Ekene Ibekwe is a 27 year old 206cm forward from Los Angeles that has the Nigerian and American citizenship. He is a long, lean dynamic post player with unlimited athletic potential, a talented shooter for his size who can take the ball to the basket and score in the post and a high-flying finisher and shot blocker. He played at Maryland from 2003-2007 winning the ACC tournament in 2004. He turned professional in 2007 and played for Gilboa/Afula/Migdal Haemek (Israel-Premier League), left in Feb.’08: 11games: 11.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2Pts 61.1%, FGP 77%, next month moved to Besan쎧on Basket Comt쎩 Doubs (France-ProB, starting five): 8 games: 10.9ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.4spg, Blocks-2(1.6bpg), 2FGP: 50%, FT: 69.7%. In 2008-2009, he played for Mutlu Aku Selcuk Universitesi Konya (Turkey-TBL, starting five): 28 games: 18.6ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.8spg, Blocks-5(1.8bpg), FGP: 60.6%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 57.0%
2009: In May signed at Gigantes de Carolina (Puerto Rico-BSN): 9 games: 10.9ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.0apg, 2.3spg, 2.2bpg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 40.7%. In 2009-2010, he played for Kepez Bld Antalya (Turkey-TBL) in Jan.’10 signed at Genc Banvitliler (Turkey-TB2L, starting five): 10 games: 21.2ppg, 10.6rpg, 1.2apg, 2.2spg, 2.1bpg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 59.2%. After a short stint with the Artland Dragons in the 2010-2011 season, he came to BBC Bayreuth playing 49 Beko BBL games. Last season, he averaged 11,6ppg and 5,6rpg. He played at the World Championships in Japan -06: 6 games: 8.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.3bpg, 2FGP: 50.0%, FT: 33.3% . He spoke to German Hoops about basketball at the start of the summer.

A month after you finished the season, how much did you have a basketball in your hands?

Every day. I took a few days off, but other than that, I have been working out and getting ready for the next adventure.

What was the first thing that you did when you got off the plane in Los Angeles?

I went home and gave my mom a hug.

American players usually like to go eat somewhere when they return home. Where was the first place that you went to eat?

Rosco´s chicken and waffle a famous place here in Los Angeles.

You finished your second season with BBC Bayreuth. The club finished with a 12-22 record. What was your season summary?

It was a tough season for us, but it was the best record the team has had in a long time. The season could have been better, but we had many injuries and I am happy that I was able to play for the beautiful city of Bayreuth.

After losing the first four games, the team replaced Andreas Wagner with Marco Van Den Berg. Why was the team able to play better?

He was a new coach and there were two different styles. I think that his style shock up opponents as they didn´t know what to adjust and it was harder for them to adjust to the new style.

After the big win at home against Alba Berlin, the team finished 4-12. Why did the team end the season on this note?

Thats basketball. We had tough injuries. We always fought hard and just tried to make the best of the situation. Our goal was always to play as good as we could and just be aggressive. Getting Danny Gibson was very important for jump setting our offense.

What do you remember the most about the spectacular win at home against Bremerhaven?

I don´t really remember that much, except that it was exciting and our fans were as loud as always.

Who was the most improved player on the team?

I saw the most improvement with German Stefan Schmidt. It was too bad that he went down with a shoulder injury at the end of the season.

How satisfied were you with your season of 11,6ppg, 5,6rpg and 22 times scoring in double figures?

I wasn´t as satisfied. One can always play better. I just tried to play as best as I could and do my role.

How did Brandon Hunter make you laugh?

People think he is serious, but he is a lot funnier than people think. It was good having an experienced player like him on the team. He has so much experience having played in the NBA, and Eurocup and I learned a lot from him. He was like a teacher when a coach wasn´t there.

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

People see me as a defensive presence and guy that can block shots. However my low post game and outside shooting have gotten better. I just want to continue to work hard and become the complete player that I want to become.

What is your favorite place in Bayreuth?

Just being in my living room and playing video games.

What was your childhood like?

I grew up in Los Angeles. I played a lot of basketball, baseball and football. I had a lot of fun.

Who were your basketball idols as a kid?

My favorite player was Magic Johnson. As I got older, I liked Kobe bryant and Kevin Garnett.

Why did you choose to go to Maryland(NCAA)?

I always liked the ACC and their style. I just wanted to experience playing against schools like Duke and North Carolina. The ACC was the best conference at the time.

How present was the legacy of Len Bias at Maryland?

Everybody knew about Len Bias there.

What was your nicest memory at Maryland?

Winning the ACC tournament against Duke in OT.

Who won a one on one game in practice, you or NBA draft pick James Gist?

We didn´t really play a lot of one on one. If we did, there would be a lot of dunks. It would be a very physical game and we wouldn´t allow any dunks actually. He would try to set fights, but he is a good friend of mine.

Do you like the basketball nomad life?

I just will go there where a team wants me and where I fit in best.

What is your summer schedule?

I will play summer league with the Portland Trailblazers and play with the Nigerian national team in August to prepare for the Summer Olympics.

You have played in Israel, Turkey and Germany. In what country would you like to play in where you haven´t played yet?

I had fun in all places, but I felt most comfortable in Germany.

What do you remember most from the 2006 World Championships in Japan?

It was a great experience playing against so much top competition and I was so young at the time just 21 and still at Maryland. I want to thank God for this opportunity. The fans were very supportive.

Who was the best player that you played against at the World Championships in 2006?

Dirk Nowitzki. Germany beat us with a buzzer beater.

How does a work out day look like in the summer?

I get up at 8:00am and do drill work in the gym. Then I go and get something to eat. In my second work out, I do court work and weight lifting. I play pick up games against guys like Dorell Wright, Trevor Ariza and Bobby Brown.

What do you still need to improve on your game?

I can improve on all parts wit my shooting range, ball handling and court awareness.

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

30.

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

I made a half court shot last season, but it didn´t count.

What was the last DVD that you?

The Dictator.

Thanks for the chat Ekene

Konstantin Klein is a 21 year old 185cm guard from Berlin that will be playing is first season for the Fraport Skyliners. He started his basketball career with ALBA Berlin II (Regionalliga) where he played until 2011. Last season he played for BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (ProB, starting five): 28 games: 9.9ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 73.2%. Awards and achievements in his career have been German U18 National Team -09, Nike Euroleague Junior Tournament (Unofficial European Clubs Junior Championships) -09, European Championships U18 in Metz (France) -09: 6 games: 0.7ppg, 1.7rpg, German Regionalliga (North Group) Champion -10
German U20 National Team -11, European Championships U20 in Bilbao (Spain) -11: 9 games: 3.6ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.0apg, German 2.Bundesliga Pro B (Group South) Regular Season Champion -12, and German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Champion -12. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Welcome to the Fraport Skyliners. How happy are you about joining this organization?

I am very happy that they have given me this chance.

How did the contact come to the Fraport Skyliners?

My agent Jan Rhodewald got the contact after Klaus Perwas had noticed my play.

What were the main reasons for coming to the Fraport Skyliners?

The city was important. I am from a big city Berlin and being in Frankfurt is a plus. Also the chance to play with the Beko BBL team each day was important. I also like the orgnaizationa nd my grandmother lives in the area.

What are your goals with the Fraport Skyliners?

To be successful with the PRO B team and fight for the playoffs. I also want to work hard and become a Beko BBL player one day.

What do you know about your new coach Eric Detlef?

I remember playing against him twice last season with Gotha. I spent a day with him in Frankfurt. I am happy that he is the new coach?

Detlef said that you have the ability to make your teammates better. Where did you get this ability?

That is a big compliment from him. It is my job as a point guard to make my teammates better.

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

My defense and my never give up mentality.

If you could ask Pascal Roller one thing about being a point guard, what would you ask him?

I would ask him for advice on defense and just about observing the little things on the court.

How were you able to develop further as a player with Gotha?

I think just being able to get minutes and the trust from coach Marko Simic was important. Playing 30 minutes as a 20 year old was important. I think I was able to take more responsibility and just playing with talented players helped me.

How did Marko Simic help you on the court most?

When I cam from Alba Berlin 2, there were so many things that I wasn´t aware of on the court like how to make adjustments on defense, but he showed me how to do it. He had a lot of trust in me and let me play.

Who would win a one on one in practice, you or Kevin Schaffartzik?

We never really played.

How did you start with basketball.

I played soccer until I was 10 years old, but I wasn´t amused how parents would show up at games at 9am with beer cans. I then played street ball and soon after organized basketball.

Who were your basketball idols as a kid?

Magic Johnson and Allen Iverson.

Why didn´t you complete the Alba Berlin route?

I liked playing there and won a NBBL title in 2010, but I guess they weren´t totally convinced of my play.

What did you learn at age 17 from head coach Henrik Rodl?

He let me play right away giving me 20-25 minutes and in my second season, I was the starting point guard. He gave me a lot of trust.

Did you ever think that Nils Giffey would win an NCAA title in 2008 when you were teammates?

No I didn´t but I am happy for him. We were roommates at the u-20 European championships. We are good friends and I hope that he get more minutes next season.

How much potential does your ex teammate Malte Ziegenhagen have as a player?

His best asset is his shooting from all over the court. He is a fighter and can defend well. He will make his way.

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

I never really have counted, but I once made 100 out of 104 shots.

What has been your most crazy shot in your career?

I hit a game winning three pointer and some free throws at the end to win games.

You have been working out at the Lumani summer camp. What kind of experience has that been?

It has been tough. I really felt pain after the first few days. I am working hard. There are many players here like Maik Zirbes, Oskar Fassler, Philipp Zwiener and Kevin Schaffartzik.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The Departed on a flight from New York.

Thanks Konstantin for the chat.

Eric Detlev is in his first season as head coach of the Fraport Skyliners(PRO B) team as well as assistant coach for the Fraport Skyliners(Beko BBL). He was 11 years with the Soba Dragons Rhondorf and last three years as head coach helping the team reach the PRO A in 2010. Awards/Achievements in his coaching career have been Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Coach of the Year 2010 and German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Champion -10. He spoke to German Hoopsabout basketball recently.

Welcome to the Fraport Skyliners. How happy are you being a part of the Skyliner family?

I am very happy to be here and be a part of the family.

Did ex Skyliner PRO B player Chris Rojik influence you a bit on making your decision since you coached him for many years at Rohndorf?

I did speak to Chris about coming here, but the contact has broken off a bit because he is back in the States. So he didn´t really have so much an influence in me making this decision.

You were 11 years with the Soba Dragons Rhondorf. How did the contact come about with the Fraport Skyliners?

I had spoken to Gunnar Wobke about a year ago about me coming to the Skyliners, but it didn´t happen because I had signed a contract with Rhondorf.

On what things are you looking most forward to with your new challenge with the Fraport Skyliners?

There are really two main factors about what I am most looking forward to. First being able to be with young players and help them develop further and second to be able to work with Muli Katzurin and be able to learn new things from him.

What will be your biggest challenge with the Fraport Skyliners?

My biggest challenge will be coordinating everything between the JBBL, NBBL, Eintracht and PRO B players. Also helping PRO B players make the possible jump to the Beko BBL team. Danilo Barthel made the jump last season.

What will be the goal of the PRO B Fraport Skyliners juniors this season?

Being able to stay in the PRO B. The biggest difference to Rhondorf is that there I had the first team and all players, but now I have the second team and might not always have all players for practice.

What is your biggest strength as a head coach?

My biggest strength is talking with all the players. It is most important that no matter what the situation is that you can create a identity in the team and try to teach the players to get integrated into the team.

You were 11 years in Rhondorf and head coach the last three years. How were you able to develop as a coach?

I think it was important that I saw all aspects. I was head coach, assistant coach under guys like Klaus Perwass and Olaf Stolz, athletic coach and youth coach. I learned so much and really all things that a coach needs to know.

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

My ability how to work with the players. I am more a teacher than a general. I try to make young players better by being a teacher.

Who was the best player that you coached?

Chris Rojik was one of the best and really made a name in the second league. Others good players that I coached was Jonas Wolfarth-Bottermann and point guard Nick Larsen.

How much of a joy was it seeing Fabian Thulig and Jonas Wolfarth-Bottermann?

It was a lot of fun helping them make the next step and giving them confidence and trust and just watching them improve.

You coached American Deandre Spraggins. Why isn´t a guy like him playing now? Did he retire?

I don´t have too much contact with him anymore. I think that he just didn´t find his way anymore and maybe didn´t get as many offers anymore. He has a tough character. In the first year in Rhondorf it was ok, but he was just a tough character guy.

How many players do you know that have played in the PRO B, but have Beko BBL calibur? A Josh Young had no problems making the transition from PRO B to BEKO BBL.

There surely are some guys that could make it. Especially young Germans always have the potential to make it. Gotha had some strong Americans this season that had that potential to make the next step.

How does the Fraport Skyliners PRO Team roster shaping up for next season?

We want to keep all our German players. We will look for our Americans later in the process. We would like to keep guys like Larry Wright and Demetrius Jemison, but it depends if they want to stay.

Can Konstantin Klein make the next step?

He started his career in the Alba Berlin youth program and helped Gotha reach the PRO A last season. He is a very versatile point guard with a good attitude. He plays for his teammates. He might not score much, but that isn´t necessarily what we are looking for first in a point guard. He has a good character and will make the team better.

What was your first impression of Muli Katzurin?

My first impression was that he is a very serious guy that is very professional. For him, the small things are very important. I will learn a lot from him.

What are your hobbies?

I like to be outdoors in the mountains and like to read.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I can´t remember. I watch many player DVD´s.

Thanks Eric for the chat

London Warren is a 24 year old 183cm guard from Jacksonville, Florida. He played college ball at Dayton from 2006-2010 and in his senior year played 37 games: 4.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.1apg, 1.2spg. He was a rookie in 2010-2011 and played for the Gloria Giants Duesseldorf (Germany-1.Bundesliga), waived in Nov.’10: 2 games: 4.0ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg. Last season, he coached at Georgia Tech. He is ready to play overseas again and spoke to German Hoops about basketball and his ex teammate Brian Roberts. Check out sweet game highlights from London Warren at http://youtu.be/-VuslbWUfJU

London how have your summer work outs been going so far? The summer isn´t getting any younger. August is around the corner. Does the nervousness get stronger with every new day and no new contract with a team?

My summer workouts have been going great working out with professional basketball players on the daily such as Jamon Gordon Lucas, Derwin Kitchen and Juwann James. All three played at a very high level last season in Europe. They push me and motivate me to work hard so its been a good summer. Yes it be very nerve wrecking to wake up as an unsigned player. That’s what the agent is there for there I know I have to be patient its not just going to happen over night its a process. I just take care of what I can take care of which is getting in the gym everyday and putting the right foods and fluids in my body.

How does your conditioning look like on Mondays, Wednesday and Friday? What are the best conditioning drills for basketball players from your experience?

My conditioning workouts consists of the same thing I change it up sometimes but for the most part I just do 8x 200 meters on the track or I do 3x 800meters. I think the best condioning workouts for me personally come on the track but that’s just my opinion.

You put up 300 shots every afternoon. What were the most shots that you hit in 300 attempts?

Well one day I made 230 out of 300 and that was a great shooting day for me.

Your highlight video looks very spectacular. Your coast to coast runs are nice to look at. Which NBA player amazed you most with their fast break coast to coast runs?

People say my game reminds them of Rondo the way we always looking to get our teammates involved but still can score the ball at the same time. I admire the way Rondo pushes the ball and also Westbrook those 2 point guards amaze me the most in transition.

You played two seasons with Bamberg guard Brian Roberts. Did you know at Dayton, that he would have such a strong European basketball career so quickly?

Brian Roberts is a great player and his smarts and professionalism towards the game you knew he would be an instant success once he got an chance to showcase his talents at a high level. I learned a lot in my 2 season from Brian Roberts off and on the court and wish him the best in this upcoming season.

Presently Brian Roberts is playing with the New Orleans Hornets summer league team. He has had a good camp averaging 13,3ppg, 2,0rpg, 1,7apg, 52% fgp and 42%3pg. How proud are you of his play in this camp?

I am very proud of Brian Roberts play in summer play just to sit and watch him and a few other of my college teammates play at such a high level is a great honor. I also have former teammates Chris Wright, Chris Johnson, and Devin Searcy playing in the NBA summer league.

The Hornets Have many talented guards like Marco Bellinelli, Eric Gordon, Jerome Dyson, Austin Rivers. How do you see his chances of making this team?
Well if I was the GM, I would sign him but I am not the GM and don’t really know anything about the free agent field so I can make an comment on that question.

A big quality of Brian Roberts is his killer instinct on the court. What fascinated you most about his game at Dayton?

The way he scored the ball so effective, always shooting great percentages from the field and not needing a lot of shots to get a lot of points. He could score 25 points without taking double digit field goals which is hard.

What was the most incredible thing that you saw Brian Roberts do on the court?

It had to be his senior year he had the best month of December of any player in the country. Dropping 30 on the likes of Louisville and Pittsburgh both teams were ranked in the top 10 at the time and we won both games. It was a great honor to play alone side a great guard like Brian Roberts.

The USA Olympic team has so many superstars. Who will be the teams MVP?

Kobe end of conversation!!!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I watched Next Friday earlier today

Thanks London for the chat.

acob Burtschi is a 28 year old 198cm forward from Chickasha, Oklahoma who is recently completed his first season with the Fraport Skyliners and will be playing for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven in 2012-2013. He played at Air Force from 2003-2007 and 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. He played for Phoenix Hagen as a rookie 14.2ppg,6.9rpg,2.5apg,Steals-3(1.5spg),FGP:56.0%,3PT:44.2%,FT:82.2%. 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. He spoke to German Hoops about his decision to play for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven.

Jake thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. You are already into your third month of summer. What has been your most memorable summer experience in 2012?

I just returned from a few days at Lake Lanier with some buddies in the Air Force for the 4th of July and right after that I spent a week with my family at the lake. Always good to get quality time with friends and family.

Despite all the disappointment after the do or die loss in Bonn in the last game of the season, I had a feeling that you weren´t going to come back. How sure were you at the start of May that you might not be wearing a Fraport Skyliners uniform next season?

I love Frankfurt. They were one of the teams at the top of my list to return to.

As Jon Leuer left for the NBA, the Fraport Skyliners were in 17th place, but as soon as you arrived the team turned it around. What was the most important thing that you took out of your 5 month stint with the Fraport Skyliners?

Anything can happen. we let a few games slip away from us where we could have easily finished 6th or 7th. There was a lot of basketball left to be played and we took full advantage of it.

You never played a single game in a Skyliner uniform with Justin Gray, but you guys maintained a special friendship. What will you always remember from the Charlotte native?

Justin is a funny dude. Listening to his stories had me laughing so hard. but also his family his wife Julie and son JJ. A very loving family.

You will be playing for your fourth team in three years. Is Jacob Burtschi on the verge of a Basketball nomad life?

Haha I guess so. Hopefully down the road somewhere I will get more than a one year deal, but I still have to prove a lot of things on the court to deserve one of those contracts.

Basketball remains a business. How much was money a factor for you choosing the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven against the Fraport Skyliners?

Money wasnt the biggest issue. Unfortunately it was just security over the timing of the contract.

How excited are you about going to the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven? Doug Spradley thinks highly about your basketball abilities. What are you expecting from your season in Bremerhaven?

I am very excited. Bremerhaven has always been in the playoff mix and I have never made the playoffs before. Coach Spradley is a good coach and I have heard a lot of good things. I expect us to be in the playoff hunt and see what happens from there.

You were the ultimate team basketball player for the Fraport Skyliners. After experience in the ACB and in Frankfurt, how was your game able to improve from your rookie season with Phoenix Hagen?

Well in Hagen I was needed for more scoring and other things. In Frankfurt we had guys who could do all that so I was mainly a glue guy. However if I can help a team win, ill do it.

You still have about 6 weeks before reporting to the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. How does a typical Jacob Burtschi basketball work out day look like in the summer of 2012?

Usually I spend 60-90 minutes in the morning doing basketball drills. Then I play pick up with guys like Josh Young and a handful of other overseas guys for a little over an hour. Then in the evening time I have a 90 minute training session which includes lifting, agilities, and stretching.

Who could forget your four dives you displayed in Trier in the first quarter. If you had to choose from diving on the ice in Bremerhaven to save the Eisbaeren mascot, Paris Hilton or Lebron James who promised reward money, who would you save?

Well it depends on how thick the ice was, if Paris was single at the time, and how much money Lebron was offering.

Will Team USA have a cake walk at winning the Gold medal in London?

It definitely will not be a cake walk, but they should win gold.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

50/50

Thanks Jake For the chat.

Vaughn Duggins is a 24 year old 190cm guard from Pendelton, Indiana that will be starting his second season in the Beko BBL with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. He played at Wright State from 2006-2011 including his freshman year with 2011 Beko BBLMVP Dashaun Wood. In his senior season, the American played 33 games: 18.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 82.2%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have beenHorizon League Regular Season Runner-Up -07, 10, Horizon League Tournament Winner -07, Horizon League All-Newcomer Team -07, All-Horizon League 1st Team -08, 11, Horizon League Tournament Semifinals -09, Horizon League Tournament Finalist -10, All-Horizon League 2nd Team -10, Horizon League All-Defensive Team -10,and NABC Division I All-District 12 2nd Team -10, 11. Last season with the Tigers, he averaged 13,0ppg, 3,0rpg and 2,0apg in 34 games. He shot 50% from the field and 41% from outside. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

What do you like to do when its hot in Indianapolis?

We have a pool so whenever I feel hot, I just jump in.

After your season for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen, what was the first thing that you did when you got to the States?

I went home and went to sleep for a long time. I also made the rounds getting food at my favorite places like a Burrito place and some steak houses.

Do you already miss something from Tuebingen?

I miss the people in Tuebingen and some of the families I got close with. I am more sad now than I ever would have thought.

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen finished the season in 12^th place with a record of 15-19. What is your season summary?

We started slow, but I am proud of the guys how we finished the season. Even though that we started 0-6, we never gave up and kept at it. We finished the season stronger than a lot of people thought.

If the team might have started 3-3, do you think the Tigers could have reached the playoffs?

Yes I think so. If we would have started 2-4 or 3-3 we might have played Alba Berlin or Bamberg in the first round.

The team got better as the season progressed. What was the biggest strength of head coach Igor Perovic?

He did a great job staying positive. He told us the season was long and the wins would come. We got good when we needed to get good. When other coaches might have gotten frustrated, he stayed calm.

What was your season highlight?

The win at home against FC Bayern Munich in front of a sold out crowd and also our first win in Bremerhaven of the season. I remember the guys jumping around in the locker room after as well as our coach.

Who was the most improved Tiger?

I think Adnan Hodzic and Josh Young. Hodzic started slow and needed some time to get used to the style, but he was consistent in second half of season and made the team better. Josh Young also improved a lot. Many thought that he wasn´t going to make it coming from PRO B, but he showed that he could play and was consistent.

Where does your good jumping ability come from? Were you born or did you work hard at getting that ability?

I think it is a combination of being gifted and working hard at it. My dad was a high jumper in high school and college. At college I also worked a lot at gaining explosiveness and just doing squats and jumping to get better at it.

Possibly the Tiger unsung hero was Reggie Redding. Where would you place him at his position in the Beko BBL?

I don´t even know what position he is. He is capable of playing 1-4. I will put him at #2 behind PJ Tucker. He was so value to us with his defense, passing and rebounding.

How were you able to improve your game?

I think that I can always improve my shooting and ball handling. I think that in my rookie season that I improved my decision making and thinking faster. I was able to make plays in my head before they actually happened. This will always get better with experience.

5 players are coming back next season. Is the goal the 2013 Beko BBL playoffs?

Yes that is our goal. We have a good core of guys coming back. The expectations will be higher in 2012-2013 so we will have to perform better.

What is the most important thing that you learned from head coach Igor Perovic?

I learned so much in the first month than ever before that. He enriched my basketball IQ through his multi tasking of my brain.

You grew up in Indiana. What was your childhood like?

I had much basketball and was really involved in any kind of sport. Every driveway in Indiana has a basket hoop.

Who were your NBA idols?

Michael Jordan and Reggie Miller. When I was growing up, the Pacers were very good. My dad also always told me about the great players from then like Julius Erving, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson and talked about their amazing plays. I started to watch their videos and what he said was true.

Did you ever visit French Lick?

I have never been there, but heard about many Larry Bird stories. You know what they say, if you blink, you might miss it.

What is your nicest memory with Dashaun Wood at Wright State?

Going to the NCAA tournament and beating Butler and winning the Horizon tournament. Holding up the trophy and ripping down the net will always be in my memory.

You were a freshman and Dashaun Wood a senior. Back then Wood beat you 9 out of 10 times at one on one. How would a game look like now?

I would get him in the post and he would get me with his quickness. It would be even now at 5-5 I think.

Dashaun Wood is a guy that plays with a lot of self confidence. Was it always like that already in college?

It all has to do with mentality. He already had a lot of self confidence at Wright State. He was a very good player his first three years, but the team wasn´t winning. Better players came his senior year and he really took off. And since then he has been so successful where ever he has played.

The Tigers lost both games against Alba Berlin. What always keeps amazing you about Dashaun Wood?

The fact that he keeps getting better. He was already very good as a freshman, but I never thought he would get this good. He dominated the league with Frankfurt and had very good teammates in Berlin. This is just a big tribute to his work ethic. I really look up to his game.

Will the early playoff loss to Wurzburg make Dashaun Wood stronger for next season?

I think it will. He is home now and angry. He wants to bring a title to Berlin. He will want to be even a better leader next season and try to bring Alba Berlin to the Bamberg level. You can never count out Dashaun Wood.

What NBA player amazes you the most on offense?

Kobe Bryant has been in the NBA so long and he has evolved his game that he can still get better at other parts of his game. He may have lost his explosiveness and athletic ability, but now has improved at changing speeds and his footwork. And with that is still dominating the game.

What does your summer workout plan look like?

I will work on my ball handling as I would also like to play some position one. I also will work on my shooting. I will work on my fitness and also be in the weight room. I will return to Tuebingen bigger and in better shape.

What is something that you would like to do in the summer that you haven´t done in a long time?

When I returned from Tuebingen I went to Florida and relaxed. I really enjoy music and will want to check out some concerts this summer.

What do you like most about Tuebingen?

I really like the scenary and I think that the south is prettier than the north.I like seeing the mountains and castles. Tuebingen is fun and not too small or too big.

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

I made 103 at Tuebingen in practice. After I made 50 in a row I kept going. When I hit 103, Igor Perovic told me to change baskets and then I missed my very first shot. I was made with him for about a week and a half.

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

It was my freshman year against future NBA players Greg Oden and Mike Conley. It was a ¾ shot right before the en dof the first quarter to cut the score to 12-9. That was about s close as we got. We lost 72-43.

What is your favorite place in Indianapolis?

I like being anywhere, but mostly like being near the Indy 500 race track where friends of mine live.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Takers with Paul Walker.

Thanks Vaughn for the chat.

Abe Lodwick is a 200cm swing man from Bend, Oregon that is starting his professional basketball career in the Beko BBL with Phoenix Hagen. He played at Washington State from 2007-2012 and some time with ex Beko BBL players Taylor Rochestie and Aron Baynes. In his senior year, he played 21 games: 5.2ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 23.5%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 66.7%. He played a total of 105 NCAA games and some Awards/Achievements in his basketball career were Pac-10 Tournament Semifinals -08, NCAA Sweet 16 -08, Pac-10 All-Academic 2nd Team -10, and NIT Final Four -11. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Congrats on your first professional contract with Phoenix Hagen. How happy are you about getting this chance?
I am very excited and thankful for this opportunity to play for Phoenix Hagen. It has been my dream since I was young to play professionally and I hope this will be the beginning of good career overseas.

How much of a combination was it of Abe Lodwick the basketball player and your agent getting this deal done?
My agent knew I wanted to be in or around Germany. From that point on he did a great job of getting my name out there to people he knew and getting me exposure. He was the one who communicated with Phoenix Hagen and got the deal done.

Do you feel some pressure about having to go through a month type try out when you arrive in August?
I definitely want to put my best foot forward when I get there but I don’t feel any pressure. I can only really worry about things I can control so I will work hard and do what I need to do to be successful.

Were you able to talk to your ex teammates at Washington State Taylor Rochestie and Aron Baynes who have had experience playing in Germany?
I talk to Taylor all the time. He has been very helpful in telling me who to talk to and what to expect. He’s very excited that I will be in Europe with him, especially in the league he started out in. Baynes is a little more busy with the Olympics right now playing for Australia so I haven’t talked to him as much.

What do you know about the German league Beko BBL?
I know this league is very strong with great competition so to be a part of that is exciting. It will make me improve my game which I look forward to. I am trying to learn as much as I can about the team and league so I have a decent idea of what to expect, but I also know I will have to wait and experience things for myself.

You penetrate very well to the hoop and shot 45% from outside in your senior year. What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed?
My defense is something I take a lot of pride in. It bothers me when my man scores and I think it is invaluable to have players who lock up on defense. I know Phoenix Hagen likes to run and shoot, so I am hoping my defense will stand-out at times and help us.

You are a 200cm forward swingman. It is still unclear if you will be the power forward for Phoenix Hagen. Are you more comfortable at the three or four position?
I am comfortable at both. This summer I have been working a lot on my handle and penetrating to prepare for playing some three but I have played the stretch four the last few years in college and it is something I am very comfortable with. I want to play wherever it will help our team win games.

What is your most vivid memory from your three block game against UCLA?
Playing against a team like UCLA is always a battle so waking up the next day feeling beat-up is something I will always remember. They were a physical team and so were we and our games always seemed to go down to the wire.

What is the most amazing thing that you saw Taylor Rocestie do on the court at Washington State when you played with him?
Without a doubt it was when he hit the game-winning three pointer as time was winding down on Senior Night at WSU. We were playing against James Harden and Arizona State who was ranked 15th in the nation at the time. Taylor caught the ball, jab-stepped, then launched a deep three that was nothing but net with time winding down. They had one chance to win and missed, and we stormed the court. Amazing.

Who was the tougest player that you played against in the NCAA that might be in the NBA or Europe now?
Kevin Love may be the best player I’ve ever played against. He had amazing touch around the hoop but could also step out and knock down threes no problem. He was also big and strong enough to grab between 10 and 15 rebounds per game. Very well rounded.

How does a typical Abe Lodwick work out day look like these days? How are you getting prepared for Phoenix Hagen?
Usually I start my day at the gym with my trainer Daven Harmeling. He puts me through a pretty good workout for about an hour. We start with my touch around the rim, quick finishes, stuff like that. Then we move to set shots, stretching my range. Then we will combine moves with the ball and attacking the basket or pulling up for shots. I like to get moving and get some cardio in during my workout as well so a lot of drills are on the move. After that I go to the weight room and workout. Depending on the day I like to do full-body workouts and work on flexibility and core-strength.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
The last movie I saw was Hot Tub Time Machine. It was not very good, I don’t recommend it. Looking forward to The Dark Knight Rises coming out this month.

Thanks Abe for the chat.

London Warren is a 24 year old 183cm guard from Jacksonville, Florida. He played college ball at Dayton from 2006-2010 and in his senior year played 37 games: 4.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.1apg, 1.2spg. He was a rookie in 2010-2011 and played for the Gloria Giants Duesseldorf (Germany-1.Bundesliga), waived in Nov.’10: 2 games: 4.0ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg. Last season, he coached at Georgia Tech. He is ready to play overseas again and spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

London thanks for taking some time to talk to eurobasket.com. Where are you presently and how is your basketball summer going?

Thanks for letting me talk to Eurobasket.com and I am currently located in Atlanta, Ga working out and getting ready for the upcoming season.

After a four year career at Dayton, you played in 2010-2011 for the Gloria Giants Duesseldorf, but sat out last season and coached at Georgia Tech. Why did you do this?

The reason for me sitting out last season was for me to pursue my Master’s Degree before I got too old and still studious. Plus it was a great opportunity for me to get on the other side of things and learn from a coach’s point of view and to get experience at a powerhouse ACC school such as Ga Tech. I can also put on my resume I coached division 1 basketball in the ACC at the age of 23. Not too many other people can say the same. I want to be a coach once my playing career is over so I have some experience and will be ready once I retire from playing basketball

You are a young guy. How important was getting this coaching experience at a young age?

It was very important for me to get some coaching experience at a young age because I always wanted to be a coach. I am a coach on the court when I played because I am a point guard who has the ball in his hands a lot and runs the show. This just helped me mature as a person being the office from 9am -9pm everyday showed me that its way more to basketball than just making baskets. I enjoyed it and looking forward to getting back into the coaching business but later on down the road.

What was the most important thing that you learned from head coach Brian Gregory last season?

Well being that I played for coach Gregory at Dayton we already had a great relationship that’s why he asked me to come aboard with him to Ga Tech in his first season there. I learned a lot of coaching tips from him and I also that with hard work you can far in the world we live in today.

You also worked out with NBA players last season. How was this experience for you?

Yea by working at Ga Tech last summer during the lockout I got to work out with a lot of NBA players, such as Jarret Jack of the Hornets, Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks, Iman Shuppert Knicks, Wilson Chandler Nuggets and the lists continues. It just showed me that when you go to the gym you suppose to work on your weaknesses and not you strengths. Plus the way they workout the level of intensity and the focus they work with also helped me going forward.

How has the job search been so far. Have you noticed that it is more difficult finding a new basketball job after not having played for a season?

Yea it has been hard just because my name isn´t out there anymore but that’s why I am doing this interview to get some national exposure. I am willing to play at any level for any amounts of money just want to get back in the business. I know it’s not going to be easy but I will just do what I can control and that’s living in the gym working out and waiting to get a phone call or email with some good news.

What is your biggest strength as a player and why would this help any team in the world?

My ability to mange a game and run a team is probably my biggest strength. I am not about to go get you 20 points but I can stop the opposing team best player from getting his 20 points. I am a fearless defender who takes pride in defense I can easily be put on a team just to play defense and I will be fine with that duty.

You didn´t finish the season with Duesseldorf. What were the main reasons for not finishing the season there?

I think the biggest issue of me not finishing the season with the Gloria Giants was that we were losing when the season first started. Being that I got picked up for them 2 days before the first game of the season alone with 7 other new players. We never had time to get acquainted and learn each other weaknesses and strengths basically. I was on the team for longer than it says on my profile for the simple fact that I only appeared in two games I was there for the first 14 games of the season before being released. I was on the team practicing every day and getting paid but I was playing in the games because of Coach Murrat decision. I don’t think he had anything to do with my skills and talents just once he seen me play he wanted a veteran PG vs a rookie one which was out of my control.

Who would win a one on one in practice you or Deandre Haynes?

Deandre is a great player who I learned a lot from day in and day out on practice. Some days I could get the best of him in practice but we use to battle if out and I would push him to get better each and every day. We never played 1 on1 because that wouldn’t prove anything but if I had to play him 1 on 1 I would like my chances.

How does a summer basketball workout program look like for London Warren?

Monday- Friday 40 min skill workout in the AM then I go back and make 300 shots in the PM. Mon, Wed, Fri- weights and conditioning. Tuesday and Thursday- pickup basketball rather it be open gyms or men’s league games

What is your biggest basketball dream?

To win a professional championship because I have won a championship at every level except the pro level. Being in high school I won a state championship then I won the NIT Championship in 2010 defeating North Carolina in Madison Square Garden.

If you could describe yourself in a few sentences, how would you convince a coach that he has to sign you?

I am a high energy player who loves to win and will do whatever has to be done to win. What I do to help the team win sometimes doesn’t show up on the stat sheet but my presence on the court is always felt. Another key stat about me is in my four years of college I never missed a game due to injury. I played in 132 games out of 132 and won 96 of them both of them being records for the University of Dayton. I am always looking to get my teammates involved I am a great defender who made all confere3nce for defense 2 seasons in a row. I take pride in shutting down the opposing team best player. I can guard 1-3 easily. My national nickname is the “Jacksonville Jet” for my speed and quickness from end to the end with the ball in my hands. I am a great teammate who was the captain of my colligate team for 3 seasons in a row.

• Thanks London for the chat.