Not only was it a hot and muggy 27c in Dirk Nowitzki country in Wurzburg yesterday, but 2012 Beko BBL semi finalist s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg felt the annoying steam heat in another aspect as it was learned that their American Chester Frazier was headed back to the States before game 2 against ratiopharm Ulm Thursday thus ending his shortened season in the Bavarian city. Ratiopharm Ulm has been the big surprise team this season in the beko BBL and took away some of the basketball glare and spotlight from the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg this season despite finishing the regular season in sixth place and kicking out 8 time Alba Berlin from the playoffs and making them scamper back to the German capital like scared sick poodles who had been picked at and bitten for 200 minutes by the aggravating Wurzburg defense led by the pit bull duo of John Little and Chester Frazier. It was announced yesterday that Frazier had opted to get out of his contract early and head back to the States to take an offer as an assistant at Kansas State, a job that he had done before last season assisting at Illinois. According to the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg, Frazier had a contract until the end of the Ulm series. Why the American from Baltimore, Maryland opted to return home early is unknown.

Frazier entered the Beko BBL in 2009 after a stellar four year career at Illinois (NCAA) where he led the Big Ten in assists in his senior career and went to MEG Goettingen where he helped the team win the Eurochallenge in 2010 playing 14 Eurochallenge games averaging 3.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg. In the German League, he played 31 games: 5.9ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 53.3%. After sitting out last season and being an assistant coach at Illinois, he returned late this season going to Wurzburg in November 2011 being reunited again with his Goettingen mates John Patrick, Jason Boone, Ben Jacobson and John Little. Frazier was an important piece of the Wurzburg success this season as he scored in double figures 8 times including a 17 point game against the Walter Tigers Tuebingen, 16 points against his ex team BG Goettingen and a huge 15 point, 12 rebound outburst against Phoenix Hagen. Despite some impressive offensive games, his strength remained on defense where he formed a nasty duo with John Little driving guard opponents wild as Alba Berlin guard Dashaun Wood found out twice never finding his rhythm in game two and four in Wurzburg and saying after the game two loss that they are so tough to go against.

 

There are two sides to the Chester Frazier story. Some will say that he is abandoning his team in a very crucial time of the season and looking out more for his best interests. Others will say that basketball is a cruel business where a player has to take care of his best interests and how often does one see an NBA player go to a horrible team for the extra bucks. His leaving seems to leave a sour mark of him letting his team down, but according to a tweet by Frazier yesterday, his team supports his decision. “I won’t respond to criticism of leaving! My teammates gave me their blessing and everyone doesn’t know what and how my decision to leave occurred”, stated Chester Frazier. The departure will hurt the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg team on the defensive side, but the team has shown all season long that they are a fighting team and will continue to play like that. A John Little averaged 18 points in the last three games against Alba Berlin and played like he was related to Dashaun Wood and he wont stop now. The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg have more than a capable basketball team to overcome this loss and with Chris Kraemer an ace up John Patrick´s sleeve as he plays like a pit bull also even though sometimes his offense strength overshadows his defense cusine. John Patrick will have to make adjustments, but just as ratiopharm Ulm is on a mission and the slight favorite in this series, one should never count out the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg. John Patrick made a BG Goettingen into winning teams with the least amount of basketball means and has done the same in Wurzbug. As long as John Patrick is on the sidelines, its not over until the fat lady sings.

Nate Linhart is a 25 year old 201cm forward from Gahanna, Ohio that will play his third professional basketball season and first in the German Beko BBL with TBB Trier. The American played for Akron (NCAA) from 2005-2009. In his senior year, he played 36 games: 10.3ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 44.3%, 3Pts: 32.8%, FTBSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers (Austria-A Bundesliga, starting five): 44 games: 11.1ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 76.1%.last season, he played for Erie Bay Hawks (D-League): 50 games: 10.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 73.8%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been MAC East Division Regular Season Runner-Up -06, 08, MAC Tournament Semifinals -06, MAC East Division Regular Season Champion -07, 09, MAC Tournament Finalist -07, 08, All-MAC Honorable Mention -09, MAC Defensive Player of the Year -09
MAC Tournament Winner -09, MAC All-Tournament MVP -09, MAC All-Tournament Team -09, Eurobasket Summer League in Las Vegas Finalist -09, Austrian Supercup Winner -09, Eurobasket.com All-Austrian Bundesliga Honorable Mention -10, Eurobasket.com Austrian Bundesliga All-Defensive Team -10, Austrian Bundesliga A Finalist -10, Austrian Bundesliga A Regular Season Champion -10
and D-League East Conference Runner-Up -11. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

You played in the O2 World arena for the first time. Where does it stack up to the other places that you have played in in your career?

I would place it at the top. It is a state of the art arena and its very nice inside. I have played in some nice NCAA arenas and NBA arenas.

You just completedyour first season for TBB Trier. Was it colder two seasons ago in Furstenfeld, Austria?

I can´t really remember, but I know that there was more snow. I think it is colder in germany than it was in Austria.

TBB Trier lost many close games this season. Why has it been so rough going?

It has been very frustrating. We have been all games except for three games that could of gone either. We just have to stay positive and remember that we were in so many games and just continue to work hard in practice.

What exactly was your role in the team?

I do what the team needs me to do at any moment. I am a versatile guy that can play many positions.

You were six years old when your coach Henrik Rodl won the NCAA title in 1993 with North Carolina. Did you know about it when you came to Trier last summer?

I had met him two years ago and through talks knew about his history as a player. I am very happy to be able to play for him.

A strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away is your penetration. Why doesn´t that get noticed more?

I think if you look at me, you might not think that I could handle the ball. People just don´t expect me to do that.

Have you been able to give Maik Zirbes passing tips from the low post?

No I haven´t because we need him to score when he is down low.

How was your childhood in Ohio and why do so many good players come from Ohio?

There was much basketball in my childhood. I always visited the league games of my dad. In Ohio, basketball is the dominant sport and that is why there are so many good players. You want to always strive to get better when you go home and see everybody working on their game to improve.

Who were your NBA idols as a kid?

I liked Shaq and how he dunked on people and his antics on the court. In high school, I tried to model my game around Manu Ginoboli. He is a left hander so I could relate to his game.

You played with Dru Joyce at Akron(NCAA), How has his game improved since the NCAA?

He has continued to develop his penetration and point guard skills the last years. He is a lot more physical and sees the court better. He has improved his pick and roll play the most.

Your ex teammate Romeo Travis is really blossoming in Israel. Is he ready to make the jump to a Euroleague team?

I think he is. Every summer when I see him, it seems like he has added something to his game. I am really happy for him and his success in Israel.

What do you remember from the game against Eric Maynor in the NCAA?

They aren´t to good. He was exceptional getting 30 points and just picked us apart.

You played a season in Austria with Furstenfeld. What are your fondest memories on and off the court?

We made it to the final losing in the fifth game and I made many long lasting friendships there.

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

45.

What was your most craziest shot in your career?

A full court shot in high school.

What is your favorite spot in Trier?

I like to go to this place on top of a hill where you can see all of Trier. I often take a book because I like to read.

Why do you like the movie Superbad so much?

It cracks me up every time when I see it.

Is there a curse on Tom Brady by the Manning brothers?

Maybe, but Eli Manning played very well and got more help than did Tom Brady. Loosing 2 Super Bowls like that is the worst. Kind of how TBB Trier has been losing this season.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The girl with the dragon tattoo with Daniel Craig.

Thanks Nate for the chat.

Demetrius Jemison is a 24 year old 203cm forward from Birmingham, Alabama that just completed his first season with the Fraport Skyliners PRO B team. He played at Alabama from 2006-2010 playing a total of 93 NCAA games. He had a serious injury his senior year and transferred to Manhatten in 2010 playing 22 games: 10.4ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 76.1%. Currently for Frankfurt he is averaging 16,8ppg and 9,0 rpg. He spoke to German Hoops about his season in Frankfurt.

Congrats on the 95-75 win against Alba Berlin 2 to keep the Fraport Skyliners juniors in the PRO B. How good of a feeling was that?

It feels great to be able to stay in the Pro B league and to get such a big win over ALBA .

You have played in many big NCAA games in your career. Did you feel a lot of pressure before the game being that you are one of the go too guys?

I didn’t feel any pressure before the game but I knew it was very important for us to get the win.

This was the biggest game of your professional career. Even though the 235 people in attendance wasn´t the same kind of atmosphere like 12,000 at an NCAA game, how were you effected by the positive atmosphere in game 3?

The fans provided us with alot of energy. The way they cheered us on made us want to win even more.

At halftime the game was tied at 40-40. What did Klaus Mewes tell the team to do better in the second half?

Coach Klaus told us to to play better defense and to move the ball mre on offense.

Something he said must of worked since the team came out flying having a 29-9 third quarter. What was key in the third quarter for getting the big lead?

We got such a big lead because we really focused on getting stops on defense and taking great shots on offense.

Was a big reason for the win that the Skyliners were able to contain the Berlin role players while allowing only Joey Ney and Lucca Staiger to have big games while the Skyliners had 5 players in double figures?

Yes, in game 2 of the series we allowed too many guys to make big plays throughout the game. In game 3 we really wanted to keep ALBA from shooting so many threes and not allow their role players to score and effect the game the way they did in game 2.

What was your play of the game that you will remember for a long time from this game?

The play I will remember is when I jumped over one of ALBA’s players for a dunk. After the dunk the crowed was cheering and my teammates seemed very motivated to win.

How has American Larry Wright improved the most this season and what will you always remember from him on the floor and in general?

 Larry’s shooting improved throughout the year. he could already shoot t he ball well but towards the end of the season he started shooting lights out from the three point line he went 6/8 from the three point line against ALBA. He just taught me to always believe the ball is going in every time I shoot the ball. I’m happy I was able to play along side Larry this season.

In the short time where you could practice with German national player Tim Ohlbrecht, what things were you able to pick up from his game for your game?

Tim Ohlberechtn taught me to always play big and to finish high on my shots in the paint. Tim is a great player and I’m happy I had the chance to play with him.

You averaged 15,4ppg, and 8,1rpg and 1,4apg in 24 games this season. How happy were you with your season?

I had a really solid season I didn’t realize I shot 60% percent from the floor. I’m happy with the season I had but this summer I’m looking to get better and have an even better season next year.

Where do you see your future? Will you return to Frankfurt or try to land on a team at a higher level?

I’m very thankful for the Skyliners allowing me to start my career in Frankfurt. However, I see myself playing in first league next season. I feel I have skills and the abilty to play at the first league level. So this summer I’m really trying to get an opportunity on a first division team.

What are your summer plans? On what things will you be working on this summer to improve your game?

My plans for the summer is to get bigger, stronger, and more comfortable shooting three pointers so that I can stretch defenses. I really want to take my game to another level this summer so I’m going to work very hard to improve my game.

 

What was the last DVD that you saw?

The last DVD I saw was The Sitter

Thanks Demetrius for the chat.

Rich Melzer is a 32 year old 203cm forward/center from Minneapolis, Minnesota that is playing his first season for the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. He played at : Wisconsim-River Falls (NCAA3) from 2000-2004. In his 8 year professional basketball career, he has played in countries like New Zealand, France, Israel and Australia. He had his first tour of duty in Germany in the 2007-2008 season with Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (Germany-1.Bundesliga): ULEB Cup: 2 games: 5.5ppg, 2.0rpg; German League: 1 game: 11pts, 2reb, 1steal. In his rookie season, he took part at the Washington Wizards training camp. Last season he played for Hapoel Holon (Israel-Premier League, starting five): 30 games: 16.8ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 75.3%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 101-79 loss in Ulm.

A tough 101-79 loss in game one in Ulm. How much is the new arena in Ulm become a type of sixth man against opponents?

Its certainly a great venue to play in for not only them, but for the opposing teams as well. There’s nothing quite like silencing a crowd of 6 thousand with a swoosh or a jaw-dropping play as an opponent to get things going on the road. Unfortunately for us, we weren’t able to do it frequently enough and the momentum of the crowd continued to carry the Ulm team into a frenzy of difficult baskets and enthusiasm. Its obviously an advantage for Ulm, but it doesnt have to be if you match their intensity.

The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig had the 21-16 lead after one quarter, but ratiopharm Ulm had a 31 point explosion in the second quarter. What type of adjustments did they seem to make?

I give them credit, make no mistakes about that. However, I don’t think it was as much as what they did as it was how we executed ourselves. We made pivotal turnovers, committed foolish fouls, and when we made rotations, the readiness and the ability to commit to the speed and intensity of the game just wasnt there for some of us. Me, along with Visser spent most of the game being double-teamed and denied the ball inside for most of the game, which forced us to loft jumpshots for 40 minutes. It was a combination of all of these things that put them in the drivers seat. We have to adjust for Thursday to see to it that they’re forced to match our speed and intensity and force them to make adjustments to us if we want to be in the drivers seat at home.

How tough is it in general to defend when you have a hot Per Guenther penetrating and scoring and Isaiah Swann doing his thing?

Per went 5 for 5 from the field, most of which were lay-ups and even an and-one on my part. This can’t be allowed to the smallest guy on the court. Give him credit, he’s very crafty and skilled and you can’t take that away from Per. However, we have to make it more difficult on them. We’re not considered a “tough” team I believe and its unfortunate because we have “tough” players and skilled veterans here. Maybe more so than any other team in the league. We’re not going out to injure or harm anyone, that’s not our scheme. But we do have to make a statement that it won’t be easy to come into the paint and score, it won’t be easy to make a contested shot, it won’t be easy to just cut through the lane and get to where you want to go. Its going to be a team effort to stop those two…nothing more, nothing less.

A must win in game two. Are there any positives that the Phantoms can take out of game one and what will be key in getting the win at home?

For us its all upside and positive. We got a first hand look at exactly what Ulm is trying to do and take away from us in our first playoff meeting. There were several surprises for us and unfortunately we didn’t make the appropriate adjustments quick enough. Nonetheless, we’ll have almost a week to prepare and work on what’s necessary for us to counter whatevers being thrown at us by them. The coaches here are making sure to put us in a position to succeed with our own protocols and schemes. After that, its up to us as players to perform at a high level with intensity and heart to turn the table and have Ulm try to match our eagerness and our readiness as they’ve done before us.

Rajon Rondo has seven play off triple doubles in his career. Do you think he could eclipse the NBA playoff record of 30 by Magic Johnson?

Its certainly possible. We’ve talked about him prior. There was no doubt in my mind he’d return with a lions fury after being suspended and he’s done so thus far. With that said, even if he were to make the playoffs the next 5 years in a row which I’m sure he will, he’d have to have triple doubles almost every game in the post season from now on. Very unlikely, but I still think he’s up to the challenge and falls into that category later on upon his own retirement should he continue making the progress he already has.

Is the 4-0 sweep of the Thunder against the Mavericks a real big surprise or did you await more resisitence from Nowitzki and co?

I was surprised to see Dirk call out his teammates in the press conference and state “they don’t have enough weapons.” I think he has a great rapport with his teammates and everything, but to say that really has to have some validity and honestly, I think it was unfair of him to some degree. Granted they’ve lost the best defensive player in the league in Chandler. I still think that despite that he could have carried them farther. Perhaps he should’ve taken more upon himself to continue encouraging his teammates to continue making plays as they’ve done during the regular season than to take the entire load within himself in the post-season. But what do I know? You have to give the Thunder credit as well. Probably the most athletic back-court in the league next to Miami, so naturally, they’re going to give teams fits as well. I’m a big Dirk fan, so it would have been nice to see them make a series out of it.

What is your favorite food that you like to take in in a post game win at home?

Nothing says “Victory” like a medium-well done steak. I’m a meat an potatoes type of man and throw a nice side salad in with that and the kid couldn’t be happier. I’m hoping to enjoy that cusine several more times this season should everything go our way.

Thanks Rich for the chat.

Tony Gaffney is a 27 year old 204cm forward from Berkely, Massachusetts that is playing for the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He is a forward who brings a high level of energy and athleticism to any teams he joins. He is a tenacious rebounder and great defender. He was the Atlantic 10 Conference defensive player of the year in 2008-09, and one of the nation’s leading shot-blockers. He played at Boston University from 2004-2006 and then went to Massachusetts (NCAA) where he played from 2006-2009. In his senior year, he played 30 games: 11.5ppg, RebA10-2(10.2rpg), 1.7apg, StealsA10-2(2.0spg), BlocksNCAA-3(3.8bpg), FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 64.6%: Finished career at UMass ranked seventh all-time in blocks (174). In 2009-2010, he played for Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Israel-Premier League): 1 game: 2pts, 2reb, 1steal, 1block, but left next month, in Apr.’10 moved to Boston Celtics (NBA). Last season, he played for the Boston Celtics (NBA), in Oct.’10 moved to Turk Telekom Ankara (Turkey-TBL): Turkish League: 8 games: 6.0ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.0%; EuroChallenge: 3 games: 8.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.0spg; left in Jan.’11, same month acquired by Utah Flash (D-League): 38 games: 10.3ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.3apg, 1.4spg, Blocks-4(2.3bpg), FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 66.7%. He spoke to German Hoops before game 2 against the Telekom Baskets Bonn.

A big 75-74 win against the Brose Baskets Bamberg in game one. How much did the big do or die game against the Fraport Skyliners fuel the Telekom Baskets Bonn to perform at a high level for 40 minutes?

The win over a very good, tough defensive team like the Fraport Skyliners prepared us for the first round series against Bamberg. All week after the win over Frankfurt our mentality was that, “with 8 teams left playing, every one is 0-0”

From your experience playing in NCAA, Israel, Turkey and NBA how difficult is it to prepare for a top team like bamberg in a best of 5 series

Its very difficult preparing for any series, never mind when its against some of the leagues best teams. We are well aware of what we need to do to give ourselves the best shot at winning this series with Bamberg and coach is doing a great job at preparing us, and then once that ball is tipped, its up to us players to perform. The atmosphere in Bamberg was like that of in Kansas my senior year at Umass, where my team as the underdog also went in there and stopped a long home winning streak that the Kansas Jayhawks had strung together

The Brose Baskets Bambegr had the slim lead at halftime. What did head coach Michael Koch tell the team to do better in the second half?
At the half coach told us we were doing a good job and to keep shooting and shots would eventually start to fall. He also told us that if we were going to win that game it was going to be on the defensive end and that Bamberg is a tough team to beat when the score is in the upper 80s-90s. It was made very clear at what a good coach we have in Mike and the adjustments he made throughout the week as well as the in game adjustments.

In the third quarter, Bamberg got out to a 10 point lead. What adjustments did Bamberg seem to do to get the lead again?
When Bamberg got out to their 10 point lead midway through the 3rd quarter they simply made shots and we did not. Coach told us to relax, and to keep defending because shots will start to fall. Bamberg is a very deep team, if one player has an off night, they have 3 or 4 guys that can quickly come off the bench and get hot. During that run, they made some big plays, but we didn’t panic and kept with coaches game plan.

The Telekom Baskets Bonn never gave up and cut the lead back down. What was key in crunch time for keeping the game close?

Having a veteran team like we do, we don’t tend to panic when other teams go on runs. They went up big early on us and we stayed calm and were able to get a few easy buckets to get us going. In crunch time I don’t think there were any real “keys” to keeping the game close, we just played solid basketball and ran our sets, and were able to get the shots we wanted.

Describe the last play where Benas Vielakis won the game with a tip in?
We knew that if we spread the court, Jared, or Talor or Benas would be able to take their defender off the dribble, and draw help and possibly be able to kick to somebody for an open shot, luckily Talor beat the defense and got a point blank look that Marcus did a great job of altering, but with that said, it was crucial that Talor got the shot to the rim, because had it been blocked the game probably would have ended before there was time for Benas’ tip. Benas is a warrior, one of our toughest guys we have, and he muscled his way to the offensive glass, and was able to tip it in, in traffic, with his left hand. It was very impressive.

Is Kevin Koch on the Bonn pay roll? He seems to be getting experience as an assistant coach? Lol
Haha Kev is a big part of our team, he is with us every game and has an amazing basketball mind…like father like son.

There seemed to be some trash talking going on on the court. Could this series get more heated up as the series progresses?
Yeah there was a lot of words exchanged throughout the game, I don’t think there will be much love lost when this series is over. Besides Marcus being one of my boys, that all goes out the window when the ball is tipped. For the most part I think its quite clear, we don’t like Bamberg and they don’t like us, and that always leads to a heated and entertaining series for the fans.

It seems both teams don´t like each other. But it can´t be as forcefull as the Celtics and Lakers?
I don’t think there will ever be a basketball rivalry quite like that of the Celtics/Lakers.

Describe how important Talor Battle is. Could one assume and say that Bonn would not have won with out him?
Talor has been one of the most important picks we had this season, bringing him in around Christmas was huge. He’s our 6th man, and on nearly every other team in the league he could start, but he embraced that role and is instant offense off the bench. In game 1, he was able to easily penetrate their defense and get to the rim almost at will.

Is it more an advantage or disadvantage to have almost a week between games?
For our team it is definitely an advantage, gives our team all the time to rest and make adjustments and prepare for game 2.

I guess keeping Bamberg guessing about how Bonn will defend will continue to be key for getting by in this series?
Yes we will continue to make adjustments and try to keep them on their heels.

PJ Tucker makes it look so easy and that is why he has played in the NBA? Why is he so hard to guard?
He’s a good player. I thought we did a very good job of making him shoot 7-16 from the field. A big part of this series will be trying to keep him in check. Not an easy task to say the least, but if we want to have a shot at winning this thing, thats going to be a big factor.

What is your prediction for the Alba Berlin/Wurzburg series?
I Feel Berlin is just too deep, but for a first round match up, you have to think that Berlin was not thrilled to see they had to play Wurzburg, they’re defense is so pesky and can really annoy opposing teams.

What is your prediction for the Ulm/Braunschweig series?
Having buddies on both teams, this is a tough one, but I don’t see Braunschweig having answers for Isaiah and JB, but then again, Braunschweigs depth could eventually wear down Ulm.

What is your prediction for the Artland/Munich series?
This is the most intriguing series to me, besides ours with Bamberg, because although Munich is the lower seed, they’ve been playing so well these last few months, wouldn’t be surprised to see this series go 5 games.

Do the Boston Celtics have the series wrapped up against Atlanta?
Yes. When Paul, Ray, K, and Rondo are all playing at this level, they’re so hard to beat.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
Gran Torino…man that movie is tough. Clint Eastwood is a G in it.

Thanks Tony for the chat.

Quantez Robertson is a 26 year old 190 cm guard from Cincinnati Ohio. He is playing his third season in Germany in the BEKO BBL for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners. He played at Auburn from 2005-2009. In his senior year he played 36 games averaging 6.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 39.4%, 3Pts: 23.6%, FT: 62.3%. He reached the NIT elite 8 with Aubrun in 2009.He is seen as an athletic freak with amazing lateral quickness and long arms and is good enough to play in the NBA based off of his defensive skills alone. In his rookie season, he played 48 games: 6.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 60.0%. Last season, he played EuroChallenge: 6 games: 6.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 83.3%; German League: 38 games: 7.7ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 68.9% He spoke to German Hoops about basketball recently

Four months ago, the Fraport Skyliners were in 17^th place and then so close to the Beko BBL playoffs. If someone had told you then that the Fraport Skyliners would be so close to the Beko BBL playoffs what would you have thought?

I would have thought that they were lying. We didn´t play well together on offense or defense at the start of the season. We also had injuries, but we were able to put it together and we trusted each other and got more involved on the court.

You had Murat Didin and Gordon Herbert as coach. Why did it take so long to find the team rhythm under Muli Katzurin?

We just needed to learn the system better under Katzurin. Once we learned the concept, then we started to play well.

The Fraport Skyliners started their upswing in December 2011 with the win against Phoenix Hagen. It was also the last game of Jon Leuer before he left for the NBA. Do you think if Leuer would of stayed that he would have been a foreign body in a growing defense?

Yes I think that he would have been. He is a very good offensive player that helped us a lot. He also helped us on defense. He has a big body and was able to guard several positions.

What was the secret to the success of the Skyliner defense?

We rely on each other and help each other out on the court. We also push each other in practice. Our offense makes our defense better. We all know what we have to do and just play team defense.

Jimmy Mckinney said after the big win in Trier that teams are afraid of your defense. How important was having teams share that feeling?

That is very important. It will be important to keep those high scoring teams below their scoring average which will give us a better chance of winning since we don´t score as much as other teams. We have to play good team defense, rebound well and limit their possessions.

How would you rate your own defensive play this season?

My performance this season at times has not been at the level that I want it at. I think that I have stepped up my game from the start of the season. I just try to get extra possessions with steals and doing the dirty work and getting extra rebounds.

Anton Gavel won best defensive player of the year. Are you a little disappointed that you didn´t win?

I think that losing so much at the start and having a bad record might have played a role. I think that I had a chance to get it, but he is a good player and he deserved it more than other good defensive players.

You are the energy and Devin Gibson is Mr cool. What do you like most about his defense?

He is always pressuring the ball and doesn´t get beat. He is very good on ball defense and gets steals. He is always so composed no matter what is happening.

Is there a better one two defense combo of Devin Gibson and Qúantez Robertson?

I don´t know, but I guess we are the best.

Who has been your toughest opponent this season?

There have been a few. Casey Jacobsen is that is a good offensive scorer and is good off the screen. He can also get to the rim well. Dashaun Wood is also tough, because he is quick on the pick and roll and has quick moves. Rickey Paulding can shoot and posts up well.

What is the most important thing that you have learned from coach Muli Katzurin?

I have learned from to always keep playing no matter what is happening. He also tells us to always attack the rim and shoot when we can and not to think about it, but just shoot.

Jacob Burtschi does it all on the court. What is something that you are still waiting for him to do on the court?

I haven´t seen him dunk or get a block yet. He does all the important little things and creates mismatches.

You play 40 minutes sometimes. Do you do extra fitness to be able to play so long?

Sometimes in practice, I don´t get a break so I am used to it. When I am on the floor in games, I just don´t pay attention to it, but just want to win.

A flaw in your game is your three point shooting. Do you think that you can still improve this?

This hasn´t been a good shooting year for me. I need to keep working on my shooting and form.

How important has Jimmy Mckinney been this season?

He has been great. He and Jermareo Davidson have done a lot on offense and if we didn´t have them wouldn´t have been in the position to win some games. When they get going, they get the whole team going and just make everyone else better. They are a big factor why we win games.

Jimmy Mckinney is playing his sixth season in Frankfurt. Could you imagine staying in Frankfurt that long?

I think I could. I like the organization and am close to the players including the Germans. If the team would like to keep me, then I would stay as long as they want me.

How does Jermareo Davidson make you laugh?

It isn´t that hard for him to do that. He is goofy on and off the court. He is very good at quoting well known movies and making it funny.

You have done many amazing plays, but what play is still missing form the Tez highlight reel?

Catching a ball at the rim and dunking over a few players.

What amazed you the most at the 2011 Beko BBL allstar slam dunk contest from winner Salu Benjamin Tadi?

It was amazing how he jumped over the mascots. I congratulate him on winning. He did some dunks that really blew the crowd and me away.

Salu Benjamin Tadi wanted to know how you are able to make jumping look so easy?

I started doing squats in college as well as lunges which I have continued to do now to help keep my athletic ability.

Who wins a 100 meter run, you or Devin Gibson?

I would win. I just know. I am faster.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Mission Impossible 4. I liked it and would watch it again.

Thanks Tez for the chat

Dashaun Wood is a 26 year old 185cm point guard from Detroit, Michigan that is playing his second season in Germany and first 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%. Last season, 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%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 75-67 win in game one of the playoffs.

Congrats on the 75-67 win against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg in game one. How difficult was it waiting eight days to play the first playoff game?

The wait was long and hard, but it gave us time as a team to be together. He went to the hotel of your president and did some team activities and tam building. This gave us a chance to practice hard and hang out together. It also gave us time to get rested up and heal some minor injuries. We prepared well for Wurzburg and it showed as we only had 10 turnovers which is very good when you play against a team like them.

It is no secret that Wurzburg play very hard. Did you learn something new in the trash talking language?

No I didn´t learn anything new.lol. This was the third time that we played them and they play physical each game and always play with a lot of intensity and have trash talking. That is how they play and it won´t change in this series. We have to make sure that we can match their energy in every game, because no team plays with as much energy as they do.

Alba Berlin had the comfortable 44-31 lead at halftime. What was key in the first half for having the lead?

The key was simply that we made shots, played good defense and had little turnovers.

The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg kept Alba Berlin to six points in the third quarter. What adjustments did they make to keep you at bay?

I didn´t see them make too many adjustments. We just missed many shots that we usually would have made. Marko Simonovic missed some wide open jumpers and we missed easy lay ups. But what was key was that we continued to play good defense. Even though our offense was working, we continued play good defense holding them to 16 points.

What was key in the fourth quarter for buckling down and getting the win at home?

It just came down to us not wanting to loose this game. In the playoffs it is so important to win that game one and have the opponent against the wall. I think that we just wanted to win it more and we just left it out on the court.

Does it help in general seeing a team like Wurzburg an added time in how you gear up for them?

I think that it is very important that we have them in the first round. Wurzburg sets a tempo and intensity level that no other team has in the league. If we can get by Wurzburg, then we already know what it takes to advance, because they never give up and fight until the end. This will help us a lot in the next rounds. Their physical play will help us get stronger for the next teams.

Many have said that Wurzburg plays dirty, but Jason Boone says that they just play very physical. How is your take on all of this?

I come from a city Detroit where the nick name is the bad boys and Wurzburg just plays hard and physical. I don´t think that they play dirty, but just give the maximum effort to win each game. When you play a team like that, you always have to be ready for them. It is like a boxing match when your fighting 12 rounds. If your not ready for the whole 12 rounds then they will get you.

How surprising was it for you to see Kyle Weaver and Torin Francis with more assists?

People still get caught up with my situation last year in Frankfurt where I had to do so much. This season it is different. We have so many different guys that can be top scorer, rebounder or assist guy. Weaver didn´t score much, but he did a lot on defense and got assists. When you have a team like Alba Berlin that has so many weapons, it always depends what weapon you will use.

Alba Berlin lost in Wurzburg this season. What will Alba Berlin need to do to steal a game and go home with the 2-0 lead?

In game two, our mental and physical focus will need to be at an all time high. They are very strong at home and have unbelievable fans. They won´t give up easy. We will have to play one of our best games of the season.

Mauricio Parra said after the win 8 more to go. Does the title aspirations grow each day for Alba Berlin?

It grows each day. You have to win nine games and now we are a step closer. Many players came to Alba Berlin to win a title and I think I may want to win the most.

Can the Artland Dragons come back and win the series against FC Bayern Munich?

Artland is a very good team and can beat any team on any given night, but then again Bayern Munich is unbeatable at home. It will be very hard for Artland to steal a game there. Artland does have the talent to do it and in the playoffs anything can happen.

Can the Telekom Baskets Bonn make another surprise against the Brose Baskets Bamberg?

Come on, you know me better than that. Bamberg is the champion. It doesn´t matter if they are down 1-0 or 2-1. Its playoffs and they are still the champions.

What is your prediction of Ulm-Braunschweig?

It is just one game. Next weekend it could be 1-1. I think this a series that will go 4-5 games.

Were you surprised that the Dallas Mavericks were swept by the Oklahoma Thunder?

I was very surprised. The Mavericks played very well in Oklahoma City that I thought they would come home and win. That just showed again how unpredictable the playoffs can be.

Thanks Dashaun for the chat.

Rich Melzer is a 32 year old 203cm forward/center from Minneapolis, Minnesota that is playing his first season for the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. He played at : Wisconsim-River Falls (NCAA3) from 2000-2004. In his 8 year professional basketball career, he has played in countries like New Zealand, France, Israel and Australia. He had his first tour of duty in Germany in the 2007-2008 season with Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (Germany-1.Bundesliga): ULEB Cup: 2 games: 5.5ppg, 2.0rpg; German League: 1 game: 11pts, 2reb, 1steal. In his rookie season, he took part at the Washington Wizards training camp. Last season he played for Hapoel Holon (Israel-Premier League, starting five): 30 games: 16.8ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 75.3%. He spoke to German Hoops before game one against ratiopharm Ulm.

How excited are you about starting the Beko BBL playoffs against ratiopharm Ulm. Is there anything better to do in May than play playoff basketball?

Its exactly where we wanted to be when the season started this year. In the playoffs, competing at the highest level of basketball in our region is what you work for for 9-10 months of the year. Its here now and its very exciting for all of us.

Braunschweig is coming off a loss against Alba Berlin. The Phantoms had a lot of injury problems this season and have lost Stephen Dennis, but now are pretty healthy. How good is the team currently physically and mentally?

Physically we’re probably as healthy as we’ve been since the beginning of the season. That game against Berlin may not have meant much but its burned a memory in my mind personally because I felt it was a game we could have easily won had everyone been on the same page. It would have been a great opportunity for us to beat a high-caliber team heading into the playoffs with additional confidence. But as I said before, its about togetherness, and when you get one or two guys who don’t completely and fully buy into the “selflessness” of it all nothing will get accomplished. I pray to god we can all be on board when the post-season begins Saturday.

The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig lost all three games this season. How big is the revenge factor in the team to get back at ratiopharm Ulm?

To this day, I think we all feel we should have at least won the game at home for certain, and yes, there is a bit of a revenge factor in there for us. However, we also have a match up with a team that we may not have beaten yet, but we are absolutely certain we can and will.

ratiopharm Ulm has a very strong roster and have been consistent all year long. Is controling John Bryant and Isaiah Swann 70% away from getting the win?

I think our bigs are significantly more mobile than theirs and we’re deeper in our bench in terms of guys who actually play regularly on our team. Hopefully, these are factors we’ll utilize to our advantage. Our guards are bigger and both I-Mac and L. Greer are exceptional post players for guards. Granted Bryant and Isaiah are the catalysts to their success, so stopping both of them on any night is a challenge in itself. I think making it very difficult for them everytime they step on the floor though however is something that is very possible and will take a team effort.

Is this the series where one could see the Beko BBL break through of guard Igor Milosevic?

Igor has played at levels higher than this before. Wheather he’s played significant minutes or not I don’t know but he’s familiar with stress and pressure. He’s also come a long way with our team in the last month even. He’s made really big strides to improve as a floor-general as of late and continues to make big plays under pressure here and make better decisions. The coaches see it obviously, our teammates see it clearly that its there for him to thrive, and he’s continuing to prove to all of us that he can continue to make good decisions when we need him to.

You got a first hand look how success comes playing for Chris Flemming with the Artland Dragons. Does head coach Sebastian Machowski have the extra gusto to lead this team to heroic moments?

You know, those two really have to many different approaches to the game to speak of. My memories with coach Flemming and the things I learned from him and Arnie during that season are things I’ve carried with me throughout my career and will certainly continue to do so. Mind you, I was injured most of that season so I had a different view to watch and observe how cerebral and informative his approach was to the game. There’s no curiosity why he’s had the success he has. Coach Sebastian as well has had success early in his career and I believe he will continue to do so. He gives his players the freedom and space to make things happen on the basketball court. I will say this as well, coach Machowski predicted many weeks ago we were going to win the games necessary to make the playoffs, and then go onto face Ulm in the first round. He said it with such certainty at that time that when it happened it made you realize that maybe as players we don’t facilitate things as much as we thought we did , lol. Its been a treat to play for him this season and I feel he really believes in us.

AMARE STOUDEMIRE injured his hand after a post game loss tirade. Are you surprised that this could happen to a player like him?

Not as surprised as I am saddened for him and the team and just disappointed. He’s one of my favorite players in the NBA. I love his charisma and athleticism and for that to happen to him is really not a good look for him and very unfortunate for the team. What can you do?

With Rajon Rondo missing a game and the team down 1-0, will the Boston Celtics soon have summer vacation?

I think they just lit a fire under Rondo that the Atlanta Hawks are going to later wish they hadn’t. You talk about Chris Paul, and Derron Williams and Derrick Rose, but to often Rondo gets overlooked. In my eyes he’s clearly the best PG in the league. I’d predict that when he comes back, he plays his best basketball of the season and the series goes to 7 games.

NBA commissioner David Stern suggests that this summers London Games may be the last Olympics that will see the league’s top stars. He has hinted future teams may only have under 23 players. Is this something that will hurt or benefit?

I don’t play in the NBA so I can say this and not worry about getting fined, But David Stern isn’t all there as of late. What about Turkey, France, Ukraine, Germany, and Spain and all the other top countries that want to put their best and most skilled veterans up against the states? We’re just going to throw our U-23 team in there and leave our veteran All-Stars home on the couch? I don’t think the players will go for that. They all want to compete against the best in the world just like everyone else. To do that would really hurt not only the game of basketball itself as an international sport but it would hurt the Olympics. David Stern should’ve been replaced around lock-out time. He’s not one of us.

Thanks Rich for the chat.

Jacob Burtschi is a 27 year old 198cm forward from Chickasha, Oklahoma who is playing his first season with the Fraport Skyliners. He completed his rookie season for Phoenix Hagen averaging 14.2ppg,6.9rpg,2.5apg,Steals3(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. He spoke to German Hoops after the 81-62 season ending loss in Bonn.

As you came to the Fraport Skyliners, the team started to have success. Now the season is over. How quickly has time flown by?

Time went fast in the last five months, but that is what happens when your playing basketball.

Was the do or die game loss in Bonn your toughest loss as a professional athlete?

Yes it was. There was a lot on the line in this game. Bonn wanted it more and this loss was a tough pill to swallow.

How much did the absence of Michael Thompson hurt the Fraport Skyliners?

It hurt a lot. It was tough for Devin Gibson to play so much. Bonn was playing with two point guards at a time and had the deeper rotation while Gibson was running on E. That was a lot to expect from him, but he did a solid job.

Was the first quarter to high of a tempo and scoring for your appetite?

We didn´t want Bonn to get going. At times we can score with the best of them, but we were unable to then and Bonn got going and then took over.

In the second quarter, The Telekom Baskets Bonn got going. What were the reasons for them breaking away?

They got two fast breaks in a row and Ensminger got going. Bonn also often got big plays at the end of the shot clock which really broke our back.

What did head Coach Muli Katzurin tell the team to do better in the third quarter?

We told us that we were only down by 12 and had been in that kind of situation in Berlin. The game was not out of reach and we had to cut down their fast breaks.

Muli Katzurin stated after the game that the team wasn´t at the same level as in the wins against Munich, Bamberg and Ulm. Would you agree with him?

Yes absolutely.

The Fraport Skyliners gave up 56 points in the paint. Why was the team unable to turn off their softness?

Ensminger plays very physical and he just whipped our butts. We were unable to force him baseline so the help could come and sometimes the help wasn´t even there and he just took advantage of it.

Is Chris Ensminger the best 38 year old player that you have ever seen?

He has to be. He has good competition with Jason Kidd that is still playing, but you really have to respect him for the way he can still perform at that age.

Before the Tuebingen loss, the Fraport Skyliners had given up 59 points per game in the last 10 before the loss, but since the loss 84 points. Was the team mentally tired?

I think we were tired at times, but we hadn´t been executing in the last two games. We can´t make the excuse that we were tired. There were two games to play and we had the chnace to put everything aside and win, but we didn´t.

What is yur fondest memories of the last five months that you were here?

The Bamberg win and all the ups and downs in the season. There aren´t many teams in this league that go from 3-9 to being 40 minutes away from the playoffs.

How does it make you feel when you hear someone say that you were a big reason for the turn around of the team?

It feels good, but in the end, it is a team effort. It doesn´t come down to one guy, but there are always five guys on the floor. I brought some special energy to the team.

Who was the most improved Skyliner?

Devin Gibson. It was impressive what he was able to do as a rookie.

How disappointed are you that Quantez Robertson didn´t get best defensive player?

I am disappointed, because Tez always brings energy and has to defend the other teams best player. However Anton Gavel is a great player, but for Tez to be mentioned in that crowd is a compliment.

What did you improve most on this season?

I improved most on defense. I don´t want to say to much coming from hagen where we didn´t defend much and am not like a Gavel or tez, but I feel good how I was able play against some big athletic players making it hard for them boxing them out or playing them in the post.

Who was your best opponent this season?

It is tough defending PJ Tucker.

In Trier you were diving for many loose balls. Would you dive into the third row for a ball?

Yes I would.

What are the chances that you will return to the Fraport Skyliners?

I think the chances could be good. We will stay in contact.

How confident were you that your ex team Phoenix Hagen would stay in the Beko BBL?

Since the game was at home, I was confident that they would win with the game on the line.

You said in the last interview that if you and German national player Johannes Herber were stuck in the wilderness that you would hunt while Herber built the house. If Herber was absent and Jermareo Davidson was there, what would he do?

We would be in trouble. He would have no idea what to do in the wilderness.

Do you see any upsets in the NBA playoffs and who will win?

I don´t see any upsets happening. I would like to see the Thunder beat the Heat, but the number one team to beat are the San Antonio Spurs.

What are your summer plans?

Spend time with family and take a month off. Then I will start preparing for next season.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The good sell with Jeremy Piven.

Thanks Jake for the chat.