goes about its business during a game. There are so many more things to observe on the court, but one thing that is always present during games is the matchups on the floor. It is always interesting to see who Quantez Robertson will guard, if ex NBA player Jermareo Davidson was in the mood to defend last season or how intensive the Edward scissor hands of Devin Gibson will be functioning on the court. One interesting duel in this game was the center duel between Zach Peacock and Johannes Voigtmann against John big country Bryant. It wasn´t even sure if the American from Miami Peacock was going to play because of injury, but he did play. Peacocok is more a position four player, but has had to fill in at the five in Frankfurt this season. Bryant is a 208cm center who is as physically difficult to move from the zone as it is David Ortiz is from the batters box. But it wasn´t only Peacocok who had to battle Bryant, but also young  German Voigtmann who was inserted into the starting five because Marius Nolte was suffering from a shoulder injury. Bryant consistently brings good stats and Peacock and Voigtman had to be at the top of their games to somewhat get Bryant out of his game and they did helping lead the Fraport Skyliners to a surprising, but also very convincing 78-62 win. Bryant finished with 10 points and six rebounds in 22 minutes which is about half his average. Peacocok came from the bench and amassed amazing 18 points in 16 minutes  despite not being 100% and hitting a good percentage of his shots and didn´t have to guard Bryant too much. In his days in Giessen he was known as the mad baller because as a rookie he was so focused and didn´t want to make any mistakes. In the game against ratiopharm Ulm, he was all business and had that game face on with make no mistakes written all over his face. “I was the mad baller today. The only difficult thing today for me was that I was a bit winded. I am a professional and one week of not practicing won´t change how I play. I only really had one possession where I guarded him and he passed the ball out. The other times, he was more outside which was more my advantage. We caught him at the wrong spots which helped”, stressed Zach Pecocok. Voigtmann played a superb game against the 2012 Beko BBL MVP making eight points and five rebounds and was happy for the match up against Byrant. “It was a great experience playing against Byrant. I like playing against the more massive players than the shorter quicker players. Our help defense really helped me and it was key keeping him far from the basket. It was just  a great challenge playing against him today”, added Johannes Voigtmann. It was especially the play of Peacock which was lauded by his teammates after the game. “He was in his special zone. He is just tough as nails. Once he hit that first shot, it was over. He just played big”, stressed American Ted Scott. “Zach played very aggressive which had been seen all week in practice. He knew that we were short at the big position and he just thought I will try to play and everybody saw what he did after 40 minutes”, commented Fraport Skyliner captain Marius Nolte.

(more…)

Ted Scott(Fraport Skyliners) I Am The Guy That Picks Up The Players And Encourage Them When Times Aren´t Going Well.

Ted Scott is a 27 year old 188cm guard from Columbus, Ohio that is playing his first season for the Fraport Skyliners. He played at West Virginia State from 2004-2009 playing a total of 120 NCAA2 games. In his senior year, he played  30 games: 23.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3Pts: 34.6%, FT: 82.8%. In 2009-2010, he played for ISS Sportino Inowroclaw (Poland-PLK, starting five): 10 games: 20.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 81.5%; in Jan.’10 moved to Ferro-ZNTU Zaporozhye (Ukraine-Superleague): 1 game: 2pts. In 2010-2011, he played for SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg (Poland-PLK): 20 games: Score-1(25.4ppg), 4.4rpg, 2.1apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 83.5%. Last season, he played for Sport Lisboa Benfica (Portugal-LPB, starting five): 34 games: Score-4(17.0ppg), 3.1rpg, 2.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 82.3%. He won the Portugal championship last season with Benfica Lisabon with ex Skyliner Seth Doliboa. He spoke with German Hoops about basketball.

What was it like playing against Patrick Ewing jr?

I had watched him on tv when he played at Georgetown. It was a great experience being on the court with him and in general is it when playing against guys like that.

When shots aren´t falling for you, you don’t shoot 1000 times more, but also try to involve your teammates. How difficult is it as a shooter to know when to shoot and when not?

I think that that comes with time. It also has to do with instincts. It really comes naturally for me and not so hard for me.

You are playing your first season in Germany. What were your main reasons for coming to the Fraport Skyliners?

I had heard that the German league is strong and just wanted to test my skills here.

How do you like the big city feeling of Frankfurt which you know from Columbus, Ohio?

It is that same kind of feeling. There are so many things in Frankfurt that are similar to home. The food for one. It feels like home here.

You didn´t need much time to get used to the Beko BBL making 20 points in trier. Is a natural scorer at home everywhere?

Not really. I think it comes with how comfortable one is with the team and myself. I don´t think all players have it. It has a lot to with self confidence.

How difficult was it coming to  a last place team after being champion with Benfica Lisabon last season?

It wasn´t too difficult. I see it as a challenge. Everyone on the team have the same goal. We want to make the playoffs and just get as far as we can.

Did your teammates feel that you are a go to guy player?

Yes I feel it came in the first game. I hit my first shots and my teammates realized it quickly.

What is a strength in your game that doesn´t always get recognized?

I am the guy that picks up the players and encourage them when times aren´t going well.

To what NBA player would you compare your game to?

Monta Ellis of the Bucks.

Your ex teammate Seth Doliboa said that you have a rare combination of shooting and athletic skills. Where does that comes from?

It has always been like that. I am always being aggressive and I think all these things are in one.

What has been the most incredible thing that you have seen Quantez Robertson do in a practice?

In practice we were running a fast break and Tez was going to the basket and I didn´t think that he saw me throw up a ball to the rim, but he did and dunked over two guys. It was one of the hardest dunks I ever saw.

Why are so many great basketball players come from Ohio?

I think it has to do with the fact that we start young and good programs there.

Who were your NBA idols?

Ray Allen and Michael Jordan.

You tore up the nCAA2 at west Virginia State. Were you ever sad that you didn´t showcase your skills in the NCAA?

No not really. I was given a chance with West Virginia. I believe that everything happens for s reason. I just did the best that I could with the situation.

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

Stephan Dennis played at Kutztown and beat us. He signed with the Brooklyn Nets. A real good point guard at 6.6.

How did West Virginia head coach Bryan Pooe help you become the player you are today at the pro ranks?

He helped me  a lot mentally. He showed me how to be a student of the game. He showed me not only to play the game, but think it.

You played together with ex ratiopharm Ulm forward Christian Burns in the Ukraine. What is the most incredible thing that you saw him do on the court there?

He is a very athletic player. I can´t even count all the things that he did. He was climbing over guys dunking over them

You led the Polish league in 2011 in scoring averaging 25ppg. Were you a bit disappointed that you didn´t go to  a higher league after this going to  a lower league with Portugal?

Not sad, but more surprised. Sometimes that is how the cards are dealt. Benfica Lisabon gave me the chance and I did the best out of it.

What was your nicest memory with Seth Doliboa with Benfica Lisabon?

Winning the title together last season.

Who wins a 1-1 you or Quantez Robertson?

I don´t know, but it would be a good game. It would be a tough game since Tez is our best defender.

What were the most free throws that you made in a row without missing?

30

What was your most crazy shot in  a game that went in?

I missed an open dunk and then restole the ball at mid court and with three seconds to play made  a turn around shot.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Good Fellas. It is my favorite movie and I have seen it about 150 times.

Thanks for the chat Ted.

Can Allan Ray Fill The Shoes Of Isaiah Swann This Season With ratiopharm Ulm?

Since the arrival of ratiopharm Ulm in the Beko BBL in 2006, the club has always displayed interesting and somewhat potent rosters that were formed thanks to ex head coach Mike Taylor who is coaching Maine in the D-league and often had the appropriate feeling and trusted magic wan that was able to haul in capable players according to the minimum budget that the club possessed.  In the Mike Taylor era, he was able to find young lesser known players just starting their basketball career like Dru Joyce, Romeo Travis, Christian Burns, Lee Humphrey, Per Guenther or John Bryant who all were able to produce in the Beko BBL. The influx of strong players coming to Ulm continued after the departure of Mike Taylor as head coach Thorsten Leibenath came on board. Last season, the club had a special player with Isaiah Swann that had special offensive qualities who was a big factor in the success of ratiopharm Ulm. Granted head coach Thorsten Leibenath and the rest of the team also contributed to the team taking the ride to the final, but how often was Swann able to bring that extra spark and needed production in key situations of games helping the team propel the team to needed victories. At least two to three wins were on the account of Swann´s scoring rampage and scoring in bunches that he displayed frequently. Swann left ratiopharm Ulm after last season with money signs dancing in his head as he is making three times as much in Turkey this season. This season, the team got a player in Allan Ray who arrived to replace Swann and show that he can be that ray of light in needed situations this season. Ray is a 28 year old 188cm guard form the Bronx, New York that is a an explosive scoring guard, tremendous leaper, finds the open man, beats foes off the dribble or with a jumper, has range beyond the 3-point arc and is a conscientious defender. Ray played a season for the Boston Celtics playing 47 games: 6.2ppg, 1.5rpg, FGP: 38.6%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 76.4%. In the last years, he has concentrated on his basketball in Europe and has played for top teams in Italy and France and was always dangerous with his scoring abilities. It will be interesting to see this season, how important he will be in crucial situations and how much the club will rely on his scoring qualities in key situations to win ball games. He is still seeking his full scoring touch, but he did explode against the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven this season with 31 points. Ray teammate Dane Watts already had a positive feeling about the ex NBA player before the season commenced. “I remember him playing at Villanova when I was in school. He was a great scorer and player for them. Im sure that he will fit in with our team and bring a lot of high level experience”, added Dane Watts. Head coach Thorsten Leibenath can be thrilled if Ray doesn´t only help the team win with his offense. “I think my defense is a hidden strength in my game.. Coach gives me a lot of confidence. I usually have to defend the others teams best player. I bring intensity and much pressure and just try to wreck the other teams offense”, warned Allan Ray.

(more…)

Josh Parker (Bayer Giants Leverkusen) My Teamamates And Coach Have Given Me A Great Opportunity For Me To Play The Game I Know How

Josh  Parker is a 23 year old 183cm point guard from Harvey, Illinois that is playing his rookie season in Germany for PRO B team Bayer Giants Leverkusen. He played at Drake from 2007-2009 and then played for Dayton(NCAA) from 2010-1012. He played a total of 130 NCAA games. Currently he is tearing up the German PRO B. He spoke to German Hoops about his rookie season.

Josh welcome to Germany. On the court you have had no adjusting to do, but how have you adjusted to the German way of life?

Thank you I am so glad to be here! I have been adjusting to the German way of life pretty good. Germany is really Americanized and easy to adjust most of the people here speak English so it has been a smooth transition for me.

The team currently has a record of 3-4. What has been the main reasons for the 3-4 start?

It’s been some ups and downs through the season like every team and with our team we lost some very close games that could have easily went our way that was unfortunate. With a team it always take some time to get familiar with everyone and now I feel like we are getting a pretty good feel for one another and starting to play well together.

(more…)

Another Normal Day At The Office For DaShaun Wood Leading Alba Berlin Past The Fraport Skyliners 91-65

It has only been 17 months since the Deutsche Bank Skyliners lost a close fifth game to Alb Berlin in the 2011 semi -final playoffs. Back then it was the last game for Dashaun wood in a Skyliner uniform.  Many will have fond memories of his season as he tore apart the Beko BBL leading the league in scoring with 19 points and at times tearing apart defenses as if he was taking a stroll in the River walk in Detroit. Instead of remaining in Frankfurt, he took more money and continued offense freedom under Gordon Herbert last season. The season had its up and downs and ended with an unsatisfying four game series playoff loss against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg. Despite this misfortune, the road runner Wood remained in Berlin, but knew things would change and become different under new head coach Sasa Obradovic. Wood found out quickly that he would have to be as prepared for the new strict basketball teacher as James Bond had to be with his confrontations with henchman Jaws. Wood doesn´t have the freedom as he had the last two seasons with a much deeper and talented roster, but the Detroit native clamped down right away in training camp and accepted the1998 World champion with Yugoslavia and his precise rules and buckled down and left his ego in the trash can next to the O2 World arena. His stats have been down this season, but that is more than expected with the talented teammates that he has as well as the overload traffic at the guard position with Heiko Schaffartzik and Vule Avdalovic. The interesting fact is that his scoring has dipped only a bit from last season, but his assists and rebounds are way down. He isn´t averaging 30 plus minutes this season, but has gotten accustomed to his newer reduced role, but can at any time pull out the road runner Wood turbo scoring, rebound and assist machine and make the big shots in key situations. After only a week with his new coach Sasa Obradovic, he explained the harmony between him and his new coach. “We have been on same page since day one. I understood from the start that he was a great player for Alba Berlin and won as a coach. I wanted to learn from him from day one. I think that I have become a better player with him as coach. I think that with me learning more and more in the future that our relationship will get even better”, stressed 2011 Beko BBL MVP Dashaun Wood. Coming into the game, Wood had a 2-0 record against his ex team and was as focused to meet his ex team as was Ray Allen of the Miami Heat recently when he squared off against his ex team the big green machine Boston Celtics. Wood had a solid game against the Fraport Skyliners scoring 15 points, dishing out four assists and grabbing two rebounds and two steals in 25 minutes.

(more…)

How Much Of An Impact Will Nihad Djedovic Make For Alba Berlin This Season?

There are always those type of players in the Beko BBL that have that killer instinct and just don´t show any fear when they are making an opponent´s defense look like a hapless antelope  if it should go left, right or backwards with the ensuing stampede of jaguars approaching on the prarie in Senegal. Recently there was Brian Roberts who played for the Brose Baskets Bamberg and now has made the jump to the NBA New Orleans Hornets that could carry the Freak city team to wins in crucial situations with his scoring in bunches mentality. The Fraport Skyliners recently acquired candy lover Ted Scott that didn’t waste anytime making 20 points in his debut in Trier and having TBB Trier head coach Henrik Rodl remembering his name. Scott has that all business killer instinct that would be extra lethal if he would play along side ex Skyliner Jimmy Mckinney that can devour defenses with the best of them.  This season Alba Berlin have a new player with Nihad Djedovic who is one of the most talented players in Europe from the 1990 birth year and hails from Bosnia. He can shoot in transition, off the dribble, off the catch and is absolutely fearless. Showed ability to put the ball on the floor and finish to the hoop or create for others. He already played in the ACB as a 19 year old for Xacobeo BluSens Obradoiro  being loaned from FC Barcelona. He played for  Acea Virtus Roma (Italy-SerieA) where he scored in double figures both seasons. So far this season, the youngster has shown no timidness  being a very important role player in the Sasa Obradovic rotation. In an Alba Berlin roster that has enough scoring power to give a coach like Silvano Poropat jealousy attacks, the young Bosnian has shown that desire for taking responsibility and having that killer instinct in big crucial moments. When watching him on the court, he has that old school look with his uncommon moustache that makes him look more like a Bosnian butcher than a basketball player. On the court, he has been as focused as supermodel Gisele Bundchen recently was for letting her full blown baby bump get into the way of weekend plans with her hubby Tom Brady, singer Katy Perry not showing any ill will backing Barack Obama in a Milwaukee reelection rally or super funny Chris Rock using his unique comedic style making a special message to help persuade undecided white voters to reelect Barack Obama. At times, Djedovic makes some bad decisions, but that is normal for a young player and so far this season seems to have convinced the organization Alba Berlin of his talents on the court and has matured quickly to the grind and playing style of the Beko BBL. 2011 Beko BBL MVP Dashaun Wood has been more than impressed with his new teammate. “I like his game a lot. At every practice I have amazed at what he can do. He can do so much on the offensive and defensive end. He is such a smart player as well. I am always telling him in practice how much I like a certain pass or move from him. He is so young, but has already played at such a high level. So far in my career there hasn´t been a player where I could say that he has amazed me in practice until him. He does things where you really have say wow. He has a very high skill level”, warned Detroit native DaShaun Wood.

(more…)

Kelly Beidler(MBC) I Am Here To Defend The Best Players And Make Them Work For Their Points

Kelly Beidler is a 24 year old 199cm forward from Virginia Beach, Virginia that will start his third professional season and first in Germany in the Beko BBL for the Mitteldeutscher BC. He played at Mt.St.Mary’s (NCAA) from 2006-2010 playing a total of 119 NCAA games. In his senior year, he played 31 games: 10.7ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 74.1% . In 2010-2011, he was a rookie playing for : IR Reykjavik (Iceland-Express League, starting five): 24 games: Score-4(21.7ppg), Reb-2(12.4rpg), 3.8apg, Steals-5(2.5spg), Blocks-3(2.0bpg), FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 72.9%. Last season, he played for Karhu Kauhajoki (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five): 44 games: Score-4(19.2ppg), Reb-5(9.8rpg), 1.4apg, Steals-1(2.3spg), Blocks-1(1.9bpg), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 70.8%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

You are playing your first season in the Beko BBL after stops in Iceland and Finland. How do you like the Beko BBL?

I like this league very much. I took a big jump and took advantage of this opportunity. I hope that I am able to show my talent in this league.

The Beko BBL is a tougher league than what you saw in Iceland and Finland. You have had  agood start, but what still gives you problems on the court in the Beko BBL?

The level is very high in Germany. You have to play hard every game and have to respect every player. If you strat to slack then you will pay for that.

What is your role on the team?

I have to be active and bring energy. I also focus on defense and try to make the big defensive plays get steals that lead to easy baskets. I also am there to defend the best players and make them work for their points. My offense will come from that.

Who could be the key MBC player this season?

I think that it could be Devon Uskowski. He does a great job spreading the floor. When he is on hitting his three pointer than he spreads the floor and makes it easier for our guards to penetrate.

Your former head coach Milian Brown at Mount saint Marys told you that in order to reach the top, you have had to had lows. What meaningful thing has MBC head coach Silvano Poropat told you?

He has told me that players form strong teams are just like us. They do the same thing that we do. What he means by this is that we have to go into each game believing that we can win. I think that we can upset good teams, because we can play as a team for 40 minutes.

You had eight offensive rebounds against the Fraport Skyliners. Besides your long arms, what is your secret to dominating the offensive boards?

Just being active and never quitting on the play. I always want to make something happen on the glass. I always try to act on the bounce off the rim. I use my athletic ability to my advantage from the three position.

On what things do you still need to work on on your game?

Being patient and letting the game come to me instead of going out to the game.

How much does the play of Sharoud Curry impress you?

He impresses me in every practice. He has complete control of the team. He demands so much from the offense and is a great leader.

You are from Virginia beach, Virgina. Were you a beach bum as a kid?

Yes I was always at the beach and am still today when I am home.

Who were your NBA idols?

Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson and today it is Lebron James.

To what NBA player would you compare your game too?

I would compare my game to Scottie Pippen. He was known for his defense. On offense he could shoot the three and always made things happen. My goal is to play like him.

What was your sweetest memory winning the 2008 NEC tournament?

Just winning that whole season and battling with my teammates to be successful.

When you came to play in Iceland, why did you have concern of not being to play in Europe?

I always have confidence in my basketball abilities, but what I meant was that I came to Europe not knowing anything and didn´t know what to expect

You like to read book about athletes. What books have you liked the most?

I read the book about the Fab 5 from Michigan. I also read a book about head coach Phil Jackson. I like to read books where people haven´t had an easy road and had to work hard to achieve something. What they have done is something I can  relate to.

Who wins a one on one you or Devin Uskowski?

I have to say me. I would win with my speed and athletic ability. We have never played though.

What were the most free throws that you made in a row?

23 or 24 in a row.

What was your most crazy shot that went in?

In high school I made   a360 lay up to win the game at the buzzer.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I usually sleep on the buss, but it was the Avengers.

Thanks for the chat Kelly.

Face To Face With John Patrick

The former Pac-10 Point Guard and 1992 Stanford University graduate has been 5 times Coach of the Year and won 3 Championships in the last 7 seasons in 4 different leagues. (Japan Super League, 2nd German Bundesliga, BBL, and FIBA Eurochallenge) His low-player-budget BBL teams qualified for European competition in each of the last four seasons. Last season, Würzburg’s inaugural season in the BBL after finishing 2nd in the Pro A (German 2nd league) the previous season, Coach Patrick’s team had the lowest scoring defense in the BBL, and knocked Alba Berlin out of the playoffs, before dropping 3 hardfought games to Thorsten Leibenath’s Ratiofarm Ulm in the Semis. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

It has been five months since your dismissal from the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg. How difficult has this time been not being a head coach for a team?

It has been a great chance to refresh and hopefully gain a sense of perspective about Coaching and the Basketball Business as a whole.

Was it like a bad dream when you were informed from the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg that you weren´t going to coach another season for the team?

It was unexpected, of course, after such a great season with so much unexpected success. But sometimes success can be as difficult to deal with as failure. (Morgan Wootten used to tell us this at DeMatha.) Maybe the success came too fast for some.

(more…)