Tristan Harper (198-F, college: Langston) is a 198cm forward from Columbus, Georgia playing his rookie season with BBC Herford. He began his basketball career at Columbus High School. He then played 2 seasons at Gordon State College (JUCO) averaging 3.5ppg, 1.3rp, and in his second season averaged 12.6ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 39.0%, 3PT: 17.0%, FT: 74.7%. Then he played 2 years at Middle Georgia State University (NAIA) averaging 17.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 75.9% and in his last averaged 18.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 79.1%. he finished his college career at Langston University, OK (NAIA) averaging 15.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 81.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after dropping 40 points against Lok Bernau.

Thanks Tristan for talking to germanhoops.com. How enjoyable was the long bus ride home form Bernau to Herford? Did the guys sing a song for you after you dropped 40 points?

There was no song, but my teammates were really supportive of my performance and the team´s.

I can´t remember you having any 40 point games in the NAIA as you had some 30 plus games and I couldn´t find any JUCO game stats, but was this your best game ever?

Yes point wise my best game. It was a career high.

Before we get back to your game, let´s talk about the game. After the tough 1 point loss to Rostock 2, was the team more than extra motivated for the first win?

We felt like we could of beat Rostock. We came in better prepared and were more focused against Bernau.

High scoring was on the norm from the start, but you were down by 6 after 10 minutes. The turning point came in the second quarter as you outscored Lok Bernau 26-14. What adjustments did Herford make?

We locked up on defense better on the help on the screen and roll

In the third quarter Herford raised their game again exploding for 32 points. Did the self confidence of the second quarter spark the third quarter?

We came out with fire in the third quarter. Our strong second quarter set up our explosive third quarter.

BBC Herford was up by 18 points after 30 minutes. Did both teams run out of offensive gas in the fourth quarter? I can imagine that Lok Bernau was mentally already beat.

We played a lot better team defense in the second half. I feel like Bernau was mentally broken down.

How early in the game did you know that you would have a very good game? Were you feeling it early?

I knew 2 days before the game that I would feel good from the shoot arounds. I knew that I had to be better than against Rostock.

You shot 54% and took 26 shots. When looking back at all your shots, were you happy with your shot selection? Could you have made more shots?

Of course I could of. My game is getting to the rim and transition. I took less three´s. I felt like I took good shots.

What was it like playing against the young Lok Bernau team? You played against some of Germany´s best young players? How would you rate their talent to the NCAA?

It´s kind of crazy seeing those young kids. In college we played against older guys. Some were pretty good players. Some will have a bright future.

After scoring 40 points, do you feel like you can top 40? What is your mentality as a scorer?

I feel I´m capable of doing anything as long as it helps my team win. If that means scoring 10 points or 80 points, I will do it.

What was your favorite own bucket in the game?

My favorite bucket was a jab step back three to end the third quarter.

Thanks Tristan for the chat.

pic credit Fiba World Cup

Luka Liklikadze (193-G-2003) is a 20 year old 193cm guard from Georgia that recently played at the 2023 World Cup. He began his basketball career with the Kirolbet Baskonia Vitoria U16 team. This year he will be playing his third season with Olimpi Tbilisi (Superleague). He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Thanks Luka for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on reaching the top 32 at the 2023 World Cup with Georgia. A month ago you were playing at the U-20 euro. Did the whole experience seem like a dream for you?

Of course it was like a dream. I wasn’t even expecting to play in the national team this year as I had to participate in the U20 euro while the national team was already practicing, but fortunately, I received the call that I had to join the National team straight after the U20 euro. That was the moment I will never forget in my life.

Your 20 years old and played in Georgia and the next moment your guarding NBA players Dennis Schroder and Patty Mills. Did you have in awe moments every day at the World Cup?

All my life I have been practicing and preparing for moments like this, to make a huge career step. Of course, seeing and playing against Dennis, Patty, Luka and other superstars is amazing, but I tried not to be starstruck and stay cool and look at them as my opponents first of all. However, seeing these guys every day while being in Japan was really a dream come true.

How high can one rate the achievement of the country Georgia at this World Cup? Where does this rate in the sports history of Georgia?

I have to underline that Georgia has never been in the World Cup final stage before, so playing there was already an achievement for our country. However, flying there, we set ourselves a goal, to write some more history and reach the top 16, what we did. It really means a lot to our country as we set the standards very high and the whole nation will be demanding even better results from now on.

You didn´t play in the historic win over Venezuela. How did you experience the win from the bench?

Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to play in that game, but anyway, being a part of that history is something special. Being a part of the team which is writing the country’s history game by game is the most proud moment I have had in my life.

Even if Georgia only won one game, how do you rate the overall play of the team? What made this squad so special?

This squad is very special. Each of us has said it many times that we are one huge family. The team has both veterans and youngsters what makes our bond even more unbreakable. We know from the start that no matter the result, this team will stick together in good times and bad times and finally reach the results we desire so much.

In the loss to Germany, the team gave up 100 points. Maodo Lo went 6/6 from outside. Did the deep roster hurt Georgia in this game?

Speaking now, Germany is already a World Champion, so everyone really understands now who we had to face in that game. Playing a very solid first half and losing by just 2 points against them is not an easy task to do, but as you have mentioned, their deep roster really hurt us in the second half and we just couldn’t keep up with their tempo.

Does the deep bench and Dennis Schroder give Germany an upper hand for the Gold?

Again, as I have said, Germany are already World Champs, but I would say, Dennis and deep bench are exactly the main advantages for them. However, Franz Wagner returning was also a very important key for them in all the games.

More than a decade ago Thad McFadden and Dennis Schroder were teammates. Did you feel like Thad was really hyped up for the game?

Thad is a great guy. He is always hyped for every game. I didn’t really hear from him being hyped especially because he was playing Dennis, but he was really motivated against that German team for sure.

You did what you could scoring 4 points in 6 minutes. What do you remember most from the court? Which player do you remember going head to head against?

As I have said, whenever I am on the court, I don’t really pay attention to the names I am up against, I just try to compete, but I remember Maodo Lo hitting most of his threes when I was on the court, even some crazy shots.

In the last game Georgia lost to Australia 100-84. You did win the rebounds, but allowed 14 three´s. Was the energy absent on the defensive side?

I would say that there were many problems during that game. We had 4 injured players including our captain, Tornike Shengelia and we had to play a bit different. Additionally, we knew that no matter the outcome, we couldn’t pass the second stage. I don’t say that we weren’t competing to win, but these factors mostly decided the fate of the game.

You played 9 minutes and went face to face against Patty Mills. What was it like playing against him?

Patty was amazing. He was one of those guys I had been watching from childhood, so playing against him was an honor. At the same time, I understood what caliber of a player he is while going up against him. Him being so fast, experienced and good in decision-making made me realize how much more I have to work to reach that level.

What was it like being teammates with Thad McFadden? What do you feel were you able to learn most from him?

As I have said, Thad is an amazing guy. He was one of those who really helped me the most getting comfortable in the national team. As a person, it’s difficult to find anyone as kind and funny as he is. And as a player, we all know what an amazing player he is. He is also very experienced and he was never lazy to share that experience with me to help me more.

How is the future of Georgia basketball? Your 20 and are the future, but are there new talents coming up?

Georgian basketball future is bright. Us, youngsters having the opportunity to practice with the players who have been representing our country for so many years, is the sign that soon we will be able to play with them at the same level for our country. Additionally, our U16 team made it to the Division A this year, which also underlines that out future is bright and we are going to do everything to write some more history.

You will be playing your third season with Olimpi Tbilisi (Superleague). You have improved your stats each season. Does a tournament like this give you the most self-confidence ever for the upcoming season?

Yes it does. Some years ago, people were too sceptic about our league, but now, when tha national team mostly includes our league players, everyone understands that this level is not low and it is increasing year by year. As you have said my stats and confidence rise year by year as well and I hope to continue that momentum this year as well. Making it to the national team this year doesn’t reserve a spot for me next year, so I will have to work even harder now to earn my place there again and become a better player myself.

Which 2 countries will reach the final and win?

It’s a bit late now, but having two European teams in the final wasn’t unexpectable to me. The way both Germany and Serbia were playing, they really deserve where they are. It’s never clever to count USA out, or even Canada, but these European teams showed them that international basketball is growing and if they want to win again, they have to adapt more.

Thanks Luka 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.

Congrats on the big 101-82 win over Munster. The offense machine just keeps rolling. How much fun is this season so far you personally?

Thank you. It was a tough one in the first half but we finally got it going in the second half to finish the job. This season for me couldn’t have gone any better to start. I feel like my old self and free and I think that’s what I was missing before coming here.

BG Hagen did many things well, but was the shooting percentage from the near distance the biggest strength on the day?

I would say that for sure along with our defense in the second half. We have many guys that are able to get to the basket against the best defenses and we all do a great job of sharing the ball and getting everyone involved.

Jaro Abrams had a big game with 17 points. What have you learned to appreciate most about his game?

Jaro is an elusive force going downhill and loves to run the floor and it’s the point guards job to reward him for that. He also is a beast on defense and was able to turn that into offense so it’s really good to have him as an addition to the team.

The team is 5-0. What has been the secret to the success. Can a team peak too early on offense?

I think the coaches are doing a great job on preparing us for every game and making sure we don’t get comfortable even though we’re winning. They stay on us 24/7 and we never take days off and it’s showing right now. I believe teams can peak early but I think we will be able to score these high numbers every game because we are physically ready to run non stop for 40 minutes. We have many weapons inside and out.

Your putting up crazy Lebron like stats with 28/7/7. You already put up these kind of stats last season. You’re shooting better from the close range?

I would say I’ve always been pretty efficient in general especially from close range but I’ve been working all off season to perfect what I’m already good at and also my weaknesses but I still have more work to do. I try to always do a bit of everything and so far it’s been working.

You had 10 turnovers your first game and only 8 in the last 4 games. You seemed to have calmed down. Has it all been a matter of getting to know your teammates better on the court?

The 10 turnovers the first game was all on me and I don’t put any blame on anyone but myself. I guess you could say it was first game nervousness but I told myself never again will I have that many so I definitely tried to be less careless with the ball.

You have only taken 6 three´s in 5 games. Is this something that may increase with time?

Definitely. This is what I tried to strengthen a lot in the off season but right now I’m getting to the basket with no issues so I’m not forcing the threes if I don’t have to. And my mid range has been very good this season which helps a lot but I’m already expecting teams to adjust and I’ll be prepared for it.

You next play Grevenbroich who are 3-1. What will be key to remaining undefeated?

Just to not get comfortable and let our guard down. We have to continue to be a forces of nature on defense and everything will fall in place with that. We know that we will score enough points to win but it’s defense that’s going to keep us undefeated. The coaches instill this into us every practice so we’re always prepared.

How do rate the Jrue Holiday trade for the Boston Celtics?

I think Jrue is a great addition to the Celtics after Marcus Smart was traded. Maybe with that, Boston can get the job done but I like Smart to the Grizzlies as well and excited to watch that team play.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.

Myles Stephens (196-SF-1997, college: Princeton) is a 26 year old 196cm forward from Pennington, New Jersey that is playing his first season in Italy with Dolomiti Energia Trentino (Italy-Serie A). Last season he played with the HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim (Germany-BBL) averaging 8.3ppg, 5.1rpg, Blocks-5 (1.1bpg), FGP: 65.4%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 57.1%; and in the FIBA Europe Cup averaged 6.7ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 70.6%. In the 21-22 season he played for the Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 15.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 81.6%. In 20-21 he played with the Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 12.7ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 61.8%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 67.6%. He palyed his rookie season with the Baskets Juniors Oldenburg (Germany-ProB) averaging 21.3ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 63.4%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 74.3%. He began his basketball career at the Pennington School and then played at Princeton University (NCAA) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 114 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against ratiopharm Ulm.

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

Right now I’m in Trento Italy, and basketball life is treating me well so I cannot complain.

Before I begin with basketball, I have to ask you about your name Myles. I´m also Miles but without the y. How many guys in your life have you met that shared your name and what experiences did you have it as a kid? I always heard the classic line I can run for miles and miles. Lol

I have met (and played) with quite a few Myles’ growing up in New Jersey. Both spelled with a Y by the way. Our teammates had to call us by our last names to not get us confused because there were three of us. And yes, I’ve heard the joke miles per hour all the time to which I usually just said, “My name is spelled with a y”.

Your playing your fifth pro season and first with Dolomiti Energia Trentino (Italy-Serie A). You have come a long way and changed teams every season. Would you call yourself a basketball globetrotter?

Yes, I would consider myself something of a basketball globetrotter. I’ve played 5 seasons now in four different countries. Although, I do have some friends who have played in more countries in even less time due to changing teams mid season. Playing in European competition though the past season and this upcoming season are also nice ways to see other countries and cities.

How blessed do you feel to be in a top league overseas? You began in Germany in pro B and after paying your dues in Finland have continued to climb the ladder playing in top leagues Belgium and Germany. Despite starting in pro B, Germany has been a huge stepping stone in your career. Will Germany always have a special place in your heart?

I feel very blessed to now have played in two top leagues overseas coming from Pro B Germany. My first year I shared an apartment with 4 other guys and had to ride a bike to practice rain, shine, or snow. Despite where I am now though, Germany will be special to me though because it is where my journey began kind of like humble beginnings.

In Trento your having a real BBL reunion having teammates Prentiss Hubb, Kamar Baldwin and Derek Cooke Jr. What kind of an experience has Italy been so far and what is your biggest goal in terms of game development?

Italy has been a great experience so far. I really enjoy the city of Trento, its pretty surreal to have a 360 degree view of mountains whenever I walk outside. Also, the food here in Italy definitely been the best since I’ve been In Europe for these past five seasons. Basketball wise, my biggest goals in terms of development is to hone in on what makes me a special player, (defensive ability/versatility), being a Swiss army knife, and 3pt shooting %/consistency.

Last season you played for the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. How tough was this season after coming off season´s winning in Finland and reaching the final in Belgium? What did you learn from your Germany experience?

Last year was especially tough for me because two weeks going into pre-season I tore a tendon in my ankle, so the whole season seemed like an uphill battle. I knew it was unrealistic to have such success every season, but it was difficult as it was my first season where we didn’t have lots of success, even fighting to avoid relegation. I learned that every season is different, and that playing for a in the playoffs/for a championship can be just as stressful as playing to avoid relegation.

In the 21-22 season you played with the Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging and in the 15.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 81.6%; Belgian Pro Basketball League averaged 13.7ppg, Reb-2 (6.3rpg), 2.6apg, Steals-3 (1.4spg), FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 77.3%. Is it fair to say this was your break through season after coming off a solid season in Finland in terms of your play? How did your game grow?

Yes, I think Belgium was definitely my “breakthrough season”. My game grew because I learned how to be effective on both ends of the floor, and because of some of the vets on my teams, I learned how to play/perform in big games and really be a professional.

How tough was losing the finals against Groningen? You won the first game by 2 and lost game 2 by 4. What will you always remember from that season?

Honestly, by the time we played the semifinals of the bnxt vs Groningen we were all burned out from a tough Belgian playoffs vs Leuven and then Oostende. So although it was unfortunate we lost, were were all happy in what we had accomplished that season.

You played your second pro season with the Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 12.7ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 61.8%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 67.6%. You went 6 games with the Seagulls and 6 games against Kauhajoki winning the title. Was this season your sweetest time in your career?

Yes this was definitely the sweetest moment I’ve had as a pro so far. Nothing is better than putting in work every single day only for your goal to be accomplished. Especially as the underdogs in both of those series.

You were teammates with sniper Mikko Koivisto. How special of a player is he and would you have won the title without him?

Mikko is a top 2 shooter I’ve have played with in my pro career. Definition of a sniper, and he was crucial to our success that season. Not a chance we would have won without him.

You played your rookie season with at the Baskets Juniors Oldenburg (Germany-ProB) averaging 21.3ppg), 6.7rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 63.4%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT:74,3FT. How tough was the March-December period from Princeton to Oldenburg. Did you ever doubt the process?

The March-December period was interesting to me, a lot of working out. I had three NBA pre draft workouts and then was drafted in the nbc g league by the Long Island Nets. Missed out on some jobs overseas in the summer, but I never doubted the process.

What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wakeup call being overseas was when I realized how different a European breakfast is to an American one. Lots of bread, cheese, and spreads over here.

Oldenburg was a short 4 months, but did you ever have a special moment with BBL legend and Mr Oldenburg Rickey Paulding?

Never really had a special moment with him.

You played 4 years at Princeton and made a massive jump in your game in your second season as you were named first team Ivy League and helped with the Ivy league title. How did your game grow that season?

That season I turned into a beast on defense and my 3pt shooting shot up to 38%

You had many great games at Princeton like scoring 33 against Harvard, but was your 23 points against Yale where you helped win the Ivy league title your best game in the NCAA?

My best game in the NCAA was when I had a 30pt double double against USC in overtime on the road

How did head coach Mitch Henderson groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

Coach Henderson prepared me for my pro career because he taught me how to play smart basketball, how to play off the ball, read screens, a bunch of literal things that make a difference. He also gave me confidence to be the best on the floor.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Ryan Schwieger?

I don’t think we have ever played, but if we did I smoked Ryan.

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

Chimezie Metu

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Wen Boss Mukubu, Ladarien Griffin, Shizz Alston, Temu Ranikko, Moe Stuckey

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Steph, MJ, Lebron, Tim Duncan, Kareem

Who is your Goat and why?

King James. I grew up watching him and he’s the greatest player I’ve ever seen play basketball. And has been playing at this high of a level for 20+ years

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

Yes I saw it, and they definitely should not have touched that classic!

Thanks Myles for the chat.

Ricardo Artis II (198-F/G-1993, college: Wiley) is a 30 year old 198cm forward from Texas that is playing his second season in Germany and first with the bringiton Ballers Ibbenbueren (Germany-ProB). Last season he tore up the Regionalliga with SV Hagen-Haspe 70 (Germany-Regionalliga): 30 games: Score-2 (29.3ppg), Reb-3 (11.5rpg), 2.7apg, Steals-4 (3.2spg), FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 81.1%. Before coming overseas, he played back at home for TBL teams Dallas Skyline, and the Enid Outlaws and the Potawatomi Fire. He also played with the North Texas Prowlers (PBA) and Newfoundland Rogues (ABA). He played at 4 schools with Eastfield College (JUCO), McLennan Community College (JUCO), North Lake College (JUCO) and Wiley College (NAIA). He teams up with germanhoops.com each week to talk basketball.

You suffered a tough 72-64 loss to Wolmirstedt. How did it feel playing your first Pro b game. Was there a big difference to the Regionalliga?

Great win by Wolmirstedt. It felt good just to finally get back out there playing. I don’t see much of a difference but the size. They said it would be a more physical game but I haven’t witnessed it. Even when we scrimmaged Pro A Muenster in preseason, it’s all just the basketball to me at the end of the day.

Ibbenburen had a solid first half leading 36-27. What were the main reasons for going into the break with the lead?

We were able to get stops in the first half and take advantages of the mismatches on the court. Great coaching adjustments by the Wolmirstedt coaching staff coming out of halftime. They were able to commit turnovers against us and execute.

In the third quarter Wolmirstedt kept Ibbenburen to 11 points and exploded for 25 points. What adjustments did the opponent make?

It was just bad execution as a team. Not enough sharing the ball and they started taking advantages of the mismatches we had. We also struggled to knock down shots and take care of the ball. They fed off of the opportunities we gave them both offensively and defensively.

Ibbenburen just couldn´t get over the hump? Was there some fatigue involved in the fourth quarter?

After watching film, I wouldn’t say it’s fatigue. I would say great coaching adjustments from the Wolmirstedt coaching staff and us as a whole going away from what got us in the lead is what fueled their run that we wasn’t able to come back from. We knew they would make a run but we couldn’t take control back over the game after the run.

What was it like playing against Bill Borekambi? He is one of those unique guys that can make tough shots?

I’m not to familiar with none of the names of the players in this league so I had to look his name up. I see he’s been a part of that organization for a long time so he’s comfortable with the system and use to doing what he did to us. Which is great for him. He had a good game. Nice mid range shot and it showed he has a good IQ because he took advantage of the mismatch when he had the chance.

You had a solid first game with 20 points. How would you rate your Pro B debut?

I would rate it a B- game for me. I’m just here to win. Last year I averaged 30 but I never planned to do that. I just did what it took to win. If I have to score 30/40 I can do it but yesterday wasn’t one of those days. It was a team game and we didn’t execute on the opportunities we had. I’m not really worried about points I am more focused on wins.

It seems with the little fire power that Ibbenburen has, you will be relied on to score a lot. Will we see even bigger scoring games from you in the future?

We have some scorers on the team that can score but they struggled to get it going and it just wasn’t enough minutes available for some of our players to get it going. Once again I’m here to win, if that means more scoring from me will be needed than I can do that for sure. So we’ll see.

Ibbenburen next battles the EN Baskets Schwelm. What kind of game can we await from Ibbenburen this time?

It’s our first game at home so I know it’ll be electric. Also, I’m battling my old teammate from last year Sven Cikara so I think some Haspe fans and supporters will join too. It should be fun. I know I’ll be coming out with a lot of energy to get our first win and I know my teammates will also.

How do rate the Jrue Holiday trade for the Boston Celtics?

I didn’t really like the Celtics losing Robert Williams. But they did gain Porzingis so we’ll see how it goes. Jrue is a great player but I think the Celtics lost a lot of role players that are needed. Marcus Smart was the heart and soul of that defense but Jrue should fit in very nice.

Thanks Ricardo for the chat.

After a good test against BBL team Syntainics MBC in the first round of the easyCredit BBL cup that Frankfurt lost on account of not being able to maintain the fierce guard play of the Bavarian team, it was finally time for the Fraport Skyliners to commence into their first Pro A season in their short 25 year history. And what better way then to begin against another former easyCredit BBL team with BBC Bayreuth. These 2 teams had had some interesting battles over the years in the easy Credit BBL, but this game was definitely different. This game had to do with prestige. What former BBL team would have bragging rights until the next game in Bayreuth? The Fraport Skyliners had a new coach with Denis Wucherer and many new parts including 3 rookie imports while BBC Bayreuth also had done some house cleaning and added many new parts. On a mild early fall day, both teams came to battle in Frankfurt and wanted to make a mark in the first game as for 30 minutes it was BBC Bayreuth that controlled the game and had Frankfurt playing catch up ball. But in the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners finally came together staging a comeback and hitting big shots something they couldn´t do with consistency earlier on upending BBC Bayreuth 66-63. It wasn´t a pretty game to be involved with or to watch. “It was a rough game and we were sloppy at times. But in the end we got it done. A win is a win and that is most important. I felt that we had many great looks throughout the game, but just couldn´t finish them better. We did a good job with offensive rebounds. I like how we stuck around and never gave up”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Booker Coplin (191-G-1997, college: Augsburg, agency: BIG). It is never an easy pill to swallow when you have control of the game for a long time and then give it up the way the Bavarian squad did. “I feel like we played well for 35 minutes, but in the last 5 minutes we allowed too many offensive rebounds. We gave up too many second chance points and that bit us in the butt at the end. I felt we still played well at both ends of the court”, stressed BBC Bayreuth guard Selim Fofana.

Lorenz Brenneke at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners came into the game without guards Bruno Vrcic and Bruno Albrecht while BBC Bayreuth were without Mohamed Sillah and Philip Jalalpoor. There were a few lead changes at the start as Frankfurt was led by Booker Cooplin and the guests got buckets from American Aaron Carver and Shane Gatling that played 2 seasons at Colorado (NCAA). Frankfurt had difficulty with the good man defense of Bayreuth. BBC Bayreuth then found some real daylight on offense cruising out on a lethal 12-0 run to lead 17-6. In the run, they were led by Norwegian forward Kristian Sjolund with 8 points who dropped consecutive three pointers and hit a runner and Fofana made a big dunk. A few miscommunications cost Frankfurt 2 three´s and just a loss of defensive intensity suddenly turned the game in the direction of BBC Bayreuth. But the Fraport Skyliners didn´t hang their heads in the sand like a bashful dog but closed out the first quarter strong with a 7-1 run to get back into the game trailing 18-13. In the run, Frankfurt showed that basketball can be so easy as they simply upped their aggressiveness and attacked the rim and were rewarded with 2 buckets from Canadian David Muenkat and a jumper by ex Carleton guard Aiden Warnhorst. “We had a sloppy start. We have to bring more energy. It took us a while to get awake”, stated Booker Coplin. The Fraport Skyliners couldn´t hit the ocean from downtown while the guests were at 43%, but Frankfurt made their mark on the boards 12-7 and had the 5-1 offensive rebound edge.

Shane Gatling jumper

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners continued to have to play catch up basketball and when they did get closer, BBC Bayreuth always had an answer. Frankfurt also had a nasty habit of missing easy chances close to the basket. BBC Bayreuth continued to showcase a stable offense getting to the free throw line and also getting good production from the bench as ex Orange Academy forward Lenny Liedke came up big with a trey from the corner and a lay in as big man Arron Carver displayed his fine passing skills to give BBC Bayreuth the comfortable 29-21 advantage. Frankfurt got some vital energy from the bench from German Jordan Samare who score twice on transition as Frankfurt only trailed 29-25. But BBC Bayreuth has 2 very special players with Gatling and Fofana who can connect on the most difficult 1-1 shots. But in the last few minutes Gatling was a spectator as Fofana made one wild shot from almost half court and closed out the second quarter with a last second shot. “I like taking those step back shots. I felt like both were going in, but I can´t lie those were crazy shots”, smiled Selim Fofana. “He made tough shots, but we still can´t let him get those chances. We have to do a better job of second guessing them”, warned Booker Coplin. Samare would score 2 more times as he continued to be set up well in the zone as he was set up nicely by Coplin and Warnhorst, but Frankfurt couldn´t make more ground despite getting 5 more offensive rebounds and trailed 40-31 at half-time. The Fraport Skyliners were struggling with team play and put up way to many forced shots. “I love when you see players like Jordan come out on the floor ready to play. We have a lot of depth on this team. He gave us a lot of energy and helped us remain in the game”, stated ex Augsburg (NCAA3) guard Booker Coplin. BBC Bayreuth continued to shoot well from the field at 48% while Frankfurt was at 32%. Frankfurt continued to have the big goose egg from the parking lot at 0/8 while the guests were solid at 40%. Frankfurt continued to be kings on the boards at 22-14 and had the 10-2 offensive rebound edge.

Alvin Onyia from outside

BBC Bayreuth continued to control the game in the third quarter and led by as much as 12 points as the Fraport Skyliners just couldn´t go on a run and get consistent stops. Fans saw back to back three pointers from big men Carver and Fraport Skyliner Jacob Knauf who was more a shooter early in his career, but developed into a modern day big man with his break through in Schwenningen last season as ex BBL legend Alexsander Nadjfeji worked with him on his game and taught him to go to those uncomfortable spots in the zone. Frankfurt continued having execution problems and BBC Bayreuth took advantage of it getting a Fofana basket and Gatling trey to keep the 49-38 advantage. Frankfurt continued to have problems moving the ball, but here and there were able to execute as David Munekat became more aggressive in the second half and scored on a lay in to cut BBC Bayreuth´s lead to 50-42. Gatling continued to play iso ball and nailed a trey, but Frankfurt got some massive contribution from farm team captain Alvin Onyia with a three pointer and Marco Voeller chipped in with a lay in, but BBC Bayreuth still led 56-48 after 30 minutes. “We played aggressive defense. We did a good job not letting them find solutions. We played good team ball. When we drove, we always found the open guy”, stated Selim Fofana. “We found a way to keep hanging around. We were mentally strong and always fought back. We wore them down a bit. When that happens you stop hitting those crazy shots”, added Booker Coplin. Frankfurt finally nailed 2 three´s but still shot an unacceptable 14% while BBC Bayreuth was at 35%. Frankfurt continued to control the boards 34-23 and both teams kept their turnovers down as Frankfurt had 7 and the guests 5.

Shane Gatling at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners saved their best for last in the fourth quarter outscoring BBC Bayreuth 18-7 and giving the fans an exciting ending. Frankfurt stepped up their defensive intensity and suddenly BBC Bayreuth didn´t get anything easy anymore and were halted in their first 5 possessions. Frankfurt executed on offense as the team intensity rose on offense as Coplin made an offensive rebound and put back and then came the rebirth of Cameron Henry. He had been 0/11 including the cup game and really couldn´t buy himself a bucket. But the basketball God finally looked down on the ex Indiana State guard as he made an off balance shot and then connected for a three pointer from the parking lot to dead lock the game at 57-57. BBC Bayreuth finally scored their first field goal of the fourth quarter in their sixth possession as Gatling made a tough turn around shot to give BBC Bayreuth the 59-57 lead. The atmosphere in the arena was breathtaking and the Fraport Skyliners didn´t disappoint as they continued to fight and execute. After a Lorenz Brenneke free throw and stop on Fofana, it was German veteran Marco Voeller who stood all alone on the three point line and fired away for the 61-59 Franfkurt lead. He was so alone, he could of gone on a Sunday stroll before any opponent would have picked him up. But both teams never stopped fighting. Brenneke showed why he is fearless as he battled against 3 Bayreuth players under the basket and made a basket after the third try, but Carver answered with a lay in tie the game at 63-63. Booker Coplin had showed all game long that he is a reliable scorer, but this time did it with a tough circus shot for the 65-63 advantage with 36 seconds to play. Frankfurt then forced BBC Bayreuth to a turnover as David Muenkat played fierce defense. Frankfurt had possession with 18 seconds, but Coplin lost the ball and BBC Bayreuth had another chance, but Fofana missed. Coplin made one free throw to seal the win. “We showed heart and found a way to execute better. We got good looks the whole game and never swayed away from it. We got big shots from Onyia, Henry and Voeller”, stressed Booker Coplin. “They did a good job coming back. I have to do a better job of organizing our offense. We took quick shots while they hurt us with open shots on our bad rotations”, said Selim Fofana. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Booker Coplin with 16 points while David Muenkat added 13 points while BBC Bayreuth was led by Shane Gatling with 17 points and Selim Fofana added 15 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 36% from the field and 20% from outside and had 50 rebounds and 13 turnovers while BBC Bayreuth shot 35% from the field and 30% from outside and had 29 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

It was only 5 months ago when the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had played their last game getting swept by the Basketball Lowen of Erfurt after having won an exciting 3 game playoff battle against the RheinStars Cologne. Time has really flown by as in that time Quantez Robertson had bid farewell to the Fraport Skyliners and moved back home to Alabama for retirement joy and Germany had become World Cup champions. October was only a few hours away and the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were back at it starting a new Pro B season. Their first opponent was Bavarian club Breitengussbach who had been in the Regionalliga for some years and wanted to annoy Frankfurt on the first game day. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors as usual had a deep roster for the game and pretty much had the same guys from last year with the exception of two new players with German Florian Dietrich and American Trevian Bell (201-G/F, college: Lewis). Frankfurt didn´t play a great game, but fought and made the big plays and shots in the fourth quarter to help preserve the 75-64 victory. Bell didn´t waste anytime getting into the hearts of Frankfurt fans as he finished with a solid performance with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 dimes and a massive dunk to get everyone excited in the BCM. Frankfurt played strong defense and showed real team mentality. “I felt we played a good game. We had some flat stretches where we helped them gain energy and confidence, but I liked how we regrouped and did what we had to do to win the game. It wasn´t pretty but the most important thing is a win. I liked how everyone was happy for each other. Even when we made mistakes, we helped push each other up”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Junior Trevian Bell. The Bavarian team had good phases, but overall couldn´t slow down the Frankfurt shooters and simply coughed up the ball too much. “We began slow and had too much respect for them. We didn´t work until the end on defense with box outs. We had more energy on defense in the second half, but overall had too many individual mistakes. We fought until the end. It was a tough loss”, stated TSV Troester Breitengussbach guard Leo Trummeter.

Trevian Bell at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were without key players Justin Onyejiaka and Bennet Schubert while the guests were without Lucas Wagner. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors came out with a bang getting back to back three´s from Bell and Jordan Samare who has 17 BBL games on his account. The rapid fire attack was halted quickly as the guests stormed back to score 7 unanswered points as the guests spread around the love getting buckets from Timo Dippold with the drive, a trey by Alexander Engel and a lay in by big man Luca Worrlein as Marlon Stephan set him up with the pretty shovel pass. But Frankfurt didn´t allow that quick come back to scare them as they cruised back on a 13-6 run to lead 19-12. Ex Wurzburg forward Nils Leonhardt gave Frankfurt a lot of energy with an offensive rebound and putback and 15 footer and little used young American Marvin Esser also made a lay in. Frankfurt was moving the ball around well and finding the open man as the defensive intensity level of Breitengussbach was low. Even if Frankfurt seemed like in control, they allowed the guests to come back simply allowing them 4 easy lay ins as Steffen Walde scored twice inside, Engel made a back door lay in and Jonas Klaus a lay in as Frankfurt led only 24-21 after 10 minutes. Breitengussbach was shooting over 60% from the field thanks too many goals inside, but the big difference were the 6 to 1 turnovers in favor of Frankfurt who couldn´t take advantage of it more.

Stefen Walde with the floater

Just like in the first quarter, the Fraport Skyliners came out of the gates on fire as new player Trevian Bell scored 5 points. The ex Lewis (NCAA2) forward began with a three pointer and then threw down a massive dunk that could easily be one of the dunks of the year. Even if it was like thunder, it wasn´t the best of his career. “It was definitely top 5, but it didn´t crack my top 3. I saw the lane and had Jordan Samare on my left. Without him running with me, I would never have been able to make it. I give him credit. My best dunk occurred in high school”, said Trevian Bell. That wave of energy helped power the Fraport Skyliners Juniors get in a groove and keep Breitengussbach trying to come back. Frankfurt continued to be in romp mode going on a 9-4 run to extend their lead to 38-25. Bell who played 94 NCCA games continued to be in attack mode hitting a jumper and then spinning around a man and hitting an off balance shot. Jordan Samare also connected on the pick and pop shot. Bell was a one man wrecking crew while the guests had no offensive rhythm and couldn´t get any more easy baskets inside. “Tre has worked hard since day 1. He is very skilled. I´m excited to see what kind of numbers he can put up in the Pro B. He competes at a high level”, warned Fraport Skyliner David Muenkat. Breitengussbach lacked overall team play and had to rely a lot on 1-1 play and got it from diminutive German Timo Dippold who made 2 tough shots, but they couldn´t gain much ground as Samare made another three pointer and Frankfurt led 41-30. Frankfurt had all sorts of weapons on this night. Head coach Sepher Tarrah didn´t hesitate playing most guys including Felix Feilen. He is a guy who had played 39 Regionalliga games with TV Langen and been part of the Frankfurt Pro B roster the last few years but hardly played. He came in and steered home 6 points in the last few minutes. He drilled home a three pointer and then made an offensive rebound and put back. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had their biggest lead at the break with 50-35. “Frankfurt moved the ball well getting easy looks. On defense they forced contested shots. They really were playing well as a team”, added Fraport Skyliner David Muenkat. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to shoot over 40% from the field and outside while TSV Troester Breitengussbach was shooting 56% from the field. Frankfurt had a huge 20-14 rebound edge and 10-2 offensive rebound advantage and had only 3 turnovers to the guests 11 turnovers.

Trevian Bell with the jumper

The third quarter was the weakest of the Fraport Skyliners Juniors as they allowed 19 points and could only muster 11 points as the guests tried to creep closer. The guests began with more intensity and produced 5 stops on defense, but couldn´t get closer as they only got 2 buckets from Dippold and Klaus to trail 51-40. There is only so much time where Frankfurt will be held pointless as they can come back quickly with all their weapons and did as team captain Alvin Onyia made a pretty spin move and bucket and ex Wurzburg guard Philipp Hadenfeldt sunk a three pointer against the zone and suddenly Frankfurt led 56-40 again. Breitengussbach then had their best stretch of the game as young 19 year old German Leo Trummeter who couldn´t break through with Pro A team Nurnberg as he played only 7 Pro A games and sought a new challenge in the Pro B and led a 8-0 run with high energy on defense and scored 2 transition baskets while Walde made an off balance jumper and Worrlein a lay in and Frankfurt led only 56-48. Frankfurt had lost their offensive rhythm and just played too lax on offense and lost a step on defense allowing easy Baskets. Despite a Hecker three pointer and Oniya lay in, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors couldn´t shake the guests as Walde made a lay in and Engel a trey and Frankfurt led only 61-54 after 30 minutes. “They put more pressure on us and we played on our heels. We only had 3 turnovers in the first half and had 7 in the third quarter. But I liked how we adjusted. We could of let the pressure get to us, but we didn´t”, stated Trevian Bell. “We had more energy. We got more self confidence and made more shots. Our stops helped our offense. We got easy transition baskets”, commented Leo Trummeter. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to shoot over 40% from the field and outside, but the guests rebounded better as Frankfurt led the rebound battle only 27-23 and had 10 turnovers while the guests had 14 turnovers.

Alexander Engel at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors did a super job buckling down on defense in the fourth quarter allowing only 10 points and getting key three pointers to break their backs. Worrlein and Dietrich traded baskets in the first minute but Frankfurt still led 63-56. But the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had had enough and slammed the door shut on Breitengussbach early going on a 10-2 run to lead 73-58. Frankfurt did a good job getting to the free throw line and then got 2 key three´s from Felix Hecker. He had had a very quiet three point shooting night going 1/9, but saved his best for last drilling home his last 2 shots. Frankfurt had more energy and just wanted it more. They defended with passion especially captain Alvin Oniya who got 2 steals to stop 2 Breitengussbach possessions. In crunch-time the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had the 13 point lead and sailed home to the win. They allowed baskets to Dippold and Trummeter, but it was simply to little too late for the guests. Philipp Hadenfeldt scored Frankfurt´s last basket on a beautiful finger tip roll lay in. “Hustle plays helped us a lot. Those were identity building plays. We are competitors and play at high energy. Making plays like that speaks for how we have worked hard since the start of the season”, warned Trevian Bell. “I think that we lost a little energy in the fourth quarter. Our individual mistakes cost us the game”, stated Leo Trummeter. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Trevian Bell with 17 points. Philipp Hadenfeldt added 12 points and Felix Hecker 11 points while TSV Troester Breitengussbach were led by Timo Dippold with 18 points and alexander Engel added 15 points and Luca Worrlein 14 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juni9ors shot 41% from the field and 39% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 11 turnovers while TSV Troester Breiotengussbach shot 47% from the field and 31% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 18 turnovers.

TK Smith (196-G-1998, college: PVAMU, agency: Rise Sports Management) is a 24 year old 196cm guard from Memphis, Tennessee playing his rookie season in Germany with Pro B team Itzehoe Eagles. Helping him get the job was agent Jonathan Mines. He began his basketball career at Richard King Prep school. He then attended 5 schools and played at 4 schools. He began at Lincoln Memorial, but didn´t play. : then played 2 seasons at Polk State College (JUCO) averaging 19.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 76.7% and 18.1ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 76.2%. he then played a season at Kent State University (NCAA) playing 2 games. He then played a season at Troy University (NCAA) playing 22 games averaging 4.1ppg, 1.3rpg. He finished at Prairie View A&M University (NCAA) playing 28 games averaging 8.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 60.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks TK for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with German pro B team Itzehoe. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

When I hear Germany basketball I think about one of my favorite guards Dennis Schroeder. I don’t really know much about the country but I had an uncle who was deployed there while serving time in the army.

What was your first impression of head coach Timo Voelkerring? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

Coach Timo had great vibes, seems like a great person,and even as a coach I got the vibe the he’s still a student of the game with great expectations for the program

How excited are you to be showcasing your talent as a rookie in Germany? You definitely have enough experience having played at 5 schools from 2017-2023. Can you become an impact player right away?

I’m super excited about starting my career in Germany, I know it’s a great spot for overseas basketball I’ve heard great thing I can be an impact player right away as soon as I get the flow of the European game and our system the rest will speak for itselfs.

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

If I had to compare myself to a NBA player I would definitely say Jimmy Butler

You’re a long and athletic guy who can score, but also fill the stat sheet. Is transition your biggest strength?

Yes transition would be one of my biggest strengths

Your three pointer continues to be a work in progress. You were near 40% in JUCO, but last season at 29%. What is your biggest goal with your shooting?

The biggest thing was becoming more consistent so I changed the way I counted my shots in workouts from 1,2,3 to make 3 in a row that one

What kind of a defender would you classify yourself and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I’d consider myself a solid defender

On what area´s of your game are you working on most now?

Learning to become a European point guard

You began your basketball career at Lincoln Memorial and didn´t play. What memories do you have of this time? Could you take any positives out of it?

Yes I (Red-Shirted) at LMU and that was one of the best times of my life from a basketball aspect, surrounded by great minds and outstanding talent helped me so much moving on. I can’t take nothing out positive things from LMU

What memories do you have of Dorian Pinson? He died a few years ago? What did you appreciate most about him?

Dorian was a cool guy, super talented, great vibes and a leader, he was older so he gave more of a big brother when I was there, I learned a lot from him,

You then had 2 stellar seasons at Polk State College (JUCO) averaging 19.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 76.7% and 18.1ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 76.2%. Every JUCO guy I have interviewed have stated that JUCO was tough but an experience they never would trade in for. How was it for you?

I would give you the exact same answer, juco was one of the best things that happened to my career

Head coach Brandon Giles gave you freedom and you paid him back with great play. How key was he for your basketball development there?

I could write a book about me and coach Brandon´s relationship. Not only was he key for my playing on the court but the man that I am becoming off the court! He’s like a real Brother, always steering me in the right direction

You then were rewarded with your first NCAA gig with Kent State University (NCAA) but played only 2 games. How tough was it coming from a high with JUCO to only playing 2 games? Could you take any positives with you?

Yes I took a lot of positives from Kent State even though I dealt with a Knee injury the entire season, but my time there helped me with gaining a higher IQ of the game offensively

You then changed schools again joining Troy University (NCAA) playing 22 games averaging 4.1ppg, 1.3rpg. What growth did you make here as a player?

Troy was great as we’ll built my IQ on the defensive end tremendously

You had a stellar game with 12 points and filled the stat sheet in a 67-63 win over Georgia State. Was that one of your more memorable games at Troy?

Yeah the GA state game was definitely a great game and a time to remember

You then finished at Prairie View A&M University (NCAA) averaging 8.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 60.4%. You made another jump in your game. What was key in your basketball development there?

I had a little bit more freedom at PVAMU

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or William Douglas?

Man Will is a great talent but we never really played ones but when we did we learned a lot from each other

Who was the best player that you have ever played against in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Malik Monk

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Romeo furgerson ( Lincoln Memorial) Hegal A (PVAMU) Khalil waters (Troy) Nick Stampley (Troy) Danny Pippen (Kent) Mike Nuga (Kent) Malique Jacob (Kent)

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

NBA top 5 Lou Wiliams Jamal Crawford Marshaun Brooks Kobe Bryant Lebron James

Who is your GOAT and why?

My goat is my grandmother because of how hard working, loyal, determined and favored by god she is.

Thanks TK for the chat.

It took the Dragons Rhondorf 5 seasons to finally reach the playoffs again as between 2018-2022, they were idle as well as having to miss a season on account of Covid. Last season the club got back on track reaching the playoffs, but for many the season was left with a sour taste with the sad death of Mubarek Salami as well as the early playoff departure losing to the Basketball Lowen. This season the club went through a massive house cleaning as a new coach arrived with Stephan Blode and no player remained except Janne Muller. The ambitions of the organization have always been great and that didn’t change this season either. Two seasons ago, they went with an influx of young Germans, while last season they had more age and experience and this season are back to the young, but the difference between 2 seasons ago is that the young Germans have more experience and are more talented. Those of course are super conditions for success. Every team has goals, but not every coach likes pinpointing a position in the standings. ‘I see our path as our goal. If we can play the way we want to during the season then we should be happy at the end of the season. Then you can say that we did all we could during the season. If that means it was 8th place or 4th place then we’ll be ok with it’, stressed Stephan Blode .

Stephan Blode is an up and coming head coach and already delivered good work with Pro B team Wedel and has a clear path and basketball philosophy and what he exactly wants to do with the Dragons Rhondorf. ‘It is important to have a good foundation with the players, good communication and be able to work well together. Practices will always be intense and competitive. We want to decide defensively what the opponent does on offense. We put this team together not by position but by profiles. We will have a versatile offense. The ego’s will remain at home. We will play as a team’, warned Stephan Blode . When looking at the new roster, it isn’t all guards as you have some quality bigs with Leon Bulic who has BBL experience with Bamberg, Jekabs Becks who has Pro A experience with Tuebingen and versatile power forward from Texas Avery Sullivan who averaged 16/11 last season in Cyprus, and undersized Antonio Pilipovic who will be another reliable scorer and rebounder. But the style will be tailored more towards the guards. ‘We all can run and will play quick. All our guards can score’, said Stephan Blode . The new guards have a huge upside and hungry to keep developing and make the next step. The club hauled in Tyrese Blunt who has played 7 BBL games and belonged to the top German guards in Coburg last season. Badu Buck is another top guard for the Pro B with 79 pro A games on his resume. A very interesting pick up was Kelvin Omojola who had a big pro B season with the Ahorn Baskets 2 seasons ago, but last season didn’t get much minutes with Pro A team PS Karlsruhe. Like Kameron Taylor 6 years ago, he took a step back to maybe take 2 steps ahead. Marko Rosic is a highly talented 17 year old kid who developed nicely in the ratiopharm Ulm organization and will only prosper competing with the skilled guards. Another interesting new player is Matej Silic who played last season with Pro A team Art Giants Duesseldorf. He has a very good feel to scoring at age 20. ‘We will have 6 guards and often play with many on the court at the same time’, stated Stephan Blode .
The Dragons Rhondorf will be a versatile team and not only live from their guard play. ‘Our post up play will be very important. We will play the pick and roll, but also use the drives and fast break. Like I said, we will be versatile’, warned Stephan Blode . A big problem the last 2 seasons was creating a defensive identity and getting beat too often with 1-1 play. The success of the defense will hopefully be different this season. ‘I truly feel we can be a top defensive team. It always depends on how many possessions you have. I will await that defense first mentality. Key will be keeping the shooting percentages down from our opponents’, stated Stephan Blode . Usually in the Pro B you will find 1 or 2 big time scorers and the rest roles players. That could look different this season as there might not be that one dominant scorer for the Dragons Rhondorf the way Devon Goodman was last season. Could this be a team where there isn’t 1 star? ‘Yes that could be. We will have that team first mentality. Guys are excited for the season and the chemistry is great already in pre-season. It could be that we have many scorers each game’, warned Stephan Blode . So where will the journey of the Dragons Rhondorf go this season? The management definitely did their home work getting talented and hungry new players. This is a team that will make the playoffs without problems. The question is how far can they go? They are talented and have top experience at the Pro B level with a roster that has palyed combined 207 pro A games. The import Avery Sullivan could be the next Aaron Nelson in terms of scoring and rebounding. Scoring won’t be a problem with this club. I will expect at least 80 points per game. The question is how well will they defend and how potent will their transition game be. The chemistry was already intact early. It will be interesting how well the team continues to develop during the season. Stephan Blode is hungry and so are his players. Guys like Badu Buck, Leon Bulic and Tyrese Blunt have massive chips on their shoulders. The team will win many games this season and go far in the playoffs. There should be a lot of joy again the Dragon dome this season.

Leon Bulic (211-C-2001, agency: Octagon Europe) is a 22 year old 209cm power forward/center that is playing his first season with the Telekom Baskets Bonn/Dragons Rhondorf. Last season he returned back with Brose Bamberg after playing for the organizations youth team from 2017-2020 and played 3 BBL games and 2 Fiba Europe Cup games while also playing with BBC Coburg (Germany-ProB) averaging 14.2ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 62.2%. He began his career with BC Hallmann Vienna and played the last 2 seasons with BBC Coburg playing 43 Pro B games averaging 10.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 69.4% and in his second season averaged 11.1ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 62.1%, 3PT: 24.6%, FT: 71.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Leon for talking to germanhoops.com. The Telekom Baskets Bonn lost the Intercontinentel Cup. Despite not being a main player, how tough was it to digest the loss?

It always hurts when you lose a game in the last seconds, especially when it’s a Championship Game and you already started celebrating. We are going to learn from that and keep on going.

This was an incredible opportunity for the Telekom Baskets Bonn to win their second international title and for an added title for German basketball. The Competition wasn ´t strong. Can an experience like this stay in the heads longer than wanted?

Of course it’s not a nice feeling, but we have a whole season in front of us, so our focus is definitely on the next game in Vechta right now. One obviously can ´t rate the competition very high.

How did you experience the basketball against the first 2 teams from the middle east? Was that more like German pro A or possibly Pro B level?

It’s hard for me to compare those teams, mostly because we were playing great basketball in those games and obviously are on a different level then they are. Both teams have a different style of basketball than what we are used to, so it was good seeing what Basketball looks like in other parts of the world

The Telekom Baskets Bonn won by 55 and 61 points heading into the final. With what kind of a mentality did Bonn go into the final against the Brazilian squad? Was it maybe to confident?

We knew that Sesi Franca is a better team than the other two, because they are playing together for a long time already and knew how to put each other in good positions. We had 20 more shots than them in the end, but weren’t able to use that as our shooting percentage was pretty low.

The fans there witnessed a very exciting final with a buzzer beater. How tough was it losing on a buzzer beater after it seemed like the game had successfully ended for Bonn, but the refs gave the opponent another possession?

A really questionable call at the end, but you can’t go back in time and change things unfortunately… it is what it is.

How did you see the last play on the buzzer beater? Did you know the ball was going in and could one have defended the play better?

Those Fade-Aways are Luis Dias go-to shots, so it’s not a big surprise that shot went in He shouldn’t have come in a position to where he can take a shot like that in the first place, but it’s always easier to talk after the game.

Despite the bitter loss, what positives do you feel could the Telekom Baskets Bonn get from this experience??

It was a great test for our upcoming season, as it will help building our character and developing a winner mentality in a long term.

What positives could you get off the court? How was Singapore and what new impression could you get from there?

I’ve never been to Asia before, but I was really surprised how modern and clean everything was. The skyline is beautiful and the people there are just too kind. Everybody speaks English there as it’s their native language, so it was very easy feeling comfortable for the time being there.

How vital was the last weeks practicing every day with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. From the look of the roster, it will surely be difficult for young Germans like you and Tyrese Blunt to get minutes. How do you see your chances?

We are having a really competitive environment in practice, so that obviously helps us as a team but also the players to build that mentality we need for the long season with BBL and Champions League. Personally, I want to help the team the best I can as well as turning into the best player I can be, and so far I’m very confident about the positives this journey will have for me.

How have you experienced new head coach Roel Moers? Is he a coach where you feel your game will be able to profit from?

Definitely, Coach Moors is a good coach, who told me from the beginning that he wants me to develop into the best possible version of me, and I’m all in for that!

I really like the game of Sam Griesel. What has impressed you most about his game so far?

He’s a great player and moreover a great guy to be around. He can do a little bit of everything, so his versatility will definitely help us achieve our goals for this season

You will also be playing with the Dragons Rhondorf. What has been your impression of this years team?

We have a really good team this year and if we could reach our potential, we can definitely achieve a lot! A lot of great guys are here and I feel like our team has really bonded this pre season, which is an important part to be successful

What has been your impression of Stephan Blode? He is a guy that has a direct focus and very motivated to bring success to the Dragons Rhondorf.

Coach Blode is a great guy, who has a clear view on the way how we should play our game. He’s really helpful and trusts me, which is very important for me!

The Dragons seem like they will be playing lots of small guard dominated game. Will your game be able to flourish??

We have a great mix of team-oriented players, so we’re all trying to make each other better players! And if that makes me a better player, I’m doing the same!

What is your biggest focus this season as a player? You have been a very solid pro B player. Can you make the next step in the Dragons system and with the Telekom Baskets Bonn?

I’m very sure that we will all make our steps in the right direction this season, the whole organization is just great and it’s great to be here. Personally, I want to become even more dominant on both ends of the floor, push the ball, score, be a defensive anchor, just get better in all parts of the game.

What part of your game do you feel will make the biggest noise this season in the Pro B?

I hope to make a big step in my defensive game, as well as the switch of defense into offense, by pushing the ball after rebounds and putting my teammates in good positions.

If somebody had told you in August that Germany would win the World Cup would you have believed it?

To win probably not, but I knew that they were going to at least reach the semi finals The win is great for German basketball and will hopefully help gain popularity in Germany and internationally.

Thanks Leon for the chat.