In the last 10 months, the basketball career of 24 year old Canadian Jevohn Shepherd has been sort of a whirlwind like that of Bayern goalie
Thomas Kraft who was always in the shadow of Hans Jorg Butt and then got the call, 19 year old soccer player Andreas Merkel who came to Germany from Kazakhstan and lived in a village in the Westerwald and now is getting press in Germany after being discovered by AC Milian and recently playing Champions League or actress Gabourey Sidibe going from Americas got talent to being nominated for a Golden Globe for Precious. Last summer Shepherd who had graduated from Michigan played in Canada in Halifax, the gateway to the Atlantic for the Rainmen possibly enjoying the breathtaking city street scapes often used for motion pictures to stand in for other cities that are too expensive to work in and then a few months later mixing it up for the Canadian national team at the World championships in Turkey with top basketball players like Marc Gasol, Boris Diaw or Linas Kleiza. He then started off the 2010-2011 basketball season in Germany in the PRO A for the Giroballers Live Osnabrueck and a few weeks ago played against Chemnitz against Americans like Gary Johnson and Ty Law and a few days ago against the Giessen 46ers against Michael Jordan and with ex NBA player Roger Powell. Despite all this excitement, it seems like the friendly Canadian is taking it all in stride despite looking at me a bit lost in the expression in his eyes as I was flooding him with German in the post game radio interview, but he then showing some relief as the English came in the translation. “I am extremely excited this is a great club to be apart of and to be able to be apart of it is a great opportunity I cant really express much more how excited I am .I felt comfortable in my first game. Frankfurt has a good group of guys that talked to me a lot. Coach prepared us well and there was adjusting to do since this league is a lot more physical and the players are smarter”, stressed Jevohn Shepherd.
Author: Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Get Extra Energy By The Marius Nolte Lego Man As They Win Their 8th Game In A Row In Giessen 81-62
Playing in the Hessen Derby in the Osthalle is always something extremely fascinating with the Frankfurt-Giessen rivalries like a Boston
Red Sox-New York Yankees, Boca Juniors-River Plate or AC Milan-Inter Milan battle, because it doesn´t only bring out the best in the players, but also with the fans. The Osthalle is never an easy place to play in because the location can be as hostel and brutal as being stuck on 5th avenue in New York in rush hour, having to survive the blizzard of 78 in New England or hanging out in front of Yankees stadium after a New York loss and chanting New York sucks. The atmosphere was incredible as usual and stayed in the heads of the players, but The Deutsche Bank Skyliners had less problems as they out played the Giessen 46ers 81-62. “The atmosphere was great and the perfect place to play a derby game. The atmosphere in Giessen beat many big places in the league”, added Skyliner forward Kimmo Muurinen. “I had played in many tough places in the PRO A, but I had never really experienced a place like Giessen. We had great support from the fans tonight”, said Skyliner Air Canada Jevohn Shepherd. “It was a derby game, but we didnt give the fans anything to cheer about. If we dont play well then they are not satisfied which effects the atmosphere. I have played in a better atmosphere”, stated Giessen forward Elvir Ovcina. Frankfurt won their fifth game in a row and keep showing that they are the second best team in the BEKO BBL. “We simply sucked tonight. We could´t execute on offense or defense. We let them do what they wanted to. We play harder in practice. They outworked us and deserved to win”, stated Giessen 46er guard Michael Jordan. Frankfurt continues to look like a fine tuned Ferrari thats ready to win the Monte Caro Grand Prix. “It all looks so easy for us because we have a great coach who prepares us well with the game plan. We play for each other”, stated new Canadian national player Jevohn Shepherd.
The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Want To Prevent The Giessen 46ers and Michael The Fireman Jordan From Putting Out The Next Frankfurt Fire On The Court
The Hessen derby as a whole is the main course this weekend in the 25th BEKO BBL game day as The Giessen 46ers host The Deutsche Bank Skyliners as Frankfurt try to win their 8th game in a row in Giessen on Saturday March 5th. The last win for the home team, they were called Avitos Giessen and BJ Mckie was top scorer. The spunky guard duels continue each weekend as last weekend it wasthe lightening quick Dashaun Wood against Mr floater Tyrese Rice and this weekend it will be Dashaun Mr road runner Wood against Michael the fire fighter Jordan going head to head to see who can lead their team to victory. “Well I guess you have to say that Jordan is trying to put out the flame in all that speed that Wood has”, laughed John Bynum. Wood is an early MVP candidate in the BEKO BBL and Frankfurt would be as lost and helpless without as Paris Hilton would be without her lear jet, St Elmos Fire actress Demi Moore without Twitter and 1990 World Cup champion Loather Mathaeus without young girls. Michael Jordan is with his 6th team in Germany and saved Phoenix Hagen last season from moving down to the PRO A and returns to his next tour of duty with his fire truck and uniform ready to douse the fire and problems and keep The Giessen 46ers in the BEKO BBL. “He seems to put out fires when the team is on fire meaning he comes in with that water hose and saves the day. He just brings a lot to the table, his experience and his competitiveness rubs off on his teammates. He always wants to wins and it rubs off on his team”, added John Bynum. Jordan has that big smile and carefree demeanour on the outside, but in the inside, he is as focused to keep Giessen in the BEKO BBL like Kevin Garnett is every single game wearing the green, Tom hanks is preparing for a movie like Philadelphia or ex President Bill Clinton is deciding to chose Mcdonalds or Burger King as his next munching stop. The roadrunner and the fire fighter already met in the Ballsporthalle, but the Osthalle will be a whole different atmosphere for both competitors. “It will be a competitive match up, Wood brings the heat and MJ doesnt back down from anyone. It will be interesting by all means, because both are great players”, stressed TBB Trier guard John Bynum. The question remains is his big smile more an advantage or disadvantage for teams? “Well considering he has all those teeth, it is tough to beat, but at the same time I do have a cute smile but not as much teeth though. I’m not sure if it is an advantage or disadvantage but playing against him you dont want to see that smile cause that usually means they are winning the game”, joked John Bynum.
Jacob Jaacks(Telekom Baskets Bonn): I Feel Like Sometimes I Pass Too Much When I Should Be Shooting
Jacob Jaacks is a 33 year old 208cm forward from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He played at Iowa(NCAA) from 1998-2000. He started his professional
basketball career in 2000 with Limoges (France-ProB) and then played for St. Quentin (France-ProB): 28 games: 18.4ppg, Reb-1(11.5rpg), 2.3apg, 0.9spg in 2001-2002. In 2002-2003, he started a long career in Italy as he played for Acqua Lauretana Biella (Italy-SerieA): 12.4 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 67.4% 2, 48.6% 3 (1.7 made a game), in 29.5 mpg. In 2003-2004, he played for Edimes Pavia (Italy-Lega2): 23 games: 12.0ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.0apg, in March ’04 moved to Calefacciones Farho Gijon Baloncesto (Spain-LEB1): 5 games: 15.4ppg, 5.4rpg. In 2004-2005, he played for Lauretana Biella (Italy-SerieA): 32 games: 11.3ppg, Reb-5(8.2rpg), 1.6spg, 2FGP: 62.4%, 3FGP: 33.3%,. In 2005-2006, he played for Amatori Snaidero Udine (Italy-SerieA): 33 games: 11.1ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 65.4%, 3PT: 29.5%, FT: 52.4%. In 2006-2007, he played for Amatori Snaidero Udine (Italy-SerieA, starting five): ULEB Cup: 10 games: 11.6ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 62.7%, 3FGP: 55.6%, FT: 75.9%; Italian League: 32 games: 11.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 67.6%. In 2007-2008, he played for Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul (Turkey-TBL), in Oct.’07 signed by BC Kyiv (Ukraine-Superleague): Ukrainian Superleague: 18 games: 5.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 2FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 70.0%; ULEB Cup: 11 games: 5.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 20%, FT: 64%. In 2008-2009, he played for Banca Tercas Teramo (Italy-SerieA): 31 games: 6.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 83.9%. Last season, he played for Hapoel Afula (Israel-Premier League): 13 games: 7.6ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 65.2%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 68.6%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.
The Telekom Baskets Bonn have a solid 9 man rotation but it seems like often the club is carried by Nic Wise, Folarian Campbell and Jeremy Hunt. Is it not dangerous to always rely on them for scoring input?
We seem to depend on them in many games and we need to find a balance in our play. We have a lot of young players and other guys that step up when they might have an off night.
Jimmy McKinney(Deutsche Bank Skyliners): Every Player Has Been A Hero This Season
Jimmy McKinney is a 26 year old 192cm guard from St Louis. He is a is a solid knock-down shooter, but also can score from penetration and with rim-rattling dunks. He played at Vashon High School winning the State tournament three times. He played at Missouri from 2002-2006 with well known players like Ricky Paulding, Travon Bryant and Jason Conley. In his senior year he played 28 games averaging 12.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.3apg, FG: 40.6%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 78.2%. He turned professional in 2006 and joined the Deutsche Bank Skyliners. In his rookie season, he played 30 games averaging 12.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.6apg, 2FGP: 44.9%, 3FGP: 38.5%, FT: 77.2%. He is playing his fifth season in Frankfurt and spoke to German Hoops before the game against The Giessen 46ers March 5th.
Congrats on the superb 83-72 win against The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. Where does the team find this energy despite not having Pascal Roller and Dominik Bahiense de Mello?
We are showing a lot of character and very much mental toughness.
The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Give A Oscar-Like Gladiator Performance whipping The Artland Dragons 83-72.
On the eve of the 2011 Oscars, some movie fans might have gotten their Sunday rolling with some past awards moments dancing in their heads
like the famous Halle Berry speech wanting more time for to talk after being named the first African/African to win in 2002, the inspiring and heart felt speech by Tom hanks for his best actor win in 1993 for portraying an aids victim in Philadelphia, 72 year old actor Jack Palance showing the world in 1992 his virility doing push ups after finally winning after four decades of acting for City Slickers, Robert Opal interupting the 1974 show as David Niven was introducing Elisabeth Taylor by running across the stage nude or the legendary stroll across the chairs by Italian actor Robert Benigni for winning best foreign movie for “Life Is Beautiful, but despite the historic day in films, there was still a basketball game to play as The Deutsche Bank Skyliners showed another spirited, inspired and hard fought win despite not having captain Pascal Roller and Dominic Bahiense De Mello getting by The Artland Dragons 83-72. After the win the players had some time to reflect about the Oscar like team performance. “This win was like any Rocky movie. They came out and punched us and beat us up bad and we were down by 14 points. We fought back and got the lead, but at the end they punched us again coming back. It was like a boxing match and we got beat a little, but better to go out with a win than with a loss”, stressed Skyliner guard Dashaun Wood. “This win reminded me of Gladiator. We fought hard and a gladiator never stops, but always fight back”, stated Skyliner forward Roger Powell. “This game reminded me of the movie “Cop Out”. We had a great start, but then slid off just like the movie did”, added Dragon gaurd Tyrese Rice. “This game reminded me of the movie “Life with Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy”, said Skyliner Quantez Robertson. “The movie 300 comes to mind in describing this game. I wouldn´t call this a Oscar performance though”, commented Skyliner foreward Kimmo Muurinen.
Dashaun Wood And Tyrese Rice Duel And Might Rekindle Small Traces Of Larry And Magic On The Court As The Skyliners Look To Sprinkle Dirt Over The Artland Dragons Flame
It seems like everybody in the BEKO BBL knows that The Brose Baskets Bamberg will win the championship and then kilometers later teams like Berlin and Frankfurt might be teams that could challenge them in a five games series, but no really has the Artland Dragons on the radar as a title team that could win it all, but they could possibly be a team to sneak into the final the same way Rajon Rondo does into the zone and be that team that laughs hardest last getting an upset like a Jack Black or Seth Rogen would after finding out that they beat out the Chippendales for a date with Paris Hilton. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners could meet The Artland Dragons again in the 2011 BEKO BBL cup final in Bamberg and their February 27th meeting against them will be an interesting and educational preparation that they have to take serious just like their last win in Braunschweig because their next meeting will be in the Cup semi finals April three. The Artland Dragons dont have to hide from any team in the BEKO BBL as their roster is as strong in appearance like the current Chicago Bulls who could be a sleeper, as actor George Clooney is in a Starbucks getting any woman with his non resisting appearance and raised eyebrows and actor Frankie Muniz being as credible to the press proclaiming that he isnt suicidal and The Deutsche bank Skyliners will have to be ready for this potential title team that nobody really has any eyes for at the moment. “The Artland Dragons are my dark horse as well as they are a talented team and they are deep in a lot of positions. They have experience and they are tough to beat on there home court. I really like them in the playoffs and they can compete with anyone in my opinion. Rice is getting better and Peavy is healthy and they are just clicking right now, and they are a team that most teams dont want to play in the playoffs or just at the end of the week”, warned TBB Trier guard John Bynum. Frankfurt will have to find a way to douse the Dragons fire possibly with dirt? “Well its cold and winter, but Frankfurt just has to let it rain on the Dragons fire”, joked John Bynum. “They are one of the best teams and I am looking forward to the challenge. They are playing well and it will be a good challenge. We will have to bring our A game against The Artland Dragons”, warned current BEKO BBL leading scorer Dashaun Wood.
EJ Rowland(Vanoli): Darius Hall Has Been My Favorite Teammate In My Career
EJ Rowland is a 27 year old 188cm guard from Palma, California that was born in Frankfurt, Germany. This season he is playing his second season in Italy for Vanoli Cremona. He is a good point guard who always find the open man. Very intelligent ball player and good athlete. A tireless defender that steals lots of balls to the opponents. Rebounds well because of his size. Can guard both guard positions in defense, at the offensive side is better penetrator than shooter but can knock down the open shot. He played at St Marys from 2003-2005. In his senior year, he played 34 games: 11.0ppg, 3.8rpg, AssistsWCC-3(3.9apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 38.2%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 69.2%: Finished two-year career at St. Mary’s ranked tenth all-time in total assists (263) and fourth in assist per game average (4.2). In 2005-2006, he started his professional basketball career for the Florida Flame (D-League, starting five): 44 games: 5.6ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 25%, FT: 61.8%. In 2006-2007, he played for Sydney Kings (Australia-NBL), in Nov.’06 moved to Townsville Crocodiles (Australia-NBL, starting five): Australian League: 21 games: 12.9ppg, 5.2rpg, 4.8apg, Steals-1(2.0spg), FGP: 48%, 3Pt: 35%, FT: 71%; in March ’07 signed at Barons/LMT Riga (Latvia-LBL, starting five): Baltic League: 6 games: 10.7ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.8apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 70.0%; LBL: 17 games 15.2ppg 4.9rpg 4.2apg 1.9spg. In 2007-2008, he came to Germany and played for the Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (Germany-1.Bundesliga): ULEB Cup: 14 games: 7.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 51.4%, 3FGP: 14.3%, FT: 58.1%; German League: 37 games: 7.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 60.9%. In 2008-2009, he played for The Telekom Baskets Bonn (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): German League: 45 games: 13.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 65.4%; Eurocup Qualifications: 2 games: 11.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.5apg, 1.5spg; EuroChallenge: 14 games: 10.6ppg, 3.0rpg, Assists-5(4.1apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 61.0%. Last season, he played his first season for Vanoli Cremona (Italy-SerieA, starting five): 30 games: 13.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.6apg, Steals-3(2.9spg), FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 73.8%. He won the 2008 BEKO BBL cup in 2008 with The Artland Dragons. He is a member of the Bulgarian national team and played at the European Championships in Poland 2009 playing 3 games: 17.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.
What was it like playing against big Serb point guard Stefan Markovic?
He is a young good player. He sees the floor well and it is hard to crowd him, but as a smaller guard, I have an advantage since bigger guards have more problems with small defenders. I pressured him a lot.
You are playing your second season in Italy in the Serie A. How have you been able to be so successful on the court so quick?
I simply have had good people around me. I got a lot of experience on the fly which quickly gave me confidence. It also has helped since I have been aggressive and learning from mistakes quickly.
Dashaun Wood(Deutsche Bank Skyliners): I Will Watch Film And Just Say Wow, I Cant Believe I Made That Shot
Dashaun Wood is a 25 year old 185cm point guard from Detroit, Michigan that is playing his first season in Germany for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners. 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%. This past summer he played NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (LA Clippers). Dashaun took time to talk to German Hoops before the game against The Artland Dragons February 20th.
Congrats on the 68-67 win against The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. I guess this wasnt a game for weak nerves?
No it wasnt. The game went back and fourth and came down to a shot at the end. It was a great win despite being shorthanded and getting it against such a good team like Braunschweig.
The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Dont Need An Oxygen Mask Playing With A Limited Rotation As Dashaun Wood Brushes Away The Annoying Phantom With A Game Winning Hoop In Braunschweig 68-67
After not allowing any brittle air or unwanted snow to enter the Eisbaeren arena last weekend to somehow get Bremerhaven on track, The
Deutsche Bank Skyliners not only had to put up with the Braunschweig basketball team, but also had to keep an eye on the mysterious phantom who is always lurking in the Volkswagon arena shadows and has that unpredictable aura in his movement, but the club was able to block all this out and withstand any hardships as they were as focused in their game as 20 year old Sacremento King American Demarcus Cousins was as he showed how unpleased he was not getting the ball at the end of a loss which got him ejected off the team plane because of tensions with a teammate or legendary American actor Mickey Rooney showing astern face and not letting his stepson rob him off his earnings and keeping him 100 yards away as Frankfurt won their third game in a row 68-67 against The New Yorker Phantoms. “The Braunschweig phantom mascot isnt dangerous looking at all, but moreover just looks funny. Kimmo Muurinen used his cape tonight to fly all over the place hitting jump shots and getting rebounds. He set the tempo and without him we would have been in trouble”, stressed 2011 BEKO BBL MVP candidate Dashaun Wood. “I have to thank our own fans, because I feel that they took the fear away from the Phantom with their cheering”, added Marius Nolte. “I think that our Phantom has the possibility to scare little kids, but if he is as scary as Toby the dragon, I dont know since we travel to Artland in two weeks”, joked Nick Schneiders. ” The Phantom looked funny and really should pull up his pants. Our Dunky Kong is a animal and the Phantom a half man”, laughed Quantez Robertson. It is never easy loosing on a last play especially when it happened twice in both games against Frankfurt. Tony Skinn looked as serious and sad after the loss as his X box had been banned from him for life. “This is a game that we should of won. We were up by 7 points in the fourth and lost which shouldnt happen. Frankfurt didnt beat us, but we beat ourselves”, commented Braunschweig guard Tony Skinn. “Frankfurt dug down harder and maybe found something at the end, that we didnt have”, added Braunschweig guard Kevin Hamilton.
