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.

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 about his experience playing against the Dallas Mavericks.

Alba Berlin played an exhibition game against 2011 NBA champion Dallas Mavericks. How much did this game mean to you?

This game meant very much to me. As a player you always want to play at the highest level. I have played Eurochallenge, Eurocup and will be playing Euroleague this season. Now I played against an NBA team. At the end of my career I will be able to say that I have played at every level.

It was an interesting game, but Dallas won 89-84. What was key for the Mavericks winning this game?

They made big free throws and shots at the end, but we were close. We cut the lead to two points, but Delonte west hit a big shot from the corner. We stayed with them cutting lead back, but Dirk made two big free throws then.  Shawn Marion then got  a huge offensive rebound. They always made big plays and never let us get the lead.

How much didn´t  you like the NBA ball that was being used?

The NBA ball and the ball used in Europe are different. The NBA ball feels like an outside ball and is a lot heavier. We missed a lot of open shots that we usually would have made.

How happy were you with your own game getting nine points, three rebounds, four assists and three steals?

I wouldn´t give my game an A. I was just happy that I got a chance to play against these NBA guys.

Did you know any of the Dallas Mavericks personally?

No I didn´t. I have seen many of those guys around at Summer League or on TV. I have followed the career of Delonte West and OJ Mayo long before they turned professional. It was just awesome to be able to play against them.

Were you able to exchange some words with Dirk Nowitzki?

No Dirk was a pretty buys guy on the weekend. It was like a coming home party for him. Just being able to play competitively was enough for me.

How much of a challenge was it playing against Darrin Collison?

It was a big challenge playing against him. He is a very good player that has NBA playoffs experience. He is a great defender. Playing against a guy like that it was all about how well one could do against him.

What was your personal favorite play of the game that you will always cherish?

I made the first two baskets with my left hand. Both were transitions baskets. I made the first over OJ Mayo with my left hand and the second also. The NBA made me use my left hand.

Was there any trash talking?

No none of that. We would just talk about how hard we have worked this season to get here.

How important was it to have your dad watch you play against the Dallas Mavericks?

It was very important to have him there and watch me play. It was always a goal and a dream for me to get to a game like this. My dad helped me get to this level and it was great sharing this moment and all the hard work I have done to get here with him.

Alba Berlin has a very talented roster, but also a very talented youngster with Nihad Djedovic. How much potential does he have and could he steal the spotlight from some of the veterans this season?

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.

How is the relation of Sasa Obradovic and you? It seems like you are on the same page. Is cuddling an option in the future?

We have been on same page since day one. I understood from the start that he was a greta 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.

What do you miss most from Quantez Robertson of the Fraport Skyliners?

I miss his athleticism and ability to control a game on offense and defense. I believe that to this day that he is the only player in the Beko BBL that is as fast as me. He always does the little things that don´t turn up on the stat sheet. He can control a game without putting up the big numbers.

How will your Detroit Lions do this season?

I am officially done with them. They have upset me too much in the early going of the season. It is unbelievable how they have been losing games. But My Detroit Tigers up 2-0 in the MLB playoffs. At least I am a little lucky with them

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Lockdown with Master P.

Thanks Dashaun for the chat.

It is always a road trip to remember when visiting the Artland Dragons for any Beko BBL team. If it is simply observing content cows on the pastures with no houses in sight, seeing a Lamount Mcintosh in the past bicycling to the arena, Darius Hall joking around at the local bakery, enjoying a posh deluxe hotel near Quackenbruck that serves as the player hotel, Sergio Kerush and Bryce Taylor playing pick up basketball on a farm with the the loccal kids or just trying to figure out what Toby the dragon mascot is thinking behind his mask and if he really has a dungeon in the basement. It is also never simple to escape the Artland arena with a win as the location gets loud fast and as soon as the Dragons are on a run, it seems like the court is the opponents cage. However in the past, the Fraport Skyliners have won the last two games and who could forget the Beko BBL debut of ex NBA player Roger Powell and his crashing dunk two years ago or the 66-60 win last season in the second half of the season where they were mowing down the top Beko BBL teams likeTiger Woods once did the golf competition. Winning seems to come easier now in the Artland arena as the Fraport Skyliners won their third game in a row 89-80, but despite never trailing in the game, the Artland Dragons never gave up and one can never underestimate the strength of the Dragon fans either. “There is always a good atmosphere and the crowd come to support their team night in and night out. We won here again because of great defense and being able to execute on offense and defense”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robertson. “I believe that we won last year here with Bremerhaven. The arena is little and compact. The crowd is like an annoying sixth man. We quieted them down with our intensity and they weren´t a factor tonight”, stressed ex Lti Giesen 46er Zach Peacock.

Both teams came into the game needing to prove something as they had less than satisfactory performances in Ludwigsburg and Berlin. The Fraport Skyliners led from the go and never trailed in the game. They started with aggressive defense with superb pressure which sparked their offense right away as they hit shots early finding a rhythm and staying fairly consistent despite the Artland Dragons fighting back, but never getting over the hump. The win against one of the top teams should give the Fraport Skyliners an immense confidence boost. “We beat a top 4 team and for the third time in a row here. We played very well for 40 minutes and our defense was very good”, stressed Fraport Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak. After the 40 minute battle, the Artland Dragons look more than exhausted and as if they had just lost the deciding game of the season, but in reality the season is still very long, but the team is at 0-2. “We came out very slow and were unable to make any shots early. This got us in a hole where we had problems getting out of. We came back in the third quarter, but then let them take a lead again. It is very difficult coming back when you are down by 10 points”, added ex New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig forward Andrew Drevo. In Ludwigsburg, the Fraport Skyliners never found their rhythm and lacked the needed intensity on defense, but in Artland they had recovered it. “The key tonight was our high intensity. We let up a bit in the third quarter, but never caved in finishing the game with a high intensity”, expressed Zach Peacock. One really had to wonder what had happened in the last 72 hours to bring this giant turnaround by the Fraport Skyliners. “After the loss in Ludwigsburg, we came to practice and watched film. We had no energy on defense in the first game, but we showed energy in Artland”, added Quantez Robertson.

Demond Mallet was still out with an injury and should return in about a month. Despite not being able to play and give his great basketball services, Mallet was in a good mood exchanging stories about his cousin Shaq, the good old days with Rhein Energy Cologne and in between his teammate Petar Popovic with whom he won the ULEB Cup in 2008 with Joventut Badalona came and screamed in his face more of a getting ready for the basketball game. Mallet gave his support on the bench and if someone had predicted that the Fraport Skyliners would jump out of the gate leading 16-2, one would have been seen as being crazy and no where in touch with reality, but the club showed that they came to play. The Fraport Skyliners quickly were on the same page with their defense as Peacock blocked Bryce Taylor and then the offense got to work. Peacock hit his first two shots, Dion Dowell spread the defense with a three pointer and Johnathon Jones scored on the penetration and before toby the dragon had even realized what had happened, Frankfurt led 9-0. Despite much on ball pressure by the Artland Dragons, the Fraport Skyliners did a great job being calm and patient and getting the good shot. Dion Dowell continued to want the ball and he was in the zone as he hit two further three pointers. Despite a coast to coast run by Sergio Kerush, the Fraport Skyliners continued to fire away as Quantez Robertson and Larry Wright connected from the parking lot and Frankfurt led 22-5. Andrew Drevo nailed a three pointer, but Robertson closed out a very potent first quarter with a lay in at the buzzer. The Fraport Skyliners led 26-12. “Our defense set the tone in the first quarter. We didn´t allow them to get any easy buckets. WE got easy baskets and Dowell hit some three pointers”, stressed Quantez Robertson. “ “The Artland Dragons pressured well, but we were able to stand up against it. We were patient and and hit our shots”, added basketball expert Steven Clauss. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 56% from the field and 45% from outside while the Artland Dragons were shooting 17% from the field and 50% from outside. Artland had the 10-9 rebound edge, but six turnovers to the one from Frankfurt.

In the second quarter, the Fraport Skyliners were able to keep the comfortable lead early going scoring in many different ways on offense like Larry Wright dropping a bomb from outside after being set up nicely by Jones and Robertson feeding a no look pass to German Danilo Barthel for the dunk and 33-18 advantage. The Artland Dragons slowly got back into the game as they started to bang the ball more inside and work on the Skyliner foul trouble. Artland also was able to use the mis matches at time as Popovic scored inside twice and Frankfurt led only 36-26. German Johannes Strasser continued the Artland 8-0 run with a nifty lay in with his left hand past the outstretched hand of Dion Dowell and suddenly Frankfurt led only 36-30. However the Fraport Sklyiners closed out the second quarter with a 4-2 run as Skyliner captain Marius Nolte made two free throws and Larry Wright hit a big shot over 206cm forward Anthony King. Strasser closed out the scoring with a fade away jumper. The Fraport Skyliners led 40-32 at halftime. “Frankfurt had a good start, but Artland had an answer in the second quarter coming back. Frankfurt had some unnecessary fouls, but they deserved the lead”, stressed Brose Baskets Bamberg assistant coach Arne Woltman. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 45% from the field and 47% from the three point line while the Artland Dragons were shooting 40% from the field and 25% from the three point line. The Artland Dragons still led the rebound battle 20-14, but had nine turnovers while Frankfurt only had two turnovers.

The third quarter promised to be a quarter of run as the Fraport Skyliners exploded out on a 11-0 run to take an overwhelming lead only to be slapped right back in the face with an Artland Dragons 16-5 run. In the Fraport Skyliners 11-0 run, the team showcased hot shooting again. Peacock started the attack as he displayed swift moves and quick footwork against King scoring with his left hand. Then Wright nailed two three pointers and Robertson one three pointer as the Fraport Skyliners led 51-32. King and Peacocok then  exchanged buckets in the Artland Dragons 16-5 run before they got the hot hand as Kristaps Valters hit from downtown and Marquez Haynes drilled two from the parking lot. The Artland Dragons would continue to wreak havoic in the offense continuing to gnaw away at the dwindling Skyliner lead. After a Kerush jumper from the wing, it was Peacock who hit the nicest shot of the game being forced out to the wing and nailing a fade away as he slid over the floor as Frankfurt led 58-50. Taylor then hit a three pointer and Jones stayed with his shot being blocked and then making the bucket on the second attempt as Frankfurt led 60-53. Taylor and Jones continued to exchange baskets as the Dragon scored over Barthel and the Skyliner made a floater giving Frankfurt the 62-55 lead. The Artland Dragons ended the third quarter in style going on a 5-0 run as Herush scored inside and Drevo made a shot at the buzzer as the Artland Dragons trailed only 62-60. “The Artland Dragons really stepped it up scoring 26 points. The yhit many three pointers and the game seemed to change in the heads of the players. The Dragons pressed well and the fans got back in the game”, added basketball expert Steven Clauss. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 52% from the field and 56% from the parking lot while the Artland Dragons were shooting 54% from the field and 60% from the parking lot. The Dragons continued to have the rebound edge 23-17, but 13 turnovers while Frankfurt had only seven turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners didn´t let the Artland Dragons come back effect their start in the fourth quarter as they stayed focused and withstood the atmosphere jumping out on a 12-4 run to take command again leading 74-64. It was the defense again in the first few minutes that sparked the Skyliner offense. After a turnover, the Fraport Skyliners quickly went into transition and Jones made a quick outlet pass to Peacock who ran the floor like  a guard making an easy lay up. Jones than humiliated Strasser at the center line stealing the ball out of his hands and making a dunk. Nolte made two free throws and then it was Mr clutch big shot Larry Wright again who connected on a three pointer from the wing. The Artland Dragons continued to fight back hitting tough shots as Haynes drilled a three pointer over Wright and Taylor made a lay up on the second chance. The Fraport Skyliners led only 76-69. However Frankfurt continued to score as Dowell made a huge turn around jumper over Gruinheid at the buzzer and Nolte and Jones made  free throws as Frankfurt led 81-69. The Artland Dragons made one last gasp as Haynes scored twice on a tip in and fade away jumper to trail only 81-73, but time was running out. Peacock, Robertson and Wright made six free throws to decide the game and the first regular season win of the Fraport Skyliners. “We got them in foul trouble got in the double bonus early and made our free throws”, stressed Quantez Robertson. “Our offense had no rhythm at the start. We got good shots, but they didn´t fall. We were a litte stagnant at times. They played good defense, but it was more what we didn´t do to what they were doing. We had break downs on defense. We weren´t close enough to their shooters and our rotating wasn´t on the same page”, added Artland Dragon forward Andrew Drevo.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Larry Wright with 21 points. Dion Dowell added 16 points as did Quantez Robertson with five rebounds and six assists. Zach Peacock and Johnathon Jones added 14 points  apiece. The Artland Dragons were led by Bryce Taylor with 21 points. Marquez Haynes contributed 18 points and Petar Popovic 10 points. The big winner of the game was American Johnathon Jones who did an excellent job at the point guard position controlling the game at the start and bringing the Skyliners that offensive rhythm which they were so desperately seeking in the Ludwigsburg game. “I learned a lot from the first game. I learn how the game is played and called. I still have to learn more how to get Peacock involved more, but I am going in the right  direction. My penetration open up the floor for me to find the shooters”, added Johnathon Jones. “Jones did a good job getting to the rim, setting us up and getting into the offensive sets”, said Quantez Robertson. Larry Wright had his break out game in the Beko BBL with 21 points after struggling in Ludwigsburg. “I felt good today. I have to thank my teammates for finding m eopen and giving me confidence. Coach Katzurin also has showed a lot of confidence in me”, warned Larry Wright. “Larry shot the ball well. I always keep telling him that when he is open that he should always shoot, because he shoots it very well”, stressed Quantez Robertson.  The Fraport Skyliners finished the game shooting 52% from the field and outside while the Artland Dragons shot 50% from the field and 44% from outside. Artland won the rebound duel 32-24, but they had 17 turnovers while Frankfurt had only eight giving the opponent nine extra possessions. The overall play of the Fraport Sklyiners was much improved from the Ludwigsburg game. “We improved our defense from the first game. We had more pressure and intensity in Artland. We may not be big, but we played fast and read their defense well. Basketball is about adjusting well and we did that. We played too much 1-1 in Ludwigsburg. We had very good ball movement in Artland. That is how we have to always play”, warned Johnathon Jones. The Fraport Skyliners have their home opener against the Mitteldeutscher BC on October 10^th and then they can show the home crowd if they can keep their level from the Artland game.

 

Virgil Matthews is a 29 year old 188cm guard from Federal Way, Washington that is playing in Germany in the PRO B for Erdgas Ehingen now in his third season. He played at Montana (NCAA) and in his senior year played  31 games: 10.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.7spg, FG: 49.8%, 3PT: 48.4%, FT: 76.1%. In 2006-2007, he turned professional and came to Germany and played for KICKZ Muenchen Basket (Germany-2.Bundesliga): 29 games: 18.0ppg, 6.1rpg, 5.2apg, 2.6spg, 2FGP: 57.3%, 3FGP: 31.8%, FT: 66.5%. In 2007-2008, he played for Tacoma Jazz (IBL). In 2008-2009, he returned back to Germany and played for Schwelmer Baskets (Germany-Regionalliga). In 2009-2010, he played for Olympia Reign (IBL, starting five): 21 games: 23.1ppg, 7.2rpg and for Seattle Aviators (NABL).In 2010-2011, he played his first season for Erdgas Ehingen playing 32 games: 11.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 71.3%. Last season for Ehingen, he played  28 games: 11.4ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-3(1.9spg), FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 77.1%. This past summer, he played for the Olympia Reign (IBL): 13 games: 10.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 75.0%. Awards and Achievements in his career have been , Big Sky Conf. Regular Season Runner-Up -05, 06, Big Sky Conf. Tournament Winner -05, 06, Big Sky Tournament MVP -06, Big Sky All-Tournament Team -06, All-Big Sky Honorable Mention -06, and USBasket.com All-IBL Honorable Mention -10. He spoke to German Hoops about the upcoming 2012-2013 PRO A season.

You are back in Germany now playing your third season for Ehingen. How was your summer. What was your coolist experience on and off the court?

My coolest experience had to be moving up from pro b versus Nurnberg in front of our fans it was a great day. Off the court it has to be bus pulling something most people can’t say they have done.

Last season for Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (Germany-ProA), you played 28 games: 11.4ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-3(1.9spg), FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 77.1%. How happy were you about your own play last season?

I was disappointed I felt I could’ve done more I felt I wasn’t aggressive enough and had some bad games in crucial times that cost us a playoff spot.

On what things were you able to work on this summer and how did a normal work out day look like for you?

Well I am part of a non-profit organization called Academy of Future College Athletes (afcaathletes.org) so that took up most of my summer more training kids than myself. But personal thing for me was flexibility so I spent a lot of time at home stretching, then I would play pickup and shoot afterwards, finish the day with weights and another workout

You played together with German big man Andreas Buechert last season. He is back in the Beko BBL with the LTi Giessen 46ers. Will he finally make his break through and what do you like most about his game?

Andi has a first league body and was the most athletic big man in the league, if he keeps his head on straight I don’t see why he can’t have a big season.

You are back with Erdgas Ehingen for a third season. What were the main reasons for coming back?

Familiarity, when you only have offers from other teams in your same league and the money doesn’t vary much its easier just to go back to what you know, I feel Ralph knows me and I know him we kind of fit.

Erdgas Ehingen has been known for developing young German players successfully for years and it won´t be any different this year. There are only two Americans on the team. What is the goal of the team?

To win games do what we didn’t last year and make the breakthrough to the playoffs. We have young players but they are talented we just need to gel and play hard much like Goettingen did when they were in the first league.

American Andre Calvin will be playing his second season together with you at Ehingen. Will he have to increase his production from last year for the team to be successful?

I’m sure Ajay would say he needs to have a better season I don’t doubt he will he’s worked hard this summer and has looked good already in the preseason, but we will definitely need him

How much potential does German Kenneth Ogbe have? What do you like most about his game?

Kenneth’s potential is high I saw that the first year I was here, he was slowed by a back injury last season but i’m hearing now he looks really good. I think he’s athletic and very long for a point guard, I think he will be a special player.

Have you taken German talent Malik Mueller some what under your wing? What tips do you give him to improve his game?

I’m always hard on Malik, but I think he has a lot of potential the only tips I give him is to work on point guard skills but he knows that, but he can score already at a high level.

Your ex teammate Kevin Bright is going to test the brutal waters of the NCAA at Vanderbilt. Will he make the breakthrough in the NCAA down the road?

I definitely think Kevin will make a breakthrough I think it will be soon if not this year then next, he has a lot of talent I think sky is the limit for kev, may see him on draft day in a few years.

Who wins a game in their prime the Dream team or Team USA 2012?

I was a big 2012 guy then one of my friends showed me David Robinsons stats from the next season, I just don’t think anyone from this years team USA could match up so I gotta say Dream Team

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
Tower Heist with Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy pretty funny!

Thanks Virgil 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 home opener against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg October six.

A tough 85-68 loss in Bamberg. Bamberg had a comfortable lead at halftime. Bremerhaven came out stronger in the third to stay on the door step of Bamberg. What was key in the fourth quarter for Bamberg closing out the win?

They hit shots and got stops and we didnt.

What positives could you take out of this game? the 18-9 turnover advantage for the Eisbaeren must have been something coach Spradley might have liked?

There are a few positives.  They shot 60% to our 37% and we still kept it close in the 4th until the very end. But we still have a lot of work ahead of us to be the team we know we can be.

The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven shot 22% from downtown. What kind of new dimension has Chris Flemming put on their defense this season?

They rotate on defense so well and they can switch a lot of picks because of their size.

What new dimension does Bostjan Nachbar give this team that they didn´t have last season?

The guy can do it all. shoot, drive, post up, mid range game, the whole package.

What was it like playing against 206cm Nachbar? Did you have any dealings with him under the basket?

The guy is a tough cover. He didnt post me up on the black but he did face me up with his mid range game. He forces you to play great defense every possession.

The next game is against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg. What is going to be the first thing you will say to Jimmy Mckinney when you see him on the court.

I will try and mess with his head and tell him his golf game is better than his hoop game. And his golf game isn´t very good.

The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg seem vulnerable. They mustered only 56 points in the last preseason game against Frankfurt and lost their home opener against BBC Bayreuth. How good are the chances that Bremerhaven will win?

We feel confident. They are a great team. But we feel the same way about ourselves. We must play to our potential to have a chance to win.

If Jimmy Mckinney surprised the crowd with his tuxedo and had one for you too. Could you guys do a sponatenous Blues Brother performance on the court???

We might muster up a performance but I will let Jimmy take that over. He is good in the spot light

Whats your whole take on the 2012 Presidential race between Obama and Rommney?

Both promise a lot of things. Neither will come through with half their promises.

Thanks Jacob for the chat.