When coming into the Fraport arena, a real basketball fanatic doesn´t only come to see a smorgasbord  of amazing Fraport Skyliner players like hoping to see a Quantez Robertson finally catch a ball at the rim and dunk over two players something that is still missing in his play arsenal, Devin Gibson moving his hands quicker than Edward Scissor hands in the defense or Columbus Ohio sharp shooter Ted Scott getting a pass in the corner and releasing the ball quicker than Bret Favre does a football and dropping a bomb over the double team and then winking to the opposing coach as if it was the most natural thing. However each week, there is always at least one player from the opposing team that gets the basketball heart of the fans thumping as they do their incredible hoop magic on the court. One of these players is soft spoken American Immanuel Mcelroy from Texas who has been coming into the Fraport arena the last nine seasons. He is known as having one of the widest grins in the Beko BBL only matched by retired Michael hakim Jordan. In his first seasons, he showed his sizzling athletic ability with Rhine Energy Cologne where he won his first titles with the cup and league championship in 2006. In the years to follow, he rode into the Fraport arena on his high horse with Alba Berlin always competiting in exciting games and winning the league title in 2008 and cup in 2009. Who could forget the breathtaking 2010 semi finals series where the Deutsche Bank Skyliners prevailed in four games or the 2011 semi finals where Alba Berlin snuck to the final in five games all with Mcelroy on the floor. Despite his 32 years of age, the friendly American still has the capability to have big games on offense and defense. In the 61-59 loss, Mcelroy played 25 minutes registering zero points, but grabbing four rebounds and dishing out and assist and getting a steal. Despite these unspectacular stats, Imac is still a jewel for Phantoms manager Oliver Braun. “He is still one of the best defenders in the league. Not many can hustle around the blocks as well as he does on defense. There aren´t many in this league that have achieved as much as he has. What I like about his game is that when his shots aren´t falling, he will try and concentrate on something else like passing which he did against Trier. He remains a very important player for us”, stressed Oliver Braun. “Imac is so important for us, because he always has to stop the opponents best player. He is so present on the floor and is a very good passer. He is always talking with me and helping my game get better. I have learned so much from him”, added 19 year old Phantoms German guard Dennis Schroeder.

The Fraport Skyliners came into the game in 16^th place while the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig were hovering in 15^th place. That there was some immense history between these two teams seemed to be only a side note as MUli Katzurin had stressed that the game would start at 0-0 and anything else was irrelevant even if the Fraport Skyliners had won the last nine games in a row in Frankfurt dating back to 2002. Frankfurt last lost to Braunschweig 80 months ago in 2006 and had a 14-1 record since. Guys like captan Nils Mittman had lost many hard battles against Frankfurt since his return back to Braunschweig in 2008 and young German Dennis Schroeder had unpleasant memories to the game in Frankfurt last season as they lost a 81-80 nail bitter in OT where the German almost had won the game by himself. Braunschweig also had lost many close games this season and 2012 Olympian Eric Boateng didn´t see this as a mental problem. “We have lost some close games, but I don´t see it as a mental thing. Each game is different and we always prepare the best we can. We have to find a way to be able to close out games to our advantage”, expressed the ex teammate at Arizona State of NBA player James Harden Eric Boateng. The Fraport Skyliners  were able to get their biggest lead to 11 points in the third quarter, but allowed Braunschweig back into the game. “This was not a pretty win. It was a crazy game and got more crazy down the stretch. We will take any win we can. We didn´t execute well in the end and got lax on defense. We should not have Casey Mitchell get hot like that”, stressed 2012 Portugal league champion with Benfica Lisabon Ted Scott. Ex Phantom Leo Niebuhr who is playing for Gotha  was in the stands watching his ex team and friend Konstain Klein play and was disappointed of how they played and had a suggestion to Fraport Skyliners head coach Muli Katzurin. “They way the Phantoms palyed at the end, there is no wonder that they lost. There was too much guard play and ego´s involved. Basketball is a team game, but Braunschweig didn´t play as a team. Frankfurt will have to battle hard this season to win games. The young Germans have to play more. The more experience that they get, the more they will help during the season. Klein played great defense, but unfortunately missed some open shots”, said ex Artland Dragon Leo Niehbuhr.

4,400 fans wanted to see the second home win of the season for the Fraport Skyliners. Many had predicted a hard fought defensive battle and that is exactly what was given by both teams. The first two buckets were fade away jumpers from Miah Davis and Zach Peacock. After the trading of baskets, both teams went through a difficult phase where no offense could establish a healthy rhythm as missed shots were about as prevalent as apples falling from a tree through  a gusty wind period. “Both teams had problems finding a rhythm and also seemed a bit nervous and not as calm as both coaches would have wanted”, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss. Shots had to fall sooner or later and did as Harding nana hit a three pointer for the 5-2 lead. Peacock then hit a fade away jumper over Eric Boateng and seemed to be on a roll. Braunschweig then scored in bunches as Thaddeus Mcfadden hit a runner in the lane and Miah Davis showed his explosiveness scoring on a penetration and tear drop lay in and 10-4 lead. Muli katzurin then took a timeout and seemed to find the right words and personal changes inserting Dion Dowell. Sometimes leads can evaporate  as quickly as the wink of the eye as Dowell showed again as he has so often this season scoring in bunches nailing two three pointers tying the game at 10-10. Schroeder then made two free throws and Devin Gibson made a big bucket at the end getting an offensive rebound and getting a lay in. After one quarter the game was dead locked 12-12. “The game was even. Both teams were fighting hard and not giving the opponent any real option on offense. Both teams were trying to get their shooting established while there was little play down low”, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss.

The second quarter remained a defensive  duel as no team was able to get away on a run. The Fraport Skyliners started the second quarter on a quick 5-0 run as Dion Dowell hit his third three pointer of the game and Fraport Skyliner captain Marius Nolte scored on the pick and roll getting a nice feed from Devin Gibson for the 17-12 advantage. However not only Frankfurt was able to produce a run, but the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig escaped on a 8-0 run to take the 20-17 lead. 2010 Eurochallenge winner Robert Kulawick may have a very unorthodox shot, but it can be effective as he nailed a three pointer, Davis then showed his most dangerous side faking left and going right and scoring high off the glass and Kulawick then scored again off the catch and pop. Braunschweig stepped up their defense a bit more causing some turnovers from Nolte and Dowell. There was only one microwave in the NBA with ex Detroit Piston Vinny Johnson, but Ted Scott can heat up like a mini microwave as he hit consecutive shots giving the Fraport Skyliners the 21-20 lead. He showed how dangerous he can be not only from outside, but also penetrating and making the right shot. The swapping of runs continued as now it was time again for Braunschweig to take control as they went on a 7-0 run to lead 27-21. British national player Eric Boateng was giving Frankfurt difficulty and wrecking havoc as he scored inside twice and was a bit too active on the offensive glass. Davis also scored again with  a floater. The Fraport Skyliners kept pace as Devin Gibson hit a three pointer where the club stayed patient getting the prefect shot and Quantez Robertson ended the second quarter with a lay in, but Braunschweig still led 29-26. “It was a very exciting first half with both teams remaining very aggressive on defense. Frankfurt had problems giving up offensive rebounds and couldn´t contain Eric Boateng. Both teams were very disciplined on offense with only three turnovers per team”, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss. The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig were shooting 35% from the field and 25% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 35% from the field and 29% form outside. Braunschweig had the 22-19 rebound edge.

The third quarter started out with a bang as Davis made a steal fed Mcfadden who was blocked by Quantez Robertson who gave the ball out on transition to Johnathan Jones who found Zach Peacock for the monster dunk over Eric Boateng. After a free throw by Davis, Gibson tied the score at 30-30 with one of his typical penetration plays that either result in a bucket or trip to the foul line. “It is so hard to keep Gibson out of the middle. He presents so much problems to the opponent´s defense and getting to the free throw line”, stressed Ted Scott.  The game remained tight as Super Tez made an easy dunk as Braunschweig were caught napping on an inbounds pass under their own basket with Gibson making the pass. Braunschweig then went on a mini 5-0 run as Boateng dunked being set up by a no look Schroeder pass and Harding Nana hit a three pointer for the 35-32 Phantoms lead. However the turning point of the game came now as the Fraport Skyliners cruised out on a 11-2 run to end the third quarter 43-37 having the momentum. Peacock and Nana exchanged buckets as Braunschweig still led 37-35. However Frankfurt closed out the third quarter with a banging 8-0 run as Scott connected for a three pointer, Dowell got to the line making three free throws and Robertson closed out the quarter with a dunk. “The Phantoms lost their rhythm as they were forcing up too many shots. Frankfurtw as playing with a lot of emotion and had their best quarter letting up only eight points”, stressed Steven Clauss. “The third quarter is where we lost the game. It made it so much harder having to come back in the fourth quarter”, added Phantoms captain Nils Mittmann.

It seemed like the Fraport Skyliners were on there way to deciding the game quickly at the start of the fourth quarter going on a 5-0 run to get their biggest lead of 48-37, but New Yorker Phantoms head coach Kostas Flevakaris still had American Casey Mitchell dangling from his sleeve as he hadn´t done much in the first thirty minutes. Just like at the start of the third quarter, the Fraport Skyliners started out the run with a Super Tez explosion as Jones fed him for a crushing ally-op dunk which then on the next six plays, the teammates of Scott and Mitchell took a back seat and watched their shooting clinic as they nailed six consecutive consecutive three pointers, but Frankfurt still had the 54-48 lead. “Coach got on me on my turnover in the third quarter and I had something to prove. I was just in the flow and was feeling well. I didn´t force anything. Mitchell looks so lax and relaxed on the court, but he is real dangerous with the ball”, stressed Ted Scott.  “I didn´t do anything in the first three quarters, but I am more a guy that hits his shots in the second half. I always feel confident hitting shots when we are down. I am not the kind of guy looking to be the leading scorer, but that is just how the game is going and I am just trying to help my team the best way I can”, warned 2010 NCAA final 4 player with west Virginia Casey Mitchell. Braunschweig kept giving the ball to the hot hand of Mitchell as he nailed another three pointer as Braunschweig suddenly only trailed 55-53. Frankfurt showed grit staying calm on offense as Gibson found Robertson cutting into the lane and dishing him the ball for an easy lay up and the 59-53 advantage. In this phase, the Phantoms were forcing many shots, but somehow were still staying in the game. With crunch time arrived, the Phantoms never let up and continued to keep on hand against the door from letting it slam in their faces. The Phantoms gave their last gasp going on a 6-0 run as Nana and Mittmann hit consecutive three pointer as they trailed only 60-59. These buckets were helped with no execution on offense by Frankfurt. The fortunes of the Phantoms seemed to rise with 30 seconds to play as Texas native Dowell lost the ball out of bounds, but he raced back and blocked Mitchell conserving the lead . “ Dowell got us going off the bench. His big shots got our motor going. His block and end was huge. After his turnover, it would have been normal to hang his head, but he went back and got the block”, said Ted Scott. Scott closed out the win with 1,1 seconds to play with a free throw. “This was a tough loss. A couple more plays and possessions and we could of won. It wasn´t just at the end where the game was decided, but many little plays throughout the game where we were unable to be consistent”, warned Eric Boateng. “The third quarter decided this game. Frankfurt got the momentum and despite a hot Mitchell could change the game in the fourth quarter and get the lead back”, added Steven Clauss.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Ted Scott with 17 points. Dion Dowell had a strong game with 12 points and ten rebounds and Quantez Robertson also steered 12 points and eight rebounds to the victory. Devin Gibson added 10 points, five rebounds and two assists. The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig were led by Casey Mitchell with 14 points. Miah Davis contributed 13 points and Harding Nana 11 points. With this being a defensive battle, it was no surprise that the shooting percentages of both teams would be down. The Fraport Skyliners shot 39% from the field and only 29% from down town while the New Yorker Phantoms shot 34% from the field and 36% from downtown. The Phantoms won the rebounding 38-37 and Frankfurt can still improve on offensive rebounds given up as they allowed 13. Both teams did a decent job not turning the ball over as Frankfurt had nine turnovers and Braunschweig had 11. The big strength remained the consistent defense of Frankfurt that got many big plays from Devin Gibson and Dion Dowell in the fourth quarter. “We can´t take the credit, because it was team defense that helped us make the big plays. Team defense gave us the extra edge to make those plays. Our defense also trusted each other at the end. I made a mistake on the pick and roll, but all the other four guys knew it and just reacted making the stop. We had good stops at the end to help get this win”, stressed Devin Gibson. The Fraport Skyliners next journey to Alba Berlin November 18^th for a 17:00 game.

Dashaun Wood is a 27 year old 185cm point guard from Detroit, Michigan that is playing his third season in Germany and second for Alba Berlin. He is a young point guard with natural leadership abilities, who directs teammates on the floor and takes the ball in clutch moments. Loves to go inside to score, challenging the big guys, but has also shooting range from behind the 3pts arch. Despite lack of size, he can be effective even at the defensive side. He played at Wright state from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 33 games averaging 19.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 4.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 43.5%, 3Pts: 37.3%, FT: 88.3%. In 2007-2008, he played his rookie season for Tisettanta Cantu (Italy-SerieA, starting five): 38 games: Score-5(16.9ppg), 3.0rpg, Assists-4(3.3apg), 2.7spg, 2FGP:52.1%, 3PT-2(42.8%), FT:77.4%. In 2008-2009, he played for : Benetton Treviso (Italy-SerieA), injured in Oct.’08 and was off for 2 months: Eurocup: 12 games: 5.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 87.5%; Italian League: 17 games: 7.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 70.4%. In 2010-2011, he was the Beko BBL MVP with The Deutsche Bank Skyliners playing EuroCup Qualifying Round: 2 games: 13.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 5.0apg; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 16.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 5.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 73.7%; German League: 42 games: Score-1(19.0ppg), 4.6rpg, Assists-2(5.9apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 80.3%. Last season for Alba Berlin, he played  German League: 37 games: Score-5(15.0ppg), 3.7rpg, Assists-4(4.8apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 79.2%; Euroleague Qualifying Round: 2 games: 9.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 4.0apg, 2.0spg; EuroCup: 12 games: 14.2ppg, 3.2rpg, Assists-1(5.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 82.2%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 88-80 OT win in Trier

Congrats on the 88-80 win in Trier. Was this the biggest win this season in the Beko BBL?

Yes I think it was considering the circumstances. We only had one day to prepare after the Malaga game. It was a big win for us. Trier was 4-1 at the time and they have been playing great basketball. It was important that we were able to stay mentally focused after the Euroleague game and go to Trier and come back and get the win.

TBB Trier had the 36-35 lead at halftime. Why was the game so tight at halftime?

We have to give  a lot of credit to TBB Trier. They played hard and were ready for us. We couldn´t get our defensive intensity and ball pressure the way that we wanted to in the first half. It stayed like that until the last six minutes of the fourth quarter where we finally got it going the way that we wanted it too.

TBB Trier had a 10 point advantage in the fourth quarter. What was key for making the comeback?

We finally found our rhythm on defense. We started to pressure the ball better, got defensive stops and rebounded better. On offense we stopped trying to shoot three pointers and got the ball inside more. We got easy baskets inside. As once as we got the momentum, our confidence rose and we were able to carry it on into overtime and win the game.

Deon Thompson got Alba Berlin into overtime. What happened on that play?

It was an inbounds play. A back screen was set up on his man and I gave him the ball. He missed the shot, but got his own rebound and scored.

What was key in overtime for dominating and getting the win?

We kept up our intensity on offense and defense.We wanted to make sure not to lose the momentum, because once it swings it is difficult to get it back. TBB Trier  was unable to find an answer. We were able to play our classical Alba basketball in the last 10 minutes and when we play like that then it is hard to beat us.

What happened on the unsportsmanlike conduct foul to Jarrett Howell on Heiko Schaffartzik? A punch was involved and Mithat Demirel and head coach Sasa Obradovic had to leave the arena.

Howell drove the ball in the lane and Heiko fouled him. Howell kept going to hoop after whistle had blown and Heiko was hit in the nose. We thought he did it on purpose, but the ref didn´t. Anytime I see blood or a hard hit, I think it is intentional, but the ref saw it differently.

Brian Harper has been one of the early surprises in the Beko BBL: Have you ever seen a player with as skinny legs as him?

Yes I have actually with Kevin Durant. I remember playing in an NBA camp and he was there and he couldn´t lift 185 pounds. Harper is so long and athletic that he has many options in his game. This makes his game so unique, because he has so many options to score.

What is the secret behind the TBB Trier defense?

They bring a lot of intensity on defense. They play many traps and simply have many defensive minded players which helps. It doesn´t matter what defensive systems they bring, it will be successful when you have many good defensive players. They have quickness, athleticism and hustle on defense combined with good defensive players then it will be hard to score against them. They have the total package on defense.

Who was the unsung hero of Alba Berlin in the TBB Trier game?

I think the whole team. Each player brought something special in all parts of the game helping team win.

Your ex teammate Quantez Robertson once said that the play missing in his collection is catching a pass at the rim and dunking over two people. What play is still missing in your collection?

We are on the fast break and my teammate misses the lay up and I follow it up dunking the ball home is the play I still want to do.

How surprised are you about the start of the Los Angeles Lakers?

I am very surprised. I know that it is early, but the yhave too much talent to be playing the way that they are. I am shocked as much as all of the United States.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Scarface.

I hope that wont you get in a violent mood on the court?

Of course not.

Thanks Dashaun for the chat.

Reggie Redding is a 24 year old 196cm guard from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is starting his third professional season and second with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. He played at  Villanova (NCAA) from 2006-2010 playing  atotal of 124 NCAA games. In his senior year, he played  23 games: 7.3ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 63.8%. In 2010-2011, he played his rookie season for InterCollege Etha Engomis (Cyprus-Division A): Cyprus League: 16 games: 9.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 73.9%; EuroChallenge: 8 games: 7.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 62.5%. Last season for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen he played 34 games: 13.2ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.3apg, Steals-3(1.4spg), FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 69.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen finished last season in 12^th place. Does the team feel a lot of pressure to defend that position or even end up higher?

No I don´t think that we feel that much pressure. Our goal is to be better than last season. The expectations are very high for us this season. We will play the best that we can and if it is enough at the end for the playoffs we will see.

A strength in the team is the chemistry and keeping the team intact. A weakness is a thin rotation. How will the team be successful this season?

I think we will have  a nice 7-8 man rotation. I think most of the production will come from the guys form last season. We picked up Johannes Lischka and I believe that he wil help us very much. We will play different lineups. Sometimes we can play small or big which will give us match up problems with other teams.

Douglas Davis comes from the NCAA. He had a tough pre season. How do you help him on the court?

I think that he will be ok. I have told him that last season we struggled as a team at the start and guys like Vaughn Duggins and myself struggled, but after a while we picked it up. He has to get used to the Beko BBL. I think with experience that he will get better.

Kenny Frease comes from Xavier and is also a Beko BBL rookie. What player does he remind you of and can he make the break through in the Beko BBL?

With his size, he reminds me a lot of John Bryant from ratiopharm Ulm. Bryant has more experience and is more known, but I think that Kenny can make it. He has a nice touch around the rim and a nice jump shot.

Sometimes in warm ups Johannes Lischka hits three pointer after three pointer. The only thing missing is  a blindfold. What has been the most amazing thing that you have seen him do on the court so far?

His big body and size will help us at that position. He is  a lot more athletic that I thought and I never thought that he could dunk. He can post up against smaller players. I think that he will take us to another level with his play.

How important was head coach Igor Perovic for the success of the Walter Tigers Tuebingen last season?

He was very important for our success. He kept believing in us even after we started 0-6. He kept the confidence and never panicked even when other coaches would have. He kept the good attitude and we just wanted to play for him and be successful and always strived to get better.

You are one of the top 5 players in the Beko BBL, but no one seems to know it. Are you sad that you don´t get more recognition except maybe in Tuebingen?

I have been dealing with that all my life kind of being under the radar. Many people don´t know how good I can be. But that doesn´t matter. I just try to do whatever I can to help my team win. People not knowing this isn´t going to change the way I play.

What is a strength inyour game that isn´t always noticed?

I think that I am a lot better shooter than for what I get credit for. Last season opponents often let me shoot. I worked  a lot on my shot last summer. I think that I do man ythings well and no one thing great. This has helped me become the complete player that I am today.

What things do you still need to work on your game?

I can work on a lot of things, but mainly the small fundamental things. I can improve my foot work and the walk and call. I also can get better at finishing at the basket and keeping my opponent scoreless on defense.

You are from Philadelphia. Who were your NBA idols? I am sure Allen Iverson was one of them?

Yes everyone loved Allen Iverson in Philadelphia. I also liked Lebron James, Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony.

What is your memory of the NCAA Sweet 16 run in 2008?

I remember losing to Kansas that later became NCAA champion. I also remember our NCAA Final 4 loss to North Carolina that later won it all.

You played two years with 2010 Eurochallenge winner with BG Goettingen Dwayne Anderson. What is your nicest memory of him?

It was fun playing with Dwayne. He was so athletic and I remember how agreesive he was attacking the rim and getting rebounds. I talk to him a lot now. He is a good player and guy. I am looking forward to playing against him and my buddy Allan Ray of Ulm.

You played your rookie season in Cyprus with Anthony King. How did he make you laugh?

It was funny when I first came to Cyprus, I knew nothing about the city or how to get around. Anthony King then became my roommate. He helped me with everything and acted like  abig brother. I probably would not had made it there as a rookie without his help. I really appreciate what he did for me. He is a good friend.

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

Around 40.

What was your most crazy shot that you made in a game?

I made  a half court shot to win a game in Cyprus.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

El Cantante with Will Ferril.

Thanks Reggie for the chat.

 

Johnathan Jones is a 24 year old 183cm guard from Lansing, Michigan that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL and Fraport Skyliners. He played at Oakland from 2006-2010 playing a total of 125 NCAA games. In hiss enior year, he played 35 games: 12.2ppg, 2.2rpg, 6.4apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 84.8%. He broke numerous school records like  Set school record in minutes played (4,846) and tied school record as the all-time winningest player over four-year career, 85 wins . Ranks third all-time in school history in steals (196) and 11th in league history . Stands 10th all-time in OU history in points (1,674) and 18th on the league all-time scoring list . His career .816 free throw percentage ranks 10th in league history and T4 in school history . First OU player to surpass 1,300 points and 800 assists. In 2010-2011, he started his professional basketball career with  MBK Rieker Komarno (Slovakia-Extraliga) and played there for two seasons. Last season he played 42 games: 16.3ppg, 3.7rpg, Assists-4(5.3apg), 1.8spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 80.2%. He was Slovakian League Finalist -12, Slovakian League Regular Season Champion -12, and Slovakian Cup Finalist -12. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball recently after the win at Artland.

Congrats on the 89-80 win against the Artland Dragons on the road. Is it true that you only watched video of the Ludwigsburg loss and nothing of the Artland Dragons?

We knew that we played bad in Ludwigsburg on the defensive end. We did watch some video briefly of Artland, but it was most about us and getting back to the defensive principles.

After three quarters the Fraport Skyliners led 62-61. What did Muli Katzurin tell the team to do better in the fourth quarter?

He told us to pick up our intensity on defense. In the first quarter, we played great defense which opened up our offense and got out on transition. We needed to get stops which we did and helped spark our offense.

Even though you gave up 80 points as a team, you defended better than in Ludwigsburg. What did the Fraport Skyliners do better on defense in Artland?

Our defensive pressure. In the first game, we worried too much about our man. We played better team defense, helped out and rotated well.

How tough was the preseason for you with players coming and going?

It was difficult, because you couldn´t really get used to the teammates. However with more time on the court with my teammates I have figured who each one is and playing together has gotten easier.

Do you have a lot of pressure to carry the team being that you are the point guard?

I don´t think that I really do. We have many guys helping like Dowell and Wright who are good shooters. Tez attacks the rim and Peacock is an inside presence. I try to pick my spots and be aggressive and help the team. I just want to get my teammates involved.

How difficult is it getting used to the Beko BBL. How is it different than the league in Slovakia?

There are more Americans here and the Germans are better than the Slovakian players. This league is very balanced. I am still getting used to the physical play. I take it game by game and keep learning.

How does Fraport Skyliner head coach Muli Katzurin help you best on the court?

He keeps me focused and helps me be more aggressive on the pick and roll and gives me much trust to run the show as point guard.

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

My unselfishness. I just want to get everyone involved. I am also good and knowing what play to call and making sure players get the ball at the right time.

What is the greatest thing that you have seen Quantez Robertson do on the court?

Tez does it all. He has a lot of experience and in tough situations I look to him. He always knows what to do. He does something different in each game which is amazing.

You are form Lansing, Michigan. When did you realize that Magic Johnson was from there?

I knew since a small boy that he was from there. I met him an dit was cool. I played against his high school.

What advice did Magic Johnson give you?

He told me to lead the team as a point guard, but always be aggressive.

Who were your NBA idols as a kid?

Michael Jordan and Tim Hardaway.

You set many school records at Oakland. Which record means the most to you? Possibly the 1300 points and 800 assists?

Yes that is up there as well as having most wins.

What is your most fondest memory at Oakland?

Going to the NCAA tournament and losing only one game in our conference

What is your fondest memory with Larry Wright on the court?

I gave him an ally-op that he dunked home.

How have you helped Larry Wright the last weeks on the court?

Larry is a shooter. He had good shots in Ludwigsburg, but didn´t hit so well. I tell him to keep shooting even if he misses he should shoot again.

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

Russell Westbrook.

You had workouts with  the Pacers and Pistons. What kind of experience was that for you?

It was a fun experience. I met the coaches and it was intense at the same time. It started in the morning drills, practice and meetings. It was a long process.

What was your wakeup call in Slovakia?

It was my first time in Europe and I really didn´t know what to expect. However I didn´t have one. The whole experience was great.

How did Oakland head coach Greg Kampe get you prepared best for a professional basketball career

It was very important that he let me play point guard for four years. I got much experience and he gave me a lot of trust and I was about to grow as a player.

What were the most number of free throws that you made in a row in a practice or game without missing?

I made 50 in a practice and 47 straight in a game in a 4-5 game span.

What was your most crazy shot that you made?

A half court shot.

Who wins a one on one game you or Konstantin Klein?

I would win, but he is a very tough player.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Brooklyn´s Finest with Wesley Snipes.

Thanks Johnathan for the chat