Sometimes the vast basketball world can be so small. One thing I love doing when doing research on interviews of American players is scoping the coaching staff of their college team. Every once in a while you do come across a guy you remember playing in Germany back in the day. When you hear the name Lamar (NCAA), there won´t be any famous NBA names pop into your head as the best known guy to come out of there was Mike James who has belonged to the top Euroleague guards overseas for many years. Other than that the school hasn´t produced to many well known guys overseas. Guard Nimrod Hilliard has played in Germany over the years. One player that attended Lamar and that is playing his first season in Germany for the Dragons Rhondorf is big man Avery Sullivan (203-F/C-1999, college: Lamar). When I checked out the Lamar coaching staff, I came across a familiar name of Brandon Chappell. Chappell was one of many Americans overseas that didn´t necessarily have a long playing career, but has done very well after in the coaching ranks. Chappell was already around talent at a young age when he won a Class 4A title with former NBA player Kendrick Perkins and then played 4 years in Germany with BBC Bayreuth, TV Langen and the Licher Baskets. I only had fond memories of him as I interviewed him twice in 2010 and 2011 and also saw him in the VIP room in the Ballsporthalle after a Skyliners game. As an assistant coach he paid his dues with Lamar and since moved to UNLV and now has been with a well known school that produced Kevin Durant since 2021. “Coach Chappell and I have a really great relationship still to this day. He is currently an assistant coach at the University of Texas, which is in the same city I live when in when I am back states side. He is more of like a big brother to me, who has always been in my corner since the day we met. He has always been a help to me on the court, but even more off of the court in life. I will never forget the energy he would bring in practice everyday no matter what time we were practicing at. He would literally get in layup lines with the team or even hop in drills showing us the right way to do things”, stressed Avery Sullivan.

Avery Sullivan who lists Tyree Maxey as the toughest player he competed against in college and remembers him being a volume scorer in spurts was born on August 11, 1999 in Pflugerville, Texas. He played at Pflugerville high school and was a 2 star prospect. In his senior year he averaged 12,0ppg, 9,0rpg and 1,5bpg. He received Academic All-District selection. He then attended Lamar (NCAA) from 2017-2021 playing a total of 103 games and started 60. His first 2 years were tough as he had to wait his turn. He never averaged more than 7 minutes per game averaging 1,3ppg and 1,6 rpg and 2,5ppg and 1,5rpg. He scored in double figures twice netting 17 points against Champion and 10 points against SUNO. “I remember these years as staying true to the process, and continuing to work on my game knowing one day it will pay off. Most people from the outside looking in just saw it as me not getting playing time, to where I viewed it as I needed to work harder to go earn the minutes that I wanted. TJ Atwood who was my teammate for 3 years, and was also my teammate in Malta really stuck by my side during that time where I was not getting a lot of playing time”, said Avery Sullivan. He had his break out season as a junior averaging 12.3ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 50.2%, FT: 74.0%. He scored in double figures in 20 games and had 10 double doubles. Some of his top games that season included a 24/16 game against Suno, 22/12 game against New Orleans and scored 24 points against Nicholls State and 22 points against Houston Baptist. “I would say my best game in my career was my junior year was against the University of New Orleans, where I had 22 points and 12 rebounds”, stated Avery Sullivan. He also had an incredible 11/13 game in a loss against powerhouse Kentucky that sported future NBA players like Tyree Maxey, Immanuel Quickly, Nick Richards, Ashton Hagans and Johnny Juzang. “I remember the Kentucky game as being the loudest environment that I had ever played in. There were so many people there that all I could see was eyes in the nose bleeds. That game really gave me the confidence in knowing that I truly belong on the court with anyone”, warned Avery Sullivan. In his senior year he averaged 9.8ppg, 7.2rpg, FGP: 44.3%, FT: 77.9%. “Lamar University was a really good experience for me. On the court my fondest memory would be either having a double double at Kentucky a place where a lot of young basketball players dream of playing, or making the semi-finals of the conference tournament my senior year which was the farthest we had been in my 4 years. Off the court would have to be our team trip to Costa Rica which was filled with memories I will remember for the rest of my life”, remembered Avery Sullivan. He scored in double figures 12 times and registered 6 double doubles. He had a 25/12 game against HBU and scored 20 points against Lipscomb. He couldn´t have had that success without the guidance from head coach George Price. “Coach Price ran our basketball program very professionally which has really prepared me for the next level where professionalism is expected out of players from basketball clubs”, added Avery Sullivan who remembers the 1-1 duels with teammate David Muoka to be about even.

The Texas native who lists TJ Atwood, Josh Nzeakor, Joey Frenchwood, Christian Barrett, and James Harrison as his 5 best teammates of all-time began his rookie season overseas with Etha Engomis Nicosia (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League), in Jan.’22 signed at Depiro Rabat Imtarfa (Malta-BOV League D1). It is never easy for an American making the transition to the normal way of life in the States to experiencing a total new way of life overseas. On top of that he had to do it in 2 different countries. An American usually always has a wake up call where he feels being very far away from home. “I can’t really think of a specific moment on the basketball court, but going back to my apartment after practice and calling family and friends is what made me realize I’m far from home. It would be early afternoon back home, and I would be getting ready to get in bed for the night”, said Avery Sullivan. In his second pro season, he accepted the challenge with KB Teuta Durres (Albania-Superliga) averaging 16.0ppg, Reb-3 (11.0rpg), 1.6apg, 1.5spg, Blocks-4 (1.1bpg), FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 70.5% and achieved a season that many pro ballers would dream of winning 2 titles. “I really enjoyed winning both of the cups, but the Albania cup was sweeter for me. In the semifinals I made the game winning layup as time was expiring against our rival team Tirana to send us to the championship. Then followed up the next day in the championship game with 19 points and 19 rebounds to beat Kamza which led me to win MVP of the cup”, commented Avery Sullivan. Not only on offense did he make steps and become a double double monster, but also was a massive presence in the paint area on defense. “I started being able to read what opposing offenses were trying run against us, which led me to see passes and drives towards the rim more sooner. In the game of basketball, a second can be the difference between getting a steal/block or letting the other team score”, expressed Avery Sullivan. He scored in double figures in 18 of 22 games and registered 13 double doubles. He had many great games including a 30/12 effort against Kamza, a 27/13 effort against Beselidhja and an overwhelming 27/20 game against Vllaznia where some of that Kevin Love came out of him. “Earlier in the season I ended the Albania cup championship game with 19/19. I remembered how it felt to be so close to having 20/20, and not being able to get it done. During that game when I had a feeling I was getting somewhat close, I think a little Kevin Love came out to make sure I got the job done that time”, stressed Avery Sullivan. He picked up awards Eurobasket.com All-Albanian Superliga First Team and Eurobasket.com Albanian Superliga All-Imports Team.

The big man who lists Lebron, MJ, Kobe, and Bill Russell on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is playing his third professional season with German Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. Just like is the case with most guys coming to Germany to ball, they usually know little about the country, but have heard that the basketball is good there. And also what is usually the case, guys that come to Germany usually have had friends or former teammates that have earned their dough in Germany. “I have had a couple of friends play in Germany over the recent years such as Josh Hagins, Ricardo Artis, Clinton Chapman, and Bubba Furlong”, said Avery Sullivan. Usually when the talks go well with the coach, a signing becomes more eminent as was the case with Stephan Dohrn “The talks with Coach Stephan were great from the start. We were in agreement in how he likes his team’s offense and defense to look. I really like how he wants his players to play freely within his offensive system”, explained Avery Sullivan. It just seemed like the perfect deal for both sides. “I’ve heard from my friends that Germany is a great country to live in, as well as to play basketball. From the conversations Coach Stephan and I had, he’s a guy that really knows basketball and I believe I can learn a lot from him. He also sees a potential in expanding my game from what I have already showed I can do in the European game”, warned Avery Sullivan

Avery Sullivan who lists Lebron James as his GOAT for his generation has had a spectacular season with the Dragons Rhondorf currently averaging 15,7ppg, 9,7rpg, 1,4apg, and 1,4spg. He has scored in double figures in 16 of 20 games and registered 12 double doubles and had a monster 34/12 game against Ludwigsburg. If you watch his game closely, you will see that he brings a mix of many NBA players games to the table. His face up and post game has traces of Carmelo Anthony and LaMarkus Aldridge while his inside out game is like that of Anthony Davis and Karl Anthony Towns. Plus people have compared his game to David West. He can play power forward and center, but what position does he actually prefer? “I like to play power forward more, and believe I am better at that position. I believe my size and rebounding ability can cause other team´s problems when I am playing alongside another big man”, warned Avery Sullivan. He can be a scoring and rebounding monster, but he also has versatility in his game. “My game also incorporates that ability to protect the rim and block shots. I can also be a playmaker with the basketball to where I will create open looks for teammates”, stressed Avery Sullivan. His defensive game went to a new level in Albania and he has a big goal to what kind of a defender he wants to become. “I’m a very solid defender at the moment that really emphasizes communication, so everyone on the floor knows exactly what is going on. I want to grow my defensive game into being a lockdown teammate to where my teammates can rely on me to guard the other team´s best player”, warned Avery Sullivan. New Dragons head coach Stephan Dohrn is very impressed by his skills especially his versatile big man game with the pick and roll and face to the basket, but also his focus to develop and to add new facets into his game like playmaking. He took only 5 three pointers at Lamar (NCAA) in 4 years and 13 three´s in Albania. That part of his game has changed with the Dragons a she has taken 38 three´s and shooting 36%. “I have currently been working more on my outside shot from the 3 point line so I will be an option to space the floor for my teammates. I have also been working on my playmaking ability by understanding defenses more, and what shots will be open depending on the coverage the opposing team will be playing”, warned Avery Sullivan. These are all the right steps that Avery Sullivan is taking as he wants to become as efficient as possible in the body of a modern big man.

J.J. Mann (198-SF-1991, college: Belmont) is a 32 year old 198cm forward that was born in East point Georgia and grew up in Chatham, Virginia. He is playing his 10th professional season and fifth in Germany and first with the Romerstrom Gladiators Trier. He played at the Hargrove Military academy and then played at Belmont (NCAA) from 2010-2014 playing a total of 140 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 18.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.6apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 39%, FT: 87.1%. He turned professional in 2014 and played his rookie season in Austria. He also played in countries like Belgium, Kosovo, Denmark, and Mexico. In Germany he played 2 seasons with Phoenix Hagen and 2 seasons with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks JJ for talking tom germanhoops.com. Your playing your 10th professional season and fifth in Germany. One could say that Germany has become like a second home for you. Did you ever get around the German carnival season in Hagen and Leverkusen or was that something you enjoyed being a part of of?

Yes, Germany has become a little bit of a 2nd home for the Mann family! The best carnival season we ever had was actually when we were in Aalst, Belgium. The city was known for carnival and had a big parade and everything. But we did not get too much into it in Hagen or Leverkusen.

Since the 2017 season you have been around 40% from downtown and showing you aren´t slowing down any at least as a shooter. Shooting has always been a big staple in your game. Do you feel like you have to work on that part of your game more as you get older or how do you explain the consistent curve in your shooting percentage from outside?

Shooting has for sure been a big aspect of my game. I have always heard that if you can shoot, then someone will play you and the 40% mark is a solid standard to strive for. I would say the consistent curve has to do with hard work and consistency over the years. You hear it all the time because it is true, but repetition is a big factor in having a good jump shot so I make sure to get my reps in!

How much fun has it been playing for the Romerstrom Gladiators this season? It is no secret that it has been tough for ex BBL teams to move back after moving to the Pro A, but this could be the season for Trier. What really stands out with this team that isn´t present in other teams?

It has been a blast playing for Trier this year! We have a great group of guys on and off the court and it’s a really fun group to be around and to compete with! We have a very good mixture of experience and youth but we have all come together with one mission and that’s to win! I think what stands out to me is the competitive nature of our team and good things happen when you compete!

You have played with hundreds of incredible players in your long career, but where does a guy like Maik Zirbes rank? He has won 14 titles. What do you enjoy most about his game?

Big Maik is awesome! He has become one of my daughter’s favorite players! He is for sure up there near the top of great teammates and locker room guys! He has seen it all and done it all and he is always willing to lend a helping hand. I enjoy the physicality he brings and all the space he takes up to open things up for everyone!

Last season you played with Phoenix Hagen? (Germany-ProA) averaging 15.8ppg,?3.9rpg,?2.8apg,?1.5spg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 88.5%. What was it like returning back to Hagen 7 years after you came back? As a guy who has always been an incredible three point shooter, how do you feel were you then after many years a different and better player than your first tour of duty in Hagen?

It was so awesome coming back to Hagen. It is where my wife and I spent our first year of marriage and we had our third daughter there so Hagen will always have a special place in our hearts! It was great returning back to Hagen with a family this time. Everyone was very welcoming and helpful and now I know where all the playgrounds are in Hagen! I am a player who loves to play to the crowd and Hagen is a great place to do that. I was relatively the same type of player but just had more experience and confidence after so many years playing!

You played 2 seasons with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen? (Germany-ProA) averaging 15.4ppg,?3.9rpg,?1.8apg, Steals-2 (2.2spg), FGP: 63.8%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 87.9% and 12.8ppg,?3.6rpg,?1.8apg,?1.7spg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 85.9%. How do you look back at these 2 years.

My first year in Leverkusen we won the championship! The 2nd year we lost to a very good Tubingen team in the semi-finals so on the court was a great run in Leverkusen! And off the court was amazing as well. Our second daughter was born in Leverkusen and there were some great people there. So I look back with nothing but smiles from Leverkusen!

You played 2 seasons for Hansi Gnad,the 1993 German Eurochampion. How do you remember your day to day time with him? He has made solid strides as a coach, but still hasn´t been able to bring Leverkusen back to the BBL. What did you value most from his coaching?

Hansi is great! He is a family man which I really appreciate and always had a great perspective about the games. Technically he did get Leverkusen back to the BBL but unfortunately the infrastructure wasn´t set up for it so hopefully it will happen for them in the future! I really valued his perspective and the respect he demanded since you knew he had done it himself before and on the big stage as you mentioned him being the Eurochampion!

You played a season with Crelan?Okapi Aalstar (Belgium-Euromillions League) averaging?8.1ppg,?2.8rpg,?1.6apg, Steals-4 (1.7spg), FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 77.8%. You played Fiba Europe Cup for the second time in your career. What did you take with you from the then Euromillions league. A solid league but not at the same level as the easyCredit BBL?

The Euromillions league was great. Very solid and competitive league. On any given year, it can fluctuate on how good it is but overall, the BBL is for sure a better league.

You also played a season in Portugal with Imortal BC Albufeira? (Portugal-LPB) averaging?6.7ppg,?1.8rpg,?1.5apg,?1.0spg, FGP: 30.4%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 50.0%. This was a very shortened season as you came aboard in March. How tough was this season? Did the right situation just not come around earlier?

This was a very tough season for me! Everyone has a story and journey, and this season was part of mine! But it sure was a beautiful place to live! I technically had retired from basketball, so this was part of my comeback, and it just was not a good fit basketball wise.

In the 2017-2018 season you split time with Sigal Prishtina? (Kosovo-SuperLeague) and with Team FOG Naestved? (Denmark-Ligaen) averaging 11.1ppg,?4.4rpg,?1.4apg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 80.0%. Kosovo was a short stay while in Denmark you were for a longer time. What stayed with you from the Kosovo culture and what could you take with you from your Denmark stay?

Kosovo was quite an adventure! My wife and I actually had a really nice time there but it was a short stay! And then we landed in Denmark which also was a good experience. It´s always tough coming to a team in the middle of the season but it turned out to be a good situation. I took some nice memories and relationships from our stay in Denmark!

In 2016-2017 you had your first tour of duty with Belfius Mons-Hainaut? (Belgium-Euromillions League) averaging?11.2ppg,?5.6rpg,?1.0apg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 83.1%; and in the FIBA Europe Cup averaged 12.0ppg,?2.5rpg,?1.5spg. There you played with the team identity figure Justin Cage who would play 13 seasons with the club. What memories do you have of the daily battles with him in practice and what kind of an effect did he have on you?

Justin Cage is one of my all time favorites! He is one of the greatest defenders I have ever seen. He had such great instincts and anticipation and the athleticism to go with it that it was fun to watch! I´m glad he was on my team! He had a wife and kid at the time so it was cool to see him navigate that and I could see what it would look like for me when it was my time!

In the 2015-2016 season you had your first tour of duty with ?Phoenix Hagen? (Germany-BBL) averaging?11.3ppg,?3.5rpg,?1.1apg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 91.3%. You were teammates with ultra veterans David Bell and Adam Hess. What more can one say about these 2 unique players and characters. How vital were these players for you in the early part of your career? I´m sure Hess´s all around smart game rubbed off on you?

Ultra veterans is a great way to put it! Both of those guys were very important in my development on and off the court. They for sure have played a part in me being able to have a longer career. Adam was my roommate on road trips so we talked about everything! He’s the one who taught me to just run to the corner and shoot it! DB taught me more than he will ever know, and I still reach out to him for advice!

You played your rookie season with ?the Redwell Gunners Oberwart? (Austria-A Bundesliga) averaging 13.4ppg,?4.5rpg,?1.2apg, Steals-1 (2.0spg), FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 82.1%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Oberwart was a fun time! I had some great teammates on that team! There were a few wake up calls as there are for every rookie. Luckily I had traveled overseas before so it wasn´t a complete culture shock but the different style of working out and warming up on the court sure was new and then figuring out the grocery stores was new for sure!

You played at Belmont University (NCAA) from 2010-2014 playing a total of 140 NCAA titles reaching the NCAA tournament three times losing to Wisconsin and Georgetown and Arizona. Which run did you enjoy most?

That´s a great question! I would have to say the first run where we played Wisconsin. Getting to play in the tournament is everyone’s dream come true so to get to experience that my freshman year was special! And the last year we played Arizona was special because of the wild conference championship game.

You were able to improve your scoring each season and went more from a role player to a main figure in your senior year. What kind of player were you in 2010 and what kind of player were you when you left in 2014?

Many mid-major programs rely heavily on their upper classmen and Belmont was no different. So having more of a roll for sure helped with the increased scoring but also just being more familiar with the game and the system and knowing my spots where I could score. I was actually a little more mid range guy when I got to college but Belmont was all about the 3 ball so I became more of a 3 point shooter the longer I was there!

In your senior year you hit the winner against North Carolina (NCAA) with 28 points and was the best player with James McAdoo on the court and held your own against many future NBA players. What does this game mean to you? Was this one of your most memorable games in your career?

That was such a cool game! Growing up an ACC fan, UNC was obviously the top tier of that and pretty much for all of college basketball so to get to play there was pretty surreal! And pretending to hit game winners in that gym in my driveway growing up and then in the gym when I knew they were on the schedule to actually doing it was pretty cool to say the least! It’s for sure up there for one of the most memorable!

How did head coach Rick Byrd groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Byrd is in the Hall of Fame for a reason! His system and X’s and O’s are elite! I still try to implement them as much as I can at the professional level when I get the chance! But his character is what stood out to me and stands out to me to this day and that is what has helped me more than anything!

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Evan Bradds?

Mr Bradds was awesome and had an amazing playing career and might still be playing if he hadn’t of gotten hurt! He is doing great things in the coaching world now but none of that changes who would win the one on one battles! I had his number!

You played at Hargrove Military academy. How vital was this early grooming? Would you have become as disciplined as a player without having had this experience?

Hargrave was quite the experience! It is one of those experiences that everyone says will benefit you down the road but not what you are trying to do at 17-18 years old. However, it absolutely helped me grow as a person and player and got me the opportunity to play at Belmont so it was great! And we did have to go through some military things so it for sure helped with discipline!

You were teammates with Lorenzo Brown now a top Euroleague player. Does a guy´s career like his surprise you? Was he already that talented there or did he mature more as his career went on?

Lorenzo and I actually go all the way back to middle school. He has been talented for a long time! People used to say he wasn´t trying but he was just so smooth and the game came so easily to him that he just made it look easy! He sure was fun to play with! I am not surprised at all with his career!

Who was the toughest player that you ever played against on a court that reached the NBA?

Ben McLemore. I never saw his college highlights but wouldn’t be surprised if I was in a few of them!

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

There have been so many good ones!

Grayson Murphy, Dennis Heinzmann, Marko Bacak, Kyle Castlin, and Senne Guekens

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

I need to do more in depth research on the “past heads” so I’ll stay more present.

Steph Curry, Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant

Who is your GOAT?

This a fun topic! Lebron and MJ is a fun debate for sure but a lot of variables! But I am taking MJ in a must win game!

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

I did not see it but based on the comments from your other interviews it sounds like they should have left it alone!

Thanks JJ for the chat.

Every once in a while in overseas basketball, you witness the real incredible scoring games. I mean you read about guys scoring 35 points or even 40 and these performances do happen weekly, but surpassing 50 points? That doesn´t happen often, but when it does occur, it has to be celebrated. I cover a lot of basketball in Germany and try to keep track of other leagues, but someone scoring 50 plus points in a 40 minute game is very unique. I remember, it happening a little more than 3 years ago in Austria when American guard Richaud Pack who balled at Maryland (NCAA) did it in a game with his team Vienna against Arkadia. He racked up 55 points in 41 minutes and I was fortunate to have covered that game. It is a milestone that stuck with me and last week, 55 points was scored again, but this time in Germany by a Canadian named Justin Andrew. A big difference was that Andrew did it in a 4th division league game whereas Pack did it in first division Austria. Ok so there is a difference in skill level between the leagues, but where you have to absolutely tip the hat to Andrew was his crazy and insane 14 three´s that he drilled against German team Salzkotten. Even if Jonathan Braeger scored 100 points 2 years ago in a Regionalliga game with Baskets Vilsbiburg against Wurzburg, one has to know his opponent played mostly with 3 guys, so the performance by Justin Andrew has to be one of the best scoring games ever. “it is definitely the greatest scoring game in Germany. He was so locked in and it was amazing to watch. A fellow teammate doing was so great. I was so happy for him. After the buzzer sounded, I got 2 water bottles and poured them all over him to cool him down because he was so hot. We all jumped on him. It was an amazing game. I think he grew more from this performance as did the team. I feel like our defense grew as well. We guarded them really well down the stretch”, stressed teammate Bryant Allen (183-PG-1990, college: Dakota St.). It is really refreshing when a fellow teammate who isn´t only an American, but also a prolific scorer like him has unending support and love for his feat without even a trace of jealousy.

Justin Andrew was born on April 10, 1997 in Hamilton, Ontario and began to play basketball at the Hill Academy in Vaughan, Ontario. He then went on to have a stellar career at St Francis Xavier University in Canada from 2016-2022 playing a total of 96 games and averaged in double figures in scoring 3 times during a season and his best season he averaged 16.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.5apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 87.2%. He reached 2 AUS tournament titles and was named to the All-AUS Second Team in 2022. He came overseas in 2022 and played with the Telekom Baskets Bonn 2 team (Regionaliga) averaging 23.4ppg, 5.2rpg, 4.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 59.7%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 84.3%. This season with the ETB Miners, he is averaging 20,3ppg, 3,1rpg, 4,2apg and 1,5spg. Last season he scored 30 points or more 7 times including 38,37 and 36 point games. At St Francis Xavier, the most he ever scored was 30 points. He obviously has picked up his scoring game since turning pro. But scoring 55 points is like in another galaxy for him, but this explosion didn´t surprise teammate Bryant Allen in any way. “There was no doubt in my mind that he could do something like that. He can score with the best of them. He works so hard in practice. His shooting is so effortlessly and he has a really nice form. He is a 3 level scorer and that makes him so special on the court”, stressed Bryant Allen who has carved out a nice overseas career and been a top player in the German Regionalliga. Allen played the last 5 seasons with BSV Wulfen and in 4 Regionalliga seasons averaged 22,0ppg, 4,0rpg and 3,0apg. He played his rookie season with FC Schalke. He got experience before coming overseas at Illinois State University and Dakota State University (NAIA).

The incredible 55 point explosion occurred on February 24th as the Miners shell shocked Salzkotten 125-88. Bryant Allen had a respectable game netting 17 points and surely will never forget the incredible scoring display by his teammate. It was evident pretty quickly that Andrew would have a night to remember. “You knew right away. He had something like 22 points already in the second quarter. I looked at him and told him you might have a 50 point night. In the third quarter he was somewhere at 35-38 points or maybe even had 40 points. Everyone else said you may get 50 points, but I was saying 60 points. I knew he would have a great night”, explained Bryant Allen. In a way, he has 2 incredible feats in one. Yes he scorched Salzkotten for 55 points, but at the same time nailed 14 three´s which is mindboggling. “I actually thought that he had made more three´s. He had some other games where he had made many three´s. Making 14 of 19 three´s is amazing. The scary thing is he missed 2 at the end and if he made them his percentage would have been even better. He is capable of hitting 3 after 3. He isn´t scared of moving far behind the line. He has real good range”, warned Bryant Allen. He hit Hagen Haspe for 9 three´s last season, but making 14 is just unheard of. “Making 14 three´s is really difficult. He made his first 5 or 6 from the line and then started to scoot back farther behind the line and still made shots. After a while we thought he would make shots with his eyes closed. His 14 three´s must be a record. He can really shoot the ball, he is so dangerous”, expressed Bryant Allen. You have to take a lot of shots to get 55 points and often might not have the best shooting percentages, but Andrew proved with his incredible 20/27 shooting onslaught that he mostly took the right shots. “You could see he was so hot. He shot at a real high clip and no shot was rushed. He got into the flow of the game. We ran our whole offense over him. We were along for the ride. It was a jaw breaking game. I was so happy to have been able to witness something like that. We are 2 players that can bounce off each other and have great games”, said Bryant Allen. Scoring 55 points took Justin Andrew to a new level and it will be interesting to witness the next great scoring game by him. “He already had a lot of confidence, but a game like that will give him even more confidence. He took his game and himself to a new level. I remember observing him after each basket that he made, and he wasn´t excited. He was so locked in, it must of felt like a dream for him. He never lost control, but remained so poised”, remembered Bryant Allen.

The success of the ETB Miners Essen this season obviously has to do with their deep roster and many unselfish players that like to play team basketball. But the 18-3 Miners are also in first place in the Regionalliga West for another reason and that is the great working relationship that Andrew and Allen have on the court. Both guys are 1-2 in scoring with Andrew averaging 20,3ppg and Allen 19,1ppg. They function together really well and that isn´t always seen from 2 dominant scorers on the same team. “Justin and I see game and understand it really well. We do a good job picking and choosing who will make the plays. We both can make plays for ourselves or our teammates. We understand that we can´t do everything ourselves, but need our team as well. He makes plays that opens up the offense. When the game is close, we both want the moment. I have no problem sharing the moment”, warned Bryant Allen. Allen also knows that he is capable of having an extra big game, but has that special mindset that he takes into each game. “I never go into games thinking I will get 60 points. I always take what the defense gives me. If I´m feeling it, then the team will do the same for me like they did for Justin. We give any guy that is hot the ball, but still play as a team. I´m really fortunate that we have a really good team and I don´t have to do so much. We have so many weapons”, stressed Bryant Allen. It took me a while to realize that Justin Andrew actually tied the NBA record for most three´s in a game with 14 that Klay Thompson has and has made more three´s then the other splash brother Steph Curry one of the greatest if not the greatest three point shooter in NBA history. Realizing this must be mindboggling for anyone. “Knowing that is crazy. He is in real good company. He can shoot with the best of them. We see it in practice all the time. This hot shooting won´t be the end of it. There will be more to come”, warned Bryant Allen. So what happened after the big win and 55 point game. Did the team pay for his dinner or does Andrew have to pay for a team dinner? “Normally when we score 100 points, the guy that made the 100 points has to bring a cake. Justin didn´t make the 100 points. He didn´t have to do anything. We celebrated him the whole night. We encourage each other on the court and want to continue to get better and hopefully finish the season at number one”, stated Bryant Allen. Those are real beautiful closing words of a real winner. Thinking about where the team lands before one´s own stats is always refreshing especially from Americans.

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

Congrats on the big 89-82 win over Bonn 2 as the winning streak continues. How tough was the 3 week break from league play? I guess the rest did the team well?

Thank you. It was an ugly game for us but a win is a win. The 3 week break I think was really hard for us even though we still had a lot of practice in the meantime. But not playing actual games I think took a slight toll on us but we’re back to normal now.

Talk about the 40 minutes. Was BG Hagen ever in danger and what was key to getting the win?

Honestly we were down the entire game until the 4th quarter. We were not locked in even a little bit at the start and we had to dig ourselves out of a big hole but we never gave up as usual and handled business.

Bonn 2 shot 13 three´s, but how vital were the 12 team offensive rebounds for BG Hagen?

We knew they were going to shoot a high volume of threes and were prepared for it. They were very big for us because we wanted to be aggressive and crash the boards as well as attacking the basket.

BG Hagen allowed 82 points. How pleased were you with the team defense? What tweaks does the team need to make this week?

I think we didn’t play good defense at all until the end of the game which got us the lead back but like I said we just weren’t locked in that day. Before this game we were playing very good defense and holding teams to low points so I think we know what to do but it was just a rough game this time around.

You had a solid 31/11/6/4/2 game. Were you pleased with your energy after the long break?

Not really. The stats may seem like I was in it but it took me the second half to really get going on offense and defense and I would’ve liked to start the game much better. One thing I knew for sure was I wasn’t going to let us lose this game.

On what area of your game are you working on most now as the playoffs get closer and closer?

My 3pt shot 100% and turnovers. These are the most critical things I’m paying attention to before the playoffs and I know I’ll be ready when the time comes.

You next meet the 12-7 Salzkotten team. You gave up 105 points in the loss. What will be key to getting the win?

Definitely we have to keep Keith under control and just be way more focused defensively than the last meeting. Again being at home changes everything and we want to keep the streak going.

Justin Andrew scored a crazy 55 points. You will meet him soon. Maybe you´ll hit 50 points soon. Does a game like that give you extra motivation?

Crazy game from him I couldn’t believe it when I saw it. As long as we win I could care less what I score. It gives me all the motivation because they’re the top team and we want to prove we belong as well.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.

Justin Andrew (183-PG-1997, college: St.Francis X.) is a 26 year old 183cm guard from Vaughan playing his second professional season and second in Germany and first with the ETB Miners Essen. Last season he played his rookie season with the Telekom Baskets Bonn 2nd team Regionalliga) averaging 23.4ppg, 5.2rpg, 4.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 59.7%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 84.3%. He began his basketball career at the Hill Academy and then played at St. Francis Xavier University (U Sports) from 2016-2022 playing a total of 96 games. In his senior year he averaged 16.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.5apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 87.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after exploding for 55 points in a win over Salzkotten.

Congrats Justin on the win over Saltzkotten and incredible 55 point game. What does this achievement mean to you?

It means a lot to me, it’s everything kids dream to achieve this accomplishment, you put the work in and we see the results

What kind of congratulatory messages did you get? Did any NBA guys that you may know reach out?

Former players that I was glad to be around in the CEBL league that one summer with Hamilton Honey Badgers and guys I grew up playing with and who are currently playing the in G league and overseas.

You have had high scoring games in your career, but nothing like this. Did you always have this explosiveness in you?

Yeah always had it, it was just about the right timing and thankful for the support of my teammates to say keep going.

How quickly did you know in the game that you were going to have a very good scoring game?

At halftime.

Your only averaging 20,0ppg this season and your teammate Bryant Allen is a explosive scorer like you. Knowing these facts have to give this achievement extra weight or not?

Nah not extra weight. It’s good to know I have someone in the backcourt who’s an explosive scorer too. We feed off each other in the games.

You nailed 14 three´s. That could very well be a Regionalliga record. You have hit 9 three´s before with Bonn and New Zealand, but 14 is another level. How do you explain being able to nail 14 three´s?

It was just the rhythm of the game. I felt like I was back at home in summer runs, just having fun with it.

You hit as many three´s as have ever been made in an NBA game which was by Klay Thompson. Steph Curry has only made 13 three´s in a game. Is your feat mind boggling for you?

Definitely mind boggling, to hear that gives me more inspiration to do keep playing this game.

Do you feel that now knowing you can make so many, that your confidence will help you make 10 or more again?

Yeah my confidence is at a good high and it’s happening at the right time heading into the playoffs to win a championship.

You went 20/27 from the field. Was this the greatest shooting day in your career?

My best yes.

How cool was it hearing from your ex teammate David Muenkat? Has he watched a game or will he come now to see you play?

That’s my brother. He was one of the first ones to msg me saying” bro 55 really that’s crazy “ depending our schedules hopefully we can meet up, I be watching his games on Sundays.

Will your team take you out to dinner or do you have to pick up the tab?

We got a team bank so that’s already covered.

Thanks Justin for the chat.

The long road to the NBBL Top 4 continues for Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners as the NBBL team continue to play good team basketball as they were riding a 5 game winning streak going into the second game of the ratiopharm Ulm series. After blasting by Kirchheim twice in the last weeks, Frankfurt went to Ulm last week and won 76-67. The hot three point shooting of Frankfurt was key in getting the win as well as their consistent aggressive defense. All Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners needed was a win over Ratiopharm Ulm to get back to the NBBL playoffs which they had missed last season after winning only 1 game. Ratiopharm Ulm not only wanted to get revenge for their loss in their living room against Frankfurt last weekend, but also had to win by at least 21 points to reach the playoffs or their season was over. The 4 team standings between Frankfurt, Ulm, Tornados Franken and Kirchheim had produced this game constellation in order for reaching the playoffs. Ratiopharm came to Frankfurt very much weakened as key players Joel Cwick and Jervis Scheffs were both out due to injuries. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners were favored on paper and came out strong and controlled the game for 40 minutes even when they had some weak phases and played a weaker second half, they closed out the game well in crunch-time to produce the comfortable 81-64 victory and ticket to the NBBL playoffs. “We wanted to come into the game as the more physical team and show our dominance. We did that bringing energy and did a good job taking our height advantage at the guard position. Our energy went down in the second half and we got lazy on defense. They executed some touch down passes against us which coach didn´t like. If we want to get past IBAM in the playoffs, we will have to play at a higher level”, warned Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners forward Leif Zentgraf (198-SF-2005). Ratiopharm Ulm gave all they had for 40 minutes and fought to the end, but just couldn´t get over the hump in their comeback attempt. “We had a slow start, but we gave our best until the end. Everybody got minutes and most guys scored. As a team we learned that we have to give 100% each game, play hard but have fun and just try to get better”, warned Ratiopharm Ulm guard Jordan Mueller.

Leif Zentgraf at the FT line

The first 5 minutes of the first quarter was a back and forth tug of war match as there were 5 lead changes, but down the stretch run of the first quarter, Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners was able to get away and lead by 7 points after 10 minutes. The guests began the game with a three pointer from Guillaume Schoentgen and lay in´s from Germans Luca Sarnowska and Jonas Zilinskas while Frankfurt also attacked the rim as Namori Omog, Marvin Esser (3 scores) and Leif Zentgraf scored to tie the game at 10-10. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners then finally found their 3 ball and went on a 11-2 run ss universal genius Ivan Crnjac connected on back to back three´s, Dusan Nikolic hit a 20 footer and Joscha Zentgraf scored on transition. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners was favoring pretty ball movement and good on ball pressure that forced the guests to tough shots. Ulm found a little spark of energy in the last minute with a 5-0 run as Tobias Hilbach made an offensive rebound and put back and Luca Sarnowska hit a trey to cut Frankfurt´s lead to 21-17. But Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners saved their best for last as Leif Zentgraf nailed an off balance buzzer beater as Frankfurt led 24-17. “I actually thought I had no time left when I released the shot. I just put it up and was fortunate it went in. I think that shot helped us keep the momentum”, stated Leif Zentgraf. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 59% from the field and 38% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 5 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 40% from the field and 67% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 6 turnovers. “Despite some defensive lapses, I feel like we had a good first quarter. We did a good job keeping guys in front of us”, said Leif Zentgraf.

Tobias Hollbach lay in

Ratiopharm Ulm had a good start, but getting 5 team fouls early hurt them as they trailed by 17 points at half-time. Ratiopharm Ulm did a good job banging the ball inside to their big man Jonas Zilinskas as he scored 3 valuable buckets and suddenly Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners led only 32-25 as they had lost some of their defensive intensity from the first quarter. But Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners found out of their rut and punched back with a timely 8-0 run to lead 40-25. In the run Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners got 6 points out of free throws as the guests had reached the 5 team foul mark early and a beautiful left handed lay in by Dusan Nikolic who had been slowed down well by Ulm as he scored only 6 points and was held to 9 shots, but dished out 6 assists in the game. Mr Ulm energy Luca Sarnowska got ratiopharm Ulm some confidence as his energy struck Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners with back to back lay in´s as ratiopharm Ulm trailed only 40-29. But ratiopharm Ulm lacked offensive consistency and Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners didn´t as they stopped the Ulm mini run and closed out the second quarter with an overwhelming 8-2 run to lead 48-31 at the break. In the run Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners was sparked by Ivan Crnjac who scored twice inside while Esser also snuck back door for an easy lay in as Nikolic picked up the dime and little used energy player Rephael Edward also made a lay in. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners attacked the paint and their physicality and execution level was simply too much for ratiopharm Ulm. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 51% from the field and 24% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 7 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 39% from the field and 18% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 13 turnovers. “We were able to extend our league and getting to the free throw line helped us. But we didn´t have the same energy on defense and let up a bit”, commented Leif Zentgraf.

Dusan Nikolic lay in

In the third quarter Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners led by as much as 23 points, but couldn´t hold their consistency as ratiopharm never stopped fighting and just continued to chip away and trailed only by 12 points after 30 minutes. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners defended well in the first minutes getting 5 stops, but only got 2 consecutive three´s by Leif Zentgraf to lead 54-33. Mr Ulm energy Luca Sarnowska was back at it hitting Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners with 5 points as his nonstop energy was refreshing. Ratiopharm Ulm needed his energy and trailed 54-38. Both teams then went on mini 4-0 runs as Jamie Edoka made free throws and Esser a lay in on transition while Sarnowska made a lay in and 2022 JBBL champion Barna Buglyo hit free throws, but Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners still led 58-42. Ratiopharm Ulm continued to chip away and narrow the margin as Kjell Bauman made a lay in and Schoentgen dropped a trey as ratiopharm Ulm trailed 61-47. The guests continued to attack the paint area getting a lay in by Tobias Hollbach and free throws by Hollbach and Schoentgen. Ratiopharm Ulm upped their defensive intensity and forced Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners to more turn overs in the third quarter as they led only 63-51. “Our goal going into the third quarter was to lead by 30 points and decide the game, but that didn´t happen. We didn´t have the needed energy and just didn´t take it as serious. Good teams like Ulm will punch you”, expressed Leif Zentgraf. “We came out aggressive and didn´t want to be intimidated by their pressure. We just played our game”, expressed Jordan Mueller. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 43% from the field and 25% from the parking lot and had 33 rebounds and 11 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 39% from the field and 25% from the parking lot and had 28 rebounds and 15 turnovers.

Luca Sarnowska at the FT line

In the fourth quarter ratiopharm Ulm continued to chip away, but could never get the Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners lead below 12 points. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners then exploded for a 11-2 run down the stretch to decide the game. In the first few minutes, both teams couldn´t find their offensive rhythm as ratiopharm Ulm was stopped 6 times while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners was denied 5 times. Dusan Nikolic finally got Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners on the board in the fourth quarter with a field goal at the 7,40 mark and the guests got a pretty lay in and a spin move by Zoran Millicic at the 7,20 mark as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners led 65-53. Omog and Zilinskas traded 2 buckets a piece as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners still held the 69-57 advantage. Then came the deciding moment of the game as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners raced out on a 10-2 run to lead 79-59. In the run Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners was led by Leif Zentgraf with 5 points, Edoka added a trey and little used German Ehiozogie Idemudia added a lay in. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners showed just how lethal their offense can be when they want it to be. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners supplied nice ball movement and almost always had an open man while on defense stifled the guests with their on ball pressure. Ratiopharm Ulm closed out the game strong with a 5-2 run as Sarnowska scored all points, but it was too little too late. “The game was already over in our heads. We put in our bench guys and they had more energy than the starters. That can´t happen, but we still ended the game strong”, stressed Leif Zentgraf. “We fought to the end and never gave up”, stressed Jordan Mueller. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners was led by Leif Zentgraf with 20 points. Marvin Esser added 12 points while Jamie Edoka, Namouri Omog and Ivan Crnjac supplied 10 points a piece while ratiopharm Ulm was led by Luca Sarnowska with 23 points and Jonas Zilinskas added 12 points. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 45% from the field and 27% from outside and had 46 rebounds and 17 turnovers and ratiopharm Ulm shot 38% from the field and 21% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 21 turnovers.

Josh Ajayi (201-F-1996, college: USA, agency: Players Group) is a 27 year old 201cm forward from El Monte, California that has the American/Nigerian citizenship and is playing with German Pro A team Fraport Skyliners. He began the season with Balikesir Buyuksehir Belediyespor (Turkey-TBL) averaging 14.8ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.0apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 55.6%, 3FGP: 34.6%, FT: 66.7%. Last season he played with Saint Chamond Basket Valle du Gier (France-ProB) averaging 11.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 20.5%, FT: 77.5%. Two seasons ago he played with Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-ProB) averaging 7.8ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 62.1%. He played his rookie season with Hermine Nantes Atlantique (France-ProB) averaging 10.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 75.3%. He began his basketball career at San Gabriel Academy and then played at the University of South Alabama (NCAA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 123 games. He averaged 13/6 in his 4 year career and 15/7 in his last 2 years. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Josh for talking to germanhoops.com. At first glance, you don´t look like the average pro basketball player with your big presence. Your related to body builder Victor Richards. Do you ever wonder where you might be today had you followed his path?

Yes I think about it a lot actually. I love working out & training in the gym so I can definitely see myself doing body building if I didn’t have a passion for basketball.

After playing in Turkey this season, you now have taken a new challenge in Germany with the Fraport Skyliners. What have been the biggest differences in styles between the leagues TBL and Pro A?

From what I have observed so far, Pro A is more competitive & team oriented. In Turkey, there are only 2 Americans/imports allowed on the court per team so that pretty much means most Americans that come in have to average big numbers. It’s also very easy for imports to get cut if they’re underperforming in Turkey so there can be quite some pressure on you.

The Fraport Skyliners are a team that moved down and want to get back up to the top. The team is very young. What has been your early impression of the club? Do you feel that desire to move right back up to the BBL?

I love the fact that the team is young, I’m sure the biggest concern from people outside looking in or even the coaching staff may be the lack of experience, but nonetheless I think it shows that a young team can be successful at a high level when we have all the right pieces & mentality from all the players. I have a lot of respect for the club seeing that it has a very rich history in the BBL. I definitely feel the desire from all the players on the team as well as the coaching staff to move back up to the BBL and I think we have what it takes to do so.

So far you have been used delicately playing a few minutes against PS Karlsruhe and not playing against Giessen. How tough has been being in a new team and not playing? How do you mentally come to terms with that?

It’s always difficult for a player to come in in the middle of the season, especially in a team like this that has already been winning. My goal is to be able to impact winning and to be able to add on to the success that the club has been having. Even though I would have liked to play, I understand that I still need some time to get adapted to the offense and the team as well as to catch my rhythm & be in game shape, so I understood the coaches decision in not letting me play as much. It’s part of being a professional. Thankfully, this little fiba break we have was the perfect time for me to come so I can have some time to get back into Game shape and learn how to play with the guys as well as the offense.

You could be a very instrumental part of the team later in the playoffs when one has to battle against more physical teams. How much is physicality a part of your game?

Physicality is a big part of my game, when I was playing in college, I led the league in field-goal percentage for the last two years of my career so I take pride in being an efficient and physical player.

The team has many talented players, but lacking that one guy that will always take over when needed. I feel kevin Mcclain could be that guy. You played against him in France. Can he become that player down the stretch of the season?

Unfortunately he had a tough injury that led him to take a year off, and I understand how injuries can affect a players confidence and mentality, but I have a lot of respect & confidence in his game and I know that down the stretch he’s going to catch his stride when it’s needed the most. I know we’re going to be a very lethal duo.

You have compared your game to a Draymond Greene. Frankfurt is already a top defensive team in the pro A. Do you feel you could be the difference defensively between the team moving up and not?

I actually take back that comparison to Draymond, I’m actually not really a fan of his game but if I was to honestly compare my playing style, I would say it’s a mix of Zion Williams & Lebron James. I take pride in being a defensive player & being able to guard all 5 positions and I know that can definitely help us down the stretch in the playoffs.

Your also a player that can score and rebound, but what other strengths does your game have?

I think what may surprise people about my skillset is my guard & passing skills. I consider myself to be a very versatile player for my size especially because I have played the 3,4 & 5 in my professional career. I can also shoot the ball pretty well so I’d like to think that I’m a danger anywhere you put me on the court.

Your three pointer continues to be a work in progress. How ambitious are you to wanting to become a more consistent three point shooter?

That’s definitely something that I want to be a staple in my game. I think for me, being a consistent 3 point shooter is mainly about confidence because I work on my shot a lot & I know I´m capable.

On what area´s of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?

My decision making & my 3 point shot are the biggest things I’ve been working on.

You began the season with Balikesir Buyuksehir Belediyespor (Turkey-TBL) averaging 14.8ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.0apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 55.6%, 3FGP: 34.6%, FT: 66.7%. You put up really solid stats. Why was your stay so short there?

Unfortunately I pulled my hamstring when I was arguably playing my best basketball. That led me to being cut from the team & ending my time in turkey prematurely.

You played your first 3 pro seasons in France in the pro B. The Pro B is a second division on the rise. How would you compare the style, talent and competitive level compared to the German pro A?

I have a lot of respect for Pro B in France. It is arguably one of the most competitive second divisions in Europe. It is definitely the most physical and athletic second division out there. I think playing in that type of physicality & competitiveness has prepared me for any type of physical play that I will have to experience moving forward. German Pro A has the same type of competitiveness so I’m excited to experience that.

Last season you played with Saint Chamond Basket Valle du Gier (France-ProB) averaging 11.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 20.5%, FT: 77.5%. How do you feel did your game grow in France in the 3 years?

I learned how to play the European style of play and especially the French physical style of play. I really embraced that physical style of play during my time in France

Two years ago you played with Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-ProB) averaging 7.8ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 62.1%. You were part of a title team. What memories will you always have playing for the well known organization Sluc Nancy?

It was a very tough but memorable experience. I had 2 tough injuries that ended up me being cut from the team. Although I was cut, I was still a practice player when I was back healthy & was training with the team so I appreciate the club for keeping me with them till the end of the season.

You played your rookie season with Hermine Nantes Atlantique (France-ProB) averaging 10.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 75.3%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Learning how to adapt in a new environment and new play style was the biggest thing for me. A lot of Americans and college players who come overseas for the first time don’t understand that Europe has a specific style of play and it’s nothing like America so I had to learn how to play accordingly.

You played at the University of South Alabama from 2016-2020 averaging 13/6 in your 4 years and 15/7 in your last 2 years. What kind of player were you going in and what player were you when you left?

I was a lot bigger than I am now when I first got into college. I had to lose a lot of weight my first year & even ended up going vegan because of that. I was very raw but still had to polish my skillset. I had to learn to embrace my physicality & really use my physical abilities to their potential. I came out a lot more polished, physical & a better overall IQ of the game.

You had many great games in the NCAA like 30 points against S Mississippi or 26 points against Appalachian State. What was your fondest moment on the court?

My fondest moment was playing in the sunbelt tournament every year with my guys. It was always a competitive & amazing experience.

How did head coaches Matt Graves and Richie Riley groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Those two coaches had distinct personalities and were quite actually polar opposites. Coach Riley helped me push myself to more than I thought I was capable & I can confidently say, my last two years with him was the toughest I’ve ever had to work, basketball wise. He was a big fan of working hard & discipline so he instilled that into me.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Thrae Mitchell

Me every time of course 😉 but Thrae was probably one of the best defenders I’ve ever had to go up against. He was with me at South Alabama all 5 years

One of the toughest players that you ever faced in the NCAA was Isaac Okoro. Who were some others?

BJ Johnson was a very tough player, I think he’s somewhere overseas now playing well. Rajon Tucker was also a very tough player. I believe he’s somewhere in the ACB now & was in the NBA for a little while. There was a lot of players that I’m sure I’m forgetting

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Thrae Mitchel, Andre Fox, Nick Stover, Herb Mcgee, Kevin Morris

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Shaq, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, magic Johnson, Paul George, T-Mac

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James of course

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

No I haven´t

Thanks Ife for the chat.

The 80´s was such a wonderful time for NBA basketball. Especially now one likes to look back at the golden age simply because now how the NBA has changed to more a scoring league which was best showcased recently at the allstar game where one side scored 200 points. Now the NBA is a place where money as always rules the business and it´s purely entertainment. Back in the day the league was fun to watch, because players actually played defense and was filled with players that today are remembered as legends. As a Bostonian native, the Boston Celtics were my team and Larry Bird is my GOAT today no matter what the younger generation thinks. Time flies and these great players aren´t getting any younger either. It is always sad to hear when one of those childhood memories passes away. Recently Robert Reid who played 13 seasons in the NBA and 10 for the Houston Rockets died at only the age of 68 due to cancer. Right away my memories of my childhood popped up in my head as quickly as Luka Doncic can score an uncharachteristic basket. As a kid, I collected autographs in Boston and hung around hotels like if they were my private playground. In those days, you could call up the hotel and they actually told you if a team was staying there. During the 1981 finals against the Celtics, the Rockets lived 2 minutes away by foot from Government center where the Celtics held their parades after winning the title. Back in 1981, the Boston Celtics faced the Houston Rockets and this was my first NBA team I got. Back then the finals were in early May, so I drove to Boston right after grade school from the suburbs with my reliable mom as my chauffeur. I don´t remember my actual face to face meeting with Robert Reid, but actually standing face to face with NBA MVP Moses Malone. The guy towered over me like the Hancock building did over the old Hancock building in Boston. But I do remember getting Reid´s autograph in 1981, and I would get Reid´s autograph again 3 seasons later after he returned out of retirement once the Rockets drafted highly touted center Ralph Sampson. This time they lived in a different hotel only a 10 minute walk from Boston Garden. This time I had another encounter with a large man, a 7 footer known as Ralph Sampson. I remember getting Robert Reid´s autograph both times and I remember him having such a legible autograph simply beautiful to recognize even 40 years later. Unfortunately my large autograph collection is still in Boston and with hopes of taking a screen shot wasn´t successful, because my brother couldn´t find it as we did face time. Those 2 encounters with the Houston Rockets in 1981 and 1984 seem like yesterday. Oh how much I would love to be beamed back to those 2 times.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber got Tomjanovic´s autograph during the 1981 finals as it would be his last before retiring an dlater winning 2 NBA titles with Houston as coach

Moses Malone autograph from 1981 finals in Boston

Robert Reid was born on August 30,1955 in Atlanta, Georgia, but grew up in Texas and attended Samuel Clemens high school. He then attended St Mary´s (Texas) from 1973-1977. He was drafted in 1977 by Houston in the second round at #40. He played most of his career with the Houston Rockets and even sat out a year during the 1982-1983 season after the club had traded Moses Malone to the 76ers. He returned back to Houston for the 1983-1984 season after the club drafted Ralph Sampson with the #1 pick. He had his best days with the Rockets playing 10 seasons reaching 2 NBA finals and averaged double figures in scoring in 7 seasons. His most memorable moments with the Rockets was scoring 27 points in game 1 of the 1981 finals against Boston and in 1986 hitting a three to tie game 5 against the Lakers in the Western Conference final which helped them reach the final against Boston again. After his Houston days, he also suited up for teams like Charlotte, Portland and Philadelphia. In the 1988-1989 season he would average 14,7ppg his last time showing his averaging in double figures during a season. He finished his 13 year NBA career averaging 11,4ppg, 4,5rpg and 2,7apg and amassed 10,448 career points, 4,168 career rebounds, and 2,500 career assists. He then had experience as a coach coaching clubs like the Yakima Sun Kings, Texas Rim Rockers, Lakeland Blue Ducks and Debreceni Vadkakasok. He also held basketball clinics for kids in several countries like India.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber getting Ralph Sampson´s autograph before a game in Boston in 1984

I never had the pleasure of knowing Robert Reid personally, but former professional player Marcus Session (198-F-1981, college: St.Mary’s, TX) did. Session never played in Europe even if he was close signing with TV Langen, but played the game he loved in countries like China, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Korea, Mexico and Qatar. He also played in the ABA and participated in an NBA mini-camp with the San Antonio Spurs. I actually was on vacation and remember meeting Marcus in 2009 in Spain at Malaga airport where he had a work out with ACB team Malaga. When I woke up Wednesday morning, I heard first about the death of Robert Reid through Session´s Facebook page and was taken by his heart felt words. “Robert Reid was like a mentor, always cheerful and encouraging every time we spoke as we kept in touch over the last 20 years. My condolences to your family. Rest well Rattler”. It was only logical that I get in touch with Marcus Session and get the whole low down on Robert Reid. After 7 years of playing the game he loved, Session decided to start life after playing and adjusted pretty well. It´s always a plus when your prepared after you retire, because he had made plans during his last season of playing. “I knew I wanted to be a high school basketball coach, so I began my teacher certification program online while playing my last year. Fast forward to today, I am currently a lawyer who has been a school administrator as well. Basketball helped me to accumulate the work ethic necessary for getting things done that I wanted to get done. Working as a school administrator and raising a baby girl who is now five years old, while going to law school at night, for example. I had to multitask basketball and life for 30 plus years”, stressed Marcus Session. Having that encounter with a NBA player happens, the way I have had over 20 years, but having that special relationship and connection to an NBA player for 20 years is rare, but it does happen. Marcus Session had that incredible luck which began at St Mary´s (Texas) where he played ball just like Reid did. “I met Robert Reid at an alumni event at St. Mary’s university in 2003. We would always talk at these events, but it wasn’t until after I left St. Mary’s in 2004 and ran Into Robert at a school event, we were both asked to speak at, is when we became more personal with one another. We exchanged contact information at this event and spoke and hung out occasionally over the next 19 years. When I heard of his passing, I was with a friend who informed me. I immediately became saddened. I understand the path of life is finite for us all, but I still had to reflect on the fact the world lost a great person who definitely left it a better place”, said Marcus Session. When someone impacts your life, one never forgets the first time when you met that person and for Session, it is an incredible moment that seems as vivid today as it did in 2003. “The first meeting after a game, my senior year at St. Mary’s, I remember a teammate telling me, “Hey look, that’s Robert Reid,” and I glazed across the room and remember thinking, “Oh that’s one of the guys my dad always used to talk about” (LOL). The first conversation was about the game we had just played. He gave me some pointers on the court and was just congratulatory. I was thinking to myself, “He didn’t have to take all that time to speak with me,” but getting to know him later, I came to find that he was 100% vested in all things St. Mary’s and took it as an honor to speak with one of the younger current players. This is what I will never forget about him. You can tell he still had that basketball ego and killer instinct of a player, but he was still very humble”, commented Marcus Session.

Ralph Sampson on route to team bus in Boston in 1984

Robert Reid had his heyday in the NBA from 1977-1988 with the Houston Rockets and still played a few years after that before retiring. Marcus Session was born in 1981 and most likely didn´t see him play live or on TV, during his first years, but knew about his legacy because of his pops. “, I knew who he was and about his legacy as a player because my father would talk about him and how he played pickup basketball with him around the city (Houston), before I was born. Later, as a basketball fan trying to make middle and high school teams, I investigated the history of the game more and found that he was one of those X-factor type players that made the difference between winning and losing”, added Marcus Session. So often players will obviously emulate those players that play their position, but every now and then a player will do that with a guy that doesn´t even play his position. “As a mentor he was always someone I could get basketball advice from, whether as a player, or later as a coach. He was always open and receptive and gave exceptional feedback, even feedback you may not anticipate. He was a true gem and he really helped me to understand the politics of the game. Even in another position, and playing in different leagues around the world, some things in basketball are just universal, for instance, the business side. He helped me to understand them and address the bottom line with every organization I played for. This helped me to adjust when things did not go my way contractually (not getting paid on time, contractual liabilities, etc.). He just helped me understand life and the milestones that come with it. For example, a conversation we had before I got married in 2008. I was still playing basketball, and we had a talk about dealing with certain things that come along with playing while still trying to be a family man. It was a long and real conversation, but a necessary one. It still impacts how I prioritize my private life, even today. I wouldn’t have had the awareness needed to navigate those situations without Mr. Robert Reid”, expressed Marcus Session. Robert Reid was a great player, but where does his legacy in the NBA stand today? He played for some great Rockets teams and had legendary centers to whom he could flick the ball to in the post with Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Ralph Sampson. Wasn´t he a bit in the shadow of these great players? “I would classify his legacy, as a player, as the X-factor guy on the roster. The guy who, without him and his consistent efforts on the court, the team doesn’t win. The franchise knew what they were going to get from him every night and he capitalized on that role to help the rockets advance towards the finals. Robert Reid was a pivotal factor in helping to boost the careers of the hall of fame centers you mentioned. He made their jobs just a tad bit easier”, said Marcus Session. I will never forget Robert Reid as a player that enriched my childhood in the 80´s. R.I.P Robert Reid.

Zaccheus Darko-Kelly (198-G-1997, college: Providence, MT) is a 26 year old 198cm guard that is playing his third professional season and first with the Tigers Tuebingen averaging 6,1ppg and 2,1rpg. Last season he played with PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece-GBL) averaging 4.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.7apg and 3.0ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.0apg,in the BCL.He played his rookie season with the Helsinki Seagulls (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 10.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 43.7%, FT: 78.1%. He began his basketball career with Great Falls High School and then played 2 seasons with the University of Montana Western (NAIA) averaging 8.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 46.4%, FT: 79.3% and in his second season averaged 15.4ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 42.8%, FT: 78.6%. He then played 2 seasons with the University of Providence (NAIA) averaging 22.6ppg, 7.9rpg, 5.7apg, 1.4bpg, 2.3spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 42.5%, FT: 79.1% and in his second season averaged 18.4ppg, 9.4rpg, 5.2apg, 1.3bpg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 90.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Zaccheus for talking to germanhoops.com.Welcome back to Germany and signing with the Tigers Tuebingen. Did you have some second thoughts coming back to Germany after your bad luck with Ludwigsburg?

No second thoughts. My first time in Germany I simply wasn’t ready to compete at that level. Now I am confident that I belong in this league.

The Tigers Tuebingen are back in the easyCredit BBL. What were the main reasons for joining them? I can imagine the coach Danny Jansson and the team success were a big reason for your decision?

I was excited to join this team because they are a young and hungry team looking to make some noise in the BBL. It’s a great group of guys that are skilled and unselfish. Coach Danny is great along with his staff so it wasn’t a hard decision.

How excited are you to play in the easyCredit BBL now after not being able to 2 years ago. Do you feel pressure after your tough season in Greece and are you 100% ready?

I don’t really feel any pressure. My job is to do whatever I can to help our team be successful and I’m confident in my ability to do that. By the time the regular season comes around I believe I will be 100% back to normal.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 198cm guard/forward that can really fill up the stat sheet. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I’m not really sure what player I play like at the moment. I see myself as a player that can do a little bit of every playing positions 1-3.

The first name that pops up for me is Larry Bird. He is my Goat. Are you a modern day Larry Bird?

Never heard that one before! I’d have to politely reject that comparison haha.

Despite being so versatile, what besides that would you consider being your biggest strength?

I think being unselfish and doing whatever it takes to win. Making extra passes, diving on the floor etc. I just want to win so I think that makes me a valuable teammate.

You’re an incredible shooter that has shot over 40% in the NAIA and Finland. What kind of a shooter do you want to become down he road and is the 90/50/40 plateau a big goal?

I want to become a shooter that is dangerous from all spots on the floor. Mid range, catch and shoot, shooting off the dribble or on the move. Just a threat from anywhere. I believe I’ve improved every year. 90/50/40 would be incredible. I would definitely strive for that.

Your also a very ambitious defender. How would you describe yourself as a defender now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I would describe myself as long and athletic on the defensive end. I believe I have a high ceiling when it comes to defending. As a pro I feel like I’ve gotten better year by year. Still I have much room to improve and I’d like to get to a point where I can guard multiple positions at a high level.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?

I think I’m trying to improve all areas of my game. But important ones right now are defense and being the ball handler in pick and roll. After my injury I’m trying to return to a good level of defensive ability. Being able to play pick and roll will help our team be more versatile.

Last season you played for PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece-GBL) and played only 6 games. How tough was it suffering an injury and what did you learn about yourself as a player and man?

The injury was pretty tough. Like you said I really was only starting and I was beginning to feel comfortable with the team. I learned that if I could come back from that that I can damn near do anything. I always thought I was resilient but I really found out how much.

You began your rookie season in Germany with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. What do you believe didn’t work out for you?

I just don’t think I was ready for that level. As simple as that. Coach Patrick saw that and I don’t blame him for the decision. He’s a great coach and he knows what it takes to win at a high level.

You then joined the Helsinki Seagulls (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 40 games averaging 10.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 43.7%, FT: 78.1% and won a title. In the last years this club has groomed future BBL players. What is so special about the organization?

I believe the club led by Coach Jussi and Coach Vesa, at the time I was there, really just gave me an introduction to professional basketball. I learned so much that has helped me to this day. They know the game really well and are able to instill that knowledge into their players.

How vital was head coach Jussi Laakso for you being able to have your breakout season overseas?

It was huge! Coach Jussi really just believed in me and my game. He was also patient with me considering I had much to learn as a professional.

You played with 2 Finish legends with Shawn Huff and Petteri Koponen. What did you appreciate most about their games and do you have a special story concerning one of them?

It was really cool to be able to play with them. Great players with so much experience at the highest levels of European basketball. I just tried to learn as much as I could from them as I possibly could. Playing with them was so easy because of their high IQ’s on the court and obviously their talent. I have a lot of good stories with getting to be around them off the court. But one that comes to mind right away was seeing Petteri make 75 or 76 threes in a row one day in practice.

You played NBA Summer League in 2021 with Toronto. What kind of an experience was it for you coming from the NAIA and being able to play on the big stage. What was your fondest moment and did you have a cool experience with a player or coach that you will never forget?

Playing in summer league was a great experience. Not too many NAIA players get to do that so I was just super grateful for the opportunity. I think my fondest memory was just stepping on the court for the first time. Great feeling. Just being able to chop it up with Nick Nurse and Earl Watson was pretty cool.

You were teammates with Ish Wainwright. He began his rookie season in the German Pro A after averaging 5,0ppg in his last season at Baylor. How inspiring is his NBA journey? If someone had told you in the summer of 2021 that he would reach the NBA and stick what would you have thought?

His story is pretty inspiring considering he started in Europe and eventually was able to land an NBA contract. I think as an overseas player that is what everyone dreams of. If someone would have told me that I would have said why not? He’s a hell of a player and an even better person so I’m not surprised at all.

How big was your chip then in Las Vegas and how big is it now? Did they see quickly that NAIA players can play?

I’ve always had a pretty big chip since I was growing up. Always felt like there was doubters about my game. I didn’t get as much of a chance in summer league as I had hoped for whatever reason. But I believe that everywhere I’ve gone in Europe I’ve been able to show that no matter what level of college you play, hoop is hoop.

You had a stellar career at the University of Montana Western (NAIA). How did your game grow there?

I think it was just the competitive environment that was there at the time. I had a lot of great teammates that turned into lifelong friends. We were always competing in pick up and one on one. Just being close with my teammates and us pushing each other helped me get better and better.

You had so many great games there especially in your second season. What was your fondest moment there?

I think what I was most proud of that season was that we set the record for most wins in a season and made it to the elite 8. We went toe to toe with the eventual champions and were a couple points from advancing. It was a special group and I will always cherish those times.

You then played at the University of Providence (NAIA) averaging 22.6ppg, 7.9rpg, 5.7apg, 1.4bpg, 2.3spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 42.5%, FT: 79.1% and as a senior 18.4ppg, 9.4rpg, 5.2apg, 1.3bpg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 90.5%. You did win the Frontier conference title beating Carroll College, but how tough was COVID getting in the way?

My junior year we were able to play in the national tournament because it was cancelled due to covid and you really felt for the seniors. My senior year there was no fans allowed so I really didn’t get to play in front of family and friends one last time.

Your junior season was incredible. You had 2 triple doubles against Rocky Mountain and Montana-West. Was one more enjoyable then the other?

I really wasn’t trying to get a triple double in either, but it was pretty cool to see that it happened.

How did head coach Steve Keller groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Keller was constantly pushing me to get better and be better. He never let me get complacent. I believe that really helped me elevate my game and contributed to my work ethic. As a pro you are constantly playing really good players and if you are always trying to improve by getting better, you will be able to compete and be successful.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Brandon Cotton? Ok so you had a 20 cm advantage, but I’m sure he was feisty.

I definitely won most of our games but B definitely got some too. He might disagree but that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. He is one of the hardest workers and most competitive people I know. That’s my brother. There’s a lot of clubs in Europe that could use him!

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

I’ve played against NBA guys in pick up or pro ams but no one I ever played in college made it to the NBA. Some made it to the g league. Best player I played in my Pre draft workouts was Jose Alvarado. Quickest hands I’ve ever seen.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I’ll just do professional teammates. I could just name the raptors teammates but I’ll do my overseas teammates.

Jalen Riley
Petteri Koponen
Jaylen Hands
Shawn Huff
Nate Renfro

Honorable mention
Yannick Franke

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

LeBron
MJ
Kobe
Kareem

I can imagine Lebron is your GOAT. Why is he that over Jordan or even Bird?

To me he’s just the greatest all around player. Things he’s done on the court and is still doing is incredible.

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

I did not. I’ve only seen the original and that is a great movie. To me you really take a chance making the sequel to a classic and more often than not it doesn’t work out.

Thanks Zaccheus for the chat.

In December 2010, the BBL season of Phoenix Hagen was becoming a disaster and it wasn´t even Christmas yet as every true Phoenix fan was hoping for some Santa Claus miracle, but that didn´t happen. Instead a famous name flashed over the Hagen airwaves and was plastered all over Hagen papers and for any non basketball fan they may have thought that THE Michael Jordan, the famous ex Chicago Bull was coming out of retirement. However instead it was ex Pennslyvania (NCAA) standout and veteran professional basketball player Michael Hakim Jordan that arrived in Hagen as the predicted season savior. At first it seemed like the Philadelphia native who had the widest and most appealing smile that one ever could witness from a player that boasted the perfect tooth paste commercial white teeth was that good luck charm as he helped the club rebound from their 3-10 record reeling off three wins in a row against TBB Trier, Braunschweig and Giessen who he disposed of himself with a buzzer beater. However then the real drudgery of winter arrived where the dark and grey Hagen made days seem extra longer and seem for some like their own private hell which made the next huge losing streak seem unbearable as the club lost 8 games in a row and suddenly there were new rifts within the club concerning Jordan and Chase Griffin and the season became more and more in jeopardy. Then came one of the first season climaxes in Frankfurt which would forever be remembered in German basketball you tube history. It was a rather warm March day in Frankfurt as the recent snow had melted and first flowers were blooming and Phoenix Hagen were guests against the Deutsche Bank Skyliners. Phoenix Hagen was playing for their lives while the Frankfurt club was on their way to reaching the BBL final and losing a hard fought 5 game final series against Bamberg. Phoenix Hagen was without Jordan who was injured and had to watch the game from the sidelines. At halftime Phoenix Hagen was down 44-27 and before it was time for the halftime analysis from head coach Ingo Fryer, it was Jordan that entered the dressing room with a sneer and growl about to let loose and preceded to give his own movie like tirade that was Oscar worthy and could have been his entrance to the acting world had the right Hollywood producer only gotten hold of the video. That season the documentary Phoenix In Der Asche was being made which portrayed the Phoenix Hagen season and cameras were always around. Not only did Jordan chew out his teammates in fine fashion, but knowing the undeniable passion and drive to always want to win that teammate Quinto Pryor had, one was just waiting for him to follow Jordan and give his two cents. Instead Pryor just listened and soaked in the truth that Jordan was saying. There were enough times in Pryor´s career where he showed his presence on the bench with discreet tantrums, but how could he ever forget this Jordan moment? “That was a tough year but we expected it to be tough. It was just so much more going on and having the cameras document everything made it much more difficult. That tirade was the truth and a defining moment in the documentary. It felt like teams didn’t respect us once the ball tipped. I just remember every guy in the locker room being down. We were all tired of being in that situation. I think it needed to be said”, stressed Quentin Pryor (193-G/F-1983, college: Morehead St.). The club was whipped by Frankfurt which was their ninth loss in a row at that time, but somehow found a sweet spot with the basketball God finishing the season 3-5 and squeaking out a win In Duesseldorf and winning against Ludwigsburg and Paderborn that saved their season and let them remain in the BBL. This was just one exciting experience that Pryor had in his interesting seven year professional career in which he was a true warrior that played the game the way it should be played.

But before Pryor could embark on a professional basketball career, he had to pay his dues at the collegiate level and like many he didn´t start at the top, but at the bottom having to prove himself in order to eventually reach the NCAA level. The American was born on September 26th 1983 in Europa, Mississippi, but grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, but after high school returned back to the south and played at Holmes Community College in Goodman, Mississippi. After getting his college type experience with the Bull Dogs, he returned back to Memphis and played at Jackson State Community College. It was hear that Pryor developed his early like warrior like mentality where nothing was served to him on a silver platter, but he had to fight for everything which helped him finally reach the NCAA level in 2005 with Morehead State. “Going to Jackson State CC was the best decision basketball wise that I made. My coach (Deron Hines) was the first coach that was brutally honest with me. He helped me see that I had another level. We were a national top 10 JUCO program that just played the right way. We didn’t care about scoring just winning. I’ve always had that mentality. For me, it was my way out. My mom was in a car wreck when I was younger and was unable to work ever since that moment. I wanted to make sure that my family would be taken care of. So every game I went out and played with every ounce of energy I had in me. Coaches shouldn’t have to coach you to play hard if ball is life”, stressed Quentin Pryor. The American played his last two years of college ball at Morehead State playing in the Ohio Valley conference, but the team literally stunk, but he proved he could be a versatile and consistent performer at the NCAA level. As a junior he played 25 games averaging 10.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.7apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 46.6%, 3FGP: 40.3%, FT: 68.7% and as a senior played 30 games averaging 11.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3Pts: 36.8%, FT: 71.7%. These two years were vital in him being able to jump from the NCAA level to the professional ranks. “I grew tremendously in this time. I tried to live in the gym especially when I sat out my first year due to my wrist injury. Being tabbed as the captain and leader of the team that last season was a great experience. My fondest memory was just being a part the team that helped turn around the fortunes of the program. My first year playing, we were 4-23. My senior year we finished 12 -16. We had a losing record but we were vastly improved and for a month we were first in our conference”, added Quentin Pryor. He lists Rudy Gay as his toughest foe at the NCAA level and also knows that without head coach Donnie Tyndall, his road to becoming a professional could have been more difficult. “Coach Tyndall challenged me to give my best every day. He wanted and demanded perfection. He put a lot of pressure on me to lead the team. He basically taught me how to focus on tendencies of players. The things that he taught me on the defensive end, I carried overseas with me”, warned Quentin Pryor.

Pryor decided to embark on a professional career in 2007 and his route wasn´t the NBA or D-League, but Europe. In the fall of 2007 the American landed in Germany with FC Schalke 04 that is better known for it´s football and inability to win titles than their basketball program. He didn´t win any titles in his rookie season overseas, but he quickly found a groove and found respect from his peers on account of his stellar game and was able to make the adjustment on the court even if is his first memory of Germany at the airport almost had him turning around. “That was a fun year because I played with two guys (Matt Witt and Alonzo Hird) that were my rivals in college. It made the adjustment a little bit easy. When I got off the plane. It was not what I expected and I wasn’t prepared for it. I honestly wanted to get a ticket back home once I walked through airport”, expressed Quentin Pryor. In his rookie season he played 29 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-1 (2.5spg), FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 75.2%. He showed that he could be an offensive weapon, but at the same a guy that could help in all areas of the court. He wasn´t one dimensional either in that he went to work on the offensive end and didn´t take a back seat on the defensive end, but actually belonged to the best defenders in the German second Bundesliga and defense would become a huge part of his arsenal that allowed him to shine later in the BBL. He also saw that he had the game for a successful long career if he continued to work hard and brought the effort. He also saw how quickly a career could end as certain circumstances whatever they may can affect a career to continue for a while or end as it did with his teammate Torris Bright. “Playing with Torris Bright was great. I remember watching him at LSU. He was a killer. Some people’s careers don’t pan out as planned and he was one. I was lucky to get my first year completed. I was on the cusp of being sent home until the first game of the season due my lack of adjustment. I came out the very first game and had 28. That let me know that I had what it took to be a professional”, warned Quentin Pryor.

His enthusiastic and all around game got the attention of Phoenix Hagen head coach Ingo Freyer and Pryor was signed in 2008 and he would spend three enjoyable years helping the team move up to the BBL in 2009 and then playing two seasons in an up and coming rising league called the BBL. “Growing wise as a person, yes, these were the nicest years. For me Hagen became my home away from home. My son basically grew up there and my daughter was conceived there. I made significant strides in my game at Hagen. I had some great times on and off the court in Hagen. By far the best fans ever. I also learned the business side of basketball in Hagen as well”, warned Quentin Pryor. In his first season 2008-2009, he joined a talented team that didn´t have any real stars or so many imports, but talented guys like Chase Griffin, Zach Freeman and Aaron Fleetwood and the BBL veteran German Bernd Kruel as well as many German players that understood their roles. The club just functioned well together and were a team that understood how to get the job done. As did Pryor who had another strong German Pro A season being able to improve his scoring average over his rookie season and continued to shoot near 40% from outside and continued to belong to the best defenders that the Pro A had to offer. The American played 30 games averaging 14.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 75.2%. “That first season was very magical. Every guy on that team played for each other. We had one goal and that was get to the BBL. It was quite a few memories that year. If I could go back in time, it would be to that season. The wins against Bayreuth, Karlsruhe on the road, and the last game of the season against Bremen. I’ve only played in one game that could match the atmosphere in Hagen in the game against Bremen. That place was electric”, stressed Quentin Pryor. Pryor may not have been a rookie anymore, but Fraport Skyliner lifer Quantez Robertson was and over the years would quickly develop into one of the BBL´s best defenders. It was always a battle when they were both on the court. “He has Kawhi Leonard’s personality. The dude doesn’t say much but he locks in on the defensive end. Every time you see him, you have to be on your A game. At that time he was rising. I think everyone was still saying McElroy but Robertson was coming for the number #1 spot”, warned Quentin Pryor.

In his second season was where he experienced growing pains as it was the time where the club struggled all season long and saved themselves at the end while everything was being documented with the Phoenix In Der Asche Documentary. It was just one of those seasons where nothing really fell in place for Phoenix Hagen, but that is part of the game as not everything you touch turns to gold. However their successful experience was staying in the league and enabling their fans to enjoy BBL basketball for another season. In that season he played 33 games averaging 8.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 72.9%. In his last season with Phoenix Hagen in 2010-2011 he would help the club to a very respectable 12th position. This club also had more talent than in the past with the likes of Jacob Burtschi, Mark Dorris, David Bell and Zygimantas Jonusas. The American upped his play as well from his sophomore slump playing 33 games averaging 11.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-5 (1.5spg), FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 75.3%. He scored in double figures in 19 games including 20 points or more in four games and had five steals a piece in three games. He also had his biggest wins in the German BBL against Bamberg and Alba Berlin showing that the league was becoming more competitive than ever as only a year earlier one would never have seen a team of a Phoenix Hagen being able to upset a major powerhouse. “They were great wins but definitely not close to the biggest. Those wins showed how much we had matured and learned from the season before”, added Quentin Pryor. After three years with a team is often the time when a player leaves or becomes a lifer. In 2011, Robertson had completed his second season in Frankfurt and would stay until retiring in 2023. However the basketball leaf turned differently for Pryor as he wouldn´t become a Phoenix Hagen lifer. “I would have loved to stay in Hagen but that just wasn’t the plan. I was a little hurt because I played a big part in helping them get to the BBL and staying in the BBL. I understood that at the end of the day basketball is still a business. They made a business decision for the organization and I can’t complain about that”, stressed Quentin Pryor. His three years were a great time and he played with many great players, but even from a pool of these teammates with Chase Griffin, David Bell, Jacob Burtschi, John Turek, Mark Dorris or Michael Jordan, he couldn´t name a favorite. “All those guys were great. I enjoyed playing with every single one of them. Everyone brought something different to the table. I learned a lot from each of those guys”, commented Quentin Pryor. He may of last played with Phoenix Hagen 13 years ago, but the memories of then were always fresh in his mind and when he heard of some shocking news, those memories of yesterday surfaced again as if he was back in Hagen again. In the matter of a few months two members of the beloved Phoenix Hagen family passed away with Matthias Grothe and Marco Schmitz. “R.I.P to Matthias and Marco. They are Hagen legends. I was probably Matthias’ least favorite American my first year. I liked to talk a lot on the floor and we had a few words. When I got to Hagen everything changed. He was a true professional. He gave everything he had for that organization. He was a great leader. I learned so much about the European game from him during practice especially the pick n roll. Him and Bernd always had jokes. That’s all they did on trips. Marco would travel to every game that we had. No matter if we won or lost, he was always very positive about everything. He really loved Phoenix Hagen. Marco was the first person that I saw with a jersey with my name on it. Even after I left Hagen, Marco still followed my career and would message me from time to time about certain games. I was really shocked when I saw that he had passed”, stressed Quentin Pryor.

Marco Schmitz and Miles Schmidt-Scheuber calling a Frankfurt-Hagen game in the 2010-2011 season in Frankfurt

He played from 2011-2013 in Austria where he would ball with WBC Raiffeisen Wels (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 31 games averaging 14.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.7apg, Steals-4 (1.9spg), FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.7% and with the ECE Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-A Bundesliga) playing 38 games averaging 10.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 75.4%. He came to Austria without a professional title, but in Austria he would make further experiences about what it´s like playing basketball in May and getting closer to the basketball crest step by step. “Those were my first years competing in the playoffs. By then I was the veteran and I had to set the example for everyone. Whatever needed to be done, I did it. Coming up short in those series made me much more hungry for the next time around”, added Quentin Pryor. In the summer of 2013, he had to make another decision of which new team to join. He would opt for the GasTerra Flames Groningen (Holland-Eredivisie) which when he looks back now on was the correct decision as that would be his last professional season and he would hang up his jersey having won not one, but two titles with the Dutch league and cup titles. It was the perfect story book ending for his professional career even if he didn´t know it at the time in the summer 2014 that he would never play professionally again besides a short pre season stint with Petrolina AEK Larnaca (Cyprus-Division A). “At the time it wasn’t my ending but looking back yes. We set all types of records that season in the Dutch league. Even with all of that we had to comeback in the semis after digging a 0-2 hole and we went 7 games in the finals. By far the best game that I have ever played in. It was so tense that day. We were a group that was full of experienced players that played the game the way it was supposed to be played “, added Quentin Pryor. With Groningen he played 41 games averaging 8.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 66.1%; and in the EuroChallenge played 3 games averaging 8.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.0spg. The American will also never forget his teammate there Jason Douresseau who played 10 seasons with that organization. “That guy knows that city and organization like no other. Having him on the team just made the transition to Groningen so easy. Jason could defend 4 positions with no problem and it seemed like every time we needed a big play he would come up with it”, warned Quenton Pryor.

It has been almost a decade since Pryor last played a professional game. It isn´t one thing that the American misses the most, but a combination of many things. “I miss everything. Playing, camaraderie with teammates, the fans, travel, and of course the relationships I built with several people in Europe. For a while, it was basically home for my family. We spent more time there than we did here due to the season. One thing I miss outside of the game is the food. Döner macht schooner”, smiled Quentin Pryor. His life is very busy and full at the moment as he is calling Louisville, Kentucky home these days and is a full-time teacher at a residential facility and coaching basketball at the high school ranks and got his Masters degree in 2018. Even if his life is in full swing and everything is going well, the transition period from professional basketball player back to the normal 9-5 life wasn´t easy at first. “I would be a lie if I said it was easy. I was not prepared for the adjustment because it was so abrupt. The worst is the financial issue of course. You get used to living a certain way and seeing a certain amount in your bank account and then it dries up. I had some rough days dealing with this. I was living in a place where I didn’t have the best connections so it was difficult”, stressed Quentin Pryor. He has been coaching at the middle and high school level and currently is coaching at DuPont Manual High School. They are currently 23-4 on the year with 3 games left before post season play begins. This past summer he received his certification to be a personal trainer and currently is pursuing his strength and conditioning certification.It isn´t rare these days that professional basketball players decide to teach the game they have always loved to kids and that is a route that Pryor is happy he has chosen. “Honestly it has been great. I love the aspect of having to learn the opposing coach’s tendencies. My biggest strength right now is just being able to connect with the kids. I want to know how they are off the court and then I have a better chance of teaching them the game because I have established a relationship. I am actually able to show them the proper way of how to actually do certain things and react to different looks on the floor”, added Quentin Pryor. But for the American there is a greater satisfaction from his new profession than just teaching the general x´s and o´s to kids. “It is a positive experience. My biggest satisfaction is actually knowing that I am creating a relationship with them and I will have an impact on them for the rest of their lives”, added Quentin Pryor. It is always interesting to see if coach Pryor not only sees that big talent in his group of kids but is even able to witnesses that kid that has a little bit of him in him. “We have a few kids that definitely remind me of myself coming up. I just try to remind them that you don’t need a number by your name in order to chase your dream”, warned Quentin Pryor. But he also has another big joy besides teaching kids the game, but also has wetted the basketball appetite of his son who is going the basketball route. “I didn’t push basketball on him. I let him make his own decision as to if he wanted to do it. I will say that the light has come on for him. He goes all out on the floor. He is still pretty raw but I am very encouraged by what I see from him as far as growth”, warned Quentin Pryor in 2018. 5 years later, his son has definitely made progress in the game. “He is coming into his own now. Before he was still trying to figure out his position and game. He’s more of a shooting guard with a scorer’s mentality. He’s a sophomore now but is expected to breakout next season”, stressed Quentin Pryor. Back in 2018, he could of coached at a higher level, but instead showed real man qualities taking a step down and allowing his wife to finish her Batchelor and be a dad at home. It would be difficult to find a better example of a role model for any kid interested in making the grade as a player, dad and human being besides Quentin Pryor. Not only was Quentin Pryor a true warrior that played the game the way it should be played, but didn´t care about stats, but only winning. He gave everything he had in between the lines from tip to final buzzer and that won´t be forgotten especially in Hagen.