After the first Fiba break, it was time to play basketball in the Pro A again. The EPG Baskets had ample time to recuperate and get injured players back on track and came into the next home battle into the game with a solid 4-3 record and playoff hopes even if still far away a reality. The club led by head coach Pat Elzie have been playing good basketball as of late having won 3 of their last 4 games, but they definitely had no cake walk against the 5-2 Munster team a club led by head coach Gotz Rohdewald. After a slow start where they lost their first 2 games, they have come alive in the last weeks. The terrible 24 point loss to Frankfurt woke them up and since had been cruising on a 5 game winning streak. They came into the contest with a lot of self-confidence because they won the last 2 games against Vechta and Bayreuth in tight fashion. Their defense stalled a bit in the last games, the perfect opportunity for the Koblenz offensive hungry team to take advantage off. On a cool Friday evening in Autumn, both teams came to battle in the posh CGM arena and the guests came out potent right out of the gate and rapidly forced the EPG Baskets to play pick up basketball winning their sixth game in a row dismantling the EPG Baskets Koblenz 80-74. After the big win a drained but content Nathan Scott who looked like a kid in a candy shop was all smiles. “Were still not healthy, but played very well. All we have talked about this season is team basketball. You normally think overseas that the normal job of an American is to score, but my dad always told me to pass the ball. We played as a team. This game was a war. I liked how we crashed the boards and kept our composure. Our goal every week is to prove everyone wrong. This was an ugly win”, stressed ex Uni Baskets Munster Nathan Scott. The EPG Baskets Koblenz could never get over the hump even if they came close. All in all it was a disappointing loss and another one one can learn from. “Munster have had a super run. We knew it would be a tough game. They were the best shooting team and showed it in the first half. We had our chances but too many easy missed lay up´s and loose balls hurt us”, stressed EPG Baskets head coach Pat Elzie. “We hit some tough shots where I thought had we missed them, then Koblenz might have been able to turn the game around. We are playing with much self-confidence at the moment which is important in tight games”, added Uni baskets Munster head coach Gotz Rohdewald.

Maurice Pluskota

The EPG Baskets Koblenz came into the game without key players AJ Plitzuweit, Leo Saffer and Rytis Pipiras while the guests were without Carlos Carter. The guests didn´t waste anytime taking control of the game early taking the quick 11-4 lead. They got 2 early baskets in the paint from ex Ludwigsburg center Adam Touray (206-C-1994), a crazy three from ex Chemnitz German Stefan Wess and a trey from ex Randers forward Nathan Scott. The guests were playing beautiful team basketball while Koblenz was getting g the ball inside as Germans Moses Poelking and Maurice Pluskota scored, but on defense they weren´t aggressive enough. Touray continued to be a menace scoring 2 more times inside as the guests led 16-8. It was no surprise to Munster head coach Gotz Rohdewald that his player was having success against the talented Koblenz big men. “I have known Adam since he was 16. I knew he was a good player. Last year at the 4, he couldn´t display his game but this season he is doing well at the 5. He played well against future Euroleague player Johan Gruenloh and gave him problems. He is a very good player”, warned Gotz Rohdewald. Koblenz couldn´t buy a bucket inside and then ex Fraport Skyliner Junior Cosmo Gruehn drilled home a trey and Munster led 20-11. Munster punished Koblenz with every mistake they did. Finally the EPG Baskets Koblenz found their three pointer and nailed 3 from captain Marvin Heckel, ex Dragon Rhondorf center Gabriel De Olveira and ex MLP Academics guard Leon Friderici also scored as Munster led only 25-20 after 10 minutes. “We closed out the quarter well after not a good start. I feel like many fouls weren´t called. We fought very hard and our injured guys back helped us”, stated EPG Baskets Koblenz CEO Thomas Klein.

Hilmar Petursson from the corner

In the second quarter the UNI Baskets Munster continued their fine team basketball and led by as much as 12 points, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz continued to fight and had good phases in comebacks getting as close as 3 points, but at the break were down by 7 points. The Uni Baskets Munster began the second quarter with a rapid 9-2 run to get their biggest lead of the game at 34-22. Munster shared the ball nicely and got scoring production from many as ex Wurzburg center Jonas Weitzel made a lay in, ex Hagen guard Jasper Guenther connected from the corner, Touray made a hook shot and Gruehn another three pointer. Munster did a good job finding their spots which Koblenz couldn´t close well enough and rebounded the ball well. But basketball will always be a game of runs and now it was the EPG Baskets Koblenz turn as they went on a 12-3 run to trail only 37-34. In the run, Koblenz received good production Gabriel De Olveira who scored twice while they also got vital transition buckets from Heckel and Pluskota. But Koblenz couldn´t turn off the defensive lapses as they continued to give up easy baskets in the zone as Wetzel and Scott scored for the Munster 42-34 advantage. Munster closed out the second quarter well continuing to execute their offense well as Scott found his spots again scoring on a lay in while Wess nailed a trey. American Trey Hall scored at the buzzer as Koblenz trailed only 47-40 at half-time. “We lost the second quarter only by 2 points. We executed our offense better, but we allowed way too many easy points and didn´t make the easy shots”, stated Thomas Klein.

Niclas Sperber lay in

In the third quarter the Uni Baskets Munster continued to control the game and despite some punches thrown from Koblenz, they always had an answer and still led by 10 points after 30 minutes. The guests got out of the gate well hitting 2 three´s from Wess and Scott to up their advantage to 53-44. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz stormed back going on a 7-1 run to trail only 54-51. In the run they attacked the rim more aggressively as Heckel scored with his quickness inside and Poelking made a lay in, dunk and free throw. Koblenz upped their physicality and aggressiveness something Munster couldn´t come to terms at that moment. But the up and down play of Koblenz was annoying as they allowed Munster to get their lead up again allowing a 7-0 run as Scott made a field goal and free throws and Gruehn made a pull up jumper as Koblenz trailed 61-51. “I really don´t have an answer for the play of the Baskets. They are simply unconcentrated and have mental lapses”, stated Thomas Klein. Koblenz got some clutch three´s from De Olveira and Hall, but just couldn´t get timely stops as Gruehn made a trey and tip in dunk. The 50-50 balls for Munster felt like 100%. The Uni Baskets Munster led comfortably again 71-61 after 3 quarters. “We kept our head on. We were all upset in the huddle, but Cosmo Gruehn told us to keep going. We simply stuck together”, added Nathan Scott. “We had too many unforced errors and we had no controlled drive”, commented Thomas Klein.

Adam Touray

In the fourth quarter the Uni Baskets Munster held the EPG Baskets Koblenz to only 9 points and made big stops in crunch-time to secure the victory. Weitzel began the fourth quarter with a 15 footer to give Munster the 73-61 advantage. Koblenz had another good phase going on a 7-2 run to cut Munster´s lead to 75-68. The EPG Baskets Koblenz attacked the zone, but still couldn´t get really good finishes as they often were on the strong side. They did get 2 baskets from Moses Poelking as he was a beast down low. Weitzel made a smooth turn around shot as crunch-time began and gave Munster the 78-68 lead. In crunch-time the EPG Baskets Koblenz gave it one last punch as Friderici and Heckel scored to cut Munster´s lead to 78-74. In the last minutes, the UNI Baskets Munster played solid defense especially their guards who didn´t allow Marvin Heckel to do his magic securing the win. All in the EPG Baskets Koblenz had their chances in crunch-time, but a healthy offensive rhythm and that spark in the ball movement was simply missing. “You have to give our guards credit. They are dogs. They are like pit bulls. I don´t want to take them off their leashes. They were huge in crunch-time”, smiled Nathan Scott. “You can´t give Marvin Heckel the blame. Yes he made a bad pass, but we lost as a team. A few more rebounds and better defense was needed today”, stressed Pat Elzie. The Uni Baskets Munster were led by Adam Touray with 22 points while Nathan Scott chipped in with 13 points and Jonas Weitzel had 10 points while the EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Moses Poelking with 13 points while Gabriel De Olveira and Marvin Heckel chipped in with 12 points a piece. The Uni Baskets Munster shot 44% from the field and 35% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 43% from the field and 27% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

If you fancy observing great point guards in the easyCredit BBL, then you have good cards that you will see many of them. Talented guards in general are as abundant in Europe in the various leagues as a good Horaffe is in Crailsheim which is their famous pastry. But not only the Horaffe has been a trademark in the small southern city, but also their point guards in the last 4 seasons. Every season the club has had the luck and correct choice in bringing in American point guards that made a massive impact for their team. It all began in 2019-2020 when star coach Tumas Iisalo reeled in Dewayne Russell who used that season as a break out one. The next 2 incredible guards Trae Bell Haynes and TJ Shorts tore up the easyCredit BBL like no other and last season the club were enriched with Otis Livingston and James Batemon who showed their unique class. The club had found a new point guard for the 2023-204 season with Marques Townes and were hoping to keep the incredible point guard history in Crailsheim going with continued success. He is in his fifth season and was hungry to continue to show the basketball world that he can play like an impact player when he is playing his natural position. With the help of the Hakro Merlins, the coaching staff and teammates, this season could have been a huge stepping stone in his career granted if he delivered. “That’s something I also had an important conversation with Coach Nikola about. He believes he can help and guide me to take a massive step in my career. What I think separates me is that I am a tall PG who is very strong, fast and physical, also who is a 2-way defender. Every where I go I led the team in steals. I have an excellent mid range game and can also step outside the arc and hit 3s”, warned Marques Townes. Unfortunately it didn´t work out for him in Crailsheim as he was released after 3 games. The team reeled in a new player with experienced French guard Leo Westerman, but wins haven´t come with him either as the team has gone 1-6 since Towens departure. This season the rich tradition of great point guard season´s has suffered. It will be interesting to see how their season continues with new fireman coach Jussi Laakso.

Marques Townes (193-G-1995, college: Loyola, IL) who remembers Caleb Martin being the toughest player that he ever faced in the NCAA was born on September 3, 1995 in Edison, New Jersey and moved to South Amboy when he was 5 years old. He began his basketball career at Cardinal McCarrick high school where he played under head coach Joe Lewis. He spent 2 years there leading the school to a 22-7 record in his sophomore year averaging19,2ppg and 7,5rpg. At that time he was being recruited by several school´s including Virginia. He played his last 2 seasons at St Joseph high school where he formed a dominant trio together with future NBA players Karl-Anthony Towns and Wade Baldwin helping lead the school to a 30-2 record while averaging 17/5/3/2 stats. He helped win the states Tournament of Champions title and finished with 1,863 points the second most in school history. There was no doubt in his mind where Karl-Anthony Towns would land. “We all knew he would be in the NBA and it was only a matter of time. During our era in High school there was nobody like him. He could shoot, and dominate the paint anytime he wanted too. It was too easy for him”, remembered Marques Townes. He also showed his talent on the football field playing outside linebacker and garnering interest from Penn State. He was a HS All-Middlesex County First Team selection from 2011-2014 on the basketball court. He began his NCAA career at Fairleigh Dickinson University where he played 56 NCAA games averaging 9.1ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 60.3%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 56.4% and in his second season averaged 11.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 67.5%. He helped lead the school to a NEC title in 2016 and a NCAA tournament appearance where they lost to Florida Gulf Coast in the first round 96-65 where he scored 13 points. “Winning the NEC title was very special, not a lot of people don’t know I got hurt my freshman year and I just played enough games where I couldn’t get my year back, so coming back the 2nd year was amazing for me. We pretty much had everyone back and we got along very well with each other! I still talk to all those guys till this day”, said Marques Townes. He scored in double figures in 26 games including 26 points in a 87-72 loss against Mount St Mary´s.

The explosive guard who remembers drawing with teammate Clayton Custer in 1-1 battles, but actually playing against coach Drew Valentine more then played his last 2 NCAA seasons at Loyola University of Chicago playing a total of 70 NCAA games. In his junior season there he averaged 11.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 75.6% Right in his first season he helped the school to possibly one of the greatest March Madness runs ever leading the school to the Final 4. They strung out an unforgettable and seemingly impossible run by defeating Miami 64-62, Tennessee 63-62 and Nevada 69-68 before losing to Michigan. He still remembers which of these 3 massive wins was the craziest. “Sometimes I still sit here till this day and say to myself “man we actually did that”. That year, we changed Loyola University Chicago forever. I truly think that was one of the greatest runs ever in March Madness history. I actually just rewatched our game vs Miami not to long ago with some family I haven’t seen a whole. I think that was the craziest game because nobody had us winning besides ourselves. And to top it off, my boy Donte Ingram hit that shot to start this crazy run, and without winning that game none of that would of happened so I definitely think that one is # 1 for sure”, stated Marques Townes. He had many breathtaking games, but really had Drake´s number combining for 60 points in a 2 game span. “I don’t know what it was about playing Drake, but I always had my best games against them. Definitely those were some games to remember probably some of top games in college for sure”, added Marques Townes. In his senior year he was able to make another step averaging 15.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 3.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 76.2%. The school reached March Madness again, but this time there would be no renewed Cinderella story as they lost in the first round to Creighton. In his 2 year career there he scored in double figures in 49 games including his masterful 32 point and 28 point explosions in wins against Drake and 26 points in a win over Bradley. He wouldn´t have developed into the player he is today without getting that last push from head coach Porter Moser. “I always say, and will continue to say, Coach Moser is the best coach I have ever had in all my basketball career till this day. He knows exactly how to lead a team, how to get you to play together, to focus on the details, and to create a culture. He has definitely groomed me as a player. I miss him a lot, I wish he can coach in Europe he would be great”, stressed Marques Townes.

Before starting his professional career overseas, the New Jersey native who lists. Wade Baldwin, Karl-AnthonyTowns, Breein Tyree, Cameron Krutwig, and Clayton Custer as his 5 best teammates of all-time got experience playing one NBA Summer league game for the Chicago Bulls against the New Orleans Pelicans. “The coaching staff just told me to stay ready, you never know when your number will be called. So, I had to just keep supporting the team and if my number was called to play as hard as I can”, said Marques Townes. Most guys never make the ACB in Spain which belongs to the top 2 leagues overseas with the Euroleague, but he signed with Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB as a rookie averaging 6.1ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 91.7%. Most Americans coming overseas for the first time experience that wake up call to being far away from home, but he didn´t really have that as he fell in love right away with his surroundings. It also shows now as he has been permanently been living in Europe currently in Cyprus. He played only 14 ACB games as a rookie, but was pretty effective in the games he played averaging 6.1ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 91.7%. Maybe coming to the ACB as a rookie was a step to early for his development. “I absolutely still feel like I belong and can play at the highest league in Europe, but to unfortunate and uncontrollable circumstances, I wasn’t put in a good situation from the start of my career. I should have played in a league like Germany, France, Belgium, or Lithuania to start my career so I can actually play like I do now. I didn’t have the opportunity in Spain being so young and playing with loads of talent and veterans”, expressed Marques Townes. He scored in double figures 3 times including 12 points against Baskonia. He returned back to Murcia in his second pro season, but that stay was short as he averaged only 9 minutes per game averaging 1,8ppg. The whole experience was very disappointing as it seemed like he was lost in the shuffle of numerous Americans. “It was very tough for me mentally. I still don’t understand why I didn’t play because they extended my contract and brought me for the 20-21 season. I even had good conversations with the coaching staff and general management on how excited they were to bring me back. But I found out in the end that the head coach (even though he’s a good guy), didn’t like my playing style at all, so my agent told me it’s best to leave so they do not ruin my career. We also had 13 players and 6 Americans so each game someone had to be left off the roster”, commented Marques Townes. He attempted to save his season by signing with top Estonian team BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn. He played in 3 competitions and despite not playing a central role, he did win his first pro chip. “It was very late at the end of March I joined. I couldn’t really fit in properly because it was so late in the season. So, I was only there for 1 1/2 months because it ended beginning of May. To be honest it was a good way to go out, but I didn’t really feel like I earned that because I came so late in the season. But, I’m happy that I can have that on my resumé”, said Marques Townes. He scored 16 points against VTB League team Enisey and 16 points against Tarvas.

The ex teammate of NBA player Karl-Anthony Towns who lists Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and SHAQ on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore split his third professional season in countries Lithuania and France. He played with Pieno Zvaigzdes Pasvalys (Lithuania-LKL) averaging 11.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.0apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 46.8%, 3FGP: 28.0%, FT: 75.0%, and with Union Tours Metropole Basket (France-ProB) averaging 11.7ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 81.1%. “I went through a very rough patch that year dealing with family issues that led me to leave Lithuania. Lithuania does have passionate fans from what I remember, but playing in France I think they have the best 2nd beat crowds I have played in right behind Spain”, remembered Marques Townes. He scored 21 points against Jonava. He ended that season with a bang in France as in his last game pulled off 25 points in an exciting 87-86 win over Nantes. “That will be a game I will remember forever, because during the 3rd quarter of that game I broke my hand. I felt it snap, but I wanted to continue because I was playing well. I finished the game and we won. Unfortunately my season ended there and had to get surgery”, added Marques Townes. He had another super game against St-Chamond in a losing cause with 22 points. Last season he played with Duna Aszfalt-DTKH Kecskemet (Hungary-A Division) averaging 16.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.0apg, Steals-5 (1.8spg), FGP: 56.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 70.2%. It was his best season as a professional and definitely one that was vital for his self-confidence coming to the easyCredit BBL. “The League is actually more competitive than I expected. I enjoyed the competitive aspect of the league. And also, fans of Hungarian basketball go crazy for their teams and it was really cool to see and play”, stressed Marques Towns. He was teammates with Slovenian legend Jaka Klobucar and was like a sponge during the season. “He is still a solid player, he taught me things that I should improve and work on if I want to get to the next level”, said Marques Townes. He scored in double figures in 30 games and scored 20 points or more 11 times including 29 points a piece against Kormend and the OSE Lions and 28 points against Arconic-Alba.

The ex MVC player of the year who lists Lebron James as his GOAT and never saw the sequel to the classic Coming to America as classics should be left alone came to the Hakro Crailsheim Merlins last summer. It became a a new country to his resume, but he has no problem being that basketball globetrotter. “The thing I enjoy most is I get to travel the world with my wife, and also experience different cultures. I also get to know many people through Orthodoxy, I have made great relationships with many priests”, said Marques Townes. He didn´t need to do any homework about Germany mainly because there have been so many guys he knows that have balled there. “ I know that in Germany it is very strong in basketball. I think it’s definitely one of the top European basketball leagues in Europe. My friend Aher Ugak is there currently who I played with at Loyola, my friend Tai Odiase, Amir Bell (High school Rival), Justin Robinson, Otis Livingston, James Batemon, Jonah Radebaugh, Barry Brown, Justin Simon, Jehyve Floyd, to be honest there’s so many others I just can´t think of right now, but those are some who come off the top of my head”, added Marques Townes. Even if he got some feedback from ex Merlins guard James Batemon about Germany and the Hakro Merlins, coming to the easyCredit BBL was a no brainer as he now has the great opportunity to make his real breakthrough in a top league. “The most important decision was the opportunity. My first 2 years in Europe I was not playing my role (playing the 2 sometimes even 3 position in Spain, Estonia, Lithuania, France). It was a bit frustrating because in college I was PG my senior year when I won (POY). I am very thankful for the Coach in Hungary last year, because I made a great season in Hungary last year playing the PG role. Ingo and Coach Nikola seen my ability and we had great conversations, and they now brought me in to be the teams PG. So to be able to be the PG and leader of this team and competing in the BBL, I could never pass up this opportunity. And also, from what I seen already, I know we will be a very competitive team this year in BBL”, warned Marques Townes. His point guard predecessors in Crailsheim all could score the ball, but also knew when to dish. But Marques Townes doesn´t only have scoring to dazzle the fans with. “I am a scoring guard, but naturally I am pass first guard. Not a lot of people know this. My passing ability is one of my strong suits, so I can´t wait to see what I can do out there this year with such a strong team surrounding me. My confidence it’s at high altitude right now, I’m very excited to get started”, warned Marques Townes. His easyCredit BBL time was short, but the ambitious baller probably will have a new club soon and have success elsewhere. If you don´t succeed at first then try try again. Who knows maybe he will land elsewhere in Germany. Then perhaps he will be able to show the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim that they shouldn´t have given up on him so rapidly.

Willie Cauley-Stein (213-C-1993, college: Kentucky) is a 30 year old 213cm center from Kansas that is playing his first season overseas with Openjobmetis Varese (Italy-Serie A). He played in the NBA for 8 seasons totaling 428 games for teams like Sacramento Kings (4 years), Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets. He also played in the G-League last season with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers averaging 7.2ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.4apg, 1.1spg, 1.0bpg, FGP-2 (70.1%), 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 51.4% he began his basketball career at Northwest high school and then played at Kentucky (NCAA) from 2012-2015 and was drafted at #6 in the 2015 NBA draft. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against BG Goettingen.

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

I was about to retire from hoops and the opportunity popped up and my family and I decided that It could be a fun journey, I had never been to Europe before and always planned on going sometime to travel and see a different part of the world and experience a different culture. So I said what the hell might as well go play one season and see if its something I can see myself doing for multiple years and getting to kill 2 birds with one stone by getting paid to travel Europe and play basketball seemed like a no brainer

After 8 seasons in the NBA, you have decided to come overseas and play with Openjobmetis Varese (Italy-Serie A). Why did you decide to come overseas? Did you lose faith in the NBA process? I can imagine the drive to win some titles also must of driven you?

I think winning a title is a bi product of choosing to experiment with the Euro market.

A lot of guys come overseas after starting in the NBA and do get back with PJ Tucker as the best example? How present is the NBA still in your mind now?

I’m just playing and trying to live in this current space in time. If opportunity presents itself and the money makes sense I would give it more thought. But for right now I can only be where I’m at now and so it makes no sense to think about the possibility of something that’s not reality

What kind of an experience has it been playing in Italy? The Serie A is one of the best leagues and Joe Bryant the dad of Kobe also played in Italy in the late 80´s.

My experience has been very welcoming, the fans eat, sleep, and breath this sport so it makes playing in these games incredibly fun and easy to want to play well and try to give them a win.

What have you learned to appreciate most about the Italian culture? Do you sense like you get extra service mainly because you played so long in the NBA?

I think just the amount of passion the people have. And there is defiantly a little extra something because of the success of my journey so far

The club has started slowly in the Serie A. Looking at the roster, it seems like depth is missing on the import positions. Has that been a reason for the slow start?

I think its just a whole new team and only 1-2 guys played real impactful minutes last year so with that and having a new head coach and new front office, the team has just been trying to figure it all out and going through some growing pains.

What has it been like being teammates with fellow ex NBA player Sean McDermott? Both of you are overseas for the first time. What have you appreciated most about his game?

It’s been a treat getting to work along side a guy like Sean. His work ethic pushes me to match his level and has made me a better player in itself. And feeding off his faith in God is very impactful for me as well. Both of us come from similar back grounds and having similar off the court interests help keep us grounded by being so far from home. And we are both girl dads and are very new to being fathers so we get to share parenting stories and theory’s on bus rides we sit next to each other, so there are lots of opportunities to just talk about real life things.

You have needed no adjustment time getting used to the game overseas. Your putting up good stats in the Serie A and Fiba Europe Cup. What has been your secret to being able to adjust so well?

I’ve been playing high level basketball for probably 15 years, so that’s half my life I have been crafting at this game, and having the trust from my coaches and front office and teammates has been the biggest factor for me. They allow me to be Willie Trill and not a version of who think I should be. I think the European game really caters to the way I was taught to play the game, I never was a really big 1 on 1 guy, and I enjoy the ball movement and how everyone is involved on the offensive side. It is a true breath of fresh air.

You’re a player that can score and rebound, but also block shots. How big of a challenge is it becoming a defensive stopper overseas for you?

I´m not really looking or trying to be a defensive stopper. Im a firm believer in just being present, and playing hard and letting the game take shape on how it was written. I just study the scouting report and learn tendencies of players and try to just make the game harder for the offense. It’s very naive to think you’re just going to stop someone from scoring every time so by not putting that added pressure on myself is the key in my mind.

You played at Kentucky (NCAA) from 2012-2015. What memories do you have of sharing the court with fellow freshman Nerlens Noel? Did the fact that you were his back up already teach you gto rind harder as a freshman?

Well funny thing is I was actually playing along side of him at the 4 in the beginning I was coming off the bench as Kyle Wiltjer’s back up. I didn’t have to start playing out of my position at the 5 until Nerlens tour his ACL, and then I had to start at the 5 for the remainder of the year. And I was a 4 star kid coming into college with a bunch of 5 stars and 1 and 2 ranking guys in the class, so I was already discouraged because my skill level wasn’t at the same level as the rest of them. I just made it a thing for myself that I was going to come in and outwork them. And use the abilities that you can’t teach to be able to compete.

It is difficult to think how the 2014-2015 team couldn´t win the NCAA title. You had 9 future NBA players and Devin Booker coming form the bench? Was that the greatest Kentucky team on paper?

And nahhh it’s not difficult to think that. You can’t win them all. There’s no doubt in my mind if the tournament dynamic was more than just lose or go home. We would win 9-10 games and they just happened to beat us on the first 1. I think it was one of the greatest teams in NCAA history with how we played a platoon system. No player got to play more than 20 minutes, nobody got to average big numbers, the load of the game was truly spread out through 10 guys. Even though we didn’t win a title going to the final 4 2 years in a row and actually making it to the finals the year before and then making it while being undefeated is probably only going to happen once every couple of decades.

Was the 71-64 loss to Wisconsin in the NCAA Final 4 your toughest loss as a player? What memories do you have of that?

I personally think the loss to Robert Morris my freshman year in the NIT was the toughest loss of my college career, also watching the final 4 my sophomore year due to a broken ankle was tough. We had made such an amazing run from being as an 8 seed to making it all the way to the final was an amazing experience and coming up short was pretty heart wrenching. I thought that if I hadn’t been hurt we matched up with UConn really well with my ability to switch out on guards and take away the switch advantage that Shabazz and Ryan created with me off the court and really took advantage of that.

How good was the bond then. Do you guys still keep in touch?

We was a very tight nit group which was why we had so much fun and success that year.

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

The way he runs the program is pretty much mirrored from the NBA, so guys that go through Kentucky are already ready for what the NBA is going to be like. From workouts, to terminology, and defensive schemes are already being taught.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Karl Anthony-Towns?

Haha man I actually never played 1-1 against him, we always played on the same team in practice

What memories do you have of the 2015 NBA Draft night? It must have been like a class trip with 6 Wild Cats being drafted?

Just having all my friends and family there. Some of my family were there first time even in New York so just seeing them experience that was bigger than me being drafted.

You played your first 4 years with the Sacramento Kings. What do you remember being your wake up call to the NBA?

I think just the amount of games we play and how much you don’t actually get to practice. There is a lot of free time to try and navigate through as well.

You had some real NBA vets on the team with Caron Butler and Rudy Gay. Do you have a meaningful story with them?

Man I had so many great vets over the years. Spent a lot of time talking with Matt Barnes, Zbo, Vince Carter, Garret Temple, George Hill. All of these guys were high character guys and had very successful careers and gave a lot of gems to us young guys.

What was it like battling big man DeMarkus Cousins. Were you able to get some tips from him for your bag?

Hardest guy I’ve ever had to guard was Boogie. Learned a lot about footwork and how to use your body from him

In your third season you were able to call yourself teammates with Mr dunk Vince Carter. How did you experience him at that stage of his career?

He was damn near a player coach for us that year, learned a ton by just watching his routines

In your rookie season you beat the Lakers 3 times and in 2 games Kobe Bryant played. In only your second NBA game you played against him scoring 17 points while he had 13 points. What kind of a moment was that for you? Did you ever attempt small talk?

Dang hearing the stats like this makes me think about it a lot differently now. I regrettably never was one to fan boy over Kobe at the time. But due to his passing I wish I would’ve got a picture or autograph from him just to have in the memorabilia room at the home front.

In your fifth season you split time with Golden State and Dallas. What kind of an experience was it being teammates with Steph Curry. Many people have him on their NBA Mount Rushmore whereas in 2015 it wasn´t the case?

It was great to learn how to craft your game and how to carry yourself as a player and father. Just a super class act human.

You played parts of 3 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. You witnessed Luka Magic close hand. What is the most amazing thing that you ever saw him do that TV camera´s didn´t capture?

I don’t know off the top of my head, I never really gave too much attention to what he was doing

In your last season in Dallas you finished with the 76ers. How tough was that last season as you didn´t get much minutes. How tough can that be mentally for a player?

I was going through a lot of off the court stuff with one of my best friends getting murdered right after I signed with G state, so navigating that grief, then being traded and not getting to play real minutes any more it was like having to start all over getting the trust from a new coaching staff and new teammates. And not even a month after being traded to Dallas my little brother passed away. And then going into the covid era I had my first kid and we found out my grandmother who raised me and my older brother had got diagnosed with cancer and we actually lost her that December which was around the same time I got released from Dallas. So given how life was moving for me basketball in those couple years wasn’t an escape anymore, with not getting to play and trying to navigate life without key members of my circle it was extremely difficult. I was just trying to keep my head above water at that point.

You played your 8th professional season with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (NBA G League) averaging 7.2ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.4apg, 1.1spg, 1.0bpg, FGP-2 (70.1%), 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 51.4%. How tough was this season after 7 seasons in the NBA? What did you learn about the business?

I learned that the business be lying, and that to take advantage of every opportunity no matter what it looks like

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

I don’t even know off the top of my head haha most of the guys where on my team

Who were your 3 toughest players in the NBA that you faced?

everyone is such an amazing talent I can’t just choose 3

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Another tough question. I’ve had tons of great teammates, it would be impossible to choose 5

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Tim Duncan, Michael Jordan, LeBron, Kobe, KD, Steph

Who is your GOAT and why?

My goat is Tim Duncan because the way he approached the game and just went to work, didn’t talk much, wasn’t a “raw” “raw” type of player which I find the similarity in myself with that. He just showed up, showed out and got the job done. Won 5 rings averaged a double double and he was the guy when I was a kid playing in my backyard that I was pretending to play against when dreaming about playing in the NBA.

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

I never watched it. Shoot to be honest I don’t think I have ever even sat down and watched the OG movie as an adult yet.

Thanks Willie 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 105-90 loss to Salzkotten. How frustrating was this loss coming off a big win?

Very frustrating. We are having a big problem with being ready to go at the start of the game.

Talk about the 40 minutes. Was there a time where you could have won the game?

Yes for sure. We were down the whole game and eventually got it within 6 towards the end of the game but many unforced errors didn’t allow us to make a run.

Is it fair to say this game was lost on the 3 point line?

You could say that, but I think it was lost off of effort and defense. We are not mentally prepared to play.

You won shoot outs in the 6 game winning streak, but are teams figuring you guys out better now as the season continues to progress?

Yes, teams are starting to figure out our weakness and it’s been the same in the last 4 games but we continue to change how we counter and we are still trying to put it together. Thankfully it’s still early in the season.

Three players from the starting 5 combined for 65 points led by American Keith Hayes with 24 points. Did his offense overshadow his defense? He supplied 5 steals.

He was comfortable the whole game and I tried to tell everyone that we need to make him uncomfortable but again this goes with being disciplined and paying attention to scouting. Most of the time we just passed the ball right to him honestly, but respect to him he did everything necessary to win the game.

You had a huge game scoring 41 points. Can a guy who scores that much even take blame for a loss? You left it on the floor?

The way I am personally, scoring that much really means nothing to me if we don’t win. The win is more important to me because then you put the scoring along with a deserving win. So I’m not satisfied one bit. As the leader of the team, I have to set the example on offense and defense and I feel I did the best I could but I did make many mistakes as well so we go back to the drawing board and figure out how we can improve.

Shooting wise it was pretty solid. You took 25 shots and the rest of the team 27 points. Do you feel like you could have been more aggressive?

I think this game was one of my very aggressive games so far this season. Many times I found myself going coast to coast trying to score. When we aren’t making shots from outside, they can count on me to get the ball in the paint and make a play. I still tried to get my team involved of course but it just wasn’t our day.

Next week #1 Essen at 8-2 battle BG Hagen who are 7-3. How excited are you and what will be key to getting the win?

I can’t wait for this game really. No matter about last game, I’m still very motivated and ready to get a win. The key for us is simply to be disciplined, locked in, and have energy at the very start of the game. There’s no complex answer to this, we just need to give more effort on the defensive side and have confidence on offense that’s it. I will for sure be hyped for this game so hopefully my guys will feed off of it.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.

Pic credit Joe Murphy(Memphis Grizzlies)

Sean McDermott (198-F-1996, college: Butler, agency: Octagon Europe) is a 27 year 198cm forward from Pendleton, Indiana playing his fourth professional season and first overseas with Openjobmetis Varese (Italy-Serie A). He palyed his first 3 professional seasons with G-League team Memphis Hustle and also played 18 games for NBA team Memphis Grizzlies in his rookie season. He began his basketball career with Pendleton Heights High school. He then played at Butler (NCAA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 122 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against BG Goettingen.

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

Thank you for having me. I am currently in Varese, Italy and basketball is going well!

It has been about 10 years since you had a Staph infection. That was a very difficult time. Is this experience something you still think about daily and what was your biggest drive then besides just living?

The STAPH infection was definitely a difficult time in my life, but I don’t think about it too much anymore. When I think back on that time I am just grateful that we found an answer and that I am able to be here today, playing a game I love, living a blessed life with the people that I love.

I think my biggest drive immediately after getting an answer to what I was facing was just to get back onto the basketball court and get back to the player that I felt I had worked to become. But as more time passed the STAPH infection helped to bring up more important issues that I needed to face in my life like what I truly believed in and what I felt my purpose on this earth was. That was a journey that took years to find an answer to, but it has been the most rewarding journey of my life. Now I know that my purpose is far more than being a good basketball player, but living a life that points to Jesus Christ daily because he has saved from who I once was and made me new. Yes, I am alive physically following the STAPH infection, but so much more importantly I am alive spiritually!

After playing your first 3 pro seasons in the NBA and G-League, you’re now playing your 4th pro season and first overseas with Openjobmetis Varese (Italy-Serie A). Did you lose a little faith in the NBA process and decide to see what it looks like in Europe?

After spending one year in the NBA, followed by nearly an entire season missed because of a knee surgery, and then a full season in the G-league last year I just felt like I had given what I could to try to get back to the ultimate goal which is to be an NBA player. I don’t want to say I lost faith in the NBA process because we have seen guys get to the NBA yearly from overseas, but I did feel like it was time for me to make the move to European basketball. I have been following the different European leagues for a couple of years now and was excited by the opportunity to come be a part of really high level basketball with really high level and committed fans.

What kind of an experience has it been for you playing for Openjobmetis Varese (Italy-Serie A). The club moved up to Serie A again in 2019 and last won a Serie A title in 1999. How have you experienced the basketball culture there?

Playing in Varese has been such a cool experience for me so far. The fans here are unbelievable. I felt welcomed by them from the time that I signed and have felt the love from them since that day. Varese loves basketball and they have so much pride in their club. We, as players want to represent ourselves well, but we also want to give everything we have for these fans because they deserve to have a group of guys that fights for their community every single night.

What have you learned to appreciate most about the culture in Italy. Players usually mention the pasta first, but what else have you learned to appreciate quickly?

I think the biggest thing that has stood out to me about the culture in Italy is the slow paced life. In America I am so used to being on the go non-stop, feeling like I always have to be doing something. It is admirable to me that the Italian culture values time with family around the dinner table, or at a restaurant, even at a team meal. Italians clearly value time with loved ones and friends and I think that is something that Americans can learn from and apply to our lives.

You had 2 exceptional games in the Basketball Champions League and haven´t really needed to make any big adjustment period, but coming from the G-League, what part of the Euro game has been the biggest challenge to get used to?

I think the biggest adjustment to European basketball has been the physicality and lack of space. There is no defensive 3 seconds here, so getting in the paint can be very challenging at times. On top of that, you add the physicality of the game here and it can make it hard to score if your offense isn’t flowing and in a good rhythm. I also think teams here really value having skilled big men on the block that they run their offense through. The American game is more pick and roll dominant. Of course pick and roll is prevalent here as well, but you also see the ball thrown into the post quite a bit more here.

You’re a versatile player that can score the ball. What are your personal goals with your game in your first season overseas? Do you see yourself being an impact player right away?

The biggest goal is to win. I’m a firm believer that winning takes care of everything. More personal goals would be to show that I can really shoot the ball at a high level from 3 in a variety of different ways. I also want to show that I am more athletic than I think I am given credit for, and I believe I can do that by defending and rebounding at a high level. I believe that I can be an impact player for this team, but I also believe that all of our guys are impact players. We have to be solid throughout our roster because we play very good competition here. We don’t just want to compete, we want to win. Every guy has to impact winning in his own way.

Would you share a smile if you began to hear “Little Dunham” chants from Varese fans after hitting shots? Was Kellen Dunham a role model when you were at Pendleton?

I would be thrilled to hear chants about Kellen! I didn’t have the chance to play with Kellen at Pendleton because I transferred in my sophomore year, but I did have to the opportunity to be his teammate for one season at Butler. As good of a basketball player as Kellen is, he is an even better man. As much of an honor as it is to be compared to him as a basketball player, I hope people speak as highly of me as a person as they do of him. He is the best.

The Serie A is lucky to have received a player like Willie Cauley-Stein who played 8 seasons in the NBA. What have you learned to appreciate the most about his game?

I love how selfless Willie is. He could have come in here with his resume and been selfish, but he has been the exact opposite. He is a great teammate and a skilled player. He makes the game easier for the rest of us.

You played 18 NBA games as a rookie for the Memphis Grizzlies and also played for the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) averaging 17.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 87.5%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being in the NBA?

There were many different situations that were wake up calls for me in the NBA. In the first preseason game of the year I took a charge on Anthony Edwards that felt like getting hit by a middle linebacker. My first official NBA points were in the Boston Garden. But I think maybe the coolest moment for me as a shooter was getting the opportunity to guard and be guarded by JJ Redick. I’m positive he had no idea who I was, but for me that was somebody who’s game I had watched for years, and to get to go head to head with him was very cool for me.

You gave your NBA debut in a loss to the Boston Celtics where you put up 4/3/2 stats in 21 minutes. What are your memories of when you checked into the game?

I remember the nerves that came with stepping on the NBA court for my first regular season game. This was a goal that I had been working towards my entire life, and the moment was finally here. But you quickly snap out of it as soon as play begins because there is a job to do.

How do you remember Ja Morant? He was already good then, but in the last years has continued to develop into a NBA superstar? What wow moment do you remember having?

I remember Ja as an incredible player and unbelievable athlete, but what I remember more is the way he welcomed all of us rookies on draft night through social media and then in person when we landed in Memphis. He didn’t act like he was one of the faces of the league and I was just some unknown rookie, but instead made me feel like a teammate of his that he wanted to help however he could.

You had a very strong 2021 NBA Summer League, but didn´t remain in the NBA but played a season with the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) averaging 8.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 43.6%, FT: 71.4%. How tough was this season playing only 11 games and then being in the middle of Covid?

That was a tough season for me because it was actually the season I had my knee surgery and had to miss nearly the entire year. I got hurt in our second to last summer league game and had to have surgery after that. The recovery was difficult as it kept me from being on the court, but that was the year my daughter was born which kept me busy and kept me from dwelling on missing the game I love.

You remained with the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) in your third pro season averaging 9.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 78.8%. You had great games and then games where your minutes were down. In a league where most are playing for their stats, how do you feel did your game profit in your third pro season?

Although I didn’t put up giant numbers last season, I felt like I always tried to play my role and that was something I was proud of. I felt like I took a big leap last year defensively as an on ball defender and that’s something I want to carry over to this season. The G-league can be challenging because of the NBA guys coming up and down and having minutes fluctuate regularly so I felt like I had to take a step with my mental toughness last year as well. I had to learn to focus on controlling what I can control and that will continue to be a focus of mine for the rest of my career.

Was your 23 points against Stockton in the 110-109 win one of your fondest moments in the G-League?

I felt like that was a good game for me. I didn’t shoot it great from 3, but felt like I impacted the game in a lot of other ways. That was a big step that I took, was figuring out ways to impact winning if my shot wasn’t falling. I have many fond moments and memories from the G-league and my time in Memphis.

You played at Butler (NCAA) from 2016-2020 and was able to improve your scoring average each season. What kind of a player were you when you arrived and what kind when you departed?

When I arrived at Butler I was still trying to recover from my STAPH infection from a couple years prior. I still didn’t feel 100% and felt like I was coming in way behind where I need to be. I was very skinny and quite frankly felt like I didn’t belong my first season. But I continued to work on my game daily, multiple times a day, for the 5 years that I was at Butler and felt like I grew as a player every year. I came in as a shooter, but felt like I left as a much more well rounded all around player. My shot will always be my strong point, but I want to be more than just a shooter and I felt like I have grown in that aspect every season since I got to Butler.

You reached 2 NCAA tournaments losing to North Carolina and Purdue. What memories do you have? You only played a minute against North Carolina but scored a basket as a freshman.

I remember the North Carolina game fondly. I wasn’t playing many minutes for us by tournament time, but we were a very good team. It was a sweet sixteen game that we actually played in Memphis at the Grizzlies arena. North Carolina was very good that year and went on to win the national championship, but being in the sweet sixteen is something I will remember for the rest of my life. The Purdue game is a difficult one to relive. I felt like there were a couple plays in that game that we would love to have back because we were right there. We had a chance to win the game but Dakota Mathias (who I am good friends with now and played with last year in Memphis) hit a dagger late in the clock to go up 4 on us in the final seconds. It was a very good game and really cool to play another in state team in the NCAA tournament. I wish the outcome would have been different, but life goes on.

You played 4 seasons with Kamar Baldwin. After a great season in Germany, he played in the G-League and is now back overseas in Italy. Did you guys develop a special friendship over the years?

Yes, Kamar is a special talent on the basketball court and a special human being. I may be biased, but I believe Butler basketball has some really awesome people who have been a part of it. Kamar will be like a brother to me forever. He is a Butler legend and will go down as one of the all time greats.

How did head coach LaVall Jordan groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I think Val was really gifted when it came to skill development, but even more so he helped to create leaders and men. I think when it came to our time with Val, everybody knew what their role was and what was expected of them every single day that they walked onto the court and that is something I have carried over to my professional career. I’m not trying to be somebody I’m not. I just want to be the best Sean McDermott that I can be for my team every single day.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jordan Tucker?

I only remember one 1on1 game between Jordan and I in our practice gym in a side basket. I took the victory in that one, but I’m sure if he beat me at another time I just tried to block that out from my memory. I’m not a very good loser and Jordan is a really good player so I’m sure he got me at some point.

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

I think Jalen Brunson was the best college player I played. He won national player of the year, so it’s hard to pick against him. He has made a pretty good career for himself in the NBA as well.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

It’s so hard to pick a 5 best because I’ve had so many incredible teammates. To avoid leaving anybody off the list I’m going have to give an I don’t know to this question.

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

I can only speak of players that I have personally watched throughout my life. For me, it is MJ, Kobe, LeBron, and Steph Curry. You can tell that I’m clearly biased towards guards as well. Tim Duncan and Shaq are up there in my generation as well. Clearly I’m leaving off some of the legends of the game, but I was not able to watch them like I’ve been able to watch some of the others that I listed.

Who is your GOAT and why?

My GOAT is MJ. I think his mindset and love for the game made him the most dominant player of all time. Hard to argue with rings and MVP’s. I have a fascination with MJ’s determination to be the best and his willingness to put the work in to earn that title. For the same reasons, I think Kobe is right behind MJ.

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

I am a little embarrassed to say this, but I have actually never seen Coming to America.

Thanks Sean for the chat.

After the Fraport Skyliners had won their fourth game in a row against Kirchheim, some pessimists crept out of their holes and proclaimed that now the team will have to show their true colors on the road. Well after 3 weeks away from home, the Fraport Skyliners continue to roll and had a 7-0 record after massive wins in Giessen, Karlsruhe and Dresden. The staple of the Fraport Skyliners is their defense as they allow only 65 points per game while their offensive game isn´t too shabby either as they can produce a different top scorer on any night. Can any team stop the Fraport Skyliners? Well second year pro A team Art Giants Duesseldorf were up next for Frankfurt, but they were sporting a poor 2-5 record and a chaotic defense. Alex Richardson who has played 3 seasons in Frankfurt returned back to his living room while Booker Coplin (191-G-1997, college: Augsburg, agency: BIG) met his ex team after having played with them for his first 2 professional seasons. The Fraport Skyliners arrived in the game with incredible self-confidence, but after a few minutes their over motivated play quickly put them in a hole which they couldn´t escape from until the fourth quarter where they produced an incredible come back pulling out the 71-65 victory over the Art Giants Duesseldorf to move to 8-0. “We had a poor start where we couldn´t buy a shot. But we did a good job staying with it mentally and finally flipping the switch away from our frustration. Basketball is a game of runs and it is about making the best out of your own run. Our energy on defense helped us at the end. We kept chipping away at their lead with big plays and consecutive rebounds kept us pumped which kept us in reach. We knew that we had a chance to win if we could control our effort”, warned Fraport Skyliner David Muentkat. The ART Giants Duesseldorf played a potent game for 30 minutes, but lost control in the fourth quarter as too much 1-1 play and unnecessary turnovers gave Frankfurt extra shots in their comeback attempt. “We were aggressive for 30 minutes and played with a purpose. It was our best start of the whole season. But in the fourth quarter, we began to play on our heels. I thought we defended well today. Guys are starting to buy into their roles individually and as a team”, stressed ART Giants Duesseldorf guard CJ Anderson.

Lorenz Brenneke at the FT line

The ART Giants Duesseldorf began to execute right off the bat while the Fraport Skyliners couldn´t hit the ocean. Before Frankfurt had even known what had hit them, the guests led 8-0. Swedish big man Craig Lecesne hit 2 rapid three´s and made a runner. Duesseldorf was playing with a high intensity and high tempo that Frankfurt couldn´t match. Ex Alba Berlin forward Lorenz Brenneke got Frankfurt on the board with 2 free throws, but Duesseldorf´s offensive fury continued as they scored 13 further unanswered points as Frankfurt stared at a baffling 21-2 deficit. In the run, the guests just continued to play their enticing game as ex Schwenningen American Raiquan Clark led the charge with 7 points. It seemed everything he touched turned to gold. German role players Finn Fleute and Emil Marshall added three pointers as the hole for them must of looked as big as lake Eire. The guests continued to ride the momentum and gave a good mix of individual plays to well prepared shots through team play. After being stopped 17 times, the Fraport Skyliners finally got on the board at the 1,21 minute mark as ex Hanau guard Bruno Albrecht made a shot and then a trey to trail only 21-7. German Paul Giese added 2 jumpers and German Jakob Knauf a three pointer as Frankfurt trailed 25-10 after 10 minutes. “We have to do a better job of setting the tone instead of trying to match their intensity. We were lucky today getting back into the game. Great teams won´t let you do that”, warned David Muenkat. “Basketball is basketball. Sometimes you make shots and sometimes you don´t. We just happened to have a good start and they didn´t. They had good open looks, but their shots didn´t fall”, stressed CJ Anderson who played at UMass (NCAA). The ART Giants Duesseldorf shot 67% from the field and 80% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 16% from the field and 22% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Marquil Smith lay in

The Fraport Skyliners stepped up their defense in the second quarter, but offensively couldn´t find their groove yet which disallowed them to get over the hump and trailed still big at the break down by 14 points. Clark began the second quarter with a steal and lay in to give the guests the 27-10 advantage. But Frankfurt upped their defensive intensity which led to some steals and they also executed better on offense. After firing away too much with three´s, they tried to mix it up going inside and got an offensive rebound and put back by Brenneke and a trey by ex Charleton great Aiden Warnholtz cut Duesseldorf´s lead to 30-18. Frankfurt´s execution got better as Warnholtz made a floater and David Muenkat a lay in to trail 35-24. Besides stepping up their defensive aggressiveness, Frankfurt also did a better job getting to the free throw line as German Justin Onyejiaka demonstrated twice. But Frankfurt was unable to get over the hump as superb role player Finn Fleute drilled home a three pointer and ex Rhondorf center Alex Moeller made an easy lay up as Frankfurt´s 1-1 defense and communication was lacking to trail 40-24. “We were trying to settle down. We were playing with a lot of emotion, but just kept chipping away. We were trying to come back with chunks with the three pointer instead of going chip by chip”, stated David Muenkat. The shooting percentages of Duesseldorf had dipped, but were still solid at 48% from the field and 42% from the three point line while they grabbed 25 rebounds and had 11 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners still had terrible shooting percentages at18% from the field and 17% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Craig Lecesne at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners continued to fight and cut the guests lead down to as much as 13 points, but could never get below 10 points as they still trailed big by 18 points after 30 minutes. After Alexander Richardson got an offensive rebound and made a put back, the Fraport Skyliners countered with a clutch three pointer by David Munekat to trail 43-27. After a Emil Marshall lay in, Frankfurt countered with a 5-0 run to trail only 45-32. After going 0/7 in the first half, Coplin came back in the third quarter and tried to shine through other things like his passing qualities with the perfect lob pass to Knauff for 2 points and then made a steal and dunk for the transition finish. Frankfurt´s intensity was good and they were making overall better decisions on offense and were less hectic like in the first half. But Frankfurt was unable to keep this momentum as Duesseldorf went on a 6-2 run to extend their lead to 51-34. In the run the guests received a Lecesne offensive rebound and put back and Giese free throw, but the biggest bucket of the run was a poster dunk by Raiquan Clark over Jacob Knauf. “That was a crazy dunk. I never saw him get up like that before. He is a tough player and a real go getter. He shows up for the big moments”, warned CJ Anderson. “Jacob did a good job contesting, but I gave up the penetration. He is an athletic player”, commented David Muenkat. Justin Onyejiaka nailed a trey and Finn Fleute made a tip in as the ART Giants Duesseldorf led 55-37 after 3 quarters. “We stayed solid on defense. We tried to force them to shoot over us. We kept the intensity high and really wanted to win”, expressed CJ Anderson. “Our emotions were big. We weren´t as focused as we should have been. Our attention was more on the result than on in game. They also continued to hit shots to keep the big lead”, added David Muenkat. The Art Giants Duesseldorf shot 47% from the field and 33% from the parking lot and had 37 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 20% from the field and 17% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

David Muenkat lay in

In the fourth quarter the contest took a nose dive turn to the better for the Fraport Skyliners as that first quarter was reversed in favor for Frankfurt as they gained the lead and pulled out the win. The Fraport Skyliners began on a lethal 8-0 run to cut Duesseldorf´s lead to 55-45. In the run, Booker Coplin was rejuvenated adding 6 points while David Muenkat stole him the show with a brutal alley-oop dunk as the Minnesota native who played the last 2 years in Duesseldorf made the accurate lob pass. “That was a nice dunk, but not even in my top 10. I have a good resume on dunks”, smiled David Muenkat. Duesseldorf then got their first field goal of the last quarter as Anderson made a lay in and free throw somewhat easing the momentum that Frankfurt had created. But the Fraport Skyliners just kept pushing and shots continued to fall as they cruised on a 14-0 run to take their first lead of the game at 59-58. “They missed a lot of easy lay ups and we stuck with it. The momentum shifted and the fans were huge. They carried us”, stated David Muenkat. “We lost focus. We are a young team. We relied too much on 1-1 play”, stated CJ Anderson. In the run, Frankfurt got a key three by pro B play er Trevian Bell who can play 5 games for the team and a runner by Jordan Samare. Coplin topped off the run with back to back three´s. After being totally hyperactive in the first half, he calmed down in the second half and executed. “We were all struggling on offense. We all stuck with it. Booker was ready when we needed him most. We kept encouraging him and we count on him to deliver”, stated David Muenkat. Frankfurt were the better team on the boards led by the stability of David Muenkat and Duesseldorf got away from their team game and struck out with their 1-1 play. Anderson and Richardson free throws game Duesseldorf the lead back at 60-59, but only briefly. Muenkat stole Coplin´s earlier three pointer show by making consecutive lay in´s and a free throw for the 64-60 advantage. Ben Shungu who had been quiet with scoring then nailed a massive trey to trail only 64-63. After Frankfurt was stopped, Richardson made a free throw to tie the game at 64-64. Warnholtz who had been quiet shooting them made the clutch dime to 34 year old Marco Voeller for the lay in and 66-64 advantage with 32 seconds to play. Justin Onyejiaka then dropped one free throw to lead 68-65 with 17 seconds to play. Duesseldorf could have tied with a three pointer, but coughed up the ball. Bell added 3 free throws to seal the win. “We really wanted the win at the end and let the fans have something to cheer about. We really appreciate the fans. We finished strong and left it all on the floor”, stressed David Muenkat. “We drew up that play for our big and then to get an open three pointer. We got a bad bounce. It can happen”, stated CJ Anderson. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Booker Coplin with 14 points. David Muenkat added 11 points and 13 boards and Justin Onyejiaka 10 points while the ART Giants Duesseldorf were led by Craig Lecesne with 15 points while Raiquan Clark had 12 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 29% from the field and 22% from outside and had 46 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the ART Giants Duesseldorf shot 38% from the field and 25% from outside and had 46 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

pic redit Ronald Ross

I have seen many great coaches in my 20 year basketball journalistic career overseas and at the moment I can rank 2 at the top of my personal list. I had the pleasure to meet Larry Brown who won an NBA and NCAA title with Detroit and Kansas in 2018 when he had a go in Europe at the helm in Italy With Torino and my other would have to be Gordon Herbert who I have covered since his early days in Frankfurt and recently won the World Cup with Germany. But one legendary coach I have never seen live was Bob Knight and unfortunately one I will never see because he recently passed away. I don´t remember the first time where I remember hearing his name or seeing him on TV as I liked to follow college basketball as a kid, but I do remember seeing his famous chair throwing incident in the local sports news the day after it happened against Purdue in 1985. The incident is one that will forever be remembered in basketball nostalgia and one Knight would talk about on David Letterman. Knight isn´t the greatest college coach of all-time as that honor has to go to the great John Wooden who would win 10 NCAA titles with UCLA, but with all respect to the state of North Carolina and it´s great rival coaches Dean Smith and Mike Krzyzewski, one can place Knight at #2. I remember following Indiana´s magical 1987 run with Keith Smart, but imagine what it must have been to play for the guy. Off the top of my head there were 2 guys that I followed in Germany that did that with Ronald Ross and Will Chavis. Both of them didn´t witness his successful ways at Indiana; but at Texas Tech where Knight coached from 2001-2008. There is no doubt for Ronald Ross that Bobby Knight is the GOAT. “My opinion is biased, but he’s number one without a doubt. I don’t dismiss the long list of incredible coaches after nor before him, but he set the bar for being able to coach the game at the highest levels with a limited amount of talent through all his Indiana years as well as his time at Texas Tech. Nobody was better at getting the best out of their players, teams, and coaches than he was. In my opinion it was his ability to mastermind the fundamentals and build up from there. He still has the last undefeated college basketball team to this day. In addition, run the long list of great coaches he developed or had influence on their careers. It’s almost unmatched. His achievements go far beyond awards”, stressed Ronald Ross.

Ronald Ross who turned 40 this year had an illustrious professional basketball career where he played 13 years and accumulated 438 games in countries like Italy, Israel, Germany, Croatia, Greece, Cyprus, and Romania. He also played in the D-League and USBL in the United States. After playing at Hobbs high School, he played 129 NCAA games at Texas Tech from 2001-2005 under the guidance of legendary head coach Bobby Knight. Both reached the NIT Final 4, NCAA Sweet 17 and Big 12 tournament final. He was able to improve his scoring, rebounding and assists average each season and had a stellar senior year averaging 17.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.0apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3Pts: 43%. After he retired he was an assistant coach for 2 years at Texas Tech where he helped guide the 2018-2019 team to the NCAA final. He left after 2 years and had no regrets. “Truthfully, I stepped away from basketball because I needed time to grieve the loss of my mother. During my coaching stint at Tech she passed tragically after 6 months of being diagnosed with cancer and it shook my world. I wasn’t able to focus the way I needed to and I didn’t want to internalize it and potentially implode from not taking a step back from the game. Fast forward, I got the time I needed, feel restored, and I’ll be coaching basketball for the rest of my life. Things are brewing as we speak”, stressed Ronald Ross. Currently he is back living in Hobbs, New Mexico and helping out the town´s high school basketball team. “. It’s been a blessing being able to give back to the community and a basketball program that help give me my start. Basketball life is always good to you when you’re good to it”, stated Ronald Ross who learned of Bobby Knight´s death during a training session at Hobbs.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Ronald Ross in Frankfurt in 2007

One can truly say time flies as it is hard to believe that it´s been more than 22 years since Ronald Ross landed on the campus of Texas Tech and could play for the legendary Bobby Knight. But his journey to the school to play for Bobby Knight was no cake walk. “I was a freshman and I was one of the last players to join the team. Although, a lot of people remember from our run in the NCAA tourney and me being a Basketball Times First-Team All American or whatever people forget I initially joined the program as a walk-on. I worked at Wells Fargo Bank for 2 years and I even unloaded boxes out of trucks for a company for a short period. It was a grind being there the first 2 years. Nevertheless, I started as a freshman and did whatever I was told to help impact winning and the rest of the story wrote itself”, remembered Ronald Ross. That Ross came to Texas Tech with a chip on his shoulder is an understatement. It must have been as large as Bobby Knight´s rage after failed execution during the game. Ross had won 3 straight state high school titles and led a perfect sophomore season at Hobbs. Knight came to Texas Tech also with a new challenge after an illustrious career at Indiana and 3 NCAA titles. “Coach Knight was locked in and preparing us (the players), the coaching staff, and everyone connected to our program to win. It was non-negotiable. He had no reservation for his past success, but a hyper-focus to win at Texas Tech. The year before coach arrived the team was 9-23 and after his first year we were 23-9 with an NCAA appearance. He had an immediate impact”, warned Ron Ross. It is hard to pinpoint what Knight´s biggest success was with Ross at Texas Tech, because they never won a title there. “While at Tech I would say our biggest success was my senior year when we made it to the Big 12 Final and the Sweet 16. It happened all in the same year. Honestly though, Coach Knight was pleased with the effort, but winning a championship was always his standard and nothing less. His work ethic and approach to winning reflected that”, commented Ronald Ross.

It wasn´t just about the x´s and the o´s, but Bobby Knight was a man that had so many more qualities that would enrich the lives of his players. Especially his love of books rubbed off on his players. He quizzed Ronald on road trips about books he had told him to read. There were numerous books he remembers, but one he rmemebers very well was about a player Knight battled in the 70´s at Indiana, a guy that is the GOAT for many in Boston. “One of my favorites was on Larry Bird called Drive. I was just really fascinated by his story and his personality”, said Ronald Ross. Even if it´s hard to believe, he never truly had one moment that was more special. Every day was out of the ordinary with Bobby Knight. “I don’t just have one moment. I absolutely loved the process. I loved practicing every day, learning, and being pushed to places I didn’t think I could go. We were a big family and it was all the little things that made everything special on a day to day basis”, stated Ronald Ross. But then again after close thought, there was one moment in his stellar last year where he took perhaps the most important advice about basketball from him. “We had one significant moment my senior year and coach asked me whether or not I can lead our team. It was one of our many very serious, lengthy conversations we had on leadership and what I needed to do to be successful. What I took away from it was eliminating any “gray area” situations or setbacks. I had to all out commit to what I wanted to do and my intentionality towards that had to be unwavering. In addition, I tried to mirror his process and rigorous preparation routine and as a result, it gave me more confidence than I could have ever imagined. A lot of coaches/players prepare, but did they prepare the right way”, remembered Ronald Ross in 2011. Often when guys graduate, the communication between a player and coach becomes less or even ceases, but with him and Knight, there was always a bond forever. “I stayed in contact with him, his wife, his son Pat, and his grandson over all the years. His has a beautiful family and support circle that is just as strong-willed as he was. All loving, caring, and ingrained with a winning mentality. As far as coach remembering me, I think or hope he would think I’m a player that tried to give him everything I had with a genuine, pure approach to trying to be the best basketball player I could possibly be. He was not only my role model, but he was like a father to me and I wouldn’t change ONE thing or experience I had with Coach Knight”, stressed Ronald Ross. Even if he had this intimidating and forceful persona in the public, but for the people who really knew him, he was something special. “You could 100% talk to coach if you needed anything. He had an incredible sense of humor and was very witty. He’s one of the most caring and brilliant people I know. When my mother passed a few years ago he was one of the first people to call me to make sure I was good or to see if I needed anything. He didn’t have to do that, but he did. He was never disconnected from the people that he cared about and on the other side of that coin, he was and is a very loved man! So many people love Coach Knight”, warned Ronald Ross. I will probably always think of that chair first when I hear the name Bobby Knight, but that´s probably for many others that had never met him or just knew Knight from TV. For Ronald Ross, his memories about Knight will go on forever. I bet if he really tried, he could gather enough material for a book about Bobby Knight. But then again keeping all the other memories just for himself and just his close knit family and friends is probably most meaningful. The basketball community will never forget Bobby Knght.

Jeremy Agosto (177-G-1997) is a 26 year old 177cm guard that was born in Puerto Rico. He has had experience playing in countries Puerto Rico, Nicaragua with Costa Caribe Managua (Nicaragua-LSB) averaging 21.5ppg, 7.7rpg, Assists-2 (6.4apg), 1.8spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 24.6%, FT: 56.8%) and Club de Baloncesto Cojute (El Salvador-Liga MB) averaging 24.7ppg, 6.8rpg, Assists-1 (8.1apg), Steals-2 (3.0spg), FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 63.2%. Currently he is in El Salvador playing for Cojute averaging 37,2ppg, 6,7rpg, 8,0apga nd 2,5spg. He recently did the unthinkable scoring 100 points in a game against Chalchuapa winning 160-93. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his memories of the game

Thanks Jeremy for talking to germanhoops.com. You scored 100 points in a pro game in El Salvador. How crazy is that. How did you experience the first hours after that mentally? What goes through your head?

It was crazy. I was just so happy and grateful, and the adrenaline was from another world.

Was your cell phone flooded with messages. About how many messages did you get? My cellphone was so flooded with messages.

I didn’t expect it. I got like more than 400 messages just to give an estimate.

Who were some of the most well known players that congratulated you?

Walter Hodge, Javier Mojica, Xavier Zambrana and more from PR.

Scoring 100 points is difficult. Last year an American did it in Germany but under easier conditions as he played at times against 3 players as many had fouled out. What does this 100 points game mean to you?

It was difficult because the team was playing hard giving it their all ,but I kept pushing for it and my teammates were helping me.

This must be the best reward for smaller players that anything is possible. Your only 177cm. How tough has your career been for you due to your size? I can imagine you have been doubted your whole life?

It has been very difficult to get opportunities because of my size, they have doubted me but my talent has let them know that I can do it and that I deserve to play, and when I do get the opportunities I always give it my all. My heart for this game is bigger that anything.

You can now tell everyone I scored 100 points and so did NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain. Chamberlain was way before your time, but everyone knows about Chamberlain’s legacy. If he was still alive what would you have liked to have told him?

I would have like to have a cool conversation with him and any tips that he could give and to be able to take a photo with such a big legend as Wilt Chamberlain.

Let’s talk about the 100 point game. Did you go into the game feeling good with your game or did you have a special pre game meal or was it just the same usual feeling going into the game?

I was in the mindset that I was going to have a great game and I was just really pumped to play.

You made 32-37 shots in the game from the two point range. How quickly did you feel like you were in the zone and that it would be a great game for you?

I felt in the zone when we finished that first quarter and had 40 points, I thought to myself I can do something great tonight.

When did you know or keep counting towards 100 points? Were your teammates telling you you were getting close?

All the fans and my teammates were screaming the points all the game, it was a really big celebration and the support was just crazy.

In another game you scored 49 points in 40 minutes and your 100 points in 37 minutes. This is totally insane. To score so much in only 37 minutes is amazing. How much credit does your team get? They dished out 48 assists

It was extremely hard to score 100 points in 37 minutes. My teammates get all the credit they saw that I was in the zone and they played to help me do my thing.

The El Salvador league isn’t a top league, but to score 100 points is an incredible feat. How high do you believe can one rate this accomplishment?

For me personally on a scale from 1 to 10 I would have to say that it is in my top five accomplishments. I’m really just happy and grateful.

One guy who was in your shadow was teammate Nick Moore who hauled down a crazy 30 rebounds. How important was he for your success on this day?

Without him it wouldn’t have been possible, 30 rebounds is really a crazy amount.

Do you feel like a game like this could open the door to Europe? I’m sure teams have you on their radar now?

I would hope so, and if the opportunity was to present itself, I’m ready to give it my all and to just do what I love, that is just to play basketball.

How did you celebrate after the game? Did you take your teammates out to dinner?

We celebrated with a get together and they gave a really nice gift for the accomplishment that we had that night.

Thanks Jeremy for the chat.

Shawn Scott 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.

Congrats on the 86-83 OT win over Telekom Baskets Bonn 2. How good did it feel to get back on the winning streak?

Thank you, it felt really good but we still have so much work to do.

This is a game you couldn´t have lost. On paper BG Hagen was the heavy favorite. This team was full of youth players and one Canadian rookie that supplied 45 points. Why couldn´t BG Hagen finish them off earlier?

From the start we were not focused and locked in and didn’t want to play to our potential until the second half. This continues to be our issue along with defense.

Talk a little about the OT period. What was key to get the win?

We don’t lose many OT games so we’re naturally confident when overtime happens but we were able to get stops and then capitalize on offense with big shots.

BG Hagen didn´t shoot well, but rebounded very well and had only 8 turnovers. What else did the team do well in this game?

To be honest, we didn’t do much well this game but still managed to get the win. I’d say just in the second half we did much better playing defense how we practice it.

Mychael Paulo exploded for 45 points. Talk a little about his game? He seemed to be in the zone?

Yeah he was very calm the whole game and didn’t seem bothered at all. It seemed like everything he put up was going in and it was hard to stop him. Much respect to him.

What do you appreciate most about Jaro Abrams game? He went 9/9 from the field?

Jaro is a great slasher and attacker going to the basket and he loves to play defense. He finds a way to turn his defense into offense and when we don’t shoot well from outside, we can count on him to attack the basket.

You had a strong 33/12/5/5 game. Was your aggressiveness exactly where you wanted it to be at?

Not exactly where I wanted it to be but it was enough to get the win. I think everyone knows what they will get from me every game but I think it took me awhile to get going in this game. Teams are really trying their best to keep me out of the paint but I’m always watching film and analyzing so that I’m always a step ahead. I’ll always do whatever it takes to put my team in a position to win.

You next play 5-3 Salzkotten. What will be key to getting the win?

We have got to focus heavy on defense this week because they have very strong guards and bigs so it will be a lot on our plates. We need to really come together as one and all be on the same page defensively then I think we will be fine. Will be a great game for sure.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.

pic credit:  Tbilisi State University

It was that time again for me where I had an opportunity to interview a guy that has been staring at adversary more times than none despite having game. It seems like I´m interviewing a guy from division 2 or lower college/university leagues every week. People maynotice it who cover country first divisions as much since these guys aren´t as prevalent there, but those guys that have a heart bigger than the population of New York and love the game more than a kid does the local candy shop on main street and grind as hard as a poor factory worker in Detroit are all over Europe trying to make their mark any way they can. Another skilled player that I stumbled across was Tyree Boykin (180-PG-1999, college: App State). Just like a few weeks ago where I heard beautiful words from Jay Jay Chandler who was more than thankful for a guy from the press giving him the time of day overseas, it wasn´t any different with Boykin. He greeted me with his first message back after I asked to interview him with “I appreciate you for reaching out to me and I greatly appreciate you for this opportunity”. At only 180cm, he was overlooked by D-1 schools at first and had a stellar 5 year career at Union University (NCAA2) and then was rewarded with a last year at Appalachian State University (NCAA). Now he is a rookie in Georgia and riding a chip as big as Mount Everest. “It’s a huge chip. Proving everyone wrong is nothing new to me. I work extremely hard every day, I show up to perform, and I know the results will speak for itself”, warned Tyree Boykin who never saw the sequel to the classic Coming to America because he didn´t want to risk ruining an all-time classic movie by seeing the sequel. Tyree Boykin wants to continue to show that if you can ball then you can play at any level even if he played division 2 ball.

Tyree Boykin who lists Terry Taylor of the Chicago Bulls as his toughest cover in the NCAA was born Feb 6 1999 in Clarksville, Tennessee. After playing at Kenwood high school, he embarked on a 5 year career at Union University where he played a total of 95 games. He was able to average double figures in scoring each season. In his last 3 seasons he averaged 18,0ppg in 62 games and scored in double figures in 58 of 62 games and scored 20 points or more 29 times. He had massive games against West Georgia with 33 points, hit Lee for 31 points and Valdosta state twice for 30 points. “My time at union was extremely influential in the development of my game. I was under great coaching from David Niven, Easton Bazzoli, Sean Blackburn, and Christian Goodwin in my time there that instilled so much confidence in my game. This group of men along with my teammates gave more the support of a lifetime and still do to this day which fuels me and has made me a better player”, warned Tyree Boykin. But his biggest game there was against Spring Hill College where he exploded for 48 points. “ The greatest part about this game was that my teammates enjoyed and celebrated me having a career night much more than I did. At half time I had to remind them that we still had another half to play and the game wasn’t over just yet. This just speaks to the character and genuine camaraderie that we had as a team that is truly rare”, remembered Tyree Boykin. He couldn´t of made such incredible strides at Union without head coach David Niven who will forever be in his heart. “David Niven is one of the greatest influences that I have in my life. He not only coached me to be a great basketball player, but to be a great man. The way he has impacted my life spiritually along with on and off the court, I will forever be extremely grateful. He challenged me every single day to be a great leader, player, and teammate. The first day I met him, he told me that he would coach me as if I were his son, and in my 5 years there I never had to question that”, stressed Tyree Boykin. He played an extra year at Appalachian State University (NCAA) averaging 9.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 76.8%. He scored in double figures in 12 games including 2 great games against Louisville and Coastal where he scored 14 and 16 points in tight 1 point wins. “The best part of the games is the last couple of minutes where you’re trading baskets, working hard to get stops, feeling the adrenaline rush, and hearing the crowd go crazy. Those are the situations where you see what players are really made of and it’s always good to come out on top in games like that”, commented Tyree Boykin.

The diminutive explosive guard who lists Tylandrius Parks, Terrandus Smith, Tamell Pearson, Boe Nguidjol, and Justin Debuck as his 5 best teammates of all-time is playing his rookie season with Tbilisi State University (Georgia-Superleague). He is a guy that definitely isn´t taking anything for granted and is relishing every moment with the overseas grind. “God has truly blessed me beyond measure. Nothing would be possible without God. I’m extremely grateful to be a part of TSU. I have so much support from my coaches, teammates, and management that has made my transition to playing professionally very smooth. I am also very thankful for my agent, Zois Christou with Phenom Sports Services, for making this opportunity happen. Playing professionally has been my dream as long as I can remember, and I’m grateful that it has come true. I take a lot of pride in playing D-2 basketball because there are so many great players that play D-2 due to a number of different circumstances. There is a lot of great talent at the D-2 level that gets overlooked. At the end of the day, if you can hoop then you can hoop on any level”, warned Tyree Boykin. Georgia isn´t Germany or France, but he isn´t complaining. “ I love Georgia. It is much different from my home in Tennessee, but I have been adjusting very well. One thing I really appreciate is how rich the culture is here in Georgia. Since I have been here with my team, it has felt like family from day one”, commented Tyree Boykin. He also has figured out when exactly is the best time to call his dad. “My wake up call being overseas was trying to call my dad when I woke up in the morning not realizing it was a 9-hour time difference and it was the middle of the night for him”, said Tyree Boykin. He has needed no adjustment time to the court as he is putting up great stats, but what about coming to terms with his teammates long names like Jintcharadze, Turdziladze, Tsindsadze or Andronikasvilli? “It has honestly been extremely easy getting to know the guys. They welcomed me with opened arms and have been teaching me a lot about the culture, language, etc.. And as for the last names, they already have nicknames for each other so that was an easy adjustment”, stated Tyree Boykin.

The Tennessee native who lists Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, and Shaquille O’Neal on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore and also names Lebron as his GOAT because he is statistically the greatest player in every facet of the game has needed no adjustment time to overseas ball. In his first Fiba Europe Cup game against German team BG Gottingen, he had a super 19/6/8 game while shooting 6/12 from the field in a tough 88-81 loss. But there are still things that he has to get used so he can be as consistent as possible. “The biggest challenge in my opinion is learning to react and think on the fly. In basketball, 24 seconds is a lot shorter than 30 seconds on the shot clock. With that, you have to make decisions faster and react quicker”, warned Tyree Boykin. He is a player that studies many NBA point guards and would compare his game most to Jalen Brunson, because he is small but strong like him and even played in the post in school. He is a guy that has proven he can score in school, but now wants to demonstrate that he can also be an efficient playmaker at a higher level. “I think my game is much better with team play and it will develop me into a better professional going forward. It is also a lot more fun to play this way. I definitely believe I could improve my playmaking skills with the European play style. I have a lot of faith in my playmaking skills, but there is a lot of improvement that must be made as I continue my career. Playing with and watching George Tsintsadze has been a big influence on my playmaking skills and overall development. It’s a blessing to play and learn from one of the best point guards in Georgian history”, stressed Tyree Boykin. Becoming a two way player is also something that wouldn´t hurt in his quest in continuing to climb the basketball ladder and reach higher leagues down the road. “I think right now I’m a pretty good defender, but I have a lot of work to do. I want to become a much more disruptive and physical defender. I want to be the guy that the other team hates to see coming”, added Tyree Boykin. It will be interesting to see how his basketball career keeps progressing and where he lands in the next seasons. He is definitely another guy that with continued impressive outings against German teams could be in the notebooks of easyCredit BBL teams next season and land in Germany.