Bryce Brown (190-SG-1996, college: Auburn) is a 26 year old 190cm shooting guard playing his 5th professional season and first with Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). Last season he split time with Besiktas Icrypex Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) and King Szczecin (Poland-EBL) averaging 12.3ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 67.0%. He played his first 3 pro seasons in the G-League with the Maine Red Claws (NBA G League) averaging 16.1ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 42.8%, FT: 72.5%, Westchester Knicks (NBA G League) averaging 5.4ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 35.7%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 66.7% and the Long Island Nets (NBA G League) averaging 13.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 75.0%. He began his basketball career at Columbia High School and finished at Tucker High School. He played at Auburn (NCAA) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 130 games. In his last 2 seasons he averaged 15.9ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 77.5% and 15.9ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 80.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against ratiopharm Ulm.

Thanks Bryce for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second season overseas and first with Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). After playing in Turkey and Poland last season, what kind of experience has it been playing in France?

So far, playing in France has been great. I find that the schedule is more demanding because we play more games during the week than we did in Poland. I also find that weekly competition is consistently better due to teams having deeper benches. In Poland, we had good teams and players, but the teams were not as deep as they are in France.

Many have the Turkish and France leagues in the top 5 of best leagues in Europe? Would you say the France Pro A league is all around a better league than the Turkish one?

For the time I was in Turkey, the teams I played against were very good. However, I did not play very long in Turkey, so I think it will be unfair of me to place one over the other. I still watch a lot of Turkish basketball and if I was forced to select one over the other as far as overall league quality, I would lean to France because France seems to have more good teams from top – to- bottom.

You have needed no real adjustment time overseas. You had a fine season in Poland and played well in France. How do you feel does your game translate best to the European style?

Thank you for your kind comments. However, I do feel I needed adjustment time in some areas of the European game. However, I had a great coach in Poland and have a great coach in France that teaches very well and I was able to pick up on things fairly well. Playing in Europe is very different than playing in America because Europe basketball is really focused on team play (offensively and defensively). My game translates because I have always been a team focused player. I strive not only to be a great shooter, but I also strive to be the best play maker that my role allows me to be.

Talk a little about your game. To what NBA player would you compare your game and what are your biggest strengths?

As stated above, I think I bring play making and shooting to the table along with knowing what it takes to win the big ones. I think it is important to play with courage and confidence, but not arrogance. I don’t really compare my game to any one NBA player. However, I try to take some things from games of Steph Curry, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker of the Suns. All these guys are great players and I admire many facets of their games that I try very hard to incorporate into my style of play. If I can achieve ¼ of a percent what these guys have achieved on the court, I would be more than satisfied with my career and accomplishments.

You have shown in the last years that you can be a very consistent shooter. What is the biggest challenge in becoming an elite shooter overseas?

The biggest challenge in becoming an elite shooter overseas is patience, taking smart and good shots, earning the trust of teammates by taking shots within the constraints of team play and not allowing success to inject complacency into my work ethic. I continue to work hard on my shooting and skills every day.

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

I am a good one-on-one defender, but I continue to work hard on my overall team defensive skill set. I want to become an elite defender because this will allow me to stay on the court where I can continue to contribute at a high level on both sides of the ball. For us to win big this year, I must continue to strive for elite play in this area of my game.

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

Now, I am aggressively focusing on ball handling and learning more about the point guard role. I don’t think I will ever be a true point guard, but incorporating more point guard skills in my game will improve my overall game play.

Last season you began with Besiktas Icrypex Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) but played only one game. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew you were far away from home? I’m sure living in Istanbul was a culture shock?

My experience in Istanbul was strange. They say timing is everything in life and I think being in Istanbul to start my career was the right place, but the wrong time. I loved the city, the food, the people. However, we had a very young team, and the players did not know each other, and instant success was required. With young players and no chemistry, success is hard to achieve, and I believe this was the main culprit for my short time in Istanbul. My wake-up call was not having my family around for the mentoring and support. Time zones were different, so the amount of game assessment time we had was very limited. Knowing that you can’t jump on the plane and go home over the weekend took a little time to sink in.

You then finished your rookie season strong with King Szczecin (Poland-EBL) averaging 12.3ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 67.0%. You won your first chip and went 3 playoff rounds and beat Slask in the final. What was special about this team and what was your fondest playoff moment?

The team was special because we grew as a team and around midseason, we started to realize that we were good. We had great pieces, great coaching and a great strength and condition regime. When we won our first play-off games with such ease; we thought something special could happen. My fondest moment had to be when we won the championship of course! Also, it was icing on the cake to win MVP.

You played your rookie season with the Maine Red Claws (NBA G League) averaging 16.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 42.8%, FT: 72.5%. You had a strong stretch at the end of the season, but then Covid came. Do you feel like you might have got a NBA call up had Covid not come?

For sure, I was on the radar for a few teams and was expecting a call-up. Again, timing is everything.

You achieved a highlight right as a rookie scoring 43 points against Delaware shooting 11/11 from outside. That is a once in a life time thing. How do you remember that shooting game? Could you of hit shots blindfolded that night?

It is funny, I was in such a zone, I did not even realize that I had hit that many shots. I was just shooting and everything that left my hands seemed perfect. I did not realize that I had hit 10 in a row until someone from the official scoring table told me. I think I could have hit 15 threes that night. However, there nothing special about warm-ups. I did not make any more than my usual number of shots in warm-ups. I thank God for that night. I believe I still hold the Gleague record for the most consecutive 3s made in one game.

In your second season you played with the Westchester Knicks (NBA G League) averaging 5.4ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 35.7%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 66.7%. You averaged 12 less minutes than with Maine. How tough was this season for you and what did you learn from the experience?

I don’t think that most people knew that during that season I was playing with a severe ankle injury that I later had corrected after that season. I injured the ankle in Maine, and it became progressively worse over time. However, I thought I could play through it, but did not have much success doing so. After that season, I had surgery, went through rehab and have not looked back since. So, I write that year off as an injury year and don’t think much about it anymore.

In your third professional season you played with the Long Island Nets (NBA G League) averaging 13.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 75.0%. How do you remember this season? You had some strong stretches but overall how difficult is it to be consistent in the G-League when seemingly everyone is playing for their stats?

It’s true, it is very difficult to be consistent in the G League especially when the rosters can change daily and it did on that team. You have no time to create chemistry and trust among team members. It is also true that I had some great stretches during that season and the word was that I would get a call up opportunity after Christmas. As you know, that never happened. I remember that season as an up and down season for a lot of players because the organization was not committed to building a team and that perception impacted how players went into each game. The team concept never materialized.

Did you lose a little faith in the NBA process after that season?

It is true that I lost some faith in the NBA process after that season. I played very well in the beginning of the year where I saw call ups for players with less high-level performances than I had during that time. To this day, I can’t grasp it.

How big is your NBA goal?

I don’t focus on the NBA as much as I used to. However, playing in the NBA is still a goal for me. For now, I am in a very good situation in France, I am totally focused on helping my team win a championship.

Do you still have back door open should a NBA summer league spot come or training camp spot?

I am not a big fan of NBA summer league. Summer league is designed for the clubs to look at their rookies and unless a club is really interested in you, you become a roster fill piece on NBA summer league teams. Some players still believe that it is possible to break through in the summer league. However, a very small percentage of players are given enough opportunity to break through. Again, it has really become a showcase for the draft picks and not about finding quality players who can step in to help a club. However, I think the opposite of training camps. There are excellent opportunities to be seen at training camps and I always keep the door open for an invite.

What was the best example that you saw in those 3 years where you saw that the NBA will always be a business first?

During those three years, the best examples I saw the NBA executing as a business first is when Knicks, Rockets, Thunder, Pelicans, and Nets go through massive changes. The Rockets, Thunder and Pelicans doubled down on the youth movement and the Knicks and Nets completely overhauled to position themselves to win more. I think the answer is a good balance between youth and experience.

You played at Auburn (NCAA) from 2015-2019. Quantez Robertson played there from 2005-20o9 and then had a legendary 14 year career in Germany with 1 team. Is a guy like that a role model for you for being able to survive so long?

For sure, and that type of career is very possible in Europe.

What memories will you always have from winning the SEC title over Florida?

Well, one small correction. We won the championship against the Tennessee Vols. I will always cherish this moment because it was huge for Auburn Basketball. The team was built from players from my freshman year and sophomore years. We were a very close team and believed that we were the best team in the conference and the nation. It was also an awesome year because we overcame a lot of adversity.

You beat Kentucky as a junior where you had 18 points and held your own against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PJ Washington and as a senior lost 82-80 scoring 28 points and was the best player on the court with future NBA guys like Tyler Hero and Immanuel Quickly. Does a game like this still give you hope for the NBA?

Sure games like this give me hope and reason to believe that if I was afforded the opportunity, I could stick at the NBA level. I think all of those guys are good players, but as you said, I was the best player on some nights when I played against them. You just need for one team to like you!

You reached the NCAA final 4 in 2019 losing to Virgina 63-62. How tough was this loss and have you ever sat through the game again?

The loss was very tough because of the way we lost. You lose a game off free throws because the ref did not see the violation before that play! I will always remember hearing that whistle after the shot with hardly no time on the clock. I have only watched highlights from that game. I don’t think I can view the game again.

You beat North Carolina and Kentucky back in back within 48 hours. What do you remember being your biggest challenge in those 48 hours?

My biggest challenge during those 48 hours was staying focused on the task at hand (winning the championship). I was always taught that you don’t get too high on your success, and you don’t get too low on your failures! Excitement and popularity was building and it took a lot of focus to stay mentally ready and tuned in.

How did head coach Bruce Pearl groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Pearl believed in the full person. I mean, coach Pearl wanted us to be responsible adults, great students, men with good character as well as great basketball players. He believes in family, God, trust, and hard work. All of these elements have become a part of me and prepared me for a solid professional career.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jared Harper?

I would say we split 50/50 on 1-1 challenges. However, Jared and I usually worked on complementing techniques. We would work on things that I could do to help him in games, and he would do the same for me.

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

I would say Terence Davis from Ole Miss now plays with the Kings. Terence was a former football player. He could run, jump, was fast and strong. He worked on his outside game and has become a good NBA player.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Jared Harper, Horace Spencer, Kaiser Gates, Samir Doughty, Chuma Okeke

What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron Curry Jordan Durant

Who is your GOAT and why?

There is always the argument between Lebron and Jordan. I identify with Lebron more because of my age I did not see a lot of MJ. So, I would have to say that Lebron is my modern-day Goat. The reason why he is my Goat is because of his consistent high level of play, his passion for the game and his neverending desire to be the best and getting the best out of his teammates.

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

I thought the first Coming To American was better. The 2nd one was entertaining, but the first one had a better story line.

Thanks Bryce for the chat.

Damien Jefferson (196-F-1997, college: Creighton, agency: Octagon Europe) is a 26 year old 196cm forward from east Chicago Playing his third professional season and first with Filou Oostende (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) currently averaging 16/6/2 in the BNXT league and 14/6/2 in the BCL.. He played his first 2 pro seasons in the G-League with the Stockton Kings and Memphis Hustle. He began his basketball career at East Chicago Central High and then played a season at the University of New Mexico. He then played 3 years at Creighton University (NCAA) playing a total of 87 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg.

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

Right now I am currently playing basketball for Filou Oostende, in Oostende, Belgium. Basketball has been great so far for me and my teammates. Being in Europe for the first time it has been a good experience so far. Obviously I’m away from my family and friends but my teammates have made it easy for me. I feel like I’m in a good position to achieve some personal goals I have as far as some team goals as well

After playing your first 2 seasons in the G-League you are now overseas for the first time in Belgium playing for Oostende. What kind of an experience has it been and what has been the toughest adjustment for you on and off the court?

It’s been a great experience, because I’m around great guys every day and I’m in a great city. On the court it really hasn’t been any tough adjustments because I feel like my game can fit any style of play. I would say off the court The biggest adjustment is being so far away from my son and family, but other than that everything has been good.

You are like your teammate RJ Nembhard overseas for the first time. You both play the same position. I can imagine you have fierce battles on the court. How has he helped your game on the court and have you became friends off the court?

Yeah, it’s been fun going up against RJ because he and I both know that we want to win and when you have two guys that are so competitive and want to win so bad I feel like we have no choice but to get along with each other. We have gotten close with each other in a quick amount of time due to us having that competitive drive.

What has it been like being teammates with Belgium basketball legend Sam Von Rossom? Is he a guy that helped show you the ropes in the early going?

It’s been fun playing with Sam. Just learning from him and learning from his experience of playing overseas for so long. He’s definitely been a guy that has been giving me great advice and tips of playing in Europe. He’s super smart and he is a person who I feel like I can always go to when I need some advice.

You really have needed no adjustment time with your game. What are your goals with your game and What type of player are you now and what type of player do you want to become in your first season overseas?

My goals are to win as many games as possible. All I care about is winning and being a good teammate. Right now I feel like I am an under the radar player but by the end of the season, I want to be a guy people and teams are talking about.

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

If I can compare my game to an NBA players game, I would compare myself to probably Jimmy Butler or Jalen Brown. Those are both two guys who are some of the best two way guys in the NBA who can give you offense and bring a high-level of defense every night.

You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet with ease. How would you describe your game and how present is versatility in your game?

Yeah, I try to be versatile in many ways rather that being a scorer, a rebounder, a passer or a defender. I try to mix it up and not have any limitations in my game. I would describe my game as a do it all type of guy.

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

I feel like right now. I am a lockdown defender. I do a pretty good job of sliding my feet to stay in front of my man and I do a good job of playing the passing lanes.

On what area´s of your game are you working on most so you can keep improving?

Making better decisions with the ball in my hands as far as pick and roll situations and knowing when to score, and knowing when to make the pass to an open teammate. And I’m still working every day on being a more consistent three-point shooter.

You played your first 2 seasons in the G-League. What kind of an experience was that. Give a good example of how the NBA will always be a business first before anything? For example great talented guys getting cut because of roster space or other examples?

Yeah, I mean it’s a business and you have to come and prepare ready to work every day and if not, they will find someone else who will work hard do what they expect of them to do and keep moving forward.

You split your rookie season with Stockton and Memphis. What do you remember being your wake up call to the NBA/G-League?

I would say my wake up call was being traded from Stockton to Memphis. It all happened so fast, and I had no clue that I was going to be traded, but it all worked out in the long run.

In your second season with the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League), you upped your game averaging 10.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 57.2%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 61.4%. How do you feel did your game improve in your sophomore season?

I feel like my game improved because I got used to the style of play the speed and I was familiar with my team and teammates. And I was in a more better situation where I could just relax and play my game.

Was your 25 points in the 1 point win over Austin one of your more memorable games in the G-League?

I would say yes and no because I had a lot of good games while I was in Memphis. But the game I had 25 against Austin. I would never forget that game because it was against Denzel Mahoney and his team and we got the win so that meant a lot and it was cool because I had bragging rights. But some other games I wouldn’t forget would be the games I had against Stockton the team that traded me to Memphis.

You began your college career at New Mexico (NCAA). You stayed only 1 season. What positives do you feel did you gain from that stay?

Some positives I gained from my one year in New Mexico, was constantly putting in work, and allowing myself to learn from the upperclassman.

You then played at Creighton University (NCAA) from 2017-2020 improving your scoring each season. How do you feel did your game grow in those 3 seasons?

My game grew every year with the situation and role that I was put in. Every year, I gained more and more confidence while playing under coach McDermott and obviously with the hard work that I’ve put in during the summer.

You played in 2 NCAA tournaments losing to TCU and Gonzaga. Which loss hurt more?

Well obviously losing both games hurt, but I would say the one that hurt the most was the Gonzaga one. Why because everything we went through that season and still make it to the sweet sixteen was everything anyone could ask for.

You had many great games in the NCAA but where do you rate your near triple double against St Johns? How much fun was that game?

That game was very fun. I didn’t know I almost had a triple double until I got subbed out in the second half with like a minute to go. It was funny because my teammates wanted to sub back in just to get it but I was too tired. I was just happy we got the win.

How did head coach Greg McDermott groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

As far as playing for him and playing in a pro style offense I think it helped my game out a lot. He put me in different situations that best suited the team and I feel like not only did I have good success with the way we played but the team had good success as well. Not only did he help me as a basketball player, but he also helped me grow up as a man and that’s something I’ll always cherish.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Denzel Mahoney?

Unfortunately, me and Denzel never played against each other in a one, but I’m sure if we did I would win.

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

Being in the Big East conference I matched up with a lot of talented players during my years at Creighton University. Guys who aren’t in the NBA such as, Markus Howard and Myles Powell. But a player I would say who gave our team the most problems is James Bouknight who is currently playing for the Charlotte Hornets

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I’ve had a lot of good teammates so to just name 5 of them is pretty hard lol. But I would have to say my best teammates I’ve played with of all time are my high school teammates Hyron Edwards and Jermaine Couisnard, and my Creighton teammates from the year 2020-21

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Lebron James Kevin Durant

Who is your GOAT?

My GOAT is Michael Jordan. Why, because of the way he played the game. His competitive drive to be the best and to make his teammates better. In my eyes he was the perfect basketball player.

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 do feel like there are some movies that shouldn’t be touched and that’s one of them.

Thanks Damien for the chat.

Keith Hayes II (178-PG, college: William Jewell) is a 178cm guard from Little Rock, Arkansas that is playing his second season with the Accent Baskets Salzkotten (Germany-Regionalliga).In 21-22 he played with the Sunkings Saarlouis (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 10.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 86.4%. He played his first 2 pro seasons with SG MTV/BG Wolfenbuettel (Germany-2.Regionalliga) averaging 30.6ppg and in his second season averaged 28.4ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 52.2%, FT-9 (97.1%. He began his basketball career with McClellan High School and then played a season at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell (NCAA) playing 23 games averaging 6.1ppg, 1.4rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 81.5%. He then transferred to Panola College (JUCO) playing 35 games averaging 6.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 81.4%. he then finished school at William Jewell College (NCAA2) averaging 18.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 85.0% as a junior and as a senior averaged 21.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 87.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his career.

Keith thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your third season with Accent Baskets Salzkotten (Germany-Regionalliga). Is it fair to say that Salzkotten has become like a second home to you?

Yes I’m very familiar with the Salzkotten area, team and management. We had a great season last year and I felt it was the right decision to return.

What has been so special playing with the Accent Baskets Salzkotten (Germany-Regionalliga)?

I think our (players) chemistry on the court plus the relationships off the court are special, this makes us a close group of teammates. Coach Martin is doing a nice job of preparing us to be ready to play, while management is good and reliable. Also, the atmosphere is nice from the amazing supportive fans.

The club moved up to the Regionalliga this season. How confident are you that the club will remain in the Regionalliga?

I believe we have a good chance to stay in the league. Our goal is to make the playoffs and defend home court. I’m confident that coach will prepare us and we will be ready to compete each weekend.

You came late to the Sunking Saarlouis in the 21-22 season. What memories will you always have playing with Mr Regionallia Ricky Easterling?

I will remember how serious Ricky focused on his preparation and details of the game. I was able to take away from this and saw how he translated things to the games.

Despite all the turbulence that the world experienced with COVID how blessed were you to be playing professional basketball again with SG MTV/BG Wolfenbuettel (Germany-Regionalliga)

I was very blessed, fortunate and grateful to be able to play professional basketball with the state of what our world was in. Faith in Christ comes 1st in my life and I know without him nothing is possible.

How did you experience COVID-19 in the States? What do you feel was the most challenging thing that you faced in this time on a daily basis on and off the court?

I am originally from Little Rock, Arkansas and COVID-19 slowed things down a lot in the state over the Spring and everyone was in quarantine mode. I used this time to connect with family and take a mental break from society. The most challenging thing was finding gym time or a place to work out and stay active. I like to plan and have a routine and this was difficult to do during this time. So the biggest challenge was staying in shape and active

Some players had no difficulty staying in shape and finding court time while other guys struggled. How was it for you? Were you able to do all the things you normally can during COVID-19 or was it more of a challenge?

In Arkansas it was tough and gym space was limited. I would go to an outside park and shoot by myself but I found a private gym in Kansas City, Missouri area where I graduated college and moved there and began to train again with former coaches and trainers.

How do you feel did COVID-19 make you stronger as a man?

I grew a lot more in my Faith in Christ and allowed me to have more time to reflect on life. I was able to rekindle relationships with my immediate family that I was not able to do once I was in college and moved away a lot. Also, made me think outside the box more and grind harder, smarter and be more appreciative of normal daily life that we take for granted.

Congrats on winning the Regionalliga 2 title with SG MTV/BG Wolfenbuettel (Germany-Regionalliga). What was so special about that team that enabled you to do amazing things on the court?

T
Thanks! Our team was special last season and we had a goal, worked hard and stayed focused all season. Chemistry and roles were the reason we played well last year, I believe everyone just

wanted the best for the team. Coach kept us hungry and never satisfied. My teammates came prepared and we just wanted to do something special for the city. I will remember this team forever.

What kind of an experience was it being the lone American on a team that had only Germans? How do you feel did you grow as a leader in the championship season?

It was definitely an adjustment but there were people in management who were doing their best to make me feel as comfortable as possible of the court and my teammates included me in everything and we bonded well on and off the court. My roommate Mirko Derek from Croatia taught me a lot about Europe and Germany as well. I am naturally a leader by example and as the season went on and my teammates gained trust in me, I showed them mutual respect and they respected me as well. Also, my teammate Henja Galapagos was someone I learned a lot from on and off the court. He was my Vet and I learned how to be more of a floor general and control the game. Off the court he constantly invited me to things and offered me things as well. He showed me a lot of German lifestyle.

You averaged 30,0ppg as a rookie. Did it at times feel like you were a man among kids in this league just the way you dominated?

It was fun for sure! I was taught that you get out what you put in and to always respect the game. It was odd at times because I was often the youngest on the court but the best perhaps. I have played high level basketball since I was about 8 years old, but the people we played last year this wasn’t the case always so I just did what I was supposed to do and not play down to the level because I have dreams of playing in the NBA one day so I know it starts here for my professional career.

You scored 40 points in the first game in the Regionalliga. What have you seen to be the biggest difference for you personally in both leagues?

Yes, another fun game and testament to the work I put in this summer as well. So far, this league has better overall basketball players and is more physical.

You’re a 178cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would say Isaiah Thomas (Celtics), Brandon Jennings. I like Isolation ball and I’m left handed so James Harden.

In the last years you have turned into an explosive scorer. This transformation occurred at William Jewell College (NCAA2). What do you feel was most responsible for you making such a huge jump as a scorer?

I was an explosive scorer out of high school but I believe my first 2 years of college I was in systems and in situations where I wasn’t allowed to play my game and be myself so my window of opportunity was smaller. The biggest reason I chose to go to Jewell was because the coaching staff understood and wanted me to play my game and be the explosive scorer I am.

Obviously you are a great scorer, but what other attributes do you feel does your game showcase?

I see myself as a playmaker as well. I am unselfish and I want to make the right, high percentage play. I can control tempo and my on ball defense is pretty good because I am able to move my feet well and cut off angles.

You have never averaged more than 2,0apg in school. Do you feel like you could propel your creating as a professional player?

Yes and this is one thing that I would like to increase but still be myself. I know that I will try and make the right decision every time so if I have weapons around me I could avg 5 ast for sure. Often, I have been in situations where I am the receiver.

On what things are you working on most with your game so it will help you to continue to make the rise up the basketball ladder?

Working on Ball Screen offense & defense. Different finishes in the lane: floaters, euro of both legs. Deep Range 3

You have played JUCO, NCAA 2 and even had solid stats in the NCAA. At 178cm, how big is the chip on your shoulder and how often have you had to hear the annoying words ‘your too small’?

I have a huge chip on my shoulder but it’s to prove to myself first actually because once I do that then I know I have proven it to others because I’m my biggest critique. I hear these words often and pushes me to go harder and I know that is a big reason why I’m not in certain situations but I have to keep going and believing.

I’m sure you watched some BBL games of Braunschweig last season. When you see that level, is that one where you believe that you can compete at?

I’ve watched 3 BBL Games in Person and I believe I can compete at a high level in this league, given an opportunity.

You began your basketball career at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell (NCAA) playing 23 games averaging 6.1ppg, 1.4rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 81.5%. What memories do you have of this year and why did you depart after only one?

This year was good for me because it was the first year I hit adversity in my basketball career. I was around players that if you didn’t come ready to play you would get exposed. It taught me talent alone isn’t enough and making better decisions is important as well. Personally, I didn’t fit well in the Umass Lowell system of basketball (style of play) and also player development is huge for me and I didn’t think I would get that there.

Did you know that ex teammate Jahad Thomas played in Germany last season? What memories do you have of him as a teammate?

Yes I did. He was a great mentor and teammate. He was the leader of the team and I stayed with him on road trips and absorbed knowledge from him constantly. He had a relentless work ethic and it rubbed off on me and other teammates as well.

You had some exciting wins over Sacred Heart and Cornell, but how memorable was it beating well known Boston College 68-66?

Ah man it was great! To beat a ACC team and it was my head coaches former school. That was a great memory and I was just happy for our coaching staff.

You then played a season at Panola College (JUCO) playing 35 games averaging 6.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 81.4%. What kind of wake up call was it for you coming from the NCAA to the JUCO?

My former High School coaches informed me about JUCO and I am a history major so I did research myself and I knew going in that it would be a challenge. Also, I knew people that I went to High School with that went JUCO and I knew they were high level players as well. I broke my ankle prior to attending the school so I was in recovery mode and that’s how this season went for me. It was a total grind and finding myself again and I’m truly grateful for the experience. JUCO is very underrated and some of the best athletes I’ve been around were at Panola.

Often Players that I interview that played in the JUCO say that this is a very tough league to play in, but it helped them mature. How was your season in JUCO and how did your game benefit from it?

Playing JUCO in East Texas felt like Division 1 basketball at times ecovering from an injury and at my size relying on quickness and explosion. It was tough for me because JUCO as a whole had the most athletic players. It made me stronger and once I got back in to shape, I realized how to overcome athleticism and height/length even more.

You then finished at William Jewell College (NCAA2) putting up huge stats in both seasons averaging 18.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 85.0% and 21.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 87.6%. What kind of a player did you become here?

I went back to myself I would say. A prolific, efficient scorer. I was given an opportunity to be a lead man again and a very trusting coaching staff and the rest was history. I credit it to my whole William Jewell Coaching Staff especially the Great Larry Holley and the person who recruited me Jimmie Williams.

You had many memorable games at William Jewel. What memories do you have of the tight 76-75 victory over Drury where you steered home 14 points?

Drury was always a tough, emotional game so beating them was all that matters and you just wanted to do it for your team, school and fans. I wanted to make big shots or make big plays in games like this.

How proud are you of your ex teammate Pharroh Gordon for also making a career overseas? What will you always appreciate most about him on and off the court?

Very Proud of him and happy for him. I saw his grind everyday especially our Junior year as roommates, waking up 5am/6 am to get extra workouts in with our trainer Tom O’Brien. He was a very tactical player which is opposite to me so I would learn from him and try to get his perspective on the game. Off the court he had European vibes and I like fashion so he and I would talk a lot on that. We had a Joel Embid and Ben Simmons relationship. I was cool, laid back and chilled a lot (Joel Embid) and he was pretty active and outgoing more like Simmons but on the court we got each other and we wanted to win.

How did head coach Larry Holley groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He taught me more off the court than on, He is a great man and is a person I aspire to be. He taught me to enjoy every day like it’s your last and to genuinely care for others. He showed me that your hard work and dedication will get noticed. He taught great ethics, morals and taught us how to be upstanding men in our community and be positive influences. The energy he brought everyday taught me that I needed to be even more grateful and motivated because it was a prime example of greatness. It was an honor playing for him, he trusted Coach Jimmie Williams and stayed true to his word of giving me another opportunity to prove myself and I tried to hold my end of the stick as well.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Byron Harp?

Byron was a tough match up and one of the best guards I have played with. He took a lot of pressure off me and I could rely on him. Its basketball so someone will get the best of you at times. But, in a 1-on 1 match up its me lol.

Who was the best player that you ever battled in your life that made it to the NBA?

I have played with or against a lot of NBA Players but not necessarily battled them.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

1.Karson Hayes (High School)
2.Andre Jones (High School)
3.Pernell Adgai (Panola)
4.Eysan Wiley (William Jewell)
5.Patrick Whelan (William Jewell

Please list your personal own NBA Rushmore of past or present NBA players?

MJ, Kobe, Lebron, Steph

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

Lol I don’t like how they skip over Kobe actually, he was more like Jordan to me personally but Jordan is the GOAT.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Uncut Gems

When you hear the word New Hampshire, the first word that could come to mind is beautiful state. It is located in the north east part of the United States and has breathtaking landscape and has less than 1,5 million inhabitants. Some other things that come to mind is the beautiful granite that is all over the place, nice mountain area’s to go sking for a day and also in politics as having the second primary in the presidential election voting cycle. Basketball is something that doesn’t come to mind when talking about the state New Hampshire. It has a few pro baseball clubs, but no pro basketball team. On the other hand it does have college basketball teams. It has 2 schools with New Hampshire and Dartmouth battling in the NCAA and 3 schools in division 2 with Franklin Pierce, Southern New Hampshire and Saint Anselm. That I would actually be visiting a game between St Anselm and Southern New Hampshire is something I normally wouldn’t have done, but it isn’t every day you can see a German kid competiting and of course it has a special flair when he is the son of a legendary German player. Before I walked into the small gym that had seating only on 2 sides, I inspected the roster on the wall as there were fotos of all the players. And there he was #22 Elias Rodel. I raced into the gym and caught both schools in Warmups: I looked for 22 and there he was taking shots and smiling and having a good time. He was a lot taller than the last time I had seen him. A lot can happen in 6,5 years especially with the growth spurt of a young man between 15-21. I last saw Elias Rodl (198-F) in May 2017 as he had helped the Alba Berlin U-16 JBBL team together with current NBA player Franz Wagner win the German title. He kind of had slipped my mind since the last years. By chance, I had come across his name and when I saw he played at St Anselm, I felt it was worth a trip. I was by chance on a short visit in New England to visit family, so watching him play came in handy. It really is a small basketball world as Elias Rodl is living the student-basketball life at St Anselm college in New Hampshire.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Elias Rodl after he helped Alba Berlin win the 2017 JBBL(U-16) title in Frankfurt Germany

Elias Rodl was born on May 22, 2002 in Berlin Germany. He is the son of Henrik Rodl who won the 1993 NCAA title with North Carolina and won 10 titles with Alba Berlin. He lived in Berlin until he was 8 years old and then moved to Trier as his dad took on the job as TBB Trier head coach. He lived in Trier from ages 8-14. There he played JBBL (u-16). Then he returned back to Berlin and would play JBBL and NBBL as Covid was in full swing He achived a lot of success with Alba Berlin winning back to back JBBL (U-16) titles in 2017 and 2018 playing with guys like Nolan Adekunle, Evans Rapique and Hendrik Warner. I remember the second win well. We had an easy time beating Ludwigsburg in the semi’s despite them having a tough Ariel Huckporti. In the final we played FC Bayern Munich. I remember Munich had Sasha Grant. He had been playing NBBL, but they had him play in the JBBL final which I felt a bit unfair. We were down by 15, but came back and won by 14 points to win the title’, remembered Elias Rodl. His game grew a lot in his time with Alba Berlin especially under the guidance of coach Vladimir Bogojevic. Vladi really helped my game a lot. He helped me learn discipline. He didn’t just teach me to play basketball well, but how to play it the right way’, stressed Elias Rodl. In the first JBBL win, he was teammates with a skinny lanky kid by the name of Franz Wagner who was a #1 NBA draft pick in 2021 and now in his third year with the Orlando Magic. The next season, Wagner helped the Alba Berlin NBBL (U-19) team secure the title. The growth in his game in one season was incredible. He was as big as me in 2017, but in the next year he made a huge growth spurt. He was so talented. After that season there was no stopping him. He developed further where ever he was with Alba Berlin and Michigan and continues to do so in the NBA. He is always calm and collected. He is 210cm and can bring the ball like a point guard. He was a good teammate. He is very confident, but was never arrogant. He is always positive and in a good mood. We were never great freinds, but we understood each other well. I don’t want to ask for too much, but when he is in Boston and plays against the Celtics, he gives me something like 2-4 tickets’, added Elias Rodl. But his ex Alba teammates also have nice memoriers of him. I have very fond memories of our youth days with Alba Berlin. Wehad numerous successful years and pushed each other to become better since we played the same position. I could always count on him off the court. We really did a lot together and had cool memories. We still have contact today which makes me happy’, stated Fraport Skyliner Nolan Adekunle.

Elias Rodl at Saint Anselm in 2023

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Elias Rodl at Saint Anselm in November 2023

He would remain with Alba Berlin a few more years playing NBBL and also played with their farm team Lok Bernau. It wasn’t an easy time dealing with Covid, but he made the most out of it. He then came to the decision to cross the pond in 2021 to start a new challenge at St Thomas More a prep school in Connecticut. Some notable basketball alumni that have laced on their sneakers there have been Andre Drummond, Eric Pashall, Yuta Wantanabe and Damion Lee. I had come to a point where I had to make the decision, do I want to just play Pro B or do I want to go to the United States and pursue the student/basketball life’, stressed Elias Rodl. The influx of German basketball players going to high school’s and colleges have been abundant in the last 10 years and the adjustment period isn’t always easy, but he had no problems with that: I had been in the states every summer as a kid. So for me it was more about just being away from home for so long. 5 months away is a long time’, said Elias Rodl. Being able to play at St Thomas More was vital in his preparation for later coming to Saint Anselm. They played the same college rules so that helped me a lot. I was able to get used to the physicality and athleticism’, commented Elias Rodl. He helped the school to 25 wins and were a 6th six seed in the NEPSAC Class AAA Tournament.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing 1993 NCAA champion with North Carolina and German basketball legend Henrik Rodl at the 2009 BBL all star game in Mannheim, Germany

In the 2022-2023 season he took a new step and challenge enrolling at St Anselm which is a private Benedictine liberal arts college in Goffstown, New Hampshire about 10 minutes from Manchester. In his first season he played 16 games averaging 3,0ppg in 8,6 minutes per game. It has definately not been an easy ride for him so far. I started the first games, but had some bad games and foot problems. I was out of the rotation after that. I came back near the end of the season and came from the bench averaging about 10 minutes per game. It was a tough freshman year not knowing what to expect. I was up and down, but we did win the league title’, said Elias Rodl. His best scoring games occured in his first 2 games as he hit RMC and Daemen for 8 points a piece. One player that really was by his side in his freshman year was current senior Matt Becker. He is a great defender that is lanky, but very intelligent and can hit the three pointer. He is a calm guy and definately helped me find into the system. He was always very patient with me when I asked for advice’, added Elias Rodl. He plays for ambitious and demanding head coach Keith Dickson who is in his 17th year at Saint Anselm and has won 3 Northeast-10 titles. Coach is very stubborn, but very truthful. I respect his style. He will tell you directly if he likes something or doesn’t. He has been on me to keep improving my game’, stated Elias Rodl. So far this season. It hasn’t begun well for him as he has only collected DNP’s. But he is very ambitious and wants to play. I want to play more and win. You don’t always have to play much tob e successful. My goal ist o win. I try not to set that season goal, but just go day by day and try to get better each day’, warned Elias Rodl. He isn’t only surrounded by Americans, but the team is very international with 2 guys from Australia and one from Ireland. ‘It is cool to play with different nationalities. You get a good taste of what different cultures are about’, said Elias Rodl. He likes the game of German sharp shooter Andi Obst and ist a player that has a a solid mid range game and can score in many ways. Currently he is working most on his defense and ball handling. Defense has never been a strength of mine. I want to become more of a solid defender and just be smart’, warned Elias Rodl. Last season his dad who currently is coaching in Egypt visited him on campus and like so many other father’s of players has been a massive influence in his life on and off the court. He has helped me my whole life with my game. He helped me learn the basics and we also watched a lot of film. He is also a good father’, warned Elais Rodl. It will be interesting to see not only how his game continues to develop in the next years, but when he will finally be a normal rotation player. One thing I won’t forget from my visit to Saint Anselm was our interview. It is very seldom that I conduct interviews with German palyers in english. I remember intervieiwing Maodo Lo in english simply because I wanted to see how good his english was since he also played in the NCAA at Columbia. There are only 2 other Germans on campus. I hardly talk any German anymore’, smiled Elias Rodl. This kid will definatley go his path. In 3 years we will know if he will play professionally or go into the working world with a job possibly in the business world. Until then he will get enriched further by the American culture.

JaCorey Williams (203-C-1994, college: MTSU) is a 29 year old 203cm center from Birmingham, Alabama playing his 7th professional season and first with KK Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (Montenegro-Erste Liga). He palyed his first 2 pro seasons for G-League team Canton Charge averaging 15.6ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 61.4%, and 15.2ppg, 7.0rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 65.3%. Then he came overseas and has played in countries like Israel for Hapoel Galil Gilboa (Israel-Winner League) averaging 8.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 49.5%, FT: 50.0%, Hyundai Mobis Phoebus (South Korea-KBL) averaging 5.7ppg, 3.6rpg, 2FGP: 56.0%, FT: 45.0%, PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece-A1), Dolomiti Energia Trento (Italy-Serie A) averaging 17.8ppg, Reb-5 (7.8rpg), 1.2apg, FGP: 57.8%, FT: 69.0%; JL Bourg Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA), averaging 8.4ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 55.9%, FT: 43.1%; Eurocup: 15 games: 9.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 59.8%, FT: 46.5% and for Gevi Napoli Basket (Italy-Serie A) averaging 15.1ppg, Reb-3 (7.9rpg), 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 63.1%, FT: 43.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against ratiopharm Ulm.

Thanks JaCorey for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your 6th season overseas and have played in countries like Israel, South Korea, Greece, Italy, France and Montenegro. Do you feel like a basketball globetrotter and what have you enjoyed most about the life style?

Yes I do feel like a globetrotter in a way because I have played at least one game in any country you can think of in Europe. The thing I enjoy most is meeting new teammates and sharing and listening to stories about different experiences while playing in Europe and Asia. I also enjoy seeing new countries and trying comparing food from different countries.

Your playing for KK Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (Montenegro-Erste Liga) this season. What kind of an experience has Montenegro been after having played in France and Italy the last 3 years. Has it been an adjustment living in a country like Montenegro?

Montenegro is a bit small but surprisingly nice here in Podgorica. I didn’t know much about the country before so I didn’t know what to expect. Living here has not been a big adjustment at all other than it being small. The food is good and the living is good as well

This season your playing Eurocup again. You played in this competition a few years ago in Italy having a very strong season. How do you feel has your game grown in the past 2 years that will help you be another dominant player in Eurocup?

I feel like I have always been an aggressive player offensively and defensively but I feel that I can read the game a little better now. I have a better idea of when to get my teammates involved and when to attack for myself. Defensively I’m always smaller than my opponent, particular in the post. I am better at using my energy and quickness to disrupt the rhythm of the bigger post players. I think I can continue to get better in these areas and become dominant in Eurocup again this year.

Your teammates with ex NBA player Brandon Paul. What has it been like being his teammate? How inspiring is a guy like him who began overseas and then reached the NBA?

It’s always great to have that type of experience on a team because they can help you stay motivated because they have seen a lot more in their career. A guy like Brandon is motivation because he is a great example of someone who stayed in his own lane and although he didn’t go immediately to the NBA he eventually achieved that goal by working hard overseas.

Last season you played for Gevi Napoli Basket (Italy-Serie A,) averaging 15.1ppg, Reb-3 (7.9rpg), 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 63.1%, FT: 43.0%. It was your second season balling in Italy. Was Naples one of those cities that you will never forget? What did you enjoy most there about the city?

Naples is definitely a city I will never forget because of the passion of the fans and the city. They really want to win there and they have a fan base similar to some euro league teams in my opinion. The thing I enjoyed most was the weather and the food there in Naples.

Two season ago you played for JL Bourg Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 8.4ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 55.9%, FT: 43.1%; and in the Eurocup averaged 9.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 59.8%, FT: 46.5%. Scoring wise not one of your better seasons. You seemed to play better in the Eurocup competition. What memories do you have of that season?

The year in France was by far the most difficult season for me because we had a great team that underachieved in my opinion. The players (American and French) did not agree with the coaching style and we never really found a rhythm and we never reached our full potential as a team. I think I played better in Eurocup competition because I had already had experience playing in the Eurocup.

What was it like being teammates with former NBA champion Norris Cole of the Miami Heat? Was there a game that will always remain in your memory with him?

Norris was a guy that brought a lot of experience to our team and he came a little too late in my opinion. He shared all of the great stories from the Championship teams he played on in Miami. The best memory I have with him in a game was the first game he played when he arrived where he scored 20 points which seemed effortless in my opinion.

In the 2020-2021 season you played with Dolomiti Energia Trento (Italy-Serie A) averaging 17.8ppg, Reb-5 (7.8rpg), 1.2apg, FGP: 57.8%, FT: 69.0%; and in the Eurocup averaged 15.0ppg, Reb-3 (7.4rpg), 1.1apg, FGP: 58.6%, FT: 68.1%. Despite Covid being in full swing, is it fair to say this was your best season overseas?

Trento was definitely my best season overseas. I had the most confidence and shot the best from the free throw line in my overseas career. Covid was difficult for all of us to play through but to be able to play great through that year was definitely tough for me but it also showed me that I had another level I could reach as player and in life.

In the 19-20 season you split time with Hyundai Mobis Phoebus (South Korea-KBL) averaging 5.7ppg, 3.6rpg, 2FGP: 56.0%, FT: 45.0%, and in Jan.’20 moved to PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece-A1) averaging 9.0ppg, 6.8rpg. How tough was this season? After moving from South Korea to Greece, Covid came and wiped out the season. What did you learn from this season?

This season was tough because I did not feel I had the opportunity to prove myself in Asia because the minutes were not there for me. I moved back to Europe for that reason and Covid came unexpectedly. That year was tough because I felt like I had something to prove to myself and I just wanted to play at a high level because I knew I was capable of that. Covid also made me realize that some things in life are out of my control and I have to control only what I can control and do my best when I have to opportunity to do so.

In Greece you were teammates with Bobby Brown, a guy that came overseas and then reached the NBA in 2008, then returned overseas in 2010 and came back to the NBA in 2016. This guy has seen it all? Was he a player that one could bond with off the court?

Bobby has definitely seen it all especially in the basketball world. He has played almost everywhere in the world and has a lot of experience. Bobby was definitely a cool guy to bond with off the court. He showed us around the city and often held game nights at his house that he invited us to. One of the best vets I have played with in my career.

You played your first 2 pro seasons in the G-League playing 100 games for Canton and each season almost had identical stats with 15/7. Do you feel like you were ever close to a NBA call up? Especially at the end of your rookie season you had many 20 * plus point games.

Although I played great in the g league, I feel like I was never close to a call up because of how the game was changing and becoming more of a three point shooting league. Yes I feel like if I had the chance I could produce at that level but I never thought I would get that call up because of my play style which was effective but more of an inside game. At my size I feel it would have been tough to do in the NBA.

Was there an example you remember seeing where you saw that the NBA will be a business first before anything else? You know for example like a great player getting released for roster space etc?

Yes I saw it my first year in the g league when I was teammates with John Holland. He was a small piece to the Cavs roster to most people but everyone on the inside knew what John Holland brought to that team and he was waived without and warning or notification. It also happened during one of our g league games so no one knew about it until we came to the locker room. That’s when I knew it was all about business no matter what you have given to a team over the years.

Near the end of your rookie season you played briefly with Hapoel Galil Gilboa (Israel-Winner League) averaging 8.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 49.5%, FT: 50.0%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being with a NBA G-League team?

That year taught me that overseas basketball is played much different from the way the game is played in the g league and my wake up call was that if I ever wanted to make it to the NBA and not come overseas then I really had a lot of work to do to try to make that happen for me. It was really different for me in Israel and I didn’t know if I would be able to adjust to being overseas after that first year.

You played 3 season for the University of Arkansas (NCAA) playing a total of 96 games. You never averaged more than 4,8ppg. How tough were these 3 years. Could you gain anything positive from this time?

Being at Arkansas taught me how to persevere through difficult times and to always work hard even when things don’t go your way. Basketball wasn’t going my way there and I needed that to happen for me to be where I am today

You reached the NCAA tournament your junior year and played 18 minutes in the loss to North Carolina. Was that one of your fondest memories on the court?

That was one of the biggest games I’ve played in during my college career and I could never forget the atmosphere during that game. North Carolina had a great team with great size and I will always have the memory in my head from that game.

You then finished at Middle Tennessee State University (NCAA) averaging 17.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 54.6%, 3PT: 13.3%, FT: 69.6%. Was this one of the best decisions in your life deciding to go there?

Going to MTSU was by far the best decision In my life. I needed a new team and new coach after the bad experience in Arkansas and that’s exactly what I got. I was taught more about the details of basketball and that’s what helped me become a better player.

How did head coach Kermit Davis help groom and prepare you for a professional career?

He helped me focus on the small details of the game because the talent was there. He taught my team to stay disciplined on the court even if we were winning the game and that stayed with me even as a professional.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Reggie Upshaw?

Me and Reggie always battled at practice but I never lost at practice haha

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

I can name a few players from Kentucky. Julius Randle, Devin Booker, Karl Anthony-Towns.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Bobby Portis, Norris Cole, Kj Mcdaniels, Zach LeDay, Kobi Simmons

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Micheal Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant

Who is your GOAT and why?

My goat is Lebron James not only because of talent but because he lived up to every expectation that people thought he should be and more. On top of that he did it with many doubters!

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

Haha I actually have never seen Coming to America don’t hate me.

Thanks JaCorey for the chat.

Blake Francis (183-PG-1998, college: Richmond) is a 25 year old 183cm guard from Chantill,y, Virginia playing his third professional season and first overseas with the Medipolis Science City Jena (Germany-ProA). Last season he played with the Cleveland Charge (NBA G League) averaging 9.4ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 77.8% and with the Montreal Alliance (Canada-CEBL) averaging 19.3ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 92.1%. He played his rookie season with the at Westchester Knicks (NBA G League) averaging 9.3ppg, 1.4rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 35.5%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 85.7%,and played 3 games with the Capital City Go-Go´s (NBA G League) averaghing 4.0ppg. He also played with the Newfoundland Growlers (Canada-CEBL) averaging 15.3ppg, 1.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 84.2%. He began his basketball career at / Westfield High School leaving as the all-time leading scorer with1,390 career points. He bergan his basketball career at Wagner College (NCAA) averaging 7.2ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 75.0% and averaging 17.3ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.7apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 80.6%. He then finished his NCAA career at the University of Richmond (NCAA) averaging 17.7ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 80.5% and 16.1ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 75.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Pro A game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks Blake for talking to germanhoopscom. Your playing your third professional season and first in Germany with Jena. How have you experienced Germany? What do you like most about the country?

It’s been good so far. I think what I like most so far is the area I am at is kind of quiet. I´m a laid back person so it fits my personality.

What have you appreciated the most about the organization of Jena? Do you sense that’ serious ambition of getting back to the easyCredit BBL?

The structure and professionalism of the organization is what I appreciate the most. That is definitely the goal is to get this organization back in the BBL.

The team has started off well. How much potential does the club have in becoming a top defensive team in the Pro A?

I think we can be a great defensive team. Guys on the team have definitely bought into how coach wants us to play so far, we just have to stay consistent.

The team has many talented Americans but explain a bit how special a guy like Rasheed Moore is on the court? Could his middle name be Mr versatility?

Rasheed is very important to our team. He can guard guys 1 through 5 and is like the glue guy on our team who does a little bit of everything.

After playing your first 2 seasons in the G-League, you have needed no adjustment period to the Euro game as you supplying solid stats. What has been your secret to being able to adjust so well?

I think it’s just me playing my game to be honest. Being a scorer/playmaker has been something I have always done in my career and I just try to stay consistent.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 183cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I have had people compare my game to Kemba Walker and Isaiah Thomas, so those are probably the two that most people say and I would agree.

Is it fair to say that you’re a scoring point guard? One season you averaged 3,9apg in the G-League.

Yes I would say so, that has been my role on most teams I have played on. But I also love to play make for my teammates and get them involved as well.

You can fill the stat sheet with ease. What other strengths does your game have?

I think my defense is one of my strengths. My ability to stay in front of my man and put pressure on the ball is something I take pride in.

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

I think I am a good defender, I definitely want to become an elite defender and learn how to be more of a crafty defender when guarding guys who are bigger than me

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

I think I work on pretty much everything on a daily basis right now. Just trying to stay consistent and watching film on myself is what helps improve my game for me.

You played the last 2 seasons in the G-League. Did you lose faith in the NBA process after 2 years?

No, I have not lost faith in the NBA process. That is still a goal of mine down the line.

What did you learn about the NBA the last 2 years where you saw that it will be always a business first?

I learned a lot, and learned that it is definitely a business first before anything, which is a tough part of the process, but staying level-headed through all of it is something that helps.

Last season you played with the at Cleveland Charge (NBA G League) averaging 9.4ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 77.8%. You had 2 great games against Long Island and Maine scoring 26 games proving you belonged. You were teammates with guys like Nate Hinton and Isaiah Mobley. What do you feel is still missing from your game to reach that level?

I don’t really feel like anything is missing from my game. I just think if the opportunity ever presents itself, I just have to be ready to take full advantage of it.

In your rookie season you played 12 G-League games for the at Westchester Knicks (NBA G League) and Capital City Go Go´s. What do you remember being your wake up call to being in the G-League?

I guess just the speed and athleticism is something that is different. Guys are definitely athletic and can move fast in the G-League.

How tough is it making a name in the G-League when you aren’t a player that the club is looking at? How did you go about being present on a daily basis?

It’s very tough, but it’s all a mindset thing. For me, I just tried to take advantage of any opportunity I got and make the most of it, and let whatever happens after that.

In your short stay with Capital City you were teammates with long time NBA veteran Greg Monroe. How do you remember him? Was he a guy that would connect with everyone?

Yeah, he was a great teammate to have. Young guys on the team could ask him for advice about anything with him being an NBA veteran.

You also played 2 summers with the Newfoundland Growlers (Canada-CEBL) averaging 15.3ppg, 1.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 84.2% and with the Montreal Alliance (Canada-CEBL) averaging 19.3ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 92.1%. What could you take out of the CEBL? It seems to be a league on the rise?

The CEBL is a competitive league and it was fun playing in that league. It has potential to be on the rise for a top spring/summer league that guys could have opportunities to play in.

You played at Wagner (NCAA) from 2016-2018 and made a huge jump in your game. How important were your 2 years at Wagner playing for Bashir Martin for the development of your game?

My two years at Wagner were big for my confidence. I gained a lot of confidence and it kind of took off from there.

You had many memorable games at Wagner like hitting Bryant for 29 points. What was your fondest on court moment at Wagner?

I think winning the regular season championship title was my best memory at Wagner.

You played your last 2 NCAA years at Richmond averaging 17.7ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 80.5% and.1ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 75.0%. You reached the NIT Elite 8 in 2021. What memories do you have of that time?

Unfortunately, I got injured towards the end of that season and could not play in the NIT.

In your senior year you beat Kentucky and scored 18 points. Was that one of your fondest moments in the NCAA?

I think that was one of my favorite memories was beating Kentucky and also beating Wisconsin in the Barclays Center in NYC.

How fierce were the battles with Jacob Gilyard. How much does his journey drive you to keep grinding? He reached the NBA?

We always definitely made each other better and got the best of each other. And yeah, him having success at the NBA/G-League level drives me to keep going because you never know what may happen in the future.

How did head coach Chris Mooney groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Mooney prepared me well and he is a very high IQ basketball coach and I think that is something I improved while playing for him.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jacob Gilyard?

We didn’t have many 1-1 battles lol, but we got the best of each other going against each other in practices.

Who is the best player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA

I’d probably say Aaron Nesmith, who plays for the Indiana Pacers.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all.-time?

Shack Scott, Corey Henson, Nick Sherod, Jacob Gilyard, Grant Golden

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson

Who is your GOAT and why?

My GOAT is Lebron James because of how long he has been dominating the game of basketball and is still going, which makes him the GOAT in my opinion.

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

Yes, I saw the sequel and I actually thought it was pretty good. But, it doesn’t compare to the original movie though.

Thanks Blake for the chat

Shawn Scott (185-G-1996, college: SW Christian) is a 27 year old 185cm guard playing his third professional season and first with BG Hagen. Last season he split time with TVO Biggesee / TV Jahn Lindhorst (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 31.2ppg, 10.4rpg, 6.1apg, 3.6spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 77.6%, in Jan.’23 moved to BG 2000 Berlin (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 4.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 64.4%. he began his career at Jenks High School and then played 3 seasons at Southwestern Christian University. He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.

BG Hagen suffered a tough 97-77. It was the fourth loss in the last 5 games. The losing seems a bit contagious at the moment.

Yeah it’s just part of the game of basketball. We started season feeling unstoppable at 6:0 and now we see that when we stop doing what works then it all can change immediately. But it’s how you continue to work on the mistakes and bounce back and I’ll make sure we do that.

Talk about the 4 quarters. How did the game develop from the first quarter until the end?

The first quarter we started bad which is a trend for us but as the second quarter came we really picked it up and were able to cut to the lead to 1 at halftime. Essen adjusted in the second half and played box and 1 against us and I think it threw off our rhythm and we were just not able to get the offense flowing like before and that’s where the 20 point loss came.

The defense is taking a real beating. Talk about where the bad areas are and what has to be corrected most?

We are just not able to guard and play defense together and we’re having to change defenses and schemes way too often. We should be able to play man to man majority of the game but we aren’t able to because we make so many mistakes and give them easy buckets and forces us to play zone. We have to figure how to move as one on defense and be able to play man to man and be aggressive on defense.

Akken and Bryant combined for 45 points. They seemed to be too much for BG Hagen. They took a lot of three´s but didn´t do the damage from there.

Essen is just as strong inside than outside and they all play together and have so many weapons. They got a lot of offensive rebounds but we were lucky that they weren’t shooting that well from three.

Did this game show that the club is lacking that second dominant scorer or a scorer you can rely on in a tough game?

At the beginning of the season we had no issue with scoring and everyone getting the shots and points that they should. We are definitely in a slump right now but the good thing is we have 15 more games to get out of it and each game could be the game where someone has a breakout game and I feel it’s coming soon.

You had a solid game with 26 points but those turnovers keep popping up in your game?

I felt like I had to force my way to the basket more than I would have wanted and maybe that caused the extra turnovers but my coaches trust my decisions and they continued to tell me to play fast and push it. And with that comes some more turnovers than you would want sometimes.

You next play 6-5 Wulfen. This is another must win. How aware ist he team that a win is vital? What will be key for the win?

We are aware for sure. We need to make a statement this week with this win and really get back on a run. We have 3 homes games out of 4 before the break and it’s important that we can win all 4 and go into to the break with full momentum and confidence.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.

Michael Hughes (203-C-1998, college: Duquesne) is a 25 year old 203cm center born in Kansas City Missouri and playing his third professional season and first with Jonavos CBet (Lithuania-LKL). Last season he played with Kometa Kaposvari KK (Hungary-A Division) averaging 15.2ppg, Reb-3 (8.5rpg), 2.3apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-1 (1.9bpg), FGP: 61.0%, 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 70.2%. He palyed his rookie season with BC GGMT Vienna (Austria-BSL) averaging 11.3ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.6spg, Blocks-3 (1.6bpg), FGP: 66.0%, 3PT-2 (50.0%), FT: 64.4%. He began his basketball career at / Liberty North High School and finished his career with school records for rebounds (979) and blocked shots (349) and field-goal percentage (64.9 percent). His 1,209 points were the second-most in school history. He made the jump to the NCAA in 2016 playing a season with the The University of Akron (NCAA) averaging 1.7ppg, 1.1rpg. He then played 3 seasons and 77 NCAA games with the University of Duquesne. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the Rostock Seawolves.

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

I’m currently in Jonava, Lithuania with Jonava C-Bet, been here since early August. Basketball life has been pretty good we’ve been playing two games for the last month or so with some longer road trips in between LKL action and it´s become more routine now.

Your playing your third professional season overseas with Jonavos CBet (Lithuania-LKL). After playing in Austria and Hungary, what kind of experience has Lithuania been? How enthusiastic are the fans? Have you had a special experience with the fans so much?

My experience here in Lithuania has been pretty good, the LKL is a competitive league with great talent on high level teams so every game is important! Swan city army (Jonava Fans) always shows out even when we are on the road. They always show support and I appreciate the energy they bring every week!

Your playing your first full season in an international club competition with the Fiba Europe Cup. How does your game translate best to this play and how has your game continued to develop best in the last 2 seasons?

Our group for FIBA Europe Cup every team has different play styles being from other countries and it´s exciting to be able to play at the international level as well as domestically. I believe that my game translates first defensively with the energy I bring as well as my rim protection. Every summer I’m working with my trainer and we spend time on expanding on my game from the previous season, while also working on the things that helped be successful during that time.

There are only 2 Americans on the squad with you and Mike Lewis. What makes this team special especially with so many unselfish Lithuanians?

This team has to potential to become special, each guy makes is capable of beating anyone on any night no matter the travel in between. We are a competitive squad with great defensive energy and each guy plays for the next.

What has it been being teammates with Mike Lewis? How much fun is it getting put in great situations with the ball from him? I guess you couldn´t have asked for more being reunited with your ex teammate overseas?

Playing with my boy Mike has been great since we seen each last we last played with each other in college so we have a good understanding about how one another plays so it´s easy to communicate about what we see on the floor we feed off each other out there so as much as I’m looking for him he’s looking for me. It’s a blessing to that we linked up here in Europe to play in a different environment compared to college.

Let´s talk a bit about your game. You’re a 203cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I don’t really know who i would compare my game to, but the bigs I have watched as a grew up playing basketball were Ben Wallace, Tim Duncan and KG. As transitioned into the European style of play I watched a lot of Kyle Hines and older Euroleague greats. I really love everything about the game and when I watch a good player I look at how I can implement things that I like into my own game.

You have always been a solid scorer and sturdy rebounder, but also a great defender. Is it fair to say that you could be called a two way player?

I could agree. I became more of consistent scorer when I got to Europe. I think mainly because my game translates well to the European style of play on both sides of the ball. and my defense helps me transition into each season as far as getting adjusted early on.

Your also a very good passer. How much do you enjoy passing out of the post?

As much as I like to score, I love finding my teammates and getting them going because it keeps the defense true while also opening things up for myself. I also enjoy it because it shows how I see the floor and impact the game in other ways and it´s something that has always been a part of my game. I get just as excited when I get assists and others score just as much when I score.

You were the top shot blocker in Austria and Hungry getting 7 in a game last season. Where do you still want to go with your defensive game? Your already so good? What goals do you still have?

I´m always working on guarding more on the perimeter when we find ourselves in switch situations during the game. Being able to disrupt teams defensively in different ways along with blocking shots helps my team be successful.

Last season you played with Kometa Kaposvari KK (Hungary-A Division) averaging 15.2ppg, Reb-3 (8.5rpg), 2.3apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-1 (1.9bpg), FGP: 61.0%, 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 70.2%. What kind of an experience was it and what did you enjoy most about your stay there?

Last year being my second professional season, was quite interesting to say the least. The team was successful early on and then hit some bumps on the road later on. The strength of the league was good along with the style of play. But what stood out the most was the environment the fans brought. They brought energy every game depending exactly where you were and it made games even more fun.

You played your rookie season with BC GGMT Vienna (Austria-BSL) averaging 11.3ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.6spg, Blocks-3 (1.6bpg), FGP: 66.0%, 3PT-2 (50.0%), FT: 64.4%. What do you remember being your wake up call where you knew that you were very far away from home?

My most notable “I´m not at home” moment would be when I went to finish my visa papers and trying to find my way through the city and not knowing German. I ended up getting off the wrong stop on the tram and was an hour in the opposite direction.

You won the double as a rookie. How crazy was that? What was special about these group of guys and what will you never forget?

Going double crown year one was like a breath of fresh air. I was the youngest on the team and what made it so special for me was I had great vets around me such as Andre Jones and Jason Detrick they really helped me adjust to the lifestyle and gave me great tips that still stick with me to this day.

What memories will you always have of Austrian legend Enis Murati who won 8 titles in Austria? How vital was his leadership for the success?

Enis helped that team a lot when it came to things about the league and the things that certain teams did.

You began your NCAA career at the The University of Akron (NCAA) playing 19 games averaging 1.7ppg, 1.1rpg. You had a tough freshman year. Could you get anything positive from the experience?

I wouldn´t consider it to be a tough freshman year, I was coming into a winning program and playing behind a player who ended up winning Player of the year that season. So there was only room for growth. That year I was a sponge soaking up game from my older teammates and taking advantage of the resources that were at my hands.

You then had a stellar career at University of Duquesne (NCAA) playing 77 NCAA games from 2018-2021. You had many great games there like against VMI, Marshall and George Washington. How did head coach Keith Dambrot groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

No Comment

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Marcus Weathers?

Me and Marcus haven’t played 1s I think ever in our time together at Duquesne

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Kwan Cheatham, Jimond Ivey, Daniel Utomi, Tavian Dunn-Martin, Maceo Austin

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe, Jordan, Shaq, Bron

Who is your GOAT and why?

My goat is for sure Kobe, when I was younger I admired his love for the game and watching him play gives you different perspective on the game.

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

I did not happen to watch it because I feel every classic movie does not need a sequel.

Thanks Michael for the chat.

David Muenkat

The Fraport Skyliners just keep winning and continue to find new ways of winning. Their last gem was playing like a non pro A team against the ART Giants Duesseldorf and taking a walk for 30 minutes and down 18 points, to finally waking up and posting their 8th win in a row in the 23-24 season. How much longer can they keep this impressive win streak going. Their defense continues to be their staple as despite allowing 25 points in the first quarter, at the end of 40 minutes it was only 65 points. But their next foe wasn´t a top team once again, but like Duesseldorf a 2-5 team that were riding a tough 5 game losing streak. They are another team like Duesseldorf that can produce a lot of points, but defensively still have a lot of room to improve. Bavarian team Nurnberg came into the game with an extra week of rest and had surely watched the Dúesseldorf game and wanted to be that first team to beat Frankfurt while the Fraport Skyliners didn´t want to produce such a pathetic start into the game like 1 week ago. 4 days before Turkey day for the Americans in America, both teams Americans wanted to go into the Thanksgiving week with a win, but only one team´s Americans had the satisfaction after 40 minutes as the Fraport Skyliners pulled out a hard fought 68-61 win over the Nurnberg Falcons BC. The Bavarian team had to play catch up baskedtball all afternoon and got over the hump in the fourth quarter, but couldn´t keep the lead as Frankfurt rallied in crunch-time. “We won the game for birthday boy Booker. We were good on the glass and took pride in getting rebounds. I felt the ball stuck too much to us today. We struggled shooting. Defense helped us at the end get this win”, stressed Fraport Skyliner David Muencat. After the loss a dejected head coach Virgil Matthews sat with little emotion and despite the fighting qualities was disappointed his guys couldn´t pull out the win: “We played hard but were a little down on the execution. We have to move the ball more consistently. We couldn´t buy a bucket in the first half. We played pretty well defensively and took care of the ball well. We were able to hold their offense in check a little with our offense”, stressed Nurnberg head coach Virgil Matthews.

Aiden Warnholtz at the FT line

The first quarter quickly showed what kind of game it would be as both team´s defenses got a good hold on the other team as there was less scoring and more misses. Frankfurt got on the board first with a Aiden Warnholtz lay in and David Muenkat free throws, but Nurnberg answered back rapidly to tie the game at 5-5 as a Tim Kopple floater and Courtney Alexander dunk who played college ball at Tennessee Tech got the guests going. Frankfurt then upped their offense going on a 10-4 run to lead 15-9 as they moved the ball better and got rewarded with three pointers from Birthday boy Booker Coplin (191-G-1997, college: Augsburg, agency: BIG) who turned 26 years old and a trey from 2018 NBBL champion Lorenz Brenneke. Ex JBBL MVP Justin Onyejiaka added a runner. Both teams were still feeling each other out and Nurnberg retaliated getting some burst of energy from Courtney Alexander with a hard dunk and New York native Anthony Gaines added a runner and free throws. Onyejiaka was on the spot again as he broke the tie with the final shot of the first quarter giving Frankfurt the 17-15 advantage. “The energy was high on both sides as both teams were getting settled. There was a lot of back and forth. We didn´t do a good job sticking to the game plan”, said David Muenkat. Both teams were shooting 40% from the field, but the biggest difference was from outside where Frankfurt was at 50% and Nurnberg at 0%. Frankfurt had the 10-8 rebound edge, but 4 turnovers to Nurnberg´s 2.

Matthew Meredith from outside

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners had their best offensive quarter as they produced 21 points and broke open the game leading by 10 points at the break. Frankfurt got an instant spark from Justin Onyejiaka who made free throws and then a steal and massive dunk for the 21-15 advantage. “Justin is great. He has a lot of tools that aren´t teachable. He is athletic and has great length for his size and is quick. His aggressive mindset helped us flip the switch at the start of the quarter”, said David Muenkat. Nurnberg guard Christian Feneberg then dropped a trey to stay on Frankfurt´s heels, but Frankfurt then roared out on a 10-3 run to lead 31-20. In the run Frankfurt was aided by Muenkat who added 7 clutch points and ex Schwenningen forward Jacob Knauf steered a three pointer to the run. Frankfurt´s offense was more unpredictable as the ball movement was crisp which helped achieve good shots. Frankfurt was playing fierce defense not allowing Nurnberg into their comfort zone and stopping penetration well. Down the stretch the guests got some vital baskets from Gaines with an offensive rebound and put back and ex Giessen guard Tim Kopple connected on a pretty floater high off the glass. But Frankfurt also kept executing keeping their lead comfortable as ex Carleton great Aiden Warnholtz made an off balance shot and ex Hanau guard Bruno Albrecht connected on a three pointer as Frankfurt led 38-28 at the break. “Our shots fell better and we got to the free throw line”, remembered David Muenkat. The Fraport Skyliners shot 45% from the field and 38% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 7 turnovers while the Nurnberg Falcons BC shot 32% from the field and 0% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Tim Kopple at the FT line

In the third quarter it seemed like the Fraport Skyliners would decide the game early as they led as much as 15 points, but the Nurnberg Falcons BC had a comeback surprise in the last 2 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners jumped all over Nurnberg beginning with a 8-2 run to extend their lead to 46-31. In the run, Frankfurt spread out the love around as Jordan Samare did like Justin Onyejiaka in the second quarter getting a steal and going coast to coast for the dunk. Warnholtz added a lay in sneaking into the zone and then came the wow play of the game as David Meunkat surprised Nurnberg with a thunderous alley-oop dunk off a inbounds pass from Cameron Henry for the comfortable 46-31 lead. “That was planned. Teams scout you so you need counters. We practice this a lot in practice. I gave him the look and he gave me the nod and then we executed”, stated David Muenkat. The defensive pressure and stopping Nurnberg´s penetration allowed Frankfurt for the 15 point advantage. Nurnberg responded well from the big dunk getting a lay in from ex Jena forward Julius Wolf and a pull up jumper from Kopple and free throws from Wolf to trail only 49-38. Coplin and Henry took Frankfurt on a 4-0 run with free throws to lead 53-38. But how quickly a game can turn as Nurnberg showed they wanted to keep throwing punches with offensive execution as they closed out the quarter with a 9-2 run to trail only 55-47 after 30 minutes. After going 0/14 from outside, Nurnberg sparkled with 3 three pointers as ex Skyliner Matthew Meredith connected for 2 and German Nelson Okafor for the other. “Matthew is a super talented good offensive player. He always plays hard. We want to help him gain more self-confidence after his tough season in Leverkusen. He has been an unexpected plus for us this season”, commented Virgil Matthews. “We took our feet off the gas pedal at the end. Fatigue kicked in a bit. They began to hit shots. Basketball is a game of runs and it just happened they had theirs then”, expressed David Muenkat. “We hit some shots at the end, but in general we can´t let making shots effect the rest of our game. We have to play hard all the time regardless of what the offense is doing”, said Virgil Matthews. The Fraport Skyliners shot 41% from the field and 30% from the parking lot and had 27 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Nurnberg Falcons BC shot 34% from the field and 17% from the parking lot and had 28 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Bruno Albrecht from down town

The Nurnberg Falcons BC took the momentum of the raining of three´s at the end of the the third quarter and took it into the fourth quarter retaking the lead. The guests stormed on a 10-0 run to lead 57-55 and turned the arena a few decibles quieter. Meredith began the fourth quarter banging home his third three in a matter of a few minutes while Alexander added a lay in and free throw and Isaiah Sanders who played at Fairmont State (NCAA2) free throws. Nurnberg added intensity to their drives and just literally attacked and got rewarded with free throws. The body language also had turned a complete 180 degrees between the 2 teams. Frankfurt was thinking more instead of just playing and their offense stalled. Both teams traded leads in the next possessions as ex Indiana State (NCAA) sniper Cameron Henry scored from the corner and Lorenz Brenneke made a lay in while Nurnberg countered with Sanders free throws and a Kopple runner as Nurnberg still led 61-60. But that would be their last lead of the game as the Fraport Skyliners as usual took control in crunch-time as Warnholtz sunk 2 free throws. After a Meredith miss, Booker Coplin made free throws for the 64-61 lead. After another Meredith miss, Lorenz Brenneke scooped up the key offensive rebound which led to a beautiful Booker Coplin left handed lay in with the 66-61 lead with 32 seconds remaining. Nolan Adekunle secured the win with free throws. “A coach can only give you as much tips as possible, but at the end it´s 5 guys that have to figure it out on the court. Of course our experience of having won titles helps. We did whatever it took to win. Lorenz got a big offensive rebound and Booker had the confidence at the end to make the big bucket. It was crunch-time and he answered the call”, stressed David Muenkat. “We have to learn to finish games. We were a little tight. We made too many plays instead of just making the shots”, added Virgil Matthews. The Fraport Skyliners were led by David Muenkat with 13 points while Aiden Warnholtz added 11 points while the Nurnberg Falcons BC were led by Tim Kopple with 13 points while Isaiah sanders had 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 36% from the field and 26% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Nurnberg Falcons BC shot 33% from the field and 17% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

Kelvin Omojola

After the first Fiba break, it was time to play basketball in the Pro B south again. The Dragons Rhondorf and the mighty FC Bayern Munich had had 2 weeks to recuperate again and to tweak problems and develop new focus for the upcoming duels. Don´t let the Dragons Rhondorf potent 6-1 record fool anyone, because they have had an incredible knack of surviving winning already 3 games down to the wire. The question is how much longer can one´s fortune keep going and when will they finally find a defensive identity. Their offense is explosive, but allowing 91 games on average won´t get you many wins when the shooters have an off day. Rhondorf welcomed the solid 4-3 FC Bayern Munich a club that always brings the talented youngest players in Germany and this season have 2 real gems with Ivan Kharchenkov and Martin Kalu. Their strong offensive team gets incredible depth when you have a guy like 23 year old Dino Radoncic who played 167 ACB games and was teammates with Luka Doncic at Real Madrid. They are a team that can go off on any team and have had their moments defending this season. The Dragons Rhondorf had to be fully prepared for another battle in the always loud Dragon Dome and didn´t disappoint any of the fans showing an offensive explosion destroying FC Bayern Munich 2 while also showing improvement on defense using an imagery spiders web to annoy their opponent winning 102-78. Would it have surprised Dragons players if someone had predicted them scoring 100 points against Munich? “Not at all. We know what were capable of on offense. We always knew we can score it was all a matter about tightening up our defense. We worked on defense the last weeks working on filling the extra gaps, clogging the lanes more, being m ore attentive and playing with more energy. We were like a spiders web where everyone was helping each other out”, stated Dragons Rhondorf guard Kelvin Omojola. FC Bayern Munich played a solid first quarter, but after that just couldn´t match the intensity of Rhondorf and find a solution to slow down their offense. “We began with little energy. Then when your down by 15 points, it´s difficult to come back against a good team like them. They played a lot of transition which hurt us”, stressed FC Bayern Munich guard Ivan Kharchenkov.

Dino Radoncic at the FT line

The Dragons Rhondorf had Jekabs Beck and Tyrese Blunt back in action and stormed out of the gates on fire taking the quick 7-2 advantage. Ex Paderborn guard Badu Buck (195-SG-1999) added 5 points while ex Lamar (NCAA) big man Avery Sullivan added a lay in. But FC Bayern Munich woke up rapidly going on a 9-0 run as their 3 young stars Kharchenkov, Radoncic and Kalu scored for the 11-7 lead. Munich took advantage of their 3 stars individual qualities and also took care of the mis matches. Rhondorf was still finding their footing on the defensive end. That burst of offensive lightening didn´t rattle Rhondorf as they punched back going on a 7-0 run to lead 14-11. Young German Janne Muller continued his solid play scoring on transition and Badu Buck nailed a trey. Martin Kalu then tied the score at 14-14. For the next minutes both teams would trade baskets as Rhondorf got support from ex Coburg center Leon Bulic with a lay in and Omojola free throws for the 18-17 advantage. FC Bayern Munich retaliated and got a 3 point play from Kharchenkov for the 20-18 Munich lead. Rhondorf finished the first quarter strong with back to back dunks from Bulic and Sullivan to lead 24-20 after 10 minutes. Both teams were shooting well with FC Bayern Munich over 50% from the field and outside and Rhondorf over 40% while Munich had the 8-6 rebound edge, but coughed up the ball 8 times. ”We began strong. There were a lot of runs in the first quarter, but basketball is a game of runs. I felt we did a pretty good job not letting their top 3 players score too much”, stated Kelvin Omojola.

Antonio Pilipovic from outside

The turning point of the game occurred in the second quarter as The Dragons Rhondorf exploded for 31 points to lead 55-39 at the break. Both teams were executing their offense well as FC Bayern Munich stayed on track getting 5 points from Ivan Kharchenkov, but Rhondorf also produced three´s from Antonio Pilipovic and Buck and still led 34-25. Rhondorf was playing good team basketball while FC Bayern Munich was relying too much on their young stars and not sharing the love. Rhondorf was also slowly getting a defensive rhythm as their on ball pressure increased and deflections popped up more. FC Bayern Munich then got a clutch three pointer from little used Matteo Boerries to cut Rhondorf´s lead to 36-28. One thing Rhondorf was doing since tip off was play transition and getting many easy baskets. When young German Janne muller ran coast to coast for the easy bucket, Munich head coach Emir Mutapcic smiled giving that sense of how could we let a youth player do that too us. “Janne is a great player. You might think that about him, but he is a high level player in the eyes of his teammates. If I didn´t know him, I would never think that he was only 17. If you can play, you can play no matter how old you are”, commented Kelvin Omojola. Ex Real Madrid forward Dino Radoncic who averaged 7/5 at the last World Cup made a pretty spin move and finished with his left hand. “He has a great frame. He is a high level player and very athletic”, commented Kelvin Omojola. Rhondorf cruised out on a 8-1 run to lead 46-32. In the run, they displayed fine inside out basketball as Bulic and ex Bamberg guard Tyrese Blunt combined for 2 three´s and Omojola scored inside. The Dragons Rhondorf closed out the second quarter strong getting added baskets from ex Tuebingen forward Jekabs Beck and a trey by Blunt and lay in by Bulic for the comfortable 55-39 lead at half-time. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 51% from the field and 41% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 5 turnovers while FC Bayern Munich shot 50% from the field and 50% from the three point line and had 13 rebounds and 10 turnovers. “We broke out on offense. We tightened down our defense and were able to play our game. Defense leads to offense. And when were playing good defense then it´s only up from there”, warned Kelvin Omojola.

Ivan Kharchenkov at the FT line

In the third quarter the Dragons Rhondorf would continue to control the game despite some punches by the guests which were combated nicely by the Dragons. After Pilipovic began the second half with a trey, FC Bayern Munich came back with a 7-1 run sparked by Desmond Yiamu´s aggressive play on the offensive glass with a few offensive rebounds. German Ivan Volf added a trey and Radoncic a lay in to cut Rhondorf´s lead down to 59-46. “I like Dino´s mentality. He is stubborn, but has intelligent thoughts”, warned Ivan Kharchenkov. But whenever that FC Bayern Munich seemed like they were pressing Rhondorf, the home team had an answer and pushed back going on a 6-0 run to extend their lead to 65-46. Avery “the double double monster” Sullivan connected on back to back buckets and Bulic also scored on transition. FC Bayern Munich also found answers scoring 5 unanswered points as Volf hit another trey and German Marco Frank scored in the paint to trail only 65-50. But there was no stopping the Rhondorf offensive machine as Blunt dropped a trey and Omojola scored on the drive and all of a sudden Rhondorf was up big again at 70-50. A Kharchenkov three pointer and Radoncic lay in didn´t narrow the gap much as Rhondorf still led comfortably 74-56 after 30 minutes. “Despite starting off slowly with some offensive rebounds, our mentality was strong. Once we tightened up and stuck to our principles, we continued to play our game”, stated Kelvin Omojola. “We tried to come back and fought, but they defended very well and played too much transition that made us tired”, expressed Ivan Kharchenkov. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 51% from the field and 39% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 9 turnovers while FC Bayern Munich shot 43% from the field and 33% from the parking lot and had 27 rebounds and 13 turnovers

Jekabs Beck at the FT line

In the fourth quarter nothing changed as the Dragons Rhondorf continued to score at ease and FC Bayern Munich was playing catch up while losing more and more energy as fatigue set in. After Buck and Kharchenkov traded three´s, little used German/Greek guard Nikolas Sermpezis made a lay in to cut the Dragons lead to 77-63. Then came a scary moment as Ivan Kharchenkov collided with the ref and fell to the ground and stayed there for a few moments. He got to his feet and wouldn´t return back to the game getting treatment on the bench. The Dragons Rhondorf then ultimately slammed the door shut on FC Bayern Munich going on a 11-2 run to lead 88-65. They let it rain three´s as Sullivan, Buck and Pilipovic connected. This phase truly looked like a relaxed Sunday stroll for Rhondorf as their offense looked like clock work. FC Bayern Munich had accepted defeat as many of the young Germans from the bench got garbage time. Three´s continued as Blunt and Matej Silic scored while Munich was getting excellent support from Volf who supplied 5 points, but Munich still trailed 96-74. Blunt scored with a lay in after getting the lightening bounce pass from Omojola. “I think Steph Curry has that pass in his game. I was working on my passing last summer. I would of made a risky pass like that even if we were up 2 points. If I feel it´s the right play then I will do it. It´s not about being flashy for me”, warned Kelvin Omopjola. After a Dominik Dolic three pointer, Jekabs Beck scored the 100th point and Blunt closed out the win with a lay in. “Scoring 100 points was good. You can´t complain. But what was more impressive was holding them to 78 points”, said Kelvin Omojola. “We tried to end the game as good as possible. They kept pushing the ball and were simply more aggressive then us”, said Martin Kalu. The Dragons Rhondorf has an incredible 7 players in double figures as Badu Buck added 17 points. Tyreese Blunt added 16 points and Avery Sullivan 15 points and 10 rebounds while FC Bayern Munich was led by Dino Radoncic with 21 points. Ivan Volf added 15 points and ivan Kharchekov had 14 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 53% from the field and 43% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 11 turnovers while FC Bayern Munich shot 44% from the field and 33% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 15 turnovers.