Sometimes in life things turn a complete 180 degrees from comfortable and successful to miserable and unsuccessful like ex 
NBA star Scottie Pippen who is trying to live a normal life in retirement, but claims he has been unfairly portrayed in the media as a walking financial disaster and suing every media outlet who reported he went bankrupt, the NBA trying to prepare for the upcoming season, but the many cancelled trades seeming to take the spotlight from the whole affair or the current Syracuse sex scandal that has tarnished that schools reputation quicker than Shaq can devour a Big Mac or yell Kazaam. For 2010 Eurochallenge winner BG Goettingen that success seems about as far away as Charles Barton ever returning to the Skyliners as their current season as been like a nightmare first losing their heart and soul John Patrick who led the team into the Beko BBL playoffs in three out of four seasons, their many stars following him to Wurzburg, the Marco Grimaldi tragedy of him losing loved ones in a car accident and on top of that the team living in 18th place for most of the season which might feel the same as if one was deserted in the never revealed Lok Halle dungeon if there ever was one. With the Christmas season nearing its end when the Fraport Skyliners arrive in Goettingen December 26th, BG 
Goettingen could use some late Christmas gifts from Santa with a win. The team recently replaced head coach Stefan Mienack with assistant coach Michael Meeks and won a game against Tuebingen. Despite all the hard ship that the team has suffered, the atmosphere seems in tact. “When we played in Goettingen, I didn´t sense as much sadness. The fans were good there and there seemed to be a sense of urgency. They played with a chip on their shoulder”, commented Tuebingen guard Josh Young. Nothing comes easy these days in Goettingen as the team plays with a very young and inexperienced team looking to gain experience and getting better while needing to win games each weekend and trying to escape out of the trap door that they have fallen into in the Beko BBL cellar all the while having the misfortune of the current season upon them like a dust cloud. “Every team deals with internal problems, but it seems like BG Goettingen have had to deal with a lot this season. I hope that they can turn their season around. They have to continue to work and do things the right way. I believe that even with bad times, you will always get out what you put in”, warned Tuebingen American Josh Young.
Author: Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Marquez Haynes(Gran Canaria): Quantez Robertson Is Relentless How He Attacks The Basket
Marquez Haynes is a 24 year old 191 cm guard from Irving Texas that is playing his first season in the ACB for Gran Canara as is their current leading scorer. He played at Boston College from 2005-2007 before transferring to Texas Arlington (NCAA) where he played from 2008-2010. In his senior year he was the third best scorer in the NCAA averaging (22.6ppg), 4.3rpg, 3.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 74.6%. Last season, he started his professional basketball career for ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA, starting five): 33 games: 14.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 73.1%. Currently he is averaging 12,1ppg, 1,8rpg and 2,4apg. He played at the 2011 European championships for Georgia playing 8 games: 8.0ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 53.3%. He reached the NCAA Sweet 16 with Boston College in 2006 and won the French Cup with Chalon. German Hoops spoke with the American before the Eurocup game against the Fraport Skyliners December 20th.
Congrats on the 89-70 win against Blancos de Rueda. What was key for getting this big win?
The key for the win was our rebounding and good shooting. We got off to a hot start shooting and jumped out on them early. It was nice to play with a lead throughout the game.
The team is slowly climbing the ladder back up the ACB standings and are currently at 12th place. What have been the main reasons for the turnaround in the ACB in the last weeks?
The main reasons for the turnaround is that I think we are simply starting to get better. Some teams have perfect chemistry from the get go and we are still searching for ours. We have made some good offensive adjustments also and we are playing faster and with more confidence.
Jermareo Davidson And Michael Thompson Have A Basketball Tattoo Juice Party Leading The Fraport Skyliners Over Braunschweig 77-70
Sometimes early Christmas come early and timely like the NBA season starting up again, The Dallas Mavericks getting older 
and older with Vince Carter and Lamar Odom to the delight of Mavericks bashers, or Charlie Sheen´s cell number being unwantingly being disposed to the world for all his haters to finally spread some vicious words in his direction, but for The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig, the club didn´t get any negative pre Christmas delight, but a positive one as they signed ex Nevada Las Vegas(NCAA) star Michael Umeh to help at the guard position. Umeh is no stranger to the Beko BBL as he shot out the lights in various German arenas for two seasons with the LTi Giessen 46ers. The last time that Umeh did his damage in the Beko BBL, BG Goettingen was still far away from their Eurochallenge win, Braunschweig was still dreaming of landing in the post season since Demond Mallet last had led the team to the promised land in 2003 and guys like Kevin Hmailton and Brandon Thomas were still months away of coming to the Phantoms and Umeh was still playing in the same back court with German national player Heiko I can hit from anywhere on the planet Schaffartzik. Umeh made his debut in a Phantoms jersey, but was unable to help snap the 69 month winless streak in the Volkswagen halle against Frankfurt as the Fraport Skyliners controlled the game and won 77-70. “I am very happy to be back in the Beko BBL playing with Braunschweig. I still have to get settled, but they are a good team. Braunschweig is bigger than Giessen and I am found out quickly why guys like to play here. We played against a very good team today. Frankfurt had us down early an djust were more aggressive and had more intensity than we did”, stressed Nigerian national player Michael Umeh. The Fraport Skylinerswon their fourth game of the season and third on the road and showed their best game of the season topping their road win in Hagen. Skyliner captain Marius Nolte was very emotional after the Hagen win, but seemed more composed after the Braunschweig win. “I was more calm today. A huge burden was lifted off our shoulders in Hagen, but this is still a big win for us. This could be the start of a longer winning streak. We deserved to win today”, stressed ex Paderborn baskets center Marius Nolte.
Jared Reiner: Zach Randolph Was The Hardest To Guard In The NCAA
Jared Reiner is a 29 year old 211cm center from South Dakota. He played for Iowa from 2000-2004. As a rookie, he made the Chicago Bulls roster playing games 19 games averaging 1.1ppg, 2.0rpg; Play-Offs: 3 games: 0pts. In the 2005-2006 season, he was injured and did not play. In 2006-2007, he played for San Antonio Spurs (NBA), only pre-season, in Nov.’06 moved to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League, starting five): 28 games: 13.8ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 48%, FT: 69.4%; 28 games: 13.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 1.5 apg, in Feb.’07 signed at Milwaukee Bucks (NBA): 27 games: 1.2ppg, 2.6rpg. In 2007-2008, he played for Polaris World Murcia (Spain-ACB, starting five): 17 games: 5.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 2FGP: 53.0%, FT: 44.0%, in Feb.’08 moved to Brose Baskets Bamberg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 20 games: 9.4ppg, Reb-5(6.8rpg), 2FGP: 52.1%, FT: 53.9%. In 2008-2009, he played for the 76ers (NBA), only pre-season, in Dec.’08 moved to Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 12 games: 13.0ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 53.9%, FT: 72.7%. In 2009-2010, he played for the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), only pre-season, in Dec.’09 moved to Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League): 17 games: 13.1ppg, 9.7rpg, 1.2apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 45.7%, FT: 72.2%,and then moved to Gallitos de Isabela (Puerto Rico-BSN): 8 games: 12.4ppg, 10.9rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 25.0%. Last season, he played for BBC Bayreuth playing 33 games: 12.6ppg, Reb-3(7.8rpg), 1.2apg, FGP: 49.7%, FT: 63.8%. Jared took some time to talk German Hoops about basketball.
When was the last time that you spent Thanksgiving at home?
Well I played four years in the NCAA and seven professional basketball seasons so 11 years ago.
Does a normal Jared Reiner Thanksgiving involve a big turkey and NFL football?
Yes it does. I get up early, prepare the food, eat the turkey and then watch football all day long.
Can The Fraport Skyliners Ruin The Pre Christmas Feast For The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig December 18?
With Christmas only a week away, folks of all ages will be having the holiday season on their mind, like thinking if there will be a white Christmas in New York city, what one can give Miss have it all Paris Hilton for Christmas, can the Miami Dolphins upend Tom terrific Brady and the New England Patriots on Christmas eve, or who would be the perfect substitute for the white bearded Santa Claus, Mickey Rooney, Leslie Nielsen or Tim Allen? However on December 18th, The Fraport Skyliners will have clash with 2011 beko BBL cup finalist New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig and for at least two hours, stockings, eggnog, presents, Christmas caroling, and Rudolph the Reindeer will be secondary. Young fans in the Volkswagon arena in Braunschweig wont be dreaming of presents an dif Santa Claus can really fit through the chimney with his chubby stomach, but will be hoping of athletic and stimulating take offs to the hoop by Quantez Robertson, no look passes from Immanuel Mcelroy who could ask Jermareo Davidson some advice of how to cover your body correctly with additional tattoos, Robert Kulawick three point bombs from the corner, and making bets when Johannes Herber will cut or trim his overwhelming long beard. Fans come into the arena´s to enjoy basketball anytime and might forget that players this season wont be in their real home for Christmas dinner, but in their home from home in Germany trying to tell their little children that Santa Claus has to use the balcony to distribute presents. “The Beko BBL continues to make it very difficult for the players to find any kind of Christmas spirit. We play in Oldenburg on December 27th and have to practice on the 24th, 25th and 26th. One of my favorite things at Christmas is having home made goose. My mom cooks it and is the best cook in the world”, stressed Walter Tigers Tuebingen forward Ruben Spoden. “Sure it is tough being away from home during the holiday season but it is part of your job and even if you want to be back at home, you have to still perform and make the best out the situations that you are put in”, added TBB Trier guard John Bynum.
Danilo Barthel(Fraport Skyliners): People Underestimate My Ability To Pass The Ball
Danilo Barthel is a 20 year old 206cm forward from Heidelberg Germany and is playing his first season for the Fraport Skyliners. He also has a license to play for the team PRO B team. He started his basketball career with USC Heidelberg in 2008 and played there until 2011. Last season, he played 14 games: 4.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.0apg. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been German U18 National Team -09, European Championships U18 in Metz (France) -09: 8 games: 10.4ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 71.8%, German NBBL All-Star Game -10, German U20 National Team -10-11, European Championships U20 in Croatia -10: 7 games: 0.3ppg, and European Championships U20 in Bilbao (Spain) -11: 9 games: 4.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.0spg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.
A tough 79-71 loss against BBC Bayreuth. The team has lost 12 of the last 13 games. How tough is it losing for you?
It has been a tough time. Every athlete hates losing. We can´t hang our heads and have to stay positive.
Muli Katzurin said the team is good enough to come back, but not win. Why can´t the team close the door on opponents?
Often we do a good job hitting our shots at the starts, but at the end are unable t o make our shots or draw fouls.
Keith Simmons Has An Extra Portion Of Baklava Leading Banvit Past The Fraport Skyliners 62-56
With Christmas rolling along as quickly as the Green Bay Packers are mowing down NFL competition towards a perfect regular
season as if they are finding four leaf clovers each weekend, the Eurocup competition is also slowly coming to an end for the Fraport Skyliners. In the last Eurocup home game of the Fraport Skyliners, the team welcomed home Keith Simmons who played in the Main city from 2008-2009. The last time the New York native and ex teammate of bBC Bayreuth guard Kevin Hamilton at Holy Cross played in the Fraport arena, Ilian Evtimov was still shousing bombs from the parking lot, Lorenzo Gordon was still melting little girls hearts with his warm smile, and no day went by in the BCM where one didn´t hear old coach Murat Didin say the word Bubba at least 40 times. Since then Simmons has found a new home in Turkey with Banvit where he has played since 2009 and entered the Fraport arena with an extra portion of Baklava helping his team slip past the Fraport Skyliners 62-56. Simmons might not have led his team in scoring, but did in rebounds and assists and helped spark the defense in the victory. “Simmons is an all around great player. He doesn´t always have to score, but when they need anything like rebounds, assists or defending then he is there and does his job”, stressed Skyliner guard Michael Thompson. After the game, Mckinney and Simmons were joking around as if they were still teammates. Mckinney noticed that the game of Simmons has grown since his Frankfurt days. “Keith has always been a great defender and makes it so tough on offense. He just does his job. He has improved his shooting. He was already a good shooter with Frankfurt, but now he is a great shooter”, stressed Jimmy Mckinney. Simmons was glad to see his old friend again. “It was cool being back in Frankfurt. It was good seeing the Skybembels and Jimmy of course. The blue light outside in the front of the arena looked nice. Fraport seems to have done a good job. Jimmy played a strong game against us in Banvit, so it was key today to slow him down a bit even though he did get loose a bit. We trashed talked a bit, but it was all in good fun”, added Keith Simmons.
Kejuan Johnson: I Was Acting As A Determined Basketball Player)
Kejuan Johnson is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Long Beach, California. He played together with Jibril Hodges at Long Beach State. The two guys are reunited now in Hungry playing for Jaszberenyi. He started his professional basketball career in 2007 for Hapoel Galil Elyon (Israel-Premier League, starting five): released in Dec.’07: ULEB Cup: 2 games: 4.0ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg. In 2009-2010, he played for CRE Eagles Itzehoe (Germany-Regionalliga): 19 games: 29.2ppg, 6.5rpg, 4.9apg, 3.3spg, 2FGP: 56.5%, 3Pts: 36.3%, FT: 79.8%. Last season, he tore up the German PRO A for Paderborn Baskets (Germany-ProA, starting five): 29 games: Score-1(21.0ppg), 6.0rpg, Assists-5(5.1apg), Steals-1(3.0spg), FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 81.3%. He started this season with BG Illertal Weissenhorn averaging 9,0ppg, 2,0rpg and 1,5apg. He recently left the team and he and the club had their differences and the American wanted to tell his side of the story to German Hoops.
Kejuan, thanks for taking some time to talk toGerman Hoops You had a very short stay at BG Illertal Weiseenhorn for 10 days. Are you disappointed that this team didn´t work out for you?
No, I am not disappointed. I believe everything happens for a reason, and those10 days served my purpose there.
Keith Simmons(Banvit, Turkey): We Won´t Underestimate Frankfurt. Even Without Gray and Leuer, They Gave Us A Tough Game
Keith Simmons is a 26 year old 196cm guard from Kingston, New York that is playing his fifth professional basketball season and fourth in Turkey. He played at Holy Cross (NCAA) from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 34 games: 16.9ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.9apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3Pts: 34.9%, FT: 76.7%. In 2007-2008, he played for Kepez Bld Antalya (Turkey-TBL, starting five): 30 games: 16.2ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 73.5%. In 2008-2009, he played for the Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five), injured in Oct.’08 and was off for 1 month: EuroChallenge: 8 games: 8.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.5apg; German League: 33 games: 11.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 74.1%. He has played for Banvit Basketbol Kulubu (Turkey-TBL) since 2009. Last season, he played EuroCup: 5 games: 10.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 87.5%; Turkish League: 38 games: 10.4ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 76.4%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup game against the Fraport Skyliners December 13th.
Congrats on the 86-67 win against Besiktas Istanbul. How noticeable was the absence of the NBA players?
Their big man was already hurt and was also missing. Any time that you lose a guy like Deron Williams, it will effect their game. I think that they will be ok in the long run though.
Ekene Ibekwe Slithers Like An Angry Snake Dunking BBC Bayreuth Past The Fraport Skyliners 79-71
A few weeks ago, BBC Bayreuth basketball freaks may have been dreaming of Kevin Durant matching the 50 points of Deron Williams in a beko BBL game, meeting the NBA superstar in the city and holding a you tube moment forever, or examining his athletic moves and then making a fool of themselves trying to copy him, but since Durant never arrived, the basketball life in the Bavarian city that gave the world the musical composer has returned back to normal. However the team has showed that they don’t really need an NBA superstar as the team continues to play super basketball ever since Danny Gibson returned and new coach Marc Van Den Berg took the helm as the team has cut down their points allowed from 83 to 66. The team has sparkled like classic red wine on the court with solid team basketball with versatility at every position and came into the Fraport arena resting at position 11 and Kevin Durant 5007 miles away in Oklahoma leaving his play in a tiny part of their brain as they won their fifth game in their last six games stifling the Fraport Skyliners in their own living room 79-71. After the big win in Hagen last weekend, The Fraport Skyliners had to play catch up basketball in the second half never being able to retake the lead. “We played soft defense and didn´t make the necessary stops when we should of. We have to learn from these mistakes. BBC Bayreuth played very physical and we didn´t. Even when we got close there was something missing. We are good enough to get close, but not good enough to win”, stated Skyliner head coach Muli Katzurin. BBC Bayreuth played a very solid second half always going on small runs and just out playing the Skyliners in every phase of the game. “The key to the win tonight was our aggressiveness on defense. We were able to execute well on offense always finding the open man. We took the game on and not let the game come to us”, stressed BBC Bayreuth player Ekene Ibekwe. What was really impressive was even when Frankfurt came back, BBC Bayreuth was able to stay consistent as a team and play through pressure. “Our coach has preached staying together since he came. We keep fighting no matter what even in times when the opponent is pressuring us”, added BBC Bayreuth point guard Danny Gibson.
