You have to wonder how often a short explosive scoring guard has asked the question “when the heck will I be accepted for me the player and not always get dumped on about my height”? The rap is always aw they can´t handle the physicality or look over the defense. There are small guards in every league in the world and only a very small percentage are playing in top leagues. A TJ Shorts of ex team Telekom Baskets Bonn is one of those dudes that has made it and keeps climbing the ladder while not being tall. There are so many talented and gifted guards that are playing in lower leagues and one of those is Steve Robinson Jr. For the casual fan this name will most likely mean nothing, but at Mount Saint Mary´s (NCAA), this guy will always be remembered. I love this guy, because he is 1,65cm just as tall as me and personally small guards are always exciting to watch with their quickness, toughness, wheeling and dealing and love for the game. Steve Robinson is playing his 6th professional season and has put up menacing stats everywhere, but has he finally got a break? No he hasn´t. This season he is suiting up in Switzerland´s top division. “Six years has gotten here quick. It feels like I just started being a pro but yeah its tough, especially when I know I can play on a high level and be a high level player. I have always had to try and defy the odds, no matter how dominant I am. I´m honestly excited, I have always wanted to visit Switzerland and now I´m playing here. From what I have seen/watched, the league looks very competitive and there is a lot of fan support at each game. I know it is one of the more expensive countries but it is a beautiful place and I´m thankful for the opportunity to go play there. It´s going to be a new style and a new atmosphere, I cant wait!”, stressed Steve Robinson last summer. But this guy is a true warrior that just won´t give up. He does know now what he has to do to finally make the next jump up the fierce basketball ladder overseas. “ Honestly I think at this point, I have to show that my game can translate to winning. I think that is the biggest knock on my career. I know I haven´t played on the best teams so that plays into it as well but I just have to show I can be dominant AND win games. sometimes I do wish I was a bit taller, but at the same time, I have enjoyed the work it has taken me to get this far”, stated Steve Jr Robinson (165-PG-1996, college: Mt.St.Mary’s). And another thing that keeps motivating him everyday to grind in the lab and strive to be is the best was his great experience at the 2018 NBA Summer League where he strapped on the Atlanta Hawks jersey playing 4 games and had to weigh his talents in practice against Trae Young and Kevin Huerter. Sometimes hearing inspiring and positive words can set a mindset in the right direction forever. “The feedback I got was that I had the talent and abilities to play in the NBA. NBA Legend Isiah Thomas commentated my last game and he raved about how good I could play. So it was cool to know that some in the NBA family believed that I belonged in the NBA. it was also really cool to see why some of those guys are in the NBA. Their work ethic is top notch and they are very dedicated to what they do”, said Steve Jr Robinson. So who is Steve Jr Robinson? Well he is a small guard who has shown that even a small guard playing in Switzerland could belong in the NBA.

Steve Jr Robinson who lists Demetrius Jackson as his toughest cover in the NCAA that reached the NBA was born on February 15th 1996 in Mebane, North Carolina. He attended Eastern Alamance High School and really set his mark there leaving having scored 2,228 points, 17th best in North Carolina high school history. He also dished out 515 assists which was a school record. He picked up awards like HS Danville Register & Bee All-Tournament Team -2014, HS Times News Region Player of the Year -2014 and HS Mid State 3A Conference Player of the Year -2014. He then attended Mount Saint Mary´s (NCAA) from 2014-2018 playing a total of 130 games. He was able to improve his scoring stats each season. In his freshman year he averaged 8.2ppg, 1.4rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 38.4%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 75.3%. He scored in double figures 11 times including 22 points in a loss against St Francis NY. In his second season he made another jump in his game averaging
12.5ppg, 1.8rpg, 3.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 83.9%. He scored in double figures 21 times including 26 points in a 66-61 victory over Sacred Heart. In his junior year he made another jump in his stats averaging 14.1ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 86.8%. He helped lead the team to the big dance scoring 23 points in a nail bitter 66-65 win over New Orleans, but then ran out of gas against eventual winner Villanova. It is only logical that he will never forget his junior year. “My junior year when we had a 20 win season, won the conference and regular season, won a NCAA Tourney game, and was hanging in the game with Villanova. They had 5 future NBA players so being able to compete with them was cool. That´s definitely my fondest moment in college”, expressed Steve Jr Robinson. In that game he battled Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Donte Divincenzo, and Eric Pashall He scored in double figures 28 times including 28 points in a 74-70 win over Robert Morris. He saved his best for last and showed in his senior year just how explosive and consistent he could be averaging 21.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 90.1%. His game grew step by step in the NCAA and he simply had the correct encouragement in those 4 years. “I had a great group of coaches who allowed me to grow. They let me play through mistakes, they always gave me encouragement, and they always had my back. That makes it easier for you as a player because you want to be there and you want to get better”, commented Steve Jr Robinson. His scoring numbers were crazy as he scored in double figures in all 31 games and scored 20 points or more 22 times and 30 points or more 5 times including a 39 point explosion against Loyola MD and 32 points against Central Conn State. There was especially one guy that he owes a lot to for helping him achieve greatness at Mount Saint Mary´s. “Coach Jamion Christian allowed me to be me. He never tried to over coach me or control anything I did. If there was a time I was out of control, he would let me know. But he always allowed me freedom to be who I am and it helped me think for my own in situations where most coaches would want control”, remembered Steve Jr Robinson. In the NCAA he also racked up numerous awards like NEC All-Rookie Team -2015, All-NEC Second Team -2016, 17, NEC All-Tournament Team -2017, All-NEC Player of the Year -2018, and All-NEC First Team -2018.

The diminutive guard who names Chris Wray, Don Carey, Antonio Bivens, Jonah Antonio, and Mathieu Kamba as his 5 best teammates of all-time began his professional career in 2018 in Spain with Saenz Horeca Araberri (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging 19.9ppg, 2.5rpg, Assists-5 (4.3apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 82.6%. It isn´t always easy for Americans to come overseas and adapt to the game and to a culture in a new country, but for him, he got adjusted rapidly especially on the floor. “My wake up call was how much harder it is to score. Defense is much more physical and tactical in Europe. Also not having defensive 3 seconds allows for less spacing”, said Steve Jr Robinson. He is very modest, but he really was dominating the second league in Spain which is equal to many first divisions overseas. He scored in double figures in 30 of 34 games. He scored 20 points or more 16 times and had massive games against Coruna with 35 points, 33 points against Valladolid and exploded with 47 points against Melilla in his first pro game. “ I´m not going to lie, after I made my first shot, I knew I was going to have a big night. It was a heavy contested 3 that touched nothing but net”, smiled Steve Jr Robinson. He would play against highly talented Argentine player Leandro Bolmaro quite a few times in his first 2 pro years in Spain and held his own against him and FC Barcelona 2. “I think at that time, he was still young and improving so he wasn´t as aggressive as he was the next year I played him. But it was cool seeing how he improved and got better each year”, added Steve Jr Robinson. He played his second pro season with Igualatorio Cantabria Estela Santander (Spain-LEB Silver) averaging g 17.0ppg, 1.3rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 91.7%. Usually when a player has huge stats, they tend to move up a level, but in his case he went to the third division Silver, but there was a good reasons for that. “There was some confusion about this. After my first season in Araberri, I had to get knee surgery because I had been playing with a broken kneecap that needed to get fixed. So I had the surgery and my agent felt it was best for me to go there at the time to build myself back up. Some had thought I tore my ACL or something but that wasn´t the case”, stressed Steve Jr Robinson. Even if his season was cut short to 10 games, he did have some big games against Juaristi ISB with 35 points and scorched Zornotza for 29 points. He also had the pleasure of battling against Leoandro Bolmaro again losing a tough 69-65 game, but sparkled with 19 points while his foe had 8 points. A year later he reached the NBA playing with Utah and Minnesota. “

It was cool to see honestly how he climbed the ladder. I actually remember talking to him a bit about it in that game. I was hoping he got a chance to play in the NBA before he came back to Europe”, said Steve Jr Robinson.

The North Carolina native who lists Kareem, Jordan, Kobe, and Lebron on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore then went to Finland during COVID. One would of thought after 2 very potent years in Spain, that he may get up the ladder, but instead had to play in the second division in Finland which is nothing glamorous, but once again his love for the game outweighed his ego. “Covid was tough. You didn´t know if the season was going to finish. you didn´t know if you were going to be playing that week. You didn´t know if you were going to be playing at all, so covid was very stressful and I´m actually glad I got to play during it. It was weird playing without fans though. Finland was so cold and the sun only came out 3 hours a day!! That was probably the hardest part about being there”, remembered Steve Jr Robinson. He played 2 seasons for Kipina Aanekoski averaging 29.4ppg, 4.7rpg, Assists-1 (9.8apg), 2.5spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 33.5%, FT: 87.2% and in his second season averaged 36.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 8.2apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 63.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 86.5%. He scored in double figures in all 33 games and put up crazy stats. He scored 20 points or more in 29 games, 30 points or more 18 times and 40 points or more 7 times. In his first season he put up a triple double against Huima but lost 91-90 and in his second season scored an insane 57 points against PuHu Juniorit. “The triple double loss was tough because I literally did EVERYTHING I possibly could and we still lost. I mean we did lose at the buzzer but still, a game like that you really want to win. It was also the first triple double I ever had. I will never forget that 57 point game, it was so so fun! I remember my teammate came up to me at halftime and said “bro you had 24 right now and you haven´t even done nothing crazy yet”. I knew then I had to get 50! But it was just fun to because to say I had a 50 point game in my career. I wish I would have got 3 more for 60”, joked Steve Jr Robinson.

The guard who remembers beating Mount Saint Mary´s teammate Jonah Antonio in 1-1, but losing three point games last season played for BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers (Austria-BSL) playing 32 games: Score-2 (22.1ppg), 3.0rpg, Assists-2 (5.9apg), Steals-4 (1.7spg), FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 84.9%. Despite putting up great stats, he couldn´t lead his team to the playoffs. “Honestly it was a tough one. My team was actually in the second division the year before so this was their first year back in the BSL so we weren´t expected to make the playoffs. I just tried to go out and play every game to the best of my ability”, stated Steve Jr Robinson. He battled against many talented players including another small and hungry guard by the name of Zac Cooks. Cooks got the best of him with Graz registering a 3-1 record. “ Zach is tough. it was fun to play against someone who had some similarities in their games. Playing against someone like him makes it fun because you know you have to come ready to go every game. I definitely root for all the small guards because we open doors for each other. once one small guard gets a chance, it´s a win for all of us in my eyes.”, warned Steve Jr Robinson. He scored in double figures in 30 of 32 games and scored 20 points or more 23 times. He scored 35 points in his first game in Austria and also had other fine games like against the Timberwolves scoring 30 points. He will never forget his introduction to Austrian basketball against Arkadia. “Honestly, that was a crazy game! My adrenaline was so high and I was just excited to start the season. I didn´t know what to expect so I just went out and played as hard as I could”, remembered Steve Jr Robinson.

The explosive player who believes the classic Coming To America movie with Eddie Murphy should have been left alone and is playing with BBC Monthey-Chablais (Switzerland-SB) this season.. This season he belongs to the top guards in the first division averaging 18.5ppg, 2,5rpg, 4,6apg and 1,7spg. He has showed that little guards can be top guards. “I love all smaller guards. I never tried to mold my game after one player. I would always try to take bits from each player because two players that have the same exact skillset is rare. I love guys like Nate, Isiah Thomas, Dame, etc, because they are smaller guards and had to find different, challenging ways to score”, said Steve Jr Robinson. He has scored in double figures in 22 of 25 games including netting 34 points against Lugano and 33 points against Massagno. Even if winning has been difficult so far in his pro career, his will to be successful has always been there. “I play basketball to win. I don´t play to score 20. I don´t play to get 10 assists. I do whatever it takes to win the game. I pride myself on that. The stats are going to take care of themselves if your playing to win”, warned Steve Jr Robinson. Even if he is known as being a powerful scorer, he has always been a capable defender. His defensive game has grown in the last 3 years as he was always a top steal getter in Finland and Austria. “I would say I´m actually a pretty good defender. On the ball, I try to pressure the opposing guard as much as possible and keep him uncomfortable. I want to continue to improve in that area though, I feel like also my off the ball defense could be better and that´s what I´m going to continue to work on. I feel like I can get a lot more steals/be more disruptive if my off the ball defense gets better”, added Steve Jr Robinson. He joins a team that has reached the playoffs the last years and also have won cup´s in the past, but are still looking to make more of a run in the playoffs. Maybe 2023-2024 will be the year for big things to happen. He knows exactly on what area of his game he needs to improve on most. I am now working on becoming the best leader I can be. I want to be able to be that voice to make guys want to go/play harder. Being the point guard, I am the coach on the floor so the guys have to trust that my leadership is going to lead them to victory”, warned Steve Jr Robinson. His chip on his shoulder continues to be big a she works on leading his team to the playoffs. “The chip I have is already huge. I feel every year I get counted against because of my height. It sucks because I am a basketball player just like the rest and in some cases, I can do more than guys that are taller. But I´m just going to just continue to put the work in and remain hopeful for that opportunity”, stressed Steve Jr Robinson. This guy definitely has the right positive attitude and will go his way this season.

Even if the Fraport Skyliners quest to return back to the easyCredit BBL looks like it could happen and winning is the norm again this season, there has been one thing that has been difficult to get used to and that is not seeing the great hustling play of Quantez Robertson (188-SG-1984, college: Auburn, agency: Interperformances) and his big smile. Even if the team has great new players and 2 new lock down defenders with rookies Cameron Henry and David Muenkat, there will only be one Quantez Robertson also known as Tez. It was no secret that Tez would get his #23 retired and the date was finally set recently for March 17. I was joyful that I would be able to see Tez again, but also sad that this day would pretty much put a lid on his stellar career and all that would remain after would be the memories. I had mixed emotions heading back to the arena on Sunday afternoon. I mean I had talked to him on occasion and interviewed him a week ago via phone and wrote him on occasion, but now it was slowly setting in that this might be the last time I will see him for a long time. I mean I don´t get down to Alabama a lot when I´m back in the states as home base is Boston and New England. As I approached the arena, I saw the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven team bus and entered the arena. I quickly noticed small dark blue signs with thanks Tez and the Fraport Skyliners players on the court wearing special made tee shirts with tez legend on them. Now I knew that today was real and other Skyliner legend Pascal Roller´s number #11 would very soon have company with #23. So I walked around and took in the atmosphere as more fans were coming into the building. I looked for the legend Tez, but couldn´t find him. Then after a while he approached the Fraport Skyliners bench shaking hands and as usual sporting his gregarious and warm smile. I saw him and gave him a big hug and conducted a little small talk while a Skyliners helper was filming everything probably for some kind of farewell video for him. I knew everybody wanted a piece of him so I let him go and continue saying hi to people. Game time was slowly approaching and one could feel the building of the excitement. Tez had his close friend Jermale Jones by his side who made the trip from Switzerland who at age 37 is still playing professionally and his ex teammate Rasheed Moore who made the trip from Jena where he is playing professionally.

I went back to my spot courtside behind the basket where I was to call the play by play with my colleague Jan Kolod. We tried to arrange some half-time interviews. We were able to get ex Tez teammate Danilo Barthel who played 5 years with him and current Bremerhavener German Adrian Breitlauch and Felix Hecker for some game analysis. It was announced that the game would begin a bit later because of the Tez jersey retirement festivities. With 8 minutes before game time, the Eisaberen were rapidly introduced and then it got dark as the Skyliners were introduced with a lot of glitz and fire. When all the players had been introduced, it was time for the legend himself, Quantez Robertson to step on the court and the applause was overwhelming. He walked to center court and was accompanied on the scoreboard with a dramatic 6o minute video that displayed some of his biggest plays in his 14 year career. He approached Fraport Skyliner CEO Gunnar Wobke and hugged him. Wobke began with some of his memories and even broke down momentarily when saying that Tez was the all-time steal leader in the BBL. “The moment got the best of Gunnar. I almost cried myself. It was such an emotional moment that I could understand it”, stressed Quantez Robertson. Then his large jersey was slowly raised up next to Pascal Roller´s as the big spot light was shone on his jersey. Honestly it felt like hours as his jersey was slowly lifted and in that moment so many memories went through my head and the applause seemed neverending at a decibel rarely reached in the sold out arena of 5,000 people. “When I saw my jersey go up, it was very emotional for me. It was a once in a lifetime moment”, stated Quantez Robertson. Then Quantez Robertson was able to say some words and thanked everyone and one could see that he was very touched. He also made it aware how important his wife had been for his success. He received a pretty plaque that had some cool action pics of his playing days. “This was one of the best days of my life. I came to watch a game to a sold out crowd and my jersey got retired. I mean you can´t ask for more. I just wish that my parents could have been here. But I´m happy that my wife was here. It was a great feeling”, commented Quantez Robertson.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Quantez Robertson doing play by play of the Skyliners-Bremerhaven game on day of his jersey retirement

After the festivities, there was still a game to be played. With the rapid start by the Fraport Skyliners, it was apparent that they wanted to put on a show for the legend Tez and not have him go back to Alabama without being impressed by his former team. The Fraport Skyliners controlled the game for the most part in the first half, but the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven played more team ball in the third quarter and upped their intensity and physicality to gain the lead briefly. Jan and I had a big moment in the second half in that we were able to both have our time in the spotlight with Tez in that we did some play by play with him. He was supposed to do the complete third quarter, but didn´t make it on time as he had been delayed in the VIP room. Jan and I had agreed to do 5 minutes a piece. In the end I only did 3 minutes as he arrived with 3,00 minutes to go. We had a cool time reminiscing about his playing career and when we called a BBL allstar game in his rookie season in 2010 to talking about the current team and the game. I also had to ask him about new Skyliner lock down defender Cameron henry who in a way has taken over on the defensive end for him. All in all it was very enjoyable spending some time with him. Jan and Tez then called the first 5 minutes of the fourth quarter and then Jan and I finished the game. The Fraport Skyliners retrieved the lead back in the last minutes of the third quarter and then were able to never trail again and win 84-78. As usual I was active during the post game to get my quotes for my article as I talked to Ife Ajayi and Adrian Breitlauch. Tez continued to do the rounds on his day and gave every single person who wanted it an autograph or picture. I also gathered extra quotes for this article from all types of people regarding their memories of Tez. As I had finished my work, I also needed my last minutes with Tez. I had brought 3 pictures of him and I forgot that 2 of the 3 pics, I had already gotten autographed once in his farewell in the BCM in May 2023, so this time, I decided for him to personalize it for my little son Evan. We also took a few pics and then we said our farewells as he still had to do another interview. Over the years we would always joke about the fact that I either had one last question or pic to take with him as my I could never just end it. Just one more Tez, just one more. In a way it reminded me of the Seinfield episode, where George has that annoying habit of leaving an object behind in order to weasel a second date. I reminded Tez that there wouldn´t be a last time and that I probably will call him this summer for the next interview. Tez just laughed and took it in stride as he understands my passion for basketball. It was a fantastic day and a lot of respect to the Fraport Skyliners for organizing a super day that Tez and no one in the arena that day will ever forget.

Quotations from People at the retirement ceremony regarding their thoughts and memories of Quantez Robertson.

Steven Key (Eisbaeren Bremerhaven coach) His story was an unbelievable one to watch. His career was very impressive. He went from starting low and just blew up. He was at the same level as a Rickey Paulding and Julius Jenkins.

Jermale Jones (professional player and Tez friend) I know Tez since 2008 and our playing days in college. He is like a big brother to me. He watched me become a professional player. He has a true character. He loves people.

Christian Dachs (Fraport Skyliners marketing) This was a very special day. When a guy is so long with one club then you can build a relationship. I had a true friendship with him. It is great that he could have this day where 5,000 fans could say thank you to him. My fondest memory was the party at the Frankfurt Romer after he won the Fiba Europe Cup.

Rasheed Moore (professional player Jena) He was the ultimate leader. To be able to learn from him meant the world for me., I´m so happy I could be here. It is something that I will never forget.

Dietmar Mayer (Fraport Skyliners fan) I´m really happy to be able to be here and see it. I wouldn´t have missed it for anything. I even postponed a surgery for this day. He was a real role model for me. You always knew that he would give 100% and always be present each game. He was a motor for the team and always picked it up when it needed it.

Joerg Bahren (Fraport Skyliners press secretary) It really is amazing how he was able to stay with just one organization. You always knew that he would give 110%. You also always knew that he would influence the game in some way. He had so much in his tool box. He was the type of player that did so much slightly above average but was always consistent.

Danilo Barthel (former professional player and teammate) He was one of my most impressive teammates in my career. He was a unique player and a great leader. He had a great character and it was unique that he played only with one club. He was a role model for everyone and it was an honor to paly with him.

Jan Kolod (Fraport Skyliners commentator) He was cold as ice. A player like the way he plays isn´t around anymore. He played only for 2 teams his whole life and helped Frankfurt win a title. That is impressive. He was one of the best defenders in the history of the easyCredit BBL. I have many nice memories with him, but also tear drops. However I have more good memories of him.

Harold Joisten ( Neue press writer) I remember my first impression of him wasn´t great when I saw him arrive in Frankfurt in 2009. He walked in casually and I didn´t know if he would be a good player. But how wrong I was. I liked his work ethic the most. He never ever complained. He was an absolute team player.

Shawn Scott (185-G-1996, college: SW Christian) is a 28 year old 185cm guard playing his third professional season and first with BG Hagen. Last season he split time with TVO Biggesee / TV Jahn Lindhorst (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 31.2ppg, 10.4rpg, 6.1apg, 3.6spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 77.6%, in Jan.’23 moved to BG 2000 Berlin (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 4.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 64.4%. He began his career at Jenks High School and then played 3 seasons at Southwestern Christian University. He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.

The 12 game winning streak came to an end for BG Hagen with a tough 82-77 loss. How tough was this loss for you to digest?

For me it was really tough just because I absolutely hate losing no matter what. But after some days of thinking about it. This game didn’t really matter either way because we stay safe in second place and we now prepare for the playoffs.

Does that mentally of always continuing to grow have a strain on you mentally? How does it feel after a loss. Do you still feel unstoppable despite a loss?

Losing is a part of the game it’s going happen. We just learn from it and continue to tighten everything up for when it really matters. I believe we are still unstoppable only when we play to our maximum potential and we all know that as a team we didn’t play to our maximum potential.

Talk about the 40 minutes and it´s ups and downs. What was key in crunch-time for the loss?

Honestly I feel like we didn’t take the game as serious as we wanted to and we thought we would win regardless which horribly backfired. We started the game too loose and cool and they hung around and eventually took the lead and then it was us that had to battle back in crunch time. We had many chances to tie or win the game but it just wasn’t in the cards.

You did a good job as a team being aggressive defensively forcing them to 22 turnovers but got destroyed on the boards as they teamed up for 16 offensive rebounds. How much of a factor was the rebounding in game?

Huge factor. They got way too many offensive rebounds and we just weren’t mentally prepared to fight for the win. We should’ve had so many points off turnovers but just couldn’t capitalize.

How tough was it controlling Juhwan Harris-Dyson. He got to the free throw line 10 times. Could the team have done a better job on him?

I think we definitely could’ve done a better job but we didn’t play man to man hardly at all so Wulfen did a great job of exploiting our zone defense and Harris finding gaps to score.

You didn´t score as much as usual scoring 20 points and had 6 turnovers. Did they fullfill their scouting report on limiting your scoring? If you had averaged your season scoring the team would have won.

Not at all. That was completely on me and I missed lay ups after lay ups that I always make. Just wasn’t my game and that annoys me the most about the loss because I feel it’s on me because I’m expected to perform no matter what. This won’t happen in the playoffs I guarantee it.

This wasn´t the way the team wanted to close out the regular season. How is the team mentally going into playoffs?

Definitely and that’s what frustrates me most that we lost a game before going into playoffs. Mentally, it’s over now. Nothing was affected as far as rankings so we move on and get ready for the next challenge. When we play our game and really lock in, we are unbeatable so we aren’t affected by this loss and we shouldn’t be because we won’t see Wulfen until later. Hamm is on our radar now.

Talk about your opponent and what will be key to advancing?

Hamm is a dangerous team and a great team defensively and we have to be ready for their defensive schemes because their coach is smart and will try everything to contain us. We just have to be focused on our game and not let them try to change how we play and everything will be fine. I’m already more than ready to play and I will make sure my guys are in that playoff mode mentally.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Brian Fobbs in Rhondorf, Germany in 2023

Brian Fobbs (196-G-1998, college: Towson) is a 25 year old 196cm guard from Rochester, New York playing his third professional season and first in Germany with the Telekom Baskets Bonn averaging 14,0ppg, 2,8rpg and 1,9apg in the BBL and 11,2ppg, 1,6rpg and 1,5apg. Last season he played with the Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 20.1ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 63.4%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 90.4% in the BNXT League and in the Fiba Europe Cup averaged 16.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 65.8%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 94.1%. He palyed his rookie season with the Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 13.6ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 80.2%. he began his basketball career at Bishop Kearney high school and then played 2 seasons with Genesee Community College (JUCO). He then transferred to Towson University (NCAA) averaging 17.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 80.4% and in his last season averaged 16.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 83.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game.

Thanks Brian for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your third professional season and first in Germany for the Telekom Baskets Bonn. What kind of an experience has it been for you and what have you appreciated most about it?

So far it has been an amazing time here in Germany playing with Bonn. What I appreciate the most is playing on a team with fan support like no other. It is an incredible atmosphere to play in.

Bonn had a great last season winning the BCL title and reached the BBL final. This season hasn’t been as big. Have you felt pressure having to duplicate last season?

As a team we know that what last years team did was amazing, and wanted to try to mirror that season as best as we could. But we also know that we are a completely new team from coaches to players. So is there pressure sure but only that makes us work harder.

Each season overseas you have reached a higher level from Finland to Belgium and now Germany. What has been the biggest challenge for you on the court in the easyCredit BBL?

The biggest thing is just being ready to play every night. You take one game off and you will get embarrassed.

You really have adjusted well to the easyCredit BBL and BCL. What has been your secret to being so consistent in your game?

Just playing my game with confidence and staying aggressive.

How big is your hunger to always get better and not be satisfied? How big is your chip on your shoulder after having to pay your dues at Genesee Community College (JUCO)?

I’m never satisfied honestly. My patience sucks because I always want better for myself instantly. Coming From a juco just makes it even more sweeter. Just have to have faith in God and trust In him to

What has it been like being teammates with the talented guards Watson and Frey? What have you appreciated most about their games?

Those two are Special! The way they can both shoot the ball, create for others and for themselves is a treat to watch. God Given Ability .

Where do you rate the 88-83 win over Munich in your career where you scored 25 points? You were the best guy on the court and played against ex NBA players?

I rank that game Top 3 performance in my career for sure. God was able to allow me to show what I can do against some great players.

The next BCL game is against the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. Ludwigsburg has to win by 5 points or more. What will be key to getting win and finishing first in group?

They will come out aggressive and with physicality and we have to be able to match them from the start.

You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet well. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would it be?

I am a big fan of jrue holiday, and watch his game a lot. The things he can bring to the table on offense and defense are the same things I can bring as well.

You always have been a solid three point shooter, but this season in the best pro league that you have ever played in your shooting above 40%. What are you doing differently now in your preparation that you didn’t do previously?

Many teams that I have been on I’ve been one of the main playmakers. So I didn’t really have a lot of catch and shoot opportunities. But with this team catch and shoot 3s are very important so just shooting them with confidence and getting many reps at them.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I believe that I am solid defensively. There are things obviously I can improve on. But like before a player like Jrue holiday being able to stay in front of guards and switching on to bigs is amazing to see and I want to have that ability on his level.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to grow as a player?

One area in my game I would like to work on is pick and roll reads. Being able to know when to score and when to pass out of different coverages.

Last season you played for the Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen (Belgium-Pro Basketball League): BNXT League averaging 20.1ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 63.4%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 90.4%; and in the FIBA Europe Cup averaged 16.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 65.8%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 94.1%. How do you feel did your game grow that season?

It was definitely a great season for me. I knew I had the ability to have a season like the one I played. My coach just trusted me to make plays and to create for myself and others, and good things happened.

You played your rookie season for the Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 13.6ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 80.2%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

The first day I stepped in my apartment and realized I had no family, friends along with sharing an apartment with my teammate with no heating in the apartment, coupled with my phone not working.

You reached the final in Finland losing to Kauhajoki. How bitter was losing game 3 and 4 combined only by 4 points? What memories do you have of that’ series?

The main thing that stuck with me was a guy I was guarding named Cam Jones. He was making tough shot after tough shot with me on him. It eats me up to this day.

How vital was American Jeremiah Wood in your rookie season? Was he like a mentor for you? How did he help you most as a rookie on the floor?

Jeremiah was a great guy on the court and off the court. One thing he told me was don’t let anyone change you’re game. Always play your game.

You played at Genesee Community College (JUCO) from 2016-2018. Every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO have said it was a tough grind but one they would of never traded in for the world. How was the experience for you?

Juco was a humbling experience. It just makes you realize how far you came and shows you how good you actually are.

How important was head coach Terry George for you? What was the most vital thing that he gave you that helped you make the JUCO experience in excellent one?

Coach George just allowed me to be who I am. He was once a player in my shoes playing Juco. So I felt that he saw a lot of me in him. He was a great juco college coach for me.

You then played at Towson University (NCAA) from 2018-2020 averaging 17.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 50.9%, : 36.7%, FT: 80.4% and as a senior averaged 16.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 83.7%. What kind of a player were you when you started there and what kind of a player when you left?

When I got to Towson I was just an offense of minded player coming in. When I left Towson defense was the number 1 thing on my mind.

You had UMBC’s number scoring 33 and 32 points against them. What are your memories of your game winner against them?

The one thing I can remember about that is me knowing that I was going to take the shot and there was nothing anyone was going to do about it, and after making it just hearing my family go crazy!

How did head coach Pat Skerry groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Skerry is the hardest coach I ever played for. He gets in your face and says what really is on his mind, and he doesn’t care. It taught me how to be mentally tough.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Allen Betrand?

It’s crazy to have two talented guys on the same team with identical playing styles and never played one on one. It never happened.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced that reached the NBA?

Justin Wright Foreman was a guy that was hard to guard in college. It felt like he had every counter move for you.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Wen Mukubu, Bryan Griffin, Marcus Lovett, Deandre Davis and Mikko Koivisto

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

. Lebron James, MJ, Stephen Curry and Kobe Bryant

Who is your GOAT and why?

Lebron James. Name a guy who can jump, be as fast, strong, with IQ, with the ability to pass, score, defend, rebound, Coach and still getting better at age 40 you can’t.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

The movie Coming To America didn’t need a sequel it was fine just the way it was.

Thanks Brian for the chat.

Bruno Vrcic to the rim

Even if the 17th of March 2024 will always be remembered as the day that Fraport Skyliner legend Quantez Roberton´s immortal number 23 was raised up to the rafters next to Pascal Roller´s, there was still a game to be played between the Fraport Skyliners and Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. The Fraport Skyliners were sitting comfortably in second place always ready to pounce at Trier for first place while they met the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven who were resting in 11th place fighting to reach the playoffs, but were 3 wins away. The Fraport Skyliners were playing solid ball having won 3 of their last 4 games and had allowed a masterful 62 points in Bayreuth while the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven had lost 3 of their last 5 games including the last 2 games where they averaged a pathetic 100 points allowed on defense. The Fraport Skyliners wanted Quantez Robertson (188-SG-1984, college: Auburn, agency: Interperformances) to leave the arena with a smile and obviously wanted to keep their winning streak alive and did upending the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven 84-78. It was a game that the Fraport Skyliners controlled from the first quarter, but never was able to completely shake the guests as they fought back all game long and even retained the lead shortly in the second half. However in crunch-time the Fraport Skyliners executed great at both ends of the court and allowed Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson to leave with joy the way a legend should “We all knew how important a win would be for Tez. He has a special story in that he was with one club his whole career. The love from the club and him for each other was special. We wanted to make a show and send him off with a win. Key for the win was playing solid defense for 40 minutes. There will always be stretches where you don´t play so well, but we did a good job for the most part. On offense we were very good on the pick and role and being aggressive and attacking and sharing the ball well”, stressed Fraport Skyliner center Ife Ajayi. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven never gave up for 40 minutes, but consistency was something they could of taken a page from the Skyliners. “We weren´t there for the first 10 minutes, but were there for the last 30 minutes. We chipped away all game long, but overal we had dug to big of a hole to get back out of”, stressed Eisbaeren Bremerhaven head coach Steven Key.

Aaron Cook at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners had a deep roster for the game while the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were missing American Jordan Giles and Icelandic player Hilmar Henningson. The Fraport Skyliners began with a bang which helped them carve the route of the game which had the guests playing catch up basketball all afternoon long. The Fraport Skyliners jumped all over the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven leading 14-2. In the run Frankfurt did a good job attacking and getting buckets as their three wasn´t falling at a consistent rate. Undersized center Ife Ajayi was in attack mode from the start using mismatches and scored twice, while German Jacob Knauf and Canadian Aiden Warnholtz added 5 points a piece and 2 three´s. Frankfurt found a sound flow early and played pretty team basketball, while the guests couldn´t get into their sets well and opted for isolation play. Frankfurt also were a force on the offensive glass being more aggressive. Athletic German monster Justin Onyejiaka set the tone on defense with 2 massive blocks helping ignite the offense. “I talk with him a lot. He is a very special player. He is a great defensive player already at age 19 despite still having much room for growth”, stated Ife Ajayi. Bremerhaven had little team paly and relied on versatile forward Nick Hornsby to supply points and he added 5 points as Frankfurt led 19-9. Ex Oldenburg guard Kevin McClain added free throws for the 21 -11 Frankfurt advantage after 10 minutes. “Our goal going into games is to set the tone right away. We began that on defense which set the tone for our offense”, stressed Ife Ajayi. The Fraport Skyliners shot 44% from the field and 30% from outside and had 13 rebounds and 3 turnovers while the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven shot 27% from the field and 25% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Kevin McClain at the FT line

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners continued to control the game. Despite Bremerhaven being able to cut the Frankfurt lead down to 6 points, Frankfurt still led by 9 points at the break. The first few minutes was a game of runs as Frankfurt began with a 5-0 run with a trey from ex Indiana State (NCAA) guard Cameron Henry and free throws by ex Artland Dragon Jacob Knauf for the 26-11 lead. However the Eisbaeren punched back with a 7-0 run to trail only 26-18 as ex NCAA 3 player Kevin Charles sunk a 20 footer, 2018 NBBL champion with Alba Berlin Hendrik Drescher added frere throws and ex Citadel (NCAA) sniper Matt Frierson scored from down town. Both teams weren´t converting from outside as well so opted to attack the paint and Frankfurt got buckets from McClain and Ajayi while the guests got a put back by ex Paderborn center Robert Oehle and free throws from ex Artland German Adrian Breitlauch as Frankfurt led only 30-24. The runs continued as Frankfurt escaped out on a 10-4 run to lead 40-28. In the run, it was Mr energizer Booker Coplin who scored 3 times while Cameron Henry added a lay in and Ajayi free throws. Bremerhaven did end the second quarter with a 5-2 run as Nick Hornsby continued to give Frankfurt fits with his annoying 1-1 play making an off balance shot and ex Eastern Kentucky (NCAA) German Jarelle Reischel made a lay in, but it was the McClain to Ajayi combination that had all Skyliner fans off their seats. McClain attacked and drew a defender and then gave a swift bounce pass to Ajayi who finished with authority and a slam dunk for the 42-33 half-time lead. “McClain found me. He is a great player. That was a small snippet of what is still to come from him. Even if he is known as a scorer, he is totally unselfish. He is an underrated passer”, warned Ife Ajayi. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 46% from the field and 29% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven shot 38% from the field and 33% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 7 turnovers. “In basketball there will always be ups and downs. We wanted to be sure that we wouldn´t let their run get as high”, expressed Ife Ajayi.

Nick Hornsby with the jumper

In the third quarter the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven had their strongest offensive quarter scoring 25 points and stealing the lead back, but Frankfurt stole it back again leading 62-58 after 30 minutes. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven struck back with a 8-2 run to start the second half to trail only 44-41. Their offensive success was pushed with 2 three pointers by ex Gonzaga (NCAA) finalist Aaron Cook and Matt Frierson who likes to study the games of Ray Allen, Steph Curry and JJ Reddick. Cook also added free throws and had stepped up his aggressiveness from the first half. Bremerhaven finally moved the ball better and upped their physicality which Frankfurt couldn´t match After a Coplin step back jumper, it was Bremerhaven who continued to pressure Frankfurt well getting a lay in from the aggressive Cook and another lethal three pointer by Frierson as Frankfurt led only 47-46. After a Warnholtz mid distance shot for the 49-46 Frankfurt lead, the guests reached their maximum in the third quarter going on a 9-3 run to get their first lead of the game at 56-52. Frierson and Reischel provided baskets inside the paint while Breitlauch added 3 free throws and Cook 2 free throws. However the guests couldn´t hold the momentum as Frankfurt slapped Bremerhaven back with a 10-2 run to lead 62-58 after 3 quarters. In the run Frankfurt was led by 2 Muenkat three´s and Knauf also added a lay in. “We lost our rhythm. We weren´t defending as well and not getting stops trickled down to our offense”, commented Ife Ajayi. “We changed our defense a bit and defended their pick and roll better. On offense we got away from the isolation and played better team basketball”, commented Adrian Breitlauch. The Fraport Skyliners shot 53% from the field and 33% from the parking lot and had 22 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven shot 43% from the field and 38% from the parking lot and had 23 rebounds and 14 turnovers.

Bruno Vrcic with the lay in

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners managed the lead well and despite letting Bremerhaven come back twice within 3 points, the guests couldn´t get over the hump. Frankfurt began with very aggressive defense and got 3 swift stops which led to 5 points with a trey from Coplin and free throws from 2 time NBBL champion Bruno Vrcic as Frankfurt led 67-58. Coplin was a force on many occasions in the game making big buckets when the team needed it most. Frierson stopped the Skyliners run with brutal three pointer for Bremerhaven´s first field goal of the fourth quarter. After Coplin fed Knauf for the big dunk and 69-61 lead, it was Bremerhaven that stormed right back with a Hornsby hook shot and Breitlauch three pointer as Frankfurt led only 69-66. Even if Bremerhaven was sticking around, Frankfurt was in control and then roared out on a 9-4 run to lead 78-70. In the run Frankfurt did a good job finding the mismatches and feeding big man Lorenz Brenneke for 2 easy lay in´s while McClain made a lay in and free throws. The team ball of Bremerhaven had disappeared again which allowed Frankfurt to get away. Hornsby did all he could being a one man wrecking crew scoring twice, but his team couldn´t generate stops as Frankfurt got to the line getting points from Muenkat and Henry. Reischel hit a clutch three pointer to cut Frankfurt´s lead down to 82-78 with 7,5 seconds remaining, but Cameron Henry sealed the win with free throws. “They did a lot of 1-1 play and Hornsby was their biggest threat. He is a great playmaker, but wasn´t threatening enough to get them the win. Our defense won us the game. We have good versatile big men and played team basketball”, warned Ife Ajayi. “We got into 1-1 play. Frankfurt played very good defense”, stated Adrian Breitlauch. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Booker Coplin with 17 points while Jacob Knauf added 16 points while the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were led by Nick Hornsby with 21 points while Adrian Breitlach added 14 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 53% from the field and 32% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven shot 44% from the field and 42% from outside and had 29 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

pic credit: TSV Oberaching Tropics(Leon Eilerson)

Omari Knox (185-SG-1986, college: Bloomfield) is a 37 year old 190cm guard from Brooklyn, New York who is playing his 13th professional season and last one before he hangs it up with the TSV Oberaching Tropics. He began his basketball career with Bloomfield College (NCAA2) and came overseas in 2009 and played 4 seasons with Regionalliga team TSV Dachau Spurs. He also played a season with the RheinStars Cologne as well as 2 seasons with OSB Hellenen Muenchen (Germany-Regionalliga) and a season in Hanau (Pro B). He is closing out his 5th season with the TSV Oberaching Tropics and has 2 games left in the regular season. He and his team are fighting for home court advantage in the playoffs and spoke to germanhoops.com after a nail bitter 67-66 loss in Frankfurt

The TSV Oberaching Tropics lost a tough 67-66 contest to the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. I can imagine this was your toughest loss to Frankfurt in your career?

Yes by far. We have lost some blow outs to them, but it is always better to lose a blow out than a game by 1 point.

It was the tale of 2 halves- Was this game the best example that a game has 40 minutes?

Yes it was. We have been doing that all season long. We just aren´t able to put it together for 40 minutes

TSV Oberaching Tropics had the sound 24-17 lead after 10 minutes. How happy were you with how your team followed the offensive game plan?

I was very happy. I feel like we were running the plays well and shots were falling.

You got going quickly and had 19 points at the break. Were you extra motivated for your last game in Frankfurt?

I was very focused. It was a big game for the playoff positions. That’s what was mostly on my mind. It is always fun to play against Frankfurt.

Oberaching only had 8 players. How tough is it in general to manage minutes correctly against a top team like Frankfurt?

Coach Mario does a good job managing the minutes for everyone. It is tough not having Jorg Dippold in the lineup who has been out for several weeks.

Matthew Temoka was huge with 9/5 stats after 20 minutes. Is he a guy that you have mentored this season?

I have been trying to help his game. He came from the Bayern school so he definitely has the fundamentals. I am trying for him to become more of an individual player than just a role player. I´m trying to help him come out of his shell.

What was your impression of young player Ivan the universal genius Crnjac? The 16 year old game strong minutes and helped at both ends.

I remember him from last seasons JBBL final in Frankfurt. I´m happy to see him having a role in the Pro B. He will be very good in the future.

Oberaching had the big advantage at the free throw line. Do you feel like Frankfurt wasn´t as aggressive as they could have been?

Yes I think so. We tried to protect the paint and just be solid and not gamble as much. We did a good job not getting in foul trouble, but also had some luck that Frankfurt settled a bit too much taking more shots from outside. They also missed some shots they regularly would make.

Oberaching forced Frankfurt to 9 turnovers. What was the team´s biggest strength on the defensive end?

We knew that they play physical and would try to pressure us so we tried to match them and we caught them off guard. We did a good job taking away their early entry play, but they killed us on the offensive glass.

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors came back and game was deadlocked at 54-54. What adjustments did Frankfurt make on the defensive end?

We made a lot of bad decisions, but they controlled paint area and switched screens and forced us to shoot from outside. We also were in the bonus and didn´t attack. We had too many turnovers as well.

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to play incredible defense. Why couldn´t Oberaching make the proper adjustments?

We continued to make many bad decisions and had bad shot selection. We also missed some free throws. They are a tough team on defense when they play this line up. There are many long and athletic guys.

In the last minute Nolan Adekunle made the go ahead basket and Nils Leonhardt the insurance basket. Were you guys a bit tired at the end?

I think that we were a bit tired. But mentally we also were down a bit. When you don´t see the ball go in for a while then it takes a toll on you. We lost focus. Adekunle made a huge offensive rebound and Leonhardt made a big three. That was a huge confidence booster for them

You nailed a big three with 5 seconds to go. Did too many turnovers in the fourth quarter cost you the game?

I think so. Turnovers and bad shot selection cost us the game at end. Our offense was a major problem. We did a great job defensively holding them under 70 points. We usually score more.

Oberaching still had a last possession at the end to win, but Fynn Fischer missed the shot. How did you see the last play with little time?

They packed the zone and defended well. I mean we got a good look. Fischer was about 3 meters away, but didn´t have a real angle at the back board.

You finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds. The rims in Frankfurt always suited your game didn´t they?

In warm ups we were laughing about the rims. They are so soft and all rattle in somehow.

It will be a real battle in the next weeks for the home court advantage in the playoffs between Coburg, Frankfurt and you. Who will get the ticket?

I hope we do. The other 2 teams have the tie break advantage over us, but the rest of our games are at home.

Thanks Omari for the chat.

If I really took some time, I could think of a handful of American players that played at lower levels in Germany like the Pro B and Regionalliga that should have played at higher levels like the pro A and the first 2 dudes that come to mind are Ricky Easterling and Montrael Scott. Easterling by the way is still active at age 40. Another guy that has had a stellar career overseas in Germany and is playing his last season is Omari Knox (185-SG-1986, college: Bloomfield). He was a dominant scorer in the Regionalliga and in the Pro B as well. Like with so many Americans, he is a guy that I had the pleasure of interviewing many times through out his career in Germany. But in so many cases, it actually took me some time to see him play for the first time after conducting that first interview with him. My first interview with him was in September 2014 when he was in his 5th season in Germany and first with Regionalliga team RheinStars. I would conduct one more interview with him in 2015 and then the next one in 2021. It took a while for me to finally see him play for the first time in Frankfurt and that was shortly before Covid began in 2020. Some guys I interview more than others and surprisingly I only interviewed Omari Knox 6 times in his career. It is almost a decade since our first interview and time has really flown by. “Hey wassup Miles, first off, thanks for all of the support and coverage over the years. Time has definitely flown by since then”, said Omari Knox. I will always remember Omari Knox as a ruthless scorer that could fill the stat sheet and should of played at a higher level.

Omari Knox and Bernd Kruel

Omari Knox who wishes he could have been teammates with Yasin Kolo was born on November 28th, 1986 and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He began his basketball career at St Peters College and then played 3 years at Bloomfield College (NCAA) and was able to improve his scoring average each season and as a senior averaged 18.8ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 40.1%, 3Pts: 40.1%, FT: 71.8%.He picked up various awards at Bloomfield like All-CACC first team and second team as well as being CACC player of the year in 2009. He also was a NCAA 2 allstar and was a NABC NCAA D2 All-America East District Second Team member and was NCAA D2 All-America Honorable Mention (by Division II Bulletin) He then went overseas and played his first 2 seasons with TSV Dachau Spurs (Germany-Regionalliga) and averaged 26,0ppg and 27,oppg in a season. In 2014-2015, he played with the RheinStars Koeln (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 13.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 80.6%. There he played with 2 dinosaurs with Bernd Kruel and Marko Petric, but also with many young players including 16 year Leon Okpara who has really developed well the last years and is a Pro A player today with Rasta Vechta. “Leon has definitely developed into a player. In all of my memories of him, he was always laughing, smiling and friendly. He has that same baby face, so anytime I see him I still see my same 18yr old rookie, but he’s definitely turned himself into a dog now. I think he’s still got plenty left to show, once he gets his confidence back after his last injury”, stressed Omari Knox. In the 2015-2016 season he went home and had some D-League tryouts and then coached high school before returning back to Germany. In the 2016-2017, he played his first season for Mario Matic with TSV Oberhaching Deisenhofen (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 24.8pp, 7.8rpg, 4.6apg, Steals-5 (3.0spg), FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 33.5%, FT: 82.1%. He was a top Regionalliga player and then played 2 seasons with OSB Hellenen Muenchen (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 25.4ppg, 7.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 84.4% and 19.8ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 82.3%. During these years he was a major Regionalliga walking bucket and was scoring 30 plus points on a regular basis and even hit Bad Aibling for 48 points. “The Regionalliga was great. I remember experiencing so many different coaches/coaching styles and playing against so many great players. There were more imports and the talented German players were slowly coming into their own”, stated Omari Knox. He even battled future Euroleague player Oscar da Silva who was a teenager and before he went off to Stanford (NCAA) in 2017. “Oscar had so much talent. He was skilled, great fundamentals and he always worked/played hard. I knew he had a bright future ahead of him”, added Omari Knox. He became a Pro B player in 2019 and except for a season in Hanau where he averaged 9.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 89.7%, he has been reunited with head coach Mario Matic. He has proven in the last years under Matic that he belongs to the best Americans in the Pro B. In the last 3 seasons, he improved his scoring average each season with 15.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 87.5%, 17.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 80.0%, and last season 18.6ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.7apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 82.9%. In those 3 seasons he played 50 games and scored in double figures in 39 games including 34 points against Ludwigsburg and 31 points against Leitershofen.

Omari Knox and Tyseem Lyles

This season Oberaching is having another great season and will play in the playoffs again. A big advantage the last years has been that Matic has been able to keep a core of his players together and generate good team chemistry. “Our team chemistry is a huge plus for us. Trusting each other, knowing tendencies and wanting to win and play hard for one another makes a huge difference”, warned Omari Knox. Two players that have been instrumental in the success has been captain Janosch kogler who is surely a top 5 best teammate of Knox´s and young German Maxwell Dongmo. ” Janosch is absolutely in my Top 5. I always secretly wish he chose to take it more serious because he would be in the BBL for sure, but I’m definitely happy I’ve got to play alongside him all these years. Watching Maxwell from day one of practice this season, I’ve been able to really see his development. Being a role player at Bayern, and now being asked to score and contribute every game is something he’s still adjusting to. That combination of speed and power can be scary. I don’t think anyone in this league can stop him once he realizes it”, commented Omari Knox. Not only has head coach Mario Matic been key for the team success, but also let Knox be himself and shine on the court. “I think he’s very underrated in his knowledge of the game. Most people may only know him to be a player’s coach, which he is because he allows us a lot of freedom to play and make mistakes. But at the same time, he’s always able to make adjustments and game-plan, to give us the best chance to win. He’s also very good at finding ways to motivate our group of guys to play hard every week and keep the energy up in practice. I would say he’s also a true student of the game still. He watches 1 basketball game a day, regardless of which league”, expressed Omari Knox.

Gasbr

This season the American who lists some of his toughest opponents in his career with FC Bayern Munich, Paul Zipser, Eddy Edigin, Karim Jallow, Paul Brotherson, Malcom Boone, Consti Ebert, Max Ugrai, Felix Hoffmann, Filip Stanic, Jan Wimberg, Ferdinand Zylka, Kristian Kullamae, David Taylor, Robert Franklin, Guy Edy is having another great season currently averaging 18,6ppg, 5,8rpg, 2,7apg and 2,0spg while shooting a solid 37% from outside. He seems to be aging like fine wine. “I think with the guys in the league getting younger and younger the experience I have plays a major role. I’m still very much a student of the game and learning every year/season. Mario also does a good job maintaining my minutes and giving rest when I need it. Taking my son to kindergarten on the bike daily plays a huge role”, stressed Omari Knox. He scored in double figures in 21 of 23 games and scored 20 points or more 11 times including having Speyer´s number in wins scoring 31 and 29 points including a 28 point explosion against Fellbach. He will play one more time in Frankfurt tomorrow. The BCM gym was constructed in 2004 and at that time was state of the art and the training facility of BBL team Fraport Skyliners and even today still looks great. So many great players have played in the BCM from guys like Dirk Nowitzki to guys like Alan Anderson, Carlos Arroyo or Marcus Fizer. The only problem is that the atmosphere isn´t as loud as in other Pro B gyms. “I think the BCM is still one of the cooler places to play in the Pro B regardless of the fans being there or not. You got the Pro Baskets and the wood floor which is definitely hard to come by in most cities”, said Omari Knox. He has a positive 4-3 record against Frankfurt going into this game. He had some great games in wins including 28 points in his first game in Frankfurt shortly before Covid in 2020 and a 31 point explosion in another win “It’s always a battle playing against Frankfurt. I think the record shows that entirely. Those two big wins (28 and 31) always stand out for me, because they were both important games. And of course, formally meeting you for the first time and getting my nickname Fort Knox the money is always safe”, laughed Omari Knox. Oberaching lost the first game in their living room and the revenge factor will be massive. “The next game in Frankfurt will be an important one for us. We definitely let the first one slip away. Careless turnovers and too many second chances opportunities cost us that game. Home Court Advantage plays a huge role in most games, let alone the playoffs. It will be an important game for both teams, and it’s definitely something that we want so I expect it to be a dog fight”, warned Omari Knox.

Omari Knox and Miles Schmidt-Scheuber in Frankfurt in 2021

The season is winding down and of course he hopes to top off his professional career with a title as anything is possible in the Pro B, but honestly I wish he would still be playing, because skill wise he is still at a top level. I think he still would have had 3-4 more good years in him. “I feel I can definitely play a few more productive years. I have my days where the body is sore but for the most part I still feel pretty good. I ride my bike every single day a few km’s so that definitely helps”, said Omari Knox. All in all, Omari Knox has had an incredible career in Germany. In total he has played 287 games and will add on a few more before all is said and done and nearly averaged in double figures each season. “I can’t believe it’s been 13 seasons. Anytime someone asks, I forget. I’m very proud of the career that I’ve had. All ups and downs, I’ve learned and benefited from each and every season I’ve played. I did actually consider retiring the summer before returning to Oberhaching”, stated Omari Knox. He has played 13 seasons and knows the time is right now. He will always know that he stepped down when he was truly at the peak of his game. “I feel pretty fit and healthy still for the most part, so those are all good reasons to stop now. Although, I still have the same love for the game, the basketball season consumes a lot of time (games every weekend, late practices, long road trips. At the same time, I’ll still be giving back as much as I can when I retire, whether coaching, individual training, mentoring”, stressed Omari Knox. Just like the title says, I will always remember Omari Knox as a ruthless scorer who could fill up the stat sheet and should have played at a higher level and how will he remember me best? “I haven’t been around German basketball for decades and I’m sure there are other’s who made their mark, but I think you will be remembered as one of the greats when it comes to covering games, and getting background information on players. You do your HOMEWORK“, stressed Omari Knox. It was a pleasure covering your game the last years and always a highlight to see you play the game of basketball. I wish you all the best for the future.

How often have I said this line in interviews and articles “how has time flown by? I mean here and there, I interview a player again that I haven´t in say 5, 6, or 7 years and so much has happened in that time. So almost a year isn´t a decade, but in the basketball world where so much happens, it is a long time. Even if the Fraport Skyliners got used rapidly to the second division called the Pro A and are fighting to move back to the easyCredit BBL, it is still tough accepting the fact that one doesn´t see Quantez Robertson (188-SG-1984, college: Auburn, agency: Interperformances) also known as Tez flying up and down the floor anymore. After an illustrious 14 professional career with only one team the Fraport Skyliners, he decided to hang it up last season. After heading home for good in May 2023, he is coming back this Sunday to enter his living room again in the Suewag arena and see how his #23 gets lifted up next to Pascal Roller´s. So much happened in 14 years with Quantez Robertson and the Fraport Skyliners and everyone has their memories. When I think of top 10 lists, I right away have to think about David Letterman´s Late Show top 10 list that enriched his program every evening. For example some of his top 10 lists included headings like top 10 signs that you’re a lame superhero or top 10 things that sound cool when said by Snoop Dog or top 10 things you don´t want to hear from a guy dressed up as Santa Claus. It was always entertaining to hear what the top 10 items were. In the case of Quantez Robertson, I won´t make up a comical top 10 list about him, but present my personal 5 favorite moments that I had with Tez during his 14 seasons with the Fraport Skyliners.

I have so many beautiful memories with Quantez Robertson over his tenure with the Fraprot Skyliners that it wasn´t easy choosing a top 5, but here goes. My personal favorite moment with Tez at number 5 occurred in Chalon, France in 2016 moments after the Fraport Skyliners had secured their second team title winning the Fiba Europe Cup against Italian team Varese. I was fortunate to have been at the event and sat courtside. That season the Fraport Skyliners had blown away the competition in the Fiba Europe Cup and produced a 15 game winning streak until they lost their first game in Israel against Maccabi Haifa in the quarterfinals. They came back masterfully at home and blew them away 91-75. They were the favorite going into the final 4 in France and actually wouldn´t have an easy time beating Russian side Enisey 59-56 and experienced a real nail bitter in the final upending Varese 66-62. Quantez Robertson saved his best for last as in the 2 games prior to the final, he had put up the big goose egg in both games shooting 0/7, but in the final filled the stat sheet really well with 15/5/4/2 stats and scooping up the MVP honors. Even if the 2 games in Chalon were close, you never really had any worries of Frankfurt losing the game when you had the witty coach Gordon Herbert, the great playmaker Jordan Theodore and the heart and soul of the team and minister of defense Quantez Robertson. The great thing during the final was that even though there were a few 100 Skyliner fans in attendance, the Chalon fans had put the Frankfurt team into their hearts and were cheering them as well. It almost felt like a home game. The last seconds were incredible as one could sense the glory about to happen and then the buzzer sounded and Jordan Theodore had the ball and heaved the ball up into the direction of the Skyliner fans. I put down my pen and paper and jumped up and then all of a sudden I saw Quantez Robertson bolting to me and giving me a massive high five. Now the celebration could really start. Being able to be the first to really give him a high five is my #5 favorite moment with him.

My personal 4th favorite moment with Tez occurred in the 2013-2014 season. This wasn´t a great season for the Fraport Skyliners as they finished in 11th place missing the playoffs. Their future Euroleague German players Johannes Voigtmann and Danilo Barthel were still developing and not top BBL big men yet and the team had 2 young inexperienced point guards that were unable to lead the team to success. It was near the end of the season on April 25th as the team were playing on the road against Rasta Vechta. It was an important game for Rasta Vechta as they still had a minimal chance of remaining in the league. In crunch-time, it was a real dogfight as the Fraport Skyliners were trailing 75-73 with 7 seconds to play. Rasta Vechta had possession and were to inbound it from the sideline in their half. Frankfurt had to foul or if lucky get a steal. Ex NBA player Will Conroy had massive problems trying to find a teammate and then threw the ball in which was intercepted by a quick footed Quantez Robertson. There was no “now there´s a steal by Bird” from legendary Celtics play by play man Johnny Most, but a “steal Tez from me. He didn´t have much time, but saw Danilo Barthel coming up the floor and zipped the ball to him who quickly found ex Vanderbilt (NCAA) guard Kevin Bright on the right and he dropped a in your face three pointer for the victory. I was court side calling the game on Web Radio with my colleague Bjarne Tannen and we just went crazy with the buzzer beater. It was the perfect opportunity to scream my Bright nickname which was Kevin “the light is” Bright. Even if Tez didn´t make the memorable last shot, he began the play with a great defensive play something that he was known for. His stat line after 35 minutes read 7 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist and 5 steals. I have called many buzzer beaters in my life and this is a top 3 in my collection.

My personal third favorite moment happened in his rookie season 2009-2010. I was really fortunate to have called 7 BBL allstar games early in my career from 2006-2012. Even if the allstar game had no importance for the teams in the standings, it was always a nice day where everyone involved in the German basketball community could come together and mingle and watch the BBL stars play for fun. I remember seeing great players like Julius Jenkins, Demond Mallet, Kyle Hines, Chris Ensminger or John Bryant win MVP over the years as well as ex Skyliner players like Jacob Burtschi win the three point contest in Trier or Keith Simmons win the dunk contest in Mannheim. During these allstar games, I always had the opportunity to have a player on my side as my side kick during the broadcast. I remember having Jimmy Mckinney in Trier and in Mannheim Keith Simmons was by my side way up in the balcony in the massive SAP arena that seats 15,000 people. During the 2010 Allstar game in Bonn, I invited Quantez Robertson to be my guest. Despite just having lost in the slam dunk contest, he was still a good sport and joined me for the whole game. Back in those days, he was a tad shyer than he is today, but from my memory, he did a superb job giving good analysis about the game as well as giving good insight about the players he battled every weekend in Germany. It was definitely a cool experience and even cooler now knowing that he became a Skyliner legend. At that time, he was a very talented rookie, but nobody knew how his career could have gone. If he had left after a season and never returned to Frankfurt then this experience wouldn´t have meant as much. But being able to have called a game with Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson will always be memorable for me

My personal second most favorite moment is actually in a span of 3 years from 2020 during Covid until today. In this time, our relationship seemed to grow simply because we had a much stronger journalist-player relationship. Before Covid, I had given Tez a few online interviews and interviewed him after many games in his first 11 seasons. But during Covid, my ideas for articles with Tez were just flowing as beautifully as the Boston Celtics current offense is and I was able to create some memorable stories. Of course Tez was a great sport who fed me great quotes for my interesting topics. I was able to contact him whenever I needed to and he was more than happy to give me 15-20 minutes time. Even if he had been witness to my endless post game interviews and writing style over the years, I believe at first he may have been amazed by some of my ideas, but overtime he got used to it. I was never a guy just to write common stuff about a basketball player so jazzing it up with certain topics was always high on my menu. It was always a pleasure interviewing Tez for these special pieces and then sitting down and putting it all together. Here is a list of my favorite articles I wrote about him with extra out of the ordinary titles. RETIRED FRAPORT SKYLINER LEGEND QUANTEZ ROBERTSON IS ENJOYING LIFE PLAYING PICKLE BALL AND RUNNING TO THE MAIL BOX WITH HIS SON. THE DAY BEGAN WITH A PRE GAME BACON AND EGGS SANDWICH FOR QUANTEZ ROBERTSON AND ENDED AS THE FRAPORT SKYLINERS ALL-TIME LEADING SCORER. SOMETIMES YOU DON´T HAVE TO SET FOOT INTO AN ARENA IN ORDER TO MEET THE FUTURE LEGENDS. WITH THE PAULDINGBURG NAME INTACT WHEN WILL QUANTEZ ROBERTSON RECEIVE THE TEZFURT DISTINCTION? THE MILES BASKETBALL MINUTE: QUANTEZ ROBERTSON (FRAPORT SKYLINERS) WOULD OF ALWAYS HAD TIME FOR THE KIDS HAD HE BEEN A NBA SUPERSTAR. EXPERIENCING THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER WITH QUANTEZ ROBERTSON (FRAPORT SKYLINERS). AN EASTER BASKETBALL SWEEP AND REESE´S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS WOULD SUIT THE FRAPORT SKYLINERS AND QUANTEZ ROBERTSON FINE. QUANTEZ ROBERTSON ACES THE BROSE BAMBERG HISTORY TEST. STOPPING PJ TUCKER WAS QUANTEZ ROBERTSON´S (FRAPORT SKYLINERS) BIGGEST NBA CHALLENGE. QUANTEZ ROBERTSON (FRAPORT SKYLINERS) FINDS SOME TOM BRADY MAGIC IN HIS HANDS. Thanks Tez for all the interviews. I enjoyed everyone.

My personal favorite moment with Tez happened almost 3 years ago, in April 2021 as Covid was in full swing and wearing masks was the norm. This is another moment where I can say how time has flown by. I feel like it was yesterday. it was real hard times as Covid was causing havoc all around the globe. I was in between surgeries in my fight against cancer, but luckily I still tried to catch as many games as possible. The Fraport Skyliners were playing the up and coming Niners Chemnitz with Argentine head coach Rodrigo Pastore. Not too long ago before the game, I had heard that there was going to be an article about me in an Argentine newspaper. Why an Argentine paper? Argentina and I have a big history. I went there for the first time in the early 80´2 as my parents had friends in Búenos Aires and this family there had many ranches. I went there a few times after and then in the 90´s almost twice a year on vacations mainly because I had gotten to love the country and it´s people. There was especially one town General Villegas about 500 kilometers west of Buenos Aires that touched my heart. I got to know so many people that turned into life long friends. The town newspaper wanted to write an article about me and my life. They wanted some photos and I came up with a great idea of making one with Tez after the game. Back in 1994, the mother of my best friend Sebastian made me a shirt with the town name and her restaurant name as a kind of joke that I could wear during my road races since I have always been a passionate runner.. Almost 30 years later, I still had the shirt and wore it for the Tez picture. I remember Rodrigo Pastore seeing the shirt and wondering where I had unearthed that from. Tez and I took the picture together and soon after the article came out with our photo. It was only logical that I would write a piece on this experience. The title read as follows SHOOTING THE BREEZE WITH QUANTEZ ROBERTSON (FRAPORT SKYLINERS) AND GLEAMING ABOUT GETTING HIS PICTURE INTO AN ARGENTINE NEWSPAPER. Tez gave his 2 cents about the photo. “. I have never been or played in South America, but it was pretty cool to be able to say I made the newspaper there. It was awesome to see”, stated Quantez Robertson. When he retired last year, I had produced 67 titles with his name in it. Now with this new article, the title count stands at 71. Tez was a very special player and also unique personality. I´m 100% sure that the title count won´t stand at 71 long, but will keep going. Thanks Tez for all the memories on and off the court. Let´s keep the title count going.

Jordan Theodore (184-PG-1989, college: Seton Hall) is a 34 year old 184cm point guard from New Jersey playing his 12th professional season and first with Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain-Liga ACB). He began the season with with Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 13.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.9apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 54.5%, 3FGP: 28.3%, FT: 73.2%. He also has gotten experience playing in countries like Turkey, Puerto Rico, Germany, Italy, Greece and Russia. He played 4 years at Seton Hall (NCAA) from 2008-2012. He played a season in Germany with the Fraport Skyliners and in the 2015-2016 season won the Fiba Europe Cop together with Skylinerlegend Quantez Robertson. This Sunday the Fraport Skyliners will retire Quantez Robertson´s #23 and Jordan Theodore talks about his memories of him.

Thanks Jordan for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is life treating you?

I´m in Vitoria, Spain. Life is great here. My family is great and the season is going great. I´m really happy to be here.

Congrats on reaching the Euroleague again with Baskonia. What was it like playing against German team Alba Berlin recently?

I couldn´t play against them last season with Frankfurt. But this time it was really cool. They always play hard.

You have a more limited role than usual. In the Euroleague game against Alba Berlin, you played only 10 minutes. Is it difficult to get adjusted to that?

Yes sometimes it is difficult. The most important thing is that I knew exactly what my role was before I came here. There would be games where I would play more and some where I played less. The most important thing is to be a leader for my guys.

You played very well against FC Bayern Munich scoring 10 points. What was it like battling former NBA player Carsen Edwards?

It is always fun playing against him. I know since my time in Turkey. He is a really good player and can really shoot the ball well. I thought that I did a pretty good job defending him. I really respect his friendship. He is a cool dude

Quantez Robertson has retired after an incredible 14 year career with one team. His jersey will be retired this Sunday in Frankfurt. How highly can one regard that feat? It is so seldom for Americans to stay with 1 team

Unfortunately I won´t be able to be there. We have a game on the weekend, but I will be there in my thoughts. It is amazing that he stayed so long with one organization. It is really rare to see that. He had a lot of success with the Skyliners. It is a blessing for him that the Skyliners organization showed so much love and he gave it back to them. It is cool to see how Tez was able to build a relationship with the organization, then become friends and then family. Tez and the Skyliners were a match made in heaven

You were teammates with Tez in the 15-16 season. If someone had told you in 2016 that Tez would play his whole career with Frankfurt what would you have said then?

I knew that he would stay in Frankfurt. I told him in 2016 after the season to go and get more money somewhere else. But he wouldn´t go. He was content with the Skyliners organization and so happy there. He loved the organization and they loved him. I totally understood that he didn´t go. If he wouldn´t go when he was on top then he would never go.

What was your first impression of him when you saw in 2015? How quickly did that freak athlete pop into your mind?

I didn´t really have any first impression mainly because I was too focused on myself and how I could help the team best. After time I got to know him better and saw how important he was for the team and fans. Then I saw that he was special. He wasn´t the best player, but his heart made him special. His leadership separated him from many that I played with.

I always thought he could of landed in the NBA just with his superior defensive skills. Do you feel he could have been a defensive force in the NBA?

Yes I think that he could have been that defensive specialist in the NBA. I´m not really sure why it never happened, but of locked guys up.

What one play from Tez will you never forget in a game?

There isn´t one specific play that I remember. But what I will remember most about Tez is how good of a friend and brother he was to me. We spent a lot of time together that first year. He embraced me with his family. Every year when I was on break, I would visit him in Frankfurt. We were locked in from the start. We have a special brotherhood that will never be broken.

What will you always remember Tez most on the court and with his character off the court?

I will remember his great leadership on the court. He wasn´t the best shooter, but his heart made him the MVP of the team. Off the court we were boys that would play video games and go out to dinner. That first year in Frankfurt I was alone, so Tez and I kicked it a lot.

What did you appreciate most about his game? What is something you would have liked to have from his game for your game?

His athleticism. I´m pretty athletic, but not as athletic as him.

What parting words do you have for Tez?

To my brother Tez. I want to thank you for many years of friendship and always being there for me in 2015. You welcomed me with open arms and let me be myself. It was a privilege to have been able to paly with you and know your family. You getting your jersey retired is well deserved and not given. I was happy to have been part of it in Frankfurt.

Thanks Jordan for the chat.

Shawn Scott (185-G-1996, college: SW Christian) is a 28 year old 185cm guard playing his third professional season and first with BG Hagen. Last season he split time with TVO Biggesee / TV Jahn Lindhorst (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 31.2ppg, 10.4rpg, 6.1apg, 3.6spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 77.6%, in Jan.’23 moved to BG 2000 Berlin (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 4.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 64.4%. He began his career at Jenks High School and then played 3 seasons at Southwestern Christian University. He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.

Congrats Shawn on the massive 96-82 win against top team Essen. Was this a first sign that BG Hagen is for real and ready for the playoffs?

Thank you. No I think the league always knew we were for real but we made a statement that we’re on a mission for something bigger.

Talk about the 40 minutes. How did the game go and what were the ups and downs of the game for BG Hagen?

The game started pretty even and continued that way up until the middle of the third quarter I believe. This is when we started to turn it up on defense and everyone started to hit shots and everything was going our way. The ups were I think everyone did their job and played amazing defense overall and the downs were we fell asleep sometimes and let them be too comfortable on the court and it was after halftime when we turned up our aggression defensively.

Allen and Andrew combined for 38 points but BG Hagen still won. What was the team mentality going into the game in terms of how you wanted to defend those 2 for 40 minutes?

We wanted to make them as uncomfortable as possible the whole game which is already a tough task because they are experienced players. But when it was time to get stops I think we did just that.

How soothing is it to know in general that even when they shot pretty good, you could still win the game?

Very. Like I said, these type of players are going to score no doubt, but when the game is on the line and you NEED stops, we get the job done and our record proves that. And we still can improve and get even better at this in the playoffs and we will get better.

Besides another strong game what other factors helped the team get this win? You had 6 guys in double figures. That doesn´t happen often.

I think the first time we played Essen we were nervous and felt under pressure. But being at home and 20+ games in, that nervousness was gone and we were just playing free and without worry. Guys stepped up huge in the biggest game and that shows you what type of team we are.

You had your fourth triple double of the season. I imagine this was the sweetest since it helped knock off the ETB Miners?

Definitely. I wanted to do absolutely everything I could to win and leave everything on the court

Do you sense a raise in your game now in the stretch run or do you see yourself still being able to get better?

Still being able to get better for sure. My game is still not where I want it to be triple double or not and I’m going to keep working until it’s right.

BG Hagen next battle 13-11 Wulfen who you disposed of easily the first time by 23 points. What will be key to getting the win?

Just keep the momentum. We have still have to continue our win streak and finish the season on a good note. We’re treating this game like all the others and the plan is to go out and win it.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.