Siler Schneider (191-G-1995, college: UC Davis, agency: One Motive Sports) is a 28 year old 191cm guard from Lansing Kansas that is playing his 5th professional season and second in Germany and first with Phoenix Hagen. Last season he helped Rasta Vechta win the Pro A title and averaged 6.4ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 20.4%, FT: 62.2%. He played his first 2 professional seasons with BC Athletic Neptun Constanta (Romania-Liga Nationala) and in his second season averaged 16.5ppg), 5.3rpg, Assists-2 (5.5apg), Steals-3 (2.0spg), FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 25.7%, FT: 71.7%. Two seasons ago he palyed with Horsens IC (Denmark-BasketLigaen) averaging 14.2ppg, 3.9rpg, 5.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 24.7%, FT: 67.9%. In 2022 he also got experience with Auckland Tuatara (New Zealand-NBL) averaging 17.5ppg, 5.4rpg, Assists-3 (5.8apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 54.6%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 57.1%. He began his basketball career at Lansing high school. He then played at the : University of California – Davis (NCAA) form 2015-2019 playing a total of 126 NCAA games and averaged scoring in double figures in 3 of his 4 seasons. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Siler for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome back to Germany. Congrats on signing with Phoenix Hagen. Do you feel like your overall game will come through better here than in Vechta that was filled with top players?

Vechta was a great experience and I´m happy we won a championship. In Hagen I believe I’ll have a bigger role with a coach that believes in me.

Head coach Chris Harris stated that you’re a brave passer. Do you feel like your playmaking and assists will rise back to what you showed in New Zealand, Denmark and Romania?

Every system and every team is different. I’ve always been a playmaker who can put pressure on defenses and create good opportunities for myself and teammates. I’m confident the numbers will resemble that this season

How strange will it be playing against Vechta this season? You won your first pro title with them?

I don’t think it’ll be strange playing against Vechta. It will be fun to play at the rasta dome again

How challenging was last season? Your minutes really fluctuated. I guess you can say you made the most of it?

Last season was a challenge for a couple reasons. It’s never easy coming to a team in the middle of the season, especially a team that’s undefeated at the time. Guys who have been together since August seeing a new guy come at the end of November and wondering why I’m there. I wouldn’t say it was comfortable but I tried to do what the team asked of me in a limited role

What was so special about last season´s team? How much of the overall atmosphere from top to bottom in the organization is infectious in gaining success?

The thing that was special with the team last season was our depth. We had a lot of guys who could play at high levels. The organization is very professional and the city has a passion for winning

The youth department´s success has been growing in the last years. What young rising German impressed you the most? Possibly a Johann Gruneloh?

Rasta does an amazing job with the youth and I was impressed with many young guys. Johann Gruhnloh Kaya Bayram Killian Brockhoff and Noah Janen practiced with us and acted much older than they are. They all have a bright future

Let´s talk a bit about your game. You’re a 191cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I´m really not sure who my nba comparison would be. Like I said every team and system is different and I’ve been a different player depending on what teams have asked of me.

Your assists really rose as a professional. Did your playmaking develop as a pro or have you always had it? Your assist averaged wasn´t as high in the NCAA.

I believe my playmaking has developed but I think i’ve always had it. I didn’t play point guard in college so naturally my assist numbers weren’t as high.

Your three pointer continues to be a work in progress. How challenging is it finding consistency as a shooter?

The biggest thing with my 3 point shot is confidence. Both my confidence in myself and my coaches confidence in me taking the shots. I’m the same player that played in new Zealand months before and shot 37%. There I had a higher volume and a coach who gave me the freedom to shoot it.

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

This summer I’ve been working on many things but focused mainly on shooting. Just being more consistent on catch and shoot threes

Las year you found experience with the Auckland Tuatara (New Zealand-NBL) averaging 17.5ppg, 5.4rpg, Assists-3 (5.8apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 54.6%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 57.1%. What was your coolest experience off the court?

There are so many wonderful things I could say about New Zealand. It’s paradise. The most beautiful place in the world and the people there made it so special. I’ll be visiting again one day for sure

In 21-22 you played with highly respected Danish team Horsens IC (Denmark-BasketLigaen) averaging 14.2ppg, 3.9rpg, 5.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 24.7%, FT: 67.9%. What kind of an experience was that? You saved some of your best games for the Svenborg series?S

Denmark was awesome. some of the most friendly people in the world and it’s a great place to live. I had some really good players around me but yes I started to play my best at the end of the season.

You played your first 2 pro seasons in Romania and as a rookie with BC Athletic Neptun Constanta (Romania-Liga Nationala) playing 3 games averaging 22.7ppg, 4.7rpg, 6.0apg. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you

Romania was such a culture shock but I absolutely loved it. It was exciting being in such a different place my first year overseas

In your second season you played with BC Athletic Neptun Constanta (Romania-Liga Nationala) playing 23 games: Score-5 (16.5ppg), 5.3rpg, Assists-2 (5.5apg), Steals-3 (2.0spg), FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 25.7%, FT: 71.7%. How tough was being a key player for a losing team? How tough mentally is as the point guard having to deal with the losing? Was there any positives you could get from the experience?

I had many positives to take away from the Constanta team. We were very young and at the time we didn’t have a very big budget. But it was good for me to get that experience playing against some really good teams and players. My coaches there really helped my development

You played at the University of California-Davis from 2015-2019 and won the Big West title in 2017 with California-Davis. What was so special about the run?

Everything about our Davis team that year was special but we just had the perfect makeup of personalities that meshed on and off the court

TJ Shorts came on board your junior season and were teammates for 2 years. If somebody had told you in 2019 this guy would win the MVP in a top 5 league in Europe 4 years later what would you have said? How inspiring is his focus and drive to be as best he can despite his height?

If someone told me at the time thatTJj would have this success I wouldn’t be surprised. he’s an ultra competitor

How special of a teammate was he? I can imagine you both pushed each other to the limit every practice? Did some of that killer instinct rub off on you?

He was a great teammate and I think we both have that killer instinct

You had many very special games in the NCAA but I think the 2 wins and games against Long Beach State in your junior season where you had 27 and 29 points have to be at the top of your list?

The Long Beach series were always fun games. Some other games that stood out is my freshman year at Boise State and then obviously the NCAA tournament game against Kansas.

How did head coach Jim Les groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Les is a basketball genius and to this day I retain the principles he instilled

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or TJ Shorts?

I don’t remember playing TJ too much in one on ones but I remember me and Brynton Lemar having many battles. You can ask him who got more wins haha

Who has been the toughest player that you have played against in your career so far?

Probably one of the toughest players I’ve matched up against is Anthony Hickey when we were in Romania

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Rob Loe, Chip Flanigan, magnus høj, josh fox, and my brother calvin (in high school)

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron, MJ, Kobe and Shaq

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

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

I haven’t seen the sequel but I’ll check that out

Thanks Siler for the chat.

O’Showen Williams (180-PG-1997, college: App State) is a 26 year old 180cm point guard from Macon, Georgia playing his 4th professional season and first with German Pro A team PS Karlsruhe. Last season he played with s.Oliver Wuerzburg (Germany-BBL) averaging 4.7ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg. In the 21-22 season he balled with Terme Olimia Podcetrtek (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM) averaging 14.1ppg, 4.0rpg, Assists-4 (5.3apg), Steals-2 (2.2spg), FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 64.8%. He played his rookie season with the Reading Rockets (United Kingdom-NBL D1) averaging 21.3ppg, 5.5rpg, 4.5apg, Steals-5 (2.2spg), FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 75.9%. he began his basketball career at Stratford Academy and then played a season at South Georgia State College (JUCO) averaging 13.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 5.1apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 70.8%. He then played 3 seasons at Appalachian State University (NCAA) playing a total of 96 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 12.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 66.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks O´showen for talking to germanhoops.com. After playing your first 2 seasons in lower leagues in the UK and Slovenia, you played last season in Wurzburg. Now your tearing up the German Pro A with PS Karlsruhe. Was the easyCredit BBL last season a step too early?

I would not consider last season a step too early for me. Prior to signing with Wurzburg, I knew that the season would look different for me. I had spoke with the coaching staff and was ready to embrace my role, develop, and learn from the guys that were in front of me. Towards the end of the season my growth spoke for itself on the court as my minutes increased. I was able to capitalize off the opportunities that I was given and felt like my hard work had paid off.

I can imagine your size has played a role your whole career. What example in your career was instrumental in making you strong and just having that chip on your shoulder your whole career?

Throughout my career my size has been brought up several times, but it is something that I try not to let effect my game. I am aware of my size so throughout my career I have always tried to make up for it by being aggressive and active on defense, bringing energy to the court, and playing my game the way I know how.

Your really having a fantastic Pro A season. How blessed are you to have taken this step to Karlsruhe? Was it one of the better decisions that you have made as a professional player?

I am extremely blessed for this opportunity. It has been a great experience so far. I am happy with my decision to come and play here this season.

The team is playing a very good season. How much fun has it been playing for this team and what do you believe is the team´s biggest strength?

It has been a very fun season so far! I think our biggest strength is the chemistry we have with one another. We hang out often off the court, our talks in the locker room, and just getting to know each other has defiantly translated to how we play together on the court which is a big strength for us.

What has it been playing together with combo guard Garai Zeeb. He is a player like you that played BBL and moved back to the Pro A. How do you guys compliment each other best and what do you appreciate most about his game?

Its been a blessing playing with Garai, he is versatile and gives me an opportunity to showcase what I can do on and off the ball. We compete and push each other in practice helping make ourselves and the team better.

A big talent is Danish forward Bakkery Dibba. The guy is celebrating his break out season. How big is his potential as BBL is on the horizon for him.

He has a huge potential!! He is athletic, versatile, and plays with a ton of energy. The sky is the limit for him and he can go as far as he’d like! He can use his athleticism offensively and defensively which is a huge plus for him as well. It will be exciting to watch his journey as he continues to grow in his career.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 180cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I do not really watch the NBA, but Allen Iverson, has always been my role model and how I have wanted to shape my style of play.

You’re a player that likes and knows how to fill the stat sheet very well. What do you feel is your absolute biggest strength on the court?

I think my biggest strength is my on ball defense and my ability to get several steals a game. I think when I can start the game off with a good stop or steal it ignites my offense and gets me going.

You were a solid three point shooter in the NCAA, but became a 40% shooter as a professional. What was most instrumental to making that jump and where do you see the development of your shot in the future?

During the off season I put a huge emphasis on working on my shot! Off the dribble, catch and shoot, in transition, etc. All of my workouts start and end with shooting so to see it translate to the season and in game is nice! I will continue to work on my shot and try to get as consistent as possible. Confidence also played a role in this as I was given more opportunities to take shots, and show what I had worked on all off season.

You have always been a very ambitious and aggressive defender that gets steals easily. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I think my defense is still the same. I know that defense brings energy and easy steals, lead to easy offense! Each game I try to make that my focus coming in and I will continue to do so.

Last season you played with s.Oliver Wuerzburg (Germany-BBL) playing 34 games averaging 4.7ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3sp. How tough was that season for you and what did you learn about yourself?

The season was challenging for me, my competitive nature was dying to show that I could compete with those guys and at that level. As difficult as it was I accepted my role and developed my game as much as possible. I also took this as an opportunity to learn and soak in all the knowledge I could. I learned a lot about myself that season but the biggest thing I think I learned is patience and to trust the process. I stayed focused and things are paying off for me this year!

How refreshing was it playing together with Stanley Whittaker a player that continues to climb the basketball ladder. He had a great season with PS Karlsruhe that helped him reach the BBL. Was he like a role model for you?

It was great playing with Stan! I learned a lot from him, we competed against each other daily! Stan is like a brother to me now, as we created a great bond while playing together. We still stay in touch to this day!

You had 2 very good games against Alba Berlin and FC Bayern Munich, but Wurzburg failed to eclipse 50 points in both games. Despite the loses how key were these 2 games for your game in the BBL?

Despite the loses, for me those two games elevated my perspective. It showed me that I do belong, and I can compete at that level! It has motivated me to continue working hard and continue to improve my game for when that time comes again.

In 21-22 you played with Terme Olimia Podcetrtek (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM) averaging 14.1ppg, 4.0rpg, Assists-4 (5.3apg), Steals-2 (2.2spg), FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 64.8%. In light of Luka Doncic´s 73 points recently, how do you remember experiencing the Luka legacy in his home country?

It was a good experience! It is not to often that you see so many people show one person so much love!

You played 2 tough playoff series against Ilirija and the Helios Suns. What memories do you have of those battles where you were a key figure?

The most memorable thing from that time was the community we were surrounded by and how proud they were of our team! The club had never gone that far and to help them and make the community proud is something I will never forget!

You played your rookie season with the Reading Rockets (United Kingdom-NBL D1) averaging 21.3ppg, 5.5rpg, 4.5apg, Steals-5 (2.2spg), FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 75.9%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas when you knew that you were far away from home?

It finally hit me when I was on the plane, by myself, and I only had a one way ticket! There was no turning back, it was time to grow up and become a real man! You realize very fast how much you have to change as far as mentality, eating habits, spending habits, etc. I had to figure a lot of things out by myself. Of course we had resources, and teammates but I had to grow up and do everything on my own, which I am very grateful for, especially while playing the game I love.

What memories will you always have of Samuel Toluwase? Was he like a mentor for you?

It was nice playing with him! It was later in his career when we played together so it was interesting to see how he still had good mobility and athleticism, he also took really great care of his body all the time.

You began your basketball career with South Georgia State College (JUCO) averaging 13.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 5.1apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 70.8%. Most guys I have interviewed who played Juco have said it was a real grind, but one of their best basketball experiences. How was it for you?

Juco is a real grind, it makes you decide quickly if you really love the game and tests your commitment as well. It helped me transition smoothly into an established D1 program already prepared for the grind that that would bring.

`You played at Appalachian State University (NCAA) from 2017-2020. You had your ups and downs, but broke free as a senior. How did your game grow in those 3 years?

My game took a turn when Coach Dustin Kerns and his staff came along! I stayed in Boone the summer they arrived and worked with them everyday to improve and learn their system. It really paid off for me once the season started! They trusted me on the court and knew what I was capable of!

You had many great games against S Alabama and UT Arlington, UALR, Coastal Carolina Etc. What was your personal fondest moment on the court?

My fondest moment, despite the loss, was against south Alabama. I hit 10 3-pointers and set a school record.

You were teammates with Michael Bibby who is the son of 17 year veteran Mike Bibby and his grandfather was Henry Bibby who was an NBA player and won 3 NCAA titles with UCLA. What was it like being his teammates for 2 years? Did he tell any meaningful stories of his family?

Michael Bibby and I were actually rooomates! It was great being his teammate and creating a bond with his family as well! I have visited them a few times in the summer time to train, and there is nothing like learning directly from a NBA player!

You played for head coach Dustin Kearns. How did he groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Kerns really pushed me everyday to be my best! As I mentioned, I stayed the summer he arrived and trained with him and the staff, so I knew he had great intentions for myself and the program!

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Michael Bibby?

Surprisingly, we have never played 1-1

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life on the court that reached the NBA?

I played on a great AAU circuit where we faced guys like Deaaron Fox, Jayson Tatum, and Miles Bridges every night! It is hard to name just one but that puts it in perspective for you! Haha

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time

Stanley Whittaker, CJ Bryce, Gasper, Dennis Tuntsal, Dibba Bakkary

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

Allen Iverson, Lebron James, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant

Who is your GOAT and why?

Lebron James! His immediate impact on the game was something that we hadn’t quite seen before, and the way he continuously impacts at his age. It will be interesting to see how many more seasons he will play and how he will continue to impact the NBA world.

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

I didn’t see the sequel but I agree they should have left it alone!

Thanks O´Showen for the chat.

Who could forget the many intensive and gritty battles between the Fraport Skyliners and Jobstairs Giessen 46ers in the easyCredit BBL over the years. The Hessen derby is one that fans get excited about each season. The first Pro A Hessen derby between both teams was played in Giessen where the Fraport Skyliners steam rolled to the win by 23 points. However that was more than 3 months ago as back then Frankfurt was in the midst of their crushing 9 game winning streak as no team could stop them. Times have changed since then as Frankfurt has suffered 6 loses since and were meeting a much improved Giessen team who came into the Skyliners living room sporting a 5 game winning streak. They had much improved their defense as they allowed only 69 points per game in the first four games of that winning streak. Giessen wanted leverage in the standings and stormed into Frankfurt seeking revenge, but a disastrous and costly second quarter presented their doom as the Fraport Skyliners destroyed the Jobstairs Giesen 46ers 94-67. Frankfurt scored 29 points in the second quarter and their aggressive defense was like a swarm of angry bees as Giessen had no real answer from then on. “I think that we did a great job sticking to the game plan. Our focus was to outrun them and post up certain guys. We were a lot younger and were able to take advantage of that. We played a good game defensively and were strong with rebounding”, stated Fraport Skyliner Canadian David Muenkat (201-F-2000, college: St.Francis X.). It was just one of those days were Giessen couldn´t muster anything and make adjustments when they needed them most. Their three didn´t fall and they didn´t do a good job taking care of the ball. “They executed really well and were a lot more connected than we were. There is a reason why they are one of the best defensive teams in the league. We have to be able to do a better job on offense no matter how much pressure they make”, stressed Jobstairs Giessen 46er guard Duane Wilson.

Booker Coplin at the FT line

Both teams came out with high intensity and played with a high tempo while defensively playedaggressive and surprisingly both teams found their rhythms quickly. Frankfurt received early energy from athletic Justin Onyejiaka who scored twice on drives while Giessen also relied on the short game getting lay in´s from Robin Benzing who played 167 times for the German national team and ex easyCredit BBL player Luis Figge as Frankfurt had the slim 8-7 lead. There would be 6 lead changes in the first quarter as fans witnessed a real Hessen derby battle and atmosphere. Serbian Stefan Fundic and Onyejiaka traded buckets and the teams leads once again. Giessen then got the lead back getting lay in´s from Fundic and Wisconsin native Duane Wilson to lead 15-12. Frankfurt was running and running which was their game plan while Giessen lived by good offensive set play and presenting their lethal inside out game. Frankfurt then ripped the lead back as ex Indiana State guard and Swiss army knife Cameron Henry supplied 5 points from the bench with a lay in and a transition basket for the 17-15 advantage after 10 minutes. “Fans definitely saw a battle by 2 focused derby teams. But you never win the game after one quarter. We just continued to stick to the game plan and chipped away”, stressed David Muenkat. The Fraport Skyliners shot 53% from the field and 0% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers shot 38% from the field and 0% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Trevion Crews with the lay in

The turning point of the game occurred in the second quarter as the Fraport Skyliners exploded for 29 points and played aggressive defense that led to steals and easy transition baskets something from which Giessen never recovered from. Giessen actually had the better start going on a 5-0 run to haul back the lead at 20-17 as Indiana native Trevon Crews scored and Fundic added a trey. But Frankfurt didn´t waste anytime punching back and going on a lethal 14-2 run to get their biggest lead of the game at 31-22. Frankfurt´s excellent defensive pressure sparked their offense in this phase. Minnesota native Booker Coplin was key getting a few steals which led to Meunkat baskets while Coplin also scored himself and Henry dropped a three pointer. Frankfurt´s explosive game didn´t stop as after Bnezing made free throws, Frankfurt made 10 unanswered points to lead 41-24 in the run, the superb transition game of Frankfurt continued as U20 EM Bronze winner Lorenz Brenneke scored twice including a massive dunk, Jordan Samare also scored in the paint and Booker Coplin made a offensive rebound and put back and off balance shot. Brenneke would score 10 points and add 6 rebounds, but also showed on the defensive end that he is a threat grabbing 2 steals and making a block. “Lorenz was fantastic today. When he is firing on all cylinders at both ends, he really gets us all going. He can really rebound the heck out of the ball. He makes our lives easier”, stressed David Muenkat. In the last minutes, Duane Wilson gave Giessen needed energy with 5 points, but Frankfurt responded with another clutch three pointer by Cameron Henry and another lay in by Lorenz Brenneke to lead 46-29 at the break. “We were really aggressive on the defensive end. Guys weren´t scared to get beat. We had great help side defense and were firing from all cylinders. It helped that we hit a lot of shots and just stuck together as a team”, commented David Muenkat. The Fraport Skyliners shot 57% from the field and 27% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers shot 35% from the field and 18% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Aiden Warnholtz with the lay in

In the third quarter the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers had a great start and run, but the Fraport Skyliners squashed that and outscored them 25-7 to totally decide the game after 30 minutes. Giessen came out of half time refueled and refocused shocking Frankfurt with their style of basketball of highly aggressive defense and pressure that totally stifled Frankfurt. Giessen hit Frankfurt with a 7-0 run and stopped their first 5 possessions to climb back into the game trailing only 46-36 as there seemed light at the end of the tunnel. In the Giessen run, their defense also sparked their offense as they got transition baskets from Slovakian national player Simon Krajcovic and Willson while Luis Figge added free throws. But a massive Aiden Warnholtz three pointer stopped the Giessen run and got Frankfurt on track as they closed out the third quarter strong with a 23-7 run to have the overwhelming 71-43 advantage. Frankfurt found their offensive rhythm again and just executed beautifully and shared the ball nicely getting many involved. Muenkan and Henry nailed jumpers and Warnholtz another trey and Frankfurt had the huge 58-41 lead. It also didn´t help Giessen´s cause as they were hit early with their 5th team foul and had to ease off the aggressive defensive pressure. Frankfurt continued to overpower Giessen with their potent offense and finished the thrid quarter with a 13-2 run. Frankfurt continued to spread around the ball as Muenkat, Jacob Knauf and Coplin scored. In the last second ex Oldenburg guard Kevin Mcclain made a quick lay in and then out of nowhere Cameron Henry stole the inbounds pass under the guests basket and made the lay in. “That was a heads up play. I saw that the guy making the pass had that I don´t know if I´m going to make the pass or not. The pass was slow and I jumped between it. Sometimes when opponents are hit with big runs, they get sloppy”, stated Cameron Henry. The Fraport Skyliners shot 61% from the field and 41% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers shot 34% from the field and 12% from the parking lot and had 22 rebounds and 15 turnovers. “We took our foot off the gas in the first few minutes, but responded well. Warnholtz´s three pointer switched the momentum back to our side. We stuck to our principles. Once you get stops, the rest takes care of itself”, warned David Muenkat. “We were close to making a run. We got it down to 10 points. That Warnholtz three pointer hurt. They began to hit more shots and we lost energy. They got all 50/50 balls which was crucial”, stated Duane Wilson.

Luis Figge at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers erupted for 24 points, but couldn´t stop Frankfurt either as they scored 23 points. Ex Crailsheim German Dejan Kovacevic hit a trey to begin the fourth quarter, but Frankfurt had their offense flowing as well as Warnholtz dropped another trey and Brenneke made a tip in for the 78-48 Frankfurt lead. Then came the play of the game as Mcclain flicked up a high lob pass towards the rim that David Muenkat dunked for the pretty alley-oop play and 80-50 advantage. “I have had a lot of nice dunks in my short career so far. Coach drew up a nice play and I knew it would work for us the way they set up their defense. I trust Kevin to make the perfect pass. It´s always nice to get the crowd involved”, expressed David Muenkat. Benzing and Mcclain then swapped buckets twice, but Frankfurt still led smoothly 84-55. The fourth quarter saw some added pretty plays as Knauf rattled the arena with hard dunk. Ex Stoney Brook (NCAA) forward Roland Nyama got some garbage points as he made 2 lay in´s. Frankfurt got some extra points from their bigs as Knauf and Samare scored. Luis Figge closed out the game with a lay in as Skyliner fans went home happy while Giessen fans only had a short 40 minute car ride to digest the blowout loss. “We did a good job playing hard until the end. We never took our foot off the gas pedal. We played with that shark smelling blood attitude and stepped on their necks some more”, warned David Muenkat. “We ran out of gas. We have to learn from this and come back recharged after the break”, warned Duane Wilson. The Fraport Skyliners were led by David Muenkat with 17 points while Cameron Henry and Booker Coplin added 15 points apiece while the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers were led by Duane Wilson with 17 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 60% from the field and 39% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers shot 38% from the field and 21% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

Miles Mallory (196-F, college: RMC) is a196cm forward from Laurel, Maryland playing his rookie season in Germany with the Seeburg College Wizards Karlsruhe (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with St. Vincent Pallotti high school and then played at Randolph-Macon College from 2019-2023 averaging 12.3ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, 2.7bpg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 61.7% as a freshman, and in his second year averaged 12.3ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.6apg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 68.8%, in his junior season he averaged 15.3ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, 2.6bpg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 69.6% and as a senior averaged 14.8ppg, 8.8rpg, 2.0apg, 2.8bpg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 68.6%. He spoke to germanmhoops.com after a win over the Bona Baskets Limburg.

Thanks Miles for talking to germanmhoops.com. In school you were known to be rather quiet. Now in front of you is a guy that shares your name Miles. How cool is that? How often have you met other Miles´s in your life time?

It´s cool meeting another Miles. I actually met a lot in high school. I would say in my life, I have met around 10 or 11 Miles´s.

Your playing your rookie season in Germany. How blessed do you feel to be playing the game that you love? Not many division 3 players are overseas.

I feel really blessed as a former div 3 player to get the opportunity to play overseas. I try to be a good role model for other div 3 players. I just play hard and give my best.

How blessed do you feel being represented by Scorers First? They are a a top 3 Germany agent agency. Do you sometimes wonder where you may be today had you not met them?

I feel really blessed to be represented by them. I didn´t really know the process, but Daniel reached out to me. I had no other agency interested in me. It was either Daniel or nothing.

Your playing your rookie season for the Seeburg College Wizards Karlsruhe (Germany-Regionalliga). What kind of an experience has it been playing and living in Germany? What have you appreciated most about the country Germany?

I really have enjoyed living in Germany and playing for this organization. My teammates are all unselfish and really empowering to me. They support me and always tell me to be aggressive. You don´t see that everywhere.

How would you describe the Regionalliga with NCAA 3 ball in skill and player skill?

I don´t feel like there is much difference. The pace is faster in the Regionalliga whereas in division 3 there was more defense played.

What has it been like playing with 2 talented German players Vincent Hennen and Stefan Ilzhoefer. What have you learned to appreciate most about their games?

I appreciate them as teammates a lot. They are both very vocal. If something isn´t right, they always speak up. They really make it easy for me.

Your playing a great season averaging 20,7ppg, 9,7rpg, 1,5apg, 1,2spg and 2,1bsp. What has been your secret to being able to adjust so well to euro ball as a rookie?

I think just continuing to follow my routine. I keep that process of what I´m working on and as stated earlier, my teammates make it easy for me.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm guard/forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I would say Jalen Smith of the Pacers. I played against him in high school. I remember playing ok against him.

You’re an incredible scorer and rebounder. What is your secret to being such a great rebounder?

I think that I always have a good idea where the ball will go. 70% of the time if the ball is shot from one side, then it will drop on the other side. I do a good job with anticipation and carving out my space around the basket. I also stick to going to the ball with 2 strong arms.

Your also a very ambitious and aggressive defender that is a great shot blocker. Guys at 196cm aren´t usually great shot blockers. You already had that consistency in college. How ambitious are you to heightening your shot blocking success down the road?

I´m at a different level now and a slightly different position. I focus a lot more on rebounding. I don´t block as much, but if I get some, I´ll be happy about that.

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

I´m working a lot on my three point shooting and ball handling. I´m shooting more three´s this season than I ever did and my percentages are at an all-time best as well.

You played at Randolph-Macon College (NCAA3) from 20192-023 and won 4 ODC titles. Which one was the sweetest?

I would say the last one, because I won it with my senior class.

You played 2 years together with Buzz Anthony. What memories do you have of him and what was your fondest moment with him?

He was a great player at Randolph-Macon. He is probably the best player and best passer that I ever played with. He really inspires me too keep working hard. I loved how he approached the game. It made it easy to learn

You won the 2022 Division 3 title. What memories you do have of that glorious run?

We won that title by like 30 points. It was nice that everyone got in the game and scored. It was a great moment for the school.

Josh Merkel thinks the world of you and calls you a superstar. I don´t think you will often hear words like that openly from a coach about his player. How did head coach Josh Merkel groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He instilled the right routine and mind set in me to be successful. He held all to a standard. I´m very grateful having had him as a coach.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Daniel Mbangue?

I beat him the last time. He was a very dangerous player. He was just as good a rebounder as me. He was hard to guard.

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

Immanuel Quickly. I played him in high school

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Buzz Anthony, Josh Talbert, Steve Kennedy, Daniel Mbange, Noah Lindsay

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

Lebron, Jordan, Duncan, Kareem

Who is your GOAT?

Michael Jordan

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

They should of left it alone. My mom loves the original. I saw that like a million times.

Thanks Miles for the chat.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Ryan Richmond in Frankfurt, Germany January 2024

Ryan Richmond (183-PG-1996, college: Bentley, agency: SLN) is a 27 year old 183cm guard from Toronto, Canada playing his fourth professional season and recently played with the EPG Baskets Koblenz. He began the season with Melilla Ciudad del Deporte (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging 6.3ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.0apg. He played the last 2 professional seasons in Germany with the WWU Baskets Muenster (Germany-ProB) averaging 17.4ppg, 5.4rpg, 5.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 72.3% and the ART Giants Duesseldorf (Germany-ProA) averaging 15.6ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 77.8%. He played his rookie season with MAFC Budapest 2 (Hungary-B). He began his basketball career at David & Mary Thomson Collegiate and the played at Williston Northampton High School. He then played at Bentley College (NCAA2) from 2015-2019 amassing a total of 104 games. He took off in his stats in his last 3 years averaging 21.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 84.6%, 23.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.5apg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 80.9% and.0ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 89.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com in London after the big 66-63 win at home against the Romerstrom Gladiators Trier

Thanks Ryan for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the massive 66-63 win over top team Trier. How huge was this win for the current season?

This win was huge. I feel like this win could propel the team forward. To be able to beat the top team and stop their 12 game winning streak is no small feat.

After the tough loss to Giessen, You beat Artland on the row and now top team Trier. This win really speaks for the mora of the team. With what kind of attitude did the team go into the game with?

We have responded really well the last 2 games. We showed that we can beat the top team and be able to do something special. I remember using the word opportunity. We focused all week long and worked really hard in practice to achieve the goal of beating Trier.

The game started low scoring and ended as a low scoring game. What kind of volumes does that speak for the defense?

It speaks volumes for the team defense. Up to this game Trier had always scored a lot of points. To be able to keep them well below their average is a testament to our defense. Our focus and effort that we put forward on defense is something to be proud of.

After allowing 91 points to Giessen and 75 points to Artland, what major adjustments did the team do on the defensive end after 40 minutes against Trier?

We made a few minor adjustments on the pick and roll defense. I think that our mindset has been key for us playing better defense in the last 2 games. We began right from the start having this great desire to want to stop them. We had the opportunity to lock in on defense and took advantage of it.

In the second quarter Trier picked up it´s scoring with 20 points. What adjustments did they make and or what did Koblenz get away from?

I think that Trier just showed how talented a team they are. They have very skilled players and simply know how to adjust well on the fly. They have good bigs and good guards that know how to make plays when they need them.

The game continued to be a tight affair in the third quarter. How valuable was it for Koblenz going into the third quarter with the lead and what did head coach give the team as motivation going into the fourth quarter?

I think it was all about who wanted it more. We felt very comfortable going into the fourth quarter and it was just a matter of taking the game.

Benham Yakhchali was annoying in the fourth quarter. He seems to make the most out of every situation. What made it so tough slowing him down?

He made some really difficult shots and got to the free throw line. He made play after play for them. But we came together in the fourth to slow him down. We have more than enough capable players on the defensive end. I like how he plays. He kept them close in the game.

How vital were the 2 big buckets from Saffer and Poelking at the start of the fourth quarter? Did that kind of give Koblenz major momentum?

Those baskets were huge, but I feel our team MVP was Leon Friedrici. He hasn´t had the easiest time finding his role since the new coach came in. There were moments where he didn´t know if he would play. But he was always ready to play. He had a huge impact on the game.

Robert Hall was the unsung hero of the game. How big was his contribution? He sometimes seems to not to get the credit he deserves?

I agree. Trey was also huge. He is my boy. He is always working hard and does the little things. He always plays great defense and yesterday made timely baskets. He was our energizer. He played super well.

What besides Leon Friedrici´s three in crunch-time was key for the win?

We stuck together and key was also how we started the game. When everyone is one and we play the right way, then we can compete with anyone. This was a pivotal win and could change the entire trajectory of the season.

You told me after the brutal loss in Frankfurt that you guys made new steps as coach got the beast out of you as a team. What new steps did you make after the Trier win?

I have to give coach Marco Van Den Berg a lot of credit for the current success of the team. He has been able to tap into every player and made every player think in a different way. He has been able in a short time to achieve that he could get a collective mind set where everyone believes that we can beat anyone

A side note last week was you were only signed for 5 games. You played your fifth game and now will look for a new club. How tough was this whole time for you?

It was tough for sure. My time in Koblenz has come to an end. I did my best with the EPG Baskets. I took it as a professional and now am looking for the right situation. I will be ready and happy for the next opportunity.

Thanks Ryan for the chat.

Monyea Pratt (196-F-1985, college: Stillman) is a 38 year old 196cm forward that is playing his 16th professional season and third with BC CSU Sibiu (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 9,8ppg, 6,3rpg, 4,9apg and 1,4spg. He began his basketball career at Lawson State Community College and then played 2 years at Stillman College (NCAA2). He began his professional career in 2007 and played his first 5 seasons in Germany with Weissenhorn, Leipzig and Cuxhaven working his way up from the Regionalliga all the way to the Pro A being an impact player everywhere he played. After playing 2 years in France and Finland, he then came to Romaina in 2017 and has been there since. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Monyea for talking to germanhoops.com.Your playing your 16th pro season. Not many guys can say they did that. How´s your motor running now? How much longer can you go?

Motor still going man I’m just very blessed and you have to always keep in mind to take care of your body, I will play until it’s nothing left in the tank staying healthy also.

If someone had told you in 2007 when you were a rookie in Weissenhorn that you would still be playing in 2024 what would you have thought?

At that time I didn’t even really know that much about all the ins n outs of European basketball so I would’ve never imagined playing this long but the love for the game keeps me going.

You began your career 20 years ago at Lawson State Community College and then played at NCAA 2 school Stillmann. How vital were these years? I can imagine you developed a chip on your shoulder that helped you to have a 15 year professional career?

College ball was great. I’ve met a lot of good friends still to this day and for as having a Chip on my shoulder that’s always been there. I just worked hard no matter where I was playing When you’re good they will always see you no matter where you’re playing.

Every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO said it was tough but an experience they would never have traded the world for. How was it for you?

For me It wasn’t tough at all mostly fun and exciting but it was challenging also you just have be ready when your time is called.

Talk a little about your NCAA 2 career at Stillman where you averaged 15.7ppg, 8.2rpg, 2.4apg, 2.2spg, FG: 56.0%, 3Pts: 37.5%, FT: 55.0% and 20.0ppg, 9.0rpg, 2.6apg, 2.1bpg, 2.9spg, FG: 45.7%, 3Pts: 31.4%, FT: 62.2%. What were your fondest moments on the court there?

My fondest moments were winning a championship, player of the year, and playing on ESPN.

How did head coach Tim Waller groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Waller prepared me well and gave me a lot of confidence, understood my game and trusted me as a leader of the team on and off the court.

I remember more than decade ago where Brian Harper said he was your toughest opponent in the NCAA 2. How do you remember those battles?

Brian was tough being a 6’9 small forward I really had to bring it all playing against him Every time It reminded us of how Kobe and Tmac would always battle each other on the court lol. The battles with Brian was always competitive and fun.

You played your rookie season with BC Groer Recycling Weissenhorn (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 18.0ppg. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I think it was not knowing how to speak and understand the German language

You then played 3 fruitful seasons with USC Leipzig. Could you say now a decade later that Leipzig became like a second home?

Absolutely. I love Leipzig and it was really 3 great seasons there. The coaches, staff and friends really helped me adapt to the culture and lifestyle there I really enjoyed Leipzig.

You were the main force on the team that helped lead the team to the Pro B. You had to pay your dues for 3 years before getting rewarded with a Pro a contract. Did you ever doubt the process or was your love for the game so strong that it helped you get through 3 years in lower leagues?

Strong love for the game for sure. I always knew that my talents would take me further because of hard work and dedication plus also an unselfish all around team player playing multiple positions You will always stand out from the rest.

You played 2 seasons together with American Lamar Morinia. Did you guys become like brothers? He is still playing in the PBL after being retired for 4 years.

Lamar is family for life. He was more of a big bro at the time and he really helped me in many ways on and off the court We always keep in contact with each other whether it is about ball, life, or family He is really great guy.

How vital was head coach Dimitris Polychroniadis? Is it fair to say that he gave you the green light all day long?

Dim is my guy and is a great coach. He understands his players and gives them freedom to play their game while still being coachable, also a great friend as well. We had a lot of great memories in Leipzig wand e always keep in touch too.

In your second season you achieved a triple double against Leverkusen. How special was it achieving a triple double for Leipzig?

Achieving a triple double was amazing. I really surprise myself whenever I achieve one but by doing that really puts your name out there in the basketball world that you’re an all around unselfish team player.

You then played the 2012-2013 season for the Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-ProA) averaging 11.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 30.2%, FT: 58.9%. You proved that season that you could play at a high level. I can imagine you won´t forget the playoff series loss to Karlsruhe and battling scorer Rouven Roessler?

Pro A was really competitive. You had to really be locked in and focused. We had a good team that year ups and downs but we did good and yes that loss really hurt I can’t forget that one.

After a strong season in the Pro A, you went to France to play in the third league with Etoile Charleville-Mezieres (France-NM1) averaging 16,.9ppg, Reb-3 (8.8rpg), 3.7apg, Steals-1 (2.8spg), FGP: 57.2%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 62.3%. Why did you go from the second division to France division 3? That could have been the stepping stone to remain in Germany?

At the time I got a new agent and I was always open to try other different countries and it turned out to be a great opportunity for me.

Your 2 years in France were great as you helped Etoile Charleville-Mezieres move to the Pro B. What was special about that team? You had a 40 point explosion against Lourdes that season.

Charleville was good from the management, staff, coaches, players we really all came together and achieved something great there! My very first 40 point game as a pro. That was an unforgettable game plus we won which made it even special.

In your second season you had 2 triple doubles against Angers BC. It is rare having 2 in one season against the same team. Was one more special than the other?

Very rare actually. The home game was special because the fans and supporters of Charleville got see it and we won.

You then played 2 seasons in Finland with Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 11.2ppg, Reb-2 (9.1rpg), 3.6apg, Steals-3 (2.0spg), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 27.7%, FT: 61.7% and with KTP Basket Kotka (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 13.7ppg, Reb-4 (8.7rpg), Assists-2 (6.7apg), Steals-1 (2.2spg), FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 47.3%. It seemed like this league really fit your game. How do you feel did your game grow here?

Finland was a great experience With both teams, the Finnish league was competitive and good, as far as my game grew I feel like each year you have to be better than the year before whether it’s scoring, defense, passing, rebounding or whatever.

You had 4 triple doubles for KTP Basket Kotka. It seems like your passing game really flourished. What NBA playmaker did you always like to watch or maybe model your game after?

For me it was always Jordan, Kobe and Allen Iverson

In 2017 you went to Romania and have played there for 6 seasons. What has been so special about the country and league that has made it your second home there?

Romania welcomed me with open arms, I adapted quickly there and the basketball level has really grown over the years.

You played your first 2 seasons with BC CSU Sibiu (Romania-Liga Nationala). This was the first time in your career where you had 4-5 other Americans on the team. Despite that you still could fill the stat sheet? How vital was your versatility to be able to be so consistent while having more competition for minutes. You were able to achieve a triple double in each season.

Just by being an experienced unselfish all around player.

You were lucky to play with Daniel Ewing who played his last season in 2018-19. What memories do you have of the ex NBA player and Duke legend? Often ex NBA players are in their own galaxy, but did he represent humbleness?

Dan was great. It was always the talks. I remember watching on him on tv at Duke and for the Los Angeles Clippers. I´m still amazed I got the chance to play with him. Dan was a vet and always gave me advice on and off the court, very humble he helped us a lot with his experience, skillset and mindset.

You won the cup in 2019 with BC CSU Sibiu. How special was this title and what will you always remember most from the cup run?

Greatness! The team we had was great almost in every position, well coached and it was really a great run and we played as a team from the start until end. It was very special and unforgettable moments to hold up that cup trophy and my MVP trophy.

You then went to top Romanian team SCM CSU Craiova (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 14.4ppg, 7.0rpg, 4.9apg, Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 57.3% and in your second season averaged 11.4ppg, 7.3rpg, Assists-4 (5.4apg), 1.8spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 63.2%. Despite Covid being around it didn´t affect your game. How do you remember Covid in Romania. What was the most difficult thing for you during this time?

It didn’t affect my game at all. I remember Covid being terrifying in Romania, all the hospitals were over packed, hardly no one was out n about just really like something from a movie. But the most difficult thing for me was not be able to have a social life but at the time I didn’t want to catch Covid either so I just had to mentally tough it out and find something else to with my down time.

In 21-22 you returned back to an old stomping ground with BC CSU Sibiu (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 9.1ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 72.0%. Your stats dipped a bit. What do you remember from the tough playoff series against Cluj Napoca which you lost 2-0.

I just remember being the underdogs each time but we didn’t back down from them. It was really a battle both games. We held our own but sometimes it just doesn’t go your way so unfortunately we lost 0-2.

You split this season with CSM Focsani 2007 (Romania-Liga Nationala) and then returned to BC CSU Sibiu (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 9/6/4 stats. You closed out the season beating Rapid in the playoffs. Possibly a good way to close the chapter on your illustrious long career?

That playoff run was interesting and exciting. We were like the underdogs yet a couple key players went down with some injuries even me at one point but we managed and still got the job done. It definitely was a great run! But not closing just yet still playing this upcoming season as well haha.

Please name the toughest guard that you faced in your career that reached the NBA?

I didn’t play against anyone that reached the NBA level.

Who are your top 5 best teammates of all-time?

Lamar Morinia, Doug Wiggins, Scott Thomas, Chris Cooper, Kevin Hardy

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

Jordan Kobe Shaq Allen Iverson and Lebron

Where do you personally rank Steph Curry in the best point guards of all-time?

Top 3 all time

Who is you Goat and why?

I have 2 Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Just the overall skillset, mental and physical toughness, the will to win and also didn’t fear anything or anyone on the court.

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

Yes I saw it and most definitely should’ve left it alone maybe a 2/10

Thanks Monyea for the chat

Ivan Crnjac (201-F-2007) is a 16 year old 201cm forward currently averaging 19,3ppg, 7,0rpg and 1,3apg in the NBBL (U-19) and has played 7 Pro B games averaging 3,3ppg and 1,3rpg. He helped the Fraport Skyliners win the B League title at the U-18 International Cup in Tokyo, Japan. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the title experience.

Congrats on winning the U-18 International Cup in Japan. Was this the biggest title in your young career so far?

I wouldn´t say that this was my biggest title. I think reaching the Top 4 in Frankfurt last season and quakifying for the World championships was bigger for me.

How high can one value this title?

I think you can value this higher that some other in season tournaments we have had in the past in Sweden and Austria.

You played only against Japanese teams. What did you value most from their playing style?

They were all smaller and quicker and very skilled. They all liked to shoot three´s. It was pretty easy to guard them because we switched a lot. It was difficult for them to finish over us. They did a good job staying with us in games.

You stayed some days in Tokyo. What impressed you most about the country?

The city was so clean. There were so many buildings and bill boards everywhere. The whole city was illuminated. It looked really cool. We also visited Shibuya crossing where something like 10,000 people cross at the same time. It was very impressive.

The traffic was crazy. I guess Frankfurt is like a town compared to Tokyo?

We mostly were on the bus or subway. I didn´t think the traffic was that bad.

How do you feel did you fit best into the offense? Were you a bit in the shadow of Leif Zentgraf?

I don´t feel like I was in the shadow of Leif. We both had different duties. He drove a lot and it was easy for him to get easy baskets against the smaller guards. I took more three pointers. It was tough to drive against the smaller players. The height advantage was huge and made the ball handling difficult so I shot more three´s.

What do you feel could your game take from this tournament? Leif Zentgraf said on offense your game grew because you had to adjust to the quick Japanese players.

I think that I did a good job adjusting to their quickness. We also had to adjust better on transition defense. I think this experience will help us play well against annoying teams in the future as well as defending smaller teams.

How do you feel did your game grow on the defensive end?

We switched a lot so I didn´t have to defend so much against smaller players, but I had to be quick on my feet on 1-1 defense.

Did this title win give extra motivation for the NBBL season and the series against ratiopharm Ulm?

We will be very motivated against Ulm. That won´t be an easy series. I think that we got better as a team and stayed in the flow. We were able to work on our advantages and weaknesses in the games.

Which player made steps in his play during games?

Joshua did a good job at the 4 sharing the ball and led us well as captain. He gave us good tips and was able to solve problems on the court well.

What was your coolest own play during the 4 games?

In the final I got a ball in corner mad made a fake then I took a step forward and then took a step back with a dribble through my legs and hit the step back three pointer.

During your time in Japan, a tragedy occurred in Germany with the senseless murder of NBBL player of Volodymyr Yermakov of the Art Giants. This was so sad news. How did you take in the news?

I found out from a friend from the youth national team. I was very shocked and scared. It is so sad how something like this can happen to a young player. This shouldn´t happen in our country. I send my prayers out to his family and friends.

Thanks Ivan for the chat.

Marvin Esser (196-SF-2005) is a 18 year old 196cm forward that is currently averaging 8,0ppg, 6,9rpg and 1,7 spg in the German NBBL (U-19). In the Pro B, he has played 6 games averaging 2,5ppg and 1,7rpg. He helped the U-18 Fraport Skyliners win the B League at the U-18 International Cup in Tokyo, Japan. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the title experience.

Congrats Marvin on winning the U-18 International Cup in Japan. Was this the biggest title in your young career so far?

I think that U-14 title was my biggest title. I was younger and it just had a bigger emotional impact on me. But this title is also a big accomplishment.

How high can one value this title?

I think you can value it high. We as a team made a good step for our team building and preparation for the rest of the NBBL season. We can be proud for winning the title.

You played only against Japanese teams. What did you value most from their playing style?

They played so fast. I don´t think that we ever got hit with so many fast break baskets. This experience helped us for the next games. We suffered less fast break baskets from our opponents in the last 3 games. They shot a lot of three´s and switched a lot on defense.

You lived in Tokyo for some days. What impressed you most about the country?

The whole metropolitan area was huge. Everyone was so polite to us. The people were great and the whole area was colorful.

I heard traffic was wild. I guess Frankfurt is like a town compared to Tokyo?

We took the subway a lot and it was always packed with people. We had to squeeze ourselves in every time. The subway was always on time. But traffic was annoying. I remember being stuck in traffic on the bus.

How would you rate your game? I guess it´s difficult to get shots when guys like Crnjac and the Zentgraf brothers are the first 3 scoring options?

I´m not exactly sure what my stats were but I averaged something around 10/7 in the 4 games. I got more shots here than in the NBBL. I took around 7-8 shots in Japan. I still had a problem with my wrist and had problems with free throws. I feel like I could of worked better on the offensive glass which would have given me more baskets. The pick and roll worked well. My teammates found me well.

What steps did Leif Zentgraf´s game take with earning the MVP award?

He was our leader. He took on the role of Dusan Nikolic very well who was absent. He did a good job scoring points when we needed them. He grew as a leader.

You are like a glue guy. Do you feel like your game was noticed in this tournament?

I think it was. I had the length advantage against the Japanese players.

What do you feel could your game take from this tournament?

I have to give more intensity when I go to the rebound. At times I was a bit passive. I feel I did show at times that I was able to use my length and physicality to my advantage.

How do you feel did this tournament help big German talent Ivan Crnjac who is one of the younger players on the NBBL team?

Ivan took a lot of three´s. He played a different style. It was important that he got his freedom. It was good that his play wasn´t restricted.

Did this title win give extra motivation for the NBBL season?

We have huge motivation now. I feel like we grew together as a team. We all want to beat Ulm.

What was your coolest own play during the 4 games?

I had a dunk right in the first game. Leif made the nice pass. I also had a few nice dunks.

During your time in Japan, a tragedy occurred in Germany with the senseless murder of NBBL player of Volodymyr Yermakov of the Art Giants. This was so sad news. How did you take in the news?

We heard about it after one of our games as we were riding the subway. We saw an Instagram story and heard the sad news. It is unbelievable how something like that can happen in Germany. I give my condolences to the family and friends of the victim.

Thanks Marvin for the chat.

Leif Zentgraf (198-SF-2005) is a 18 year old 198cm forward that plays for U-19 team Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners. Currently in the NBBL he is averaging 16,5ppg, 6,5rpg, 2,3apg and 1,9spg. He also has played 10 Pro B games averaging 1,4ppg and 1,2rpg. He helped the Fraport Skyliners win the B League title at the U-18 International Cup in Tokyo, Japan. He was named tournament MVP averaging 23,3ppg, 6,5rpg and 2,5apg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the title experience.

Congrats on winning the U-18 International Cup in Japan. Was this the biggest title in your young career so far?

I think my biggest title was the U-14 one, but this ranks second.

How high can one value this title?

To be honest, we didn´t really have much competition. We were a lot more physical than the Japanese. We knew going in that we could win it. Overall it is still a big success.

Who were some of the teams?

We only played against Japanese teams, but there was also a Chinese team that competed. We mostly had our NBBL players. Dusan Nikolic and Julian Haskins didn´t play. Japan played fast and did more slips and down screens and shot a lot of three´s. We were able to dominate with our physicality.

What impressed you most about the country?

The people were very nice to us. We always bowed and everyone always smiled back. They really embraced us with open arms.

I guess Frankfurt is like a town compared to Tokyo?

That is for sure. We took the subway and it was so crowded. It was so full. The city was so crowded. It was crazy.

You were tournament MVP averaging 23/6/2 stats. Were you impressed by your own game?

To be honest, I really expected to put up these numbers. I was able to use my body to my advantage because of the physicality advantage. I made a lot of lay ups. I wish I could of shared the ball better

What do you feel could your game take from this tournament?

Obviously I got new experience in Japan. Being able to guard smaller quick guards helped my game a lot. Being able to use my body more helped me on the offensive end. The communication between players and coaching staff was also huge as it will help us continue to move forward this season in NBBL play.

What was it like playing with brother Joscha outside Germany?

Joscha and I simply have a very special connection. We are brothers. Joscha is a very physical player and his play really helped us dominate our opponents. We could almost do what we wanted to on the court. Marvin Esser was also a big help.

How do you feel did this tournament help big German talent Ivan Crnjac who is one of the younger players on the NBBL team?

Ivan played well. He took a lot of three´s which surprised me a bit. He plays a lot like me. He also knows how to use his body well. Overall it was a great experience for him. When he wasn´t shooting three´s, he got experience inside going against the quick guards. In the JBBL, he had no problems getting to the rim easily, but here the Japanese players were able to stay in front of him, so he had to use his fakes more.

Did this title win give extra motivation for the NBBL season?

We are very focused now for the rest of the NBBL season. We talked a lot about communication with the younger players. I think our communication improved and we were able to bring that to a new level which will help us in the NBBL season. We easily won the final which usually should be the toughest. But the final game was our easiest. We stuck together better in the final than in the first 3 games. In the final everything came together.

What was your coolest own play during the 4 games?

It was in the first game, a step back three and then a dunk.

During your time in Japan, a tragedy occurred in Germany with the senseless murder of NBBL player of Volodymyr Yermakov of the Art Giants. This was so sad news. How did you take in the news?

This was unbelievable news. That something so senseless like that can happen is crazy. This can happen to anyone. It really disturbs me that something like this can happen in Germany. This shouldn´t happen. I send my prayers out to his family and friends.

Thanks Leif for the chat.

Since the grueling home loss to Trier, the Fraport Skyliners were riding a potent 4 game winning streak and had kept 3 of the last 4 opponents to 68 points or less. They followed up their incredible double OT win over Koblenz with a new satisfying road win in Nurnberg and came back home to meet the pesky 12-9 PS Karlsruhe team. They have been playing solid ball having won 2 of their last 3 games including back to back nail bitter wins, but they couldn´t add a third in a row as they lost a heart breaking 94-90 contest in Kirchheim. They came to Frankfurt seeking revenge for the tough 70-68 loss to Frankfurt earlier in the season in their living room and got it from a cold as ice Garai Zeeb who powered PS Karlsruhe to the satisfying 80-69 victory. The German who has 107 easyCredit BBL games on his resume scorched Frankfurt with 21 points and it seemed like with every new shot made, his self confidence climbed another notch. You could see in his eyes that he really wanted to show his ex team on their turf just how good of a player he is. “Garai was really motivated and focused to play against his ex team. I like him also feel that we can play both at a high level. Garai told me before the game that he wanted to prove against Frankfurt that he can play at a high level. It was nice that we both did”, smiled PS Karlsruhe guard O´Showen Williams. It wasn´t only Zeeb who sparkled but it was the whole team as that special team chemistry was present and they played with high intensity for 40 minutes. “We had leads a lot this season where we panicked. We didn´t want that to happen again. We played at our own pace and controlled the game. We knew that Frankfurt plays with patience on the court and like to use the whole 24 seconds on the shot clock. Our goal was to play good defense for the whole 24 seconds and just stay connected. We stayed poised and let our defense dictate our offense. We play unselfish on offense and just trust each other”, stated Georgia, native O´Showen Williams. The Fraport Skyliners had too many up and down phases and were missing that general that could take over in difficult phases. “They played tougher than we did. They gave you nothing on defense and we had to work hard for every shot. We couldn´t match their intensity for 40 minutes”, stressed Fraport Skyliner David Muenkat.

     David Muenkat to the hole          

 The first few minutes was an intense battle where both teams tried to set the tone and both teams scored well. PS Karlsruhe got three´s from Zeeb and Williams while the Fraport Skyliners got an early trey from Canadian Aiden Warnholtz and 2 lay in´s by 2018 NBBL champion Lorenz Brenneke as Frankfurt had the tight 7-5 advantage. But then came the turning point of the game as PS Karlsruhe jumped all over Frankfurt with a lethal 14-2 run to get the overwhelming 19-9 lead that had Frankfurt having to play catch up basketball all afternoon long. The guests got 2 three´s by Williams and one three by Zeeb and a put back by Danish forward Bakkary Dibba and a lay in by ex Jena forward Melvin Joostman. The guests had superior ball movement and showed that intact team chemistry with that extra pass and no ego play while on defense, they didn´t allow Frankfurt to get inside, so they had to attempt contested three´s. The PS Karlsruhe bench also gave great energy and they simply had more intensity crashing the boards. Ex Oldenburg guard Kevin Mcclain stopped the run with a clutch trey as Frankfurt trailed 19-12. But there was absolutely no let down by the guests as they cruised on a 8-3 run to have the commanding 27-15 lead after 10 minutes. In the run, PS Karlsruhe continued to get solid support from Dibba with a trey and Zeeb as always in attack mode as he added 5 points. Did Frankfurt underestimate PS Karlsruhe a bit? “We have been playing with a chip on our shoulders since the start of the season where everyone picked us to finish last. We have proved that we can compete with anyone in the league. The team followed my lead. I began the game aggressive at both ends. Zeeb got hot so we gave him the ball and then it was Dibba´s turn. We give the ball to whoever was hot”, stated Oshowen Williams. PS Karlsruhe shot 63% from the field and 67% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 46% from the field and 40% from outside and had 5 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

           Bakary Dibba at the FT line     

In the second quarter it looked like PS Karlsruhe would totally decide the game early as they led by 20 points, but the Fraport Skyliners had a big run to get back into the game, but they still trailed by double figures at the break. PS Karlsruhe totally caught Frankfurt off guard as they punched Frankfurt with an annoying 11-2 run to lead 37-17. In the run, it was Zeeb again who continued his mesmorizing and terrorizing game with 7 points as he dropped 2 three´s. Dibba continued to be aggressive on the glass scoring while rookie Vic Bailey who beat NCAA powerhouse Kentucky twice made a lay up. PS Karlsruhe continued to play great aggressive defense not allowing Frankfurt to generate a flow as they had little ball movement that led to terrible shots and just overall sloppy play. When they did get a bucket, it was because of isolation play by a Mcclain who can play that game. Frankfurt somehow rebounded from their morbid situation and slapped the guests back with a 12-2 run to trail 39-29. In the run, Frankfurt upped their defensive intensity and were rewarded with 2 Justin Onyejiaka transition baskets, while Brenneke upped his intensity and aggressiveness in the paint getting a dunk and tip in. Ex Wurzburg guard Julian Albus stopped the run with a three pointer as he is always reliable from down town as he twice averaged 40% in a season in the Pro B. Frankfurt had more confidence and executed well in the last minute closing out the second quarter with a Brenneke left handed lay in and Onyejiaka lay in to trail 45-33. “Basketball is a game of runs. Sometimes we get too emotional and get down when we get hit by a run. We did a good job weathering the storm when they had their run”, commented O´showen Williams. PS Karlsruhe shot 57% from the field and 60% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 47% from the field and 30% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

  Lorenz Brenneke at the FT line             

 In the third quarter PS Karlsruhe continued to control the game never allowing the Fraport Skyliners to get over the hump as Frankfurt couldn´t cut the lead down more than to 8 points. Frankfurt actually had a strong first few minutes of the second half as they roared out on a 4-0 run and made 3 stops to trail only 45-37. Warnholtz displayed a lay in and Justin Onyejiaka was aggressive as usual sinking 2 free throws. But Frankfurt just couldn´t hold the consistency as they had to many down phases. Zeeb stopped the mini run with a lay in which was followed by a Williams trey and Dibba free throws and suddenly Frankfurt was trailing 52-37. The intensity level of Frankfurt sunk again and the guests aggressive defense forced turnovers. A Muenkat dunk was followed by a Albus three pointer and Frankfurt trailed 55-39. Then came an up phase by Frankfurt as they somehow mustered a 7-0 run to trail 55-46. In the run, Mcclain dropped another trey and German Nolan Adekunle and Jacob Knauf were set up beautifully by Swiss army knife Cameron Henry. But once again, Frankfurt could make more damage off another run as the guests got another three pointer by Zeeb and received incredible support from the bench from Australian Lachlan Dent with a floater and a Joostman tip in to lead 62-50 after 30 minutes. “We practice harder than the way we play in games. We may not be the biggest or smartest team, but we make that up with intensity and energy”, warned O´showen Williams. “They continued to play tough and just brought that same intensity for 40 minutes which we couldn´t match”, expressed David Muenkat. PS Karlsruhe shot 48% from the field and 43% from the parking lot and had 24 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 45% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

  Garai Zeeb from downtown             

 In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners continued to fight and delivered a little come back in crunch-time, but they never got closer than 6 points. Frankfurt had another lightening start to a quarter as they hit PS Karlsruhe with a mini 4-0 run to cut the guests lead down to 62-54 as bigs Brenneke and Samare were aggressive in the paint area scoring twice. But whenever Frankfurt countered, PS Karlsruhe always had an answer denying a bigger run. Dent made a free throw and Joostman connected on transition as Frankfurt trailed 65-54. Frankfurt had had 2 good looks on their last 2 possessions, but just couldn´t make the shots. Frankfurt simply had to little offensive execution as they got baskets from Samare and Muenklat, but still trailed 70-59. Booker Coplin had been a disappointment as he had had a tough shooting day and didn´t achieve his first field goal until the 3,13 minute mark as Frankfurt trailed 70-62. Henry made a turn around shot as Frankfurt trailed 71-64, but Zeeb had an answer with a tough lay in in traffic for the 75-64 guests lead. “He made tough shots. He got going early and it´s tough to stop a guy when he gets his rhythm going early”, added David Muenkat. Frankfurt had one last gasp of energy as they got consecutive buckets from Knauf and a timely trey by Cameron Henry to trail 75-69 with 1,20 to play. But Frankfurt then suffered a technical foul by head coach Dennis Wucherer and Williams made 3 free throws and Dibba closed out the win with a massive dunk. “We stayed composed. We got better as a team today. We didn´t panic and made our free throws and took care of the ball”, stressed O´showen Williams. “They got stops and took good shots. They did a good job always supplying pressure and never settling. We did a good job chipping away, but didn´t have our feet on the gas pedal long enough”, warned David Muenkat. PS Karlsruhe was led by Garai Zeeb with 21 points. Bakary Dibba and O´showen Williams supplied 17 points a piece while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Kevin Mcclain and Lorenz Brenneke with 13 points a piece. PS Karlsruhe shot 47% from the field and 42% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 19 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 42% from the field and 30% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 19 turnovers.