Augie Johnston is a 25 year old 185cm guard from Atascadero, Calfornia. He played at Cal.St.-Monterey (NCAA2) and his infinite range has proven he was one of the best shooters in the country. Although he is a prolific shooter, it is his overall ability to score the basketball and defend the opponent’s best player that is so impressive. He is one of the most professional and hard working players. As a captain at Cal State Monterey Bay he has shown to have all the leadership qualities you would want in a point guard or shooting guard. He started his professional basketball career in 2009-2010 for Velbert Baskets (Germany-2.Regionalliga), playing 9 games: 28.4ppg. Last season, he played for SpVgg Rattelsdorf Independents (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 25 games: 29.8ppg . This season, he is playing for SC Rist Wedel and helped bring the team into the playoffs against Nordlingen.This season in the PRO B he is averaging 16,3ppg, 4,2rpg and 4,0apg in 24 games. He spoke to German Hoops about the current season.

SC Rist Wedel is meeting the Nordlingen Giants in the playoffs. How excited are you about this challenge?

I’m very excited because I feel we have a team good enough to beat anyone in the ProB and this will be a good test for us to see if we can put all the hard work together and get a couple wins and move to the second round.

SC Rist Wedel closed out the season with a 3 game winning streak. How ready is the team for the playoffs?

We are more ready than ever before. Everyone is healthy on the team right now and we have added Patrick Wischnewski a little more than half way through the season to the roster and he has really helped us and now our chemistry with him on the floor is clicking very well.

SC Rist Wedel go in as the underdog. Is this a position the team feels comfortable with having nothing to lose? What will be key in winning this series?

We always have something to lose because we want to win of course, but I’m sure the pressure is much greater for Nordlingen. I think the key for us to winning the game is to limit the role players production on their team. They have two very good Americans and we can’t expect to completely shut them down, but if we can keep them under their season averages and then limit the rest of the players on their team we will have a good chance to win. On the offensive end we need to get out and run and look for our inside players in the half court.

How excited are you about playing against one of the top players in the league Jason Jamerson?

I always look forward to a challenge and if we can take away his 3 point shooting that will be huge for us since most players have difficulty finishing inside against us due to our size, but anytime you play against a player like Jason it pumps you up to another level.

SC Rist Wedel have some guys that can really put up points on the board. Which player will be key on defense in getting the club started?

Yeah we have many different weapons on offense and defense. We have two players that really stand out on the defensive end. One is a young “up and comer” in Kay Gausa and the other is a seasoned vet in Mac Davis. Practice is always a battle for me going against these two and I have alot of confidence in their defense against any player in this league.

You played in the Regionaliga the last two seasons averaging nearly 30ppg last season for SpVgg Rattelsdorf Independents. The move to the PRO B hasn´t effected your play. Is the next step the PRO A?

I would be honored to play in the ProA next season, and that is the next goal for my career, but as long as I am playing basketball I will be happy and no matter where I end up next season I hope to win as many games as possible and help in any way I can.

Ismet Akpinar belongs to the biggest German basketball talents from the year 1995. How have you helped his game best?

What have I helped him with? Or what has he helped me with, haha? Really though Ismet is like no other player I have ever seen before at his age. He is very self critical and so I always try to remind him that he is still young and will make mistakes but to keep playing aggressive. Most players his age and with his talent level are not easy to coach because they think they know it all, but Ismet is the total opposite. He is always looking for ways to improve and never talks back to our coach or other players, and this alone is going to take him far.

Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA2 that might be in the NBA or in Europe now?

Someone that comes to mind that many Germans might know is Kevin Johnson who played for LTi Giessen 46ers two years ago and averaged 9 and 7 for them.

What are your early 2012 March Madness Final 4 picks?
Kentucky, Duke, Marquette, and Michigan St.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I actually just watched American Gangster. I’m a huge Denzel Washington fan.

Thanks Augie for the chat.

Brad Buckman is a 28year old 203cm power forward from Austin, Texas playing in Turkey currently for Tofas Bursa. He played at Texas (NCAA) from 2002-2006 with current NBA player TJ Ford and ex NBA player PJ Tucker. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 9.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 76.6%. In 2006, he was drafted by the Drafted by Albany Patroons (CBA,1rd(9). In 2006-2007, he played for the Austin Toros (D-League): 42 games: 6.6ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 38%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 71.2%. In 2007-2008, he played for Univ Mobitelco Cluj Napoca (Romania-Div.A, starting five): 5 games: 16.0ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.4apg, Blocks-1(2.6bpg). In 2008-2009, he played for Keravnos Strovolou (Cyprus-Division A): EuroChallenge: 4 games: 4.8ppg, 3.8rpg; Cypriot League: 9.2ppg, 4.5rpg, left team in Dec.’08, in Jan.’09 moved to Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Israel-Premier League): 16 games: 7.3ppg, 4.6rpg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 51.9%. In 2009-2010, he played for Kepez Bld Antalya (Turkey-TBL, starting five): 25 games: 10.3ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 68.8%. Last season he played for Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt German League: 6 games: 8.3ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 56.0%; parted ways in Oct.’10, in Jan.’11 moved to Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye (Turkey-TBL): 13 games: 19.6ppg, 9.0rpg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 45.2%, FT: 78.7% Some achievements in his basketball career have been, NCAA Final Four -03, Big 12 Conf. All-Freshman Team -03, Big 12 Regular Season Finalist -03, 04, Big 12 Tournament Finalist -04, 06, NCAA Sweet 16 -04, NABC All-NCAA District 9 2nd Team -05, All-Big 12 2nd Team -05, Big 12 Regular Season Champion -06, All-Big 12 3rd Team -06, NCAA Sweet 8 -06, Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 2nd Team -08, Romanian League Finalist -08, and Israeli Premier League Semifinals -09. He spoke to German Hopps about basket in Germany.

You are playing your third season in Turkey and first for Tofas Bursa. The team is fighting for the playoffs, but has been struggling of late. What has been the main problems for the team?

We had lost four games in a row before the last win against Olin Erdirne. We have had injuries and we brought in a new point guard and we are trying to figure each other out.

What does the team have to do better in order to reach the playoffs?

We have to play together more.

The team brought in Taurean Green recently. How does he make the team better?

He is a great player that can shoot well despite being a pass first guard. He expands the offense and has done a great job so far. I think that he will be a big help.

You are currently leading the team in scoring. Is this a task that you got at the start of the season or something that came during the season?

I was top scorer last season for Antalya averaging 20ppg. I really figured myself out last season and came into this season with that mentality of being able to score with my inside/out game. My coach really has let me play my game and my teammates have been super as well.

You played for Antalya the last two seasons and now your in Bursa. How are the places different?

Antalya was on the beach and the weather was great. The climate is totally different in Bursa. It is more snowy here and a famous mountain. Russians like to come here to ski. I like Bursa and the fans are great.

Could one almost say that Turkey is your second home? Could you play here for many more years?

Who knows. Turkey has been great for me and the people treat very well here. The people are big fans of sport in general and the league has improved each season that I have been here. I will have to see what my best option is this summer.

Tofas Bursa has four Americans, two Croatians and the rest are Turks. Which non American has impressed you the most this season?

Every player has done a great job this season. There seems to always be another guy stepping up in each game. We just have great chemistry. The two Croatians are real nice guys.

The most exciting of the season was the 97-96 win against Efes Pilsen where you played against NBA players Sasha Vujacic and Ersan Illyasova. What memories do you have from that game?

You always get up against atop team. We had been down coming into the game losing some unnecessary games but we came to play. It was a battle form start to end and the fans were so excited at the end.

Did you play more against Estaban Batista or Illyasova?

I played against both on the pick and roll and there was a lot of switching going on.

How tough was it playing against Illyasova? You held your own with 23 points and nine rebounds while he had 19 points and 10 rebounds.

He is very tough, because he is so talented. He plays great inside and out and there is a reason why he is in the NBA. I enjoyed playing against him.

Who was the toughest player that you played against in Turkey this season?

There have been many tough players. Each team has a few tough guys. Vujacic was tough.

What was your fondest memory playing for the Deutsche Bank Skyliners?

Just being able to play for that organization was great. We all got along well. It was a great experience and the fans were great.

How tough was it accepting the decision that the team picked Joe Dabbert over you?

It was tough. I really wanted to stay. I liked my teammates and the coach. I felt like I had a good game to stay, but I have no hard feelings. They had to do what they had to do. In the end all turned out well as I went to Antalya and reached the playoffs as did they.

Who was the toughest opponent that you played against in Germany.

Bamberg. It I cool that my buddy PJ Tucker plays there now.

Did you feel a lot of pressure having to perform for Antalya after coming form Frankfurt last season?

A fire was lit inside me after Frankfurt let me go. When you loose a job, you wonder if you will get another. I went to Antalya thinking it could be my last job. I really wanted to prove myself and it all worked out as I played well and we reached the playoffs.

You played at Texas(NCAA) form 2002-2006 and left before Kevin Durant came. Will he be the bets player on the planet in three years?

He is an amazing player. He is so talented who knows how good he can really get. He will be remembered for ages.

You played together with TJ Ford at Texas. Did you know that he would become such a good NBA player when you played with him in the NCAA?

I knew he would be good. He was the best point guard that I ever played together with. You cant believe how fats he is until you see him. He is smart and can find the open man so well. H eled Texas to the Final 4. He made a world of a difference my first year.

He isn´t playing so much with the Spurs, but making 8,5 million a year. Is he worth that?

He is worth every penny. It is rare to find a guy as quick and as smart as him.

What is your fondest memory with ex NBA player PJ Tucker at Texas(NCAA)

We are really good friends. We always hung out together. I still talk to him today. Just the time with him are my fondest memories.

Who are your early 2012 NCAA Final 4 picks?

Duke, Michigan State, Syracuse and I have to go with my school Texas even if I don´t know if they will make the tournament.

Have you jumped on the Linsanity train?

It is hard keeping track not being able to see the games, but it is amazing how far he is come after being off the radar for his whole career and then showing the world what he can do. He has given the best example of not giving up and what can happen.

What is your favorite Turkish dish?

It is a special dish in Bursa called Iskender which is beef on bread with yogurt and tomato sauce.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Star Trek.

Thanks Brad for the chat.

Chris Oliver is a 26 year old 198cm forward that is playing his first season with SIG Strassburg. He is a athletic forward that has great hands, the versatility to play inside and outside, with three-point range on his jump shot, and has tremendous poise and maturity. He played at Radford from 2003-2007 and in his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 18.8ppg, 8.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.9spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 48.7%, 3Pts: 25.8%, FT: 74.8%. He came to Germany in 2007-2008 and played for the Kaiserslautern Braves of the PRO A playing 30 games: Score-2(20.5ppg), Reb-5(9.0rpg), 1.2apg, 1.3spg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 56%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 79.6%.In 2008-2009 in Goettingen, he averaged 10.6ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 75.5% in 34 games. In 2009-2010, he won the Eurochallenge and played ): EuroChallenge: 13 games: 11.5ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 77.1%; German League: 35 games: 14.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 80.9%. Last season, he played for The Walter Tigers Tuebingen playing 34 games: 13.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 21.9%, FT: 78.9%. He spoke to German Hoops about life in France.

You are playing your first season in France with SIG Strassburg after having played four seasons in Germany. How are you getting used to the French league?

The French league is more athletic and fast paced and have more possessions. It is not as physical. I like the league.

Does the France PRO A suit your game more?

Yes I think it does. All on the floor are more athletic and you see that with the some NBA players and guys from the French national team in the league.

What is your role in the team of SIG Strassburg?

My role has changed since Justin Harper and Lavoy Allen who got drafted by the NBA left the team to join the NBA. Before I played more the two/three position, but now I play more the three position. I have to do more now with scoring, rebounding and defending.

How happy are you with your play so far in the France PRO A?

It has been ok. I am not playing as much minutes as I have been used to in Germany. I still think that I can pick up my game on offense and defense and I have to rebound much more now.

You have the France national coach as coach at SIG Strassburg. What was is the most important thing that you have learned from him?

Coach has helped me on defense especially on down screens. I have played more the two early in the season so he helped me a lot on how to defend guys coming off a screen. He also has helped me a lot on my jump shot.

You played against NBA superstar Tony Parker and Asvell losing 80-74. Parker had 23 points, eight assists and five rebounds. What kind of an experience was that for you?

What more can I say about Tony Parker except that he is a great player. He really can play the game. If you double team him, he still finds the open man and on one on one situations he is hard to defend. He is one of the best players that I have played against.

Did you speak to him before or after the game?

I spoke to him a little after the game. He is very down to earth.

What is a strength in the game of SIG Strassburg?

We play team basketball. Coach doesn´t like one on one play. He likes to have the whole team involved always. It has been different to what I have been used to, but its effective. I have had no problem adjusting my game to his style.

How have you experienced the development of 2011 NBA draft picks Justin Harper and Lavoy Allen?

Both guys are very skillful. I think that both could have nice careers in the NBA. Harper can shoot out the lights. He has developed very well becoming more of a physical defender and it has been a big change from the first day. Allen can defend, shoot and is one of the best rebounders that I have ever played against.

Is Kevin Anderson really 1.82cm? How is he different from point guards like Bana Ratkovica and Kyle Bailey?

Anderson is probably 2 inches shorter. He is similar to Bailey in that he is a scoring point guard. Ratkovica was bigger and was more of a passing point guard.

Who is the best opponent that you have played against and the best at your position?

The best player was Tony Parker. At my position the toughest guys I had to play against were John Holland from Roanne and John Cox from Le Havre.

What do you miss from Germany?

I miss playing in the Beko BBL. I miss the people and how easy it was to communicate since most knew English. I also miss the food. Germany really spoiled me.

Strassburg is on the German boarder. You can visit Germany often.

Yes I have been to Germany a few times. I was at the US army base in Heidelberg recently.

Have you been following your ex team Walter Tigers Tuebingen? They are a young team and are slowly finding their rhythm.

I am happy to see that they have picked up their game. I am happy for the team and coach Igor Perovic. I hope that they continue to improve and gain experience.

Your ex team BG Goettingen is struggling. Have you spoken to Kyle Bailey about their misfortune?

I haven´t had much chance to talk to him. I spoke to Louis Dale before the season started. They are dealing with a lot right now. I wish the organization and coach Michael Meeks the best.

Who wins a one on one, you or Ricardo Greer?

He is a bit shorter than me. We don´t really get a chance to play one on one. He is more of a physical banger and I like to go by people. I think we even it out.

Have you spoken to ex teammate Kenny Wiliams?

No I haven´t talked to him since last summer.

What did you miss the most from the NBA during the lockout?

I just missed watching the games. It always gave me something to do.

What was the last DVD movie that you watched?

The Smurfs and Our idiot brother a comedy. It was pretty good.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

In theBeko BBL, you can experience loud arenas and then again you can witness bedlam atmospheres as well. Giessen or Artland can be very hostle places to play especially when Toby the dragon is roaming the sidelines looking to scare an unknown face and the Stechert arena in Bamberg is known to be the loudest place to play in the Beko BBL. However the Oberfranken arena in Bayreuth may not be the biggest, but the noise volume that is generated there can be as annoying for opponents as it is for NBA teams to currently face the killer scoring instinct of New York Knick Jeremy Lin, David Holston getting punished for an untimely turnover and having to guard big ratiopharm Ulm center John Byrant or New England Patriots having to survive another off season with the New York Giants fans heckling them about a second Super Bowl loss to them. For ex Skyliner Dashaun Wood, the Oberfranken halle remains an unfriendly place as he has lost both times in a Skyliner jersey despite pouring in 29 points last season and recently with Alba Berlin, but the Fraport Skyliners wanted revenge for the loss last year as well as for their loss in Frankfurt in December as they showed a superb performance blasting BBC Bayreuth 90-57 and playing as if an announcement had come before the game that Kevin Durant had arrived for an autograph signing outside the Oberfranken arena and everyone departed to see the NBA superstar legend, because Frankfurt played as if nobody was in the arena blocking out any Bayreuth fan distractions making it look so easy. “The atmosphere here is amazing and that we were able to block out the atmosphere was great. We were able to play our game and stay calm for 40 minutes despite the noise. It may have looked easy, but it was still hard to win here”, warned Skyliner captain Marius Nolte. For BBC Bayreuth, they have only a 6-6 record at home and seem unable to use the fans as a sixth man. “When you start 0-8 and are behind in double digits after 3-4 minutes, you take the crowd out of the game. We were unable to give the crowd a chance for getting going with this loss”, stated BBC Bayreuth guard Kevin Hamilton. This was the second time that Jacob Burtschi played in Bayreuth and continued to be impressed by the atmosphere. “Our start was the big difference and we were able to take crowd out of game. For every run they had, we always had an answer. BBC Bayreuth have faithful fans, even when they were down by 25, the fans were loud”, commented ex Phoenix Hagen forward Jacob Burtschi.

After the big 68-49 win last weekend against FC Bayern Munich, the Fraport Skyliners were able to continue their strong play with their second win in a row and started another winning streak on the road after the bitter loss in Bremerhaven 10 days ago. This was a game where not only the defense was superb like it had been for the last months, but also the offense was strong as the team was able to give a top performance for 40 minutes and never let BBC Bayreuth get into the game. “Key for Frankfurt was their fast start. Their strong offense got the defense of BBC Bayreuth out of rhythm and the team had no answer the rest of the way. Frankfurt played with a lot of intensity on offense and defense and BBC Bayreuth were unable to stay with them”, stressed ex Science city American Sean Mccaw. Since the 79-71 win in Frankfurt where the team was riding a high after new coach Marco Van Den Berg had sparked them to some wins, the club has struggling with only a 3-8 record and have lost five of their last six games and their playoff aspirations seem to be dwindling each day. BBC Bayreuth was unlucky that they witnessed a very hot shooting performance by the Fraport Skyliners. “Frankfurt is very much a different team from the first time we played them in Frankfurt. They have really come together as a team and play a lot better defense. Their strong defense and hitting their shots really hurt us today”, expressed 2010 Dutch top scorer Danny Gibson.

The Fraport Skyliners arrived in the Oberfranken halle in Bayreuth for a rare Saturday afternoon basketball matinee and 3,308 fans packed the arena and quickly made their living room feel like a place where they could of ordered some ear plugs from the nearest drug store, but the gang of Muli Katzurin didn´t let the belligerent atmosphere hinder their play as they jumped on BBC Bayreuth right away going on a 8-0 run. Frankfurt was without Justin Gray and BBC Bayreuth was weakened as they didn´t have the services of Americans Kevin Hamilton and Tyler Smith and German Stefan Schmidt. For Brose Baskets Bamberg head coach Chris Fleming taking an afternoon off seems to be something you can´t do when you are pursuing the triple and despite their next game against Giessen was the next day, the 2008 cup winner with the Artland Dragons and Bamberg manager Wolfgang Heyder scouted the game for their encounter next weekend in Frankfurt. Tim Ohlbrecht started the run with a pretty left hand lay in past ex NBA player Brandon Hunter who soon was dinner for various Skyliners on defense. Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi tested his 29% parking lot shooting percentage with a three pointer and followed that up with a lay in and free throw. The Fraport Skyliners quickly found their rhythm showing BBC Bayreuth who was king in their living room supplying rapid pressure on offense and defense controlling the game and having the momentum. After young German Tom Spoler followed up his own miss with a lay in, the Fraport Skyliners offense continued to clicking on all cylinders on offense as Michael Thompson found his touch from outside, Ohlbrecht connected over Hunter again and Jimmy Mckinney dropped his first three pointer of the contest as Frankfurt led 16-5. BBC Bayreuth got a bucket from ex Bamberg American Beckham Wyrick and got to the free throw line, but Frankfurt continued to score any which way as Quantez Robertson snuck inside and Devin Gibson hit a contested three pointer from the top of the key as Frankfurt led 21-13. After Canadian Osvaldo Jeanty cut the Frankfurt lead to 25-17, Muli Katzurin continued to gaze down his bench and inserted ex NBA player Jermareo Davidson who quickly found his touch making a beautiful fade away jumper over Brandon Hunter and dunking home a beautiful Gibson pass who had escaped losing the ball and somehow found the big man inside with one second to play in the first quarter as the Fraport Skyliners led 29-21. “Frankfurt was clearly better as they had very high shooting percentages and rebounded very well”, stressed Brose Baskets Bamberg manager Wolfgang Heyder.

In the second quarter, The Fraport Skyliners continued where they left off in the first quarter with an aggressive offense that just didn´t want to miss as they went on a 12-1 run to extend their lead to 41-22. Jimmy Mckinney and Jacob Burtschi hit back to back three pointers, Jermareo Davidson burned ex Boston Celtic Brandon Hunter another time with a fade away jumper and got a pat on his butt from Muli Katzurin as he was running back to get on defense, German national player Johannes Herber hit in the zone with a difficult fade away jumper and Gibson stole the ball from Gibson and fed Burtschi who gave Robertson a quick no look pass as the American scored inside. After a Tom Spoler floater, Frankfurt countered back with a Herber three pointer and another Davidson fade away jumper as Frankfurt led 47-27. Estonian guard Rain Veideman tried to give the team some energy with a thunderous two handed dunk, but Thompson stopped any kind of BBC Bayreuth run to continue as he hit back to back shots as Frankfurt continued to stay in control doing what they wanted on offense leading 52-29. Skyliner captain Marius Nolte then scored inside getting a nifty back door pass from Herber as scored on a layup. The Fraport Skyliners led 55-32 at halftime. “The bottom line at half time wasn´t how much Frankfurt had given up, but the point difference. BBC Bayreuth may have came back in Giessen last weekend, but to do the same against avery strong Frankfurt team would have been very difficult”, stressed Bamberg head coach Chris Fleming. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting a whopping 72% from the field and from the three point line while BBC Bayreuth was shooting 50% from the field and 17% from the three point line. Frankfurt led the rebounding duel 12-9 and had only three turnovers while BBC Bayreuth had eight turnovers.

Muli Katzurin was surely aware of the capability that BBC Bayreuth showed last weekend in Giessen scoring 63 points in the second half and getting the win, but BBC Bayreuth wasn´t able to transform the words of head coach Marco Van Den Berg into cutting down the lead of Frankfurt. “Coach told us to keep fighting and try to cut lead down to 10 or less, so we could have a chance in the fourth quarter”, added Danny Gibson. “Coach had warned us about the Braunschweig game where they came from 20 back. That experience helped us in the second half as we never let them get the run they needed”, expressed Jacob Burtschi. The Fraport Skyliners continued their offensive rampage starting the third quarter going on a 7-2 run to extend their lead to 62-34 and dashing the hopes of BBC Bayreuth more quickly about ever turning the game around to their fortune. In this run, Jimmy Mckinney who was hot spun in the zone and finished with a pull up jumper, Burtschi nailed another three pointer and Davidson hit a mid distance jumper. After Hunter and Thompson traded buckets, BBC Bayreuth was trailing 65-36. However BBC Bayreuth went on a 9-1 run to close out the third quarter, but still trailed 67-45. It is never easy to be fully concentrated for 40 minutes, but even harder when you are leading by 29 points. In this run, Frankfurt missed some shots and also an easy Robertson tip in while BBC Bayreuth was grinding away at the mammoth Frankfurt lead. Ibekwe and Wyrick hit some free throws while Brandon Hunter hit his trade mark mid distance jumper. It was getting more evident that BBC Bayreuth simply had too little time left and were running out of energy. “We got hit so early that we couldn´t rebound and find the momentum. Whenever we made a dunk or play, Frankfurt had an answer not letting us get closer”, commented ex Phantom Kevin Hamilton.

In the fourth quarter, the Fraport Skyliners held their own stepped up their offense again while BBC Bayreuth were unable to get any kind of notable run on offense scoring only a meager 12 points. The Fraport Skyliners jumped on BBC Bayreuth again like they had in every quarter going on a 7-2 run to lead 75-47. Frankfurt outscored BBC Bayreuth 35-5 combined in their four runs to start each quarter. In the fourth quarter 7-2 run, Frankfurt got support with a Mckinney lay in with one second on the shot clock, an open three pointer from Thompson, Nolte lay in and free throw. Even after a Veideman three pointer, Frankfurt always had answer as Mckinney silenced the Oberfranken halle with a three point bomb as Frankfurt led 78-50. Frankfurt then went on a 6-0 run to have their biggest lead of the game 84-50. Frankfurt got busy getting to the free throw line as Mckinney,Gibson and Robertson connected. Veideman then made the play of the game stealing the ball from Gibson at mid court and going to the basket and finishing with a thunderous two handed slam, but it was too little too late as BBC Bayreuth still trailed 84-53. Frankfurt got a Mckinney catch and pop jumper and Nolte lay in after getting a bullet pass from Gibson from the bass line and ex Skyliner Maksym Shtein scored twice to end the game. “We got phenomenal defense today and our offense was great. We had great ball movement and we were knocking down our shots”, expressed Jacob Burtschi. “We weren´t hitting our shots and we were unable to pick up our defense”, stressed ex Nordlingen Giant Danny Gibson.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Jimmy Mcinney with 22 points. Jacob Burtschi and Michael Thompson chipped in with 14 points a piece. “It felt good having my shot again. I hope I can keep my confidence and my shot continues to fall in practice and in the next games”, stressed Jacob Burtschi. Jermareo Davidson contributed 12 points. BBC Bayreuth was led by Brandon Hunter with 12 points. The Fraport Skyliners finished the game with an astounding 57% from the field and 62% from the parking lot while BBC Bayreuth shot 41% from the field and 23% from the parking lot. Frankfurt won the rebounding battle 25-24, but the stat of the game was the incredible five turnovers that the Skyliners produced while BBC Bayreuth had 16 turnovers. Despite the potent offense, the big Skyliner weapon continues to be their defense. “Our pick and role defense was good and we really did a good job on Gibson and Jeanty. We showed a lot of hustle and effort on defense which sparked our offense”, warned Jacob Burtschi. “Frankfurt really have good personal on defense. They all work well together and have big bodies. Their instinct is to play together”, commented Kevin Hamilton. The Fraport Skyliners host the Brose Baskets BambergMarch 4^th.

Jermareo Davidson is a 27 year old 208cm forward from Atlanta, Georgia that is playing his first season for the Fraport Skyliners. He started his basketball career for Alabama(NCAA) and played there from 2003-2007 reaching the NCAA Elite 8 in 2004. He got drafted by the Golden State Warriors (NBA,2rd(36) in 2007 and was traded to Charlotte Hornets. In the 2007-2008 season, he played for the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA): 38 games: 3.2ppg, 1.6rpg, FGP: 40.8%, FT: 64.3%, in Jan.’08 was assigned to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 6 games: 18.0ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.3spg, 1.0bpg, FGP. In 2008-2009, he played for the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA): 38 games: 3.2ppg, 1.6rpg, FGP: 40.8%, FT: 64.3%, in Jan.’08 was assigned to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 6 games: 18.0ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.3spg, 1.0bpg, FGP. In 2009-2010, he played for the Golden State Warriors (NBA), only pre-season, then moved to Darussafaka C.Tires Istanbul (Turkey-TBL): 27 games: 15.9ppg, Reb-1(10.7rpg), 1.0spg, Blocks-2(1.3bpg), FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 62.8%. Last season, he played for Krasnie Krilya Samara (Russia-PBL): Russian League: 7 games: 4.6ppg, 4.0rpg; EuroCup: 4 games: 9.8ppg, 4.3rpg, left in Dec.’10, same month moved to Idaho Stampede (D-League): 30 games: 15.3ppg, Reb-3(10.1rpg), 1.5bpg, FGP: 52.2%, FT: 75.9%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Congrats on a well deserved 68-49 win against FC Bayern Munich. The name FC Bayern Munich is rich in tradition like the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Lakers or Green Bay Packers. Were you aware how well known this team is?

They were a tough team. The coaching staff tell before every game something about the next opponent, but coming into the game, I had no idea how much tradition the club has.

How tough was it coming off the bitter loss in Bremerhaven and coming back focused to beat FC Bayern Munich?

I didn´t play in Bremerhaven staying home rehabbing. But the team played hard and just couldn´t come home with a win.

Jared Newson said during the game that it was smart of you to take your jumper instead of battling Jared Homan inside. Was that your goal?

I will face up against anyone in the league. I use my quickness and shooting which is my game. I am not a banger and just don´t need to do that inside.

One of the key Skyliners in the win was Devin Gibson. How mature is he already as a rookie?

I love the game of Gibson. He comes off the bench and knows how to control the game and make it fast paced. He does a good job finding the open guy and is very mature. We love to run with him on offense.

You are playing your first season for the Fraport Skyliners. How do you like Frankfurt?

I love Frankfurt. It is an awesome city and the fans support us well.

How difficult was it being injured for so long at the start of the season? Who helped you mentally get through this time?

Nobody helped me. Just sitting so long gave me enough motivation to work hard and come back. My teammates felt my pain, but just sitting out hurt enough.

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

My passing ability and ball handling. I was a point guard until ninth grade.

How is your relationship with head coach Muli Katzurin? How do you make him laugh?

I am still trying to figure him out. It is sometimes hard to read him. He isn´t an angry man. Maybe he doesn´t understand me, but I always try to be serious around him.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Tim Ohlbrecht?

Me every time and you can highlight it.

You are from Atlanta, Georgia. What was your childhood like?

It was a pretty normal childhood. I had a single mother, sister and brother. My mom got me to playing basketball very early. I was always hanging out in the gym.

Who were your NBA idols as a kid?

Before I started to grow, I was a point guard/shooting guard and liked the game of Allen Iverson and his ball handling. When I started to grow, I liked Kevin Garnett and I would always watch the big men seeing how they shoot the ball, handle the ball and play with their back to the wall.

You played together with Demetrius Jemison at Alabama. Can he make the step to the next level?

Yes he can. I always watch him in practice. He is a dominating small big man. He is a talented shooter especially from 15 feet out. He can handle the ball well and knows how to use his body to finish.

You played together with Cavs Alonzo Gee at Alabama. What is your fondest memory with him at Alabama?

He was like my younger brother. When he came to Alabama, he quickly attached himself to me. He was a silly guy that liked to dance in practice. We both were silly and at times had no idea what we were laughing at.

Alabama is known as a football school. Was it hard getting respect as a basketball player?

When there were football games, the city closed down. There wasn´t really a bad difference between the football and basketball programs.

You had a very strong senior year averaging 14,0ppg, 8,2rpg, 1,5apg and 2,3rpg. Were you or were not surprised that you got drafted by the NBA?

I had that natural nervousness with the draft, because you never know what can happen since it is a tricky procedure. I expected to be drafted, but even if I hadn´t been drafted, I am sure that I would of landed on some NBA roster. I worked hard in my time at Alabama and deserved to be drafted.

Is the NBA still your goal?

Yes it is still the route that I want to go. I love the NBA game and want to get back. I do love to play overseas, but I will continue to try to get back to the NBA each summer.

Who was your most difficult opponent in the NBA?

Pau Gasol gave me problems. He is a very good player. His shots often didn´t seem like they would go in, but they always did. I also had a hard time with Chris Bosh.

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

25.

What was your most crazy shot in your career?

A half court shot in college.

With what rap star would you like to make a song with?

Jay Z.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Meet the Zohan with Adam Sandler.

Thanks Jermareo for the chat.

Kevin Hamilton is a 27 year old 193cm guard from Queens Village, New York that is playing his first season for BBC Bayreuth. He played at Holy Cross from 2002-2006 and played together with ex Skyliner Keith Simmons. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 17.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.5apg, 3.3spg, FG: 38.1%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 77.7%. In his rookie season 2006-2007, he came to Europe and played in Poland for Polpak Swiecie playing 19 games and averaging 13.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2(2.3spg), 2FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 64.2%. In 2007-2008, he played in France for Besancon Basket Comte Doubs (France-ProB) playing 2 games and averaging 6.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg. He also had a short tenure in Mexico with Pioneros de Quintana Roo-Cancun. In 2008-2009, he returned back to Poland to play for SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg playing 32 games averaging 11.0ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-1(6.4apg), Steals-1(2.8spg), FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 66.5%. He was not lazy in the last three summers staying in game shape and playing in Puerto Rico playing 90 games. In tue summer of 2009, he played for Indios de Mayaguez playing  35 games and averaging 10.5ppg, 4.7rpg, Assists-3(6.3apg), Steals-2(1.7spg), FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 70.6%. His father was a draft pick of The Boston Celtics in 1980. In 2009-2010, he played his first season in Braunschweig playing 39 games: 10.1ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-3(5.4apg), Steals-2(1.9spg), FGP: 63.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 77.6%. In 2010-2011 for Braunschweig, he averaged 9,oppg, 4,1rpg and 4,3apg. Last summer, he played in Puerto Rico for Indios de Mayaguez (Puerto Rico-BSN) averaging 10,6ppg, 4,4rpg and 8,0apg. He spoke to German Hoops about his season with BBC Bayreuth recently.

Kevin you have been injured for a long time. Have you ever had such a bad injury like this in your career?

No this had been my most major injury in m ycareer and it is very rough.

What have you missed the most about basketball during your injury?

That is tough to answer since I have missed so much, but I have missed when the lights go off before a game right before the game is going to start. I miss also being on the court and competiting.

How do you help your teammates the most during your injury? Are you like an extra assistant coach?

You could say that I am like that. I just try to help the young players and help the players wth things that I see on the court. I just try to be  a good teammate and help cheer on the team.

BBC Bayreuth lost the first four games. What were the reasons for the slow start?

You can´t make excuses, you have to be prepared for every game in the Beko BBL: Many players came right before the start of the season and it ha staken time with chemistry.

Andreas Wagner was let go early as coach. Didn´t it fit well between the coach and the players? Stefan Schmidt said an interview that it felt like for him after a two hour practice that he didn´t get better.

I don´t think that the bad start had to do with his coaching philosophy. We just didn´t start well and this is a business and the club felt that it needed to make a change. Of course that isn´t good if a player feels that, but every player is different and I cant speak for Stefan Schmidt.

Since new coach Marc Van Den Berg has come in the team is playing excellent basketball. What have been the reasons for this?

The new coach has  a new system and each player has followed his system. The addition of Danny Gibson has helped as he is a true floor general and many guys have stepped up in my absence.

What is the strength of Marco van den Berg?

He is a very intelligent man and that is something I picked up on in my first conversation with him. He is really well informed with basketball. He is sort of like Gordon Herbert in that he knows how to get the best out of each player. He has a personal relationship with each player and you really feel that he wants to make you better.

BBC Bayreuth also has defended a lot better. It has knocked down the points per game from 83 to 66. What has changed with the new coach?

Our defensive intensity is a lot better and each guy knows where to be on the court. No matter what the situation is on the court, each player always puts in the effort.

You played against Bobby Brown early in the season. What do you like most about his game?

I like his confidence and also his shooting and scoring ability. His great confidence really helps his game.

Since Danny Gibson came on board the team is playing very well. What is his biggest strength?

He is always putting so much pressure on the defense with his quickness getting to the hole, he is  agreat passer and just makes the big plays. He is also a pest on defense and great ball defender.

How is the development of Simon Schmitz coming along? How do you help his game?

He is a good young player that really is talented and knows the game. He is a good shooter and intelligent on the court. If he can get his confidence up then he could become one of the best German point guards.

What is the most incredible thing that you have seen Corey Stokes do on the court?

I have seen him hit the most amazing shots. I have seen him hit end one three pointers and buzzer beaters. I have him hit shots that many players wouldn´t even try to attempt. He is very mature for his age and will be a great pro player.

Which BBC Bayreuth player has improved the most so far?

I think that Stefan Schmidt has improved the most. The game in artland was his breakout game. He is still lacking a bit in confidence, but he has all the tools to become  avery good center.

Back in the day Michael Jordan didn´t even live in the team hotel of the Chicago Bulls. Would Kevin Durant have lived in a castle in Bayreuth?

Hahaha. If Durant would have wanted to live in a castle, I am sure that wish would have been granted to him. But I would have hoped that he would have wanted to be near the team more if he would have been signed.

How do you like Bayreuth?

I like Bayreuth. It is smaller than Braunschweig, but it is very scenic and the people have been nice to me and my family. My little daughter likes the parks with the live animals.

What is your favorite food in Bavaria?

I like this Italian restaurant, but my wife cooks often and that is the best.

Your ex teammate Brandon Thomas recently signed with the Artland Dragons. How happy are you to see him back in the Beko BBL?

I am very happy for him. Italy didn´t work out for him. Artland is a good fit as he is one of the best small forwards in the league and he will help the team much.

What is your nicest memory with ex Holy Cross teammate Torey Thomas? He told me his nicest memory with you was beating Notre Dame at the 2005 NIT tournament.

Every game was a nice memory with Torey. He is one of my favorite teammates that I have ever played with. I would also say the nicest memory was beating Notre Dame as nobody thought we could win the game. Torey had a good game and we won.

What is your nicest memory with ex Skyliner Keith Simmons?

The Notre Dame win. He is a great athletic player.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

In time with Justin Timberlake.

Thanks Kev for the chat.

Ruben Spoden is a 21 year old 202cm forward playing his second season for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. He started his career for Eintracht Frankfurt (Regionalliga) in 2005 and played there until 2008. In 2008-2009, he played for TV Langen (ProA): 17 games: 2.4ppg, 1.8rpg; also played at Eintracht Frankfurt (2.Regionalliga): 11 games: 18.6ppg. In 2009-2010, he played for Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (ProB, starting five): 29 games: 14.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 74.7%. Last season, he split time between Walter Tigers Tuebingen (1.Bundesliga): 8 games: 1.3ppg; also played at Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (ProB): 28 games: 7.4ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 21.7%, FT: 60.7%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 81-77 win against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg.

Congrats on the 81-77 win against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. The Walter Tigers Tuebingen got revenge after the bad loss in Oldenburg wouldn´t you say?

That was a bad loss in Oldenburg where we lost by 24 points. We came back in Tuebingen fought hard and deserved to win at the end.

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen had the slim 42-39 lead at halftime. What did coach Igor Perovic tell the guys to do better at halftime?

We actually didn´t start well, but had a nice run at the end of the second quarter thanks to strong play by Lou Campbell who got some steals. Coach Perovic mainly told us to keep playing the way we did at the end of the second quarter.

It wasn´t one player in crunch time, but young players Reggie Redding, Vaughn Duggins and Josh Young that made big shots. The young Tigers seem to have no ego.

That is right. We have a good mix and play as a team.

The Tigers forced ex NBA player Bobby Brown to 7 turnovers. Which Tiger was most responsible for annoying Brown?

Campbell put a lot of pressure on Brown. Campbell was very motivated to play against his old team too. He stole a ball from Brown and went in for the dunk. Campbell just took apart Brown.

The Walter Tigers Tuebigen have many quality players, but my unsung hero is Josh Young. How important is he for the team?

He comes from the bench and brings a lot of intensity and scoring. He also defends very well. He may only be 180cm, but he does a great job getting rebounds and always fights on the blocks. He has that tiger face. It is in his mentality.

In the last two seasons, the Tigers have had  a run in February, but then faltered near the end not reaching the playoffs. Will a third time be the charm?

We have played very well since Cukinas came with a record of 10-6. We are a top 5 team now. If we hadn´t started off so bad, we could be a lot better in the standings now. We have no pressure as no one expects anything from us. Our goal is to be around 8-10 at the end of the season.

What is the secret to the success of the Walter Tigers Tuebingen besides team play?

We improve from week to week. We also have been able to take the concept of Igor Perovic and use it to our advantage. Usually when a team is able to take the game plan and use it to their advantage, then you usually win.

The next two games are against Braunschweig and Wurzburg. What will be key in getting the wins on the road?

We beat Braunschweig by 20 and need to go to Braunschweig and be aggressive. We can´t let John Little get to us. We have  to pressure them and not let them get us out of our rhythm with their pressure.

Are you disappointed that you haven´t got more playing time in a young team?

I am not disappointed. I see the season positive. I am playing less now sometimes five minutes whereas I was playing 15-16 minutes earlier in the season. With Tyrone Nash, I have a very good player at my position. I just have to accept my role and continue to show what I can do and keep trying to find my game in this league.

Have you jumped on the Linsanity train?

It has been an unbelievable Cinderella story for Jeremy Lin. Everybody would like to be him to be able to perform like that in a city like New York where he is loved. I had heard his name last summer when he played NBA summer league for the Dallas Mavericks, but never seen him play.

Who are your early NCAA Final 4 teams?

I would hope that Gonzaga gets a high speed and hope that Elias Harris gets far. I also hope that Uconn get far and that Nils Giffey gets some minutes.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Watchman

Thanks Ruben for the chat.