Even if the Fraport Skyliners were facing a do or die situation in their own living room, one has to be clear that they were lucky that they were still in the semi-finals series against ex BBL team Gladiatiors Trier. The Gladiators had controlled the first 3 games and Frankfurt had been fortunate to come off with a win in game 1 with a three point come back. However when the three doesn´t fall, then the Fraport Skyliners have extreme difficulty to win. Matching Trier´s physicality and limiting their shifty and crafty guards also hasn´t been an easy thing to tackle. The Fraport Skyliners had 2 games left within 48 hours that they had to win if they wanted to fulfill their season goal of returning back to the easyCredit BBL, but no mater in their living room or not, they had to finally find more in game consistency something that they couldn´t master this season for longer lengths. But as usual the Fraport Skyliners put themselves in a hole in game 4 and had to play catch up basketball in the fourth quarter only to be saved once again with a last second shot like in game one this time by Aiden Warnholtz (188-G-2000, college: Carleton) propelling the Fraport Skyliners to 74-73 win over the Gladiators Trier. Frankfurt showed again that they have that we believe feeling in crunch-time. “Trier is a really good team. We play hard defense for 40 minutes and try to force them to tough shots. We just know that no matter what if we play tough defense we can come back. Hustle plays, rebounds and big defensive plays at the end got us the win”, stated Fraport Skyliner Aiden Warnholtz. The Gladiators Trier played another very convincing game where they were in control, but once again gave up a big lead to lose at the end. “This whole series has been very exciting with 2 teams going at it. We were up 10 points in 2 games and lost at the end. We just have to keep our defensive identity and play good defense and execute on offense”, stressed Gladiator Trier guard Clayton Guillozet. Ex Fraport Skyliner Garai Zeeb was in attendance and was already taking a look at his next opponent as he and PS Karlsruhe await who will be in the final. “Frankfurt usually wins when they keep teams to under 80 points. Trier did a good job controlling the game, but like in game 1, Frankfurt came back and forced them to tough shots and hit bigs shots at the end”, stressed PS Karlsruhe guard Garai Zeeb.

Justin Onyejiaka

The Fraport Skyliners had a potent first quarter where they led, but allowed Trier to come back in the last minute with 2 timely shots to lead 22-21. Frankfurt began strong getting their three ball to fall as Canadian David Muenkat connected twice while ex Vechta guard Justin Onyejiaka scored on transition while high energy player JJ Mann scored from outside and Maik Zirbes made a lay in as Frankfurt led 9-5. Frankfurt had a healthy offensive rhythm and continued to execute as Canadian Aiden Warnholtz supplied 5 points as Frankfurt led 14-9. Frankfurt was relying on the bomb, but then began to go into the paint area more as California native Ife Ajayi added 6 points including 4 free throws as Frankfurt led 20-14. It looked like Frankfurt could add their lead into double digits, but Trier showed just how lethal their game can be closing out the first quarter with a 7-2 run. Ex Indiana State guard Jordan Barnes made a runner and buzzer beater shot while Guillozet a trey to trail 22-21 after 10 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners shot 46% from the field and 60% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 3 turnovers while the Gladiators Trier shot 39% from the field and 38% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 2 turnovers. “We came out strong. We played with a lot of energy and just tried to make them work hard for everything”, stressed Aiden Warnholtz.

Jordan Barnes from outside

In the second quarter the Gladiators Trier responded by taking control of the game in the second half of the quarter and taking a 5 point lead into half-time. Frankfurt kept the lead by executing well on offense getting a trey from Florida native Kevin McClain and extreme energy from 2 time NBBL champion Bruno Vrcic who scored twice inside using a mismatch and making a back door lay in to lead 32-27. Trier didn´t have a good offensive rhythm and forced too much. However Trier do have some guys who can take over a game instantly as did 2 time Iranian World Cup Participant Behnam Yakhchali who led his team on a 12-2 run to lead 41-34. In the run, he began making 2 buckets which was followed by 4 points from Guillozet and 4 points from ex Orange Academy forward Moritz Krimmer. Trier developed a nice flow in their offense and were more calm and just found their spots better. The Fraport Skyliners totally got away from their team play and wasted their offense execution with too much 1-1 play against an aggressive trier defense that stopped them time in and time out. “They tried to post up early against us. We stuck to our defensive plan and forced them to play to our hands. They had to make adjustment”, stated Clayton Guillozet. Lorenz Brenneke ended the second quarter with a lay in as Frankfurt trailed 41-36. “The ball did stick at the end. That reminded us that we do play our best basketball when we move the ball well”, stated Aiden Warnholtz. The Gladiators Trier shot 35% from the field and 21% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 3 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 36% from the field and 44% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Kevin McClain from outside

In the third quarter there was less scoring as both teams were able to generate more defensive stops as the Gladiators Trier still led 55-48 after 30 minutes. Moritz Krimmer and Kevin McClain traded three pointers in the first minutes as Frankfurt trailed 44-39. McClain continued to be an energy spark form the bench adding 5 points including 3 free throws chipping away at the Trier lead trailing 48-44. Trier continued to keep the lead as they seemed to always have a new guy that could step up and now it was Missouri native Jordan Barnes who made 2 difficult step back jumpers one prettier than the other and in best Steph Curry manner for the 53-46 advantage. The Fraport Skyliners continued to have great difficulty moving the ball the way they were used to and continued to be forced to difficult 1-1 situations. Ajayi added 4 points in the last minutes of the third quarter, but couldn´t make any ground as the Gladiators Trier led 55-48. “Barnes really carried us and is our leader. He needs the ball is his hands and has been successful since day 1. The way he has responded to his role and carried us has been very special”, stated Clayton Guillozet. “Barnes is quick and has good handles. He made really tough shots. We have to do a better job as a team on him as well as with our 1-1 defense”, stressed Aiden Warnholtz. The Gladiators Trier shot 35% from the field and 24% from the parking lot and had 27 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 33% from the field and 33% from the parking lot and had 33 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Behnam Yakhchali

In the fourth quarter the Gladiators Trier were on the verge of making the ultimate punch, but hesitated too long allowing the Fraport Skyliners to make an incredible comeback. Bruno Vrcic began the fourth quarter with a lay in to cut Trier´s lead to 55-50. But that didn´t rattle Trier as they responded with back to back three´s by Krimmer and Guillozet to give Trier the 61-50 advantage. Trier simply had too many weapons and had 4 guys in double figures at that point to Frankfurt having one guy in double figures. Frankfurt got a 25 footer from Ajayi and trey from Muenkat, but Trier responded with Krimmer and Barnes free throws to lead 65-55. Frankfurt had fire in their eyes and still a lot of gas in their gas tank as Muenkat and Vrcic delivered 5 points to trail 65-60. But Trier always had an answer as JJ Mann nailed a crazy step back three pointer for the 68-60 lead. Frankfurt continued to have that we believe spirit as David Muenkat was on since the tip off after missing 2 games due to a suspension scored 5 points and Trier led only 69-65. Trier continued to have the next answer as this time it was time for the next crazy shot from Yakhchali who scored for the 71-65 advantage. Time was running down and Frankfurt knew it and responded with a 6-0 run to tie the game at 71-71. A trey by ex Artland Dragon center Jacob Knauf and a reverse lay up from Warnholtz supplied the damage. But Jordan Barnes seemed to supply the last punch with a tough off balance shot for the 73-71 lead with 12 seconds to play. Skyliners head coach Denis Wucherer took a time out and Frankfurt then responded as Aiden Warnholtz hit the big three for the 74-73 lead with 4 seconds to go. “The shot was similar to the Koblenz game. Coplin drew 2 defenders and got me the ball. The shot felt good when I released it”, smiled Aiden Warnholtz. “I was hoping it would come off the rim so I could get the rebound. But he made a big shot”, said Clayton Giullozet. The Gladiators Trier had 4 seconds remaining for one last shot, but Yakhchali coughed up the ball allowing Frankfurt to live another day. “We have been down 10 late before, but we always have that belief that we can come back no matter what”, stressed Aiden Warnholtz. “We had good looks that didn´t fall while they had good looks that feel. It really doesn´t get any more complicated”, stated Clayton Guillozet. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Ife Ajayi with 14 points. David Muenkat added 13 points while Bruno Vrcic and Aiden Warnholtz added 10 poionts a piece while the Gladiators Trier were led by Jordan Barnes with 19 points while Clayton Guillozet had 14 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 42% from the field and 42% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the Gladiators Trier shot 36% from the field and 31% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Nathan Scott (203-F-1999, college: EMU) is a 203 cm forward from Naperville, Illinois that completed his second professional season and first with Munster averaging 13,2ppg, 7,5rpg, 1,4apg and 1,0spg and shot 41% from outside. Last season he played with theView Copenhagen (Denmark-BasketLigaen) averaging 22.0ppg, 8.4rpg, 4.0apg, 1.4spg, 1.2bpg, 2FGP: 67.9%, 3FGP: 19.2%, FT: 85.2%, and in Dec.’22 moved to Randers Cimbria Basketball (Denmark-BasketLigaen) averaging 6.8ppg, 5.2rpg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 69.7%. He began his basketball career with Neuqua Valley high school. He played at Olney Central College (Juco) averaging 6.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 20.9%, FT: 76.8% and 10.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 76.9%. He then played 2 seasons at Northern Illiknois (NCAA) and finished at Eastern Michigan University (NCAA) averaging 8.0ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 80.4%. He spoke to germanhoopsom about his season in Germany.

Nathan for talking to germanhoops.com. You got swept by Trier 3-0 in the playoffs to end your season. How did you personally digest this series loss? You didn´t play game 3.

Honestly, the fact that my team made it this far and people had us ranked 16th pre season was a huge accomplishment and triers the #1 seed and a great team so I am not salty about the loss. The reason why I didn’t play game 3 is because I injured my left knee.

A sweep is never easy but Trier was the number one team. I think though that munster can come out of this with their heads hanging high. It seemed like Munster heightened their game each game?

Yeah I agree, the fact that we even played Trier as the number 1 seed in playoffs, our fans and team should be happy because we do not have the budget as other teams in Pro A so you knew how hard we worked.

Trier hit 26 three´s combined in the last 2 games. What do you feel was missing defensively for having been able to contain those shooters better?

We had a good defensive strategy but they were making their shots what can you do about it.

You completed your second pro season. What did you personally learn from this interesting series?

I figured out my worth. The hard work I put out last summer is a big reason why Munster made the playoffs. I also showed people how good of a player I am and the potential I have.

Munster had a great season. The start winning 6 in a row surprised many and winning 4 of the last 5 got you into the playoffs. How do you summarize the Munster season from your perspective?

To be honest, it started off rocky because a lot of the Germans didn’t believe how good we could be because of our budget but once we all came as a team and made a goal to how good and far we wanted to go this season, we made it happen and I’m proud of my guys for that.

What was so special about this team and how much credit does head coach Gotz Rohdewald get for helping get the team to the playoffs?

First things first, Gotz let us be who we wanted to be on and off court. It allowed our team to have great chemistry and great connection because we all became so close throughout the season, he definitely deserves his flowers because he had the same German core, but only 3 new Americans, and we had a better season than they had last season and made playoffs.

What was it like playing with Adam Touray? For many experts, he belongs to the top bigs in the Pro A. How did you experience him best as a big man?

Adam is a high-motor big man that every team would love to have. He’s definitely one of the top bigs in Pro A. I’m going to miss playing with him.

The team couldn´t have gotten as far without Avi Toomer and Hilmar Petersson. What did you appreciate most about his game?

I absolutely agree that we needed both of them, they did the little things to make our team better, and would definitely had game changing moments to help us win.

Is Cosmo Gruehn the perfect teammate? What could you learn from his approach to the game that not many guys have?

Haha no one is perfect, but he was a great teammate. How he managed school and basketball the whole season I give him his props.

Who do you feel was the most improved player on the team?

Definitely Julius (JFerb) whenever he checked in the game he would make a difference or you would know he was on the floor, because of defense or the way he would get a basket right away. He’ll definitely have a bigger role next year.

You averaged 13,2ppg, 7,5rpg, 1,4apg, and 1,0spg and shot 41% from outside. How would you summarize your season?

I believe I had a great season, I helped Münster get to the playoffs and I had such a big impact on the league for being someone no one knew about and being on a team no one respected. Numbers speak for itself, just look at my efficiency rating. And I did all that while winning and not having a pass first guard on my team.

You were the team leader on the team. How do you feel did your game grow this season?

I appreciate that. I definitely grew as a player on the court with confidence and having a bigger role to help my team win.

You had many memorable games like scoring 30 and 27 points in the regular season against Trier and other games. What was your personal favorite game?

My personal favorite game was the 2nd game against Bayreuth hitting the game ahead shot in second overtime definitely sealed the deal we were going to playoffs.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the pro B this season?

Haha my toughest players Bakary Dibba and Moritz Krimmer. The fact they were in good teams too did really help out either.

What is the next step for you? Could you imagine making the next step in Germany in the pro A or possibly exploring a new country?

Yes, I definitely believe I can play on a playoff caliber team in the BBL and play in higher leagues around Europe. I believe I’m a special player and I just have to prove it each year.

How did you enjoy the country Germany? What site or city did you enjoy most when you visited?

To be honest, I didn’t leave Munster. The only other cities I saw were the opposing players cities

Who will win the NBA East and West and who will be NBA champion?

I don´t know because I’m a pistons a fan.

Will the USA win the Gold with Lebron and Co or will Germany get in the way again?

I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

Thanks Nathan for the chat

Chris Frazier (182-SG-1990, college: Dubuque) is a 33 year old 182cm guard that played his 10th professional season and second with pro B team En Baskets Schwelm and averaged 12/3/4 stats. He played 2 seasons with Pro A team wiha Panthers Schwenningen averaging 8.4ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 64.1%, 3PT: 45.0%, FT: 86.4% and last season averaged 10.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 88.5% he played BBL with Crailsheim and also gathered experience with Magdeburg, Atland, Rostock and Iserlohn. He also has NCAA 3 experience having played at the University of Dubuque. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Congrats Chris on a great season. One win away from reaching the semi-finals. Where do you rank this season in terms of overall success to only your other Pro B seasons?

Appreciate it Miles! Yeah it was a good season for us. I believe we overachieved a little bit with the group that we had, but nonetheless we had a very successful season!

You lost a tough do or die game against Orange Academy by 42 points. Was this a game where Schwelm just ran out of gas or just one of those days where the opponent did everything right?

It was a mixture of both. We were tired from a long season, but I don’t want to take anything away from Ulm. They are a very talented team and they were the better team!

How much is the success of Orange Academy a good advertisement for German basketball? That team has only young players. Is Orange Academy the best pro B team full of young Germans?

It helps. I think Vechta is a step above them though when it comes to that, only because they offer Pro A and BBL.

Orange Academy has many very talented young players. Which guy impressed you most?

The player that impressed me the most was Philip Hecker. He does everything pretty well and I think he is the leader of that team! A very talented player

How thrilling was the series against Oberaching? You won the do or die game by 3 points. What will you always remember from this series?

The only thing I’ll remember after that series is to not underestimate an older team like that! They were a very good team.

It was also the last time you battled against Omari Knox. I don´t believe you played against him often in your career aside from the 3 game series. He played until he was 38. Is he a good role model for you in terms of longevity?

Yeah never played Omari before this. He could easily play another couple of years if he wanted to. I wouldn’t say he is a role model for me though in terms of longevity.

Talk about the season of the EN Baskets Schwelm. What is your summary overall of the season? What was special about this years team?

We had a very good season. Even after losing by 42. I think with the group we had it was good. We were more than a team, we were really close off the court.

No disrespect to the team, but if you compare the roster to other teams, one could say that there isn´t much depth. Did the team overachieve a bit?

A little bit, but if you say that then I would say the other teams behind us didn’t live up to their expectations and we were still better than them!

How important was head coach Falk Moeller for the success? He did a lot with this team. How big is his heart for the organization?

Falk has been here for a while and he always has successful teams! So he always plays the biggest role in the team´s success.

How much of a joy was it playing with Khalil Miller. What will you always remember about his game?

K. Miller is probably one of the best players I’ve played with in a team! He controls almost everything on the floor.

Robert Merz had a great season. Could one say he was a bit of an unsung hero?

Rob mad a huge step forward and also lead us to victories in a lot of games. He still has a lot more game to show!

Who do you believe was the most improved player on the team?

Hard to say! I would say Rob, but he wasn’t with us the whole season last year. I’ll still say Rob

You had another solid season averaging 12/3/4 stats and averaged the second most minutes in your pro career after your rookie season in Magdeburg. Your basketball skills seems to be aging like fine wine?

12/3/4 is alright. I didn’t have to do as much as I normally do so that was good. I just tried to be the glue guy and hold the team together.

You were close to 40% from outside and had an overall good season. How would you summarize your play?

Average at most, but that’s only because we had a great team and multiple guys could score so it’s fine!

You shot in double figures in 23 games. What was your personal most memorable game?

Probably the game against Ulm at home. The crowd was extra loud that night!

Who was the toughest player that you faced in Pro B this season?

Omari Knox.

Who do you see reaching the Pro B final and winning? Koln-Rhondorf seem like the logical choice.

I wouldn’t count Ulm out even though they are down 0-1 right now.

Your turning 35 in July. How much longer do you still want to play?

I actually turn 34 this year. I’ll play as long as long as it makes sense financially. Once it doesn’t make sense then I’ll play Regio.

Who will win the NBA East and West and who will be NBA champion?

I hope my Knicks make it to the finals! Other than that I don’t really care.

Will the USA win the Gold with Lebron and Co or will Germany get in the way again?

USA will win easily.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Ife 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 before game 3 against the Romerstrom Gladiators.

Thanks Ife for talking to germanhoops.com. It´s playoff time and the best time of the year. How have you experienced them so far with the Skyliners?

It has been a really competitive atmosphere. It has been the most competitive that I have ever been in. It has been tough on this side of the bracket.

The Fraport Skyliners took care of Jena easily. After the bad game against Artland, it seemed like many doubted Frankfurt. Was there a player who really made that vital speech before the Jena series saying it´s time to go to work

We talked about it as a whole and had talks with coach Denis and Marco. We learned from our mistakes against Artland and prepared really well for Jena. We decided to lock in collectively as a unit.

What do you believe was key for the Jena series win? Was the self-confidence and team chemistry at a new level in comparison to after the Artland game?

I think that our defense was the biggest thing that got us past them. Defense is our identity. We are deep and have good post up players that can help change the tempo.

The series with Trier is tied at 1-1. How crazy has this series been. 2 road wins and 2 crazy finishes?

I agree that the series has been crazy. It has been a beautiful atmosphere to play in and I´m sure that the fans really appreciate it. Trier is a very hostle environment but the players thrive in this kind of competition. We have young legs and are physical and can overwhelm them.

The Fraport Skyliners showed in game 1 exactly what happens when three´s start to fall. Was that the biggest win of the season so far in Trier?

That was probably the best comeback that we had this season. When we are being physical, firing away from all cylinders, play defense and post up, then we will be hard to beat.

In game 2, Trier showed up to battle in Frankfurt. Frankfurt had to pay an annoying catch up all game long. What adjustments did you see Trier make from game 1?

From what I could see was that they just made more shots and weren´t really doubling in the post.

The Fraport Skyliners made a big comeback in the fourth quarter but weren´t rewarded. Despite the loss how much was the confidence of the team lifted going into game 3?

We have all the confidence in the world. We are always telling each other that. If we can play at a high intensity and have confidence, then we know that we can punish them inside. I feel like we have the advantage with the post up. We can post up all over the place.

Benham Yakhchali is an incredible player. He really stepped up in game 2. You’re a guy that can guard 1-5. What makes it most difficult to stop him? Is it more his craftiness or his ability to make off balance shots?

I think that his best attribute is his off balance shot. He doesn´t need much space. When he starts to attack and get fouls, then it´s very difficult to stop him. We have to limit his penetration and make everything difficult for him.

Maik Zirbes hasn´t exploded but doesn´t need to with so many scoring options. What ha sit been like mixing it up with him?

Yes he doesn´t have to be a scorer on his team. But he is very physical and can be dominant. I take a lot of pride matching up against him. It has been a good battle against him. We just have to wear him down and also make everything difficult for him.

Moritz Krimmer had 0 points in game 1 and 18 points in game 2. How vital will it be slowing him down again in game 3?

We have to make him be a non-factor. We can´t let him get the kind of confidence that he had in game 2. We have to take his confidence away and play good defense on him.

The emotions are very high. Will we see another wild finish or will it be more calmed down in Trier?

I think this game will be more-calm. We have to be more-calm in how we handle ourselves. I also got a fine. It is what it is. We have to regulate our emotions and not let the crowd get to us. We need to focus on ourselves.

Frankfurt needs the microwave abilities of Kevin McClain. Could he be a type of x factor in game 3?

For sure he can be. He still hasn´t played his best offense yet. He has been very strong on defense. I keep telling him that the way he plays on ball defense, we feed off that as a team. Especially I feed off his defense. I think that he will find his offensive rhythm with the help of his high intensity on defense.

You have been up and down in the scoring department in the playoffs, but how do you feel have you affected the game best in the playoffs?

I think that my physicality and defense has affected the game best. Also I think that I have to keep having my post presence. I have to continue to play as intense as possible and let my defensive presence be known.

You don´t make an impact in the stat sheet defensively with steals and blocks, but are still effective in other ways. How big will the big defensive plays be from you looking forward?

I think being able to play well on the pick and roll will allow us for more transition opportunities.

Who will win the Hagen-Karlsruhe series that is also at 1-1?

I got my money on Karlsruhe. They are the underdog. I always take the underdog.

Who will win the Dallas-Minnesota and Boston Indiana series and who will win it all?

I think that Minnesota will surprise everyone.

Thanks Ife for the chat.

Devonte McCall (198-F-1998, college: Post) is a 26 year old 198 cm forward that was born in Amherst Mass and is playing his second professional season and second in Germany and first with Phoenix Hagen (Germany-ProA). He played his rookie season with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen (Germany-ProA) averaging 12.9ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.0apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-3 (1.2bpg), FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 68.5%. He began his basketball career at Westminster and then played a season at Franklin Pierce University (NCAA2) averaging 5.0ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 41.2%. He then moved to Post University (NCAA2) averaging 12.6ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.6apg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 50.0% and in his last season averaged 19.3ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4spg, 2.1bpg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 66.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Devonte for talking to germamnhoops.com. You have played 40 games this season with 7 playoff games and 11 more than last season. How is your body holding up?

All are a bit sore. No one is 100%. As a professional we all know it´s a long season. I worked hard during the summer to be ready for the whole season. I run every day and take good care of my body so I can sustain a high level during the season.

Phoenix Hagen is 1-1 in the semi-finals and have won many on the road and lost many at home. How do you explain that?

It´s crazy. We had something like only 2 home loses during the regular season. It has been a real adjustment. We are head strong and are always confident that we will win at home. We always go into our game with the attitude to give the home fans a win.

The 5 game series against Kirchheim was wild. Many had Kirchheim favored. How vital was this tough 5 series win for the mentality of the team?

It was big. They are a tough team with great individual players. We have the attitude that we always try to improve after every game. We go into each game with the same mentality no matter if it´s 2-1, 0-0 or 1-0.

What did you personally learn from that series?

This was my first playoffs. It showed me the value of every possession. Every game is a dog fight. I´m never comfortable. It always feels the same. The series felt like 1 long game.

Phoenix Hagen did win game 5 by 24 points, but how key was it keeping Michael Flowers to 8 points in game 5?

It was huge for us. He is a hell of a player, but at the same time, I feel like we have the best guard defenders in the league. Even if we didn´t show it in all games, we know other team´s tendencies and nobody wants to get scored on. We know we can´t slip up or a Miller or Flowers are capable of scoring 25 points.

What is the most challenging thing in slowing Flowers down?

We just try to make it as difficult as possible to score and to facilitate. We just tried to wear him down as best as possible and throw as much bodies as possible at him.

The series with PS Karlsruhe is tied at 1-1. PS Karlsruhe is a very annoying team. Is their fight and grit their biggest strength?

That is one of their biggest strengths. They have a lot of dog in them and like to play fast and free. I like their pace. They have talented and athletic players that fit the system well.

What has been your impression of Bakary Dibba? He is one of many overseas that was off the radar and blooming now.

He has a lot of talent and you can see his talent. He moves really well and it is a lot of fun to play against him.

So far both teams have won on the road. What will be key in getting that home win?

We need to have a strong first quarter. The games that we lost, we struggled coming out of the gate. We need to find a rhythm and come out of the gate with a bang and give the fans something to cheer about.

Phoenix Hagen got some late additions with Jamel Mcallister and Vincent Neugebauer. What have you appreciated most about their games?

They work hard each practice and always stay late taking shots after practice. Vincent wants to learn and asks a lot of questions. He has played great in the minutes that he has gotten. That has given him extra confidence. Jamel has been with us longer and needed no adjustment time. He became a part of the family quickly and fit in well.

Brock Mckenzie has been out for more than a month? How do you feel has the team compensated the loss best?

We miss him a lot and he was such an important piece of the team. There was a big load to pick up, but many stepped up in his absence. I felt we found a rhythm during his absence.

You have had sort of an up and down season in terms of scoring, how do you rate your overall play this season?

I feel like I improved a lot this season. My numbers may have been down to last season, but I think that I improved my facilitating, defense and understanding of the game. I´m worlds above with my defense as compared to last season. My offense has become simple. I give a lot of credit to the coaching staff.

Your scoring really picked up in the Kirchheim series. Was it just aggressiveness or was there more to it?

I was more aggressive and felt like I had to in the absence of Brock. There were some games where I just needed to score. I was able to score in crucial times as well. I also thank the coaching staff in having trust in my game.

Your shooting 3/16 in the PS Karlsruhe series. How confident are you that you will break out in game 3?

It´s a numbers game. It´s just a matter of time. I´m always confident in my abilities. I´m never too high or too low. I just try to make every shot I take. There is nothing like playing at home.

Who will win Frankfurt-Trier?

It will go 5 games and I like Frankfurt to win it all.

Who will win the Dallas-Minnesota and Boston Indiana series and who will win it all?

I have the Celtics in 4 or 5 games and Minnesota in 7 games. I have Minnesota winning it all in 7. They remind me of those Thunder teams with Westbrook and Durant.

Thanks Devonte for the chat.

The 2023-2024 season for the Dragons Rhondorf has been one to remember and the do or die games just don´t end. After thrilling series against Rostock and Wolmirstedt where Rhondorf had to go to the distance, they have to do it one more time against BG Berlin 2000 for their ticket to the Pro B final. After a disappointing 71-62 loss in game 1 in their living room, they were faced with a do or die game in Berlin, but withstood the pressure and a late Berlin comeback surviving for another day 86-82. The Dragons Rhondorf returned back home for another do or die affair and didn´t let down the home fans saving their best defensive performance of the season for almost last as they allowed only 21 points in the second half outlasting the Berlin Braves 2000 67-57 to reach the Pro B final against the Rhein Stars Cologne. “This is the farthest that I have ever gone in my pro career. It´s a great feeling. It is a blessing to finally have gotten here, but were not done yet. To be able to achieve our lowest scoring half with points allowed in such an important game is the best thing. We were all locked in”, warned Dragons Rhondorf guard Kelvin Omojola. The Berlin Braves gave it all they could, but in the second half were just completely stifled by the Rhondorf aggressive defense and their lethal on ball defense. “We weren´t always able to do what we wanted to on offense. Perhaps they had a bit more luck at the end and wanted it more than us. Despite the loss, I´m really proud of this team and their hard work”, stressed Berlin Braves 2000 guard Andrii Kozhemiakin.

Andrii Kozhemiakin at the FT line

The 2023-2024 season for the Dragons Rhondorf has been one to remember and the do or die games just don´t end. After thrilling series against Rostock and Wolmirstedt where Rhondorf had to go to the distance, they have to do it one more time against BG Berlin 2000 for their ticket to the Pro B final. After a disappointing 71-62 loss in game 1 in their living room, they were faced with a do or die game in Berlin, but withstood the pressure and a late Berlin comeback surviving for another day 86-82. The Dragons Rhondorf returned back home for another do or die affair and didn´t let down the home fans saving their best defensive performance of the season for almost last as they allowed only 21 points in the second half outlasting the Berlin Braves 2000 67-57 to reach the Pro B final against the Rhein Stars Cologne. “This is the farthest that I have ever gone in my pro career. It´s a great feeling. It is a blessing to finally have gotten here, but were not done yet. To be able to achieve our lowest scoring half with points allowed in such an important game is the best thing. We were all locked in”, warned Dragons Rhondorf guard Kelvin Omojola. The Berlin Braves gave it all they could, but in the second half were just completely stifled by the Rhondorf aggressive defense and their lethal on ball defense. “We weren´t always able to do what we wanted to on offense. Perhaps they had a bit more luck at the end and wanted it more than us. Despite the loss, I´m really proud of this team and their hard work”, stressed Berlin Braves 2000 guard Andrii Kozhemiakin.

Tyreese Blunt from outside

The Dragon Dome was sold out for the do or die game and witnessed the rainfall of three rapid three´s as Texas native Avery Sullivan (203-F/C-1999, college: Lamar) and ex Drake (NCAA) guard Antonio Pilipovic connected while Berlin got support from Philipp Daubner who had played 190 Pro A games in his career as Rhondorf led 6-3. But the Berlin Braves weren´t impressed by the quick Dragons start, but instead punched back hurling a 16-5 run into the face of the Dragons as Ukrainian guard Andrii Kozhemiakin began the explosion with 8 unanswered points as his shifty play and ability to chose his spots left the Dragons dumbfounded. “He is really crafty and knows how to change the pace well. It is difficult to stand in front of him. He does a good job attacking the mismatches”, stated Rheinstars Cologne guard Bryan Battle. The Berlin run continued as ex easyCredit BBL player Andreas Seifert made a lay in and ex EPG Baskets Koblenz sniper Marley Jean-Louis connected on 2 three´s for the 19-11 advantage. Andrii Kozhemiakin was ice cold in his play which seemed to shock the Dragons Rhondorf as they were fighting to construct an offensive rhythm. The Dragons Rhondorf got some fortune at the end of the first quarter as the guests got their 5th team foul allowing them to get 5 free points to trail 21-16 after 10 minutes. In the stat department the Berlin Braves shot 44% from the field and 45% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 3 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 30% from the field and 50% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 4 turnovers. “Both teams came out nervous. There was a lot on the line and both teams showed some nerves. The physicality of Berlin gave Rhondorf problems and Berlin is a team that profits off mistakes”, stressed Bryan Battle.

Martin Seiferth

In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf fought back to retake the lead, but couldn´t hold it as the Berlin Braves 2000 led by 1 point at the break. Jean Louis began the second quarter with his third trey of the game giving the guests the 24-16 advantage. However the Dragons Rhondorf then got some massive support from their bigs as Fernc Gille added 7 points and Sullivan a bucket and a 11-1 run to grab back the lead 27-25. “This was the first time that I saw Gille play. He definitely passed the eye test. He is great close to the basket, but can also shoot”, added Bryan Battle. A flagrant foul by the Berlin Braves sparked Rhondorf as they stepped up their defense and just went inside and refrained on heaving the bombs from outside. It also helped Rhondorf´s cause that Andrii Kozhemiakin was on the bench in this phase as whenever he was out, their offense sputtered. However the Berlin Braves just continued to fight something they have done since their Regionalliga days and it was the powerful input by Andrii Kozhemiakin that helped them get the lead again at 33-32. Andrii Kozhemiakin kept attacking and got to the free throw line 3 times while Andreas Seifert also made a basket inside. Tyreese Blunt who had only had 2 points in this phase nailed a three, but Andrii Kozhemiakin closed out the second quarter with a lay in and 36-35 lead for Berlin. “Rhondorf made shots and momentum plays and open three´s killed Berlin´s run”, commented Bryan Battle. The Berlin Braves 2000 shot 38% from the field and 38% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 9 turnovers and the Dragons Rhondorf shot 39% from the field and 36% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Badu Buck at the FT line

In the third quarter both teams struggled to score in the first 5 minutes, but in the latter half, the Dragons Rhondorf were able to gain control of the game and lead by 4 points after 30 minutes. Pilipovic began the third quarter with a trey and ex Wusterhausen guard Simon Paul made a 20 footer to tie the game at 38-38. Then came the biggest scoring dry spell of the game for Rhondorf as they couldn´t get points for a little more than 4 minutes. In between, American Seth Compass made an off balance shot for the 40-38 advantage. Both teams couldn´t muster anything on offense as turnovers and sloppy play dominated their play. An untimely technical foul by Berlin head coach Achmadschah Zazai sparked the Dragons especially Avery Sullivan who responded with an offensive rebound and put back and then made a 15 footer and lay in for the 45-41 lead. He brought life into the team as they were able to overpower the guests inside with their length and physicality. Both teams were defending at a high intensity as one could see that the importance of the game was on every player´s menu. Ex Kronberg forward Noah Litzbach made a runner which was matched by a clutch three pointer on transition by Blunt for the 49-44 Dragons lead. Janne Muller followed with a free throw and Andreas Seifert closed out the third quarter with a pretty old school running hook shot, but the Dragons Rhondorf led 50-46. “I don´t feel like we had nerves. Rhondorf increased their defensive pressure and did a good job. We had enough open shots”, said Andrii Kozhemiakin. “I hate to admit it, but I did feel a bit nervous at the start of the third quarter. We knew how much was on the line. Both teams wanted it too much. Avery Sullivan really stepped it up. I told him this week that we needed him to dominate and he did”, smiled Kelvin Omojola. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 37% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the Berlin Braves 2000 shot 38% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 23 rebounds and 15 rebounds.

In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf continued to defend with passion and execute better on offense and never allowed the Berlin Braves to get over the hump. Rhondorf remained aggressive at both ends getting to the free throw line and getting a Gille lay in, but Berlin responded with buckets from Litzbach and Paul to trail only 55-50. However the Dragons Rhondorf didn´t let up with their defensive intensity and continued to allow only contested shots while they hammered the ball inside and got easy buckets from Gille and Sullivan to lead 59-52. 2018 NBBL champion Badu Buck then nailed a trey for the 62-52 lead with 2,32 to play. The Dragons Rhondorf had control of the game and now just had to overcome the crunch-time. Andreas Seifert added free throws, but the Berlin Braves hadn´t been able to get the big man the ball more and times was running down. Gille then added a furious alley-opp dunk which had the whole gym rocking as the Dragons led 64-54. “That was a nice dunk and such a great play. Everybody on the court touched the ball on that play. That just summed up our play as a team today. We all played as a unit”, stressed Kelvin Omojola. Blunt then added a trey from the corner for the 67-54 lead as the Dragon Dome was on fire. Andreas Seifert closed out the game with a lay in, but it was too late too little. “We got stop after stop and we had our best 5 on the court. We were all focused, all were aggressive and rotating. It was a masterclass on defense”, warned Kelvin Omojola. “Rhondorf had more energy than us. That was the difference in the fourth quarter”, stressed Andrii Kozhemiakin. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Avery Sullivan with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Ferenc Gille added 15 points and Tyreese Blunt 11 points while the Berlin Braves 2000 were led by Andrii Kozhemiakin with 15 points while Andreas Seiferth had 12 points. e Dragons Rhondorf shot 37%from the field and 26% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Berlin Braves shot 35% from the field and 21% from outside and ahd 34 rebounds and 18 turnovers. 

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 after the game 1 loss to the Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks JJ for talking to germanhoops.com. The Romerstrom Gladiators lost a tough 72-70 game 1 at home in Frankfurt. How bitter was this loss?

Game 1 was definitely not the way how we wanted to start the series. It was a very good game until the last 2-3 minutes. Despite the loss I feel like we could take a lot of positives out of it.

Is it fair to say that this is a game Trier never should have lost?

Yes I think so. It´s the playoffs and crazy things happen. You play 40 minutes for a reason.

The Romerstrom Gladiators led 68-58 with 5 minutes to go. Frankfurt hadn´t scored in more than 4 minutes until the 3 point rain fall came. Did you guys get to comfortable with the 10 point lead?

A little bit. We didn´t do a good job on closing the door and left it open. Once Frankfurt saw 1 go in, the hole got bigger for them. The next thing we knew they hit some more and the next time we looked up, they had won.

The Fraport Skyliners closed out the game with a 14-0 run and 4 three´s. From your stand point how could that happen to such an experienced team like Trier?

The way we lost was very uncharachteristic of us. We aren´t perfect. Anyone can have difficult stretches, even experienced teams. This happens to the best of teams. We have to make sure it doesn´t happen again.

What did the team learn from this loss? Frankfurt went minutes without scoring and then Trier did. But Frankfurt did make the last run?

You had 2 really good shot making teams. It came down to who made the last shots at the end. We can´t allow them to make a last run like that again.

What words of wisdom did Don Beck give the team after the win?

He gave us great words that were very inspiring. He gave us a good perspective for game 2 and got us ready.

The guard trio of you, Barnes and Yakhchali combined for 47 points. On any other night that would have been enough to win, but you and Yakhcahli only shot 8/20. How aware are the trio that you could still have scored more?

We are aware of the power that we have. We are more than confident that we can score more in game 2.

Even if Trier has that lethal guard trio, how vital will it be getting Zirbes, Krimmer (0) points and Bacak more involved?

We are a complete team and have weapons all over the place. We have to utilize their games more. They can bring their A games and are studs. One game does not define their ability. I expect them to have strong contribution the rest of the way.

The postgame got ugly as Skyliners and Trier fans mixed it up. Did you feel the emotions on and off the court in game 1? This is a game of 2 ex BBL teams?

This series is an intense situation where the emotions are flying high. I expect it to continue.

Game 2 is a must win for Trier. How confident are you that you can win again like in January?

I´m very confident that we will win game 2.

How important has the acquisition of Jordan Barnes been for the injured Marcus Graves? What new dimension does he give the team?

Jordan has been awesome from day 1. He has been a fantastic player in his 3 years in Germany. He is a big time player that can make the big shots and has a ton of experience.

I love the game of Moritz Krimmer. What steps has he taken this step and where do you see his future going?

Mo has been awesome as well. He is the definition of consistency. He works hard in practice and competes hard in games. There is a difference between a professional athlete and professional competitor and he is a pro competitor. Good things happen when he is on the court. He is young and I see no reason why he can´t have a long career and play in first leagues.

Your having another solid Pro A season stat wise. How much fun is it playing in an offense where you don´t have much pressure to have to score 20 every night?

It is nice to know that I don´t have to score 20 points every night. It is great to have many options and we trust and believe in each other.

Game 1 and 2 against Munster were tough shooting days for you from outside, but found your stride again in the last 2 games shooting 7/18. How much of a challenge is it starting from scratch every game looking to get the best shooting percentage possible in the next game?

I just shoot it when I´m open. I always think I´m open. I trust my work and my shot. I will keep letting it fly. I have shown consistency the last 10 years being around 40%.

Who will reach the NBA final and then win it all?

I pick Denver meeting boston and Denver repeating.

Thanks J J for the chat.

Victor Bailey Jr (193-SG-1998, college: GMU) is a 25 year old 198cm forward from Austin, Texas playing his rookie season overseas with German Pro A team PS Karlsruhe. He began the season with Stella Artois Leuven Bears (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 9.7ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 39.0%, 3FGP: 34.3%, FT: 92.6%. He began his basketball career with McNeil High School. He began his NCAA career with the University of Oregon playing a total of 73 games. He averaged 6.7ppg, 1.7rpg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 87.0% and in his second year 7.4ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 91.1%. he then played 2 seasons at the University of Tennessee playing a total of 60 games averaging 10.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 82.8% and in his second season averaged 2.6ppg. He finished his NCAA career at George Mason University (NCAA) averaging 11.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 47.0%, FT: 80.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the game 1 win in Hagen.

Thanks Victor for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on reaching the semi-finals and having the 1-0 lead. PS Karlsruhe was already a good team in January when you came, but how has the team grown until now?

We have gotten closer and closer as a team. This is the first time that we have had a full roster. We are close on and off the court and it shows.

You had some ups and downs in March but came into the playoffs strong with a 4 game winning streak. What did the team tweak in that winning streak?

We didn´t tweak anything, but just continued to do what we did before. We got even closer as a team and got more connected which helped us play better.

I always said that PS Karlsruhe would be an annoying opponent for Frankfurt. The team defends really well and just plays hard. What is the secret to the success?

We have practiced hard since I got on board. The success is a testament of our hard work. We didn´t always see the results as soon as we wanted to, but the results continue at the end.

I guess you were also an annoying opponent for Giessen. Do you sense like they underestimated PS Karlsruhe after the blow out game 1 win?

It´s possible. We came in as a 7th team. Many figured Giessen would beat us. We are a good team and aren´t easy to beat.

Is there any fear that PS Karlsruhe may have peaked too soon after that Giessen series win?

There is no fear. It´s just basketball.

How important has head coach Alexsandar Scepanovic been? How much credit does he get for the success of team?

I think there has been an even distribution between coach and us players. He has prepared us well and we have worked hard and applied what he has given us. We push each other and he has put us in a good situation to succeed.

Talk about the exciting game 4 87-86 win over Giessen. Was that one of the greatest games that you have been involved in in your young career?

This is my first experience overseas and I will always cherish that moment. I will always hold it close to my heart. Beating Giessen was a very good feeling. I hope it continues for us in the playoffs.

Talk about the last minutes of the game and the play of Bakkary Dibba? Is he one of those guys that you could imagine climbing up the ladder in the next years?

Sky is the limit for him. He works very hard. He is very athletic and a special talent. He is always working on his shot and has improved it as well.

You beat favorite Hagen on the road and are in the drivers seat. Is there never worry that the thin rotation could tire out the starters as the playoffs continue?

At this point of the season everyone is banged up and tired. That´s part of the game. Guys are feeling it, but that is what we are paid to do. We need to fight through it and take care of our bodies on off days.

You took care of the ball really well in game 1 and hit 13 three´s. Is that and continued solid defense the recipe to the final?

Defense wins championships. The more stops we can get the better. We have always been a defensive team. We will continue to impose our will on defense

Your game really took off in mid March. How was the adjustment coming off the bench?

I have come off the bench in college so I know the feeling. It has never bothered me. I´m comfortable with it. I play if I get 5, 10 or 50 minutes. I´m always ready to play.

You had massive games against Giessen and have really shown your ability to score. Has your role changed since the start?

It´s still the same. Coach and my teammates have encouraged me to be aggressive and shoot the ball. The difference now has been that I have made more shots.

Frankfurt also upset the favorite Trier in game 1 on the road. Could we see a Frankfurt-PS Karlsruhe final?

It´s very possible. Frankfurt is a very good team. Any team can win in this league. You have to be ready to play every night.

Who will reach the NBA final and win it all?

I was born in Dallas. I want the Mavericks to win.

Thanks Victor for the chat.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Johan Gruenloh

My biggest highlight of my basketball broadcasting season is always the JBBL (U-16) and NBBL (U-19) top 4 that is held every year in May. This small tournament features Germany´s best teams and youth players battling to win the titles. I enjoy it so much, because you can witness how young men compete and then years later be able to remember this time when they continue to move up the basketball ladder into the pro ranks. Guys that I had seen in the last years that have made a name for themselves were players like Franz Wagner, Bruno Vrcic, Nelson Weidemann, Benjamin Schroeder, Jonas Mattissek and Nils Machowski. I also enjoy being able to do the play by play even if it is very challenging calling 4 semi-finals on Saturday and 2 finals on Sunday. The 4 semi-finals is the biggest challenge of the season for me simply because I´m in nonstop action from 11:00 am to about 22:00 am with very little time for breaks and small talk with people attending the great event. Being able to remember all the names of the players is the biggest challenge. Making mistakes and here and there mixing up players happens every time. Preparation is a big part of being able to be as successful as possible in describing the action on the court. This was my sixth top 4 after having been in Frankfurt 3 times, in Quackenbruck and in Jena. This year it was in Berlin and I would have my longest road trip so far covering this illustrious event.

Dirk Bauermann and Steffen Hamann

I had some real misfortune this time around as on that weekend where the top 4 was scheduled for, I had some personal business as well that I couldn´t realize. My Aunt had a massive family get together on Friday night and my town had the annual kirmes activity. But what one doesn´t do for the love of the game? My journey to Berlin began on Friday afternoon as I took the ICE train to Berlin. I don´t travel much by ICE anymore these days so much, so being able to take in the pretty landscape was something I enjoyed. Besides reading notes for my broadcast and reading some basketball literature, I was able to sit back and rest a bit before the stress would start on Saturday. It may be stress, but, but stress I love. There is a big difference there. I arrived in Berlin on Friday night around 21:30 and still had to take a tram and subway to finally reach my destination. A big non basketball highlight occurred at the Berlin main train station. I was searching for the tram and first asked 3 women who gave me that feared famous line “We aren´t from Berlin, we can´t help you”. Then I moved to my right and observed a well dressed lady who was just standing there minding her own business and then I asked her if this track was where the train went to Charlottenberg. She said yes. Then I just blurted out. “hey I know you”. She respondes “No you don´t”. Yes I do. You played on the Soap opera “Unter Uns. You see I did watch your show”. The lady was Petra Blossey a German actress who was one of the stars on Unter Uns between 1994-2019. She smiled and it seemed like she didn´t really want anyone to know. We got on the train and mingled briefly and I told her my story. I asked her for a selfie and she just said. “Let´s try to make it as discreetly as possible”, she smiled. Well everybody saw it, but no one cared. I finally arrived my hotel at 22:15. There I checked in and met with journalist Jan Finken and some of the employees of the NBBL and DBB who were chatting. Later I arrived in my room and went to sleep. I needed enough rest for the big Saturday with 4 games.

Yanu Slingerland

Over the years I had had many side kicks, guys that had done play by play with me and this time it wouldn´t be any different. I was assigned a who´s who of the best known German basketball figures that one could only imagine. I would have the pleasure calling games with legendary ex German national team coach Dirk Bauermann who had won 9 BBL titles and led Germany with Dirk Nowitzki to the Silver at the Euro 2005, Steffen Hamann an ex player who had been on that 2005 national team and played most of his career with Bamberg, current U-18 youth national team coach Alen Ibrahimagic and ex player Jan Jagla who had had an illustrious career playing at the 2008 Olympics and winning the 2008 ULEB Cup with Spanish ACB team Joventut and Ricky Rubio. The first game was at 11 am and pitted the Baskets Juniors Oldenburg against Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg. It was the Oldenburg Cinderella story of the season against Ludwigsburg that had won the JBBL title before in 2015. Oldenburg had come into the season as a team that probably wouldn´t even make the playoffs, but in the end had an incredible 18 winning streak. The players developed time by time and the self-confidence rose as well. This was a game where Oldenburg was never in danger of losing. Oldenburg began quickly scorching Ludwigsburg for 29 points in the first quarter. Ludwigsburg did find an offensive groove in the second and third quarter scoring 46 points combined, but couldn´t damper Oldenburg´s offense much as they also scored at ease. In the fourth quarter, Oldenburg showed once more their heart allowing only 8 points and easily sealing the win. Oldenburg´s 2 stars Yanu Slingerland and Djordje Klaric combined for 50 points showing their incredible game as a potent duo. I got the ultimate compliment as Dirk Bauermann said as the game began that it was an honor to call a game with me. He was an incredible analyst who gave insightful information about the players. I was able to call the second game with Steffen Hamann who is coach of the German U-15 team. He as well was a great side kick giving his knowledgeable insights about the young boys. This game was between Alba Berlin and Ratiopharm Ulm and belonged to the most exciting game of the weekend. This is a game that deserved 2 winners. Both teams gave it their all, but Alba Berlin eked out the exciting 86-83 victory in overtime. It was the duel between the 2 stars Anton Kemmer and Teo Millic and nobody disappointed as they combined for 56 points. Alba Berlin trailed with 24 points at halftime, but made an inspiring comeback in the second half. It was a total team effort and it was Anton Kemmer that tied the game at 73-73 with 13 seconds remaining to send the game into OT. In the end it was the deeper bench of Alba Berlin that prevailed. Ulm was exhausted and star Millic had cramps. Kemmer made the big shot for the 84-83 lead and win.

Djordje Klaric

One wondered if one could top the Alba-Ulm game, and the first NBBL semi-final proved to be another very exciting game as FC Bayern Munich battled the Young Rasta Dragons. I called this game with German U-18 head coach Alan Ibrahimagic. He also gave insightful facts about the top players and game. For me this was the real final that really was only a semi-final. It was a game that showcased the top guards in youth basketball with Ivan Kharchenkov and Martin Kalu and Jack Kayil (191-PG-2006) and Joshua Bonga. A big factor in the game was Vechta being able to insert top German prospect Johan Gruenloh who had played only 1 NBBL game and had concentrated his season with the easyCredit BBL. Munich came out strong and had the 20-14 advantage after one quarter, but Vechta fought back and led 34-33 thanks to their strong guard duo. The Young Rasta Dragons took control in the third quarter once again thanks to the dominating play of Kayil as well as Gruenloh who hit 2 three´s to lead by 8 points after 30 minutes. In the fourth quarter FC Bayern Minuten made a last run under the watchful eyes of Marko Pesic who was there to watch son Luca play. But in crunch-time the guard duo of Kayil and Bonga was too much as they sealed the win with clutch three´s to win 78-71. Johan Gruenloh was the X-factor with his 23/14 game. I was able to call the last NBBL semi-final game between the Baskets Juniors Oldenburg and Porsche BBA Ludwisgburg with ex player Jan Jagla. He also displayed informative facts about the game and the youth players. Ludwigsburg went into the game as the favorite, but trailed 20-15 after a quarter. Ludwigsburg found better to their game and heightened their field goal percentage and were led by athletic freak Esli Edigin that supplied 12 points. Oldenburg took control of the game in the third quarter to lead 60-43 as the three point accuracy of Milan Evin was massive. Ludwigsburg fought and trailed only 60-57 thanks to a big 3 from Marko Masic, but in crunch-time, Oldenburg had the better nerves winning 81-74. Milan Evin led alls corers with 20 points.

Karl Buehner

On Sunday morning, I once again was in the lobby at 9:30 and asked the Oldenburg coaching staff if I could ride the bus to the arena. The coaching staff just smiled. Of course you can. You are our good luck charm. You rode with us yesterday and gave us luck and will do the same today. Being their good luck charm was my other best personal experience at the weekend. I once again called the game with Dirk Bauermann. The first final was the JBBL final between the Baskets Juniors Oldenburg and Alba Berlin and this promised to be a classic. It had the same kind of course as the first game for Alba Berlin. The first half was a close battle, but in the third quarter like against Ulm, Alba Berlin struggled and trailed 65-52 as the dynamic duo of Klaric and Slingerland dominated. But Alba Berlin wasn´t about to lay down and wilt like a flower, but made one last run in the fourth quarter led by Anton Kemmer´s powerful game and key three´s by Fin Borczanowski and Sebastian Christancho dead locked the game at 70-70. Big man Bruno Walz made the game winning shot with 11 seconds. Alba Berlin had one more chance for OT, but the ball didn´t fall. Slingerland had a monster game of 23/18 and 8 steals while Djordje Klaric had 28 points and was voted Top 4 MVP. I had 3 hours time until the NBBL final as the girl´s final was in between. In this time, I was able to mingle with people I knew from the German basketball scene. People I saw and others that I mingled with included people like Paul Albrecht, Tyseem Lyles, Jannik Freese, Allan Ray, Gerrit Kerstin-Thiele, Darren Stackhose (cousin of NBA legend Jerry Stackhouse), Martin Funkele and Joe Asberry. It was especially sweet to see Asberry as he is a guy I talk to daily, but never see much because he lives in Berlin. The second final was at 5:00 pm and this was between the Young Rasta Dragons and the Baskets Juniors Oldenburg. Vechta was the massive favorite and showed quickly that for them this year would be three is a charm. After losing the last 2 finals, there was no way that they would lose this one. I called the NBBL final with Alan Ibrahimagic again. The Young Rasta Dragons controlled the game and were never in danger of losing the game. Their strongest quarters were the second and fourth where they combined for 52 points. The Young Rasta Dragons had the deeper rotation and were rewarded with 6 guys that scored in double figures and were led by Jack Kayil and Karl Buehner that had 16 points a piece. Jack Kayil was awarded the Top 4 MVP. I left the gym at 8.15 and took the train home at 9:15 and was back home at 4:30 am. All in all, it was another great Top 4 that had many exciting and down to the wire games. For me as well, it was another incredible basketball experience. Thanks to the NBBL for letting me be a part of it again.

Dejan Stojanovski is a coach from Macedonia that currently is head coach of the Juniors Baskets Oldenburg U-16 team. He had playing experience playing with clubs like Bremerhaven, SC Rasta Vechta, TSV Lesum-Burgdamm and BSG Bremerhaven. Before coming to Oldenburg, he coached Weser Baskets Bremen/BTS Neustadt. He currently helped the Junior Baskets Oldenburg win the 2024 JBB title and spoke to germanhoops.com bout it

Congrats Dejan on winning the 2024 JBBL (U-16) title. Was that the best basketball experience in your life so far?

Yes I can say so as a coach. I also had nice memories as a player. As a player you have no worries and just play but as a coach it´s different. I have had other nice memories as coach like being an assistant with Vechta when they moved up and also being an assistant coach with Phoenix Hagen where we reached the final in the NBBL- Fabian Bleck was my player. 50% of my players never played at a level like JBBL before this season. But I´m sure the Alba Berlin players will go their ways

How big can one rate the JBBL title? I mean you were the underdog since day 1?

You have to rate this very high. We were always the underdog. We lost many close games and had to enter the regulation round. We had to go step by step. When we beat Vechta by 30 points, I realized that this might be a special team. Then we just kept winning and took it one game at a time. When we beat Chemnitz, I knew that they were ready for more.

How was the bus ride home. Some of your players said that they would listen to music and sing. Was it really like that?

Despite the NBBL team losing, the guys still celebrated. The first hour there was a lot of music and it was loud. The NBBL guys were happy for our guys.

I rode the bus to the game with the team both games and you won. Was I the good luck charm?

Hey good, yes you brought us luck. It was all so positive. We had a lot of support from everyone.

If someone had told you in September 2023 that the Baskets junior Oldenburg would win the 2024 JBBL title what would you have thought?

I would of never thought that and declared that person for crazy. We had 2-3 talented kids and 5-6 guys that could play at the level. We thought we would play to stay in the group and we never had playoffs on our minds.

I had the sense on the second bus ride to the gym that your boys had that no fear mentality. Did you also feel that despite playing against the big name Alba Berlin?

Yes I did. I never felt like we had fear. I always told the guys that no matter who we play, just play our game for 40 minutes. Our goal was to play as hard as possible and see if they would be ready for our game.

In the first half Oldenburg were the more energetic and awake team. Did Alba Berlin play scared?

Alba Berlin definitely weren´t there. We were ready. We didn´t prepare anything special for them. We played the same way that we did against Ludwigsburg. It was really nothing special. We also defended the same way.

Oldenburg had control of the game in the second half, but Alba Berlin came back. Did you get tired as a team?

I told the guys not to be afraid to win. I told them to continue to play our game. Of course basketball is always a game of runs. They came back and hit three´s. But we made the last punch and stopped them.

Did Oldenburg want it more at the end?

I think we really did. We were very lucky to have an incredible duo with Klaric and Slingerland. Slingerland is a great motor that kept Klaric´s back free all season long.

Alba Berlin player Jona Drucker took the last shot. What was your feeling when he released it?

We lost him for a second on switch. The ball flew and the world stopped for me. I just thought please don´t go in now. But the game wouldn´t have been over. My players told me after that the shot would of only counted as 2 points.

Djordje Klaric was Top 4 MVP, but couldn´t there have been co MVP´s with Yanu Slingerland?

I think Yanu would have deserved as well. But that isn´t my job to decide. The MVP is only an individual title. For me the whole team was MVP. All his teammates helped him achieve this.

The worth of Djordje Klaric and Yanu Slingerland is indescribable. What do you appreciate most about their games?

Their worth is so big. They are together a big motor. But the others are also so important. We have so many guys doing dirty work. I appreciate their winning mentality the most. They show it in each practice and game. Klaric never wants to lose.

How valuable is Matti Oldiges? Does he sometimes get lost in the shadow of Klaric and Slingerland?

Yes he does. He has made an unbelievable development this season. He is 3 days away from being born in 2010. He is playing already at a high level in the JBBL at his age. The stability he gave us was so valuable. If he hadn´t been able to bring the ball as much as he did then we would have had problems. Klaric can´t do it the whole time. He was one of our most important puzzle pieces in our success.

Talk a little about how valuable Bruno Walz was. How important was his game around the rim against Alba Berlin?

Bruno is very underrated. He has only played since 1,5 years. I remember when he came, he had no idea what he had to do and his shot was horrible. He also has made an unbelievable development this season. He worked hard for minutes and we gave him trust. He is also a great guy. He is like a bear to hug. It is also great to see how happy he is for his play. I remember during the Berlin game he came to me and said, did you see my block on Kemmer. He is so satisfied and happy with everything.

How do you feel did you grow as a coach this season?

There was so much turbulence this season. I knew many of the kids coming into the season. I set many impulses and grew as a coach. It is great that you get rewarded for your work. But it is so incredible how this season came together. When everything works, you really can reach the peak. I also learned a lot form Pedro Calles. I learned how a team culture should be. I´m from the Balkan and follow Serbian basketball. I took a lot form the Serbian U-18 Gold medal team into this season. They also had a Cinderella season like we did.

Djordje Klaric wants to return as JBBL player and thinks they can defend title. What is the next step for you? Will you remain as JBBL coach? It would be fitting wouldn´t it?

Yes of course. After winning the title, next season would be another big challenge. Just because you have the MVP, doesn´t mean the next season will be like the last one. We all have to improve and develop further. I don´t think that another JBBL season would be right for Djordje. The club will make that decision. I don´t know about my situation. Mladen Drjiencic is coming back to head the youth department. We will see what happens with my situation. I enjoy coaching at this level. I will enjoy a few days now and then get ready for the off season work.

Thanks Dejan for the chat.