Thomas Laerke (194-G-1991) is a 33 year old 194cm guard from Denmark that played in Germany this season with the Telekom Baskets Bonn 2 (Regionalliga) team averaging 13,5ppg, 5,0rpg, 3,5apg and 1,3spg. He spent time in the United States as a teenager and played at Findlay Prep. He returned back to Europe and played his first 3 pro seasons in Spain. He then spent his most successful time with Danish top club Bakken Bears playing there 9 seasons and winning 9 titles. He also spent time in Finland and Portugal. He spoke to germanhoops.com during the season about basketball.

Thanks Thomas for talking to germanhoops.com The other day I was checking German Regionalliga box scores and I saw your name. I thought wait a minute, he is playing in Germany. I remember seeing you play a Eurochallenge game almost 10 years ago in Frankfurt with Bakken. Usually guys like to find a home later in their career like you did with Bakken but instead after 9 years at Bakken you go to Germany and Portugal last season and this season in Germany at age 32. I guess you want to experience new cultures after such a long time in Denmark?

Yeah well, you almost make it sound like 32 is old! I plan on playing until I´m 38-40 years old. No but seriously. I have been in Bakken for a long time and I think it´s important to keep evolving. Not only as basketball player but also as a person. If you stay at the same place for a long time there is a chance that you stop getting better in life. Also if I only have 6 more years left why not try as much as possible!

What kind of an experience has it been playing for Telekom Baskets Bonn 2? What is your role? The typical veteran guy that brings leadership?

I have been here for a week now. It is a top professionel club and i haven’t met anyone that haven’t been nice yet so I can’t complain! Again you mention i’m a veteran like I´m old, but I guess i am one of the older players. My job is to help. My job is to do you what i can do to help us win

In your first game 17 year old German Janne Muller exploded for 38 points. How good is this kid? He had a great way of finding solutions for hi sage. What have do you enjoy most about his game?

It was literally the first time I’ve seen Janne! 38 is a lot on any level so I’m just going keep passing him the ball

Last season you had a short stay in Germany with the Kirchheim Knights. What memories do you have of that and why was it so short?

Yeah Kirchheim was cool. Again good people all around. I guess Germans are just nice people huh? It was really only a one month contract since I was an injury replacement. But it was a good month! Thank you Kirchheim!

Last season was a real rollar coaster ride. After Germany you spent time with Esgueira/Aveiro/OLI (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 7.4ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 46.2%, 3FGP: 37.3%, FT: 30.0%, in Mar.’23 signed at Aceitunas Fragata Moron (Spain-LEB Silver). How was this time? I guess you couldn´t complain about the weather?

Yeah but back to my first answer. Let me try as much as possible. I really loved Portugal. I really think that Liga Betclic is a really underrated league. Very very competitive league so that was really fun to play there! And when you live basically on the beach and the whether is nice it´s hard to complain.

Your best times as a professional player came with the Bakken Bears winning a total of 9 titles with 6 league titles and 3 cup titles. Which league title was the sweetest for you?

The best title was the first no doubt. I’m going be very honest and just say that the more titles you win the less it means. I know its wrong to say but after 6 in row you are expected to win. Which means i´ts not impressive if you win, it´s just bad if your bad if you don’t win big enough

How thankful are you in general for having been able to play so long with the Bakken Bears? The organization has made big strides in the last years especially with well known players. What kind of a player did you become with them during all those years?

Aw playing in Bakken is the best. I miss Bakken sometimes. If any of you players are reading this and have a chance to go play there go. It´s a club who is always trying to get better and do better. There is a culture that was built by players before me. A culture that’s hard to explain. It helped me mature a lot when I needed it!!

When you play together with guys for long, bonds do arise. How was it with Nicolai Iversen who you played many years early in your time at Bakken? Are you guys like brothers?

Sometimes it’s almost like the players that you’ve gone through the most struggle with is the players you have the strongest bond with. Of course Iversen is one of my closest basketball friends. The longer we play the more players we meet and we can’t become best friends with all of them but I think we all have a few that really sticks.

Later you won many titles with Ryan Evans and Michel Diouf. What memories will you always have with them on and off the court?

I had great times with them! What a lot people don’t realize is that some players here in Europe could play on a much higher level, maybe even NBA. Ryan Evans is one those players. He can play anywhere. One of the toughest competitors I know. Michel is just different. Ask anyone who has played with Mich. They will tell you that he is the funniest player ever! Best locker room guy. You don’t always understand what he is saying but it sounds funny

You were teammates with Quentin Peterson. He has made huge strides. He played NBA Summer League last summer. What do you remember being a woow moment with him on the court?

Man every practice was a wow moment. Few players can score like him. A player when you contest his shot and hopes he misses. But again that´s the thing. There are so many players. So many good players. I can’t understate enough how much it is about situations in our profession. QJ can score with the very very best of them.

Please name your top 5 teammates at Bakken Bears?

Morten Sahlertz 2 Nicolai Iversen 3 Chris Christoffersen 4 Deshawn Stephens 5 Michel/Ryan/Tyler Ong

You played your first 3 seasons in Spain from 2010-2013. How important were these early years for your basketball development?

Honestly I was a little bit too young mentally to get the most out of the experience. I didn’t fully understand that it is more important to be a good guy and teammate and maybe less about stats. It was humbling. And of course Spain is always a good basketball country! We had a coach, Angel Navarro, who kept stressing that I should go out and have drinks and stuff with me teammates. I just wanted to practice and that was it. I later realized that a good mix of those two are the healthiest. Unless you are Kobe Bryant. But im not.

You played against a young Marcus Errickson when he was with FC Barcelona 2? What memories do you have playing against other young players that later would become well known players?

Yeah I remember that i didn’t think much of him back then. But man he is skilled. floaters, threes you name it. Respect

You played a season at the well known school Findlay prep and was teammates with Canadians and future NBA players Cory Joseph and Tristan Thompson. What memories do you have of these guys. How did they treat you as a Danish kid on and off the court?

Of course they are great players. I would still say that i’ve played with and against better players but we know how it works with this job. Tristan understood the ways around professional basketball especially off the court at an early age. He understood the business side. He taught me about food. He taught me how to open a cup cake, put another cake and ice cream inside the cup cake and then put caramel on top. Great guy. Cory Joseph i just have one thing to say. He is a great, smart player but even a better person

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

No doubt at all. Kyrie Irving for sure. We played him in high school. He knew how to dribble back then as well

Please name your 5 favorite European players of all-time?

That changes from day to day because I like players for a lot of different reasons.. But right now. 1 Gabriel Iffe 2 Nando De Colo 3 Juan Carlos Navarro 4 Jokic 5 Vasilije Micic

Who is your GOAT?

My goat right now is Jokic. Mostly because of his off season work.

Thanks Thomas for the chat.

It hasn´t been a glorious Albert Schweitzer tournament for the German U-17 squad coached by Dirk Bauerman as they went into the game against China with a 0-4 record. One can´t forget that Germany has a very young group of young men with little experience and had to cope with some real growing pains especially against Serbia where they mustered only 35 points, but as in all the other games gave it all they had, but just couldn´t compete with them in a way they would have liked for 40 minutes. Their next opponent was China who like them had not won yet and had been so close the day before losing a bitter 94-88 contest to Egypt in overtime. Germany had a night to rest and forget the Serbian game as quickly as possible as it had been a real learning experience and now were focused to finally get their first win against China. 24 hours after the tough loss to Serbia, Germany came out showing real heart and controlled the game against China until they gave China their first lead of the game at the 39,37 minute mark and they never looked back as Germany lost a difficult 63-62 game to China. “It was impressive how the boys came back after the loss to Serbia. It was a great performance at both ends of the court. The zone in the second half got to us. We didn´t have the needed experience and preparation to overcome that”, stressed Germany head coach Dirk Bauermann. China had a slow start, but step by step found to their game and never stopped fighting and in crunch-time had an ice cold Boyuan Zhang (203-F-2007) who was a walking bucket who scored 11 of the teams last 13 points to help them gain the last seconds win over Germany. “We had a slow start and nobody stepped up in the first half. In the second half we came back with real team spirit and improved our defense and played transition”, stressed Boyuan Zhang.

Xi Rui Feng at the FT line

In the first quarter it was all Germany as they left their Serbia blues behind them and just came together and played team basketball and had fun leading by 13 points after 10 minutes. Before anyone was really aware what happened in the gym, Germany was ahead 10-0. Germany found their offensive rhythm quickly finding their touch from outside as Vechta forward Marko Petric and Frankfurt´s Ivan Crnjac connected for three´s while uUm´s Jervis Scheffs connected for 4 points. Ivan Crnjac wasn´t only versatile on offense, but also was a menace on defense getting a big block. China finally got their first field goal at the 7,14 minute mark as Zhang drove to the rim for the bucket. Germany was playing with very high energy at both ends and continued to let it rain three´s as Colognes Kenan Reinhart and Ludwigsburg Julis Baumer let it fly for the comfortable 16-4 lead. China really couldn´t muster much offense. They had problems with Germany´s aggressive defense that did a great job on the quick and strong Chinese ball handlers and also were the better rebounding team. Zhang added another basket as his quick footing and rapid drive to the hoop gave Germany fits all day long. Petric closed out the first quarter with a lay in off the inbounds pass as Baumer found him in an instance as Germany led 18-5. “We started off giving the right signal. We showed that the loss to Serbia didn´t affect us”, said Dirk Bauermann.

Nevio Bennefeld with the finish

Germany continued to control the game well in the second quarter, but had a few down minutes at the end allowing China to creep closer trailing only by 7 points at half-time. Germany got the first baskets from Petric and a jumper from Alba Berlin big man Nevio Bennefeld. Germany did a good job closing the zone, but China got better into their game getting three´s from Jin Bo Fu and Zhang to trail 22-11. Germany stayed calm and executed their offense solidly as Scheffs showed his 1-1 qualities scoring on a spin move and Bennefeld remained aggressive making a 20 footer for the 26-15 advantage. Leverkusen big man Lukas Klein added a lay in on the pick and roll as Baumer found him and Germany led 29-15. At this point, it looked like Germany was on it´s way again to running away with the game, but China had other ideas. China closed out the second quarter strong with a 9-2 run to trail only 31-24 at the break. In the run China was fortified by getting to the free throw line. The damage could have been worse by China, but they missed 3 free throws. They also got big baskets from quick guard Fang Liu and walking bucket Boyuan Zhang. Germany had problems taking care of the ball as China´s aggressive on ball pressure annoyed their rhythm. Paderborn guard Tom Bruggerman closed out the second quarter with a lay in. Germany still had the lead, but China was threatening with their high tempo game.

Jin Bo Fu from outside

In the third quarter China continued to heighten their game and at one point trailed only by 3 points, but Germany made a valuable adjustment by totally getting big man Lukas Klein involved as he scored basket after basket and after 30 minutes Germany led 50-40. Germany was seeking that offensive flow from the first quarter, but just couldn´t find it as China just kept chipping back. China received free throws from big man Xi Rui Feng and another three pointer from Zhang to cut Germany´s lead down to 34-29. After Nevio Bennefeld scored on a pretty spin move, China reacted with a lay in from Li Lui off the no look pas from Yang Liu and free throws from Xi Rui Feng as Germany led only 36-33. Germany closed out the third quarter with a 13-7 run as Lukas Klein contributed 10 points as he was fed over and over in the paint area. Julis Baumer found him three times including once for a thunderous dunk. Germany did a fine job exploiting the big body of Klein and thus getting easy baskets. “China came back. They aren´t a bad team. There are always ups and down. That´s part of the game”, stated Dirk Bauermann. “We did a good job staying consistent and keeping the game close”, added Boyuan Zhang.

Lukas Klein at the FT line

In the fourth quarter China continued to fight and play their high energy style. They switched to zone and in crunch-time it was Boyuan Zhang who took matters into his own hands and just supplied a show for the audience. China got going quickly getting a lay in by Zhang and three pointer by Zheng Wang to trail Germany only 51-45. Jervis Scheffs then stepped up hitting back to back off balance shots showing that he can be that guy who can take over offensively when needed. “Jervis is a guy that can take over a game. He already showed that last season. He has nerves of steel”, commented Dirk Bauermann. Germany then got a transition bucket from Bennefeld to lead 57-48. Then it was time for the Boyuan Zhang show as he scored 11 unanswered points. Every play the ball went to him and nobody could stop him. He got to the free throw line netting 2 free throws while making a trey and 3 lay in´s to deadlock the contest at 59-59. “Coach adjusted our defense and we went to zone. They couldn´t score and we got transition baskets from our zone”, commented Boyuan Zhang. Scheffs then hit a massive three pointer with 1,17 to play to give Germany the 62-59 advantage. Wen Hao Fu then made a basket to trail Germany 62-61. After a Scheffs miss, Zhang made clutch free throws for the 63-62 lead with 23 seconds remaining. Germany had one last chance, but Scheffs jumper came up a little short. “I just knew that I needed to step up. I wanted to help my team. I enjoy taking the clutch shots”, smiled Boyuan Zhang. “We knew how dangerous Zhang was coming into the game. He hit big shots”, stressed Dirk Bauermann. China was led by Boyuan Zhang with 28 points and Xi Rui Feng added 10 points while Germany was led by Lukas Klein and Jervis Scheffs with 13 points a piece. China shot 35% from the field and 33% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 15 turnovers while Germany shot 35% from the field and 19% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

That Serbia would be an incredibly tough opponent to crack was no secret before the game started, but that Germany would lose a U-17 game at the Albert Schweitzer tournament by 63 points and only muster 35 points was an extremely tough pill to swallow. Germany came into the difficult game with a 0-3 record as they had only averaged 59 points per game and had coughed up the ball way too much while Serbia was 2-1 and were super strong on the boards getting 20 offensive rebounds on average. Germany would have to be extra physical on the boards, but simply couldn´t match Serbia´s intensity or physicality for 40 minutes and were crushed 98-35. The deficit grew every quarter from 15 to 30 to 40 and to 63 points as the horn sounded. If one observed head coach Dirk Bauermann on the sidelines, you could see a guy that was angry inside, but didn´t show it as much on the sidelines. These are 16 and 17 year old boys who are still young and are allowed to make mistakes. Serbia on the other hand were at another level and the ex Leverkusen super coach totally accepted that. “This was an extremely important learning lesson for my team. They witnessed a tough aggressive physical Serbian defensive team and very clever offensive team. It was a great experience where the boys had to get out of their comfort zone. It was an aha experience where they can get new motivation. They saw today that what they have been doing until now wasn´t enough. We have 6 guys missing that will probably play in the world cup and I think with them, this game would have looked a lot different”, stressed Germany head coach Dirk Bauermanm. Serbia played an incredible game from start to finish with little down phases and despite the big win head coach Branislav Ratkovica didn´t flash that massive winners smile, but was humble in the win. “We were older and had a lot more experience. Our focus going in was to play tough for 40 minutes and get on transition and get easy baskets. We knew that if we play good defense, our offense will follow. I was a little surprised by the end result. Germany is talented and have big bodies. The score didn´t show their real face”, warned Serbia head coach Bransilav Rathkovica.

Lukas Klein

Germany was without key players Declan Duro, Mathieu Grujicic, Fynn Lastring and Davi Remagen while Serbia was without captain Mitar Bosnjakovic who plays with Real Madrid and had won 3 Adidas Next Generation tournaments. Serbia didn´t waste any time jumping all over Germany. Serbia came out instantly with a high intensity as their best shooter Andrej Kostic connected twice once from the parking lot and high energy guard Savo Derzgic made free throws. Germany couldn´t come to terms with their aggressive pressure and didn´t score until the 6,29 minute mark as Ulm´s Jervis Scheffs made a lay in. Germany then saw some light at the end of the tunnel and got a 4 point play by Alba Berlin´s big man Nevio Bennefeld and a lay in by MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg guard Julis Baumer as suddenly Germany trailed only 10-8. But that didn´t faze the versatile and deep Serbian squad as they punched back with a 16-3 run to lead 26-11 after 10 minutes. In the run, Serbian was fortified by 5 different players in the points department as Aleksa Stanojevic, the son of ex Alba Berlin great Jovo Stanojevic showed his dunking qualities while defensive specialist Marko Tofoski showed he can attack scoring twice in the paint while Ognjen Srzentic made a steal and dunk and high energy guard Aleksandar Vojinovic (196-F-2006) dropped a trey for the damage. “We knew going in that we had to be focused. Sometimes a game can become difficult if you let the opponent play. We came in very concentrated and played like we were”, said Branislav Ratkovic. Serbia shot 52% from the field and 44% from outside and had 14 rebounds and 5 turnovers while Germany shot 33% from the field and 40% from outside and had 3 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Milos Sojic at the FT line

In the second quarter Serbia was able to heighten their game at both ends especially on defense as Germany almost went 7 minutes without scoring as they held them to only 5 points. Serbia continued to play with incredible on ball pressure and produced stop after stop while on offense they continued to execute at an efficient rate. Serbia stopped Germany 6 times and in this period got buckets from Srzentic, free throws from Milos Sojic, a massive dunk by Kostic and a offensive rebound and pretty hook shot by Aleksa Vlajic for the 34-11 advantage. Germany couldn´t hit the ocean including the non contested shots which was very bitter especially on a day where little was falling. Serbia was making good decisions in the set play. There could have been more damage, but Serbia was in a phase now where they weren´t executing as well. After 10 Serbian stops, Germany finally got on the score board in the second quarter with a trey from Ludwigsburg guard Julis Baumer at the 3,25 minute mark. But that instant spark by Germany didn´t faze Serbia as they ended the second quarter with a swift 12-3 run to lead 46-16 at the break. Stanojevic continued to be an offensive force as he scored on transition and also made a big dunk while Aleksa Dimitrijevic nailed a three pointer as did Drezgic. “We played our best defense of the game in that 7 minute span. Our aggressiveness and long arms were key. When we raise our arms, there isn´t much space. They did miss open shots, but when your constantly being pressured and using energy, even those shots are tough to make”, said Branislav Ratkovica. Serbia shot 52% from the field and 40% from the three point line and had 26 rebounds and 10 turnovers while Germany shot 23% from the field and 25% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

In the third quarter the dominating play of Serbia continued as their offense remained consistent and there was little change on defense they continued to play with high intensity not giving Germany anything easy. Both teams had problems executing in the first few minutes as both teams were stopped 4 times a pierce. Stzentic finally put Serbia on the board which was followed by a Tofosci lay in as Serbia led 53-16. Germany then finally got on the board for the first time in the third quarter as Ivan the universal genius Crnjac made a lay in. Germany then had some positive possessions as Bennefeld made a crushing dunk and lay in as Germany trailed only 57-22. Germany now was definatley more relaxed and got better looks and made better decisions. Serbia continued to score when they wanted to as Duric and Stanojevic scored, but Germany was aggressive as Ivan Crnjac who had been cold in the first half got to the free throw line twice and Scheffs made a beautiful finger tip roll in ala Tiny Archibald as Germany trailed 65-27. However Serbia simply had too many weapons and showed how anyone can go off at any time as Vojinovic got going in the last minutes scoring and getting to the free throw line twice as Serbia led 69-29 after 30 minutes. “We never let up. We continued to be tough mentally. I always push them to be consistent with no let ups”, added Branislav Ratkovica. Serbia shot 50% from the field and 31% from the parking lot and had 38 rebounds and 13 turnovers while Germany shot 25% from the field and 14% from the parking lot and had 22 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

Andrej Kostic from outside

In the fourth quarter Serbia continued to march down the court as if they owned it as Germany seemed to be counting down the seconds until the fiasco was finally over. Serbia once again began with a lightening strike going on a 20-0 run to lead 89-29. In the run Serbia was led by the always aggressive Aleksandar Vojinovic as he had his most potent stretch of the game contributing 9 points. With most Germans already pooped, he just seemed to be like the Duracell energy bunny as he ran up and down the court as if it was only the third minute of the first quarter. As usual Serbia was aided by everyone as Sojic scored and Tofoski added a trey while the bench also came up big as Andrija Duric scored as did Stefan Pilsnic on transition. Germany was always a step slow or maybe 2 or 3 steps to slow and just were on 1-2 levels lower than Serbia with the intensity and physicality. It really looked like a game of men among boys. Young 15 year old raw talent Killian Duck of FC Bayern Munich finally got Germany´s first points of the fourth quarter with a lay in. Baumer added that with a dunk and Germany had had their first and only 4-0 run of the game to trail 89-33. But there would be no more German runs, but Serbia slammed the door shut on Germany for good with a 9-2 run to end the game. In the run Serbia was sparked by Stefan Pilsnic who looked anything like a boy with his shaved head producing 7 points as he scored from all areas from the near, mid and long distance. “We know that we have good players. We just want to be the best with what we have. We know that we are talented offensively, but if we also step it up on defense then we know that we can beat anyone”, warned Branislav Ratkovica. “Today everyone saw a game of men vs boys. My boys saw how intense the game is internationally. Now we have to get used to it. It was a great experience for them to see what they still have to do to get better”, warned Dirk Bauermann. Serbia was led by Aleksandar Vojinovic with 16 points. Savo Drezgic added 14 points while Aleksa Dimitrijevic had 12 points while Germany was led by Nevio Bennefeld with 8 points and Ivan Crnjac had 7 points. Serbia shot 53% from the field and 34% from outside and had 53 rebounds and 18 turnovers while Germany shot 23% from the field and 9% from outside and had 29 rebounds and 24 turnovers.

U of Kentucky pic credit

Sacha Killeya-Jones (212-C/F-1998, college: NC State) is a 25 year old 212cm center that was born in Highland park, New Jersey and is playing his first season with ACB team Surne Bilbao Basket. He began his basketball career at Virginia Episcopal school and then played 2 seasons at the University Of Kentucky (NCAA) playing 48 NCAA games. He began his professional career in 2018 with GBA Sparta Praha (Czech Republic-1Liga) averaging 18.7ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.3apg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 66.7%. In the 2019-2020 season he balled with BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn (Estonia-EstLatBL) averaging 10.6ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 61.1%, FT: 64.7%. In the 2020-2021 season he played with MKS Dabrowa Gornicza (Poland-EBL) averaging 19.0ppg, 8.9rpg, 2.0apg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 64.4%. In the 2021-2022 season he played with Hapoel Galil Gilboa (Israel-Winner League) averaging 18.4ppg, Reb-5 (7.6rpg), 1.1apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 67.2%. Last season he played with Oklahoma City Blue (NBA G League) averaging 7.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 62.1%, 3PT: 22.6%, FT: 58.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the Niners Chemnitz.

Thanks Sacha for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playingyour first season for : Surne Bilbao Basket (ACB). Whatkind of an experience has it been playing for thisorganization. What have you appreciated most aboutthis club?

It has been really fun being able to play here in Spain. The cities’ location and the Clubs facilities have made it my favorite experience so far overseas.

2 years ago you led the Israeli Winners league in scoring and then played in the G-League. It took you 6 years to get to the best league in Europe. What was your biggestchallenge in the last years in being able to get to the ACB?

Honestly I feel it’s been injuries, I had a small knee injury in my rookie year of 2019 that led to me missing 3 months before going to Kalev, and this injury also led to me tearing my patella tendon in late 2020 and missing a full year. After that I came back and had a great year in Israel, and a good summer league with the Lakers. I decided to take a risk go to take an Exhibit-10 deal with the Thunder. After a great training camp I broke my toe the 2nd game of the year, and missed 90% of the G-League season because of it. I was lucky enough to get this opportunity in the ACB after that and I think I’m now proving that I belong.

You had very strong games in a loss to FC Barcelona and a 3 point loss to Real Madrid. What do you feel does your game still need to have to someday be able to suit up for a Euroleague team?

I think I just need to continue to develop my reading of the game, I can be turnover prone sometimes when I’m trying to do too much. But I’ve learned a lot this year and I’m getting better every game.

You fill the stat sheet like no other and are an excellent defender. What do you still need to do to become an elite 2-way player?

Consistency, I think I’m doing well blocking shots and scoring the ball this year. But if I can limit turnovers and continue to be a consistent threat from 3, with the addition of continuing to develop my PnR defense, I can take the next step.

You played the last 2 summers in the G-League with the Los Angeles Lakers. What kind of a feeling was it wearing the Lakers jersey? Did you ever meet Magic Johnson or other legends?

I’m really grateful to the Lakers for giving me that opportunity the last 2 years. There’s a lot of great people in that organization that taught me about the game and were fun to be around. It was an awesome experience that I won’t forget.

You were teammates with Scottie Pippen and Shaq´s son. What were these guys like. What will youremmeber most about them?

Shareef and Scottie are great guys, both down to earth and making their own paths.

You played a season with the Oklahoma City Blue (NBA G League) averaging 7.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 62.1%, 3PT: 22.6%, FT: 58.3%. How tough is it in general to make your mark when you arent averaging 30 minutes a game and everyone is else is palying for their stats. What positives could you take from your G-League season?

It’s always tough in the G-league with everybody competing for shots and trying to showcase their skills, especially in a guard dominated league. Coming off of my injury and missing most of the season, I was just trying to get my footing and show how I can affect the game. Which I think I did the last 3 games of the year. I think if I had stayed healthy I would’ve had a very different year.

What was the best example in the G-League where you saw at close hand that the NBA will always be a business first?

On any G-League team you will always see guys who are assigned down from the NBA team be given a ton of minutes and shots. I think it can be difficult some times for guys who are starting in the G to have to change their role week to week.

You played the 21-22 season with Hapoel Galil Gilboa (Israel-Winner League) averaging (18.4ppg), Reb-5 (7.6rpg), 1.1apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 67.2%. Was your 18/14 game in the 87-83 win over Euroleague team Maccabi Tel Aviv one of your best wins as a pro? What memories do you have of that game?

That Maccabi game was super fun, it was by far the best crowd we had in Galil and we fought super hard for that win. Definitely a win I’m really proud of.

You played the 20-21 season with MKS DabrowaGornicza (Poland-EBL) averaging19.0ppg, 8.9rpg, 2.0apg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 64.4%,. What memories do you have of thisCovid season? You played well despite all the restrictions of COVID.

My biggest memory of this year was unfortunately my injury. It was really disappointing considering how well I was playing, I felt I was on pace to have a breakout year.

You played the 2019-2020 season with BC Kalev/CramoTallinn (Estonia-EstLatBL) averaging 10.6ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 61.1%, FT: 64.7%. You played your first VTB game against top Euroleague team CSKA Moscow and played against guys like Mike James, Mr Euroleague Kyle Hines and other ex NBA players. What do you remmeber being eye opening playing against a club like that?

I think on the scouting report they had 8 or 9 guys shooting over 40% from 3 and we lost by like 30 points. It really showed me that there’s a lot of levels to competition in Europe.

You played your rookie season with at GBA Sparta Praha (Czech Republic-1Liga) averaging18.7ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.3apg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 66.7%. What do you remmeber being yourwake up call where you knew that you were far awayfrom home?

The food is always the biggest wake up call. Anytime I can’t order Korean wings on Uber Eats I know I’m not home.

You played 2 seasons at Kentucky (NCAA) winning the SEC title in 2017 and 2018. Which title was sweeter?

2018, that was a fun SEC run and the championship game against Tennessee was one of my favorite games of my college career.

You averaged 6 minutes as a freshman and 13 minutes in yoursecond season. You had 7 future NBA players each season on the roster. What positives do you feel did your game get from the Wildcats experience?

I learned a lot. How to become a more physical player, mental toughness, what real conditioning feels like, how to deal with fan expectations and the media, how to play in front of huge crowds. There are countless things I’m grateful for from my time at UK.

You played with top NBA players like DeAaron Fox or Shai Gilgeous Alexander and many more. Which teammate had the biggest impact on you in those 2 years?

I probably learned the most from playing against Bam everyday. Just having to figure out how to fight against a guy that is strong and athletic when I was a skinny 17/18 year old, it was great for my development.

How did head coach John Calipari groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He did a great job of teaching us how to deal with media and fans. How to be professional about taking care of our bodies in practice and staying on top of our skill work.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Bam Adebayo?

-I’ve never lost a 1-1 ever ever.

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

Taco Fall when I was 16 and 185 pounds.

Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time?

-It’s impossible to only name 5. It’s honestly a tie between Unai Barandalla, Adam Smith, Kristian Kullamae, Alex Reyes, My sons Alex Renfroe and Melwin Pantzar… Deeeeenzel11, Gio Tsalmpouris, Thijs De Ridder, Tomeo Rigo, Tryggvi Hlinason, Keith Hornsby and Xavi Rabaseda.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

-2016 Lebron, 2013 Lebron, 2018 Lebron and 2009 Lebron

Who is your basketball Goat and why?

-Bron, no explanation needed,

Did you see the sequel to the classic coming to america? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

-Nope. But as a bonus question. The best movie of all time is Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai. “There is something to be learned from a rainstorm. When meeting with a sudden shower, you try not to get wet and run quickly along the road. By doing such things as passing under the eaves of houses, you still get wet. When you are resolved from the beginning, you will not be perplexed, though you will still get the same soaking. This understanding extends to all things.”

Thanks Sacha for the chat.

I don´t know how many guys I have interviewed in my life that have answered yes that they have a chip on their shoulder, but I know it´s been many. You know those special players who can do it all, but for whatever reasons have been doubted their whole career or even been a bit off the main stream radar. These guys are all over the place overseas. Personally they are my favorite guys to interview, because they always have a special story to tell and just have the biggest hearts. If you were to ask Dustin Sleva (203-F-1995, college: Shippensburg, agency: Octagon Europe), a guy who played NCAA 2 and had to pay his dues in the France Pro B for 3 years if he has a chip on his shoulder, then it would only be self-evident that the answer would be yes. He had to grind for so many years and now it has all paid off. He currently is showing his extra ordinary basketball talent in Europe´s top league after the Euroleague called ACB in Spain with team Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB. He has been having a solid season in the ACB and Basketball Champions League and I´m sure even with his current success, the chip on his shoulder will never go away. “I’m fortunate that I was able to get this opportunity to play in Murcia. Everywhere I go I love to play with a chip on my shoulder and show people what I’m capable of”, stressed Dustin Sleva. This season he did something very unique in that he helped defeat FC Barcelona and Real Madrid where he scored 14 points against the latter and battled against so many former NBA players like Jabari Parker and Sergio Rodriguez just to name a few. “Playing against Jabari Parker was very surreal for me. I used to watch him play at Duke when I was playing division 2 and always dreamed to play against the blue blood university’s but I never got that chance. That’s why playing in Europe at a high level is amazing. I get to play against all the guys that starred at the big schools that I didn’t get to chance to play for or against”, stated Dustin Sleva.

But before Dustin Sleva who mentions ex Crailsheim and current Miami Heat guard Haywood Highsmith being his toughest cover in the NCAA 2 could play against FC Barcelona, he had to pay his dues as a player. He was born on September 23, 1995 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He began his basketball career at Montour high school and then had a stellar career at Shippensburg University (NCAA2) playing a total of 103 games winning a PSAC title and reaching the D-2 Sweet 16. He was able to improve his scoring average each season. In his freshman season he averaged 9.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 64.1%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 72.7% and in his second season averaged 15.8ppg, 11.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 77.5%. His game really took off in his last 2 seasons as he averaged 21.7ppg, 10.7rpg, 3.5apg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 80.1% and in his senior year averaged 21.4ppg, 10.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 82.4%. He was able just to be himself and had a lot of freedom. He had some massive games against Slippery Rock, Indiana PA and Kutztown and remembers exactly what his favorite game was there. “I would say the PSAC Semi final at Indian University was the most memorable game in my career. We beat them at home and then went on to win the championship”, said Dustin Sleva. In his last 2 seasons he played 61 games and scored in double figures in each game. He scored 30 points or more 5 times and 20 points or more 36 times. He also registered 36 double doubles. He wouldn´t have become the player he did when he left without the stellar guidance from head coach Chris Fite. “Coach Fite was a similar player to me so he really understood my game and put me in positions to excel. I am forever indebted to him after he took a chance on me and jump started my career.”, added Dustin Sleva. During his years there, he battled 2 future easyCredit players with Kameron Taylor now in the ACB and Rasheed Moore in Germany. “Kameron and I still talk when we play against each other. Rasheed and I battled a lot in our years playing together. There’s a different type of respect you have for those guys that came from the PSAC. It’s not easy at all to be able to grind through d2 then through those lower leagues in Europe to be able to make it to the top”, stressed Dustin Sleva who remembers having no chance in the post as a freshman against teammate Dylan Edgar in 1-1 battles in practice. He picked awards there like ll-PSAC Eastern Division First Team -2016, 17, NABC NCAA D2 All-Atlantic District Second Team -2016, All-PSAC East Division Player of the Year -2017, 18, NABC NCAA D2 All-Atlantic District First Team -2017, 18, NABC NCAA D2 All-Americans Team -2017, 18, and All-PSAC East Division First Team -2018.

The modern day forward who lists Gautier Dennis, Nick Kellogg, David Kramer, Braydon Hobbs, Ryan Boatright, Evans Ganapamo and all his Murcia teammates as his best teammates of all-time came overseas in 2018 and did something extremely rare playing 4 seasons with one club Paris Basketball. Something like that just doesn´t happen often with money being thrown around and players moving on to the next best contract. Did he ever think of becoming a team lifer? “Of course, I thought I was going to finish my career with Paris. Looking back it is a little naive to think about that but I believe that everything happens for a reason. I was in a tough place that last year and it was hard for me to leave. I grew as a person and player when I did leave. I love the club and I’m still in contact with a lot of the staff there. I’m hoping they win Eurocup and finish in euroleague next season. It’s incredible to see the progress from my first year to what the club is doing now. Paris is like my second home and I grew up a lot in the 5 years that I was there. I learned French, met my fiancé there and still have a lot of close friends from my time in France”, remembered Dustin Sleva. Like every other American, he had a wake up call and it was a monumental one. “I have too many memories to put here. I would need to write a book. I think I matured 10 years in 1 in my first year in Paris. I was in a big city alone without knowing the language, not really knowing how to cook and also learning how to be a professional. My wake up moment was probably getting crushed my Nantes in my first professional game. But not my only one”, stressed Dustin Sleva. In his third season with Paris he helped the team move up to the Pro A averaging 14.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 87.4%. He was able to develop under head coach Jean-Christophe Pratt and helped understand Euro ball. “Coach Pratt took me from an American basketball player to a European basketball player. He basically taught me all the basics of spacing and positioning on the floor. It’s not easy to be able to have patience with a rookie American but he gave me a lot of patience and tough love”, commented Dustin Sleva. He was surrounded by incredible teammates including Daniel Dillion and Jevohn Shepherd who steered him in the most positive direction on and off the court. “Those guys were like my dad that year. I still talk to both of them today. They both gave me a lot of confidence and also taught me how to be a pro. They were great teammates and are great friends to me”, expressed Dustin Sleva. In his fourth season, he proved that he could be a solid player in the Pro A averaging 11.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 71.2%. He scored in double figures in 19 games including 23 points against Roanne and 22 points against ChalonsReims, but it was another game where he scored 9 points that was his most memorable. “My favorite game was my last game against Levallois away to secure our spot in the league and also playing at Bercy arena in front of my family who were visiting and having a great game against Monaco”, said Dustin Sleva.

The Pennsylvania native who lists Lebron, Jordan, Bird and Magic on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore played NBA Summer League in the summer of 2022 with the Golden State Warriors playing 4 games and averaging 2.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.0spg. He was really fortunate to have played against historic teams like the Celtics and Lakers, but it was actually meeting a basketball legend that made his experience in Las Vegas the greatest. “Summer League was an incredible experience. I actually had to play my way into a spot in the Vegas summer league team. I was only supposed to play in the Classic in San Francisco, but after playing a couple good games the organization invited me to Vegas. I was thrilled. I learned a lot. My greatest memory was being able to talk about European basketball with Dejan Milojevic. In the short time I was with him I was able to pick his brain about rebounding and different concepts on defense and offense. That time was even more precious now after he sadly passed away. For him to spend extra time with me to work on my game when he didn’t have to was really special to me. I was so fortunate to be able to learn from one of the best”, stressed Dustin Sleva. Even if he got worthwhile advice form the Warriors coaching staff, it is Milojevic that will forever stay most in his mind. “I learned a lot from everyone there. Like I said before, “Deke” taught me a lot. I understand more about the NBA concepts and life. I never had an opportunity like that before and I believe I made the most of it”, warned Dustin Sleva. After beginning last season with Paris Basketball (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 3.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.3apg in the pro A and 6.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 61.5%, 3FGP: 36.4%, in the Eurocup, his run ended there after after 19 games and he finished the season in Germany with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. He needed no time to adjust and joined a special program that was on the rise under head coach Jesus Ramirez. It was a short time, but crucial in his development after leaving Paris. “Playing is Braunschweig truly helped me grow as a basketball player. Jesus played a huge role in developing my game further and he and Kostas Papazoglou also gave me loads of confidence after I left Paris. I really needed that at that time. He’s a great coach and Braunschweig is a great city and a great place to play. They are progressing with a young team and it is fun to watch them battle for playoff position this year. We battled with every team. We were tough and young. It’s the clubs DNA and I am proud that I played a role to help the team stay in the BBL. He averaged 13.4ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 47.2%, FT: 70.7%. He showed his consistency scoring in double figures in 16 of 20 games including a 31 point outburst in a win over Wurzburg.

This season the American who calls Lebron James his Goat has made the jump to Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB (Spain-ACB) as they are the big surprise of the ACB season currently in fourth place. As usual the secret of the success is having a good understanding between an ambitious coach and having many guys with chips on their shoulders, “I think coach Sito gives us our identity as a tough team that fights and our gm Alejandro, did a great job to put our team together with a bunch of guys that are unselfish and play to the limit of each play. We take pride in our defense and enjoy playing with each other”, stressed Dustin Sleva. 3 special teammates are Howard Sant-Roos a guy that played with his ex team Braunschweig more than a decade ago on their farm team and was teammates with Dennis Schroeder before he was in the NBA and guards Dylan Ennis and Troy Caupain who are 2 players that could be playing in the Euroleague. “ Howard and I actually talk about Braunschweig a lot. We both enjoyed our time there. I love playing with Howard. He gives me a ton of advice especially defensively and he is one of our anchors on defense. He’s helped me improve a lot defensively just by watching him and also from his advice that he gives me. Dylan and Troy are excellent at what they do. Dylan gives us unlimited amount of energy and he seems to always be the guy that hits those important shots throughout the game. Troy is a true floor general. He has all the intangibles of a true point guard. He knows the ins and outs of each player and how to keep everyone involved throughout the game. They are both extremely important for us”, warned Dustin Sleva. The big surprise team now have a quarterfinal date with German team MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg and he has some revenge on his mind. Last season, he suffered a gruesome 93-92 loss to them scoring 11 points, but fouling out. “That was a game that we had and needed at the time and it was a devastating loss. I remember that they are a tough team that likes to play physical and fast. It’ll be fun to match up with them again. I think the tougher team will win. They are a tough team like us with talented players”, added Dustin Sleva.

The modern day forward who feels that sequels usually should be left alone is a player that compares his game to a Kevin Love. At first glance, one would always mention shooting as the biggest strength in his game, but it is actually something else something that Fraport Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson was also known for in his game. “I would say the strength that would get me the farthest is my shooting ability but I would have to say that my high motor is my biggest strength. It not only allows me to give it all in every game but also allows me to put in quality individual work each day”, said Dustin Sleva. This season in the ACB, he is averaging 8,0ppg and 4,0rpg in 21 minutes of action while shooting 37,5% from outside while in the Basketball Champions League he is averaging 10,3ppg, 4,7rpg and 1,4apg in 23 minutes of work while shooting 34% from the parking lot. He has reached 40% or better from outside 4 times in a season in the pro´s and twice in the NCAA2. He knows that he still has to grind to reach that elite status. “I always like to think of myself as the best shooter on the court no matter who is on the court. I love to play with this level of confidence because of the work that I put in to be a great shooter. But I can definitely improve in many areas. I wouldn’t say elite yet. I’m improving on becoming a better shooter off of screens and on the move. I always been a great pick and pop and spot up shooter. To take that next step to be truly elite, I want to work to be able to be able to knock down shots off pin downs and go screens at full speed and contested. Those are truly elite shooters in my eyes”, warned Dustin Sleva. In the ACB, you meet the best players overseas and you can´t take a play off. He has always been a solid defender and came into the ACB with the right mind set defensively and it has paid off for him. “I think this year has been the best defensive year of my career. My motor and intensity each play plays a huge role in that but also being able to learn from coach Sito, Rodions Kurucs and Howard have helped me tremendously. I would say I’m a good defender. I take pride in my defense. I want to help the team in any way I can. I never want to be a liability”, stressed Dustin Sleva. It will be interesting to see where his basketball journey will go as he is high up on the ladder at the moment. Is he satisfied now? I doubt it. He isn´t finished yet with his climb as that chip is always on his shoulder which has helped him through out his career be the best player he can be.

Even if the Fraport Skyliners entered the Munster game in third place, there had to be an uneasy feeling with head coach Denis Wucherer. Ok so one can get swept by Trier, but getting swept in the season series by a sixth placed team like Hagen in the crunch-time part of the regular season has to be disheartening. In this phase of the season, teams have to be focused and tweeking everything for the post season. No team in the Pro A is a cake walk and for Frankfurt they had to be ready for the next annoying opponent with the Uni Baskets Munster. They were currently in 8th place and one of the surprise teams of the season. They have been playing really spirited basketball as of late winning 7 of their last 8 games and showing that they want to reach the post season. They have had a knack this season of winning a hand full of crunch-time games and wanted revenge for the bitter 91-67 loss to Frankfurt in their living room at the start of the season. The Uni Baskets Munster were a much different team then and the Fraport Skyliners had to be ready. Frankfurt was ready and once again destroyed the Uni Baskets Munster by the score of 91-60. The Fraport Skyliners showed again why they are the leagues best defensive team while offensively totally overpowered the guests hitting 13 three´s as 8 Skyliners connected and shot 53% from the 2 point area and demolished them on the boards 54-28. “We began well on defense bothering their 2 best players Scott and Touray. That led us to play good team defense and we sustained it well for 40 minutes. On offense we really got all we could as they allowed us everything. We also hit many shots which helped”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Ife Ajayi. The Uni Baskets Munster had no identity on defense and on offense weren´t able to share the ball. They reached their peak and now are struggling to make the palyoffs. Their unacceptable play for 40 minutes led one to wonder how they could be playing for the playoffs. “We didn´t come out to fight and had no energy. We went a lot farther than people expected us to come this season. We have to play like a playoff team now, but we aren´t doing that. We only beat 1 playoff team this season with Jena”, stressed Uni Baskets forward Nathan Scott.

Ife Ajayi at the FT line

It didn´t surprise anyone that on Easter Sunday and the weather surprisingly warm for late March that only 2,400 people came to watch the game. The Fraport Skyliners had their woes as big men Lorenz Brenneke and Jacob Knauf were out, but after 40 minutes one could of carefully proclaimed that they didn´t need them on this afternoon. But those who did come saw a great start by the Fraport Skyliners as they jumped all over Munster rapidly to lead 9-2. Frankfurt let it rain three´s early as Canadians David Munekat and Aiden Warnholtz scored while ex Vechta forward Justin Onyejiaka used his great athleticism and attacking to score in the paint. Frankfurt began aggressively on defense not letting Munster inside the paint. Munster then was rewarded by 5 points from ex Skyliner Cosmo Gruehn who played youth basketball with Isaac Bonga back in the day. However Munster couldn´t make any ground as Muenkat got in the zone quickly connecting two more times from the parking lot lifting Frankfurt to the 19-9 lead. Frankfurt was focused and had a high intensity and defensively didn´t let the guests get into a flow and slowed down Scott and Touray nicely. Frankfurt continued to be super aggressive offensively as their bench stepped up as ex EWE Baskets guard Kevin Mcclain scored twice inside as Frankfurt led 25-11. However Frankfurt wasn´t able to close out the first quarter with the momentum as they allowed Munster on a 6-1 run to trail only 26-17. In the run, it was less Munster team play, but more superb isolation from the Americans as ex Shippensburg (NCAA2) guard Carlos Carter made 2 off balance shots and ex Auburn Montgomery (NCAA) American James Graham also scored. “We knew we had to make up for missing 2 of our bigs. We are a deep team and came out strong on the right note. We felt it early on offense and locked up on defense. Our play gave us a lot of self confidence”, warned Ife Ajayi. The Fraport Skyliners shot 63% from the field and 50% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the Uni Baskets Munster shot 38% from the field and 17% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

James Graham with the shot

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners continued to control the game and stayed consistent at both ends and upped their lead to 21 points at half-time. Frankfurt continued to execute beautifully and went on a 19-7 run to begin the second frame to lead 42-24. In the run, it was the David Muenkat (201-F-2000, college: St.Francis X.) show as he connected on 15 of the 19 points and was a one man wrecking crew as he had 22 points at the break. He nailed one three pointer, but did most of his damage with his overpowering play and aggressiveness on the drive. He scored a pretty lay in where he used every once of his athleticism and then followed it up on the next play with a tap in. You don’t only see acrobatic dunks or massive blocks in his tool box. “He is young and I´m so proud how he has played. He is so versatile. We talked a lot this week that we have to shoot more. He had a great night. When he gets in a flow, his confidence rises”, stated Ife Ajayi. But it wasn´t only Muenkat who was doing damage but also Justin Onyejiaka who followed him with back to back baskets as he scored 5 points and Frankfurt had the 47-26 advantage. Defensively the Fraport Skyliners were tough and kept the zone closed which continued to force the guests to tough shots. If there was one guy who could make the off balance shot then it was James Graham as he connected twice in the last minutes while also be a force on defense swatting away 2 balls. “I take pride on 1-1 plays. I love defense though. I never want guys scoring on me. I always like the challenge to guard 1-5. I´ll guard anyone”, warned James Graham. Fraport Skyliner Jordan Samare closed out the second quarter with a trey after getting the kick out pass from Booker Coplin as Frankfurt had the comfortable 51-30 lead. “Our team defense carried over to our offense. We didn´t let them into the zone. We take a lot of pride of being the best defensive team. We switched 1-5 and our half court trap annoyed them as well as our constant pressure”, added Ife Ajayi. The Fraport Skyliners shot 54% from the field and 40% from the three point line and had 26 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Uni Baskets Munster shot 37% from the field and 20% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Justin Onyejiaka with the shot

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners continued to be consistent at both ends and execute well as they scored 27 points and upped their lead to a mind boggling 34 points. In the first minutes the Fraport Skyliners lost a little focus as they seemed blinded a bit by their big lead. The Uni Baskets Munster had some misfortune as James Graham was hit with a technical foul. However ex Bucknell (NCAA) guard Avi Toomer who won 2 Patriot League titles nailed back to back shots and Nathan Scott who played at Central Washington (NCAA) hit a three pointer as Frankfurt led only 56-38. The guests profited off careless Frankfurt turnovers. After Marco Voeller made free throws, Adam Touray who played 4 easyCredit BBL games made back to back lay in´s as Munster finally found some ways inside to trail 58-42. However as if this seemed to be Munster´s calling card to continue their run, they were smothered by a lethal 20-2 Frankfurt run to decide the game after 30 minutes as Frankfurt led 78-44. In the run the Fraport Skyliners weren´t aided by David Muenkat who surprisingly remained scoreless in the third quarter, but were led by the duo of Ife Ajayi and the Swiss army knife Cameron Henry who played at Indiana State with 8 points a piece. Ajayi added 2 three´s, while Henry displayed his fine 2 way player skills also making a three pointer and reverse lay in. “We gave up. Coach kept saying we have to play like a playoff team, but we didn´t. Our biggest weakness was our passing. We didn´t pass the ball and had too many turnovers and were destroyed on the boards”, said Nathan Scott. “We noticed they were going to roll over. We knew we had to tap them out. We never let up on defense continuing to make them work hard for every shot”, commented Ife Ajayi. The Fraport Skyliners shot 53% from the field and 43% from the parking lot and had 38 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Uni Baskets Munster shot 37% from the field and 24% from the parking lot and had 18 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Cosmo Gruehn from downtown

In the fourth quarter as is usually the case when your up big, the Fraport Skyliners let up, but still defended with heart and passion allowing only 16 points and easily sealing up the home win. The Fraport Skyliners actually began off hot going on a 8-1 run to extend their lead to 86-46 as McClain and Ajayi connected for three´s and ex Alba Berlin German Nolan Adekunle made a floater. The game was long decided now and the Fraport Skyliners checked out mentally allowing the Uni Baskets Munster to end the game with a 14-5 run. In the run the guests were led by Cosmo Gruehn who scored 8 points with 2 three´s and American Carlos Carter scored 5 points. With 2,28 to play, the Fraport Skyliners had 5 Germans on the court something you see rarely in the pro A. “It was cool to see so many Germans on the court at the same time. It was nice to see Bruno Albrecht get a lot of minutes. It was a tough week for us with injuries so coach rested Muenkat and let the Germans play more”, stated Ife Ajayi. “I really have no answer for how we played today. We didn´t play like a playoff team. We play lesser teams now and have to win”, warned Nathan Scott. The Fraport Skyliners were led by David Muenkat with 22 points and 12 rebounds while Ife Ajayi added 15 points and Justin Onyejiaka had 12 points. The Uni Baskets Munster were led by Jasper Guenther and Carlos Carter with 10 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners shot 45% from the field and 37% from outside and had 54 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the Uni Baskets Munster shot 38% from the field and 26% from outside and had 28 rebounds and 15 turnovers.

This season the Fraport Skyliners have some players that will dazzle the basketball fans on a nightly basis with their wicked athleticism. The duo of Cameron Henry and David Muenkat have shown time in and time out what it looks like to swat the ball away or a Justin Onyejiaka leaping to the rim like a flying hawk and slamming the ball home with extreme authority on many occasions. But it isn´t just these players that can make big plays. This season the Fraport Skyliners have had the pleasure of having Kevin Mcclain who might be best known for his scoring in bunches talent, but the American also demonstrated that he has the ability to pass the ball well. In the big win over the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven, McClain came into the zone and it seemed like he would finish, but in the last second he made a bounce pass that set up Ife Ajayi perfectly for the massive throwdown. In this instance it wasn´t just one amazing play that wooed the fans, but 2 plays with the pass and dunk. ““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“ Of course the American also has his praise for Henry, Muenkat and Ajayi. “It’s fun playing defense with Cam and David because we’re able to get out and run and convert on the offensive end. I played against Ife in France and I think he could be the difference in a 5 game series against a physical team like Trier because he’s versatile which can be hard for their bigs to guard the perimeter and inside against him”, stated Kevin McClain (190-G-1996, college: Belmont). A big strength in Mcclain´s game is his scoring, but he can do so many other vital things on the court for his team to be successful. It also has helped him a lot that he did track and field in high school which has helped his game in many ways. His high jumping skills that he perfected in high school has helped him be able to defend bigger players. It is no secret that being versatile and the more he can do will help him be able to help him progress down the road with his career.

Kevin McClain who lists Ja Morant as one of the most talented players in the world and his toughest cover in the NCAA was born on October 21st, 1996 in Jaspar, Florida and hails from a big family as he has 7 siblings. He attended Hamilton County High School and was high jump state champion. He averaged 19.0ppg, 6.0rpg, 3.4apg, 3.3spg; and was the first student-athlete in Hamilton County High School history to receive an NCAA Division I scholarship. He then went to Belmont University (NCAA) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 126 NCAA games. His game really picked up in his last 2 seasons as he averaged 12.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 71.6% and in his senior year averaged 16.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 70.2%. He was on some talented teams as he reached 2 OVC finals, the 2017 NIT Sweet 16 and capped off his career really the NCAA tournament as a senior. At March Madness, he lost a brutal 79-77 game to Maryland despite scoring 19 points. “Losing the game was very tough, and for a while you’re mad about it but I don’t sulk to much on losses or failures, but it was for sure a fun game and I just remember how many people who were not our actual fan base there to watch us it was crazy”, said Kevin McClain. He shared the court with 2 current PRO A Players Grayson Murphy and Nick Muszynski who were instrumental with him for the team success. “I have great memories sharing the court with them and just locker room talk and funny moments as a team”, said Kevin McClain. He had many great games at Belmont like hitting SE Missouri State for 31 points and Temple for 29 points, but surprisingly there wasn´t just one game that stuck out most for him. “Some people may say or think that those games were my best, but I think every game and every present moment is what I enjoy the most. I could watch a game where I was a kid and be in aww of that moment”, commented Kevin McClain. He played 65 games in his last 2 seasons and scored in double figures in 53 games. He will also be grateful for the guidance by top NCAA coach Rick Byrd. “I think he helped me understand the game and being able to read defenses, I think he could be one of the best coaches in Europe if he wanted to but he’s left his great mark of coaching at Belmont and that seems just right to me”, expressed Kevin McClain.

The scoring guard who lists Dylan Windler, Amanze Egekeze, Justin Sears, Robin Amaize, and Jamar Diggs as his 5 best teammates so far in his basketball career began his professional career getting some NBA experience playing Summer League for the Golden State Warriors. It was an experience he surely won´t forget even if it was brief. “Any talented players I have played against, it was a pleasure but at the end of the day we’re just competing so it’s it too big of a deal for me but as for memories there’s not anything to exciting to share”, remembered Kevin McClain. He began his professional career overseas with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg which was a severe learning experience as his minutes from college were shaved down from 32 to 10 in the Eurocup where he averaged 4,0ppg. Not only was it tough seeing lesser minutes than at Belmont, but living overseas was totally different and like every American, he had a wake up call where he knew he was far away from home. “My wake up call was seeing birthdays, holidays and time go by as you catch up on most things the next day because of the different time zones”, stated Kevin McClain. He was fortunate to have been teammates with Mr Oldenburg and easyCredit BBL legend Rickey Paulding and just like for everyone else that has ever come in contact with him left a lasting impression on him. “He welcomed me like he would everybody else, he’s just that type of person. He’s a really good dude and he’s actually quiet but whenever I did ask or had a question he always had positive advice”, said Kevin McClain. He then played 2 seasons with FOS Provence Basket (France-ProB) averaging 15.5ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.2apg, Steals-4 (1.9spg), FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 77.9% and in his second season averaged 11.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 66.7 %. He played in the second division Pro B in his first year and helped the club move up to the first division called pro A. “That team was very special and we just had the right pieces in each spot and we worked together very well. There were good teams that year in the league and for me it was tough not being able to have a regular lifestyle, having 4 o’clock curfews and also playing with no fans was not so motivating at times but once we got on the court we all had fun playing and competing together”, remembered Kevin McClain. He was also fortunate to be teammates with 2 former BBL players Nik Caner-Medley and former Skyliner Zach Peacock who was with Frankfurt more than a decade ago. “Those are my big brothers and I played with Nik two years so it was good experience to be pushed and be given confidence by a great player like him, not all vet players boost you up like that but the same with Zach. I ended up getting hurt so didn’t get to play a lot of basketball with him but definitely a great vet and just talking about life and overseas life with him was always fun”, stated Kevin McClain.

The athletic guard who lists Allen Iverson, Kyrie Irving, Derrick Rose, and Steph Curry on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore and Lebron James as his GOAT then had a difficult period in his career as he was injured and couldn´t play for 1,5 years. He played his last game in France on January 28, 2022 scoring 10 points against Cholet. It was a tough period, but he finally recovered and signed with the Fraport Skyliners. “I definitely feel very blessed to play again, and I’m so thankful each and every day, and I have to remind myself it’s a process to getting back to where I once was”, said Kevin McClain. He didn´t get totally fit until December and it wasn´t easy finding his place on a deep rotation. “It was more of a challenge to regain myself physically and mentally as a player again, and at times that can be difficult to figure out when coming into a team that’s already rolling well, because you don’t want to mess up the flow of the team but I see it as a challenge and week after week I’ll become more complete and my rhythm will be there before the playoffs”, warned Kevin McClain. His scoring was there from the start as he scored in double figures in 4 of his first 5 games and hit Hagen for 22 points in a loss. He was instrumental in a big come from behind win in Koblenz where he scored in bunches and was like a microwave ala Vinnie Johnson, “I’ve been told that throughout life in basketball but at the core I’ve always been more of a scorer and I just take what the offense gives me”, stated Kevin McClain. Even if he is only in his fourth professional season, he is technically a veteran on a team that has a lot younger guys and has to show leadership. “As a pro I’ve only been able to play 3 years, not even. So for me, I still feel young but from what I have learned from my experiences, I try to help out where I can”, stressed Kevin McClain. After his solid start, he had a down month as in 5 games he scored only 28 points while shooting for 9 for 37. His scoring accuracy has picked up in recent weeks as he has scored in double figures in 4 of his last 5 games. At times the Fraport Skyliners lacks having that cold blooded scorer, but McClain could be that guy who comes through whenever needed in crunch-time. “I think as I continue to find my rhythm, I believe I can be that player in crunch-time while also trusting my teammates. I’ve been figuring it out and I will continue to and at the end of the day I want to win so whatever it takes I will be ready prove myself”, warned Kevin McClain. The team has many athletic players and his will only benefit the team. “My athleticism came more and more as I got older but I wasn’t always the fastest or jumped the highest so I used my quickness a lot but it’s definitely been a benefit for me especially on defense and attacking bigger players”, warned Kevin McClain. His scoring will always aid the Fraport Skyliners, but on a team that has the top defense in the league, his defense will always be welcome. Especially in crunch-time of the season, the ex high school high jumping champion may offer some different kind of wow players other than scoring or passing, but perhaps some athletic defensive stops that will get guys like Muenkat and Henry give their special seal of approval.

James Graham (201-F-2000, college: AUM) is a 23 year old 201cm forward that was born in Louisville, Kentucky and is playing his rookie season in Germany for the Pro A club Uni Baskets Munster averaging 10,1ppg and 4,4rpg.. He began his rookie season with the Unger Steel Gunners Oberwart (Austria-BSL) averaging 15.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.4apg, 2.0bpg, 2FGP: 58.1%, 3FGP: 27.3%, FT: 60.0%. He began his basketball career at Apollo High School and then played 2 seasons at Cuyahoga Community College (JUCO) averaging 13.9ppg, 7.0rpg, 2.7bpg, FGP: 48.9%, FT: 79.8% and in his second season averaged 16.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.6apg, 2.5bpg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 62.1%. He then finished at Auburn University Montgomery (NCAA2) averaging 6.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 60.0%, FT: 38.9% in his first season,12.5ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.0apg, 2.1bpg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 69.2% in his second season and 12.7ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.0apg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 76.4% in his lsast season. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks James for talking to germanhoops.com.Welcome to Germany and the Uni Baskets Munster. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball. Did the World Cup win surprise you where Germany beat USA?

The world cup did surprise me to a certain extent but I know we didn´t send out most decorated troops

What were the main reasons for you coming to Germany? You put up good stats in Austria and had a 3-4 record with Oberwart?

Things didnt work out with management and thats pretty much it, I would’ve loved to continue to play for Coach Horst

Your coming to a very good team with the Uni Baskets. They have skilled players and play beautiful team basketball. How do you feel that you will fit in best?

I’m a pretty good passer too so I think my scoring will only make the sharing the ball easier

Let´s talk about your game. Your a 201cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Michael Beasley.

Is it fair to say that your a 2 way player? You can score and fill the stat sheet and are a high level defender?

I’d say so, I got a lot to work on defense but I think I do pretty well

You averaged 2 blocks a game in your last 2 years in school and were doing the same in Austria. Please explain your secret to swatting away balls?

Thats the thing about secrets, once you tell them they’re no longer a secret

Your already a great defender now. What are your long term goals as a defender?

To strike fear in the offense, also to average just as many steals as I have blocks

Let´s not forget your offensive game. You can score and get rebounds. Talk about what kind of offensive player you are?

I think I can do just about anything scoring wise, all I have to is put the work in, I soak up knowledge pretty well when it comes to offense

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

I’m working on moving better to be able to fit in a guard space more, decision making/playmaking, and definitely shooting

You began your rookie season in Austria with Oberwart. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I knew I was overseas when they told me there was no AC

Despite staying on a few months in Austria, what positives do you feel could you take from the experience?

Being under Horst taught me a lot about how much detail there is in the game and how each one is crucial to the success of your goal

You played at Cuyahoga Community College (JUCO) averaging 13.9ppg, 7.0rpg, 2.7bpg, FGP: 48.9%, FT: 79.8% and averaging 16.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.6apg, 2.5bpg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 62.1%. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have said that playing JUCO was the best experience that they ever had, but it was also a tough experience. How was it for you?

JUCO was the best time of my life for sure, it was hard at first but once I adopted the culture they had laid out for me it stuck and it wasn´t a problem, those are my people for life

You had a lot of success in JUCO. How did your game grow in these 2 years under Michael Duncan?

My game completely transformed, to this day I think he’s the best coach I’ll ever have, nobody is more obsessive than he is about the game.

You then finished at Auburn University Montgomery averaging 12.5ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.0apg, 2.1bpg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 69.2% and in your last season averaged 12.7ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.0apg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 76.4%. You showed incredible consistency. How did your game grow in these last 2 seasons?

I learned how to play with others a bit more. I learned how to really go and get it for myself.

You had many incredible games there like beating UAH or Montevallo where you ahd monster games. But what was your fondest moment on the court?

The best moment for me was probably our last regular season game for montevallo, although its very tough because we had a lot of great moments.

How did head coach Michael Cheaney groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Cheaney prepares you in the strangest ways, some days you’ll want to fight him but he’s never wrong it´s so crazy, he has told me about all the different aspects of playing overseas and puts you in positions mentally that would help you later. I like to call him Mr. Miagi

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Roderick Smith?

We’ve played a bunch of times, but I have a good winning record with no doubt in my mind

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

I cant think of anyone who from the NCAA but in juco probably Jay Scrubb

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Stanley Davis Isaiah Hart Jeremiah Bozeman Zach Hopewell Travis Anderson Theres so many more but you only gave me 5

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron, KD, Kobe, MJ, Kyrie

Who is your GOAT and why?

Kobe is my GOAT, I resonate more with his style of how he processes the game I can relate to it more

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To Americas? Shouldn´t they left it alone?

They definitely should have left it alone lol

Thanks James for the chat.

It was May 2005 and I had only been involved with German basketball for a short time. I had called my first full game between the Opel Skyliners and BG Karlsruhe a few months earlier and now was covering the quarterfinals between the Opel Skyliners and Artland Dragons. It was a series that Frankfurt would win and at that time I was busy gathering quotes from players for my post game article and after that posing for 1-2 fotos. I remember meeting the outgoing and always talkative Michael Hakim Jordan who had a hall of fame smile and then also taking a pic with the more reserved Bryan Bailey (185-SG-1980, college: Bucknell). He was a quick guard that could always give his team energy at both ends. He is a guy that would go on to have a stellar 13 year professional career and after got into coaching. 18 and a half years later we reconnected thanks to his ex teammate Jordan. I reach Bryan Bailey on a rather mild Tuesday shortly before he was to depart to the Little Caesars arena where the Detroit Pistons play. He is in his fifth year as an assistant coach in the NBA and after 4 in Utah is now having a new challenge with the Atlanta Hawks. I hadn´t talked with Bryan in at least 10 years, but he remembered me. “You were always around after games. You were always friendly and saying hello to everyone. I just remember everyone knowing you from eurobasket.com”, remembered Bryan Bailey. Bryan Bailey is another rare example of a former player that went from the easyCredit BBL to the NBA as a coach. One could say his basketball journey has been like a Cinderella story.

Bryan Bailey and Miles Schmidt-Scheuber in Frankfurt in 2005

Bryan Bailey who remembers having real 1-1 battles with teammate Dan Blankenship at Bucknell was born on May 13th, 1980 in Hempstead, New York. He also has the Jamaican citizenship. He took his first steps with basketball at Rockville Centre South Side High School. He was named to the HS All-Long Island First Team in his senior year. He then embarked on a NCAA career at Bucknell from 1998-2002. His time at Bucknell wasn´t easy at first as he was a walk on and averaged only 1,8ppg. But his game took off in his second year averaging 11.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.8apg. His game took another jump in his last 2 seasons as he averaged 17.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.9apg, ‘3’Conf-3 (43.6%) and as a senior averaged 18.1ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.4apg. “I just wanted to be on the team my freshman year. Then I became a starter my last 2 years. I always had a chip on my shoulder because I hadn´t been recruited. I always wanted to work hard no matter what”, remembered Bryan Bailey. He also will always be grateful for head coach Pat Flannery for his precious guidance during those 4 years. “Pat gave me a chance to play. He let me play my game and always believed in me”, stressed Bryan Bailey. He came overseas and played his rookie season in Germany with DJK S. Oliver Wurzburg (Germany-1Bundesliga). Right away in his first game he was put to the test facing then top team Alba Berlin who in that season would win their seventh BBL league title in a row. Bailey lost by 23 points and scored 6 points and already got a taste of future legends Marko Pesic, Jovo Stanojevic, Henrik Rodl and Dejuan Collins. That game was 21 years ago and it´s logical that his memories of those legends was scarce. “I remember realizing quickly that the competition in the BBL was very good. Every team had good players top to bottom. Each game was a fight”, remembered Bryan Bailey. Back in those days, life was very different to today where you had no you tube and social media to pass the time. “I remember the O2 calling cards. We would use those to call home. There was DSL and Skype, but the connection wasn´t always good. I remember being mad when my card was empty”, chuckled Bryan Bailey. He had a very solid rookie season in Germany averaging 15.4ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.4spg. He scored in double figures 21 times including explosions against Ludwigsburg with 34 points and 27 points against Cologne. Despite showing he could play in the BBL, he opted to play his second season on Holland with Landstede Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie) averaging 17.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.1apg, 2.4spg, 0.2bpg. He took a step back, but in the end it paid off as his career would really take off in the years after. “This season was very beneficial for me, because it allowed me to expose my game. Obviously this league wasn´t as good as the BBL, but I played well there and was an allstar. I went back to Germany which gave me the opportunity to play better”, remembered Bryan Bailey who lists Michael Jordan as his GOAT.

Bryan Bailey in Boston in 2023

The team leader who remembers ex Miami Heat Carlos Arroyo as being his toughest opponent in the NCAA then had his nicest run as a pro with the Artland Dragons playing in Quackenbruck from 2004-2007. He reached the playoffs each season and reached the league and cup final in 2007 under head coach Chris Fleming. ”My fondest memory was the 06-07 season. We had so much success. We beat Alba Berlin and then the defending champion Cologne. We met Bamberg in the final. Our point guard Filiberto Riveria got hurt. It was a really close series and I felt we had a shot to win it all, but Bamberg was so tough”, stated Bryan Bailey. In those 3 years he had so many great teammates like Adam Hess, Tommy Smith or Filberto Riveria, but he also had others like Michael hakim Jordan. I just had to bring back the memory of Jordan´s bus antics and his sleeping pics that he brought the world. I was surprising just how many guys actually sleep with their mouths wide open. “I don´t think Mike ever got me. You had to be careful. I remember he got a lot of people”, said Bryan Bailey. Another great player that was loved by so many especially was Darius Hall a guy you just had to love. “He was the big teddy bear of the team. He got a long with everyone. He always sacrificed everything for the team”, added Bryan Bailey. In his 3 years at Artland, he averaged 11;0ppg once and 8,0ppg twice in the BBL. He didn´t play in Germany his whole career, but also needed to explore and play in other countries from 2007-2009 did playing in Bosnia with Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo (Bosnia-D1) averaging 10.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 84.3% in the Uleb Cup and the next season played with PGE Turow Zgorzelec (Poland-DBE) averaging 8.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 77.0%. “Bosnia was a great chance to play ULEB cup. I played at a high level and I loved Sarajevo. They had very passionate fans. In Poland I also was able to play ULEB Cup. We had a deep team and great coach with Sasa”, expressed Bryan Bailey. One of his most memorable games as a professional is one that many Alba Berlin fans won´t forget. Bailey traveled to Berlin and witnessed the historic 141-127 loss to Alba Berlin that went 5 Ot´s. “I remember we had something like 5 or 6 guys that had fouled out. I don´t remember ever being so tired after a game. I was cooked”, commented Bryan Bailey. Alba Berlin got 44 points from Bobby Brown and 33 points from Julius Jenkins while Bosnia got 33 from Lance Williams and Bailey chipped in with 20 points.

The New York native who lists Jordan, Magic, Kareem, Bill Russell and Kobe on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore returned back to Germany in the 2009-2010 season and played with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. It was a short season as he was only under contract for 1 month. But he made the most of it playing 4 Euroleague games averaging 8.3ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.8apg, and played 6 games averaging 9.3ppg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 89.7%. At that time, he witnessed a younger Ricky Paulding who had just helped the team win the BBL title and was only in his fourth season. Would he have expected Paulding then to play until the 2022 season with Oldenburg? “I would never have thought he would stay so long. Guys staying with 1 team was rare. He was the ultimate competitor and was a great teammate on and off the court. He was always prepared physically and mentally to play each day. Playing with him was a great opportunity to play Euroleague. I actually saw him and his wife recently in Atlanta as he was there for a AAU game of his son. It was nice reconnecting again”, said Bryan Bailey. He returned back to Artland where he would play from 2010-2012. There he was teammates once again with great players like Darren Fenn, Nathan Peavy, Brandon Thomas, and David Holston, but also others. One guy was Tyrese Rice who would go on to win the Euroleague a few years later. Was he playing at the wrong time to have gotten that NBA chance? “Yeh that could be. I mean so many guys can play in the NBA. It´s always a numbers game. He was already so good in his second year. He was crafty, quick and had a great three point shot. He was a great player”, remembered Bryan Bailey. He helped the Dragons reach the playoffs both seasons averaging 11.5ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 77.2% and 6.8ppg, 1.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 18.9%, FT: 77.0% in the BBL. His best game was a 27 point explosion against Braunschweig. Another teammate of his in Artland was big man Florian Hartenstein. His son Isaiah is in his 6th NBA season and showing his staying power in the NBA. He witnessed Isaiah at ages 12-14 as he was a U-14 player. Would he have predicted then that he would go on to the NBA? “Not at all. I remember little Isaiah. I didn´t see it at that age. I remember him being quiet and the he grew to be seven feet. Now I compete against him as a coach. I saw him in Las Vegas at NBA Summer League. When we see each other we conduct small talk. I think he could be a starter in New York, but that´s coaches decision”, stated Bryan Bailey. He would play his last 3 seasons in Bayreuth with a short stay at the end of his first season there in Rome with Virtus as he helped out during their run to the Serie A final. Once again he was fortunate to play with big time players like Brandon Bowman, Ronnie Burrell and DJ Seeley, but also Kevin Hamilton who was the definition of a pass first point guard. He truly was a guy that you had to force to shoot, but made many pretty passes. “Kevin had a knack of controlling the game. He had a very high IQ and it was really easy to play with him. He was a great teammate”, said Bryan Bailey. His best season was his first season where he averaged 12.2ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.7apg, 2FGP: 48.9%, 3FGP: 39.7%, FT: 84.7%. He scored in double figures in 23 games and hit Oldenburg for 24 points and Phoenix Hagen for 20 points. He retired in 2015. How would he have done as a player had he began his pro career in 2023? “I think it would have been harder than 20 years ago. There is so much more going on. The game has simply expanded in all areas on and off the court. The players are more versatile and more athletic”, stressed Bryan Bailey who believes the classic Coming to America shouldn´t have been remade.

Fabian Beierlein and Bryan Bailey in Bayreuth

So what was going on in Bryan Bailey´s mind in 2015 who Lists Khalid El-Amin, Rickey Rubio, and Dennis Schroeder (He was elite at 17 I thought I was fast) as his toughest opponents on the floor. At that time coaching wasn´t on his mind. In 2011, he told me that he wanted to get into Real estate and train young kids. He has to admit he sort of got into coaching by luck. “At first I didn´t really want to become a coach. I was interested in other things. I then received a random text from a Boston Celtics scout. I interviewed for their G-League team, but didn´t get the job. I then got in contact with my ex coach Chris Fleming and he got me in contact with Mike Miller who at that time was with Westchester. I got the job and once I got the job, I loved it. When I look back, I have to admit it was the right decision. It really doesn´t feel like a job for me. The hardest part is being away from my family”, stressed Bryan Bailey. That first year in Westchester weas so vital for him just getting a feel for what the NBA is like and how the G-League works. He couldn´t have gotten a better teacher that first season than with Mike Miller. “Mike is great. He is super organized. You think you know it all, but then when your coach you can always learn. It is always a learning game. When your at the NBA level it is like learning a new language”, expressed Bryan Bailey. His stay in Westchester was brief as in 2017, he would move to the Utah Jazz organization and be an assistant coach with their G-League affiliate Stars for 2 seasons and be reunited with his ex coach at Artland Martin Schiller and teammate Nathan Peavy. These 2 years were crucial in his coaching development, because he learned that versatility is something you need to have at that level. “I got more opportunity to use my voice. It´s not just about coaching at the G-league level, but your exposed to so many different duties like scouting, Player development, or video work. It´s like learning a new language”, warned Bryan Bailey. After 2 years, he was promoted to assistant coach with the Jazz a position he held from 2019-2023. “The biggest difference from the NBA to the G-League is that the attention to detail is a lot greater in the NBA. You have to wear more hats in the G-League whereas in the NBA there are a lot more coaches”, said Bryan Bailey. With the Utah Jazz he was able to learn further under the guidance of head coaches Quinn Synder and Will Hardy. “Both are great coaches. Synder gave me the chance in the NBA. He helped me a lot in breaking things down. Hardy is a young and upcoming coach. He showed me new nuances with preparation”, added Bryan Bailey. The Jazz had great rosters in the last years and one would think he would have mentioned a Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert or Rudy Gay as guys he enjoyed working the most with, but they actually weren´t. “I enjoyed working together with Joe Ingles. He played overseas and was my guy. He is a great guy and one of those guys that worked hard to get better. He always has a chip on his shoulder. He belongs in the NBA”, warned Bryan Bailey.

Bryan Bailey and Miles Schmidt-Scheuber in Boston in November 2023

The ex guard who lists Lamont Mcintosh, Adam Hess, Darius Hall, Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje and Tyrese Rice as his 5 best Artland Teammates currently has a new challenge as assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks. “My responsibilities really aren´t any different then when I was with the Jazz. For example if we play a team like the Knicks my duties may be in the scouting and game plan. How should we attack them, or how can we get better on the court to look good against them”, said Bryan Bailey. He has worked with high profile guards the last years and this season is helping NBA superstar Trae Young. Isn´t this guy a bit underrated in the league and in the shadow of other top guards? “I agree that he is. He is one of the best offensive talents in the league and most gifted passers in the league. He can make plays and others better”, warned Bryan Bailey. With so many years being in the NBA and around so many personalities, he must of bumped heads with NBA legends? “I have met guys like Dominique Wilkins and D Wade. My second year in Utah I was part of the coaching staff at the allstar game. I was coaching guys like Steph Curry, Chris Paul, Luka Doncic, Lebron James and Nikola Jokic just to name a few”, stated Bryan Bailey. The NBA is like a reunion of ex BBL players. Ex BG Goettingen teammates Charles Lee and John Little are with Boston, Chris Fleming is with the Chicago Bulls and ex Paderborn forward Nathan Peavy in Utah. He will forever be grateful and have his ex coach Chris Fleming in his heart. The guy brought him to Artland as a player early in his career and 11 years later helped him get his coaching break. “His relationship with players was always good. He was able to get everyone on the same page. He had this ability to empower you to do well on the court. He was always calm and demanded a lot out of his players. He has paid his dues in the NBA. I believe he can be a NBA head coach. It´s always a numbers game”, warned Bryan Bailey. Who knows maybe one day Chris Fleming and Bryan Bailey will be head coaches in the NBA. That would definitely be a fierce battle and make Gunter Kollman the former sponsor for the Artland Dragons proud knowing 2 former employees are showing the basketball world how to be successful.

pic credit: FC Barca Basketball

Oscar Da Silva (206-F/C-1998, college: Stanford) is a 25 year old 206cm forward that was born in Munich, Germany and also has the Brazilian citizenship. Currently he is playing his second season with Spanish ACB club FC Barcelona. He began his basketball career at International Basketball Academy Munich and also played with MTSV Schwabing. He played at Stanford (NCAA) from 2017-2021. He then got further professional experience in Germany playing with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg and a season with Alba Berlin winning 2 titles including cup MVP. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Euroleague game against FC Bayern Munich.

Thanks Oscar for talking to germanhoops.com. I remember interviewing you after the 2017 NBBL (U-19) final in Frankfurt where you lost to FC Bayern Munich. Since then so much has happened to you. Has time flown by?

Time really has flown by. It´s funny that I´m playing against FC Bayern Munich this week in Euroleague. Every now and then, I do think back to those youth days.

You have played so many games since the 2017 NBBL final. Can you still remember certain plays from that game?

I can remember certain plays. I remember having a fun team and really being at the high point of my youth career in the NBBL final in Frankfurt. It was a great time.

Your playing your second season with FC Barcelona. What does it mean for you to wear the Barca jersey?

It´s an honor. It is a great program with great coaches and players. It has been very enjoyable playing for this organization. It isn´t always easy. The expectations are huge and you compete against the best players on a daily basis. It is a big challenge. But I´m really happy to be here and hope for more to come.

You are a very educated young man. How have you taken in the culture of Barcelona?

It helps when I can speak the language. I feel very comfortable here. It is a great city and has great food. The weather is also nice. You feel comfortable very quickly here.

Your minutes and stats have risen in your second season. How has your game developed since day?

I think like I have been able to develop well. The only thing really missing is consistency. That is lacking at times. I hope it will come as I´m still relatively young.. I will continue to work hard and just keep going and not Stagnate.

What kind of a relationship have you had with experienced ex NBA veteran Jabari Parker? How has he helped you most on the court?

I have a good relationship with him. I´m always very impressed by his game, because he continues to do things on the court that you don´t see from other players in Europe. He has helped me most with my open court game. I try to soak in as much as possible from him and push the ball and make good decisions.

Ricky Rubio is back. What was the coolest pass you have witnessed from him since coming to FC Barcelona?

You notice right away how good of a passer he is. The best pass I saw from him so far was where he was between the free throw line and center court and he looked one way and made a back door pass. That was impressive

Do you feel like your game can develop better in the Euroleague than NBA?

That is hard to say. Players develop very well in the NBA because there are more younger players there than in the Euroleague. It´s hard to develop on well known teams in Europe where there is pressure to win. In the Euroleague are also older players that play more minutes. It is easier to develop IQ in the Euroleague than NBA.

You played a season with Alba Berlin. Every Player I have interviewed that was teammates with Luke Sikma have always raved about him. How do you remember him best?

His leadership was his biggest asset. I mean showing it the way he did isn´t self-evident in Europe. He was a player that always wanted to make his teammates better and always have everyone concentrated. His leadership was really impressive.

You were only a short time in Ludwigsburg. How vital was it getting thrown in cold water right away?

I learned a lot in a short time. It wasn´t always easy, but I was really thankful for the opportunity.

How vital was coach Robbie Scheinberg for your early basketball development? He saw quickly how talented you were and really sacrificed a lot to help you develop.

He set the cornerstone for my career. He really sacrificed a lot of time to help me develop. Time where he could have been more with his family and friends. He and Kamilo Rosenthal gave so much of their time and taught me to be disciplined.

You played at Stanford (NCAA) from 2017-2021. What kind of a player were you when you arrived and what kind of player when you left?

When I came, I played more outside and when I left I was more a position 5 which was a bit disappointing. I was a boy when I came and a young man when I left. I couldn´t have been in a better place than there in that time of my life.

What memories do you have battling Kezie Okpala. How did he make you better?

The first thing I remember from his game was his explosiveness. He was a good player and funny off the court

How have you followed the career of your brother Tristan Da Silva? How present are you in his life?

I´m his big brother and am always there for him. But what he has achieved in the NCAA is all him. Whenever he has needed advice, I have given him it. I´m very proud of how he has developed. I´m looking forward to where his basketball journey will go.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Zaire Williams?

I don´t think we ever played.

Who was toughest player that you faced in NCAA that reached NBA?

Evan Mobley and Aaron Holiday.

Thanks Oscar for the chat.